Free The Ophir by Irene Patino Page A

and fruitful relationship
with the Cilician inhabitants, it came to an abrupt end in the late
1200s. The world encroached upon the clandestine world of the
vampires reversing the role of hunter and hunted. The world became
much smaller.
    * * * *
    Traders and entrepreneurs alike approached
the oceanic entrance to Cilicia Trachea for hundreds of years.
Sometimes they would be given safe passage to trade with the
islanders. Others, approaching from the ocean, came at night. They
rarely made it past the Ophir more than once.
    The quartermaster of the marauding ship
whispered, “What now, Captain?”
    “Hold your post, mate. Ease in. Tell the
gunner to look sharp. The Ophir and her crew are extraordinary.
With surprise, speed and God on our side, we can take her.” Arthur
Blackrose, Portuguese captain of the Bem-vindo and adventurer,
believed in the power of his God. The crew respected him for his
leadership and navigation skills. But self-confidence, neither
reputation as a fair captain nor faith would save him this
night.
    The scavenger ship sailed into the harbor in
silence. The only sound was the dip of the oars as freed slaves
bent their backs into the job. The scull lifted as they passed a
giant outcropping.
    The Quartermaster, in charge of maintaining
vigilance and delegating work, kept his profile low as he went down
the line giving orders and whispering encouragement.
    “Jean, go aloft. We’ve light airs tonight.
Secure the sails. Let her drift in on her own.”
    “Fontaine, watch the anchor’s acockbill. Hold
for my signal.”
    The freed men learned that life at sea was
harsh and called for respect of nature and captain. They believed
they could walk away from this life, or work their way back to
their homes over land, if they so choose. Their superstitious
fears, however, had an undeniable grip on their minds and spines.
Whispered chants of protection in native tongue washed over the
air, a compelling plea...
    “Olofi, you who are my supply and
protection, cleanse my path from all dangers and evils. Let them be
gone from me. Listen to me Ch`ngo! Help me Yemaya, do not forsake
me Ogun! Intercede for me Ellgua! Hear me Oshun! Look at me with
favor Obatala! Act for me Oya! My prayer is just. Bless me, Olofi,
that I may be forever blessed. Amen.”
    * * * *
    Captain Antonio chuckled when he saw the
marauding ship’s name. It was the Bem-vindo. Translated into
English it literally meant “Welcome”. It was a written
invitation.
    The Ophir and crew from three other ships in
the vampire fleet lowered themselves, hand under hand, down the
ropes and chains anchoring the cloaked ship. They slipped into the
water without weapons. Daggers, swords and cutlasses would not be
needed tonight. There would be no “swordplay”.
    Using their own bodies as scaffolding, they
climbed upon each other’s shoulders like attacking ants ready to
sting the occupants of the invading ship.
    “NOW! Me hearties ... NOW!” A cloud scuttled
across the moon’s face darkening the sky.
    At Captain Antonio’s command, the Bem-Vindo
was boarded and the screaming began.
    “None, save one, walks away this night. Bring
the ship’s captain to me unharmed!”
    “Aye, Captain.” Contona swept the deck and
found Captain Blackrose’ mind. The captain’s mind was numb in
disbelief at the carnage before him. He stood cornered. The
crucifix in his hand, held for protection against the evil that had
boarded his ship, did him no good. The Boatswain and Contona looked
at each other and smiled. Their fangs glistened in the dark. They
dragged him to the Captain’s quarters.
    “Good job, men. Now take him as close to
shore as you dare, then release him.” Captain Arthur Blackrose
looked at him wide eyed with fear and incredulity.
    “I die with my men, sir.”
    “No, Captain. Die you will, but not this
night. You will live on to tell the tale, sir, and tell it
true.”
    With time, the word spread and gave rise to
those intrepid few whom would land