A New Beginning

Having docked the ship after a long 3-month voyage without seeing a hint of land the crew of the Nomad gratefully walk onto the now missed sand. Sinbad glances over at Firouz. "Firouz, do you have any idea as to what island we find ourselves upon?"

"No, not yet, Sinbad, but don’t worry all we need are supplies and then we can had back to the ship towards Bagdad. I believe I have an idea as to which way we should head."

"Alright, Firouz."

Bryn glanced over at her captain and smiled ~such a handsome man~ she thought to herself ~and I am the one he says he loves, I am so lucky~ The grew quickly walked through the forest and they cam across a small village. Doubar looked to his left signaled to his little brother and the crew quickly walked over to the tavern.

"5 ales please and do you know we could room for a night or two?" Sinbad asked the barmaid. "Well honey, we be the only place offerin' rooms. How many did ya need?"

"I’d need three rooms"

"Hmm... let me see if I got room fer you all. Here’s your ale. Give me a few minutes and I’ll see to your rooms." Sinbad nodded his thanks and left to join his crew in the back of the tavern.

Later that night after a few rounds of ale the crew decided to turn in. As they were leaving the tavern to go next door to their rooms royal guards walked in the door. Not knowing this the crew didn’t bow and soon found themselves admist a fight.

Sinbad took the leader tossing his sword from one hand to the other. Firouz and Bryn kept a close watch as they battled two others. Doubar grabbed two men and with a hard thrust knocked their heads together. The crew quickly took the men down and seeing this their leader called a retreat. Sinbad and the crew turned around believing they could leave only to be hit from behind. The last thing Sinbad saw was the head guards evil smile.

The Find:

"For people who don’t believe in magic you sure know how to use it well! You should feed your prisoners down here! If we’re here we might as well be treated as such! Are you listening to me?!" screamed a voice from the dungeon.

Sinbad awoke from his beating as he was being brought down to the dungeon. He thought he recognized the voice, yet as a searing pain came to him he quickly forgot the thought.

"Shut up wench! Be glad you’re still alive!" yelled one of the guards’ back to the prisoner.

"What’s to be glad about! Oh, I don’t believe in magic! Sorceresses are evil! Blah Blah Blah! Yet, you know how to bewitch chains pretty well!"

"Silence, wench!" Roared a voice from behind the guards "You be glad your alive and in one piece. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," replied the woman dully.

Sinbad slowly came to and looked around him. Doubar and the rest lay next to him still unconscious. He looked across the room and saw another person sitting chained against the wall. He strained his eyes, but could not focus on the person. A rustling soon was heard and Sinbad looked next to him to see Doubar and the others awakening. Sinbad looked at each in turn and then asked

"Does anyone know where we are?"

"I do," answered the voice from across the room.

"You’re in the dungeon of King Ridnam."

"And who may that be"

"The man that rules this land. The man that outlaws magic."

Sinbad focused on the voice and then his voice barley above a whisper he asked, "Maeve?"

The figure across the room sighed and said "Aye, it’s me Sinbad."

Sinbad jumped up from his sitting position and ran to where Maeve sat "Maeve! Maeve! It’s really you! Maeve, what are you doing here? Why didn’t you return to me?"

"One question at a time. First things first. After my training was completed Dim Dim tried to search for you, yet he said he couldn’t find you. He said it was as if you closed yourself off from him. Yet, he knew part of your future and knew that you would soon arrive here so he sent me here to wait for you. Little did I know that when I emerged into the village that this village was one not of magic. I soon found myself outnumbered by guards and then I was down here."

"But Maeve, if you have mastered the white arts why can’t you get yourself out?"

"Easier said then done Sinbad. For a village that knows nothing of magic they sure know how to bewitch chains well. Everytime I try to use my magic the chains drain me to almost nothing."

"Oh Maeve, that’s terrible! Well then we’ll get you out of here wont we crew?"

Doubar who now stood up and walked over to the couple smiled. "Aye lass. We’ve missed you. As soon as we get out of here you owe me a hug."

"No problem, Doubar." The crew all offered their hellos and welcome backs yet Bryn hung back. She felt like an outsider at this little reunion. Yet, something else pulled at her. It was the look in Sinbad’s eyes. She sighed to herself ~he has never looked at me with that much love. What does she have that I don’t?~ Bryn quickly shivered and tried to shove the jealous thoughts out of her mind.

Sinbad paced the room looking for a means of escape. Doubar pulled on Maeve’s chains. They may have been bewitched, but they were coming loose. After an hour of working at the chains Doubar cried out; "Yes there you go lass! Free at last!" Maeve tried to jump up, but almost fell and would have if Rongar had not caught her. "Guess I was sitting for two long" she joked. Maeve got her footing and walked over to the door that kept them trapped. She put her hands to the lock and soon the door burst open as if it by an unseen force. "We’re out of here." Maeve stepped through the door with Sinbad close behind her and the crew right behind him. Maeve turned a corner and then another and she abruptly stopped. Sinbad walked up beside her his eyes silently questioning her. "There are guards there. Only a few, but without weapons and me feeling drained I feel we shouldn’t fight. Come, follow me." Sinbad shrugged and followed Maeve as she turned down an opposite corridor. Soon after the crew found themselves welcoming the sun onto their heads as they finally emerged from the dungeon. They had no run ins and only one close call.

Maeve turned to Sinbad, "If you need supplies get them as soon as possible and get back to the Nomad. I don’t want to stay in this place a second longer then I have to."

Sinbad smiled slightly and urged his crew towards the village where they bought the supplies they’d need. As soon as they reached the village a loud screech came from the trees and the crew turned to see Dermott flying towards them. Bryn raised her arm expectantly but her face fell as she saw the bird fly over to Maeve. "Dermott!" Maeve cried as she saw the creature that had landed on the branch next to her. She silently looked at him as the crew knowing walked on a little giving the two time to reacquaint themselves.

After purchasing the much-needed supplies the crew went back to the Nomad. Maeve hesitated for a second before stepping aboard. Sinbad had disappeared below, but when he returned he held Maeve’s gauntlet in his hands. "This was all we found of you." He said sadly. Maeve smiled at him her eyes betraying her by showing her sadness. Which she quickly hid by turning to Dermott and raising her arm letting him land on it.

"Much has changed around here." Maeve stated a minute later.

"I don’t know what you mean, Maeve."

"Sinbad, everything. Look at you. Your clothing, your hair. It’s all different. Your attitude. Your view on life, your quest, it’s all different. You don’t look for the good in everyone. Sinbad, I have been watching you believe it or not. I know what has changed, I have seen the way you fight and they way you act at every port."

"Maeve, I was in mourning. What did you want me to do fall in love with someone? They were one night stands. Nothing more. They were there to keep my mind off of something I didn’t want it on. They knew it meant nothing to me, yet they still agreed. I may have changed Maeve, but now that you are back I believe it is time for me to go back to the man I use to be. The man that I miss. The man that I want to be once again."

Maeve turned to Sinbad to find that he had his once lost red bandanna tied to his head holding his hair back. She smiled lightly at this and gently tugged on a strand of hair.

Sadly she stated, "Not everything can be changed that quickly." As saying this her eyes went to Bryn. As Sinbad followed her gaze he slowly sighed wondering what he had gotten himself into.

Bryn looked behind her seeing Maeve and Sinbad whispering to each other. She tried to hold back the rush of jealousy that came flooding over her. ~Who does she think she is? Coming back after two years. I have been the one picking up all the pieces. Not her. Why does she all of a sudden get the attention she got before?~

"Bryn, grab that line!" Doubar yelled. Bryn snapped out of her thought process to see Sinbad and Rongar running over to her both frantically pulling the line back into place. Sinbad looked at her questioningly, but hurried back to his place next to Maeve. Bryn sighed and turned away thinking no one heard her, but Rongar did.

~Bryn?~ he signed ~What is wrong? Sinbad just wants everything to get back to normal. With a few changes of course, but you have to remember Maeve was always here in memory. As soon as he gets use to her being back he’ll be back to normal. And you’ll finally get to meet the Sinbad we told you about. The one the loved life and fought for good. The Sinbad you have yet to meet~

Bryn sighed, "I know Rongar, but I feel as if he is replacing me."

~You will always hold a place in his heart. As will Maeve. The differences between the two of you may be great, but you must remember Sinbad admitted his feelings to you. From what we know he never did for Maeve~

Bryn smiled at that. "Well, I guess I still have a chance." She kept that thought with her as she went below for the night. She passed Maeve’s cabin and noticed that the door was open. She walked in and saw that the room had a bed in it. Bryn’s temper returned ~He gave her a bed already? There was never a bed in here before. I have been here for two years and I haven’t gotten a bed yet~ Bryn quickly walked past the room and down to her section off the crew’s quarters. ~She even gets her own room. Only the high members of crew get that. Only Doubar, Rongar, and Firouz have their own rooms other then Sinbad.~ "Hmph," she said outloud as she slipped onto her hammock. She looked over at Dermott's perch and noticed that he too was gone.

Sinbad and Maeve talked late into the night. "So Maeve, no adventures to tell me about?"

"No, Sinbad." She said smiling. "All I did was learn my magic. But from the bits and pieces I have heard from the crew and from what I saw myself you should have quite a tale to tell me."

"Aye Maeve, but all of a sudden and I don’t remember it."

"Oh, you’re a charmer, captain. I will get it out of you. Just watch."

"We'll see about that." With that the two started jabbing each other and joking around until Doubar came up to them and told Sinbad it was his turn at tiller. Maeve took that as her time to leave and gave her good nights as she stepped below with Dermott at her side.

"So, little brother. Happy to have Maeve back again?"

"Of course I am Doubar. Everything will be right again."

"What about Bryn, Sinbad?"

"Oh... yeah, well, I’m gonna have to do something. I knowwhat I told Bryn, I do love her, but not the way thatI love Maeve. With Maeve it’s just this over-powering feeling. She fills all the void in my heart. She’s half of me Doubar. Half of my heart belongs to her as it always did. I wonder though if I still own half of hers."

"Well, little brother, I hope all works out. For the morning may come, but will the women in your life be happy to see it?"

Doubar went below while Sinbad pondered his words.

The Next Morning:

Maeve stepped up from below deck to see Doubar at tiller. She went over and had some pleasant time with him. The two joked about past adventures and Doubar told her about a few of the ones that she had missed. Sinbad soon came up and as the crew looked over at him they all gasped at the sight. Sinbad self-consciously asked "What?" Doubar went up to his little brother and laughed. "Well, look what we have here! Haven’ seen you in something like this since of well two years ago, little brother. And your hair! You cut it!"

"Yes, Doubar, I cut it. And I felt that my older clothing was more comfortable then the new clothing is"

"Oh, I see, little brother. And you just decided this overnight. Or did Maeve have something to do with it?"

"Maeve had nothing to do with my wardrobe change. Don’t you have a tiller to be watching, brother?"

"Aye, aye, little brother."

Maeve walked up to Sinbad studying him. "Well." She said smiling "I think I recognize this. And I see I have a bed in my cabin. What made you change your mind about bringing it up? From what I heard you told the crew not to touch it."

"It was your bed, Maeve. I got it for a reason."

"Oh, I know that."

"I was wondering if that bed can still serve its purpose."

"And what purpose would that be, captain?"

"Oh, I think you know." Sinbad said smiling. He knew she was baiting for him and he gladly rose to it.

Maeve turned away from him suddenly serious

"Before that bed serves the purpose it was bought for I believe you should sort out your feelings. Sinbad, I know what we had and believe me I still have it. Yet, it has been two years things have changed. We have changed. I know that from seeing you now and seeing her. You have to settle your feelings before anything goes any further. I told you this before we even got anywhere. You are my friend first and foremost. What relationship we have other than that or you have with someone other then me will not change that. I will always be there for you either as a lover, a friend, or a sister."

"I know that, Maeve. I know."

He took her hands in his and looked into her eyes. In their brown depths he knew that she sincerely meant everything she just said to him.

Maeve turned and walked towards the tiller. Sinbad watched her go and looked up as Dermott sat on the bar above him.

"I know how you’re feeling my, friend. Never thought I’d see Maeve again after I told Bryn what I told her."

~I know that, my friend.~

"What was that?" Sinbad cried

~Me, Demott. Now quiet down. Took you long enough to realize you could talk to me through mindvoice. You could talk to Maeve too if you practiced. But for right now keep it to yourself. We both have big decisions ahead of us. Someone’s heart will be broken. No matter how hard we try not to break a heart. Maeve is my true mistress, yet Bryn has been so kind to me these last few years when I couldn’t even get through to Maeve. Yet, the minute she was back and I was back near her all my love came back for her.~

"Aye, Dermott. I know that feeling."

~Yes, we both know that, but to return to everything the way it was before Bryn will be devastated. Yet, denying Maeve the love she richly deserves after leading the life she has had to leave. Well, lets just say those wounds in her heart will reopen and they may never close.~

"Puts a lot of pressure on us doesn’t it, my friend?"

~Yes, it does.~

Bryn walked up from below and her stare came immediately to Sinbad.

~What has he done to himself?~ she thought to herself. ~He shaved and cut his hair. It actually looks very good on him.~

"Good morning, Sinbad"

"Morning Bryn. How are you feeling today?"

"Well, thank you. New look I see."

"Aye, yes. I felt it was time for a change and well here it is. Do you like it?"

"Yes, I do. Is this what you use to look like?"

"Yes, it is."

"Before Maeve left you."

Sinbad averted his eyes as sadness crept into them

"She didn’t leave me." He started, "she was taken by Dim Dim so she could learn her magic and beat Rumina so that Rumina didn’t kill her before her time."

"Yet, Maeve mastered her magic and she never came to see you. Never sent word nothing."

"Bryn, you sound like you are trying to turn me against Maeve. She had to learn. Otherwise she could’ve died before her time as well as the rest of us."

"Aye, Sinbad. Whatever you say. I think it’s your turn at tiller."

Sinbad looked towards Rongar and smiled.

"Aye, I think it is. I’ll see you later, Bryn."

Sinbad quickly left and headed to take over at the tiller.

"What has happened to him, Dermott? He’s changed."

~No, Bryn.~ came the answer ~All he has done was return to the man that we all knew and loved. Maeve brought the best out in him as do you, but the times were different and the best is different. The man you see now is the man he once was. This is the man that Maeve brought out. When Sinbad realized his feelings for you, that was the best you brought out in him.~

"You make it sound like he’s two different people, Dermott"

~It’s as if he is. When Maeve was taken away something in him died. Or so we thought. A new and unfeeling man came out; one that none of us knew. Then you brought out the best in that man and he was kinder, yet with Maeve back that part that we had thought died returned with the Sinbad we have all missed. Believe me you will like the real Sinbad.~

"I hope so."

Bryn walked away from Dermott and towards the tiller where Sinbad stood with Maeve. Maeve saw Bryn coming said something to Sinbad and left him to talk with Firouz. Bryn walked up to Sinbad

"Sinbad, I think we need to talk."

"I know. I’ve been meaning to bring some things up to you."

"I know that you don’t love me, Sinbad"

"No, Bryn. I love you as a sister. I love Maeve as a man to a woman, but I love you as a sister and a friend."

"You weren’t singing that tune a few nights ago."

"Bryn, I was a different man then. I was someone else altogether. Someone who had lost his soul. Half of himself. I know found that other half."

"I thought I was that other half."

"At a time I thought so too, but then after awhile I realized that couldn’t be. My heart belongs to Maeve, Bryn. I hate having to hurt you like this, but I can’t stay with you and not feel the feelings I am suppose to feel in a relationship. And I can’t deny the fact that I love Maeve."

"Bryn! Bryn, please Bryn, come back!"

Bryn ran from Sinbad heading below deck almost running straight into Maeve.

"Whoa! Bryn, are you okay?"

"Just, just leave me alone."

Maeve continued towards Sinbad who explained to her what he just told Bryn. Maeve nodded sympathetically.

Later that Night:

Maeve lay in her bed silently staring at the ceiling. She didn’t even look up as a person quietly entered her room silently slipping into the bed beside her. Maeve turned on her side and laid her head on Sinbad’s chest.

"Mmmmm. I’ve missed this."

"Missed what?"

"This. Just having you next to me. Holding me. I feel so safe with you right here."

"Aye, my love. Knowing you’re here with me gives me reason to get up tomorrow."

"Aye, it does. No talking," she said as he opened his mouth to say something else. "Just one night. No interruptions, no nothing. Just us. Just hold me Sinbad. Just tonight lets pretend our lives are prefect. And we’ll always be together with no problems."

The two fell asleep with light hearts as they both dreamed of a great future.

The Next morning:

As the first rays of sun streamed through the windows in Maeve’s room Sinbad tightened the hold he had on his lover. She sighed softly and turned on her side hiding from the sun. Sinbad softly whispered in her ear as her eyes fluttered open.

"Hey there, sleepyhead."

"Hey there, captain. Your up early."

"Aye. Come lets go up top before the crew wakes up and starts having fun at our expense."

The two got up and dressed and went up top. Doubar smiled as he saw the two arrive on deck together, yet his smile faded when he saw the look Bryn had on her face at the sight of the two of them together. Doubar turned to see Dermott squawking nervously.

"Aye, Dermott. I hope there is no problem. Bryn is a strong woman. Sinbad realized that when he told her his feelings. He believes she can handle it. I know she can, I can sense the strength in her. It’s almost as if she wants to stay weak. That girl better get that strength out now cause she’s gonna need it."

Doubar turned his attention back to the sea as Bryn watched Sinbad and Maeve flirt together while Sinbad coiled the rope. Her eyes flashed yellow, but the moment passed when Dermott screeched right above her ear.

"Oh, honestly! I wasn’t going to do anything Dermott! Don’t tell me your on her side too!"

~She is my sister, Bryn. You know that. Yet, you are my very good friend~

"Fine go back to her! See what I care!"

Bryn turned and stomped below deck.

Later that Day:

As most of the crew sat eating dinner Bryn emerged from her room. She immediately noticed that both Sinbad and Maeve were missing. Doubar seeing her questioning look told her that the two were on the upper deck while Sinbad was at the tiller. After dinner Bryn went to the upper deck to find Sinbad and Maeve deep in conversation. Sinbad handed the tiller to Doubar and he and Maeve quickly moved to the other end of the ship near the rail. Bryn followed at a close distance.

Suddenly.

"I cant believe you, Sinbad! How can you choose her over me? What does she have that I don’t?" Bryn yelled.

"Bryn, stop this now! What is wrong? I thought we talked about this yesterday."

Bryn’s eyes flashed yellow

"No, you said you were leaving me for that, that wench!"

Sinbad stiffened at the word wench

"Bryn, don’t call Maeve that."

"I can call her whatever I want to call her!"

"Bryn, we can talk about this." Maeve said.

"Get lost wench, this does not concern you!"

"Yes, it does!"

"NO. IT. DOESN’T!!!!" Bryn said with that a yellow stream came shooting from Bryn’s eyes and right to Maeve. Not being able to deflect it the yellow beam hit Maeve square in the chest knocking her overboard.

"MAAAAAEEEEVVVVEEEE!!!!!!!" screamed Sinbad as he ran to the rail. He jumped into the sea as Bryn’s eyes dimmed. Doubar ran over to Bryn and let down a rope. Sinbad would not grab the rope.

"Little Brother! Grab the rope! Get out of the water so we can find Maeve!"

Still Sinbad would not listen.

Doubar signaled to Rongar who quickly jumped into the sea after Sinbad. Rongar tied the rope around Sinbad’s waist as Firouz and Doubar pulled him back onto the ship kicking and screaming the whole time.

"Let me go, Doubar! Damn you! Let me go after her!! Doubar, let me go!!!"

Doubar picked up Sinbad and shook him a little.

"Have you lost your mind? You are not going out there! She’s gone, Sinbad! If Maeve had survived the fall she would’ve been swimming! Killing yourself will not bring her back."

"Then let me die too! I can’t live without her!"

"I won’t lose you too!"

At this Sinbad look at his brother and saw the tears in his eyes. He slowly let down his defense and started crying into his brother’s arms.

"I just got her back, Doubar. I had lost her, but she came back to me. I just got her back." He cried.

"I know. Firouz says there’s an island close by. We’re gonna stop there. Maeve may be there."

Sinbad looked up at his brother and nodded. Bryn came up to them.

"Sinbad, I am so sorry. I don’t know what happened. I lost control."

"Go away."

"What?"

"Get out of my sight."

"Sinbad, I’m sorry…"

"I said, GO!"

Bryn jumped back as if she had been struck. Sinbad had never yelled at her like that. She turned to Doubar.

"I didn’t mean to hurt her."

"I know lass, but Sinbad has to mourn her now. It’ll be best to keep your distance for now. He has to mourn in his own way."

Doubar turned and walked to where his little brother was looking into the sea.

"I said I’d master it, Doubar. Yet, it still takes what I hold most dear."

"She wouldn’t leave you so easily, little brother. Just you watch, she’ll be waiting on the island wondering what took us so long to find her."

"I hope so, Doubar."

Doubar watched his younger brother nervously as he took hold of the tiller. Sinbad hadn’t been eating at all since Maeve had gone. Thank Allah that they were almost upon the island. Then they’ll go ashore find Maeve or find Sinbad some other kind of company.

"Doubar?"

Doubar’s head shot up as he looked at who spoke to him. His stare stiffened a little as he saw Bryn.

"Yes, Bryn?"

"I was just checking to make sure everything is alright. Is there anything I can do to make us get to the island faster? Sinbad isn’t talking to me."

"He isn’t talking to anyone, Bryn."

"Yes, he is. He’s talking to Dermott."

"Now how could he do that?"

"Oh well. Umm, I just figured he was talking to Dermott that’s all." Bryn answered flustered.

"Why don’t you just go down below and get some lunch before we go ashore. Tell Firouz to bring up my portion and Sinbad’s. That boy’s gonna eat even if I have to shove it down his throat."

Bryn smiled softly and went down below.

Sinbad stood at the bow of the ship talking to Dermott.

~They’re all worried about you, my friend.~

~I know that Dermott, but none of them cared for Maeve like I did.~

~I cared for her a lot Sinbad~

~Aye. Sorry I spoke before I had time to think about what I was saying.~

~That’s alright.~

~Have you been able to hear her thoughts yet? Is she all right?~

~No, my friend. Nothing yet. We both have to understand that there is a possibility that she will not return. You have to understand that, Sinbad~

~Don’t you talk to me like that! You should be out there looking for her!~

~Yelling at me won’t help the situation~

"Go look for her!" Sinbad yelled outloud.

Dermott squawked annoyed and flew off. Doubar walked over to his brother with a plate of food.

"Who were you talking to, Sinbad?"

"Just Dermott, Doubar. No one else."

"Oh, I see. Here’s your lunch."

"I’m not hungry right now, Doubar."

"You haven’t eaten since Maeve fell overboard. Little brother, if you think you will set one foot on that island you have better have eaten something. Otherwise be prepared to be left aboard the ship."

"This is my ship, Doubar. I am captain. You have no power over me."

"Oh yeah. When was the last time I whooped you?"

"Alright Doubar, I will eat, but no more talk about leaving me behind. Maeve is on that island." He hesitated. "She has to be."

Doubar turned away from his brother who was now looking out to the island sadly.

~Well, at least he’s eating~ Doubar thought as he watched Sinbad take a bite from his lunch tray.

A few Hours later:

Sinbad flew out of the longboat calling "Maeve! Maeve, where are you?"

He ran up and down the beach looking for the other half of himself. The rest of the crew followed at a close distance, yet far enough to give Sinbad space. Bryn tagged behind the others feeling a little scared.

~What happens when she comes back? Sinbad will never accept me again after what happened. What will she do? Will she cast a spell on me? Will she kill me? Or would she be nice and understand what happened. Understand what I was going through at the time.~

Dermott squawked above Bryn

~What is it, Dermott?~

~If you’re so scared about what Sinbad will do why don’t you put your mind at ease and ask him. Talk to him~

~Dermott, he will have nothing to do with me. Not after what I did to her. I broke his heart and if she’s dead then what will happen? What will Sinbad do to me?~

~He would have to mourn. The crew will protect you until he is in his normal mind. Right now his mind is clouded with grief. Yet, it is the grief that she is missing. Not that she is dead.~

~She’s not dead.~ came the thought into both Dermott’s and Bryn’s minds.

"Who was that?" Bryn asked aloud.

~No, one.~ Dermott said as he flew off.

Dermott flew to Sinbad and landed on his rainbow bracelet.

~How do you know that she is not dead, my friend?~

~That question is easy to answer, Dermott. For if she were dead I would be too. My soul would die longing for it’s mate. I will only be a shell of the man I once was. Before I took to women and ale to find myself again, but I only found hate and evil. Then the light returned with my love and my soul. Yet, now that light is gone and my soul remains. She has to be alive. Otherwise I would be dead as well. In all meaning of the word, I would be dead.~

~I hope your right, my friend. She is my sister, but last time she was with Dim Dim. You knew that, yet you said you died~

~I knew she was with Dim Dim, but I had no idea where Dim Dim was. I wasn’t getting any closer to finding either one of them so I felt as if I never would. This time I know Maeve is close. It’s almost as if I can feel her. We have to find her Dermott. We just have to.~

~Aye. We have to find her~

Dermott quietly flew off Sinbad’s bracelet and soared into the sky scouting ahead. Doubar came up to his little brother.

"You and Dermott getting along all of a sudden?"

"We have bonded over a special woman."

"Oh, I see. Little brother, what if she isn’t here? What will you do?"

"She has to be here Doubar, but if she isn’t. Then I turn the Nomad over to you. I cannot continue to captain a ship with so many memories. I have lost so much to that sea and if I lose Maeve to it once and for all. Well, then I wont give it the chance to take me as well. I will decide my fate."

"Aye. But you can’t leave the Nomad. She’s your ship."

"I know that, Doubar."

Sinbad looked into the sky and noticed that night was about to fall.

"We’ll camp here for the night and then start again at the first light." He called to the others.

Everyone stopped and made camp. Doubar sat down next to his brother trying to cheer him up.

"You know, little brother, you promised me you’d tell me why we all of a sudden got beds. You promised it’d be a funny story and since this may be one of the last times we sit together I’d like to hear it."

Sinbad softly laughed. "I got the beds for Maeve." He said softly.

"You did?"

"Yes. I decided to buy the beds after the first time I slipped into her room. She was asleep, but I wanted company so I thought I’d just lie down next to her and hold her until I felt better. Well, as it turned out you couldn’t fit two people into the hammock so the hammock flipped and the two of us fell out hitting the floor pretty hard I might add." He said smiling. "She yelled and me for knocking her out of bed, but we ended up going to my cabin and falling asleep in my bed. At that time I decided to buy her a bed so if I ever slipped into her room for a night I wouldn’t have to wake her to come to my room so we could be together. We could just stay in either room. It would’ve made sneaking around easier on the both of us."

"That still doesn’t explain why the rest of us got beds little brother."

"Isn’t it obvious? If I had just bought Maeve a bed you all would’ve figured out what was going on so I decided to buy beds for all of my top crew members and still get what I originally wanted."

"Aye, I see now. That was a good plan, little brother."

"Aye, I thought so at the time. I had even planned when to give her the bed, but then she got taken away from me." Sinbad said, with the sadness he was feeling crept into his voice. "But I decided to give you your beds anyway and put Maeve’s away until she returned."

"Aye, I see. So when did you and Maeve finally admit your feelings for each other?"

"The Vorgon."

"Pardon?"

"After the kiss we went back to the ship; Maeve and I sat awake through most of the night admitting our feelings. Just talking. Telling each other the truth. Getting it all out in the open. The night after that I went to her bed and decided on beds for all and then after that we were together every night. And then the last time we saw Rumina I feared I’d lose her so I was about to kiss her goodbye, but Firouz interrupted. I was so worried I’d lose her without being able to tell her I loved her."

"You never told her?"

"Oh, I told her. Of course I told her, but I never had the chance to prove it to her. We didn’t want to rush things, and then I thought I’d lose her, without really telling her how much I loved her. Prove it to her so to speak. She knew my feelings from my words, I never had the chance to prove them."

Doubar sensing the sloping attitude of his brother decided to change the subject talking about the different flavors of ale. Sinbad smiled softly and laughed quietly a few times, but his heart was not in the jovial mood. He soon excused himself and went to sleep.

Doubar sat down next to Rongar and looked into the man’s questioning stare.

"He says he’s tired that’s all. At least we know where he is. I have first watch. Tell the others whoever has watch to make sure they watch Sinbad. I don’t want him to go sneaking off looking for someone he isn’t going to find."

Rongar silently nodded then took Doubar’s hand and placed to on his heart

"Yes, he loves her, Rongar. Now go, go to sleep."

Rongar nodded and went to sleep.

The Next Morning:

"Come one everyone up! We’ve gotta get going!" Sinbad yelled. Everyone slowly awoke grumbling loudly.

"Sinbad, is this necessary?" asked Firouz

"Of course it is! We have to find Maeve!"

"Ah, yes almost forgot. Well come one everyone, let’s get going! Sinbad’s looking for Maeve."

Everyone cleared camp and started walking in the forest. A few hours later they cam upon a small village nestled into a valley between two mountains.

Sinbad walked around the village a little before returning to the others.

"She’s here"

"What, Sinbad?"

"Doubar, you have to believe me. She’s here I can feel her. I just don’t know where she is."

Just then a guard came running out of a nearby tavern screaming and holding his arm to his side

"A witch!" he screamed! "The wench is a witch!"

Sinbad and the others quickly ran into the tavern to see Maeve fighting ten of the other guards. Two had her arms pinned to her side while a third repeatedly punched her in the stomach.

"Get your grimy hands off of her!" yelled Sinbad as he quickly knocked the guard punching Maeve down with the hilt of his sword. The two other guards let go of Maeve and advanced on Sinbad. Maeve slumped down against the wall.

"Come on, boys. Fight someone your own size." Sinbad taunted.

Doubar came behind the guards and bashed their heads together.

"Nice timing, big brother."

"Mother always said I had the gift of impeccable timing."

"Well she was right." Sinbad smiled as he hurried over to Maeve.

"Maeve, Maeve. It’s me Sinbad. Maeve please wake up."

Maeve slowly stirred.

"That’s right, love. That’s it nice and slow."

"Sinbad?" Came the soft question.

"Yes love, it’s me."

She pulled him down so she could whisper in his ear, "What took you so long?" she smiled weakly at him

"Sorry love, we got a little lost."

Sinbad carefully picked Maeve up and ordered the crew to return to the ship.

On the Nomad:

Sinbad set Maeve down in his cabin as Firouz took over her heath

"Well Maeve, it looks like you’ve got quite the bump on the head and you’re a little malnourished, but we can fix that. All I can say is get some rest. Sinbad, will you watch over Maeve while I make something that’ll help her sleep?"

"No problem, Firouz."

Firouz hurried out of the room as Sinbad sat down next to Maeve on the bed and took her hand in his.

"I thought I lost you again."

"Sinbad. You could never lose me. I wouldn’t leave that easily."

"I thought you did. I thought that I had just gotten you back and I had lost you again."

"I wouldn’t leave you."

"You wouldn’t if you had a choice, you didn’t choose to get knocked overboard."

"It was all a big misunderstanding. I’m sure in a few weeks everything will be fine."

"I love you, Maeve."

"I love you, Sinbad."

Just then Firouz came in with the potion that would help Maeve sleep. As her eyes started to close Maeve whispered to Sinbad "Please don’t leave me. Stay until I fall asleep."

"I would never dream of leaving."

Maeve soon fell asleep and Sinbad quietly slipped out of her room. He passed Bryn in the hall and gave her a nod of acknowledgement. Bryn started to say something, but Sinbad passed right by her.

~Why does he do that to me? I want to tell him I’m sorry and that I still love him. I want to give him another chance to claim my heart. He already has it, but I know that deep down inside him he knows that I have his.~

~Don’t think like that, Bryn.~

"Dermott, what are you doing here?"

~Stop shouting. I’m watching over my sister while Sinbad gets something to eat. Bryn, you said it yourself, you understood what Sinbad told you. Now it sounds like your plotting to take him back. I thought knocking Maeve overboard was an accident.~

~It was an accident, Dermott. She wasn’t suppose to fall overboard and miss the brunt of my attack. She was supposed to get the brunt of the attack then fall overboard~

~Bryn! Listen to yourself! What if Sinbad heard this! What would he think? You sound like you did up top a few days back. You’re blind with jealousy. Bryn, you can do better then Sinbad. He is a great man, yes, but his heart belongs to my sister as hers does to him. You have to understand that. Their souls and their fates intertwined lifetimes before this one. They are only following the path of love their souls have followed for ages.~

~You’re saying they’ve lived before?~

~All I’m saying is their lives are intertwined. You can’t come between that, Bryn. No matter how much you try. It’s tie that cannot be broken.~

Bryn quickly walked into her area of the main crew room and shut the sheet.

~Hmph. Dumb bird thinks he knows everything. He’s just taking his sister’s side. And Sinbad. Well Sinbad feels that he owes her the feeling of love until she gets use to a sailor’s life again. Then he will return to my bed. He knows that, that is where he belongs.~

Sinbad walked into the galley greeted by cheers from fellow crewmembers.

"What is this?" he asked

"Well, we figured it was time to celebrate you joining the living again."

"Oh. I’m just here for dinner then I am going back to Maeve. Friouz, what would be all right for Maeve to eat?"

"As long as she takes small bites anything soft. Aye, bring her down a little ale. It’ll help with that headache she’ll get when she awakes."

"Thanks, Firouz." Sinbad took his and Maeve’s plates back to his cabin. He seated himself next to Maeve he took her hand in his and she stirred at the pressure.

"Mmm. What did you bring me?"

"Just dinner love. Here drink this." He hands her the ale. "Firouz says it’ll help make the headache go away."

"Aye. Thank you, Sinbad."

Sinbad took Maeve’s other hand in his

"Maeve. Why didn’t you sense what was going to happen?"

"Because Bryn isn’t evil. Just hurt. She has to get over that hurt to accept the inevitable."

"Aye. Yet, it seems she has changed. She is distant, meaner."

"Like you haven’t changed. Sinbad, what did you do after I feel overboard."

"I jumped in after you."

"After that."

"I looked for you."

"After that."

"I let Doubar take me below."

"What did you say to Bryn?"

"I, I told her to go away."

"Did you give her a chance to explain?"

"No."

"You should give her that chance, Sinbad. Maybe she was taken over by something. You told me before she was a very kind woman. The woman that knocked me overboard was pure evil."

"Aye. I’ll go talk to Bryn now. You go back to sleep. You need your rest."

"Aye, aye, captain."

"Sleep tight, love."

Maeve closed her eyes and soon fell back to sleep as Sinbad walked to Bryn’s room.

"Bryn?" he called out before entering the crew’s quarters.

"Yes, Sinbad?"

"Can we talk for a moment?"

"Sure. What about?"

"Why did you knock Maeve overboard?"

"I don’t know what happened. One minute I was going to talk to you two about something and then the next a fit of rage came over me. I wasn’t attacking like myself yelling like a harpy. And then all of a sudden I felt the power come from within me and then I saw her go over. I saw the look of pure horror in your eyes right before you went in after her. Right after you went in I came out of it. Almost as if I did something I wanted to do. But Sinbad, I never wanted to knock her overboard."

"I know that now Bryn, but why? Why were you jealous? You told me you understood what was happening with Maeve and me."

"I thought I did, but then I realized I only felt loved when you and I were together. I thought that if I lost you no one would ever love me."

"Bryn, that’s not true. You’re a lovely woman and you’ll find yourself a nice man to settle down with. I’m not that man though. I will never settle down and I know in my heart that no matter where I go Maeve will be there at my side. I don’t think you would be though. I think you’d settle down and live in one village instead of traveling the seas your whole life. The seas are my life Bryn, and Maeve is my life. The two go hand in hand. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sinbad. I know now that it could never work between us. Now go. Go back to her."

"Aye. Good night, Bryn. See you tomorrow."

"Aye. Good night, Sinbad."

Sinbad quickly walked out of the room and back into his. Where he found his Celt still asleep. He slowly stripped off his shirt and slid into the bed beside her. He put his arms around her holding her tight as if afraid if he let go she would be gone.

The Next Morning:

Sinbad awoke to find Maeve still in his arms. He got up out of bed and retrieved his shirt. He leaned over and gave Maeve a quick kiss on the cheek. She stirred and smiled up at him.

"Well, good morning, sailor."

"Morning, love. Did you sleep well?"

"Very well, actually. I felt you near me and I knew I was safe."

Maeve got up from bed and wrapped her arms around Sinbad’s waist.

"Now this is home." She whispered into his back.

Sinbad took her hand and lightly kissed it as he led her up top.

The couple emerged to see the crew of the Nomad hard at work. Doubar was at tiller while Rongar and Firouz coiled rope. Bryn sat a little away deep in thought.

Then suddenly came a evil laughter.

Sinbad looked around and saw Rumnia misting in front of him

"Oh, isn’t this touching? The peasant witch has returned to her sea dog. Oh, I think I’m gonna lose my breakfast."

"Rumnia, what are you doing here?" yelled Sinbad

"I’m here to get my sister."

"Your sister?" asked Maeve

"Yes, my sister. She has been here the whole time. Lost yet now I have found her and I will restore her memory to her. Come, Bryn. We have work to do."

"What?" Bryn asked. "What do you mean your sister? I don’t know you."

"Oh, yes you do. You just don’t remember. That little man Dim Dim took your memory after he took you away from father. But now I have found you and I will retrieve your memory and with the two of us united again we can bring father back and take over the world!"

With that Rumnia misted away Bryn with her.

"What’s going on? Rumnia took Bryn!" cried Firouz

"Rumnia took her sister, Firouz."

"Her sister? Bryn is Rumnia’s sister?"

"It seems so." Maeve said dryly

"Well, we must get her back!"

"Firouz, she’s Rumnia’s sister. She’s evil."

"No, Sinbad! She may be the sister, but there is something about Bryn! Something good. We must get her back!"

"We don’t know where to look, Firouz."

"Well, we’ll figure something out. If Rumnia gets Bryn to join her the two will be unstoppable! We have to stop Rumnia from giving Bryn her full memory!"

"Are you sure about this, Firouz? Are you sure Rumnia can unleash a power?"

"Ask Maeve."

Sinbad turned questioningly to Maeve.

"If Bryn is truly Rumnia’s sister and she agrees to join her and raise Tuork. Let’s just say the world as we know it will no longer exist."

"Fine then we stop Rumnia from getting Bryn to join her."

"It won’t be that easy."

"Why not?"

"Bryn has been scorned Sinbad. She feels the anger, the darkness in her. All Rumia has to do is push the right buttons and Bryn’s hers."

"Well, then we’ll stop her from pushing those buttons."

Sinbad looked to the heavens.

"Dermott! Scout ahead and find where Bryn is!"

The bird squawked and flew off. Sinbad turned back to Maeve and said dryly

"Well, here we go again"

Sinbad sauntered onto deck as the sun began to rise. He saw Maeve over at the stern and silently wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned into him sighing softly.

"You know what?" Sinbad asked.

"What?"

"This is what I have dreamed of."

"Oh really? How graphic were these dreams? But you’re right. This is the life." She answered teasingly.

"Oh, they were very graphic." He said laughing "But no. It’s not the life. No not yet, but I know a way to change that."

"Oh really" Maeve turned around and faced Sinbad who’s eyes shined with untold love.

"Maeve…"

"Yes, Sinbad."

"There’s something I have to tell you. It’s kind of hard for me to say this." He pauses and takes a deep breath. "Well Maeve, you bring light to my life. You always did. And when you left I fell into such darkness I thought I’d never find myself or anyone again. Then you returned and I saw my light returning. It is still returning little by little each day. Yet that darkness is still there, but if I knew that you’d never leave me I know that I can fight the darkness in me."

Maeve looked at him her eyes shining.

"I guess what I am trying to say is, Maeve will you honor me by being my wife?"

He paused looking at Maeve expectantly. Maeve looked at him her eyes shining with love and happiness.

"Yes Sinbad, I’ll marry you!"

Sinbad jumped up and took Maeve into his arms and swung her around both lightly crying. Sinbad took Maeve’s lips to his and kissed her with such passion that after the kiss was done both had to catch their breath. Doubar watched the couple from the tiller with tears shining in his eyes. "You finally did it, little brother." He said smiling.

Later that Night:

The crew of the Nomad sat in the galley playing cards. Firouz decided not to play, but as we watched he couldn’t help but notice Maeve’s new piece of jewelry on her left finger.

Sinbad looked up at Firouz and smiled. He winked and then turned back to the game. Friouz smiled to himself as Dermott came screeching into the room. Maeve looked up and then turned to Sinbad

"We’re very close to them. Dermott says we’re a days' sail away."

Sinbad nodded and ended the game telling everyone to meet him back at the galley in an hour, he had plans of battle to start.

Maeve got up with the others to leave, but Sinbad grabbed her arm and pulled her to him.

"Maeve. Tonight and tomorrow night you get all the rest you can. At first light after tomorrow we’ll head to the island, but we’re gonna need you at full strength if we shall beat Rumina and Bryn.

"I know Sinbad. And I will, but if Bryn has joined Rumina then it’ll be a lot harder to beat them."

"I understand that, That’s why the rest of us will be at your side. Now here’s the plan. At first light we’ll scout the island, then when we find their stronghold we figure out how heavily guarded it is. Also we’ll have to figure out how many guards are inside as well as if Bryn is still one of us or not."

"Sinbad, you don’t understand. Bryn was never one of ‘us’ she was always one of ‘them’. She just hasn’t remembered that until now. And when she does the two of them combined will be stronger then me. I may be strong, but two against one is always a bad odd."

"What about if it was two on two?"

"That would be better, but I know no other sorcerers’."

"I realize that, but what if I told you that I have been talking to Dermott in my mind, and then weird things happen when my bracelet glows."

"That means your finding your powers Sinbad, but you do not know how to control them yet."

"Then teach me."

"There isn’t the time."

"Maeve, I won’t lose you again. I have lost you twice now and I felt like my soul got ripped out of my chest. My soul belongs to you Maeve, just like my heart. And I won’t lose you to death. Because if you die. I die."

"Oh, Sinbad. Please don’t think that way. I love you Sinbad, and I will try my hardest not to leave you, but this battle is mine. Not yours. Please understand that."

"But the battle is not Bryn’s and she is still fighting."

"Bryn is evil Sinbad. That’s what they do. Be evil."

"I know, I know. Why don’t you go get some sleep. I’ll be in as soon as I explain the plan to the rest of the crew."

"Okay." She leaned down and gave Sinbad a quick kiss as she left the room.

After Maeve left Sinbad quickly explained the plan to the others and told them to get as much sleep as possible. As the others left Firouz came up to Sinbad.

"So, you finally asked her."

"Aye, my friend. I figured you only live once well you may live more and if I have Maeve has always been the one for me, but you only get so many chances. So instead of waiting to lose her without her knowing. She knows."

"Aye. That is right. So does Doubar know?"

"No one else does. I figure after this is done and over with we’ll announce it. But until then you must promise to keep it a secret and act surprised when we tell everyone."

"Of course, captain."

"Goodnight, Firouz."

"Goodnight, Sinbad."

The two left the room and walked down the hall and said goodnight again as they went to their perspective rooms. Sinbad walked into his not finding Maeve so he went to her room and silently slipped into her bed, pulled her into his arms and promptly fell asleep.

On The Island:

"Oh, now isn’t that cute big sister?" Rumina asked.

"Oh, it is. Well, well, well. Sinbad and Maeve. Hmm, I guess we’ll have to do something about that won’t we?" Bryn replied

"Oh, yes, we will. Hmm, maybe a deadly disease."

"No, I have a better idea. Sinbad will kill her by his own hand, then come to us. Where he belongs."

"Yes, that is a good plan. I am so happy you remember everything my sister."

"Oh, yes I am."

The two laughed into the night as the crew of the Nomad slept unknowing.

The Next Day:

The crew all ran around on the Nomad packing supplies and weapons for the upcoming trip. An hour before the island had been spotted and the joking ended as the anxiety before battle began. Maeve practiced powerful spells as Sinbad and Rongar sharpened weapons. Dermott had gone ahead to scout the island for a good landing spot.

"Sinbad, Dermott says the east of the island is the best place to land. There is a forest surrounding Ruminas Castle and that is the spot where the forest is deepest. She won't even know we’re there."

"Aye, Maeve. Doubar! Hard to port!"

"Aye, aye, captain!"

The Next Morning:

Maeve and Sinbad walked up to the island and Maeve stopped shivering.

"Evil right?" Sinbad asked

"Yes. This place is overrun with it. Even the plants are evil."

"Well, then it is good that we brought provisions."

"Aye, it is."

As the rest of the crew came up to the couple Maeve pointed to a clearing right on the beach.

"We’ll set camp up there. We’ll be close to the water in case we have to escape quickly."

The crew looked to Sinbad for his approval. He nodded it and everyone started to set camp up.

"Now Rumina and Bryn can’t see us here, but they probably already know we’re here. I’m sure they’re going to be expecting us." Maeve started "But we have to be ready for anything. So today we’ll scout and tomorrow we’ll attack just like Sinbad planned. But tomorrow morning I’ll put a protection spell on all of you. To keep Rumina and Bryn from putting spells on you, but the spell won't stop normal wounds from swords or arrows."

The crew all nodded in understanding.

Sinbad turned to Maeve "What about you? Will the spell reach to you as well?"

"No, it won’t. But it’ll protect all of you from those two. I can hold my own. As long as I don’t worry about you guys I can keep my mind on the battle."

"Aye, but I still don’t like the idea of you in there unprotected."

"Don’t worry about me, Sinbad. I have a few tricks up my sleeve for them."

After a quick breakfast the crew decided to search for the best way to get to Rumina and Bryn.

As they walked through the woods the all the plants turned in their direction as if following their every move. Maeve noticed this and after a few short phrases the plants stopped moving.

After half a day of walking the crew found the best way to the castle. Through the woods and turn left past the stream and come in from behind. Maeve thought it best because Rumina would expect them from the front. But she quickly told the others not to think about the plans of attack, for Rumina and Bryn may be listening.

As the camp settled down for dinner Sinbad pulled Maeve over to a secluded corner.

"Maeve? Are you sure about this? Maybe we should wait. Wait for Dim Dim."

"No, Sinbad. I have to do this now. I have been trailing Rumina since she turned Dermott into a hawk he’s my brother Sinbad, but you already know that."

"Aye, I do. Dermott told me."

"So he said."

"But he said you couldn’t tell me."

"For fear that he’d die if I did tell, or people would think me crazy. So I never told, but I wanted to tell you, Sinbad. I truly did."

"I know. Maeve, I know I have told you this before, but I love you with all my heart and soul, and promise me you’ll return to me."

"I cant promise that, Sinbad." She said tears sliding down her cheeks. "I don’t know how strong Bryn is. I don’t know her powers or way of fighting. But I will try my hardest to return to you, but I cannot promise you a promise that I don’t know that I can keep."

"I understand," Sinbad replied as he brought his fingers to her tears and leaned over and kissed each in turn. "But no tears for me, Maeve. We will be together. We’re bonded." He said before pulling her in for a kiss.

The Next Morning:

The crew all got up ready for the fight. Everyone laden themselves down with weapons, but not too many for that would slow their movement. Maeve made Dermott stay in camp where he would be safe in his protection shield, she ministered the shield to the rest of the crew and they left the camp. Sinbad kept close to Maeve afraid that if he shied to far she would be too far away from him for him to help her. The crew kept a brisk pace up, yet a defensive one. They knew that 14 guards guarded the outside gates and 20 were on the inside. They also knew that Rumina and Bryn’s quarters were in the front of the castle.

Maeve stopped the crew about 100 feet away from the castle. She said a spell and all of a sudden the guards on the outside were on the ground unconscious. When the crew looked at her shocked she shrugged and said "Well, I’m just helping the odds of getting in a little."

The crew continued on and easily got inside the castle with only two guards trying to stop them, but Rongar and his dirks took care of them. They continued on and then a flash of red light engulfed them. Maeve cried out in pain and Sinbad looked franticly towards her, before his world became black.

Sinbad awoke in the dungeon his arms chained to the wall. He looked up and asked "Where are we?"

"The dungeon." Doubar replied painfully.

"Anyone else awake?"

"Rongar is, but Firouz is still out."

"Maeve?"

Doubar hesitated and ever softly answered "The lass isn’t here."

"What?!" Sinbad cried out as he franticly searched the room "She’s not here." He sighed and turned to Doubar.

"Big brother think you could break us out of these chains?"

"Sorry little Brother, but these are strong. Magic even. Only magic can save us now."

"But Maeve said her spell would stop magic from harming us."

"We’re not being harmed, little brother. Just stuck."

"Aye. Well, I have an idea"

"Would you care to share with the class little brother?"

"Well, Maeve said I have magic in me, but she said I can’t control it. Which is true, but when we were with Dim Dim he told us the magic comes from within. Maybe if I just wish hard enough I can break these chains."

"Well little brother, at this point I’ll give anything a try."

"Aye." Sinbad sighed, and closed his eyes. He sent out his fear and anger that boiled inside of him into the chains. Ten minutes later a loud pop filled the room as the chains all broke and Sinbad slumped to the ground unconscious.

Doubar held his little brother in his lap as the newly awoken Firouz checked him over.

"Seems like just about anything can happen."

Firouz nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile:

Maeve slowly awoke in a lavishly decorated room. She slowly became aware of her surroundings and jumped off the bed. As she looked around she noticed she was alone.

She walked around the room to get her bearings as Rumina and Bryn slipped in. Maeve turned with her arms raised in a defensive position.

"Hold it, peasant witch. I would be careful if I were you. I mean, you are quite weak." Rumina said

"Oh be quiet, witch! Let’s finish this! You and me!"

"Oh no, Maeve. You’re wrong. See Rumina and I have a plan we’d like to stay with." And with a flick of Bryn’s finger Sinbad appeared in the room.

"Sinbad!" Maeve rushed to him, but was thrown back by Bryn’s magic.

"No touching, Maeve."

"What did you do to him?" Maeve asked using the wall to help her get up.

"We didn’t do anything thanks to you, peasant witch. He did it to himself."

"But? How?" Maeve asked then it dawned on her. She gasped, but restrained herself from running to Sinbad. "He finally got his powers to work."

"Oh look, she’s a smart one, Rumina. What are we going to do?"

"Hmm... I don’t know. How about this?"

Rumina shoots a jet of red magic towards the captain, but nothing happens.

"Damn!" she cursed "She has gotten stronger, the spell of protection still holds."

"Let me try." Bryn shoot out magic, but nothing happens to Sinbad. Maeve notices this and smiles to herself. As the two sorceresses’ try to curse Sinbad Maeve transports the others back to camp. She then sends one last kiss to Sinbad as she transports him as well. At once the two women turn to Maeve.

"Where did he go?" asked Bryn "Bring him back now!"

"Never, witch," Maeve said standing up. She sent out a wave of magic that sent Rumina to the wall. "Get out of here Bryn, this is not your fight. This time."

Bryn backs away, but does not leave.

Maeve turns back to Rumina and sends another wave of magic to her. Rumina is fading fast when the two engage in magic against each other. Bryn notices this and jumps in.

"No! You fool!" cried Rumina right before the explosion

"NOOOOO!!!" yelled Sinbad as he and the rest ran back to the castle only to see it crumbling to the ground. Doubar grabbed his brother to keep him from running into the castle. "Maeve," Sinbad whispered.

He tries to run to the castle again, only to be held back by Doubar. Sinbad looked at him and pulled away again only to be picked up by Doubar and carried kicking and screaming back to camp.

"She’s gone, little brother."

"No, Doubar. She can’t be gone. She just can’t be." Sinbad cried back.

The Next Morning:

The crew headed back to the Nomad in low spirits. Even the newly rehumanized Dermott was crying openly. For his little sister died for him. Sinbad walked ahead of everyone else. Crying softly, wondering what will become of his life without Maeve to be there to share it with him.

The crew of the Nomad boarded the ship in low spirits only to hear a cry ring out across the ship.

"There you are! Do you know how long I have been waiting here?"

Sinbad’s head shot up at the voice and his eyes shown with love as he saw his sorceress.

The two ran to each other hugging and kissing madly. As they pulled apart Maeve turned to her brother and smiled. "I did it, didn’t I?" she asked.

"Yeah sis, you did." Dermott engulfed Maeve in a hug and quietly thanked her.

Doubar came up to Maeve and wrapped her in a big bear hug.

"Doubar. Can’t. Breathe." Maeve said a minute later.

Doubar let her go and smiled. "Good to see you again lass."

Rongar walked up to her and smiled in his own way and hugged her. ‘welcome back Maeve. We thought we lost you.’ He thought

‘I thought I lost me too for a minute there, my prince.’ She thought back

They pulled apart and Maeve turned to Firouz. "We saw the castle go down, Maeve. And when we got back to camp there was this man sitting there frantic about where you were. We told him and he broke down. Not to mention our trusty captain was too deep in grief to know who stood before him. Maeve, how did you get out?"

Maeve smiled. "I knew what was going to happen when Bryn added her magic to Rumina’s and mine. So right when Rumina yelled I misted myself out of there, but I barley made it." She pointed to a deep gash on her head. "I figured you guys would be here soon enough so I waited. Thought it’d be better then walking out there if the witches were still alive."

"Aye."

Maeve turned back to Sinbad and laid her head on his shoulder. "I thought I lost you, Maeve."

"I know, Sinbad. But you didn’t. Think of it that way."

"You're right."

The two kissed deeply as the crew all headed down to the galley for dinner.

At Dinner:

At the end of dinner before the crew separated to go about their own duties Sinbad jumped up clinging his glass.

"I have an announcement to make." He said smiling at Maeve and Firouz. "Right before hitting this island Maeve and I proved our love to each other by becoming betrothed." The whole crew cheered as Doubar jumped up and hugged his little brother. He went to Maeve and hugged her as well looking at the ring on her finger. The party for the couple lasted late into the night.

A Month Later:

The beautiful blue ocean lighting hit the beach and the call of birds were the only thing that broke the silence. Well that and a wedding. The crew of the Nomad as well as friends and family from all over joined together to see Sinbad and Maeve’s wedding. As the preacher went on the young couple looked lovingly into each other’s eyes. They said their own vows, which were much like the words of love before the battle with Rumina. As the silence came again the couple looked into each other’s eyes and at the same time they said, "I Do."

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