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sidhe_faerieSmuggling
Word Count: 1968
GYWO Stop Challenge #1
The Dragon’s Wing, a ship from Lemuria anchored at the docks of Ren. The ship was full of silk and exotic spices heading for the trading post in the center of Ren’s capital city of Allize.
The red sails and the dragon on the bow stood out among the plain wooden ships docked there. There was nothing unusual about a ship from Lemuria arriving in Ren. This was just one of many ships from that exotic land that had come and gone over the years.
Except this time the Dragon’s Wing had very special cargo in its hold. Cargo that was illegal in Ren.
Hancock Warden, the captain of the ship walked out on the deck and looked over the docks. He had made the journey many times but this time it was different.
He was taking a risk even coming to Ren with the cargo in his hold. He knew that if he was caught, he and his crew would be killed. The crime of transporting magickal creatures was punishable by death.
The captain’s nerves started to get the best of him. He turned to his first mate. “Get the cargo unloaded. I want to get away from here as soon as possible.”
“What about our friends in the hold?” The sailor asked. “The quartermaster could inspect the ship.”
“I doubt Master Barnaby would go to the trouble. He has no reason to suspect us of anything. Keep them hidden. We need to get them to the sanctuary as soon as we can.” The captain looked around. “Unload the goods as fast as you can. They are waiting for our friends in Zestra.”
“Aya Captain.” The first mate rushed below to see to the off-loading of the silk and the spices.
Captain Warden saw a friendly face approaching the ship on the docks. He smiled when his friend waved at him. “Grim Ranger, what are you doing here? Come aboard my friend.”
Grim grinned as he walked up the gangway. “Warden, you old sea dog. Running the waves with silk again?”
“Yes.” The captain chuckled. “It’s the most profitable.”
“Ladies got to have their dresses, I suppose.” Grim came to stand beside Hancock on the deck. He looked around. “Did you bring them?”
“Yes. They are in the hold.” The captain answered quietly. “What are you doing in Ren? Isn’t it dangerous for you to be here … Shadow Walker?”
“Not so loud.” Grim looked around. “As long as I don’t use my powers, no one will know that I’m not a human. I was sent by the matrons of the sanctuary to make sure your cargo gets to them unharmed.”
“You know they were not happy traveling in that crate. They are going to be in a foul mood once they are let out.” The captain watched as his sailors unloaded the ship. “I wouldn’t want to be there when that happens.”
“I have a lot of experience with them and the matrons will be there to calm them.” Grim chuckled. “You would be surprised at the things I have seen their kind do. Did you know they eat macaroni and cheese?”
Hancock laughed. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope. They also have a taste for apple cider too.” Grim smiled. “You haven’t seen one drunk. It’s hilarious.”
Hancock laughed. “I don’t think I want to. I am only doing this because of a debt I owe to Empress Mu. They were her pets but it’s not safe for them there. The Empress fears that Lemuria will soon fall as Atlantis did.”
“Atlantis didn’t fall. It exploded.” Grim corrected his friend. “The High Priestess of Una lost her grandparents when the twin towers came down.”
“You are friends with the high priestess of una?” Hancock wrinkled his brow. “What is she like? I hear she is part dragon.”
“She is half Draconian.” Grim chuckled. “She’s a good friend. I met her through her sister.”
“The Lady of Alban Isle? I hear she is quite the beauty.” Hancock asked.
“No not her. The faerie. Queen Gaylen Endora of the Tuathe.” Grim grinned. “Lady. Aura has two sisters. I have fought alongside her sister, Endora, many times. She is a fearsome warrior.”
“They sound like three impressive women.” Captain frowned.
“That’s one way to put it.” Grim chuckled.
The first mate came back to the captain. “Captain, we are unloaded and ready to shove off. All that’s left to do is pay a visit to the quartermaster.”
“I will go register the goods with Master Barnaby then we can get underway again.” Hancock looked at his friend. “Walk with me, Grim.”
The two captains walked down the gangway to the quartermaster’s office.
“Barnaby, where are you, old man?” Captain Warden glanced at Grim.
“Captain Warden and Captain Ranger. This must be my unlucky day.” The round faced portly man chuckled as he came out of a back room.
“Do you have the book ready for me to sign?” Captain Warden asked.
Barnaby pointed to a large ledger on the counter. “It’s just waiting for your mark. I was surprised that there wasn’t as much as you usually have this time. I hope that doesn’t mean there’s going to be shortages.”
“No. I just wanted to be a little lighter to get here faster before the weather turned. The seas are rough this time of year.” Captain Warden signed the book. “I need to get going. I have one more stop. I have a shipment for the lands to the west. It seems that the ladies there like their silk dresses as well.”
Barnaby laughed. As long as they have a man to pay for it, heh? Be on your way before the tide changes. Safe journey Captain Handcock. To you as well Captain Ranger.”
Grim nodded and smiled.
“Until I see you again, Barnaby.” Captain Warden tipped his hat to the man.
The two captains left the quartermaster’s office and headed back to the docks in silence.
When they reached the gangway of the Dragon’s Wing, Grim Ranger turned to Captain Warden. “Weigh your anchor and follow me to the cove. You can find off load the rest of your cargo.”
“Will do.” Captain Warden smiled. “Will your people be waiting in the cove?”
“Yes. The matrons are probably there already. They are quite impatient and a little growly if they have to wait too long.” Grim patted the captain on the shoulder. “We had better hurry before they get hungry. Macaroni and cheese isn’t the only thing dragons eat.”
“I thought the matrons were human.” Hancock scowled.
“No.” Grim shook his head. “They are draconian. They keep the dragon form to raise the little hatchlings but when they leave the sanctuary they take their human form.”
“We should hurry.” Captain Warden nodded and went up the gangway.
Both ships were underway within the hour. Grim’s ship the Phoenix led the way around the coast of Ogham-Duir to Dragon tall cove.
As the Dragon’s Wing entered the cove, Captain Warden glanced to space in the open water where the island of Atlantis had once been. A chill crept down his back. He had only heard of the fall of Lemuria’s sister world. He couldn’t imagine being this close when the fateful day had occurred.
“Captain! Look!” The first mate handed him a spyglass and pointed to the shoreline.
Captain Warden looked through the glass. On the shore, three dragons were waiting. One of them was small and wingless. He took a deep breath the steady his nerves.
“Get us as close to the shore as possible. Let’s get these dragons off my ship.” Captain Warden looked through the glass again. “I can’t believe I agreed to this.”
The ship sailed as close to the shore as possible. As soon as they dropped anchor two of the dragons on the shore rose into the air.
“Captain! What are they doing?” The first mate went pale. Are they going to attack us?
“I don’t know.” Captain Warden turned to his crew. “Everyone! Put down your weapons. Do not attack them. Stand back and give them room.”
The red and gold dragon landed lightly on the deck and turned into a woman. The sliver and blue dragon followed suit. Both women walked up to the captain.
“Captain Warden? I am Lady Aura, High Priestess of Una.” The dark haired woman introduced herself. “This is Lady Na. She is a matron at the sanctuary. I believe you have two amoogie dragons in your hold for us from Empress Mu.”
“Uh… yes My Lady. They have traveled in a crate they may be a little upset.” Captain Warden still couldn’t believe just a few seconds ago the dark haired woman had been a red and gold dragon.
“I am from their homeland. I will speak to them.” Lady Na bowed and walked towards the hold.
“Okay…” Captain Warden watched the slight woman go down the ladder. He turned to Lady Aura. “Will she be okay down there?”
“She has been a matron since the sanctuary was created.” Aura smiled. “I’m sure this is all a little unnerving. Grim says you are a silk merchant.”
“I just haul it.” Captain Warden blushed. “May I ask… Does it hurt when you change form?”
“When I was a young child it did but as I got older it became easier.” Aura smiled. “I am only half Draconian. I think that was why it was difficult for me at first. My father didn’t believe I would shift at all but I was determined.”
“I can just imagine how determined you must have been.” The captain smiled. A movement caught his eye. He stepped back in surprise at the two dragons walking alongside Lady Na.
“I have spoken with them. They wish to thank you for bringing them to safety.” Lady Na bowed. “I will take them now.”
“Thank you Lady Na.” Aura bowed.
Lady Na shifted into dragon form and then lifted into the air. She picked up the smaller dragons with her talons and flew to the cliff at the edge of the cove.
“Incredible.” Captain Warden whispered in awe.
“You and your crew are welcome to come ashore. Ogham-Duir is a wonderful place to visit.” Aura looked around at the faces of the crew.
“I would be honored to visit, My Lady.” The captain tipped his hat.
“I’m pleased. Have your men follow the crew of the Phoenix.” Aura hesitated for a moment. “Please be careful. There are many creatures that call Ogham-Duir their home.” She glanced back to the shore and smiled. “One more thing… Don’t buy a certain dragon with a broken horn a hard cider. He tends to scorch things when he gets the hiccups. “
“Yes My Lady.” The captain looked at the shore as the small dragon greeted Grim Ranger with a wagging tail.
Aura followed his gaze and smiled. “He is Myrden. He is one of the original ten dragon hatchlings brought to Ogham-Duir by Lord Aster. Lord Aster was my great uncle.”
“He’s like a great big puppy.” Captain warden smiled.
Aura laughed. “Mydren and I just came from the sanctuary. He was staying there for a while to visit with Myra. She is another of the original ten.”
“This is quiet an unusual place.” The captain chuckled.
“I agree.” Aura smiled. “I will leave you now. Welcome Captain Warden to you and your crew.”
Aura transformed into a red and gold dragon and lifted off the deck of the ship. She flew toward the shore with grace.
The captain turned toward his first mate. “Choose lots for shore leave. We are going to visit a land of magick and dragons.”
“Aye.” The first mate smiled. “Gather around swabbies. We are going on an adventure.”
“An adventure indeed.” Captain Warden laughed.
Word Count: 1968
GYWO Stop Challenge #1
The Dragon’s Wing, a ship from Lemuria anchored at the docks of Ren. The ship was full of silk and exotic spices heading for the trading post in the center of Ren’s capital city of Allize.
The red sails and the dragon on the bow stood out among the plain wooden ships docked there. There was nothing unusual about a ship from Lemuria arriving in Ren. This was just one of many ships from that exotic land that had come and gone over the years.
Except this time the Dragon’s Wing had very special cargo in its hold. Cargo that was illegal in Ren.
Hancock Warden, the captain of the ship walked out on the deck and looked over the docks. He had made the journey many times but this time it was different.
He was taking a risk even coming to Ren with the cargo in his hold. He knew that if he was caught, he and his crew would be killed. The crime of transporting magickal creatures was punishable by death.
The captain’s nerves started to get the best of him. He turned to his first mate. “Get the cargo unloaded. I want to get away from here as soon as possible.”
“What about our friends in the hold?” The sailor asked. “The quartermaster could inspect the ship.”
“I doubt Master Barnaby would go to the trouble. He has no reason to suspect us of anything. Keep them hidden. We need to get them to the sanctuary as soon as we can.” The captain looked around. “Unload the goods as fast as you can. They are waiting for our friends in Zestra.”
“Aya Captain.” The first mate rushed below to see to the off-loading of the silk and the spices.
Captain Warden saw a friendly face approaching the ship on the docks. He smiled when his friend waved at him. “Grim Ranger, what are you doing here? Come aboard my friend.”
Grim grinned as he walked up the gangway. “Warden, you old sea dog. Running the waves with silk again?”
“Yes.” The captain chuckled. “It’s the most profitable.”
“Ladies got to have their dresses, I suppose.” Grim came to stand beside Hancock on the deck. He looked around. “Did you bring them?”
“Yes. They are in the hold.” The captain answered quietly. “What are you doing in Ren? Isn’t it dangerous for you to be here … Shadow Walker?”
“Not so loud.” Grim looked around. “As long as I don’t use my powers, no one will know that I’m not a human. I was sent by the matrons of the sanctuary to make sure your cargo gets to them unharmed.”
“You know they were not happy traveling in that crate. They are going to be in a foul mood once they are let out.” The captain watched as his sailors unloaded the ship. “I wouldn’t want to be there when that happens.”
“I have a lot of experience with them and the matrons will be there to calm them.” Grim chuckled. “You would be surprised at the things I have seen their kind do. Did you know they eat macaroni and cheese?”
Hancock laughed. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope. They also have a taste for apple cider too.” Grim smiled. “You haven’t seen one drunk. It’s hilarious.”
Hancock laughed. “I don’t think I want to. I am only doing this because of a debt I owe to Empress Mu. They were her pets but it’s not safe for them there. The Empress fears that Lemuria will soon fall as Atlantis did.”
“Atlantis didn’t fall. It exploded.” Grim corrected his friend. “The High Priestess of Una lost her grandparents when the twin towers came down.”
“You are friends with the high priestess of una?” Hancock wrinkled his brow. “What is she like? I hear she is part dragon.”
“She is half Draconian.” Grim chuckled. “She’s a good friend. I met her through her sister.”
“The Lady of Alban Isle? I hear she is quite the beauty.” Hancock asked.
“No not her. The faerie. Queen Gaylen Endora of the Tuathe.” Grim grinned. “Lady. Aura has two sisters. I have fought alongside her sister, Endora, many times. She is a fearsome warrior.”
“They sound like three impressive women.” Captain frowned.
“That’s one way to put it.” Grim chuckled.
The first mate came back to the captain. “Captain, we are unloaded and ready to shove off. All that’s left to do is pay a visit to the quartermaster.”
“I will go register the goods with Master Barnaby then we can get underway again.” Hancock looked at his friend. “Walk with me, Grim.”
The two captains walked down the gangway to the quartermaster’s office.
“Barnaby, where are you, old man?” Captain Warden glanced at Grim.
“Captain Warden and Captain Ranger. This must be my unlucky day.” The round faced portly man chuckled as he came out of a back room.
“Do you have the book ready for me to sign?” Captain Warden asked.
Barnaby pointed to a large ledger on the counter. “It’s just waiting for your mark. I was surprised that there wasn’t as much as you usually have this time. I hope that doesn’t mean there’s going to be shortages.”
“No. I just wanted to be a little lighter to get here faster before the weather turned. The seas are rough this time of year.” Captain Warden signed the book. “I need to get going. I have one more stop. I have a shipment for the lands to the west. It seems that the ladies there like their silk dresses as well.”
Barnaby laughed. As long as they have a man to pay for it, heh? Be on your way before the tide changes. Safe journey Captain Handcock. To you as well Captain Ranger.”
Grim nodded and smiled.
“Until I see you again, Barnaby.” Captain Warden tipped his hat to the man.
The two captains left the quartermaster’s office and headed back to the docks in silence.
When they reached the gangway of the Dragon’s Wing, Grim Ranger turned to Captain Warden. “Weigh your anchor and follow me to the cove. You can find off load the rest of your cargo.”
“Will do.” Captain Warden smiled. “Will your people be waiting in the cove?”
“Yes. The matrons are probably there already. They are quite impatient and a little growly if they have to wait too long.” Grim patted the captain on the shoulder. “We had better hurry before they get hungry. Macaroni and cheese isn’t the only thing dragons eat.”
“I thought the matrons were human.” Hancock scowled.
“No.” Grim shook his head. “They are draconian. They keep the dragon form to raise the little hatchlings but when they leave the sanctuary they take their human form.”
“We should hurry.” Captain Warden nodded and went up the gangway.
Both ships were underway within the hour. Grim’s ship the Phoenix led the way around the coast of Ogham-Duir to Dragon tall cove.
As the Dragon’s Wing entered the cove, Captain Warden glanced to space in the open water where the island of Atlantis had once been. A chill crept down his back. He had only heard of the fall of Lemuria’s sister world. He couldn’t imagine being this close when the fateful day had occurred.
“Captain! Look!” The first mate handed him a spyglass and pointed to the shoreline.
Captain Warden looked through the glass. On the shore, three dragons were waiting. One of them was small and wingless. He took a deep breath the steady his nerves.
“Get us as close to the shore as possible. Let’s get these dragons off my ship.” Captain Warden looked through the glass again. “I can’t believe I agreed to this.”
The ship sailed as close to the shore as possible. As soon as they dropped anchor two of the dragons on the shore rose into the air.
“Captain! What are they doing?” The first mate went pale. Are they going to attack us?
“I don’t know.” Captain Warden turned to his crew. “Everyone! Put down your weapons. Do not attack them. Stand back and give them room.”
The red and gold dragon landed lightly on the deck and turned into a woman. The sliver and blue dragon followed suit. Both women walked up to the captain.
“Captain Warden? I am Lady Aura, High Priestess of Una.” The dark haired woman introduced herself. “This is Lady Na. She is a matron at the sanctuary. I believe you have two amoogie dragons in your hold for us from Empress Mu.”
“Uh… yes My Lady. They have traveled in a crate they may be a little upset.” Captain Warden still couldn’t believe just a few seconds ago the dark haired woman had been a red and gold dragon.
“I am from their homeland. I will speak to them.” Lady Na bowed and walked towards the hold.
“Okay…” Captain Warden watched the slight woman go down the ladder. He turned to Lady Aura. “Will she be okay down there?”
“She has been a matron since the sanctuary was created.” Aura smiled. “I’m sure this is all a little unnerving. Grim says you are a silk merchant.”
“I just haul it.” Captain Warden blushed. “May I ask… Does it hurt when you change form?”
“When I was a young child it did but as I got older it became easier.” Aura smiled. “I am only half Draconian. I think that was why it was difficult for me at first. My father didn’t believe I would shift at all but I was determined.”
“I can just imagine how determined you must have been.” The captain smiled. A movement caught his eye. He stepped back in surprise at the two dragons walking alongside Lady Na.
“I have spoken with them. They wish to thank you for bringing them to safety.” Lady Na bowed. “I will take them now.”
“Thank you Lady Na.” Aura bowed.
Lady Na shifted into dragon form and then lifted into the air. She picked up the smaller dragons with her talons and flew to the cliff at the edge of the cove.
“Incredible.” Captain Warden whispered in awe.
“You and your crew are welcome to come ashore. Ogham-Duir is a wonderful place to visit.” Aura looked around at the faces of the crew.
“I would be honored to visit, My Lady.” The captain tipped his hat.
“I’m pleased. Have your men follow the crew of the Phoenix.” Aura hesitated for a moment. “Please be careful. There are many creatures that call Ogham-Duir their home.” She glanced back to the shore and smiled. “One more thing… Don’t buy a certain dragon with a broken horn a hard cider. He tends to scorch things when he gets the hiccups. “
“Yes My Lady.” The captain looked at the shore as the small dragon greeted Grim Ranger with a wagging tail.
Aura followed his gaze and smiled. “He is Myrden. He is one of the original ten dragon hatchlings brought to Ogham-Duir by Lord Aster. Lord Aster was my great uncle.”
“He’s like a great big puppy.” Captain warden smiled.
Aura laughed. “Mydren and I just came from the sanctuary. He was staying there for a while to visit with Myra. She is another of the original ten.”
“This is quiet an unusual place.” The captain chuckled.
“I agree.” Aura smiled. “I will leave you now. Welcome Captain Warden to you and your crew.”
Aura transformed into a red and gold dragon and lifted off the deck of the ship. She flew toward the shore with grace.
The captain turned toward his first mate. “Choose lots for shore leave. We are going to visit a land of magick and dragons.”
“Aye.” The first mate smiled. “Gather around swabbies. We are going on an adventure.”
“An adventure indeed.” Captain Warden laughed.