บททั้งหมดของ Dark Water: บทที่ 61 - บทที่ 70

As soon as Higgins saw Nathaniel leave, he headed for Nathaniel's cabin. He came bearing gifts if one could call bread and dried meat gifts. He knocked once, then entered before Lloyd could respond. The sight of the drawn-looking form made him pause, his unease growing like a storm on the horizon.He quickly swallowed when Lloyd looked quizzically at him. He hurried to the desk, placed the chipped plate down, and scribbled a note.'Thought you might be hungry. It ain't much; I haven't cooked for ages.'"Thanks," Lloyd read the note. His stomach grumbled at the sight of the food, but he wasn't sure whether it was with need or revulsion. "And don't worry about it; food is food," he said, the lack of choice in his tone unmistakable.Higgins nodded, offering him the plate. He tried not to stare as he picked idly at the stale crust, his fingers hesitating over the harder parts, a process that seemed to stretch on uncomfortably.Even though their cupboards were never bare, that didn't prom

A dark aura, thick and foreboding, rolled with the mist over the deck, the two merging into a sinister shroud that enveloped the ship.Even the broad and beaming moon in the sky seemed to shrink back as it watched over the ship, pulling the tide away with it.Lloyd stepped out into the fresh air, briefly closing his eyes to savour the breeze's saltiness. After what he'd been through, this felt like Heaven.He was still weak, his legs aching and protesting as he tried to use them, and he slowly hobbled over to the rails.His mind was awash with what he had read, and he was trying to process the information that was slowly forming an intricate mosaic, a mosaic of fear, determination, and a growing understanding of the perilous situation he was in, with each piece falling into place. He looked at the churning mist, hovering like sea foam on the undulating waves."You won't feel so calm and confident soon," he whispered, a bitter edge to his voice. "All the harm you've done, all the inju

Lloyd debated returning to Nathaniel's rooms but decided against it.The papers had been hidden for a reason, and he wasn't sure the man would appreciate him digging them out. And he had enough of darkness and gloom. Even when lighting the lamps, the shadows swelled and twisted like ghouls.'Alas, I am but a weak mortal,' he smiled. 'I can't exist without natural light. I don't know how vampires manage. I'd go mad. Not to mention, I'd freak at being stuck in a closed coffin.'As he reached the deck, he avoided the eyes of the other men, keeping his gaze low and humming unmusically. He glanced about him, checking Nathaniel wasn't around. If the papers had been hidden, he didn't want them read, and Lloyd was sure he would receive the sharp end of his tongue, if not worse.He chose a place in the shadows, hoping it would shield him from prying eyes. He swallowed nervously, squinting to read the faded pages, the ink smeared from the damp beneath the board. Even so, his blood ran cold as

The power of the demon is harnessed to my very soul. I feel it is gnawing on whatever purity resided there. With each passing day, the shadows spread, but the gleam of gold keeps them at bay. I know of hidden treasure beyond the wildest dreams of other men; all the spoils are within my grasp.The crew has been silent, but I see their greed and desire grow. Their blood is intertwined with mine, and my victory is theirs.Yet, behind this, I sense some are not happy. Their souls were pledged without consent, but the riches were too tempting to refuse. They will reap the benefits, and whatever blood must flow will do so in rivers. We were bound for Hell regardless of this bargain, but the path there will be paved with gold. They should be grateful. If not, their blood can run in rivers. Whatever power the demon has, I shall match. Have I not caused the King's Navy to tremble and villages to quake as though the earth itself shifts beneath their feet?With such might behind me, I will rule

Abraham was one of the only men on board who could read with some eloquence. His Bible was worn out from his constant perusal, and the old prayer book he'd once had was in pieces.That night, what was required was not his reading skills but his openness to the darker forces of human nature. "I was thinking," he said when the handful of men had assembled, perching like ungainly beasts on their bunks or sitting stiffly on the floor. "I think we need to ask someone who's done this before. I've read enough in the Bible to distrust demons."The soft candlelight illuminated the severity in his eyes, the long lines seeming to be etched deeper beneath them, and looked like ragged tracks dug into the dark circles."Blake's still here. We just need to see him. His errors will be the key to our success.""How'd know it's him?" One of the men frowned uneasily. "I've seen a few things around 'ere that ain't been what they seem. And we've tried before.""We chance it. And I ain't thinking of doing