Fathomless Fortunes [slash]

Chapter 15 - Truths and Lies

Time stood still for a moment as Finnis stared at Nicolas. "What in the Sea Goddess' name are you doing here?"

Alastair used the opportunity to disarm Finnis with a swift strike of his rapier. Finnis cursed and held up his hands in surrender, but continued to stare at Nicolas.

"So, you two know each other? What's your name, officer?" Alastair asked, voice as sharp and cold as his blade. "And how do you know Nicolas Ordano here?"

Finnis blinked. Nicolas could see that he almost opened his mouth to correct Alastair concerning the last name. Something seemed to dawn in his eyes.

"I'm Lieutenant Finnis Donal, first mate of the HMS Valeria. And I don't know this man exactly. We used to serve together... a long time ago."

"And where was that?"

"Albian Navy, Sir. But I haven't seen him in ages. - Filthy traitor!" Finnis spat. "I should have known that the likes of you would join those criminals sooner or later!"

Nicolas started to breathe again. Finnis had always been a quick thinker.

"I told you I wouldn't be pushed around by those stuffy officer lordlings forever!" Nicolas replied with as much disdain in his voice as he could muster. "You should join us, Finnis. This is a much better life."

Finnis took a deep breath before he turned toward Alastair. "Captain Ghost, Sir, I heard that you are a man of honor. Will you kill me if I don't join you?"

Alastair lowered his weapon.

The fighting had died down around them. The pirates had won. Seeing their first officer surrender had made the remaining Albian marines lay down their weapons as well.

"You and your crew won't be harmed. We'll leave you on the remains of your ship. If anyone else wants to join us, he is welcome," Alastair replied and sheathed his rapier. He looked over to Evangielle who had already started to assemble the remaining sailors and marines for the usual recruiting process. "Officer Donal, go to your men. You are a brave fighter, and we respect your decision. But as a Caeran, you should think about whom you are really supposed to serve." Alastair paused and took a step closer to look right into Finnis' eyes. The harsh sun made his white clothes and wig glow, making him look even more like a real ghost. Finnis, about a handspan shorter, visibly tried not to be intimidated and failed. "And if you get back to Albia, do tell your admirals and your empress that I'll deal with whatever - or whoever - they send after me."

Finnis nodded slowly. With a last dark look toward Nicolas he went to join his men.

Nicolas sheathed his saber as well. His heart was still beating wildly. "Orders, Sir?"

Alastair turned toward him. His pupil was so constricted that his visible eye appeared colorless. "Go and help Lucky to get the wounded below deck." He paused. "And stay away from that Albian ship. Remember what I told your friend."

Nicolas felt cold. Without another word, he went to follow his captain's orders.

***

It took a few hours to take care of the minor damage the Siren's Call had sustained from the fight. Although Alastair and Evangielle did their best to convince some of the Albian sailors and soldiers, there was none who took the offer to join the pirates. Nicolas caught himself feeling a bit proud of his former comrades for being this steadfast, but it didn't last more than a moment. He had hoped to speak to Finnis again, but it was impossible. Any try to get to him for a private word would be noticed, and Alastair's order to stay away from the other ship had been clear. Nicolas had no choice but to help Lucky with moving the wounded below deck to be tended by the ship's surgeon.