Cutlass Read Free Page A

than the public understood. After Jess’s death, Tetherion had sought Barren out before he’d turned to terrorizing Maris’ coast. Teth had tried comforting him and had given Barren two options: he could remain at Silver Crest and pursue his life as a pirate, or come to Maris and be taken in by the king, himself. Even then Barren had chosen his freedom as a pirate. It was at this point Tetherion had to explain how things would be from then on—that Tetherion would not be able to see him, that he may have to let William rise in ranks, even if what he had done was wrong.
    “Very well,” Leaf sighed and gave him a hard look. “And how do you plan to handle this ?”
    “I’m not sure yet, I haven’t thought the rest out.”
    Leaf shook his head. “I still think you are foolish, but if you really believe this will get you what you want, I will be glad to do something other than raid ships from Maris.”
    Barren smiled. “Looks like this jacket will be more useful than I thought,” he held up what used to be Jay Nelson’s coat—it was red with gold buttons and threading.
    “The notorious opponent of Maris, dressed as his enemy,” said Leaf. “You have reached a new low.”
    Barren smirked.

Over the next week, Barren watched as ships from all over Mariana traversed the Cliffs, intent on reaching Maris for his brother’s engagement party. The ships that passed were massive and sailed, one right after the other, as far East as possible. They chose the safest paths, clinging to the places where the Cliffs weren’t as close and the waters were easier to navigate. Obviously, they were hoping to avoid Barren. If luck was with any of them, Barren thought, he would have his revenge soon and they wouldn’t have to worry about the dangers of sailing to and from Maris ever again.
    Barren and Leaf decided they would attend the engagement party while the others prepared for the kidnapping of Lady Larkin. Barren’s plan was to hold her hostage until William agreed to a duel.
    “Yer gonna get yerself killed,” Slay rasped as he fixed his hat on his head. Between Leaf’s disappointed glances and the crew’s vocal disapproval, Barren felt like a small child being scolded.
    “Look at it this way,” said Barren. “If I am killed, you are all free to do as you please.”
    “We’re pirates,” Sam scoffed. “We are already free to do as we please, and this is what we choose.”
    “Well,” said Barren, putting on his jacket and preparing the dinghy for departure. “You can all continue to do exactly this…as long as you promise to avenge my death.”
    “Better keep him alive then,” said Datherious. “None of us wants to fight William.”
    “We don’t even know who we’re looking for,” said Leaf. “There’s a good possibility we’ll come back empty-handed, so let’s get this over with.”
    The sun was setting on the horizon when Barren and Leaf made it to the port. As they climbed out of their dinghy and set foot on solid ground, they realized just how ridiculous they looked. A number of five-mast galleons lined each dock, carrying equally gallant men and women who were now sashaying through the crowd—the pirates were obviously out of place here in the markets where men and women were adorned in lace and gold, not dirt and grime.
    Barren observed his surroundings. The ports were crowded today. Traders and peasants weaved in and out of the throng, carrying merchandise: scarves, hats and figurines, eager to talk to anyone who would spare them a glance. Now and then, Barren saw a nobleman stop his mighty procession toward the castle and glance over something a peasant offered. They never bought from them, however. The most the nobles did was tease the peasants with hope, like a boy teasing his first love—they believed it to be harmless, but in reality, the disappointment took root and sprouted blossoms of hostility.
    Barren had heard of small revolts erupting all over Maris because of the embargo placed