Free Web NovelChapter 118: Slave Ship
The next day, aboard the Traveling Mermaid, the breeze of another winter’s morning rattled the sails. The ship clattered gently on the water and finally sailed into the harbor of Naeross.
Even after the scare of the night before, the crew couldn’t afford a day’s rest; the supplies were already late. So all the sailors were busy with their usual morning chores.
Victor Shieldman stood at the bow of the ship, watching the water as usual. This time, Franky was next to him, doing the same. They didn’t talk, because sometimes in great friendships there is no such thing as awkward silence.
Captain Demetrius, still a little groggy from the night before, approached them at the bow, sipping a strong tea to wash away the remnants of the bitter taste in his mouth.
"So, the sailors have told me what happened last night. Thank you very much for what you did," the captain said, slipping modestly between his two friends. His voice was a little lower for the first time. "But what exactly happened after you turned the pirates over?" Demetrius asked.
Franky laughed and showed his sharp teeth. "You missed all the fun, Captain. After we managed to tie the hands of all the pirates, we tied them to the masts of Claw’s ship and went about taking everything they had stolen from us off their ship."
"Well done, Franky. What about Captain Claw?"
"I threw him into the water to punish him for digging a claw into my stomach. The bastard just forgot that I’m an Iizardman and a simple blade can’t draw blood. Luckily, the claw sank before anyone could do anything to help him."
"That was to be expected. It may come as a surprise, but most pirates rarely know how to swim well, but it seems to be a deficiency even among sailors." He let out a sigh and then asked, "Oh yes, I almost forgot to ask... What happened to your ship?"
"Once the pirates were tied up and the ’Traveling Mermaid’ was safe, I appointed one of the slaves aboard Captain Claw’s ship as acting captain, and they took over." ƒrēewebnovel.com
Demetrius looked impressed. "You gave control of a pirate ship to a bunch of slaves? You have a good heart, Franky. And they still say reptiles are cold-blooded..."
"Ha-ha! Very funny." Franky said. "Anyway, the freedmen have decided to sail away from the island to make a new start. And with Claw out of the picture, I think they have a real chance."
As the conversation continued, one of the sailors, Jonathan, approached with an animated smile.
"Captain, sir, as soon as we turn those big rocks, we’ll have circled the island and be able to see the harbor of Naeross again!"
Demetrius looked in the direction the young sailor was pointing. The large black rocks characteristic of the island rose like thorns from the sea. He took a last sip of his tea, feeling the hot drink soothe his stomach, which was still reeling from the hangover, cleared his throat and called out:
"Attention! I want everyone ready and alert. Let’s make a safe landing, I don’t want to damage any of the other boats in the dock like last time!"
"Finally!" muttered Victor without looking away from the approaching rocks. "It’s been a long time since I’ve been in this harbor."
"So you better get ready, it’s never the same twice. Rapid changes, lots of new faces, some old... It’s a dynamic place."
Demetrius laughed softly as he walked away. "Dynamic is a polite way to describe Naeross, Franky! Chaotic, dangerous and unpredictable are the words that come to mind!"
As the ship moved forward, the crew of the "Traveling Mermaid" mobilized, adjusting sails, checking ropes, and preparing the deck for the impending docking.
The salty smell of the sea mixed with the scent of damp wood and lantern oil, creating a strange and familiar scent to everyone on the ship.
The black rocks were soon left behind, and the harbor finally came into view. The port city of Naeross stretched along the shore, a place of many wooden docks, dilapidated stone buildings, and makeshift huts.
Large cargo ships, such as the Traveling Mermaid, fishing boats, and pirate ships crowded the harbor, creating an impressive sight from afar.
Naeross Island was a place where the law was a mere suggestion. Run by a series of crime lords and pirates, the city was a haven for those who lived on the fringes of society and the profits that the sea could provide. Walking the streets of the city, it was usually only possible to catch a glimpse of this reality, for it was only when a ship arrived in port that its presence, like a stamp in a passport, was noticed by the powerful and the powerless on the island.
The "Traveling Mermaid" slowly approached one of the docks. Experienced crew members threw down ropes to tie up the ship, while others lowered wooden ramps to facilitate disembarkation.
The smell of fresh fish and the stench of stagnant water filled the air.
Demetrius turned to his crew with a serious expression. "Remember, we’re here to deliver supplies and make some repairs. Avoid confusion, stick together, and don’t go into the city until this is all over."
By the time the ship had come to a complete stop at the anchor, the noise of the city had enveloped them - the sound of the breaking waves, the shouts of the merchants, the rude laughter of the pirates, and the constant murmur of the population. Amidst it all, however, the voice of one who was always on the lookout stood out from the rest.
"Hey, is that the Traveling Mermaid? Those bastards have finally arrived!" A tall woman walking along the docks with a clipboard in her hand said as she spotted the old-looking galleon.
Captain Demetrius was the first to walk down the ramp. He took a deep breath, smelling the air, and just as he was about to exhale, a scream startled him:
"Demetrius, fuck, where have you been, you son of a hot whore? You were supposed to arrive from Klento three days ago! What happened?"
The old captain jumped at the sudden shout, but quickly pulled himself together and raised an eyebrow when he recognized the familiar voice. He smiled, half amused, half annoyed, at the sight of the stout woman walking toward him with firm steps. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
"Cassandra!" Demetrius exclaimed, spreading his arms in a theatrical gesture. "You always know where to find me!"
"Spare me your antics, Demetrius. I want to know why the hell you’re late!" Cassandra replied with an angry frown.
Demetrius sighed dramatically, cast a quick glance at his crew who were already disembarking with the crates, and then turned his attention back to Cassandra. "Ah, Cassandra, darling, you won’t believe the trip we’ve had. We were sailing smoothly, as planned, when the terrible Devourer of Ships attacked us!"
At the mention of the fearsome sea monster, a shadow of surprise flashed across Cassandra’s eyes and those around her on the dock.
"The Devourer of Ships?" She asked. Normally, no one mentioned the Devourer of Ships for nothing, as its appearances were always associated with death.
Victor, still watching the interaction on the deck of the ship, turned to Franky and said:
"I thought Demetrius only told you about the Devourer of Ships in the tavern because he was drunk."
Franky let out a deep laugh. "Victor, you really don’t know Demetrius. He’s the greatest storyteller I’ve ever met. If you think he’d keep a secret like that, you’re sorely mistaken. He truly believes that being a storyteller is a dominant trait for attracting business."
