Snippet #1202493

Highwind raised his eyes when the door slammed open once more. Five men in dark red cloaks entered the tavern, rapiers drawn. Jack Highwind looked at them, and then to the back of the room, where the person that had bumped into him, had gone, obviously fleeing from the group. He had caught a glimpse of the woman under the grey cloak when she had bumped into him on the way to the back of the room. Most had not - but even then, it was only a matter of time before she was found. He thought about it for a moment, and then suddenly, turned to Osefi and Vinsces, and gave one of his few smiles, an apologetic one at that.

"My apologies, friends, but I'm afraid I shall have to make a bit of noise this morning. My sense of duty, as shallow and weak as it may be, would not allow me to see five experienced swordsmen shamelessly abduct a lone woman, without mustering the courage to interfere. Naturally, I would not ask any of you to follow me. Looking for trouble is something I excel at, but I shall best do so alone, lest I burden my new friends with my egotistical whims. And that, I shall not do."

With a slight bow, he turned his back to the table, and approached the woman. Once more he bowed, this time at her, and spoke:
"I would bring shame over every gentleman in this country if I did not approach a woman in need, and offer my sword as protection, my lady. My name is Jack Highwind, pirate, sailor and gentleman of fortune. Tell me, will you accept the help I offer?" He held out the side of his green coat, revealing the dragon saber hanging underneath it, and offering the slightest of smiles. "Before that, however, might I know the name of the lady for whom I shall gladly risk my life?"

Suddenly, Vinsces stood up, grinned at his orcish friend and Jade, and said:
"I didn't understand a word of what he said. His talk is too complicated for me - but I know one thing! I'm not backing down from a fight. Bwahahahaha!" He slapped the giant on the shoulder, and added: "Come, brother! I'm not about to let that little one impress the beautiful girls all by himself! BWahahaha!" With that, he stomped over towards Highwind and the woman, and when he got there, looked down at the pirate, and poked him in the side. "Oi, who are you, trying to look cool alone in front of the women? No go, little one! I'm helping you, whether you like it or not! BWahahahahaha!" He laughed burlily once more.

Jack Highwind looked up at him, first surprised, and then smiling softly and letting out a light, appreciative sigh.
"My apologies for forcing my egotistical whims on you, friend." He said to the giant. "And thank you for humoring me." He bowed at Vinsces, who scratched his neck, blushing and laughing out loud to hide his embarrasment over the pirate's politeness.
"Bwahahaha! Well, not to worry, my little brother. I like you - and I never abandon a friend in a fight! Bwahahaha!"

Highwind looked at the lady, and smiled warmly again.
"As you see, my lady. You are not alone in this seedy tavern. Will you accept our help?"