Demons & Pearls (The Razor's Adventures Book 1) Read Free Page B

first full breath of wind since I’d shaken Barclay’s blood from my blade. “Us? So what you’re telling me is I did you gentlemen a very big favor and you’re here to return it?”
    “Not so fast, lass, we’ve still a bit a work ta’ do. We have close to sixty men out there—and that includes the ones ye called aboard who just lost their future income—well, at least that’s their version. All they can think of when they lay eyes on ye is fuckin’ ye, not followin’ yer orders. You need ta’ get that idea outta yer head the sooner the better.”
    “Well, without any further disgusting appraisals of the circumstances my cousins and I now find ourselves in, do you have a plan?”
    “First of all, where’d ye learn ta’ swing a sword like that?” Willy inquired as he pinched his right eye at me.
    “My uncle taught me when I was just a girl, and I in turn taught them,” I said as I sat up and stuck out my chin with pride.
    “Well, I’ve bad news fer ye, lass. No matter how ye can fight, yer still just a girl,” Willy leaned in an inch from my face and said.
    “Which doesn’t appear to matter much now, does it?” I said through my teeth at him.
    “I’m tryin’ to like ye, lassie, but that smart mouth a’ yers isn’t makin’ it easy.”
    “You don’t have to like me, sir. However, I do feel under the circumstances you could at least give me a chance to try and save those girls and myself. I do admit things have gone horribly wrong, but we’re strong and as you’ve seen, we can take care of ourselves if only given a chance.” I sat quietly for a few moments and watched as Mister Green let out a sigh and took hold of the conversation.
    “Madame, approximately thirty of these men came over from that merchantman,” Green commented.  “Prior to the vote, I will again speak on your behalf, and I will bear witness to the fact that your altercation with Barclay originated from his call for no quarter. Not to mention the fact that I did witness the Captain take his own life.”
    “But…you’re going to tell them I murdered him…to save their lives, aren’t you?” I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cry.  Truth be told, Green saw the whole thing, and by God’s witness as well, had he not thrown himself on my blade, I would have certainly killed him anyway.
    “Woman or no, risking your life to save the lives of over two dozen men you do not know is a sacrifice that even they would have to admit is worthy of allowing you to live.” Green’s point was valid and well-taken, and yet I knew gaining any amount of their respect wouldn’t come easily. Unfortunately though, I tend to get a bit free with my opinions when cornered.
    “Something indeed, yet I’d still have all of my female parts, which regardless of any valorous act, would still render me worthless.”
    “Not so fast, lass,” Willy interrupted. “In case them bonny blue eyes a’ yers missed it, I’m the oldest fella on this vessel. It ain’t usual for men ta’ live this long out ‘ere.”
    “What has your age to do with anything?”
    “Sparing a man’s life is worth everythin’. Feedin’ him and keepin’ him in rum and whores comes next. So far, I’d say sharin’ that intelligence will save yer neck… and maybe even yer honor.”
    “This code you spoke of. May I see it please?” I asked as I sat up straight as an arrow in the chair and scooted myself forward to the desk.
    “What for?”
    “I’d just like to know what the rules are aboard this vessel. Is that too much to ask?”
    Green walked to the Captain’s bookshelf and lifted a familiar brown leather-bound volume and placed it in my hands. I opened the book, and there on the first two pages were the articles of the ship, which had been revealed to me as the laws of this vessel. I found it surprising indeed that men who behave so lawlessly would manage themselves in such a way, but I supposed there had to be some measure of accountability, if only to each