by Sarah Noffke
Wilder held up a finger. “Orrrr maybe he was giving us the date we wanted, but acting like it was for practical reasons.”
“We might never know with that man, and we might be wrong, but he’s the only one who knows that you, the weapons expert, is here.”
Wilder lifted an eyebrow. “Unless we’re wrong and there is another one.”
“Do you think that’s possible?” Sophia asked. “Wouldn’t Subner know about that? He did make you or gift you with the power or whatever he did.”
“I don’t know, but the pirates now looking for me changes everything,” Wilder stated. “I think we’ve lost an advantage as far as sneaking onto the ship.”
A sudden idea burst to the surface of Sophia’s mind. “Then what if we don’t sneak aboard? What if there are two experts here, but of course, the pirates don’t know that?”
“I’m not at all following you, but I’m positive that you’ve instantly crafted another strategic and brilliant ‘Sophia Beaufont’ plan.”
Chapter Eighty
“What should my name be?” Sophia wrapped a long sash around her waist. They’d found a clothing store that offered some interesting items, and that had given Sophia another good idea. Not only was she going to board the pirate’s ship known as the Dark Echo, declaring she was the expert they were looking for, but she would disguise herself as a pirate.
Sophia reasoned that these pirates were going to be rough and they no doubt planned to intimidate this weapon’s expert into opening the case and retrieving the bow and arrows they had on board. There was no better way to fight pirates than with another pirate.
If she showed up as a dragonrider or simply a magician, they’d treat her differently. Show up as one of them, and there was already built-in camaraderie—well, as much as a pirate could offer with their sly and backstabbing ways. Sophia felt that being one of them leveled the playing field and made it more likely they’d cooperate, or at least make a show of it.
In no way did Sophia delude herself into thinking that the pirates aboard the Dark Echo would welcome her on board, ask her to open a chest, and let her stroll off the ship, especially when they discovered that the bow and arrows were gone. She relished the idea of playing pirate games.
“Hmmmm…” Wilder hummed while thinking. “I think a good pirate name is important. I like ones that say something about you as the person. You know, something that’s on the nose.”
“Like Captain Sharp Tongue?” Sophia put on large loop earrings. “Then I’d be known for the way I speak.”
“Yeah, or maybe Captain Quick Strides or Captain Headlock,” Wilder joked. “You get the idea.”
Sophia tried on a large black hat with a red feather, liking how it partially obscured her face and gave her an air of mystery. She was starting to look like she could be one of the Three Musketeers with her ruffled shirt and Inexorabilis on her hip. That gave her a sudden idea.
“Oh, what about Captain Long Sword?” she offered, adding a gold chain to the ensemble.
“I like it,” Wilder stated approvingly. “You’re supposed to be a weapons expert.”
Sophia turned, admiring the costume they’d put together so quickly. “Okay, well, I have a name and look the part. I think I’m ready.”
Wilder grinned at her, a flirtatious look on his face. “You’re the most beautiful pirate anyone has ever seen.”
She patted her sword on her side. “Thank you, but hopefully beautiful and deadly.”
He leaned and in and gave her a chaste kiss. “Let’s hope you don’t have to use that. If I’ve done my job, there will be no fight, and the pirates won’t know what happened to them.”
Chapter Eighty-One
While Sophia’s boots were thundering down the dock that led to the Dark Echo, Wilder was climbing up the side of the pirate’s ship. The real expert clung to the starboard side, making his way to what he thought was the captain’s quarters.
As he made his way up to the main deck, he heard footsteps and yells from the crew above him. Soon there would be a lot more commotion. That would be Wilder’s opportunity to sneak into the captain’s quarters and set the stage for the perfect theft. Sophia’s plan had been a good one. Like her, it involved relying on strategy and leveraging what was known about pirates rather than storming the Dark Echo and using force.
Wilder smiled to himself as he secured his position outside the wheelhouse on the outside of the ship. He didn’t think he could love that woman anymore, but she constantly surprised him.
Chilly seawater leapt up from below, drenching Wilder as the Dark Echo rocked in its mooring. If what they knew about ships was correct, the captain’s cabin would be right behind this spot, but there was no way to tell until he was on deck.
Lifting himself slightly, Wilder chanced a look over the railing beside the quarterdeck. Three pirates were doing various things: washing the deck, coiling rope, and standing around idly.
Wilder quickly ducked before they saw him. These guys would have to vacate this area, or he’d have to toss them in the water. He hoped to avoid that. It was all up to Sophia to make a grand enough entrance that everyone on board ran to see the new visitor, unable to resist.
Chapter Eighty-Two
Sophia never pictured that dressing as a flamboyant pirate would be part of her job description. Yet, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love my job, Sophia thought as she strode down the pier to where the Dark Echo had moored at the far end. It appeared so out of place amid the shiny white sailboats with cheery tourists.
In contrast, the Dark Echo was, as its name suggested, completely black. It had an eerie feel to it as Sophia neared the port side where there was a ramp for boarding. If Wilder had been successful, he’d be climbing up the opposite side—starboard—and waiting for his cue.
As she neared the ramp, Sophia heard yells from the upper decks where pirates were moving about, doing whatever pirates did. Their tones were sharp and hostile as they shouted to each other about various things.
Sophia pulled in a breath and gave herself a pep talk. You can do this, she encouraged, realizing that she should have taken acting classes at some point for her education. She’d never played pirates as a kid, let alone pretended to be one and deceive actual pirates. She hoped that her knowledge from novels and movies held up, or otherwise, she and Wilder were in for a very different adventure than what they planned.
How much did the pirate pay for his piercing? Lunis asked in Sophia’s head, nearly making her jump from the sudden interruption.
She sighed and suppressed a grin. How much?
A buck-an-ear, he replied, laughing at his joke.
I know you know this, but this is sort of a bad time, she informed him. I’m trying to channel my inner pirate right now.
I’m going to help you, he retorted. I know everything there is to know about pirates.
Oh?
Yes. You need to have a graceful swagger, so stop walking like a lady, he ordered.
Sophia paused, looked down at her boots, and realized he was right. She was striding with her usual grace, but a pirate, used to being on the open seas, moved with a different fluidity.
Think wider stance, he encouraged. They need to remain balanced at all times, depending on what the raging sea throws at them.
Sophia started forward again. She was about halfway down the pier from the Dark Echo. She walked almost duck-footed, her legs bowed out and her hips swaying slightly.
Nice correction, Lunis said victoriously in her head. Now you need to talk like you’ve had a fifth of rum after rolling out of bed. Don’t do this distinguished articulation that you’re known for. That will scream high-class magician raised with the finest of educations. Remember, you’re a pirate. You probably can’t read or write, but you can hold your breath for a solid three minutes.
Sophia paused again, pretending to be looking out at the open seas in the distance. You’re right, Lun. I need to have more of a slur to my speech.
Perfect, Lunis commended. Also, no pleasantries. You don’t have manners. You don’t know what they are. So burp and let the rum drip from your chin. Eat with your fingers and make demands often. Own the space because if you don’t, they’ll smell an imposter right away.
I guess I couldn’t have been the cultured, educated pirate that took to the seas to get away from family obligations, could I? she asked hopefully.
You can make up whatever backstory you want, but they’ll only respect one of their own, so be like them if you want to earn their favor.
You’re the best, Lun. Thanks.
I am, Lunis said proudly. Now before you go, one final thing.
Sophia waited for the blue dragon to impart his final piece of wisdom.
What has eight legs, eight arms, and eight eyes?
I don’t know, she replied. A weird octopus, maybe?
Eight pirates. He howled with laughter. Oh, if you really want to sell the part, maybe you can grab a peg leg.
Honestly, I don’t even know how to pull that one off magically, Sophia replied. And Wilder will be in place. I can’t keep him waiting.
Well, you can, Lunis offered. But it would no doubt be the death of him because he can’t cling to the ship unnoticed for much longer.
Sophia nodded, thundering forward to the ramp to the Dark Echo, striding the way Lunis had informed her. Before, she’d looked the part. Now, she thought that she felt the part—she was a pirate—Captain Long Sword.
Chapter Eighty-Three
“Stop! Don’t go any further!” a pirate with the stereotypical eyepatch and sideways mouth yelled from the Dark Echo as Sophia approached the gangway.
“Why not?” she asked, like this was a perplexing trivia question that had her stumped.
“Because only the captain and the crew of the Dark Echo can board this vessel,” the pirate said, his face twitching.
“Oh.” Sophia threw her arms wide. “Well, shiver me timbers. I thought you all were looking for a weapons expert. That’s what the rumor is in town. I’ll take my expertise on weapons elsewhere.”
Did you say shiver me timbers? Lunis asked dryly in her head.
It’s what pirates say, Sophia protested.
Maybe cartoon pirates, he argued. That guy is the real deal, and I think if you say “Arrrr” to him, you too will be sporting matching eyepatches.
That sounds kind of cute, Sophia teased.
I like your eyes, he stated. Both of them. Just be rude, talk with a slur, walk with a swagger and chew with your mouth open. It’s not that hard, Sophia.
Right, she chirped. Just be you. Got it.
“Wait!” the pirate yelled, loud enough that it caused people from nearby docks to look over.
Perfect, Sophia thought. She needed to get the attention of everyone on the Dark Echo so if others were looking over, that was a good sign.
“Did you say that you’re a weapons expert?” The pirate beckoned her up the ramp. “Captain’s been looking for one of you. If I let you get away, he’ll have my head.”
“Well, but I’m not a member of the crew or the captain, and you says that only they can board.” Sophia shrugged and turned back the way she’d come.
“I found one!” the pirate yelled over his shoulder. “There’s a weapons expert here! Don’t let her get away!”
Thundering footsteps made Sophia pause. She watched as a flood of pirates, all with various ailments like eyepatches or missing teeth or facial scars, ran to the side of the ship and looked down at her.
The one with the eyepatch pointed at her. “You must come up here and talk to our captain. There be a reward in it for you. He’s desperate to find a weapons expert.”
One of the pirates next to Eye Patch slapped him on the head. “Don’t tell ’em that. We can’t have ’em knowing there’s a reward in it for them.”
The pirate said, “Shhhhhh,” a little too loudly, and winked with his good eye. “They don’t know it’s a trip to Deep Side.”
Sophia, thoroughly amused by the bumbling pirates, turned and made her way up the ramp, glad to see the rails had filled with dirty pirates, all watching her with wide eyes—or in some cases, a wide eye.
The crew stood back when Sophia stepped on deck, looking at her like a Martian wearing a very bad pirate’s costume. She immediately became aware of the problem with her disguise. She was too clean. Plus, she had all her body parts. And no scars.
Why don’t pirates shower before they walk the plank? Lunis asked in her head.
Not really a good time, Sophia said as the pirates all formed a tight circle around her, closing her in with no escape. She was suddenly acutely aware that she’d willingly stepped onto a pirate’s ship intending to deceive. She was either out of her mind…or no, really the only option was that she was out of her mind, she decided at once.
A pirate doesn’t shower before they walk the plank, Lunis continued, unperturbed about being a disruption, because they know they’ll wash up on shore later.
Brilliant, Sophia replied dryly, watching as the expressions on the pirates’ faces turned from awe to confusion.
“I thought you said you found a weapons expert,” a guy with a peg leg said to Eye Patch.
“That’s right,” he affirmed.
“But me thinks that’s a girl,” Peg Leg stated.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen one,” a pirate with a long beard that looked like seaweed stated. “But you might be right.”
Feeling rather amused, Sophia crossed her arms over her chest, grateful to see the crowd around them swelling. She had to have most of the crew as an audience at this point. Only a few more, and the coast would be clear for Wilder. “The last time I checked, I’m a woman.”
“Yeah, but you be dressed like a pirate,” Eye Patch argued.
“And you claim to be a weapon’s expert,” Peg Leg added.
Sophia sighed, annoyed that this was always the debate wherever she went. “Yes, I’m a pirate who is a weapons expert who happens to be a woman. I heard a rumor you lot were looking for an expert, but it appears you think I’m an exhibit at a zoo.”
“What’s an exhibit?” Seaweed Beard asked, confused.
“What’s a zoo?” another pirate asked.
Lay off the big words, Einstein, Lunis urged.
Sophia cringed inside. How was I supposed to know that things like zoos would soar over their heads?
They live on the open seas and pillage other ships, Lunis explained. Not a lot of leisure time for museums or zoos. If they have a day off on land, it’s also filled with pillaging and drinking rum.
Got it, Sophia said, managing the look on her face as footsteps thudded from the back of the thick crowd of pirates.
“The captain’s coming!” someone yelled. “Clear the way!”
The fear that sprang to the faces around her made Sophia instantly worried about these misfits' leader. He had to be the craziest of the bunch. She corralled her fear and set her shoulders back, preparing her inner pirate for the next bit.
In front of her, the crowd split as the captain of the Dark Echo staggered forward. At first, Sophia thought that he had a peg leg too. Or maybe he was drunk. However this pirate appeared to have both legs but was simply walking with a limp—on both sides.
The captain wore all black like his ship. Or it was once white clothing but had seen better days. He once probably only had one chin, but a series of skirmishes had changed that. However, he had both eyes, legs, and arms and therefore was faring better than most of his crew.
“What this be?” the captain growled upon laying eyes on Sophia. “I thought you said you brought me the weapons expert I’ve been looking for.”
“That’s what she claims to be,” Eye Patch explained.
“And she is a she,” Peg Leg added.
Sophia rolled her eyes, looking bored. “I heard a rumor you needed an expert and came to see
what the fuss was about.”
The captain tilted his head to the side, studying her. “You be a pirate of sorts?”
“No,” she stated. “I’m a pirate. No ‘of sorts’ about it.”
“Why you be all clean?” He pointed at her with a dirty finger.
“You lot haven’t been around women much, have you?” Sophia laughed.
“Well, there was that one time,” Eye Patch cackled. “When she woke up, she left screaming.”
“I saw one at a distance that once,” another pirate called.
Sophia suppressed a grin. “Women aren’t the dirty savages that men are. I wash my clothes in the sea. And my body.”
The men all giggled like school girls talking about their crushes.
“She said ‘body,’” one of the pirates sang, and the rest erupted in more nervous laughter.
“Would you shut up!” the captain yelled and looked at Sophia with a skeptical expression, making her heart beat fast. “If you be a pirate, where your ship be?”
She pointed nonchalantly over her shoulder. “Hiding in a neighboring harbor. You all have some oysters sailing right into these waters when I’m sure there’s a lot of gold on each of your heads.”
“That there be,” Eye Patch sang.
“I’m wanted in twelve countries,” Peg Leg boasted.
“The authorities know better than to mess with me,” the captain said proudly. “I’m Captain Silver Toe. I take what I want and never get captured. Nor does my crew. We’re the best on the open sea.”
“Sounds like an exhausting reputation to keep up with.” Sophia looked at her nails, realizing that they were pristinely clean. She hid her hands in her pockets.
“So, you say you be a weapons expert.” Captain Silver Toe didn’t hide his skepticism.
“THE weapons expert,” Sophia corrected. “You won’t find another like me on this side of the globe or maybe any other.”
“Then I’ve got something I want your help with,” Captain Silver Toe said with a devilish grin.