Siren's Kiss

08: Honor Bound

Jo, Ori, and Ollie found themselves in a predicament they had never anticipated. Guards flanked them on both sides and behind, escorting them down a wide, elegant hallway. It was hard to believe a place like this existed within the lively town of Obsidian Harbor. The guards secured the three young Pirates with chains to chairs, then they exited one by one. In front of them was a vast table, laden with food. Jo licked his lips, clearly starving. The food beckoned, but none of them were close enough to reach it.

The trio looked around, taking in their surroundings. High ceiling, chandelier, tall drapes, a lofty balcony. There was even an enormous mural featuring the famous Phoenix God that dominated one wall.

Jo couldn't help it any longer and started bouncing his chair closer to the table. Ori and Ollie watched; amusement written all over their faces. Jo's wrists were bound to his sides, but he managed to kick the table from underneath---

A crème puff bounced on its plate.

"A-ha! Ye see that, lads?" Jo exclaimed.

Ori huffed, "What a glutton."

Ignoring Ori, Jo continued his kicks, inching closer. With a well-aimed strike to the side of the table, he maneuvered the cream puff to the edge. At last, he managed to slip the toe of his boot under the delicate pastry when---

Doors swung open, startling the trio. Jo caught off guard, kicked the crème puff high into the air. It sailed upward and stuck to the chandelier above. Ori and Ollie stared at him, aghast. Jo cleared his throat and settled back, crossing his legs and attempting to look nonchalant.

Entering the room was the captain of the guards, leading a column of soldiers. Next came a retinue of servants. Next, was Lady Isadora Silvermoon, one of the renowned Templar Grandmasters, well-known the crew of the Crimson Corsairs.

Smiling pleasantly, Isadora strode lazily into the room, seating herself opposite the trio. She began to eat, savoring each bite slowly. It was a different kind of torture, and they realized she was deliberately taking her time, mocking them head-on.

"So, where is Drake?"

Jo grimaced. "I'm pretty sure he's called Captain Drake."

"I'm familiar with him," Isadora hastened to add.

"Oh yeah," Ollie sniggered along with Ori and Jo. "We heard."

Obviously, she did not appreciate this and her confident smile faded into a scowl, and the trio instantly behaved. "Of course, you know who I am. However, I did not come here to reminisce. Do any of you have the slightest clue what your captain has done?"

"Nay, but we trust our Captain will reveal the truth," Ori responded confidently.

"Would he?" Her smiles widened. "Come now, boys. We're no strangers to one another. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about."

Ollie shook his head. "Doesn't ring a bell."

Isadora's façade crumbled. She slammed a hand on the table, silencing everyone in the room. "Your captain has committed a crime by keeping the Siren Prince with him!"

Jo barged in, "Correction, a salvage claim to a vessel's cargo is as valid as a claim to the vessel itself. It's ours."

"You didn't claim anything!" Isadora snarled. "And the prince is not some kind of cargo."

"Then why was he in the merchant's vessel?" Ori challenged, while Jo and Ollie mumbled in agreement.

"He was kidnapped!" Isadora realized the conversation was leading nowhere and sighed heavily. "Look, I'm not here as an enemy. I need to speak to your captain. He must return that prince or he will answer to King Cyraeni himself. I'm sure that name needs no introduction."