Willum donned his finest clothes for his meeting with the brethren fraternity. He polished his boots himself and dusted off his tri-corner hat, carefully placing it over the black silk bandanna he wore tightly over his head. Even his fur, which normally looked like a storm at sea, was brushed back and tight against his body. He chose a freshly washed white blouse and a loose fitting dark frock from among the scavenged articles of clothing aboard the Rose.

Though he would relinquish his weapons prior to the meeting, he boldly wore a handsome ornamental sword and dirk, tucked into the scarlet sash which circled his waist and crossed over his chest and right shoulder. When he was ready to depart, he instructed Wilbur to take charge of the crew and selected Ursamus as the single crew member to accompany him. They took a small rowboat from where their ship was moored and tied it up securely at the city dock.

Willum and Ursamus entered the bustling Demon's Breath pub and made their way to the main bar where Burgle stood waiting. The unkempt sable pointed to a door behind the bar and the two beasts nodded. Before entering, Willum handed his weapons to the sable, who placed them on a pile of armaments stacked at the thick wooden door. With a smile and a friendly pat on the back, the sable pulled back the door and bade Willum and Ursamus in.

The room was large, plain, and well lit by several dozen candles and lamps. An angry fire blazed in a large stone fireplace to the rear of the room. Smoke oozed from the burning logs to the stone slab floor.

The fire was being stoked by a kneeling rust-colored fox, wearing an eye-patch over his right eye. The center of the room was filled by a long battered pine table around which nine hard-looking beasts sat drinking ale. They looked in awkward silence at Willum and Ursamus until the fox, now done with the fire, approached and embraced the pirate cat.

"As I live and breathe, Captain Crookfang in the flesh! It's been many a year since I seen ya...still lookin' fierce, I may add."

Willum smiled.
"Captain Redbush...a familiar gob among all these strangers. Thought sure you'd be dead by now, run through or hanged...Nearly did it meself if'n I recall correctly."

The fox stroked his neck in remembrance.
"Aye, we've had our quarrels, 'tis true. But bygones be bygones, matey," He looked past Willum at Ursamus who stood directly behind the cat, "that's quite a cove you brought with ya...is he housebroken?"

Ursamus snarled, revealing his impressive teeth. Willum laughed and slapped the bear on the back.
"Aye, he's right gentle, though if'n I were you, I'd mind getting' me paw too close to his mouth."

They seated themselves at the table, except for the snow-bear who instead sat on his haunches to the right of Willum. Redbush addressed the cat.
"This here's all that's left of the brethren in Minga, no one you'd remember from your days among us. These be Captains Hogbrow and Tonguescab...that ratty-lookin' feller be known as Yellowtooth...," he pointed at the sole human sitting at the table, "and that scary lookin' cove is Cap'n Greensap. The rest of these blokes be their seconds...not nearly as impressive as your white terror sittin' there by yer side, but perilous none the less. They all knows you, Crookfang, fer good or bad and we're all wonderin' what you called this meetin' fer."

Willum stood and addressed the meeting.
"I heard lots o' stories, me fellow sea-devils. I heard youse were gonna go reap havoc on those Scarlet devils what hunted us and killed our mates and I thought 'Good, that be the brethren way', but then I got to hearin' how youse all gave up and sit here like little girls in grade school, afraid of yer own shadows."

There were angry, indignant rumblings around the table, Willum continued angrily,
"Quiet yer hurt pride mateys, things be what they be and growlin' won't make them less true. I aim to take the Brotherhood on, with or without youse. I come here figgerin' that I owes the brethren the chance ta be brave beasts agin rather'n a pack o' cowerin' little girls. This ain't the corsair way...hidin', pretendin' things ain't what they is, livin' on old tales and new lies," he threw up his arms, "what happened to youse?"

Greensap pounded the table.
"It isn't that black and white, Crookfang!" he shouted in frustration, "The Brotherhood has got the harbor blocked. They already sank two of our boats that tried to make a run to Grenel Bay. There ain't no way past them. There are shoals to either side of their fleet..."

"Excuses...yer in prison and that's a fact. Sink the dogs, turn the harbor red, I say!" Willum responded.

Yellowtooth spoke up.
"The dogs got six ships and five hundred able hands. We got six ships countin' yours and three hundred beasts tops, what can we do?"

"We got brains and guts, matey. We can take these blighters out and go back ta where we belong...the open sea! We kin sail to the cursed land and end the scourge of the Brotherhood, sendin' 'em ta hell one ship at a time, that's what we can do. Do ya really want ta live under the thumb of Azmeritus? The same dog what burned and hung our brothers. Is that what we done become, cowards?"

Redbush, who had been silent, stood up and spoke.
"Willum is right, though I hates to admit it. Better to die fightin' than live at Azmeritus' whim. We were all ready to cross swords with the Brotherhood when the Deev were gonna to pay us. Those ghosts deserted us and we plain gave up...That ain't the pirate way. To hell with the Deev and to hell with the Brotherhood! We'll eat their hearts and have their guts fer garters! Me and me crew are with ya, Willum!"

Willum grasped the fox's paw.
"Glad ta have ya matey. Past differences be damned... it's good ta see there's still a real pirate fer folks ta write songs about!"

The two weasels huddled in conversation. The older one, Hogbrow spoke for them both.
"We may be nuts, but we're with ya too. We're goin' broke sittin' here in Minga. Smugglin's a tough trade if ya can't leave port."

"Glad ta have ya, boys," Willum said with enthusiasm.

"Count me in," the nutria, Yellowtooth, said quietly, "all things bein' equal, I'd rather get kilt fightin' than drink meself ta death in this dive."

Willum turned to the human, Greensap.
"That leaves you matey, what do ya say?"

Captain Greensap stood and walked to the fireplace in thought. He turned back toward the table.
"I still don't like it. But there's lots of things I don't care for. I don't like bein' shunned 'cause I'm man 'stead of beast. I don't like bein' told what ta do. I don't like you comin' in here tellin' us what we should do like you was some sorta king, but most of all I don't like those self righteous monks keepin' me from my livelihood. I need ta kill something and I figger those blasted brothers'll do just fine. So I'm with ya, but don't expect me to take orders from ya. Greensap is his own man and I expect ya to respect that."

"Well said, Captain," Willum said loudly, "no need ta fear, we're brethren, each beast 'is own boss. I don't mean ta lead yas, I got troubles of me own." He looked around at the beasts at the table and asked, "So we're in agreement then? We take these devil's on and reclaim the sea?"

Every captain raised his arm and shouted "Aye."

"Unanimous it is, then!" Willum proclaimed loudly. Suddenly the smoke around the hearth of the fireplace began to swirl. It spiraled like a small tornado and in an instant, Prince Vasheron was standing in their midst.

"Not quite unanimous, not yet," he said calmly.

"Deev!" Yellowtooth shouted in shock. Everyone at the table stood and faced the intruder cautiously. Ursamus stood on his hind legs, towering over the other beasts.

Vasheron smiled. He loved the feeling of power he felt in other creature's fear. His paw fell to his hilt and he took a step forward. All the beasts save Willum and Ursamus moved backward cautiously. An evil smile crossed the mink's features.
"I'm offended that I was not invited. You all know what I am capable of, it was a foolish choice on your part." He took another step forward.

Ursamus was fed up by the Prince's arrogance. He reared to his full height, thrust his massive head forward and let loose with a roar of incredible volume, baring his gleaming teeth in a frightening snarl. This fearsome display was so unexpected by Prince Vasheron, that he stumbled backward slightly, a brief look of shock passing his features. He composed himself quickly, donning a friendly smile and raising his paw in front of him.
"Please, friends, there is no need for conflict. We seek the same end. I am here to offer my help. I heard of your little get-together. I can help you get out of the harbor."

Redbush regained his bravado.
"Why would you do that, Deev? It is common knowledge you just returned from meetin' with Azmeritus. Ya got a short memory oh mighty prince. Ya had me organize the Brethren to fight the Scarlet Brotherhood, then ya deserted us, and finally we was told by your messenger that we was no longer needed. It's 'cause of your intrigue that we're imprisoned in this harbor, that we're so closely watched. What now, are ya luring us into a trap so yer Scarlet masters can destroy us once and for all? How much is Azmeritus paying fer our heads?"

Prince Vasheron locked his paws behind his back and began pacing the room, keeping his eyes turned toward the table.

"Let me be honest with you," he began.

"That'd be a nice change,"  Redbush said sharply.

The mink smiled. He continued.
"I understand your reservations, but let me insure you, what I will be telling you is the truth. First, I do not give one whit about you and your jolly men. The fact is, your assistance would aid my cause greatly. I mean to eliminate Azmeritus. As you say, I have met with him recently. He does not trust the Deev. We are watched by his spies almost constantly. He believes that I am in possession of something he desperately wants..."

"And what might that be?" Willum asked.

"Not your concern," the mink said bluntly, "I am unable to acquire it in time, but because he covets it, I have free reign to pass through the blockade. The albino is planning something very big...and no, I shall not tell you what, but it is imperative that I am on Xenoth when it occurs and that I am in a position of superior arms.

"I will get you to Xenoth to fight the priests, in fact that is what I wish you to do, but I do not want that accursed albino to know I have a force of fighting beasts with me. Therefore we must assure that all the Brotherhood ships in the harbor are destroyed or disabled. We cannot allow any to escape. Two of them are racing sloops and would warn him of our arrival well before we reach Xenoth."

Yellowtooth interrupted.
"So ye thinks we're just gonna go to Xenoth of our own accord? Get trapped?"

"We can insure you free access and escape through the shield. Ask Captain Crookfang there, he is recently arrived from Xenoth. None the worse for wear, I'd say."

Yellowtooth faced Willum.
"Is that true, matey, you been to the Cursed Land and returned?"

Willum nodded.
"Aye, he speaks true...at least about that."

"That is all I ask, kill priests, get your revenge and leave."

"And what exactly do we get," Captain Greensap asked, "revenge is sweet, but it don't buy grog. We'll be losin' a lot of men and mayhaps a ship or two."

"You'll do quite well for yourselves. First you will regain your harbor and your livelihood. Second, I'll double the gold I promised when I first approached you. Of course there is revenge..."

"What about any treasure the priests got?" Captain Tonguescab inquired.

"The Deev have no need of treasure, take it. One last thing, when I take control of the Brotherhood, we will leave you to your thieving ways without persecution."

Willum let out a loud laugh.
"So that's it, ain't it, Smokey? It's all about takin' over. Ya want ta be a king! Well bite me biscuit, that's finally something what makes sense. It all sounds temptin', almost too good...Let's say we agree, we still ain't in a great position ta take the harbor. They got us blocked in and outmanned, they kin attack us afore we get near 'em. The harbor neck don't allow more'n two ships abreast till we reach the blockade. How do you reckon we deal with that little problem?"

"I have a plan and some excellent charts. If you agree to join me I'll reveal all at our next meeting. If you don't think the plan has a chance, go your own way and rot here in Minga."

Redbush stepped forward.
"We'll look at yer plan," He scanned the table and each of the captain's nodded their agreement, "two days from now. Where do ya want ta meet?"

Vasheron thought for a moment.
"How about here?"

Willum shook his head vigorously.
"I think not Deev. First off, if'n yer worried about spies, a thieves den ain't the place you'll be wantin' ta spill yer guts. Second, I don't trust ya... how's ya put it...one whit, I think is what ya said. We don't want yer smoky comrades oozin' in under the door ta slit our throats. We'll meet on the Rose, if'n that's agreeable to the other captains. I knows you Deev can't puff on the water without meltin away. Ya may bring one other and one only at high noon to me ship. Is that alright with you fellas?" he asked the other members of the brethren. The nodded in affirmation.

Vasheron smiled.
"It is settled then...two days from now at noon on the Crimson Rose. I will be there." With this final statement the Minge Prince transmuted instantly to smoke and slid out under the heavy door.

The six  captains looked back and forth at each other until Redbush spoke.
"Well? What do ya think? Is 'e four-square or playin' us?"

"I reckon it's a bit o' both." Willum answered, "If that demon wanted us dead, he knew where we was at and his dust-devils could'a just come in an' cut us ta pieces afore we even knew they was here, so I believes he does need us. I say we hears 'im out in two days and decides then. We got nuthin' ta lose and 'e might do us a lot o' good."

There was a general agreement around the table and more than a few nervous murmurs. Willum kept silent.

"I still ain't happy," Yellowtooth admitted, "The Deev can't be hurt, makes 'em dangerous foes. Better to be with 'em than agin 'em, though."

Captain Greensap stood and stretched.
"I'm headin' back to my ship. I'll see you coves on the Rose."

One by one all the pirates left until only Willum and Ursamus remained in the room. The corsair captain turned to the snow-bear.

"Well, Snowflake, I'm figgerin' our work here is done." He laughed loudly, "That was quite a roar you let out, nearly knocked me boots off."

Ursamus looked apologetic.
"I'm sorry, Willum, but that beast angered me."

"Don't apologize, me friend, yer liddle outburst told us more'n any conversation did," Crookfang said, patting the bear on the back.

"I do not understand."

"When ya roared at that Minge villain, 'e cringed. Fear went through 'is eye, matey. A beast what can't be hurt got no reason to be afeared. I'm thinkin' our Prince ain't quite as immortal as 'e let's on...and that is an enlightenment worth it's weight in jewels." He stood and thumped his chest, "A good meetin', all in all. Come on Snowflake, lets get back to the Rose and have us a hearty chow."

Ursamus stood and followed Willum out the door.
"Now that...I do understand!"

The Deev, upon their arrival in Minga, had set up their headquarters in a large compound which had once been the Minge palace. It was the re-built home of Shana-thoth-Meris, founder of Thoth and had stood more or less deserted for centuries, save for a few squatters who were quickly and none too gently evicted by Vasheron's beasts .

The residence had survived virtually in tact because there was an aura of fear surrounding it. Residents swore it was haunted by the ghosts of  Meris the Cruel, Shana's father, and the Minge court that were so brutally slaughtered all those centuries before. Now, with Vasheron's arrival, the living ghosts of the Minge dwelt once more within its confines. The crew of the Windspirit was quartered on the grounds in the small dwellings which had served to house the royal servants.

Vasheron entered the home shortly after his encounter with the pirates. Mobus was waiting for him and stood at his approach. They both stepped out onto the veranda and made themselves comfortable. After pouring some wine for his master, Mobus spoke.
"How did it go, my prince?"

Vasheron took a deep gulp of wine and smiled.
"Exactly as I thought it would. I waited to hear how they felt before I made my presence known. They were inclined to attack the Brotherhood before I ever made my offer, so things went smoothly."

"Do you trust them?" Mobus asked.

The mink leader laughed.
"The concept of trust, especially concerning pirates is completely theoretical. They are self-serving mercenaries and profit is their primary motivation. My proposal offers them profit and the ability to continue their livelihood, so it appeals to them. As to trust...well, I have found that beasts whose only goal is profit tend to be far more trustworthy to those paying them than beasts whose goals involve the acquisition of power or some cause. They will do what I ask...for now at least."

"Do you foresee any problems with any of these thieves?"

Vasheron put down his glass.
"Captain Redbush may cause trouble. His pride has been injured and he feels betrayed by the Deev. He should be looked after before his opinions become more popular."

"Shall I see to his elimination?" Mobus asked.

"We can't risk anything happening to him here in Minga, we would be blamed...without a doubt. I think we should arrange for him to die a heroic death fighting the Brotherhood. That shouldn't raise any real concerns."

It was Mobus' turn to smile.
"They do like their little tastes of glory. Redbush's martyrdom should be easy to arrange. What about the rest of the brethren captain's?"

"I don't foresee any great problems. Most of them will probably be killed attacking the compound on Xenoth. If not, let them play pirate like I promised, they may be able to serve us again in the future. It does not serve their goals to turn against us...and if they do...well... we'll just send them to hell to play with their friend Redbush."

Vasheron drained his wine-glass and held it up. "An excellent vintage, Captain Mobus, please re-fill my glass. We meet with them onboard the Crimson Rose the day after tomorrow. See to it you have all the harbor charts as well as the precise positions of the Brotherhood ships marked on them. You will accompany me to the meeting."

"I'll see to it my Prince," Mobus answered as he re-filled Vasheron's glass.

"Also, have our crew ready and tell our Brotherhood watchers that we will soon be returning to Xenoth to give Azmeritus the thing he requested. Word will get to the blockade and the Windspirit will be allowed to pass through unchallenged... that will be vital to our plan. Remember, tell the Brotherhood here in Minga we will be returning to see Azmeritus in the next few days."

"It will be done Prince Vasheron."