Titel: The switch

Sprache: Englisch

Summary: Dermott ein Mensch, Maeve ein Vogel? Was stimmt da nicht?

Category: Abenteuer

Rating: ohne Altersbeschränkung

Status: Fertig

Sinbad was on the deck, watching as the sun appears at the horizon. He smiled at the beauty of the sight. “This was one of the reasons I became a sailor,” he thought. He watched as the sea welcomed the dawn of a new morning. A red color emerged from the meeting of the water and the sky. It reminded him of someone… of the beautiful sorceress who had been in his boat… and in his life… for a couple of months now. The color truly matches the color of her hair, and most of the times, the fire in her eyes. Sinbad’s smile grew. He was extremely proud of the fact that he was responsible for putting it there in the first place. Doubar once asked him if he was ever bothered by her reaction to him. “It just takes her one minute to flare up when she’s talking to you,” his brother said to him. But Sinbad doesn’t care. He really loves seeing her eyes burn for him. His Maeve. The only woman in the world capable of matching him, in every way. If only he could…

Suddenly, a tap brought him out of his reverie. “Sinbad,” a voice behind him drawled. As he turned around he braced himself for yet another beautiful scene. “I was calling you in a rather loud voice and I’m wondering why you’re not responding.” Maeve said dryly. She pinned him with a glare. Sinbad smiled at her. “You see, I was admiring the view.” Although he was referring to the view of the Nomad, he also knew that he was referring to the view his looking at now. Maeve. “Hmmm, yeah. It’s really beautiful, isn’t it?” she asked, a smile brightening her features. Sinbad caught his breath. Maeve was really beautiful, especially when she smiles like that. “Aye, indeed it is beautiful.” He replied, smiling as well. Now it was Maeve’s turn to catch her breath. She was aware of how handsome Sinbad was. Who wouldn’t be? “So, what was it that you bothered me about?” Sinbad asked. Maeve looked at him frostily. “I was going to tell you that Doubar was contacted by the Caliph when we were at Perusko. He said that he’s inviting us for the birthday of his wife, Mufasa.” “Which is, where?” “At Ronin.” Maeve replied, smoothing the front of her sailor dress. “Ronin? Isn’t that were…” Sinbad was cut off when Maeve spoke. “Yes, that’s were Rumina and I first encountered. “ Maeve heaved a sigh. Oohh, I just hate that witch, she thought. She was responsible for why my brother became a hawk in the first place. Sinbad noticed that Maeve’s eyes became troubled. “Maeve, if you don’t want us to go to Ronin, it’ll be alright. We can refuse the Caliph’s invitation!” he said to her. Maeve looked at him disbelievingly. “ And have our heads served in a platter the following morning? I don’t think so. Besides, it’s my personal problem. You guys don’t have to bear it.” She replied. Maeve looked at Sinbad and smiled slightly. “Thanks anyway for offering.” Sinbad waved his hand in the air. “Anytime.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Land ho!” Sinbad said to his crew. Doubar grabbed the telescope from his brother so he can take a look. “So, that is Ronin. I’ve always wanted to go there!” he said, the excitement evident in his voice. Firouz raised his own telescope in his eye. “Hey, are those people I see at the port?” he asked. Sinbad then grabbed Firouz’s telescope, because his telescope was still used by Doubar. He raised it to his eye. “Aye. Those are people. I wonder what they are doing there.” Maeve stepped beside him. “Only one way of finding out.” She muttered. Sinbad looked at her and noticed that she visibly paled. It is obvious that the place brought back many bad memories for her. But before he could say anything she already climbed down to the boat that will bring them to the port. He had no choice but to follow her, so he did.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The Caliph was already waiting at the port with his wife and subjects. He smiled when he saw Sinbad and his crew nearing them. “Ah, Sinbad! It’s good to see that you can attend!” he said. He patted the captain’s shoulder. “Well we can’t just ignore the Caliph’s invitation!” he retorted. The older man laughed. “Come, come. The celebration is already beginning!” Mufasa said, cutting in. Sinbad reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. “it’s good to see you again, Mufasa!” he said giving her a dimpled grin. Mufasa smiled back. She and Sinbad are very good friends. “It’s good to see you too, Sinbad. Let’s go now! The sun is already up and it might damage my skin,” she said, wrinkling her forehead at the sky. The Caliph laughed. Taking her hand, they headed the way to the castle.

Once at the castle, each of the crew was guided to their own respective rooms. The Caliph had ordered that they should be dressed for the occasion. Now, as Sinbad looked at himself, It was nice to be out of that sailor suit of his, although he wouldn’t bargain it for anything. He looked at Doubar, Firouz and Rongar. They looked uncomfortable in their suits, but they do look nice and presentable for a change. Sinbad looked down at his self. He was wearing black vest and pants with a white long sleeved shirt. His red sash was replaced by a gold one. He must also look nice, for he noticed that most of the women in the room were looking at him. He wasn’t interested at any of them, though they were all lovely. Sinbad glanced at the door. Only Maeve was still missing in his crew. He was wondering what had happened to her when she suddenly appeared out of nowhere. His heart nearly stopped beating when he saw her. Maeve was stunning in her simple, light brown gown that set off the color of her eyes. Her hair was styled so that only small tendrils escaped to frame her beautiful face. Sinbad realized that he was staring at her, and so were at least half of the male population in the room. Sinbad’s eyes narrowed to blue slits. He stood up and draped an arm in her shoulder, an act of possessiveness. “What are you doing?” Maeve asked him, irritation in her voice. Little did he know that it was only a mask to cover her reaction to what he did. “I was just guiding you to where you are to be seated!” he replied defensively. As they both took their seat, Sinbad moved his head closer to her ear. “You look lovely, Maeve.” He complimented her. Maeve blushed. What he said really made her happy. “You too.” She said. “What? I look lovely?” he queried, frowning. Maeve laughed. “What do you prefer? Handsome?” Sinbad grinned at her. “That’s more like it!” Music was played softly at the background. Sinbad stood up and extended his hand to her. “Care to dance?” he asked. Maeve took his hand. “Love to.” She said. Sinbad then guided her down the dance floor where they joined some of the couples that were dancing. He slid his hand at her waist and took her hand in his. Maeve’s eyes went wide with surprise. “I didn’t know you know how to dance,” she mocked him. Sinbad smirked. “Well, I do have knowledge about this kind of things.” “You do? Oh, I thought the only things you know about are ordering people around and bedazzling women.” She said, her tone challenging. He grinned at her. “Why? Am I ordering you around? Or are you bedazzled by me?” he said, his tone even. Maeve rolled her eyes. “You wish.” She replied. She wouldn’t exactly call it bedazzled. In love, maybe. Maeve’s mind focused at that last thought. Was she really thinking about that? “-asa.” Sinbad said to her. “What?” she asked. “Is your mind traveling again? Anyways, I said that the Caliph and Mufasa had apologized to me about something.” Maeve’s delicate brows became furrowed. “Why?” she asked. Sinbad shrugged. “I don’t know. But knowing the Caliph, he wouldn’t apologize for something that is not important.” He replied. He noticed that the background music has changed, which meant that it’s now time for them to find another partner. Unknowingly, Sinbad had tightened his hold on Maeve. He didn’t want to change partners; especially since he knows that there were many men who would like to dance with her. “Sinbad, the music stopped.” Maeve said, stating the obvious. “Did it? I feel like ours is just beginning,” he whispered to her ear. For the second time, Maeve blushed at his words. “I-“ she began, when suddenly they were interrupted by someone who cleared his throat. They both looked at the source of the voice. It was the Caliph. “Excuse me for interrupting, but I thought that you should dance with another of our special guest, Sinbad.” He said, looking apologetically at Maeve. Maeve nodded. “It’s alright.” She said, although she would have loved to strangle the Caliph then and there. “Thank you, Caliph.” Another women drawled. Maeve recognized the voice. Indeed she was correct. It was Rumina. “What are you doing here?” she hissed at the other woman. Rumina smiled at the fiery witch. “As the Caliph said, I’m one of the special guest,” she said, happy to see the other woman seethe with anger. Sinbad looked at the Caliph. The Caliph’s expression told him everything he needed to know: that this was the reason he had apologized to him earlier. He stopped Maeve by holding her shoulders, for she looked as though she would attack Rumina if she were given the chance. “Please, Maeve,” he said to her. “Calm down.” Maeve glanced at him, and then glared at Rumina before stomping off. Only she was intercepted by a brown-haired man who asked her if she wanted to dance with him. Sinbad nearly burst out laughing when he heard Maeve snap at the other guy before sitting at their table. “So, Sinbad, aren’t you going to dance with me?” Rumina purred at him. He was forced to take her in his arms. To Sinbad, Rumina was a beautiful woman, and he could fall for her if only she did not possess an ugly heart. For him, what matters most was what was inside of the woman and not of her appearance, although it wouldn’t hurt if she were lovely. His eyes went to Maeve. The sorcerer’s apprentice passed his criterion with flying colors. “Sinbad, you aren’t listening to me!” Rumina said, pouting. Sinbad smiled tightly at her. “What was it that you were saying?” he asked, although he only half-listened to what she was saying. Rumina glared at him. Using her black magic, she tapped into his thoughts. Closing her eyes, she saw what Sinbad was thinking of. Rumina’s eyes opened. Why, this idiot was thinking of that peasant wench! Rumina fumed inside. “She would pay for stealing Sinbad from me.” She thought. “Indeed, she would…”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Maeve went to her room, smiling. After that meeting with Rumina, Sinbad had asked her to dance with him at least four times. When he’s not dancing with her, she was to be found in another man’s arms. “I have never danced this much before,” he muttered to herself. When she opened her door she found Dermott perched in a branch of a tree near her window. * So how did the evening go, sister? * He telepathically asked her. Maeve grinned at him. I had the most wonderful time of my life! Oh, brother, you should’ve seen it…* I did see it, sister. You and the Captain looked good together. * Maeve smiled dreamily. Suddenly a thick cloud of smoke gathered in the middle of her room. Maeve looked at it in surprise. “What in Hades…” she muttered. Then, the figure of Rumina emerged in the midst of that thick smoke. “Thought I might visit you, you little white witch.” She said. Maeve glared at her. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “I thought when I turned your brother into a hawk, that was the best thing to do.” Rumina began. She laughed when Maeve made an attempt to hit her with her fireball. “Dear, are you still thinking that your feeble attempts at magic will be able to stop me?” she taunted her. “It wouldn’t hurt to try now, does it?” she challenged. When Rumina was distracted by the cackle Dermott made, she immediately threw a fireball in the witch’s direction. It hit Rumina in the arm. “Why you little-“ she created her own fireball and threw it at Maeve. Luckily she ducked before it hit her, but that action was all the distraction Rumina needed. “As darkness extinguish the light of the moon, hear my voice and deliver it soon, for at this night and at this hour turn this woman into a creature with feather!” she chanted. A black light engulfed Maeve. “What… what’s happening?” she asked. The last thing she heard was Rumina’s triumphant laugh, and then, everything was black.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dermott was there, horrified at what he was seeing. This was the exact thing that had happened almost 5 years ago, only now it was Maeve Rumina’s turning into a bird! But there was nothing he could do. Suddenly, an unfamiliar feeling crept towards him. Dermott felt heavy. Then, he felt he was falling…

Dermott opened his eyes. He then struggled to stand up, but found it difficult because of the various aches he felt in his body. Then, his mind raced. Wait a minute. His body? But his body was- Dermott looked down at his self. For what seemed like an eternity, he stood there motionless. “I’m free of Rumina’s spell!” he whispered to himself. “I’m finally free…” suddenly a thought occurred to him. Where was Maeve? *Sister, where are you?* he asked, using telepathy. * Brother, I am here * she responded. * where? * he prompted. * look up. * as he did his heart suddenly stopped beating. A bird was perched on a branch, right on top of him. * sister, is that… * * yes, Dermott. It is I, * Maeve said in his mind. Dermott raised his hand, and Maeve rested on it. * oh, sister, what have Rumina done to you… * he was happy that he was finally human again, but that happiness was soon ended when he realized what had befallen his sister! * so, this is how it felt like to be a bird. * Maeve said to him. Dermott noticed that her voice, even if it was only in his mind, was on the verge of tears. * don’t lose hope, sister. I will find a way to help you. * he heard a commotion forming at the dining room of the castle. There he saw Doubar, Rongar and Ferrous huddled together. “And I had just found the perfect way…”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sinbad had a wonderful night last night. In fact he even carried it in his dreams. There, he was dancing with Maeve all night long, and afterwards he kissed her, and she responded. * if only that was true… * at the table he was met by Doubar, Rongar and Firouz, all with troubled expressions in their faces. “What?” he asked, alarmed. Firouz looked at Doubar. Doubar nodded at the other man before talking to Sinbad, “Maeve’s missing.” He said. Sinbad’s eyes went wide with fear. “Are you sure? Have you checked all the grounds?” he asked. Firouz nodded. “We checked everything, everywhere she could have possibly went to, but we found no sign of her.” Sinbad began pacing in the room. “How could that possibly be? I mean, last night…” he said to himself. Then he noticed a man entering the room. “Captain Sinbad!” the man said. Sinbad stared at the man. He couldn’t be possibly younger than him, he thought. His hair was of reddish shade, his eyes were deep brown. He reminded Sinbad of someone but he can’t put his finger on it. “Yes, that will be me.” He said to the man. “I am De-“ Dermott was about to say his name when Maeve stopped him. * don’t tell him your name yet! * she told him. Dermott cleared his throat. “My name is Devon, Sinbad.” Sinbad then noticed a white dove sitting on Devon’s shoulder. That’s it! Somehow the man reminded him of Maeve, he thought. Just thinking about her makes him worry again. “So what brings you here, friend?” he asked. Devon looked at Sinbad in the eye. “I know you are looking for Maeve, Captain. Don’t ask me why, but I know where she is, and I’ll help you find her.” He said. The other men looked at him in surprise. * what are you doing? * Maeve asked him. * just watch and be patient, sister. You’ll be back in your human form in no time. * he responded, then shut Maeve out of his mind. The dove Maeve sighed in irritation. She just burrowed her claw deeper into the man’s shoulder. Devon felt what his sister was doing, but decided to ignore it. “Nice bird you got there,” Ferrous commented. “This is Maylin.” Devon said, stroking the bird’s feathers. Sinbad focused his attention on the bird. It was a beautiful white dove with small reddish feathers on its head. Suddenly the bird flew out of the man’s shoulders and landed on Sinbad’s. “What the-“ he muttered. Then he heard a familiar voice. Maeve’s voice. “Sinbad, listen to him. He can help you save me!” it said. Baffled, Sinbad looked around, to find where the voice came from. ‘What is it, little brother?” Doubar asked, sensing his brother’s distress. “I-“ “Don’t tell them that you can hear my voice! They won’t believe you!” Maeve said to him again. Sinbad shook his head. Am I going crazy, hearing voices like that? “It’s true, captain. The voices you are hearing right now are true.” Another voice told him. This time, Sinbad knew where that voice came from. It’s from Devon. He looked at the other man who was watching him intently. “Alright. You can lead us to where Maeve is,” he said to Devon. Devon smiled in response. Once aboard the Nomad, Sinbad let Devon stay at the cabin beside his own. As he led him there, he couldn’t help but be curious. “How do you know where Maeve is?” he asked. “I have seen what Rumina had done to her. She has taken her body to the Isle of Fire.” Devon replied. “The Isle of Fire,” Sinbad muttered, knowing fully well that that was the island where he had killed her father, Turok. “You’re a sorcerer too, aren’t you?” Sinbad asked him. Devon nodded. “I am. Don’t doubt the voices in your head, Sinbad. One of the voices you heard earlier was I. The other one was Maeve’s.” “But how…” “We sorcerers possess a gift called mental telepathy. We can talk to each other, using our minds as mediums. We speak to you through your head, and that’s why you hear us as though we are really speaking to you. The difference is that you are the only one who can hear us.” Devon explained. Sinbad stood and paced the room. “How did you know we were looking for her?” Devon smiled at the Captain. “All in due time, Sinbad. All in due time.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After Sinbad left Devon’s cabin, Maeve spoke to him. * Why are you leading them to the Isle of fire? You know my body is not there, * she asked. * I know, little sister. But Rumina is. And only she can reverse the spell she had given you. * * but I don’t understand. Why was it that when she turned me to a bird you became human? * Maeve asked again, flapping her wings. Devon smiled grimly. * there is only one explanation. Her magic is still not that strong for her curse to be effective on two people. When she turned you to a bird she unknowingly reversed the spell she had on me. That’s why I am human again. * * brother, if that is true, then why are you still leading them to the Isle of Dawn? If I became free of the spell that means you’ll be a hawk again! * Maeve said to him, frantically. Devon nodded at her. * I’ll have to take the consequences. I’ll do anything to save you, for you have tried everything to save me. * he replied. * Oh, brother. Every time I try, I fail to free you from your curse! * she objected. * yes, that is true, but you will find a way to cure me. As I am now finding a way to cure you. *

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After leaving Devon’s cabin, Sinbad went to the deck where Maeve and he had their last conversation. ‘Oh, Maeve,” he whispered. “I’d kill Rumina if it’s the last thing I do,” he said, determined. He thought about Devon and what he had said. “Is it true? Is Maeve really speaking to me through my mind?” Suddenly he heard someone speak to him. AGAIN. “Are you doubting that this is me?” Maeve said to him. Despite his worry, Sinbad managed to smile. “Now I’m not. Maeve, are you alright?” he asked, concerned. “What had Rumina done to you?” “I’m fine, Captain. She had me under a spell, and Der- I mean, Devon can help you reverse it.” “How did Devon know about you? I never noticed him at the banquet.” “Let just call it luck, Sinbad.” Then, Sinbad heard something over his head. It was the dove, Maylin. It rested on Sinbad’s arm. He stroked it’s feathers. “Maeve, are you still there?” he asked. “Yup. Still here!” she replied. “Where’s Dermott? I haven’t seen him since-“ “Oh, Dermott! He, I mean, he- um, isn’t he with you?” Maeve said. “No, he’s not.” “Sinbad, if ever I become human again, I’ll kill you!” Maeve exclaimed. “What?” Sinbad said, confused. “Oh, never mind!” she said. “Maeve? Maeve?” he said, but this time, Sinbad was met with silence.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The following morning the crew had left the Nomad, for they had now reached the isle of fire. “Lead us, Sinbad, for you have trotted along this path before.” Devon said to him. Sinbad looked at him quizzically. “How did you-“ “Look!” Firouz interrupted him. “It’s the castle,” he pointed to the structure behind a mountain. They traveled a few hours before reaching the front of the castle. As Sinbad was stepping over the stairs he was stopped by Devon. “Have you forgotten that the first step is a trap?” he said. Now Sinbad was really confused. “How did you-“ this time, Doubar interrupted him. “He’s right, brother. Firouz was the one trapped before, when he stepped on that.” He reminded him. Sinbad nodded at his brother. They quickly avoided the first step and proceeded to the second. As they reached the passageway, with Sinbad and Devon leading the way, a yelp made them turn around. There they found Doubar, Rongar and Firouz bounded by chains. “What the-“ Sinbad exclaimed. A figure suddenly emerged. “What brought you to my lovely fortress, Love?” Rumina asked Sinbad. Apparently, she did not notice Dermott yet. “What have you done to Maeve? Where is she?” Sinbad asked, venom in his voice. “Yes, Rumina, what have you done to Maeve?” Dermott said, emerging from the shadows at her back. Rumina spun around to face him. “Dermott! You are free of my spell!” she exclaimed, horrified. Sinbad looked at Dermott, his mouth agape. Is this really Dermott? Dermott the hawk? So that’s why he knows so many things about us! Sinbad thought. “How? How did you free yourself? Maeve cannot be the one who did it because-“ “You are correct. She didn’t free me. You did it yourself, Rumina.” Dermott replied. “I would never do such a thing!” Rumina protested. Dermott laughed. “Of course you wouldn’t. But you did. When you turned my sister into a dove!” Another surprise for Sinbad. “Dermott was Maeve’s brother? Rumina casted a spell on him, and that’s why Dermott became a hawk? AND the bird Dermott is with was Maeve?” he thought, his mind whirling. “That’s correct, captain.” A forlorn voice told him. “Maeve?” he asked. “Yes, it’s me. Now do something to help my brother!” she snapped.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Rumina was horrified at first, but she got past that now. She smiled at Dermott. “Now what would you do, Dermott? You wanted me to free your sister from the spell? Ha! Like I would.” She mocked him. Suddenly a pair of strong arms grabbed her. It was Sinbad. “Get off me, you idiot!” she screamed. “No. Not until you free Maeve of your spell.” Sinbad muttered to her. “You will regret this, Sinbad. And regret it you shall!” Rumina closed her eyes and chanted, “All that is good would soon be gone, as night claims the light of the sun, all that is here within my power freeze until I claim that hour!” And with that, everything froze, except for Rumina. She wriggled out of Sinbad’s grasp. “Hmmph. That should teach you how to handle a lady,” she muttered to him. Rumina laid her hand on Sinbad’s chest. “You will become mine, my sailor.” “Get your filthy hands off my sister’s property!” Dermott exclaimed. Rumina gasped. “You, you are not affected by my spell!” she said. Dermott grinned at her. “I guess I haven’t told you. I practice white AND black magic. And as you know, practitioners of black magic are immune you to your spell.” He formed a black fireball and aimed it at Rumina. He deliberately missed his target. “you think that just because you practice black magic, you will be able to defeat me?” Rumina laughed at him. “You’re just like your sister!” “Think so?” Dermott chanted the following words, “darkness that would extinguish the light, but goodness would soon be able to fight, grant my wish upon this hour make this witch a half-creature that crawl!” a red light emerged from his hands and soon it engulfed Rumina. It made her into an animal that crawl, but only half of her. “What have you done to me!” she exclaimed. “I offer you a trade, witch. Free my sister of the spell you casted on her, and I will free you of my spell.” Dermott said. Having no choice, Rumina did what she was forced to do. She reversed the spell on Maeve. In an instant, the bird Maeve became human again. “Brother!” she said, rushing to Dermott’s arms. “The trade, Dermott. Do it!” Rumina said. Since Dermott was a man of honor, he undid the spell he had on Rumina. “You shall pay for this!” she said before misting away. As she did, the freeze spell wore off, and the men who were chained became free again. Sinbad, Doubar, Firouz and Rongar went to where Maeve and Dermott is, who were still hugging. They were still shocked at what they discovered. “Sorry if we kept it a secret, guys.” Maeve said apologetically. Sinbad shook his head. “It’s okay. We were just wondering why.” He said. Dermott was the one who explained it. “Master Dim dim told us that we shouldn’t tell our secret to you, otherwise Maeve would have never found a cure for me.” “So that’s the reason why you’re very angry at Rumina.” Ferrous said. Maeve nodded, then looked at Dermott. “But I guess I have nothing to be angry about now.”

After that voyage the Nomad had accepted Dermott as a new member of their crew. Sinbad had never seen Maeve so happy. But he was happy because she was happy. It was almost five days since that incident. One morning Maeve decided to wake Dermott so they can talk. As she opened the door to his cabin, she was surprised when she didn’t see his body in bed. She looked for him, but still, nothing. * brother, where are you? * she asked, using telepathy. * look up, sister. * as Maeve did, her heart nearly stopped beating. On top of her was a hawk. “NO!” she screamed. From the deck, Sinbad heard her scream and ran as fast as he could to where she was. He found her at Dermott’s cabin, crying uncontrollably. “Maeve, why are you crying?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her. Maeve accepted the comfort Sinbad offered her. “Sinbad, Dermott- he became a bird again.” She muttered, fresh tears spilling on her cheeks. “What?” Sinbad asked, wiping them away with his hands. * it’s true. Rumina had casted a spell on me again. * came Dermott’s voice in his mind. “No…” Sinbad said, rubbing Maeve’s back to comfort her. “we’ll find a way, Maeve. Together, we will free your brother.”