Chapter 15
The Creed of the Chosen
Word of a Scoundrel
‘Let me get this straight,’ began Commander Coop while eyeing the lay of a great fortress through the lens of a small spyglass, ‘the best plan that you can come up with to secretly enter this fort, retrieve our deserting party and simply slip away into the sunset unnoticed... is to walk up to the front door and knock on it?’
‘Yes, Sir,’ replied Officer Weasel innocently, ‘on account that it would be the last thing that any one would expect, Sir.’
‘Anything else?’ he asked sarcastically.
‘Well, come to think of it... I have been wondering about one or two slightly troublesome parts of my plan, Sir?’
‘And that would be?’
‘Well,’ tried Officer Weasel, deep in thought, ‘instead of just walking up to the front door and knocking on it – which I have just come to realise that it may not be as full proof as first thought – perhaps we should try a more sound approach, Sir?’
‘Like sneaking into a sewerage system, using its slightly narrow tunnel ways to infiltrate our target without being notice?’
‘No, Sir... I was just thinking of ringing the door bell instead – just in case they don’t hear us knocking?’
‘Does the phrase “you mindless git” mean anything to you?’ fumed Commander Coop, ‘Oh never mind, we’ll just have to do this the hard way – sneak up behind the first guard we see, kick him roughly somewhere between the left and right thigh... and run like Hell!’ He shook his head in disbelief, ‘the front door, ha, there’s not a living thing in this world that would try something as crazy as that.’
A door of iron stood within the heart of a great stone archway. A metal hand reached out. Captain Silver knocked twice... what else could he do?
‘Are you sure this will work, Cap–em?’ asked his trusted First Mate while nervously looking about.
‘Aye, Number One,’ he replied, ‘once we gain entry to this fine wee establishment, swiftly shall we locate our prize and depart in an orderly fashion. You just make sure to leave those chocolates and that cleverly formed silhouette card behind.’
‘But, Cap–em,’ tried Number One unsurely as Captain Silver gave another knock, impatiently waiting for a reply, ‘surely such fashioned a plan as this could see ourselves be captive; just plainly walking through the front door and all?’
‘Aye, we would be in agreement, Number One,’ he replied, ‘but our absconders await and dare we not waste a moment more. If need be, we may be able to broker a deal with whomever should be the fair godly ruler within?’ He glanced at his First Mate, ‘I’m sure you will make a fine farewell gift...’
At a reserved bid of seven dollars and a few spear parts, he was sure to fetch a good price.
‘I don’t think they’re going to let us in, Cap–em?’ replied his First Mate, slightly relieved with himself while attempting to walk away – Thud! – Finding himself squashed between a mailbox and one very stubborn face of rock, may have suggested differently?
The door creek loose... Promptly, he fell to the ground.
‘You see,’ began Captain Silver most delightedly, ‘I told you that it would work.’
‘Aye, Cap–em...’ moaned his First Mate, ‘but it looks like the chocolates are off the menu?’
Slowly, Captain Silver stepped into a vast tunnel of shadow. The air seemed lifeless and the earth and walls lay bare, but for a moment it was as thought something did move or creep within?
Whatever it was, Captain Silver didn’t like it, ‘UPS – We’ve got a package people,’ he tried aloud, ‘any of ye wee rascals care to sign ones oath of worth?’
Nothing, nothing but a fade of echo to silence... Captain Silver shrugged his frame; it was worth a shot... suddenly a long crescent edge of stone crossed his path from seemingly of nowhere?!
Captain Silver’s eye patch popped up in surprise. Clearly it was the sharpest reply he had ever witnessed!
‘Name thou nature of want?’ said a voice.
‘One merely seeks lost property as such,’ said Captain Silver innocently.
‘What be its kind?’
‘The kind that has two legs and is eager to walk,’ he replied, ‘perhaps if you would be so willing, a certain agreement could be reached for I’d be honourable in such ways?’
Reluctantly, his First Mate presented himself for inspection. Out from the shadow did glow a set of fiery eyes, the wall now beginning to take the form of a great being of earth, ‘here, such would hold no soul nor price deemed worthy,’ said the Sand Raider, ‘for that is the only reason thou has not been taken long before now.’
Just as Captain Silver had feared; they were going to drive a hard bargain. ‘Then let us wage this if such an agreement cannot be reach,’ he began while producing for a coin, ‘a fair game of chance...best of three?’
Slam!
A steal gate closed firmly. Captain Silver and his First Mate began to acquaint themselves with their new surroundings. As prison cells went these days, it wasn’t all that bad.
‘Cures such rotten luck as ours to be, for I swear he’d pick tails?’ said Captain Silver bemusedly.
‘Best we take a wee look around, Cap–em,’ suggested his First Mate, ‘see what locals be here?’
Captain Silver turned to eye his surroundings. He hadn’t quite expected to find a small finger wedged between his lenses?
‘I don’t believe the nerve of you two guys showing up like this?’ said a frantic voice, ‘do you have any idea what I have been put through all because of you?’
‘Number One?!’ screeched Captain Silver.
‘Aye, Cap–em?’
‘What be this creature?’ he asked, puzzlement glinting in his lens.
‘A one Cara of the Celtic Meadows I believe, Cap–em,’ replied his First Mate, furiously flicking through the tattered pages of his notepad to conform his suspicion, ‘one of our absconders if it be such fortune as ours to believe, Cap–em.’
She seemed troublesome. He would have to make this brief.
‘I’m afraid there is the small mater of the bill to pay,’ said Captain Silver, his First Mate promptly presenting a piece of paper to her, ‘if you would kindly sign, we’ll be on our way.’
‘Bill? – What bill?’ she screeched, ‘Hell no, you picked the wrong sister at the wrong time, Mister – I ain’t signing no bill?!’
‘Would you ever just keep it down,’ interrupted Suzan, ‘it’s bad enough to be stuck here without having to listen to you as well!’
‘Oh I’m sorry,’ she replied before storming off in a huff, muttering, ‘excuse me for having an invested interest in the rights of consumer affairs. Everybody’s just tripping if they think that this sister is some kind of fool.’
Suzan sighed, displeased with the idea of being held captive once again. However, Estaru’s mind was seemingly elsewhere, his sight cast to the warmth of day beyond the iron view of their cell. ‘You will have to forgive my companions,’ he said, ‘but tell me... where is your ship?’
‘Repairs,’ replied the Captain’s First Mate, ‘after the storm and all...’
‘Aye,’ began Captain Silver, leaving out the notion of mutiny for reasons of embarrassment, ‘it would be fair to say that unless we do solemnly return with our absconders, they’ll not come for Captain nor scoundrel alike.’
‘And if I were to aid you in such favour of crew,’ he asked, ‘what then?’
‘Just what are you getting at?’ asked Morku worriedly, ‘you’re not going to try and sell us out are you?’
‘Not us,’ replied Estaru, ‘but rather... a princess.’
‘A princess you say,’ thought Captain Silver, eyeing Suzan with greed, ‘for it’s true that the beauty of our client’s cargo does lie before me so?’
‘I knew it!’ she fumed in betrayal, ‘I knew we couldn’t trust you. You really are nothing but a rogue. Why you’re just a cheap fitly, faceless...’
‘A prize l
ike that would fetch quite a price, would it not?’ he continued, his hand covering Suzan’s mouth in an effort the keep her quiet, ‘and I’d wage that such an opportunistic man as yourself would be open to some kind of arrangement. Of course, should we work together in order that I may leave this ungodly place?’ He glanced at Morku unkindly, ‘I will even throw in the dwarf for free if you like?’
‘Why of all the rotten scoundrels in this fair world,’ said Captain Silver, ‘you’d be my kind of guy. But what makes you think that I need such aid, for I could send signal to my ship and be away with absconders and all?’
‘The boy...’ simply replied Estaru.
‘Ah, for you know then that both are required and I see not her prince before me?’ he conceded, ‘maybe the princess is right; such devilish a will of heart you truly have.’
‘Once my freedom is seen too,’ said Estaru, ‘I give you the word of one scoundrel to another that you shall have him.’
‘Then it seems we do have such an agreement,’ stated Captain Silver before eyeing the elf with warn, ‘you will bring the boy to me, less our honour be parted by treachery of fools.’
‘Oh you’ve gone and done it now, Mister,’ yelled Cara in disbelief, ‘I’m Irish – We’re crazy people and I’m about to have me some fun!’
‘Ach wee crivens,’ added the Magical Lock, ‘just let me at the wee lit’ill minx!’
‘You need not concern yourselves with such affairs!’ said Estaru, before turning to the Captain with equal warn, saying, ‘I will keep my word... as well you.’
Somewhere underneath that fake beard Captain Silver smiled. Out from his shoulder a small aerial transmitter rose, layered with panels which slid about its top in a circler motion as each connected to the next. And a red light bleeped to the rhythm of Morse code. Word of recapture and location was duly sent forth – Beep?! – An odd series of bleeps drifted back and forth – Beep–Beep... Beep–Beep–Beep... Beep... Beep–Beep!
His First Mate decoded its meaning; replying when understood.
‘Well?’ asked Captain Silver curiously.
‘Just a sec...?’ – Beep... Beep–Beep... Beep! – ‘All most there...?’ – Beep–Beep! He scratched his head, a final – Beep! – ending the transmission, ‘sorry, Cap–em, but wrong Number?’ he conceded. It was either that or they were now the proud new owners of a small laundry shop in Chinatown – Beep! – He listened carefully for a brief moment, adding, ‘anybody for a fresh pair of Long Johns?’
Captain Silver threw his sights to the heavens. Personally, he preferred a pair of well used Wide Fronts himself.
Meanwhile, with repairs complete, Captain Sliver’s crew was busy catching up on a long deserved period of R&R. And what better way to start a new day, than giving chase to a three headed dragon and four dwarves.
After all, they could do with the extra cash!
But first they would have to catch their prize. However, this particular client was proving to be one slippery fiend. The air–nets weren’t working. And if it wasn’t for those blasted canyon valleys with their sharp turns and narrow ways, they would surely have captured this dragon by now. But Droc son of Oric had a plan. He didn’t need to out run this ship; no, he needed to follow it. Boldly shifting toward the open air, he did steer the mighty force of the dragon toward the pirate’s ship.
Calling all hands to deck, Captain Silver’s crew swiftly began manning the frontal cannons, nets and spear–lines once more. The dragon shot passed once? – Twice? – Even for a third time? When at last it did cross sail to hull of ship... disappearing completely out of sight?!
All eyes scouted for a sign, but not a trace could be found. Quite simply, it had vanished.
Beep–Beep... Beep–Beep–Beep... Beep... Beep...
A massage came over the radio. It was Captain Silver and he did bring news of good fortune. With one last gaze across the sky for those of such bewildering escape, it was time to resume their orderly duty. But just where did that blasted dragon disappear to? – And who called shotgun on the Long Johns?
Estaru made his way back to the iron window of their holding cell, gazing somewhere beyond its sunlit view once more.
‘You turned out to be a real piece of work,’ said Suzan, whom came now to his side, ‘and like I keep tell everyone, I’m not a real princess.’
‘You may not prove of my ways,’ he replied quietly, ‘but soon you will be free of this land, and you need never lay sight upon me again if you so wish.’
‘Oh I wish indeed,’ she replied with anger, ‘I wish that I could have gotten us out of here before you would have your way.’
‘Getting out of here is not the problem, young lady,’ he replied while popping the iron of window loose from its ledge, ‘the problem is trying to get across the many dunes of this land, which the creatures of this earth roam so freely upon?’
‘What do you mean?’ she asked.
‘We would never make it far for across the earth they may follow – but within the sky,’ he gestured, ‘now that is something entirely different altogether?’
‘So I played my part while you bargained like a scoundrel for hope of a ship?’
‘And the problem with a scoundrel,’ confirmed Estaru, ‘is that they never keep their word...’
Suzan smiled. For the first time she was truly beginning to understand the mind of this wild elf.
Outside many slaves moved in chain beneath the midday sun. And none could show weakness nor means of rebellion, for they were forever under the watch of Sand Raiders and that of their beastly jackals. But unknown to all, a small gathering of Lion Men moved with care to remain unseen...
Wrapped partly in lengths of cloth to conceal their true identity, Kimchiku and his braves moved silently throughout the Creed. But Zack had followed – it had been against Kimchiku’s wish, but he also knew that they had come too far now to turn back. However, Zack was amazed by the build of worship before him. The realm of the Creed was a vast setting of pyramids, columns and structures lined with gigantic statues; heads of beasts crafted in form of guard to honour their keeper. And most lay wrapped within a maze of platforms, slaves and chain and the whip of master. But within the chaos of labour Kimchiku and his braves could easily move unnoticed. And the narrow alleyways and back streets – looming within the shadow of a great capstone suspended by a sea of rope high above – gave aid to avoid detection too when needed. Keeping low they would cross from inlet to inlet, slipping beneath the wheels of a cart to the cover of wall beyond. And in the distance Kimchiku could see the cells of his captive kin. Quickly, he beckoned his braves onward. Leaving the cover of narrow streets, they attempted to free their kin.
To their timely leave, the earth upon which they once stood slowly began to move? A round metal lid slide to one side, ‘right,’ began Commander Coop, climbing out from a small hole in the ground, ‘just remember to stick to the plan – In and out of here quicker than some silly red caped crusader, trying to rescue a one armed man hanging of a cliff within a rather embarrassing itch...got it?’
‘Yes, Sir.’
‘Good,’ he replied, taking a quick glance at the hole they had just climbed through, ‘and let’s just hope for your sake, Weasel, that someone doesn’t flush the toilets around here before we make ready our escape. Otherwise, it’s sushi with a twist for you. And mark my words; it will be very raw indeed.’
‘That’s mighty kind of you, Sir,’ replied Officer Weasel as they attempted to find their way about a number of alleyways, stopping now and then to make sure that the coast was clear.
A Sand Raider passed nearby. Commander Coop sunk into the cover of shade – Snatch! – Officer Weasel didn’t pick up on his lead voluntarily!
‘Right, you know the drill; public protocol 101; keep behind and try to stay out of sight... preferably mine,’ hissed Commander Coop, ‘those recruits are bound to be around here somewhere; I can feel it in my bones?’
As Commander Coop and Officer Weasel hurried off into t
he cover of more alleyways, further within the shadowy depths of the lone ally a faint whistling began to echo? Suspiciously, a small piece of mirror slid out between the iron bars of a prison window. It moved smoothly from side to side, withdrawing to the sound of a precision saw that now began to cut the iron loose from its ledge. A moment later one fathered hat followed by a fake beard attempted to climb through. It seemed that Captain Silver had found an alternative escape plan – Crack?! – As too, had he found himself stuck between a Hard Drive and a rock?
‘Curse me wee Memory Stick,’ he said while helplessly wedged half way within the widow frame, ‘for if my name isn’t Captain Wide Front Silver, I’d swear I’d be slimmer the fair man before this very dawn?’
‘Perhaps we should attempt a bigger window, Cap–em?’ said a voice seemingly under pressure.
‘Aye,’ he conceded rather embarrassedly, ‘perhaps that would be for the best?’
Besides, the Sand Raider standing before him didn’t seem too pleased with this one – He could tell.
‘This is madness,’ said Captain Frances, impatiently pacing up and down the deck of his ship, ‘we should never have let the kid go with them; it’s too dangerous.’
‘Have fate,’ replied Professor Clayton while eyeing the fleet of Kimchiku’s people, eager in their want to sail, ‘the boy has as much right to help free his friend as they do. Who are we to deny him that right?’
‘He is in good hands, Buttercup,’ said Queen Lioness Somichi, ‘Kimchiku will send the signal. Until such time it is our task to wait and hold trust with those whom go before us.’
‘Well I still don’t like this,’ replied Captain Frances worriedly, ‘we should have at least tried to stop him when we had the chance?’
Professor Clayton raised an eyebrow. They both knew that it would probably have made little difference. One way or another, Zack would have found a way to reach Suzan if he so pleased.
Kimchiku reached the cell of his captive kin. Carefully he pushed his finger to his lips, willing all inside to remain silent. His braves pried the lock open, swiftly slipping in side before anyone would notice.
‘Suzie...?’ hissed Zack, ‘Suzie, can you hear me?’ But there was no replied. Somehow he could tell that she wasn’t here.
‘Do not lose hope young Blue eye,’ said Kimchiku, his braves passing length of spear and quiver of arrow to his kin, insuring all would be armed for the battle to come, ‘there are sure to be more cells throughout the Creed. We will find her; you have my word.’ However, Kimchiku’s feeling told him that something was amiss? It had been all too easy to reach his kin, and the air had a strange stillness about it?
He turned sharply, realising his fear. Before him a shadow upon the wall lit with fiery eyes – It was a trap!
‘Something’s wrong,’ said Captain Frances as Professor Clayton eyed his pocket watch, ‘we should have heard something by now?’
‘Just a little more time, Captain,’ he replied, ‘we mustn’t rush to conclusions too hastily. They are probably just tying up a few loose ends as we speak.’
‘You’ve got five minutes, Professor,’ said Captain Frances sternly, ‘then I’m going in... with or without you.’
‘Patients, Captain,’ he replied, ‘all in good time... hopefully?’
Zack and Kimchiku where surrounded by the Creed, gathered now within the midpoint of their realm for all to see.
‘Did thee think it so easily to roam free within my Creed without the will of I?’ said the Lord of Earth, seated upon a throne set high above a platform lined of many steps, ‘sealed the fate of one’s companion have thou. For here the souls of all shall serve the Creed forevermore.’ And the great Lord did rise forth, ‘bring thou foolish souls of all before me,’ he commanded, his Creed bring Suzan and Estaru – accompanied by two pirates of scoundrel nobility – to stand in shame alongside Zack and Kimchiku.
Strangely, Captain Silver seemed to have the remains of a wall wedged tightly about his waist?
‘Zack,’ yelled Suzan, ‘I thought that we had lost you for good?!’
‘Don’t worry, Suzie, it’s not over yet,’ he said.
‘So, who’s the cat lover?’ asked Cara, suspiciously eyeing Kimchiku. He gave her a growl. Promptly, she thought about rephrasing her choice of words!
‘You’ve kept us waiting my young friend,’ said Estaru, ‘but I see that you have still to understand the meaning of a rescue?’
‘Let’s just concentrate on how we’re going to get out of here,’ interrupted Morku, ‘we can decide who is at fault later.’
‘It’s a little late for a pep talk,’ moaned Cara, ‘this has been one heck of an audition, but as soon as I get out of here... I am so done with this acting business.’
‘Silence thee of mortal soul,’ roared the Lord of Earth, ‘none shall speak less higher being gives thee permission to do so!’
‘What is thou bidding?’ ask one of the Lord’s Creed.
The Lord of Erath looked down upon all before him with displease, ‘destroy them,’ he said, ‘and let thou souls be a warring for all whom dare rise against the Creed.’
Under the watchful eye of the Lord of Earth, his Creed prepared to strike – Click?! – A colt and one rather ambitious Commander Coop had other ideas!
‘Right,’ he began while officer Weasel joined his side atop of a nearby roof, ‘I have had just about enough snooping around with this godforsaken place. This here is a finely tuned instrument. On occasion it likes to be heard. When it does, I think you will find that the appropriate custom to such a powerful performance generally involves reaching for the sky.’
Thud! – A brick hit the earth. From a certain point of view, it may have looked rather embarrassing for Captain Silver?
‘Let me get straight to the point,’ continued Commander Coop, ‘I want my recruits and I want them now. Otherwise, before you can say “Here’s Johnny” with a crooked smile and some dodgy dental work, some of you stone–faced scoundrels around here... will be nothing more than just the old chip off the block.’
None dared move under the watchful eye of Commander Coop. However, the loom of a great shadow began to creep across the air? To the surprise of all, the hull of a pirate’s ship stealthy hovered into place – many a small hatch popping up to reveal the lengthily barrel of cannon sitting comfort behind Commander Coop. Slowly, a curious expression began to draw upon his face. He turned – Boom! – In keeping with all thing traditional, there was only one thing left to say, ‘Ah bugger... not again.’
The cannons roared. Dust exploded and the earth shook with fear. But within the chaos one thing seemed to puzzle Captain Silver – Last time he checked, he hadn’t noticed a suspicious dragon with four dwarves clinging nervously to the underside of his ship before?!