Lark and the Slave Traders

We sailed toward the ship, a nondescript vessel with tanned sails and a pale wooden hull. Túta would occasionally step aside from steering to scout out those on the other boat. As we came closer, she shook her head with annoyance.

“I should have known, it’s bloody elves.”

“Elves? Are they known for trafficking?”

“Not any more than any other race. But elves are just awful.”

“You didn’t say anything about the guild master last night.”

“Well, she was paying us and not a complete arsehole.”

“It’s not a Dwarf hating Elf thing, is it? I don’t have time for racism on my ship.”

“Of course not!”

“Then what’s with your hostility towards other elves?”

She looked like she was grappling with the right words.

“It's not that I hate all elves, but as a dwarf, I was born with very limited mana. Elves, however, have an abundance of it. It means they often make better healers. I’ve worked my whole life twice as hard just to try and keep up with elves.”

“Oh, jealousy.” I rested my hand on her head. “You don’t need to be. They might have a higher mana capacity, but you are the best healer in the world.”

She blushed and mumbled. “Thank you.”

“You mentioned they had a lot of mana, does that mean we can expect them to attack us with spells?”

“If we have to fight, then I would say it is very likely.”

“If only there was a way to stop them from casting spells.”

“I could unleash my evil eye,” Pippa added, striking a pose with her hand in front of her eyepatch.

“Is spell disruption a skill you have?” I asked, doubting her slightly.

“I can stop one caster at a time,” she responded proudly.

I rested my hand on her shoulder.

“Then we will leave that to you.”

We approached the ship. Watching for any acts of aggression, they too were cautiously watching. If they attacked, it would mean they either had something valuable to protect or were transporting legal goods they didn't want pirates to get their hands on. But if they welcomed us aboard? That would be a sure sign they were dealing in illegal goods.

We pulled up alongside their ship. One of the elven men came over to greet us.

His golden blonde hair drooped as he held his head low, yet despite this demeanour of appearing meek, he had a sly smile. His crystal blue eyes felt like they were examining every inch of my body.

“You are pirates, correct?”

“That’s right. We saw your ship from a distance and got curious. What are you up to?”

The elf smiled twistedly.

“You’ve got a keen eye. We are transporting some goods you can’t find elsewhere. If you would like to take a look, you are more than welcome to come aboard. If you happen to see something that interests you, I am sure we can accommodate you.”

Although he was being cryptic, it was clear that whatever he was transporting was not on the legal side of the law. The likelihood of the merchandise being slaves increased. I opted not to ask what their product was, as it might signal our inexperience. I didn't want to give them anything to work with. Besides, seeing their ship firsthand and boarding it would provide us with a slightly better chance of overpowering them.

“I would certainly be keen to see what you have.”

“Then please, come aboard.”

We boarded the ship and glanced around, counting at least twenty elven men. They all eyed us, but especially Pippa and Túta. I shot them a warning look, and they backed off.

An elf draped in a lavish green embroidered cloak stepped forward. He wore rings on every finger and a golden headband that accentuated his silky platinum hair. His green eyes were like a snake's in that they were beautiful yet also completely untrustworthy.

“Greetings pirates. Let me introduce myself. I am Tassarion Presgeiros of the Presgeiros Merchant Company and owner of this ship.”

He extended his hand, but I didn’t take it.

“Captain Lark. I heard you have some quality merchandise aboard.”

“Captain Lark? Can’t say I have heard that name before.” He grinned slightly. I could tell it was a mocking smirk, but I didn’t say anything. “If you are here for our merchandise, I am certain we will be able to assist. We store our product below deck.”

The elf who welcomed us aboard spoke up.

“I am Thallan Elatris, Mr Presgeiros’ Operations Assistant.” He bowed. “If you would follow me, I will show you what we have on offer.”

We started to follow him, but he halted, turning back to face us.

“Oh my, I’m terribly sorry, but may I ask only one of you to follow me and the rest of you to stay up here?”

“Alright, I will go alone,” I responded before Túta could protest.

Túta reluctantly nodded, and Pippa happily skipped off to follow her.

“Alright, please follow me,” Thallan commented, signalling to follow him.

I followed the elven man down the wooden steps below the deck. The chamber had been fitted out as a jail cell. Children and women were locked up in cages, with metal chains around their necks and hands. They all looked malnourished and possessed a certain dead look in their eyes.

The horrors they must have experienced. It made me feel sick.

“Do you know what item you are interested in?”

I had to hold in my rage. I wanted to strike down this bastard, but I knew it wasn’t the right time.

“Let me look around before I make my decision,” I replied without looking at him. I couldn't because I knew if I did, I would kill him.

“Of course, we guarantee that whatever you pick will more than satisfy your desires.”

I glanced back at the cells. I locked eyes with a young girl, no more than six years old. She was battered and bruised all over, wearing nothing but rags. She was clutching at a stuffed bunny that was missing one of its legs.

“Ah, if that one is to your taste, I’m sure we can arrange an appropriate price that will please you.”

“Please, take me instead of her. She is just a child.” One of the gaunt women screamed. A few of the others began to make quiet noises in agreement.

“Shut up!” Thallan screamed at her.

He waved his hand, and a magical sigil appeared. A second later, an icicle appeared before flying into the woman's arm. Blood began to pour onto the ground, and everyone else fell silent in fear.

“My apologies for this rude interruption. Now then, was it the child you wanted?” The elf smirked smugly.

“Yeah… I think I’ve seen what I wanted to see.”

In a single motion, I pulled out my cutlass and struck down the elf. The only reaction from him was a look of surprise before he fell dead.

“Listen up, I may be a pirate, but I would never stoop as low as these jerks. You don’t have to worry anymore, my crew and I will defeat these bastards.”

“You…” A voice called out.

I turned my head towards it.

A muscular elven woman was locked in a cell of her own. Her blond hair was matted, and she wore torn rags that looked almost like animal pelts. Unlike the other prisoners who were bound only around their necks and wrists, she was also restrained by her ankles. But unlike the other captives, there was still fire burning in her eyes.

“If you pass me my axes over there, I'll help you cut down these bastards.”

▪──── X ────▪

End of chapter 15