Off the Edge

There’s been an increase in monsters and pirates in the east. My dear Elizabeth if I don’t return, do not send anyone after me. It is something that has to be done under the proper circumstances with the proper people. You my love should simply move on, and find a more lively fiancé. You have many years left, do not waste them on some form of misguided revenge, or search for closure.

Remember that I love you, and will come home as long as I’m alive.

- Malcom Benjamin

Elizabeth walked the docks looking over the ships. The wind reminded her how visible her legs were, “How do traveling women put up with pants?” That same wind concealed her mumble from the somewhat busy street. It was early enough in the morning that the streets haven’t become packed yet late enough in the long summer’s day that the sun had fully risen. She made her way into one of the dockmaster offices, a leathery, ancient dockmaster looked up from an equally leathery and ancient ledger.

“I think you’re in the wrong place lass. This ain’t where anyone of your disposition would want to be.” His voice was as weathered as his face, “And if you are thinking there is a captain willing to spirit you away like in those three point novels you ‘proper ladies’ keep reading,” he shook his head, “I’ll have to go up to your estate and chew out your father myself. Hopefully would be a big enough scandal to get some of you set straight.”

“I’m trying to track down my fiancé, Malcom Benjamin.” Elizabeth said after the door squeaked shut, “While that may require a ship eastbound, one willing to carry a rather clueless woman, my choice of attire was more to blend into the docks. My father doesn’t need more rumors after his chosen match disappeared with only a single letter sent back to his dearest daughter.”

The gruff snarl slowly twisted into a gruffer smile, “You’re the Hargraves’ daughter.” He laughed, “Now you I would help sneak off this rather unfortunate rock. Provided the rumors round these parts are even half true.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I may have been a rather adventurous teen but I assure you I wasn’t down here to ruin my marriage chances by deflowering myself.” The dockmaster stifled his laugh of disbelief. “Regardless do you have any information on my misplaced man?”

The dockmaster clearly didn’t believe in her chastity, yet opened his ledger, “Malcom left six months ago his destination was Fort Kamber. Records say he never made it. Last port of call was Whitberg. Only one letter returned, which I presume ended in your rather dainty hands.”

“How dangerous is it to travel to Whitberg?” Elizabeth asked reflexively.

The dockmaster stared at her, “You won’t be. I can’t think of a captain on this rock that would take you. Maybe if you went down to the surface. But I don’t know anyone who’d take you down there either. Your father’s reputation concerning your reputation has scared most of the locals. And those who aren’t scared of him, know better than to bring an unescorted woman aboard a ship. Especially a noble woman such as yourself. They’d have to be either crazy, or have a death wish. Probably both. No amount of dancing or...” Elizabeth cut his implication short with a glare. “Regardless there’s not going to be any captain, any crew, any ship that will take you off of this island. Especially since everyone knows who you are, and what you’ve been doing as of late. There should be a ship or two in from Fort Kamber this week. I assume they will have more news from the missing Mr. Benjamin. Now get out of my office, and I will omit your foolish desires to run to your most certain death.”

Elizabeth wanted to argue, then thought better of it. “I will be back in a few days hoping for news, should none make it’s way back up to the estate.” She left before the old man could argue. Emerging back onto the street there was a lot more traffic. It was clear her journey east would be more difficult than expected. She made her way back tot he elevator that would take her up, and back towards home.