Book 3. Chapter 52. Desperation |
The ray emerged without sound nor warning, but following it in the air sounded out a shrilling, whistling as an oval object sped with great trajectory. Its target was obviously Pirate Sigma, and even the dust was blasted into holes in the air. Sigma tried to deflect it with his blade but to no avail as a huge hole formed on his throat by that ray.
Through the empty hole where the merciless throat splitting ray came from, Sheyan managed to catch a glimpse of the scenery behind it before another batch of arrow was loaded in.
！
Since it already taken a life, this throat splitting projectile was not satisfied but even surged with greater intent. Away from Sigma’s fuming but lifeless eyes and while the blood was still gushing out of his throat, it penetrated the chest of the pirate behind Sigma with great velocity. The impact lifted that guy up as he crashed against the stone wall behind him. The bloodied corpses slowly slided down, leaving a sorrowful splash of ocher on this old castle wall.
Probably due to the searing headache, Scarface Harry’s reaction was relatively delayed. Furthermore his tall and sturdy body had a greater surface for the arrows to land on. However, these arrows were fatal to the other pirates, but to Scarface harry, he had a maximum HP of 1300 points. He was a monster with at least 15 points of defence, even when the arrows pierced him, it was only able to inflict serious damage but not fatal ones. His entire body was covered with 5-6 arrows, the arrows penetrated about a foot into his body, as the feathered tails of the arrow projected a sickening and sorrowful sight.
Suddenly Scarface Harry snapped out of his dream, gasping he lifted his head. The blood gushing out of Sigma’s throat had just nice splashed onto the face of this bald headed brute.
Warm blood……
Bone-chilling blood!
Why is there so much blood, that damned headache is not letting me go……
Wait, damn it, there is a huge hole in Sigma’s throat?
Another old mate fell in front of him, yet another old mate fell in front of him!
In this moment, Scarface Harry’s eyes flushed with a sinister red. His bulging muscles suddenly burst through his linen clothing, ripping it into shreds. Even a length of the arrows that were lodged in his body was forcefully pressed out. Sheyan who was witnessing this in the safety of his cover could feel the hair of his arms standing. In a flash, he felt that Scarface Harry seemed to have transformed into a massive black hole, sucking in all the air that was around him!
Sheyan’s pupils contracted, he could already sensed something: Half an hour ago he had missed such an exciting fight, but now the main actor Mr Harry will perform the sequel and satisfy his entertainment craving! Although his would definitely come at a huge price!
Scarface Harry inhaled deeply. This action caused the green serpent like veins on his neck and head to bulged up, his bloodshot eyes even protruded out by nearly 2 cm! Following his breathing motion, firstly the mouth then the throat frighteningly swelled up. It was like a basketball was forcefully shoved down his mouth! This sort of horrifying sight led Sheyan to unconsciously think of a toad like creature. The swelled area rapidly deflated in Scarface Harry’s body, as it travelled to his right hand causing it to expand abnormally.
Scarface Harry then massively raised this right first and smashed against the floor in front of him!
Concurrently, the arrows lodged within him were forced out as it scattered to the floor with blood and flesh still stuck to it.
Only the faint silverish glow remained on his body.
At the moment when the fist came in contact with the floor, his massive right arm could be clearly seen to return back to its original state. On the floor in front of him, was a strange protrusion of earth, as it rapidly surged towards the distant shadows! It looked like that was the air that Harry had taken in deeply, swirling in his body for a while before unleashing with such monstrosity into the ground!
‘Muscle explosion!’
The entire castle once again shook violently. It could be clearly felt that its foundations were even trembling. Consecutively, watery blood spurted out from the right arrow holes of the right wall, splashing on the floor as if teasing them. Within it, bits of flesh could be differentiated out. Obviously, the few enemies hidden in the secret room had been pressured to death by the massive fist.
At the same time, Scarface Harry’s entire body emitted a strange sound. It sounded like a soaked blanket being twisted so hard that it thoroughly ripped apart. He then collapsed face first with a boom, as though a mountain was crumbling. The fallen Scarface Harry was still convulsing on the floor, lumps of purple surfaced on his body. If Sheyan was an experienced physician, he would easily make the following diagnosis:
Sickness: Severe muscle laceration of the entire body.
Reason: Fatigue leading to reduction in muscle elasticity.
Even though Scarface Harry demonstrated again his immense strength and eliminated the enemies hidden in the secret room, the pirates had already suffered a catastrophe. Earlier, there were only a bit more than 20 survivors, but after the barrage of savage shootings, their total strength was halved once again. The remainder were all heavily wounded, what was worth mentioning was that Pirate Charlie had also charged forward to assist Scarface Harry but he fortunately received an arrow to his arm only. It was probably because his strength was too average and nobody took special notice of him.
Faced with such a situation, the only perfectly fine Sheyan did not jump out and jeered at them saying that they should have listened to his advice. He humbly crawled out of his safety zone, and started to treat the injured people. Also he arranged the appearance of those the fallen ones.
Undoubtedly, after completing these task, although he did not say anything, he managed to receive the allegiance of 7-8 of the surviving pirates, this was probably linked to Harry’s silence as well. Although the gap between them and the castle gates was only a mere tens of metre away, but everyone gazed upon the entrance with fear. That was until Sheyan initiatively carried a chest and walked towards the entrance.
“It should be safe now.” Sheyan used a resolute tone. “Earlier on those scums that was killed should be the last line of defence for the castle. If they can still produce a few more, then none of you should be alive by now.”
Under Sheyan’s lead, the rest of the pirates carried the remaining five chest filled with treasures and fled from the place. Scarface Harry was supported by two people, wobbling as they left Tortuga castle. Although he looked at Sheyan with a complicated look, he ultimately sighed and followed him. After they left for about 10 minutes, another group of pirates fanatically charged into the castle to plunder it. If Sheyan and company were delayed, there would definitely be a bitter conflict between the two parties.
At this time, the events at the sea was also a mess, the blazing battle flames illuminated the night sky. Because of the affluent nature in Tortuga port, it instigated a civil war between the plundering pirates. Maybe some pirates had their loots stolen, or maybe they could not decide how to split their stuffs as it stirred up a huge internal chaos between them. Panting and at the brink of exhaustion, the pirate group painstakingly arrived at their rendezvous point. To their despair they discovered that the middle of port was engulfed in a huge blaze. They realized that their barge (small boats) had been used by some out of controlled pirates as instruments to vent their frustrations. And regarding the three pirates that were left behind as messengers as well as to protect the boats, not one of them was left alive.
Heaven never bars one’s way (chinese idiom – never give up hope). Relying on their familiarity of this place, the group of pirates went to a nearby area in the port to search, and to their surprise, they found a small size sailboat anchored over there. On board were 10 over old and sickly looking pirates, they looked to be waiting for their fellow comrades. The pirates were on the Bell and Mug were all specially selected elite hooligans, although they were all injured, but they had already regained some of their senses. Under the leadership of their core member Sheyan, they thoroughly decimated the pirates on the sailboat, and successfully seized control of this 15 metre long lone sailboat.
Although Sheyan and company were temporarily safe, however, there was an imminent problem. The current surviving pirates were adequate to operate this sailboat, but they were not enough to protect themselves in battle. Once they meet an enemy ship on sea, then they would be like sitting ducks waiting to die. Looking upon the the pot porridge (complete mess) at sea, although they knew that the Bel and Mug was currently 10 over miles to the west, nobody dared to suggest sailing there in a straight line.
Some suggested sending people ahead to notify Ammand to receive them, but once they asked for volunteers everyone remained mouth-tight. Everyone knew the consequences of running across this chaotic Tortuga port while being injured.
After a series of discussions, Sheyan suggested taking a roundabout route along the north side of the island. The consequence of this was that their returning journey would be extended to over half an hour, but their safety would be guaranteed at least 80%. After the calamity at the castle entrance, very few sounded out in objection against Sheyan’s suggestion as they swiftly came to a consensus.
***
Sheyan was the only one with light injuries, thus he took the lead in patrolling the entire ship before allocating his men to the different areas. Next, he directed several guys to support Harry down to the ship's hold. Although the ship's hold had only one pathetic candle, and the candle was burning with a small dim flame; it was enough. Furthermore, Sheyan himself lit the candle.
To Scarface Harry who suffered heavy lacerations in addition to his headache, the small flame offered him some comfort as he lay on the bed and rested. However, after lying down, he ordered the men to shift the most valuable chest beside him, and he rested his thick right leg on it. It was obvious he had not much faith in the people around him, he even locked the door in the end.
The boat followed the coastline silently as it blended into the sea waves. In this era, such night time travel was relatively dangerous, if they were not careful they may collide into any reef that was close to the shore, causing the entire boat to capsize. Sheyan stood at the tip of the boat, he silently gazed into the surrounding darkness. The pirates beside him gazed upon him with deep reverence, after what had happened earlier, nobody else dared to neglect even half a word from Sheyan. Because those guys that previously went against him had ultimately met their fate.
Suddenly, Sheyan spun his head around, sweeping his gaze across the surrounding pirates. His gaze carried a penetrating look, as the pirates who looked at him could feel a faint sharpness against their skin. It was like the tip of a sharp blade lightly pricking at their skin.
"I just saw that his boat has another small life boat, I've decided to leave."
Sheyan suddenly spoke. His voice was not loud, but it carried a unquestionable determination. "I wish everyone the best of luck."
The pirates were stunned momentarily, only shocked Charlie reacted aggressively.
"Why?! Master, we are already safe! That damned castle is already 6 miles away, just another 15 more minutes and we can return to the Bell and Mug. Captain Ammand has always been a rewarding person, what awaits us are cheers, rewards, rum and roasted golden chicken! Why do you have this thought of leaving?"
Sheyan coldly replied:
"Charlie, no matter how loud you shout Harry wouldn't be able to hear you. The door of the Ship's hold is pretty soundproof in addition to the crashing of the waves. When we ascend the Bell and Mug, what awaits us would be cheers, but following that would be daggers, bullets and a shroud (To cover a corpse)."
He observed the audience, seeing that the pirates had an unbelieving look on their face, some even look like they wanted to argue back. But Sheyan took a step forward and shook his head smiling bitterly.
"I know you guys don't trust my judgement, but that's fine, this is not the first time it has happen."
Sheyan's words were filled with an intense psychological motive. Once the words came out, the group of pirates instantly flashbacked to the torrent of arrows, that catastrophic event at the castle entrance. They couldn't help feeling a chill some even unknowingly felt their bandaged wounds. Cracks surfaced on their originally resolute confidence. Only Charlie shook his head and said.
"No way, no way! Captain is not that kind of person."
Sheyan bitterly smiled on with disdain:
"Mr Charlie, I want to ask you a question."
Charlier was a little shocked and replied.
"Master what do you want to say?"
Sheyan gently replied.
"What is your ultimate aim for being a pirate?"
Charlie was a bit hesitant, pondering for a moment before answering.
"Of course it's stealing more money."
Sheyan's lips leaked out a cold grin:
"After stealing so much money, then what? Drink, gambling? Then next?"
"Then......." Charlie hesitated and replied. "Probably find a woman to marry."
"Good," Sheyan extended out his finger.
"You've hit the crux of the matter. Ultimately you wish to find a woman to marry and continue your bloodline. And if you remain as a pirate, your future wife will follow you as a pirate, then what about your sons and daughters? Do you wish for them to be a pirate that could anytime be killed out at sea? Do you wish for your children to be like you, everyday drinking rum getting dead drunk and spending every last penny in the gambling bars? Or a thief that lives riskily or even a prostitute that rides on a thousand men? Tell me, is this the life you want? Speak up and tell me! Mr Charlie!"
Faced with Sheyan's interrogation, Charlie was stunned rooted to the ground. The surrounding pirates all had a daze look on their face. Sheyan contemptuously snorted.
"Let me tell you the ultimate goal hidden in our hearts. Every pirate wishes to earn enough money and walk away from this crude profession. Marrying a good wife and live a blissful and comfortable life, feasting on wine and steak every weekend. Even this bunch of fools here wishes for such a life, wouldn't Ammand himself? Or do you think that he is contented being a despicable pirate captain the rest of his life?"
The pirates stared blankly, their eyes slowly forming a shocked expression. They could already somewhat guess what Sheyan was going to say.
"Now! Right now! If we drag these huge jaw dropping chests of gold that even the devils would be jealous of into the hands of the Great Son of the Black Sea, then the criteria would be met. He would have enough riches to buy his freedom and nobility from that old whore, the Queen of Britain. Even with the remaining riches he would still be able to afford a small castle and land! Under such a dream... everyone! Please use your f**king brain to think! Do you think he would rather have people continue calling him the great pirate captain Ammand, or the respected Lord Ammand? Why would he want to share the wealth with you? Under such circumstances, your only surviving value is being the delicious food for the Caribbean sharks! Looking at your foolish and miserable faces, I really wish to stomp on it with the sole of my feet! Don't f**king look at me with that innocent expression, such a simple logic yet you still need me to waste my saliva and precious time!"
After Sheyan reached the end of his sentence, his voice already transformed into a gnashing and resentful tone! He once again sweeped these ashen faced pirates with his eyes, sighing and hanging down his eyes he continued.
"Who dares to stop me?"
Deathly silence, only the raging waves were clear to the ears. Sheyan shrugged his shoulders.
"Very well, then I'll take my leave."
After saying he immediately went to untie the ropes holding the lifeboat. Suddenly, A pirate named Watt stood out with an anxious voice.
"Boss! If you leave then what about us?"
Sheyan grumpily replied:
"If I can guess correctly, Harry should be Ammand's designated housekeeper when he becomes a lord. If you can get into Harry's good books like Mr Charlie, giving up on your riches, then there is a half a chance of living."
Charlie's face turned pale and ashen as he listened to Sheyan's words but he dared not refute him. Furthermore Watt had a certain prestige amongst the remaining pirates, looking around at his fellow pirates, he suddenly lowered his tone and sneakily whispered.
"Boss! Why don't we get rid of Harry that brat? Then this huge chunk of treasures will be ours!"
Sheyan laughed out as he surveyed the surroundings.
"Do you have the balls?"
Watt ferociously smacked against his chest saying:
"Scarface Harry was previously hailed as a viking lion, but now he is old and has only half a life left! Finishing him off would certainly not be a hard thing."
Sheyan inclined his eyes and looked at them in disdain:
"Really? You must understand, talking behind someone's back is one thing, doing it is another! If I agree to you all, it may not benefit me, and it may even give rise to a huge risk. We may even have to stand in front of Scarface Harry with our blades and muskets, and he will definitely know that it was me who told you all these. Then this rough and explosive viking beast will surely go insane and slaughter me! He will use every ounce of explosive strength left in him and unleash it all on me! If until then you guys are still soft and flexible, oh shit, nothing else could be more exciting than that."
Watt's face changed, it formed a firm smile.
"Crew head don't say it like this, everyone here are smart young men. Such a situation will not happen."
Sheyan coldly replied:
"I don't believe......."
His tone dragged for a long while, but had no hesitation concealed within it. However, it became more grim.
"Unless, everyone can give a thrust to the Carter lying on the lower deck."
Besides Sheyan's servant Charlie, Carter is the only other member of Harry's circle. His right lung and thigh had been pierced during the horrifying rain of arrows and suffered heavy injuries. Thus, he could only lie down on the lower deck to avoid the rain and struggled on at death's door. Once these pirates stained their hands with his blood, then undoubtedly it would mean that they could no longer aid Harry. Furthermore Watt was an extremely cruel person, knowing that this was the only method to persuade Sheyan to stay, he immediately shot a look at the two comrades that were on good terms with him. They covered Carter's mouth and without hesitation impaled him with their blades!
With Watt leading the way, his other two comrades subsequently followed. Following that these three tainted fellows glared at the other remaining pirates viciously. It was obvious if anyone showed a hint of hesitation, then the 3 brutes would immediately pounce forward at him with their dyed red, shimmering blades.