A Raven from its Ashes

"The pirate kings of Myran have ruled over all its residents from the very moment of its independence. In certain aspects they are more like kings than the actual kings of the South."

Lord Ravenstone made his way through the busy streets of Myran with his heir, Geor and two guards in the family's service following him closely. The Waldoris Lodge was a large building in the middle of the city's central district called Lords' Town. This was the place of business of the pirate king and her associates. It also served as a bar for the members of the Waldoris clan, a place where they could hold meetings, or simply drink and gamble. Malcath was well aware of the curious and possibly judgmental looks he received as he entered the old, three-story building. As an individual on the periphery of Waldoris' clan, he was an unusual sight here. So as he crossed the tavern area he reminded himself that he had every right to be here, and if everything went well today, soon the regular patrons would have to get used to his presence.

"Good morning, sir," the dwarven man standing behind the counter greeted him as he peered over his glasses, studying the new arrivals.

"To you as well. Lord Malcath Ravenstone. Captain Waldoris is waiting for me."

"Ah, yes," the assistant nodded. "I shall send word immediately. Take a seat, have a drink. I'll notify you when she's ready to see you." Then he stepped down from whatever he was standing on, nearly disappearing behind the counter, only the top of his golden curls could be seen as he made his way toward a large, wooden door.

Malcath stood there for a few seconds, wondering for how long he would have to wait for the audience. He heard Geor let out a bored sigh behind him as he began to idly wander around the seating area.

"Are you going to order something, my lord?" Rothwun, one of the two guards asked after a moment of silence. He was a dwarf as well, with ginger hair and a strong build, who had been serving at the mansion for quite a few years now.

"I'm fine," Malcath replied in his usual, cold tone, still staring into the distance, lost in thought.

"May I then have a cup of liqueur, if you don't mind?"

"Need I remind you that you're on duty?" his colleague, a human woman with short, black hair next to him warned him with slight annoyance in her tone, mirroring Lord Ravenstone's feelings. Malcath gave knowing a look to the guard named Mygra, thankful that it wasn't him who had to educate his own employee on how to do his job. With a barely audible sigh the lord turned around and walked over to the nearest table, the two guards following him to stand behind his chair.

"Sit down," he told Geor, who just looked over then proceeded to move away from his father and take a seat at a different table a few meters away. The boy slumped onto the chair, staring Malcath in the eyes as he crossed his arms and attempted to take up as much space as possible with his small frame.

"You will join me in Captain Waldoris' office," Malcath declared. "You will be silent, pay attention to every word and behave like a proper noble."

Geor raised an eyebrow then made a displeased frown. "Do you understand?" Malcath said with more force this time.

"I'm not an idiot," the boy finally replied. Malcath often wondered what he had done to deserve an heir who was so determined in testing his patience every single day.

"It would be quite idiotic indeed not to follow my instructions. Captain Waldoris is one of the most powerful people in Myran and our family owes allegiance to her. You better keep that in mind."

They spent the next ten minutes in complete silence. The dwarven assistant soon returned to his duties at the bar, talking to patrons and giving instructions to staff members, not paying any mind to Lord Ravenstone and his entourage. Merchants, pirates, servants and messengers went about their business or sat down to have a conversation, most of them merely giving a quick glance to the new faces.