The next day, 9am, Spiral Rocks
~Averill’s Perspective~
WHAM!
I punch a pirate in the face with a magic imbued fist. She falls with a groan as I send a beam of yellow light at the ship’s captain.
All around me, a battle rages between the Shining Pirates and the outnumbered force of Emerald Skull Pirates.
Thanks to Cassius’ misinformation, the scouts sailed right into our trap. We came from all sides and started destroying them, cutting off all escape routes in the process. Their small group of caravels and sailboats didn’t stand a chance.
The captain dodges and brandishes her sword before lunging at me. I send another blast and she’s sent backwards into the water.
I look around. The battle’s ending as the remaining Emerald Skull Pirates throw their weapons down and put their hands up in surrender.
I recall the news my spies reported. Baron Adrius, our contact, has been discovered. I’ve already given orders to some of my best to take care of him before the AG gets their hands on him. According to our spies, the AG has recruited Selene Liannos, known as the Prodigy of Lageros. That’s going to be a problem, especially since Cassius’ involved.
Speaking of Cassius, I hope he’s doing well.
Meanwhile, 1 hour off Mooncove Island
~Cassius’ Perspective~
BAM!
I fire a gunshot at a soldier. An indigo trail follows the bullet as it finds its mark in his head.
A woman yells behind me. I turn around and block her strike with my cutlass before twirling my wrist and dispatching her with a stab at her chest. She falls to the ground as I pull the sword out.
I look around. The rest of what remains of the ketch’s crew has surrendered. I was just taking care of the ones who refused to listen. My crew is busy taking the merchant ship’s cargo to give to those who really need it. Namely, the Altavistans.
“Now,” I state. “You’ll do as I say. We will allow the rest of you to leave with the necessary supplies. In exchange, do not attack us. Do I make myself clear?”
They all nod in fear. One of my crew members signals that we’re done.
“Alright then. We’ll be going now.”
I turn around and walk back onto the Delta. The rest of my crew follows.
We leave the ketch behind as we sail towards Dawn’s Refuge.
–
18 years ago, Lageros
Selene opened the door. Standing there was her best friend, Cassius. An ugly bruise circled his eye as he stood silently in the rain.
Without a word, Selene let him in. Her mother ran over, concerned, and took him to the dinner table. Selene watched as her mother applied ointments to Cassius’ wound as a feeling of helplessness filled her again. Why couldn’t his mother take care of him properly?
Selene looked outside at the raindrops falling onto the ground. She jumped as a flash of lightning split the clouds with a loud bang.
She closed the door. Cassius would stay the night again.
It was the third time that month. It was the first week of that month.
End of Chapter XX