The Demise of Foxy Jack (Adventures of the X Pirates Book 1) Read Free Page B

immovable object and its irresistible force, but the sounds of commotion down below brought him back.
    He turned to his very capable aardvark.
    Mister Thompson.
    Yes, sir
    See to our guests.
    Aye, sir.
    Everyone knows that aardvarks are generally cautious creatures. They’re bookish and tend to prefer their solitude, but that gives them sharp minds and even sharper instincts.
    You did very well, Lewis.
    The Captain added.
    Thank you, sir.
    But Bemboom was being drawn away again.
    Damage assessment as well, sir?
    Thompson asked dutifully.
    Of course.
    Bemboom responded as he exited the wheelhouse and jumped onto Tamasha’s top deck.
    And find Mister Pinkus.
    The Captain called back to Thompson who acknowledged his commands and went about the business of getting them done.
    Bradley Bemboom was a black panther of grace and style with a calm disposition especially when facing the unknown. He was of royal blood and could trace his lineage to the first regional monarchs that came before the Empire. He was educated at the finest military schools and academies. Committed to a life at sea and in service to the Crown he rose quickly through the ranks and gained a fierce reputation as a pirate killer.
    Chief General Cameron Brazen named him, the Night Hunter. All those that served under his various commands called him, the Iron Fist in the Velvet Glove. Clearly deserving of the opportunity, he was given charge of the Valiant under the command of Admiral Ludlow Castle at the Battle of Bourne. As he walked the deck, Bemboom recognized the ship before him. She was much bigger than he remembered, and bathed in scattered shafts of wandering moonlight she was most frightening.
    Bradley Bemboom was disgraced and fell out of favor when he spoke out after Bourne. The Empire did not destroy the enemy that day. The scoundrels had simply slipped away in a clever illusion. Revenge and Nightthorn were outgunned and inexperienced. They should never have escaped the clutches of four of Her Majesty’s finest ships.
    There was no need to hide the truth but he watched as both command and crown did just that. All concerned didn’t want the Empire to appear weak and vulnerable. Instead they created a nightmare that enjoyed hunting and killing.
    The panther’s career ended when he began telling government officials that he saw genius in what Nightthorn had achieved, and he agreed with the Brethren of Crows purpose of rooting out corruption. He also believed that the crow had justification in seeking out revenge on those who killed his family. Bemboom was subsequently stripped of all rank, titles, and property, and was banished from court.
    The mad squirrel that dreamt up Tamasha fished Bemboom from the bottom of a bottle so that he could captain her and on this night the panther was beginning to wonder if sobering up and agreeing to the task had been a wise move.
    He could feel the fur on the back of his neck rising.
    Is that what I think it is, Captain?
    Bemboom had been startled, but never showed it.
    Yes it is, Mister Thompson.
    His stalwart first mate was wearing his fear.
    Why is she here and abandoned, sir?
    Bemboom knew why.
    Because she’s dead, Mister Thompson.
    He turned to his nervous first mate.
    Or hadn’t you heard?
    The Captain smiled a little smile.
    Fear is never to be feared, my friend.
    With that the panther leapt onto the deck of the infamous ghost ship, Revenge.
    Bemboom was now standing on hallowed ground. Moonlight and shadows danced around him. His footsteps seemed to echo as he firmly but cautiously took his first steps. He admired her eerie glory. A nightmare circus turned into a ship. Wood from whatever they could find to build her hull, posts and poles for masts, and big top circus tents for sails. It would all be comical and endearing if not for her reputation and the feeling of foreboding that reeked from her.
    Bemboom could sense that death had been here many times over. Below him, the deadliest firepower on the high seas