Have mercy for the imp

That pleading look on the face of the imp and Glenda's words defending him are enough to stay your hand. But only barely.

"This time, you live," you say, lowering the sword. "Fly off to somewhere else. We have a ship to catch."

You open the window and the imp shoots out through the hole with a squeal of delight. You're not sure, but you think he turns and waves before disappearing above the lighthouse. You hope a bolt of lightning slashes through the gray morning and strikes the imp dead.

"We have to go," says Glenda and you turn to see she is holding your gown. You feel disgustingly sticky with the imp's filth, but you have **** but to wear the gown you borrowed from Lahana.

The wavy-haired blonde is waiting for you on the other side of the door. Her almost-sheer slip hangs from her breasts in such a way that they are mostly exposed and her nipples are clearly erect beneath the fabric. For a moment you imagine unlacing her gown and running your tongue over those fleshy pebbles. Then you get a hold on your lust and remind yourself that you may be experiencing the lingering effects of the imp's insidious venom.

"This way," says Lahana. She turns with a flick of her hair and her shapely bottom moving in her gown does nothing to help you fight off that venom. You and Glenda follow her down the winding staircase and find Erven standing in the kitchen with three other men. All three are bearded and bedecked in the sort of clothing you would expect from a pirate, not a sailor in the king's navy.

"Ah, these are the girls," says Erven. "Sabine and Glenda. And ladies, this is Captain Rakins."

The larges of the three men steps forward, his thick, black hair hangs down to his shoulders and frames his masculine face. His coat and trousers are patched and hung with hooks and blades and even a pistol.

"He looks like a pirate," says Glenda, loud enough to be heard by the men. They laugh and Erven shares their laughter.

"We once were, all of us, but the king made us a better offer and so we fly his flag."

"She meant no offense," you say, stepping forward. "Good to meet you, Captain."

Rakins shrugs and offers his hand. "No offense taken. Erven has told us your story on the beach and we are happy to help you. Its two days sail to Gerlangen if we risk the inlets. Three if we stick to deeper waters."

"The inlets?" you ask

"Yes, ma'am, the inlets are populated by Sea Wugs. Horrible things, like upright frogs that like to raid fishing boats and steal off women. Normally, I'd avoid them or be out to hunt them to their coves, but under the circumstances it might be worth the risk." He smiles and you feel at ease in his presence. "I leave it to you. The both of you. Shall we sail the deep waters or keep to the coast and risk an ambush?"