Her boots clacked and thudded against the hardwood floor. Wherever she was going, she went with a great sense of purpose. The woman’s voluptuous hips swayed lightly from side to side; implying femininity and sensuality. But her legs moved her with authority; implying order and discipline. Her clothes fit her frame tightly; with the way she moved and “worked”, lose-fitting clothes would have been a nuisance. Her face was fair and lovely but her expression showed only coldness and apathy. She was the woman that never smiled. She was the assassin that killed with brutal efficiency. She was the right hand of Captain Bartholomew D. Clevenger. She was Mary Turner, the Crimson Claw and today, she would be visiting someone.

She walked for what seemed like hours down a corridor with old wooden floors and walls; a kerosene wall-lamp lit her path every fifteen feet. The passageway was dim and empty; only the light gave her company. She eventually reached the end of the long hallway and beheld a large, reinforced door. She went up to the entrance and placed her hand on the large knocker. With it, she struck the door. BAM…BAM…BAM. She waited for a voice on the other side. “Enter.” demanded someone from beyond the portal. She grabbed the handle and pulled. The door was hard to move; it was made of heavy wood and reinforced with steel. When it was fully opened, she entered the room. It was dark; only a few candles lit the huge space and in the middle of the expanse, sat a large man in a heavy wooden chair. The shadows concealed much of his appearance but it was easy to tell that he had been through quite an ordeal. Bandages covered much of his body and he sat limply but imperially in his seat. The only clothing he wore was a pair of tattered pants and a belt to go with aforementioned pants. Darkness covered his face but she knew who he was. Mary stood at attention, for the man that sat before her was her captain, her master; Bartholomew D. Clevenger, the Butcher.

His eyes opened, piercing the darkness and glaring at Mary. She stood firm in the presence of her captain, she did not fear him. “How did I get here?” asked Clevenger. He sounded weak but there was still a great ferocity in his voice. Turner answered “My captain, your men fished you out of the waters near Roaric’s Cliff. You were found half-dead and you’ve been unconscious now for five days, seven hours, and twenty-six minutes.” “I see” replied Clevenger “And what of my sword?” Mary answered this question as well. “Sir, your sword has been recovered and has been fully repaired and sharpened.” “Very good” retorted Clevenger “What happened to Black Jack? Did he survive the fall?” “Aye captain.” stated Mary “He was saved by their navigator, Tyler.” Clevenger’s eyes narrowed and once more he said “I see.” After a pause, Clevenger queried “Is there anything else you would like to inform me of?” “No captain” claimed Turner “I believe there is nothing more to report.” Clevenger spoke “Very well. You may go now.” “Aye captain.” stated Mary as she clicked her heels and immediately turned towards the door. She took a few steps when she heard Clevenger say “He was the only man to beat me.” Mary looked behind herself “Sir?” “That man, Black Jack, was the first person to ever beat me in combat.” stated Clevenger. A wicked grin slowly appeared on his darkened face. Clevenger declared “I can’t wait to fight him again next time.” The Butcher chuckled and eventually his cackling roared into hideous laughter. He thoroughly relished the idea of a rematch.

artwork and story copyright SatsumaLord
all characters copyright their respective owners

First: ( http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1433513/ )
Previous: ( http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1433730/ )