Chapter 9: Smoke and Shadows

The Black Fang cut through the sea, leaving behind the wreckage of battle. Smoke curled in the distance where the imperial ships floundered, their crews desperately working to contain the flames. The salty wind carried the distant echoes of shouts and cannon fire, but Henry wasn't looking back.

His fingers tightened around the ship's railing as he gazed ahead. "Alright, crew. We live to fight another day."

Scarlet exhaled, wiping soot from her cheek. "Barely."

"Barely is still winning," Henry shot back, grinning. "And let's be honest—that was awesome."

Marrow, who was still holding an unlit bomb, nodded. "Very awesome."

Shade appeared beside Henry, speaking in that ominous tone of his. "The empire will not forget what we've done here."

Henry waved a hand. "Yeah, yeah, we humiliated them—so what? They'll probably send more ships after us, put a bounty on my head, call me the Greatest Threat to Imperial Stability or something. But that's a problem for Future Henry."

Scarlet crossed her arms. "So what's Present Henry's plan?"

Henry took a deep breath and turned toward the horizon. "First, we need a safe port. Second, we need money. Third—"

"Money first," Boggart interrupted.

Henry pointed at him. "I like the way you think."

Boggart shrugged. "We need supplies, Cap'n. We're runnin' low on food, rum, and ammo."

Grok, who had been surprisingly quiet, grunted in agreement. "A crew without food is a crew without strength."

Henry clapped his hands. "Alright, then! We find a port, sell some loot, and restock. Maybe recruit a few new faces, too." He turned to Scarlet. "Where's the nearest pirate-friendly haven?"

Scarlet leaned against the wheel, thinking. "The closest one would be Driftport. It's a lawless place, but they don't ask too many questions."

Henry nodded. "Perfect. Set course for Driftport!"

Scarlet gave him a look. "You realize we're still being chased by the empire, right?"

Henry waved a dismissive hand. "Details, Scarlet. Details."

Meanwhile, in the Depths of the Imperial Fleet…

Far behind the Black Fang, the imperial ships still burned.

On the deck of the least-damaged vessel stood a man in pristine naval uniform. His silver hair glinted in the firelight, and his sharp, calculating eyes studied the horizon where Henry's ship had disappeared.

"Captain Garagam…" The man's voice was calm, yet there was an unmistakable edge to it. "It seems you enjoy making enemies."

A nervous officer stood beside him. "Commander Lucius, shall we pursue?"

Lucius tilted his head slightly, as if considering the idea. "No. Let him run." His lips curled into a small smile. "The longer the game, the sweeter the hunt."

The officer shivered.

Lucius turned to the crew. "We'll report this to the admiralty. Inform them that a new pirate is rising."

Back to Henry: 

Driftport wasn't much to look at.

From the deck of the Black Fang, Henry squinted at the ragged cluster of ships and docks that made up the infamous pirate haven. The place was little more than a floating city, built on scavenged wood, sunken vessels, and whatever else the residents could nail together.

Even from a distance, Henry could hear the chaos—shouting, drunken laughter, the occasional explosion (which, for once, wasn't Marrow's fault).

Henry grinned. My kind of place.

As the ship pulled into the harbor, Henry turned to his crew. "Alright, listen up! We'll sell what we can, restock our supplies, and—"

"Get into trouble," Scarlet finished flatly.

Henry gasped. "Scarlet! Have some faith! When have I ever—"

"Last time, we got chased out of a port because you swindled a merchant," Scarlet interrupted.

"Technically, I won the game," Henry corrected.

Boggart chuckled. "Cap'n, you cheated at cards and got caught."

Henry scoffed. "Details."

Scarlet sighed. "Fine. Just… try not to start a brawl this time?"

Henry raised a hand. "I solemnly swear that I will do my absolute best to avoid unnecessary violence."

Marrow giggled. "You say that every time."

Henry rolled his eyes. "Look, let's just—"

Then, a cannonball smashed into the dock.

Henry blinked. "…That wasn't us, right?"

Scarlet sighed. "We haven't even stepped off the ship yet."

Smoke rose from the docks. Screams erupted as pirates ran in all directions.

Henry turned to Shade. "Shade?"

Shade had already disappeared into the shadows. His voice drifted back. "We're not the only ones making enemies today."

Henry's grin returned.

"Oh, this is gonna be interesting."

To be continued…