Stowaway (4/6): Strange Sounds

Writers: Beth, Estelle
Date Posted: 10th September 2005

Characters: Ryndel, Reilina
Description: Ryndel discovers Reilina stowing away on the boat bound for Dolphin Cove Weyr
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 7, day 28 of Turn 3

Ryndel found sleep came surprisingly easily. Perhaps it was the gentle motion of the boat as it travelled downstream, or the soft rushing sound of the river as the waters parted before them, but he found he drifted quite easily into a dreamless slumber.

He and Jerhani were lucky to have a private cabin, since he was the ranking craftsman on this journey. The journeymen and hall staff were crammed into the other passenger cabins, while some of the older apprentices were left to sleep on deck. Fortunately the weather was warm, although rainclouds threatened, and the heat would only increase as they travelled north.

As he left his cabin in the late morning he met a startling sight - the captain and three burly men carrying wooden clubs.

"What's going on?"

"Dari here," and the captain pointed at one of the men, "heard some strange sounds in the hold. We've had trouble with stowaways before - people wanting free passage, criminals trying to escape the Lord Holder's justice. That's why the clubs...we can't be too careful."

"Maybe I should come and witness - if it's criminals," Ryndel said, frowning. They needed to get to the Weyr as quickly as possible, without being delayed by handing over some poor wretches to the Hold Guard.

"As you like, Hallsecond, but stay out of the way." The captain didn't look thrilled at having the harper along, but he apparently judged it unwise to offend the master harper and led the way down a ladder into the depths of the riverboat. Dari pointed out the door, and the captain motioned for silence, then abruptly flung the door open.

"Who's in here?" he demanded. "Show yourself!"

Reilina had found her boat journey quite pleasant up until this point. She'd learned about sneaking around enough that she'd gone seemingly unnoticed for a good few days. She'd thought she'd have to reveal herself at some point for food or toilets, but, up until now, it hadn't seemed necessary.
Suddenly, finding herself faced with large men with large clubs, revealing herself didn't seem like the best idea.

Reili backed farther into her corner and gave a small whimper. L.T. sensing her distress and the threat, launched himself into their faces, squawking.

The men yelled and flailed their arms, trying to drive the firelizard off, while the captain's face reddened with anger. "Cursed firelizards! I've got food stored in there - no doubt it's been stuffing itself silly since Emerald Falls."

Ryndel wasn't so sure - if the flit had merely been stealing, it would simply have gone /between/ to escape. This creature was defending somebody.
"Stand back - get back and it'll stop attacking you!"

The boatmen hurriedly obeyed, shoving each other out of the way in order to escape the beating wings and sharp claws. Ryndel approached warily, holding out both hands with palms up in the hope that he'd seem to pose no threat.
"Is someone in there? You can come out - you won't be hurt. You have my word," he added, earning himself a glare from the captain.

Reili hadn't wanted L.T. to throw himself at the men, fearing he'd be hurt, but he refused to come back to her until they backed off. Finally, he fluttered back to her, but he would not settle. She wasn't sure what to do next. This man seemed nicer, and he didn't have a club. Not wanting to cower, she stood up straight, stuck out her chin, and walked toward him. Her hands betrayed her, though, twisting each other at her waist.

Last updated on the September 11th 2005

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Stowaway (4/6): Strange Sounds