"Sea Devils"?
Renato knew it had to be a name for some sort of marine creature, not actual devils from the Nine Hells whose chief business was contracts and souls.
But after witnessing the legendary Pit Fiend Morlock casually raise walls of fire in Nittel Royal City, divide the battlefield, and slaughter Dark Elves, the Swordsman still tensed involuntarily at the mention of monsters called "Sea Devils."
He took a Greater Healing Potion from his ring and drank it in advance. As the liquid slid down his throat, warmth spread through his veins to the tips of his limbs, preparing him for the coming battle.
Watching the man shouting and rattling the cell door and the young noble fumbling about without a key, Renato shook his head.
He stepped forward and uttered two quiet words:
"Stand aside."
Before Andrei could react, a dark blur swept past his side. A flash of sword light severed several thick, sturdy iron chains in a single stroke, sending broken links clattering to the floor in a shower of sparks.
The shrill sound of metal being cut was especially piercing in the cramped lower hold. Startled by the sudden sparks and sharp noise, Andrei recoiled half a step and covered his ears.
The pirate captain hurried out of the cell and rummaged frantically through a storage chest beside the lower hold. Dust billowed up as he lifted the lid, making him cough several times. His hands groped along the bottom until he finally pulled out an old cutlass with a crooked ridge and a rolled edge.
Barnaby frowned, but tucked it into his belt anyway. Then he turned toward the tall, mysterious noble behind him and struggled to steady his voice:
"Lord Renato, these bloodthirsty 'Sea Devils' will kill everyone aboard the Hispaniola."
"With so