Gangrene



The sequel to Adipocere

Dramatis Personae

 * Finn Hamm - Male; 36; Former captain of the Adipocere
 * Teller Lohand - Male; 25; Captain of the Adipocere

Scene 1 - Adrian Triumphant
''Shipwreck Cove, the hidden base of the infamous pirate faction of the Brethren Court and one of the last Caribbean pirate bastions, 1747. Within the deepest bowels of the massive stronghold comprised of countless wrecked ships, merchant, military, and pirate alike, the lavish meeting hall of the Brethren is filled to the brim by nine Pirate Lords, including captains Zoomer, Jeremiah Garland, Lawrence Ironhawk, Leonhard Bosch, and Pirate King Richard Cannonwalker, along with their equally unhygienic entourages. The Pirate Lords discuss the recent discovery of the lost island of Raven's Cove, and subsequent unearthing of a massive cache of powerful "cursed weapons." King Cannonwalker, dressed fittingly, speaks in a smooth baritone which commands the attention of all present.''

Cannonwalker: It is clear that, as we speak, this dangerous cache is in the hands of our sworn enemies, being meted out to their lackeys and allies who all seek to destroy us. If we don't act now, I fear all we have worked for will have come to ruin.

Lord Zoomer interjects before the others, a younger and less experienced voice that nonetheless carries a certain weight to it, as if it has experienced great hardship in the past just the same.

Zoomer: Is no one else concerned about the nature of this discovery made by the Company and Roger? How could it be that they made their way to the Cove and looted it without us knowing? Aren't we supposed to have eyes and ears everywhere?

Lord Garland, an older man, is wiser and older in comparison, with a hint of sardonic nostalgia in his tone.

Garland: If I may speak boldly, it would appear the Court is no longer the daring pirate government it used to be. But perhaps this discovery by our enemies may yet be attributed to a factor... outside of our control.

Cannonwalker (almost visibly bothered): Truthfully... I was aware that Adrian was on the hunt for Raven's Cove, but assumed such a venture was far-fetched at best. I underestimated both him and his competition. That doesn't change the fact that-

Zoomer: You knew there was a danger and you did nothing? You allowed Hamm, a rogue Lord to pursue this goal by his lonesome?!

Ironhawk: I'm wondering why Adrian was allowed to continue operating after his treachery in the first place.

Cannonwalker: Enough! The man is dead, and his demise has introduced a myriad of weapons of considerable power to the Caribbean for better or worse. At the very least, we have Teller Lohand to thank for eliminating his threat forever. Now, my friends, if you please, it's time to turn our attention to retrieving these weapons from the Company bef-

An abrupt bang ''interrupts the Pirate King's speech, accompanied by a paranormal change in temperature. The numerous candles illuminating the hall flicker ominously. A faint clanging in the distance is just barely audible. The Lords look around suspiciously, and Zoomer and Bosch clutch their weapons closely.''

Sea Slasher (in a hushed voice): Do you feel it? That familiar... cold.

''It is completely silent for a few seconds before, before the silence is broken by the sound of screams just outside the room. The hall's doors swing open vigorously, slamming against the walls. A dozen men, some alive and some dead, flood into the room, weapons drawn, led by a man with red hair, a red vest, and a handlebar moustache brandishing a blunderbuss. The fresh corpse of James, first mate of Captain Teller Lohand of the Adipocere, is thrown on to the cold ground with a thump, creating a warm pool of crimson blood. Bosch and the other Lords immediately rise from their seats and draw their weapons in kind, aiming at the intruders.''

Bosch: Who dares intrude and threaten the Pirate Lords?

An ethereal voice: Threaten my loyal servants? Doubtful.

''Finn Hamm (known by many as Dread Adrian), clad in a dark tattered coat, a strange beaked mask, and a wide-brimmed hat, carrying an elongated cane with a gleaming blue jem on its end, struts into the room, not intimidated by the raised weapons of the Lords and their crews. He kicks over an open pot in his way, spilling ashes on to the ground near James' corpse. He comes to a stop at the end of the rectangular table in the center of the room. He soaks in the bewildered faces of his former allies.''

Adrian: My friends. I regret not returning sooner, but circumstances these past few months have left me priorly occupied. It is... good to see you again.

Cannonwalker: Impossible.

Adrian: Is it so? Surely you don't think so litttle of me to assume that a taste of hell's raging fire would be enough to silence me.

''Adrian chuckles lightly. The trinkets and voodoo dolls strewn across his chest emit a quiet humming sound that deeply disturbs the others. Jeremiah Garland notices the several undead pirates accompanying Adrian and Slappy.''

Garland: An alliance with Jolly Roger, then? Is that the company you keep these days?

''Slappy scoffs. Adrian waves his hand dismissively.''

Adrian: No, it's alright, my friend; he is merely curious. I would be, too. Roger proved to be an invaluable ally in my hunt for El Patron's weapons. As it turned out, our goals aligned beyond the search for the cache. He wanted revenge on the Brethren. My intent is not so violent, however; he has agreed to settle for my demands in the meantime.

Zoomer (bewildered): Your demands?

Adrian: As of now, Richard Cannonwalker is no longer Pirate King. He will be relegated to the position of Attorney General for the new Brethren League, under the regime of the new King, yours truly.

''Cannonwalker is stunned. Sea Slasher and several others step forward, offended.''

Bosch: You think any of us would answer to such a depraved, untrustworthy man such as yourself? You make me laugh.

Adrian: ''Untrustworthy? ''Tell me, Leonhard, when have I ever lied to you? How many times have I led you all astray? Surely not as frequently as your sitting King.

Cannonwalker (losing his temper): I will not tolerate this coup. You were a fool to return here, Adrian! And now you will pay the price for your insolence.

Zoomer: It's high time you were put in your place.

''Zoomer, brandishing an ornate dagger, steps up to Adrian, poised to strike. Adrian immediately draws his own blade with his free hand, an elaborate sabre with a visibly lethal edge. He clanks his sword against Zoomer's knife perfunctorily.''

Adrian: My place, boy? I would be astounded by the hostility of any of the Lords toward me, but ''you? ''I'd think it above you to threaten a man who's gone out of their way to aid you in the past without seeking equal payment in turn. I'm sure you recall the incident concerning Mr. Sharp - the letter?

''Zoomer is temporarily thrown off his guard, recalling a past event. His gaze subtly shifts to the side. Immediately, Adrian swipes the man's dagger to the side with his sabre and points his gleaming staff at his chest, freezing him in place with a crackling noise. Adrian pushes him to the ground and turns to the others.''

Adrian: There, you see? I can be merciful, and merciful I shall continue to be if I wish to rule a full Court. Richard, step away from the end of the table, if you please. I believe it's time for me to pay a visit to Teller Lohand, but not before I reclaim what is mine. In the meantime, Slappy will lead the negotiation for your unconditional surrender.

The Lords scowl.

Adrian: Unless... you object?

''Adrian's staff begins to glow once more. Slappy fixes his blunderbuss on Cannonwalker. Reluctantly, the Lords take their seats once more; Richard remains seated at the end of the table. Adrian bows slightly and departs, flanked by two reanimated pirates.''

Slappy (taking a seat, blunderbuss in his lap): How shall we begin?

Scene 2 - Old Debts
''One half hour later. Slappy preaches the folly of the Court from the top of the table, no longer speaking directly to any of the Lords, completely lost in his speech. Several of the pirates begin to doze off, while Richard and Zoomer stay alert, their eyes fixed on their captor.''

Slappy: That's why Driftwood was never worth the effort. That's certainly why a Man-o-War is no match for a well-equipped sloop. With that in mind, then, why in God's name would you possibly divine such a...

An unseen hand whispers into Cannonwalker's ear.

Voice: Stay calm. We are leaving.

Cannonwalker (jumping slightly, whispering): Who is this? Surely we will be caught.

Voice: Look at him. He wouldn't notice us if we sprinted out the door.

''Slappy's gaze is fixed toward another corner of the room, making uncomfortable eye contact with Leonhard Bosch. ''

Voice: It's leave or endure his speech until judgment day.

''Cannonwalker slips out of his seat slowly, crouching under the table. He turns to his rescurer; it is Teller Lohand, a bright, young face, scarred by recent battles. He motions for him to stay quiet.''

Cannonwalker: If you're planning to ambush Adrian... we'll need at least one more set of hands.

Teller: I'm sure Zoomer would be happy to oblige. From what I hear, he's less than a pushover when it comes to fighting anyway.

''Teller and Cannonwalker crawl silently to the other end of the room. Teller tugs at Zoomer's shirt, motioning for him to come down. Zoomer, keeping his eyes on Slappy, slowly sinks under the table. Captain Wavecrash notices them with wide eyes. Teller puts a finger over his mouth, motioning for him to be quiet. Wavecrash returns his gaze to Slappy. The three pirates quickly slip out of the room and into the antechamber, looking over the fortress below, which is patrolled extensively by undead and living guards.''

Zoomer: At least we're out of there. Now we're surrounded.

Cannnonwalker: We need to find Adrian and end this.

Teller: My thoughts exactly. He'll be heading for the Adipocere by now for certain. I know precisely where I left it docked. Our best bet is to get there first and hope we get the drop on him.

Cannonwalker: The trouble will be getting there in one piece. Lead the way.

''The three, with great patience, sneak past the legion of League soldiers, turning corners and slowly moving towards the Adipocere's private dock in silence. The ship sits stationary in a river, kept still by a lock that stems the tide. The exit, a massive wooden door, leads out into the open ocean. The dock is dimly lit only by a dying lantern on the wall. As they approach the Adipocere, there is no sign of Adrian or any of his accomplices.''

Teller: This is it. Quickly, hide yourselves - he'll be coming!

''Teller runs below decks, while Zoomer hangs off the edge of the Adipocere and Richard climbs the mast, hiding behind a sail. After several uncomfortable minutes, the familiar thumping of Adrian's black boots is heard in the distance. He slowly steps on to the deck of his former ship, stolen by Teller. Cannonwalker cocks his flintlock pistol, aiming it directly at Adrian. Teller bites his tongue.''

Adrian: I would have thought you would have known better by now, but it seems you're the one who will be paying the price for your insolence!

''Adrian utters an incantation and his staff begins to glow. The dock's only lattern explodes, casting the room into the light and revealing the hidden pirates. Adrian draws his saber and holds it at the ready. Cannonwalker jumps down from the mast, Zoomer climbs up from the side, and Teller runs topside.''

Adrian (angered): You!

''The masked pirate charges at Teller, who blocks his first strike with his golden dagger. Teller immediately retaliates, striking at Adrian's head. Adrian blocks. Zoomer charges into the fray, forcing him into a defensive stance. He at once holds off both Teller and Zoomer, while Cannonwalker draws his cutlass and looks for an entrance. Zoomer presses the assault, giving Teller an opening to slice directly at Adrian's exposed chest.''

Adrian (panting): Yes... strike once more at your fear personified. Imagine the humiliation should you fail!

''The wounded Adrian continues to hold them off despite Teller's succesful hit. The two attackers step back, astounded, while Cannonwalker worms into the fight. He engages Adrian directly while the others back away. The two are an equal match for a time before Cannonwalker begins to tire, leaving him open. Before Adrian can take advantage, however, Zoomer throws his dagger at his leg, forcing him to his knees. The dagger is wedged into his thigh.''

Adrian: Does it give you pleasure? Or does the weight of the confrontation begin to bear down on you, like the cold stench of a battle nearing its end?

''Adrian rises once more and blasts the trio away with his staff. As they fall on to their backs in a bewilderment, Slappy and a pair of skeletons rush into the enclosed dock, standing on the rocks next to the ship. Teller quickly rises to his feet and helps Zoomer up. The two are battered but engage an amused Adrian once more, whose defense is suddenly impenetrable. Cannonwalker slowly pulls himself up.''

Slappy (taking aim with his blunderbuss): Stand clear! I've got them!

''Adrian steps off to the side, keeping up his vicious offensive. Richard, panting, notices Slappy lining up his shot, and sprints at Adrian from the right. He shoves the masked corsair into Slappy's line of fire, which sends Adrian flying off the edge of the Adipocere. Cringing, Slappy drops his blunderbuss and draws his engraved broadsword. Thinking quickly, Cannonwalker takes aim at the waterlock on the ceiling and fires, letting a stream of water begin to push the ship forward. The massive wooden door of the dock opens, allowing the water to rush out unabated. In moments, the Adipocere begins to sail out into open sea, while Slappy and the skeletons stumble into the river below with Hamm. Relieved, Teller, Zoomer, and Richard help each other up.''

Zoomer: I admit, I was beginning to worry, but... we've done it!

Cannonwalker (grimly): Don't be so sure.

''Richard points to the massive undead fleet patrolling outside Shipwreck Cove. Back inside, Adrian and Slappy, soaking, meet up with Jolly Roger in the empty dock.''

Jolly: Don't fret, Adrian. They won't be makin' it past the blockade, that's for sure.

Adrian (grumbling): They may have something that will help them do just that.

Scene 3 - Outlaws Once More
Soon!