Chapter 30: Cutlass Lessons

Thane Drogos

When Evelyn met me on the upper deck, I had a blunt cutlass ready for her. She eyed the instrument curiously, reaching out and taking it from me.

"Is it sharp?" she asked.

"No. These are for sparring," I answered. I gave the sword a brief swipe, listening to the metal whistle through the air. At nightfall, most of the crew remained under the deck aside from the night crew.

A few men did their rounds above the deck, keeping an eye out for any disturbances. Whether it be another ship or mischievous sea gremlins that liked to play tricks on unassuming sailors. Occasionally a siren or two, but they avoided my flag.

They feared water dragons as much as they feared Cliodhna, the Goddess of the Sea. Sirens were vicious creatures, but not without their motives. In the water, they'd shout "Oillipheist" in my face like a slur before returning to the depths, so deep the sun didn't touch them.

"Mimic my movements, Evie," I instructed, showing her how to stand proper