62.

A Pirate’s Song

T he waves lapped against the sides of the pirate ship. Annika, looking a particularly deep shade of seasick green, leaned over the side. Blackburn stood at the ship’s wheel, humming a jaunty pirate tune:

We pirates are ruthless, and we’re nearly toothless.

We conquer by wits and by force.

Raise yer hand and yer hook, and yer Pirate Handbook ,

As we sail the seas yelling, “Borscht!”

Blackburn had been in a great mood ever since they had found his old pirate ship docked behind the castle. The poker-playing penguins had been so happy the Earl was vanquished, they forgave Blackburn for beating them in poker and gave him back his boat, which was in nearly perfect condition. Penguins can’t sail ships anyway; it’s hard to turn a wheel with wings.

Upon stepping onto his ship, Blackburn had kissed the deck and explained that pirates always kissed the decks of their ships, which was one of the reasons why so many were nearly toothless. He had also told Annika that her debt was forgiven, but if she ran across an extra gold tooth or a soccer ball, he would gladly accept them.

And now they were off to Omnescia to see the great seer and return Shorty’s egg, now that it had served its purpose. Bolt hoped they would get answers, find out where the other werepenguins were, and, hopefully, learn how to defeat them with something better than another egg. Then he would find the Stranger and free the world’s penguins.

“How’s your ankle?” he asked Annika. Her leg was wrapped in bandages, although it was just a sprain.

In response, Annika threw up over the bow.

Blackburn had promised only to sail them to Omnescia, although Bolt hoped he would decide to stay with them longer. Annika vowed to stand by Bolt’s side for the entire mission, no matter how long it took. The bandits had sworn lifelong loyalty, and Annika said that meant she had no choice, but Bolt preferred to believe she was going on this journey because it was the right thing to do, and because they were friends.

Bolt was glad they were friends. He had forgiven her for lying to him, and she had vowed never to do it again.

“Land ho!” shouted Blackburn as the shores of Omnescia and the raspberry-blowing statue of the seer emerged from the mist.