THE SAILS OF THE HIGH SEAS

- Chapter 35 -

What was a little bit of wit mixed with a hefty dose of sarcasm and humor to two brothers in Fate? It was everything! Sandokan and Yanez de Gomera were brothers in more than just Fate. They were brothers in heart, spirit, mind, and the will to pick up the sword in the unequal fight for justice.

How did they come to be brothers even though Sandokan was as Malaysian as they came, and Yanez was, well... not? By an unbelievable turn of events, much like anything else in Sandokan's life. Even now, years into their friendship, both men could hardly explain how Yanez turned from Sandokan's prisoner into his best friend and closest confidante. The day they met did not hint of their soon-to-be lifelong friendship. Sandokan attacked Yanez's ship. Being of Portuguese descent, naturally, Yanez was treated by Sandokan as one of the British dog bastards. But, because he was not British by any means, their interaction soon flipped on its rear, and both men realized that they not only shared common ideas, but they also shared a common enemy - the British Navy.

Where Sandokan fought against the British to avenge his family and homeland, Yanez fought against them to avenge... his own interests. The British mistook his ships for pirate ships. Although he looked more British than Portuguese to Sandokan, he looked as a total opposite to the British. And they made sure to prove their point. Much to their own misfortune. Yanez was not only a perfect gentleman with knack for the pirate's sword, he was a perfect tradesman with a head made for... business.

Moved by Yanez's story, and by the undeniable gut feeling telling him to trust his prisoner rather than to punish him, Sandokan decided to entrust his family's remaining fortune to his new best friend. Yanez tripled that fortune in little less than a year. From that day forward, Sandokan realized that Fate bestowed upon him the best possible treasure of all - a best friend he could trust with his own life.

"I am NOT going to do it!" Yanez placed his hands on his hips and replied with disgust to Sandokan's question about becoming 'British' even for one day.

"Don't tell me You don't believe in Your own abilities?" Sandokan grinned at Yanez with obvious an gleam of mischief in his eyes.

"I am not going to tell You that," Yanez shook his head.

"Then what, could it be that You are scared of the British?" Sandokan continued, and felt great about it. He missed Yanez in the weeks that had passed, and it brought him so much relief to be able to poke fun of his best friend.

"Never!" Yanez fired back at Sandokan, but chuckled because he saw humor in Sandokan's eyes. "Anyway, how could I pass for a British dog?"

"As easily as I could pass for a man who can waltz," Sandokan bellowed out a laugh.

"So I'll pull it off if I go there with a broom?" Yanez replied with a chuckle but winced the moment Sandokan punched his arm. "Ouch."

"You deserved it," Sandokan flashed his pearly whites.

"Perhaps I did, though it does not make it hurt any less," Yanez rubbed at his arm.

"Perhaps not," Sandokan nodded. "Now, let's assume You make it to Lord Guillonk's estate. Finding a suit that makes You look like a British dog is not a problem. You will have to act as one, though."

"That also is not a problem," Yanez inclined his head playfully. "I always wanted to act like an ignorant, arrogant, selfish pig."

"You said pig," Sandokan smiled.

"Yes, so?" Yanez narrowed his eyes at Sandokan.

"Ada calls them pigs. I prefer dogs," Sandokan smiled.

"Ahh. And in Your opinion I can trust this Lady Ada?" Yanez asked.

"I would bet all of my ships on her. She saved my skin more than once," Sandokan said and placed his right hand on his heart.