DREQ AND THE SHEROES

Dreq was a rich landlord in Rubi Isle which is on planet tellus - earth’s twin about 800 years younger. He was rich because he owned an inn, a tavern and a laundry all running profitably. He was about 40. His life would be interesting as it impinged on a few others. Let them all speak:

GAMA SPEAKS:

I am good-looking and was very young when I got married. But unfortunately I lost my husband within a few months thereafter. I chose to live alone with the income from property left to me by my husband. I had my house to live in and I chose the gypsy girl Chili to work for me and live with me. Chili was also very young and good-looking and she said she had a boyfriend. Landlord and businessman Dreq fell in love with me and started sending me gifts through Chili courting me. But I did not respond.

CHILI SPEAKS:

That morning Gama had sent me to the perfumer but he was closed. It had started raining and I took shelter under the eaves. It was then that Drek came that way driving his donkey cart. Seeing me he halted and offered me a lift. By the time I could get in a runner came with a message for Dreq. There was a fire in the inn owned by him. He said to me “Let me go and survey the damage. It is only a short distance away. Go with me and I’ll drop you at home later as it is still raining.”

Reaching the inn the staff said that the fire had started in the store for dried grass for bedsteads and had been contained. Dreq said “Only the smoke has entered the rooms. Let me check. Come.”

I went with him and after looking around he said “I’ll show you my room.”

In his room we had food and some liquor he had. Then he started to make love to me. I didn’t prevent him and he had his way for hours. It was to my full satisfaction. I said “If my mistress knew about this encounter….”

He said “I know you will be discreet. You’ll get your reward.”

He dropped me home. Chili knew I was late because of the rain.

GAMA SPEAKS:

 Drek sent some elders to speak to me on his proposal and I consented. We got married with much fanfare. I found Drek an able lover and was soon pregnant. Announcing it I said “Chili is also with child. The gypsy fellow who caused it has disappeared. Do I keep her?”

Drek said “I’ll give her a job in my laundry. Let her live elsewhere.”

Chili bore a girl called Prima while Gama had a son. 18 years have passed since the above narrations.

ECHO SPEAKS:

My name coming in at this juncture will be puzzling. Let me clarify. I am female and had once worked in the fish market in Rubi Isle. I am now 25 years old. I was a fool to fall in love with the wrong person. I married a man who was well built and handsome and we had good times together though there was no result. He started a liaison with another woman and when I objected he threatened to kill me. I wasn’t scared. I knew pirate Zook would protect me. When he came in from the sea one time, I got him to murder the crook who was my husband.  Zook wanted someone like me to travel the sea and extract gold from voyagers. I joined him. I became a female pirate. We had a few encounters and then Zook fell ill and died. I then started operating alone with men who were Zook’s crew.

After a storm I would make as if my boat was badly affected and standing at the mast seek help. Many would come forward to help when I would seize them or jump into their ships and extract from them whatever valuables they had. I had heard that the rich landlord Dreq had a son who would go on the sea and I considered kidnapping him for a ransom. I shared my intent with my crew. Soon afterwards one of my crew alerted me about the young man who was sailing near the coast. I ordered my ship to block that sailor. That done I seized the boat and the boats man and ordered that he be restrained below the deck.

I didn’t question the captive but sent a message to Dreq that unless he paid a big ransom his son wouldn’t be released.  

 DREQ SPEAKS:

I was surprised to receive the message from Echo as my son was with us. I assumed she had mistaken the identity of the seized person. But now Chili sends me a message that her daughter who had gone sailing was missing. I spoke to her about Echo’s message when she said “It could be my daughter who cross-dresses for safety. If so you should face Echo to sort out the issue. Remember Prima is your daughter too. If I were you I would go with armed guards and kill that Echo. How dare she seek a ransom? If you want me to go with you I will. I’m fearless.”

 I had a duty towards my daughter and sent word to Echo that I would visit her. She gave me her anchor point. I hired 3 boats with pirate mercenaries and set off.

ECHO SPEAKS:

Dreq came to see me on my boat with two bodyguards. At once two of my crew members came to guard me. I asked “Have you brought the money I demanded?”

He said “I’m not paying any ransom. If you’re holding my son my men will upset your boat and seize the captive.”

The bodyguards took out knives for attack and I pulled out my sword. There was going to be bloodshed. Dreq was about to attack me with a small dagger. I wasn’t worried as he and his guards wouldn’t leave my boat alive if I was harmed.

At this stage I laughed and ordered my guards “Bring the captive here.”

Dreq was happy to see my captive safe. I said “I found it wasn’t your son but a Chili’s daughter Prima. I asked her if she would like to join me on adventures on the sea. She said she was willing. Ask her yourself.”

Prima said  ”Yes dad. I want to be with Echo. I like adventure and the sea.”

Dreq said “Prima you know the risks you’re running.”

“Of course. But I’m confident of being a good pirate.”

The arms were sheathed and Dreq and his men withdrew. I was content that instead of money I had got a woman to be made into a pirate.

CHILI SPEAKS:

Dreq came to me and told me all that had happened. I said “Dreq I’m glad you had the courage to face Echo. I know Prima’s temperament. She is very courageous.  Let her seek her destiny.’

END