"PIRATES:" "BLOOD BROTHERS Translated by Dorin" "This is the story of two brothers, Ferrante and Ippolito." "Fate didn't spared them,offering them strange and wonderful adventures, in an era when the worl was small but seemed way larger..." "An era in wich,as it still is today, love and hate, wealth and poverty were the ones that dictate destiny." "Come on,handsome !" "Don't give up !" "You loose and I'll sell you to the butcher !" "You have Ferrante Albrizzi's word on that" "FIRST PART" "The Great Dukedom Milano, 1640" "Please,good gentlemen,before our horses recover...." " I made a bet with my brother." " And this is why you want priority ?" "It's our privilege." "You should know that." "Or you're not familiar with the common sense ?" "If you're in a hury,just go !" "Don't waste our time !" "You should use this tone in your home." "Or with your servants." "We are home." "These lands are Albrizzi's." "Cornero's..." "They own these lands." "Albrizzi's are the landlords, right to the dam !" "They were given by Filip the II-nd to our ancesters, after the Lepanto battle." " These are sword-obtained lands !" " But only word-defended ones !" "My brother knows better the laws then how to fight." "But if you want to,you can fight with me." "With pleasure !" " It's not fair !" " Not really,but it still leaves a hole." "He's injured." "He needs to be looked after." "Take him down." "A man from our anturage has been injured." "He needs the barber's services." "So what ?" "Do you want to let the soap dry out on my face ?" "Sorry for this,but it seems it's something serious." "Watch out !" " He'll survive one more hour." " Of course sir." "Idiot,can't you see he's dead ?" "What happened ?" "You should be more carefull." "I didn't raised two children just to see them killed by Cornero's bandits." "They're just cowards,father." "Albrizzi !" "Come out !" "Is this the way you're receiving the guests ?" "What ?" "Are you scared ?" "!" " What's this crap ?" " I must be compensated." "I was looted.He's at least 3 ducats of value.I was very fond of him." "Get lost !" "You are on my lands !" "You're killing my men !" "I don't know how much of this I can bear anymore." "These are our lands !" "That man was killed in a duel !" "An unfair duel, as I've been told." "You...a Venice renegade in Spain's service." "How can you dare mention honour ?" "Tell him to shut up,or I will make him do it !" "The Albrizzi lion defies the Sun." "Don't be scared !" "Very well." "I will put those 3 ducats on your tab,with everything else." "Cornero !" "Your man..." "Is yours.You paid for him.Cornero is taking only what is his." "That man is capable of anything.I'm not sure how much we can resist him." "He needs a acces to the river, to do his commerce." "The duane taxes are bringing the governor more than we can offer him." "And what we're supposed to do ?" "Just sit and watch him take our lands ?" "What about our house ?" "Will it become his hunting pavillion ?" "And what about us ?" "No !" "I rather let myself killed !" "Maybe is not necessary." "I was thinking about it, and I found a way to fight against Cornero." " How ?" " Rice." "We flood the land until the river, and we'll cultivate rice." "Agricultural laws are tough." "The governer can do nothing." "Better yet,if flooded, our lands we'll be of no use to Cornero." " Looks like a plan for the cowards." " No.I think is a very good plan." "A proud Ippolito ideea." "But for this we have to deviate the river,buid dams..." " Who can do all of these ?" " Simple,father.A dutch." "They are the best,when it comes to water works." "Stop !" "Stop I said !" "What do you want ?" "How dare you ?" "I advise you to stay where you are,gentlemen." "Just yesterday I polished my sword with two of your lot." "You're not allowed to pass." "You're not owning these yet !" "What ?" "Fear left you speechless ?" "Try to dismount." "God !" "Even a rabbit is braver than you." "Get out !" " Who are you ?" " Livia Cornero.And you,fair knight ?" " Ferrante Albrizzi." " At your service." " I don't understand." " It's "at your service"." "This is the way a gentlemen should respond to a lady." "Of course.At your service." "I saw you only from behind and..." "It's not in my advantage, isn't it ?" "I used to have short hair in the monastery.But it will grow." "And the clothes..." "I didn't had any for the journey, so the nuns gave me these." "They were the keeper's son's." "But I bought myself nice things in the town.I have them here." " I cannot go out like this,no ?" " I don't know..." "I'm not going out too much." "You have to kiss it." "A lady's hand must be kissed." "Livia became a real woman." "She's full of grace !" "Life at the monastery was not ment for her." "Cornero has a pretious diamond, and he kept it hidden." "I want to throw a party,to introduce her into the society." " I think that's a good ideea." " I will help organizing it." "And I will offer my town house." " Father..." " Yes ?" "What is love ?" "It's a very powerful substance." "It's like a medicine." "If everything is ok,the body will live and develop;" "Otherwise,it will destroy itself, and die in agony." "Tell me..." "How many times can you love in your life ?" "My son,our heart is mastered in such a way that can become one only with one other." "Only one." "The hard thing is to find the right one." "I got this letter today,but I cannot make out the riddle." "This fish means delay." "It's called a delay break." "The sailors say that, if it sticks on a ship's hull, it can bring it to a stop." "And what's the meaning of this ?" "Let's see.The fish sits on a spear, the simbol of speed and decision." "It means "Hurry up !" "Don't waste any more time !"" "Thank you." "Is there anything else ?" "I have no ideea how to answer this." "What do you think ?" "Answer with another riddle." "What is it now ?" "I should have studied like you instead of spending my time fighting." "It's about a woman ?" "Tell me,is it a woman ?" "Indeed.It's love.But speaks a language unknown to me." "Calm down.Everything can be solved." "I'll take care of it." "The lady is bold,and she wanted to take you by surprise." "She surprised me,let alone you..." "Don't worry.She'll have the answer she deserves." " You love her ?" " Yes,very much." " She's cute ?" " She's playful and cheerful." " And she's beautiful !" "She enchanted you !" " As the moon and the stars.She's lovely." "Marvelous!" " What's that?" " Eternity,my dear brother." "It means "neverending love"." " It's time. "Hurry" !" " But I..." " What now ?" "You still have doubts ?" " I don't know how to send it." "This woman makes you act like a child." "Give it to me.I'll find a way." " What's her name ?" " Livia Cornero." "You got it right." "She's Federico's daughter." "Out of the way !" "Tell me..." "I have a letter for your mistress." "I must give it personally." "Wait." "I told him,but he insists to meet you." "He says he has to give you the letter personally." "Tell him I'm coming." "She accepts to meet you." "Give me the letter;and next time, if there will be a next time, you must trust my servant." "Don't stare at my hair." "You're making me nervous." "I'm not starring at your hair." "I was only curious if your beauty can match the lack of shame showed in dealing with the matters of the heart." "The letter !" "You're just a messenger,or you're his friend ?" "I know Ferrante's heart and soul better than my own pockets." " And what you reckon,he's sincere ?" " More than ever." " I'm glad.Did I seemed too cheeky ?" " To him,no.To me,yes." "Speially due the rivalry between Cornero and Albrizzi families." "I'm not wasting my time with such nonsense." "But what about you ?" "Are you sincere ?" "Ferrante is in your palms." "My hart is filled with joy, and I speak for it." "Very well." "Then everyone is happy." "Is something bothering you ?" " I was afraid you won't come." " My father kept me." "What are you doing ?" "Memorizing your features,so I'll never forget you." " Look at me;do you like my dress ?" " Very much." "You should see what I was wearing at the monastery..." "The most elegant from there would be nothing compared to a street girl." "God gave beauty to serve a purpose." "I promised myself I will surround myself with beauty." "And I vowed that the moment I'll leave the monastery I will approach the first man that'll make my heart skip a beat." "Can you kiss ?" "That's not the way." "Open your lips." " Where did you learn this ?" " From books." "That's strange....the night is cold,but here is very warm." "Yes,it's true." "For you.It was my mother's." "Take it as a promise." " What promise ?" " That you will be my bride." " What is it ?" "It's not beautiful enough ?" " Yes,but..." " So,how's love life ?" " I'm defeated and prisoner." " My heart is at my "enemy's" mercy." " You're so serious !" "I never thought love can make you feel like this." "Not love..." "Her..." "She's like an angel,coming to take away the caresses and the worries, the storm, and then,...the silence." "I heard that master Blomaert,the dutch,got to Milano." "Tonight he should arive here." "I've already made arangements for dinner." "Ippolito,you must help me !" " I'm sorry,I let him in." " I'm comming." "Leave us alone." "You again !" "Take down your hat." "You're ridiculous." " Any news for me ?" " I have to give you a message." "You could have told my servant." "You're endangering both of us." " It's something personal." " Very well.Tell me." "Ferrante will not be able to come and meet you 'till midnight." "Why are you looking at me like that ?" "It's a game we use to play in the convent." "I have to warn you that usually I resisted longer." "I have to admit it's harder with a man." "I just thought of a symbol that fits you:" "a night butterfly,flying around a hot torch." "You can't resist to be far from it, but if you get too close,you risk to burn your wings." "For you it would be fit the Ippolito Medici's symbol: a moon eclypse." "Hidden thoughts,and,normally, not very healthy ones." "I tink you lack imagination." "I warn you." "My servant is watching us." " Do you have something..." " No !" "You have something that gives men the most sickening ideeas." "You know nothing about me,mister." "Or you're so infatuated that you believe you can read my soul ?" "I advise you not to defy me." "You cannot read my soul." "I'm ready to bet on it." "Then let's bet.Name your pot." "No,my dear sir.You started it, so you choose." "Let's say...a kiss." "The carriage !" "The guest you were waiting for has arrived !" " Welcome,mister Blomaert." " Thank you.Nasty weather..." "These are my sons." "Ippolito and Ferrante." " We welcome you,sir." " Please,come." "I think you did the best choice;" "in these times it's not wise to defy the powerful ones..." "Unfortunatelly,never was." "If you want you can get closer to the fire." "Leave him..." "It's like talking to a deaf person.Those taken from their world are becoming more wilder than civilized." " Where is he from ?" " India." "A spanish captain gave him to me for two packs of Toledo veil." "They are more obeing and more loyal than the dogs." "But,unfortunately,not as much intelligent as them." "You're talking as he's an animal;" "but I consider he lacks nothing to be considered a human being,just like us." "Apearencess deceive;they're using some sort of strange languuage, and they need no letters.Their civilization doesn't know even the wheel." "And still,they are sawing,judging by what he's wearing." "Even the drawings have a sort of grace." "I heard some learned to write." "Even the black people from Africa can saw and draw, but everyone knows they're related to monkeys,and not to humans." "They have no soul,and this makes them equals to the animals." "If they look like us is just due to a bad joke of nature." "I'm sorry,but I cannot agree with you." "We see a man,and that is enough for us." "This comes from a unicorn." "A big one,from Persia." "Yes,these are dear tears..." "very useful." "Against poisoning,I know." "I have some precious hand-made things as well." "Like this anamorfosis." "Come !" "Here is a real robot." "Straight from Rudolf the II-nd's factories." "They say sometime he could calculate, play chess,and..." "Now it's broken,no one can fix it." "Your collection is valuable and complete, that could chalenge the renown Aldrovandi collection." "It's like a talking book,reaching the sacred language of the symbols." "I can see you know very well the language of symbols." "I want to show you a miracle that took place in my house,in front of my eyes." "My sons were twins, but they don't look alike." "Only this can be considered a phenomenon;" "But,more than this, they came into the world joined through their hip;but it was I who, with a single sword hit,separated them- and they are well,as you can see." " Isn't this a miracle ?" " Indeed." "It's meaning is too deep for our minds to understand, and maybe that's the reason we should discuss more "earthly" business." "May I remind you,we haven't even get to the payment options." "Ferrante, Ippolito..." "Ferrante,you will die two times, and two times you'll be reborn !" "And you, Ippolito,...you will kill him two times..." "Maybe the Calatrava order will not sufice to make me be heared." "I have to bribe the Crown, only to get my rights upon a pitiful piece of land ?" "His Highness wrath is terrible." "This is the truth." "Please watch your tone.Your wishes were listened to by the Court, but all these things needs time." "The Court is too far away,and the Albrizzis are already extending." "Do you know what that means ?" "If they'll get the land,not even the King will be able to stop them." "If not even the King can stop them,what is that I,your servant,can do more ?" "You can and must do something." "Send the soldiers,ravish the land, terorize the Albrizzis!" "But,mister Cornero,even the bravest acts need preparation." "Rarento,you are a coward !" "A coward !" "Very well !" "I will solve the problem my way." "All I'm asking is a distraction of the guards." "Ok,don't worry about it !" "None of them will fire a single shot." "In the name of the Father,the Son and the Holly Spirit !" "In the name of the Father,the Son and the Holly Spirit !" "Forgive me,Father !" "I am seing a man." "Do you love him ?" "Oh,yes;since I saw him,I wanted him." "And now he wants me to marry him." "That's very good !" "No,no,no;" "I love to be with him, but when he speaks about marriage, that makes my blood freeze in my veins." " And...there's the other one." " Tell me more." "There's another man." "Totally different from the first one." "I only spoke with him, nothing else happened." "But when I'm with him I feel like a mouse around a cat." "His mind is sharp and fast,and he catches me every time." "I feel I should stay away, but my heart..." "Yes.Go on,my child." "My heart wants him,father,while the other senses resents him." "Maybe because of his skin,smelling like stables, and his breath is even worse." "You'd think he has the leprosy, that he was kept in vinegar that he's a sick man,full of boiles." "And he has other faults,too." "He's a thief,a traitor;breaks his promises,and fakery is his symbol, and,for these reasons,I hope he will burn in Hell for eternity." "You !" "You have no shame to spit of the sanctity of the church and God." "I told you not to defy me." "I thought you're more clever than you are." "It was like stealing candies from a baby." "You'll burn in Hell." "Maybe,but now you're in my debt." "I'll wait for you in the storage building on Ducale Street." "Don't count on me,mister." "I'll be waiting at midnight." "It's late,my child." "You remind me of your mother." " She used to read a lot too." " Sorry father." "I lost the track of time." "And I like you following me." "I like it too." "It reminds me of my childhood, when I refused to go to sleep." "Now you're grown so you can be picky." " Sleep tight,my child!" " You too,father!" "At least can you kiss,mister ?" " I waited two hours for you." " My father kept me." " I thought you don't love me anymore." " I do love you." "You have grains in your bossoms." "For the birds back home;" "they're always hungry." "What is it ?" "Sometimes you seem so distant." "Have you thought about the wedding ?" "Oh,yes.And I'm afraid it won't be possible." "I see." "Then we must run away." "First we'll go to London." "Then we'll see." "I...don't think I want to run away." "But can't you see ?" "We have to do it." "Or you think one day I could just present myself to Federico Cornero and ask your hand in marriage ?" "Oh,no..." "But you're rushing everything." "Everything is ready." "SUA,London,horses,money." "Wait.Wait a little while." "We cannot wait anymore." "We can no longer meet this way, like thieves." "If you love me,you will wait." "You...you don't understand." "I love you." "But I have no intentions to run away." "Next time we'll meet,I'll expect an answer from you." "I like it." "It's been empty for years." "Yes ?" "We'll revive it." "I want to reveal to you a secret." "Go into that corner." " There ?" " Go !" "Turn around !" "Face the wall !" "Can you hear me ?" "Can you hear my voice ?" "It's a miracle." "I can hear you very clearly." "There's nothing magic.It's just my voice,reverbing." "It's a game of resonance and echoes." "In this way I can speak to you sincearly." "You picked a very good time to decide about this." "It will be better than back in the church." "What is your oppinion... concerning a girl who loves two men ?" "I mean she's atracted by both of them, and she cannot decide ?" "If both love her truly,then one of them must suffer." "And,do you love me ?" "Yes.The more I see you, the more I love you." "This is a good place for love, so... why shouldn't we meet here every time we want to ?" "There's no better place for secret meetings." "We can meet every night if you wish." "I think we shouldn't meet again at all." "I've received a marriage proposal, and I think I will accept it." "Speak louder,please!" "I...haven't said anything." "But there's one thing I want to tell you." "I told you that the more I see you, the more I love you." "The only way to stop loving you is to stop seing you." "And now,since I can't see you, I think I don't love you at all." "Speak louder." "You came too early." "You shouldn't read so much." "Your eyes are tired." "Sattle in !" " Take these !" " OK." "And you." "Take those." " Everything is clear ?" " Yes." "The master is coming." "Let's go !" " And your luggage ?" " I brought nothing." "We can't leave without luggages,without clothes..." "You don't even want to leave !" " You don't love me anymore ?" "Tell me the truth." " No,I love you !" "You are the only man I trully love." "The only one ?" "What you mean the only one ?" "Is there someone else ?" "Don't waste time !" "Who are you ?" "What are you doing ?" "We have to stop them !" "Who are you ?" " What was that ?" " Is there someone else,Livia ?" "No !" "Some men are arriving !" "I must go !" "Tell me who it is !" "I want to know who he is." "No !" "Let go of me !" " What is it ?" "What's going on ?" " Shootings at the dam." "Maybe someone is hunting." "Ferrante!" "More force !" "Take it down !" " Stop !" "What are you doing ?" " Albrizzi !" "Father !" "Let's go !" "Father !" "Ippolito..." "Your turn !" "Stop anyone who's trying to follow us." "Line up !" "March !" "Stop,coward !" "Fight like a man !" "Stop !" "Livia...my God !" "Livia !" "Talk to me..." "Answer me..." "No !" "Why ?" "Pick up your sword !" "Pick up your sword !" "Pick it up !" "Stop them !" "No !" "He's mine !" "That's not fair !" "Don't let him escape !" "Open up !" "Inside !" "The prizoner may approach to hear the sentence." "For the killing of Livia Cornero, I condemn you," "Ippolito Albrizzi, to death by decapitation." "Ferrante Albrizzi,which is missing, will get the same sentence,and a doll on his liking will be executed." "In the name of God and of the King, I cut Ferrante Albrizzi's head !" "May he be damned,wherever he is." "There's Ferrante!" "God have mercy on you !" "Try not to move;it will be precise and painless." "Start the execution !" "No..." "In the name of God and of the King, I cut Ippolito Albrizzi's..." " Your excelency!" " Stop !" "Ippolito Albrizzi is pardoned, by the orther of the governer." "But is condemned to hard work for life." "But..." "The family,mister." "It's the blue blood;too hard to kill." "Out of my way !" "I will make you regret the moment you escaped the execution !" "You're a dead man,Albrizzi!" "your father, your brother...you are all dead !" "You don't exist any more.I'll come for you !" "I'll make you pay !" "There's no escape !" "See you soon,Ippolito Albrizzi !" "You wait for me,I will come !" "I will come !" "More power !" "Don't be lazy !" "To work !" "Faster !" "Don't sleep !" "For you,stranger." "Water." "I asked some water,are you deaf ?" "Give it up,no one can see you." " You're already a ghost." " And you can see me ?" "Yes.For we all the same." "They'll cut my head of in three days." "But you..." "Cornero will come here for you." "He only needs to pay off the guards, and rest asured that this will happen',by the looks of things." "I give you...two days top." "No !" "I am Passaia, sculptor and painter, schooled by Bernini from Florence." "Master in His Sanctity Urban the VIII-th's factories in Roma." "A baker catched me with his wife and charged me with a fire iron." "I had a sword..." "Every art with it's weapon." "You're quiet." "You can trust me." "By the way,stay alive three more days..." "If no,who I'll talk to ?" "My friend,Cione,is a mute." "He won my boots at cards, and he wants to make sure he'll have them when the time comes." " I have to get out of here." " Are you crazy ?" "The fear of death drove you mad ?" "Death can't scare me anymore." "I'm already in Hell." "I've betrayed my brother,injured him badly,and made him run away." "I have to find him,ask his forgiveness, and then I can die." "That's why I want to get out of here." "How ?" "Out the window,like Cellini ?" "These walls are 100 meters tall, and oriented to the inner yard wich is guarded day and night." "Your only chance is through the guard room." "There must be a way,and I'll find it." "Then,hurry and use your head.Take advantage of it,as long as you still have it." "Hurry up with your meal !" "You can't eat in the Court !" "You too !" "Throw that away !" "Or maybe it's so good that you want to taste it ?" "Move !" "Work,lazy dogs!" "Get the ropes !" "There's no sleeping here !" "Livia..." "Passaia,wake up." "Body of Christ..." "Another one..." "We'll be full of fat." " I wouldn't risk it." " It's not letting me alone." "Give him the boots already." "At least will shave him off." "I can't run barefeet!" "What are you doing ?" "Leave me alone !" "See you tomorrow night.Leave me alone !" "Damn !" "What is it with you ?" "Work !" "Don't be lazy, you're not walking in the park !" " It's my lucky day.King !" " I have a six." "Hit without mercy !" "Stop,bastard !" "All women on one side !" "Loot there as well !" "Wake up !" "Two pitchers of wine... 12 barrels of salted fish..." "Damn pirates !" "Shut up,or I'll cut your tongue out !" "Count them all,including the women." " There's one more here !" " A noble one." "He'll bee god for ransome." "Tie him up with the others." "In the name of the Prophet,i take this village and its people, for our holly cause." "Men will row in our magnificent ship." "That's that gallera over there." "You'll row until you're exhausted, until your last breath." "Otherwise,I will see myself to send you in Allah's garden so he can curse your soul." "And this is the truth,as my name is Devil's Tail." "It's ready !" "Incredible !" "You're a real artist." "No..." "Stay put,you animal." "It will sting a little." "Don't forget the wax is very fragile." "Talk as less as possible." "Breathe through your nose and try to stay in the shadow." "That's it.May Saint Luca help us." "I just started my shift,I had no ideea you're inside." "They need them for something." " Your turn." " Seven." "There's no exit papers for tonight." "You really must take them ?" "They've been requested by the governor to move something." " The fat one as well ?" " There's something heavy." "What's going on ?" "Wait a minute !" "Stop them !" "God !" "Quickly !" "No !" "A carriage !" "Hide !" "Cornero's carriage !" "What have I told you ?" ""No more than two days..."" "You're lucky,my friend." "Let's go !" "Forward !" "Back !" "We're coming !" "Give me the pot !" "Not bad.My dear,you have to eat,or you'll die." "And old Erasmus will have to row alone." "These ones are good,give you energy, and by God you need some here." "You can't talk ?" "It's good that you're quiet." "This lot are capable to cut off your head for a gold tooth." "You must feed here !" "Tell him,my friend." "Look what I have for you." "From here,our roads separate." "You can get to France through the mountains,or to the sea the other way." "From now on,every man for himself." "I'm coming with you." "Give them to him." "OK.Help me." "Goodbye my friend !" "Forward !" "Back !" "How come that my gallera,going to Tunisia,is heavier on one side ?" "I don't know..." "I'll tell you why !" "This side is rowing too slowly.That's why !" "Your Highness,I'll do anything I can for the Prophet's glory." "I'm forcing myself,but my old body is limited and..." "Silence !" "Shut up !" "What's that ?" " Where ?" " There !" "Are you blind ?" "A hat..." "Now I know why we're going like this." "That's right,there's an extra passenger on this side !" "But,your excellency,it's just a bird." "Weigh no more than a couple of hundred grams." "Enough for my dinner." "Just try,and I will break your neck !" "Filthy dutch !" "Stop,you brute !" "Stop !" "Live him !" "Get him !" "Take him upstairs !" "He'll pay for this !" "Now I want to have fun.Tie him and pass him under the ship !" "Ready ?" "In the water !" "But no rush." "I advise you to take a deep breath." "Spin him around !" "Slowly !" "Slowly !" "No rush !" "Let's teach him to behave." " Where is he ?" "Can you see him ?" " Not yest.He has to be under." "Here he is !" "He's coming !" "Did you enjoyed your bath ?" "Now show respect to the Prophet's sons..." "Face the ground !" "Bow,you infidel !" "Come,maggot,crawl !" "One more time !" "Throw him in." "Now even slower !" "Down !" "Put some led in him,but little by little." "Make him suffer !" " Commander !" " What the hell do you want ?" "Let me have some fun." " Ship on starboard !" " How far away ?" "Get the guns!" "Prepare for defense !" "Let's untie ourselves !" " There's a lot to loot!" " The storrage is full,captain !" "All right !" "Fall in !" "In the name of God I take this ship, the merchendise and the sailors." "For the Holly Cause and for the Christian ambassadors of Europe !" "I heard the commander is a turkish renegade.Is this true ?" " You're the renegade ?" " Yes,me..." " Where are you coming from ?" " Netherland." "From Leida." "Beautiful city !" "Are you ready to leave your fake prophet and convert to the real relligion?" "I'm ready to leave anyone.I'll become a Christian instantly." "That's good.At least your soul will be saved." "Take everything and sink the ship." "Try to hurry,we don't have too much time." "By tonight I want to be by Gibraltar, or my name is not Devil's Tail !" " It's yours.Put it in your pocket." " Why ?" "I can't accept it." "You should have thought of that earlier,before jumping in the water like a stupid to save my life." "No !" "Take it,or else !" "And one more thing...if you want to live until your time is up, try to always agree with me." "Look there,it's back !" "Come here,handsome !" "Here..." "No.I can't pay this price." "You either lower the price, or find another customer." "Make a deal !" "It's fresh merchendise." "I'll throw in two barrels of smoked fish." "Then it's alright." "The deal is closed." "Move !" "What are you doing ?" "Are you sleeping ?" "Move !" " Water..." " Shut up !" "Water,please." "Shut up..." "What the hell..." "Stay put !" " Quiet !" " Say put!" "Go !" "Soldiers !" "Soldiers on the horizon !" "Stop !" "Stay calm." "Let me talk to them." "Stop !" "Who are you ?" "This is a n area of Jussac's regiment." "You cannot pass through here." "Purity and abstinence,sir." "We are pelegrins heading to Santiago di Compostela." "Where are your passes ?" "As I know,the pope made an exception for the pelegrins." " But you're on a wrong road." " I know,sir." "But we had to find our mute brother." " Your sacks ?" " Empty." "As Saint Rocco's." "We haven't eaten for seven days,and we won't for seven more to come." " What about the boots ?" " Those ?" "My friend had to take them off." "Show them..." " Are you suffering from leprosy ?" " No.They're just boiles." "Move on !" " May Saint Rocco bless you." " Bless you." "Here you are." "You imbecils." "You wanted me to rot there ?" "Finally you decided to come,you bastards !" "What took you so long ?" "Forgive us,Tail.That bird would not cooperate, and slowed us down." "You didn't do good,but there were others that done worse." "I'm talking about something that really hear me,Devil's Tail, and it's the worst thing that can happend.My name was stolen !" "They say that if you steal someone's name,you're stealing his soul." "And now I ask you..." "A fine,onest gentleman like me can travel without a soul ?" "No..." "I lost the joy of living." "But they're also saying the hart is the soul's sanctuary." "So there's no harm in taking back what is mine." "Bless these poor bodies,father." " Tail,what should we do with these ?" " Hang them." " What about this one ?" " Him too." "No.Not him." "What are you doing ?" "You think that's nice ?" "You can't catch us." "We're winning !" "We're here.What's with that face ?" "What is it ?" " You were very naughty." " Look.Sausages,poultry..." "Six months passed since..." "Fresh meat !" "Believe it or not,I owe a lot to Saint Rocco." "Get him !" "Nice,gentlemen."not eating fior seven days"." "Your miracle is already here." "It's 4 o clock in the Bermuda, and everything is fine." "God bless you, whoever you are." "Give me a sword,and I'll take care of that bragging old man." "I saw him crawling and begging for mercy." "If you'll have him pinned,don't shoot.Leave him to me." "One more word,and I'll bash your head in." "Come quietly." "I've seen a lot of bastards,but seems you're the worse of all !" "Untie that rope,and make it quickly." " What the hell are you doing ?" " I can't find the rope !" "That's the rope !" "Idiot,you know nothing !" "And you wanted to kill me." "Isn't it so ?" "There were two others who tried while I was sleeping..." "I don't think this would suit you, Jellyfish Head." "That's enough !" " Throw the anchor !" " What anchor ?" "The anchor !" "The stone !" "Wait !" " There's a ship under us." " What ?" "This is the main sail." "You see..." "I'm standing." "Potosi silver." "All its here." " Is it done ?" " Yes." "There are more skins,oils and copper.Do you need copper ?" " No." " Alright,then let's go." "Up !" "There's a fishing net." "Put the silver in it and tie it down." "That's the insurance for my retirement." "If my crew would knew about the silver,I would have to share everything...and bye bye..." "Hey !" "Wake up !" "We have guests !" "Lima's Bishop's symbol." "I want you to act really good." "Try to be convincing." "You must seem like a castaway, a dying one, and I will signal them." "I refuse to be an accomplice anymore,and I will denounce you." " Who are they ?" " I think they're castaways.Asking for help." ""Help !" "Help !"" "Easy !" "That's it !" "Put him down !" "Where am I ?" "Paradise ?" "I'm on the other side,and you must be God's angels." "What is wrong with you ?" "Is this the ship of Lima's Bishop ?" "Yes,sir." "Oh,praise the Lord !" "Please tell him to come here,for I have to tell him something important." "I'm sorry,but His Excelency is busy with the spiritual exercises." "No !" "I'll bring the Bishop." " How is he ?" " Please,Excelency,his down there." " Praise the Lord,Excelency !" " What is happening,my son ?" " Nobody move !" " No,stop !" "I'll fill this ship with blood." "Take their weapons !" "Come on,boy !" "What are you waiting for ?" "Where are you coming from,my son ?" "From Milano,Excelency !" "A very Christian town with a wise governor." "Join us,and you'll have a second chance." "Do as you're told,my son." "I appreciate the offer,Excelency, but I will do what I'll think is best." "Revenge,Jellyfish Head !" "Tie them well !" "Now we'll leave the loot in a place I know,and then it's home sweet home !" "." "But how can we steer this ship ?" "Let me take care of this,OK ?" "You just follow my orders,and you'll become the best sailor in the Brotherhood." " No,no,what you want with us ?" " Shut up !" "Brotherhood ?" "What is this Brotherhood ?" "You'll find out soon enough,son." "Very soon." "Wether you're spies or runnaways, your situation will stay the same." "In both cases,France dictates to be hanged." "There is,though,a way to save your lives." "Sometimes the Cardinal uses people like you for his, how should I put this...more delicate missions." "For anonymous actions outside France." "We must become spies ?" "I'm just telling that you can escape the hanging...." "Only,of course,if you fulfill France and the Cardinal's requirements." "Come on !" "Be it.But,in my case,there is one condition:" "find out where is my brother, Ferrante Albrizzi." "A man that doesn't own his own life cannot have conditions,sir !" "Serve France with loiality, and France will help you." "If it wishes to do so." "Where the hell are they ?" "Up !" "And now,you two pence writer, I will show you what I'm gonna do." "This is for criticizing my language... and this for describing me as a brute and making fun of my hair." " What's happening ?" " It's Philip Colby,the writer." "This guy didn't liked what he wrote about him in his book." "And these for your stupid insinuations about my name,"The Lopped"." "These because I don't like yo and find you rude and ugly." "Caribbean Adventures" "The true story about the Antile's pirates, the most famous attacks of the english,french and other nationality pirates.Dedicated to the illustrious and grand..." "Skip those." "Check if there's anything about me." "The pirates world is a cruel one, as I will demonstrate." "From all the pirates, Devil's Tail can be considered, do to his actions, the most fearful and curageous one." "I saw him myself carying out horrible and barbaric acts." "His fame crossed the seas and he certanly deserves his name." "Nice,I like his style." "Goodbye, Colby!" "Devil's Tail !" "I fell into the sea,and this brave man saved my life." " But he was tied..." " He wasn't tied well enough." "You doubt my word ?" "Shall we split the loot ?" "We've already split it ." "We thought you are dead." "Will split it again." "With two extra shares." "Why two ?" "A big one for me, and a small one for him." "And why should he have a share ?" "Simple-for he is now one of us." "You are in the Brotherhood, don't you ?" "If so,you have to prove it !" "I'm taking bets." "Ten to two on the boy." "Very well,boy.Pay attention !" "Anyone else ?" "This is my share." "The right arm,600 piastres." "The right foot,500 piastres." "An eye,200 piastres." "A finger,110 piastres." "I consider these sums a fair compensation." "I swear to God to serve the Brotherhood with my heart and sword." "I swear to forget my name and my ancesters, to lie,to betray and to die." "to ask God to help my friends... and the devil for all the others." "To fight our enemies..." "To fight the Crown enemies, on the sea and on the land.I swear !" "I swear !" " Your new name." " Alexandre Du Bois..." "Ferrante is dead,now you need another name." "Or maybe you like "Jellyfish Head"." " What about Breaking-Metals ?" " What ?" "!" "?" " Breaking-Metals." " No!" "What name is that ?" "With your luck,I think the best one would be "Malasorte (The Unlucky One)"." "Yes.That is a good coice." "Unlucky... from now one you'll be Unlucky !" "END OF PART ONE Translated by Dorin" "PIRATES:" "BLOOD BROTHERS Translated by Dorin" "15 ani have gone and the Antile islands, the everlasting kingdom of pirates, became the battlelfield of two adventurers." "One of them was admired for his cruelty and wit." "People were frightened just by hearing his name alone, and the legends surrounding them were numerous." "His name was Devil's Tail..." "The other one was dazzling you with his despise for his own life." "His name was Unlucky." "It was very hard to believe that the handsome,delicate young man that arrived in the islands not long ago, was the pirate boss who,side by side with Devil's Tail, was sawing the terror in the bossom of the spanish fleet." "SECOND PART" "A spanish ship !" "Commander,a spanish ship at the horizon !" "Right side !" "Right.Keep the distance,for the time being.What do you think ?" "I ran away with the Bible in my hand,and never went back..." "A treasure burried in the sand..." "I thought I'll never see that day." "To feel like a fish out of the water when amongst people." " What are you saying ?" "That's not true." " Give up." "I am experimented enough to know when is time to retire." "I only praise God I can do this still in one piece." "They are looking at you and listening to you before carrying out my orders." "And you know what ?" "They're right." "It is ment to be like this !" " Are they signaling ?" " No." "It seems they have the same destination, and they're in a hurry." " What's their weaponry ?" " Only half of hours." " We're on position!" " That's what I needed.Go." "Just a bit more..." "Prepare !" "Give me more." " Shit !" " I think it's just piss." "What are you laughing about,idiots !" "Ship on the right side !" "Fly the colours !" " They're coming straight at us !" " They're crazy.We're gonna hit them !" "Pirates symbol !" "Change direction !" " Push that wheel !" " It's not moving !" "Come here !" "Prepare the cannons !" "Put them in possition." "What the hell are they doing ?" "!" "Change direction !" "Prepare the hook !" "Get ready to cross over !" "No !" "Steer clear !" "Charge !" "Fire !" "Thank you,Tail." "We surrender!" "The ship is ours !" "Victory !" "We won,brothers !" "Take this !" "It's the sixth time you saved my life !" "You have to find another nanny." "Death is my bride,and never forget it !" " What is it ?" " They seem stiff." "I'll take them down." "This place is cursed.Let's take the water and scram." " A woman..." " Bring her." "Come here !" "Get her !" " Good job." " Just youngsters." " What tribe can be this ?" " Almost kids." "Let her be !" "Take them down." "With these teeth..." "Must be from one of the Yucatan tribes." " What happend here ?" "Who did this ?" " The spanish.They killed them all." " Why ?" " What do you care why ?" "If the spanish hadn't killed them, the fever and sickness would do it." "Let's get the water and go;there's nothing we can do here." " Why did they do this ?" " They were fighting for Canek,the Black Snake." "One of their many revolutions." "Every 10 or 15 years they wake up and elect a new king with new ideeas." "And then the spanish send someone to eliminate them." "They wanted to know about the other warriors, and they were asking about the treasure." "Treasure ?" "What treasure would be that ?" " Get her !" " Where are you running ?" " Bring her !" " Behave !" "You better talk !" "And where is this treasure ?" "That's enough,Tail.Leave her be." "It was just an excuse to kill them." "Let me do my job,kid." "Do you want to tell me or not ?" " I said leave her alone !" "That's enough !" " No..." "I've wasted my time with you." "You're just a cheap pirate, a brainless beau." "80 ducats for 12 sacks of cocoa." "Good.Double,compared to last year." "Good ?" "The King of Spain is flooding us with coins,and,not long from now a hundred thousand ducats won't buy you even a fish bone." "From now one they'll pay us in florins,or they don't pay us at all." "What sort of pirate are you ?" "You can't understand anything." "What you'll do if you'll find a treasure ?" "You'll turn your back and go away.." "That's nothing we can do.You're a disaster.You're the failure of my life!" "Through here,gentlemen." "This is an outstanding offer." "A unique offer.Four ducats." "Just four ducats, and you can own this authentic provincial beauty." "She was captured three days ago,while going to France to get married." "She's honest,a good housekeeper and Christian." "She's worth half as a duvet,but she gives twicest more warmth." "Watch this,gentlemen, what an exquisite merchendise !" "Worth ten ducats if only ransomed." "True,it's not really first class quality,but..." "No !" "Let go of me !" "Are these the thighs of an old woman ?" " I bid four!" " Four !" " Four and a half !" " Four and a half." " I bid seven !" "Seven ducats !" " Seven ?" "Seven !" "The Prophetmay bless you." "50 maraveds and you get everything she owned." "Ten ducats." "12 !" "12 ducats!" " 15 !" " Anyone bids more ?" "16 !" "I said 16 !" " 16 once, 16..." " 20 ducats !" "Sold to the gentleman in the black sombrero !" "Are you crazy ?" "That's all that you've earned today !" "You said that money has no value." "I wasted my time." "I hate to admit this,but I wasted my time with you." "What's so funny ?" "Haven't you seen a woman before ?" "I guess I must thank you." "At least I ended up in a Christian bed." "Don't worry,I'll let you my cabin and I'll send you to France as soon as possible." "Miss..." " Isabella Hallier,nice to meet you." " Nice to meet you." "My God !" "What are you doing ?" "Leave my clothes alone !" "Put them down !" "Ladies,please.That's enough !" "Come here,animal !" "Enough !" "What the hell,boy;two years you were happy with just a wooden sculpture, and now you need two in the flesh !" "I advise you to tie one on the forward, and the other one at the back of the ship." "We're going home !" "I'm telling you,she's a passionate woman,and I can't wait..." "Stop !" " What's going on ?" " I have no ideea." "Let's see..." "The Duke of Helquinst ?" "Yes,sir,and I'm here in the name of the Sweeden queen." "Insult me,and you'll insult the queen." "I have no intentions to insult you." "You and your party will be welcomed in a honorable house." "Everything you own will be returned to you in perfect condition." "To whom I owe this unpleasentery, if I may ?" "Alexandre Du Bois, at your orders." "It's not bad,no ?" "Tortoise soup." "Have you tasted it ?" "I didn't knew that our stomach can digest that animal's meat." "Can digest a lot." "In their voiages,indians take with them some prisoners." "And from time to time they're cutting some little pieces of them." "This way,they'll never lack fresh meat during their journey." "We have a lot to learn from them;" "I'm very serious." "The best ones are the internal organs." "I know this from someone who tried them." " Isn't it so,Fletcher?" " No." "It was just a heart,and not all of it." "And it was raw." "Mr. Fletcher,I refuse to believe you did something cruel like that." "Cruel ?" "!" "At least the owner of the heart was dead, but what about the captured spanish, in Kitts,in..." " '35" " Yes, in '35." "He cut their noses,ears,hands,legs, and,maybe,something else as well." "He covered their bruises with honey and tied them to the trees.And you know what ?" "Here we have a lot of insects,and some are bigger than this fist." " I never ate before." " What ?" "Insects ?" "Fists or hands ?" "Or fingers ?" "I see,you want to make fun of me." "You want to bedazzle me,but you won't succeed.I don't believe a word you're saying." "You see,for some reason I don't understand, some men find women interesting." "But I appreciate just one thing in them:the skin." "Must be due those strange creams you're using,or perhaps those baths you are taking." "In some places,the woman skin is so fine and delicate that would get the jelousy of a lamb." "That's enough talk;we gathered here to drink in Tail's health." "To Devil's Tail !" "Would you mind to open my corset ?" "A very pleasant company." "How can you bear the presence of those savages ?" "There are worse things than that." "Thanks to you I am not a glove part, or maybe an apperitive." "You're always using a servant to take off your clothes ?" "Not always." "Why did you bought me ?" " It must have costed you a fortune." " Money are not an issue." "Then what is that you're doing among these "gentlemen" ?" "The Brotherhood" is joined for different reasons." "A war is over,and you have nothing else to do anymore..." "Tail,for example,couldn't stand his wife anymore." "What about you ?" "It was that time when I could have everything or nothing." "I found myself in the islands." " Come take your reward." " You owe me nothing." "Oh,yes,and maybe one day you'll ask for interest as well." "No,not me." "I'm going to marry a gentleman, and I cannot take risks." "Can I ask who's the lucky man ?" "Saint Luc,Martinica's ex governor." "He's old enough to miss my wrinkles." "What are you talking about ?" "!" "You are a lovely woman." "Maybe in Martinica;you should see the little ladies in Paris..." " What is it ?" " A woman..." "You are here because of a woman." "I can feel it in your kiss." " You're still thinking of her ?" "Did she betrayed you ?" " She died,along with my youth." " Lopped,you're not playing any more ?" " No.Your dice are loaded." " You are loaded." " You're a bunch of idiots." "Do you want some smoke,Lopped ?" "Let's go,dice !" "His Excelency, the Duke of Helquist !" "These are sad times." "But I'm honored to meet you." "The funerals for the Grand Duke will be held tomorrow." "After lunch,we will watch a turnir in his honor." " The ambasadors of France,Spain and..." " Is the French ambasador here ?" "Of course,your Excelency." "He's in the purple appartment." "My God, Du Bois, What a macabre appearance, as these things here would not suffice !" " Where are you staying ?" " In the blue appartment." "Blue ?" "There is a blue one ?" "Why no one told me that ?" "Du Bois,couldn't you find something more pleasant ?" "The body of the Grand Duke seems more healthier than you." "Someone could know Helquinst personally." "I rather avoid unnecessary risks." "Please,use some powder,or make your face rust somehow." " What about the documents ?" " Documents ?" "Yes..." "A currier arrived this morning, and he gave some papers to the spanish ambassador." "I was thinking to act during the turnir, when security is not so tight." "Act when you consider to, but if they catch you... you're just three italiens I never saw in my life.By the way..." "Mr. Jussac is very pleased of you, and he requested me to give you this." "I don't know how useful it will be;" "he already gave copies to his agents." "I think is in vain." "Your brother is dead." "Helquinst !" "Finally !" "Why didn't you came in the Clock Room, as you requested in your letter ?" "You wwant me to have a heart attack ?" "What happened to your face ?" " I was injured in a duel." " That's so sad..." "I barely recognized you." "No !" "You are the same !" "I don't mind your face;" "I will enjoy your other parts." "My husband will be outside to watch the games." "Don't dissapoint me,or I'll be forced to search for you." "Cione,you stay in the stables." "Get three fast horses." " You will break into the appartment." " Alone ?" "And you ?" "Something uncounted for has arised." "A very delicate thing,be assured." " Please,my darling..." " Thank you,my love." "It's a cold day." " That one." " My God,she's dead ugly !" "You're unlucky." "Helquinst has a very strange taste..." "She's not even young." "But someone must sacrifice for the King ." "After this mission,I will nominate you for the San Luigi Cross decoration." " Excuse me,may I disturb you for a moment ?" " What is it..." "You're invited at the turnir.There's a knight who asked speciffically to fight you." "To refuze would not have been an option;" "it would have raised too many suspicions, and the one who provoked me would have been asking now for a real duel." "Let's hope the host will agree." "We cannot risk drawing attention." "But yes.That's why you will go in my place." " What ?" " Perhaps you want Cione to go instead ?" "She'll recognize me." "She's ugly,not blind." "You're wrong;she's blinded by love." "You'll be wearing a mask like mine, and ask her to close the courtains, as you're very pudic." " Oh,God,no..." " In this way you won't see her face as well." "There's just one small detail:" "who's going to take the documents ?" "We'll sort them out after the turnir." "No.For the mission's sake,we better leave the palace.Let's postpone it." "What do you think,Cione ?" "Yes,I agree." "We'll continue following the plan." "I would really like to know who's that wise guy who had the brilliant ideea to invite you at this damn turnir !" "Mr. Duke of Helquinst, it's an honour to fight you." " To whom I owe this honour ?" " The Knight of Aurigemma." "I saw you this morning in the church and I thought to myself..." "This unlucky brother may be my perfect enemy for this turnir." "We're both with handicap, as you can see." "What is missing you ?" "A cheek ?" "The nose ?" "Or you have a broken eye rim ?" "I prefer to spare you from the nature of my pain." "As you wish..." "The two knights are equal." "Two laurels for the Duke of Helquinst !" "You know why I have invited you ?" "Because I hate the handicapped that hide like the maggots !" "Where is your face ?" "Maybe on a cannon ball ?" "Or maybe on a better enemy ?" "Pay attention,or you'll have to repair an arm." "Talk less;" "I don't like people making fun of my defect." "How can you call it a defect, Helquinst ?" "It's only a half defect defect;with a half face still in place, you'll fail to get into the Disfigured's Paradise." "Let's see if I can help you with that !" "What's wrong with you ?" "It's just a show,mister !" "Great Duchess,are you aware that some impostors wear a mask to hide their true identity ?" "It was him !" "I assure you !" "I have no doubt." "It was him, Ippolito Albrizzi !" " There's no doubt,I'm telling you." " How can you be so sure ?" "I can't be wrong !" "Not about him,I would recognize him out of a thousand." "There's only one Ippolito Albrizzi, and I was looking him in the eyes." "It was enough for me !" "Why didn't I stroke ?" "Why ?" "Why didn't I killed him ?" "Don't be stupid." "I'm representing the King of Spain." "You're part of my men." "How could I have justified a murder ?" "May I remind you that he escaped me one more time because of you !" "Whoever he is,he recognized me, and now he wants me dead." "Maybe is someone we met in another mission." "Or one of a Cardinal's personal enemies." "Anyway,we're compromised." "We must leave,or everything will be lost." "Why is Passaia not coming ?" "We'll manage without him." "He'l die !" "Immediately!" "We'll get rid of him.Of course we will." "But only how and when will be the right time." "Did you forget that man distroyed your daughter's life ?" "I'm not.And now,when the devil brought him to me,he will not escape." "Spies !" "Stop them !" "This way !" "I'm going for the horses." "Save Passaia." "You !" "What are you doing there ?" "Stop !" "My love,you're so handsome !" " I want you !" " No..." "Mercy,I have no air !" "Thank God !" "Cione !" "Take her off of me." "Cione !" "Who are you ?" "Why are you interfering ?" "Leave him to me !" "Bring him back !" "Bye,beautiful !" "Hurry up !" "Stop them !" "Get them !" "They're spies !" "Albrizzi..." " Hello,Tail !" " Hello !" "The Pirates Brothers send regards,Tail." "We cooked an ox for you." "Look what we have for you." "Can you smell it ?" "Let's stop here,under the trees." "We'll miss you,Devil's Tail." "The island won't be the same without you." "Don't say this." "My hart is not made of stone,you know that !" "You have something for my old years ?" " 50 piastres ?" " They were rough days." "OK.I'll try to save on the poridge." "You are brave." "I've watched you growing, and I wish you'll keep all your bones 'till old times." "Driver !" "Stop here !" "Look how wonderful !" "When we came,we were smelling like the goats, and we were cowards like the rabbits." "Now we're wearing silk clothes,and women welcome us into their beds." "On the island the brothers are getting richer in peace.I haven't wasted my life in vain." "Now,there's nothing between me and God." "Only air." "And when I'll have finished all,I'll be ready for the big journey." "I only hope not to land in Satan's harbour." "My first pavillion." "Governmental concessions..." "I officially allow you to plunder, attack and loot." "Don't forget to pay at least 200 piastres for a good surgeon, to avoid curses and not to let mice and women on the ship." "I don't think there's anything more important.One more thing." "I haven't asked you where you from or what were you doing before, but I always knew there's something bleeding in your soul." "I was watching you taking dangerous situations head on,and I was wandering why." "Me and the others had obvious reasons:" "Gold,riches,and everything that comes with them.But what about you..." "I would like to rest peaceful in my castle,and know that you are not going out to the sea hoping you'll never return." "It's nice to return home to someone who waits for you and keeps you warm." "I'm getting old.As you know,it's about time to pass on my command.Here you are !" "May you have good preys and may you kill a lot." "And take care of my parrot." "Everyone to its station !" "Something strange is happening on the island." " Full speed ahead !" " Spread all the sails !" "Stay calm." " Unlucky !" " What happened ?" " Who did this ?" " The spanish." "They bombarded the boats,the houses..." "A hundred soldiers cam ashore." " They were killing everything in their path." " Gather the survivors." "Load what's left on the Livia." "Let's get out of here." "It's very risky to meet the captain in the pub." "The city is filled with spies." "After one week of riding to fool the spanish, it would be a drag to get caught here." "Anyway,there's nothing new." "Tomorrow they'll finish loading." "The rowers are all here,and if you want, we can leave tonight." "This is for you;for you as well." "Yes..." "I know..." "You're going crazy after ten days here." "I know,you're sick and tired of eating raw potatoes." "But what you want ?" "To make a fire ?" "Here ?" "I'm sorry,that's impossible." "That's imposible.And he doesn't believe that the harbour's pub is better." "The wine has too much water, and the bread is hard as stone." "There's more corn in it than flower." "But the lamb...is delicious." "You really want to eat something else ?" "Try these.Green tomatoes." "They're used to make rat poison." "But you'll be able to digest them." "Cione !" "That's enough !" "Do you really want to wreck the ship ?" "Raw potatoes are a blessing against bad temper." " Why did they attack the island ?" " I have no ideea.They never did this before." "Until now they were just escorting the convoys." "What got into them to leave the fort ?" "Here are a lot of French ships, without counting ours." "Did you kidnapped someone lately ?" " Some politician ?" "Some aristocrat ?" " Not as I know of." "A copper cargo atwo days ago, and a sugar cargo yesterday." " Me, mercury and hemp." " We haven't plundered for weeks." "Than the spanish have gone mad." "Or they've changed their tactics." "Either way,we have to destroy the fort." "What are you talking about ?" "Are you crazy ?" "If no,none of the islands will be safe again." "They must be thought that not every day is Sunday." "If they won't understand,we will show them." "Or maybe you'll want to leave this place forever..." "The fort is on open space." "300-400 meters to reach the walls." "Many traps." "Five observation points on each side, now reinforced." "Either you'll get a battalion, or you won't pass through there !" "What a speech !" "We'll attack them by sea." "They have heavy cannons, of 36." "We are on their mercy." "I saw them shooting the cannons and lighting the ocean as bright as day." "And beside that,my young friend, with what should we attack ?" " With boats and canoes ?" " We have Livia." "It is whole,no ?" "We'll attack from the sea,and we'll make space for us." "That's how you do it,and you were OK until now." "But now we are here as well." "We must take the fort,or the Brotherhood is history !" "Let's see..." " How is it ?" " I'm worried for the injured ones." "Some of them may not see the morning light." "Tomorrow I'm leaving for Europe." "You're coming with us." " What about all these people ?" " They'll manage until I'm back." "They are strong." "As usual,you make the decissions." " I think is better for you." " You better leave.Someone is waiting for you." "We leave in the morning." "What is this ?" "It was a sad day..." "At least the house should smile." "You worked in vain." "I'm leaving in the morning with Livia." "There's space for only one woman in my heart." "Why do you say "in my heart" ?" "Because love lives in the heart." "And the woman with a lot of clothes is in your heart ?" "No,not her." " Then who ?" " A woman who is no more." "A woman who doesn't exist anymore is in your heart ?" "!" "?" "I don't understand." "If she desires,she can keep your heart." "I will have your eyes." "To my people,that's the place where love lives." "Easy on the sails !" "Get the ropes !" "Everyone to its station !" "Pull up the anchor !" "Welcome to the light,gentlemen." " Where are we ?" " Here is L'Aia." "We haven't sailed too much.Tis is a commercial vessel;not too fast." " The documents ?" " They are safe in my cabin." "I reserved you the doctor's." "I'd like to bathe and change my clothes." "Send me a barber as well,please." " Prepare the lunch on the deck." " But it's only 9 A.M. !" "Good and plenty." "He's really hungry !" "How much is he eating ?" "He'll never stop !" "Give me some." "Help !" "No !" "He's crazy !" "Help me !" "Stop the beast !" " What's going on ?" " The beats.Wants to throw him to the fishes." " Mister,please..." " Why ?" "What have he done to him ?" " He gave him a plate of potatoes." " Mr. Du Bois, please intervene." "They're fried, Cione." "Man overboard !" "What is it ?" "O frigate.Caliber 42 cannons." "A very fast one." " Colours ?" " None." "What's its intention ?" "They're stopping." "They're not signaling." "We'll stop as well." "Take down the sails !" " What are they doing ?" " They put a boat into the water." " There's a man inside.No,a woman." " A woman ?" " Give me that." " They're hoisting their sails." "Let's get her." "We're here." "Careful !" " That's it." " Thank you." "Welcome to Delice,miss." "Mr. Du Bois, a passenger." " What happened to you ?" " Everything." "I'd rather not talk about it now." "I'm tired and I want to change my clothes." "We're sorry,we have only two cabins with beds, and both of them are occupied." "I would be honoured to offer the lady my cabin." "If it's ok with you..." "I'll find you something else." "I'll send your luggage in a minute." "You think she's a spanish agent ?" "It won't be the first time." "I hope she has an interesting story to tell." "French wine." " Have you lived in Martinica?" " Yes,for five years." "Then you must know Crepy." "Mister and missis Orta ?" "The Duke La Guette?" "If a Duke La Guette had stayed in Martinica, I would remember him." "I must have mistook his name." "Who's the governor ?" "I know they're changing them daily." " Montespan." " Not that poor old man ?" " Saint Luc?" " Yes,him.Saint Luc." " I'm on my way to marry him." " Saint Luc ?" "!" "I can't believe this !" "Why don't you try ?" "Then we could finish this interogatory ." "I'm sure you agree with me." "You told us some interesting stories." "Kidnapped by pirates,half sold to a turkish... and saved by Unlucky,who escorted you until here." "Maybe you haven't heard about this pirate's reputation." "Is he famous in Europe as well ?" "If you must know,everywhere in the world." "All you can hear every day is that he plunders,he kills and he loots." "You can say anything you want, but I have a big respect for him." "They say he did more harm to the King of Spain then Martin Luther." "They say the same about me too." "I knew you're more than a simple passenger,Isn't it so ?" "Good night." " So ?" " I believe her.She's 100% french." "November the 3rd.The journey is peaceful." "We've spotted a ship without colours that let a passanger on a boat..." "We took her onboard." "God is my witness that,in the entire world," "I've never seen a prettier woman." "Even I'm in a big hurry to come back, I wish this journey will never end,so I can be by her side." " Passaia!" " Yes..." "Look at me..." "You think my skin is too rough ?" " Do you have some cream ?" " Get out of here !" "He's very strange lately." "You're playing very well." "I already lost quite a lot of money." "I only regret that this money will go to your daughtery for Saint Luc." "I'm not bringing him a big daughtery." "You're bringing him yourself, and that is a fortune." "Let's continue playing." "Tell me about Paris." "Something new ?" "The latest gossip is Queen Cristina of Sweeden,arrived yesterday in Paris." "She was seen in the theatre with her legs apart." "She killed her ex lover,Monaldeschi, in the Stag Gallery from Fontainebleau." "And if that was not enough, she tried to seduce Ninon de Lanclos." " The Free Philosopher woman ?" " Exactly." "And what Ninon answered her ?" "She prefer to reach hapiness through more obvious ways." "My God,you're playing better than a man !" "That will be useful to you in Paris." "There is en vogue playing cards,hunting and conversating." "I cannot hunt." "As for the conversation..." "I really doubt that the Martinica gossips would interest somebody." "Did you had a lot of friends on the island ?" "More quantity than quality." "Like everywhere in the colonies..." "Have you ever net this man ?" " Who is he ?" " My brother,Ferrante." "I'm sorry,I haven't seen him." "But why are you looking for him ?" "I did him wrong." "Many years I searched for him to ask for forgivness." "If I would find him today,I would try to make hime love me like a brother." "But maybe he doesn't want to forgive you." "Have you thought about that ?" "That's impossible.He's the kindest and most loving person I ever known." "Sorry...." "I think I'm entering a very sensitive area..." "I'm ravished.It's true." "They could gossip already about this." "Let's talk about Unlucky." "You seem so fascinated by that pirate..." "I'm getting jelous." " Where was he going to ?" " To Liege.He wants to buy something." "For the requested dimensions we had to make it from bronze." "Would have been just iron, would have costed you half of money, but it's weight would have been double, and its ressistance much smaller." "We used german copper and japanese steel." "They're there.The story says that when they shoot the cannon built for Mohammed,the pregnant women had abortions." "They needed a hundred men just to position it." "But in the second day of battle,it broke, and then it was good for nothing." "Wait !" "These have the same characteristics, but they won't break." "Castor ?" "Pollux ?" "Sons of Leda and Zeus." "As the legend says, when one was alive,the other one was dead,and the other way around." "If Castor shoots, Pollux must be quiet, or the ship won't bear the shake." "How heavy do you think they'll be ?" "Pretty heavy.But no one will succeed to get close enough to tell." "Now !" "It's a miss !" "Too bad !" "Try again." " Here you are..." " Thank you." "Now hold your breath." "Follow my hand..." "Now !" "Is it life in Paris beautiful ?" "Only if you meet someone like you." "But this never happened to me." "I must leave." " I'm sorry,I didn't knew..." " No..." "It's your cabin.You should scuze me." "I had to write something,and here is the only quiet place on the ship." "Please continue,I have nothing important to do." "No,please,stay." "It's for you." "You're silly,worse than a little boy." "Don't..." "I must remind you,I'm about to get married." " Not after everything that happened." " Why ?" "Something happened ?" "I should say so." "If so,I hope you'll have a good memory." "Do you really want to marry Saint Luc?" "That man is 40 years older than you." "Age isn't everything in life." "He's good for me." " I want you to be my wife." " Really ?" "!" "I was kidnapped by pirates,I've risked my life,I've traveled many weeks, all of these only just to swap my husband in the last minute ?" " You can't love him!" " You don't know me." " It can't be !" " I told you you don't know me !" "What I have to know ?" "I see you,I love you." "What else should I know ?" " You want to marry me ?" " Yes." " Very well.Do you have a title ?" " I had a name,but I've denied it." " Do you have lands ?" " I had..." "Now they've confiscated them." " A palace ?" " I'm not even master on my own life." "It belongs to the King of France." "And you expect to be my husband ?" "You can't be serious..." "You want lands and palaces to get married ?" "Yes.And many more." "Mister,I have to remind you that you are in my cabin,and without a jacket." "Le Havre,sir." "Ippolito,I have an ideea." "What more ?" "Cione !" "Very good job, Du Bois." "I've heard you fought." " Who was that ?" " I can't tell you." "The Cardinalis pleased,and I think you'll receive some good news." "Perhaps we'll meet again in two weeks time, at Saint Luc's wedding." "I heard you were the one to bring his bride in Le Havre." "Marry me,please." "I worn you..." "Pay attention,I will tell you this just one time." "Long live Unlucky !" "We missed you !" "The provissions ship." "Is coming to Guaira,loads and goes back in two days." "We'll pay them a visit." "Holly Mother of God !" "Alarm !" "We're under attack !" "Surrender !" "Surrender your ship,and you'll live !" "Take a look..." "Look,that's it !" "It's good quality gun powder." "Slowly,don't let them hear us." "Easy..." "That's the last one." "Bring the others." "That's the last one." "Start with the others." "Quickly !" "Hurry up !" "Here..." "We have gathered here today to join in marriage Isabella Hallier with mister Saint Luc, from San Maurizio and Lazzarov order, academic of the mindless ones, of the comedians,silly ones..." "Governor of the colonies and si comissionar of His Majesty,the King of France." "The bride and groom promise to love each other,to help each other, and to respect each other 'till death will part them." "With God and the church's blessing,I pronounce you man and wife." "May what God brought together be impossible for the man to sepparate." "Mercy..." "Have mercy..." " I thought you'll not come." " I couldn't miss this day." " You're dressed like for a funeral." " Why did you called me ?" "Last night we were a little drunk." "Believe me,I kept you from doing a terrible mistake." "Come with me,I haven't got much time." "I was just a Court girl." "Back there,in Martinica." "I have no ideea if Saint Luc knows or he just pretends that he doesn't." "You see her ?" "Saint Caterina." "Her name was Francois." "She died two months after posing for that picture." "She was only 22." "Caroline, Margot and Olimpia." "One is blind,and the others were found stabbed near the Senne." "They were like me." "Now,they're glory is all there,in those pictures." "But me..." "I want my glory here, on Earth." "Now I'm miss Saint Luc and I can decide my own fate." "Opens the service entrance;" "I wanted it made of gold,but there wasn't enough time." "Du Bois,it's almost impossible for me to find you lately." "I told you I was waiting some news for you." "It seems the Cardinal likes you." "He nominated you to be a lottenent." "That's a treasury permit for 5.000 scuds." "There's also a letter that concerns you." "Came yesterday with a special courier." "One of our agents from Caraibe sent it." "He sent it when he received our order." "It concerns your brother." "They found a grave on the island;his name was on the cross." "It seems the island was used by Unlucky's pirates." "We believe he was captured and enslaved, the way often happens on that part of the world.I'm sorry." "They've spotted us." "Eight !" "Ready !" "That's the closest they can get." "Keep the safety distance." "How long to load the weapons ?" "East and west four minutes." "The middle one,five minutes" "I want the best trackers on the eastern guns." "The best trackers on the easter guns !" "We need more ammunition !" "Bring another ones !" "Fire !" "Fire !" "Reload !" "Quickly !" "Fire !" "Make way !" "Down !" "Put him down !" "Down !" "Down !" "I like this sound !" "It will scare away all the fish !" "Send in the decoy ships !" "It's a hit !" "It's a hit !" "What's going on here ?" "Shoot !" " It won't lit !" " Push it in better !" "Reload !" " Shoot !" " Nothing !" "It won't lit !" "More fire and maximum precission !" "Quickly !" "I need more powder !" "Let's go !" "Reload !" " Nothing !" "It won't lit !" " What the hell ?" " What's going on ?" " Let me see !" "Reload,damn it !" "It's the gun powder.It won't lit." "Damn !" "Watch out !" "It's like the other one." "We're close." "They're stopping." "Turn !" "Take down the sails !" "Commander,this gun powder won't lit, and we're out of ammunition." "Damn !" "Take down the sails !" "Starboard side !" "It's all like this !" "It's powder from the last load !" "I don't understand !" "It's cocoa,comander !" "Just cocoa !" "How is this possible ?" "Who can explain me this ?" "Someone must pay for this !" "At least tell me how much powder we have left." "What are we waiting for ?" "Open the niche !" "Possition the cannon !" "Fire !" "You're an idiot !" "You're not in charge anymore !" "Silence those bastards." "The dust must be scattered with the guns." "Fire !" "What the hell are they shooting with ?" "Scatter !" "Out of the way !" "Out of the way !" "Let's change direction and use the other cannon as well !" "Can someone tell me what kind of gun are they using ?" "Turning the ship !" "The cannon is in possition !" "Fire !" "Give weapon to all the healty men." "Put the injured ones on the side !" "Gomez,is there more powder for the colubrines ?" "Yes,commander !" "Get in a fighting line !" "Yes sir !" "Follow me !" "Come with me !" "Quickly !" "Don't let them pass !" "Stop them !" "No !" "He's mine !" "Surrender !" "There's no escape !" "We did it !" " Victory !" " We thought them a good lesson !" "Victory !" "END OF PART TWO Translated by Dorin" "PIRATES:" "BLOOD BROTHERS" "THIRD PART Translated by Dorin" "In the last few weeks,ten spanish ships have been sunk by the pirates." "Unlucky,the pirates captain,attacked and captured an important spanish fort." "Alright,maybe you know that Spain is our new ally." "And Federico Cornero arrived in Madrid to specifically ask us to send an esquadron." "An esquadron to guard the silver journey and to stop all these attacks and looting." "Yes.Unfortunatelly,right now, our ships,the Islan Army ships, ususally responsable with the securyity of the silver's path, are almost all in Europe." "Let's get straight to the point, Saint Luc." "I took the liberty to suggest your name to the King for the command of this mission, and he accepted." "From now on you will be the commander of this army." "I'm profoundly in your debt !" "Gentlemen,this is the glorious Amiralia." "It's a first class war ship, equipped with 50 bronze cannons and 30 iron cannons." "I would say she is too much for those bandits." "The ambassador wants to be sure that this problem will be settled once and for all." "Your Excellency,I assure you,those pirates won't have even tiome to breathe." "For a start, I will pick up only very experienced men." "Then I will force those pirates into a battle, and you will see that none of them will came out of the sea alive." "You just take care of the journey." "Are you sure of the choice you've made ?" "This man seems like a stupid one to me." "He knows the area very well.As for the officials, I will personally make the background checks." "And after all,a ship that side should be enough for those bastards." "I'm sorry,mister Du Bois, but she just barged in." "Saint Luc is commanding and army, leaving for Martinica." " Your husband ?" " Yes." "A mission against the pirates." "I hope he will be victorious." "This isn't the problem." "I have to go with him, but,if I would have a reason, I could stay in Paris." " And...do you have a reason ?" " Only you can tell me that." "Don't be stupid !" "Please..." "This may be our last chance to love each other." "If I go,we could lose each other for eternity." "You want to love me,but in a way I will never accept." "I'm sorry..." "Make sure everything is secured." "Prepare to release the sails !" "It seems they will sing for the glory of Saint Luc." "But only the Gods have the merit." "I've heard his army captured numerous pirates." "We should help him win at least the fights with Mars, for those with Venus are too hard for him,at his age." "Have you heard about the Antile islands expedition ?" "They say they had victory after victory..." "Yesterday I had a visit from a very devoted sailor," "He just returned from Martinica." "It seems they've already lost four vessels, and the pirates took more than 300 prisoners." "During battles,the pirates unleash real Hell, and their cannons seems manufactured by Vulcan himself." "You know what ?" "I'm glad." "That idiot Saint got what he deserved..." "Don't ever say his name again !" "Understood ?" " Never !" " Yes..." "Follow me,my brave ones !" "The most beautiful and parfumed flower from Martinica, the full of passion Isabella, already lies in my bed." "It won't be hard for me to conquer everything else." "Your Excelency,look to the right." "It's Unlucky,the pirate." "He's firing at us with those deadly cannons !" "He won't dare to shoot at me, Saint Luc." "I've commisioned the Martinica ambassador to pay the officer's ransome." "Three ships were sunk,including the admiral ship." "And Saint Luc?" "A cannon exploded and fell on him." "He was an idiot." " Can I tell you my oppinion ?" " Yes." "Saint Luc made a lot of mistakes." "Those bandits know the coasts and those lands better than they know their own pockets, and they're used to be ambushed." "To comfront them with five big ships it's a sheer madness." "The mareshal agrees with you." "We must use another strategy." "We should send a single ship,maximum two, and attack them by surprise in their most vulnerable spots." "Cut all their supplies." "Infiltrate spies.We must buy betrayal and sell forgiveness." "Public executions." "An execution ring in every square, to hang the pirates and all those helping them." "Especially Unlucky.Cut the head, and the rest of the body will follow." "We need someone capable for this mission." "What are you saying ?" "An expert,someone smart and motivated." " Do you fell you cand do it ?" " If I can do it ?" "!" "All these years,my only purpose in life was to find my brother." "And now that he's dead,my only wish is to find his killer." "Unlucky and his pirates are responsible for his death." "So,please,send me there !" "Very well !" "So we all agree." "Sir Cornero,the special ambassador of His Majesty,the King of Spain." "It was his ideea to give you this mission." "You must be joking !" "Cornero asked specifically you to be the one to deal with Unlucky." "I'm amazed you'll make me share my air with this individual !" "Your personal problems,specially the ones from your past, cannot be mixed with the state's important matters." "The destruction of a family is not quite a light matter to forget." "I lost a daughter,Albrizzi,and, as you can see,I'm not holding a grudge." "You should thank these circumstances, or you'll be dead already." "I need an answer." "Do you want to hang your brother's assassin or not ?" "I made no deal with the Crown or anyone else that oblige me to offer my services to the King of Spain." "Nor to this individual in particular." "You will accept it,sir,with your characteristic devotion." "No,I will never accept it !" "The King of France saved your life;" "you can't do whatever you want." "And you swore.Or shoul I consider you a man without honour ?" "Idiot !" "Mister Du Bois,I see you had a miraculous recovery." "Can you please recommend me your surgeon ?" "I want to know everithing about him." "Why is he here ?" "Go." "I told you to stay in the carriage." "That man is dangerous." "Stop treating me like a kid." "I know what I'm doing;you're just trying to humiliate me." "God is my witness I rather die than upset you." "Now that Albrizzi is in our grasp, you want him to leave.Why ?" "Just to prolong his agony." "He can refuse the mission." "No.He'll take it.There are too many reasons pushing him to do it." "My friend,prepare to leave the winter for the tropical weather." "Where is mister Du Bois ?" "It's an emergency." "I'm sorry,but mister Du Bois is in the comandig building for the last instructions." "To the comanding building !" "I'm in a hurry..." "I got him !" "Leave him !" "Coconuts!" "Land !" "We're close !" "Look !" "Grab the ropes !" "Come on with that bridge !" "No one should go ashore till new orders." " Let's wait for the evening." " Sure,sir !" "Walk !" "Move !" "This way,sir." "Not a bad house." "Du Bois!" "I thought you will come prepared with your cannons,not like a tief in the night." "The news of our arrival will spread soon, but 'till then I prefer if everyone think we're only merchants." "As you wish..." "I understand you tried to avoid your investment ceremony." "That's correct !" "The ceremony is about to begin." "I was told that mister Du Bois has arrived." "My condoleances for you're husband unnexpected death." " And you're not telling me anything ?" " I wasted my words in my dreams." "They are the only moments when remembering you brings me no pain." "The Mareshal cane..." " Don't look for Unlucky." " Are you afraid for him,or for me ?" "I'm glad I have nobler guests in my house." "I'm afraid I will be the one who'll show hospitality." "This document invests me as a full governor." "That's the reason I'm asking you to put your appartments and your army, at my and my men's disposal." "Until when ?" "'Till the day I will have Unlucky's head." "Keep your sword in its sheath !" "Don't move !" "Put your weapons down !" "Who are you ?" "Its Malinke, from Cupul's clan, Lord of Ticmentitinca and Itza." "We ask for shelter and your hospitality for a few days." "Not even the Itza people is safe with those big black ships coming to plunder." "It's a big ship,but it's far." "I wonder why Malinke from Cupul sees a bearded guy and dresses like a black woman without honour ?" "It's not what you think.Look into his eyes,listen to him talk..." "He's like the light,like the Sun, and I'm like Virgin Mary's roab, wrapping Kukulcan, the feathered snake." "Just let us stay,no one will insult your people.You have my word !" "Trust me !" "Stop him !" "Move !" "Make it faster with those ropes !" " Where is Unlucky ?" " I know nothing." "Speak !" "Here,in this golf." " Go !" " At your orders !" "We catched him yesterday." " Did he spoke ?" " Not a word." "Hang him !" "We've been betrayed !" "My Lord,finally christian faces." "These spanish are half maurs." "They have no heart." "Can you tell me why I'm here ?" "I was just selling my merchendise." "You're being charged with serious offences against both Crowns." "You've killed,looted and plundered;" "you're buddies confessed, even though we don't need witnesses for these situations." "This is not a trial,mister Fletcher." "We're at war and, unfortunately for you,I'm both judge and executioner." "Du Bois,here in the islands they're only talking about you." "But the truth is that you're nothing else than a cold blooded monster." "Maybe we'll make a deal." "I'm ready to pay to be pardoned." "Resemnation and forgiveness-those matters concerns only your soul." "Considering you have one." "As I've already told you, we're at war,and only one thing is interesting me: to win it." "How about you telling me where Unlucky is hidding ?" "If its like this,why don't you ask me where is the Flying Dutchman,or Noe's Arch ?" "I don't know,can't you understand ?" "Unlucky is a devil,a ghost !" "Then we have nothing else to say to each other." "I don't know !" "And even if I knew,I'd rather burn in Hell than tell you !" "Be cursed with your French and Spanish Kings!" " Unlucky !" " You can even give your soul !" "There's nothing to see." "Go back to your homes." " Come on,tell me where he is." " I don't know..." "Do you want to decide ?" "Tell me where he is." "Where is Unlucky ?" "The great Duke of Jussac, justice counselor of His Majesty,the King of France." "The "cleaning" with the usual methods continues." "Most of the captured bandits have been handed over to the executioner." "All this to spread terror amongst the people,and avoid the overcrouding of the prisons." "We're still looking for Unlucky." "His buddies and a lot of the island people are talking about him as a legend." "But I'm sure he is real,he is flesh and bones." "I'm getting closer and closer." "I've taken his food and shelter, and sooner or later I will flush him out." "I'm not desperate." "I will catch him soon." "Every pirate we catch is interrogated:" "Where is Unlucky ?" "When I was little I was always wondering if the moon from Campeche was the same with the one in Chavaca." "It's the same,and it's the same in Paris or in Milano..." " Are they spanish cities ?" " No." "Beyound the sea there are great tribes, and big cities,as numerous as the stars in the sky." "And beyound the sea there are other things as well..." "Cities with houses made of stone,wood, or even gold." "Made of gold ?" "They speak different languages." "They wear different clothings and..." " And which one is your tribe ?" " I'm coming from a very old tribe." " From which city ?" " Roma." "Roma?" "Never heard of Roma,they were never masters here." "And did your tribe had a boss,like the spanish ?" "Not only one..." "Iulius Cezar, August, Adrian and many others." "Have't heard of them either." "Didn't you had important people ?" " Like Chac-Kib-Chac or Hunac Cheel?" " No.I suppose not." "I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I don't think your tribe was so important." "Yes,maybe you're right." "More power,boys.Let's get working !" "More dedication.I don't want even a grain of salt on the deck." "What's wrong with you ?" "Let me see." "No !" "No.What are you doing ?" "No one pick up the kids." "They'll become weak and spoiled." "Calm down,or otherwise everyone will think I chose a stupid man." "I see just women,children and old people." " Where are the men ?" " The living ones,still at war." "A beautiful ship indeed." "If Itza had ships with cannons, today the wouldn't be slaves." "The empires come and go,just like the waves." "Now we're living in huts,and our village moves wherever is a revolt." "Today is here,but who knows where it'll be tomorrow." "I'm the weakest of all, even though they call me "The Great Wise"." "There's something I don't understand...where the gods and dying empires go ?" "The 13 Skies Gods,the Sweetcorn God, the Jaguar,the Feathered Snake..." "Unlucky !" "There's a fight !" "They started to fight." "I had to punish some of them." "The crew is too nervous." " They're not used to do nothing." " Put them to clean the ship." "We've already cleaned it, down to the last screw." "Start again." "They're getting them all." "There's Lopped,the pirate !" "Congratulation,Du Bois." "The harbours are empty." "The silver path is open,and most of the famous pirates are food for mosqitoes and craws." "The Cardinal speciffically asked Unlucky's body stuffed." "It seems they want to display it in Place Vendome during the carnival." "They'll use it to symbolise arogance and greed." "I imagine you're anxious to get back home." "Less than your expectations of recovering your privileges." "I haven't succeeded to catch and kill Unlucky." "There are some harbours along the coast line considered suspect by my informers." "Yes,but they are far away,and they are not interesting for us." "Sir,I alwways use to finish what I'm starting." "Who knows me can certify that." "I'm Colby.Damn crowd." "Is this the way to receive your friends ?" "Hello,Colby!" " Hello friends !" "Where's Unlucky ?" " On the beach." "We'll catch up later !" "Unlucky !" "I didn't think I'll get here, my friend !" " Have you encountered some ships ?" " Have I encountered some ships ?" "Now the sea is everyone's." "Everyone think he's autorized to threaten you with its cannon." "Luckily I had this." "I'm a scientist." "Indeed,a scientist writing a book about the Indie's flora and fauna." " What do you know about that french ?" " Du Bois?" "He interrogated me." "You met him ?" "He knew I'm in the Brotherhood to do research for my book, not to plunder and kill." "Otherwise I'll be hanging by now." "If you're on his list, be sure that sooner or later your bones will fry in the sun." "Did he spoke of me ?" "He said he'll put you in chains in public and cover you with tarr, so your body may be seen a long time." "I'm sorry!" "No..." "That french will go mad looking for you.You'l see..." "At a point he'll be constricted to give up.Bye bye- he'll prepare his luggages." "I'll even invite him here." " How are the tings here ?" " You'll see by yourself." "I have no rest." "I want to leave this place !" "You get it ?" "I had enough !" "I want to leave !" "Try to calm down." "What you want to say ?" "Say it !" "Courage !" "The brothers think it was unfair to punish" "Morrison and Van Holst for having a little fun with the girls." " Right !" " It's not fair !" "Yes !" "Since we came here,it gets worse even than on a first class ship." "There are too much punishments and a lot of spies." "I made a promise to these people, and I want that promise to be kept." "What are you thinking ?" "You have any ideea what is waiting for us ?" "Do you really know ?" "In Martinica there are more bodies hanging than fish in the sea." "Damn Du Bois is a real devil escaped from Hell." "We're tired to just sit here !" "We want some action !" "We haven't joined the Brotherhood to hide like rabbits !" "If this Du Bois "cleaned" the surroundings,that means he wants an open sea fight." "Let's say we'll do that..." "We could even win, but they'll come back with an army, and all we have is one ship." "We'll be better off waiting." "You'll see,they'll get tired looking for us." "It seems there's a change in the ways." "Todays captains are much cowards." "I married death.Don't you ever forget this !" "Understood ?" "Those were different times,Unlucky." " I agree.Are you with him ?" "You ?" " We're all with you,Unlucky !" " Even the big ship is leaving us." " I can't control my men anymore." "They're not made to stay and rot in some village." "I couldn't stop my men neither." "But your're luckyer." "At least you can lead them into battle." "We'll load the ship and set sail in the morning." "I want to ask you a last favour." "Your caresses are so sweet, my lovely bride and sister." "The touch and perfume of your ointments are better than the wine." "Honey drops from your lips,my bride." "Honey and milk under your tongue..." "And smell of your close is sweet as a Libanese perfume." "Pigeons..." "You'll have to change the coulours.There's no other way." " Can I kiss the bride ?" " Not this way..." "She's mine,my friend." "Take off your dirty paws from our captain's diamond." "Alright,sir." "Forgive him,sister;he's more loaded than a barrel." "Shed no tear for me,my love..." "I hope not." "I don't want this,for any of your tears is priceless." "Kiss me..." "A kiss,yes,this will compensate me." "Here's to your death, William Shakespeare !" " Who shot ?" " It came from there !" "Rostand,what are you doing ?" "Can't you see the knife on my throath ?" "Rostand,put the gun down !" "I'll count to three,then I'll blow his brains out.Watch out on three." "Enough !" "Put the gun down !" "It's just business,leave us alone !" "I warn you,Rostand." "Put the gun down !" "One..." "For God's sake,don't shoot !" "Two !" "Don't do it ." " Three!" "Now !" "Are you crazy ?" "You'll shoot a brother to protect an animal ?" "He would succeded !" "He could kill that bastard !" "Why did you stopped him ?" "Hobster,get them on the ship,and lock them in a cell.What happened ?" "They wanted new guns,and we gave them." "But then they refused to pay." "Make way !" "The rebels are hungry for more." "I can't stop them any more." "Du Bois is waiting for us, and you're selling your guns ?" " And what you wanted for them ?" " A lot of gold." "There's a treasure,here,somewhere." "And they know where it is." "Look at them !" "They have nothing !" "Really ?" "Then what's this ?" "We're leaving at the tide." "What ?" "Are you crazy ?" "It's gold,can't you see it ?" "Gold !" "No.We'll make them talk." "Tell us where it's hidden." "We're almost ready." "Alright." "What'll happen next ?" "I have no ideea." "Whatever happens,I want to be with you." "Don't you forget this." "If it will be the case..." "Make sure my wife gets this." "Sure..." "Colby,..thank you." "Pull up the anchor !" "Spread out the sails !" " We're waiting for captain Unlucky." " Silence !" "At your orders." "It's you ?" "That's right." "And that's your famous ship ?" "Of course not." "Or maybe you think that Unlucky can afford to just wonder around and brag ?" "No,you're right.This days won't harm to play it safe." "Let me be more explicit." "Why should we trust you?" "For the same reasons I should trust you." "I think we're exagerating." "We are awaited." "Gentlemen,the famous captain,Unlucky." "We're honoured to meet you." "As president of the Commerce Chamber, I welcome you." "It's an honour and a pleasure to have you in our city." "Let's talk business." "What you have ?" "Whatever you want.Fruits of an era in which you could freely master the seas." " Cocoa,23 sacks." " Very good !" "Mercury,nine pitchers.Salt, 66 savks.Hemp,103 ballots." "Toledo fabric,320 pieces." "Chinese silk,five ballots." " Salt !" "I need 20 sacks." " I need cocoa.I'll take cocoa." "Silver..." "Me !" "Moment,please !" "There's enough for everyone !" "Calm down !" "Silver,500 bars !" "How much for a bar ?" "Half the fixed price." "You mean a quarter,maybe." " No.Not a quarter !" "You're not in a possition to negotiate, with that french looking for you..." "Silence !" "Everyone will be summoned to have a part from our merchendise." "It's enough for everyone !" "Isn't it so,captain ?" "There's plenty of merchendise on my ship." "By tonight everyone will have what they want." "You have Unlucky's word on that." "I'll be damned if that man is Unlucky !" "He's not Unlucky !" "Who spoke ?" "The blind man !" "I worked on Unlucky's ship,I stayed with him for five years, and I can assure you I'll recognize his voice out of thousands." "That man is not the captain,he's a spy !" "Our friend is wrong, isn't it so sir ?" "You'll be the judge if that man can recognize me." "That's not Unlucky's voice !" "He's a spy !" "Calm down !" "I will not tolerate such insinuations !" "Let me get on my ship and unload the merchendise." " You'll see you are wrong !" " Don't move !" "Search them !" "After what you've heard,you should hang us tonight." "You should proove that our doubts have no substance." "If you can't,you won't get out from this alive." "Wait !" "Let me prove to you that I am Unlucky !" "No,it is I who will demonstrate that he's an impostor." "Malasorte has a scar running down his hip." "Undress him,and you'll see with your own eyes he's a spy." "What's going on ?" "Why isn't anyone telling me something ?" "Have you seen it ?" "Forgive us,captain.We're speechless." "We were overcautious." "Mister Unlucky,wait !" "We're ready to pay even half part for the silver,to less than a quarter from the original fixed price !" "Captain,don't go away !" "Unload the soldiers.Arest them all !" "Hang them all !" "Searc the city and bring me the blind men.I want him here !" "They are here,sir." "Do you now Unlucky's features as well as you know his voice ?" "Even better.I can remember everything from the time I was still able to see." "Describe Unlucky to these persons, but be very accurate, and I'll spare your life.Forget the slightest detail,and I'l crucify you." "He has big blue eyes." "Big." "His ears are usual." "What you mean by usual ?" "Smaller than mine.Unlucky has a straight nose,not like mine." "He has long and soft hair, light brown." "Come in." " You can't go in there !" " Out of the way !" " But,sir..." " Let me pass !" "Please,you can't..." "I can't allow you..." "Sir..." "What happened to you ?" "Do you recognize him ?" "Do you recognize the man who ransomed you ?" "Is this Unlucky ?" "I should say so." "It's a big resemblence." "What about this ?" "Isn't there any resemblence ?" "My brother,Ferrante Albrizzi,and Unlucky are one and the same person, and you knew it." "Why haven't you told me ?" "Because he was speaking about you." "He said that,if you wouldn't have been executed,he would have killed you personally !" "What are you going to do ?" "I need to find him." "I've already ruined his life,now I must do something to save him." "You don't understand..." "He said he will kill you !" "No !" "He won't do it,if I manage to talk to him." "Every moment is crucial.Someone can find him before I do." "I think they already found him." "They saw his ship near Cuba yesterday." "Now everyone knows where he is." "Boat on the horizon !" "Is this captain Unlucky's ship ?" "Who are you ?" "Good people which wish to be somewhere else." "But this old men would like to talk to your captain." "Lower the ladder." "Nothing." "Who are you,old man ?" "I came on behalf of commander Du Bois." "No !" "Don't shoot !" "This old man is crazy, so take him and shoot him on your deck if you want to do so !" "Bring him up." "What will you do ?" "You'll kill him, or should we wait for him ?" " Stay put !" " OK." "Come in." "I swallowed a lot of water in that boat." "How did you find me ?" "In Martinica,even kids where you are now." "Right,after a crazy old men,I guess they will come to visit next." "It seems that I've transformed from the terror of the sea into a circus attraction." "No,sir.I still believe anyone who gets too close to you is in danger..." "No one from the islands forgot." "I'm just bringing a message from Du Bois." "Since when is using Du Bois old,pitiful men?" "He won his battles pretending to be someone else." "He's a master of disquise." "A nicer way to say he's cheating and betraying." "And what this great strategist wants from me ?" "He could attack you in the morning." "But,being a practical man, he'd rather avoid an unnecesary battle." "Is the famous Du Bois afraid,perhaps ?" "No,he's not afraid,and he has everything he needs to win." "But he thinks he can get you forgiveness from the King of France." "I never insulted the King of France." "There's nothing for him to forgive me for." "Don't be like that." "Try to understand." "I knew that mister Du Bois wanted to see me hanging,covered in tarr." "Why did he changed his mind ?" "Because he thinks you're very valuable, and swears he'll spare your life." "What about my men ?" "Can he guarantee for them as well ?" "Tell your boss there's nothing else to talk about." "Listen to an experienced man !" "There is no way out." "Yes,this may be true." "But I'm not a quiter,and I won't start now to be one." "Don't let yourself blinded by pride;" "you're heading towards your own death." "There's really nothing worth living for ?" "There was something...." "But that was many many years ago ." "What about your family ?" "They're all dead.Even my brother." "Have you seen him dead ?" "No,but..." "And if he would be alive..." "Would't make a good reason to live ?" "Ippolito..." "Kill me before you'll make me kill you." "You're Du Bois!" "No..." "You have to kill me !" "Don't you remember the prophecy ?" "There's been more than 15 years, and,yet,we found each other." "Ferrante,let's forget everything." "Let's leave together." "Together ?" "This is my ship,these are my men..." "My life is here." "It happened once." "You've killed Livia that night." "That's in the past, Ferrante." "You're confused.We were brothers." "You're saying the past doesn't matter, only the present." "And in the present,you're Du Bois and I am Unlucky." "You're crazy !" "No,you are crazy !" "Don't you understand ?" "Can't you see where fate brought us ?" "You are the hunter and I am the prey." "You are the soldier,and I am the pirate." "You're the old world, I'm the new one." "Everything's happening against my will." "Everything seems to be like this in your life." "But now we can change everything." "How ?" "With a sword swing ?" "Or with a cannon blast ?" "Ferrante,for God's sake, listen to me !" "You must save yourself." "I hope your ship is very resistent, Du Bois." "Sail on the horizon !" "They're behind,trying to close." "Can we try to get out ?" "They're much faster fregates than ours, and we're very heavy,with those two cannons." "They can spread and block our way anytime." "Anyone wants to surrender ?" "No !" "If the wind helps us,we can try along the coast line." "No,I have an idea.We'll pass straight between them.They won't risk to shoot." "Soldier,transmit our signals." "Can you see their answer ?" "They're flying Unlucky's colours." "No answer." "Tell the ships to prepare for battle." "Keep it straight !" "They're coming towards us !" "Now,Your Excelency ?" "Wait for my command." "Now !" "They're getting away.They think we will turn in the last moment." "We'll sort this out very easily !" "They're chained to each other." "We will not pass." "We're going straight in their grasp." "You see ?" "They're too advanced to turn or retreat." "I think they will attack." "What do you think,mister Lafitte?" "They will attack us." " Turn !" "Get the sails down !" " Get the sails down !" " I don't understand what they're doing." " It seems they're turning." "Yes,I can see that." "Put the cannon in possition !" "Open the niche !" "They're firing upon us !" "From that distance ?" "Who they want to kid ?" "Fire !" "Unchain the ship !" "It's draging us down !" "Fast !" "Hurry up with those chains!" "We must get free !" "Come on,we need to lose weight !" "Everyone to their station !" "Turn right,all the way." "Spread the sails !" "They want to pass through." "Prepare the cannons." "Be ready to fire !" "Everyone to the cannons !" "Prepare to attack !" "They'll be in our sight in a few minutes." "Alright.You have the honour." "Don't shoot." "No one opens fire !" "Are you mad ?" "Be ready to fire all weapons !" "I order you not to shoot.We risk sinking our other ship." "Bastards !" "Fire !" "You must be proud of this attack." "From this moment,me and my officers are stepping down." "We're not assuming any responsability anymore." "What are your orders ?" "Follow them." "Their ship is much faster, and it'll be dark soon." "Go to sleep." "I'll stay here for you." "No !" "We lost them.What should we do now ?" "The helmasman wants to know where we'll go." "Lower the anchor.We'll wait for the morning." "Have I slept too much ?" "No.We just finished loading the water." "We're waiting for the second boat,and we're ready to set sail." "Have you decided what we'll do if we reach Europe ?" "I dont know.For the begining I'll have to stay in hiding.What about you ?" "I'll find a rich protector." "Some Excelency to praise in my next book." "We lost." "I wouldn't say so..." "We saved our lives,the ship,and we even gained a few things." "But the Brotherhood is gone." "Let's say just rests for a little while." "It deserves that,no ?" "After so many fights..." "Look in the water !" "There is something !" " What is there ?" " A red spot." "What can it be ?" "I have no ideea." "We brought it with us." "It was attached to the hull with a harpoon." " What is it ?" " I'd say it's purple paint." "We're carrying it from yesterday." "The boat is back !" "Pull up the anchor !" "Everyone to their stations !" "Sail on the horizon !" "My God !" "They have the wind behind." "They're following us." "They're signaling !" "They're asking us to surrender !" "What should we do ?" "Fight !" "To the stations,we will attack !" "Spread the sails !" "They're coming towards us." "Should we prepare the cannons ?" "Keep signaling." "We did it already twice." "Maybe they haven't noticed." "I don't know what they intend to do, but they're coming straight at us." "Prepare the cannons !" "Wait a little !" "Stai out of this !" "Prepare !" "The cannons are ready !" "Fire !" "That's enough,Ippolito!" "No,let me go !" "It's useless." "Don't be like that." "Let me in peace !" "It's night,Ippolito." "We combed the ocean;it's useless." "It's useless..." "He won't come back." "We cannot make him to." "Go back on the ship, I will give it a try." "Please,Ippolito,its me, Isabella.Don't be like this." "Listen to me,they won't wait for you." "They will leave you here." "I belong here." "There's nothing else we can do." "Ferrante is dead !" "Please try to understand." "They're all that.All we fished out were just bodies" "Two times you'll kill him, and two times he'll ressurect." "That's the prophecy.He's not dead." "You're delusional.You're burning up." "Ferrante is gone." "Please,forget about the dead and revenge." "At least save yourself." "Listen to me..." "END OF PART THREE Translated by Dorin" "PIRATES:" "BLOOD BROTHERS" "Go away !" "FOURTH PART Translated by Dorin" "No..." "Don't shoot !" "Please,calm down." "I'm here with you." "Finally !" "I was told you've arrived two days ago." "I left soon as I've heard about Du Bois's victories." "Then you know that all the effort made him have a cerebral attack." "He's halucinating." "I heard about that." "What is this drink ?" "Caoue." "I heard that is used in Italy,by the lowest type of people." "The doctors cannot decide if it has a godd effect against sadness or it damages the brain." "Anyway,it has a distinctiv taste." "Let's put our cards on the table,governor." "I'm sure you didn't call me just to drink this..." "liquid." "No.There's something else." "What is it ?" "This.The soldiers found it in the possesion of two captured pirates." "You know from where they have it ?" "From an indian;traded it for a gun." "What kind of palace afford a door knocker like this ?" "There's none,as I'm aware." "The last mayan temple was looted more than a century ago." "There are no others." "That's what they say." "You know what I think ?" "Our job is not done yet." "We've defeated the pirates,but our King wants us to stop the revolution." "Wise words.But even so,what will be the King of France's gain ?" "The King ?" "I don't know.I think an expedition in the indian's lands would be good for everyone." "We must organize it quickly,so we can saw its fruits soon enough." "We must send a regiment to do some research.We should prepare." "A lovely spectaclo,isn't it ?" "Yes." "It glorifies,somehow,the beauty of this stone." "A generous harvest." "Yes,but the tastiest fruit is still missing !" "Who,Unlucky ?" "I don't give a damn about Unlucky." "It's Albrizzi the one that I want !" "You dragged me half the world,and I still don't have his head !" "You're hurting me talking like that." "Your soul is poisened." "Are you advising me to be good ?" " Livia..." "Stop it !" "Livia is long gone !" "Livia doesn't exist anymore!" "It would have been better to let her die that night." "I would have died as well." "What are you thinking about ?" "When you were little,I could read your mind as an open book." "To the only nice thing I can afford to..." "To Ippolito Albrizzi's death !" "Then you can be satisfied.I made arrangements for him to die soon enough." "Thank you." "Open your mouth." "Give him all of it." "It would do good for him." "Come on,one more spoonfull..." "Eat..." "No..." "No !" "Where am I ?" "Who are you,really ?" "I am what you see." "I see things I don't understand." "Why haven't you told me the truth ?" "The moment of truth is only now." "Get up !" "Get up !" "The Divine Temple.Its stairs reach the last of the 13 Heavens." "Come.There's not much time until the circle will close." " What are you talking about ?" " The world's circle." "The third era is about to finish, and soon the abyss will open its gates." "Exactly like the plants,the human kind will fade and then reborn." "We must be prepared." "Prepared for what ?" "We're here.The inverted pyramid." "The twin sister of the Divine Temple." "It pierces the Eart straight to its heart." "Its stairs go down through al off the nine Hells." "We are inside,and yet,we are still outside." "The inverted pyramid is like the soul." "Who enters without knowing the way,is doomed." "Every night,the river comes in,and the Earth feed until morning." "Incredible !" "Gold !" "More than anyone has ever seen !" "Tons of gold !" "You're the same like the others." "The glitter of gold is imparing your sight." "What is that I have to see ?" "Can't you understand that,here, the gold has no value ?" "Haven't you noticed that is used to make the most usual objects ?" "What else is there ?" "What..." "I can see rolls of fabric." " Millions." " Put it back where it was !" "I don't understand." "What are they used for ?" "Each family,since the birth of our nation, had the responsability,every year, to bring a gift to our King." "Farmer or politician,merchant or soldier, prostitute or priest." "Everyone was obliged to saw its veil." "All the gifts were gathered and preserved in the palace's tresorery room." "This is that room..." "Millions of people,during million years..." "Here,inside,is our entire nation." "The treasure..." "The battles,the harvests,the blueprints of this construction, of an unfinished one, the meeting between two lovers, the list of all those who died after a terrible earthquake..." "Prayers to the Gods, food recipes, the names of the emperor's sons, Beleche-a simple shoe master's sons." "The price of sweetcorn, the profphecies of gypsies, the last 20.000 years Sun eclypses, the list of the dinasties..." "These canvases tell our story." "Why are you telling me this ?" "Because here is your history as well." "Remember ?" "You'll die two times, and two times you will reborn." "It was already written.And all that is written is kept here,in the pyramid." "Our people is on the brink of extinction, and you are the one who will stop this from happening." "Then the sinking,Malinke..." "It was all destined to happen ?" "Not only that..." "The dutch, Livia, Ippolito,all my life..." "We are just tools in the hands of the masters,and you must know all of these." "On this canvas is written my destiny ?" "Sure,all you need is to spread it." "But think very well what are you about to do." "If you know everything,why aren't you doing something to avoid destruction ?" "Because the prophecy is already written, and my people fate sealed." "I can see the fall of the spanish empire,along with their King." "More than this,I see changes so big that my mind can't understand them, no matter how hard I try." "Come on !" "The gold thirsty people will vanish us from here as well." "The thirst for blood will never end." "Come on !" "Don't let them get away !" "Get them !" "Stop !" "Come on !" "Put them in the boats !" "Bring them on the ship.Quickly !" "No !" "You two,stop him !" "Hurry up !" "To the ship !" "Faster !" "Leave this,go and cut the onions." "What are you doing here ?" "Take him down." "I want them in the pot in two seconds." "Hurry up !" "What are you doing,you idiot?" "This is the special soup,for mister Du Bois." "Don't you dare do that again !" "Please,sir.A moment..." "No,no.You can't come in..." " Please,no..." " Out of the way !" " You can't enter now !" " Let me pass !" "What do you want ?" "!" "I know it's not a good moment for visits, but I came to say hello to mister Du Bois and bring my gratitude to the King of Spain." "We owe him the extermination of pirates from the islands, but especially the death of Unlucky, may the devil take care of his soul." "I've heard that,unfortunately,mister Du Bois is not very healthy." "Yes,he's getting weaker every day." "And what the doctors say ?" "They are bedazzled." "They say something about poisoned heart." "His condition is getting worse day by day." "Is he eating ?" "Only because I'm forcing him to feed." "Very well,keep doing it;he must feed.." "I'm putting my trust in you." "Thank you,but you mustn't get sad." "You're not looking very well,sir." "I'm sorry." "My doctor is at your service,if you want." "Thank you." "We better let him rest." "Yes.He must rest in peace." "Everything works out just fine." "Don't you think ?" "He looks very ill." "Two more portions,and he'll begin to spasm." "The cook reassured me of this." "What you want now ?" "One Albrizzi is on the bottom of the sea, the other is dying,but your facial expression is the same as before." "I would gladly change my facial expression,believe me !" "The expedition is ready to start." "We're just waiting for the scouts we sent." "I'll make you rich." "You'll have your revenge very soon." "What else do you want more ?" "I want to kill him with my own hands !" "That's what I want,and nothing else !" "Calm down.Stop it with this sordid obsession." "Excuse me,but the governer wants to see you right away." "You see ?" "What have I told you ?" "A miracle !" "Let's go..." "Welcome.As you can see,the scouts are back." "Did they talk ?" "Not yet." "They only started to "savour" our hospitality." "We have the power and the means to make them talk, even if they're the most silent guests." "Let's hope it will be as you're saying." "You'll see that as soon as the first bones will start to crack, they'll compete on who to talk first." "They seem strong and resistent." "You know how they call this place ?" "The Chapel." "Because here are born the most pleading and heartbreaking prayers, the most passionate invocations." "Here,you are really close to God." "You'll see,he will make them talk." "The governor is sure that we will share the treasure with him.What an idiot !" "Would you like some company,sir ?" "No." "Handsome,won't you buy me something to drink ?" "I can't take it any more.I've seen him close to death a thousand times.But not like this..." "It's not fair to die in front of an enemy you can't fight." "It's not fair." "Don't move." "I'm going in that corner to pee." "It was him.I promise you." "It was Unlucky,in flesh and bones." "I can swear he killed three of our lot without them even noticing him." "Get real !" "Your Unlucky is fish food by now." "Then who was it ?" "His ghost ?" "No one fights like that !" "What's wrong with you ?" "Excuse me..." "Ippolito ?" "Unlucky ?" "It's your turn." "No..." "If you make that move,it will be chess-mate." "The ture..." "By God,what a messy woman !" "I told you it's better to play on the table." "Let's leave it for tomorrow,when you'll feel better..." "How long you stayed with Unlucky ?" "Three years." "Probably you're a lier,like the others." "Amog the lies,tell him as well something to lift his morale." "Unlucky was his brother." "Don't bother accentuate too much the fact that he was talking about him and he was missing him." "Make it a long story when it comes to details, and try to be convincing." "I'll tell him about Unlucky like no one did it before." "You want me to tell you stories about Unlucky ?" "Come,my love..." "Now I want to kiss you,and one day you'll be my wife." "Stop it..." "Silence !" "You are right my friend..." "Only breathe,and you're dead." "Hurry up !" "Just a moment !" "Open the gate !" "Hurry up !" "This late ?" "It's not possible." "We need to see miss Isabella." "Wait..." "Mister,please..." "I have no time to waste !" "What's with all this noise ?" "Unlucky is alive." "He fought some spanish guards." "A survivor recognized him." "Passaia,every day another Unlucky legend is born..." "I heard so many..." "No,wait !" "I'm just astonished that is you who's waking me up with such nonsense." "But that man saw him with his own eyes !" "Almost everyone on the island brags about how they fought or injured Unlucky." "This was says that it was a miracle that he survived." "And I should wake him up to tell him ?" "Can't you see he wants to die in peace ?" "But he has the right to know." "As you wish." "He just stays there without movement for two days now.What is he doing ?" "He waits the big black ships to come." "He knows they will come ?" "All of us know this." "The third era,...the circle is closing." "Is the ship ready ?" "Yes,we'll leave tonight." "I want to go inside the pyramid tomorrow, and finish all before sunset." "If the wind helps us,we'll be back in two days." "Have you prepared a big storage area ?" "One of the savvages tried to describe us how much gold is in the pyramid.." "Unluckily,he died before he succeded." "The hold area is empty,and the ship has nothing extra on it." "Excellent,my dear sir !" "Now everything depends on you." "Your kindness will be rewarded." "Three sacks of white flour." "One barrel of black powder,three bunches of banana." "Officer !" "Yes sir." "Have you found the Knight of Aurigemma ?" "Nu,Excellency.We've searched everywhere, but with no results." "Everything is ready." "All men are onboard." "So we can go now ?" "No.Wait.." "Are you still awake,Albrizzi ?" "Who are you ?" "What are you doing here ?" "I need resinous wood.Hurry up !" "Yes,sir." "Me..." "I coudn't imagine..." "Where is Albrizzi ?" "In his room,I guess." "I'm coming from there;he's not there !" "You're an idiot !" "You sould have made sure he'll never leave this house !" "Wich one was his food ?" "When I brought it to him,he couldn't move." "Really ?" "What are you doing ?" "No..." "Since you cannot do a thing properly," "I'll teach you some tricks !" "Eat." "Eat,don't be afraid !" "It's not going in ?" "We'll take care of that." "Enough !" "What ?" "You don't like meat soup ?" "No." "It's in fact the first time when I'm meeting the Devil." "It would have been better for you if you don't meet him tonight." "The pilot says the sea will be good for us for only another 5 minutes,Your Excellency." "A little bit more time." "I don't understand,we convenied to meet by this time." "What should we do ?" "Alright.Untie the ropes." "Release them !" "Take the ladders away !" "Everyone to its station !" "Quickly,we don't have much time !" "Can you hear or see anything ?" "It's strange that Passaia didn't came." "I don't understand." "Maybe he's still onboard,and he can't get off.It's full of soldiers there." "It's not too easy to reach the storage area." "Sure.Maybe he's waiting for the right moment." "Or maybe he found out something." "Yes...." "He will be here..." "Where is Albrizzi?" "Who are you ?" "Why do you want to kill him ?" "It's a long story." "He'll tell it to you in Hell." "A riding knife..." "Nice one,but deadly in a duel." "Where am I ?" "He came to his senses." "You're with friends.Stay awake." "You must stay awake." "Ferrante is alive ?" "Yes,he is alive." "But he cannot see you like this." "He needs me..." "That's the reason you have to get better, you must try to walk." "It's better.I can do it.Let me do it..." "I'm hungry..." "Eat,my love..." "When do you think we'll see the coast ?" "Tomorrow morning at the latest." "It will be better to arrive before sunrise." "Listen !" "It stopped." "Lower the boats !" "Soldiers on the deck !" "Let's go !" "Quickly !" "Hurry up !" "Take places in the boats." "Quickly !" "Leave someone to guard the boats." "Let's go.Move it !" "Move it !" "Forward." "Ready..." "Aim..." "Fire !" "Fire !" "Destroy the village !" "Burn it down !" "Take those savages out of their lair !" "There's no one here,Excellency." "Sir,there's someone behind the trees !" "Fire !" "In the woods !" "Follow me !" "Do not leave survivors !" "This way !" "Quickly !" "Forward !" "Let's split." "They'll follow us." "If everything will be alright, we'll meet at the river." "May God be with you,my son." "Go !" "Follow me !" "There's a fork in the path." "They went separate ways." "One group through there, and the other through there." "Let's split up." "First patrol,with me !" "The rest the other way !" "You,this way.Follow me !" "Get out,you cowards !" "Move it !" "Fire !" "Shoot !" "Ready..." "Aim..." "Fire !" "The second group..." "Ready..." "Aim..." "Fire !" "Load !" "Everyone is following us ?" "No." "Half of them are following the others." "Follow me !" "I think they went inside there !" "Quickly !" "Don't stop !" "Quickly !" "This way !" "Down,quickly !" "They just passed." "Quickly !" "This way !" "To the Temple of the Sun !" "They gained on us !" "They're up there,through those ruins !" "Don't waste the ammunition !" "You're surrounded." "Fire !" "Now !" "Fire !" "Forward !" "Attack !" "Faster !" "Or you want to die of old age ?" "Move it !" "Holly Virgin !" "Take cover !" "Attack !" "Order them to attack immediatelly !" "Yes sir.Forward !" "Attack,bastards !" "Attack !" "I'll personally hang the ones that will retreat." "Forward !" "Move it !" "Faster !" "Look !" "There !" "Gold !" "It's gold !" "It's true..." "Just gold." "Gold !" "To the cannons !" "Ready..." "Aim..." "Fire !" "Captain,this way !" "Follow me !" "This way !" "They can't be far." "Search that side." "Maybe they're hiding inside." "Look everywhere..." "Damn !" "We lost them." "A trace !" "Blood !" "It's still fresh." "Quickly !" "That way !" "Don't waste time !" "Backway,climb those cliffs." "Continue climbing and don't stop no matter what." "And,more important,don't go back." "Search everywhere.Quickly !" "And you...what are you waiting for ?" "!" "?" "No !" "Who's there ?" "What's going on ?" "Who is there ?" "Who are you ?" "What's happening ?" "Holly Virgin,ghosts !" "Who are you ?" "Blood !" "Who are you ?" "Follow me..." "What's that sound ?" "Forward,don't stop !" "The sound stopped." "Run !" "Quickly,to the river !" "Ferrante !" "Ippolito..." "Watch out !" "We have to get ot of here !" "Stop them !" "Don't let them pass !" "To the river !" "No !" "Quickly !" "Unlucky !" "We must hurry up !" "Calm down.It's over." "We are together again." "Faster !" "Catch up with them !" "Forward !" "We meet again,....unfortunatelly for you." "I came just in time to enjoy what's best." "A small souvenir from a friend." "You'll pay for that !" "Calm down,beast !" "Today will be a joyfull day for the people of justice." "Finally today all wrong will be removed,and the good will prevale again." "All those sufferings endured by the King of Spain from it's rebel people, but,most of all,the suffering provoked by you !" "And today,with a neverending glee," "I will hand your souls to the Devil !" "Believe my words !" "I acuze you for serving those creatures, without fate and soul !" "It was like fighting with monkeys against humans !" "And for this crime you will answer to God !" "I also acuze you to try to subliminate the supremacy of the Spanish Crown !" "You,Ferrante Albrizzi, as a pirate and thief !" "And you,Ippolito Albrizzi, as a spy and traitor !" "For this crime you are summoned to respond in front of the King!" "But,most of all,I acuze you for your first and worst crime... of throwing a young,innocent woman in the most damned Hell !" "My daughter,Livia." "And for this crime, the worst of all,you are accountable to me." "It was an accident,and you know it !" "We loved her,both of us !" "We would rather die than harm her." "That hasn't stopped you to shoot her that night." "You're saying you loved her,both of you..." "If so,maybe you should have found a way to split her !" "Which part would you had,Ferrante ?" "How about you,Ippolito ?" "Answer me !" "I had mistaken you with someone else." "I thought you're one of my father's killers." "Mistaken me ?" "!" "Is this your excuse ?" "And you,Ferrante,my love, what do you have to say ?" "I say I don't see my Livia;" "I see just an animal,hungry for revenge." "Revenge..." "Do you have any ideea how my life would be without this desire ?" "Without hate,how could I have found the power to survive ?" "How could I have spent my days ?" "the same days that other girls my age were filing them with dreams and love." "Have you ever try to hide,to put make up on a distorted face ?" "No !" "You lived your lives in battles, on the sea or in ballrooms..." "But now its over !" "No !" "Very well..." "I see you were faithful to me." "And you,Ippolito,you waited my return,no ?" "Prepare the ropes to hang them !" "Quickly !" "No !" "Ippolito..." "Nu,please,I beg of you..." "You're staining your honour harming one of the King of France's officer." "You'll have to answer to the state for your actions!" "No !" "Stop !" "Release me !" "Are the ropes resistent ?" "Yes,ma'am." "Very good.How's the quality of the soap ?" "Excellent,ma'am." "Perfect.Tie the other end to the anchor." "Let's finish it fast,Livia." "We still have work to do in the village." "I waited for years,so I think your gold can wait two more minutes !" "I'm sorry for everything wrong that I've done to you." "And me too,for my stupidity." "Do we have any reason to move the ship ?" "No,ma'am." "Then release the anchor already !" "No !" "Idiots,make it slower !" "There's no rush !" "Have mercy !" "At least we'll die together." "Sail on the horizon !" "Devil's Tail !" "Fire !" "Everyone to its station !" "Pull up the anchor !" "Quickly !" "Let's untie them !" "They want to come onboard !" "Cannons,be ready !" "Come with me !" "Ferrante !" "This time is really over !" "Kill me,please..." "Kill me,Ferrante." "Please,set me free of this world." "Do it out of pitty." "You still love me..." "No..." "Ferrante,watch out !" "No !" "Go over,brothers !" "Go onboard !" "Now its your turn !" "You wanted me only for yourself,no ?" "Take me !" "You're my groom now." "Nice harvest.We'll get a good price on them in the slave market." "Albrizzi !" "You'd better kill me !" "My daughter wants revenge.Can't you hear her ?" "She will never rest until she'll stop your miserable existence." "Kill me,or I'll come looking for you !" "You'll pay for this !" "You'll pay for this.Albrizzi !" "For a moment I was afraid you won't come." "The parrot is to blame." "It stopped to search for a wife." "It wasn't alone,as I see." "But everything's good when it ends well." "There's only one problem..." "The storage is empty,and we'll have to catch a wale to keep this poor guy alive." "Good shelter,out of the way of any path." "A good heartet dominican priest gathered all the pirates, the prostitutes,thiefs..." "All trustworthy people." "They live together,they work the land together,they share the harvest, and it seems is OK." "It works." "Glory,power,money..." "When you'll reach my age you'll find out they're only illusions." "How many mistakes I have made..." "We were young,we had no ideea what life is." "And now we're wiser ?" "Now we're together again." "I often think of home, of my father." "We haven't got even time to moan him." "We'll return together." "No..." "Don't worry,I will ask the King of France for a reward." "Ferrante,we'll get our land back." "No,you will have to do it.I can't." "Why not ?" "My life is here now.My friends..." "The woman I love." "After all these years, must we sepparate again ?" "Yes,but now will be different." "I'll know where to find you." "Do you understand,Ippolito ?" "I'll know where to find you." "It's true,it will be different." "Goodbye !" "Ferrante !" "How about picking you up when I'll be back ?" "All that gold is waiting only for us.Think about it..." "Unlucky one..." "THE END Translated by Dorin"