My soul is full of longing For the secret of the Sea, And the heart of the great ocean Sends a thrilling pulse through me. The Secret of the Sea Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

"Bring her about Mr. Shavier!" She called, standing on the bow as a rough chop sent a spray over the rails. Her heavy cloak blowing back from her petite form as she gazed outwards while blue eyes glittering with exhilaration, the mood of the night bringing a faint smile to delicate features. The sea was in a temper this night with the clouds rolling high above and in the distance the scent of rain caught her senses. Only three days shy of the Cisroe Harbor, where they were going to take a break, then load up for another run. Their next trip would include Luse who wished to be part of the crew for his venture upon the Vasharn Sea.

It was a supply run to the ships acting as support for the coming siege on Bastion. Rhylan's and Lynch's own vessels along with a few more of the Albaelia's own personal fleet would also be waiting there and all needing fresh supplies. The moderately sized armada was merely waiting for the word from Gharnholme before moving into place and already she was feeling the tension growing inside. It was dangerous waters they would be sailing into, and she knew they could easily run into trouble along the way. Taranthi and Torvien's own would also be guarding what few ports they had left.

It was a game of strategy and force. A game she didn't know all that much about having only had to defend the Kuru against other pirates and nations looking to make trouble. Taking her crew into what could be direct conflict was a touch unsettling, but on the other side of her concerns, was a confidence in their abilities. Her ship was well armed and fast on a turn. She knew anything they sent, they could easily out maneuver and it was that which held her steady. Morguian was also sending one of their heavily armed galleons, as compliment and it would be a welcome guardian.

Recent scouts had reported only four large naval ships in the Bastion harbor, but that number could rise before the war actually commenced. Already two slated to join were now limping back into nearby ports having crossed the Kuru in route. Lighter then they had started and some heavily damaged. Stories of pirates would once again rise from the Harbor towns, as the Kuru was sporting the colors of Reocyn's own days of pillaging. The Red and black banner flying high on the mast. Gone were the colors of the Clan Albaelia as uniforms had been discarded and casual sea-wear donned. Turning towards one of the figures moving towards her, she grinned at the sight of her brother dressed in silk black. He did look the perfect pirate indeed. "Quite a night eh Kar?" She commented before turning back with the spyglass lifting. Off in the distance was the glow of a lone lighthouse was viewed.

With his long auburn hair blowing wildly in the wind, he leaned into the railing and glanced over at his sister. "You should be trying to rest. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day once we arrive at Talbolt Harbor."

She didn't answer for a moment, just feeling the rolling of the hull as it smoothly cut through another high wave before she met his eyes and shrugged lightly. "I be to wound up for sleeping little brother. Tomorrow may be busy to be sure, but I shall handle it fine."

Pushing the hair flying into his face away, he smirked quietly and just nodded. He knew it would do him no good to push. "You ready for this sis?"

"As ready as I can be. I am nae used to heading into the trouble as ye know, but trust this ship and our crew." Her feelings evident in the strength of her words and then she smiled wickedly. "It may be possible for ye to take a short visit to see Cieara before our next run. Lusiphur will be joining us also."

"Aye. Thinking I might do that after all the meetings take place." That roguish smile flashed at the thought of seeing that young woman. "You might want to come along. Get a chance to spend a little time with Lorcain before all hell breaks loose on the high seas." He paused then, glancing her way with another grin. "Luse is?"

"Aye, seems to feel a need for some honest labor I suspect, since he requested to be treated as crew. I hope it will nae cramp ye style if he rooms with ye." She returned his look with a slow growing smile on her lightly tanned features.

"Ah, if he so wants to be crew, give him a cot of a hammock down below." Smirking now, a hand rose up and Kar rubbed his whiskered chin lightly.

"I am running a full compliment at present. Twenty bodies, and ye know there is nae any other room but the extra bunk in ye cabin. I be sure ye can find some means to warn him if ye be "involved" little brother. Otherwise, it be the best solution." In truth, she didn't want to send the long eared elf down below. He may claim he knew the sea, but after a long absence, she suspected a real bed would be better suited to Luse. Days on the Kuru were hard and exhausting sometimes and with trouble on the horizon, wanted all her hands up to the challenge.

"As for the break, I might. Depends on how long these planning sessions take tomorrow." She replied as one hand rose to smooth some wayward strands of gold back from her face. Kitian had been thinking quite a bit about Lor, but wasn't going to say that to her brother. He was a friend and one that was currently going through a hard time. Perhaps a day to visit might be in order. A faint smile curled on her lips as she then pointed. "We got one about 50 knots out. Running at a full clip by its speed and flying the colors of Torvien."

Instantly Kar turned and sent up a call. "To your posts all! Ready the guns and cannons!" This flying loud into the air as he was already moving, leaping down light footed to the lower desk and shouting more orders.

"Hold her steady Mr. Shavier! Keep her on this course!" She yelled, tucking the spyglass into her belt and moving towards the keel. "Douse all the lights Mr.Hanely. Nae need letting them catch sight of us. The moon is hiding and so shall we! A spell already building, masking the Kuru in a soft misty fog that hid her well as they closed in on the unsuspecting ship.

"Prepare the boarding lines!" She shouted even as she loaded her own guns and then dropped down moments later to the lower decks where her brother was still barking commands. The air carried the excitement and the tension her crew felt and she laughed before striding up the rocking deck to take another look at their prey. Her crew were proving to be rather good Pirates. Each member showing style and finesse in their duties as they had taken two ships already and it looked like another would feel their sting in a matter of minutes.

"Cap'n! We will be on her in another turn!" Kagan Shavier called down and she smiled tightly. Dark blue eyes blazing, as she took another look and making flash fire quick observations to Kar, while she kept a close watch. " "Wind's Cry" is carrying something heavy. Her hull is riding very low in the water, so low I suspect she is likely carrying weapons or a large cargo of food supplies."

His own gaze narrowed as he peered sharply through the darkness then nodded curtly. "They don't seem to have even noticed us yet either. No deck activity that I can see."

"Nae. Just the usual night crew from the glass." She instantly responded, then held the telescope towards him. While he took a quick look and smiled darkly, she lifted head to shout another command. "Bring us along side her Mr. Shavier." Kit then ordered and then moved down the lines, pleased to see that all her people were in place and well prepared for the chaos to come.

"On my word, open fire." She then commanded as the spell she had thrown up to veil their ship was then lowered slowly. "Now!" The small woman shouted as she drew her own weapons in preparation.

The night exploded abruptly, the loud booming of cannons firing that was then joined by the rapport of gunfire shattered the silence and likely rattled those aboard the "Wind's Cry" with shock. Black powder filled the air with the sting as the other ships crew scrambled into belated response. The "Wind" had little chance. The speed of action and the damage they had sustained in the first few minutes had them crippled and they knew it. Many of the sailors aboard the heavier vessel threw down their weapons and waited for the boarding. Kitian was quite aware it could have been a different story had they seen them coming in fast, but luck had been on their side, along with a little bit of old fashion Albaelia magic.

After the heavy sound of anchor fall, Kitian watched the lashing of boarding lines tossed, capturing the sinking ship, with Kar calling out roughly. "Prepare to be boarded!" then in an instant, bodies flew across. She had gone only once and Kar had not yet forgiven her, so hence she remained aboard the Kuru, calling orders and watching as sails where furled downwards to hold their course.

Another shout and she moved to the high rails, looking down towards her brother and the men. "Weapons and food Capt'n!" He called with a wicked flashing smile so perfect for his role. "Do ye want me to blow the Hull and leave the marker?"

"Nae Mate. Ye put the "Wind's" crew to work, moving that bounty over here! " She shouted back.

"Move out ye scurvy dogs!" Kar bellowed, and soon there was a steady transferring of goods moving onto the decks of her own ships. About half her crew stood armed on the decks below, pushing the defeated sailors to move. Few objected either, as the barrel of rifles and pistols were always pointed their way.

Still standing on the high decks, Kitian caught some movement from one of the upper cabins and frowned, as she detected a hint of angry eyes peering only for a moment, and instantly shouted downwards. "Yo Mate! Ye best check their passenger lists!" An arm lifting and pointing towards where she had seen the activity, while the "Wind's" captain just slumped in the ropes that held him lashed to one of his masts.

Below on the "Wind", which was taking in water rapidly, Kar looked up then frowned and more orders where growled, and with two others of the crew, he strode off to investigate. Returning a brief time later with a set of females. One was fighting with legs kicking and hands trying to claw, but the men handled her easily. Forced down to her knees before Kar with one arm-twisted behind her back, she still screamed obscenities and spat at any near by.

Kit didn't hear anything that was said, but her jaw dropped momentarily when her brother hauled off and slapped the struggling and teeth snapping female hard enough to send her sliding across the gleaming wood deck then he growled again and instantly both were clapped into chains and soon carted aboard the Kuru.

The sight of that, had Kit grumbling instantly, as she didn't think she cared for this, and seconds later, she strode down, leaping to meet the new arrivals with a frown drawn upon her usually smooth brow. "What the hell be this" We be wanting their cargo nae their woman!" Kit snapped.

"The first mate commanded it Capt'n!" Franklin replied before hauling one of the now bound women towards the first mate's cabins.

Kit could only throw her hands in the air, as she wasn't going to countermand her brother. Such things looked bad given the current situation. A crew stuck together and in unison at all times. However, Kar better have a good reason for taking woman besides that raging libido of his. She thought as she scowled then stalked off to inspect the bounty.

Her inspection was cursory at best, but she quickly noticed the array of rifles the ship had been hauling along with enough food to last a few weeks. Such information would need to be sent to Gharnholme. Torvien was preparing for a siege and from the look of this cargo alone, it rather looked like he was planning to arm the entire city. A smile curled on her lips as she looked over towards the wounded vessel and felt sure, that Rhylan and Lynch were likely doing the very same thing.

She also recognized some of the suppliers of these weapons and felt it was time to send Morguian in to dissuade them from procuring more for the grand Lord across the sea. Mayhap a bit of pressure would suffice and if not, threats also worked as well. Their family had fingers in enough pies to ruin most, because when products didn't move, money wasn't made.

A sudden shout caught her attention and she saw the aggressive woman breaking from one of her crewmen with chains dragging behind. She spun and cussed even more, making a few of the Kuru's mates blush so foul was this one's tongue. It was a comedy to watch as the woman ran from one side of the ship to the other, spinning and sending some jumping back or slapping a few with the heavy links.

Stepping away from the crates littering the Kuru's deck, she watched for a moment longer, letting her crew seek to capture the woman first. However the moment she turned and ran straight at her, snarling with rage, Kit calmly drew one of her pistols and leveled it at the incoming head then spoke almost pleasantly. "I am nae in a mood to tangle it up with ye lassie. Stop now and I might just let ye live a bit longer."

The now filthy woman skidded to a stop and was instantly pounced on by several of the crew. Kitian just glanced at Franklin who was wiping blood from his nose and smirked.

"I protest this treatment!" The woman howled furiously. "I am of noble birth and will NOT be subjected to this!"

"Ah, sorry lassie seems to me ye will and are already." Kit laughed softly then quietly tucked the pistol back into her belt.

"My Uncle will hang every last one of you off the walls of Bastion!" The arrogant woman snarled, even as her hands were forced behind her and bound tightly.

"Ah, and who is this Fearless Uncle Lassie?" A slight smirk tugging on her lips, before she started to circle the woman as she continued to struggle futilely against the heavy chain.

"Lord Torvien you ignorant bitch!" Came the reply and actually caused Kitian to blink for a moment, then bust out laughing. Ahh, Kar did have a good reason beyond his own personal pleasures after all. Pausing with her boot tips in front of the woman's eyes Kit leaned down gracefully for a moment.

"Well Lass, ye might be safer in our brig then in ye Uncle's grand city. The winds be changing and soon a storm chaos will fall upon it and flood the harbor there with dark heavy blood. Of that ye can be sure." Rising up smoothly, she nodded to Tollar and Franklin. "Put this one in the Brig, and if she gets to bothersome, ye have permission to seal her lips." How they did that, didn't really matter to her, as the woman was a noble bred banshee from what she could see.

"Now what of the other young woman?" The question moving from Kit as she stepped back, watching the once again screaming female dragged off.

Manda smirked and pointed towards Kar's quarters. "She's restrained Capt'n. Weeping quietly but nae has said a single word."

"Um, well make sure there be a guard there. Ye can leave her there until Kar requests to have her moved. I suspect that one is likely a companion or ladies maid anyway." Another twisted curl of her lips and Kitian offered another observation. "Tis' possible her tears of those of relief, being free of that shrew for the moment."

Manda just nodded then moved off to take guard duty with a sense of relief. The weeping one was a far better charge then the screamer.

The transfer of cargo took under three hours to complete, and now it was the Kuru riding low in the water. That appearance would only last a short while, as they had means to move it again and would once out of sight of the damaged ship. Calling down to Kar as he spoke with the still tied up captain. "Does he know where Halven's Bay is Kar" Tis's the closest port that can provide repairs."

Kar paused then looked up and gave a single short shake of his head, and then a dagger spun in his hand. A quick flash and the captain as neatly freed from the ropes and stood shaking out his arms with a look of fear still riding his weathered features. "This one be needing a Map actually."

Meanwhile, Kit quickly procured the required map and the directions to the nearest harbor down. One that was several leagues back the way they had come but it was the closest location that was capable of procuring repairs.

Once that was sent over, she felt the first jolts as grappling hooks where released and watched as Kar swung back across, scowling slightly as he landed light footed on the low deck. "Bloody idiots. Sailing into unknown waters without updated maps is a fools game." "Aye, but none that know these waters are willing to run trade for Torvien. He is having to seek it from the backwaters I wager." She commented then turned and called out to the waiting crew.

"Raise the anchor! Lets capture the wind!" Instantly, figures moved, the slapping of sails rising high into the night sky then billowing outwards and the ship rocked slightly for a moment, then broke away smoothly. The Kuru had taken only cosmetic damage this time around.

"You take a look at what this one was hauling?" Her brother asked with a cocked brow and a smirk.

"Aye, that I did. Will send word to Morguain on the supplier. I am sure he can find the means to undercut Torvien. Ye will want to have a look as well. Pick the items that will be of use to us and those of the fleet we shall meet up with tomorrow, the rest we can send to Gharnholme for their own use." This said as she twisted about and looked up at her brother with a slight scowl on her delicate features. "Now what about ye' Taking woman eh' What were ye thinking?"

And arm was held out, displaying the mark of teeth against the tanned flesh, and then he yanked lightly on his shirt, illustrating gashes in the rich silk. "She attacked me first. I tried nae to harm her Kit, but no way I was going to let her latch on again." He gave her a mock contrite look, but there was still the devil lurking in those eyes of his. "Besides, Lord DeAuster will know what to do with the Noble bread cow."

"Would it matter if I was ready or not?" He grumbled, holding onto the rail with both hands. His head was pounding from the bright sun and swift maneuvers, and now they were going to have a fight. Joy.

"Perhaps that'll teach ye to drink less in the evening." Kitian shot a look his way as she slid the looking glass in a small chest next to the railing.

"Yeah, well, it was a good game of cards." He flashed her that famous half-smile of his, as he pushed away from the rail. "You stay safe sis, since I'm not going to be here to watch that shapely rear of yours."

"Get out of here, scoundrel!" Laughing softly, Kit slapped him on the shoulder, which brought a low chuckle of his own as he hurried down the steps to the main deck.

"Alright! Bowmen to the fore, swordmens to the mid1" Walking among the colorfully dressed crew, he slapped a few on the shoulder, noting the eager look in thier eyes. "All pistoliers, save your shots until the boarding!" Hoping up on a lashed-down crate he grabbed a rope to steady himself as the Kuru slashed through a wave.

With the Kuru turned the other ship was rapidly approaching, and already several dark specks flew from the fore deck, arrows that splashed harmlessly to sea. "Kit, they're sounding us!"

'T was when the sea was roaring With hollow blasts of wind, A damsel lay deploring, All on a rock reclin'd.

John Gay (1685-1732)

It was a dark hurtling form of her brother, tackling one and sending him crashing head first into the mast, that created a distraction which allowed her to handle the second, disarming him as he rocked to the side out of the way of tumbling bodies, and then pressing him back with a razor point tip pressed to a throat.

It was quickly apparent that the Kuru's crew had more experience, not just with their vast knowledge of the sea but also with fighting as they soon rounded up the last of their attackers and then Kit was dealing with her rather angry brother.

"I told you to stay up near the helm Kit! Dammit! Gods! Your hurt!" Fuming, his lean features were covered in blood as he pulled her gently away. "Go sit down before you fall down. Try not to bleed to death until I get a chance to take a look at your wound." Growling, he pushed her to the stairs and then stalked off, barking more orders and soon her crew was fishing out survivors from the angry ocean below.

She just sat there, watching as the pirates were chained up. Idly wondering what the hell they would do with them. She hadn't had to deal with such things in the past and just hoped Kar or Kagan would know, only to look up as a hand came down on her uninjured shoulder. "We will hand them off to the authorities in Cisroe Lass. They look to be Yedian riggers, but nae sure what will happen then. May be up to the Lord of that region to determine their fate, but nae ye worry. They be getting what they deserve." Kagan stated.

That meant Lord DeAuster. That much she realized which may not be the best of luck on those pirates part. Of course by now her head was starting to spin a bit, as the adrenalin wore off from the battle and the pain in her shoulder and arm was starting to set in.

Kar was soon carting her to the captain's chamber, still muttering darkly. "Morg's not going to be happy about this Kit." His tall, broadly built frame was rigid with annoyance and very obvious temper.

She muttered right back. "I be the bloody captain! I can nae hardly stand by and watch me ship attacked and remain idle!" Kitian was just as stiff with her own irritation, which was also mixed with the throbbing of pain and enhancing her bad mood.

Kit was placed down into her desk chair and Kar frowned at her, his sea blue eyes holding worry and concern. "If you get yourself killed he will blame me and I really don't want that hanging over my head along with everything else."

"Then quite playing a fusspot and get me some of those healing draughts ye girl Cie always be plying ye with." She was already slipping off the poet's shirt, tucking it around her chest to spare Kar such a sight and looking at her own wound critically. "Tis a little thing and easily mended."

He turned and stomped off, only to return a few moments later and handed her the small vials that the DeAuster's healers made in quantity. "Pour some over the wound, then drink the rest." Turning away, he got her a clean rag and water from the basin and was passing that to her. "The crew is hauling up with salvage they can get off the "Mermossa". From the look of things, they had pillaged a few other ships before setting their sights on us. We should make a profit from it. More then enough for the repairs we be needing."

"Well then, sounds like Morg nae needs to be hearing about any of this then. We will be bring in what be expected and the rest we will split amidst the crew after the repairs to the Kuru is complete." Wiping away the last of the blood, she was pleased to see that the elixure had worked quite well, leaving only a slightly angry red line against pale skin where the sword had pierced.

"We should reach Cisroe by tomorrow afternoon Kit. That is if we can outrun the storm, but we are weighed down already and with the added cargo. . ." Words tapering off for a moment at the look she turned upon him.

"Considering what we have weathered thus far, a gale is nae likely to be that huge a problem. Just ensure all cargo is latched down securely. May want to make sure that the rail that be damaged has a few more rope lines lashed across as well. Slick decks make walking hard enough without fear of falling overboard." She rose, moving to take another shirt from her wardrobe and pulled it on, with the ruined one tossed into the chair she just vacated.

"Kit, you should rest. You did lose quite a bit of blood." Kar's eyes moving to the red stained lawn shirt with a brow arched.

"Aye and I shall." She glanced over a shoulder at her brother and smiled, her blue eyes sparkling. "Ye shouldn't be such a worry wart Kar, ye nae used to be so bloody fussy before."

"You weren't running around playing Pirate and looking to get yourself killed before Kit." A scowl marring his handsome features now, those streaks of blood only making him look quite fierce, as well.

"Aye, ye be right about that, guess ye will just have to keep a closer eye on me then." Smirking faintly as she moved towards him and gave him a warm hug. "It be just a suggestion little brother, but ye may want to wash ye face. Ye be looking quite the heathen at the moment."

She was soon kicking off her boots and settling down to rest on her bed just as he had suggested, but had to laugh softly at the look on Kar's face. She was still chuckling as he stomped off again, muttering something about how his siblings would be the death of him one day.