Chapter 41

The grand tent was filled with the enticing movements of dancers and the sweet songs of singers, all there to entertain Samuel, the feared Pirate King. He lounged comfortably on soft cushions, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he watched the captivating performance unfold before him.

The dancers moved gracefully, their bodies swaying and twirling in mesmerizing patterns, their sheer scarves floating behind them like delicate clouds. The singers' voices filled the air with enchanting melodies, occasionally adding playful giggles or flirtatious remarks directed at their notorious audience.

In this luxurious setting, there was no limit to extravagance and pleasure, a stark difference from the brutal realities of piracy and violence that usually defined the pirates' activities. For a brief moment, even Samuel allowed himself to fully enjoy the decadent delights of the occasion.

The joyful atmosphere in the tent shattered when one of Samuel's men, a tough and weathered brute, rudely barged in. Paying no heed to the alarmed performers, he leaned in close to the Pirate King and whispered something with a respectful bow.

Initially, the news seemed to barely register in Samuel's mind, clouded as it was by his indulgence in pleasure. "Golden-Eye Bucker is dead? Is that so!" he exclaimed with a laugh, more entertained by a suggestive move from one of the singers.

Dismissing the news with a wave of his hand, he attempted to return his focus to the entertainment. However, the messenger persisted, repeating the solemn message about Bucker's death. Samuel's reaction was immediate and ferocious. With a look of sheer rage twisting his features, he leaped to his feet, his massive fist swinging in a furious arc. The blow struck the messenger squarely on the jaw, sending him crashing to the ground amidst a spray of blood and spit.

"How dare you interrupt my enjoyment with such trivial news?" Samuel roared, his voice dripping with venom as he advanced menacingly toward the stunned messenger.

The dancers and singers, once filled with lively energy, now cowered in fear as the atmosphere in the pavilion turned icy and tense. Samuel's overwhelming fury seemed to suffocate the air itself, threatening to engulf anyone who dared to stand in his way.

Samuel's face twisted into a scornful snarl as he glowered at the trembling messenger.

"Bucker?" he scoffed contemptuously. "Do you think me a fool to care about the life of that one-eyed mutt?" Disgust laced Samuel's words as he pointed an accusing finger at the man on the ground. "There are thousands more like Bucker in my crew - all equally expendable in our pursuit of conquest."

A malicious smirk crept across Samuel's lips as he turned his attention to the terrified performers huddled against the tent walls.

"Dame," he commanded coldly. "Make sure this wretch faces punishment for interrupting my enjoyment. Let his suffering be a warning to any other fools who think they can disturb my peace with trivial matters."

The small but fierce warrior-woman emerged from the shadows like a sleek predator, her sharp blade already in hand. With a nod of acknowledgement, she grabbed the trembling messenger by the collar, dragging him out of the pavilion as he begged for mercy.

Samuel watched with disdain, motioning for the terrified performers to continue their show with a dismissive gesture. As the music and dancing tentatively resumed, Dame returned briefly, her blade stained with blood.

Silently, she made her way to where one of Samuel's lieutenants was overseeing the invasion logistics. The pirate, known as Scissormouth for the scars that crisscrossed his face, straightened as Dame approached, clearly understanding the gravity of her presence.

"Send word to Glenavon 'Beastly' Karver, Barnum 'Corsair' Seifer, Auberon 'Renegade' Carlton, and Escott 'Cold' Middleton," Dame's voice held an authoritative edge that brooked no argument. "The Pirate King commands them to gather every available fighter and initiate landings on the inner Maridian mainland."

Scissormouth's rugged face twisted into a savage grin, his jagged teeth gleaming in the dim light. "It's time we struck at the heart of the enemy," he growled.

"It will be done," Dame replied firmly, already turning to make her way back to Samuel's side as the revelry resumed behind the pavilion's walls, seemingly unaffected by the impending action.

Seated in his sparse command tent, Scissormouth settled into a worn chair, its creaking frame bearing the weight of his imposing figure. Despite the simplicity of his surroundings, an aura of dark authority emanated from the scarred pirate lieutenant.

With a deep breath, Scissormouth focused his mind, tapping into his unique ability that had earned him a fearsome reputation - the power to establish telepathic connections with those he had encountered before.

One by one, the faces of Glenavon 'Beastly' Karver, Barnum 'Corsair' Seifer, Auberon 'Renegade' Carlton, and Escott 'Cold' Middleton appeared in Scissormouth's mind. These four captains led some of the most formidable and ruthless factions within Samuel's vast pirate fleet.

-My fellow captains, - Scissormouth's rough mental voice echoed across their shared consciousness. - The Pirate King has issued new orders. -

The captains' minds briefly registered surprise and discomfort as they recognized the origin of the psychic communication. Scissormouth's feared abilities had a way of unsettling even the most hardened pirates.

-Our initial attempts to establish a foothold have faced resistance, - Scissormouth conveyed with measured restraint. - Lord Samuel expects us to escalate our efforts to secure our position. -

Through a flurry of mental images and sensations, Scissormouth conveyed Dame's orders from the Pirate King himself.

-Each of you is to gather your forces immediately. Head for the inner Maridian mainland and unleash havoc upon any settlements you encounter along the way. -

The captains' minds ignited with fervent excitement at the new orders. Auberon 'Renegade' Carlson envisioned scenes of chaos and bloodshed, while Barnum 'Corsair' Seifer eagerly anticipated the plundering of rich mainland settlements.

Escott 'Cold' Middleton remained outwardly stoic, but Scissormouth sensed the icy anticipation emanating from him.

-Your orders are clear, embodiments of terror, - Scissormouth reiterated sternly. - Leave nothing standing, seize every opportunity for plunder, and make the kingdom-folk regret crossing the pirate horde. -

As the psychic connection faded, Scissormouth opened his eyes, allowing himself a sinister grin. The true onslaught of their invasion was about to begin, and anyone in the path of these four ruthless captains would soon face their wrath.