Servant's Pride

7. Strike of Thunder

Wooyoung had calculated the pirates' route using Yongguk's map. According to his keen senses, it would take them a few weeks to reach their destination. It came as no surprise that they would have to pass on land and restock their provisions.

When Hongjoong stepped out from his cabin the day after Yeosang had cursed him out for tying Cabezon to the bowsprit, he was in an excellent mood. Not even Seonghwa's hateful glare when he strode up to the wheel next to San brushed him.

"Ye been busy last night, Capt'n?" San nodded his chin at the displeased commander on the floor. He leaned against the railing stiffly and with as much dignity as possible. Somehow, he had pinched his jacket fully shut and the high collar hugged his neck again. Only a few more days until his next rendezvous with the cat. Perhaps Hongjoong could convince him to change his clothes after that. Or he could tear them right off him using the whip.

"Aye. Got an earful o' Yeosang about 'is condition."

"Ye be feedin' 'im now?"

Hongjoong sighed, staring down at Seonghwa in displeasure that he had to divide their rations for him. Then, he giggled. It was worth keeping the man around.

"Aye. Tell me if 'e annoys ye." With a pat on San's shoulder, Hongjoong stepped away. Seonghwa looked as if he wanted to spit some comment at him, but when Hongjoong lowered his arm to pet his hair, he interrupted himself. Quick like a storm, the man's features darkened.

Hongjoong jumped off before the man's teeth could snap at him. Then, he strutted down the stairs grinning.

His crew greeted him boisterous and cheerful as always. They were singing a shanty as they worked, and Jongho sat leaned against the mainmast. The concertina with the intricate details that Mingi had carved into the wood for him sat on his leg and played a joyous melody for the working pirates. Everybody hummed or sung together, even those who sat on their knees with their holystones or flicked the sails in endless monotony.

The musician nodded at his captain before he carried the shanty further. His voice was full and powerful; one of the most pleasant that Hongjoong had ever had the joy of listening to. Cabezon up at the helm was probably annoyed by the noise still.

Hongjoong just skipped to consult Wooyoung about the daily plans when a shriek behind him had him halt. On his heel, he turned to call up to San and see what had the man so surprised. The crew was playful. The occasional slaps or pinches between them were nothing unheard of. In San's case, however, he stood yelping on one leg while his hands still grasped the wheel. His face was deformed in pain. Hongjoong noticed the lack of a white-uniformed body at his side at the same moment that the door to the captain's quarters heavily slammed shut behind San.

Chuckling, Hongjoong turned his route to return to his helmsman.

"What did 'e do?"

"Bit me leg, that bilge-suckin' rat. 'E probably chewed through 'is bindings, too." San scowled at his leg, and then at the door behind them. Seonghwa had nowhere to go. He could only end his own life by hopping from Hongjoong's windows and he doubted that was his plan. The commander most likely drafted an ambush. Amused excitement over his feistiness rushed through Hongjoong's veins.

"Let Yeosang patch ye up if it be bad. Yunho? Heave ho."

Instantly, Yunho sprung up the stairs next to them. His long legs carried him up with lightning-fast speed as they took two steps at a time. With his hand on the grip of his sword, Yunho halted next to his captain. A friendly smile that contrasted with the steely calculation in his eyes grazed his lips.

"Restrain 'im once ye spy where 'e 'ides. Most likely behind the door." Hongjoong drew his gun as he leaned to the left of the door. Yunho took position on the right. Entertained by the morning spectacle, the crew hollered at them while Jongho had switched his tune to an adventurous and fast beat that had his fingers dance over the keys.