Anton Shudder was hungry. Like, really hungry. He shifted, wiggling his fingers to try and get feeling to them again. He hadn't been spotted yet, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to be. Sooner rather than later it'd be a necessity to be spotted. He jerked his head, trying to take the blindfold and or gag off. But to no avail. He heard heavy stop steps, clomping their way down the stairs. He held his breath, not even sure if he was hidden.
"Who the-" said a gruff voice. He'd been spotted. Four rough hands grabbed him, taking the blindfold and gag off, then smashing the cuffs. Anton sat up, quickly, rubbing circulation into his wrists.
"Who are you?" asked one of the large hairy men. Anton shrugged.
"Who are you?"
The man exchanged a look with his companion.
"I'm Sam. This is Andy… you're turn."
"I'm Anton."
"So uh… How did you end up here? Like that?" asked Andy.
"I… Don't really know." Anton said, "Are any of my friends here?"
Sam shook his head. "Not that we know of. But we didn't know you were here. So maybe." he said.
"What is 'here'?" Anton asked.
"Welcome aboard The Grey Helen!" Andy said. Anton raised an eyebrow. They were pirates. Actual, magical pirates. Anton had heard the stories, a ruthless and harsh band of sailors who did whatever they wanted and if anyone stood in their way, they destroyed them and their whole family.
"I'm afraid we gotta take you to see the Capt'n. He will decide what to do with you." Sam said, offering a hand to help Anton up. They walked up the creaky stairs, onto the deck. It was busy, there must have been about thirty men and women manning the ship. They were all ragged and leathered, harsh skin from the harsher conditions. People yelled and shrieked and laughed. They walked across the the Captains quarters and Sam knocked.
"Come in!" yelled a harsh voice. Anton's stomach dropped. He knee that voice. He remembered it vividly.
Sam and Andy went in, Anton slowly following.
The man, the captain, was one of Melevolent's Generals; Shadow Sun. His skin was dark, very dark, and his eyes were such a deep brown the appeared black. His thin lips spread into a smile.
"Hello, Anton Shudder. Have you missed me as much as I've missed you? Grab him. Put him in the cellar. We have some catching up to do." Shadow said, as Andy and Sam's casual disposition vaporated into hostility. They grabbed an arm each and dragged Anton into a dark, damp cellar.
Dexter sat with Tipstaff in the Mirror Room, watching with a horrible mix of terror and anxiety. Ezra was fine. Ghastly was not fine. Skulduggery and Val were fine and gearing up to come back. Anton was very much so not fine. Saracen was fine. And Dexter was utterly helpless.
This one is already longer than the other one, but i have plans! Hope you enjoyed!
