Siren's Kiss

38: Proper Defenses

Moving forward with the plan, Drake detailed what needed to be done once Gus and Ori were free from the gilded cage. They formed a circle around Gus, who began mixing a potion from the herbs in his pouch for Ori to drink, making him appear sick.

"Ori needs to be in terrible pain," Drake reminded the surgeon. "I'll call the guard, an' you'll demand to see their physician, claimin' ye need medicine fer yer friend's condition."

Ori swallowed nervously and looked at his captain. "Cap'n, stop givin' more ideas. I'm startin' to think whatever Gus makes me drink might actually kill me!"

"But the Cap'n be right, Ori," Gus supported Drake's words. "Once we're out o' 'ere, we need to gather anythin' that there can be used as a weapon. If we find materials like wood, dangerous chemicals, or similar items, I can probably make bombs."

Griff was impressed. "That's a jolly idea. Ye seem to 'ave a knack fer this here."

Gus' confidence wavered slightly. "Well, I don't want to be roasted alive."

Barny suggested, "We should also look fer a strin' to use as a fuse---and a flint, if possible!"

"Who needs a flint?" Vic chimed in proudly. "We can use strips o' clothin' soaked in alcohol fer fuses. We can also tie water cups with patches fer grenades."

Drake nodded in approval. "Looks like everythin' be settled. Be the potion ready?"

Gus raised the vial, inspecting the bubbling purple liquid intently. "Aye. I think it's enough... wouldn't want Ori to suffer fer real."

Despite the biting cold, a bead of sweat trickled down Ori's face. "Please don't make it sound like this here be me last supper!"

Gus caught his eyes and smiled kindly, causing Ori to blush, much to the chagrin of everyone who didn't expect to witness flirting among Drake's crew. Speaking of their captain...

Drake intervened, "Oi, what be that there look? Avast it. Ye scurvy dogs be siblings 'ere, an' I'm yer dad. Don't start tarnishin' our family now."

Ori made a face. "Not by blood..."

"What did ye say?"

"Aye, aye, Cap'n..."

As soon as Ori drank the potion, the effect was immediate. The group quickly took their positions as agreed upon while Ori was on the floor, convulsing. Drake and Purity tended to him, with Drake rubbing circles on his back to ease the tension.

"Help! Anyone, we need help 'ere!" Drake shouted, knowing it would take time for the warden or any soldiers to respond due to language barriers. He aimed to convey the urgency of the situation through his tone. Hawk and Rowan stood ready at the steel door, trying not to look too conspicuous.

Eventually, one of the guards approached their cage. She had a masculine physique, small, soft eyes, and a big nose. Purity crinkled her nose upon seeing the guard's cropped hair sticking out everywhere as if she had cut it herself. Honestly, Purity wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. The cannibals may not smell like they had eaten roasted flesh, but they simply didn't care about their appearance. At least their hygiene mattered to them, and they were much cleaner compared to their counterparts on land.

Gus played his role perfectly. "Please! Our mate 'ere be awfully sick. I don't 'ave the proper equipment with me. Do ye 'ave a physician we can talk to? It's urgent!"

Ori groaned, not just for effect; the potion was causing his stomach to churn as if he had a stomachache without the need to relieve himself. Drake caressed his forehead like a father who didn't wish to lose a son. Seeing this side of him, Hawk tried his best to stifle a laugh. It didn't help when he saw Purity grimacing at the whole scene. Unable to hold it in, he masked his laughter with a cough, wrapping his arms around himself as if the cold was affecting him---which was half true anyway.