NIMBUS AND THE KNIGHTS OF CENFERUM

Chapter 34

Valeros put his hands out of the bars to be handcuffed, exactly as in the procedure they were using.

— Obedient boy. — The pirate handcuffed him and took him out of the cell. — We'll take good care of you.

— What's he doing? — Elisis asked from the cell next door.

— I think he wants to try to handle the situation on his own — Lonios replied. — Do you think they have the Great Leader's daughter? — Lonios took the opportunity to ask.

— I'm almost sure, but they must have doubts about who she is. They probably have several prisoners from the other expedition.

— We have a chance to save her then. I think Valeros will try something, direct his fury against the soldiers. He'll knock some of them down, but I don't believe he can go very far, just impose fear against the enemy.

— He should wait for us to use the element of surprise. They might kill him.

— I don't think they'll do that. He's a squire, worth a lot of money for them to charge a ransom.

— Men, always doing things without thinking. — Elisis returned to the back of the cell and the conversation she had been having with the nurse Cristiane for a while.

This time, Lonios imagined that she was following the cliché of women, gossiping even in that situation. The two seemed absorbed in the conversation, and Cristiane seemed to deny while they argued.

After leaving the cell, the boy followed the pirates, being kept between them. But halfway through, with a quick move, the boy pushed one of the guards onto the other with his shoulder and at the same time grabbed a weapon from one of them. Now he was armed, despite being handcuffed; he didn't seem to care much.

— This one wants to get beaten. — Another of the guards unsheathed his sword, followed by one more nearby. The last one, unarmed, just pulled out a knife, and that was concerning; buccaneers are known for their skill with the knife and attacks from behind. And that's what was happening—Valeros was surrounded by the three pirates, but he still smiled. — We'll wipe that smile off your face soon; we are the best warriors among Lord's pirates...

One of the pirates tried to hit Valeros from behind, but he easily dodged it. However, that was just a distraction. The pirate with the knife approached to stab the boy in the back, but with a somersault, he avoided the attack. Lonios was surprised; not even he, armed with the powers of the Curse of Vision, could dodge that blow with such dexterity. The senses of that squire bordered on premonition; only that could explain that supernatural evasion.

All the prisoners were leaning over the bars, trying to follow the show put on by the squire. — It happens, pirate, that I am the best warrior on this ship. — The buccaneers exchanged glances and lunged at the boy.

Again, he miraculously dodged the first one, and even with his hands chained, he managed to maintain balance, impaling the enemy. With the same movement of pulling the sword from the enemy's chest, he attacked the second, injuring his hand and disarming him. With a kick, he pushed away the pirate using the knife. Before the injured enemy had time to react, he was impaled by the squire's sword. — Were you saying you were the best warriors among the pirates? I don't even want to meet the worst; they'll wet themselves when they see me.

— Why is it taking so long? — a voice echoed from behind the squire. It was the pirate lord, escorted by five more buccaneers. — It seems you're having trouble. Step aside, Dinles.

— As you wish, my lord. — The pirate bowed and made way for his lord.

— What were you saying, soldier?