157 Weather (2/2)
Betucio raised a brow, surprised by the sudden change in topic.
”Official refers to King Pacha?”
”This official would never dare call a king a warmonger, or a traitor. Still, there is one matter Governor Betucio should be aware of: Back in Arcavia, Duke Herak of Balit was known as a selfish, greedy lord, a man who would shy at nothing to further his goals. In his pursuit of strength and power, he has burned down entire cities. So bad was his reputation that even his allies turned against him. This is advice for King Amautu, straight from his brother: Trust the easterners at your own risk. Give in to their allure and they will take everything, from all of us.”
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”I will be sure to relay those words.” All issues were discussed, and Betucio was ready to flee from this horrible prison Brym had built for protection. Thus, he bowed, said ”I wish you a good day,” and left for the door.
”You as well,” he heard from behind. For the first time, the merchant sounded tired, maybe closer to his true feelings than anything else he had said during their meeting. ”And I wish to see the sun again, feel the cool sea breeze on my skin. Let's hope this war ends soon and stops all our suffering.”
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”I could get used to this.” Bright light shone down onto Atau's face, as a cool sea breeze stroked his face. With a deep sigh, he scooched back in his recliner and reached for his drink. This far north, concepts like 'winter' didn't really exist anymore. There was only monsoon or no monsoon. Along the Bronze Coast, monsoons were rare anyways and the ocean cooled the hot region. Thus, the weather was almost always pleasant.
”Why not stay a while longer then? Trade stories? By the state of your ship, you really deserve some calmer times, Captain.” When Atau looked over, he found Lady Elenia sat in her own recliner. Unlike him, the middle-aged ruler of Tortureah wasn't slumped, but still graceful as ever.
”That'd be nice, but we're making good progress on the repairs.” He looked over to the pier in the distance, where the Homeward bobbed with the waves. All over, the ship was covered in his sailors. Ever since they had reached the harbor of Tortureah, his men had been hard at work to make their flagship seaworthy again. By now, the rudder was mostly repaired.
”How much longer?” the lady asked in a calm voice, though she failed to look at her guest.
”Maybe a day or two, then we have to make our way back south. Though we do appreciate the hospitality. I'll be sure to repay the favor soon.”
”No need,” Elenia waved off. ”Though despite your words, it appears we will not meet again in a long time. The distance to Arcavia is just too far.” At last she turned to look at Atau, her decision made. ”You could work for me, you know? Rather than for those barbarian merchants who send you all across the world. It would also free you from the constant persecution of the Borna fleet.”
”Wait, didn't I tell you?” Atau turned as well, annoyed at his own tardiness. How could he tell all those heroic tales of the great Captain, but fail to mention his new status all these days?
”Is there something you need to tell me, captain?”
”I'm no longer employed by the Fastgrade merchants.” Atau decided to leave out some details which would only create friction between them. After all, the lady had always looked down on the Arcavians. ”I'm working for the Kingdom of the South now.”
”...and where is this Kingdom of the South?” she asked after she had tried and failed to remember the position of the new kingdom.
”South, mostly,” Atau grinned and took another swig of his drink.
”South...” Elania mused. There were not many options south of the bronze coast, so she soon understood. ”Wait, do you mean Medala?”
”That's the one.”
”I thought you were exiled? Medala was even closed off to outsiders. Do they even have a fleet in the Weltalic Sea?”
”Well, things have changed a bit recently. Basically, the Arcavians are allowed to trade with Medala now, which is split into three kingdoms. Still, since I know the King of the South pretty well, I'm sure we can make an exception for you too, get you a trade deal. How's that sound for repaying my debt?”
”Tortureah is deeply grateful to the captain.” Although her speech was proper, there was a mischievous twinkle in Elania's eyes. ”Still,” A sudden sadness spread all over the lady's face, like clouds shoved in front of the sun. Even so, Atau wouldn't be fooled by a woman's tricks. ”A few trade goods will hardly help us in our battle against the northern barbarians.”
”To you, everyone is a barbarian, huh?”
”Only the uncivilized,” her smile returned, though her eyes still seemed worried. Rather than joke with the ruler of Tortureah, Atau decided to get some more information.
”Have the Riders been stirring again?” For the people of the bronze coast, the greatest threat had always been the strange tribes in the north, who rode into battle on bizarre beasts and would annihilate any town that wasn't defended by walls and armed to the teeth. From time to time, the Riders would double their efforts to kill and plunder. Maybe for the Bronze Coast, this was their monsoon.
”These are our troubles to solve,” Elania continued, though she glanced over to the captain. ”So we do not wish to impose on the southern kingdom.”
Atau sneered. How could he not understand this woman's plans? Still, striking a deal with benefits for both would only strengthen their relationship.
”In that case, how about this: I'll ask the King of the South for support. We can trade you weapons, maybe even mercenaries. We have some weapons designed specifically for defensive battles. Perfect to deal with the Riders. In return, I'd love to get some credit with you, so we can buy some supplies early.”
”You would do that?” the lady asked in an innocent voice, as if this wasn't the kind of answer she had pushed him towards.
”Of course. Who sits before you? It is no one but Atau di Pluritac, greatest navigator in the eastern world.”
”Who had his flagship destroyed,” Elania quipped.
In response, clouds gathered on Atau's face as well.
”On that front, the final word hasn't been spoken yet. Just wait, I'll be back in action soon. Then we'll see who is in charge of the Weltalic Sea.”
At this point, he wasn't talking to Elania anymore, and the sunshine of the Bronze Coast had been forgotten. Once he made his way back to Laqhis, they'd start their counter attack right away. Those Bornish wouldn't know what hit them.