Twin Pirate Warriors

Chapter 1

The sun peeked over the horizon spilling its golden rays upon the landscape of Rumaenvale Woods. Each blade of grass gleamed with brilliance as tiny droplets reflected the color green into the morning mist. The soaring haze floated upward forming into white fluffy clouds as sunbeams warmed the land breaking the cold grip of night.

Four legs swiftly glided through the undergrowth of the wood. One tiny bare foot struck a crisp bed of leaves sending a rustling sound into the morning air as a small rabbit leaped and bounced from its hiding place within an old rotten log.

Two whistles were heard off in the distance; the first mimicking a low hiss – while the second was short and higher in pitch as if answering the others call. Hearing the sounds the rabbit stopped, turned its direction with a great jolt of speed and hopped off the opposite way. The rays of the sun flickering though the giant limbering canopy of ruma leaves catching white fur as it flashed between the brush.

Before the leaves had time to settle a second pair of feet baring dark green leather sandals set them floating again.

"Faster." A small panicking voice urged as silence fell.

"Shh." another voice answered in a soft whisper.

The early summer air was heavy but cool; making travel difficult for anyone. Inhaling the brisk air burned the lungs of the moving pair. Yet, they still bound effortlessly through the forest.

The two sets of feet landed upon a dry branch with a resounding thud. The crunch filled the air breaking the stillness of the morning and abruptly stopping them in midstride. Standing still now, the pairs four small pointed ears twitched as they listened closely to the forest, hoping they had not been heard. The only sound that reached their ears was the peaceful babbling of water flowing over a rock below the crushed old branch at their feet. Both forms let out a soft sigh of relief then slowly bent down dipping their tiny hands into the cool water, scooping it up. With caution they sipped taking care not to utter another sound.

Gold and auburn hair as fine as silk melded together, feathering out over the clear water as the two tiny figures drank their fill on the bank of the slow-moving creek. Facing each other the pair drew a striking resemblance. Upon further study, one can clearly note the differences. One slightly shorter in statue and haloed in long golden tresses with oval stormy gray eyes set within a heart shaped face. Dark green leather serpent skins adorning supple legs and a lithe body; while two silver armbands wrapped about her slender arms setting off her rich dark green skin. Her tiny feet covered and wrapped in matching sandals. The other; slightly taller with more rounded eyes of steely green and dark auburn hair that matched in length. Her form and clothing were alike except in color. Hers was a midnight blue. Unlike the first girl this one wore nothing on her feet, just two silver serpent bands that twisted around her slender calves.

In a moment the tranquil scene was shattered. The clanking of heavy armor echoed throughout the forest; marring their innocent angelic faces with irritation. Simultaneously the pair stood upright and turned their elegant heads toward the direction of the disturbance.

The taller of the two spoke in a low whisper. "Tis da' twins’ men!"

Both girls sprang into a run; the taller girl ran up creek ten paces and leaped into the water disappearing without a trace. The smaller child ran down creek splashing water; only to stop at the sight of a large grizzly bear staring at her. Growling the grizzly raised its angry paw as it stood upon its hind legs growing to an enormous size before her.

The small girl bowed her head and knelt on one knee; her arms stretched out to each side before the mighty grizzly. The sound of the heavy bear landing upon all fours onto the ground rattled the small girl, but she held fast to her position. The bear nuzzled her neck with his damp nose almost knocking the girl over. With a gentle giggle, she rose to her feet patting the grizzly’s long snout. With one leap she landed gently on his back. He climbed and clawed his way up a giant old ruma tree. The girl finished making her way to the top of the tree, as the grizzly drifted off to sleep on a branch. It was not long there after that the clanking armor was heard from the spot where the two wee lasses had quenched their thirst from the creek. One by one the armored men appeared on the bank of the creek spacing no more than ten to fifteen paces between the next one. Spanning up and down the creek as far as one could see in the forest. Each was dressed the same as the next. Shinny dark rich green armor from head to toe; each polished and dent-free from weapons. Blue and green plaid wool draped across their shoulders and snuggly wrapped around their waists. Any and all could tell these were men from a well-known clan of Alui’s. The only thing setting the men apart were some carried claymores while the other half yielded long swords. A cold eerie silence fell over the men as they stood looking up and down the creek at each other. Without so much as the slightest sound two young women stepped out from the other side of the creek and faced the men. At first site of the females the soldiers immediately came to full attention. Still and silent as statues, the only movement coming from their eyes.

The young woman standing on the upper side of the creek was dressed in mylrite blue-plate armor, clutched in her right hand tightly was a pole weapon called a halberd, razor sharp by the gleam that sparkled off it from the sunlight. Draped over her shoulder and wrapped around her narrow waist was the same tartar that the men wore. Kendra wore no helmet upon her head, simply a skullcap wrapped around her long yellow hair.

The women next to her in granite red-plate armor and holding a spear. Kaydra was a figure not to be reckoned with, as was her twin sister. She struck the handle of her spear to the ground, demanding the men’s’ attention.

They stood looking across the creek at the line of armed men. Kaydra eyed the men and spoke first. “Anyone see hide or hair of those wee Alui’s?” her voice was low in tone strong and demanding. All the men facing her stood shaking their heads no.

Kendra having lost what patience she had growled low. “We nae have time fer this Kaydra, we have ta set sail fer Port Cartale.” With a turn of her head, she faced her twin with a sneer.

Nodding in agreement Kaydra sighed. “Verra well sis, we will leave ta’ little scamps fer Pa ta handle.”

“I knowest they are not far from here.” Kendra looked up into the trees as she spoke. “Markum and Shawn ye remain behind and look up and down the creek. Look within the tree’s and within the water itself.” Her features tensed drawing her skintight as she spoke. “Those two wee Alui’s are clever they blend into the forest as well. Any animals about will aid them in time of need. When thou finds them, bind them and take them back to Brine Hold.”

The two men saluted and said in one voice. “Aye, M’lady.” They turned and headed off into the woods to search.

Calling their remaining men to follow; the twins marched off in unison through the woods, headed to the road that would take them to Port Cartale. The clanking sound of the men’s armor echoed again through the once quiet forest.

Kendra muttered to Kaydra “Why are they unable to be silent when we march?” Her tone annoyed and frustrated. “We do not sound like that, bloody hell we would have our enemy or our prey dead before they knew we were there.”

Kaydra’s low laugh sounded out into the underbrush alarming the men that followed the warriors. Try as hard as they might they still could be heard for a good distance.

Kendra’s men shivered in fear of her bad mood this day. There was no denying she was the best fighter to walk the land after her elder brother Kyle. Though great as she was, her temper was short as well as her trust. She would slit the throat of anyone and never think twice of it.

Kaydra was not like Kendra in this, she was levelheaded; one of the few people that could reason with her twin. The pair would often challenge each other to a duel, which was seldom won by either one of them. Both were trained better than men twice their age. The reputation of the twin sister warriors was widely known across the realm, largely as a result of their elder brother Kyle’s influence.

The group broke free from the trees and into a large bright meadow, the morning sun now much higher in the sky. Both girls glanced around the green meadow to gain their bearings. In unison they stepped from their place and headed northeast across the meadow. Small birds took flight from the sprawling grass and butterflies flickered around the heads of those crossing to the other side onto the small dirt road. No sooner had they set site upon the small village of Ritku did the group come to a sudden stop at the sound of screams that echoed from the forest which they had left not long ago. Every head turned back toward the shrieks; a few chuckles were heard amongst the men. Kendra’s right hand gripped her halberd tightly her knuckles turned white from the lack of blood that passed within her fingers. “Be lucky it is not you back there.” She growled at them. Gulps of fear were swallowed as the men turned directly back into formation.

Kaydra’s voice was calm. “Relax, Kendra I am sure your men shall be alive when they return.” She left Kendra to boil in her own pot of anger. It was beyond her comprehension how two small Alui’s could out smart two well trained warriors.

Kendra’s dry lips pressed together firmly as a low mumble rolled from deep within her throat, shaking her head she lowered it and followed her twin the rest of the way to the village, nodding to those that yelled greetings as they passed the farm fields south of Ritku.

The small troop passed over the footbridge into town. Planks squeaked and bowed from the marching force. Many held their breath as they crossed in fear that the small bridge would collapses under their sheer weight. The bridge was only met for three of four people to pass over at anyone time, not a group of men at arms dressed in full plate armor. Safely on the island of Ritku, the twins gave orders to their men and headed into town leaving them to return to the docks carrying out their orders.

Walking up the gangplank each boarded the midsize sailing vessel. It wasn’t grand but it was swift in the sea and outran many pirates. The Oshanna was built the same year Kendra and Kaydra were born and was of the Carrack class of sailing ships. Shortly after the twins were born Thiago Ranar or better known as Pa Ranar in these parts, built another vessel equal to the Oshanna and her name was Anahid. The twins elder brother Kyle sailed the Anahid for the family.

The armed men sank below into the hold to shed the vast weight of armor. Some adorned themselves in leather and some took the liberty to wear sailing clothes. In no time, the small army was on deck taking care of the many duties that came with sailing a craft. Pa had taught the girls how to sail, hoist the rigging and navigate around the open seas. With the haul filled with furs and food she was getting ready to sail when the Ranar twins returned.

This voyage was different from any before, this was the first time they would captain a vessel by themselves. Port Cartale was their first stop without Pa and Kyle looking over their shoulders. Once they arrived at port, they would deliver their cargo and pick up another load. This would be the true test of their abilities; the set of goods were headed to a destination where there was neither port nor shipping yard. Afterwards they would head onto Tyne Slevin where they were to meet Kyle and their cousin Drago on the Anahid.

Kendra still followed in the wake of her sister’s footsteps as they walked through town. The sun was now at mid morning and the tide would soon be turning and she knew they must set sail with the parting tide. Her mind was torn between thinking of the voyage ahead and the duty they must carry out for their emperor. Yet she couldn’t shake the feeling of two small Alui outwitting her, causing the vanes in her temples to come alive as her anger increased with each passing moment.

Kaydra’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Thee shall let that fester till ye lose control sis.” She chuckled then pushed the door open quickly as Kendra casually brushed past her, Kaydra shouted “barkeep som’thin strong fer me sis here, she’s in need ta get her focus back.”

The bar was small and dark even for a bright day. Small tables were scattered about with even less chairs around them. The ones left were held together with twain and sap. There was no one else within the small tavern at this early hour. The barkeep set a small glass on the counter; it sported two small chips around the edge. The short plump barkeep was also the owner of the Inn. He filled the glass to the top as Kendra made her way right to the bar; setting her weapon down on the scarred counter she picked up the glass and drank down its contents. Lifting her head back up Kendra looked into the barkeep’s eyes. “This Grand Pappy’s lixuer!” Leaning forward, she rested her elbows on the wooden bar top. “Shawn how did you come to be sellin’ Pappy’s lixuer?” The toothless barkeep smiled and laughed heartily. “‘Ow Miss Kendra, thou of all persons knowests your Pappy makes thy best ale and lixuer. Me and him has agreement.” Shawn spat out at her with his drawn-out slang. Kendra turned to her twin, “Can thy day get any better? Now we have to pay fer Pappy’s brew.” She moaned in exasperation. Kaydra was busy trying to wipe the growth of dirt and grime that had built up over the years on the wooden bar stool. The seats almost resembled the windows and the thick coating of gunk marring the pane. It seemed that it had been years since the last time anyone was able to peer through them and view what was happening on the outside of the tavern.

Rested on a small island with only two ways to enter from the mainland. a small foot bridge on one end and a large stone bridge on the other end. the village was the home for a rather large shipping port for a small place. the fur trade and farms that exported here drew plenty of traders. The sheep and their wool was sought after world wide. the sheep only thrived near Ritku. many tried to raise the sheep in other places, but they died off for unknown reason.

Ritku was not a rich village by any means, but neither was it poor. It inflamed the Ranars, as well as most of the folks that lived around the village of how the tavern was kept, or more of how unkempt it was. The rest of the village was tidy; flowers planted here and there along the coble streets. The majority of the buildings were made of wood and plaster, only one building made of stone. A few of the surrounding farmhouses were made of fieldstone. Even the farms outside the village were always neat. Luddit tavern was a weed in a garden of flowers. Kaydra sat next to Kendra. “Pour me one of Pappy’s ales Shawn.” She laid two inze’s on the bar. “What we do not use this day, keep for when we return, I am sure by then we will be longing for a draught of Pappy’s brew.” “Aye, lassie.” He smiled with that toothy grin again. Shawn’s hand covered the two coins and slid them off the bar and into a tin cup, “You ready to set sail this day lassies?” Kendra grunted as her hand raised the glass to her lips and chugged down her second drink, with a thud, she tapped her empty glass upon the bar; Shawn quickly filled it again for her. Kaydra on the other hand was in a pleasant mood and was more than happy to converse with Shawn. “Aye, that we are Pa and Kyle have been teaching us fer years now. We both can nae wait to set sail on our maiden voyage.” Her face lit up with pleasure as she spoke of her family. Shawn knew all to well the credit was Kyle’s for Thiago was never around much, everyone knew he was a loathsome pirate before he met Aelyna Ranar his second wife. “I was told your cargo be of Pappy’s ale and furs, you shall do a fine trade I recon.” Kaydra sipped at her drink slowly, “Aye we shall. We have some other cargo as well; three ports await us and after that we sail home. Rest assured you shall be thy first to set eyes upon our return, by then the ale will be gone and us in need of some.” Kendra’s handheld her glass tightly while she was grumbling to herself. Not once taking her eyes from opaque liquor in the dingy cup. Kendra was the type who could not let a slight to her person nor to her family pass. People often likened her to a lendora; a small rat like blue furred mammal that would fight to death for its mate and family if any other animal harkened near its burrow, regardless if the intruder was friend or foe. Sometimes this mindset was a good thing and other times like now; it was not. A lock of blonde hair fell gently over her eyes as her head tilted forward onto the wooden counter her mumbles grew louder.

“Relax lil sister, twill be weeks before we return and by that time the wee Alui’s will be under control and out of worry.” Her low laugh aggravated Kendra even more.

Shawn’s head turned between Kendra and Kaydra “Those wee Alui’s cause’n mischief upon our village again?”

Kaydra looked from her sister to him “Your lad and Markum were left to deal with them.”

Shawn burst out laughing, his fat belly jiggled and wiggled, Kendra growled and gritted her teeth together. Even Shawn heard it over his thunderous laughter, which quieted him down to not making a sound at all.

Kendra tilted her head to the side and pulled a golden strand back behind her ear, she listened for a minute as Kaydra watched her. Kendra whispered, “Tis Trodain.” Both of their heads turned toward the door and no sooner did their eyes lie upon it, the door swung open. Kendra’s eyes narrowed some as she watched the young man, even though he happened to be older than her by three years. He was still naïve and had never seen a battle, where the twins had not only seen them but they both had taken a part in them for years.

Trodain’s lean body glided forward toward the girls. He was dressed in a white shirt much larger than he; it came down to the middle of his thigh covering a large amount of his tight britches. His low black shoes housed his long white stockings. The young man was clean and well kept for a particularly good reason, Trodain happened to be Kendra’s new cabin boy.

Kaydra whispered to Kendra as he walked closer to them. “What he be doin’ here? No time for a roll.” Kaydra’s mouth was now tightly pressed closed in distaste. Kendra’s on the other hand had softened some; she pulled another golden lock back from her eyes as she watched him approach.

His arms neatly folded behind his back as he stopped about two feet from Kendra. Smiling brightly at her he bowed his head slightly and uttered but one word. “Mistress,” he held his position and waited for her reply.

Kaydra could not believe her eyes, or her ears. What was going on? She had never seen him dressed so fine nor act so obedient toward someone. Kaydra and Shawn turned and looked at each other with gapping mouths. Unsure of whom was more in shock at that moment.

“Aye?” Kendra replied at once.

Trodain noticed how pale Kaydra was getting as he spoke again. “We be ready to set sail M’lady.” He was subsequently smooth in all he did one would think he had been doing it for years and not one day.

Kaydra’s head swung back to gaze at the young man as he spoke to her twin.

“Indeed. Very good...” Kendra’s voice was now more pleasant that it had been in days. She drank down the last of her ale in a gulp and stood up dropping the mug on the bar top making a loud clank. At full height Kendra was almost as tall as Trodain’s six feet two hands. Trodain turned and stepped to the side letting Kendra by, next he followed behind her no more than two paces. The pair was almost to the tavern’s door that he left open when he entered; Kendra stopped and turned back around. Trodain held his place behind her. “Kaydra! Make haste.” She stepped outside with her cabin boy close at heel behind her.

Kaydra still in shock drank her ale with speed and raised herself off the stool. “G’day Shawn.” She bolted off following her sister to the pier.

Shawn yelled out to her as she reached the door, “May thy Goddess Oshanna bless ye with calm seas and sail with ye lass to bring ye home safely.”

Kaydra smiled at him as her hand pulled the door shut behind her. Her twin out of site now, she griped aloud. “This trip shall nae be boring.”

She arrived at the ship as Kendra and Trodain stepped onto the deck; men were scurrying around to get into some sort of formation as they saw their twin captain’s board. Kaydra thought to herself. I best get there before Kendra does something to upset the men or put more fear into them. This voyage is going to be long enough she does not need to make it worse. Kaydra then bolted up the walkway her hands merely grazing the rope that was strung between the ship and the dock. Her left foot took its last step on the gangplank, bending her knee more she pushed off with force and leaped forward landing next to Kendra with grace.

Trodain jumped slightly as Kaydra bounded in next to her sister who was two feet in front of him. Before Kendra could make a snide comment; Kaydra clapped her hands together, stepped forward, and began to speak. “Good, good, good.” Her face was humble yet stern. “Men you have done well in getting us prepared for our journey. This voyage will be a test to us all.” She paused a moment and glared at her twin. “There shall be no fighting and no killing. That goes for everyone Kendra.”

Kendra nodded as her body lurched forward a tad; for Trodain had poked her in the back, from that moment on a mischievous grin graced her face. Kaydra knew her twin was up to something and only time would tell what that was, but until that time it made her uneasy not knowing. For Kendra was more heartless and crueler than anyone they knew.

“Men, let us make this a favorable trip and may the Goddess Oshanna keep us close to her breast til’ we reach port.” Kaydra’s voice sang out loudly. The men all knew Kaydra well enough and cheered loudly at her words. “Draw thy gangplank in, tie the rigging, let us pull anchor and sail to the open sea.” Her voice was full of joy and eagerness as she headed for the bridge. She ignored Kendra and Trodain. Her thoughts raced from one query to another. What was that whelp doing here? Why was Kendra happily letting her take control? Lastly, what was that ill-behaved look she had about her face? Problems and more problems to come I bet. Sighing she tried to put it to the back of her mind as she let her eyes scan the men. They hurried about preparing to sail, organized and moving in harmony. A surge of pride swelled within her watching the crew.

Kaydra had barely placed her left hand on the wheel when she spotted the quartermaster giving orders to the sailors. He was the only man both girls agreed on that could give out orders in their presence or absence. Kaydra looked for her twin who seemed to have vanished from the deck of the ship, while she waited for the quartermaster to reach her side. “Lass tis a fine day to set sail.” He smiled showing his almost perfect teeth.

Kaydra smiled back at him not letting her laughter escape. “Indeed, where did my hellion of a twin go? We be ready ta sail.”

“Below with her new cabin boy,” he grunted out, “she moved all your things into me cabin, I have yet to find what she did with my things.”

Kaydra’s eyes grew almost as big as the third moon Ekips at her quartermaster’s comment.

Kaydra broke into his sentence. “Go tell her I want her up here now or she will be tossed overboard.” She looked furious. The quartermaster smirked and hurried off knowing they would be launching soon and wanted to be near the helm at that point in time. He took great pride in his work and to be with the Ranars was a great honor indeed. He smiled to himself at how far he had come within the lives of the twins. He could recall back to when Kyle brought them first aboard, they couldn’t have been more than two years old and barely walking. How that all seemed so long ago, he now found himself standing at the captains’ quarters, he inhaled deeply and pounded loudly upon the wooden ruma door.

“Wha?” A short angry voice answered his knock.

“Kendra we are launching and Kaydra wants ya on deck.” Pausing for just a moment he added in a firm voice, “Now; lass.”

The door banged open with a thud and a half-covered woman stepped around him still dressing. “You ever speak to me that way in front of the others,” she stopped walking and turned around facing him her face red, her temper near breaking point and her tan nose a mere inch from his own, “twill be the last time you speak.” Spinning on her heel she left him standing there, he did not want to be within arm’s reach of her, while she was in a foul mood. He shook it off and joined the others on deck.

The sails had been hoisted, the plank drawn in; the anchor rose as he moved behind the twins and stood, folding his large arms behind his back. He was by far the largest man on board towering six foot five hands, broad chest a narrow waist and, well-defined long legs. This man was a site to behold, an artistry of the male species with his long well-kept chestnut hair that reached to his mid back, an angular face that seemed carved from stone. His eyes were a deep green with flecks of gold and a thin well-maintained beard of the same color as his hair framed lips that were full round and shaded peach. Men in the Ranar troops took pride in how they looked, for it reflected upon their employers. The quartermaster was beyond that; he had a regal feel and appearance to him.

Slowly the Oshanna skimmed through the water, as the wind started to catch the sails. She was built from many types of timber. The hull was constructed of hard woods from the ruma, maple, beech, and birch trees, this made her lines straight and clean. At the bow was an Alui maiden; hand carved out of latandza. Looking upon her face left you with a haunted feeling deep inside your soul. The douglas fir masts towedred over head, all the sails were creamy white color, in the center of the main sail sported the Ranar Crest. As the Oshanna entered the deep water, the sails billowed full of enthusiasm.

While Kendra stood near by looking bored; she waited long enough to depart the deck. The men hurried about making sure the rigging was secure and all was as it should be. Kaydra looked back over her shoulder all she could see was a dot off in the distance. Her heart beat faster seeing the tiny speck of land, this was it she thought. She smiled to the quartermaster as she stepped aside, “She is all yours mate!” It was hard to tell who was showing more pride at that moment between them.

“Aye Lass!” he sang taking the wheel from Kaydra.

Kaydra looked at her sister then toward Trodain. “You stay put till you are called for, come Kendra let us go change and have a talk.” Now it was Kaydra’s face that had an impish grin upon it. Kendra grunted as usual and followed her twin.

No sooner were they out of the forever watching eyes of the crew when Kaydra spun around on her heel, a tightly bound fist landed with full force into Kendra’s jaw; causing Kendra to fall back onto the steps. Kendra’s eyes narrowed as her hand moved to her jaw and rubbed it. “What was that for?”

“Don’t push me on this trip, do try to control yourself, we do not need any extra problems.” She offered her hand to her sister.

Getting up from her seat on the step Kendra’s face was puffing up and bright red; she could feel the heat burning there where Kaydra hit her. “I will try for you lil sister.” She grinned at her, “I had your things moved to the quartermaster’s quarters. Ifin you wish no problems from me; I will stay in me quarters.” Kendra sported an evil look on her face as she hurried back up the steps and yelled for Trodain to help her out of the rest of her armor. Everyone’s head turned quickly for the only sound that was heard before that was the ship breaking through the sea. Those on the left side of Kendra could see the welt and mark from where she was hit. Nobody dared to comment on it for fear of what Kendra would do to them.

Kendra and Trodain disappeared into the captain’s quarters; the sound of the cabin door closing was heard across the deck and the crew let out the breath they all had held. A few murmurs were heard but died quickly. The crew wanted to enjoy the peace and quiet of the sea. It could be days before the crew saw Kendra on deck again.

The quartermaster’s eyes narrowed after seeing the sight of Kendra and her newly appointed cabin boy. He exhaled slowly in disappointment. The girls were becoming so different now. He hoped that they would not grow apart and end up going separate ways in life. What a shame that would be, the pair was unstoppable when they set their minds on something. He shook his head clearing his throat as he called out. “Jokul!”

“Aye sir?” Jokul the boatswain was one of the three that was assigned to the Oshanna to keep her maintained. He was a small man in his late twenties; his wife had died during childbirth, years ago. The pain was too much for him, and he turned to the sea and away from that which reminded him of her.

“Jokul look for me things,” The quartermaster’s eyes never moved off the horizon that outstretched before them. “I’ll find them sir.” he darted off.

The sea was a soft roll of waves; with just enough wind to move them through the water. Better winds were needed if the Oshanna’s crew where to make Port Cartale in good time.