“Yes, yes, perhaps I did stretch the truth a little,” Kobb sat back down in his chair, deflated. “If you wish the truth dear friends; I do feel I should be totally honest now that we’ve got to know one another over a meal.”
Pelegrin crossed his arms and leaned back into his chair. “Truth from a pirate grub, this will be a riot.”
“I was to sink both ships, though I’m not proud of it,” said Kobb. It was hard to know if his shame was true or just an act.
“But our deal was that you got your pick of three of the ships anyway,” said Delik.
“Yes, I admit it was fair at the time. Which is precisely why I had a problem with it. Dear boy, I can’t let you go sailing about, armed to the teeth. Moral crusaders like you are bad for business; fighting for a cause is dangerous for those without one. Doing it this way saved my crew getting too bloodied up, yours as well I might add, and I still got my ships. Four now; I must thank you again for your speedy arrival. It did make my job a little easier.”
“And what would you have done with us?” asked Elrin.
“I would have thanked you very much and said ta ta, but Delik here brought so many lovely gifts with him, I had to invite you all to dinner. I hear it was you who turned it all around. My quarry was nervous, she upped her anchor and made for Rum Hill to investigate. I never would have caught them in time. But you out did this lot, so I hear, and mastered the Council’s secret gadgets. Magnificent work!”
“But I ...” Elrin didn’t know what to say; thanks from a pirate made him wary.
“So you were prepared to sacrifice the lives of hundreds of innocents to save a few of your freebooters?” Delik shook his head.
“No, no, to tell you the truth, I just didn’t want you to have the ships. Two shankakin at sea, I don’t think so. I don’t want the competition.”
“Braggart!” spat Delik. “All for your damned ego!”
“And how is it, that you find yourself in the rebellion? Is it not your own ego? Couldn’t you stand the whispers behind your back about your father? Is this not an effort to clear your family’s name from your shame at Tillydale? There is no gain without loss, dear boy.”
“Don’t preach to me, Kobb. You’re no holy man.”
“Indeed not, they’re no fun at all. So let us begin our game before the day is through, eh? Commodore Pelegrin, we will start with you. What gift would you like?”
“I tire of your game and it has only begun,” Pelegrin sneered at his guard. “Yet, I have no choice. I want my ships, my men, my sword and my return to Jando.”
“Well, well, that is quite a list. And as a Jandan you should know about what is whose and whose is what. All which was yours, dear Pelegrin, now is not so. How can I give you your ship if it simply isn’t? I’m not some djinn. I have to work by the law of the sea. Now remember everyone; only one wish each. Because Pelegrin had to go first, I will give him two of his wishes, but only for him because he is such a good friend and has helped me in the past. I’ll give you a sword and your passage home. In return you tell me all about your black powder.”
“It comes from Calimska. That is all I know.”
“Come now, that’s common knowledge. I could have asked the scaler that.”
Tikis jumped forward without warning. Kobb tumbled off his chair, rolling out of the way of the drakkin’s claws. Three guards leapt on Tikis, forcing him to the floor. They bound his hands behind his back and sat him on the chair again, then tied his feet to the legs of the chair.
Kobb dusted himself off. “Touchy, eh. You scalers are all so sensitive.”
The drakkin snarled and lashed his tongue. His muscles strained as he tested his bonds, making the chair creak. The guard pressed the point of a blade against the back of his neck.
“Now wait your turn. Uighara is next and I haven’t even got my answer from Pelegrin yet. Patience, scaler, patience.”
“Come on, Pelegrin. Don’t keep us all waiting. Out with it.” Kobb nodded to Fjhor, but it was Pelegrin’s guard who moved forward as if the nod were to him. Heavy hands twisted the Commodore’s freshly healed arm into an awkward position, extracting a grimace as the newly fused tendons stretched more than comfort allowed.
Pelegrin gasped. “Calimska supplies us in exchange for trade and treaty.”
“Where do they get it from?” pressed Kobb.
“We don’t know,” Pelegrin gritted his teeth in pain.
“I doubt that.” Kobb gave another nod.
The guard’s face rippled with ink; Fjhor was in control. The fist came down like a hammer, snapping Pelegrin’s elbow backwards. The Commodore issued an involuntary shriek before fainting. His head thumped on the table, disturbing the cutlery.
Amber rocked from side to side and an intense pulse of nausea caught Elrin. This torture was unnecessary and abhorrent.
Kobb slapped Pelegrin across the face. “Wakey, Wakey.”
Fjhor pulled the Commodore’s other arm, stretching it up behind his back.
“Tell me, Pelegrin, or that sword will be useless to you.”
“We know it comes from Calimska. They make it.” Pelegrin gasped.
“Where do they make it, and how?” asked Kobb.
“Our agent was compromised before we found out.”
Kobb nodded again.
“No! Please! He managed to get to an alchemist’s apprentice. He said it comes from dragons.”
“That can’t be true,” said Elrin.
“Why not?” asked Kobb. “Calimska had a dragon patron before. Another might have turned up with the knowledge of black powder.”
“Daniakesh left us before I was born. The Guildmaster’s great golden shield has kept us safe every season since. We only see their shadows pass nowadays; none even bother to attack. There aren’t any near Calimska.”
“Damn it, I want one!” said Kobb. His pet beat its wings in annoyance and chittered in Kobb’s ear. “Prisella! Come now, you’re no dragon, dear.”
Prisella launched from Kobb’s shoulder in a huff, chittering and clicking, making a raucous flight around the room before landing on her golden perch, her back to Kobb.
“Last chance, Commodore. Tell me what it’s got to do with dragons.”
Pelegrin shook his head, desperate for mercy. “I don’t know. I thought it nothing more than some fancy of a bored apprentice.”
Kobb nodded to Fjhor. Pelegrin screamed as his second arm was drawn up at a painful angle, dislocating his shoulder. His face streamed with tears of pain. “I don’t know. I don’t know,” he sobbed.
“Well, that doesn’t help anyone does it? Now, Brother Uighara, what do you want?”
“Give me my acolyte.” Uighara’s voice was gravel under the wheel, unmoved by the torture his comrade had endured.
“He is not mine to give,” said Kobb. “But, let’s just say I will not keep him from you.”
“That is more than satisfactory. What do you wish of me?”
“You will return our dear Commodore back to the Council of Jando, revived and in tip top condition. Do let my dear friend the High Priest know the Buccaneer King Kobb—use those exact words please—has their ships and is happy to have any more they might send my way.”
“But, my acolyte, how can I—”
“That isn’t my problem,” interjected Kobb. “You figure it out. Someone has to row, remember, and the poor Commodore isn’t fit for such strenuous activity in his current state.”
Uighara grimaced, which wasn’t so different from his brutal bristled smile. The air shifted around him, an exasperation of energy, clawing for traction.
The pirate ignored the impotent threat, turning toward Elrin with an alluring offer and a hearty smile. “Now what would you like son? Treasure? Glory? A night of passion with a lass?”
Elrin thought through his options. Treasure and glory were fine things, a woman’s touch finer still. Once those things would have been all he wanted, but since hearing his father’s name, all he wanted was to help him. All he ha
d done was run. And now, after meeting Delik and Minni, after freeing Amber and Hurn, learning Calimska was behind the black powder trade, he was filled with guilt.
How could he wish only for his father, when there were so many more lives at risk? If he asked for their freedom, or a ship, Kobb would give it only to take it away again. He couldn’t trust Kobb to give him any wish he asked, it had to be something the pirate didn’t really care to lose.
“I want you to free us on the Hoard Islands with a small boat and supplies.”
“So be it,” Kobb laughed. “Your wish is my wish. Now, mine must be yours. You will teach me how to operate these Jandan gadgets that flash their secrets about. I have quite a collection from all these prize ships.”
Elrin didn’t know what to say. Kobb was too eager to let them sail to Hoard Island, but Elrin had to get there somehow. There was no way to win his game. If he refused to help he would end up with his arms in knots like Pelegrin. If he didn’t tell Kobb how to work the devices, surely someone else would.
Elrin looked to the rebel generals, Minni shrugged, Tikis just stared back, but Delik gave a gentle nod of approval. That was enough for Elrin. “Alright, do you have one here?”
“Good lad. It can wait. Let’s finish our game first. What do you want ogre?”
“Hurn Ga Kogh keep Little Bell safe, no more screams for her.”
“Such a popular commodity! What ever can I do to keep my promises to everyone?” Kobb appealed to Amber. “What say you lad? Do you want this big oaf to follow you around and keep you safe?”
Amber nodded, shrinking from the redeemer’s intense gaze, grasping across the table, probing with a hollow, hungry need.
“Done and done! Two fish on one hook. I won’t stand in the way of a rolling mountain. Now, I need you to do some heavy lifting for me, so don’t wear out your arms before we get to port.”
“Hurn Ga Kogh will lift for you.”
Uighara’s fist slammed into the table and the whole room shook, rattling the table, and vibrating through the chairs. A guard pushed his blade to the base of Uighara’s skull, and the tremors eased, accompanied by a tightness in the air.
“You said you would not keep my acolyte from me.”
“Indeed I did. I’m an honest man, Uighara ... well I keep my promises at least. I believe I said, I would not keep him from you. I never said, I wouldn’t keep you from him.”
Uighara spat on the floor. “You will suffer the wrath of the Lord Almighty! I’ll see to it you are skinned for my boots.”
“Oh my, make sure you give me a nice rub and polish if you wear me in front of the High Priest. I’d want him to see me at my best.”
Stewing in a white-hot rage, Uighara pursed his lips, making white knuckled fists upon the table. The guard kept his knife on the redeemer, the fine point was all that kept the Jandan priest in check.
Amber wilted into Minni for comfort, for fear Uighara’s anger would ignite.
“There now deary, don’t you worry about him. Once that sour old dog without a bone is on his way, I’ll introduce you to Granny Shan. She can juggle and knit at the same time.” Kobb leant across the table and whispered, “She’s got a bit of wind, like you.”
The pirate made a silly face and Amber hid a creeping grin, tucking down into Minni’s shoulder.
“Now then, Delik, my dear boy, what can I do for you?”
“I want you to honour our original agreement, but I know that’s as likely as milk from a dragon.”
“Indeed, things change. So how do you want them to change now? What do you want?”
“Take me to my father, we’ve been told you know where he is.”
Kobb’s ruffles shook with his laughter. “Granted! I told you this game would be good. Your old man was such a prize! Don’t fret, I have him well fed and kept quite secure. You’ll see him soon enough.”
Pelegrin focused on the conversation, lifting his pain-creased face from the table. “You’ve got Jaspa Scrambletoe? Where the hell are you keeping him? Listen Kobb; I’ll make sure you are richly rewarded—above the going sum. We can work out a fine price for you.”
“Let’s just say that old man Jaspa is more valuable to me than anything your lot will offer. He’s not for sale.” Kobb grinned at Pelegrin and Delik. “You both look so surprised.”
“What do you want of me, Kobb?” asked Delik, determined to maintain his composure.
“I want you and your men to follow me to the Hoard Islands; the scalers too.”
“You’ll take us either way,” said Minni. “What’s the point?”
“You’re of more use to me out of chains than in them.”
“My rebels will follow,” conceded Delik. “But, I do not speak for Tikis and his drakkin brethren.”
“Well then, what do you say, scaler? In chains or out?”
“These ones will walk free and Kobb must name these; drakkin. Say scalers no more.”
Kobb contended with the idea. He paced along the stern gallery then pivoted on his heel, his face grim. “Untie the drakkin,” he ordered. “Mind you play fair.”
Tikis rubbed his wrists and adjusted his position on the seat. Once Kobb was satisfied the drakkin warrior would not launch another attack, he continued with his game.
“Now, my ravishingly magnificent Minella, finally we get to dessert, hmm?”
“Oh, Kobb,” she said, flushing a coy smile. “I’m so glad you finally got round to me.”
“I’m told ladies enjoy gentle anticipation.” The pirate topped his slick smirk off with a wink.
Minni dropped her coquettish facade like the headsman’s axe, replacing it with sharp eyes and a scowl. “I’m no lady, as you well appreciate, and my tolerance for your drivel is near expired.”
“What do you want then?” asked Kobb, caught off guard by her change in mood.
“Just free all of the captured slaves at a safe port. Don’t sell them on again, they’ll end up in the same place they began.”
“Certainly so. They’re simply far too much bother for me at the moment. Now, my dear, I have a delicate situation that requires your utmost confidence and those talented fingers.”
She laughed. “I’ll give you one of those things, but not both.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Lord's Blessing
Each tiny movement disturbed a flock of flaming hooks, which tore up his arms and attacked his brain. Pelegrin did all he could to stay conscious. He focused on Bone Dancer sailing away while their small rowboat idly rocked in the sea. The ship eased away to the north, its tawdry, flagrant defacement an offence to its long years in the Lord’s armada.
He would make them suffer. The Scrambletoes, Kobb and all the half pint grubs infesting the chosen land would feel his pain multiplied by the four points of the black star. They had brought this agony on him and he would return it with the Lord’s brand, marking their sin to eternal damnation.
“Does it pain you?” asked Uighara, fastening his bandolier of spell components. His less than subtle lack of empathy was greased with pleasure.
“Of course it does, you sadistic bastard!”
“Yes, surely it must. Tell me though, is it more or less painful than the injuries you received from the young Scrambletoe?”
“What’s it matter? Heal it!”
“The Lord’s gift is great and powerful indeed, yet its full potential will only be revealed through study.”
“Uighara, so help me, heal these arms, or I’ll ...”
“What will you do Commodore? I assure you I can mend your body, but I cannot mend your soul if you forgo your faith. What do you seek?”
“Blast it, Uighara. Absolve my sins. Black star burn them. Just make it stop!”
“Good child, good. The Lord hears you. Now, take my hand.”
“I can’t ... the pain.”
“You must have faith, give me a hand. The pain will purify.”
Pelegrin clenched his teeth and swung his maimed sword arm to the redeemer. Uighara c
aught it and held it firm. The pain intensified with the angle and the tension lanced a burning rod through his shoulder. Pelegrin screamed and twisted his body, kneeling with his head over the gunwale. Uighara dipped his free hand into the water and chanted, his rough voice grating the holy prayer into incomprehensibility.
Nonetheless, the Lord’s power bridged across Uighara’s hand to the Commodore’s. At first, the excruciating pain in each arm increased, then it receded to an ice like numbness. That too faded, leaving a pleasant tingling over his skin. Pelegrin sat up in the boat and tested his arms, rotating his shoulders and flexing his grip.
“Thanks be to the Lord! I feel so good, filled with ... a strength, it’s hard to describe. What did you do?”
“You have been blessed in many ways Commodore. The Lord has infused your body with the spiritual fortitude to see us home. Now take my hands.”
Pelegrin smiled and took Uighara’s hands in his.
“Jando must be told,” said Uighara, staring into his eyes.
“Yes, Jando must be told.”
“The rebels and the pirates are working together, plotting Jando’s destruction from the Hoard Islands. They must be eliminated.”
“They must be eliminated.”
“We will rally the Armada to our cause. You must persuade your father.”
“I will persuade my father.”
“Thanks be. Now Commodore, navigate us to shore. We must get to Rum Hill”
“Of course! We must get to Rum Hill.”
Uighara released Pelegrin’s hands and the Lord’s blessing lingered like a balm on his fingers.
Dipping the oars to water, the Commodore turned the boat to shore. Everything was as it should be. The Lord had chosen these trials to make him strong. The proof was plain as the bright blue sky. The sun was glorious, shining on them in all its splendour. Uighara in his holy white robes was the vision of a saint and Pelegrin was his champion. Together they were the Lord’s men.
An oar bumped into a shark floating dead on the surface. All around the boat dead fish floated belly up. The Lord must have his sacrifices. Nothing given, nothing gained.
Dragon Choir Page 16
