Anani-san,

I am not sure how best to get this letter to you. I have seen a couple of your colleagues on the docks, loading supplies, and I will pay a small boy a small fortune to take this down to them and ask them to deliver it to their rightful captain. However, there is the off chance that their notion of the rightful captain is not the same as mine, so just in case, forgive me for being a bit cryptic.

Our grateful friends gave me and I. a place to stay and rest for a while. D. came with us, of course. I took the opportunity to write to my parents to assure them that I. is safe, though not inclined to return home and take up her duties as conduit to the next line. I also said I did not intend to try to force her back, as saving the world from certain destruction had left me a trifle fatigued, and anyway I don't really see the point of cooping her up with gaggle of children to look after.

The letter I received in return, though remarkable for its tact, absolved me of all future responsibilities, and in fact rights, regarding my family. Word of our exploits had reached them by other means, and I gather that they did not mind that I helped save the world, but they took issue with the means I used to do it. There is, as we once remarked to each other, no pleasing some people. They enclosed a letter from my old college as well, offering faint congratulations, but informing me that I am no longer considered one of their number, and expressing the hope that, if it came up in conversation, I would not mention to anyone where I studied. There is a complicated set of guidelines regarding what one can and cannot do with talents such as mine, and I violated most of them. Perhaps it is merely the euphoria resulting from an adventure concluded, but neither of these missives caused me anything other than faint amusement. I wasn't really looking forward to going back to guarding caravans.

I told I. that she could do what she pleased. I refrained from adding that she will bear the consequences herself. It will only make her angry, and at any rate, she has D. with her. D.'s eye may wander a bit from time to time, but he has as much honor...as any of the rest of us, and he won't let anything happen to her. In fact, if anyone can keep I. safe from harm, it is probably D. I sense you are smirking. I assure you, the irony is not lost on me.

There is one rather serious issue to be dealt with, however. You will recall the pouch, which contained my...resources. It is now irretrievably lost. R. took it from me on the ship, and it either accompanied him in his ultimate destruction, or was part of the wreckage. I will need to replace its contents, and I foresee a long and arduous quest ahead of me.

I cannot join the fleet, though I thank you for your kind offer. I cannot serve anyone just now. However, if an adventure comes your way which might allow me to pursue my quest while aiding you with yours, do let me know.

I am going to a small village on the coast, roughly due south of where we parted. There is an infestation of some sort bothering the fishermen, and I have promised to rid them of it. I have been promised substantial renumeration as well as accommodations with indoor plumbing and clean sheets. How could I refuse?

I won't be traveling under my own name, but I don't expect that will give you any trouble.

Be well. Be very well.

B--

You may send letters to Cove Town under the auspices of S. Hancock. It is interesting how things change. Captaining is ... interesting, and different. I still wonder who in my crew does not follow me entirely. The most obvious traitor has been dealt with accordingly. Their example should keep the others in check, for some time at least. I am left with questions still. S-- is now my first mate, for at least him I can trust. We rebuild the fleet and keep some of the airships. You never know. I am thinking of contracting to J-- or M-- regarding a submersible. The idea intrigues me.

It feels good to have the sea once again beneath my feet and the salty air blowing through my hair.

--A

A

Regarding traitors...power makes fools of a lot of people. I will have to look into R. further. He mentioned wizards in V's pay.

Infestation nothing more than unusually predatory sea lions. Am relieved, but bored. May revisit island and speak to M. again.

B.

B-

Would be interested in that visit. Alas, I cannot at this time as I have dealings in the city soon. Regards to L. for me.

-A

A--

Not to worry--a private visit. I want to make sure he and his people are no longer troubled. Also want information... and I think circumstances have answered most of your questions. May take it upon myself to discourage the kidnapping of innocents in the future, using purely diplomatic methods, of course.

Dealings? How is Lord A. doing these days?

--B

B--

I would like to enquire of L if he would be willing to share his particular skill with me. If all goes well with M, would you relay this request? If M is still troubled, this must be set to rights. Send word if you require assistance.

As for Lord A-- this is what I intend to discover. Let us say I had words for him earlier to choose his path wisely. If he has done so, then nothing more. If not...

May the winds be favorable to you.

--A

A--

I will certainly relay your request. I trust that any further complications troubling M. will be purely supernatural, and I suspect that G. had a hand in exposing M. to the children. Hope that G's coffin is two sizes too small.

Should be delighted to learn that Lord A. has seen error of his ways...by whatever means.

I certainly hope the winds are favorable, as I have little faith in the crew of the boat I have just booked passage on. Still, anything will be better then that thrice-cursed submersible.

A--

Am stuck in this gods-forsaken port, waiting for the weather to break. Any news on Lord A? If you happen to find yourself in conversation with him, and if he finds himself in a talkative mood, ask him about the other wizards in Varn's pay. That infernal collar they had on Diego wasn't Raskin's work alone. We brought the nest down from the tree, but we haven't dealt with all the wasps yet.

--B

[Anani will show up in person for this one. Leaning against the door, all decked out in Ninja-pirate Captain's outfit which includes the hat with feather, awesome orange pants, white flowy shirt and, of course, the sash and swords.

Beatrix has also been upgrading her wardrobe and is wearing something tasteful in black, something that doesn't say "merchant's daughter" as much as it says "renegade mage." She has obviously been giving some thought to Jim's overcoat, and now has a long vest-cloak, which can presumably hide all sorts of pockets.]

Anani surveys the "renegade mage" look Beatrix has taken up. "Kicked you out, did they?"

"Anani." Somewhat dryly "You look well."
A pause. "They did. I had the temerity to save the world using improper methods."

Anani snorts.

Beatrix waves one hand. "But you didn't come all the way down here to ask me that."

Anani nods. "I have troublesome news, Beatrix. Lord Ardem has taken in the remains of the pirates -- and the ninja-pirates who do not follow me. Of course anyone who takes in the traitorous ninja-pirates must be dealt with, and Ardem has been doing so quite effectively. His army is quite large now. There were of course a few wizards, but whether or not they are those who followed Varn, I could not say. Ardem is hoping to hold Palleron as his own; he is trying to gain Culperno as well. His ships go to the island, but none are returning. No one else sends ships that I know of - the other Houses are scattered. Naturally Gharkin is not there to lead Ardem, but the army is large enough to cause problems.

"I suggest we travel to Culperno the island and ask your questions of Mardun; this may be of importance. However, I am afraid that I have business yet before we can do so. First, I must seek the rest of the ninja-pirates besides the few who have joined me already. At some point, I must travel to Palleron and gather those conscripted into Ardem's service... only after I have reunited the ninja-pirates can I turn my attention to Culperno. Though at that point, we might take one of my ships.

"Oh, and here is your money from the passage you booked." Anani tosses her a small bag with coins in it. "Given that they cannot comply with your request."

Beatrix catches the purse and pockets it. "I'm surprised he hadn't spent it all on drink." Anani smirks -- a smirk that might be interpreted as "no one said it was the *same* coins... it's amazing what people will give back when you ask 'politely'," though she says nothing.

"I would be delighted to make the journey to Culperno in a proper ship -- something of a novelty for me, in fact," says Beatrix. "But, before I go anywhere, I need to see about replacing the resources Rhaskin took from me. You have a task before you as well, one which will take you some time. I don't suppose you could drop me off in the mountains near XXX?"

"I think that could be arranged. Naturally, when you are on my ships you will defer to my orders."

Beatrix' expression turns a little cold. "I see. Very comradely of you."

"Camaraderie has nothing to do with it," says Anani. "You will be stepping into a situation you do not understand. Members of the fleet follow a certain code..."

"I know about the code!"

"And you understand nothing of it. They will not like you aboard, but they will tolerate it because I am their Captain, and because I ask it of them. But they will question whether you have enough honor..."

"I'm certain of my honor," snaps Beatrix. "and so are you! You said Diego and I had more honor than all the ninja pirates when we stood in front of Five Claw."

Anani's eyes flash. "I wouldn't repeat that, if I were you."

"Oh, forgive me. Naturally, I thought that if you said it in public you were not going to retract it in private."

"I said nothing I did not mean, but it would not be wise to say such things in hearing of my crew. You will not undermine my authority."

"How on earth would saying that you trust me undermine your authority?"

"You are outside the hierarchy of the ship. You don't understand how things work. I can't be seen giving you special treatment. Everyone aboard my ships follows my orders."

There is a pause. "Agreed," says Beatrix at last. "Just be very sure they're reasonable."

Anani laughs.

"... and remember that I could reduce you to ash if I wanted."

Anani raises an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge? I'll take you up on that."

The two head out to the street, Anani sauntering casually and draws her katanas. "Any time you're ready..." and waits for Beatrix's move.

With a flourish and a command, Beatrix unleashes a lightning bolt directly at Anani. Blades swirling and flashing, Anani counters the strike, deflecting it back at the summoner. The lightning strikes the ground at Beatrix's feet as a crash of thunder rolls through the air. There is a pause as the two of them consider one another, and then Anani grins at the sorceress.

"Shall we to my ship?"

As the two head off, the old men on the shop stoop across the way comment. "Don't see that too much these days."
"Nope."