act39side

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?

Food and water!

I spotted their granary earlier, so I snagged some in the chaos!

Set it alight afore I left, too! Haha! They'll be too busy putting out the fire to worry about us.

Not half bad, you bastard.

Now put your backs into it, ladies and gents! We reach home tomorrow night!

What're you looking at, chaval? You'll fall over the railing like that. First time in Mar Pálido?

This ship is... unusual. It's almost entirely wood and bone... Must be a lot lighter than the average landship.

Of course. Our salt ships are the only thing that can cross the Flat. If you tried it with those heavy iron beasts, they'd just get stuck in the salt.

Fascinating.

You don't look the least bit scared. Didn't you hear what the townsfolk called us?

Bandits.

You've got guts, saying it straight to my face.

I mean, you saved me from the gallows, didn't you?

Still, why run with us? The townies will brand you as one of us now.

...Do you know of a sword technique that will let you cut through the sea's wind and waves?

A sword technique? You having a laugh?

So none of you know?

Never heard of it.

Where's your ship stopping?

You want off? No can do, I'm afraid. You're heading back with us.

...Sorry, but that's not in my plans.

Not my problem, chaval.

Don't say that. I'd rather not have to draw my sword against the ones who saved me.

I get that you're a dab hand with the blade, but...

Grkh...

You need to watch your back.

Heh, all these years as a thief, and not once has anyone spotted me as I make my move.

That was enough dizzyleaf smoke to keep him asleep the entire trip.

Don't get cocky. So where's the compass the boss wanted? We put a lot of work into saving your sorry behinds, so don't disappoint us now.

You wound me, señor. I've just delivered you more than just the compass.

(Pouts) I got you my amigo over there too, didn't I?

In fact, considering the added value, saving me's not enough. I'll need a little something extra to make it worth my while.

You think we're just gonna take your word for it that he's an alchemist? Wait til the boss checks him over afore you run your mouth again.

Fine by me. Whatever's meant to be in my pocket, will find its way there eventually.

Hmph.

Anyhow, where's the kitchen? I'm always a little peckish after staring death in the face.

Second floor of the stern.

Muchas gracias, O generous señor!

AHHHHHHHHH!

AAAAHHHHH—!

I'm only going to remove the bone spines from the wound, not amputate your leg.

Only the most vicious of bandits would make barbed blades like this... The bleeding's stopped.

Urgh...

Hold on a little while longer. I've already sent someone to get Doctor Añora. Once she's here, we can have a better look.

Be at ease, you seem fine. You'll be better after a few square meals.

Señor Calificador, we've put out the fire in the granary, but there's nothing left inside.

...I'll think of a way to feed us.

What of the doctor? Her legs are not so good at her age. Did you not help her over?

She's gone.

Then where is sh—Wait, what? What happened?!

She was knocked over by the bandits and hit the back of her head. She is... no longer with us.

...I see.

Señor Silver... Are you...?

Did that hurt...? Sorry... Bear with it.

She's giving birth, Silver! The widow's giving birth right now!