by Ben Stevens
‘I said go!’ bellowed my master, discharging his pistol barely a couple of inches above the captain’s head.
At once the pirates began running, soon disappearing into the darkness.
‘They will hardly now become honest men, Kukai, but they will need some time to obtain another boat, and so their little group may well disintegrate,’ observed my master quietly.
I could hear shouting, coming from behind us. Men from the harbor, away from this somewhat remote spot where the pirates had moored their ship.
‘They heard the gunshot,’ said my master. ‘But before they arrive, let me just ensure that this vile ship is never used as a pirates’ vessel again…’
Quickly, my master hopped on board the boat, and taking hold of one of the flaming torches tied to a mast, stretched up his arm as high as he could and so just managed to touch one of the square sails above. It quickly caught light, and the roaring blaze instantly began to spread…
My master moved back onto the jetty, where the two golden statues reflected the growing fire in the darkness.
‘Ah, good evening,’ greeted my master cordially, as the first face appeared nearby, confusion etched upon it. ‘My name is Ennin. I wonder if you’d be so kind as to take a message to the nearby Kotaiji temple, informing the priest there that my servant and I have recovered his two dragon statues, and that they will remain here until such time as he is able to arrange collection…?’
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