Redemption

by The Gossip Stone

Ningan finds himself trapped aboard the Ghost Ship on an unexpected rescue mission, with nothing to guide him but the mysterious voice of a Gossip Stone. Surrounded by the unsettling apparitions of the dead, he must unlock the mysteries of the ship's hold if he has any hope of escape. (Set as a sequel to 'Lawless').

10. Chapter 10

In the infinite gloom, it is impossible to see. Ningan retreats with his back against the wall. Without his eyes, his ears are all he can rely on.

A sword cascades through the blackness in a downwards motion. Ningan rolls against the wall just in time to witness it tear a hole in the carpet. The Phantom's eyes glint with malice as they reflect the light of the lantern.

Without a second thought, he dashes forwards and dives under the table. Undercover, he may have a little time to plan his next move.

Another sword strikes the surface of the table above; splinters of wood scatter everywhere. He decides to switch off his lantern in the hope the shadows will conceal him. The swords continue to strike relentlessly as the sound of iron footsteps closes in from either end of the table. He is well and truly surrounded. There's no escape. This is it. This is the end.

With a final frantic effort of madness, Ningan tugs the edge of the tablecloth and pulls it downwards. Various objects are sent tumbling off the tabletop, from cutlery to candlesticks. He gathers the tablecloth together into a bundle and emerges from his hiding place. Carelessly, he tosses the bundle towards his attacker. The bundle unwraps and the tablecloth covers the Phantom like a sheet.

The monster becomes tangled in the dusty tablecloth, and starts slashing its sword wildly. Ningan uses the time he has bought to relight his lantern. He then grabs a nearby candlestick and uses the flame to light the wick.

In one last daring move, he tosses the blazing candle onto the tablecloth and watches as the fearsome soldier perishes in an inferno. Before the other Phantom can come to its aid, Ningan proceeds to locate the door and makes a hazardous escape.