Heart of the Sun

Chapter 10: Without Family

Alfonso's point of view:
The men shivered under the harsh gaze of a very pissed Antonio. Their heads where bowed down like they were praying, or rather about to have their head roll. A heavy axe, still glistening in scarlet, was easily swung at Toni's side.

"So I hear that the Casanova answers to Captain Kirkland now?"

I shake my head, wondering if anymore men were foolish to make the same mistake of their dead. One brave man answers timidly.

"No, what the old Captain said was wrong. Our King is still you, Captain Fernandez. For you are King of Seas."

Toni strides over in front of the man.

"And what is your name?"

The young man raises his head some, but not enough to meet the green above him.

"Andrew Azevedo, Captain Fernandez."

Toni smiled hold his axe close to the man's neck, the young man remained still.

"As of now I declare Azevedo the new Captain of the Casanova."

He looks at the crew.

"Unless anyone challenges that?"

He seemed to almost beg someone to step out of line. Instead he received all

"No Captain!"

With that my brother approached our ship again, but not before calling out a farewell.

"I will be seeing the Casanova again, and for your sakes, hopefully it shall be a better visit. Don't forget to attack the Black Baron on site. And, if a woman by the name of Isabel Fernandez is found-"

He turns to face the crew, face dark and stern.
"-she is to be brought to me immediately, untouched and unharmed, and you shall be greatly rewarded... in pure gold of course."

He turns back around and continues to the ship.

"As for Arthur Kirkland, he can be brought dead or alive, your choice. Just whatever is the most painful."

I pull my brother to the side as soon as we are back in the ship.

"Toni, it's that time again when I must return to Portugal. Father is excepting me and says this visit is of the upmost importance."

He nodded.

"Go you wouldn't want to disappoint."

Although Antonio is older, because Toni is only his step-son, I am chosen to do things which fall in the name of Carreido. Antonio still carries his father's name though his mother remarried and added Carreido. It's not that he can't, but Toni wishes to keep the Carreido's reputation clean by avoiding be associated with him as a pirate. That and maybe that he simply didn't feel comfortable with recognizing a new father. He always dislikes change. And perhaps Isabel is that same because she wishes to follow her brother's lead.

They really are twins, in body and mind so it wouldn't surprise me.

One week later:
I enter the old mansion on the out skirts of Lisbon. The house was quiet, save only my own steps echoing in the hall. I try to stretch the new clothes I'm wearing as I go along. My childhood nurse maid, Mrs. Torres, insisted on "cleaning me up" before I saw my father. Being that she was like the mother I was missing, I did as she requested.
I entered my father's office to see him slouching over paperwork.

"Óla Papa! It's been a while, you look in good health!"

He smiles softly.

"My boy it's been too long. And I must say I'm excited to introduce you to our guest who came all the way from England to see you. I'll get Mrs. Torres to fetch the guest."

I flop onto the couch, then adjusting myself to a more proper sitting position. A little while later, a woman in blue and pigtails enters, eyes bright green behind glasses.

"Miss. Kirkland, may I introduce my son, Alfaro Carreido."

Alice's point of view:
The last few mouths have been unkind as that is what my marriage will be. Giving my dumb, rich husband babies. I mean, who's dumb enough to want to marry a sister to a notorious pirate? This disgraceful connect lead me as far as Portugal in hopes to marry rich. I size up the man I've been waiting weeks to meet.
His hair is long and skin tan. His eyes were a warm brown, like sweet chocolate. I could tell even thought his shirt and jacket that he was muscular. I must say this was more than I expected, which was nice for a change. He frowned at me upon being introduced. Perhaps even he has heard of my treacherous little brother.

"Father, is it really wise to be taking a wife with as long as I am gone?"

So he travels, that must be wonderful. But not as wonderful as him actually speaking English, showing he wants to include me in the conversation.
It was usually expected of the bride to speak  her promised's native tongue. I did know Portuguese, but it was too good.

"Well can't you just take her with you son? It's just transporting goods."

He frowned but he seemed to consider me. I did the same in the mean while. It wasn't like I could turn him down anyways but he seem like a catch. Looks, money, politeness and what might be a brain. He definitely gets my stamp if approval. His father watches and waits.

" Well I understand why you want me to get married and she seems like a suitable partner. I see no objection to your proposal, Father."

And like that, my fate was sealed to Alfaro Carreido.