"You're going to get yourself into a lot of trouble one day. What will you do when your wit and charm no longer allow you to escape certain death?"
"Then I guess I'll have to rely on my roguish good looks, the swiftness of my hand, and the sharpness of my blade."
"You and your smart tongue. You ought to be wary of it, my son, for it may lead you somewhere you can't return from."
Kasim opened his eyes as his mother's voice faded from his ears. The memory was still fresh in his mind, from when he and his crew had put into shore not too long ago to get some well-deserved rest and relaxation. He had gone, as he always did when he was nearby, to visit his mother and regale her with his latest adventure, as she used to do for him when he was much smaller. He wished he could tell her that she had been right, at least in part - his smart tongue had indeed gotten him into a somewhat inescapable situation, not two weeks after he and his crew had left port for the open seas to return to their life of pirating.
One of the ships they'd come across - and had subsequently relieved of their cargo and other valuables - had been carrying a rather interesting individual who had upon their person a rather interesting map. And in order to have the map, Kasim had promised the man a place on his ship until such time as the treasure was found. And in order to get the man off his ship after the treasure was found, he'd promised the man a cut of said treasure. His crew had looked at him like he was insane, and maybe he was, but after a bit of grumbling and making rather lewd gestures, they came around and were set to follow him to whatever end.
Kasim let his hands leave the helm and he plucked the map from the waistband of his pants and unfurled the parchment. The markings on the map were clear enough, and he'd already translated the first clue. Even now, they were on their way toward the indicated island, or at least what Kasim believed to be an island. There, he was certain he would find the next step. But if, for some reason, he didn't, it would be a severe disappointment to all, especially to him and his crew, for the sole reason that they wouldn't be able to get rid of their "guest" without resorting to drastic means, and possibly sharks.
Kasim lifted his eyes from the map and considered that for a moment.
No, definitely sharks.
He rolled up the map and returned it to his waistband, and returned his hands to the helm. Well, he'd figure it out soon enough. Where was the fun in an adventure if everything happened too quickly?
The soft sigh of the wind filled the sails for a moment, and filled his ears with the sound of an ethereal voice, alluring and sensual. Kasim blinked, tightening his hands on the helm until the wood cut into his skin. Oh, he knew the legends well enough, and he would be a fool to go chasing that particular one. But...
But he'd also never really seen that legend up close and personal.
And it was on the way...
Kasim spun the helm and steadily changed course, following the sound of that voice.
