Antonio's Journal entry #4, part 2: In which he discovers there is no guile in guile, just Blight.

Taerl and I headed out the backdoor of the Cutless to go to the meeting of the pirate lords. On our way, I continued to flatter and gush over her in the way women like (which I might add is not hard to do. She really is a lovely woman, and I cannot help but feel a pang of guilt at having deceived her so). I proposed to her the idea of becoming Pirate Queen. She seemed to like it, and I let her know that with the right man by her side she could do anything. I also took the opportunity to question her about Jasper, but she knew very little about him and said I would need to question Ranthor. 

Once we arrived at the pirate meeting, we were served some of the best Port wine I have had since leaving home. It reminded me of what Father would bring out for all the stately court dinners. Apparently, Kurth is rather generous, though Taerl tells me that that is not to be mistaken for kindness. She made a following, bitter remark that led me to believe that she had once been involved romantically with Kurth. I wanted to ask for details, but the laws of decorum made me hold my tongue. 

Kurth spoke to his captains with disfavor. When the time was right, Taerl stood up and told Kurth about the letter. I produced it and backed it up with my words as well as my wounds. Then Kurth told Taerl and Ranthor that the two of them were to be replaced and demanded that they immediately leave. I was about to leave with them when Kurth told me to stay. He began questioning me about the letter, so I pulled up a chair with my glass of wine and made myself comfortable as I answered the barrage of questions. I think I succeeded in convincing him. I did my best to mix in just enough of the truth that if anyone were to go asking questions, they would align with what I had said. 

I then asked who Kurth was going to get to replace the two pirate lords. He said that if I were to bring back the head of Jasper that he would give me one of the places. After a little more talking he said that if I brought him the head of Jarlaxle he would make me second in command. Well, this arrangement would please me greatly if I wanted to be a pirate lord. Though I must admit, I do think I would make a good pirate. At least a handsome one. Though I would have to have standards for ship hygiene. I find that pirates seem to lack it.

When I left, presumably to go find Jasper, I met Taerl almost in tears outside. I did my best to comfort her, and let her know that Kurth had said he would make me second in command if I were to bring back the head of Jasper. Of course, if I were second in command, I would need a lady by my side, and then I would just be one step away from being Pirate King, and I would need a queen. She seemed to like this, and I convinced her to go after Jasper for me since I had other pressing business in town that prevented me from leaving. She did not seem to buy this, but I finally managed to convince her that the sooner she went after Jasper the higher the chance of finding him, and the sooner we could be king and queen.

Taerl wanted a drink before she set off, so we went back to the Cutless. I ordered the finest drink for “my lady.” While we sat waiting to be served, my attention was arrested by the tallest woman I have ever seen. I struck up a conversation with her and discovered that her name was Polly and that she was an axe-swinging adventurer looking for employment. I told her I was looking for someone with her skills, and that she could work for me. 

I then suggested to Taerl that we leave and she get started on her mission. She insisted, though, on seeing her officer who I had deposited in the room upstairs just a few hours ago. Not knowing if she were still up there, and not wanting her to identify me as the man who knocked her in the head, I did my best to dissuade Tarel from going up. Alas, it was to no avail. She went up, and I led her to the wrong room, talking rather loudly to let the others know that Taerl and I were on our way up to find the officer. 

I did everything I could to keep her from going into the correct room, but Taerl headed towards the door. Then, in a muddle of confusion, the door to the room opened, and out came Pellenistra, Guile, Roe’ellina, and the officer wearing a coat and hat to disguise her. Taerl had to be distracted, and at the moment I did the only thing I could think of--I grabbed Taerl and kissed her. It would not be the first time I had kissed a girl to distract her from something. But she turned her head as I did it so I only kissed her cheek. She saw the others and demanded they get away from her officer. Pellenistra and Roe’ellina bolted down the stairs and let the officer drop to the ground. Taerl scooped her up and helped her down the stairs to the bar. 

I was at a loss as to what to do. I could not go down there. The officer knew who I was and would spoil everything I had worked so hard to do to win Taerl’s trust. I told this all to Guile who still stood up on the landing with me. I told her about the pirate lords, and the predicament we were in. I mentioned using the potions I had given her on the officer. Not enough to harm her, just enough to keep her quiet for a bit longer. 

We began hearing a terrifying scream from somewhere outside the Cutless, and Guile said not to go down there. Then, to my horror, Guile pulled out the vile, saying that she needed the one to stop hearing voices in her head, and she tried to drink it. I darted forward and snatched it from her. Then I pocketed the vile.

At the time I could not believe that she would try to poison herself simply because I kissed another woman. Did she feel so passionately about me? I am not worth the taking of her life. Oh, that dear, sweet Guile. I loved her all the more for it. Though I must admit my surprise at such an irrational thing to do. It seemed unlike her to kill herself just because I kissed another woman on the cheek. But I supposed that Guile, being a woman, she was prone to their weaknesses. 

There is something I had neglected to mention above. Guile told me that Salin has left us. Apparently, he met up with an old friend and then decided to go off with him. I am rather shocked by the news and greatly saddened. Though there seemed to be some unknown tension between us, I always knew he had my back. Salin was a good friend and I shall miss him. Hopefully, our paths will cross again someday.

Back to the screaming outside. I flew down the steps and got Polly on the way out. We were met with the sight of carnage outside the Cutless. In the midst stood a Bloodbound. Apparently, he was having what they call a blood frenzy. I darted up to him and landed two clean blows. Polly was close behind, and I must say, she had made no boast earlier when she said she was good. Unfortunately for me, the Bloodbound landed a heavy blow to my chest that cut in deeply and ripped off my armor. Then I lost consciousness. 

I had the strangest dream then about Polly being surrounded by a cloud, and there was lightning, and somehow I was an extension of the lightning. When I regained consciousness, Pellenistra was tending to me. She had used her blunderbuster to shoot the Hunter and kill him. Since I had been laying in the street, I was covered in bits of flesh from him. I shall probably get an infection now. 

I went into the Cutless, demanded that Arthur bring me a strong drink and something to clean the wound in my chest. Taerl and her officer had been hiding behind the counter through the whole affair. Cowards. Taerl said she still intended to go after Jasper and planned to head out tomorrow morning. I just hope the trail will not be too cold. 

Once Taerl and her officer had left, I introduced Polly to the rest of the group. I then explained the situation with Taerl. She could not know I was working with the rest of the group. I had difficulty explaining that Taerl was not my intended, for that is what Polly thought. I said it was a game, by which I meant a deception, but I was all muddled and blundered in my words.

We returned to the ruins and reported to Jarlaxle the events of the afternoon. Guile and I then went off to find the nurses to tend to our wounds. On the way, I chided her for poisoning herself. I told her no man was worth killing herself over. She looked blankly at me as I spoke, then told me it was not jealousy that had driven her to drink the potion, but a curse. She told me that some of her people have blood frenzies, others horrible scars, and some voices in their heads. That was her curse. But she knew of a woman who could help her get them out.

We were interrupted by a rather drunk Pellenistra. I was annoyed by this interruption, especially by her drunken remarks. There is nothing at all lady-like about being drunk. Once she had left us, Guile said that she would come to my room tonight and tell me more. As soon as she left me, I dashed away to find clean clothes, wine, cheese, and grapes. 

The doctor stitched up my wound. He said it’s deep. It certainly causes me enough pain and breathing hurts. Once I was bandaged up, I bathed, dressed, then set up the table and waited. Guile knocked at the door and entered. Then she locked the door behind her. This made me uneasy, only because this is the exact thing she did on the ship. I had no idea what to expect.

After exchanging a few words, Guile shut her eyes and said, “here it goes,” then lifted her shirt to reveal her side. I took a step back, speechless. In her side was a hideous demon mouth. She explained that this was her twin brother, Blight. He was born stuck inside of her. She normally kept him stuffed with cotton and bandages wrapped around her waist to keep him concealed. I told her I would do anything to help her get him out. I do not remember what else was said before Guile left. I am still sitting here trying to process it. 

I am rather distressed that she should have a demon in her side. After this business in Laskan is over, I will devote myself entirely to helping Guile to get Blight out of her side. Whatever it takes. I would do anything for Guile.

My Guile is a rose so sweet and fair

Adorned with scrolls and chalice markings red.

Like graceful, dancing moonbeams is her hair.

This is the woman I intend to wed.

Her heart is good and just beyond compare   

And kindness, strength and honor she upholds.

She fights with courage, spells, and pistol rare,

To help those who are troubled, weak and old.

Alas, my darling, she is cursed with Blight!

That demon, foul, who talks inside her head,

And separates me from my one delight,

By living in her side. I wish him dead.

Yet, my love for her can never be rocked,

And in her hands my heart is safely locked.