DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE TWELVE

Greetings to all my old friends and welcome to the new ones. As always I'm grateful for your eyes on my words. Now I know most of you are sophisticated web surfers and this web-site is not as slick as you're accustomed too. That is partly because we have been locked into a twenty year deal with our old hoster and we're still tide to them over a deal with the domain name of kool kollectables dating back to when we first opened out comic store in Las Vegas, NV. It was the 90s that is ancient history in web-tech terms. The time has come for a break with the past. We will still own koolkollectables.com but we are creating a new site and will link to all our on-line imprints. This is not going to disrupt vettersverse but hopefully will improve all our sites and make your explorations smoother and more fun. I readily admit my editing is flawed and with some investment in updated software that too will improve. Also the long awaited shopping feature will soon come on line. So until then keep reading I'll update you as we progress. Now here are two more chapters of the Blood Moon Social Club's Death and Domination.

DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE TWELVE

By Karl Clay Vetter & C. Vetter

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the authors’ imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
This story was inspired by the fictional events and characters created at the Blood Moon Social Club interactive theater. Produced and directed by Karl Clay Vetter, C. Vetter and Patrick Foster.
The authors wish to thank all the Blood Moon Social Club members for their outstanding performances and support. The fictional characters in this story pay homage to you each and every one. Proceeds from this book go toward keeping the Blood Moon Social Club alive.
Copyright protected © 2015 by Karl Clay Vetter and C. Vetter.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the creators, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized digital sharing is a punishable offense.
Technical support Patrick Foster.

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CHAPTER 24 CUDACARUMBA

Marilena didn't call anyone to dinner. Bret had Barron and Andre on forward and aft lookout for fins in the water. The Captain was locked onto the wheel with the throttle wide open. Instead she took meals to Andre and blood bags to Bret and Barron. The Captain refused to eat, rum was all he ever asked for. Thirty-six hours later he looked like a corpse that had not been told he was dead.

“Bret, I'm worried about Norris,” her voice imploring him to do something.
He looked up from the strange instrument he called the gadget. “Why what's up?”
“He's not slept or taken food not even water. He only drank coffee this morning after I poured rum in it. He's looking pretty bad. You should see his eyes they're all hollow and blood shot.”
He placed the gadget back in its leather case and handed it to her. “You still remember everything I've told you?”
“Yes, never tell anyone about the gadget.”
“Good and what about everything else?”
“Yes I remember all those rules. But I'm still not liking all that sexist shit about women.”
“I know but lives depend on your playing along. Look if it makes you feel better when we're alone and no one can hear us you can say and do as you like... deal.”
“Deal.” She put out her hand, it felt tiny inside his mauler that could crush stones into gravel. Yet she never felt as safe as she did when close to him.
“Okay put the case back in my cabin in the wooden cupboard. I'll go see the captain.”
On the way to Bret's cabin she encountered Barron on watch. “Here, I brought you a little something to keep you going.” She handed him a blood pack. “I wish there was something I could give the captain besides rum, I don't know how much longer he can go without sleep?”
“Thank you. Yes I'm concerned about him as well.” He noticed the case under her arm. “Our intrepid navigator must really trust you? He's never let anyone have that since he got it back from me.”
“I don't know what you're referring to.”
He looked perplexed. “The astrolabe in that case.”
“Astro-whaty? Never heard of it.” Her expression was blank as white paper.
Barron smiled. “Oh yes of course, how dense of me.”
She started to leave then hesitated.
Barron sensed something heavy on her mind. “Was there a question you wanted to ask me?”
“Well it's silly I just get bored and my mind wanders. Forget it.”
“I could pluck it out of your head if I so choose.”
“No I don't want you reading my thoughts. It's just that my friend Oleander is always seducing young men... you know mortal guys. She says they never know what she is even during sex. I was just wondering why she never goes with vampire guys?”
“I see, well the female of our kind are very adept at attracting young healthy mortals as a food source and sex is the easiest way to do it. However, if you want to know if it's the same for we males then the answer is … It depends on certain factors.
You see we were hunters ages ago; we just took what we needed. But the food was concentrated in the cities so we had to adapt and blend in. So seduction was a good way for males to feed as well. We used hypnosis and other powers too. We don't reproduce like you do so the sex drive is not the same with us. But there is another drive. We older vampires have longings for warmth and companionship. We go for centuries without it and it can cause madness. As for the act of sex itself we're just as capable of being a lover to a mortal woman. After all we can alter our form in many ways... you no doubt have seen Bret manipulate his powerful claws? He is masterful at changing his body. If he wanted to I'm sure he could do anything to satisfy a woman's desires.”
Her pale face reddened. “Oh sure I should have know that.”
“Marilena, might I offer you a word of advice?”
“Please do.”
“You've been around us for some time now and probably thinking how cool it would be to join our ranks as one of the immortal undead. Think long and hard for trust me it has many downsides. We are not human we look and act like it but we only pretend. We don't get married and have children we don't gather with the family at thanksgiving and play with the new baby. We exist to feed on humans or animals if we must. Falling in love with a vampire is a very serious thing with irreversible consequences.”
“I know what you say is true and I'm not going to lie and say I'm not thinking all that. Oleander can't read minds any better than a cat but even she .knows when I lie to her.”
“Yes well some of us have that ability and some are good at other things. I just wanted you to think before taking a big leap.”
“Can Bret read minds? Sometimes when we're close I feel something like a presence probing my thoughts.”
Barron's fatherly advice face changed to one of concern. “Not to my knowledge and I probed his mind, he was quite open to me. It's nothing I'm sure but if you sense it again let me know.”
She thanked him and continued on.

***

Bret entered the wheel house. He gave the compass a glance and saw that the captain’s course was dead on. Sitting next to a coffee mug was a near empty rum bottle. Scattered about the wheel house were several other drained bottles. Norris sat in his chair hands on the wheel in a death lock. His head drooped low, eyelids half closed.

“It's going on forty hours Skip perhaps I should relieve you?”
“Call me that again and I'll rip out your fucking throat.” He reached over poured rum in his mug, then drank it down.
“Sorry captain I meant no disrespect. I just came to tell you my readings indicate we're getting close and the lookouts are reporting no fins following us.” There was a cold silence save the rumble of the diesel engines. Bret took out his log book and studied it. More to relieve the awkward tension than to navigate. Bret knew that silence was the only thing the captain needed and any attempt to console him would be met with hostility. The notion of an angry exhausted drunk werewolf rampaging on deck was of greater concern than his present condition. “I'll report back in an hour.” Bret turned and left him to his thoughts.

***

Marilena entered Bret's cabin with some hesitation not knowing what she would encounter. He was so private so mysterious. What dark secrets would she uncover? She was surprised to see how basic and simple it was. Thinking back she realized he spent very little time in it except for short periods of rest. She placed the gadget case in the cupboard. Curious, it had no lock but then what good would a lock do? Anyone on board even her could tear open the cupboard. She sat down on his bunk. Her eyes scanned the cabin searching everything without touching or disturbing. She learned little then she saw his duffel bag on the floor. The temptation to look inside was intense if he had a terrible past he might keep evidence of it there. However, she knew he could instantly tell if she did. Then it became clear, she was seeing exactly who he was. As Barron had said he was open. Bret was no more mysterious than a well read book. He was a man of action ready to run at any moment. Always on alert, always ready to go. There was nothing of importance in the bag; nothing to slow him down should he have to abandon it. The only thing he valued was the gadget; that he would fight for, that he would kill for.

Her mind began to wonder what was she to him? Barron said they had longings for companionship. Did Bret have such feelings? He had saved her life. Yet he complained it was a painful obligation. If he was as cruel and callous as he presented himself why didn't he just get rid of her by saving Sam instead? Who would have blamed him? No one on this dangerous expedition. Sam was clearly more valuable than she, unless of course the vampires ran out of blood bags.
“Land!”
Her musings were shattered by the captain’s shout. It came again.
“Land!”
She bolted from the cabin and ran full out to the wheel house. 
Barron and Andre were already crowding around Bret who was pointing at a dark shape in the distance. “That's it you can just make out the jagged edge of Gorgon's peak.”
Marilena pushed her way past the men. “Is this the place you've been searching for?”
Bret smiled. “ Yes it's the first stop. Cudacarumba, a cesspool of sin that makes Las Vegas look like a preachers convention.”
Barron had been observing the captain. His knuckles were pale and dark veins bulged on his hands. He was on the verge of collapse yet he showed no signs of relaxing now that land was in sight. “Captain you did it. You got us here perhaps you should rest a bit and let Bret have the wheel?”
“I got this.”
Marilena placed her hand on his shoulder. I'll make you a special drink in your cabin.”
“I Can drink it right here.”
Barron motioned for Andre to stand behind Norris. Then Barron moved to where he could face the captain. “Norris, did I ever tell you the story of my vanishing ruby ring?”
Norris looked at his hand then at his face. “I don't see any ring.”
“That's because it's here in my eye.” He raised his hand slowly and pointed his finger at his right eye.
Norris followed the motion and looked deep into the vampire's eyes. “I don't...see... any... th...” His eyes closed and he slumped sideways into Andre’s arms.”
“I got him Boss.” Norris was a big man but Andre carried him with ease down the steps into his cabin.
Marilena was amazed. “Wow I've been trying for the last twenty hours to get him to sleep. So what's the deal with your vanishing ruby?”
“There is no ring I just needed him to look away from his obsession long enough for his fatigue to win out. It was easy since his body was begging for sleep anyway.”
Bret sat behind the wheel and eased back on the throttle. No need for speed now. I'll take us into a hidden cove where we will conceal this houseboat. We don't want to attract unnecessary attention from the locals just yet. Twenty hours you say maybe you should sleep too? I'll wake you when I need you.”
Marilena refused. “No I want to see this place when we come in.”
“Go to bed before I put a sleep spell on you.”
She looked at Bret surprised. “You can do the ring trick on me too.”
“No I just knock you out with my fist. Now go get some sleep.”

***

Neither the rocking of the boat nor the slapping of waves against the pontoons could wake her. One gruff growl from Bret and she was wide awake.

“Out of the rack Sharky.”
She was up and wide awake at his command. A fact that annoyed her to a large degree. She viewed herself as a strong independent woman and yet she had one irritating weakness. She reflected back on all those day time shows she'd seen about good girls that fall for bad men, not one had the cure for her. Perhaps it was because she was not a good girl and never was. Marilena donned her skinny leg jeans, a cute pink top and slipped her feet into a stunning pair of pumps. Twenty minutes of fixing her hair and she was ready to see the new world and maybe Bret would see her as something other than a nuisances.
“Sharky! Get the hell out here.”
She sighed as she took a last look in the mirror. “Men are so impatient.” She exited and strolled to the mid deck. The whole crew were waiting on her when she arrived. She was expecting to wow them with how good she looked. She was the one wowed. Norris was dressed in gray suede pants, brown boots a bright red buttonless shirt. A wide leather strap crossed his chest securing a heavy cutlass at his left hip. A red bandanna held his long hair down.
Andre was bedecked in similar period fashion with a white shirt brown breeches and brown boots. Little Mamma was concealed with a long brown Victorian waist coat.
Barron wore velvet boots with burgundy pantaloons tucked in them, his matching shirt had big puffy sleeves. A tight turban crowned his head. He was armed with a short curved sword.
Bret was less flashy he wore no shirt only a black leather vest tied with leather thongs. His high top pirate boots were cut from the same kind of leather. Not the familiar cow hide but something resembling the smooth skin of an aquatic animal. A black baldric held a thick bladed sword, broad dagger and a short throwing hatchet. He was clearly dress to kill. He wore no shiny adornments to reflect light or snag on brambles his attire was for combat not show.
Barron was the first to address her. “Well if we were off to the mall you would be perfect. Bret didn't you instruct her of the dress code?”
Bret ran his hand through his dark wavy hair. “No I was so preoccupied with other shit and I forgot. If we're suspected of coming through a slip we'll be mobbed.”
Marilena inspected their fashions. “Even if he had told me we were going to a costume party I didn't pack for it like you guys. Remember I sort of snuck in.”
Bret turned to Norris. “Down in your TV lounge I saw some kind of shiny Chinese curtain can you lend it to me?”
“Hell no, that silk dragon tapestry is imported.”
“Thanks I'll try not to rip it. Come on Sharky.” He took her by the arm and lead her inside. Shortly the others heard a scuffle.
“Hey! What are you doing?”
“Hold still Sharky.”
“You bastard!”
“Ah cut the modesty crap we've all seen you half naked before.”
“This is more than half you fucking perv.”
“Ooo, nice tattoo!” There was a loud slap followed by a smirky laugh.
A few tense minutes of silence passed then Bret emerged. “Well it will have to do till I can find something else.”
Norris nudged him. I didn't see a tattoo before.”
Bret grinned. “It's well hidden.”
Marilena came out looking shamefully downward. The shimmering silk fabric seemed to change color as the light played across it. Aqua blue and green with a golden Chinese dragon winding around her body. She wore it wrapped in the fashion of maidens from the time of the ancient Greeks. Foamy dark hair framed her face and bare shoulders. 
Barron gazed approvingly. “Marilena my dear you are a vision, a goddess.”
Andre too was struck by her loveliness. “Very pretty Miss Costa.”
Norris walked around her looking from all sides. “That tapestry never looked better. I give it to you.”
“Thanks guys but I better change the shoes, I'll be right back.” 

***

As she went down to the cabins the clingy dragon hugged her shapely figure its golden scales shimmering in the changing light. Bret made no comment but he felt a sense of pride in his creation. Or was he experiencing something else? He rejected the notion that he was feeling any emotion for the girl. That would be ridiculous yet he found he was anticipating her return.

When she did she was wearing a pair of flat sandals and her dagger.
Bret was quick to bark at her. “What is that for?” Pointing at the blade strapped around her narrow waist.
Her hand went for the hilt. “Back off jerk. I'm not going into your cesspool of sin dressed like this without a weapon.”
He could find no rational argument against it, he grunted and gave in. “Fine but hide it in the folds of your dress, humans are never allowed weapons. Remember to be quiet and don't make direct eye contact with the men that's a sure way to get into trouble.” He turned to Barron. “That reminds me guns are a rarity and primitive. One thing that is very hard to make is gun powder. Sulfur and saltpeter are not common. So Little Mama should stay behind.”
Barron instructed Andre to secure his favorite toy on board.
The walk into the village took half an hour mostly along a sandy beach. The path became easier when loose sand gave way to a well worn road. The sounds of activity grew louder and soon they saw people. Bret took the lead and the others followed close behind. As they progressed he gave them a guided tour of the sights.
“We're coming to the docks where ships unload cargo. You see that steamer she's outfitted with ballistas but only for defense she's not a hunter. And further out you see that frigate she's part of the island security we slid past her last night in the dark.” a droning sound took their attention skyward. A dirigible propelled by two large fans flew over the town.
Barron spoke in a low tone. “Interesting there is several hundred years between the different ships.” Some workers were driving donkey carts but a Vampire wearing cap and goggles sputtered past in a four wheeled machine belching smoke from a tall stack. They all felt the hot vapor from the machine's steam engine.
“You'll see a lot of that. I'll explain it later but not here. Now we're coming to the bazaar where goods are traded and this is where we need to be careful of pick pockets.”
The market place was busy with merchants and shoppers. The thing that jumped out was most of the welled dressed were vampires. They didn't look like the ones from Vegas they wore their fangs and claws with open pride. Their eyes were feral with animal intensity. Some had freakishly long fingers and peeked ears. The majority of them had human servants scurrying about like well trained pets. They wore simple garb often little more then rags. Among the merchants were auctioneers selling humans like live stock with vampires engaged in bidding wars.
Taverns were abuzz with activity. Vampires shouting bawdy toasts and hoisting mugs filled with blood. Live humans connected to drain tubes like kegs of rich red wine walked about filling glasses from the taps in their arms. They were pale and anemic fresh replacements were brought in when they were too weak to work. There were strange games where vampires made bets and wagered ownership of their human properties. All the human blood slaves wore metal bands around there wrists each having an engraved mark. When the owner transferred the wager they removed the bands with a key and the new owner re-banded his winnings with his mark.
Further along Bret pointed out the residential district. Rows of stone houses along narrow cobble streets. Gas lamps flickered in the dim light. Vampires in fancy Victorian styles strolled along with human retainers at their beck and call. Some servants were wearing uniforms and even finer attire than the lowly bar taps. At the end of the central street was a large imposing manor. Bret stopped and drew them to a place where no passerby could overhear. “Now listen to me and take care to heed my instructions. Follow my lead and never answer any question put to you. Everything you say can be turned against you.”
Norris had been quiet up until now. “All I see are vampires. What about shifters like me?”
“There are other supernaturals just not as many and they tend to stay to themselves.”
Barron pressed for more details. “You were going to explain this new world?”
“Right well here's a quick history lesson. It happened like this ages ago in the fourteen hundreds there was a great explorer and navigator born in Portugal. His name was Vasco Da Gama. Heard of him?”
Barron lit up. “Of course he was brilliant; discovered the spice rout to India he's a legend.”
Bret shrugged. “Yes well he was also a notorious pillager. As he explored the sea routs around Africa and India he looted and burned alive men women and children. For these acts of barbarity he was well rewarded with treasure and titles by the king of Portugal. He later died in India. He was buried there and then later his body returned to Portugal. Or so the historians claim. What the history books don't say is shortly after his death in 1524 another explorer began to sail the same routs. Over the years he also plundered in Da Gama's wake. He traveled under different names and spent time with some of the great minds of the period; Galileo, Copernicus, Magellan.
Barron did a quick calculation. “To have known all those men he would have had to be very old.”
“Precisely, he was a vampire and the body sent home was an imposter. This new incarnation of Vasco Da Gama was fascinated with the rising developments in science and engineering in particular relating to navigational devices. Now no one knows for sure if he invented the gadget we have or if he commissioned it. One theory which I believe is over the decades he learned from the great inventors new technologies and continued to improve on it. He eventually discovered the portals and began to explore this new world which he called Oceanus. Naturally, he could not tell the human world of his greatest discovery without revealing he was a vampire. At the time you had an inquisition in full swing. So he used his special astrolabe to bring ships crewed by humans under the command of vampires here to Oceanus. He made a world where we could be free to rule over the humans. That's why you see so many different kinds of ships.”
“And slaves!” Marilena interjected. “Humans chained like animals being sold for food. This is his great achievement?”
Bret knew she was disturbed and to his chagrin felt a twinge of guilt. The accusing look in her eyes gave him pause. “Yes you're correct. In your world things are different but here being human brings no privilege. But it's not as horrible as you might think. The humans are not killed for food they are too valuable. There are bleeders that draw the nourishment from them for their masters. In a way it's like what you did.”
She was quick to clarify. “I paid well for what I took from willing donors.”
“True but you must understand that in this world things are reversed and if you aren't careful with your words you can get us all burned at the stake.
She held out her bare arms. “What about the slave bracelets I saw? I'm not wearing that shit. I'm not your property.”
Bret's face darkened at her obstinance but he could not risk a scene this close to his goal. “If you look around you'll see some humans are elevated to higher status by their masters. They live better dress better and some don't were bands. These are in a special class so if anyone questions us I'll explain. Just go along with whatever I say. However, in exchange for the higher status they are always on the lookout for signs of insurrection. So don't trust any human you meet. Understood?”
“We have a deal, I only complain in private your Lordship.” She mockingly curtsied.
Bret smiled that's funny, real cute. “Now we go see the man who can direct us to Barron's orb, Markos Rainhaven.

CHAPTER 25 MARK OF THE CONCUBINE

Barron's pace quickened for just knowing he was a step closer to finding another orb sent an electric charge through his ancient veins. The beautiful Marilena and her curious questions about vampire sex had amused him. He of course could appreciate her attractiveness her gentile caring nature, her human strength of will and sexual desires. But it had been centuries since he himself felt such things. Yes he had been a living man at one time driven by human needs. After his conversion he embraced his new existence and did not dwell on what he'd lost. But there were the occasional longings. He took companions from time to time but they always disappointed him in the end. It had been six hundred and forty years since the last one. He'd been a brilliant and talented musician. They were inseparable for decades but then came the inevitable betrayal and since then Barron had focused all his energies on his collecting.

He now possessed two of the elusive orbs and the prospect of acquiring another was simply titillating. For Barron no creature no mater how beautiful or stimulating could fulfill him like finding another orb. Of all his treasures only the orbs satisfied his longings. The danger in hunting for them however was not as concerning as his mad obsession with having them. He often had to take a step back and evaluate his actions. Such was the case now. Could he trust Bret to be telling the truth? Was this an elaborate trick? Even if he did find it how would he get home if they somehow lost the astrolabe? All questions without answers and now he was at the gate of the great stone manor.
“Tell me Bret how do we know this Lord Rainhaven can be trusted?” Barron probed his mind for any sign of deception.
“Let's be clear Rainhaven is a diabolical fiend and I say that against a back drop of fiendish characters. Amongst evil doers he is the king of evil. In fact you should know before entering that he may very well order my torture and beheading. You see I'm no longer in his favor. However, I have one card to play that may save us all from fates so horrible not even your most twisted authors of horror fiction could devise. So now is the time to turn back.” No one retreated. “Really, you all stand with me? You're a sad lot of fools. Especially you Sharky turn around now and go back to the boat. You know the way.”
She looked down at the ground and dipped her head. “But your Lordship my place is with you.”
He grimaced and grumbled a caustic oath under his breath. “You just wait, you're gonna get it good.”
The moment to retreat had passed. The gate opened and four large vampires wearing medieval armor marched out and surrounded them. A tall elegant female vampire came out and greeted them. She wore a fine flowing white gown one might see in the court of Queen Victoria.
“I am Sharlandra the manor mistress under Lord Kazimir.”
Bret was surprised. “Lord Kazimir? We're here to seek an audience with Lord Rainhaven. Where might we find him?”
She expressed a smile of gleaming fangs. “Lord Rainhaven no longer governs Cudacarumba. What name shall I announce to Lord Kazimir?”
Bret hesitated a moment before answering. “Breton Buchanan first Navigator and my retinue.” It was the first time any of his companions had heard his full name. Questions were formulating with each. None were voiced owing to his edict for silence.
Sharlandra motioned for them to enter. “Come you are in luck for as it happens my Lord Kazimir has arisen and can see you.” She lead them through a winding hall then to a large foyer. Everywhere they looked were beautiful hand crafted furnishings and fine works of art. “Wait here.” She vanished behind a gilt tapestry depicting a great sea battle. The silent guards remained each was armed with a long sword capable of removing one's head in a single stroke.
A pair of massive doors opened and she ushered them into a great dinning hall. Bret was seated at the end with Barron on his right and Norris on his left. She motioned for the humans Marilena and Andre to stand just behind Bret and Barron's chair. At the opposite end seated upon an elevated throne was a garishly attired vampire. Over silk shirt and pants he wore a long black velvet lounging robe trimmed with hand made lace. 
“Lord Kazimir,” she announced “I present the navigator Breton Buchanan and his Retinue.” Head bowed she departed.
Bret said nothing he seemed calm but Barron's probing sensed a tension between the two. The vampire Kazimir was also reaching out with his elevated senses.
Kazimir spoke in a low but audible voice. “So you have returned from your great expedition young Breton? I sense you are shocked to see me perhaps you don't remember me?”
“Of course I remember you Lord Kazimir; captain of the Scarlet Gull. A fine swift vessel. I'm not shocked at your success you were always a great leader. I'm only surprised at how much has changed in my absence.”
Barron sensed Bret's flattery was having the desired affect.
Kazimir focused his powerful sense of smell to his other guests. “Introduce your friends I'm most curious to hear their story. I receive so few guests.”
Bret pointed toward Barron. “This is Barron of Vega a small obscure island far to the north. He is a scholar in my service. That is Andre his valet.”
Kazimir sniffed Norris. “Not one of us?”
“Yes Captain Norris is a werewolf but friendly to anyone with a heavy purse. He was bringing me here when his vessel was attacked by Sea Serpents. We manged to fend them off but his crew were lost and his ship was damaged beyond repair. We made it to your shores in a long boat which crashed against the rocks under Gorgon's peak. We five alone survived to make it here before you.”
Kazimir's intense gaze fell on Marilena. The fragrance of her untapped blood was a heady bouquet. Unlike the weak blooded local flock. “And this ravishing creature what is your name?” Bret was about to speak when Kazimir shushed him with a raised hand. “I grant you permission to speak little lamb what are you called?”
Marilena was suddenly gripped with dread but she bottled it up inside and spoke softly being careful not to look up. “I'm called Sharky.”
“Sharky? To whom do you belong?”
Unaware of the proper words a human slave would use in a situation like this she improvised. She kept quiet and knelt beside Bret's chair.
“I see no owner's bracelet on her was it lost at sea?”
Bret scrambled to answer. “No my Lord I have no need of it. Sharky bears my mark permanently on her body where only I may look upon it. She is my concubine.”
Kazimir was amused and gave his waxed mustache a twist. “Most irregular but you always turn the rules to your favor now don't you?”
Bret deftly changed the subject back to where he wanted it. “I seem to have lost track of time, so much change. What navel banner does the Scarlet Gull sale under?”
Yes a lot has changed Lord Rainhaven has claimed the exalted title of High Lord Admiral... again. He has moved his navy to Komotogon. My ship sails with his armada”
“Komotogon! The capital island state was ruled by Admiral Romanger when I left.”
“A brief rule as you may recall he usurped the title of Lord High Admiral just before you vanished. He was weak, always arguing for reforms and more liberties for the flocks. It was inevitable that a strong leader would depose him. Last we heard he was hiding out in the Hootooku Archipelagos. He's been raiding along the shipping lanes making it difficult to get needed cargo through. The reward for his head is one of the highest in all of Oceanus second only to the one for yours.”  
Bret showed no sign he was concerned that a reward for his capture had been posted. “Then you my Lord should be the one to collect it. I surrender to you. Simply take me to Komotogon aboard the Scarlet Gull and present me to the exalted Admiral.”
“Who then governs here? Who protects our shores from ravagers? Better to toss you into a secure dungeon and wait for the fleet to come here.”
“If the Admiral is at war as I'm certain he is, he will need what's in my head as soon as possible. I would not want to be the one to explain why crucial information was delayed. Better to send me by airship surly a squad of your elite guards could get me to him. I would insist upon you receiving all accolades and treasure for my safe return.”
Kazimir studied his face then laughed. “You are a shrewd negotiator. There is a cargo ship launching tomorrow on the dawn. It carries a heavy load and will be slow but I will make room for you and your lovely lamb. Your friends will remain here as collateral on my investment. Should you fail to return or I not receive my reward they shall suffer. Until then you may seek refreshment and a last night of debauchery in our finest establishments. Should you fail to be at the top of Gorgon's peak at dawn I will order my troops to find you and it will be the dungeon for one and all.” Now go and avail yourselves of drinking and games for it may well be your last chance.”
Bret stood and lowered his head spreading his hands wide. “We will be at the launch as instructed I give you my word. Alas however we can not afford passage nor even a meal for we lost everything in the ship wreck.”
Kazimir laughed again even louder. “You sir are a pirate through and though.” He reached into a golden urn and removed a pouch. “Here you bloody sea-dog. Feast on me but I warn you do not miss that flight.”
“My Lord I will have the minstrels sing of your generosity for the whole village to hear of it. I thank you.”
“I prefer you not mention this or every beggar will be at my door, now go.”

***

Marilena did not breath easy until she saw the colorful shops of market street. She held her many questions until Bret had led them into a rustic tavern overlooking the water called Black Heart's Cove. It was dark, illuminated only by a few gas lights near the bar. A serving girl sat them in the back near the rear exit at Bret's request. This did not surprise her in fact over the years she'd become accustomed to always knowing where the escape exit was.

She could not keep quiet any longer. “I don't know where to begin. You have a huge bounty on your head or we're going for a balloon ride to our executions? I just don't know, you start Bret.”
Bret's face was solemn. “Sounds dire does it not? Well I have had only moments to assess the situation but it's not as bad as you might think.” The look on everyone's faces told him none believed him. “Look before you all start let me lay it out...” He abruptly went silent as a kittenish girl in a skimpy outfit slid into his lap. 
Her tattooed arms circled his neck, her face snuggled his chin. Her voice was a moaning purr. “Bret lover where have you been? I missed you.” She wiggled and squirmed rubbing herself against his body as would a love starved cat.
“I went on a trip now I'm back. Listen to me Kendra I'm busy right now come back later.”
“No Bret I want you to bite me. Kendy loves it when you bite her. Bite me lover.”
Bret never showed embarrassment but his face was flushing red. “Not now I'm talking!”
His sharp rebuke made her pout and cast an injured glance at the rest of his party. The men were amused but the woman was glaring at her. Kendra's arms tightened around his neck like the coils of a constrictor. Her voice went low. “Who's the Geisha doll? Did you win her in a bet?
Marilena came forward in her chair. “Watch what you say or I'll cut out your tongue, now get off him you slutty skank.”
Kendra lunged but Bret shot to his feet clutching the girl tight to his chest. “Norris!” he called, but the captain was already grabbing Marilena before she could get her nails into Kendra's face.     
Bret took Kendra to the bar and after talking her down he left her there and returned. He then proceeded to chastise Marilena. “What are you crazy? I warned you about drawing attention.”
She dismissed the incident with a flutter of her hand. “Don't worry about your precious Kendy. I wasn't going to mess her up, well maybe a little. It would have been weird if I didn't call her down. Look around this shit hole, no one is surprised at two girls clawing each other for a man. Now what were you about say before your little bitch made herself unwelcome?”
“Your telling me that whole jealousy thing was fake?”
She grinned. “Please, you're so full of yourself. I was just protecting my investment. You know what they say about a sailor having woman in every port? I'm sure you have a Kendra on every island in this crazy place.” Her statement was only half true, she was looking out for her investment alright. However, Kendra pawing Bret had defiantly pushed her jealous button, a fact she did well to conceal.
Bret glanced around to confirm what she'd said, the incident hardy made a ripple. A sly grin briefly appeared then vanished. His familiar scowl returned. “Okay I'll give you that one but don't push it.”
Her voice deepened. “Don't get comfortable bossing me around that's just for the locals. In reality I own you. That's right until you pay me my fortune I own your ass.”
Barron leaned in close and spoke in a whisper. “She's got a point but before you lay out your brilliant plan I'd like to clarify something.”
Norris interrupted. “Yeah me too and I think I know what Barron is about to say.”
Barron nodded. “I'm certain the captain and I are on the same page. You don't actually expect us to remain here as hostages while you and Marilena run off to hell knows where in a dirigible?”
Norris chimed in. “Yeah as romantic as that may sound to you two, it's not working for me.”
Bret could see the concern in their eyes. But he needed time to construct his thoughts into words. A minor diversion was needed.
“Oh yeah just one little correction on what Barron said. She's not Marilena anymore. I believe she told his Lordship her name was Sharky.” Bret's sly grin reappeared. “Yes you did.”
She shrugged “I was just roll playing. It seemed appropriate for the circumstances at the time. Why what of it?”
Bret's look became serious. “Around here nick names are kinda like a big deal and you made it official with Lord Kazimir. So it stands from now on you are Sharky. All agreed?”
“Ayes,” went around the table as all agreed.
“You're all joking right? This is some kind of mess with the only girl prank? Even you Andre?”
“Yes Miss Sharky.”
Whether it was a joke or wasn't the vote stood and from then on Marilena Costa was no more. 
“Fine whatever, now can we get back to business. What is your master plan and it better not involve balloons?”
Bret looked around to see if anyone was eavesdropping. The bar had thinned out and Kendra was snuggling a vampire in the far corner. His diversion had allowed him some space to formulate a plan.
“Well Barron and Norris were half right. You and I have no choice we must be on that flight in the morning or Kazimir will hunt us down and there is no place to hide on this island. If we take off on the Cutlass the Scarlet Gull will overtake us within hours. However, long before we launch, the Cutlass will set out on a course for Komotogon and track the airship. Don't worry I'll give you the coordinates and we'll use signals to stay in touch. The key to success is getting off before we land. I'll get the airship to lower us to the Cutlass. I'm not certain just how angry Rainhaven is. So we land on our terms not in the waiting arms of his elite guard.”
Barron stopped him there. “Why don't you regale us with why Rainhaven has placed such a massive bounty on your head?”
Norris tapped the table with his finger. “And why shouldn’t we give you up and collect it ourselves.”
“Because Rainhaven never paid for anything he couldn’t take. As for the bounty well that's a long yarn.”
“Please go on, Kendra will still be there when we're done.” Sharky jabbed.
“You'll recall I said Vasco Da Gama became a vampire and spent the next hundred years exploring and looting. Then he discovered this world, only there were no cities to loot no ships to capture. So he populated his new world with vampires and their human food supply. All was good and you would think he would be content to rule this world for eternity. But vampires are strange creatures. They get bored with eternity. They...”
“Have longings?” Sharky interjected.
Bret nodded. “Yeah you could call it that. For some it's a lost love, or a desire to walk in the sunlight but for others it's the glory of conquest. So he set up each island state with a Lord. They continuously fight to see who will be High Lord Admiral. Some times he wins and sometimes he looses. But the game goes on.”
Sharky pressed him for more. “Come on tell us where you enter into all this. What were you a bloody Caribbean pirate, No a rum-runner in the twenties working for Al Capone?”
Bret shook his head. “Nothing so colorful. In 1863 I was a young officer fresh out of the academy in Lincoln's navy. I was really good with navigation and strategy and had a lot of promise ahead of me. One night when our frigate was tracking a ship running guns to the south we set upon them. They surrendered easy, too easy. Turned out the smugglers were really vampires looking for a ship and human cargo. Before we knew it they were all over us. They took us prisoner and commandeered the ship for Rainhaven's never ending war game. I was awe struck when I saw the leader use the astrolabe to guide us through a slip. That was Da Gama now Rainhaven. All the prisoners were sold as blood slaves but he took an interest in me when he learned I was the navigator.”
Barron was intrigued. “Fascinating so he turned you to have a protege in the science of navigation?”
“Well not exactly he wanted me to assist the other captains with navigation and sea battle tactics. You see he was winning all the time he needed a greater challenge. He arranged for my transformation to be with a female vampire of his choosing. He didn't want us to be bonded that way should he need to kill me later on. Rainhaven avoids anyone gaining leverage over him.”
“So now you are a Vampirate working for a fiendish buccaneer. That's pretty colorful.” Sharky remarked.
“ If you say so but at the time I took my new job very seriously. And did it well all these years. But eventually I was having trouble keeping the games exciting. So I devised a plan to steal the astrolabe take it through a slip which hadn't been done for decades and capture a more modern vessel something that would give these jaded old scallywags a real jolt. But Rainhaven refjected the plan, said it was too risky with the astrolabe. So I dropped it. Unfortunately my assistant Issac McGuire used my own game plan and stole the gadget for himself. We discovered he wanted to escape to your world with a cache of jewels. Rainhaven was furious and I was given orders to recover the gadget or else. What happened next was unprecedented. I had to go through the slip without the astrolabe and track him down. It took nine months. I found him but he'd sold it to Rosen who sold it to Barron.”
Norris rubbed his beard. “You found him of course those were his jewels you were casting about like Halloween candy. Wait you came through without the astrolabe? How?”
Bret touched his eye patch. “Rainhaven gave me a gift of sorts. He forced me to gaze upon a demonic mirror. The demon inside it possessed my eye. With my skills as a navigator and the demon's ability to see the unseen I was able to sail a small boat through a slip. The catch is I can't get this fucking thing out of my skull without that damn mirror. And if I look at any reflective surface with the patch off it will posses both eyes. If that happens I'm screwed and so is anyone near me.”
“I knew it!” Barron snapped his fingers. “I Knew another entity was present. It's the demon.”
Bret rubbed his head. “Yeah it's dancing around in there right now. So we have to get the gadget back to Rainhaven so he can remove it. But understand this while these war games are controlled by him every one of these bloody bastards plays to win at any cost. They all want to be where he is.”
Sharky sighed. “Wow that was some story. I had a whole different picture of how you came to this. You were kind of a hero before you turned into such a bastard. I'm glad you told us though, now we can help you.”
“So are you up for a balloon ride at dawn?”
Sharky gave him a demure smile and lowered her eyes.“ Shall I polish your medals and lay out your uniform Sir?”
Bret's scowl darkened. “Just can't stop yourself can you?”

Coming soon chapters 26 The Smoking Pelican and 27 the Duke of Orleans. A romantic voyage through the misty clouds over Oceanus finds Bret and Sharky in the clutches of sinister vampires.

Thanks you for reading your humble purveyor Karl Clay Vetter.