Chapter 31 Planning and Killing

At night, under the watchful eyes of three pirate ships, the Golden Fleece slowly sailed toward the Stone Steps Islands. It was then that Gavin finally understood the meaning behind the captain's flag signals.

The pirates' demand was brutally clear: follow their ships to the Stone Steps Islands, or face destruction by their crossbows.

Faced with such a brazen threat, Gavin clenched his fists, his frustration boiling just beneath the surface. He was unwilling but helpless; the pirates had kept their distance, avoiding direct confrontation. Even Gavin's formidable strength was useless against an enemy so far out of reach.

Moonlight spilled across the sea in patches of silver, shimmering gently but failing to illuminate their dire situation. Gavin stared at the looming pirate ships in the distance, his mind racing as he calculated a way to turn the tide in his favor.

By dusk the following day, Gavin finally caught sight of an island in the distance. From Captain Hassan's grim explanation, he learned that they had reached the edge of the Stone Steps Islands.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the sea in hues of gold, outlining the mysterious island with an almost ethereal beauty. Gripping the ship's railing, Gavin stared ahead, his heart tense with vigilance against the unknown.

"If my guess is correct," Captain Hassan said solemnly, breaking the silence, "we are now entering Shipwreck Bay. This place is riddled with hidden reefs, and there's only one safe channel to navigate. Past the reefs lies a massive natural deep-water port. It's said to be the shipbuilding stronghold of the Black Shark 'Earl.'"

Gavin's eyes narrowed. "It's not just robbery, then," he said calmly. "They've brought us here to seize the ship and its crew. We're the true prize."

Hassan sighed, his worry evident. "I'm afraid you're right. The Black Shark 'Earl' is known for his ambition. If we're taken, I fear we'll be forced into his fleet. Those who resist… won't live to regret it."

Unable to act for the moment, Gavin retreated to his quarters. Hassan's grim description matched Gavin's suspicions. The pirates would likely spare the crew if they cooperated, but Frank Brown—the ship's owner—was in grave danger. They wouldn't risk leaving him alive, knowing he might seek vengeance later.

Sitting in his cabin, Gavin contemplated the full view of the island he'd glimpsed earlier. His thoughts sharpened into a plan. Before the ship docked, he would attempt to escape by jumping overboard. While he didn't know the exact number of pirates on the island, he was certain of one thing: once inside their base, he and the others would be powerless, like fish caught in a net.

His hard-earned results would be plundered, and even his strength couldn't overcome the sheer numbers that would swarm him. Deciding on his course of action, Gavin resolved to launch a guerrilla war from the island itself.

With his skills and the aid of the Blood Dragon Guard, he could handle twenty or thirty unarmored foes with ease. Even if the pirates sent a hundred men after him, he was confident they wouldn't catch him. And they were unlikely to send so many.

He had another advantage: an ample supply of blood witch puppet ritual materials. If used wisely, he could summon an army of fearless warriors. When the moment came, the advantage would be his, whether he chose to seize the ship or turn the tables on his captors.

With his plan set, Gavin gathered food and lightweight supplies, anticipating the possibility of sleeping in the wild for a time.

But just as he finished his preparations, chaos erupted above deck. Loud shouts and frantic cries echoed through the ship.

Gavin raced to the deck, only to find Frank Brown sprawled lifelessly in a pool of blood. A sword had pierced his heart, and the first mate stood nearby, clutching the bloodied weapon. There was no mistaking the killer.

Captain Hassan arrived moments later, his expression twisting with fury. "What have you done, you fool?" he roared, his anger directed at the first mate.

Standing off to the side, Gavin observed the commotion silently. Through the heated argument, the truth emerged: Frank had planned to set the ship ablaze upon entering Shipwreck Bay, hoping to destroy the pirates' fleet along with his own vessel. But the crew refused to follow his orders. When Frank attempted to carry out his plan alone, the first mate turned against him.

As the shouting continued, Gavin's hand moved instinctively to the hilt of his sword.

Frank Brown had acted recklessly, but he didn't deserve to die like this. The man had shown Gavin kindness, and Gavin wasn't one to let such a betrayal go unpunished.

The first mate sneered as he noticed Gavin drawing his blade. "What now, Sir Gavin?" he taunted. "Do you mean to avenge him?"

Gavin stepped forward slowly, his tone cold and deliberate. "Yes. You've betrayed and murdered your captain. Foolish as his actions may have been, that does not justify your crime."

The first mate scoffed and turned to the sailors behind him. "Strip this knight of his armor and toss him overboard!"

Before the sailors could act, the Blood Dragon Guard surged forward, a blur of deadly precision.

The first guard's charge hit like a battering ram, sending the leading sailor flying into several others. Screams and the dull thuds of bodies hitting the deck filled the air as chaos broke loose among the mutineers.

Gavin closed the distance to the first mate with fluid agility, evading the man's wild swing like a leaf dancing on the wind. His blade flashed, severing the first mate's sword hand in a single, precise stroke.

The man's scream of agony was cut short as Gavin's kick struck his knee, forcing him to the deck. Blood pooled beneath him, and his face turned ashen.

Meanwhile, the Blood Dragon Guard wreaked havoc among the remaining sailors. With every swing of their swords, weapons shattered and men fell. Some were knocked off their feet entirely, their bodies skidding across the deck like broken dolls. Limbs and shattered steel littered the bloodied planks.

Calmly, Gavin approached the kneeling first mate, his eyes narrowing with cold finality.

"You should have chosen loyalty," he said softly.

With one swift motion, Gavin's sword severed the man's head, sending it rolling across the bloodstained deck. A fountain of crimson followed, staining the wood beneath him.

Silence fell over the ship as the remaining sailors dropped their weapons and cowered in submission. Gavin sheathed his sword, his gaze sweeping across the terrified crew.

"Let this be a lesson," he said, his voice cutting through the tension like steel. "On this ship, there will be no betrayal. You stand with me, or you fall. Choose wisely."