The Princess's Secret [completed]

Bonus: A Warning From The Sea.

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Hiram.

The sun was fading as he arrived at the docks at the edge of the island. The majority of the edge was sheer rock cliffs, but over time a path had been chiseled out, zigzagging down the rock-face to the docks below.

The docks were entirely resting upon wood poles that went down to the ground below the water, so that the entire place was held above the water. It was like a small village, really, a village on the water.

There were many boat houses where fishermen tended to their belongings, with small houses built above them, as well as a market and a bar.

He left his horse with Herschel up top to guard. "I'll be back by dawn." The apprentice just nodded and turned towards some trees where he would wait.

Hiram walked down the stone path, a bit uncomfortable without his armor, but glad of the knives and sword he had brought. He still moved a bit stiffly, but his back had finally begun to mend after his fight with the lion.

Caspian had shaken his head when he'd requested to come to the docks, but had agreed, on the condition that he brought Herschel with and returned within three days time.

Now Hiram scowled as he made his way down to the docks. That left only a few hours to investigate... and hardly any time to enjoy the filthy place.

He reached the bottom and started walking around, watching the men as they finished up with their boats and headed for home or the bar. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth, and he headed towards the latter. What better place to get information?

Once inside, he was greeted by a huge man, evidently a sailor who was none too eager to have outsiders drinking 'his' ale. Hiram ignored him and started to pass, but his path was blocked again by the sailor.

"What's yer business here?" The sailor sneered.

Hiram sized him up. The sailor was a bit taller than himself, built pretty large too, but nowhere near the size of some barbarians he'd seen... and killed. "None of yours I'll bet." He growled back, getting in the man's face.

The sailor shoved him. Hiram didn't hesitate, grabbing the man by the collar and muscling him around, slamming him into the door. The sailor twisted around and punched at his face, but Hiram had already moved aside, returning the favor, though more successfully.

In seconds it was a full-on brawl, and the sailors gathered around, cheering loudly as the pair wrestled around. Finally Hiram broke free of the other man's grip and grabbed a chair, spinning around and breaking it on the sailor's head.

The man roared and charged him, knocking him back several steps. The crowd hurried out of the way, still cheering in eagerness for the violence. He slammed a fist into the man's stomach and felt a hand reaching for the knife strapped to his leg. That crossed the line, and he shoved the man aside, drawing his sword.

In two quick strokes he left the sailor bleeding from a cut on his leg and right arm. The room froze, the sailors stopped cheering. All eyes were on Hiram now, as he stood there, sword poised to strike.

"All right, you've had your fun." He said in a low voice, a little breathless. "Now let me through, or I won't go easy any longer."

The sailor held the cut on his leg and glared at him, but didn't dare attack. Then he looked around at the others watching. "What're you lot looking at?! Go back to your drinks." He growled. The men quickly scattered back to their various places, acting as though nothing had happened.

Hiram sheathed his weapon and walked to the bar, pretending the man didn't exist. He sat down, tossing a coin to the bartender. The guy nodded and gave him his usual. He'd been there often enough for the guy to know the routine.

He sat there, sipping his ale like nothing had happened, waiting as the noise grew again. Finally things were back to the crazy norm, and everyone at the tables was roaring about one thing or another. The bartender came over to him.

"You chose one of the new ones, a real slugger." The guy said, nodding towards the still-glaring sailor.

Hiram nodded, not looking in the sailor's direction. "What's his business?"

"I couldn't say, probably jus' fishin' I'd say. He got here a coupla' days ago. Haven't seen 'em before." The bartender shrugged, wiping out a cup.

"Seen anyone here for more than fishing and shipments? Say, pirate or barbarian types?"

The man's eyes widened slightly, even as he shook his head. "Can't say I have."

"You sure?" Hiram pressed, leaning forward slightly.

The bartender glanced around casually, then leaned closer to him, speaking quieter than before. "I wouldn't go asking that if I was you. Some people wouldn't be too happy..." He backed up again, putting the cup on the shelf and grabbing another dirty one.

Hiram sighed, downed his cup, and tossed some money on the counter. Then he stood and made his way out, ignoring the glare that followed him. He had more important things to worry about.

The raiders had definitely been here, but something about them had the sailors silent. He sighed, listening to the water as he walked along the wooden planks. He hated to return with so little information... Perhaps a search of the new boats would reveal more...

Suddenly the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and he stopped, slowly reaching for his sword- "Hey there, sailor." A woman's voice interrupted him. He relaxed and turned around.

"Hey Alica, kidnap any kings lately?" He greeted the pirate, smirking.

She rolled her eyes and glanced towards the bar. "Eh, that's an old trick, and I never do the same thing twice. What's a castle rat like you doing out here?"

"Thought I'd stir up the place a little." He shrugged.

She raised an eyebrow. "My brother let you off the leash so you could go disturb the peace?" Her tone was sarcastic, doubt obvious.

"I wish." He paused. "Maybe you know something about these new raiders we've had coming into Rayndra."

Alica glanced towards the bar again. "Maybe. Have you seen them?"

"Yes," He reached under his cloak and brought out the sword he'd taken from a fallen raider. "-this is the weapon he had on him."

Her eyes widened and she shoved the sword back towards him. "Put that back!" She whispered sharply, glancing around again.

"So you've seen it?" Hiram asked as he slipped it back beneath his cloak.

"I've seen it, and you'd better get it out of here, now!" She pointed towards the path up the cliff. "I'll get the information to you somehow, just get out of here before word spreads!" Alica pulled her cloak over her head, hurrying away into the gathering mist.

She was gone before he knew it, and he was alone again. He glanced around. He wanted to search those boats like he'd planned, but something in her tone warned him to heed her command... He rested a hand on his sheath and headed towards the cliff-side.

What were the dock people so afraid of? And Alica... He'd never seen her react this way before. She was a seasoned pirate hunter, not one to be easily frightened by raiders... He knew Caspian was going to be worried when he heard of his sister's reaction, and would likely wish to send a guard to protect her.

He shook his head as he arrived at the stone pathway up the cliff-side. He would've liked to stay the night up top and come back in daylight. If only he'd been given more time- WHAM!

Hiram stumbled, falling to one knee as something slammed into the back of his skull. Pain exploded through his head, blinding him. He scrambled, trying to draw his sword-WHAM!

Something hit his face, knocking him backwards onto his back. A foot stepped on his arm, pinning it to the stone ground. A foot hit his side, knocking the air from his lungs. Suddenly he was being pelted by blows, pounded against the dirt ground.

Another blow caught him in the head. Sounds began to fade... He couldn't lose consciousness... He had to fight...
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Author note:
Well there you have it, the introduction to 'The Pirate Hunter'.
Your thoughts?