Jacob stood at the threshold of Captain Rourke's quarters, the heavy door creaking slightly as he pushed it open. The room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from a few flickering candles scattered across the captain's desk. Maps and charts were spread out before Rourke, his sharp eyes tracing the lines and markings with intense focus.
"Come in, Jacob," Rourke said without looking up, his voice a quiet rumble. "We have much to discuss."
Jacob stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The air in the cabin was thick with the scent of salt and old parchment, a reminder of the countless voyages that had been planned within these walls. He approached the desk, his gaze flicking to the maps, searching for any hint of their next destination.
"You're healing well, I see," Rourke observed, finally glancing up. There was a faint glimmer of approval in his eyes, though it was quickly masked by his usual inscrutable expression.
"I'm getting there," Jacob replied, keeping his tone even. He wasn't about to reveal just how quickly he was recovering, or why. The captain didn't need to know about the powers Jacob was developing, or the system that was helping him. That was a secret Jacob intended to keep to himself for as long as possible.
Rourke nodded, accepting the answer without pressing further. "Good. We'll need you at full strength for what comes next."
He gestured to the maps, inviting Jacob to take a closer look. "Our business here is nearly concluded. The artifact we've secured… it's important, but we still don't fully understand its purpose. I've sent word to a contact of mine, someone with knowledge in these matters. They'll meet us at our next port of call."
Jacob studied the map, noting the route Rourke had plotted. It led them through a series of islands, the kind that were rarely visited by trade ships or even other pirates. The kind of places where secrets were kept and deals were made away from prying eyes.
"What's our objective?" Jacob asked, his mind already working through the logistics. "Are we planning another raid, or is this a more discreet operation?"
"A bit of both," Rourke replied, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "We'll need to keep a low profile as we make our way to the rendezvous point. The Valencia Trading Company will be looking for us after the last raid. But once we meet my contact, things might get… complicated. We'll be venturing into dangerous waters, both literally and figuratively."
Jacob nodded, understanding the unspoken warning. Rourke's contacts were as varied as they were dangerous—smugglers, informants, mercenaries, and worse. Dealing with them required a careful balance of strength and diplomacy, and even then, nothing was guaranteed.
"And the crew?" Jacob asked, shifting the conversation. "Are they ready for this?"
Rourke leaned back in his chair, folding his hands across his chest. "They're in good spirits after the last victory, but they're also wary. Word has spread about your… performance in the battle. Some see it as a blessing, others as a curse. You'll need to be mindful of that as we move forward."
Jacob remained expressionless, though the captain's words struck a chord. He had seen the way some of the men looked at him now—part respect, part fear. It was a double-edged sword, one he would need to wield carefully.
"I'll keep them in line," Jacob said, his tone firm. "We've come this far; we're not about to fall apart now."
"Good," Rourke said, his gaze sharpening. "We leave at dawn. Make sure the men are ready."
Jacob turned to leave, but Rourke's voice stopped him at the door. "And Jacob… Remember, the seas we're heading into aren't just dangerous because of the waters or the people. There are things out there—old things, powerful things—that don't take kindly to those who seek them out. Stay vigilant."
Jacob gave a curt nod, his expression betraying nothing. "I will, Captain."
With that, he stepped out of the cabin, closing the door quietly behind him. The cool night air hit him as he stepped onto the deck, where the crew was winding down from the day's labors. The ship rocked gently beneath his feet, a steady reminder of the ever-present sea that surrounded them.
Jacob took a moment to breathe in the salty air, letting it clear his mind. The captain's warning echoed in his thoughts, but it wasn't the dangers ahead that troubled him. It was the growing tension among the crew—the whispers of fear and awe that followed him wherever he went.
He knew he needed to manage that tension carefully. Too much fear could lead to mutiny, but too much admiration could make him a target. Finding the balance would be crucial if he was to maintain control, especially as his powers continued to grow.
But tonight, his thoughts were focused on the immediate tasks ahead. Dawn would bring a new leg of their journey, and with it, more challenges. For now, though, he needed to ensure the crew was ready.
He descended to the lower deck, where the men were gathered, some playing dice, others nursing the last of their evening grog. As Jacob approached, conversations quieted, and the men looked up, their expressions a mix of curiosity and respect.
"Listen up," Jacob called out, his voice carrying over the murmurs. "We set sail at dawn. The captain has a plan, but it's going to require all of us to stay sharp. The Valencia Trading Company won't be happy about what we took from them, and we'll need to be ready for anything."
The men nodded, their eyes on Jacob as he spoke. He could feel the weight of their attention, the unspoken questions they had about what had happened during the battle. But they were questions he wasn't ready to answer—not yet.
"We've come a long way," Jacob continued, "but the hardest part is still ahead of us. We need to stay focused, stay united. The next few days are going to test us, but I know we're up to the challenge."
There were murmurs of agreement, and Jacob felt a small surge of satisfaction. The crew was with him, at least for now. He just needed to keep it that way.
"Get some rest," Jacob finished, his tone firm. "We've got work to do in the morning."
As the men began to disperse, returning to their games or settling down for the night, Jacob allowed himself a moment of quiet. The ship creaked around him, the familiar sounds of the sea lulling him into a state of cautious calm.