No sooner had Bartholomew tumbled off the deck than a familiar, commanding voice washed over the deck. "Tytos..." The Crimson Lady called out to him, "You're my accountant,so you know better than how expansive it can be to replace a member of the crew."
He gave Captain Robyn Sheva a courtly bow in acquiesce, a leftover from his days as a Valyrian nobleman.
"As you decree, milady."
"Make sure we budget for such an event."
The brute gasped in betrayal. Oh, he had managed to climb back aboard, hadn't he. It was a pity that they were in harbor. Tytos grinned at the fearsome beauty, making a show of rolling a single shilling across his knuckles.
"I will at once, Captain. I'd even be willing to put a little of my own coin into it."
He watched impassively as she declared their new target for all to hear. He even clapped as she managed to billow her cloak behind her. Piracy was at least a quarter theater and the masses ate it up and why shouldn't they? It was the only theater most of them would ever see. He followed Robyn into her quarters, raising an eyebrow at William standing next to him. Gods, he could tell that she found them standing side by side amusing. He listened thoughtfully as she laid out her orders for them. William soon left, leaving Tytos and Robyn alone. Again, Tytos rolled the shilling across his knuckle.
"The promise of the riches that await them should satisfy any men you hire. If we should fail, however, we will not have the coin to satisfy them..."
Doubtless, she knew these facts already, but he felt the need to warn her anyway. Tytos was many things, but he was not the treacherous dwarf his countrymen made him out to be.
"I have one request. I would have us avoid harming the Drake Royal Family. The Sea Vultures are unusually loyal to the current king and provoking their fleet would not be wise. In addition, Moloch is the only one keeping my scheming sister and my mad, former king contained."
He pocketed his coin. He laughed bitterly.
"In a fairer world, we would be cutting his head off and my sister..." he paused, feeling conflicted. He did not know what he would do if he met his sister again. He took out his flask of wine and took a gulp before raising it before his captain.
"To our most audacious raid in years."
The gardens were lush and green, even this far north. The plants were different, more hardy in order to survive the frozen tundra that was Khalidor, but they were beautiful nonetheless. They paled in comparison to the stars above them. The moon was less than a quarter full and the stars seemed to engulf them in ethereal, silver light. He took a moment to admire the woman standing beside him.
"It's beautiful." She murmured, her voice low and filled with awe. He could not help but smile.
"As are you," he told her honestly. How long had it been since he had been with someone where his actions and words held no ulterior motive. He was used to battle whether it be on the battlefield or in court, but here, as the moon made Aada's skin and hair shine like that of a goddess', he drifted in peaceful silence.