The Sorcerer's Destiny (The Sorcerer's Path) by Brock Deskins Page A

meal in the Captain’s quarters. “We made quite a haul with this run, not even counting whatever you get for ransoming the crew. The men are hoping we’ll lay anchor so they can spend a good bit of their earnings.”
    “There really is little to do until our ship returns, and our crew is already stretched too thin between all our vessels. We are returning to the Black Sand Isles where we will hire more crew and wait for our ransom payment.”
    Tobias nodded. “Aye, and Captain Farique will be pleased with his share.”
    Daebian laid his fork down and looked at the overhead as he drummed his fingers on the tabletop. “I had forgotten about him.”
    Tobias was certain this was not a true statement. In the short time he had known the unusual young man, he was confident in thinking that Daebian had not forgotten a single event or word spoken to him since he was old enough to understand speech.
    “We have one more audacious plan to enact, Tobias. I need you to visit with each of the crew and convince them to give me their full support. There will be a great deal of profit in it if we are successful.”
    “Do you think we’ll be successful?”
    Daebian grinned conspiratorially. “Tobias, I am always successful when I choose to be.”
    Good fortune continued to smile upon them as the seas remained calm and the winds gentle. It allowed Tobias to gather most of the crew together aboard a single ship, leaving a skeleton crew of men he trusted to maintain course. It was cramped, and the smell of unwashed bodies was pervasive even in the open air of the main deck. Tobias stood a few feet above the pressed mass of sailors atop the foredeck stairs.
    “Men, we are heading home,” the first mate announced and received a loud cheer from the crew. “But Captain Daebian has one more thing he needs before we take our shore leave and enjoy our spoils. As you probably know, Captain Daebian isn’t one for taking orders from anyone, and he has set his sights on a higher position.”
    “There ain’t no higher position!” a voice called out from the mob.
    “There’s one.”
    The crew began an uneasy murmuring as they began to understand what Tobias was saying. “He’s a madman! Captain Farique commands nearly every pirate sailing the seas. He’ll hang us all from his yardarms like wind chimes!”
    “Captain Farique is just a man, and I think you all agree that Captain Daebian is far more than that. He took our ship, four merchant ships, and three of His Majesty’s naval vessels with barely a man lost. Do you think Captain Farique could do that? Captain Farique treats us like peasants, no more than serfs to toil in his oceanic fields for a pittance, for scraps he tosses down to us like dogs at his table. Captain Daebian will treat us right and give us our due. We will sit at his table and enjoy our spoils like knights and noblemen. Rarely does a man get the opportunity to raise himself above his allotted station. Do not pass up the one chance you have at achieving greatness!”
    A cheer of assent rang out across the rolling seas. High atop the mainmast, a crow cawed out his approval as he spied upon the men below. Dropping a longboat and taking four oarsmen, Tobias returned to the navy vessel Daebian claimed as his flagship to report his success.
    “Captain, the men have chosen to support you.”
    “In no small part to your wonderful speech.” Tobias looked ill at ease, not knowing what kind of demonic sorcery he used to spy upon him. “You are much smarter than I had given you credit. You would make a terrific ship’s captain. Do you desire such a promotion?”
    “There’s few sailors who don’t dream of commanding his own ship,” the first mate answered.
    Daebian tapped his index finger against his lips as he thought. “It is unfortunate for you that I desire you to be by my side. You have earned my trust and confidence. I will cut you in for a full captain’s share of the spoils, and you are second to no man under