Varian and the Seven Seas

Chapter Two: Emerald Cove

Captain Hugo sat at a large desk in a spacious room surrounded by ornate windows draped with heavy green curtains. Intricate-looking tables and chests were littered everywhere, covered with daggers, gems, trinkets, silk pillows, and an array of things he'd stolen during his voyages. Lavish cabinets and furniture lined some of the walls and a delicate chandelier with thousands of little hanging crystals hung from the ceiling.

A young man with shoulder length, light brown hair sat atop the captain's lap. His arms were slung around Hugo's neck as their lips pressed together. Hugo held the man around the waist, softly sighing into the kisses. His glasses lay on the desk in front of him.

The doors burst open. "Captain! ...Ugh, seriously?" The two men broke apart as they looked over at the young lad standing in the doorway.

Hugo glared. "What is it, Yong. I'm kind of busy."

Yong, no older than eighteen, had short, jet-black hair and almond shaped, brown eyes with single folded eyelids. He wore a bright red tunic with white puffed sleeves, and several inactive, homemade bombs were strapped around his waist.

He folded his arms. "Captain, a ship just entered Emerald Cove."

"A ship?"

"Yes, Sir. It's not one of ours."

Hugo blinked, then looked over at the man on his lap, his face softening. "Will, Darling, you'll have to excuse the interruption. We'll get back to this later." He stroked the man's cheek who in turn gave a flirtatious nod.

"Of course, Hon. I'll be waiting." Getting off Hugo's lap, he left through the door Yong came in.

"How did the ship get past the barrier?" the captain asked, putting his glasses on.

"It's Captain Varian, Sir."

"What?" He stood quickly, slamming his hands down on the desk. "Why didn't you lead with that?"

"A small elite, stealth team led by Captain Varian was seen being sent ahead of the ship. I believe he's using the vessel as a distraction while he makes his way to your chambers, Captain."

A grin crept over Hugo's face. "Well then, let's give him a warm welcome."

***

Varian tiptoed up a deserted stone staircase, Nuru and a few other crewmates following closely behind him. He put up a hand and they all halted. "Nuru, take the others and scan the perimeter. Make sure we aren't bothered."

"Aye, Captain." His first mate darted away with the others.

A full moon glowered down on him, lighting his face as a cool breeze whistled through his hair. He examined the stone wall in front of him which had a long, thin window near the top.

Pulling a thin rope with a hook on the end of it from within his vest, he tossed it over his head, locking it into place behind the windowsill. Grunting, he clambered up the wall. His hand grasped the edge of the sill, and he threw himself inside, landing quietly on the carpeted floor within.

He stood, looking around.

There was a large, gawdy bed with massive curtains draped all the way around it at the center of the room. The walls were lined with different styles of furniture and tables, all holding more of Hugo's loot. There was so much for his eyes to focus on, he turned slowly in a circle, searching for the ruby encrusted handle.

That's when his eyes fell on it. His father's sword lay propped up against the bedstead on the left side, the red gem glistening in the moonlight. Varian walked over, about to reach for it when a fingerless gloved hand snatched it up, placing the flat of the blade against Varian's neck.