seymoure

Chapter 19

Death’s Head Showdown

Appearing on the ship was almost as much of a surprise for the attackers as they had hoped it would be for the crew of the flagship.

They had anticipated falling in the middle of berserker crewmen, leaping into frenzied battle to protect their Captain and company.

Instead they heard nothing but the waves lapping at the side of the dark vessel. No other sound was audible.

There was no one there.

Sabre looked at the helm, to find the wheel tied into a course.

Sandor turned, expecting a pitched battle, but finding the ship’s deck empty and cold.

Turning to the front of the ship, they found a single human being.

Jack Scythe stood like a figurehead at the prow but did not turn as they, not in the least silently, advanced to him. The tall black-clad figure stood without flinching, as those who had come to cut him into little pieces neared.

“Stand, Scarecrow, and deliver!” The Black Corsair challenged.

There was not even a hint of movement.

“We are here to take your ship!” Sabre said.

The Scarecrow did not move.

“Call back your attacking fleet or die where you stand,” the Captain of the Slug demanded as he put his blade between Scythe’s shoulder blades.

They gasped audibly as the figure moved for the first time.

They gasped because the movement was that of a stick figure turning on its axis. The pirate captain turned towards them, and for the first time it was obvious that no living human stood before them.

“Damn,” said Sandor, “He really is a Scarecrow!”