Heart of the Sun

Chapter 16: Great Ambitions

Allister's point of view:
Once the Monseigneur set sail once more, the crew men continued on with their work. Most never gave the transaction another thought, Seamus mummers to himself about "such a waste" but nothing more. All but Arthur, unmoving as the ship disappears from the horizon.
While most saw nothing, I easily picked up on the cracks in his facade. A quick twitch of the eye, his muscles tight, voice low and speech slow. I knew he didn't want to give her up, but his pride would never allow it.
Not to mention her heart isn't something he can take, it's given.
He's growing infatuation for her has rendered his confidence, making him him unsure of his normal tendencies.

The Arthur Kirkland I know would have broken his promise easily if he wanted to keep her. Hell, the Arthur Kirkland I know would have killed her long ago in that dingy cell.

But I couldn't blame him. I too had fallen victim to some of Isabel's natural charms. Her exotic looks and bold personality was a bit intoxicating. Especially when she gave her warm and genuine smile. My heart would always soften slightly. But unfortunately, Arthur seemed to be more taken with her, and now everyone would have to suffer the consequences of her departure.

Her suffering isn't what he wants anymore, and nothing good comes from Arthur not getting what he wants.

Arthur's point of view:
I sat in my empty study. Thought I would barely see her anyways, I couldn't ignore that I felt her absence. The sister of my great nemesis. I should be happy, I've found a way to prolong Fernandez's suffering. Once he learns she been sold off to the mercy of lustful men, he will be broken.
Yet I find the very thought of another man, especially one such as Francis, getting to touch what I never did frustrating. The fact she hates me with a passion yet will trust Allister. A man who has bedded more women than I can fathom, killed countless in cold blood. She even perfected a damned cat over me!
I slouched down allowing my hat to tumble off. But I couldn't keep her. Even thought she's the kind of woman you only find once in a lifetime. I know that now, I know too late. I've done too much to hurt her. I wouldn't trust me either. It's for the best that she gone...

Gun shoots tore me from my brooding.
I jump up, ready to end the lives foolish enough to attack me.
I stormed out to the deck to find other pirates running about. They were going to kill anyone within reach, and it didn't seem to matter who. I stood, unimpressed. They were very sweaty and spoke broken English mixed with another. These pirates were obviously not very organized and lived harsh and savage lives, and wouldn't win against my disciplined men.

I grinning grabbing my gun, heart burning with bloodlust.

Once finally narrowing down the attacking crew to three, I began my interaction.

"Why did you attack my ship, do you know who I am?"

The Dark answered begrudgingly "Yus I did. It'sa tha ship the King wished we'd attack. He coulda kill all butta pretty lady."

"And what happens if you achieved this, what's your reward?"

"Riches, tons of it."

"Which King is this?"

"The King of Seas."

I stopped in shock.
How could he rally low lifes like these to work so loyalty? Could that self-proclaimed title of his really carry that much weight?

"Now see hear you low life, I defeated your so called "King" so you might want to think again about who's side you want to be on."

But instead the man gave a sick smile.
"No, I'm sure. Going against my King is the last thing I want, especially with the fury he's in. Any sort of pain you offer is sweet compared to him. He know how to kill a man, both body and soul and it's only getting worse."

I violently break the man's nose, trying to cool my temper before it boils over. Damn him! Damn his sister! Damn the whole bloody family! I should be the most respected man to sail being I stole the most valuable thing the "KING of Seas" has! Yet HE threatens ME!

"ALLISTER! FRONT AND CENTER!"

Allie stepped up swiftly, a cat o' nines wrapped up carefully in his hand.

"Yes Captain?"

"My cat, now."

Upon receiving the whip, I let the leather unravel gracefully with a threatening promise.

"Still sure about your loyalties?"

Fear was evident in the men's eyes, but the nodded their heads confidently.
"Hail King of Seas till death."

With that I lashed my fury down upon them, tearing their flesh till they were unrecognizable.

"Peter, I want this deck spotless. Allister, I want these bodies hung up as a warning to the unweary. Seamus, clean my cat and someone get me someone get me some blood rum or I'll hang all of you with our special guests!"

The men scurried about their work, trying to avoid my line of fire. I started to my private chamber with my unopened bottle of rum when I stopped. I didn't want to be there. I wanted to forget about who I was for awhile, get away.
After roaming around aimlessly, my feet carried me to the door of her room. I sung the door open softly, looking about the storage room. It was a simple set up, a makeshift bed and candles on an empty crate. Though it wasn't much, the space seem to hold a bit of her presence. My mind flashes to that warm smile I caught sight of so long ago. She seemed like a compassionate person, someone who could bring up people even if they hit rock bottom. But she'd never do that for me, not after what I've done. If only she wasn't Fernandez's sister, if only she wasn't on that ship! Damn you Fernandez! Of course you wouldn't be smart enough to keep her out of danger, away from me! No, you let her fall victim to my revenge, my conquest, my pride.

I suddenly jerk myself up, remembering a crucial fact. I'm a pirate that gets what he wants. I don't have to respect that Francis bought her fairly. I don't have to acknowledge that she hates me. My ambition got me into this mess, why can't it get me out?
With a plan already in mind, I burst out on the deck spouting orders.

I will find Isabel Fernandez, and she will be mine.