Vampirates: Tide of Terror Read Online Free PDF

vestments, Narcisos Drakoulis was lean and hard and primed for the fight. It was no contest. If it came to swords, Connor and his mates would be returning to The Diablo without their captain.
    But Drakoulis smiled at Molucco once more. “Of course, I’m not suggesting that you and I engage in direct combat. Why, it would hardly be worth oiling this scimitar for such sport. No, Wrathe, you shall put forward your best swords-man and so shall I.” Drakoulis’ dark eyes narrowed. “Best decide quickly who it shall be.”
    Molucco frowned. He sought out Cate in the crowd. Connor held his breath. Was Captain Wrathe going to choose her for the duel? She must rank as one of the best fighters on the ship, certainly the most knowledgeable.
    But to risk losing her would be a terrible gamble. And, as her friend as well as her protégé, Connor felt a wave of dread at the thought.
    “All right,” Drakoulis announced, “while you dither about, allow me to introduce you to your combatant. Gi-daki Sarakakino, step forward!”
    There was a united cheer from the ranks of Drakoulis’ crew as one of their number began a slow march to the center of the deck. Connor felt a flood of fear as he heard the heavy footsteps approaching. The man brushed past him and the weight of his tensed muscle sent a searing pain into Connor’s shoulder. He turned and saw a dark bruise already forming on his flesh. Looking up again, he watched Drakoulis smile and extend his hand to his chosen swordsman. Sarakakino shook it and then turned to salute his crewmates. Connor felt his heart sink. Few of the pirates of The Diablo could take on an opponent such as this.
    Molucco was locked deep in conversation with Cate.
    Captain Drakoulis shook his head. “It comes as little surprise that you struggle so to make a decision for yourself.”
    For the first time, Molucco gave way to anger. “My ship is a democracy,” he snarled, “and I will have the opinion of my deputy on this matter.”
    Drakoulis shot Molucco a contemptuous look but did not, for the moment, say anything more.
    It was agony watching Captain Wrathe and Cate discussing the dire situation. Connor knew how much it would pain them both to have to elect a pirate to fight alone like this. Life on The Diablo was based on teamwork and there was real friendship among the crew members, cutting through the hierarchy without weakening it. There was no sense on The Diablo that even one pirate was expendable.
    At last, Captain Wrathe turned from Cate and addressed Narcisos Drakoulis.
    “Our decision is made.”
    Connor, together with the rest of his crew, awaited the verdict.
    “We will not submit to a member of our crew engaging in a duel.”
    For a moment, Drakoulis said nothing. Then he turned to Sarakakino. Both men started to laugh. Drakoulis composed himself and turned back to Molucco.
    “You act as if you have a choice,” Drakoulis said. “This isn’t a game, Captain. I have told you — it is time to pay the price.”
    Molucco stepped up to Captain Drakoulis, infused with a new energy. “You spoke of rules before, Captain. And yet you issue your dictate like some kind of demigod.”
    “Demigod?” sneered Drakoulis, “Why, isn’t every ship its own universe and every pirate captain god of all he surveys?”
    Connor felt the blood in his veins turn to ice. There was madness in Drakoulis. Allied to his violence, who could tell the extent of the danger he posed?
    “I’ll report you to the Pirate Federation,” Molucco said.
    Drakoulis shook his head. “I don’t think so, Wrathe. You are on The Albatross now, my ship.”
    The Albatross , thought Connor, grimly. It was a curious name for a ship. The long-winged seabird was a portent of doom to sailors. And so it had proved to the crew of The Diablo . Clearly, the devil was no match for the albatross today.
    “You’re out of your sea-lane,” Drakoulis announced coldly.
    “This isn’t your lane, either.”
    “It matters not,” said