Haunting Voice Viola

The dark-haired woman’s final haunting notes left the crowd silent for several seconds. Before mugs slammed against tables, boots thumped on wooden floors, and a chorus of drunken jeers erupted.

“What a dumb bastard!”

“The first pirate was a fool!”

“Who needs his treasure when we have Viola!”

The woman ignored the rowdy crowd and made her way to the bar. She took a seat at the bar, and a bartender poured a glass of red wine. She traced the rim with her finger before taking a sip.

Her dark blue feathers spilled out from the back of her black corset, and they weren’t the other thing. Her outfit barely contained her large breasts. She had to be bigger than Elora, who already had an impressive set. Her tight black leather pants and matching choker stood out from most women I had seen in this world.

Several of the tavern's patrons were watching her from afar. Yet none dared approach her.

I felt a nudge on my sleeve.

“What’s with you?” Túta asked, reminding me I was not here alone.

“Oh, sorry, I just thought it sounded like an interesting tale.”

“Are you sure you weren’t checking her out?” Túta prodded.

“She was really cool.” Elora agreed.

“Not as cool as my almighty dark powers,” Pippa added, covering her eyepatch eye with her hand.

“How about we go speak to her?” I suggested as I began to walk towards her. I took a seat next to her.

“What an interesting song. Can you tell me more about that tale?”

Her golden eyes met mine as she tilted her head and smiled mischievously. “That’s a poor way of flirting.”

“If I wanted to flirt, I would buy you a drink.”

“Well then, are you going to buy me a drink?” she smirked.

“No, because that would make it seem like I was flirting.”

“You don’t think I’m worth more than a few coins?” she asked, pulling a sulking face.

“Believe it or not, I don’t view women in terms of commodities.”

“How interesting, that makes you a bit of an oddball around here, I guess.” She side-glanced some of the other onlookers who were ogling her. “What’s your name?”

“It’s Lark.”

“Well Lark, I am Viola”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Viola.” I bowed.

“Most men would kiss my hand in this situation,” she laughed, covering her mouth slightly with the back of her hand.

“I’m terribly sorry, Lady Viola, I am afraid I did not have your consent.”

“Oh my, a gentleman, you truly are an oddball.”

“Are you two done flirting?” Túta asked with anger all over her face. Elora was also looking a little annoyed. Pippa happily watched on, absolutely oblivious to anything going on around her.

“Oh my, are these your crewmembers?”

“They are indeed.”

“Your companions are gorgeous.”

“The most gorgeous in the world.”

They all turned peachy. Even Pippa had the mildest hint of embarrassment on her face, which she tried to mask by pulling her pirate hat down over her eyes.

“How jealous I am of having such a sweet and adorable crew,” Viola added.

“I’m on the lookout for more crewmembers. If you are interested in joining, I’m sure we could find a spot for you.”

She laughed.

“Oh, you truly are an interesting fellow. As tempting as your offer is, unfortunately, I cannot.”

She shifted her gaze to the ground. I decided not to press her for her reasons. Instead, I sighed.

“Well, that’s too bad. The offer is there, Lady Viola.” I bowed. “I won’t take up more of your time.”

I waved goodbye as I found an empty table. The rest of my crew followed me to the new table. We ordered drinks, Pippa and I ordered some milk, whereas Túta and Elora asked for whisky.

“You never asked her about the song.”

“It wouldn’t be appropriate to prod any further.”

“You are awfully considerate of her. How come you don’t treat me like that?” Túta asked.

“Because I do not know her, yet you are my dear little sister.”

“Why do you always call me your sister?”

I deliberately ignored her.

“What about me then?” Elora asked.

I paused to think.

“Maybe childhood friend? I’m actually not sure.”

She blushed. That seemed to impress her.

“I am Lark’s girlfriend!” Pippa said, raising her hand.

“You can’t appoint yourself that!” Túta replied frustratedly.

“Why not?” Pippa looked genuinely confused.

“I must also voice my objections,” Elora added, raising her hand.

My crew's bickering was tiresome, but at least they had forgotten about me.

“Well then, if Viola joined, she would be the mum, right?”

I had a mental image of Viola tucking me into bed. I felt my cheeks warming up. I looked down at the table, taking just long enough to see Túta pulling a face like she was going to vomit.

“I forgot Lark had mummy issues. She is definitely not allowed to join the crew.”

As we continued to banter, I watched as two men got up from their table and approached Viola. One of them placed his arm around her shoulders. The other leaned in. The way she shrank away from his touch made me uncomfortable. I decided to listen in on their conversation.

“Hey there, harpy Missy. Why don’t you come with us and play with some real men?”

“Sorry, I can’t,” she responded as she pushed off the man who had his arm on her.

“Oh, but you should know, our captain is Ivan the Merciless. I’m sure you’ve heard of him.” The other man added.

She nodded.

“Everyone around these parts knows of Ivan, and I am aware of his reputation. But I must remain a performer. I welcome Ivan to attend any of my performances when he is around.” She smiled, yet her mouth quivered with nervousness.

He grabbed her wrist.

“If you are familiar with Ivan, you should know he never takes no for an answer.” He pulled her closer to him. “If you’re lucky, he may even make you one of his women.”

“Hey, let go,” she responded. Trying to free her hand.

Several others were watching on, some were excitedly cheering the pirates, and others looked equally uncomfortable with what was going on. It was like they wanted to do something but were frozen with fear.

I’d seen enough.

I strolled up slowly and grabbed a glass bottle that was resting on one of the tables. Once I was behind them, I raised the bottle and brought it down over his head. The bottle shattered as it connected with his head, showering his face with blood as he collapsed forward, unconscious.

“Who do you…”

I grabbed the other man’s face and shoved it full force into the bar counter. Broken teeth and blood spattered from the man's face as he too fell unconscious.

It seemed no matter how high their stat were, they were useless against my blunt force trauma.

I hoisted myself up to perch on the bench and raised my leg to rest upon it.

“Alright, listen up, everyone.” The tavern was silent, and everybody watched on in shock, everyone but my crew, who were smiling. “I’m Captain Lark. Don’t mess with her, or I promise I will do much worse than this.”

I pulled out my cutlass and swung it down next to the unconscious man's head.

“You got that?”

▪──── X ────▪

End of chapter 19