Redemption

[Chak Ku'rill]

Chak gripped his axe, steeling himself once again for battle.  But Instead of the expected flood of pirate vermin from Blade?s pirate fleet, the sea otter was startled to sight the blue and gold uniforms of Waverunners. Hares, otters, squirrels, mice and hedgehogs leapt the rails of the Phantom, landing with their spine-tingling ?Eulalia!? battle cry. Confusion reigned as both crews came face to face with other woodlanders until the Waverunners in the Phantom?s crew stepped forward, wearing the tattered remnants of their old uniforms and raising their paws in salute. The invaders stuttered to a halt, but kept their weapons drawn until a pudgy gray hare with Colonel?s marks stepped forward.

?I say, who?s in charge o? this bally sorry-looking lot, eh wot? Most o? you are out of uniform ? flippin? irregular, by jingo! And you with uniforms ? dis-graceful! That?s no way to treat the brave colors, my laddos!? The hare sniffed, large incisors puckering his fine-furred lip.

Holstering his axe, Chak stepped boldly forward. ?We ain?t Waverunners, mate ? ?

?That?s Colonel Rutheshire to you!? the hare cut him off. ?And Waverunner or not, ?tis a sign of disrespect not to salute an allied officer! Unless of course, you?re not allies?? The Colonel?s paw partially drew his saber and Chak froze.

?Hold fast, Colonel!? a voice cut in. ?This otter does not speak for us all!? A familiar hare stepped forward, ahead of Chak. ?Colonel Killian Wrightbones, at your service, wot!? He saluted the older beast sharply.

?About jolly well time.? The gray hare turned to face the Waverunner. ?You?re the one in charge then, sah??

Chak?s nostrils flared when Killian glanced his way, but the hare paid him little mind now that a ship full of his compatriots outnumbered the seasoned mariner and whatever supporters he might have.

?By right of rank and duty, sah, I believe I am the rightful captain of this ship in the absence of Colonel Swiftpaw.?

?Ah! Old Frederick is still kicking, is he? Jolly glad to hear it!? The Colonel immediately fell into a friendlier humor and the Waverunners around him began to lower their weapons.

Chak and Reedox exchanged frowning looks. Both remembered Killian Wrightbones as the sulky, winging slave who was always trying to convince others to trade their gruel away.

The sea otter cleared his throat loudly and crossed his arms. The older hare with the paunch turned to face him again.

?I say, is there a problem, old bean, or have you swallowed a bally moth??

?Arrr, that hare be full o? mischief, Colonel. I be in charge o? this ?ere vessel. Ask any o? the crew.? Chak tilted his head at the mix of beasts gathered across the deck. Several affirmed his words with ?ayes? and nods.

?And who, pray tell, are you??

?Chak Ku?rill, sir. These beasts were enslaved by Cap?n Blade, freed only a week ago. We fought our way outta ?is underground fortress an? seized the Phantom fer ourselves ta pursue the pirate king an? try an? stop ?im afore ?e reaches the mainland. Colonel Swiftpaw an? Master Rosequill boarded the Zephyr jus? o?er an hour ago in an attempt ta? apprehend ?im.?

As if in answer, more cannon blasts echoed across the water. Chak gazed through the clearing mist at the shape of Blade?s ship and hoped Robert was still alive.

Colonel Rutheshire?s long ears angled together and he looked back at Killian with disapproval. ?Is this true, Colonel Wrightbones??

The younger hare puffed with self-importance. ?It?s true that the otter has bludgeoned his way into a position of power, aye, but as a former pirate and slave driver, the only real rank about him is his scent, wot!  I, on the other paw, was promoted by Lord Atlas himself, Colonel, sah. I believe that makes me the more qualified beast now that we find ourselves amidst civilized company again.?

Chak?s fists tightened and he bared his yellowed fangs at Killian Wrightbones.

The older hare wrinkled his nose. ?Now see here, this is no time for debate. Most unprofessional, wot wot! We are sitting in the midst of a ruddy fleet of cutthroats, by jove!? Rutheshire?s whiskers twitched with irritation. He then turned to address the crew of the Phantom. ?It would seem you lot have been through the bally mill. Now I?ve learned a thing or two about ship politics in my day and if one thing?s certain it?s that a crew will not be led by a beast they don?t jolly well wish to follow.? Rutheshire propped both paws against his hips, then gestured at Kililan. ?A colonel is an appointed leader with experience under his belt who aspires to bring glory and honor to the Badgerlord?s name. I am inclined to recommend such a fellow to a position of leadership, but as this ship does not officially belong to Lord Atlas?s fleet, that decision is not mine to make.?

A river otter wearing a familiar cudgel at his side stepped forward and nodded at the two Colonels, then he turned and held up his paws to gain the crew?s attention. ?This pirate?s had his chance to be in charge already, friends, and I don?t know about you, but I would much rather be led by a fellow freebeast who understands where we?re comin? from. What does this Chak Ku?rill really know about suffering? He?s gone along with our efforts, sure, but it?s all been to his own advantage. What does a slave master know of the value of freedom? Let one of our own take the helm, I say! I?m through being commanded by pirates and slavers!?

Several enthusiastic ?Hurrahs? echoed back from the crew and Chak felt a lurch in his gut.

?Very well!? Rutheshire declared, quashing further debate. The Colonel put his back to Chak and shook Kililan?s paw heartily. ?Congratulations, Colonel Wrightbones. We shall endeavor to assist you as best we can. Now, kindly enlighten me on these amazing instruments you?ve been utilizing? I hear tell they can destroy a ship from afar??

Chak felt like a rug had been yanked out from under his footpaws. Had nothing he?d done mattered in the end?

?I know how they feel,? Reedox admitted from his place beside Chak, ?but I don?t think they realize the idiot they?ve put into power.?

Chak tried to push past the distraction of being deposed and listen to what this ?new captain? was planning.

?We can try,? Killian said, ?but they?re quite heavy. Cast iron, donchaknow. Would be a ruddy shame to lose one in transition with only four?? Killian held a claw to his chin, feigning reflection.

?Fool,? Reedox muttered under his breath, echoing Chak?s own thought.

?Right-o. Best to leave them be then,? Ruthershire conceded. ?Am I right to assume Blade has equal weaponry at his disposal? We arrested a lone ferret earlier who claimed Blade was alive, armed with these bally implements, and on his way to assault the grand mountain. Weren?t certain we could take the word of a ruddy pirate, but General Sapwood mustered the fleet just in case.?

?Sah, yes sah, we?re the only ship besides Blade?s that has this sort of fire-power, by jingo, and hence the only ship capable of taking a real stand against the villain.?

?Blade be ?avin? far more ?n four cannons, ye can be sure!? Chak cut in brashly. ?Thar be a reason the plan weren?t ta face ?im outright. We?d be blown outta the water afore we could e?en get a shot off. Plus, Robert still be aboard! Don? give up on ?im yet.?

Killian turned a cold glare on the otter. ?We already know you?re exceptionally skilled at saving your own hide, Mister Ku?rill. But there is far more at stake here than you might care to recognize. With the Waverunner Navy engaging Blade?s own fleet, we are free to approach the Zephyr boldly. We?ll give Blade a taste of his own medicine.?

?Folly!? Chak spat.

Killian?s eyes narrowed. ?No, it?s called courage. I wouldn?t expect you to understand.?

Colonel Rutheshire clapped Killian on the shoulder with a chuckle the same moment Chak wanted to punch him in the face. ?Well said, sah! It takes brave action to overcome poor odds, but when you?re the only one left to it, you?d best be up to the bally task!?

Killian gave a short nod, then gestured at two of the cannons. ?We?ll move the starboard cannons to port side since the wind is most favorable from the west. Then we can face the Zephyr with all of our firepower.?

?Jolly good, jolly good.? Rutheshire approved. ?I?ll send over any extra deckhands you may need, wot! We?ll give ?em a fight that will make the books, by jingo!?

As Colonel Rutheshire signaled his crew to return to their ship, Killian gave orders to loose the starboard cannons. Vera, having emerged from the safety of the deck below, stormed over to Chak.

?Just what is going on here? Did you order this?? Her hackles rose beneath the straps of her black-smudged apron.

Chak shook his head, but found himself unwilling to admit his position had been usurped so easily.

?While you and Rindclaw were below, the rest of the crew voted Killian Wrightbones to captaincy,? Reedox explained dryly.

A cry rang out as the first cannon slid wildly across the deck, its weight pulling it this way and that with the wave-tossed ship.

?This is madness!? Vera put her paws to her face.

?Aye,? Chak observed.

At last enough beasts pitched in that they were able to maneuver the weapon to portside and tie it down safely.

?Why is he doing this?? Vera asked with a note of dread.

??E?s ordered us ta attack the Zephyr.? Chak gritted his teeth.

Vera paled and she licked her lips nervously. ?Chak, you can?t let this happen. You have to stop him! We?ll all die!?

?Aye, but it?ll be in a blaze o? glory. That?s all that matters ta ?im.? The surly otter crossed his arms again.

?Oh well, I guess we should just go along with it then!?

Chak raised a brow at her pursed lips and pinned ears. ?The crew don? want me ta lead, Vera. What d?ye expect me ta do? Pull out me whip again an? try an? force everyone ta do as I say??

?I don?t know! Why did they follow you before??

Chak shook his head, baring his teeth. ?I thought they respected me. I thought they appreciated what I did ta ?elp free ?em. But now?? he trailed off.

Vera looked to Reedox. ?Why do you trust him??

The squirrel looked taken aback. ?I, uh? ? He met Chak?s troubled gaze, then looked away again. ?I guess I believe he doesn?t want me to die. Or any of us, for that matter.?

?Well if that?s all it takes then I should have a legion of beasts flocking around me by now.? The fox?s eyes snapped toward a couple of Waverunners rolling her last remaining barrel of carefully mixed black powder across the deck. ?Just where do you think you?re going with that?? she railed, heading over to defend what remained of her precious stock.

?Ah! Miss Silvertooth! I?ve been looking for you, wot!? Colonel Wrightbones intercepted her, backed by a handful of Rutheshire?s soldiers. ?I?d like you to assemble your cannon crews and ready the bally weapons to fire. We?re going in for the ruddy kill as soon as the sails are turned.?

?No!? the vixen snapped.

Killian?s ears shot straight up and his fur puffed. ?Miss Silvertooth, we have no time for your cheek! If you want us to have a fair chance at sinking them before they jolly well sink us, you had better have those cannons primed and ready!?

?I am not going to be a part of this lunacy, and neither are my crews!?

?Insubordination! Should have expected as much from a fox?? Colonel Wrightbone?s scowled, then lifted an accusing claw. ?You might think you?re irreplaceable, vixen, but let me assure you, we will find another beast to direct your crews. Take her below and put her in the brig, chaps. Can?t have her interfering at a time like this, wot!?

?You idiot! You?re going to kill us all!? Vera struggled against the hares that held her, attracting the attention of a certain pine marten across the deck. He?d been helping Rindclaw out of the hold, but left the weasel sprawled on the deck when he spotted Vera?s trouble.

?Hylan ? Hylan!? Chak hissed, trying to grab him mid-charge, but his paws barely grazed the marten. ?Blast!? he cursed. If all the sane beasts landed themselves in the brig, there would be nobeast left to stand with him against Killian.

Hylan drew his blade. ?Unhand her at once, you blaggards!? A nearby Waverunner acted fast, grabbing the pine marten from behind and wresting the cutlass from his paw. The others drew their swords against him and he raised his paws in surrender.

?I?m starting to see a pattern here,? Killian observed. ?Perhaps we should detain all the vermin aboard until we?ve figured out where their loyalties truly lie.? He gestured and the Waverunners drug the fox and marten away. Another picked up Rindclaw as they passed.

Chak smoldered. Rindclaw couldn?t even walk, and no one knew more about the cannons than the blacksmith.

As the ship?s altered sails caught the light wind, it turned slowly toward the Zephyr. Killian?s borrowed posse wasted no time picking through the Phantom?s crew, pulling the various rats, stoats, and weasels out from among their peers and taking them below. Several of the freebeasts objected loudly.

?Pierre ain?t done nothing wrong! What?re you taking ?im for??

?Grash is one of us, mate! He wasn?t ever even a pirate!?

?How does cutting down our numbers help us??

?Why?re ya lockin? Verdy away? Nobeast wants to get back at Blade more ?n him! He?s got the brands to prove it!?

Part of Chak was glad to hear the dissenting voices, but as they drew nearer to the Zephyr?s cannons, a cold shiver ran down his spine. Muttering and grumbling would not turn the ship around.

The Zephyr was engaging Waverunner vessels now, and Chak could spot at least one that had been sunk, with only its prow and the tips of its masts still visible above water. Killian spotted the wreckage as well and drummed his fingers against the railing where he stood. The cannon crews stood around their respective weapons behind him, casting worried glances at one another. The Colonel had promoted a mouse to take Vera?s place, and he looked less than confident about the new position.

?How far do these blinkin? things shoot?? the hare called back over his shoulder.

?Ahhh? ? The mouse looked to the others, grimacing. ?Roughly?the length of the Phantom??

?I say, what if we implement the bally concept of the longbow? Increase the power, up the angle? If we could aim a shot from far enough back, we might land a blow without consequence, by jove!?

?Increase the power? You mean?more black powder?? The mouse looked unsure.

?That?s the ticket, wot!? The hare gave a wink.

?We don?t really know what that would do though. Vera was very specific about ? ?

?Nevermind her! You?re in charge now, Mister Barclay. And if you jolly well prove your worth I might just recommend you for the star of courage!?

The mouse blinked, then nodded humbly. He turned to a squirrel with a ladle and shrugged. ?Add another measure, I guess.? Then in a lower voice he added, "I want everyone to keep their distance with this one."

Chak growled. ?This seems a bad idea atop o? a slew o? bad ideas.? He held a staying paw toward Reedox. ?I?m gonna go check wi? Vera on this.? The sea otter trotted over to the stairs that led down to the lower deck. Surly if it was that easy to shoot a cannon farther, Blade would already be doing it. The wooden planks of the lower deck creaked under his heavy footfalls as he made his way to the brig. A pair of Waverunners guarded the vermin crammed into the locker.

?Wot?s your business?? one of the guards spoke up.

?Need information on the cannons,? he replied. ?The Colonel?s decided to try something new.?

Vera?s face appeared at the bars and she gripped the iron with both paws. ?What?s the imbecile planning to do now??

??E wants ta try usin? double the powder ta shoot double the distance. What?ll that ? ?

?NO!? Rindclaw?s voice broke through from behind the mass of bodies. A ferret and a rat helped lift the weasel closer. ?Stop 'em. Stop 'em now! Th' whole cannon'll explode! Everyone around it will die an' it might even sink th' ship!?

Chak turned and ran. Once up the stairs, he saw the cannon crew standing back and Killian with a paw raised. The ship was coming about, parallel to the Zephyr which was still a fair distance off.

?Fire!? Killian directed, pointing at the mouse with the linstock.

?Belay that order!? Chak shouted, racing across the deck. The mouse froze, glancing back at him.

?Fire, I say!? Killian gestured wildly toward the Zephyr, then glared furiously at Chak when the mouse still hesitated. ?He is no longer in charge! I am! Guards! Seize Mister Ku?rill at once!?

Chak halted, pointing a claw at the mouse. ?Don? ye fire that cannon, Barclay. Rindclaw says it?ll kill all who be near!? Chak snarled as five Waverunner hares approached him, weapons drawn.

?You?re just saying that to undermine my authority!? Killian shouted with a hint of a whine.

?Aye? Be that so? Then light the damn thing yerself, ye bloody idgit! But don? put everyone else in ?arm?s way fer yer own foolish ego!?

The rest of the crew began to gather, watching the exchange.

?Don?t you flippin? pretend like you care about the rest of us!? Killian nodded self-confidently at the idling freebeasts. ?We know you only helped us because you saw how things were going down. You made your choice and had to stick with it, but we don?t have to stick with you!? A few murmers of agreement arose from the surrounding mariners and the Colonel smiled smugly.

?You?re sure making a lot of assumptions about a beast you know next to nothing about,? Reedox retorted from his place up in the rigging. ?He wasn?t always a pirate, you know. He was a slave too. Most of his life.? The squirrel spoke more to the crew than the Colonel.

?Ah, the lackey sidekick squirrel!? Killian sneered. ?You of all beasts should jolly well know that the slave driver cares more about his own tail.?

Reedox bristled all over. ?He helped us all when it really counted. And he didn?t have to stand at the front of the fight when Dremlak?s crew tried to retake the ship!?

?So he likes the blood of battle. That?s no surprise.? The Colonel sniffed haughtily. ?You saw what he did to that fox. He?s a blood-thirsty brute with an appetite for violence. That?s hardly a favorable endorsement, my lad!?

?He saved my life. Twice.?

Silence. Chak met Reedox?s gaze, a lump forming in his throat. He nodded his gratitude and the squirrel nodded grimly back.

?The crew?s made it?s bally decision!? Colonel Wrightbones asserted at last. ?So it doesn?t blinkin? matter.? He turned back to the mouse with the linstock. ?Now. Light the soddin? cannon!?

The mouse stayed where he was. ?Rindclaw knows what he?s talking about.? He shrugged meekly. ?He helped design the cannons. He helped us learn how to fire them. If it?s true that he says this is too dangerous? I believe him.?

Colonel Wrightbones looked ready to explode himself. He marched over to Barclay and snatched the linstock angrily from his paw. ?You?re a bloomin? disgrace to the colors, wot! I?ll throw you in the brig with the others for mutiny!? The mouse stared wide-eyed at the burning tip pointed at his face. Killian frowned at the distraction and threw it forcefully aside. ?When I give you a direct order you?re to bally well follow it!? He pushed his finger into Barclay?s chest repeatedly. ?You might have flippin? lost us our only chance at ? ? The hare broke off mid-sentence, spotting a traveling trail of sputtering flames over the mouse?s shoulder. It was fast-approaching the barrel of black powder.

Killian leapt away in a panic, making a mad dash for cover. Barclay stood confused, then slowly turned to see what had frightened the Colonel. Chak plowed into him, throwing the mouse flat to the deck with his entire body just as the flames touched the keg.

KA-BOOOOOOM!

Splinters of wood and flame shot out in every direction. Chak felt the blast hit him hard where he crouched, sheltering the mouse?s smaller body. Small bits of wood rained down around him and his ears throbbed with a loud ringing. When he finally dared to raise his head again, a black blast mark scarred the deck where the powder barrel used to be, a burning hole at its center.

?Fetch a bucket o? water!? Chak shouted, his voice a muffled utterance in his own ears. The otter turned back to check on the mouse. The smaller beast wore a startled expression and blood smeared his shirt. Chak patted him, trying to find the injury, but ended up only adding more blood. He paused, spotting several jagged splinters sticking out of his right arm. His gazed lingered on one extra large shard imbedded deeply in the meat of his forearm, blood streaming across his fur. With a grim expression, he turned back to Barclay.

?Air ye a?right?? Chak felt like he was shouting, but the mouse pointed at his ears, shaking his head and grimacing. Chak?s own ears buzzed loudly, but he had instinctively closed them when he dove for the mouse, as he would when diving into the sea. The otter stood up slowly, small pains pricking all over his body.

Suddenly someone tugged at his shirt, yanking hard. It was Reedox, saying something urgent, yet indistinct. The squirrel started beating at the otter?s lower back when Chak felt a sharp burning sensation. He roared and spun, sighting smoke out of the corner of his eye. He was on fire. Quickly he tore the shirt free, threw it to the deck, and stomped out the flames. Elsewhere others were dousing more small fires and tending to minor injuries.

Chak worked some of the splinters free of his bloody arm with his teeth, then glanced over at Killian who lay sprawled on his back a fair distance away. The guards who had formerly surrounded the otter now gathered around the Colonel, helping him to his feet. Chak looked warily across the water at the Zephyr. It was angling toward them now, narrowing the gap. Their guns would soon be in range, and now the Phantom had no powder to fire back.

?We gotta move,? Chak remarked to no one in particular. He felt his left ear clear a bit, though the right was still muted.

?Gaw? lookit ?is back,? a voice carried from the crew.

?The squirrel said he was a slave before.?

?I wonder how long??

Chak met the stares, conscious of the exposure, but strangely not ashamed. Not among these beasts who bore countless scars of their own.

?Nineteen years,? he growled, stalking toward Killian. The beasts who heard appeared stunned. Whispers carried the information across the ship and soon more beasts came over to gape at the sea otter?s marred back.

?Colonel,? Chak addressed the trembling hare. ?The Zephyr be bearin? down on us.? He gestured toward the galleon. ?I don? care if ye er I be in charge at this point. If this ship be under water won? nobeast care who the cap?n be.?

Colonel Wrightbones glared hatefully at the otter. ?I?ll take your advice under consideration.? He then marched over to the cannon crews who were still nursing their wounds. ?We have at least two shots! Let?s make them count! Ready the cannons!?

Chak gritted his teeth, ?Thar ain?t time fer that! Order the sails??

Suddenly a plume of water showered them all as a cannonball landed mere feet from the Phantom?s hull.

?Vulpuz? shadow!? Chak roared. ?Somebeast with sense get us the hell outta range!?

?Move the ship out of range!? Reedox relayed Chak?s order sharply. ?Captain?s orders!?

"I am the captain!" Colonel Wrightbones shrieked.

?Shut yer gob, Killian!? The shrew bos?n shouted back. ?Far as I?m concerned, Chak?s our captain now! Right, lads?? He saluted the sea otter sharply, and surprisingly the rest of the crew followed suit. ?You heard ?im! All paws, clew up the mainsail and ready about!?

The ship came alive as beasts pulled and tugged at the rigging, maneuvering the black-painted vessel to tack. Another blast and a whistling sound echoed through the air as a cannonball sailed over their heads. Chak cursed. The crew might be listening to him now, but he wondered if it had all come too late.

?You think you?ve won?? Killian Wrightbones marched up to Chak, sword drawn. ?Colonel Rutheshire left me in charge, by jove! You have no right to commandeer my position!?

Chak massaged his fist, considering giving the hare the answer he really deserved. ?Put yer weapon away, Killian. We all be on the same side ?ere.?

?I will not be subjugated under a slaver?s footpaw again!? The blade trembled in the hare?s paw and Chak met his eyes, recognizing something pitiful and desperate.

?Colonel,? Chak pushed the blade down slowly with his paw, ?Ye air a free beast. An? I unnerstand that ye feel the keen need fer control more ?n anythin? right now. Ye ne?er want ter feel that same ?elplessness again. But believe me, ye can ?ave control o?er yer own life wi?out forcin? control o?er others?. T?were a lesson I ?ad ta learn meself. The ?ard way.?

The sword hung limply in the hare?s paw now, pointed harmlessly at the ground. Killian?s shoulders sank and he nodded his head resignedly. Chak patted his shoulder once before turning back to observe the Phantom?s progress.

?Haul in the spanker!? the bos?n cried.

Chak pursed his lips with a frown. ?Too slow.? He shook his head. ?We be movin? too slow? " 

Reedox approached, eyeing Colonel Wrightbones with a frown. ?Some of the teams are missing multiple members ? it?s slowing their progress.?

The hare blinked, looking somewhat embarrassed. ?I?ll go lend a bally paw, wot?? He trotted hurriedly off.

Another series of blasts sounded from the Zephyr. ??Eads up!? Chak called out. A cannonball crashed through the rigging, snapping lines and tearing a hole through one of the square sails while another clipped the bowsprit. Several others landed in the water around them, dousing them with salty spray.

Chak turned, gripping Reedox firmly by both shoulders. ?Reed, if we be goin? down again, I ain?t gonna ?ave a repeat o? las? time. Grab a ?andful o? yer mates an? make sure all them beasts in the brig be freed.? Reedox jumped into action, dashing away as the bos?n gave the next command.

?Slack off the headsail sheets!?

Suddenly a rumbling blast shook the timbers of the Phantom. Chak?s gaze snapped apprehensively toward the Zephyr. A giant, flaming black cloud of smoke rose from the ship?s main deck. Chak could hear beasts yelling and screaming as they ran hither and thither. The ship began to tilt with a long, low groan. The Zephyr had obviously been crippled, and its cannons had stopped firing.

A cheer arose from the crew of the Phantom, but Chak could not tear his eyes from the larger vessel, worry etched across his face.

Soon Reedox, Vera and Hylan joined him, staring out across the churning waters at the listing galleon.

?What happened?? Vera wondered aloud.

?Dunno,? Chak answered. ?But I ?ave a feelin? Rob ?ad summat ta do wi? it.? The sea otter squinted thoughtfully. ?When things seem bad, 'e as a way o' makin? 'em turn out fer the better.?