Sequestering The Snapdragon
Edan strolled down the dock with Hoog lumbering along at his side, taking in the salty night air. They ignored the sidelong glances from the sailors and fishermen who weren’t accustomed to seeing half-orcs on the docks and discussed their situation.
“Why hasn’t that rat paid us yet?” grumbled Hoog.
“Blackthorn is not the most trustworthy sailor,” said Edan in a quiet tone. “We knew that when we boarded his vessel.”
“Then what was the point if we knew we wouldn’t get paid?”
“The trades and deals that Blackthorn makes are quite profitable,” replied Edan. “When we get paid, it will be worth the trouble, I believe. Besides, Blackthorn realizes we know what he was carrying aboard Skullduggery. He’ll pay us.”
“He better,” murmured Hoog. “I want real food, and good ale, not the garbage served on Skullduggery. I’m sick of the sea, Edan. I just want what’s mine.”
“Settle down, Hoog,” said Edan as they reached the end of the dock. “Have a look at The Snapdragon. Do you think he’ll cheat us after getting booty like this? He’ll give us our pay and will be happy to be rid of us. The gold he owes us is nothing in comparison to this beauty.”
“Ah, it’s just another ship,” said Hoog unimpressed. “He probably owes us as much as this wreck is worth.”
“She’s hardly a wreck,” said Edan defensively. “She’s in fine condition, actually…superb would be a better word, but not wreck.”
“Wreck is just the word I was lookin’ for,” said a husky voice from the behind them.
As they turned, Hoog and Edan were greeted by three hulking thugs.
“Just admiring the ship,” said Edan confidently. “Is one of you the owner?”
“We work for the owner, actually,” said the man with the husky voice. “In fact, I think you know the guy… Shadrach Blackthorn.”
“What a coincidence,” said Edan with a smirk. “We work for Blackthorn as well.”
“Not anymore.”
Hoog frowned and fingered the hilt of his axe.
“I told you we weren’t getting paid.”
“Oh, we’re here to pay you,” snorted the man. “Blackthorn said to make sure you get yours.”
The man lunged forward with a dagger in each hand, but Edan was too fast. He leapt back and missed the slice that would have left his throat tattered. Hoog, overflowing with anger, reached out for the thug’s wrist and snapped it like a twig. As the second thug swept forward, Hoog slammed the hilt of his axe into the man’s nose, crushing it on impact. Both men crumpled to the ground in pain.
The third thug turned to flee but did not get far. Edan set upon the man with violent force, charging and tackling the man to the ground. The duo bound their attackers and placed their unconscious bodies behind a wall of barrels on the docks.
“So much for our payment,” said Hoog miserably.
Edan looked up at the Snapdragon and smiled.
“Don’t despair Hoog…our payment is at hand.”
The Adventure Continues…
