Bab 23: Chapter 23: Arrival at Whiskey Peak
The towering cacti-like mountains loomed in the distance as The Dawnbreaker approached the port of Whiskey Peak. Under the warm glow of the setting sun, the town seemed idyllic. Quaint homes with tiled roofs were scattered across the slopes, their chimneys emitting light puffs of smoke. The docks bustled with activity as the townsfolk prepared to greet the ship's arrival, waving cheerfully from the piers.
Nami, standing beside the helm, surveyed the town with an appraising gaze. "They seem… overly enthusiastic," she remarked, crossing her arms.
"They probably see pirates as potential allies," Mari said optimistically, leaning on the ship's railing.
Xander, at the wheel, chuckled lightly but said nothing. His crimson eyes were fixed on the port ahead, and his expression remained calm, though inwardly, he couldn't suppress the amusement he felt. From his past life, he knew exactly what Whiskey Peak truly was—a den of bounty hunters masquerading as friendly townsfolk.
"Let them play their games," Xander thought. "They'll learn soon enough who they're dealing with."
As the ship pulled into the dock, the crew prepared to disembark. The gangplank was lowered, and Xander led the way down, exuding the confidence and charm of a seasoned pirate captain. His long black hair swayed gently in the breeze, and his sharp crimson eyes swept over the crowd.
"Welcome to Whiskey Peak!" a tall, thin man with a distinctive hairstyle resembling a violin bow called out, stepping forward. He wore a gaudy suit and a wide grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. Xander recognized him immediately—he was Igram, the mayor of Whiskey Peak and a high-ranking Baroque Works agent.
"It's an honor to have you and your crew here," Igram continued, bowing slightly. "We pride ourselves on offering hospitality to all pirates who pass through."
Xander smiled politely. "We appreciate the warm welcome. It's been a long journey, and my crew could certainly use a chance to relax."
"Then please, allow us to host you," Igram said, gesturing toward the town. "We've prepared a feast in your honor!"
---
The feast was held in the town's largest tavern, a lively and spacious establishment filled with long wooden tables laden with food and drink. Musicians played cheerful tunes in the corner, and the townsfolk mingled with the pirates, their laughter echoing through the room.
Xander sat at the head of one of the tables, his crew scattered around him. Kaya and Mari seemed to be enjoying themselves, chatting with some of the townsfolk and sampling the food. Nojiko remained more reserved, her sharp eyes watching the crowd warily, while Nami sat close to Xander, her expression betraying her suspicion of their hosts.
"They're laying it on thick," Nami muttered under her breath.
"They're trying to lull us into a false sense of security," Xander replied quietly, taking a sip from his mug. "But don't worry. They'll slip up soon enough."
Despite their calm exteriors, Xander and Nami were both on high alert. They noticed the subtle exchanges of glances between the townsfolk, the way certain individuals positioned themselves near the exits, and the faint glint of concealed weapons.
---
As the night wore on, the atmosphere grew more raucous. The townsfolk encouraged the crew to drink more, their enthusiasm almost infectious. Kaya, Mari, and some of the other crewmates eventually succumbed to the revelry, their inhibitions fading as the alcohol flowed.
Xander, however, remained in control, pretending to be more affected than he was. He leaned back in his chair, his crimson eyes scanning the room, taking note of every detail.
"I'll take care of things," Xander whispered to Nami and Nojiko, who were seated nearby. "Stay close and act like you're asleep when the time comes."
The two women nodded subtly, trusting his judgment.
---
By midnight, the tavern was quieter, the drunken laughter and chatter having died down. Most of the crew had passed out at the tables, their heads resting on their folded arms. Xander, Nami, and Nojiko feigned slumber, their breathing slow and steady.
Igram, standing near the bar, exchanged a glance with one of his subordinates. The man nodded, and the bounty hunters began to gather, their movements silent and deliberate.
Xander's lips curved into a faint smirk, his eyes remaining closed as he listened to the shuffling of feet and the faint click of weapons being drawn.
"They think they've won," he thought, his heart pounding with anticipation.
---
As the bounty hunters encircle the room, their shadows stretching across the walls in the dim light of the tavern. Igram steps forward, his face twisted into a predatory grin as he raises a hand to signal the attack.
Unbeknownst to him, Xander's crimson eyes snap open, gleaming with cold determination.
To be continued...
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