Sky Pirates

By Roderick Donatus

Flying pirates, buried treasure and a quest for revenge

 

Chris wants justice for his best friend, murdered by the Royal Shipping Line and its chairman Edward. But how do you fight the most powerful company in the world?

 

Their galleons hold the monopoly on the trade with the new colonies in the Fae-Isles. They mercilessly crush all competition. No one dares to stand up to the ruthless company and help him.

 

Desperate for aid Chris falls in with a daring pirate captain promising him his revenge. However, the captain has his own plans, and sees Chris as a quick way to make money. Chris must convince him to stay the course, or he may well end up being sold to the highest bidder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Prince of Spires
• Release date: Nov 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9789083106328

Roderick Donatus

Hi! I'm Roderick. The first story I remember writing was a retelling of 'Little Red Riding Hood', told from the perspective of the wolf. I wrote it as a play for my hand puppets. At the time, I thought it was incredibly inventive. And it was pretty terrible. I was also 8 years old. I never did finish that story, but I did fall in love with stories and story telling. I'm never far from a good book. And while I'll read almost anything, I have a preference for reading and writing fantasy. After dabbling with writing stories over the years I finally sat down to write a book in 2019. And I haven't stopped yet. When I'm not writing I spend most of my time with my wife and two daughters. Any remaining time goes to rock climbing, gardening and trying to play the guitar.

Book preview

The Orphanage

Chris sprinted down the street, his boots flying over the cobbles. The message had only said it was urgent. Memorial Park, his destination, appeared ahead as the road levelled out. He didn't slow as he dashed through the gate and into the park.

Wait up! Jake shouted from behind him.

There's no time! Chris shouted in answer. He jumped over a hedge and took a shortcut through a flowerbed, the tree's shadows flitting across his face. The flying foxes in the branches overhead screeched at him as he passed underneath them.

Elizabeth's Orphanage, named after Chris's mother, appeared round a bend, situated on the riverbank. A group of militia soldiers lounged in the sunny plaza in front of the columned façade, looking bored. Their officer, judging the emblems on his shoulders, stood at the top of the steps leading towards the door, arguing with Charlotte, the matron of the orphanage. Several soldiers looked up as Chris dashed past them, taking the stairs two steps at a time, pulling up next to the officer.

Master Heringford, it's great to see you, Charlotte said. Please tell these men they can't just walk in here like they own the place. With her grey hair in a tight bun, wearing a blue skirt and apron, she looked as calm and composed as she had when she had still been his teacher. Nothing could shake her composure, not even a company of soldiers at her doorstep.

Chris turned to the officer. What's going on?

The officer, wearing a red coat with yellow details, the colors of the Royal Shipping Line, held out a document. As I was saying, the orphanage is to be demolished. I'm here to make sure work can commence on time.

Chris took the piece of paper and scanned its content, his eyes drawn to the seals and stamps at the bottom of the document. He looked up just as Jake arrived at the foot of the stairs. This is the mayor's seal. The officer nodded. Don't you know this is crown territory? He can't just give it away. He handed the scroll to Jake.

Look, son, the officer said, I don't know nothing about that. I stay as far away from politics as I can. All I know is that this morning, I was told to empty Memorial Park of people so construction work can begin.

Where are we supposed to go? Charlotte asked.

I don't know, ma'am. I wasn't told.

I can't let them destroy my mother's orphanage, Chris thought. It's all I have left of her. Not if I can do something about it, Chris said. I'm going to the king and stop you.

Do what you must, the officer said.

You stay where you are, Chris said to Charlotte. I'll get it sorted out.

Tell you what, the officer said. We'll clear out the rest of the park first, and only after that we come back for the orphanage. That should give you an hour or so to talk to whoever you need.

Thanks. Chris nodded his head, turned and ran back the way he'd come.

––––––––

Chris strode across the entrance hall of the royal palace  past the white marble statue of Charles I, towards the king's aide's office.

Do you think the king will actually listen to you? Jake asked, hurrying at his side.

He must, Chris said. They can't just destroy Memorial Park. I won't let them. He knocked on the door to the aide’s office and walked in. Mathilda, I must speak to the king.

The aide looked up from her desk. I'm afraid he's quite busy this morning,

It's a matter of life and death, Chris pleaded. I need to speak to him. Please.

Very well, I'll see what I can do. Mathilda rose, her green dress rustling around her, and walked past him, carrying a scent of jasmine with her.

Will that work? Jake asked

Chris nodded. Mathilda is in charge of the king's schedule. He goes where she tells him. She'll help us.

She returned a few minutes later. The king found a few moments before his next meeting. Please, follow me to the Eastern Study.

The Eastern Study lay across the leafy courtyard of the palace. An intimate table with a handful of chairs stood next to the open windows, through which the salty smell of the incoming tide blew. Mathilda waved Chris and Jake into the study. The king will be right with you. The door clicked shut behind her.

Chris paced across the room. With each passing minute, there was less time to save the orphanage. The officer had said he'd give him an hour, but that would surely run out.

Jake dropped down in one of the chairs. Relax. Once the king gets here, he'll sort it out.

After what felt like an eternity, the door at the far end of the study opened and King Bartholomew walked in, dressed in a fashionable cream shirt with golden-threaded details and a large white cravat. He spread his arms wide. Christopher, it's been too long. How have you been?

Chris bowed with his arm across his chest. I'm great, Your Majesty. I trust you are well?

Can't complain. The hunt has been lovely the past few weeks. How is your grandfather?

Chris pushed down the urge to hurry. He'd forgotten how many pleasantries the king liked to exchange before getting anything done. No wonder he was always busy. He's still the same. Healthy, grumpy, and complaining that all the young kids are ruining the world. At this rate, he'll live to be one hundred.

That's great to hear, the king said. Tell him he should pay me a visit. I'd love to hear some more stories of his travels.

I will, Your Majesty.

Now then, I heard you had some important business you wanted to discuss

Indeed, Your Majesty, Chris said. We've just come from Memorial Park. Soldiers are clearing everyone out for some construction work.

So I've heard as well, the King said. It really is a shame. I always enjoyed strolling through it on a hot summer's evening. The breeze from the river was most refreshing.

Then why don't you stop them? It's crown territory, after all. You can do with it as you please.

I wish it were that simple, Christopher. But the mayor told me that, since the city had originally granted the property to the crown, they have the right to take it back if there is a pressing need.

That's nonsense. What pressing need did they come up with?

We need the space for offices and warehouses if Marialo is to keep up with the other large cities around the world. We're at risk of falling behind.

In the middle of the city? Jake asked.

The king nodded. It's the only flat land suitable for building close enough to the river, I've been told. It's close to the main trading centers of the different companies. Apparently this shortens the delivery times by days, and gets goods upriver faster.

But you've got to stop them, Chris said. Elizabeth's Orphanage is there. We can't just let them tear it down.

Of course... your mother's orphanage is right in the middle of it, King Bartholomew said. I'd forgotten all about that. I'm sorry. I'm sure they'll find a new home.

Chris sighed, It's all I've got left of her.

Someone knocked on the door to the study. The door opened partway and the king's aide stuck her head round the corner. Your next meeting has arrived, Your Majesty.

Thanks, Mathilda. The king placed a hand on Chris's shoulder. I've got to go. There's nothing I can do about it. You could try talking to the Council of Guilds. Maybe they can overrule the mayor or help you somehow. With that, he walked out.

Chris dropped in his chair. Now what? The council will never take up something this minor.

I might know a way, Jake said. There's this girl I've been seeing, Ava.

Is she the brunette?

No, you're thinking of Irene. Ava is the blonde. Anyway, she's the secretary to the council's chairman. I bet she can get us a meeting.

Chris smiled. This could work.

––––––––

The Council of Guilds building lay an easy walk down the street from the Royal Palace. Ava had indeed been able to get them a meeting with council's chairman, Edward. He'd had an opening in his calendar just before lunch. He stood waiting for them by the window, hands clasped behind his back, looking out over the River Ebru, when Chris and Jake entered. Grey peppered his hair and his dark waistcoat and breeches contrasted with the bright sunshine streaming through the windows. A meticulously clean and empty oaken desk dominated the center of the room. He turned. Ava must really like one of you to get you a meeting on such short notice. And right before lunch, even. How can I help you gentlemen?

Thank you for seeing us, sir, Chris said. We're here about the construction work about to start in Memorial Park. We need to stop them.

I've heard about those, Edward said. Why do we need to stop them?

If the park is destroyed, then so is Elizabeth's Orphanage. There's nowhere else those kids can go.

You're Lawrence's kid, aren't you?

Yes, sir, Chris said.

Thought so. You've got his slender build. Anyway, say we want to stop the destruction of the orphanage. How would I be of help there? It's a matter between the mayor and the king.

We already talked to the king, sir. And he can't do anything. He thought maybe you could overrule the mayor.

That's by no means a certain outcome. And it would be a lengthy process. But I guess I could go have a chat with her. I'm heading into town for a lunch meeting. I can pay her a visit along the way. Walk with me.

––––––––

Edward led Chris and Jake to the second story of Elly's Teahouse in the lower part of the city across from the town hall. It was one of the more popular places for shipping lines to conduct business. A few of the smaller ones even used it as their main office location, with spaces to conduct business in private alcoves set along the second story walls. He took the three of them to the central dining area on the second floor, near the winding staircase, where they found Mayor Amelia. He stepped up and cleared his throat. Hello, Amelia. How did you like the wines I sent you?

The mayor looked up at the chairman with bright blue eyes. Edward, you're early. And you've brought company, I see.

These are Chris and Jake. They've come to see me to complain about the business district that is being built in Memorial Park.

Have they now?

Yes, the prime minister said. They hope I can persuade you to stop the work and save the orphanage. At this, Mayor Amelia gave a hearty laugh.

What's going on? Chris asked.

You didn't tell them? the mayor asked. Edward shook his head. Amelia looked at Chris. Do you know who came up with the plan to build the business district in Memorial Park?

No, Chris said.

The mayor pointed at Edward. He did. The Royal Shipping Line is paying for most of the work, in exchange for the largest warehouse.

What? Chris blurted out. He turned to Edward. Why didn't you tell us?

Edward grinned. Let's call it an educational experience. You've got a lot to learn about how the world operates. It's not all about charity. Some people have to earn money to pay it all. Now if you'll excuse us, we've got a lunch meeting.

Chris was stunned. He let Jake drag him away from the lunch table and down the stairs. He blinked when he stepped out into the bright noon sun.

Are you all right? Jake asked.

Chris shook his head. I was so sure we'd save the orphanage. That Edward would help us. Or at least try.

Some people are just more interested in money than in caring for others.

There was nothing left he could do. Chris's heart sank. He'd have to face Charlotte and tell her he'd failed. They would destroy the orphanage, and there was nothing he could do about it.

He dragged his feet as he walked back down to the riverside. His mother had founded that orphanage as a way to give back to the community for all the good fortune she had had in life. It had been her passion project, right up until the day she'd disappeared. After that, it had been a fond memory of her. He'd often visited the place, helping Charlotte care for the younger kids, as a way to keeping his mother's memory alive. And now it was about to be destroyed. Mom would have been heartbroken. And what is going to happen to the kids?

A militia soldier stopped them at the entrance to the park. Only then did the connection between the Royal Shipping Line uniform and Edward click. The reason he was chairman of the Council of Guilds was precisely because he was also in charge of the Royal Shipping Line, the largest shipping company operating out of Marialo. Can't let you in, sir. Construction work and all that. In the park behind the soldier two trees already lay in the grass, while a pair of lumberjacks was working on a third.

I was here this morning already. Your officer is expecting me.

You the bloke from the orphanage?

He'd been so confident then. Chris didn't trust his voice enough to speak. He could only nod.

Very well, go on in. You'll find Lieutenant Kenneth somewhere near the orphanage. Just watch for falling trees on your way there.

The park bore little resemblance to the tranquil place it normally was. Throughout the park, workmen were uprooting plants and pathways. In the rock garden a dust-worker was levitating boulders with Fae-dust, loading them onto a cart. Another cart, loaded with building materials, trundled past as they headed for the orphanage. Dust filled the air

Two carts stood in front of it, the first one filled with clothing. Two militiamen dragging a bed between them came out of the orphanage and placed it in the second cart. Lieutenant Kenneth had set up on the lawn in front of the building. Someone had brought him a writing desk and a camp stool. At the moment, the lieutenant was taking notes while a soldier was giving him a report. Chris and Jake headed over. What's going on? Chris asked, pointing at the carts.

Kenneth looked up. When he saw Chris, he waved the soldier away. When you took longer to return, I assumed you'd probably fail. So I asked for two carts to help the orphanage move.

Chris took a step forward, leaning over the table. The ink isn't even dry yet, and you're already out here dragging those orphans out? How dare you!

I didn't dare anything. My orders were to empty out the park. The fastest way to do so would have been to burn the orphanage down. Instead I decided the best way to do so was to help those orphans move.

Jake tugged on Chris's arm. He's not the bad guy here. He's only trying to help.

The lieutenant nodded. Listen to your friend. And instead of shouting at me, think of where we can take all that stuff.

Chris deflated. I'm sorry. It's been a trying day.

Come, Jake said. Let's find Charlotte. I'm sure she can use our help. He dragged Chris to the orphanage.

Chaos ruled in the normally pristine entrance hall of the orphanage. Stacks of teaching materials lay underneath the central staircase, while a pile of bed linen lay against the wall between the entrance to the mess hall and the common room. Chris stepped aside to let two boys pass who were dragging a closet down the stairs. Chris grabbed a girl running across the hallway. Where's Charlotte?

Hi, Chris. Last I saw her, she was in the kitchen harassing the cook.

Chris headed deeper into the building, through the mess hall. He heard Charlotte's voice long before he was close to the warm and comfortable kitchen. Pack those biscuits in the bottom of a crate. If any of the boys see them, there will be none left. As Chris walked in, she stood emptying a larder, laying out the contents on one of the work benches. She looked up when she heard him. Hello, Chris. From your look, I'm guessing you were unsuccessful.

Chris nodded. I'm sorry. His voice broke. I talked to everyone I could find on such short notice. But it seems like Mayor Amelia and Edward plotted the whole thing together.

It's okay, hon. I'm sure it's not just the two of them. We'll be fine.

You're not angry?.

Oh, but I am. I just don't have the time to dwell on it. I've got fifty-three boys and girls who need looking after. I'll be angry once I've got them settled in.

But, where will you go?

We'll find a place. I've got the eldest kids out in town looking.

You'll never find anything today. And that lieutenant outside will not remain this patient forever.

Why don't you ask your father, Chris? Jake asked. He's got plenty of space.

I couldn't ask that of you, Charlotte said. You've already done enough for us.

It's the least I can do,