by Kat Mandu
“None of those options sound easy, but they are good,” Laurella admitted. Everyone nodded in agreement.
“Good, but I have some unfinished business. Can I have the map back?” Richard asked. James pulled the scroll out and tossed it to him.
“So what about the Gargoyle?” Boss asked, looking at Richard.
“Well, he will be out and about so long as we keep are head down we should be good. Then we can go supply hunting all the easier if he is away,” he replied, standing to his feet. Everyone followed suit. “I take it you want to come along?” he asked, glancing around the group. All sorts of shouting erupted.
“I don’t trust them.” “I have no idea what are you talking about?” “We just met.” “Supply hunting?” “You’re the only person I know in this group.” Richard held up his hands and everyone fell silent.
“Fine,” Richard said, handing the map to the knight. “Madison, on this map are five alters. I need the closest one.”
“Whatever for?” Laurella asked.
“To blow it the fuck up,” he replied, glancing over at her. “I have a key to the back door of the castle wall. And the only cost was removing one of those alters. I plan to do just that.”
“Ah, trying to be a man of your word?” Boss asked, leaning back on the ship’s wall.
“Hardly, don’t look too deep into ma motives. Anything that can drag a man’s soul out of his body should be dealt with in caution,” Richard muttered.
“Okay, why?” Laurella asked. “Why is this so important when we have a lot of work on the side to do?”
“Cause if someone can make all the sacrifices on each pedestal, he gets the nae-so-humble title of Pirate Lord. Along with some kind of magical power and taking a ship from that kind of a man,” Richard started but Boss cut him off with a roaring laughter.
“You’re kidding, magical power?” he asked, laughing heartily. But his laughter died when he scanned the room. Not a single person cracked a smile.
“I have seen a man suddenly rain down shards of metal. I watched people die on such a large scale that the jungle was almost drowned in blood. It was to the point that plant life is still dyed red,” Laurella said in a deathly cold tone. “And if I ever catch that sociopath, I am going to spend a month electrocuting him to death.”
Richard frowned while everyone scooted away from the doctor. “So much for Hippocratic Oath,” Richard said, swallowing.
“That is not a legal requirement,” she snapped. Boss flinched away from her but Richard wasn’t even bothered.
“It should be, nothing is worse than a doctor on a death spree,” Richard said, pressing his knuckles against his lips and searching his mind. “I think Captain Henry Morgan has that ability,” he said absently. Richard glanced over and noticed that everyone seemed to be frozen by a cold breeze that must have blown in. He glanced at Laurella and found that she was giving out a very cold glare. “Vengeance later. Madison, I need the closest one,” he said, snapping the knight out of it.
“Right, there is one not too far from here,” she said, quickly working out the location.
“Well then, everyone who is coming, gear up. We’ve got work to do,” he said, “and a debt to pay.” He stood up and grabbed his bag, Jill quietly trailing after him. Everyone fell into a line when Madison took point. They didn’t really say anything as Laurella moved behind Madison. Richard was third in line with Sam to the right and Jill to left, the two brothers were behind him with chief keeping a close on the rear. The group traversed rocks and massive tree roots before Madison stopped pointing out a long flight of stairs indicating they were close
“You ever get the feeling you were being watched?” Tray asked, looking around. “‘Cause I’ve got a bad feeling,” he admitted. Richard looked back at Boss, who nodded, and Richard glanced up into the trees.
“Tray, this is nae a place you should expect peace of any kind. Stay on your guard,” Richard replied, placing one hand on the hilt of his sword. After a few moments, Madison suddenly stopped and Richard walked right into her.
“Hey,” she said, looking back at him crossly. Richard shook his head and smiled sheepishly.
“Sorry, wasn’t watching where I was going,” he admitted.
“Maybe that’s why getting from point A to point B is so hard for you,” she quipped. Richard rolled his eyes before walking up the stone steps. Everyone quietly followed him up.
“So, do you think he has been here?” Tray asked, noticing a trail of crimson beginning to make its way down the stair. “Never mind,” he corrected. Right then, an arrow shot out from the top of the stairs.
“Scatter!” Richard shouted, already diving for cover. Richard took to the side while a bunch of arrows rained from above. Madison had her shield up to deflect them but Laurella was still standing in the middle of the stairs. “Someone get her out of there!” Richard ordered, keeping his focus in front of him. “Shit, there may be more. Keep your eyes peeled, people,” he barked.
Then he heard two blades being unsheathed. Richard saw the glint of two katanas in the shadows. “Shit,” he swore. The man who stepped forward was the last man he expected. He had a thick yet trimmed beard of brown hair, a long brown coat over two belts for each blade on each side and a pair of pants covered with pockets ending with a pair of military boots. Boss cut in, his blades forking the katanas to the side.
“Mind if I cut in?” he asked while the blades hit the stone. “Madison, bullrush the archer! It’s just a matter of time before he picks us off!” he roared.
Madison rushed up the stairs, her shield deflecting anything that came down. Tray forced Laurella of the stairs into cover, since she was still shaken up from whatever had spooked her.
“James, back Madison up. I don’t plan on letting him get off with only one problem,” Richard ordered, quickly scanning the area and trying to get an idea of what was needed the most. There was a low musical thrumming noise, right before a spotted cat suddenly raced up the steps. It flashed past James and Laurella before making its way up to Richard, completely uninterested in Boss or the guy with the katanas. Richard panicked when he realized the target was most likely not the archer.
“Ah!” he cried out, tackling the cat. The animal tried to lash out at him but he twisted until he could pin down its hind legs. The cat clawed at his jacket but the material never gave while Richard released his hold. The cat tumbled down the stairs while Richard drew his cutlass. “I can go for a cat-skin hood,” he thought while the golden-red animal growled at him. Then, the melody stopped.
“Richard!” someone shouted. Richard turned, blade in his left hand just in time to deflect a curved dagger that was aiming at his side. Looks like the man behind him wasn’t going to let him get away the man, he had a blue military jacket that had seen better days it was missing buttons showing of his very dark skin, he had torn stained pants with worn shoes, with razor thin layer of hair and fierce brown eyes.
“Shit!” Richard mouthed when the man pulled a second dagger and went in for the kill. On his other side, the jungle cat was ready to lunge at him. Time seemed to slow down while Richard raced to find some way of getting out from between the rock and the hard place he now found himself in. He dropped to his knees, hitting the ground and causing the dark-skinned man to lose his balance. Someone had grabbed the man from behind and they tumbled over Richard while the cat bolted to the side with a snarl. Jill charged the cat in a blur, both growling at the other.
The cat easily swatted Jill away with one heavy paw. Richard swung his boot into the cat’s head, causing it to yelp as it was knocked down the stairs.
“James,” Richard breathed, running up behind him. James’ opponent held two daggers over his head, aimed at his chest. Richard drew his sword and held it at the man’s neck. Beside them, a native colonial rolled down the stairs, a quiver of arrows and a longbow hitting the ground as well. Then, the bearded man dropped next to the colonial man.
“Call off your pet, or I start removing h
eads,” Madison threatened, fingering the tip of her blade with her shield on her back.
“Yes, Ma’am,” he admitted, releasing his weapons. The dark-skinned man released his dagger and reached for his belt. Richard removed his blade.
“Do two things at once and get off ma skinny friend here. I’ve got a feeling that little toy on your belt is what you used to instruct your spotted friend, am I right?” Richard asked.
“The melody?” he asked, beginning to strum the object. The big cat sat down, seeming almost docile. Jill, however, kept growling at it. But Richard pushed down with one hand and Jill immediately calmed down, licking the scratches on her side.
“Um, that could be a weapon? Why are you letting him play with it?” James asked, pushing himself to his feet and pointing at him with the spear on his left hand. Richard noticed a bit of blood on it.
“I took a small class on Bantu. It was a common theme that things are arcane, nae words like in luman and the legends of King Author. I heard the tune and, well, I figured that he was communicating with the cat. I’m nae sure what kind it is,” Richard admitted.
“You said communicate, you didn’t use control,” the man noted in perfect English.
“I figured control would be offensive. I know enough to know I am ignorant of other religions, even ma own. So then, I don’t know any of you the lot; the native, the bearded man – very well trimmed, I might add – and the Bantu. All three of you have been in the area. Anyone else care to add anything?” Richard asked.
“The native has got a limp. He’s not nearly as agile as he should be, which is why they tried to go after me first. Also, he is lacking anything outside of the bow on his person,” Madison added.
“I happen to know that your dog needs some help for her wounds or she will be limping instead of healing properly,” the Bantu man said.
“Names, the lot of you. Then we can start licking wounds,” Richard said.
“Nathan,” offered the bearded swordsman.
“Kareem,” said the dark-skinned man. The group looked at the last holdout while Richard reached into Jill’s bags and began to hand Kareem some thongs for Jill.
The Native Colonial had on colonial style breechcloths with leggings as well as a brown coat with fringes on him as well a long braid of black hair. Richard found the man looking more out of his right as his left eye seemed off.
“Great, another mute,” Tray griped, sighing at their luck. “As if the boy wasn’t enough.”
“Is he with you two?” Richard asked, watching the beast master work his magic.
“Sadly, no. It was kind of a last minute agreement when you showed up. We heard some noise last night so Kareem and I investigated. After we saw the mess, we, um, got jumpy; thought you were, you know, pirates. Well, not the kind that live on this island,” Nathan explained. “That and, outside of the cannibals, a large group like this is usually a scouting party,” he admitted.
“Why are you here, and with such a large group?” the colonial asked, finally speaking up.
“A combination of things: vengeance, prevention and opportunity to get off the island,” Richard explained.
“Opportunity?” everyone asked at the same time.
“Well, a few, but the first order of business is destroying the altar,” Richard said, walking past them. “I would recommend heading a bit further away. We can sort this out later,” he added. He watched as they filed down the steps, splitting into two groups at the foot of the stairs. The new additions remained grouped together. He sighed, spotting a square stone carving hanging above the stairs. Madison appeared behind him.
“I can blow it up and spare you the graphic details,” she offered as Richard glanced back at her.
“Thank you, but this is something that I have to do,” he said. “Just make sure Sam doesn’t see this,” he added. She nodded and headed down the steps with everyone else.
Richard walked back up the steps, eyes focused on the bowl overflowing with blood. Lines were still being drawn on the stairs from its trail. His boot splashed into a puddle when he reached the top. He managed to keep a calm exterior, looking over each shape in the stone. When he leaned down to examine a trail of blood, he noticed a pair of cuffs hanging in the arch directly above – just large enough to fit a pair of hands or ankles.
“Well, that’s morbid,” Boss said, turning his gaze from the ceiling to Richard.
“This is the price of greatness. I think it’s a little high,” he admitted, walking over to the bowl. It was still filled with human blood and little beads trailed over the outside and into the crevices on the floor.
“Well, it’s clear not everyone agrees with your sentiment,” Boss replied. Richard glanced back to see that everyone was standing behind him.
“And you were hiding up here?” Kareem asked, looking back at the native colonial. The man simply shrugged and remained silent for a moment.
“I am not unfamiliar with blood and I have seen crueler things,” he admitted.
“Mind helping us out?” Richard asked, glancing at the man. The look he gave him when he glanced over reminded Richard more of a corpse than a breathing move. The man glanced over at Madison.
“Is she hanging around?” he asked, looking back at Richard and pegging him as, at the very least, the current leader.
“Aye,” he replied, now scrutinizing the man. “I also need to her, here if we plan on leaving the island as well,” he added.
“Call me Eagle Eye,” he said calmly. “And so long as she is here, I shall be as well,” he declared evenly.
Richard walked away satisfactorily and glanced over the edge of the altar. The long drop seemed to have been created as a body exit and any remaining blood dropped over the stained ledge. He glanced a little further over and noticed, with revulsion, a pile of rotting corpses. They had been drained of blood and thrown over like ragdolls. He wrinkled his nose, turning away and dropping his bag on the ground before reaching into his jacket and pulling out a fuse.
“You were carrying around high explosives?” Kareem asked, realized just how much danger they were all in.
“Not sure how well it’s going to work since we jumped off the cliff and into the ocean,” Boss commented, remembering their little swim.
“It’s sealed properly and it will make it so that no one will be able to use this place for any more corrupt intentions,” Richard replied. Everyone watched him in silence. “Well, of this nature,” he corrected. “You may want to move out of the area; I plan on blowing it up,” he said cheekily. Nobody needed to be told twice. Richard pulled out a dry fuse and some flint. With just a few sparks, the fuse was lit. He pulled out a pipe with his bad hand and placed it in his mouth. The fuse was still smoldering while he dug through his pockets.
“Now, where did I put, ah,” he said, pulling out a bit of tobacco and stuffing it into the pipe before lighting it. He puffed out a cloud of smoke, satisfied, before he pushed the fuse into the place. He glanced back at the makeshift cemetery, not even able to begin wondering just how many skulls the island had accumulated. “All for one man to have a chance at personal power. Such a waste of human potential,” he said, hurrying down the stairs.
He reached the group, who had gotten a good distance, just in time for the explosion to happen. They all turned back to watch as the sandstone began to crumble and altar toppled in on itself. Richard stood still as the stairs crumbled over, covering up the blood and bodies which had been so casually tossed to the side.
“Well, now what?” Tray asked.
“Now we get working on a few plans to get off this island,” he replied, puffing a bit more on his pipe. After a long breath, he added, “and maybe kill a Pirate Lord before he comes into power.”
Chapter 13 Meeting An Inventor
“We are going to need people, some way to get back to the castle and somehow to get rid of that Gargoyle. Those are the three things we will need. How we do them, well, that’s a matter of personal taste,” Richard said, sitting
down on his box. They were back in the beached and broken ship, watching the forest before them. He placed the pipe back in his mouth. The group remained silent and he sighed heavily, smoke billowing from his nose.
“Well, I do know of a few people, mostly rats, that I do some trading with. They are the type that seem better to keep on the side, rather than trust,” Laurella finally said after a moment. “But outside of boosting bodies and mouths to feed, that’s not going to do us much.”
“If you’ve got time, I think I can point you in the direction to solve at least one problem,” another voice said. Richard glanced up to see the cloaked man he had last seen on the cliffs. He was hanging out on the second floor of the ship, curiously watching the proceedings.
“You again,” Richard said and everyone jumped when they finally noticed him. “What are you – ?” he began to say when an arrow shot past his neck. Nobody said anything but looked at Eagle Eye.
“I saw him coming, and well, I can only hold an arrow for so long,” he replied with a grin, motioning vaguely behind Richard.
“So, what can I do for ma would-be killer?” he asked, clasping his hands together, and turning back towards the second floor.
“No hard feelings, then?” he asked.
“I do nae hold a grudge against men who try to take ma life or the man who will. Only against those who take ma freedom of choice,” Richard replied. “And if you can help me out, well, all the better,” he admitted, taking the pipe out of his mouth.
“I know a guy – he’s been on the island the longest and doesn’t travel far. But everything avoids him. Explosions and weird noises come from his hut. I have only seen him once and I’ve got a feeling he could help you out,” the cloaked man offered.
“Could? Well, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to investigate. But in the meantime, we need to find the Captain. Who thinks they could track him down?” Richard asked.
