Castle Shyr

Dun dun.

Lan and his crew - and crazy Cap\'n Cark.


-Exile-

“So - what are we going to do, Lan?” Kaimyn asked as she continued to stare across the room at Lan. After their exile on the beach the trio had retired to the Gladiator and taken up a discussion in the Captain’s Quarters, mostly just to inform the rest of the crew. They took it surprisingly well, considering none of them had leapt up to attack Fordwych like Lan had done earlier.

“Oi say we tern dis ship ‘roun’ an’ giv’em whu’ fer!” Grumbled Captain Carrick from the corner of the room where he’d fallen a few moments ago in a drunken stupor.

“Hush it, Cap’n Cark.” Lan sighed, leaning back in the chair behind the desk as if he was captain - which, he sort of was. The ship was still technically Carrick’s, but the old man was too old and too drunk to be much of a Captain anymore, it was now just a matter of paperwork, blood-signing and gold exchange.

“We’re not gonna jus’ pack up an’ leave, are we?” Reyhan whimpered, standing behind Circo, attempting to braid his hair in vain.

“What about Austly? We didn’t get to spend half as much time with him and the kids as we promised!”

“Morven, calm down. If Raban exiled us then there’s nothing we can do. He does own Fordwych after all.”

“Who’s side are you on anyway, Tahir?”

“Stop it. Just- everybody go away. We’ll stay anchored tonight and I’ll - I’ll think of something tomorrow.” Lan growled in a malicious voice, not even looking at the crew as he spun the chair around, putting the back to them all. The five looked at each other momentarily before all agreeing with a soft ‘Yes sir,’ and heading out, Circo lagging behind reluctantly.

“Will - one of you send Doyt in?” Lan asked, a sort of hesitance in his voice as he tilted his head a bit, catching Circo’s gaze. The other man tried to offer a smile, and gave a small nod, turning and closing the door behind him.

“’say we … run in an’… an’ rip da… place uh.. Whu’chu… a-”

“Carrick, you should get some sleep. You’re gonna be feelin’ that booze in the mornin‘.” Lan turned the chair around completely as the Captain muttered something totally incoherent, but stood, stumbled, and made his way out of the cabin without spilling a drop of alcohol.

Lan was now alone with his thoughts.

How? How could that bastard have done this? Lan rested his elbows on the table, entwining his fingers together and resting his forehead atop them, squeezing his eyes shut. He and his crew had done horrible things overseas, but it never reached Fordwych - none of it. Lan was sure he spread word of where he hailed, and with each victory he and his crew won, his village became safer and safer. Those thinking of attacking would immediately be alerted by one crewmate or another of just who’s home this was - and they’d be damned before they’d deal with the consequences. Lan knew it bothered Raban, Hell it probably upset the whole damned shore, but it never showed. People always passed it off as frightful tension, and things were ok. Lan got to spend time with his brother, his mother and his crew got to see their families.

This was a stab to the back, and Lan would not soon forget it.

He wouldn’t let it slide either.

He looked up, startled at a knock on his door. Who in the world- oh, yes. He’d sent for Doyt.

“Come in.”

The dark-haired Nanion slowly walked into the room, hobbling on crutches towards the empty chairs in front of the desk. He stood, however, ever the soldier-boy, and tried to give Lan a salute.

“Doyt, really. How many times do I have to tell you that ain’t necessary?”

“Habit. Sorry.” Doyt muttered, taking a seat with a small wince. Lantipher frowned and stood up, walking to sit on the other side of the desk.

“Doyt - You were sent out to Sentram by King Colamaro, right?”

Doyt winced, his eyes narrowing and his lips thinning out as he gripped his crutches hard, his arms almost shaking from the effort. He eventually nodded, and Lan reached out to touch his shoulder.

“I-I just need to ask you one more question.” He said, feeling a swell of pity for the ex-messenger. When Doyt looked up at him he took it as a sign to continue.

“How did he know? How did the King know about the attacks on the villages? There’s no way word could have reached him that quickly…”

Lan’s eyes grew wide as Doyt began to shake, sobbing that he ‘would be killed - oh, if only they knew.’

Lan frowned. When they’d found the Messenger he was near death, beaten, bruised and raped by the looks of things - left for dead on the shore near the Shryiol. Circo had been the one to suggest saving his life, and Lan couldn’t resist Circo’s pleading. It had taken a few days before they were sure Doyt would make it, but once he woke up he explained what had happened - why he was on the shore in such horrible shape.

“Doyt - it-it’s ok, stop it.” Lan said, trying to be soothing - not something he was skilled with. Doyt was still shaking, still mumbling things to himself, and it was starting to make Lan’s stomach churn. He reached out and put his hand on the Nanion’s shoulder, squeezing gently. He was rewarded with a slow, dark-gold gaze and a few deep breaths.

“I-I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s - nec-cessary.. I suppose.”

“Necessary?”

“You’re curious - I survived a battle detrimental to the health of Nanio - it’s necessary that I-I be asked questions.”

“Not now - not ‘til you’re ready to answer them.”

“I’m a soldier. My personal feelings and inhabitions can’t get in the way of duty.”

“You really believe that?” Lan said, his voice slow and uncertain. “You really believe that being a soldier means sacrificing your own feelings?”

“Yes.”

“Then why did’ju become one in the firs’ place?”

“I-..” This question stumped Doyt completely. He looked away from Lan to scan the floor, searching for an answer he wasn’t quite sure existed. He remembered his family, from when he was a child - they were well off, not rich, but happy. They had no qualms with the King, with the way he ran the Kingdom - they had no enemies. Why, then, had he become a soldier? He had a nice job lined up for him, to follow in his father’s footsteps - so why?

Lan watched carefully as Doyt’s face slowly changed from a sort of lost expressionless to a rather desperate and searching look. He sighed and stood, startling Doyt a bit as he went for the wine in the cabinet.


“Then Lan just - lef’?” Morven asked again, crossing his arms tightly over his chest as he, and the rest of the crew, attempted to squeeze more information from Circo and Kaimyn.

“Yeah! How many times I gotta tell you?” Kaimyn grumbled, throwing her hands up in the air in exhasperation. “Raban told ‘im we were all exiled, couldn’t come back, couldn’t see Austly - nufin’- an’ then Lan just turned ‘round and lef’.”

“What was he supposed to do? It’s not like he could have made Raban take his words back.”

“He could’ve beat the shit out of him.” Reyhan growled, glaring over at Tahir. “An’ I’d really like to know why you’re still stickin’ up for that bastard.”

Tahir snarled and stood up, shoving her hands in her pockets as she turned away.

“I’m not stickin’ up fer ‘im - I’ve got fam’ly down there too, ‘member? I jus- I get scared sometimes that one of our enemies is gonna jus-”

“Wipe them out?” Morven finished, raising an eyebrow as he looked out at the ocean. “Jus’ come in and screw the consequences? Take ‘em out as a shot back at us?”

“Y-yeah.” The crew fell silent for a few moments.

“You-you know, this might be a good thing.”

“What? The exile? How!” Kaimyn shrieked, looking at Circo in the most baffled way.

“Well - Fordwych is no longer our home, correct? I mean, we can’t really call it our home if we can’t even set foot there.”

“Yeah.. How is that a good thing?”

“Our enemies won’t be takin’ out their frustrations on Fordwych then, will they? If we start makin’ it known that we don’t call this ‘home’ anymore, then why would they have reason to attack?”

“But that leads to another problem - Fordwych is in a nice little corner of Nanio, Circo - it’s a big trade center, or at least it could be with the right military advances. I betcha a big reason why it hasn’t been attacked yet is ‘cause people know Lan lives here. You know?” Reyhan clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and popped a piece of straw into his mouth. “By makin’ it known we don’t live here no more, we make it known Fordwych ain’t protected no more. Then maybe it won’t be our enemies that attack, but people we haven’t even met yet.”

“This is ridiculous.” Kaimyn snarled, standing and walking out a little, staring at the dim lights still burning in the village. “We never had to think ‘bout it this much before.. When we were gone for years at a time.”

“It’s jus’- part of bein’ a pirate. We all knew the risks - we weren’t that drunk y’know.”

“But we were young.” Silence again claimed their voices, stretching over them like a dark fog. Putting off guilt was easy when they weren’t forced to think about the consequences of their actions. They didn’t have much time to think on it before the door to the Captain’s Quarters swung open, and Lan walked out - supporting a rather shaken looking Doyt.

“Circo, Reyhan, take him back to his room. Kaimyn - heat him some water.” Lan said stiffly, slowly passing the messenger off to the other men. He reached up and adjusted his bandana, keeping a few stray bangs out of his eyes.

“The rest of you keep an eye on the ship - I won’t be gone long.”

“Lantipher! You aren’t goin’ back, are you?” Morven said in a short voice, grabbing Lan’s arm roughly. “That’s no way to try an get ‘im to change his mind.”

“Who said anythin’ ‘bout getting him to change his mind? I just want to tell my brother good bye. Raban granted you all a few hours t’morrow, this is my only chance.” He narrowed his eyes a bit as the remaining crew members exchanged worried looks, as if they were all considering holding him back - which they wouldn’t be able to do. Finally they nodded, all muttering a sort of half-hearted ‘yes sir’ before scattering over the deck. Lan watched them all for a while before adjusting his belt and hopping into the lifeboat.


He was quick and quiet - years of experience finally came in handy. This time he wasn’t merely sneaking in as a destraction, he really had to keep himself hidden, unseen and unheard. Lan quickly scrambled up into the tree next to his house, noting with slight agitation that the light in the den was still on - was Raban trying to talk to his mother or was she sitting up cursing his name and fore-fathers? He smirked just the slightest bit, but knew he couldn’t get too distracted. He wanted to say a final farewell to her as well, but he knew it would only make things harder. As much as it would hurt now, Bitti would take it much better in the long run if he just left - staying to say a long goodbye would pierce her heart too deep.

Austly was different. Austly was completely wrapped up in Lantipher and what he did, it was going to be hard on him no matter what Lan did.

He leaned out as he neared the top of the tree and breathed a slight sigh of relief as he realized that his mother had just forgotten to turn out the light, as she had apparently fallen asleep on the couch. And since Raban wasn’t in some heap on the front porch, he was probably spending the night at Gehlmen’s or Suhayl’s - something Lan knew would be happening more and more if Bitti had any say in things. He swung carefully onto the roof and slid down to Austly’s window - complete with a tiny balcony with just enough room for one.

He crouched down and peered into the window, cupping his hands around his eyes to help him focus. Austly was sitting in bed - staring at the wall. Lan frowned and quickly rapped on the window, smiling as best he could when Austly turned around.

“Lan!” Austly shouted, throwing open the window and leaping on his brother before he could even make it inside.

“Shh, Austly - shh!” Lan cooed, covering his brother’s mouth. “We don’t want to wake up mom or the other two.”

“Mom said dad said you weren’t ‘lowed to see me! She said he said you weren’t ‘lowed to come home anymore!” He continued, voice softer but no less panicky. “I knew she wasn’t tellin’ the truth! Why’d she lie?”

Lantipher frowned and sat down on the bed, patting the spot next to him as he tried to ignore Austly’s hurt look, the frightened tears in his eyes. He hated Raban, that was true - but the bastard was still Austly’s father. Lan had to figure out the nicest way to tell him the truth, because he knew his mom would just speak her mind.

“Austlinion,”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Ok, fry, whatever you want.”

“Don’t call me that either.”

“Fine. Austly.” Lan said, his temper tested as he looked hard at his brother. He met Austly’s wide eyes and calmed again, feeling a pain in his gut. “Mum - mum wasn’t lyin’.” He started, reaching up to cover Austly’s mouth when it appeared he would spout off again. “Look - she wasn’t lyin’ but your dad had good reason to do what he did, ok?”

“Good reason!?”

“Shh!”

“You’re my brother! You ain’t done nuthin’ to him! What reason did he have to toss you out?”

“Austly - I’m a pirate.”

“So!?”

“Keep yer voice down, kid.” Lan said, his voice hardly patient. He reached out and gently took Austly by the shoulders, moving to his knees in front of him. Austly shook his head and started to speak again, tears forming anew in his eyes.

“Hush, Austly - hush an’ jus’ listen to me. I’m a pirate. I do pirate-like things, an’ ‘cause of that I’ve made lots of enemies. Your dad is jus’ scared. Scared that one time when I’m away one of my enemies is gonna come an’ attack you guys to get back at me. That’s why he tossed me out, got it? He’s not bein’ mean, he’s not bein’ a bastard - he’s just lookin’ out for you, mom and the res’ of Fordwych, got it?”

“But-but mom said-” Austly sobbed, not even attempting to hold his tears back.

“I know what mum prob’ly said.. And you have to jus’ forgive her, ok? She’s upset- like you, and ‘cause she’s a girl she over’acts.”

“Tell me ‘bout it.” Lan looked at Austly for a moment and then started to chuckle, pulling his brother into a hug. “I- I don’t want you to go, Lan.”

“I don’t wanna go either, fry - but I gotta do what I’m told. Ok? I gotta help protect you and mum any way I can.”

“But mum said he said you weren’t ever ‘lowed to see me again!”

“He’ll forget ‘bout that in time, right? He don’t remember things too good as it is. Listen - it’ll be hard, but we’ll see each other again. I promise. Even if I do have to go ‘gainst his word - I won’t stay ‘way from you forever.”

“Y-you promise?” Austly whispered, pushing away to look Lan directly in the eyes. “You promise you’ll come back?”

Those eyes - so deep, so sincere and hurt.

“Yes, Austly. I promise I will come back.” Lan’s voice died off and there was a few moments where they just looked at each other, memorizing the faces they wouldn’t see for years - then suddenly Austly threw himself forward again, sinking into Lan’s arms with heavy sobs. Lan squeezed his eyes shut, willing away tears he refused to shed as he tightened his grip over Austly, rubbing his brother’s back.

“I-I do-don’t wan-want you to go.” Austly whimpered, laying his head on Lan’s shoulder as he dug tiny fingers into his brother’s shirt.

“I know - I don’t want to leave.” Lan pulled away slowly and picked Austly up, swinging him onto the bed with a small chuckle. He sat down and grabbed the boy’s bandana from the side table. “I forgot - you guys said you were havin’ trouble with your bandanas.” Austly nodded, but was still crying to hard to say much of anything coherently. “The bes’ way to get ‘em to stay on is to take ‘em and wrap ‘em round your head, then measure with your fingers how tight.. Like this - then, pull it off and tie it, then put it back on. That way your hair don’t get in the way, and you can slide it on and off without tyin’ it and loosenin’ it up.”

Austly sniffed, reaching out and taking his bandana, knitting his eyebrows together. Lan sighed and stood, tucking Austly in and kissing him on the forehead.

“I love you, Austly.\"

\"I love you too, Lan.\"

\"Now - get some sleep - an’ tell the rest o’ your crew we said ‘Goodbye’, ok?”

“Ok.”

“I’ll see you later.” Lan smiled as he crawled out onto the balcony. He gave Austly a salute and leaned back in through the window. “Albien, lil’ brother.”

“A-albien.”

And then - Lan was gone.