The Rescue: Phase Three

Possessed of the element of surprise, the rescuers knocked out the two pirates on guard and left them unconscious on the floor of the hold. Amaal confirmed that she was fit to go, and Kalev started to lead her away, but she tugged at him and directed his attention to Tondo, bound, lethargic, in a terrible state. Kalev shook his head vehemently. Tondo was not the target. Amaal hesitated and Kalev, reluctantly, changed his mind. At least, he thought, they could leave the prisoner free to defend himself. He cut away Tondo’s bindings and instantly regretted the decision. Tondo lifted his head and opened his eyes. He parted his cracked lips and groaned. Kalev gestured to him to stay quiet, but Tondo was delirious and continued to moan. There was no time to help him further. The sound of the shore boat banging against the ship told them that Nunshin had returned.

Kalev led Amaal up to the rowing deck. The escape rope was in sight when Tondo let out an unearthly wail and all voices on the upper deck went quiet. Kalev whispered a curse and the rescue team crouched in the shadows.

“Get down there!” Nunshin screamed to his men. “And shut him up!”

Tondo continued to wail. The pirates stepped into the rowing deck and spotted the guards lying unconscious on the floor.

“Hey!” one of them shouted, “these two are out cold!”

The pirates drew their knives and searched the shadows. Kalev stepped out, dagger swinging, and his team quickly followed. Amaal made for the edge of the ship, but a pirate grabbed her by the hair and pulled her up onto the deck. The rescue team put up a good fight, but, severely outnumbered, one by one they were forced to drop their weapons. Now, they were held at knifepoint.

“Which of you is the leader of this pathetic failure?” Nunshin snarled.

Before Kalev had a chance to speak, the rescuer standing closest to the ship’s single torch called out, “I am.” Amaal did not recognize the man concealed in camouflage face paint, his head covered in a beige scarf.

Nunshin held a dagger to the man’s chin. “The exchange for ransom is off!” His eyes bulged as he turned and screamed at his crew, “We will not be denied! Prepare to attack the fleet! The treasure will be ours!”

The pirates cheered and pumped their fists and gritted their teeth as though they were already testing the gold. Amaal shuddered. Queen or no queen, she was no longer a means to gain the treasure. The likelihood of a horrible ending loomed closer than ever. Nunshin screamed, “Prepare to sail!” The pirate crew started to pull up the anchor.

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