The Pirate Bride. Shannon Drake

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      Logan came on hard with a series of quick thrusts and slashes, forcing his opponent back again. Just when he thought he had the pirate nearly cornered against the master’s cabin, Red Robert once again made a sudden sweeping leap that sent him bouncing off a storage bin. This time when he came about, it was to nearly sever Logan’s head from his body.

      Instinct had driven him to duck, keeping life and skull intact. Barely. His opponent was as adept with a sword as he’d claimed, and clearly not at all afraid of shedding blood or lopping off limbs.

      Logan caught a glimpse of the pirate’s eyes.

      They were narrowed and deadly.

      The chanting, the jests, the encouragement, the hoots of derision, all seemed to be getting louder and louder, like a growing storm.

      The pirate’s face was flushed. Red Robert wore his name well at that moment, Logan reflected, hoping he was seeing a sign of weakness. Perhaps the pirate had been a bit too impressed with his own skill. A more than respectable skill, certainly, but no man was assured of victory.

      He had to take the advantage now, Logan knew. A very large part of excellence in swordsmanship lay in the mind, in creating a strategy for using a man’s talents most effectively. A heavy man used his weight and strength, a nimble man his agility. To best this pirate, he had to assess each leap and slide the man might take beforehand, then be somewhere else when the strike came.

      Once again the pirate took to the air, this time landing atop a rum barrel. And in that split second, Logan anticipated the man’s next move, a rapid leap that would bring the pirate behind him.

      Logan whirled around. In that brief moment, he prayed he hadn’t anticipated in error and that the pirate would not come down behind his current position.

      He didn’t.

      Too late, Red Robert saw that his move had been predicted.

      He landed facing Logan.

      And Logan set the point of his blade against the pirate’s throat.

      Blue eyes gazed at him with fury, and yet he was certain the pirate was not so much angry with him as he was with himself for being outmaneuvered.

      “Good calculation,” Robert said, barely managing to unclench his teeth.

      Logan withdrew the point of his sword and bowed.

      As he stood, he found the pirate’s blade at his throat.

      It was his turn for anger.

      “You, Captain, are not a man of your word. I have bested you.”

      The pirate gloated. “First blood. You did not draw blood.”

      “Only because I chose not to cause injury. But an agreement has been made, and I am an honest man.”

      “But I am a pirate.”

      “A pirate’s honor is said to be greater than the average man’s.”

      “And what do you know of a pirate’s honor?” Red Robert demanded.

      “I have sailed these seas for many years.”

      Red Robert’s sword began to drop.

      Still angry, Logan reacted, slashing hard against his opponent’s blade and all but sending it flying. He quickly nicked the fellow’s cheek; a tiny dot of blood appeared.

      “First blood,” he said icily.

      Red Robert didn’t even blink. Nor did he touch the drop of blood upon his cheek.

      He merely turned away, striding toward the door to the master’s cabin, where he paused, looking back and speaking to his men. “The cargo of our Lord Captain’s ship shall be evenly divided. His men may proceed upon their path when our split of the goods has been taken.”

      “What of the captain himself?” Brendan asked.

      “Take him below to the brig, of course,” Red Robert said. Those icy blue eyes met Logan’s across the deck. “He is an honorable man. He will go without skirmish, as he has sworn, I am certain.”

      “And if I were not a gentleman? If I were to protest now?” Logan inquired.

      “You drew first blood, but I’m quite certain you realize I do not exaggerate my ability at swordsmanship,” Red Robert said tightly. “I am equally adept with a cat-o’-nine-tails. But that’s really no matter, is it? You gave your word. And you are a man of honor.”

      The pirate captain turned to enter the cabin.

      “Wait!” Logan demanded.

      Red Robert turned back.

      “I would request a moment with my first mate. To give instructions.”

      “As you wish.”

      “You’re not afraid it’s a trick?” he could not help but ask.

      “Why would I be afraid? I repeat, you have assured me that you are a man of your word.”

      Red Robert stepped through the cabin door.

      Logan stood tall and straight, watching the door close. He felt as if he were trembling inside, but he could not—would not—let it show. He had achieved his aim; his men would live. They would sail on to South Carolina.

      “My lad, my fine lord,” Jamie said, and it sounded as if he were choking. He did not stand on ceremony. He gripped Logan’s shoulders tightly, staring into his eyes with misery.

      “Jamie, my good fellow. I’m quite all right. You will sail on with the others and see to my release. I believe our patrons will be glad half their treasure has survived, and you must ensure that we receive the promised cut. Forty percent. Don’t take less.”

      “Aye, captain.”

      Logan saw that Brendan was leading a ten-man crew across to his ship.

      Even from this distance, he could tell that his own men were tight-lipped and stiff, barely moving.

      “Help with the divide,” he called out, his voice strong. “We have made a deal, and it will be kept. Hinder no man of the pirate ship in his effort to take what is his.”

      “Ye heard the captain!” Jamie roared.

      “Go, my friend. See to it,” Logan told him.

      Jamie nodded, deep sorrow in his eyes. The old salt actually looked as if he were about to cry.

      “I have survived thus far,” Logan assured him softly. He forced a cocky smile. “I guarantee you, I shall continue to do so.”

      “I will find a way to kill these blasted brigands,” Jamie swore. “I’ll not rest ’til I’ve met whatever ransom this pirate requires and seen you freed.”

      “You СКАЧАТЬ