Pirates of Garacia: Treasure of the Sirens » Places

         "Ah, clearly I am doing my duty. As it is said in my country, "Si una donna e tranquila, ha bisogno di un uomo." If a woman is at peace, she needs a man," he announced, earning laughter from his crew. His first mate frowned, eying their captive wearily.

"I think it would be better to execute her, captain. I rather think that she is too dangerous to be kept alive. How many men has she killed in the past? Why should we waist food and wine in order for you to play host?" he asked, earning a few nods of agreement. Xerxes shook his head.

"Oh no, my friend. Chivalry is everything. If it were not for chivalry, we would be no different than the common rifraf we just went packing," he argued, grinning as he earned a few cheers from his crew. He clapped his first mate on the shoulder, "Now come, Jacob. Let us celebrate!"

Within an hour, food was being piled high on makeshift tables on the deck of the ship. The men were already cracking open alcohol and Xerxes could hear a few instruments being played. He smiled from his spot next to Robyn who, true to his word, was his honored guest. He eyed the salted pork in front of him with a slight frown. He did not much care for the smell the spice gave off, but that was easily remedied. He took a sip from his wine.

"I hope we can put this unpleasantness behind us, mio cara. I hold no ill feelings for you. When we are back to Nassau, I am certain we can come to an arrangement in exchange for your freedom, say, 10 percent of your plunder for the next year and a day?" he told her.

"Ah, that is what makes you unique, Captain. Magnanimous as ever. Some would say too magnanimous," his first mate told him, sitting next to him and offering him a toast. Xerxes smiled.

"Well, magnanimity does wonders. You'll see."

"Aye. I think you have. Will you do the cook the honor of taking a bite of your meal? The battle was long and hard and you must be famished. Cookie worked extra hard to make these rations palatable."

Xerxes smiled slightly and brought a piece to his nose, sniffing distastefully. He knew that unpleasant smell, but from where.

Thump

Instinctively, Xerxes drew his sword, but he found several pointing at himself along with pistols cocked and ready to drill a hole inside him. Around them, he could see the members of his crew not going for their weapons choking and collapsing on the deck. He frowned slightly.

"Ah. Mutiny is it? And you only had to point two thirds of the crew. Such a shame. Lee had an excellent singing voice," Xerxes snarked. Jacob grimaced.

"You always did take things too lightly, Xerxes Gaspari and now you are paying for it," he told him before reaching out with his hand, "The map piece, if you please. I have already helped myself to the one in your room."

Xerxes sighed, presenting his former first mate with the map piece.

"A mutineer never dies well, my friend. Remember that."

"Well, it will be better than your death," he told him, aiming a pistol at his chest and shooting him before tossing him overboard into the waiting waves. He turned to Robyn and smiled.

"It's your ladyship's turn next."