The Fifth Empire of Man by Rob J. Hayes

Author:Rob J. Hayes [Hayes, Rob J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, Dark Fantasy, grimdark, ship, naval, pirates, Epic Fantasy, Fiction
Publisher: Rob J. Hayes
Published: 2017-09-25T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28 - The Phoenix

Keelin looked up at the Bloody Bride and felt a shiver travel up his spine, across his neck, and then back down his spine for good measure. He’d always felt the name of the ship was a bit macabre, and now the thing looked downright spooky. The majority of the rigging was no longer made from rope, as one would expect from most ships, but from the silk woven by that terrifying monster of a ship’s pet that Captain Zothus kept. It made the Bride look like a giant floating nest of spiders.

“Can I help ya, Captain?” said a voice from behind, and Keelin turned to find the bald captain standing there, watching him with an amused expression. Zothus wore no shirt, and an extensive tattoo of a serpent wound its way all around his chest and arms.

“How can you stand it?” Keelin said.

“What’s that, mate?”

“The spider.”

“Rhi? She’s quite friendly once ya get to know her. Reckon she’d take right to you. She loves the scared ones.”

Keelin shuddered and glanced behind at the ship, his eyes darting around the rigging, looking for the cat-sized monster.

“What do ya want, Stillwater?” Zothus said with a laugh and a shake of his head.

“Do you still work for Drake?”

“I sail for Drake,” Zothus said. “I work for my crew.”

“Good enough,” Keelin said quickly. “The whole of the Pirate Isles sails for Drake these days. I’m wondering if you’re heading back there.”

Zothus nodded slowly.

“And how would you like an escort?” Keelin said. “Seems Elaina’s got some ships, and I have some slaves that need to find their way back to Drake.”

Zothus narrowed his eyes. “Drake don’t much like slavery. Neither do I.”

Keelin held up his hands. “I purchased them to free them, Zothus. We need folk back in the isles. Folk to sail, fight, and work. They’ll be delivered as slaves, but as soon as they’re handed over, I want their collars removed.”

“And you want me to direct these ships and free folk back to the Pirate Isles?” Zothus said. “Why not you?”

“I have another stop to make first. Might be a while, and the isles need reinforcements sooner than later.”

“Send them my way.” Zothus nodded. “I shall deliver them to Drake as safe as the sea allows.”

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