16. Episode The Peacock and the Crow
Crow watched the crewmen prepare the ship fort heir departure. The men rough, weathered by the conditions of being on these travels. He had seen their eyes upon his girl and couldn’t blame them. The men should perhaps been used to the long hands of not releasing their lust upon female flesh, were still just men that wished it – perhaps more frequent then their job allowed. Perhaps he would grant them their pleasure with his slave, but most often he did not. He wasn’t a man that coddled his slaves, but knew their value and wouldn’t throw it before another if they weren’t worthy of it. His thoughts went to the captain that had proven to be a loyal and trustworthy fellow. He would be granted the privilege however might not accept it. He didn’t allow any of his crewmembers to take over the steering wheel.
Crow spied from the corner of his eye the Peacock and grinned. For a part he had been able to predict that she would follow, even if it meant risking her own health. She was stubborn just as he was, he gathered. A foolish woman that not followed her mind but her feelings. Something he tried to control so hard within his own. He wasn’t without them, but no longer he would be guided by them at the expense of his health or life. This was perhaps why he was a damn good Assassin. He took death as his defeat to his own codes, although completely aware that time or age eventually would catch him. The captain raised a brow when the Peacock addressed Crow, but with a small wave of his hand he knew that there was no reason to delay his departure.
Crow looked down upon the woman – perhaps with that look of amusement. He had been right in his own predictions, after all. “I doubt that to be true, Peacock.” He called down to her. He saw the pouch in her hand. “I hope you haven’t stolen the part which was meant for the Physician, woman.” he teased. Some of the crew chuckled at that statement. “I am sure that if you did, these men would know how to put a thief in place.” He said a little harder so he was sure these men would pay more attention. “I have said all I needed to say, Peacock. There is no business between us.” He stated. He wouldn’t even accept her gold for a contract she might wish to carry out. It was important that she would understand the complete separation Crow desired. “Now return. I doubt you are in any shape to travel.” The crewmembers continued their last preparations to leave and boarded the ship and removed the plank so anyone else could come aboard.
Crow nodded to the captain when he asked if he was ready to leave. “Go Peacock and don’t make me regret the fact I let you live.” He said with a voice that held little room for debate. “Our ways part here – Peacock. Perhaps in time we might ruffle each other feathers. But first those of yours need to heal so your wings will be ready when you fly.” With that he lifted his hand in a gesture of farewell. He was certain – as he had been for her to follow – that in time they would meet again. The question would be if she would be free, slave or dead. He could make a wager about it, but did not. There was none to wager with. With that he turned his back while the ship started to part of the spot it had been. The sails were lifted so the breeze would eventually take them to the destination he had given.
Perhaps he seemed heartless by not allowing her to speak further, but he was certain that his harshness eventually would be more satisfying then if he would again listened and argued. She was a woman, an intriguing one but there were many more that were too. He had no use of her and had to go to where his profession needed him. He didn’t look back to the dock, didn’t wait to hear her, didn’t regret and was with his mind on the task he had set himself when he had boarded the ship.
Crows Murder 
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