The Pirate Groom

Chapter Five

Inigo rubbed at his raw and calloused hands, finally free of the shovel after many long hours of relentless work.

Above the beach, near the tall sea grass, fifty small mounds stood in solemn silence, each marked by a driftwood cross. In the center of the graves was a massive mound the size of an ox cart, marked by a cross fashioned from the broken remains of the ship's mast.

Westley finished binding the giant, perpendicular structure with rope, his own hands bleeding from the effort. The weight of the day settled on them both as they stood in the shadow of the makeshift memorial.

"I vow that I will not rest until I find whoever is responsible for this," Inigo said, his voice a low growl of determination.

"And I vow to do the same," Westley replied, his tone matching the gravity of the promise.

"There is a port not far from here. Fezzik knew it well enough. I am sure that's where he was heading. We can start there."

Westley considered this for a moment before nodding. "I know this port," he acknowledged. "But whoever did this, did it at sea. Surely they would not be lingering so close to the scene of their crime."

"Most likely, no," Inigo replied, fixing him with a determined stare. "But 'most likely no' also means 'possibly yes.' And if there is a possibility, then we must try."

Westley knew there would be no dissuading Inigo from this course of action. His friend was skilled, resourceful, and unwavering in his resolve. But when it came to Fezzik, Inigo was also blinded by the bonds of friendship, loyalty, and—Westley realized—possible feelings of guilt for having given Fezzik command of the Revenge in the first place.

Westley decided not to share his thoughts, and Inigo didn't seem inclined to hear them, as they both mounted their horses and rode hard toward the seaside village several miles in the distance.