I'm slow in
getting these chapters out because I've dedicated so much time to
promotions with Macayo at cons and reediting my Crossbreed series for paperback publication. The hard
work is producing fruit. Dark Legends is now available on Amazon in a
spectacular large print format. The other two Battle Butte and
Tanglewood Terrorists will soon follow. Mastering the create-space
tools for producing print on demand books has proven to be laborious.
However, we are in the final stages of the process.
Fear not, those
of you that are following the adventures my little pirate queen will
not be disappointed. Sharky is in real bad trouble this episode.
BLOOD MOON
SOCIAL CLUB
DEATH AND
DOMINATION EPISODE FOURTEEN
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.
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CHAPTER 28 THE
HAND SHAKE DEAL
“Get some
sleep I'll keep watch.” Barron took the binoculars from Norris.
“Yeah I
suppose so. Yell out if you see anything.” He slid down the ladder
and disappeared below.
“Why do you
think they haven't signaled. Boss.”
“Andre my
friend I have spent the last nineteen hours trying to figure that
out. It could mean they never got on, or they got caught trying to
signal, or they did but it was too weak and we couldn't see it for
the fog.”
“Well they
are getting closer I can see them without the spyglasses.” Andre
pointed into the sky.
Barron looked
with the binoculars. “No that's another dirigible. It appears to be
coming from the north.” He studied the two airships for several
minute. “In fact it appears to be on an intercept course.”
“Should I
yell for Norris?”
“No let him
sleep. We can do nothing but watch and wait at this juncture.”
***
Bret had left
Sharky sleeping and slipped out at a time when the others should have
been resting in their births. First Mate Skelton was at the wheel as
usual frustrating his attempt at a signal. Returning to the cabin he
found Sharky struggling with her dragon robe.
“I really
need a new outfit I can never remember how you wrap me up in this
damn thing.”
he smiled.
“Here let me.” Bret took his time adjusting and tucking until
the former wall tapestry resembled a Grecian gown again. “He pulled
her to him letting his hands slid over her bare shoulders. He
delicately caressed her long neck allowing his finger tips to trace
the pulse in her carotid artery.
Sharky
encircled his neck and kissed him on the lips. “I take it you had
no luck with the signal?”
“Skelton is
still on the wheel we may have to wait awhile.” He stood back and
admired his arrangement. “There all done.” He flopped on the bunk
and made his first mistake of the morning. “Toss me a bag I'm
running on reserves here.”
Sharky turned
on him with a fierce glare. “Get off your ass and come with me down
below. We have work to do.”
He was quick
to anger. “That right there is what I dislike about modern women.”
“Oh yeah,
you were all kinda haten it last night.” She led the way into the
slave quarters. As they entered she held her finger to her lips. He
could see they were all sleeping on the wood bench and some were
scattered about on the floor. She carefully side stepped them until
she came to a hatch with a heavy iron collar hanging on it. Sharky
unlatched it and pulled the hatch open. It groaned mournfully but no
one awoke.” She entered and he followed.
Sharky looked
around then pointed to a porthole. He took her meaning and opened the
dingy glass for a better look. After a minute he whispered a warning
into her ear. “Don't look at me.” He tapped his eye patch and she
turned her back to him.
When he was
certain she could not see he slid the patch over his good eye and
looked out the porthole. The thing in his skull stirred and soon
images from far away appeared. After several minutes he saw the
Cutlass right on course. All he needed now was a strong light to
flash them a signal and hope Norris saw it. Abruptly, from behind he
heard the hatch close and Sharky let out a scream. He covered the
demon eye with the patch and spun around. She was banging on the door
and whimpering.
“What in
bloody blazes are you doing?”
She pushed
open the hatch and backed out, her head down low. “Mercy my Lord,
have mercy on this unworthy slave.”
Bret followed
her out and saw a little man standing near by. He too held his head
low. It was obvious he had awakened and Sharky had to come up with a
cover story. Under the circumstances it was a pretty good one.
Although the scene she was creating had awakened every sleeper and
all were cringing as he came near.
Sharky turned
to the little man. “My apologies Handy, but when I told my master
of your brig he wanted to see it for himself. I was disobedient and
he unleashed his terrible wrath upon me.”
Bret saw where
she was going and followed. “Don't apologize to him I'll punish
you anytime or place I choose. I do like this little dungeon it will
serve me well the next time you speak out of turn... wench. Now get
your water and food and get back to my cabin before I take you back
in there.” He strolled past the little man and went on deck. The
captain was emerging from his quarters below the wheel house. “What's
all the commotion?”
“Nothing
important I was merely teaching Sharky the proper way to address her
lord and master.”
The captain
grinned. “You can't go easy on them. A fist of iron is all they
understand.”
***
Sharky
struggled to reach the hatch latch of her cabin. Handy had loaded her
up with food and water, more than she needed. No doubt his fear of
her tyrannical master prompted the generosity. Then she stopped.
Something pulled at her. She recognized the sensation of being
scanned by a telepath. Instantly she put up a barrage of innocuous
thoughts. A trick she had learned from Oleander. She slowly turned to
see who it was probing her mind.
A pair of
green cobra-like eyes greeted her.“You two have created a bit of
gossip, quite a treat for us as these crossings are usually tedious
to say the least.”
Sharky bowed
her head submissively. “I apologize if I have...”
“Oh, no need
to apologize to me for anything. I find you most interesting. For
example you’re the only blood-slave I ever met that brags to the
other flock at how cruel and vicious her master is, as if it were a
point of pride. Oh yes the gossip climbs out of the slave quarters
and scurries about up here like little talking spiders.”
“Master Bret
is very strict with me he...”
“Strict? I
find that hard to believe. You wear no ownership bracelet and for
such a bruit you bear no scars or brands on that lovely skin of
yours.”
“He has
other ways of punishment that are horrifying. I'm forbidden from
speaking of....”
“Yes we all
heard the results of his tortures last night. The walls are thin when
one screams out in the dark. Curious though you did not sound as if
you were in pain.”
This bit of
news caught her off guard. Sharky's face reddened. “Master Bret
takes his pleasures as he likes, I...”
“No don't be
embarrassed I'm sure you deserved what ever monstrous cruelty he
inflicted on you. By the way my name is Bedelia Reid, what are you
called?”
The
interrogation was starting to irritate Sharky but she fought hard not
to show her anger. Mentally was different she wanted to smack the
bitch and some of that emotion was bleeding through her defenses.
“Master Bret calls me Sharky.” She offered no more as she was
certain of being interrupted again before she could finish her
answer.
“Sharrrky...”
she rolled to word slowly stretching it out. “A most unusual name
for a blood-slave but then nothing about you is ordinary, now is it?”
Sharky refused
to answer such a loaded question.
Bedelia
smiled. “No... is the correct response we both know that.” She
moved close and ran her fingers through Sharky's lustrous hair.
“Perhaps I'll buy you from Master Bret. Would you like that? I
promise I would not brutalize you so harshly as he does. But then
maybe you like it that way?”
That did it,
she made direct eye contact with her tormentor. “Master Bret can do
anything he wants with me. Now if you will forgive me I must attend
to his needs.” She turned and entered the cabin and slammed the
door. From outside she heard a cackle that reminded her of the evil
witch from Snow White.
She was so
furious it took a moment before she realized Bret was already there.
He was lying still on the bunk. When she saw him she started to
speak.
He rose and
shushed her. He then opened the hatch and looked around. After making
sure no one could hear he spoke in a low whisper. “What happened?"
She spoke in
kind. “I fucked up really bad. That bitch cornered me and I got
mad. She tried reading my thoughts. I think she's on to us.”
“What did
she say?”
“They're all
talking about us, they could hear us last night.”
He smiled.
“You mean they heard you.” His second mistake of the morning.
Her anger
swiftly turned from Bedelia to Bret. “Wipe that smug grin off your
face, you arrogant son of a bitch. We're in the shit. So what are you
going to do to fix it?”
“I'm
arrogant? We're in it because of your bossy hot tempered mouth.”
Sharky reached
under the mattress and removed her blade and tucked in in her robe.
“What are
you planning to do with that?”
“If she
comes after me...”
“You'll do
nothing, I'll handle this. Let's take a walk on deck and see just
what she knows or thinks she knows. And if it's at all possible can
you not act like you're back in the twenty first century.” They
went out and started along the starboard side. Bret strolling as if
he hadn't a care in the world. Sharky followed head low hands folded
but close to her blade.
Near the bow
the captain and the Duke of Orleans were listing to Bedelia. Bret
strolled up to them. “What a fine morning, wouldn't you agree?”
“Quite so,
quite so,” responded the Duke.
The captain
was less enthusiastic. “Same as any other clouds and fog.”
Bret turned to
Bedelia. “And what say you fair lady?”
“It's been
most amusing so far. I had a stimulating conversation with your
Sharky earlier.”
“Yes I know
she is quite contrite. She confessed to me she had been insolent to
you. I will punish her severely for this. Captain Rollings may I
barrow your brig and a nine-o-cat tails please. I think fifty lashes
should teach her a stern lesson.”
“Of course I
have several take your pick.”
“No! That
will not appease me.” Bedelia gazed at Sharky. “No marks must
ever lay upon her skin. I would rather buy her from you. Name your
price.”
“Well now my
price is very high she provides me with many amusements. I'll
consider your request and give you an answer when we reach
Komotogon.”
“I can't
wait that long. At least lend her to me for a few hours you have no
need of her right now do you?”
Bret
considered this. “Alright but on the condition you return her
exactly as she is now. And none of your mind tricks either. I'll not
stand for any hypnosis, nor any potions. If you try to steal my
property I'll be forced into an act of regrettable violence.”
“I give you
my oath. Besides we've all heard of your furious temper. What is it
they call you, Bret the Butcher?”
Bret turned
slowly to look at Sharky. “Really, Bret the Butcher? Well in all
honesty I've been called much worse. So do we have an accord?”
Bedelia
smiled. “Yes we do on my blood oath.” She slit her palm with a
claw drawing a drop of blood.
Bret did the
same and offered his wet hand. She gripped his, they shook on it and
the bloody deal was done. “I'll expect her back this evening.”
With not a backward glance he walked away. “Captain my good fellow,
how goes the wind?”
***
Sharky was
stunned. Not only had she stood silent while they haggled over her as
if she were a prized heifer, but now the swaggering bastard had given
her to the green-eyed witch... her nemesis! “Is he actually
thinking of selling me? It would certainly be the perfect solution to
the enormous debt he owes.” A million horrible ideas flooded
her brain. She could not run to Barron now, they were out of sight
and signaling had proven to be impossible. A voice called her back
form her frantic thoughts.
“Come now
Sharky it will not be as bad as all that. I just want to talk to you
awhile. I'm sick to death of Henri and his insipid droning. Don't
look so depressed where is that fire in your eyes I saw before?”
“That's what
got me into trouble Master Bret is always after me about it.”
“Well let's
you and I have an understanding while Master Bret is away we'll just
be ourselves. How does that sound?”
“As you
wish.”
“Good now
come with me you've been wearing that same silly whatever that is for
days. Don't you have any other clothing?”
“Master Bret
likes dressing me in this. I think it reminds him of the olden
times.”
Bedelia gave
out her witchy chuckle. “Or some antiquated fantasy of how women
should be.”
They entered a
long hall lined with doors Bedelia opened one. “Please come in.”
Sharky became
apprehensive. What a perfect place to strike with fangs and claws. In
tight quarters with no room to run. Her hand rested close to her
blade.
The room was
smaller than the cabin, there was a narrow bunk and a trunk. Bedelia
sat down and kicked the trunk with her boot. “In there, we're about
the same size something should fit. No dresses I don't wear them.”
she snapped off her cap and tossed it on the bunk.
Sharky opened
the trunk. “I prefer paints myself.” Inside she found several
neatly folded outfits. All designed for outdoor active wear in the
early nineteen hundreds. Horse back riding, mountain climbing and
big game hunting. She recognized the style and period from costumes
worn on the history channel. You have lovely things but I shouldn't
take them without Master Bret...”
“Oh stop
with the 'Master Bret', Sharky you're spoiling my fun. Master
Bret---Master Bret just stop it!”
Sharky leaned
toward her and glared. “Okay but only if you stop cutting me off
all the time, I hate it.”
Bedelia was
taken aback by her outburst. “Sure I'll agree to that. But I'm not
sure why I would allow a slave to speak to me like you just did?”
“You started
this, you said we could be ourselves. I swear not to tell your
secrets to the talking spiders if you swear the same. I hope your
oath is good.”
“It is and
I'll agree to this pact.” She started to prick her palm with a
claw.
Sharky stopped
her and took her hand in hers. No scares remember your word of honor
is good enough for me. Bedelia;s hand squeezed Sharky's and they
shook on it. Okay let's see what you have in here.” Sharky dug down
and pulled up a dark blue shirt it was simple but durable. “Oh what
have we here she removed a pair of black pants that came down to her
knees.
“Yes you
wear them with long stockings but I left them somewhere. But try them
on if you like.”
Sharky started
to undress when she realized she had her knife. Pact or no pact
Bedelia would not stand for a slave having a weapon. Pretending
modesty she turned her back and rolled the tapestry down careful to
roll the knife up in a tight bundle.”
“What is
that?"
Sharky
stiffened thinking she was caught.
Bedelia
touched her back just above her buttocks. “Where did you get this
extraordinary tattoo?”
“Oh that was
Master.. I mean...I got it a long time ago far away.”
“And these?”
her fingers slid down to touch her lacy panties. “I've never seen
anything like these let me guess far far from here right? I thought
we were sharing secrets?”
Sharky took
her bundle and sat it where she could still grab her blade. She
notice how Bedelia was starring at her breasts. “Something wrong?”
“No, not at
all you're perfect. It is a rare thing to find a blood-slave with not
a bite mark nor a scar. How is that possible? How does Bret feed if
you don't give him your blood? Do not lie to me we have a pact.”
Sharky was
quick with an answer. “I draw blood with a device and feed him.
Like you he prefers me unblemished.” Sharky had sworn to Bret she
would not reveal their secrets and now she had sworn to tell Bedelia
the truth. This was going to be tricky so she diverted.
“I'm not so
perfect look here on my leg is a scar.” Indicating the bullet
wound.
You were shot?
Why?
Sharky was
clever in choosing her words. “Well without mentioning any names.”
Bedelia was
surprised and assumed she was speaking of her master. “Bret did
this?”
“All I will
say is men can be so impulsive and jealous and I was slow in moving
out of the way. The other gentleman got the worst of it.”
Bedelia gently
stroked the outline of the little round scare with her finger. “He
is a terror. So where did all this happen?”
Sharky slipped
into the short pants. “I already shared a lot now it's your turn.”
“Very well,”
Bedelia leaned back admiring the half naked girl before her. “In
eighteen-ninety-nine I was fresh out of Swiss boarding school and
about to be married off to a real pig of a man that my father had
dealings with. Only I never went home, instead I ran away to America.
I traded my long protected virtue to a sweet young gentleman for
passage on a steam liner. Our cabin was far more luxurious than this.
By the time we got to New York he was in love with me and begging for
my hand in marriage, but I deserted him at the dock.
Later I met a
woman of such beauty and talent, she was a stage actress of some
renown. I was sure the stage was my calling and tried acting. Turned
out it was only lust. We spent a wonderful summer traveling along the
East coast. Then we had a falling out over her understudy seems we
were but cheating on each other with her. In a week I was out of
money and starving. It looked like I was going to have to find
another gentleman when something happened to change my life. I met a
woman; a dark strange creature with incredible powers. She seduced me
or rather I threw myself at her but sex was not her only desire. It
was my blood she was really after. She turned me and we became
companions. A year later we were on a ship headed for England when we
were shanghaied and brought here.”
“What
happened to your companion?”
“She was a
very strong willed woman and she did not get along with the Lords.
Tragically it cost her head. I've been roaming this endless ocean
alone ever since. I would have gone back home but I've never been
able to figure out how I was transported here.”
Sharky
buttoned up her shirt and tucked it in. She found a wide belt and
pulled on a pair of low top leather boots. “What do you
think...fits pretty good?”
Bedelia stood
and put her arms around Sharky's waist. “You are beautiful.” She
kissed Sharky full on the lips. “I can free you from Bret. Come
with me and we'll be companions forever.”
Sharky held he
close and sighed softly. “I'm sure that turning a slave is
forbidden by some lord's law. Remember what happened to your friend
when she went against them. Then there is you know who and his
terrible anger issues.”
“You're no
slave to him, you lead that oaf around by his nose. I saw it the
first day.”
Sharky ran her
hand over Bedelia's short cinnabar hair. “This color is so pretty
it's like fire in a gemstone.” Their eyes locked and Sharky felt
Bedelia's hypnotic gaze pulling at her mind coaxing, seeking control.
Sharky blinked several times and smiled. “Naughty girl you swore an
oath not to do that.”
Bedelia's face
softened and become less like an evil witch and more like a lonely
girl. “Sorry force of habit but how can you resist me? You're so
strong minded so different.”
Before more
questions came Sharky diverted again. “Your offer sounds tempting
but you strike me as a woman who loves hard but not long. You might
abandon me some day and then what for poor Sharky?”
“I would
never abandon you.” Bedelia leaned in to kiss her lips again, a
loud clanging stopped her a breath away.
Sharky pulled
free of her arms. “What's that?”
“The damned
alarm and I was just starting to have fun.”
CHAPTER 29
CAPTIAN SHARKY
Bret watched
as the dirigible approached head on with weapons manned. “Sky
pirates! She is coming in for the kill get this barge out of here.”
The captain
barked back at him. “I can see that blast you but we can't out run
her we're too heavy.” He was making his way up to the wheel house.
“Skelton get on that steam blaster and send them a message.”
“Aye
Captain.” The mate jumped down from his perch to the deck below and
removed a heavy canvas from a strange contraption. It had six iron
gun barrels fixed on a gear mechanism with copper tubing and brass
pipes running to it. He got behind it and turned a crank on the multy
barreled weapon slowly it turned to face the pirates. He jerked on a
lever and steam from the boiler filled the pipes with a loud hiss. He
stomped a peddle with his foot and pressure began to build. Before he
could fire it a barrage of small arms let fly from the attackers.
They went high aiming for the hot air bags. Frightful hissing let
everyone know the bags had been punctured.
Skelton let
loose and six heavy iron tipped bolts burst out from hot blasts of
steam raking the deck a pirate let out a squall when hot one
shattered his leg, another took one deep in his chest.
The Duke of
Orleans was in a state of panic. “They're shooting holes in the
balloons we'll drop into the ocean.”
Bedelia ran to
his side. “Shut up you old woman and grab a sword, let them come
aboard and we'll fight them.” She boldly brandished a sharp
cutlass.
The captain
called down from the wheel house. “No! We must lighten our load...
Throw the cargo over board.”
Henri
protested. “But that cargo is my responsibility if I don't delver
it to Admiral Rainhaven he'll flay me alive.”
“Do as I
command, now!”
Henri ran
below and shortly came up with the twelve slaves. He took the first
in line, a man of thirty. He unchained him and threw him over the
side.
“Another,”
shouted the captain.
The slaves
realizing their plight began to cry out for salvation.
Bret was
hefting the weight of his sword readying for battle when Sharky
appeared at his side.
“You have to
stop this.”
“Never fear
when they board us I'll protect you.”
“No I mean
stop that.” She pointed at a second man screaming to his watery
death.
“Sadly the
captain is correct we must lighten our load.”
She dug her
nails deep into his wrist. “Stop it now or I will, there has to be
another option. Or will you toss me over to lighten the load and save
yourself?”
He looked hard
at her then at a screaming woman about to go over the side. “Henri
wait. He stopped him just as she was to the railing. Captain send up
the parley flag. If we give them the cargo maybe they will avoid a
fight. Either way you loose the cargo and lighten the load. What's
the harm in parley?”
The captain
was out of options and agreed. He sent up the flag and the pirates
held their fire. The captain used message flags to converse with them
and asked what they would take to let him go. He came down from the
wheelhouse and spoke quietly to Skelton and Henri. They came to Bret
as a group.
“Well what's
it going to be?” Bret asked.
Henri smiled
“That was a good idea you had Bret, we can keep the cargo.”
The captain
grimaced. “Sorry to do this but drop your sword.”
“What?”
From behind him Bret felt Skelton's blade at his lungs one swift
thrust and it would split his heart. Not a death blow for a vampire
but he would fall none the less.
“Let me
guess they want me for the reward?”
Henri gave him
a gleeful nod. “It seems you're worth more than all of my
blood-slaves combined.”
Bedelia
offered a consolation. “Don't worry about Sharky I'll take good
care of her, your sacrifice saves her from a terrible fate.”
Bret looked
hard at Sharky in her new outfit. “Thanks that sets my mind at
ease.” Rather he couldn't but wonder what devilish deal those two
had made when they disappeared below. His predicament was owed to
Sharky's intervention. He was well aware of how quick she could size
up any situation and calculate the profit therein. What had she told
him before making love? “I'm the villain here.” As the captain
shackled his wrist he was beginning to see some truth in her words.
“Skelton,
lower that gibbet cage.” The captain pointed up to an iron cage
used for punishments of the most horrible kind. Skelton lowered it
and Bret was brutally forced inside.
“Now lower
him over the side well below us they will have to take him with
grappling hooks, we'll make our escape when they pull him in. Get
ready to cut him loose and run.”
The last thing
Bret saw as they hoisted him over was Bedelia smiling with her arm
around Sharky, who's cold black eyes watched without a glimmer of
remorse.
***
“What's
happening Norris?”
“They are
not friendly that's for certain the smaller faster ship has caught
them. There was a short fight and now the smaller ship is dropping
under the Pelican. Something is dangling from a rope. I can't tell
for sure but it looks like a man I think.”
“Give me
those glasses.” Demanded Barron. He took a long look with his
vampire eyes. That is Bret and I strongly suspect he's being ransomed
for that huge reward.”
Norris shouted
to Andre. “Turn this tub around, quick now and full speed a head.”
***
Sharky turned
to Bedelia. “Now would be a good time to attack them while they are
under us.”
“Let's not
bother the men while they work stay back out of the way.”
Sensing
immediately Bedelia had no interest in saving Bret. Sharky stepped
away and went to Handy.
“Who else
has a key to the slave chains besides the Duke?”
He was
surprised at such a question. “Well the captain, would.”
“Handy what
if I told you your life was about to change forever would you fight
to stay a slave or would you take one bold chance at freedom.
Remember this may be your only chance at ever being free. What would
you do?” This was a big risk she had not forgotten Bret's warning
to never trust any human with elevated status. Fear of loosing it
could mean certain treachery.
He thought on
it and clenched his fist. “I've dreamed of freedom for years but it
will never come.”
“That's good
enough for me wait here.” She saw everyone was watching Bret
dangling as the pirates swung large hooks at him. She was stealthy as
a cat climbing to the wheelhouse and creeping up behind the captain.
Slowly she unwrapped her blade as she came close but a shout from
below halted her.
“They got
him!”
It was now or
never. She pulled her blade and stepped in. The captain turned to see
her.
“Get the
hell out of here.”
Her hand
struck like a viper drawing blood.
He lashed out
with a fist and she went sprawling. He came at her but fell to the
floor gurgling as his flesh rotted away into a smoking pile of bones.
She reached to where a ring of key had hung and sifted through the
goo until she found them.
No alarm had
sounded so she assumed the captain’s death went unnoticed. She
quickly descended and went for the next most dangerous one. Skelton
was in full view of everyone when she struck him down. Standing in
front of his smoldering bones she address the shocked audience. Handy
come here and get the keys. Set everyone free. Don't any of you
vampires rush me this blade can slay anyone with just a scratch.”
The Duke of
Orleans showed some courage at last. “You'll not have my cargo and
he lounged with sword swiping at her. She dodged his first attack and
nicked him with her blade. His second trust sliced her new shirt open
at the breast his blade left a trickle of blood in its wake. But now
he was screaming in agony. As he churned she kicked him backwards and
his rotting corpse fell over the side. She turned to see the slaves
loose and cringing in terror. “Get a grip humans we are winning.
Handy pull that rope up. Some of them snapped too and grabbed
weapons. They went for Bedelia with a vengeance. She lashed out with
her claws.
“Stop! I'll
deal with her you get buckets of burning coals and dump them on the
pirates below. They won't stop with Bret not now. They will want you
slaves as well now get to it.” They did as ordered for none really
wanted to tangle with Bedelia.
Sharky
approached her with blade ready. “Calm down I won't kill you. But I
am placing you in the brig for now to keep you safe.”
“You
treacherous bitch I'll never let you take me. I'll fight you to the
death”
“That was
very dramatic. I think you could have been a great actress. But let's
be real. You're out numbered ten to one and we are all about to crash
and die, plus I have this magic knife. So read my thoughts. Sharky
opened her mind to Bedelia. “Look deep and see the answer to all
your questions.” She felt their minds joining.
Bedelia's
savage face vanished. “By all the water in Oceanus, you came from
the other side.”
“Yes and
I'll tell you all about it but first you must go lock yourself in the
brig or these slaves will kill you. I swear on our pact no harm will
come to you.”
Sharky's
thoughts were free of deception and there was no arguing against the
facts. She was clearly out numbered. Bedelia stood and went below
doing as instructed.
The Pelican
was listing hard to starboard. “Handy what's happening?”
We're sinking
fast they blew holes in our air bags. The fires are burning their
ship's balloon but she's pulling us down too. They wont let go of the
cage.
“You said
you knew every inch of this boat. Do you think she will float
again?”
“Sure if we
land easy and level but the four bags are loosing hot air at
different levels we're going to crash.”
“Not if your
crew can cut those riggings and straighten us out. I'll handle the
cage just get us right-side up. Get to it First Mate Handy.” She
ran to the railing and looked over. The scene was worse than she
imagined. The pirate ship was engulfed in flames and dangling below
with Bret caught in the middle. She had no choice but to release the
tension on the rope. It spun like a deep sea fishing real with a
marlin running out the line. The pirates hit the water hard and their
gondola broke apart. Bret soon sank with them as he went under she
called out him but he said nothing as the cold water claimed him. The
Pelican was approaching the water at a dangerous pace. She turned to
see Handy and several freed slaves chopping lines from the sagging
balloons they were starting to level up but the rate of falling
seemed to increase. Suddenly she had a stroke of insanity. She bolted
to the steam engine and did what she had seen Skelton do she opened
the valve to the balloons so the remaining air would heat up.
“Handy saw
her and ran to another gear and opened another stack that pumped hot
air in. It chugged and a billows puffed air into the failing gas
bags.
A big broad
smile ripped his craggy face. “It ain’t much but we need every
puff.”
She ran to the
edge and yelled out. Hold on we're going to hit...” The impact
threw her over, she was dangling by one hand there was a great
crashing sound and a wave spread out from the Pelican. She was
about to let go when Handy hauled her in like a fresh caught tuna.
“Nearly lost
you Captain Sharky. What next?”
“Get on
that crank and pull up the cage, now.”
“He rushed
to the crank and grabbed a girl to help real Bret up. “Not meaning
to question your orders Captain Sharky but wont Bret the Butcher be
angry at us for letting the pirates have him? I thought you hated him
for beating you?”
She kept watch
on the line as it rolled up. “Faster! Yeah he can be a real bastard
but I may have exaggerated how evil he really is. Truth is I kinda
like him. So get more on that crank.”
“Aye
Captain.” With two more cranking, the cage soon broke the surface
and Bret’s pale blue corpse came on board. “Handy you have the
keys open this thing. As soon as the gate creaked open she held his
face but could find no sign of life. Shit he needs blood I didn't
feed him, I bitched him out instead.” She ran to her cabin and
returned with her go bag. From inside she removed a blood extractor
kit. She inserted a needle into her vein and let the attached bag
fill. She then inserted a needle into his arm and with a gentle
squeeze she pumped it into him, but he didn't revive. In desperation
she removed the tube from his arm and squeezed blood into his mouth.
The second he tasted it his survival reflexes came alive. He sucked
the bag dry and started pulling more from her body. After a moment
she got dizzy and swooned. As she was about to pass out Bedelia
yanked the needle from her arm.
“That's
enough you greedy bastard, you're killing her.” Bedelia picked her
up and carried her to her cabin, where she laid her on the bunk.
***
Norris steered
for the plume of smoke rising off the water. As they came to the
scene of the battle he saw several human bodies floating amid the
wreckage. As he cleared the noxious mix of fog and smoke he saw a
steamer yacht with a full crew working hard to untangle the balloons
from her rigging. He slowed and watched for any sign of Bret or
Sharky.
Barron who
rarely ever became anxious could not wait any longer. “Caution be
damned I'm calling out to them. “Bret! Sharky! Where are you?”
A man of small
stature called back. “Who be you?”
Norris turned
sharp to sidle up next to them, tie us up Andre.”
“Yes Captain
Norris.
“I'm Norris
Captain of the Catalina Cutlass. Where is Bret and Sharky? Do you
need help over there?”
“Yo I'm
First Mate Handy. I got her floating after falling from the sky.
Master Bret is about, he's doing well what he drowned and then
Captain Sharky brought him back to life with her blood. She's resting
right now.”
“That’s
good news,” Barron shouted. “We are friends. May we come aboard?”
Norris
interrupted. “Before we come aboard where is Bret? And did I hear
right, did you say Captain Sharky?”
“Handy
smiled. “Aye Sir, Captain Sharky set us all free after she killed
the old captain and two other vampires. We're free humans now so
don't come over if you're not clear on that count.”
Barron assured
him they were friends. “We're very happy for you.”
“I'll fetch
him.”
Norris scolded
Barron. “We only have his word everything is okay. Let’s see some
proof.”
Barron smiled.
“There's your proof.”
Bret greeted
them . “Welcome aboard the Smoking Pelican.”
Norris laughed
. “We were worried for a while not knowing if you were even on the
ship but that was one awful big signal you sent.”
“Not my
doing thank Sharky. She started the fire. I was drowning at the
time.”
Norris came
aboard followed by Barron and Andre. They surveyed the damage and the
new human crew diligent at their work of clearing debris and
refitting the ship for sea travel.
Barron spoke
first “Where is Sharky was she injured in the fight?”
Bret hesitated
a moment. “Well... she was injured but not from battle there she
proved herself to be quite deadly.”
Norris was
scratching his beard. “Did I hear right, that Handy fellow called
her captain?”
Bret grinned.
“Yeah that one took me by surprise too. But it's true she killed
the captain and two of his minions. By right of combat she is the
captain of the Smoking Pelican. She also took a prisoner... At least
I think she's a prisoner, I'm not really sure what she is.”
***
Sharky opened
her eyes to see Bedelia hovering over her with a wet cloth. She felt
the familiar bed of her cabin under her and sat up.
Bedelia
frowned. “Don't jump out of bed you're still weak. Here try this
fruit. We use it to rebuild blood faster in the flock.”
Sharky saw a
bowl with what resembled small oranges but not so bright and polished
as the ones she bought in the markets of home.
“Thanks I do
feel a bit groggy. What happened?” She took and peeled the citrus.
“You were
like some heroic swashbuckler from one of my old stage shows. Sword
in hand you danced across the blood washed deck trusting and
slashing. Then you slew the captain and his mate then the Duke of
Orleans. Fighting like a rouge prince amid smoke and flames you took
control of the ship and declared yourself its captain. It was
marvelous. Then you saved me from the blood crazed mob and swept me
here to safety.”
Sharky took a
bite while watching Bedelia's eyes. They were filled with passion and
glazed over with a dreamy glow. “Yeah it's coming back to me now
but as I recall you swept me up and saved my life.”
“Oh, who
cares who saved who? Let's finish what we started before the alarm
sounded.” Bedelia sat down next to Sharky and draped her arms
around her neck.
Sharky gently
detached herself and lay back on the pillow. “Listen love and try
to understand what I'm saying. Things have changed and I need your
help. I've started something here and I intend to see it through. You
can ride along until we come to a safe port for you to exit or you
can be my confidant but... I love another.”
Bedelia shot
to her feet the glow was gone and green hell fire erupted from her
burning eyes. “It's that one eyed devil! How can you love him? He's
despicable in every way. What has he done to you a possession curse?
I know a witch that can turn it back on him for sixty gold doubloons.
Sharky smiled.
“That's good to know but sadly it's not so easy as that. You see I
have this crazy weakness for men like him and he's the worst I've
ever met. That's why I need you to be my friend. So come here
gorgeous, sit next to me and hear my insane plan.”
***
Norris had
just finished an exhaustive inspection of the Pelican. “I am flat
out amazed. This vessel should be in a museum. How they got it to fly
then back in the water is pure genius.”
Barron too was
most impressed. “Extraordinary to say the least. However, I am
concerned that our young Sharky has opened a Pandora’s box that can
never be closed. If word of a slave mutiny reaches the lords we may
be in for trouble. What say you Bret?”
Bret sat on
the rail so deep in thought he never acknowledged Barron's query. He
was fixated on the gibbet cage that had been his watery coffin not
two hours earlier. The last thing he saw as he sank below the suffice
was Sharky leaning over the side and watching him go under. Of course
she had to rescue him, she needed him to navigate with the astrolabe.
But now she controlled a ship and its crew. A crafty move on her
part. On one hand he had to respect her for how she'd pulled it off.
On the other he secretly desired nothing more than a few private
moments with her. Just long enough to strangle her to death. His dark
fantasy was interrupted when Bedelia came out of his cabin. She was
another one on his death list and now might well be the perfect time
for a reckoning.
“We had a
deal you scurrilous serpent tongued mother of all pestilence. You
hypnotized her!”
Bedelia moved
like a panther poised to pounce. “Oh I tried all right but she just
laughed at me. That mortal girl is the most strong willed woman I
have ever met. You are alive right now only for her... you swaggering
bucket of bilge. I would have let you sink to the bottom of Oceanus.
Now get in there and pour out your gratitude at her feet. Captain
Sharky summons you to her quarters.”
Bret checked
his raging impulse to claw out her heart. “We will settle up at a
later time.” He stiffly left the scene with all eyes following him
into what apparently now was Sharky's cabin.
He slammed the
door behind him and locked it. His much talked about temper had
reached it's boiling point. The unseen rider behind his eye patch
danced excitedly at the anticipation of horrific violence.
Sharky's head
rested on the pillow her wild mane spread out like a foamy black
crown. Her eyelids drooped half close her lips parted slightly as she
took short shallow breaths. His volcanic anger was about to erupt
when she spoke.
“Bret my
darling I'm so sorry, I know you can never forgive me for what I've
done. I broke every rule every promise. I put you in mortal danger
and I deserve your hatred for it. I have only one defense. I just
couldn't watch as all those poor souls were thrown to their deaths.
Something inside me wouldn't let it happen. I never thought you would
be endangered. When I saw you vanishes into the sea my heart broke
because I knew even if I could get you back I had lost your love
forever.” Tears streamed down her cheeks.
The left side
of Bret's head throbbed with pain as the thing inside howled for
blood. His good eye was transfixed on her beautiful face marred by
tears. Tears shed for him. His cold dead heart began to warm and he
fell to one knee next to her. His skull crushing hand gently slipped
under her's and held it like a sick kitten. On the floor next to the
bed was her go bag, inside was a full blood pack.
“You little
fool why did you revive me with your blood? I could have killed you.
What happened to your own rule about never sharing your blood with a
vampire?”
Her dripping
eyes opened to see the anguish in his face. “I had to save you no
matter what it cost. My blood is yours now and forever.”
The searing
pain in his head subsided as he took her in his arms and kissed her.
