Blackbeard; The Legend

Shadows of the Sea

Skoll watched the mists roll gently against the jagged rocks that jutted out from sloshing water and dissipate as it reached the black sandy shore. The scent of the frozen salt sea unsubmerged many memories of those days he spent running across the dark sands, pebbles tossed into the air by his wily feet. He recalled the laughter of both him and Hati as they chased the small birds that walked across the beaches, and seeing them fly was exhilarating. He sighed, and closed his eyes. What he would give to have those halcyon days back, under the warm sun and cerulean skies, where the only thing that he could expect was a warm embrace from the one who was always there for him and Hati.

"Hey." A voice rasped, and a finger tapped at his shoulder. That vision of relaxed skies and calm winds vanished, and reality sank back in. The skies were dark, with stars glittering like gems against the blackness, and the waves churned vehemently against the sides of the boats. Skoll turned to see Hati. His brother shivered, clinging to his cloak and trembling.

"What is it?" Skoll asked.

"B-Brynjar wants u-us in the tent." Hati chattered. "H-how do you e-ven stay warm out here? I-it's freez-zing!"

Skoll smirked slightly. "Thank our sister for it. Without those nights spent out in the wild, I probably would be like you."

"Like w-what?  Hati remarked.

"A cold mess?" Skoll chuckled, and Hati kicked him lightly. 

"Haha," Hati wiped the snot from his nose. "Sh-shut up. A-any-w-ways, c-come on. He's w-waiting."

"Alright then." Skoll said as he stood. "You can borrow my cloak, if it's too cold for you." He unwrapped his coat that and offered it to Hati, who quickly wrapped it around himself.

"T-thank you." Hati shivered, and Skoll gave a mutual nod. 

"No problem. Now, let's go. Brynjar's expecting us." Hati nodded, and the two brothers began walking towards the main tent. After the attack from the Vikings had left the pirates vulnerable, they had retreated to the remote beaches of the Svellands, which were quite the excellent hiding place. Hidden among the rocks and caverns, the pirates had laid in wait over the past days, awaiting reinforcements from the rest of the fleet. Despite what many would consider an inhospitable place, the stone cold hollows were comfy for Skoll, as it was familiar of his and Hati's childhood home. Dark, confined, and quiet. Very quiet.

The remaining pirates who had survived the attack by the Vikings milled around the small campfires that had been ignited on the sandy beaches, drinking rum and eating whatever rations they had left. They dipped their heads in respect as the brothers passed, and Skoll nodded back. These men had earned his respect through their devotion to the King, and by extension, him and Hati. Loyalty was the crux of which allegiance was built off of, and he and his brother knew that better than anyone.

Finally, they reached the main tent where the King resided, and Skoll pushed open the folds to enter. Warmth enveloped him as the fire inside blazed on, and the bitter cold faded away instantly. Brynjar sat on a stone, staring into the inferno intently with his eye, and his shadow stretched forebodingly against the fabric of the tent. His ears flicked, and he turned to look at them.

"Ah. You're here." Brynjar stood up, and Skoll immediately began to bow. "No need for that here," Brynjar chuckled. "No one's in here except us."

"Apologies." Skoll raised himself back up. "What did you call us here for?" 

"Come with me." Brynjar walked past them and out of the tent, beckoning. "I want to show you something." Skoll and Hati followed after him, exiting the tent and onto the black shoreline. The dark sands shifted underneath their footsteps as Brynjar took them farther and farther away from the encampment, until suddenly, Brynjar stopped, and turned to them.