Greystorm Chronicles 2

    The tavern was bustling with life, ale and liquor alike flowed like rivers throughout the mass of hearty people laughing and talking.  All involved were happy, with smiles on their faces and good cheer in their hearts.  No one even noticed that there was something missing...the owner.  Dorean stood at the railing of the second story balcony looking down on the scene.  He would love to join them, but wasn't in the mood.  Despite his melancholy, he had to admit, this little business venture had paid off.  He had taken a little run down tavern in a town no one had ever heard of and made it a favored destination to all that traveled the seas.  On any normal night he would be joining the party and doing his fair share of celebrating, but tonight, he just wanted to watch. 

    "What troubles ye Captain?", a gruff voice rumbled from behind him.  If it had been a voice he didn't recognize, Dorean would have silenced it by now.

    "I grow weary of this life Mr. Dobbs, I think it's about time I left and set sail again."  Dorean turned to his first mate and smirked.  James Dobbs had been with him from the beginning and stood by his side through thick and thin.  Of the entirety of Dorean's crew, Dobbs was the only one who hadn't settled here.  And Dorean knew why. 

    "When do we leave sir?  All the necessary repairs have been made to the "Raven" and at your word I will supply her and gather the crew.  I think a short jaunt would do us all some good.  I'm going a bit stir crazy."  Dobbs tried his best not to sound over eager. 

    "Three days, supply the ship, but do not contact the crew.  Many of them have lives and wives and children here.  It would be unfair of me to take them away from that.  And this is going to be no short jaunt, James, this time it will be for good.  Now go, you have just three days time to supply my ship and hire a new crew, and that my friend is a daunting task for even you."  Dorean turned back towards the crowd, he didn't want Dobbs to see the sadness wash over his face.

    "Three days sir?  With all do respect, isn't that a bit soon?  I mean the wedding is not for another two weeks and your presence has been requested by Lady Mary.  After all, you two have known each other for so long, some would think you were the one marrying her and not Lord Deenan.  It still amazes me that after all this time they are finally going through with it.  Seems like only yesterday that they were about to call off the engagement.  Funny how that works isn't it.  It was right as we got back into town and you decided we should live as upstanding gentlemen for a time..." Dobbs stopped short as he saw the Captain wheel.  The grimace on his face was a mixture of anger, frustration, and sadness.  Dobbs had never seen Dorean look that way before. 

    "Thank you, Mr. Dobbs.  You have your orders, now follow them."  Dorean's voice was steady, but Dobbs could feel the anger burning in each word. 

    "Aye sir, sorry sir, it will be done."  Dobbs turned and walked away. 

    Dorean turned around and looked over the party again.  "Yes, Mr. Dobbs, it will be done."