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Chapter Sixteen
Last Updated:
2022-03-22 16:38:32March; 1745
Could anything compare to the majesty of the seas?So many stories travelled the crests of blue, heroes were made and the unfortunate languished. Some sent to the grave of the sea earlier than they should, a single mistake ending their life in a trice.
Mistakes were not to be tolerated. Nathaniel had made that clear each time one of his crew erred. Blood had stained the boards he walked on, ally and enemy, and still his conscious never bothered him, despite the words of the former naval commodore he had slaughtered some months prior.
'It will haunt you, worthless cur,' the man had spat, his voice garbled with his own blood. 'Your sins will be your ending.'
'I'm sure,' Nath
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Present DayLloyd listened as Nathaniel spoke. Able to picture the scenery he describes. Thoughts of the adventure novels and comics he used to read as a teenager sprang to mind. Plump, lush jungles, curious natives that were either friend or foe. And intrepid, mainly pompous, explorers, looking for their next chapter in life."The crew scouted out a wide area," Nathaniel leaned back against the rails, ignoring the uneven surface that dug into his back.The open air was more pleasant than the stuffy cabin, and now the sun was setting it was safer, the beasts that lurked beneath the ship often ventured off, diving deep below the surface in search of prey.Sometimes, if one looked over, bloody scales and blubber floated idly on the surface."What happened?" He pressed, feeling like a rapt schoolboy. "You obviously found stuff.""Aye," Nathaniel sighed, looking up to the clouds that billowed over the darkening sky.
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The crew had made themselves at home on the sandy shore, using spare sails to create a decent shelter and were busy fishing and building a fire.They had already caught three green turtles that the cook was busy slicing, putting the shell aside to sell later. Even polished up and clean, it surprised him what some people would part with their money for.The presence of the drums was still eerie, but had become less of an issue. Clearly, the natives were not interested in their visitors or they would have besieged them already. The pattern rarely differed. If they were not welcome, they knew about it."Reckon we might get lucky with some of the women here?" A scrawny man asked as he unhooked a writhing fish, casting it back after deeming it too small. "We've got a few things from the last plunder that we can offer, normally means a fair time!""Aye, they're normally open to a trade," the helmsman chuckled, his mind drifting to more interes
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1745Nathaniel passed on joining his crew, who were merrily falling into drunkenness. The cook was a marvel at brewing his own alcohol and the strong liquor would flow freely. It ever failed to bemuse him, that men so hardened to drink became intoxicated so quickly.Like himself, many had been drinking since they were children, lulled to sleep by parents dousing milk with brandy. Consequently, Nathaniel's tolerance to the heady brew had started early, and he could indulge in well beyond the realms of healthy without even getting a sway in his step."Make sure we don't lose any in the sea, lad," he muttered to Thomas as he swept past towards the dark of the rocks. "If we do, don't bother fishin' them out. I ain't go time for idiots on board."Thomas mustered a smile. "Aye, Sir," he answered to the departing back. "If they'll listen."Putting a task like that on him was hardly wise. The crew were older and unlikely to listen to
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Modern Day"So that's how you made that deal?" Lloyd toyed with his sleeve, trying not to appear judgemental. "Sounds to me as if it jumped on something you said without meaning it.""Aye," Nathaniel nodded, his eyes devoid of any emotion. "But that's what they do. And before you ask, that doesn't mean the bargain isn't lawful. All your legal tommyrot doesn't stand up to infernal contracts. There ain't any clauses or loopholes.""You found one."Nathaniel stiffened at the frank statement, hanging his head. "I don't think you'd call it a loophole, lad. More a clause to benefit that beast."Blood. Death. And too much of it. The actions simply damned his soul more. Yet, if he didn't do it, his entire crew would be damned as well. Including Thomas. The demon had reneged on that loose promise when he found that route."How did it happen?" Lloyd pressed, swallowing the lump in his throat as he added. "I mean, if you wanna tell me. You don't have to, obviously."Nathaniel bit his tongue, gaz
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The fire in the village roared high, sending smoke twisting into the sky. The flames writhed, forming images that were beyond nightmarish. A wizened woman stood nearby. One eye was glazed, blind from birth but giving a rare sight that no other had. The second sight to the other world and powers that foretold present and future. She watched quietly. The crackling filled her ears as she studied what the fire was saying. 'What leads travellers to be so foolhardy?' She asked herself, shaking her head. 'They see not the true treasures that surround them. Only caring about trinkets that hold no real worth.' She shifted, looking across in the direction of the sea. The intrusion was widely felt but none felt what she did. A great blessing as the cold darkness chilled one to the core, like a cloth, saturated with rain and clinging to the skin. "May the Gods and their guardian spirits come through to them," she whispered. "The errors must be seen, and the price must be paid. May my prayer
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Greed keeps men forever poor, even the abundance of this world will not make them rich. Even their tombs are too small. Nathaniel sat back; his eyes fixed on nothing. On his desk was a small pile of coins, polished to perfection and gleaming in the soft candlelight. He reached out unconsciously, touching the glimmering gold and feeling the familiar sensation, an electric tingle, flow through him at the coldness. Cold. Hard. And divinely beautiful. More alluring than the fabled Sirens that cursed the ears of many a seafarer. Every time his eyes sight of them, the draw grew. The bargain he'd made fell further into the abyss of his mind. He clicked his tongue, picking up the map thoughtfully. The faded images were still clear, albeit smeared, and far more useful than any writing. "Ain't goin' to hurt," he muttered. "Using what I bargained for to find what I sought, even if the damned thing ain't goin' to be happy by the end of it." He tossed the map aside and reached for the rum.
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Lloyd swore under his breath as he plucked the wiry splinters from his chafed hands. The sharp fragments of the rope had embedded themselves snugly under the surface of the skin. It was times like this that Lloyd cursed himself for biting his nails as the blunted fingers struggled to pluck at the protruding ends. "Soak your hand for a while." Thomas glanced over as he walked past, hearing the grumbles. "That will bring them closer to the surface. One of the crew also swears by putting a thin layer of paste or something sticky on them. Then they pull out." "That sounds worse than waxing your legs." Lloyd forced a smile. "Something I swore I'd never do again. I took half the skin off." "It won't do that. Not if you're careful. We'll be sailing again soon, so you'd best sort it out before then. Try a potato. Press it for a while and it can draw them higher." The crew had slowly returned. Their faces set like stone as if they could feel no enjoyment anymore. The fascination of the e
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"Why the hell is he lettin' pigs on board anyway?" The low voice was acidic. Much like its' owner. His glazed eyes scanned the deck to make sure no one was in earshot who shouldn't be. He couldn't risk being overheard, even about a topic that most everyone agreed upon. Nowadays the desire to stab someone in the deck was higher than ever. "Ain't my place to try and figure out what Hemlock is thinkin'," his companion muttered, sweeping the access water back into the cesspool of the sea. "Must 'ave some reason. And who bloody cares?" The man grimaced, filthy water splashing his filthy trousers. "He'd 'ave gutted him in the beginning." "If you're hinting that he's gone soft, then don't." The other looked up sharply, narrowing his eyes dangerously, the receded orbs glistening like slivers of glass. "This might be what we need. If Hemlock don't figure somethin' out, we've got a few ideas. Even if they don't work. It'll ease the strain." The pair fell silent, looking across the deck
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A dark aura, thick and foreboding, rolled with the mist over the deck, the two merging into a sinister shroud that enveloped the ship.Even the broad and beaming moon in the sky seemed to shrink back as it watched over the ship, pulling the tide away with it.Lloyd stepped out into the fresh air, briefly closing his eyes to savour the breeze's saltiness. After what he'd been through, this felt like Heaven.He was still weak, his legs aching and protesting as he tried to use them, and he slowly hobbled over to the rails.His mind was awash with what he had read, and he was trying to process the information that was slowly forming an intricate mosaic, a mosaic of fear, determination, and a growing understanding of the perilous situation he was in, with each piece falling into place. He looked at the churning mist, hovering like sea foam on the undulating waves."You won't feel so calm and confident soon," he whispered, a bitter edge to his voice. "All the harm you've done, all the inju
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The repairs on the ship were slow and methodical.Despite Nathaniel's impatience, he understood the necessity of the slow pace of repairs and the potential consequences of haste. His legendary leadership became evident in his acceptance of the situation. Hasty repairs made for shoddy workmanship and usually led to a worse situation later. It was a bitter pill to accept. The whole aura of the island was not just unwelcoming, but hostile, as if the very air wanted to throw them back out to sea.It didn't dampen his temper, either. The slowness tore at his nerves, and the effort to conceal his impatience was a constant struggle.In stark contrast, Lloyd seemed unperturbed by the chaos around him. The clatter and grumbles were a mere whisper compared to the bustling restaurant he was used to. His mind was fixed on the text, and he concentrated so hard that his head throbbed as he tried to decipher the archaic script and faded lettering.'Pain is good for the soul,' he thought as he too
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As soon as Higgins saw Nathaniel leave, he headed for Nathaniel's cabin. He came bearing gifts if one could call bread and dried meat gifts. He knocked once, then entered before Lloyd could respond. The sight of the drawn-looking form made him pause, his unease growing like a storm on the horizon.He quickly swallowed when Lloyd looked quizzically at him. He hurried to the desk, placed the chipped plate down, and scribbled a note.'Thought you might be hungry. It ain't much; I haven't cooked for ages.'"Thanks," Lloyd read the note. His stomach grumbled at the sight of the food, but he wasn't sure whether it was with need or revulsion. "And don't worry about it; food is food," he said, the lack of choice in his tone unmistakable.Higgins nodded, offering him the plate. He tried not to stare as he picked idly at the stale crust, his fingers hesitating over the harder parts, a process that seemed to stretch on uncomfortably.Even though their cupboards were never bare, that didn't prom
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Alcohol.The scourge of the earth and the source of all its joy!Lloyd had a discerning taste or liked to think he did and was always particular about what he drank. Despite his modest income, he prioritised quality, saving for a decent brand. The thought of stale beer and plonk for wine was enough to make him shudder.In some ways, it was a blessing. He hadn't wanted to go down the route of drinking cheap booze to knock himself out. There were other ways to deal with day-to-day stress. Getting drunk now and then was good enough.The rum Nathaniel had was of a strength seldom found on the streets. In fact, one probably needed a special licence to brew it that strong. It was bitter and burned his throat as it practically evaporated on the way down. But at that moment, it tasted like the sweetest honey after the hideous journey of his dreams. "Shit...how do...you stay sober?" He asked between hurried but tiny swallows, each drop making his body shudder with delight and disgust and sha
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Nathaniel returned to his desk. He was visibly shaken and glad Lloyd couldn't see it. Despite the younger male's belief that emotion didn't make him weak, it was hard to conquer.Emotion, whatever it was, had always been an enemy to fight.He seized three books, practically tearing the pages as he searched the lengthy paragraphs. It seemed like hours before he finally caught sight of something that could help.It was a long shot, and it was dangerous, but time was running out.'I ain't got a choice. And I ain't wasting any more time. If this works, I'll have time later to see if there's anything else to ease things.' He looked over at the bed, biting his lip.Lloyd clutched at the air, desperate for anything to help him sit up. Lying down, he felt as if a chain was wrapped tight around his chest, and someone, or something, had its hands around his throat. "Nathaniel, it's getting hard to swallow, and it hurts when I take too deep a breath." His voice sounded far away, an echo in his
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Thus, he loved. Thus, he lostLife was cruel, and he paid the cost.Oh, illness and death was sharp and strongHe cursed the Gods of new and old.Above in Heaven, he doth hear. He felt, he sensed, the mortal fear Thy mortal soul, you'll suffer still But blessed you'll be when you slay evil.Lloyd tossed in his sleep as pain and infection coursed through his limp body. His dreams moved freely, each more unpleasant than the last.He sat, his body slack and covered in clammy sweat, in the damp, dark cave where Blake had trapped him. Like towering spectres, the shadows seemed to mock him as unseen creatures stirred within them.A grotesque figure, human in form but radiating a foul stench, stood at the mouth of the cave, blocking the light.'I hunger. Death is unkind. The master will not allow me to feed except on my own body. I ate my heart. It broke my teeth...but I crave soft flesh.'Blake's mouth dripped with desperation and grim desire as it reached Lloyd's ears. He could almos
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Lloyd proceeded cautiously towards Nathaniel's room. His pride slowed his step, but the odd feeling that the others were talking about him slowed it even more.The way the amulet pulsated, like a frantic heartbeat, made him believe that his ordeal was not yet over. He took a breath when he reached the door, bolstering his nerves before throwing it open without even a by-your-leave, smiling brightly as Nathaniel span around, the look of shock a novelty in the usually irritated eyes. "What on earth do you..." The question remained unfinished as Lloyd stalked boldly over and slid into his lap, curling his arms around his neck. "I know we're going to leave land...But how long have we got? Or when do we reach land again?" He asked, "I have a surprise for you." He winked, his lips curling in a sly, seductive grin. "And I think it's one you'll appreciate." Nathaniel was silent for a moment, his eyes flitting from Lloyd to the chart on his desk. Lloyd could almost see his thoughts shatte
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Lloyd gazed over the open water, closing his eyes as the salt stung them, blown in from the soft waves that caressed the lonely shore."Just tell me what you need, and I'll do it," he smiled at Nathaniel tiredly, rubbing the back of his neck. The etching of a deep scar still lay there, concealed by his hair. It wasn't the first time he'd nearly lost his life. But that was a story for another day; he just wanted the man to know he wasn't ignorant of violence. Nathaniel reached out, his finger ghosting the red mark and sending tingles through Lloyd's body."I can always take what comes at me," he whispered, turning to kiss the man's hand. "And I have the marks to prove it."Nathaniel gave a sad smile and withdrew his hand with a shake of his head."I have plenty of stories for all my scars. Each of 'em fairly gruesome..." He remembered all of them. They weren't events one could forget. "They ain't important." He turned away abruptly. "Come to my room whenever you're ready, and I'll sho
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The cabin seemed to glow with warmth as Nathaniel cradled Lloyd in his arms, trying to avoid putting too much pressure on the bandage, however close he wanted him.A red hue had already seeped through the thick material, unseen in the throes of desire, but something that now irritated him.He should have known better. He should have resisted him as he had resisted people for centuries, as well as morals."I'm going to need to redo your bandages..." He whispered, his voice flat and pragmatic. "I don't want you getting ill..."Lloyd glanced down. He hadn't been aware that his wounds had opened again, but now the sting was beginning to tease his nerves.It had been worth it, though, to feel wanted and desirable. Not just a one-night stand that would be forgotten like yesterday's trash."Well, let me get my bearings a bit before you do. I hate moving when I'm settled," he said, shifting slightly to ease the pressure on his torn skin. "It's not too bad. Just a little sensitive. My own faul
