The Sanguine and Blackbeard's Cutlass

The answers, or rather lack of answers, you discover don’t make you less uneasy, but that’s a problem for another time. At least until the undead pirate in front of you is defeated. Giving Quetzalli a reassuring look, you draw your sword and dagger and make up the staircase. The stairs are wide enough for Quetzalli to follow at your side.

“Careful of the flintlocks,” you whisper to her. “And watch for an ambush from his crew.”

Blackbeard is simply armed with a ceremonial knife. You find it a bit strange that he does not wield the cutlass, but then come to the realization the guardian of the blade cannot be the wielder.

Quetzalli charges forward spinning her spear in front of her. You follow and circle to Blackbeard’s flank. She stabs forward, feints a low attack, and then finishes high. Blackbeard parries her initial attack and dodges his head from the high attack. You stab your sword to his back -- at least you attempt to. Without looking, the knife blocks your attack and slices towards your wrist. You manage to divert the blow at the last second with your dagger.

Thinking you have him distracted, Quetzalli thrusts forward with the point of her spear. Blackbeard turns and catches the spear with one hand before the point can pierce his body. He taunts Quetzalli with a smile, then brings his knife to cut the spearpoint from the shaft. He draws a pistol from his chest and fires. Quetzalli barely dodges out of the way with a quick roll to the left. Blackbeard tosses the flintlock aside and swipes downward with the knife. Another roll puts Quetzalli out of reach from the knife. The missed attack leaves a nasty scrape, visibly and audibly, on the floor where Quetzalli’s body just was.

Recognizing her vulnerability, you take the offensive to distract Blackbeard until Quetzalli can recuperate. You assault with a series of uppercuts and thrusts employing every dirty tactic you know. Mid-assault, you toss your dagger to Quetzalli who catches it with one hand. She takes the spearpoint in her other as a makeshift knife. Blackbeard expertly parries each one of your strikes almost with ease. With Quetzalli joining your attack, you feel the tide beginning to turn in your favor.

Your sword strikes true. The tip pierces Blackbeard’s heart. Black smoke begins to pour from the wound growing in volume until his entire body explodes in a dark cloud.

“I can’t believe we did it,” you comment to Quetzalli.

She gives a slight smile clutching at her side, then collapses. You notice a deep cut at her side. The spearpoint and dagger clatter on the floor as she drops, echoing throughout the now quiet sanctuary.

You rush to her and hold your head on your lap. “Breathe easy now,” you command. “You’ll survive this.”

As you eye her wound, a sparkle catches your eye. The blade of Quetzalcoatl lies unguarded. You know what you must do.
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