Scourge Two - White

Scourge Two - White

Scourge Two - White

Bianca is one of the few people to remain on the pier as the ship comes in. She doesn't consider it bravery not to flee as the vessel approaches in and moves with unnatural motions through the docks.

She has a mission to take care of, and that takes precedence over all the rest. The fear is kept though, a chill that grows ever colder as she buries it deep in her core. It might come into use later.

The ship stops with a jerk right on the edge of the empty pier and remains immobile, even as its wake shoots out ahead and rocks the other ships in their moorings.

Bianca hasnt seen many such vessels, though she had been in Vizeda for a few days already. Still, she knows that the way this one is moving is deeply wrong. Judging by the way the few sailors she can see are looking at it, they know as much too.

This is where shes supposed to meet the one her father told her of, the representative of the Dark Goddess.

He also told her to read the accounts about the Dark Goddess, but to read them critically. She had plenty of time to read on the way here. The stories vary a little, but they all seem to agree that the Dark Goddess is a terrible, cowardly being, a trickster and an oath breaker. The insults never quite match, they all accuse the Goddess of different things.

Bianca thinks that thats what the clue her father gave her amounts to. If no two religious texts can agree on why the Dark Goddess is evil, then perhaps their opinion isnt entirely valid. Shes not unfamiliar with the concept of propaganda, and in this case, its not hard to see where the Dark Goddess reputation is coming from. There are three or four churches who hold her up as the enemy of mankind.

Then again, monsters are responsible for thousands of deaths every year, theyre a constant danger, and Bianca hasnt seen anything that indicates that the Dark goddess doesnt take responsibility for their actions.

Shes not entirely sure what to think yet, but she knows that its a subject worth thinking on.

The clatter of wood on wood has her looking up just as a gangplank hits the pier. Shes the one nearest the ship now, her hands folded just-so over her stomach and her back straight. It means that shes likely the only one to see the limbs retreating back into the ship after moving the gangplank.

Monsters. There are monsters within twenty paces of her, and theyre acting with both purpose and intelligence.

Her heart beats faster.

Oh, hey, the planks lowered already. Come on! We need to hurry before the fog moves on, someone says from onboard the ship.

Bianca stands taller, her face an expressionless mask, her eyes peeled. She will be the first to see this representative, she will befriend her, and she will use anything at her disposal to ensure that her fathers plan, whatever it may be, comes to fruition.

Three figures move out of the thicker fog. All three have cloaks on, though two have their hoods lowered. Women, all three of them, and seemingly young. The servant her father told of and two handmaidens?

The first is a young woman who immediately rushes past Bianca with a cry of Dry land! Shes, at a glance, perhaps Biancas own age, or a year younger. Sixteen or so, with a freckled face and wild, untamed hair. Her glasses are so thick that Bianca cant make out her eyes before shes already past.

Not the representative, she decides. Someone sent by the Dark Goddess herself would be a serious figure, someone important and politically astute, not an overly excited girl.

So! Do you know of a good inn we could stay at? she asks.

And a good place for food, Felix adds.

Bianca remains entirely composed, impressing even herself a little. Of course. Please, follow me. Will the ship be remaining here?

Nah, Gloops going to head back to sea in a minute. My little friends should be off and hiding in the city already.

Gloop? Bianca whispers as she turns around and leads her two new... companions off the pier. They find the Esme girl climbing back to her feet, knees and the front of her blouse dirty from where she was hugging the road.

Esme, youre all messy, Valeria says.

A bit of dirt is nothing to the reassuring knowledge that the ground isnt going to move under me, the wild-haired girl said. She adjusts her glasses, then takes Bianca in. Oh, hello.

Greetings, Bianca says. Its a pleasure to meet you, Miss Esme.

Esme Fidelis, The girl said. Its nice to meet you too. She turns towards Valeria. Who is this?

Esme, thats rude. This is Bianca Malicieux. Shes here to help us.

Us, or help you? Esme asks.

Forgive my impertinence, but what is the difference? Bianca asks.

The Esme girl puffs her chest out, and Bianca has to admit that theres a lot there to puff out. Im here on a mission from Semper.

Bianca has to work to keep her expression neutral. Thats wonderful. If I can assist you, then please just ask. While my priority is in assisting Miss Malvada, I would be honoured to help you as well.

Oh, this ones nice, Esme says. Say, Bianca, do you like reading?

On... occasion?

Then were all going to get along swimmingly!

Bianca cant help but feel like shes entirely out of her depth. Still, her own mission is quite simple. Well then, shall I show you the way to the inn? Its nothing too impressive, but its comfortable, and there are warm meals and warmer beds.

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