Dawn broke with the cry of seabirds and the soft lapping of waves against the sandy shore of the small island the Tiderunner was moored near. Merrick sat up from the sand he was laying in. He coughed and brushed himself off before fully waking up. He stood up clumsily, and swaggered toward the longboat.
"Get up ye scabrous dogs! Today''s the day!" He shouted as he kicked sand on a few sleeping pirates nearby. He rushed to the longboat, and waved for the others to follow him
Once the hungover pirates were all back aboard the Tiderunner, Merrick noticed a lone Carcharia already standing on the quarter deck.
"I am Kaimano. I will be guiding you to Mao Shar, but I will not be joining you there. Once we are within sight of the island, I will depart." The Bull Shark looking Carharia said, in a voice as salty and smooth as the very ocean water they sailed upon.
"Right, hop to lads! Time to make for Mao Shar! Weigh anchor and let the sails fly free!" Merrick shouted. Soon the ship was underway, cutting a path for Mao Shar, and destiny.
"Gather ''round, ye land-dwellers, and hear the tale of Mao Shar, the island shrouded in legend and dread. Long ago, our tribe faced a darkness that threatened to consume us all. It was a time of heroes, of battles fought in the shadows and secrets unearthed from the depths." Kaimano shouted, as the ship was fully underway.
Merrick was curious. He motioned for the crew to gather round. He noticed Roger and a cluster of his "allies" huddled on the outskirts of the group. There were maybe ten all told, which sank Merrick''s heart. His crew was numbered around thirty souls, and a third of them willing to side with Roger would be a legitimate threat. He would wait to see how this played out though.
"The Light of the Sea is the heart of this tale. That is what you all seek. A long time ago, when the Tidesinger Vakt and Wave Caller Tuala led our people against an unspeakable evil. They, along with a band of brave warriors, sought to lift the curse that had befallen Mao Shar. The curse of Fthaganan, an eldritch entity from the darkest depths. It began with strange visions and omens. Mrrgwar, our elder, saw the Red Pearl surrounded by death, and the Stone that guarded a gate against the tides. But it was the insidious laughter of pale, glassy-eyed faces that haunted our dreams the most. The Ta''u heroes set out to discover the truth behind the curse. In their journey, they encountered cultists, abominations, and sea hags who sought to summon Fthaganan and bring about our doom. With courage and the Light of the Sea, it was Tuala who, in a vision, saw the Orb of Hope—a symbol of our salvation, the Light of the Sea. They extracted it from the maw of a great sea beast and used its power to stop the summoning ritual. They cast the Orb into a fiery circle, banishing the sea hags and lifting the curse. Some say the curse was lifted, but Mao Shar remains a place of peril. The jungle is overgrown, and hostile creatures roam its depths. It seems like the island’s dark magic persists, keeping our tribes away. The spirits of those who fell still linger, and the shadows remember the blood spilled." Recited Kaimano. He spoke eloquently with the sound of the waves in his voice.
The pirates listened intently to Kaimano''s tale. Some with rapt interest, and others with lazy attention. Merrick leaned forward. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and determination.
"Well, lads, sounds like a right adventure ahead of us! We''ll navigate those jungles and claim the Light of the Sea. If it be our destiny to face eldritch horrors, then let it be so!" He said with a laugh.
"Aye, but ye’ve heard the tale, Captain. The Light ain''t just there for the takin''. The island’s a deathtrap, and those who go lookin'' often don’t return. What’s your grand plan when things go belly up, Merrick?" Responded Roger. He was prodding the Captain, trying to find any way to make him look incompetent and weak.
"I reckon we need more than bravado and a cutlass to face what’s on that island. How do we fight against curses and dark magic, Captain? Steel won''t cut it against shadows and spirits." Tom Rooker retorted.
"True enough. The Light of the Sea may not be worth the risk. Perhaps we should reconsider our course before we find ourselves among the dead and damned." added Billy McGraw.
"Aye, Captain. We’ve sailed through storms and faced down deadly foes before. If the Light’s our only hope against Jones, then I say we go for it. But we need a plan—something solid, not just a wild gamble." Gilb replied.
"Gilb’s right. We need a proper strategy. This ain’t just about sailin'' into the unknown; it’s about comin'' back out alive. If we know what dangers lie ahead, we can prepare for ''em." Agreed Samuel.
"These tales speak of horrors beyond the physical, Captain. We need to think smart, not just brave. Supplies, knowledge, and a clear head. Otherwise, we’ll be feedin'' the fish with our bones." Salty Jeb put his two coppers in. Merrick was still unsure about that one. The old cook was shady. He never could tell where Salty Jeb''s ambitions were.
"Stories like these tend to grow with the tellin''. We need to be sure what’s real and what’s not. If the dangers are as great as the rewards, we best be prepared for anything." Finn added his piece. There was a murmur among the crew, as many seemed to agree with him.
"The tales of Mao Shar are not just stories to frighten children. The dangers are real, and the spirits of the island are restless. But the Light of the Sea is also real. With courage, cunning, and respect for the old ways, you might just succeed. But tread carefully, for the island will test you in ways you cannot imagine." Kaimano said. He looked gravely at the assembled crew.
"Then it’s settled. We prepare ourselves for whatever awaits on Mao Shar. We’ve faced curses and legends before. We’ll not back down from a challenge. Keep your wits about ye, and trust in your Captain. We’ll find the Light and see this through together!" Merrick said, raising a hand signifying the final word. From the conversation, he reckoned that most of the crew were still on his side, but those ten would prove deadly if he did not come up with a way to handle them.
After a few hours, Mao Shar came into view. As soon as it did, Kaimano departed. Not before leaving a crudely drawn map with the last known location of The Light of the Sea, as passed down by the tribe for generations. Merrick held the map, and reviewed it carefully, committing every detail to memory.
They moored the Tiderunner offshore, and lowered the longboats. Merrick left Samuel onboard, with a handful of pirates he suspected to be loyal to him. That way, they could guard the ship while he managed the potential mutineers.
The longboats rowed to shore, and the pirates took stock of their surroundings. The beach was fringed with dark, dense jungle. The sounds of wildlife were carried out of the dense foliage by the winds. Roars, chirps, clicks, croaking, howling, hooting, and all manner of animal sounds assaulted the pirates'' ears. Merrick opened his compass. The needle pointed in the direction he needed to go, and he felt that now familiar feeling of dread-excitement.
"This way lads!" He said eagerly, unsheathing his cutlass. He charged ahead with the twenty five or so pirates he brought with him. Including the ten he suspected of mutiny. As they trekked through the jungle, Merrick heard a scream from the rear. He looked back, and saw that one of his men, a pirate named Del Digby, was on the ground. He rushed over to see what happened.
"He stepped on this Cap''n." Another pirate said, pointing to a beautiful violet plant with sharp thorns sticking out of it. "It shot a spike at him, and he keeled over!"
"Aye mates, watch where you''re steppin''! The island is already trying to send us to the Locker!" Merrick shouted, resuming his place at the head of the group. A few hours into the hike, and no more casualties were accrued. They managed to fight off a large predatory reptile, and avoid quicksand and choking vines. The oppressive heat and thick plants made progress slow. The men were tired, but they were close to the Light.
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As they sat resting, a strange crusty rustling sound was heard. The men looked about, but the thick brush made it impossible to see very far. Suddenly there was a scream, and Merrick saw a giant Salt Rime Worm, its body encrusted with salt and barnacles, devouring a pirate!
"By the Powers! It’s a bloody Salt Rime Worm! Arm yourselves, lads!" Jeb screamed.
"To arms, to arms! Defend yourselves or we’re all worm food!" Roger bellowed.
"Aim for its head! It’s the only way to slow it down! Don’t let it take any more of our men!" Merrick shouted. The worm was a difficult beast to fight. Pistol shots rang out as men fired, swords clanged against the salty shell of the Rime Worm. Its immense body shoved several pirates to their backs as the beast whirled around to face the most annoying attackers.
"Watch out for its tail! That thing’ll crush ye flat!" shouted Jeb, as he used an old club to bash at the Rime Worm. Despite his age, Merrick respected the cook''s tenacity.
"It’s too strong, Cap’n! We can’t get through its hide!" Ken said as he tried desperately to cut the Rime Worm. The shell was uncrackable with their cutlasses and pistols though. They needed to figure out how to kill the worm. Suddenly Merrick saw an opening. As the worm reared up to assault Finn, he rushed in, lunging forward with his cutlass, he pierced through a chink in the creature''s armor. Opaque ichor spilled from the wound and the worm writhed and wriggled back into the jungle. The crew could hear it crashing through the trees as they moved to check on eachother.
"Two men lost Cap''n." Reported Mr. Gilb. "Del Digby, and Wren Slater."
"Rest in Power men." Merrick said, taking off his hat and setting it across his chest. "We need to keep moving. Lets go."
The crew rallied. Seeing Merrick defeat the worm renewed many of their spirits, and their trust in the Captain. Roger scowled angrily.
A few hours more, and the crew made it to the location of the Light of the Sea. A grotto in the jungle, glowing with an eerie, otherworldly light. The pirates entered the grotto, and inside, sat on a stone plinth, was a glowing orb. It glowed with a cool blue-green light. Around it grew moss and lichen of all colors, adding an air of exotic beauty to the large cavernous room. The sound of dripping water echoed through the chamber. The air was thick with the sense of ancient power. The orb cast a shimmering pattern on the walls, like water rippling in the light.
"There it is, lads. The Light of the Sea. We''ve done it. Now, let''s get what we came for." Merrick said, staring intently at the beautiful sight.
"Hold on, Captain. Before anyone lays a hand on that thing, we need to talk." Roger interrupted.
The crew tensed, sensing the tension that had been growing for months, since that fateful encounter with Davy Jones. Merrick turned slowly, resting a hand on the hilt of his cutlass.
"Talk, Roger? Or are you lookin'' to parley for control of this here venture?" Merrick asked, a sly, knowing smirk spreading across his face.
"We''ve followed ye through hell and high water, Merrick. But this, this needs to be done right. The Light of the Sea ain''t just another trinket. We need the Black Squids, Captain Singh and the fleet, to stand a chance against Davy Jones." Roger said confidently.
"Roger''s right. This ain''t a solo voyage. We need allies, and Singh’s fleet can tip the scales in our favor." Billy added.
"Glory''s no good if we''re all dead, Merrick. We’ve seen what Jones can do. We need the might of the fleet, and Singh’ll ensure our survival." Rooker said, in turn resting his hand on his cutlass hilt.
Merrick studied the faces of his crew. The ten he expected, all wore the same expression on their faces. The other twelve looked confused or worried. "Good, the mutineers were outnumbered." Merrick mused to himself.
"I’ve got a plan, a clever one at that. We don’t need Singh. We use the Light to lure Jones into a trap. My trap. And then, we finish him once and for all. They''ll sing songs of us for generations, and we won''t have to worry about the stain of association with the Black Squids." Merrick said confidently.
"And what if your plan fails, Merrick? What then? We’re dead men, one and all." Salty Jeb added.
"Enough talk. We do this my way, Merrick. It’s the only way to ensure our survival. Hand over the Light, and let’s call in the fleet." Roger said, unsheathing his cutlass.
"You’re makin’ a mistake, Roger. You think Singh’ll just hand over the Light once he has it? He’ll take it, and us along with it. There’s no bargaining with a man like Singh." Merrick replied, unsheathing his own blade. The sound of swords unsheathing rang out, as all men present prepared their weapons.
"I’m done listening to your mad schemes, Merrick. This is where it ends. For the good of the crew, step aside." Roger demanded. The tension hung thick in the air.
"If you want it, Roger, you’ll have to take it. But know this—I''ve got no intention of goin'' down without a fight." Merrick said darkly, lowering his head solemnly.
"So be it. Men, stand ready." Roger said, as he stepped up to face Merrick.
The two men squared off. The air crackled with tension. The grotto''s eerie light lit the stage. Merrick and Roger circled each other as the rest of the crew started fighting for their lives. The twelve pirates who were not part of the mutiny were attacked by the nine other mutineers.
Roger made the first move, lunging forward with a powerful overhead slash. Merrick deftly sidestepped, his cutlass parrying the blow with a sharp clang. The two men traded rapid strikes, their blades flashing in the dim light. Each attack was met with a counter, the sound of metal on metal ringing out like a bell of doom.
Merrick’s style was fluid and unpredictable, a blend of finesse and cunning. He danced around Roger, using quick footwork and agile movements to stay one step ahead. Roger, in contrast, fought with brute strength and raw determination, his strikes powerful and relentless.
The duel surged back and forth across the cavern floor. Merrick feinted to the left, drawing Roger into a wide swing, then countered with a rapid thrust that grazed Roger’s side. Roger grunted in pain but did not falter, his resolve hardened with every clash of blades.
With a roar, Roger launched a flurry of attacks, forcing Merrick to retreat. The Captain parried and dodged, his cutlass moving like a living thing in his hand. He saw an opening and took it, a swift slash that caught Roger’s arm, drawing blood. Roger snarled, more enraged than deterred.
They circled again, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from their brows. Roger lunged low, aiming for Merrick’s legs, but the Captain leapt back, then lunged forward with a counterstrike that slashed across Roger’s chest. Roger stumbled but regained his footing, eyes burning with fury.
“You’re mad, Merrick!” Roger shouted, swinging his cutlass with all his might. Merrick blocked the blow, their faces inches apart.
"Aye, Roger, but at least I make it look good!" Merrick quipped with a mischievous grin.
The fight intensified. Both men knew that only one could emerge victorious. Merrick’s cutlass flicked out, a rapid series of strikes that forced Roger on the defensive. The mutineer blocked the blows, but his movements were slowing. Fatigue was setting in.
Seizing the moment, Merrick feigned an attack to the left, then pivoted right, bringing his cutlass down in a sweeping arc. Roger’s blade met his, but the force of Merrick’s strike sent it flying from his hand. Roger fell to one knee, clutching his wounded arm, his eyes wide with shock.
Merrick stood over him, his cutlass pointed at Roger’s throat. “Yield, Roger. Or you’ll find the afterlife a lot less amusing than my company,” he said with a cheeky grin.
Roger, breathing heavily and glaring up at Merrick, nodded slowly. “Alright, Merrick. You win. For now,” he said, his voice laced with reluctant respect.
Merrick lowered his cutlass and extended a hand to Roger. “Good. Now, let’s finish what we came here to do. Together.”
As the Captain and First Mate stood together, the rest of the crew stopped their fighting. No men had died, but many were clutching wounds. Merrick, sweating, walked up and grabbed the Light of the Sea. He placed it in a canvas sack and hoisted it over his shoulder.
"Right lads, lets not let a bit of mutiny spoil our triumph! Back to the ship! We''ve got a devil to deal with!" Merrick shouted, and the crew hurried out of the grotto.
The hike back to the ship was arduous. The men, in their weakened state, moved even slower. Eventually, in the small hours of the morning, they made it back to the ship, battered and bruised. They boarded the Tiderunner, and made sail for the open sea.