Fake Uncle

They reached the tavern and were seated in a quiet corner. After ordering their food Greta ordered sheep’s milk and Alexander had whiskey to drink. “I’m waiting, are you going to tell me why you’re here?” Placing his helmet on the table, removing his vambrace and gauntlets so he could eat.

“Let’s discuss this after our meal.” Smiling at him hoping he would forget but it doesn’t seem like he is going too. The old Alexander wouldn’t even ask, he just went with the flow. Not the new one, his demeaner is cold.

Greta took a drink of her milk, a small amount lingered on her reddened lips causing Alexander to pause mid-bite. Watching as her tongue peeked out and licked it off. He was fixated at her reddened lips, noticing his pants were getting tighter watching her lick her lips he averted his gaze. She looked up and noticed he looked nervous, his Adam’s apple visibly swallowing. Watching him as she chewed, wondering why he was looking away.

After some small talk she asked him if he was Alexander, stepson of Knight Reynard. Dropping his fork on his plate. “How do you even know him? I know who you are referring to, but I need to know how you know of him?”

“The story you told me at the altar when you came to pray the first time, the story sounded like the one I had heard of. But it his name was Alexander.” Hoping he would just tell her, he didn’t answer and started to eat again.

After they finished eating, she placed her hands on the old wooden table, pushing her chair away and stood up. “I will tell you why when you tell my why you remind me of Alexander, a friend I knew a long time ago. Until then I want to thank you for the food and saving me.” She walked out of the Tavern and into the street.

Alexander put on the armor that he had removed earlier and walked back to the ship he was going to board.

Greta looked back to see if Alexander was watching, no sight of him so she rushed into the nearest store to purchase a maid’s uniform. Putting on the clothing, she pinned her hair up in a tight bun. Looking at herself she was satisfied she could pass as a maid.

Walking up to the ship that Alexander was standing near earlier a stout man was at the ticket gate of the ship. “hello” Greta put on her best acting face and started to cry to the man. “My….my ….my name is Greta I’m a maid from the palace and I’m seeking refuge with my relatives and need passage. Can you have a heart and let me on the ship?” crying, wiping her eyes with the back of her hands.

“My name is Sailor John, why would a maid want to escape the palace, don’t you have a good life there?” Watching her closely he started to laugh at her, she needs to improve her acting skills if I’m going to believe she is escaping the palace. He couldn’t help it but laugh at her.

Greta was getting mad at this Lecherous sailor for laughing at her. “I am seeking refuge!” stomping her foot on the ground and her fists balled up beside her. As if she forgot she was crying the tears started to flow again but this time harder.

“OK if you say so, but it’s the next guy over there you have to convince, not me really.” Laughing. Opening the gate “Come on, I can play along just for shits and giggles.”

They went over to the other guy standing plank to walk up to get in the ship. “Hey this is my cousin, Greta, she’s a maid from the palace and the staff has been abusing her.” Sailor John was telling the other guy with the rope blocking the plank about his fake cousin.

“She doesn’t look like she been fucking abused John, don’t see one bruise on that pretty face of hers.” Squinting his eyes, looking at her face over trying to see any signs of abuse. “Anyway, no ticket, no boarding.” Shrugging his shoulders he wasn’t going to budge.

Crying again, Greta had to step up her game. “Please sir, I have bruises where you can’t see. They have been mistreating me for years and if I don’t get to my relatives for refuge they will kill me.” Sniffing, John reached over and rubbed her back. “There, there” John looked at the guy taking his hand and gesturing to Greta, can’t you help her?

“I have my orders and no ticket no boarding.” He stood stern.

“Ok I know you have orders, but she won’t take any room up and maybe she can work on the ship for her share. I’m sure you could use another woman’s touch on there somewhere. My cousin is an awesome cook.” John was still rubbing Gretas’ back as she was crying.

“Greta did they rape you at the palace?” John asked her, hoping she would play along and get where he was going with this. Popping her head up to him she nodded yes between sobs.

“Well fuck, I can’t tell her no now. I couldn’t live with myself knowing I turned away a beauty that was being raped and abused when I could have helped.” His shoulders dropped, reaching behind him he lifted the rope. “Don’t tell anyone I let you on board.” Pointing his finger towards her then the boat.

“I won’t, I promise, thank you so much sir.” As she was walking past him while he was holding the rope John pushed me. I stumbled but caught my footing, turning I glared at him while he chuckled. “Greta, I hope you make a safe trip to your family for refuge my cousin.” He turned and walked away while whistling, he had to get all his provisions so he could board also.

He helped me but I just don’t like that guy. She thought to herself as she walked up to the ship.