The Demise of Foxy Jack (Adventures of the X Pirates Book 1) (7 page)

For years the fox walked the Empire, explored all its lands, and learned a new skill in each place. In the forests and mountains he learned combat from the Brigante. He learned to climb and tumble his way through the tallest trees know anywhere from the Monkeys of Mann. For pure joy he learned to play the balalaika.

He created and wore masks everywhere he went in order to hide from his past and himself. He carried them all in the sack that he slung over his back. With every mask he created and dropped into his bag the lure of the stage called to him. He had a bag full of characters now.

He adopted the name Jack Burdick and decided to hide in plain site on the tavern circuit. There he would be provided with room and board and a place to perform. He created a very special mask and chose a very special place to debut it. That’s how the fox found himself on the doorstep of the fierce squirrel with the eye patch and the mechanical leg.

The card game had made them fast friends, but the three unique performances Jack had proposed to Manny made them quick business partners. The first night the fox was to appear, the crowd was wild. The squirrel made sure wine and spirits were flowing freely. Anxious for the evening to succeed, Manny began drinking heavily as well. Bottles were being thrown, fights were breaking out. Everything was as it should be. That night was also the night that Benjamin Nightthorn stepped into the Drop Anchor.

Moments of sheer terror are moments remembered. Everything goes silent. Time slows. The heart races and the pulse pounds. No one in the Anchor was expecting the sudden appearance of the most wanted and feared creature in all the Empire. He had pushed the door open hard and it crashed to the ground. Benjamin Nightthorn made his entrance and stood there staring at the frozen and horrified faces of the unsuspecting.

Nightthorn stood tall and menacing.

You have betrayed your founder.

His voice filled the room although it was barely above a whisper.

You never understood him.

No one moved a muscle.

You went against his wishes and destroyed his island.

He shouted as some began to find places to hide.

You turned it into a place of commerce and greed.

Nightthorn leapt from the doorway and landed in the center of the room.

You destroyed its natural beauty.

He remarked calmly as he scanned the room.

You couldn’t leave well enough alone.

Everyone saw the fire in his eyes ignite.

And now I serve as the instrument for his revenge upon you all.

Guilt is a very powerful emotion. Everything the crow was saying was true and they all knew it. Every resident of the island knew it had a dark history. They all had Warren Bronck’s disappearance on their conscience. They had robbed him of his peace and they had taken the last thing he held dear away from him, and now the maniac who had killed his wife had come to the Island of Bronck to kill them all. 

The screaming started as Nightthorn raised his right arm  high to show them the still beating heart of Belladonna DeRanged clutched in the palm of his clawed hand. Several patrons fainted when he produced a ball of deep red fire in his other palm. Then panic and running joined the screaming and the fainting. Every creature in the Anchor was desperately trying to find a way out when Benjamin Nightthorn threw the fireball to the ground before him. It exploded into a bright red flash of light and smoke that filled the room.

Through all the noise and commotion, one creature could be found laughing louder than a creature should be able to. He had been standing behind the bar when it all began. Manny was impressed from the opening to the finale. The fox had fooled them all.

As the smoke began to clear, revealing the disappearance of the crow, the squirrel opened a bottle of his favorite and very expensive port wine that he had hidden away. Foregoing a glass, he guzzled straight from the bottle. There would be many more bottles of expensive drink in his future again.

After the show and without the benefit of any mask, Jack returned to the tavern and found it empty. He was needing and hoping to hear good reviews about the great actor who had fooled them all but there were none to be had. Manny was present, but passed out and the tavern hall was a mess. The only patron left was a pretty little peahen seated at a table for two with a wine bottle in front of her and two empty glasses.

Assuming she was waiting on Manny to wake up, Jack turned to walk away.

That was an amazing performance, Mister Burdick.

The peahen had an alluring smile.

How do you know my name?

Jack asked as he stepped back into the tavern.

The squirrel told me before he blacked out.

Jack knew that Manny would never reveal his name.

Do you know Manny?

We’ve met. I’m sure we’ll meet again.

Jack was suspicious, but intrigued.

Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?

The peahen smiled again at Jack’s question.

You must tell me how you managed to capture him.

Who?

Jack asked, as she reached for the bottle.

Oh please.

She snickered as she pulled the cork.

We’re never going to get anywhere if you play coy.

The fox’s instincts were sensing trouble.

Nightthorn?

Jack asked as she poured the drink into her mug.

Yes.

She took a sip of her drink.

Benjamin Nightthorn.

She said as she placed the mug back down on the table.

I’m an actor and storyteller. I researched my role. I listened to stories.

He explained, as the peahen gestured for him to sit.

I spoke to those who, may or may not, have had a glimpse of the enigmatic crow.

Jack moved in closer.

I also learned the history of this island. I disguised myself and lived among its citizens.

He sat across from her.

It’s much more than that.

She insisted as she poured him a drink.

You came to admire him.

She said as she pushed the full mug towards him.

I noticed similarities in our lives.

Jack offered.

Nightthorn is a creature you’ll never really know.

The peahen insisted.

But I can understand his mind.

His mind is a very dangerous place, Mister Leach.

Jack heard a name he hadn’t heard in some time.

Drink.

The peahen suggested.

I don’t really drink.

Drink. You’re going to need it.

The peahen pushed the mug towards him. Jack was suddenly nervous and thirsty.

You have yet to tell me your name.

Jack stalled as he drank.

Answer me this and I’ll tell you my name.

The burn of the brew felt good going down.

If I can, which is to say, I hope I can.

Feeling bold, Jack took another gulp.

Do you know the story of Fate and the great ship Destiny?

Jack knew this story well. Jacques told him the tale on many occasions and on their last night together.

I’m familiar with it.

Jack also knew that he was not on good terms with either fate or destiny. His life’s journey had kept him moving forward but he had grown bitter on the inside. The mask of himself was the mask he wore best.

I believed in it once upon a time.

Jack strove to achieve against everything that fate threw at him in order to achieve what destiny had yet to deliver.

But I was hopeful then.

That much was true.

So you don’t believe?

It’s a myth.

The peahen blinked twice and cocked her head slightly.

And yet here I am while Destiny waits for you at sea.

Jack laughed out loud.

You’re having fun with me.

There was no smile on the peahens face now.

I am Captain Fate.

The con artist in the fox began sensing a con.

I command Destiny.

Worried that he might be in the company of an unknown former criminal associate with a vendetta, Jack went to rise from his chair. Just the thought of the movement made an odd thing happen. There were now several ferrets strategically scattered about the room where no ferrets had been before.

I wouldn’t move if I were you, Jack.

Jack was looking at seven ferrets. He could feel there were more behind him but turning to look was not an option. Each ferret was standing perfectly still and dressed in black, complete with masks. Their whiskers were twitching. Their eyes seemed to be focused everywhere.

My companions come from an ancient order that you have never heard of because no one ever has.

Everyone knows that ferrets are very quick. They hear everything. They see even more. They’re crafty and stealthy. They can also be unpredictable.

The Order of the Playful Heart believes in the balance of spiritual, intellectual, and warrior energies in all things.

Jack knew he had the skills to stand his ground but he didn’t want this to be his last breathing day.

They have also protected Destiny and her Captain with their lives since the beginning of the Great Evolution.

After slowly settling his thoughts back in his chair Jack cleared his throat and tried to relax as much as possible without moving at all.

As deadly as they are they can be rather playful.

Jack highly doubted it.

Would you like a demonstration?

Before Jack could respond the peahen whistled sharply and every candle, lantern, and fireplace in the tavern was extinguished.

In the darkness Jack heard her.

You’re not afraid of the dark are you?

There was no other sound but her voice.

They see the truth behind the facade.

She whistled again and all the flames re-lit.

They bring order to the chaos.

Order had been restored to the tavern. Manny was seated and dressed, full mug in hand, and smoking a pipe.

We’ve been watching you for quite some time now, Archibald Jack Burdick Leach, the Actor, the wandering fox with a bag of masks.

Jack suddenly noticed his bag was gone.

Did you really think you could hide from me behind a mask, Jack?

There were ferret tracks in the sawdust.

How am I supposed to believe any of this?

Did you really think I wouldn’t find you, Archie?

I don’t believe any of this.

So many masks and yet here I am and there you all are.

If you’re fate then what’s my true name?

Time is of the essence, Jack.

What’s my real name?

Nightthorn is seeking something dangerous, Archie.

If you’re fate, truly fate, then why did you take my parents from me?

The peahen slammed her fist on the table.

Why did you let them walk away at the crossroads?

At that moment Jack came to the realization that this was all too real.

Why did you challenge me?

He realized he actually was looking Fate square in her feathery face.

You destined yourself for a peculiar life.

He was surrounded by her sect of stealthy spies and ancient guardians.

I’m here to put a series of events in motion that ends with the death of Benjamin Nightthorn.

Destiny was indeed waiting for him.

Nightthorn must die and you’re going to kill him.

Jack could hear the beating of his heart.

I don’t want this. This can’t be.

He blurted nervously.

Your destiny?

The peahen interrupted as she raised her glass and drank the last of her wine.

Is that what you meant?

She threw the glass across the room and it smashed against the far wall.

That was actually quite liberating.

Jack was starting to sweat a cold sweat.

Do you want to know what happens next?

In truth Jack didn’t want to know.

You meet the Creator.

Jack didn’t like the sound of that.

I don’t want to meet the Creator.

The fox was having trouble breathing.

This is where your wanderings end.

Jack was beginning to feel queasy.

Can you feel that?

She asked.

Yes.

Jack was feeling a flutter in his heart.

That’s me.

His heart was slowing.