Chapter 179: Pirates of the Surienste
The sun had dipped below the horizon and surrendered the last of its lingering hues of crimson and orange to the encroaching darkness. The moon rose over Northem’s sky, its silver light casting an ethereal reflection on the river. A small boat carrying a dozen people was cruising silently along the river.
"Captain, the river is undeniably serene tonight, and the moon is stunning!" A man with shoulder-length curly hair, a robust beard, and a commanding mustache stood firmly, captivated by the breathtaking view. The river’s surface mirrored the brilliant moonlight with a calmness that demanded attention, asserting its beauty in the quiet of the night.
The boat’s lone mast stood tall against the dimness, its white sails billowing softly in the gentle breeze, gracefully guiding it toward their galley anchored half a kilometer from the shoreline where the Praya River spilled into the vast expanse of the sea, its murky depths swirling as it melded into the frothy waves.
Two nights before, they used the small boat to traverse the Praya river and do business with Zura. They chose Zura because they had a business deal with the mayor near the bank. The town’s name was Naeriva because it was near the shore.
"Hmm!" Captain Blackhawk hummed, his voice a low rumble as he surveyed the mountain of chests and bulging sacks stacked at the far end of the boat. They had bartered the riches of the sea for provisions that would sustain them for a month or more, ensuring that their journey would continue uninterrupted across the vast, unpredictable seas of Zura, Esatalis, and Westalis.
"It is a worthwhile journey. We sold and purchased a lot," the captain mused, smiling, still reminiscing the good night he had at the brothel—a night of good wine and beautiful women in exchange for a few southern pearls.
His musings, however, were cut short when he saw something in the distance. His left eye narrowed as his right was covered with a black cloth patch.
"Speed up and go to the right side." The two pirates assigned to maneuver the boat did so, and in no time, they were beside something floating in the water.
"Captain, this is ..."