Slaver #1: Don't fucking kill her!

 

 

Slaver #2: Wha- 

 

 

Slaver #2: Why? We only need the other one.

 

The first slaver grits his teeth with a sharp inhale. He straightens up stiffly, his fists clenched at his sides, and peers to the ground between them.

 

 

Slaver #1: No. We're after them both.

 

 

Slaver #1: Drop the axe and restrain her arms.

 

The second slaver saunters towards the girl, letting the axe slide from his grip. As he does, the first slaver eyes her greedily, his lips coiling into a smirk.

 

 

Slaver #1: They're worth a fortune together.

 

 

1 week earlier...

 

 

Colleen drags her foot across the worn, fur pelt atop the rickety old cot in her cell. After a year, the hairs have lost their softness; becoming coarse and stiff. Occasionally a few stragglers will rustle free, but instead of caressing the underside of her feet like before, they prickle her toes like sharp grass.

 

 

She breaths out a sigh and ponders the silence. When she was tossed into this cell, the prison's were bustling. Every barred door had at least six hands reaching through them. The men attached to those hands would holler profanities at her or attempt to coax the guards into making them her cell mate. Even when Colleen was locked away alone, the men never relented. It made the beginning couple of months more annoying than being in prison should be; if that is possible.

 

But then it gradually started to quiet down. Every few weeks, the guards would storm into the prison and yank whole groups of prisoners from their cells. For those brief minutes, it was even louder. The prisoners demanded an answer to what was going on while resisting their captors as much as their fetters would allow. There was never a time when a full fledged brawl didn't ensue, yet despite it all, the guards never said a word.

 

Now no one says anything. There is no one left, save Colleen. 

 

 

Lost in thought and transfixed with the fur bristling against her toes, she doesn't even notice the cell door open until it slams against the wall with a clang. 

 

 

Colleen sits up, startled. A burly, yet striking nord strides into the cell. 

 

 

Colleen: Uh, who are you?

 

The Nord struts down the steps. He keeps his stare straight ahead, not giving even giving Colleen the tiniest of recognition until he comes to a relaxed halt. His arms cross as he turns his eyes towards her with a begrudging roll.

 

 

Xalter: Xalter. But you will refer to me as "M'lord" or "Lord Xalter", prisoner.

 

 

Xalter: Understand?

 

Colleen chuckles; an amusement that instantly fades as her gaze meets Xalter's own; a cold, dissatisfied expression that bores into her like a knife.

 

 

Colleen: You don't like me do you? Too much of a lowly prisoner for esteemed High Rock royalty, such as yourself?

 

Colleen pauses for a moment, watching Xalter's brows start to twitch, before adding...

 

 

Colleen: M'Lord

 

...as mockingly as she can.

 

 

Xalter curls his lips, but doesn't give in to her goading. 

 

 

Xalter: You'd best learn to watch your tongue quickly, prisoner.

 

Xalter spins on his heels and marches towards the cell door.

 

 

Colleen: And why is that?

 

 

Xalter: Because you've been summoned to speak with his royal majesty, the King.

 

 

Xalter led Colleen from the cells at a brisk pace. Despite having to adjust to the match his long strides, Colleen made sure to enjoy the fresh air once again. Rays of the sun beamed against her squinted eyes. The subtle chill of the northern, High Rock air caused goosebumps to proliferate over her skin. She'd stay just off the main path to let her feet sink into the patches of vibrant, green grass that sprouted between the rocks. 

 

But the most invigorating thing of all was the smell of the sea. She couldn't make out the gorgeous blue waters behind the mountains that surrounded the castle courtyard, but the sound of waves lapping against the shores stimulated the memories in her mind. 

 

Before she knew it, they were at the door to the throne room. Colleen didn't even get the chance to breath in the air one more time before Xalter shoved her inside. They approached the throne, this time Xalter staying just a few inches behind her. As soon as she stepped on a dull, yellow rug before the throne, Xalter ushered for her to stop and turned to an aged man sitting on an equally ancient wooden throne.

 

 

Xalter: Your Majesty. The last prisoner in our dungeon, as requested.

 

 

King Durai: This is the smuggler, correct?

 

 

Xalter: You are correct, Your Majesty. 

 

Xalter faces Colleen; the courtesy in his voice vanishes.

 

 

Xalter: Introduce yourself to his Majesty, King Durai with a formal bow. Then speak your first and last name.

 

Colleen snorts out an amused chuckle and casts Xalter a dubious glance.

 

 

Colleen: Surely you don't believe I'm going to do that.

 

 

Xalter: You will do as your captors command, prisoner!

 

Colleen rolls her eyes.

 

Colleen: Right.

 

With a flip of her hair, Colleen gives a curt nod to the King, taking note of his entourage. A heavily armored breton stands on the left, attentive, yet clearly bored.  On the right, appearing incredibly uncomfortable as she tugged on the sleeve over her elbow, is the King's daughter, Danielle. Her eyes keep switching from the floor to her father to Xalter and Colleen before her. Colleen found herself quickly turning her gaze away as their eyes met.

 

 

Colleen: I won't humor you with formalities. My name is Colleen. You don't need my last name.

 

From the corner of her eye, Colleen can see Xalter's teeth grinding. His fists clench, but before he can bark out at her, King Durai chuckles.

 

 

King Durai: Yes, I remember you. You were hired to haul enemy troops behind my front lines by ship.

 

 

Xalter: She should have been executed along with them.

 

 

Colleen: Oh yeah? Does that turn you on, freak?

 

 

King Durai: Enough. Both of you.

 

Despite the subtlety of the King's command, the two of them cease their bickering. But only after shooting one another one last glare.

 

 

King Durai: Colleen is not an enemy of mine any longer. She is a mercenary, and was only doing her actions for payment. 

 

 

King Durai: If she was in fact doing those actions in hopes of my downfall, then she will be pleased to hear that that time has come.

 

A heavy silence falls over the room. Colleen notices Danielle's stare lower to the ground. After a moment, King Durai speaks up again.

 

 

King Durai: I was a conqueror. In my youth, it earned me renown. In my old age, it has only brought my enemies upon me. I've done all I can to defend my kingdom; even resorting to using prisoner's as soldiers. But we have now even run out of them, and as such, any hopes of coming out victorious.

 

 

King Durai: I accept this fate for I have brought it upon myself. What I do not wish is for the same to befall my daughter. This is where I need your help, Colleen.

 

 

King Durai: I need you to smuggle my daughter to safety. 

 

Colleen: Wha...

 

 

Xalter: Excuse me?

 

 

Xalter: No! Your Majesty, this is reckless! 

 

 

Xalter: You would trust the life of the princess in the hands of some degenerate criminal? As commander of your troops, I cannot allow this!

 

 

King Durai: I did not ask for your permission, Lord Xalter.

 

Xalter steps back and grits his teeth. After taking some carefully controlled breaths, he straightens up and addresses the King once again.

 

 

Xalter: She is a smuggler, a mercenary. Furthermore, a supporter of our enemies.

 

 

Xalter: Even if she agree to this, you can't trust her word.

 

The King narrows his eyes.

 

 

King Durai: I cannot afford the luxury of trust any more.

 

King Durai turns back to Colleen. His smile returns to his lips.

 

 

King Durai: I offer you your freedom, a ship from my fleet, and whatever remains in my treasury. All I ask is you deliver my daughter t-

 

Colleen: I'll do it.

 

 

Xalter stumbles back, appalled.

 

Xalter: What? 

 

 

Colleen: I said I'll do it. Freedom and a new ship? That's worth anything.

 

 

Colleen: And pissing off Xalter here is certainly a plus. 

 

 

Colleen: I assume you'll pay me once the job is done?

 

King Durai smiles.

 

King Durai: Aye. I need some insurance that you will actually do the job.

 

 

King Durai: Xalter! Remove that collar from her neck and return her belongings. Then we will take her to her new ship.

 

 

The goodbyes were brief. When the group arrived at the ship, stowed away in a murky cavern at the bottom of a mountain, Danielle and King Durai embraced one another in a heartfelt hug. Colleen didn't pay much attention to it however, as she was taken by the vessel towering before her.

 

The massive caravel swayed gently against the waters that flowed from the sea and into the cavern. The waters caressed the wooden hull, leaving droplets that glimmered against the sparking reflection below. The upper deck was loaded with empty crates, prepared to be filled with whatever supplies Colleen requested. 

 

King Durai sent for a team of servants, whom Colleen immediately put to work. This may be a new ship, but she was determined to replicate her old vessel as closely as she could. It only took a few hours for everything to be ready. Colleen hoisted herself up the center mast and slashed the ropes securing the main sail. The massive cloth fell free, sending plumes of dust into the air with it. 

 

She couldn't suppress the cheer as the caravel lurched forward from the dock. As it drifted from the cave, Colleen dashed to the prow and hung over the edge. With her hand pressed to her forehead, she peered across the ocean before her as the sun warmed her shoulders. 

 

When they reached the open waters, Colleen turned to address Danielle, only to see the door to the hull slam shut. Colleen sucked in an agitated breath, but didn't go after her. Instead, she made her way to the helm and relished the cool breeze as she directed the ship away from High Rock. 

 

Before she knew it, the sun had set. With no crew, she couldn't sail through the night. She dropped anchor inside of a small alcove against the shore and ventured into the hull.

 

Colleen: So just enjoy the ride as much as you can, okay? I've been sailing since I was thirteen years old, so you'd really only get in my way.

 

 

Danielle has yet to say a word. Colleen found her in the kitchen, twirling her finger on the wooden table. She wasn't startled when Colleen tapped her shoulder, and responded with a despondent nod when Colleen asked if she could explain the rules. 

 

 

Colleen: If you have any questions, feel free to ask. 

 

Danielle hesitantly raised her hand, barely enough to be noticed.

 

 

Danielle: I have one, actually.

 

Colleen's heart lifts.

 

 

Colleen: Yeah, absolutely. What is it?

 

Danielle sits up and presses forward, she looks directly at Colleen and the forlorn look in her eyes vanishes.

 

 

Danielle: Why am I still here? And don't answer by saying it's to get paid, because you and I both know that isn't going to happen.

 

 

Colleen wavers, taken aback by the sudden change of tone.

 

Colleen: Danielle... I...

 

 

Danielle: My father's kingdom has been overthrown. If he isn't dead now, then he will be any day. He can't pay you from the grave.

 

 

Colleen: I can still get the money after I deliver you to Skyrim safely. Even if I don't, I'm a woman of my word. I will do this job.

 

Danielle rolls her eyes and scoffs.

 

Danielle: I know your type. My father hired hundreds of mercenaries the past few years. As soon as a better option of payment is found, you defect to the other side. 

 

 

Danielle: When we arrive you'll sell me off as a slave or back to my father's enemies.

 

 

Danielle: You don't care about me. Don't act like you-

 

Danielle cuts off as Colleen suddenly storms out of the room.

 

 

Danielle: Wha...

 

 

Colleen: Breakfast in this room at dawn. Don't fucking miss it.

 

Colleen raps her fingers atop the table, tipping it from one side to another as it's misaligned legs thud against the floor. The two apples and loaf of bread she prepared for breakfast rock back and forth with it. With each passing second she finds herself becoming more and more annoyed by their movement. Her hand begs to smack them off the table, but Colleen holds it back, knowing her aggravation is misplaced.

 

 

She has not slept a wink; spending the entire night brooding over the previous evenings confrontation. That wasn't how their first talk was supposed to transpire. Sure, fine, maybe Danielle has reason to hold that opinion, but it definitely isn't deserved. After everything Colleen has gone through, is a little courtesy too much to ask for?

 

 

Colleen groans, most of it in her thoughts. It's not like Danielle even knows what that "everything" is anyway.

 

Danielle: Um, Colleen?

 

 

Danielle hesitantly enters the dining area, running her fingers along the wall as she does. Colleen looks at her briefly, immediately directing her gaze back to the table afterwards.

 

 

Colleen: What?

 

Danielle lets her hand slide from the wall. She steps forward confidently, but with an edge of caution. 

 

 

Danielle: I, uh, I hope I'm not late.

 

 

Colleen makes no effort to respond.

 

Danielle: Did you make breakfast yourself? It looks good.

 

 

Colleen: Don't make fun of me.

 

Danielle: Wha-No no, I didn't mean that. I just...

 

Danielle sighs. She awkwardly tugs at the collar of her top and takes a deep breath.

 

 

Danielle: I'm sorry about yesterday. I was upset, angry... It wasn't fair of me to make such an accusation.

 

 

Danielle: I would like to get to know you. May I take a seat?

 

Colleen lets her shoulders fall, not realizing how tense they have been. She closes her eyes as a wave of relief washes over her.

 

 

When she feels the smile cross her lips, Colleen looks up at Danielle.

 

 

Colleen: Of course you can.

 

Danielle slides into the chair and snatches up the larger apple. 

 

 

Danielle: I wasn't making fun you, by the way. I love apples. Especially these kind. They become really soft as their color fades.

 

Colleen: Yeah? I prefer mine nice and crisp. But I just figured we'd eat these.

 

 

Danielle grins.

 

Danielle: Look at us. We'll be fast friends for sure.

 

 

Danielle: I hope you don't mind me asking this, but... what happened to your eye? J-just if we're going to get to know each other and all! I don't mean to press you!

 

Colleen waves her hand through the air nonchalantly.

 

Colleen: Nah, it's fine. 

 

 

Colleen: I was 10 years old...

 

I remember the heat most of all. 

 

 

I woke up to a crushing pain in my back. I felt the scalding of fire even though the flames crackled well out of reach. I can't recall how I ended up like that. It was early morning, I heard a shout and through blurred eyes watched my father tug me out of bed.

I wish my eyes stayed closed. 

The roof caved in on top of us, burying my father under a pile of burning wood. He must have shoved me aside or something. I don't know how else I could have avoided it. Unfortunately, I could not avoid the main beam crashing on top of me.

 

 

I could not have been out long. When my eyes crept open again, he was there.

 

 

I screamed at him.

 

 

Young Colleen: Where is she!?

 

 

He turned to face me and I had never felt such fear. But I think that only made me angrier.

 

 

Young Colleen: Give her back, monster! Give her back!

 

 

He marched right to me. I swear he held his sword even tighter when he did, as if he was excited.

 

 

Young Colleen: I'm going to get out of this! You'd better give her back or else!

 

 

I don't think he ever heard me.

 

 

Young Colleen: You're evil! You monster! You're evil! Evi-

 

 

Young Colleen: Huh? What? Y-you wouldn't...

 

He held the edge of his sword inches from my face, taunting me. All I could do was plead.

 

 

Young Colleen: I-I'm just a kid. You wouldn't do that. You wouldn't hurt a kid.

 

 

That time, I know he heard me...

 

 

Young Colleen: P-please... 

 

...and I know he loved hearing my pleas. 

 

 

But even more than that...

 

Young Colleen: AHHHHH!

 

 

...he loved hearing my screams.

 

Colleen: I was pulled from the wreckage by other survivors a few hours later. I was remorseful for a while, but I recovered. I found work as a cabin girl on a frigate that belonged to a nearby lord. From that, I made enough renown and gold to get my own ship and crew. Been a smuggler ever since. 

 

Colleen shrugs as she concludes; a gesture probably too nonchalant for the tale she just told. While she spoke, the two of them finished their meal then meandered down to the bottom of the ship's hull. 

 

 

Danielle was silent throughout the story. Only after waiting a few moments following Colleen's conclusion did she respond.

 

Danielle: That's... horrible. Did you ever find out who that man was? Or what noble he was pledged to?

 

 

Colleen: Uh... Nope. Never did. But anyway, I just figured now is a good time to show you where most smuggling is done. Here! 

 

Danielle raises a brow at Colleen for a moment, as if analyzing her, but doesn't press further. Folding her hair back behind her ear, she looks about her surroundings intently.

 

 

Danielle: I see. So what did you smuggle, mostly? I mean, besides the enemies of my father.

 

Colleen: You don't have to bring that up, you know. But, uh, actually people mostly. I'd hide them in crates just like these when passing the borders.

 

Danielle nods. She scours the various barrels and crates that surround them, coming across a cage laying on it's side.

 

 

Danielle: I hope you didn't put people in there.

 

 

Colleen bites her lip.

 

Colleen: Well... Actually I did sometimes. Of course, it was a different cage on a different ship. But cages like that are good for smuggling slaves.

 

 

Danielle: Excuse me? You worked for slavers?

 

The repulsion and shock in Danielle's voice is apparent. Colleen quickly shakes her head.

 

Colleen: Oh no no! Never. I did the opposite.

 

 

Colleen: I actually smuggled slaves to freedom. Thing is, those jobs are risky and I'd get searched a lot. I found that hiding in plain sight works the best. When a guard asked, I showed the slave in the cage and said I was taking them to auction.

 

Danielle narrows her eyes.

 

 

Danielle: And that actually worked?

 

Colleen: Pretty consistently actually. 

 

 

Colleen: Now let's go. The sun has risen by now and I have to get this ship moving. Our journey is far from over.

 

1 week later...

 

Danielle: Woah!

 

 

Danielle: I can't believe you did that by yourself! You're like a squirrel!

 

Colleen clambers down the main mast and hops onto the deck. After a graceful landing, she leans against the mast and gives it three swift pats with her palm.

 

 

Colleen: Never been compared to a squirrel before. But thank you!

 

Colleen twirls around and gazes out behind them. Just over the horizon stretches the passage they had just sailed through, all the way from High Rock to a secluded dock at the base of Skyrim's capital: Solitude.

 

 

Colleen: Behold! The Northwest passage into our current whereabouts, the province of Skyrim!

 

 

Colleen: Come on, lets check it out.

 

Colleen merrily scampers across the deck. Danielle follows closely behind, taking in the view and inhaling the fresh Skyrim air.

 

 

Danielle: So what's all the crates up here for? Wouldn't it be best for everything to go inside?

 

 

Colleen: Usually, yeah. But I like to have supplies up top. I like to put snacks and recreation on the port side.

 

 

Colleen: On starboard I put supplies like changes of clothes or weapons.

 

Danielle: Is there a reason for this?

 

Colleen shrugs.

 

 

Colleen: Just habit, I guess. Besides, it's good to have supplies on hand no matter where you are.

 

Danielle: What about these baskets?

 

 

Danielle: Won't they just blow off in the wind or something?

 

Colleen smirks.

 

 

Colleen: Nope. Because I load those up with rocks.

 

 

Danielle: Rocks?

 

 

Colleen: You never know when you'll need a bunch of rocks. Just take my word for it. Now come on! I wanna show you the route we took.

 

Colleen takes Danielle up to the prow of the ship and beckons to the sparkling, blue sea.

 

 

Colleen: We sailed right through there. 

 

 

Colleen: All I had to do was follow the lighthouse

 

Danielle: It's impressive that you steered this whole ship yourself. I know I never could ha-

 

Danielle suddenly trails off.

 

 

Colleen: Danielle? What's wrong?

 

Danielle: Um... Do you know those guys?

 

Colleen's heart thuds. The only people who step foot on a ship without an invitation weren't asking for one in the first place.

 

 

Colleen: They better not be on my ship. I-

 

 

Colleen: Damn it.

 

Blood rushes into her clenched fists at the sight of two nords standing proudly at the center of the ship. One wears a sleeveless iron chest plate, exposing massive, robust arms. Smirking in front of him, his shirtless partner barks out a laugh and locks eyes with Colleen. 

 

Slaver #1: Well I'll be damned.

 

 

Slaver #1: It really is Colleen. 

 

 

Slaver #1: I thought you were rotting in some cell in High Rock.

 

Colleen pulls her shoulders back and marches forward.

 

 

Colleen: And I thought you had drank yourself to death, Garen.

 

Danielle: So... not friends then?

 

 

Shaking her head, Colleen plants her feet in front of Danielle.

 

Colleen: Mutinous crew members. Now listen to me. Move beside the railing. When I say so, get inside the hull and shut the door. Got it?

 

Danielle: W-what? What are you going to d-

 

 

Colleen: Got it?

 

Colleen says again with a hiss. 

 

Danielle gulps.

 

Danielle: I-I got it.

 

 

Garen: After ditching you and your lousy crew, I found new work. 

 

The armored nord opens his bawdy arms wide.

 

Slaver #2: In the slave trade!

 

 

Garen sneers.

 

Garen: That's right. I gotta say, I prefer fucking slaves over setting them free. And oh boy, oh boy...

 

 

Garen: ...am I going to enjoy fucking you.

 

Colleen stomps towards the slavers, bearing down on them with a fearless glare. 

 

 

Colleen: You oafs have nothing on me. Even if you could take me in, my criminal charges are kept clean. You know that.

 

Her response only seems to entice them more, as the edges of Garen's lips curl even further.

 

 

Garen: Heh. Not anymore. I don't know who, but someone put a slave bounty on yours, and that tight piece of ass over there's, head. 

 

Garen looks out the corner of his eyes, ogling Danielle who has begun to creep along the side of the ship.

 

 

Garen: A virgin Princess from what I've heard. She'll sell fast.

 

He licks his lips and turns back to Colleen.

 

 

Garen: Tell you what, turn around and let us tie you both up...

 

 

Slaver #2: Or risk losing your other eye.

 

 

Garen: What's it gonna be?

 

She doesn't have to think about this decision. 

 

 

Colleen maintains her glare for a couple more seconds, then looks at Danielle and orders a single command.

 

 

Colleen: Run.

 

Danielle's eyes grow wide, but she doesn't hesitate. Leaping over a crate, she barrels towards the hull, turning to see Colleen dive into combat.

 

 

Garen whips around as she flees. He attempts to bellow out a roar to stop her when he suddenly reels back from a splitting blow to his jaw.

 

 

Colleen: Don't even look at her, bastard!

 

Garen: Gah!

 

 

Slaver #2: You're mine now

 

Colleen yanks back her arm as Garen staggers backwards. She curls her other fist for a follow up when the second slaver lurches out with his battleaxe.

 

 

With barely any time to react, Colleen drops to the ground.

 

 

As the axe soars over her head, her heel slips out from under her. Off balance, she is unable to recover and crashes into the deck.

 

At the same time, Garen recovers from the blow and rubs his aching jaw.

 

 

Garen: Ah... Fucking bitch. 

 

 

Garen: Huh?

 

 

Garen: What are you doing?

 

 

Garen: Don't fucking kill her!

 

Slaver #2: Wha- 

 

 

Slaver #2: Why? We only need the other one.

 

Garen grits his teeth with a sharp inhale. He straightens up stiffly, his fists clenched at his sides, and peers at Colleen, sitting defenselessly between them.

 

 

Garen: No. We're after them both.

 

 

Garen: Drop the axe and restrain her arms.

 

The second slaver saunters towards Colleen, letting the axe slide from his grip. As he does, Garen eyes her greedily, his lips coiling into a smirk.

 

 

Garen: They're worth a fortune together.

 

The second slaver beams, exposing a row of uneven, yellowing teeth. Colleen grimaces, slowly drawing back her foot.

 

 

Slaver #2: Heh. Fair point.

 

 

Slaver #2: Arms behind your back, slave!

 

Garen: And don't even think about fighting back. This time I'm rea-

 

Colleen springs back to her feet. 

 

 

She fires a coiled fist into the second slavers chest. His armor rings like a gong and sends ripples of pain down her arm, but the slavers loud cry proves that he felt it worse. 

 

 

Garen: You'll regret that!

 

 

Garen fires out his own punch.  Colleen lurches back to her feet and flattens out her palm in front of her.

 

 

The blow is forced to a dead stop as Colleen absorbs the impact into her hand.

 

Garen: Wha-

 

Refusing to let him recover, Colleen thrusts his arm away and retaliates with a swing of her own.

 

 

Her fist cracks into his chin, sending him sprawling through the air. He tumbles to the ground and slides across the deck. 

 

 

His body smacks against a ledge and slowly wobbles to a still. 

 

 

Slaver #2: Damn you!

 

 

Coleen raises her fists. Her hand still throbs from her earlier punch against his armor.

 

Colleen: Still think you stand a chance?

 

Slaver #2: You'll be in chains before the sun sets, you b-

 

 

Slaver #2: Hey! Don't turn your back to me!

 

 

Colleen smirks.

 

Colleen: Yeah well...

 

 

Colleen: Turn your back to this!

 

Slaver #2: That's not gonna hu-

 

 

Slaver #2: OOF!

 

The slaver doesn't even attempt to dodge as the rock loaded basket crashes into his face. His head whips back, yanking the rest of his body with it. 

 

 

He crashes through the crates behind him as Colleen barrels towards him. She wraps her fingers around his face and plows forward.

 

 

Slaver #2: Gah!

 

 

Colleen: Eat it, bitch!

 

Colleen forces him through the crates and across the deck until he thuds into the railing.

 

 

Colleen: Get.

 

 

Colleen: Off.

 

 

Colleen: My.

 

 

Colleen: Ship!

 

Colleen elbows the slaver over the railing. 

 

 

He tumbles over the side of the ship and splashes into the ocean below. As she hears his body flop into the water, Colleen kneels over and pants.

 

 

Colleen: Whew... okay then.

 

 

Colleen: It's sure been a while.

 

She scours her ship's newly cluttered deck, noting the toppled over lamp and unconscious Garen.

 

 

Colleen: Lets not set fire to the ship.

 

She props the lantern back up and looks at her former opponent with a groan.

 

 

Colleen: Ugh... Guess I'll have to haul you off myself.

 

 

Colleen: Fuck you're heavy.

 

Colleen fumbles with the body, struggling to find a solid grip as it's limbs flop about. After a few minutes of failure, she manages to hold onto him and hauls him towards the dock.

 

 

Colleen: Good riddance, slaver scu-

 

As Colleen steps onto the dock steps, she suddenly stops. She looses her grip and Garen's body tumbles down the steps. Colleen doesn't try to stop it...

 

 

...as her heart thuds and a gasp slips from her lips.

 

Colleen slams the door to the hull shut.

 

 

Colleen: Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck.

 

Her hand flies to the handle. No lock. Cursing under her breath, Colleen frantically scans her surroundings. 

 

 

Colleen: There has to be something here- Perfect.

 

She dashes from the door, quickly arriving to a shelf leaning against the wall. She coils trembling fingers around its edges and sucks in a breath.

 

 

Colleen: I hope this works.

 

Mustering all her strength, Colleen topples the shelf over.

 

 

It crashes against the door, sending it's contents flying. But it won't be enough. She sprints over to a pile of crates, her exhaustion already beginning to take its toll.

 

 

Colleen: This... better... hold...

 

She heaves up one of the crates, her arms already starting to shake, and chucks it to the barricade.

 

 

She grabs another crate and does the same.

 

 

And another.

 

 

And another.

 

 

Until her arms completely give out.  She leans over the pile and desperately tries to recover her breath.

 

 

Colleen: Ah... okay... 

 

 

Colleen: This will have to do.

 

She takes one more second to catch her breath then pulls away and sprints down the stairs.

 

 

Colleen: Danielle? You here?

 

Colleen rounds the corner. Danielle, leaning against a shelf in the kitchen, leaps to a stand at the call of her name.

 

 

Danielle: Colleen? Yeah, I'm fine. W-what's going on? Are those guys gone?

 

Colleen leans against the wall, panting.

 

 

Colleen: Yeah... they're gone. But we have bigger problems.

 

Colleen gulps and straightens up.

 

 

Colleen: Turns out we've got a slave's bounty on our heads and Garen is not the only one who knows that.

 

She grits her teeth, shaking her head. There's no easy way to deliver this news.

 

 

Colleen: There are actual slave traders outside right now. 

 

Danielle recoils and wraps her head in her hands.

 

 

Danielle: Oh no, oh no, oh no... I-I can't be a slave... I-I-

 

Colleen: Hey! Listen to me

 

 

Colleen: You won't be. Alright? I'll make sure of it. Now let's try t-

 

A series of loud thuds suddenly emanate from the hall behind them. A splitting creak and snap resound after, followed by a massive crash. 

 

 

Colleen whips around just as crates start to tumble down the steps.

 

 

Colleen: Run! Into the hull! Now!

 

 

Colleen: Wait! Stop!

 

 

Danielle nearly trips over herself from the sudden order.

 

Danielle: What? Why? They're right behind us!

 

Colleen steels herself and looks away. 

 

Colleen: Listen...

 

 

Colleen: In my cabin there is the only other way off this ship. There's a hatch that drops you into the water. I prepared it myself shortly into our voyage.

 

 

Danielle starts to tremble.

 

Danielle: What are you saying?

 

 

Colleen: Once you make it out, swim to the Solitude docks. An old friend of mine is looking for us, but he can recognize you by yourself.

 

Danielle: By myself? No! You have to come with me!

 

Colleen sucks in a breath and peers at the stairs behind her.

 

 

Colleen: The slavers are right behind us. We won't be able to outrun them if we're both stuck in the water. You have to go. Now.

 

Danielle inches backwards, her body rigid with uncertainty.

 

 

Danielle: B-but... Colleen...

 

Colleen faces Danielle sternly and jabs out her finger.

 

 

Colleen: I said go!

 

Danielle falters for a moment, but nods. She spins around and sprints out of the hull.

 

 

Colleen watches in silence as Danielle disappears into the rear of the ship. She curls her fists and sucks in a breath, steeling herself for the slavers arrival. 

 

She doesn't wait long.

 

 

Nord Slaver: Hello there, slave.

 

 

Colleen faces her aggressors with raised fists. Her arms tremble and her hand still throbs. She can't help but grimace from the pain.

 

Colleen: I'm no one's slave.

 

The slavers march into the room. Two of them draw their weapons and fan out to either side, each sporting their own malicious grin. As they do, the slaver in the center chuckles.

 

 

Nord Slaver: Heh. You will be soon. Surround her.

 

Colleen firmly holds her ground as the slavers circle in.

 

 

A snarling orc plants his feet on her left.

 

 

To her right, a sly breton eyes her up and down and brandishes his greatsword.

 

 

Nord Slaver: We won't kill you, rest assured. But we have no qualms against harming you.

 

 

Breton Slaver: That ugly scar already lowers your worth. A few more won't make any difference.

 

 

Orc Slaver: Just give it up. We can all see how your arms shake.

 

 

Nord Slaver: You have three seconds to surrender. Three.

 

 

Nord Slaver: Two.

 

Colleen: Ow!

 

 

Colleen's head rings as it's shoved against one of the wooden shelves.

 

 

Nord Slaver: See? That wasn't so hard.

 

The breton slaver holding her down licks his lips.

 

 

Breton Slaver: This is the one we can fuck, right?

 

Colleen: Just try it and see what happens.

 

The nord slaver shakes his head.

 

Nord Slaver: Not until we turn her in to the boss.

 

 

He then peers at a piece of metal in the breton's hands. 

 

Nord Slaver: You're going to like this new device, by the way. It's perfect for new slaves.

 

Colleen attempts to retort, but grunts as the breton forces her elbows back behind her.

 

 

Breton Slaver: That's right. It keeps your hands free, but your arms nice and secure. Perfect for training purposes.

 

She can't even struggle as the cold steel encompasses her upper arms. The device pulls her elbows into one another, forcing her to arch her back. She does everything in her power to resist it, but a helpless moan escapes her lips anyway.

 

 

Breton Slaver: Ooh? You like this, huh? 

 

Colleen: Fuck you.

 

Breton Slaver: Heh. You'll be fun to train.

 

As the breton begins to secure the locks, the nord turns away and calls out to the orc slaver.

 

 

Nord Slaver: Found her yet?

 

The orc rummages through the crates, tearing off the lids and toppling barrels out of the way.

 

 

Orc Slaver: No. She's not here. Damn it!

 

Breton Slaver: Relax, fellas.

 

 

Breton Slaver: We'll find out where she is soon enough. Isn't that right...

 

 

Breton Slaver: ...slave?

 

To be continued in part 2...