Chapters (21)
There were so many things James wanted to say, so many questions he wanted to ask, but he could see Blackbeard was exhausted; he still looked terribly injured from their ordeal with the Kraken and the harrowing events with the Flying Dutchman’s captain. He could see all Blackbeard wanted was to rest. This man had given him everything, and now he was sending him to a place where he might achieve his dream; the least he could do was deliver a message to the Odd Sisters.
“How will I know these Odd Sisters when I get to the Many Kingdoms?”
“These are no ordinary witches, James. You will know them when you see them. It has been many years since I’ve visited these witches, but if all their stories are to be believed they won’t have changed. Their beauty is so ill-proportioned they are unnatural, yet striking, and dangerously compelling, and each of them looks like the other. And don’t worry about finding them—they will seek you out the moment you hit the Morningstar shores.”
“I feel a strange foreboding, sir, when I touch these boot buckles,” said James, picking them up and putting them in his inside breast pocket. “They make me feel afraid.”
“They are worthy of a captain, James. You fear what they symbolize. But you are the bravest man I have ever met. Any man in your position would be afraid. You’re about to captain your own ship, and take a voyage to a land filled with witches, fairies, and all manner of creatures. The journey will bring you closer to your goal, and that is always frightening, my son, because realizing one’s dreams can be a terrifying venture, for fear they don’t meet one’s expectations.” Blackbeard put his hand on James’s shoulder.
James decided Blackbeard was right. He was afraid of finally realizing his dream, which he had wanted for so long. “Are you sure I’m ready, sir? I’d so like to serve alongside you for a while longer. Won’t you come with me to the Many Kingdoms?” he asked, knowing he was going to miss Blackbeard.
“Alas, I am barred from ever returning. I know you are ready, James. You were the captain today. You saved me and these men, and now they will do anything for you. They will follow you anywhere you venture, even Never Land. Please, my boy, take this gift I am giving you in gratitude for saving my life and the life of my crew. I would take this journey with you if I could, my friend, but you are taking paths I cannot follow. The only other thing I ask for in return is to get yourself a proper pirate’s name,” he said, chuckling.
“Where will you go?” asked James.
“I will be going down with the other captains and lighting a candle of my own.”
