Kraken stepped into his favorite pub, The Lost Sailor. The ruckus was standard for those long from land and looking to act out. Kraken smiled at the memory of his last fight at The Lost Sailor. He tossed a small bag of coins on the bar as he passed by.
The bar keep picked it up, and bounced it in one palm. “Food? Room?”
Kraken shrugged, and went to a table in the corner. He stared at the dirty men until they looked up.“You’re at my table,” Kraken said.
Two of the men got up and left. The last sat back. “I don’t know you. Don’t care who you think you are. Shove off or get dead.”
Kraken smiled. “Don’t make me have my Cousin clear you from that chair.”
“You’re brother, father, gramps couldn’t move me.”
“Cousin, take out this trash,” Kraken said and stepped to the side.
“Aye, Captain Kraken.”
The man snorted as the small girl walked forward. He stood. When she didn’t draw her blade he lunged.
Cousin used his momentum to throw him over the nearest table, spilling drinks along the way. Men jumped up ready to fight. The thrown man seized a chair and came back swinging.
The chair shattered against Kraken’s black staff. It rained splinters. The room became still. Kraken tapped the staff against his shoulder. “Cousin, you can kill any you choose.”
“Aye, Captain Kraken.”
The whisper “Kraken” rolled through the room. Men sat back down, and pretended not to watch. Several headed for the door. Others turned to face the action.
Kraken sat where the man had been. Cousin stood facing the room. The ousted man made colorful treats as he left. Cousin joined Kraken behind the table.
The ruckus picked back up, and a bar maid brought drinks. She flinched when Kraken tried to hand her a copper. He sighed, and the girl hurried away.
“One in every port,” Kraken said.
Cousin watched the room. The girl didn’t bother her. Hardship and cruelty happened everywhere, and the smart knew how to survive. The girl didn’t flinch at the other tables. She even hit a man who tried to grab her. She was playing to the crowd, and every pirate was a mark. Cousin made a note, playing to another’s expectations was the best lie.
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