Sisters in Arms

By Stephen D. Sullivan

What would you do to gain the riches of the gods?

Ancient Khef-Tui treasure is a strong lure for Captain Marg and the Coralshell Sisters, but the question remains: How far will the warrior women go to become the richest pirates in the Blue Kingdoms? This action-packed adventure features the saucy Coralshell Sisters before they joined Captain Ali and the Starcutter crew.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephen D. Sullivan
• Release date: Sep 25, 2010
• ISBN: 9781466003408

Stephen D. Sullivan

Stephen D. Sullivan has written more than 50 books across many genres: fantasy, SF, horror, detective, movie adaptations, and more. Readers the world over enjoy his fast-moving prose style and hard-hitting action sequences. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the 2016 Scribe Award for his horror-comedy novel, Manos: The Hands of Fate.Not sure where to start? Try these:NEW! Manos: Talons of FateBEST SELLER: Manos: The Hands of Fate (2016 Scribe Award Winner)HORROR & MONSTERS: Daikaiju AttackFANTASY: Tournament of Death novelsSCIENCE FICTION: Heart of Steam & RustADULT: Elf Erotica (Elf Princess on Mars)OVERVIEW: Martian Knights & Other TalesThere are plenty of others to choose from, too. (Including some books from other authors published by Steve's Company, Walkabout Publishing.)Browse! Buy! Enjoy!

Book preview

SISTERS IN ARMS

~ A Blue Kingdoms Story ~

Stephen D. Sullivan

• Walkabout Publishing •

Smashwords edition.

© 2010-11 Stephen D. Sullivan

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to the vendor of your choice and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. (I’m a real person trying to make a living, not some faceless mega-corporation!)

*

Walkabout Publishing

S.D.Studios

P.O.Box 151

Kansasville, WI 53139

www.walkaboutpublishing.com

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, scanning, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission of the author.

Cover art & design © 2010 Stephen D. Sullivan.

CONTENTS

SISTERS IN ARMS

1. Captain’s Gambit

2. All at Sea

3. The Bargain

4. The Island

5. The Curse of the Khef-Tui

Samples of Other Stories

The Gift of the Dragons

Crash of the Titans

Monster Shark

About the Story

About the Author

Original & Revised Covers

SISTERS IN ARMS

~ A Blue Kingdoms Story ~

Stephen D. Sullivan

1. Captain’s Gambit

The half-ogre stared at Lilani Coralshell’s breasts, but Lia didn’t mind; distracting the enemy’s first mate was a vital part of Captain Marg’s plan.

Lia leaned her chair back on two legs and tipped the bottom of her mug toward the tavern ceiling, savoring the taste of the heady Barbarossan ale as it slid down her throat. The cool froth dulled the swelter of the summer afternoon air and helped her ignore the stink of the overcrowded saloon.

The mountainous half-ogre seated next to Lia and her sister, Rina, continued leering. His bloodshot eyes probed the vast expanses of tan skin showing above, below, and between gaps in the Coralshell sisters’ bejeweled armor. Lia could almost feel his bestial imagination pawing her.

The enemy captain, Ali al Shahar, wasn’t following his first mate’s lead, despite the sisters’ scanty attire. He kept his keen eyes fixed on Marg Twoswords as they parleyed—and he wasn’t looking at Marg’s middle-aged body. Lia had heard of Captain Ali, and clearly he had heard of Marg, mistress of the Silver Pearl.

This one is cagey, Lia thought as she drained her glass, and not easily distracted. But Marg has his measure, I’ll wager. Lia tipped her chair forward, making sure to give the half-ogre a generous view. The brute’s eyes flushed orange with arousal. Lia chanced a quick glance at Rina and, somehow, neither sister laughed.

As Rina fidgeted with the golden strap of her halter, accidentally exposing a bit more flesh, Lia pretended to study her drink, while actually sizing up the man sitting opposite Captain Marg.

Ali al Shahar’s appearance did not match his formidable reputation. Yes, he was athletic and handsome, with sea-tanned skin, a trimmed beard, and flashing hazel eyes—just the kind of rogue that Lia normally fancied, in fact. And, yes, he was well dressed. A bejeweled pendant in the shape of a teardrop dangled around his neck, and he wore two rings—one on the middle finger of each hand. The rings, a ruby-topped golden circlet and a platinum band of dolphins surrounding a deep blue stone, looked both ancient and valuable. But Lia had seen plenty of buffed and decked-out mariners in her time; to her, Ali was just another pretty face.

Seeming to sense her scrutiny, the enemy captain stopped talking to Marg for a moment. His hand strayed casually to the golden hilt of his cutlass as he glanced at the younger Coralshell sister. This was no leering appraisal, but the deft assessment of a clever mind.

We can take him, Lia concluded, so long as he doesn’t tumble to our plan. She looked away, pretending not to have noticed Ali’s scrutiny, as the captains returned to their conversation.

Lia and her sister had been sailing on the Silver Pearl for four years, and Marg’s schemes nearly always worked. During that time, Marg Twoswords had fleeced much tougher rams than this Ali—though Lia remained unsure why they needed to deal with him at all, especially a scant month before Marg’s planned retirement.

What did their captain, who usually avoided contact with the men, want with this freemariner? Her ship, the Silver Pearl, was nearly as swift as his Starcutter, and her crew was at least as formidable. Surely they could tackle this mission without matching wits against such a famous seafarer—whether he deserved his reputation or not.

What do you want from me? Ali asked Marg.

A chill ran down Lia’s spine; it was as though the Starcutter’s captain had read her thoughts. She took another drink to tamp down the worry.

I mean, I’m flattered that you’ve invited me here, Captain Twoswords, Ali continued, but if you have this map—as you say you do—then why do you need me? Surely a mariner of your renown can handle a simple treasure hunt.

You’re right, Marg said. She leaned over the table, her aging bosom practically spilling out of her bejeweled armor. Normally I wouldn’t ask for help outside the Sisterhood, but we’re talking about a Khef-Tui island here.

Marg’s cleavage didn’t seem to distract Ali in the least. He folded his arms across his chest and stared directly into her brown eyes. Lia listened, while being careful not to seem like she was. She knew that though Rina appeared to be flirting with the half-ogre, her sister, too, was paying careful attention.

"Even with a map, the lands of the Khef-Tui