Free The Wrath of a Shipless Pirate (The Godlanders War) by Aaron Pogue Page B

then a fourth surprised Corin. It was Lucky Lou, a gray-haired, stringy old veteran who had served with Corin on Old Grim’s crew years ago.
    Lucky Lou didn’t run for the docks; he ran to intercept Corin. He didn’t pretend any ignorance either. He’d always been a straight talker. “It’s a fool move, son. I don’t care what you’ve heard, it don’t apply to you. Get out of town.”
    Corin answered in the same low tone. “I appreciate the warning , old man. More than you can know. But nothing’s changing my resolve, and they might make you regret stopping to talk with me.”
    “Regret is a young man’s vice, Corin. The only people in the world with that power over me are Old Grim and Ephitel himself .” He went two paces in silence, then sighed. “And right this moment, you. I don’t want to see you dead over some blasted ship .”
    “It’s not the ship.”
    “Fine. Some blasted mutiny. Not much difference in my books. Listen to an old man’s experience: Count yourself lucky that you survived, and find some new endeavor.”
    Corin shared a smile. “I’ve found one. I’m doing a favor for the good people of Marzelle.”
    “Pfft! Not much reward in public service. Would you really spill a drop of blood for a few stinking Raentzmen?”
    “I’d spill all of Dave Taker’s.”
    “You mean Tommy Day’s?”
    “I mean every rat left of that crew, if I get the chance. Ethan Blake too.”
    Something in that name snapped Lou’s patient resolve. He stopped in his tracks, knotted a fist in Corin’s shirt, and pulled him close. Eyes flashing and voice cast low, he said, “Hear me, son, because wherever you’ve been lately, you’ve lost your bearings good. Ethan Blake is a Vestossi, Dave Taker owns a port in Raentz, and Tommy Day kills off regiments for sport. These are the men you want to tangle with.”
    Every bit as serious, Corin answered him. “I don’t much care what his father’s name is. I plan to put an end to Ethan Blake.”
    Lucky Lou snorted. “As well say you plan to pick a fight with Ephitel. You can’t tangle with a Vestossi.”
    Corin weighed his answer. It served him naught to tip his hand, but he couldn’t stop himself. He shrugged. “One thing at a time.”
    Lou shook him like a child’s doll. “I’m not joking. I’ll tell you one more time: Leave town.”
    “I will. Tomorrow.”
    “Stormy seas, Corin! I never thought you a fool.”
    “Have a little faith. I keep some secrets of my own.”
    “I had some faith. Right up until you defied me.”
    “You never were my captain, Lou.”
    “No. No. But I used to be your friend.”
    “You still are.”
    “If that’s a fact—if you feel any kindness to me at all— abandon this whole enterprise. I have rooms in a country inn an hour outside town. These blackguards don’t reach that far. Come share a drink with me, and I will change your mind.”
    When Corin hesitated, Lou leaned closer still and begged him. “Please.”
    But even as he stood there wrestling with the choice, Corin caught sight of Doug the Gar across the way. One of his old hands, and almost as loyal to Taker as Tommy was. Doug didn’t try for stealth at all. He cried out in alarm and then ran all-out for the docks.
    And that was why Corin couldn’t yield to Lou’s pleas. No matter what he owed the man, Corin’s plans were already in motion. Already word of his presence had reached Dave Taker’s ship. If Corin arrived within the hour, he’d find chaos waiting for him there. If he waited any longer, the First Mate would have time to restore order, lay a trap for him, or send someone to kill him in the streets as he’d done to Béthané’s militiamen.
    Corin dropped his gaze. “I’m sorry, Lou. I can’t afford to wait. I would love to share a drink with you. I’m sure there’s much I need to know. But after—”
    Lou spat. “There won’t be any ‘after.’ I won’t hang around to watch those dogs tear out your guts. I’m leaving this town and