Gull and Elian enjoy calm before the storm in Ch 12/Sc 1a of RAGING SEA by @KimHeadlee #amwriting

Graphic overlay c2016 by Kim Headlee.

I've been working with computers since the days when you could walk through the middle of them, and this week has been one of the worst for me, computing-wise, ever. 

Suffice it to say that I'm having to limp along with an old XP desktop machine, but I'm grateful for that much because otherwise I would not be able to continue sharing these excerpts with you.

Today we turn back to Gull and Elian, and it's an auspicious day, especially for Gull, who stands on the cusp of an important meeting. Two important meetings, in fact, though neither he nor Elian knows it yet.

Previous excerpts of Raging Sea 
Chapters 1–6 in Raging Sea: Reckonings

 Chapter 7: Sc 1 | Sc 2 | Sc 3 | Sc 4 | Sc 5a | Sc 5b |
Chapter 8: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 2 | Sc 3a | Sc 3b |
Chapter 9: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 1c | Sc 1d | Sc 1e |
Chapter 10: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 2a | Sc 2b | Sc 3a | Sc 3b | Sc 3c |
Chapter 11: Sc 1a |  Sc 1b | Sc 1c | Sc 2 | Sc 3a | Sc 3b |

Raging Sea Chapter 12, Scene 1a

©2016 by Kim Headlee

All rights reserved.

GULL strode beside Elian, trying to recall the last time the auld boar had walked so fast. Dockside shops, inns, warehouses, and other buildings seemed to fall behind them in a blur of color, punctuated by the brisk step-thock of the centurion’s tread and his cheerful whistling of a ribald drinking tune about seven Sasunach sisters, each more lusty than the last.

Training recruits these past several sennights had done Elian a world of good, and Gull was glad to see it. The grueling schedule helped Gull keep his mind off Angusel, and he was glad of that too, truth be told. A parent could worry only so much before it exacted a steep toll.

He was gladder still that he and Elian were on their way to their favorite watering hole on this, their weekly day of rest, with legion coin jingling in their pouches, even though their primary reason for visiting the waterfront tavern was to keep recruits out of any trouble that could be had in the off-duty hours.

Before their destination hove into view, Elian pulled up short. Gull almost collided with him, and jostled his arm.

“Hey! Mind where you’re going, dead Pict!”

Gull grinned, wondering when the epithet had become an endearment between them. “Then give a ghost a wee bit o’warning next time. Why did ye stop?”

Elian pointed at a trading vessel flying the Black Boar of Clan Móran that had just nosed into a berth at the next dock. Crewmen leaped ashore, and shipmates tossed them ropes for winching the vessel into place. Watching the proceedings amidships stood a lovely lady, guarded by a warrior with a fearsome countenance who looked ready to take on all comers. Both their cloaks—hers edged in gold and his almost as fine but plain—sported the Black Boar too.

“Ho, Lady Morghe!” Elian gave a grand wave, which the woman returned with nigh as much enthusiasm, and he abandoned Gull to greet her.

Curious, Gull followed.

***

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