A Pirate's Revenge (Legends of the Soaring Phoenix) Read Online Free PDF Page B

did not have to say it. He would not leave his brother alone with a witch. The other three nodded, changed into bats, and flew out of the cave. How could she rest with a sleeping dragon’s head in her lap and an angry, hungry vampire ready to kill her if she made one false move against his brother.
     
     
     
     
     
     

     
     

Chapter Three
     
    Coaybay’s volcanoes erupted and a constant black fog swirled into the sky. The flowing lava river twisted in the canyon below and made it hotter than an inferno. Nothing ever changed in Maketabori’s Coaybay. The God of Coaybay didn’t understand beauty and love. Just destruction, fear, and hate.
    Zuto’s eyes burned, and he tasted smoke on his lips. Vapor, heat, and death permeated  down to his very core. He loathed it here. Sweat trickled down his body, and he wished he was back on his island. He wanted to jump into the ocean and wash off the filth from this place.
    Angry black clouds masked the sun. Maketabori’s mountain temple was empty. His lord didn’t like to have walls imprisoning him.
    The only movement inside was the gray smoke swirling from a smothered fire pit. Dying red coals revealed bits of bone and wood. No doubt, the remains of Maketabori’s latest victims. Zuto hoped he wasn’t next. His lord didn’t tolerate failure and allowing the crew of the Soaring Phoenix to escape with Knight and his daughter fell into that category. 
    Lightning cracked and hit a solid gold chair nestled between two obelisks of ebony marble. Maketabori materialized.  He drummed his fingers on the arms of his chair and glared at Zuto. His ruby eyes darkened to glowing embers. “You failed me yet again, slave.”
    Zuto remained stoic and hid his growing fear. “I’m sorry, my lord.”
    “Sorry?” Maketabori flicked long black hair behind his shoulder. “Is that all you have to say?”
    “I have the witch. He’s slowly turning into a warlock.”
    “And the Soaring Phoenix ?”
    No sense denying his failure. His lord would know, and lies were dealt with swiftly. “O’Brien escaped.”
    Maketabori strolled over to him and Zuto stood still. He refused to move even a finger and give Maketabori the satisfaction of the fear percolating inside him. His master towered over him, a sneer spread across his lips. He yanked Zuto’s hair, forcing Zuto to stare up at him. “You shall be punished.”
    Zuto waited for the unbearable pain of bones broken, torn muscles, torched skin.
    Maketabori released him and sauntered back to his chair. Zuto held his breath. Why hadn’t Maketabori beaten him? Something wasn’t right.
    “I believe you need help,” his master said.
    “Help?”
    “Yes.” Maketabori grinned, a condemning smile that curled Zuto’s toes.
    His lord snapped his fingers. “She’ll know how to insure the job is done.”
    Zuto groaned. Not again.
    Long, red-tipped fingernails gripped the back of Maketabori’s golden throne, followed by a movement of rustled skirts. Zuto’s heart pounded, and every muscle tensed. He’d rather be beaten and burned.
    “Hello, Zuto.” A tall, curvaceous redhead sashayed out from behind Maketabori. Her red bodice pushed up her large breasts. Red slippers peered out from beneath a long, velvet gown of crimson. “I’ve missed you.”
    He hadn’t missed her. If he didn’t see her or hear her overly sweet voice for another millennium, it would be one day too soon. “Natasa.”
    Natasa pouted. “Ah, why the long face, handsome?”
    Maketabori tilted his head. “He’s disappointed me. See that he does not do so again.”
    Natasa smiled. Zuto’s gut twisted. He couldn’t get stuck with her at his side. Not again. She’d spoil everything, and he’d never get free from his perverted master.
    “My Lord, I’ve cursed O’Brien’s brother,” Zuto said. “The spirit of Drakon will possess him during every full moon.”
    “I do not recall giving you permission to resurrect the dragon. He’s not to be trusted.”
    “He will