Cutlass Read Free

hiding in the Cliffs, waiting for their next victim.
    ***
    Barren stood on the deck of his ship, unable to tear his eyes from the billowing smoke in the distance. He was very troubled by this raid. If the words of the captain were to be believed, no one who encountered Barren Reed ever lived—even if he didn’t kill them himself.
    And then the news that his brother was getting married had been very unexpected. Barren felt a deep sense of injustice. Why was everyone who had wronged him finding happiness? Why, when they deserved no such gift?
    An icy feeling encased his heart as he remembered the day his father died. William, mad with hate, had rushed at their father after his back was turned, driving a long sword through his stomach. Jess had fallen and died where he landed. Barren never heard his voice again. He had no last words to hold onto, just the image of his father’s face, pale in death.
    Leaf crossed the expanse of deck separating him from Barren, the invitation to the engagement party in his hand. He was as tall as his captain, and his blond hair fell in straight lengths over his shoulders. Despite all the time he spent in the sun, his skin was still ivory white.
    “You want to attend your brother’s engagement party?” Barren glanced at the Elf—above his sea-green eyes, a pale brow was raised in question. He held out the invitation and Barren took it, leaning against the railing of the ship, his eyes tracing the outline of the letters.
    “I would like to see what poor girl has been forced to marry William,” said Barren.
    “I’m surprised they would consider having a party with you patrolling their coast,” said Leaf. “Doesn’t it seem suspicious?”
    “Suspicious? It seems arrogant.”
    “You can’t honestly think they don’t suspect you’ll make an appearance?”
    “Not at the party. They’re going to expect me to attack ships—that is what I do.”
    “And when you don’t? What then?”
    Barren chuckled darkly. “My brother will think I am afraid.”
    Leaf’s eyes narrowed. “But you obviously aren’t smart enough to leave them alone, so what aren’t you telling me?”
    “If I had a plan, I would tell you,” said Barren. Leaf gave him a dull look and Barren gave in, letting out a short breath. “I am going to kidnap my brother’s fiancée.”
    “Why do you deliberately search for trouble, Barren Reed?” Leaf folded his arms across his chest in disapproval. “Kidnapping is very serious and she is the daughter of a lord. You think you are invincible because people fear you, but I can guarantee if you take her, you will meet resistance.”
    “I expect resistance,” said Barren. “I will hold her for ransom, this Larkin Lee, in exchange for a duel! I will finally have William in my grasp.”
    “What makes you think William will agree to a duel in exchange for his fiancée?”
    “Well he won’t just leave her with me, and he will be humiliated that I succeeded in kidnapping her,” said Barren. “He would come after me then—he would fight me.”
    Leaf shook his head. “But he won’t fight you at sea. We all know that. Where does that leave the girl?”
    Barren shrugged. “With the realization that she would have married a coward.”
    “Her marriage to William is not about his cowardice, it is about marrying power with power. You should be careful of the enemies you collect.”
    “Are you suggesting this girl could pose a threat?” Barren laughed, but Leaf was completely serious.
    “You aren’t going to change your mind, are you?” Barren shook his head and Leaf sighed. “I will tell you that I don’t agree with this, and if you are to go through with it, you must follow the code. No harm can come to that girl unless she gives you reason.”
    “I know what the code says, Leaf. I can handle this.”
    “And your uncle will not be pleased,” he reminded Barren quickly after.
    “No, but I never promised to make my family proud.”
    Barren knew his uncle better