Rose, Fergus, and Isingo were taken to the jail west of town. All along the way, they witnessed the aftermath of last night's madness. The unicorn stared, agog, at the destruction of Overo. When she and Isingo had first run through the town, it was only during the first attacks, and at the time they hadn't stopped to look at things. The destruction looked much worse in the daylight. Countless buildings had been blasted to rubble. Fires could still be seen burning to the north of the island, where the town's single fort had been. All around them, they heard the mournful cries of ponies who had lost loved ones. For those not blinded by their grief, the sight of Rose and the others being escorted by guards earned wrathful stares. Perhaps some knew of her involvement in the building of the Neighsayer. Maybe the guards and shackles just made them look guilty.
One stallion even fought to reach Rose, his teeth gnashing. The guards had to hold him at bay, and the mare stared at him, eyes filling with tears.
"You harlot!" the pony screamed. "You and your crew killed my foal! They'll hang you! Dirty pirate wench!"
"I'm not a pirate..." Rose whispered, her tears slipping unchecked down her face.
When they arrived at the jail, she was chained to a wall and left in a dirty little cell in the front room. The chains prevented her from putting her hooves to the floor.
"Everything is made from cold iron," Rightful informed her brusquely. "So don't bother trying your magic, pirate."
Isingo was placed in the cell next to Rose's, and was also chained. The dwarf, meanwhile, was separated and escorted away. The unicorn pulled at her bindings, straining to see where Fergus went. The small pony cast a look at her over his hairy shoulders before he was led through the back entryway and out of sight.
The mare's ears drooped and she allowed herself to sit on her haunches. The iron shackles bit into her wrists in this position, but standing was no better. In the corner was a dirty bucket that smelled horrendous. A guard pony sat facing the cell, his face like stone.
"Rose."
The mare turned to see Isingo looking at her. His frosty eyes held hers, "It could not be possible, nay it could not, that you were a part of that dastardly plot. The chaos had already started long before you entered the shop."
The unicorn smiled weakly at him. "Thank you, Isingo."
Much time passed. Rose guessed nearly two hours, but she couldn't be certain as the cell room lacked a clock. Her head ached, though it was nothing like what she had felt last night. There was much shouting and yelling from the back rooms, some quite scary, but she didn't understand what any of it meant. By this point, the unicorns front legs were feeling pins and needles, her wrists aching painfully. Somewhere in her ribs, she suspected a nasty piece of splintered wood had embedded itself during last night's blasts.
Finally, Fergus was trotted out. Rose perked up at the sight of him, but he only shook her head at her as if to discourage any speaking. His lip was cut and swollen, and he walked with a small limp.
"Stay strong," he mouthed.
Rose stared after him in alarm. Stay strong? Stay strong for what?
The guard pony who escorted Fergus returned for Isingo and took him through the back entryway. Rose's stomach flipped when she realized she was now alone.
Where is my father and mother? Are they okay? she wondered anxiously.
Some time later and the mare's forelegs were numb. Exhaustion made her sag, her eyes burning. Would she have to fall asleep like this? Just as the question entered her mind, Isingo emerged, escorted by one guard pony. The unicorn felt a heavy foreboding to see that he was sporting a swollen eye, his chest cut and crusted with blood. The zebra paused and looked at Rose in her cell, his face tightening but betraying no clear emotion.
The guard pony nudged him. "Come on, zebra! You're done here!"
The zebra turned to fix the guard with a cutting stare. "I would like a word with her."
Rose could see the guard debating inwardly whether or not he'd like to get into an altercation with the formidable zebra. His body tensed. Then with a snort, he looked away.
"Two minutes," he snapped.
Isingo returned his gaze to Rose, a great sigh escaping him.
"Isingo," she whispered, shivering. "What... What did they do to you?"
"Nevermind that." He stepped closer, his head dropping lower so that they were at eye level. "Time is short. I set aside custom to tell you... Stay strong. I fear the guards, despite my evidence to the contrary, will be all too happy to present the townsfolk a scapegoat."
"S-Stay strong? Why would I need to--"
"The island is under martial law, Rose. There is no one to judge you. All Rightful needs is a signed confession and--"
The guard pony shoved Isingo back. "That's enough! Or I'll have you back in a cell for conspiracy!"
Isingo clenched his jaw, narrowing his eyes at the pony, but the zebra turned and left without looking back. Rose watched him go, her chest seizing.
Martial law? If Overo Island is under martial law then that means... Will I not get a fair trial?
Rightful appeared from the back entryway. He walked slowly to Rose's cell, his hooves hitting the floor heavily. With pursed lips, he turned to the guard pony on duty.
"All right. Let's get started."
----------=====+++++=====----------
Rose awoke in a small room with no windows. Her body was matted with sweat and dirt. She was shackled in cold iron to a wooden table, with her hooves stretched and spread-eagled. As her vision cleared, Rightful stepped into her view. His eyes were merciless as he beheld her broken form.
"Will you sign your confession, now? Or shall we add another hour to this ugly business?" he asked coldly.
Rose panted, and shook her head. "No..." she whispered hoarsely. Her words were thick and lisping, her tongue swollen and her gums throbbing with blisters. Speech was painful, and she could only manage broken phrases before it became too much to bear. "I'm innocent!"
"Innocent?" Rightful spat. "You designed that ship for that pirate devil, Swashbuck, then swindled the good merchants who supplied you the materials needed to build the blasted thing!" He stomped to a table where he grabbed a stack of papers with his mouth, only to return and fling them in her face. "Materials on credit, signed with your name!"
The unicorn stifled a sob, her head turning side to side. "I...did not know!"
"Pardon me if I don't take you at your word. Perhaps we should try the boiling water again? But with sugar this time?"
Rose's head snapped up, her heart racing as she strained against her bonds. "Why would...I allow myself...to be left behind...to take all...the blame!?" she forced out, wincing as her throat struggled to work. Her voice sounded different. Broken and phlegmy. Was it really only a few hours ago that she had been standing on a pier, singing a sea shanty in anticipation of her freedom?
"Swashbuck lied to me!" she managed to say next.
Rightful scoffed. "You pirates betray each other at every opportunity. No doubt, Swashbuck thought it best to distract us with you. But he's angered the Silvershoe Merchants now. They're after him as we speak."
"Then why...do you...need me?"
Rightful Halberd jumped up onto the table, much to Rose's surprise. Casually, he planted hooves on either side of her head. She turned her face away, shivering as he leaned down to her face. "Witnesses saw you with Swashbuck at the The Seadog's Flagon shortly before the attacks began," he breathed. "During the attacks, you threatened other ponies who were trying to save their families, then joined Swashbuck on his ship. It's common knowledge of the...closeness of your partnership." He bent his legs to lean in closer, his lips tickling her cheek. Rose whimpered. "Frankly? I couldn't care less if you knew what would happen or not. You designed that evil ship. You let Swashbuck use you. Now my town lays in ruins, and the townsfolk yearn for closure."
The stallion pulled back, flicking Rose's chin with his hoof. "And you, my wretched mare, are it."
Hopping off the table, Rightful walked away. Looking back, he said, "We will back, and when we do, I guarantee you, signing the confession will be all but impossible to resist. Especially after we add the sugar. Do you know what sugar does when melted over flesh wounds?" He tsked, the faintest hints of a sadistic smile crossing his lips.
With a jerk of the commander's head, the guard pony next to the door opened it, and the two ponies left, locking the door behind them.
Left alone, Rose broke down into painful sobs. Her entire body hurt. She felt bruises forming on just about every body part she could name, but the beatings hadn't been the worst of it. No, it was when they'd put some kind of hellish device on her head that forced her mouth open.
They had poured boiling water down her throat.
Now the guard commander was promising to do it again? But worse?
I must sign, she thought listlessly. I must, if only to end this hell...
Rose rested her head back, eyes slipping shut.
----------=====+++++=====----------
She may have passed out. She couldn't tell. The frequency of her losing time within the last day was disconcerting to say the least. Perhaps it all had been a dream? If so, Rose wondered if that hoof tapping her face was her mother trying to rouse her out of bed.
She opened her mouth to say, Mother, leave me alone! but all that came out was a painful croak. Gasping at the pain in her throat, Rose opened her eyes with great effort.
Fergus' bearded muzzle was near her face, his eyes wide. "Lass! Wake up, come on!"
"Fergus?" she rasped.
He smiled at her shakily. "Aye!"
"Did... Did they bring the sugar?" she sobbed pitifully.
He frowned at her. "What? Sugar? No, Rose. I don't know what you mean." He started to lift her up in a sitting position. "Listen, we have all of a minute to get out of here. Isingo is keeping watch, but we must hurry!"
Rose didn't argue. Fighting to her hooves, the dwarf draped her in a hooded black cloak and allowed her to support herself on his withers. Together they hurried toward the door.
Down a hallway and back through the entryway from before, and they were once again in the main front room. The pony that had been posted guard was knocked out and chained in one of the cells. Isingo stood watch at the entrance, peeking through a crack in the open door. When he heard them approaching, he looked up.
Isingo sighed heavily at the sight of Rose limping along. Gesturing behind him, he murmured, "Riots have broken out. There are looters everywhere, and the guards are distracted. Nopony will see us if we keep to ourselves."
Rose nodded weakly.
Together, the trio left the jail. Apparently an entire day had passed, as it was once again night out. It was utter chaos in the streets. So much was going on that none noticed their passing. The mare watched, doleful, as her home was reduced to anarchy. At one point, she saw a mare was trapped in her home as hooligans jeered at her, throwing liquor and flaming rags at the building. Elsewhere, two stallions fought over what looked like a tipped over basket of dirty turnips.
"What caused...this?" Rose rasped.
Fergus and Isingo exchanged looks. It was the dwarf who answered.
"Most of the island's food stores were destroyed," Fergus said grimly. "With more than half the schooners in the harbor sunk, and the others too damaged to carry word to neighboring islands, we're looking at a severe food shortage with no quick end. Add on to that how many ponies are homeless now and...well, it tain't good, lass."
"The martial law doesn't help," Isingo murmured darkly.
Fergus nodded. "Aye, no it doesn't."
The dwarf started to turn east, toward the harbor, but Rose halted. Curious, her companions looked at her as she pointed the other way. "My family. I wish...to check."
Another exchanged look between the two equines. The mare could feel her stomach tighten.
Fergus licked his lips as he ran a hoof through his wild mane. "Er...lass, I think this is something we ought to talk about when you're somewhere safe."
Breathing became a little more difficult, and the unicorn could feel her heart quicken. "What do...you mean? What happened...to my family? Are they... Are they alive?"
Isingo shot a glare at Fergus, who shrugged apologetically. With a snort, the zebra said to Rose, "They are alive, Rose Sweetsail. But you will not find them home."
"Why?"
He took a moment to answer, his lips thinning. Then he said, "Because Rightful Halberd seized all of their assets. I believe they are awaiting a chance to leave the island with the other refugees."
Rose gasped, her chin quivering.
My... My family is homeless? Penniless?
B-Because of me?
Rose felt her knees give out. Fergus grunted as he supported her, and Isingo hurried closer to help. With the two equines working together, the unicorn was carried, and they continued on their way.
----------=====+++++=====----------
It turned out the hiding place they had arranged for her was in the cellar of The Seadog's Flagon, the tavern that she had last met Swashbuck at before he betrayed her. Fergus was fairly good friends with the establishment's owner. Three-Eyed Buck was an older stallion with a shaved mane and short-cropped tail. His cutie mark displayed two flagon's overflowing with cider. Rose was familiar with Buck, and he had always been kind to her, but she didn't understand why he was going out of his way to help.
In fact, she didn't understand why Fergus or Isingo were helping her either.
I nearly got Fergus killed, so why is he doing this? And Isingo? The only real connection we have is that he worked on the Neighsayer during its construction, but I've only really known him formally for...how long? A day? Fergus, too! If the guards catch them with me, they'll be hanged for sure. It just doesn't make any sense.
Rose curled up on the cot Buck had prepared for her, shivering under her blanket. Overhead, she could hear the others talking about their next move. The unicorn couldn't even think that far. Fat tears leaked from her eyes as she thought of her mother being cast out on the street, denied even the right to pack a bag of clothes.
My parents must know of what I'm being accused of now. I wish I knew where they were so that... So that I could... she shook her head and sobbed. Oh, what am I saying? Father would chase me off. I'm a terrible daughter! What could I do now but croak at them like a frog?
The self-pity carried on for much of the day. The rest of the time, Rose just slept fitfully. Buck and Fergus managed to coax her to drink something cold and herbal to help with her mouth and throat pain. She managed a few sips, but refused the rest. Isingo sat with her through the night.
----------=====+++++=====----------
Rose was floating over dark waters, the sky above her churning in electric turmoil. The wind buffeted her, whipping her tail and mane in a frenzied dance. She felt immaterial, but more than that, she felt...hopeless. Weaved in with the howling gales was a long haunting cry. It sounded deep and vast, like a never-ending hunger. A tear leaked out from the corner of the unicorn's eye as a long serpentine shadow streaked over her.
----------=====+++++=====----------
Rose sat up with a gasp, sweat drenching her body. In the dark of the cellar, she could see Isingo's white stripes stir from where he sat on the floor.
"Rose?" he murmured.
The mare sighed and lay back down carefully. "Bad dream," she rasped.
At Isingo's lack of response, the pony looked at the zebra nervously. "Isingo?"
"Yes?"
"Why... Why are you here?"
"Because you are in need."
She huffed. "No, I--I meant--" She coughed, wincing.
Isingo stood to his hooves and drew closer. "Sweet Rose, save your energy. Come dawn, a healer will have your remedy."
Rose glared up at him, feeling angry for reasons she didn't entirely comprehend. "Why?" she hissed, pulling away from the zebra. She spoke slowly because speech was still agonizing. "Why do you...help me? We hardly...know each other!"
I'm cursed. I must be. Better that this fool see it than end up dead on my account!
The zebra frowned down at her. "I have already stated my reasons for helping. Would Miss Sweetsail rather I leave her like nothing?"
The unicorn maintained her glare for just a moment longer before it melted into one of regret. She turned her head in shame. "I am sorry, Isingo. I just...do not understand. You are...putting yourself...at risk...to help me. I just wonder...what you...are getting...out of it? After all...why else would...?" Her voice trailed off.
Isingo can't really expect me to believe he's doing this as an act of charity. This world is too wicked. It would make more sense that there is some kind of reward for him somehow.
Isingo snorted, his ears turning flat. "How sad. That an attempt at kindness would be seen as bad!"
Her ears drooped. Is it possible that I have gravely misunderstood?
The zebra's expression softened at her pitiful look. With a grunt, he sat on his haunches. "Very well, I shall tell you, Rose," he said flatly.
Isingo looked up, his pierced ear flicking absently. "It was before the work on the Neighsayer began. I was starving, and hopeless, without a solid plan. Then one day, while I sat hungry on the streets, who should appear, but you Rose, with sweets. You handed out muffins to the poor and besieged, apologizing profusely for the overuse of poppy seeds. You had baked with your mother that morn, and the surplus you wrapped up, sharing the leftovers with the forlorn. Later, when your partnership with Swashbuck was struck, I petitioned for work, but was out of luck. Your captain refused me, and called me a waif. You rebuked him, and changed his mind that day. In giving me a chance, others did too, and soon I found work as a carpenter true."
His eyes turned half-lidded. "These acts of kindness touched me deeply. And so, I came to...admire you. Secretly."
Rose blushed hard. "M-My goodness! I don't...I don't even--"
"Remember?" Isingo smiled wryly. "Yes, I know."
The mare stared at him, not even certain of how to respond.
When he says he admires me. Does he mean...?
"If it causes you discomfort, I will leave. Fergus can keep watch over you," Isingo said, his stoic mask resettling.
Rose thought about it seriously. I was wrong. I feel his words are sincere. How terrible that my grief and frustration nearly chased him away! She squeezed her eyes shut as she ground her teeth. All those days and he never once spoke to me... I hate that things are only coming to light now. What fool of a filly I was, letting myself get caught up by Swashbuck!
Heaving a breath, she settled back down, her eyes opening again to rest on Isingo's. "No," she said after some time. "Please stay."
He nodded. She held his frosty gaze for a while longer before the exhaustion overcame her again, and she let sleep take her.
----------=====+++++=====----------
Just as Isingo had promised, the healer had come. She was a yellow mare with amethyst eyes and mane. Her cutie mark displayed three hearts, one red, one blue, one green. She looked very nervous to be down in the cellar, jumping at every sound. Fergus, Isingo, and Three-Eyed Buck were there to watch.
The healer pony pointed a hoof at Buck and said sharply, "This makes us even, Three-Eyed!"
"Yes, yes," the tavern owner replied impatiently. "Now get on with it!" He glanced up at the cellar door, where above guard ponies could be heard shouting from the streets.
The yellow pony growled and stepped up to Rose's cot, her eyes narrowed.
"I'm a healer," she hissed. "That doesn't mean I like healing a pirate like you."
Rose didn't respond, her eyes batting sleepily at the pony. She had been roused from her rest for this particular event, and was only just gathering what was happening.
The healer sighed, her head hanging. When she looked at Rose again, it was with a professional mask. "I'm about to cast a spell that will heal the burns in your throat...but it will not be pleasant. It's essentially a time spell for the flesh, speeding up the natural healing process." Her eyes narrowed. "The dead skin will slough off, and it will not be pleasant. It will also hurt. There is nothing I can do about that. I suggest you make every effort to cough up the old flesh, or you may become stomach sick. Do you understand?"
Rose nodded, her eyes now wide. She was looking forward to the pain in her mouth and throat leaving her, but this sounded no more pleasant than when the guards had first poured the boiling water.
The yellow pony stepped back. "Then sit up." She looked back at the others. "Will two ponies hold her front legs? No doubt, she'll need help staying upright."
Isingo and Fergus stepped forward. The healer pony looked at Buck next.
"Bring a big bucket," she instructed the tavern owner with a grimace.
----------=====+++++=====----------
The healer had not been lying. The spell was horrible. Rose would have screamed if she hadn't been gagging on the old flesh and thick mucus her body was producing. She tried to cough up what she could, but her throat was healing so fast that she couldn't keep up. She swallowed some, and soon after felt very ill. She wasn't sure if she should be grateful that she was able to throw it all back up, or dismayed.
When the nasty spell was done, the other ponies allowed Rose to collapse back onto her cot. The healer pony left in a hurry, telling Buck heatedly, "You and me are through!"
"Sure, just remember to keep your mouth shut," he jeered back.
When the yellow pony had left the cellar, Fergus patted Rose's cheek. "Are you feeling better, lass?"
Rose smacked her tongue. When this felt normal, she did a small swallow. She smiled at the dwarf and nodded weakly.
"Yes," she said. But...something about her voice was wrong. It was deeper, and still raspy. The unicorn frowned and put a hoof to her throat. Tentatively, she asked, "Do I sound different to anypony else?"
The others reactions varied. Isingo only gave a short nod. Three-Eyed Buck coughed and shrugged, though his expression was uncomfortable. Fergus tried for an awkward laugh.
"Ha! If only those damned guards could hear you! You sound like a real pirate now!" he chortled.
She looked at him, aghast.
Isingo covered his face with a hoof as Fergus' laughter died.
"Er, that is--I didn't mean--" he fumbled.
Three-Eyed Buck came forward, putting a hoof on the dwarf's shoulder. "Best to quit while you're behind, mate."
Rose kicked off her blanket and sat up, her eyes brimming with angry tears. "Blast it! How did I get here? I'm hiding in a cellar like a rat, vomiting up wasted flesh with my voice turned out---all while my family have been cast out of their home! Swashbuck is sailing away on my ship, and yet Rightful Halberd is more than happy to serve me up to the townsfolk to skewer!" She slid to the edge of the bed and stomped a hoof on the floor, her eyes flashing. "Damn them all!"
Fergus glanced up nervously. "Keep it down, Rose. This place tain't exactly soundproof!"
Rose cast a livid stare on him. "If you fear for your safety, then you'd best be off then! Nothing is holding you here, Fergus!"
The dwarf's chest puffed up and he glared up at her. "Now hold on, Rose Sweetsail! You saved my life, twice, and I am prepared to repay that debt, whatever the cost! But I will not bother myself if you'll not appreciate it!"
The two ponies beheld each other, almost as though they were in a silent contest of will.
Rose made the first move. She nodded. "Very well, Fergus. If that is your wish. I do appreciate it. Immensely." She smiled, but it was stiff, like her features were still quite keen on maintaining their furious scowl.
Fergus eased off, his nostrils flaring as he exhaled hard. "Good. Because this seapony has yet to leave a debt unpaid!"
The smile already gone from Rose's face, she looked at them all. "I am branded a pirate," she said grimly. "I am wanted by the guards for being a filly stupid enough to trust a stallion with her destiny. That is my true crime. Everything else...it is lies and exaggerations. But because I am an easy target, my family has been rendered with nothing, and you, my...my friends, have been forced to hide." She pushed herself to stand on all hooves, her teeth baring as she stomped the floor. "There is no clearing my name! Rightful revealed to me that he doesn't care about the circumstances of that night. Under his rule, Overo Island is devoid of its fairness... So I say, horseapples with fairness!"
"Hear, hear!" Fergus said, stamping his hooves.
"They call me a pirate? Fine. I am a pirate. But this pirate is going to get off this island, find Swashbuck, and take back her ship, or I shall cut my cutie mark off and fling it into the sea!" Her voice had turned almost gravelly in its anger, the ferocity in it indeed sounding like that of a pirate's.
And so, I am transformed... she thought darkly.
Rose looked into each of their faces. "I don't expect anypony to follow me. Perhaps I'll fail before I can even achieve anything. But I have nothing left in my life now. My reputation is tarnished. Soon the other islands will hear of me, and I am no longer welcome at Overo. I have nothing but this. Nothing but my revenge."
"How will you get off the island?" Buck asked critically. "The guards have taken control of whatever ships that have been repaired by now!"
Rose raised a brow. "What else does a pirate do when they lack a ship? They commandeer one!"
"And Rightful Halberd?"
The unicorn's lip curled. "If given the chance, I'd feed him his damned sugar!"
Buck shook his head, incredulous. "Where would you go? Even if you managed to steal a schooner, you can't go after The Briny Neighsayer with it!"
"There's a cove I know of," Fergus piped up. Rose looked at him with ears pricked. He had an eager smile on his face. "It's a pirate haven. Stolen ships are sometimes sold there. You might find yourself a nice brig and a crew to go with it!"
"This is mad..." Buck said, shaking his head. "I'll have no part of it!"
Isingo frowned at the tavern owner. "Surely you'll let us stay in the cellar until we can act? On that, we can at least make a pact."
Buck snorted. "Aye. I suppose. It's not like I haven't already put my neck on the line for this mare." He turned and started to climb the ladder back up to his tavern. "But don't include me in your plans! I draw the line at that!"
When the old stallion was gone, Rose looked at the other equines with a wrinkled brow. "Are you two sure? Even trying to get off the island could get you both killed!"
Isingo and Fergus gave her dry looks.
The dwarf sat on his haunches and cocked his head to the side. "Lass. We've gone this far with you. Why in the great blue deep would we turn back now?"
She smiled, her eyes misting with tears. Her chest filled with warmth and affection at their loyalty. "Thank you," she murmured.
"I do wonder, though," Isingo ventured quietly. "What do you wish to do, should we catch up to Swashbuck and the Neighsayer?"
Rose's expression darkened. With ears turned flat, she looked up, where the light of the tavern filtered through the floorboards. "After taking back my ship, I'll show Swashbuck the same kindness he afforded me." She smiled humorlessly, a touch of mania in her eyes. "I'll throw him into the sea, and hope he drowns."