Light in the Barren Lands: Travail of The Dark Mage Book One Read Free Page B

ship came alongside the one now crewed with the dead, he summoned the magic.
    Jiron still grins whenever he thinks about how James made the dead pirates appear to rise, how spectral shapes from some hellish vision emerged from the water and swarmed toward the newly arrived pirate ship. Needless to say, that was the last time a pirate sailed within sight of James’ island.
    But though he kept the island free of pirates, out on the sea was another matter.
    His island was predominantly self sufficient, but they still required periodic supply shipments of those items they could not produce for themselves, such as cloth, bowls, and crystals. Also, friends would come calling, and Meliana’s father’s ships would stop by from time to time to see his daughter and grandson. He needed a way to designate ships so pirates would leave them alone. So he came up with the flag.
    Meliana’s father was acquainted with Captain Smythe and vouched for him to be an honest trader. James approached him and arranged for him to be the sole supplier to his island. In return, Captain Smythe would receive several items of magical interest with which to sell for his troubles, such as a knife that cuts hair but not skin. Those knives have begun to be sought after and fetch a handsome price, especially by the owners of large flocks of sheep.
    The first year, James had to send three pirate ships to the deep before they finally got the message. Now, he hardly ever had to worry about it. About once a year a captain tested his resolve only to feel the “Dark Mage’s” wrath. For that is what he was beginning to be called. Frankly, he didn’t care as long as it kept people away and they could have their privacy.
     
    The unknown ship drew closer over the course of the next half hour until veering off and heading for the horizon.
    Captain Smythe nodded. “That flag comes in handy,” he announced.
    Jiron grinned. “I bet it does.”
    For the remainder of their journey to the “Isle of the Dark Mage”, as James’ new home is now called, no other ship was sighted. Which wasn’t too surprising given that they were entering waters notorious for pirates.
    By midafternoon, land was spotted coming out of the horizon to the west. “Is that it father?” asked Jira.
    “Yes it is,” he replied. “Wonder what your uncle has been up to this last year?” Their last visit coincided with Kenny’s previous birthday. It being a long trip from The City of Light to this far west, they weren’t able to make it as often as they would like.
    James had offered a place on his island for them, but Jiron had declined. The City of Light was his hometown and he didn’t wish to be parted from it. Also, many of his friends from his early years still called the city their home. At least Kenny’s birthday afforded them an excuse to make the long journey once a year.
    Footfalls upon the deck foretold the approach of Tobias. “Captain said we’ll be dropping anchor in a little over an hour,” he said as he came to the rail. Glancing down to where Jira leaned over the rail, he asked her, “Seen anything unusual?”
    Coming upright, Jiron’s daughter turned her head toward him. “What do you mean?”
    “Well, I hear the Dark Mage has monstrous creatures that patrol his island,” he explained.
    Jiron noticed him glance sidelong at two sailors who were new to the crew that stood not far off. At the mention of “strange creatures”, they grew quiet and turned a little further in Toby’s direction. Not so far that they would be conspicuous in their eavesdropping, but far enough that Jiron had picked up on it.
    Playing along, Jiron asked, “On the last trip over, didn’t we see one drag a pirate ship under?”
    “Indeed,” replied Toby with a grin. His head was turned just far enough to shield his grin from the two sailors. “But that isn’t the half of it,” he continued. “A band of Glerhan have come and offered him their allegiance.”
    Wide-eyed, Jira asked,