"Alright, sir," Wolf stated at the large figure that sat opposite him at the table, "why exactly do you want to share the island?"
The newcomer said nothing, but only scratched his graying beard in contemplation. His hazel eyes studied those of the colony's spokesman. A wrinkle of the brow, a sigh, and a grin played as MacWright leaned back casually as he replied in his loud base, "Do ya not think that this lil' scrap of land has great potential as a port?"
"A…port?" Wolf replied. He had not touched his plate; only watching the older man intensely. "Just what do you mean?"
MacWright's stout face seemed to stretch a few inches in surprise. Wolf saw his eyes immediately light up.
"Business will make this place boomin' in no time, my lad! Traders, fishermen, the like! This'll bring us the best of the best in riches, from all around the world. There will be no poverty, everyone in the colony will be livin' like those fat cats in London!"
Wolf froze in time, as it were. He heard the distant hushes of his fellow colonists, but they seemed to drift further and further on. A lump caught in his throat; he wanted what was best.
He looked over at his scrappy-looking troop. All but several gangly teenagers that stood in contrast to the grizzled, heavy men that sat across from him. They had no experience in fighting, and Wolf momentarily blamed himself for not having taught them.
His eyes moved down the line of adolescents until they came to rest on a familiar woman near the end of the table. Just like the others, Lena's brown eyes watched him uncertainly, searching for his answer. But her eyes were the only ones that could look at him in that way, and his heart fluttered.
Even Fiona and Jake had ceased their dinnertime rough-housing and had followed Lena's gaze. The girl could practically taste the tension that had hung amid the group.
As Fiona's face came into view by her mother's arm, Wolf felt a clench in his chest. No, nothing was to hurt the children. Especially his. His eyes met Fiona's for but a split second before finally moving again.
Regaining his straight-backed posture at the table, Wolf's expression grew dark. These are pirates. They knew how to trick and swindle for what they want. These creatures were so inhuman, so greedy as to even kill for their next find. It was either kill or be killed. And Wolf would be prepared to take on the old mariner if he had to.
These were pirates.
Tricksters.
Murderers.
Soon enough, both sides of the discussion felt the adrenaline course through their veins, ready to swing into full action when they heard Wolf's answer.
"No."