The Bloody Tide slowly rocked amongst the waves as Powder Keg called from the crow’s nest, “Capt’n! Isle on the horizon! It’s the Leviathan’s!”
Captain Sail, Pinpoint, and Siren were on the top deck as Captain Sail looked passed the Bow at the Ice covered Isle and mumbled, “Back already, and no Iron Wing… S’pose we should make port at Home then try again.”
Siren sighed, “You think he recognized that this ship isn’t native to Home?”
Pinpoint nodded, “It’s possible.” He looked at Captain Sail, “What’s the call captain?”
Captain Sail turned back to his officer and replied, “As I said, we make port and then prepare to cast of again. It’s just the first try, so we can’t call this a fa-“
“CAPT’N! Mast on our stern!”
Almost immediately, everypony on the Bloody Tide turned to the back of the ship as they all looked to see a large frigate approaching from behind. Pinpoint pull out his spyglass and looked to the approaching ship as Captain Sail asked, “Well?...”
Pinpoint smiled, “See for yourself captain.”
Pinpoint passed the spyglass to his captain as Captain Sail looked at the approaching ship and focused on the ships Jolly Roger, “It’s him…” He lowered the spyglass and smiled, “Its Iron Hoof.”
Pinpoint took the spyglass as Siren spoke, “Good… lets strike the chime and sink em’ where they sit.”
Captain Sail was confused, “Chime?”
Realizing what she said, Siren felt nervous as she corrected himself, “Oh… um… nothing, just something my dad would say before a fight… I think it was supposed to be the sound of a cannon ball falling into a cannon or somethin’.”
Captain Sail brushed off the explanation as he replied, “Aye… let’s do this.” He looked over the ship, “Our mark is in the water lads… Let’s send her to the bottom of the sea!”
The crew cheered, “AYE!!!”
With that the crew rushed to their stations as Captain Sail called, “Strike the colors Mr. Keg!”
Powder Keg smiled, “AYE AYE CAPT’N!”
Captain Sail placed his focus on his rushing crew, “Load all Cannon! Solid in the galley, and grape on the main deck!” he looked at the helmscolt, “Bring her about and keep her steady, lets show our ghost that we ain’t afraid.”
The helmscolt smiled, “Aye Captain, bringin’ her about.”
Far off on the Iron Wing, A large red unicorn was standing on the forecastle watching the Bloody Tide through a spyglass as he mumbled, “She’s coming about?... that ain’t no transport.”
At that moment a shorter black stallion with a white mane stepped onto the deck as he spoke, “What are ya doing here Quartermaster?”
The Red Unicorn replied, “Capt’n? That ship we spotted ain’t a transport. She’s come about and is flyin’ a Roger… She’s a pirate ship from the main seas.”
Iron Hoof was confused, “What?... In the leviathan seas?” He grabbed the spyglass and looked at the Bloody Tide as he saw the colors and smiled, “Well would ya look at that, never thought I would ever see him on these waters.”
The Quartermaster asked, “Who is it capt’n?”
Iron Hoof turned away from his quartermaster, “A legend on the main seas.” He looked over his ship, “Stand down lads! Strike a white flag! I’ve been waitin’ a good while to meet this one, and I intend on makin’ good on my first impression.”
Back on the Bloody Tide Powder Keg called, “Um… Capt’n?... the Iron Wing… She’s flying a white flag.”
Captain Sail was confused, “What?”
Pinpoint took out a spyglass and looked at the Iron Wing as he nodded, “He’s right captain, a white flag. What do ya s’pose that’s about?”
Pinpoint passed the spyglass to Captain Sail as Siren spoke, “It’s a trick… it has to be. What reason would he have to meet with us?”
Captain Sail saw the flag and lowered the spyglass, “Not sure…” He called, “Mr. Keg! Raise the white flag, he wants to meet us then I'll oblige to it.”
Siren was surprised, “What? Don’t tell me you’re falling for his trick.”
Captain Sail replied, “A white flag is an invokement of parlay, though parlay isn’t officially part of any recorded pirate code, I feel that any who wish to barter for their lives have the right to be heard.”
Siren was amazed at what she heard as she replied, “You’ve got to be kidding me… Now, of all times you choose to act civilized?”
Captain Sail nodded with a serious expression, “You know me too well to assume that lass. As I said, I’m only going to hear what he has to say. What happens afterwards… depends on him.”
Pinpoint approached Captain Sail, “Alright then, a meeting… is there a timer on it?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… Ten minutes and not a second more.”
Pinpoint replied as he started to leave, “Aye Captain, I'll pass it on.”
Before he was out of earshot, Captain Sail added, “Mr. Point?”
Pinpoint stopped as Captain Sail repeated with a serious tone, “Not, one second more… understood?”
Pinpoint nodded, “Aye captain.”
With that Pinpoint stepped down onto the main deck as Siren asked, “What was that about?”
Captain Sail replied, “You’ll see.” He called up to Powder Keg, “When you’re done with that flag, get down here! I’m gonna need you to help set the timer!”
As the two ships started to approach one another, Captain Sail had the Helmscolt pull the Bloody Tide alongside the Iron Wing so that the two ships could be tied together. As both pirate ships neared each other, grappling hooks from both vessels flew to the other as the crews pulled the ships together before tying the port side railings of the Bloody Tide to the Iron Wing’s port side leaving both ships to be facing in opposite directions. Now that both ships were tied, the Iron Hoof Pirates and the Crimson Pirates stared at the opposing crew as the air became full of tension. Ready for their meeting, Captain Sail, Pinpoint and Powder Keg met at the port side railing as they looked across to the Iron Wing’s crew as they saw the black stallion and red unicorn approach the railing on the opposite ship. As they stood there, Captain Sail spoke to his two officers, “The Lass and I will go meet him… you two stay here and keep your eye on them… and the time. And remember, time starts as soon as we leave your sight got it?”
Powder Keg nodded, “Rear to front captain… just listen for the first shot.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Good lad.”
With that, Captain Sail and Siren stepped onto the tied railings of the two ships then onto the Iron Wing. As soon as they stepped onto the Iron Wing’s deck, a metal on metal chime was heard as Captain Sail looked down to see that Siren’s metal horseshoes made the noise when she stepped onto the iron plating that was nailed to the deck along the inside of the ships side railings. After he saw what made the noise Captain Sail disregarded it as he looked forward to see both Iron Hoof and his Quartermaster standing in front of him surrounded by the pirates of the Iron Wing. As Iron Hoof saw him, he smiled, “Well, this be a treat for all senses. Captain Crimson Bartholomew Sail, The crimson ghost hunter himself, and aboard my ship of all places. Welcome aboard, the Iron Wing Captain Sail.”
Captain Sail kept a casual expression as he replied, “Much appreciated… and might I assume you are who I suspect?”
Iron Hoof smiled as he bowed in a noble way, “A thousand pardons captain, my name is Captain Iron Hoof, Captain of the Iron Wing and, your ghost as it would seem.”
Captain Sail gave him an emotionless stare as Iron Hoof replied to his stare, “Is there something wrong captain? You appear as if you were trapped in thought.”
Captain Sail nodded, “You’re an earth pony… and barley my age no less.”
Iron Hoof was curious, “Aye I am… is that a problem?”
Captain Sail shook his head, “Not at all, I just assumed that a captain well over three hundred years old would be something immortal… an alicorn, dragon… maybe even a demon.”
Iron Hoof smiled at the comment, “Well as flattering as demon sounds, I don’t s’pose you think an alicorn could possibly sail any finer than an earthpony could?”
Captain Sail smiled, “S’pose not…”
Iron Hoof looked at Siren as he smiled, “And speakin’ of immortal… Welcome back Siren. I don’t s’pose you finally came to your senses and return to join my crew did ya? You would be wise to finally see it my way and sail alongside Iron Hoof.”
Siren replied with a disgusted look, “Sorry… but you haven’t earned that title… Sabastian.”
Captain Sail gave her a confused look as Iron Hoof only replied with a smile and a brief moment of silence. All of a sudden, the moment was broken as Iron Hoof swung his hoof hitting Siren on her face as the impact knocked her to the deck. As soon as he saw the punch, Captain Sail started to step forward in an attempt to reflexively fight back, but before he could plant his hoof, he realized his actions as he stopped himself before any of the ponies watching could notice.
As Captain Sail acted casual to his missed action, something caught his eye. As Iron Hoof lowered his hoof, Captain Sail saw something familiar. It was a metal horseshoe, nailed directly onto his hoof, no different from Siren’s. Without bringing attention to himself, Captain Sail paned his eyes to the Quartermaster’s hooves to see if he had the same horseshoes, but when he saw that the quartermaster didn’t have them, he put two and two together and didn’t like the answer. With the rest of the group’s attention still on Iron Hoof’s assault, Iron Hoof looked to Captain Sail and spoke, “Apologies for having to witness that captain. Though I’m sure you know as well as I, that anytime a sailor refuses to address you with your proper title, that they need to be made and example of.”
Still annoyed with his discovery, Captain Sail replied with an almost disrespectful tone, “I understand Captain, a sailor must respect the captain of whom’s ship she stands.”
Noticing that his words were directed at her, Siren looked up at Captain Sail as she picked herself up and wiped the blood from her lip. After she was back up Captain Sail looked back to Iron Hoof, “So… Captain Iron Hoof? To what do I owe this pleasure of being invited aboard the Iron Wing?”
Iron Hoof smiled, “Of course, for that we should retire to my quarters where we can discuss this in a more secure settin’. This way.”
With that Captain Iron Hoof, lead Captain Sail towards the captain’s cabin as Pinpoint watched from the Bloody Tide as he saw Iron Hoof and mumbled, “That Stallion… he looks familiar but… where have I seen him before?”
As soon as they reached the cabin door, Iron Hoof, Captain Sail, and Siren entered as Iron Hoof’s quartermaster waited outside the door as if he were a posted guard.
Inside Iron Hoof’s quarters, Captain Sail, Siren and Iron Hoof sat at a table, as Captain Sail spoke first, “Alright… what is this about Captain? If you know who I am, then surely you know that inviting me aboard your ships isn’t very wise.”
Iron Hoof smiled, “Aye, many in my situation would think me mad, but meeting’ a sailor of your reputation is a privilege that can’t be missed.”
Captain Sail was confused, “My reputation?”
Iron Hoof nodded, “Aye, I’m not a native to the Leviathan Seas, in fact I was born outside on Pirate Cove, and I of all ponies know the stories of Captain Crimson Bartholomew Sail.”
Captain Sail was confused, “What?”
Iron Hoof continued, “Your very sails put fear into those who see em’. And all who sail the sea know that if they surrender to those sails, that you will spare their lives in return. So quite literally, all who see you surrender on sight. A reputation like that… it’s what most pirates dream of. Pillagin’ and plunderin’ by attendance alone. And it’s for that reason I wanted to speak with you.”
Captain Sail tried to understand what was going on as he spoke, “That explains why you know me… but flatterin’ as is, it leaves my question unanswered.”
Iron Hoof replied, “Sure, well what I was getting at is I wanted you to hear a proposition. A sailor such as yourself would be a fine addition to what my plans are for the future of pirates everywhere. What I’m proposing is, you sail your Bloody Tide, as part of my Iron Fleet.”
Siren replied in surprise, “Did you say fleet?”
Iron Hoof replied, “Calm yourself lass… you heard me right. The era of pirates is slowly diminishin’ but I intend to bring it back. Soon I’ll start putin’ together a fleet, of the seas’ finest pirates. With them, we will establish a nation on the sea itself. Why must we pirates only control a hidden cove, when we are the true rulers of the seas? I will rule the seas… and you, captain sail, can have your share of its riches.”
Siren shook her head in disbelief, “You can’t be serious? You’re talking about claiming the sea as your own… ya realize how crazy that sounds?”
Iron Hoof shook his head, “Come now Siren, there is place for you too in this. You can sail with the good captain here. After all, you are the guardian of what we need to truly begin taking back the seas. We can always welcome ya back… in exchange for that treasure of yours. With that, we will truly become a fleet that the world will fear. Nopony, god or mortal, will ever threaten us. We will rule the seas, and not just the main seas, the Atlantian, the Equestrian, even the Leviathan. We will have rule over everything the waves touch. To include their treasures.”
Siren stood up in anger, “I knew it… this isn’t about a fleet at all is it?... You want the Leviathan’s treasure. And because of that you betrayed my father and the Isle of Home? You’re a disgrace to this ship, its colors, and to pirates everywhere!”
Outside on the upper deck of the Bloody Tide, Pinpoint and Powder Keg watched the crew of the Iron Wing closely as the helmscolt looked at Pinpoint and spoke, “Sir… Ten minutes is up.”
Pinpoint nodded, “Then it’s time to call it.” He looked at Powder Keg, “Give the order Mr. Keg.”
Powder Keg didn’t feel comfortable, “What about the captain?”
Pinpoint replied, “The captain said not one second more… he knows the risk… now give the order.”
Powder Keg nodded, “Aye Sir.”
With that Powder Keg rushed down from the top deck, stopped at each cannon crew, quietly gave them instructions, then moved on to the next. Seeing this, the quartermaster of the Iron Wing started to get suspicious as he turned to knock on the door to the Captain’s quarters.
Moments ago Inside the captain’s quarters, tension couldn’t be higher as Iron Hoof replied to Siren’s outburst, “Now now lass, I think you of all ponies have no place to speak of morals… after all, you arrive here with Captain Sail… so I’m assumin’ you ain’t been very honest with the good captain… have ya?”
Siren’s expression became nervous, “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Iron Hoof replied with a sinister smiled, “Aww, you’ve chosen to keep that little tale to yourself haven’t you? The tale of a voyage you took, say… twenty some-odd years ago?”
Captain Sail looked at Siren, “What is he saying?”
Siren started nervously replaying, “I… um… well…”
Iron Hoof continues, “You know the one… the voyage you took, aboard the Iron Wing before I became Iron Hoof. I believe it was the day we met.”
Siren replied in anger, “You are NOT Iron Hoof!!! You’re nothing but a snake! Slithered in her in a barrel like the coward you are and if it wasn’t for me, we would have tossed you back into the sea like the rest!”
Iron Hoof smiled “Aye, and I repaid your kindness when I chose to let you live. So as far as I’m concerned my conscious is clea-”
All of a sudden a knock was heard on the door, “Um… Captain? Something is happening aboard Sail’s ship.”
Iron Hoof looked to the door, “What do you mea-”
Before he could finish, Captain Sail interrupted as he stood up, “I suppose now is as good a time as any to give you my answer to your proposal.”
Iron Hoof and Siren looked at him in confusion as Captain Sail continued, “I set out twenty years ago with only one purpose in mind. In doing so, I’ve branded myself a criminal, destroyed the marriage that I would have had, sunken ship after ship, and killed many a sailor all to get the chance to take your head as prize. And now that I’m here, you say that I should spare you in exchange to sail under your flag and assist in establishing a new kingdom… but you forget captain… that a pirate will never sail under a kingdom nor any flag other than his own.”
At that moment aboard the Bloody Tide, Powder Keg reached the bow of the ship as he turned to face the cannon crews and called, “From rear to front! All cannon! FIRE!!!”
At that moment, with half second intervals, all the cannons on the Bloody Tide fired off starting with the one in the stern all the way down towards the bow, as the cannons on the main deck sent a cluster of grape shot out injuring and killing many Iron Hoof pirates as the cannons in the galley sent solid cannon balls into the Iron Wing damaging the ship while destroying vital cargo. After the back few cannons fired, Captain Sail quickly spoke as fast as he could, “I decline the offer!”
Without leaving any time between his last word and his actions, Captain Sail jumped towards Siren and tackled her to the floor as the firing cannons finally reached the aft castle of the Iron Wing. As the cannon outside the Iron Wing’s aftcastle went off, nine miniature cannonballs shattered the wall as lumber from the ship’s hull flew in leaving a sharpened piece of wood to hit Iron Hoof in his face knocking him to the floor as the rest of the room was filled with flying cannon shot and splinters that barely missed Captain Sail and Siren as they took cover on the deck.
Wasting no time, The Iron Pirate’s quartermaster drew his sword as he quickly ran down the railing cutting all the lines that tied the two vessels together as he called, “OPEN ALL SAILS AND GET TO STATIONS!!!”
Quickly reacting, the few Iron Hoof pirates that managed to get out of the attack without wounds climbed into the yardarms as they unrolled the sails as fast as they could. As soon as the sails caught wind, the Iron Wing jerked forward and away from the Bloody Tide as Captain Sail picked himself up and looked through the massive hole in the cabin wall as he spoke, “Quickly back to the Tide!”
Reacting to the order, both Siren and Captain Sail rushed to the hole in the wall and jumped through just in time to land on the Bloody Tide’s main deck as both ponies landed and rolled a few feet before stopping.
As soon as they stopped rolling, Captain Sail stood up and turned to the Iron Wing, “FIRE!!! SINK THE IRON WING!!!”
By the time this order was called a number of the previously fired cannons were already reloaded as they fired a second volley leaving one cannonball to hit the Iron Wing’s rudder disabling the rudder chain and making steering impossible for the ship. Seeing that their foe was now immobilized, Captain Sail quickly rushed up to the top deck as he called, “We got her where we want her lads! She’s dead in the water! Now let’s finish her! Open the sails and bring her about! Aim for her bow and light her Greek fire!”
Glad that the attack disrupted the previous conversation, Siren started assisting the gun teams as they quickly reloaded the cannons while the rest of the crew rushed to release the sails and catch up to the enemy’s vessel.
On the Iron Wing, Iron Hoof climbed out of the rubble as he pulled a large piece of broken wood from his left eye socked then covered his fresh wound and called in anger, “Quartermaster!!!”
Seeing his captain climbing out of the damage aftcastle, the quartermaster and a number of sailors rushed to their captain as one pulled some bandages from a pouch, “Captain!... We need to get that treated at once.”
Reacting out of anger Iron Hoof grabbed and yanked the bandaged out of his surgeon’s hooves as he quickly wrapped them around his head to cover his bleeding eye socket as he called, “Where is he? Where is Captain Sail?”
The quartermaster replied, “He escaped and is back aboard his ship, he also disabled the rudder, and is coming up on us fast.”
Iron Hoof replied, “We can’t fight him like this… Wake up the Leviathan.”
The crew was shocked to hear the order as the quartermaster spoke, “Captain… what your saying is blasphemy… your talking about fir-“
Before he could reply, Iron Hoof with one hoof covering his bandaged wound, used the other front hoof to gesture his quartermaster closer, “Come her I need to tell you something.”
Doing as he was told, the quartermaster came closer, but just as he got close enough, Iron Hoof reached out and grabbed the officer by the back of his head before picking up the same piece of wood he pulled out of his eye and jamming it into the throat of the sailor he was talking to, “I said, wake up the leviathan… I don’t need any excuses… now DO IT!!!”
Pulling the steak from his quartermaster’s throat, Iron Hoof watched as his most trusted officer fell to the deck wheezing before bringing the stake down on his head and silencing the red unicorn’s final breaths. Shocked at what their captain did, the surrounding crew stared at their captain for a second as Iron Hoof looked to them and screamed, “NOOOOOWWWW!!!!!!”
Fearful for their lives the crew rushed to follow orders as the next-in-line officer called, “Ready the mortar and target the Leviathan Isle! Quickly lads quickly!”
As the crew quickly readied the mortar, Iron Hoof trotted towards the ships railing as he stomped his hoof on the iron plating as it created a loud chiming sound alerting the rest of his crew to get to their battle stations.
Back aboard the Bloody Tide, the Ship started to approach their stuck prey as Captain Sail called, “We need to target the bow just above the waterline! Make the shots count and be ready for incoming projectiles, and… FIRE!!!”
Just as the Bloody Tide started to close in on the Iron Wing, the cannons fired off from both ships as the Bloody Tide took damage on its port side while the Iron Wing took damage all along the bow of their ship. Shortly after all the cannon balls hit the Iron Wing, Flames started spewing from the holes left behind as the Iron pirates on the bow of the ship scrambled to get to safety and to put out the fire. Seeing this, the crew of the Bloody Tide cheered as Captain Sail called, “Good work lads, now let’s get in close and drag her under the waves!”
The Crimson pirated held their smiles of pride as they readied new grappling hooks to try to reboard the Iron Wing. But as they did, a loud shot echoed from the Iron Wing as a small number of sparks was seen flying upwards from what’s left of the upper deck.
Seeing this silenced the cheers of the Crimson Pirates as they all watched in confusion at what had happened aboard the Iron Wing. However the next sound didn’t come from their defeated foe, instead it echoed far off from the Leviathan’s island as the mortar shell came down hitting and shattering one of the massive arcs of ice that incased the landmass, as the large arc shattered and fell in leaving a large hole in what was once considered a dome over the island. Seeing this greatly worried the crew of both ships as Siren rushed to the railings and spoke, “No… he… he didn’t?”
With everypony including the Iron Pirates frozen in shock, the area became still and quiet before being shaken with a loud, ferocious, and angry roar as the leviathan flew through the massive hole in his sanctuary and vanished into the sky as the partially cloudy weather immediately turned to dark overcast.
As this happened, Captain Sail looked at the changing weather as he spoke, “He can change the weather too… this just took a wrong turn.” He called over the deck, “All hooves bring in the sails and secure your lifelines!!!”
Reacting to the order, everypony aboard the Bloody Tide quickly grabbed a rope and tied it around their torsos, then tied the other end to the ships masts as they all did what they could to make sure they and their fellow shipmates were secured. Then just as the sails were brought in and the last line secured, The Leviathan dove down from the sky and leveled himself just a few feet over the sea as the massive titan started charging head on at the Bloody Tide from about a mile away miles away. Seeing the titan closing the distance, Captain Sail called, “The titan is coming!!!”
With that, everypony on the ship looked to the massive deity as the Leviathan turned his body sideways and opened his mouth with an impression that he was going to eat the Bloody Tide with one charging bite.
Caaptain Sail watched the titan close in on him as he called over the ship, “Everypony brace for impact!”
With that order, everypony on the ship with their lifelines secured grabbed onto anything they could as the massive titan finished closing the distance and approached the ship at an astonishing speed. As the Titan’s now horizontal jaws passed by both sides of the Bloody Tide, the Leviathan’s body quickly turned to water as the ship was hit by the liquid body with a feeling as if the ship was pulled under water and was trapped in a fast moving current that crossed from the stem to the stern. Holding on for dear life, the crew of the Bloody Tide did everything they could as the waters rushed over the decks picking up unsecured cargo, and tossing it over the upper deck as it flew over Captain Sail and off the back of the Bloody Tide.
Finally after about a full minute of the rushing current, the last of the water passed as the Leviathan reformed into flesh and dove into the sea before vanishing amongst the waves. As soon as the titan was gone, the crew of the Bloody Tide released whatever support they were holding onto as they all coughed to get air after the momentary submerging they all went through. As soon as he was done coughing, Captain Sail looked around as he started to speak, “Mr. Point… check the crew make su-”
Before he could finish, Captain Sail looked around to find that not only did the Titan vanish without a trace, but so too did the titans Isle and the Iron Wing. Confused Captain Sail looked around as he spoke, “What?... where is?...”
Pinpoint looked around and spoke, “We… we were transported. The Leviathan must have taken us far from his island.”
Captain Sail replied with an angry tone, “Where?...”
Pinpoint shook his head, “I’m… not sure captain.”
Captain Sail looked in every direction, as his mind raced with frustration. As he looked in all the direction he slowly realized the hard truth, that not only did they lose themselves… but they lost the Iron Wing. As soon as his mind started to accept this, Captain Sail broke out in a fit of rage, “NO!!! IT’S GONE!!! WE HAD HIM!!! WE HAD HIM IN OUR GRASP!!! THAT SLIMY SCURVY SERPENT TOOK HIM FROM US! HE WAS RIGHT HERE! WE HAD HIM ON HIS KNEES! BLAST YOU YA FLYING GRASS SNAKE!!! BLAST YOU THROUGH ALL NINE CIRCLES OF HELL!!!”
Pinpoint was surprised, he had never seen Captain Sail so angry as the rage filled captain slammed his front hooves on the ships railing and closed his eyes to try and calm himself down. Finally as his breathing calmed down, he remembered something as he opened his eyes, “Twenty years ago…”
Though his rage was still present, Captain Sail was able to calm himself enough to remove it from his expression as he stepped away from the side railing and looked over his ship as the crew on the main deck tried to recover from the mess they just went through. As they all started to recover they looked to their captain as he narrowed his eyes on the one pony that he wanted to talk with. On the main deck, Siren was untying her lifeline as she finished coughing up the last bit of water before looking around the deck to see what was happening around her. As she looked to the upper deck, she made eye contact with Captain Sail as he spoke with a tone that scared her, “Lass!!! Make yourself know and step forward…”
Nervous, Siren started trotting towards the upper deck as Captain Sail watched with an expression that made everypony aboard feel slightly worried for her safety. As Siren started reaching an opened area between the mast and the upper decks Captain Sail stopped her, “That’s close enough lass.”
Following the instructions, Siren stopped as she stood and waited for Captain Sail to speak. Confused, Pinpoint looked at Captain Sail and noticed that although his rage was held from his expression, he could see Captain Sail’s muscles tense with anger as even Pinpoint started to feel worry for the mare on their ship. With the ship confused Captain Sail spoke calmly and loudly enough for all the crew to hear, “Ever since you’ve been aboard this ship, I’ve been curious about many things with you lass. The way you fight, the way you carry yourself and of them all, why you have metal horseshoes nailed to the bottom of your hooves… though metal as always the term I focused on… I should have focused on what they truly are… Iron on your Hoof… am I wrong lass?”
The crew became shocked as they looked at Siren as she started to speak, “Captain… I-“
“Shut up…”
Captain Sail’s tone became even more intimidating as he continued, “I brought you aboard my ship to help me find Iron Hoof… But now… I’m startin’ to wonder if you are just as bad as he is… or possibly more so.”
Siren didn’t reply, instead she hung her head in shame as he sighed, “As I thought… Seize her…”
With that a number of sailors rushed up and grabbed Siren before slamming her onto the deck and tying her hooves as one spoke, “What should we do with her captain?”
Other sailors started talking, “I say we fodder her now.”
“Aye… put her head in a cannon and watch her eyes part.”
“I say we string her up here. Watch as she dances the hempen gig high over the Tide.”
“Aye, or gag her in place. Only this time we will keep her over the water to watch as the shell explodes.”
“How about we just put a ball and chain on her and dump her over the deepest part of the ocean. That way she will have to prey she drowns before the sea crushed her like a grape.”
With her head held up by her mane and her hooves tied, Siren could only listen to the suggestions that the Crimson Pirates were saying around her as Captain Sail held his silence and allowed her to hear all the horrifying ways to kill her. As he held his silence, Pinpoint spoke, “Captain… what do you propose?”
Hearing their quartermaster, the crew went silent as all eyes locked on Captain Sail as they all waited for the order. With the silence, Captain Sail made eyes contact with Siren as he replied, “Mr. Keg…”
Taking it as an order, Powder Keg stepped through the herd as he replied, “Aye capt’n...”
With that the gunner raised his musket and pointed it at the side of Siren’s head at point blank range, but before he could press the firing lever, Captain Sail continued, “Take her dagger from her… then take her to the brig…”
All of a sudden, the entire crew’s expression became confused as Powder Keg lowered his musket and replied, “Pardon capt’n? Did you say… the brig?”
Captain Sail replied “Aye… and I’m placing you as the guard… Nopony is to go near her unless I’m with them… understood?”
Confused, Powder Keg nodded, “Uh… a-aye capt’n… I'll take her to the brig then…”
With that Powder Keg drew her dagger and lead the way as the sailors holding Siren dragged her away without any sign of struggle or resisting. As soon as she was out of sight, Pinpoint asked, “Captain… in twenty years, you’ve never sent anypony to the brig before, not even one… What are you going to do to her?”
Captain Sail replied with anger, “That depends on what she tells me… according to Iron Hoof… She was there.”
Pinpoint was confused, “There captain?”
Captain Sail looked at his quartermaster, “She was there the day the Annabelle sank, and my father died. You didn’t happen to see her by chance did you?”
Pinpoint shook his head, “No captain… I didn’t see her… but…”
Captain Sail turned completely to Pinpoint, “But?...”
Pinpoint replied with a serious expression, “I did see Iron Hoof… that black stallion.”
Captain Sail was annoyed, “And you’re just now remembering? You could have saved us plenty of time searching if you only tol-”
“No captain… it’s not what you think, he wasn’t aboard the Iron Wing… he was aboard the Annabelle.”
Captain Sail was now confused, “What?”
Pinpoint replied, “I was only the navigator so I didn’t know him by name, but he was the cabin boy working in the cargo bay. He was much younger back then though I almost didn’t recognize him.”
Captain Sail tried to think to himself, “So… he isn’t Iron Hoof?... then… Who is?”
Pinpoint shrugged his shoulders, “I’m not sure captain… but if anypony knows the truth… it’s Siren.”
Captain Sail nodded his head, “Then she will be of used to us still… how long will it take for you to find out where we are?”
Pinpoint shook his head, “About an hour or so, it all a matter of gatherin’ my charts and sextant. As soon as I find our location we can be ready to sail… let’s just hope our supplies will be subtle till the next port… wherever it is.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Then I'll leave you to it. Order the crew to focus on tending to wounds and damages. Then when they are done, I want minimum workloads. We all just went through an ordeal, and I for one would like to take a moment to calm my nerves.”
Captain Sail started trotting down the steps to go to his cabin as Powder Keg spoke, “And the lass captain?”
Captain Sail replied, “She ain’t going nowhere. Keep Powder Keg as the guard and be sure nopony, gets near her. Once I take a breather I'll deal with her personally.”