The Captain's Stand

by Kat Mandu

  “You want us to split up?” James asked, looking at him in bewilderment.

  “In a way, ay. To see how committed and team building we can be and any other excuses we can come up with. Look, the fact is, we don’t all need to be running around. You, I need a name,” Richard said, pointing at the assassin as he dropped onto the sand.

  “Stefano,” he replied, giving a name to his face.

  “Stefano and James and I are going to look for this hermit or wizard, if we must name him for now. Boss, you hold up here. Eagle Eye, Madison, see if you can track the Captain down, but don’t do anything stupid. Also, take the map and see if you can find what altars he has been. It’s a tall order, but I’ve got faith in you. Just stay away from the center area, clear?” Richard asked.

  “So the rest of us just stay put then? I don’t care much for this idea,” Laurella commented. “I don’t much like you taking over and separating so many of us.”

  “True, and I understand. But you can’t keep doing the same thing over and over and expect something to change. So take a chance; besides Tray will be here. I am also stocked on food. So relax and get to know your new friends. If we are fortunate, they shall also be your new shipmates,” Richard said with a smile. And that seemed to end the discussion.

  She remained stoic but it was clear that she did not like this shake up or the separation. Richard shook his head and reached for a waterskin. He took a few gulps but never bothered to grab his bag.

  “Well, let’s get moving. Stefano, lead the way,” Richard ordered. The man in question nodded and headed out of the ship.

  “So, this guy tried to kill you?” James asked, looking over at Richard. “A bit trusting, aren’t we?” he asked.

  “Actually, quite the opposite. I don’t trust anyone on this island. In a nest of liars and killers, what can you expect to find the most of?” Richard asked. James only rolled his eyes.

  “A well-placed word proves nothing, your cryptic bastard,” he said in an unamused tone.

  “The way I see it, it’s a risk to trust anyone. Period. However, if I wait to try and find people I can trust, it would be too late to do anything. So, if I want to get what I want, I need to be bold or go straight to Davey Jones. See ma point?”

  “You suicidal?” James replied. Richard only slumped his shoulders at the comment.

  “Hardly. I have found a doctor, a lookout, an assassin, a carpenter, a shipwright, a beast master, a weapons expert, a knight, a navigator and a castle that has near unlimited supplies. Nae to mention a very smart dog. And despite every setback, things are still lining up perfectly. I can get us off this island, and if nae, I would be a damn fool for nae trying and would hate ma-self if I didn’t. So suicidal is very possible; in fact, if this gets fucked up, I think the only person who is going to be in dire straits is me,” Richard said. James was now realized that Richard not only knew what would happen, but that in fact, he was the one would likely fall the hardest. “That being said, I pull this off, I will be Captain Richard Robert Zane,” he said with a very large grin.

  “I don’t know how keen people would be on that,” James said. Richard turned around and walked backwards.

  “They won’t have much of a choice, because the way things are going, every job but ‘Captain’ is going to be filled when I walk on that ship. And so far, only one person has complained. I think I am in good shape, all things considered,” he said, stretching both hands to the side in a grand gesture.

  James shook his head while Jill trotted past him and after her master. Richard made his way to the front and glanced back at him.

  “You know, I could kill you right now and put an end to all your nonsense,” Stefano said.

  “True, many people could,” Richard replied, holding up his bandaged hand. “And nobody in the world would be worse off. But would you wonder what would happen if I lived?”

  “Maybe a little,” he admitted. “So, is this the part where you ask how I got on this island?” he asked with a dull look.

  “I honestly could care less, one way or the other. It would pass the time, but it could be dull and then I would be even more bored,” he said, showing his teeth and looking at the ocean. “Screw it, tell me your life story, if you want. I’ve got time to kill. But James is going to get an earful as well.”

  “Well, I don’t expect it to be kept a secret if it escapes my lips.”

  “You know what they say: three people can keep a secret if two of them are dead. Or in ma case, forgetful. Being honest, I doubt I will retain this past the first week if you’re lucky. Or unlucky, if you do want me to remember,” Richard replied.

  “That honesty is going to get you killed,” he replied.

  “Ay, ay, preach it. Den of liars, weaknesses, all that nonsense. Can we get on with your backstory? Something cool and dark, maybe order of assassins or something interesting,” Richard encouraged.

  “Nope, I learned how to read, write and kill. Good money in it, actually. I picked up a few things from some medical books. I discovered that if you hit the needle or knife in the right spot, they die. I am here because I got careless and blew up the target, as well as his ship. So I got stuck here,” he admitted, looking over at Richard.

  “Well, that was boring. And you killed two seconds. Now, what to do with the rest?” Richard asked, letting out a fake yawn to express his boredom.

  “Well, you can shut up and follow me,” Stefano replied, beginning to walk forward.

  “Ohh,” James said, passing him by with a longer stride. Richard proceeded to flip both of them off before wincing from flexing his right hand.

  “So, is this it?” Richard asked, standing beside the other two. Stefano nodded, looking over the place in question. “I don’t know, I kind of expected something. I mean, an inventor should have something cool or interesting, right? Something nae all that normal,” Richard admitted.

  “I agree, but it is normal,” James commented.

  “Yeah, but look at the location,” Richard argued. “I mean, normal would be a stone house or something made of sticks. Unusual is a ship that’s run aground or, um, you know, something like a treehouse. You know, gears and things that do I don’t know what. I mean, that’s what I expected,” Richard confessed.

  “Not what you were expecting?” Stefano asked, a smirk on his face. Richard gave him an unamused glance out of the corner of his eye. They were standing before a fenced-off area with a well-traveled pathway. The fence was made of red brick topped with metal spikes to keep people from hopping over it. Near the back was a three-story brick building which was being implemented in a few larger cities. However, in the middle of an island, the very normal home seemed extremely out of place.

  “Do you think it’s electrocuted?” James asked. Richard shrugged at the question.

  “I would rather nae ask. I wonder if there is a bell or something we can ring,” Richard wondered, walking up to the metal gate. He glanced at the outer bricks in search of some form of communication. “Can I come in?” he called out. When there was no reply he pushed open the gate and took a step onto the well-trimmed lawn. “It can’t be this easy,” Richard said, getting down on his hands and knees. He squinted, looking for anything that could be suspicious.

  “What are you doing?” a voice asked in a strong Cockney accent. Richard paused and slowly looked up. The man he saw was massive, towering over Richard with broad shoulders and a rather noticeable gut. His face was very broad with a relatively small pair of eyes compared to the rest of him. His nose seemed to have a slight hook above a bushy but well-trimmed mustache.

  “I do apologize, I was concerned. Everything seemed too normal and I couldn’t help but think there was something that I couldn’t see,” Richard said.

  “Understandable, but nothing to worry about,” the man replied, placing a flat cap on his head. He reached into his brown pinstriped vest and tugged on a chain that hung from his pocket. “Ah, just in time for tea. Care to join me? It ‘as been some time since I
’ve ‘ad a guest,” he invited, pushing down the sleeves of his ruffled shirt and walking back towards the house.

  “Sure, I wouldn’t mind having some,” Richard admitted, springing back to his feet. The man reached behind the door and Richard felt a pang of concern. But the man simply brought out a cane with a pair of tinted goggles that were wrapped around its head.

  “One moment,” he said, putting on a pair of glasses and unwrapping the goggles to reveal a silver wolf’s head on the cane. When the man stepped aside, Richard entered the house.

  “Richard, at your service,” he said, offering his hand.

  “Conan,” the man replied, shaking hands. “Do you want to invite your two friends as well?”

  “I am nae sure. The assassin was very nervous about coming, to be honest,” Richard said with a small grimace.

  “An assassin? Well, I’m afraid he will have to wait outside. Do come in, I should have the tea ready soon enough.”

  Richard took a step around while Conan moved through the house, bumping into a stack of books as he went. They tipped and Richard rushed forward, grabbing onto the top. The bottom of a cane suddenly bumped into his neck. The books fell to the floor and Richard gulped, unsure of what to expect from the man.

  “Oh, my books! Terribly sorry, I thought you were up to something with my back turned,” he admitted, withdrawing his cane.

  “It’s understandable,” Richard admitted, rubbing his neck. “You get the tea, I’ll pick these up,” Richard said, bending down on a knee and picking up a few books. “Special Theory?” he read, glancing at one of the covers. “Astrophysics?” he questioned, opening up the books. His eyes immediately went cross and he closed it. “What in the world are you reading?” he asked, looking at the book’s cover again. “Handwritten, planetary observation, planet,” Richard muttered, racking his brain. He was familiar with the word but it had been some time since his education days.

  “Oh yes, those. I wouldn’t go over those, they may be a bit ahead of your time,” Conan said when he walked back in. The greeting room was cramped, shelves lined with books and stacks of paper. Around the fireplace were two high-backed chairs with a small table on each side. “Sorry about the mess,” he said, picked up a few books and papers. “This is my research. I go over details to see if my little ideas could, in theory, work. I am afraid it has been awhile since I’ve cleaned it,” he admitted. “So, what can I do for you?” he asked, gesturing to a clear seat. Richard took one and sat, fingers pressed against each other while he closed his eyes and inclined his head.

  “This is a bit harder to ask in person, but I was hoping you could ma in an endeavor. I am nae sure what kind of man you are or how aware you are of your surroundings. So maybe, if its nae too much trouble, you can tell me a bit about yourself. And I can judge for ma-self if asking is a waste of time,” Richard said.

  “I am very aware. In fact, you showing up ‘as told me a lot. I can tell from the way you are sitting and shifting that you are uncomfortable – or a little less likely, don’t much care for sitting still,” Conan said. “Either of which is understandable; you have a strong curiosity. You couldn’t ‘elp but look at the books, even if you don’t understand them. You are a very introverted person, not comfortable with asking for things of people, or at the very least, of people you do not know. You ‘ave some degree of education, capable of reading at the very least. You carry a sword, but your broken right ‘and leads me to think you are primarily right ‘anded. Still dangerous, but to whom is up in the air. The quality of your clothing is very fine, but the dirt and wear show that you are unaccustomed to such things. This leads me to believe that you are maybe low to middleclass. Your accent puts you from Christendom Britannia, a north region. Highlander, if I am to guess right.”

  “Who are you?” Richard asked, doing a grand impression of an owl.

  “Well, my name is Conan Hemlock. I am a person who pursues knowledge for the sake of knowledge. So, I brought myself to this quaint little island and ‘ave dedicated myself to the expansion of studies,” he admitted.

  “Any practical applications?” Richard asked, his gaze narrowing.

  “So glad you asked,” he commented with a grin. Conan suddenly stood to his feet and moved out of the room and into a small kitchen, past an ice box and to a small wooden door.

  Richard followed Conan while he twisted on a gas lamp above them, illuminating the basement. He felt a tingling sensation flit down his spine. The tables in the basement were filled with things he couldn’t even begin to comprehend.

  “I am an inventor – obviously you know this – and I ‘ave an understanding. This is why you came, ‘oping I ‘ad something you could use in some problem you would like to get around,” Conan said.

  “I – ay,” Richard admitted, clearing his throat. “I know I have no right, but it seemed pointless to, at the very least, nae ask,” he added when Conan whirled his walking stick around. He found that it wasn’t a walking stick but in fact a hidden blade that Richard now found at his throat.

  “I figured as much, pirate,” he said calmly. Richard let his hands drop.

  “Well? I came for help, nae to harm you,” Richard pressed in a gentle and even tone.

  “I find that ‘ard to believe! You are not the first to hope for my assistance, and not the last. I do apologize; you ‘ave been nothing but polite. But I ‘ave no interest in ‘elping a pirate.”

  “Even one who plan’s on killing a would-be Pirate Lord?” Richard asked, lightly shrugging his shoulder. Conan turned his eyes on him. “Ah, so there are blind spots. Nae sure, but a man by the name of Captain Brendan “The Flame Mask” Flintlock, he took to the idea and has been doing the required sacrifices – 20 men at least – and soon, another man with too much power will rise,” Richard said, allowing it to hang in the air while he moved away from the sword. “I did blow up one of the altars. However, it was already used. I need some help; anything I can gather to keep this man from his power and wasting more human life. You can help. And once that is gone, you won’t have to worry about anyone ever coming to this island again,” Richard said, his voice rising. When he finished, his words echoed around the basement.

  “Hmm, I am not one to mince words, but I think I can get behind such an idea – but only just. What are you ‘oping for?” Conan asked, lowering his blade.

  “Something to get around that damn fog – I need full access to the supplies at the castle. I already have a carpenter and a shipwright. Any connections with people would be greatly appreciated, but I doubt you have many,” Richard replied.

  “You have been inside the castle – the castle that bends to your will – didn’t you consider a passage to a place where you could enter and exit the castle at will?” Conan asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “I can do that?” he asked in disbelief.

  “How else do you think I keep my ice box stored?” he asked. Richard sighed, slapping his forehead.

  “Because it did nae cross ma mind. I was running for ma damn life from that stupid Gargoyle. Speaking of which, I have nae seen that damnable thing,” he muttered.

  “You’ve got the fairy! That’s the only reason that thing stirs, are you crazy?” Conan asked, having finally gotten his feathers ruffled.

  “Hardly, I got her out, but the damn thing escaped after we jumped off a cliff trying to escape a man-eating plant!” Richard griped.

  “Fascinating,” Conan replied, watching Richard curiously. “Perhaps I should get out more; that sounds interesting,” he admitted, glancing around. He picked up a small object, shaped like an “L”, and tossed it to Richard.

  “What is the world is this?” Richard asked, turning the object in his hands as he looked it over. It appeared to be a barrel mounted onto a piece of wood.

  “It’s a firearm – a pistol, if you must give it a name. Think of it like a small cannon,” he replied. Richard held the weapon out and looked down the barrel.

  “How accurate is it?” Richard asked, handi
ng the weapon back. He twisted it in his left hand, offering the wooden grip. But Conan didn’t take it.

  “Shot it three times; it’s very accurate so long as you use the sights properly. ‘Ere is the second one. I got a little creative with them,” he admitted, handing a second pistol to Richard. He winced as he took the weapon in his right hand but held them both up for inspection. Both barrels’ had a scale like engraving on them and there was a blue tinted etching on the metal.

  “Amazing, so how am I going to be able to carry these?” Richard asked, glancing back up at Conan.

  “Ah, yes. I came up with a holster for both of them – they are called Tooth and Claw,” Conan replied, digging out two leather holsters. He held them out for Richard. “Also, these slide onto your belt anyway you prefer.”

  “Hmm, under ma tail coat would be good, I guess. I do nae like asking questions,” Richard said, setting down the pistols as he looked at the leather holsters.

  “That will work,” he replied. “The pathway I ‘ave is here on this map. So, kill this bastard off and get the fuck off my island,” Conan said darkly.

  “Okay,” Richard said in a steady voice, taking off his belt and sliding on the holsters. With a slight ‘click’, both guns were put in their proper places.

  “‘Ere are supplies for cleaning, bullets and powder amounts. Don’t go burning yourself; the ‘ammer causes the spark. If something gets in its way, it’s not going to fire. Keep it clean and the powder dry. ‘Ere’s the map – well detailed. Also, if you do care to come over for some tea, feel free to inform me of the results of the field test,” Conan offered.

  “Sure,” Richard drawled out. A sudden whistling sound caught his ear.

  “Ah, that would be the tea,” Conan said brightly, moving with incredible speed up the stairs. Richard held up one the pistols and looked it over before sliding it back into place. He slipped the bullets and gunpowder into his left hand pocket. He glanced back over the basement when he had made it towards the stairs. “I wonder if he would let me play with some of his other toys,” he mused before heading up for some tea.