The Pirate Empress Read online

  “See that they’re freed.” she ordered. “We’ll just have to make port sooner than planned.”

  “Aye, Captain.” Taras smiled before disappearing once again down into the hold. Ama Lei rarely felt anger; she had prided herself on her emotional control, though that might be due to wall of ice she built around her heart. Right now, her limbs trembled, her hands itching to draw her weapon. It wouldn’t do any good. Breathe. She reminded herself. One, two, three...

  Her body relaxed. Eyes open once more, she strode to the captain.

  “Why have you enslaved my people?” she asked.

  “They are prisoners who have not paid their dues,” he replied.

  “I see. Perhaps you should inform your superiors that I will not tolerate such behavior. And as you’ve seen, I am not someone to cross.”

  Her eyes caught the forms of her people as they emerged. Thankfully, they did not appear too badly mistreated, but the sight of a woman clutching her child threatened to undo the control Ama Lei had.

  “Let this be the last time you cross my path.” The man’s eyes widened at her icy voice.

  With all treasure transferred to her ship, her men swiftly boarded, shoving off and sailing away as quickly as possible. Once a safe distance, Ama Lei turned to those once enslaved.

  “What do you plan to do with us?” one asked. There was no fear in his voice, only acceptance.

  “Our plan is to return you home.” Eyes widened at her statement. “If you would be so kind, please inform my purser of your hometown, and how much you are expected to owe.” As the people gathered around the man, Ama Lei nodded to Taras, drawing him aside.

  “Aye, Captain?” he asked.

  “I know it will be tight, but please try to make accommodations for them that are moderately comfortable.”

  “We will do our best,” the man smiled.

  “And see that the portion they need for taxes is taken from my share.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. I have no need of it. At least, my people need it more.”

  “I shall see it done.”

  Ama Lei allowed herself a smile as he moved away. Even if her throne was still far off, she could help her people. For once, she was actually excited to take them home.

  Chapter 2

  “Mama, look!” the girl called as she pointed from the ship’s railing.

  “Yes, dear,” her mother replied. “We are almost home.”

  Ama Lei allowed the smile as she watched her people eagerly yearn for their homes. She had thought returning would tear holes in her heart, but instead, it seemed to fill her heart with light. Mostly. She refused to allow any light into that dark corner to which he was banished.

  As they pulled into the port, Ama Lei felt satisfaction at the cautious, but not hostile, reception she received. That satisfaction turned to pleasure as those on shore caught sight of their loved ones. Almost as soon as the gangway was in place, her guests clambered down, enveloped by warm hugs.

  Ama Lei slowly descended, followed by a few of her toughest warriors. Most of her men still remained aboard, but ready in case things went bad.

  “How dare you?!” And there was the irate tax collector, flanked by two soldiers. “You’re pirates, and you just waltz here like you own the place? Well, you will pay! The army is on its way.”

  Worry finally crept into her thoughts, but she forced it aside.

  “Then I suggest we conclude our business before the men arrive.” She told him.

  “What business?”

  “That of these people’s back taxes. I just released them from a slave ship, and I would hate to have to do it again.”

  “Nothing will convince me to accept stolen money to pay these fines.” He huffed.

  Ama Lei stalked toward him, her eyes hardening to steel. He hid behind the soldiers, but she ignored them. Her focus was all on that man.

  “I am one of the most skilled swordsmen you will ever meet, and these two would be taken out easily. Now, unless you want a broken nose, or worse, I suggest you take me to your office.”

  He merely nodded before leading the way, his steps faltering from his trembling. The soldiers flanked him, but she felt no hostility from them. With a nod to her man, she followed, thankful that the walk was short. When the man disappeared in the tax offices, the soldiers remained outside.

  “Hino, you accompany me, everyone else remain here,” Ama Lei instructed her purser before stepping between the guards and into the building. The gloom seemed to seep into her body, created by the dark and almost bare furnishings. She figured it appropriate as a place to gather taxes.

  The man was seated behind a desk, and it seemed to give him more confidence.

  “Shall we begin?” Ama Lei asked.

  “I doubt you have the funds necessary to cover the discrepancies.” the man quipped.

  “Actually,” Hino spoke as he produced a paper. “This should be a list of all due by those returned. And rest assured, we have more than enough.” the man’s eyes went wide.

  “Also,” she spoke, “we would like a list of anyone else falling behind. As I said before, I’d hate to have to return.” She allowed that threat to hang in the air. He blanched, giving her satisfaction.

  “Very well,” he finally replied and began to pull out his books. This would take a while.

  It did take some time, but Ama Lei didn’t stop the triumphant grin after the man had counted every coin. Oh, he hated accepting it, but he did, and these people would be safe for a long time.

  “Thank you,” the cries started almost the minute she emerged. Men and women swarmed her, many wrapping her in tight embraces, tears flowing down their faces. By the time she reached the ship, her own face was wet with tears. Her people had suffered in her absence, and while she knew that only now could she return, it still pained her to see how bad things had become.

  A hand rested on her shoulder. She turned her head, seeing Taras standing there. Their friendship had grown in the past few months, and his presence filled her with strength. Her spine lengthened on its own, lifting her head to its regal position.

  She bounded up the gangway, not stopping until she leapt onto the rigging, holding onto the rope as she leaned towards the crowd.

  “People of Jenha!” she called, waiting until the din lessened. “You have been oppressed for too long. Enough! The time has come to throw off the shackles of the invaders. Help each other, stand strong. This shall pass. The foreigners will return home, and Jenha will be free. The Golden Throne will once more be filled by its rightful occupant.” Murmurs drifted through the crowd, filled with surprise, and excitement. Good. “Until such time, I will fight for you, to free our fellow countrymen from the oppression. Let the name of the Phoenix ring through the empire as a sign of hope, of knowledge that the tyranny will end and Jenha will once more return to the grandest empire in the world!”

  Cheers erupted before her. The people, her people, were behind her, mostly. They didn’t know she was their princess, but they were eager for a return of their Jenhan rulers. She just hoped they’d be as enthusiastic when she removed the mask, for she had every intention on sitting on that throne.

  She leapt down onto the deck as her men pulled the gangway up, preparing to weigh anchor. Taras moved to her side as the men scurried around them. “Quite a rousing speech,” he said. “I’m actually surprised to hear so much passion from you. I never would have guessed such fire resided in you when we first met.”

  “Have I changed so much?” she asked.

  “Yes. And no. I believe the fire has always been inside you. You just kept it imprisoned in ice. I’m glad to see those walls melted.”

  “Thank you.” It was all she could say.

  “Well, where to now, Captain?”

  “We follow our original path. It’s time to hunt down some more slavers, and make this empire ring with the name Phoenix.”

  Chapter 3

  Renee gazed up at the night sky, feeling as though th
e stars were smiling at her. She wished she could be as happy as they seemed, just twinkling against the night sky. How did they manage to stay so bright? The world around her had become so dark, no light shone. Except the stars. They remained a constant reminder that perhaps one day her life would shine with light once again.

  “I don’t think I will ever tire of that sight.” The deep voice was warm, soothing as it filled her. Turning, she didn’t fight the smile as she saw her husband standing there.

  “The stars?” she asked.

  “No. My beautiful wife illuminated by starlight.” Will replied as he strode toward her. Her face warmed under his gaze. As he reached her side, his hand gently caressed her face before wrapping his arm around her back. Renee closed her eyes, melting into her love’s embrace. She didn’t have to wait before her husband’s lips caressed hers. How she’d longed for his kisses the two years they were separated. Even now, each one felt as if she’d stumbled on a desert oasis. He pulled away all too soon, leaving her breathless and thirsty for more.

  Will chuckled. “I know, my love, but we must be patient.” Had her desire for more shown on her face? Stepping back, she fought to control her features once more. The years of hiding had given her plenty of practice.

  “I had hoped the masks would be gone.” Renee spoke as she moved to sit, her fingers brushing the fabric resting on her face. The black mask had been her constant companion for the past two years, ever since her attempted assassination. At least she no longer wore the veil that hindered her breathing.

  “Trust me, I wish for that freedom just as deeply.” Will sat beside her. “Though I’ll admit, this brings back pleasant memories.”

  “Sneaking around?”

  “Well, courting you in an evening garden. Though my throne might have been occupied by a fraud, it was nice being just us.”

  “It’s sad to think that those were simpler times.” Renee chuckled. They had to sneak around, always keeping Will’s identity secret. “The roles seem to be reversed now.”

  “It is better than it has been,” Will wrapped an arm around her. “An imposter no longer sits on our throne. I am obviously not dead. You are not dead, and we are together.”

  “Stolen moments don’t exactly constitute as being together, but you’re right. We have had a rough time these past five years.”

  “At least we’re no longer dead,” Will joked. Renee allowed the laugh at his quip.

  “Those years were not fun.” Such a mild thought.

  “We have weathered many storms, my love. Separation, enslavement, death. And yet, here we sit, together. We can ride any storm, and always find each other.”

  “We still have a major storm to sail through.” She hated bringing that up, but it was the reason she still wore a mask.

  “The emperor of Retanny.” Just the name sent shivers through Renee’s body. “With Desiree on our side, we will finally be free of his tyranny.”

  “I hate putting her in that position. He is her uncle, and she is but a girl still.”

  “No more than you were when you became an infamous pirate.”

  “You are right. I suppose I just feel bad because she is so good and kind. She does not deserve to have such relatives.”

  “No, but with her on the throne, there can be real progress, true relations with Retanny. The world will be better for it.”

  “That is true.” Renee acknowledged. “I wonder how Ama Lei is doing? She should have arrived in Jenha’s waters by now.”

  “Have faith. She is your friend, after all.”

  “I know, and I do believe in her. She has the strength and determination to seize her throne, and much like Desiree, she will be a great Empress.”

  “That will be a lovely day.” Will smiled at her.

  “What?” Renee asked.

  “I just had a thought about how wonderful the world is to have such strong women leading their people. Especially as one of those women happens to be my wife.”

  “It’s not like I’m actually queen at the moment.” Renee sighed.

  “No, but soon. I have faith.” His smile had a way of easing her troubles away. “I believe we have five more months before we meet back with her.”

  “I still can’t believe she only wanted three months to lay the groundwork and assess the situation. Once she allowed her wings to spread, she certainly flew.”

  They sat together, just enjoying the silence. Things were so complicated, but he was right. They were a strong team filled with strong men and women. Already, they removed one usurper, and two pirates. But an emperor was a bit more complicated.

  “How is Spera?” Will asked. “Did she go down without too much trouble?”

  “Not too much.” Renee smiled. “Although, now that she is two, she has discovered her independent streak.”

  Will chuckled. “The twins were the same way. And they loved to team up against me.” Renee chuckled with him. It felt good to tell stories of their children, to share the memories they missed. It helped ease a bit of the pain of not being a complete family. Will longed to be Spera’s father, to know the girl he’d only recently learned he had, just as Renee longed to gather her twins as their mother. But they both knew their children were too young to burden with the secrets.

  “Speaking of Spera, I should probably relieve Mei.” Renee spoke as she stood.

  “I don’t think she’ll mind a few more moments. After all, I happened to have noticed a certain young man heading that direction before joining you.”

  “Of course Little Wolf would be keeping her company. It’s a good thing Ama Lei approves of him. Something tells me there will someday be a wedding, maybe not too soon, but those two are surely in love.”

  “That they are,” Will agreed. “So, as they have Spera well in hand, and are enjoying each other’s company...” he patted the seat beside him. Renee sank onto the bench, snuggling into Will’s side as his arm wrapped around her. Worries were pushed aside, and Renee allowed herself to simply relax and enjoy the comforting presence of her love.

  Chapter 4

  Ama Lei’s heart pounded, pushing the adrenaline through her veins as she leapt through the clashing swords. It felt great to give her limbs reign as she descended upon the naval men. The ship was swooped upon swiftly enough, and now it was a matter of time before the men would be subdued.

  Sword drawn, she rushed to the first opponent she saw. Ringing hit her ears as her blade glanced off his. Even as he blocked, she swung, prepared for another blow. He continued to block, though barely managing to catch her swift attacks. Her sword gained a mind of its own, constantly in motion, as fluid as the sea that surrounded them. Her limbs took charge, swiftly kicking his legs out before rendering him unconscious.

  She swung her sword, blocking the attack meant for her back. Spinning, she turned her defense into offense in one swift move, knocking the weapon aside. A solid kick to his chest made him stumble back, right into the arms of one of her comrades. Her sailor quickly disarmed the man, and dragged the enemy towards his comrades under careful watch of her men. Soon, the rest would join them. Taking a moment, she scanned the skirmishes surrounding her. Her men were capable, and she had all faith they’d be victorious.

  A male cry hit her ears, and she whirled to see the man rushing toward her, sword raised. A step to the side pulled her from the sword’s intended path. As it sailed through the empty air where she’d once been, she whirled her own sword to smack the flat edge against the man’s back.

  His roar of pain and fury sent waves of satisfaction through her, but she refused to dwell on the thought, allowing her weapon to render him weaponless as it hit his with such strength that he was forced to release the blade. A kick sent him stumbling into the arms of her man, who dragged him to the others.

  “Phoenix!” the roar lifted above the battle’s din. The noise seemed to hush, and Ama Lei turned to see the captain standing there, a challenge in his eyes. The fights around her ended, as if all eyes could only focus on the two
captains. The Retanny captain stalked towards her, but she continued to stand tall and firm, unflinching as he towered over her.

  “You are a coward, and a thorn for Retanny and Jenha,” the man continued.

  “Because I return Jenha’s citizens to their homes?” she countered.

  “You’ve cost us so much revenue!” He spat.

  “I fight against your tyrannical injustice.”

  “You can tell yourself that, but you’re the pirate. And it’s time you’re treated as such!” He swung, and she lifted her sword, catching his mere inches from her body. She spun her sword, flipping his aside. A kick sent him tumbling back.

  Without pause, she rushed him, sword swinging up, pushing his away from her torso. Before she could swing for another blow, his swung at her, and she leapt back, barely avoiding a gash in her leg.

  Fury began to burn in her lungs, along with excitement. He would not be an easy conquest, and though she wanted a swift victory, the challenge was worth the time.

  He roared as he swung at her, his movements, filled with anger, were haphazard, and easily dodged. Her feet pulled her left and right, out of the blade’s path. She danced around his sword, her body bending to give him air.

  His eyes took on a wilder look, and she leapt out of the way, her own sword whirling to attack. The blades met, the impact jarring her arms, and her thoughts. Rarely had she felt such force through her limbs. But she couldn’t dwell on that. No, she had a captain to subdue.

  Blade took on its own life, slicing through the air, spinning and twirling, never stopping, even as it glanced off the enemy’s blocks. The blades met, and pulled apart, constantly ringing. Each blow jarred her arms, and she could feel her grip wane. Oh, she refused to be bested.

  Changing tactics, she allowed her body to become the weapon. Her blade kept his from reaching her, but her legs and fists struck his body, aiming for sensitive areas. Each blow sent him howling, taking just a little more of his energy with it. Only a trained eye would notice him slowing, but she did. She smiled. Her sword whirled through the air, lifting his. Kicking high, her foot hit his fist. The sword dropped, clattering on the deck. Ama Lei rushed forward, her sword poised above his neck.