The Quest, or perhaps The Task Set Before Her Part 22

"Captain! They approach."

The words cut through the stillness, breaking into Frieda's meditation. All morning, she had dwelt on everything she knew to be true of the Maker. In her mind, she replayed the precious moments that shaped her life. The afternoons snuggled in her mother's lap, telling her about the One who breathed life into a shaping world. The nights knelt beside her bed, her father leading her in prayer. The morning not long ago when she heard speak the voice that sustains her. All those moments led her here. Hands bound in captivity.

"Hallelujah," she whispered as Seassa yanked her to her feet. "Even here."

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Almost, Seassa thought. Just a few more minutes. I'm not going to fail this time.

The raven's words haunted her. For five years she'd worked for Master, whoever or whatever he was, but not once had she been granted to see him. The ravens gave her orders and she reported back to them. Until now. Pater's words had been clear.

Very clear.

No matter how things turned out, by nightfall her knees would bow before the throne of Throg.

Shivers trickled down her spine. Failure wasn't an option here. She'd heard the rumors. Master wasn't someone to mess with. Seassa set her jaw. No, she wouldn't fail. She would do whatever it takes to deliver what she was hired to deliver.

Seassa stood tall and defiant, one hand gripping her sword and the other clutching Frieda's arm. Abaddon and Chanh flanked her, each one bearing twin weapons. An axe strapped to the back and a sword sheathed in its scabbard. Behind them, Seassa's army stood, awaiting her signal. They all were planted on the edge of the beach, where the sand met the grass, looking out at the giant ship that was docking at the bay.

Soon, the gangplank was lowered. Seassa sneered as she saw two men walk down towards her. One she knew all too well while the other was unfamiliar to her. Peleg reached the shore first. His peg leg sunk into the wet sand. Seassa laughed inwardly as he struggled to move forward.

Fool, she thought, if others saw you now they'd doubt your reputation.

The unfamiliar man helped Peleg make it to the designated battle lines, roughly fifteen feet away from Seassa. The man carried a pack on his back identical to her captive's.

The book must be inside, she thought.

Speaking out loud, she said, "I knew you'd show up. You always were too soft when it came to Layan."

Peleg had been surveying his surroundings, but his attention snapped back to Seassa at the mention of his sister. "Where is she?"

Seassa clicked her tongue in disapproval. "Now, now. You know how this works. After all, it was you who taught me the art of negotiation. Hand over the bag."

Smiling wryly, Peleg replied, "If I taught ye so well, then ye know I won't hand over anythin' without a guarantee of gettin' somethin' in return."

"To be sure, you did teach me well." Seassa paused a moment. She could see the fear on the other man's face and feel the fast heartbeat of the prisoner held tightly against her. "Here are my terms. I'll let this girl go as soon as that bag is thrown over to me. Once I have the book, I'll tell you where your sister is. Do we have a deal?"

"No!" The other man said before Peleg could speak. "We trade at the same time." He glared directly into Seassa's eyes. Her lips curled slightly in amusement.

"A bit brave, you are. I can amend to that. On the count of three, I will release her and you will give me the book.

One.

Two.

Three."

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@Darth Pip Defender of Emus @Leeli Iggyfeather (ᛋᛟᚾᚷ ᛗᚨᛁᛞᛖᚾ) @Oskar (ᛞᚨᚾᛁᛖᛚ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚡᛁᚴᛁᚾᚷ) @Johannes the Warden (Mordecai) @Janna The Heart @Luke the Exasperated Squeeblin @Azog the Moderator