Phoenix of Fyre

No longer able to suppress the urge to deck Burgess, Ayden flipped out of his hammock and took a swing at the big man, striking his jaw. Ayden immediately regretted the loss of his temper, for the soldiers descended upon him. They seized him so Burgess could take a few retaliatory hits, after which Burgess ordered him taken above deck. “Tie him to the mizzen mast. Annie’s itchin’ to teach this runt a lesson,” Burgess said. Captain Steele sat at his evening meal al fresco, accompanied by Princess Parissa and her ladies. They jolted when a frenzied mob carried Ayden above deck. Phoenix jumped to her feet. “What’s going on?” “Your incorrigible brother started a fight below,” Burgess growled, wiping a bloody lip. Captain Steele nodded for Burgess to proceed with the disciplinary action. Ayden’s arms were stretched around the circumference of the mast and tied. His jacket was tossed aside, nothing but a thin shirt protecting Ayden’s skin. An evil joy engrossed Burgess’ face as he grasped the cat-o’-nine tails. The soldiers urged Burgess on, and he pumped his fist in the air. “I’m certain we can come to some sort of arrangement. Allow the opportunity to make amends,” Phoenix suggested to the Captain. She clung to the rail of the upper deck, helplessly watching as Burgess prepared to strike. Parissa, Monique, and Lorelia clustered beside her. Steele joined the women at the rail and signaled Burgess to deal out the lashing. “Stop!” Parissa shouted, but her commands held no weight, and Burgess let his whip fly. From where Phoenix stood, she observed Ayden’s agonized face. She could stop this torture with the use of her magic. She could form a fiery barricade, or command the whip itself, but the expression in Ayden’s eyes told Phoenix he assumed what she was thinking, and she needn’t take such a risk exposing herself on his account. With each lash, Ayden’s tight jaw and gritted teeth contended Phoenix stand down and accept his sacrifice. “Stop!” Phoenix screamed, but Burgess continued exercising his authority. Ayden grimaced and flinched with each stroke, but he wouldn’t grant Captain Steele the satisfaction of an outburst. Monique shuddered with each snap of the whip. “You’re killing him! End the abuse and listen to me for one second,” Phoenix pleaded. “I can’t let your brother’s behavior go unpunished. That would demonstrate weakness. I’d lose control of the men,” Steele replied calmly. “Burgess demands recompense. I’ll foray Ayden’s flesh or one of yours. It’s your decision.”