Kraken sat on the railing next to the gangplank, watching the delivery of provisions. He sent a wave of his power over each item. More than a few were returned to the dock to be searched. Several more were refused out right.
Two men carried a large crate up the ramp. Kraken blocked the way with a boot. “Toss that one in the drink.”
The men stared.
“Gabb!”
Gabb walked over. “Aye.”
“Toss these interlopers into the drink with their treacherous crate.”
“Aye.”
The men stumbled backward and lost hold of the crate. It hit the gangplank. The gangplank bounced, and sent the first man and the crate into the water. The other man fell to the dock.
Kraken leaned over to see two men come out of the sinking crate. Three men swam under the dock.
“Eyes on, Gabb.”
“Aye.”
The rest of the provisions were loaded and cataloged.
“Ahoy, Kraken Pirates,” came the call from the dock.
Kraken looked to the dock to see Jones Bone with three wet men.
“Didn’t you like my present?” Jones laughed at his own humor.
Kraken waited.
“Going to invite me up?”
“No.”
“Then come down from your perch, Pretty Bird, and I will sing to you.” Jones laughed again.
Kraken waited.
“I hear things,” Jones said. “I hear you have something, or somethings, worth more than this island and every life here. I hear that you have a power and no idea how to use it. I hear.” Jones laughed again. “I hear, Pretty Bird, that you want to be rid of it before heading to – deeper waters.”
Jones cackled like a mad man. His eyes rolled into his head, and he bent back so far as to all most fall over. Then he gulped air and sobered. “What say you, Pretty Bird?”
Kraken looked at the older man. Jones’ men shuffled nervously. More than once Kraken fantasized about killing Jones Bone. More than once he reminded himself it wasn’t worth it. The man was mad. Those waiting to fill his place were worse.
“No.” Kraken said.
“Aww, Pretty Bird,” Jones said as if he were ashamed of he favorite dog. Whips of greasy hair flung about as Jones shook his head. “No. No. No. Pretty Bird sings a sad song. Careful, Pretty Bird, someone may put you back in your cage.”
Kraken watched Jones walk away. His smile was tight and grim. The waters were indeed stirred.
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