R.A. Salvatore - The Pirate King (Forgotten Realms: Transitions, Book 2)

PIRATE KING

By

R. A.Salvatore

PRELUDE

S uljack, oneof the five high captains ruling Luskan and a former commander of one of themost successful pirate crews ever to terrorize the Sword Coast, was not easilyintimidated. An extrovert who typically bellowed before he considered his roar,his voice often rang loudest among the ruling council. Even the ArcaneBrotherhood, who many knew to be the true power in the city, were hard-pressedto cow him. He ruled Ship Suljack, and commanded a solid collection ofmerchants and thugs from Suljack Lodge, in the south central section of Luskan.It was not a showy or grand place, certainly nothing to match the strength ofHigh Captain Taerls four-spired castle, or High Captain Kurths mighty tower,but it was well-defended and situated comfortably near the residence ofRethnor, Suljacks closest ally among the captains.

Still,Suljack found himself on unsteady ground as he walked into the room in TenOaks, the palace of Ship Rethnor. The old man Rethnor wasnt there, and wasntsupposed to be. He spoke through what seemed to be the least intimidating manin the room, the youngest of his three sons.

ButSuljack knew that appearances could be deceiving.

Kensidan,a small man, well-dressed in dull gray and black tones, and well-groomed, withhis hair cut short in all the appropriate angles and clips, sat with a legcrossed over one knee in a comfortable chair in the center-back of the plainroom. He was sometimes called The Crow, as he always wore a high-collaredblack cape, and high black shoes that tied tightly halfway up his calf. Hewalked with an awkward gait, stiff-legged like a bird. Put that together withhis long, hooked nose, and any who saw him would immediately understand thenick-name, even a year ago, before hed first donned the high-collared cape.Any minor wizard could easily discern that there was magic in that garment,powerful magic, and such items were often reputed to affect changes on theirbearer. As with the renowned girdle of dwarvenkind, which gradually impartedthe characteristics of a dwarf to its wearer, so too Kensidans cloak seemed tobe acting upon him. His gait grew a bit more awkward, and his nose a bit longerand more hooked.

Hismuscles were not taut, and his hands were not calloused. Unlike many ofRethnors men, Kensidan didnt decorate his dark brown hair. He carried nothingflashy at all on his person. Furthermore, the cushions of the seat made himappear even smaller, but somehow, inexplicably, all of it seemed to work forhim.

Kensidanwas the center of the room, with everyone leaning in to hear his everysoft-spoken word. And whenever he happened to twitch or shift in his seat,those nearest him inevitably jumped and glanced nervously around.

Except,of course, for the dwarf who stood behind and to the right of Kensidans chair.The dwarfs burly arms were crossed over his barrel chest, their flowing linesof corded muscles broken by the black, beaded braids of his thick beard. Hisweapons stabbed up diagonally behind him, spiked heads dangling at the end ofglassteel chains. No one wanted a piece of that one, not even Suljack.Kensidans friend, recently imported muscle from the east, had waged a seriesof fights along the docks that had left any and all opposing him dead orwishing they were.

Howfares your father? Suljack asked Kensidan, though he hadnt yet pried his eyesfrom the dangerous dwarf. He took his seat before and to the side of Kensidan.

Rethnoris well, Kensidan answered.

Foran old man? Suljack dared remark, and Kensidan merely nodded.

Thereis a rumor that he wishes to retire, or that he already has, Suljack went on.

Kensidanput his elbows on the arms of his chair, finger-locked his hands together, andrested his chin upon them in a pensive pose.

Willhe announce you as his replacement? Suljack pressed.

Theyounger man, barely past his mid-twenties, chuckled a bit at that, and Suljackcleared his throat.

Wouldthat eventuality displease you? asked the Crow.

Youknow me better than that, Suljack protested.

Andwhat of the other three?

Suljackpaused to consider that for a moment then shrugged. Its not unexpected.Welcomed? Perhaps, but with a wary eye turned your way. The high captains livewell, and dont wish to upset the balance.

Theirambition falls victim to success, you mean.

AgainSuljack shrugged and said lightheartedly, Isnt enough ever enough?

No,Kensidan answered simply, with blunt and brutal honesty, and once again Suljackfound himself on shifting sands.

Suljackglanced around at the many attendants then dismissed his own. Kensidan didlikewiseexcept for his dwarf bodyguard. Suljack looked past the seated mansourly.

Speakfreely, Kensidan said.

Suljacknodded toward the dwarf.

Hesdeaf, Kensidan explained.

Canthear a thing, the dwarf confirmed.

Suljackshook his head. What he meant to say needed saying, he told himself, and so hestarted, You are serious about going after the brotherhood?

Kensidansat expressionless, emotionless.

Thereare more than a hundred wizards who call the Hosttower home, Suljackannounced.

Noresponse, not a whit.

Manyof them archmages.

Youpresume that they speak and act with a singular mind, said Kensidan finally.

ArklemGreeth holds them fast.

Noone holds a wizard fast, Kensidan replied. Theirs is the most selfish andself-serving of professions.

Somesay that Greeth has cheated death itself.

Deathis a patient opponent.

Suljackblew out a frustrated sigh. He consorts with devils! he blurted. Greeth isnot to be taken lightly.

Itake no one lightly, Kensidan assured him, a clear edge to his words.

Suljacksighed again and managed to calm himself. Im wary of them, is all, heexplained more quietly. Even the people of Luskan know it now, that we fivehigh captains, your father among us, are puppets to the master Arklem Greeth.Ive been so long under his thumb Ive forgotten the feel of wind breaking overthe prow of my own ship. Might be that its time to take back the wheel.

Pasttime. And all we need is for Arklem Greeth to continue to feel secure in hissuperiority. He weaves too many threads, and only a few need unravel to unwindhis tapestry of power.

Suljackshook his head, clearly less than confident.

Thrice Lucky is secured? Kensidan asked.

Maimunsailed this morning, yes. Is he to meet with Lord Brambleberry of Waterdeep?

Heknows what he is to do, Kensidan replied.

Suljackscowled, understanding that to mean that Suljack need not know. Secrecy waspower, he understood, though he was far too emotional a thug to ever keep asecret for long.

Ithit Suljack then, and he looked at Kensidan with even more respect, if that waspossible. Secrecy was the weight of the man, the pull that had everyoneconstantly leaning toward him. Kensidan had many pieces in play, and no one sawmore than a few of them.

Thatwas Kensidans strength. Everyone around him stood on shifting sand, while hewas rooted in bedrock.

Soits Deudermont, you say? Suljack asked, determined to at least begin weavingthe young mans threads into some sensible pattern. He shook his head at theirony of that possibility.

Sea Sprite s captain is a true hero of the people,Kensidan replied. Perhaps the only hero for the people of Luskan, who have noone to speak for them in the halls of power.

Suljacksmirked at the insult, reminding himself that if it were a barb aimed at himthen logic aimed it at Kensidans own father as well.

Deudermontis unbending in principle, and therein lies our opportunity, Kensidanexplained. He is no friend of the brotherhood, surely.