Vampirates 3: Blood Captain (9 page)

15

EXEUNT

“Ah, Grace,” said the captain. He and Mosh Zu were standing together in the corridor. They both turned as she and Olivier approached. “I’m returning to
The Nocturne,
” he went on. “But of course, I wanted to say goodbye in person.”

Grace smiled up at him, but she felt suddenly nervous. She hadn’t expected him to leave so soon. Part of her yearned to go with him. Of course, there was no question of her leaving Lorcan, but
The Nocturne
had become her new home. She was intrigued by Sanctuary, but it was not a comfortable place to her. Not yet. And she was impressed by Mosh Zu, but he was not the captain. He could never take the captain’s place.

“It’s okay,” he said, a smile seeming to form across the mesh of his mask. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I’m leaving you in good company. I wish I could stay longer but I must return to the ship.”

Grace nodded. She understood. Of course she did. She remembered Darcy’s words:
“It’s very rare for the captain to leave the ship. It shows how much he cares for Lieutenant Furey that he would take this risk.”

“And don’t you worry,” Mosh Zu said to the captain. “We shall take very good care of Grace and Lorcan.”

“Would you like me to guide you back down the mountain?” Olivier asked. “I can fetch one of the mules if you’d like?”

The captain shook his head. “You’ve very kind, Olivier, but I always enjoy the walk. Besides, as usual, Mosh Zu has given me much to think about.”

Mosh Zu smiled self-effacingly.

“Well —” the captain began.

At that moment, they heard footsteps and then a cry. They all looked up along the corridor and found Shanti hurtling toward them at warp speed. She just about managed to come to a standstill before she could cause a mass pileup in the corridor.

“Shanti!” the captain said. “It’s good to see you. I’m just leaving to return to the ship.”

“Take me with you!” she cried.

“But Shanti —” began the captain.

“Take me with you! Please, you have to take me with you! I hate it here! It’s a loathsome place!” With each sentence, her voice became shriller and shriller.

“Please,” Mosh Zu said. “Try to calm down. Tell us what’s wrong . . .”

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” she shrieked. “Horrors! Such horrors! I hate that donors’ block. I won’t stay here! I won’t!”

The captain stepped forward. “Shanti, I’m very sorry if something’s upset you, but surely you want to stay here so that you can be with Lorcan.”

“I won’t stay here a minute longer,” she responded hysterically. “I won’t!”

“But Lorcan needs you,” Grace said. “I know you’re scared, but you have to face these fears. For Lorcan’s sake.”

“Why?” Shanti turned on Grace, her voice full of rage now as well as fear. “Why must I suffer so for Lorcan? We had no need to come here. We were fine on that ship. Until
you
came along. It’s your fault we’re here. For you, he went out into the light. That’s when all his problems started. Actually, no, they started the day you came onto the ship!”

“Shanti!” said the captain. “There’s no need to be so aggressive to Grace.”

“It’s no problem,” Grace said. “She’s already tried to kill me this morning. I can take a few insults.”

The two girls stood before each other, Grace now as angry as Shanti. “You’re so selfish,” she said. “All we’re asking is that you stay here and help us persuade Lorcan to take blood again . . .”

“Not just blood,” Shanti said. “My blood! My blood, you hear me? How dare you presume to get involved with this. If you really cared about Lorcan, you’d give him your own blood. But no, instead you act high and mighty like you’re something special.” She was warming to her theme now. “And the worst thing is, they
believe
you. They listen to
you
. . . they think you’re special. But I don’t count for anything, not anything.” Now she broke down in sobs.

Once more, the captain stepped forward. “Shanti, you
do
count. You are vital to Lorcan’s recovery.”

Shanti shook her head. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I mean him no harm — but I can’t stay here. You’ve asked a lot of me. But this is too much. Too much, I tell you. Take me with you, Captain. Please take me with you!”

With that, she threw herself at the captain and, clinging on to him, broke into loud sobs that caused her small body to vibrate. Grace wasn’t sure she had ever seen anyone in such distress.

The captain looked at Mosh Zu. “I think I had better take her back to the ship.”

“You know the implications of that,” Mosh Zu said.

The captain nodded. “I’ll find a way to make this right,” he said.

Mosh Zu frowned and shook his head. “What did I tell you before? You take too much upon yourself.”

“I really don’t see any alternative,” the captain said.

“So you’ll do it?” Shanti said, her eyes brightening. “You’ll take me with you?”

“Yes, child.” The captain nodded. “Now fetch your things. We must go.”

“I’m not worried about my things,” Shanti said. “Let’s just leave!”

“All right,” the captain said, as if comforting a small child. “All right. We’ll go right now.” He looked up at the others. “Olivier, if you would just open the gates for us?”

Olivier nodded. He began walking briskly along the corridor. The captain and Shanti followed.

Grace couldn’t believe her ears. She could understand Shanti’s fears but how could she abandon Lorcan like this? And how could the captain let her?

“Your head is raging with questions,” Mosh Zu said.

“Yes.” Grace turned to him when the others had gone.

“Walk with me, Grace,” Mosh Zu said. “Let me try to answer them as best I can.”

“How could she abandon Lorcan like that?” Grace asked.

Mosh Zu shook his head. “That’s not what you’re really asking. You’re worried about Lorcan. You’re thinking, how will he survive without his donor?”

“Yes.” Grace nodded. Of course, that was exactly what she was thinking.

“We can deal with that,” Mosh Zu said. “For now, we need simply to get Lorcan drinking again. But you’re right, in due course we will have to find him another donor, at least for the time he is here, but possibly on a more permanent basis.” He turned to Grace. “The relationship between a vampire and a donor is complex. You can’t switch them around every five minutes.”

As they walked on toward Mosh Zu’s meditation room, Grace remembered her offer to the captain — that
she
become Lorcan’s donor. It wasn’t an offer she had made lightly and she had been relieved that it hadn’t been necessary at the time. But perhaps it was now. If so, she would do it. She’d do anything to help Lorcan. Even that.

They had reached the meditation room. Mosh Zu pushed open the door and gestured for Grace to follow him inside. “Please sit down,” he said. “Perhaps you would like some tea to soothe your frayed nerves?”

Grace shook her head. “No,” she said. “No, I’m all right.” Then she jumped up. “I’ll do it,” she said. “I’ll become Lorcan’s donor. I’ll do anything to help him.”

“Yes.” Mosh Zu nodded. “I believe you.” He sat down on the cushions. “Grace, I appreciate this offer. I know that it is heartfelt. I also know that you understand the implications of what you are offering . . .”

“Yes,” she said. “I do.”

“But Grace, I think you have much more to give. I’ve said before, you have a talent for healing. If you were to become Lorcan’s donor, your life would be more limited.”

Grace smiled and shook her head. “How would it be limited? I’d be immortal.”

Mosh Zu nodded. “Always one step ahead,” he said. “Yes, you would be immortal, but do not confuse immortality with being free of limits. It’s much more complicated than that.”

But Grace was warming to her theme. “I remember what you said,” she went on. “You talked about immortality as a gift. Perhaps the greatest gift of all, you said.”

His sharp eyes examined her. “For a vampire, yes. But for a donor, things are not quite the same.”

“What do you mean?”

“The relationship between a vampire and a donor is interdependent. You understand that, of course?”

She nodded. “As long as the vampire takes the donor’s blood, the donor remains ageless.”

“Yes,” he said. “And you’ve seen what happens when that bond is broken.”

“You mean, how rapidly Shanti is aging?”

“Yes. The captain was wrong. It would have been much better if he had not let Shanti go with him.”

“But you said Lorcan would be all right,” Grace said, beginning to panic again.

“Lorcan
will
be all right. We will find a donor for him. But I’m afraid that Shanti’s future is less clear . . .”

Grace suddenly saw what he meant. “Without a vampire feeding on her, Shanti will continue to age fast. Until . . .”

Mosh Zu nodded. By leaving Sanctuary, Shanti had effectively signed her own death warrant. And the captain had allowed her to do so.

“How could he?” she asked Mosh Zu.

“The captain was, as usual, acting out of exemplary motives,” Mosh Zu said. “He didn’t want to see Shanti so distressed. None of us did. And I suspect, too, that he thinks her presence here could cause Lorcan further tension. He knows that we can find other sources of blood.”

“But I still don’t understand why he let her go with him,” Grace said.

Mosh Zu looked very serious. “The captain always thinks he can save them,” he said. “That’s the problem. He always thinks he can save everyone. But I’m worried about him, Grace. All this is taking its toll upon him. Things are changing fast in our world. You’ve seen the rebellions. This is only the beginning. We must be strong. We must prepare ourselves. But the captain does not see this. He is full of goodness, but he gives too much of himself away. Just when he needs to be growing stronger, he allows himself to grow weak.”

Grace was stunned to hear such things. She had always thought of the captain as a heroic figure, utterly without flaws and weak points. To hear him described as being so vulnerable was disconcerting.

“You must not speak of these things with the others,” Mosh Zu said. “Not even with Lorcan or Olivier. Not anyone.”

“No,” she said. “I understand.”

“I’m talking to you,” Mosh Zu said, “as one healer to another. You and I have much in common.”

Grace was flabbergasted and deeply humbled. “But I have so much to learn,” she said.

“We all do,” Mosh Zu said. “And we had all better learn fast.”

16

THE EMPEROR

“We’ve come,” said Molucco, “to propose a raid.”

Immediately Barbarro became alert with interest. Spearing the last of his steak, foie gras, and caviar, he inquired simply, “A raid?”

“Your crew and mine,” Molucco continued. “
The Typhon
and
The Diablo
. Working together, just like the old days.”

Connor noticed that Trofie had set down her cutlery and was listening intently, her face resting gently on folded hands. “Do you have a specific ship in mind?” she asked.

Molucco smiled at this. “Not a ship,” he said. “Something a little more unusual.” He paused and took a draught of wine.

“Well?” urged Barbarro. “Spit it out, brother. The plan, that is, not my vintage claret!”

Completely composed, Molucco turned toward Cate and gave her a nod. At this sign, she snapped open the case Connor had been carrying for her and began unrolling a large map. Connor and Bart rose from their seats and took hold of the corners of the paper.

“The Sunset Fort,” Cate announced. “Location: Rajasthan, India.” With the tip of her épée she lightly tapped the map to mark its position.

Moonshine yawned. He was still working his way through a mound of pizza and chicken wings that he had been served in preference to the meal the others were eating.

Trofie smiled sweetly at Cate. “Thank you for the geography lesson,
min elskling,
but I think we’re all well aware of the Sunset Fort.”

“Excellent.” Cate nodded, unfazed. “Then you’ll know that it was built in the 1640s by Prince Yashodhan for his wife Savarna.”

“Ted-i-ous!” muttered Moonshine. Then “Ouch!” as if someone had perhaps kicked him under the table. Sneering, he reached for another chicken wing.

Trofie smiled sweetly at Cate once more. “Actually,” Trofie said, “Yashodhan built Savarna
two
palace forts. One to watch the sunrise, the other to view the sunset.”

Connor raised his hand.

“Yes, Connor,” Cate said.

“Question,” said Connor. “Why two palaces? Couldn’t they have watched the sun rise and set from the same fort?”

Trofie laughed at this and shook her head.

“Mor-on,” mumbled Moonshine, just loudly enough so that Connor could hear.

Barbarro grinned. “Only a young boy, a boy who has not yet known true love, could pose such a question.” He placed his hand over Trofie’s golden fingers. “Why, I’d build a palace for every hour of the day — no, every minute — to honor my dear wife.”

Trofie beamed. “Don’t give me ideas,
min elskling,
” she said, before planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Of course,” said Cate, “the palace has quite a different occupant now.” Everyone’s attention turned back toward her. “The Sunset Fort has long ceased to be an ancestral home. For centuries, it was abandoned, and many of its peripheral buildings fell into disrepair. But the core structure remained sound and today the fort has a new resident. He calls himself merely the Emperor.”

“The Emperor?” Barbarro was clearly intrigued. “The Emperor of where?”

Cate shook her head. “He’s not an emperor in the conventional sense. He has no empire, beyond the fort itself. Nor does he seek one. He isn’t interested in power as such. He isn’t even interested in people. He’s a collector of treasures. They’re his whole world. Prince Yashodhan filled his fort with treasure to express his feelings for the lovely Savarna. But the Emperor loves only his treasures. He has spent his life amassing them from all over the world. It’s an extremely rare and valuable collection. Pieces of art that were assumed to have vanished in the flood have somehow ended up there. Once, they were displayed in museums, art galleries, and the homes of the wealthy. Now, they are hidden from view within the fort’s vault . . .”

“I see where you’re going with this,” said Barbarro. “A raid on the fort! I like it!”

Cate nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes, you’re on the map now. Okay, so do you want the good news or the bad?”

Barbarro pondered for a moment. “Let’s get the bad news out the way.”

Cate nodded. “Originally the Sunset Fort was built, like its twin palace, on a high hilltop. However, when the floods came, four centuries ago, the waters rose. Today, the palace fort is surrounded by water on all sides. It used to be an arduous climb to its base. Now, the fort is almost level with the sea.”

“All the better to reach by ship,” said Barbarro.

“In principle, yes,” Cate agreed. “But it’s no easy voyage. The seas surrounding the fort are rough and subject to rogue waves. Many other pirate crews have tried to get to the fort and almost all have come to grief before even reaching the palace gates.”

“It would take the very strongest of ships — and the most talented of sailors — to brave such waters,” Molucco said.

“I hear you, brother,” said Barbarro, his eyes aflame. “This is a job for the Wrathes, and no mistake.”

Cate nodded. “The ocean was the first piece of bad news, but there’s more. The vault at the Sunset Fort is one of the most inaccessible ever built. Well, Prince Yashodhan didn’t want anyone making off with the treasures he amassed for his beloved Savarna. The impregnable nature of the vault is one of the reasons why the Emperor chose the fort for himself. And, of course, the vault is now protected at all times by the Emperor’s elite security force.”

“We can expect a colossal fight, then?” Barbarro said. “I’m not sure about this.” The others turned, surprised at his change of heart. “I don’t shirk a good fight,” he went on, “but this sounds like an impossible situation. Even if we manage to break into the fort and, by some skill and fortune, conquer this security force, we’ve still got to get the treasures and get out of there.” He frowned. “Unless I’m missing something?”

Cate smiled. “You asked me to save the good news. Well, here it is! We’re not going to have to break into the fort and we’re not going to have to fight the security force. Indeed, they’re going to help us.”

“I don’t understand,” said Barbarro. “Does the Emperor have a rebellion on his hands?”

“How long is this riveting discussion going to go on for?” Moonshine moaned, tossing the last of his chicken bones over his shoulder. Immediately the butler stepped forward and removed the offending items with a gloved hand. Moonshine yawned again. “And when are we getting dessert?”

Connor glared at Moonshine. He’d like nothing more than to give him his just desserts.

“Be quiet, Moonshine!” snapped Barbarro, also clearly frustrated by his son’s interruptions. “Go on, Cate, we’re all listening.”

“With the latest rise in sea level, the Sunset Fort has ceased to be a safe harbor for the Emperor and his treasures. The vault itself is in imminent danger of flooding. The Emperor has resisted taking action for as long as he possibly can. He loves the fort for its isolation. But now, he faces the possibility that one single rogue wave will wipe out his refuge and all he holds dear.”

“And so . . . ,” Trofie snapped her fingers, “he’s moving!”

“Exactly.” Cate grinned.

“And I’ll bet I know where he’s going,” Trofie said. “To the Sunrise Fort.”

“Bingo!” Cate nodded, her eyes bright with excitement. “As you know, the Sunrise Fort was built on somewhat higher ground. The Emperor and his treasures should be safe there, at least for the rest of his lifetime.”

“I still don’t understand,” said Barbarro. “Where do
we
fit into all this?”

“Isn’t it obvious,
min elskling
?” Trofie glanced toward her husband. “This Emperor has to transport his goodies from the Sunset Fort to the Sunrise Fort . . .”

Barbarro still looked confused, so Cate continued. “He’s hired a top-level security company to ship his goods from A to B, or from Sunset to Sunrise, if you like,” she said. “He’s paying them top dollar to ensure the safety of his treasures.”

“I see,” Barbarro said, smiling once more. “
We’re
going to intercept the moving company as it travels from one fort to the next.”

“Not exactly,” said Cate.

Barbarro and Trofie looked at her in equal confusion.

With a light cough, Molucco stood up to deliver the coup de grâce. Beaming, he announced, “We’re not going to intercept the moving company because we
are
the moving company.” Turning to Connor and Bart, he gave them a nod. “If you would, lads.”

The boys lifted an onyx casket onto the table. Molucco took a small key from his pocket and inserted it into the lock. With a light click, the casket opened and the room was suddenly suffused with light. Inside the casket was a nest of round, brilliant-cut diamonds, which caught the candlelight and reflected it back from every perfect facet.

“Such
beautiful
diamonds,” Trofie said, her hand already outstretched, as if the casket were a magnet, drawing her toward it. The length of her arm shimmered silver in the light of the gems.

“Impressive, aren’t they?” Molucco grinned. “It’s the Emperor’s first down payment,” he said. “We’re hired!”

“What do you think?” The captain of
The Typhon
turned to his deputy.

Trofie considered for only a moment. “Doesn’t the Emperor own that diamond-encrusted skull?” she said. “I’ve always dreamed of adding that to my collection.” She paused. “Let’s do it!”

Barbarro turned back to Molucco. “It’s an audacious plan, brother,” he said. “And we’re in.” He snapped his fingers. “Transom, let’s open some more champagne. We must toast to our success in this venture.”

There was great excitement among the group as everyone began talking over one another.

“I just hope it turns out better than Cate’s last plan,” said Moonshine. Somehow, his voice cut through the hubbub.

“Button it, Moonshine,” snapped Barbarro.

“What’s that?” Molucco asked.

“I was just saying I hope that Cate’s strategy this time proves more successful than when you attacked
The Albatross
. That was a bit of a foul-up, to say the least.”

Cate blushed fiercely. Molucco looked dumbstruck. Trofie frowned. Barbarro was incandescent with rage. “Go to your cabin, Moonshine!” he roared. “Now!”

Even Moonshine seemed a little taken aback by his father’s fury. Ever the PR woman, Trofie smiled. “That’s a good idea,” she said. “Darling, why don’t you take Connor and show him all your lovely things?”

“Whatever.” Moonshine shrugged, stomping out of the dining room.

Connor turned to follow him. As he did so, he heard Trofie hiss at her husband, “Happy families, remember? We don’t want Molucco thinking anything but good thoughts about Moonshine. After all,
min elskling,
he is the heir to
everything
.”

“Right now, I’d sooner Molucco’s fortune passed to that Tempest lad,” Barbarro snarled.

“Don’t talk nonsense,” Trofie whispered icily. “Moonshine is the rightful heir. That boy is nothing to us.”

Connor wondered if she knew he could hear her. She suddenly seemed to become aware of his presence and turned around, her perfect smile in place.

“Are you still here,
min elskling
? Hurry along now. Moonshine is waiting for you, and we adults have many important
family
matters to discuss.”