Demons and the Deep

by Andrew Knighton

what would happen.

  ‘He cost me my demon!’ Aristeas said.

  ‘I’m going to cost you more.’ Saul trembled as he turned to face the crew. He thought that facing the Romans had tested his courage, but that was nothing compared with challenging the men who ruled his life. ‘It wasn’t a bound beast that saved you today. It was a free man, freeing others.’

  He pointed across the sea, towards the sounds of fighting emerging from the Roman ship.

  ‘No more slaves,’ he said, then pointed down into their own galley. ‘No more slaves.’

  ‘Idiot child,’ Aristeas said. ‘Who’s going to row? Or scrub the decks?’

  A few of the crowd were nodding.

  ‘You’re pirates,’ Saul said. ‘Free men of the seas. Act like it.’

  More nodded this time, grudgingly at first, then with enthusiasm, even laughter. Saul found himself laughing with them, the tension falling from him in a rush of relief.

  Lucian hefted his hammer.

  ‘Come on, lads,’ he said. ‘We’ve more chains to strike off.’ He winked at Saul. ‘Told you you’d earn it.’

  The pirates dispersed, leaving Saul and Aristeas alone on the blood-stained deck. The old mage raised his hand, as if about to lash out. Saul flinched, but Aristeas just slumped, deflated.

  Grinning at the strange thrill of freedom, Saul walked past him, following Lucian and the other pirates. Tonight he would join them at their feast. Or not. It was his choice. He was a free man.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  I live in northern England, where the grey skies provide an excellent incentive to stay indoors and write. In my spare time I dream of being a pirate, but then who doesn’t?

  If you enjoyed this then please leave a review of it in the store where you got it - it’s just about the most helpful thing you can do for a new author like me.

  If you'd like to read more of my stories, you can get a free copy of my steampunk collection Riding the Mainspring by signing up to my mailing list.

  You might also like my other books:

  Short stories:

  By Sword, Stave or Stylus - fantasy short stories featuring a shadow-draped ninja, a gladiator painting in manticore blood and a knight so stupid that he just might win.

  Riding the Mainspring - a collection of steampunk short stories featuring moving buildings and incredible machines.

  From a Foreign Shore - history and alternate history short stories, featuring Vikings and a statue that refuses to die.

  Lies We Will Tell Ourselves - the future is uncertain and the truth even more so in these science fiction short stories.

  Mud and Brass - a mudlark inventor balances love and vengeance in a steampunk short story - *free in most ebook stores*.

  The Epiphany Club:

  Guns and Guano - Victorian adventurer Dirk Dynamo joins an expedition to a remote island as he begins a hunt for the lost Great Library of Alexandria - *free in most ebook stores*.

  Suits and Sewers - Dirk’s journey takes him into the sewers below London, pursuing ninjas in search of a stolen artefact.

  Aristocrats and Artillery - As war descends on Paris, Dirk seeks the third clue to the Great Library.

  Sieges and Silverware - Dirk’s adventure takes him to Germany, where strange things roam in a castle under siege.

  Dead Men and Dynamite - At last Dirk has all the clues, but can he find the Great Library before his enemies do?

  For more information on my books, including details of new releases and free stories, please sign up to my mailing list at this link.

  You can read free stories from me, as well as thoughts on books and writing, on my blog at https://andrewknighton.com/ . I’m also on Twitter where I go by the name of @gibbondemon .

  Thanks for reading!

  DEDICATION AND THANKS

  This story is dedicated to John Moley, who enjoys a good magic system.

  Thanks go as always to Laura Knighton, without whose love and support I would not be doing this, and to Russell Phillips, whose guidance and encouragement help keep me going.

  Cover Design by James, GoOnWrite.com