Where Ashes and Oaths Collide

Chapter 46: Pirates

Luz and his team walked along the coast, a jagged cliff face dominating the right side, its dark stone weathered by wind and sea. Then they approached the cave entrance, its interior swallowed by shadow. A single torch burned just inside, casting a faint, flickering orange glow that barely pushes back the darkness. The ground beneath them is uneven and rocky, damp from the crashing waves below. To the left, the ocean stretches out under a sky filled with heavy, layered clouds. The rising sun breaks through near the horizon, casting warm golden light across the water and illuminating parts of the cliff. Waves crash against the rocks, sending white foam into the air.

Standing in front of the cave are three pirates, properly there to load of illegal supplies. On the left stood a tall, lean pirate with a long, dark coat and a wide-brimmed hat. His posture is alert, slightly turned toward the sea, as if watching for an approaching ship. His expression is serious and calculating, and his clothing is worn but practical, suggesting experience. He is wearing a sleeveless worn shirt that exposes his dirty, marked arms and chest. His pants are simple rugged, tucked into practical boots. A strap crosses his torso, likely for carrying weapons. In his left hand his holding an axe, swung over his shoulder.

Beside him, in the centre, stood a broader, more imposing figure with his arms crossed. He is bald with a thick beard and heavily tattooed arms, making him look brutal and intimidating. His stance is grounded and confident, as if her is the enforcer of the group. He is wearing a long, dark red coat that looks heave and worn, with a slightly tattered hem. Underneath, he has a loose white buttoned up shirt. He is also wearing a wide-brimmed, weather-beaten hat and h tall, sturdy boots–suited for rough terrain. On the right side, stood a more refined looking pirate wearing a decorated coat and a hat adorned with feather. He holds a small object– possibly a coin or a compass– studying it with a thoughtful, almost cunning expression. Beside him, a dark banner hangs from a wooden post, marked with a faded emblem, fluttering slightly in the coastal wind.

The pirate in the middle smirks when he spots Luz and his team. “Looki here boys, more slaves for Cidade dos escravos,” he said greedily, but his smirk faded instantly as Luz’s amber eyes fixed on him. The temperature around the cave entrance dropped noticeably, and the sea breeze carried with it the scent of ozone. “There men are not slave,” Luz corrected the pirate, his voice carrying the lethal authority of someone who had ordered executions before. “They are soldier serving Mestre Escuro’s will. And you are in our way.” Without waiting for another taut, he drew his obsidian blade in one fluid motion. The weapon hummed with dark power as he addressed his squad: “Leo, take care of the two guards flanking him. Sol, secure our rear approach– do not let those fools call for backup.”

Leo nodded sharply, his twin daggers flashing as he charged the two pirates on either side, the guards never stood a chance; Leo moved with blurring speed, dispatching the man on the left before he could even draw his weapon. The man on the right drew his sword, blocking Leo’s initial attack and with his other hand he pulled a pistol from his side and shot at Leo, who dodged quickly. The shot blurred Leo’s hearing and hit the cliff face beside the cave entrance with a loud noise. The ringing in his ear does little to stop him, his other dagger moves to penetrate the pirate’s gut, blood splattered onto the uneven floor. As the pirate lost his strength, Leo push past his blocking sword and slid the pirate’s throat.

Leo returned to Luz’s side, cleaning his blades with practiced efficiency. Meanwhile, Luz advanced on the remaining pirate captain. The man’s bravado evaporated completely under the Corrompido commanders intimidating presence. He fumbled for his cutlass but hesitated. The pirate’s bravado vanished entirely as Luz closed the distance. “Last change to surrender,” Luz stated, his voice carrying the finality of judgment itself. “Or I will gut you where you stand and feed your corpse to the crabs.” Lua positioned herself behind them both, her crossbow aimed steadily at the pirate’s back while Leo maintained watch on their surroundings. Casandra stood near the shore, looking over the water to see if she could sport a ship. Darm had made his way around the commotion and stood guard at the cave mouth.

The pirate looked out at the fast ocean once more, with the hope of back up, before he finally dropped his weapon with a clatter, raising his hands in defeat. “Mercy! I yield!” Luz’s amber eyes narrowed, assessing the trembling pirate and Amelia’s words from earlier come to mind– “At least you will be killing slavers.” Luz stepped forward to drive the tip of his obsidian blade through the pirate’s chest and he declared flatly, “No mercy.” As he withdrew the black and wiped it clean on the dead man’s dark red coat, he muttered, “Disgusting creature. Waste of good steel.” His attention shifted to the cave entrance where Darm was already analysing their path forward. “Status report,” he commanded sharply, his military training kicking in despite the emotional turmoil gnawing at him.

Darm looked up from the map, his crimson eyes reflecting the torch light. “This is the right entrance,” he said and put the map away. “I will put up a boundary spell, so no one follows us in.” Luz nodded approvingly at his professionalism, the amber in his eyes momentarily brightening with appreciation. His competence was one of the few constants he trusted in this chaotic operation. “Good work,” he said turning to address the entire team now assembled by the cave entrance. “Sol, you are on point– scout ahead. Report any traps or patrols.” His amber eyes swept over his squad, noting their readiness with satisfaction. Lead adjusted his dual daggers while Lua checked the ammunition in her crossbow with practiced efficiency.