act39side

Might I remind you, Pascuala, that you're chained up too.

Silence, sinner! You'll be on trial next!

What are you even doing here?

I... *sigh* Old habits.

She's about to be <i>executed</i>?!

Don't blame me, that girl ran afoul of her bad habits. Barely out the door and she was already off to pick the pocket of the best dressed man in town.

Who happened to be Calificador Silver.

With her skills, not even the calificador would have noticed her.

He didn't, but she was caught in the act by one of his priests giving a report.

And what about that alchemist she mentioned?

We know where he is.

That's good.

He's about to be hanged, right alongside her.

So, how many of those priests do they have at the execution?

Twelve.

...With your crew, we should be able to handle them. Let's go.

Señoras y señores, according to the laws of this town, these two criminals will be hanged by the neck until dead. I hope this will serve as a warning to all not to allow your souls to be tarnished by sin.

The time has come. Execute them.

You don't look worried at all.

What's there to worry about?

You got a way out of this then?

Not at this <i>exact</i> moment, no, but it's all about the timing...

The girl turns her head, looking to the side of the gallows. A warrior priest has his hand on the lever, ready to pull it.

(Waves his hand)

Agh! My hand!

B—Bandits! Bandits!

OhwhatsinshaveIcommittedtodeservesuchpunishmenthowshouldIatone...

Repel them! Protect the civilians! Cover Calificador Silver's retreat!

Forget me! Evacuate the citizens!

Charge, you lazy sons of saltfins, charge! Don't let those poor bastards bite the dust!

Yearrrgh!

Those bandits are here to rescue their friends!

Get in formation and stop them!

Die!

Oh...

You dare plunder this town so brazenly?!

We'll handle this lot, Javier! You save Pascuala and the boy, quicklike!

I owe you one.

Don't let them have their way!

Yes, sir!

Keep it quick! There's no time to waste!

Anyone gets in our way, cut them down!

Aye!

Grkh...

Cut them loose, quick!

On it!

Heh, took you guys long enough. Quick, get me out of these shackles, it's starting to chafe like you wouldn't believe.

Yeow! My wrists! You call this a rescue?

Hmph. Like I told the boss long ago, you're nothing but trouble.

And yet here you are, saving me from the gallows.

You too, chaval. Get moving.

Can I borrow a sword?

Here, catch.

Don't even think about running, boy!

You expect me to lay down and die, señor?

Nice moves!

Muchas gracias.

Hey! Is this really the time to get all buddy-buddy?! How're we getting out of here?

Shut your mouth and follow Teach. She knows an alley leading out of town.

An alley? I <i>guess</i> that'll do...

Follow me!

They're heading south!

South...? It's a sheer cliff. What're they up to?

*Huff*... *Huff*... You're nuts. What alley?! That's a CLIFF!

There's an alley if you jump down.

Please tell me she's joking, Javier.

Run faster! You'll need the speed to make the jump!

Huh?

(Silently speeds up)

Don't tell me you're going along with this plan?

Any better ideas?

I think you've got brain problems, amigo.

It's just ahead! Three, two, one—JUMP!

With a decisive leap, the bandit jumps down the cliff, knocking loose some rocks that fall alongside her. After a long silence, a distant, muffled 'thump' can be heard coming from the bottom.

Pascuala watches bandit and boulder alike disappear off the cliff's edge, and gulps in fear.

Urk...

It's a dead end up ahead, there's nowhere to run! Get them!

Jump already! They're about to catch up!

Pascuala looks at the cliff, then back at the warrior priests pursuing them.

No! I'd rather get cut down than jump!

Zip it.

Hey! Wh—What are you doing?!

With the girl tucked snugly under his arm, Isidro takes one last look back.

Then he sets his sights firmly ahead and leaps down the cliff, a screaming Pascuala in tow.

AHHHHHHHHH!

You lousy piece of finshit, I'll remember this—!

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

In the midst of her panic, Pascuala feels herself land on something soft, quite unlike the solid ground she expected.

As she opens her eyes, she sees the giant cloth used to catch her.

Eh...?

We're safe now. They caught us with their sails.

Oh, there was... a boat... at the bottom of the cliff.

She looks around. Enormous bones prop up the ship's wooden hull, while layer upon layer of canvas and finleather sails throng the masts, scattering the sun's light.

The fiery wind powers the complex of legs at the bottom of the hull through a complicated transmission system, the legs sending the ship scuttling over the salty soil with their powerful strokes.

Still calling yourself a Master Thief after that courageous display, Pascuala?

Hah, a good thief acts with thorough planning and caution, not reckless derring-do.

Stop gabbing with her and get changed, Teach. The helmsman's injured and I need you to take over.

Didn't like that outfit anyway. Way too tight around the bodice.

*Huff*... *Huff*...

Hm? What's that you're carrying?