Chapter 114 - Black Sail XIX (1/2)

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“Waves inbound! Waves. .h.i.tting our port side!!!” shouted the pirate who was on the lookout. Seconds later, his voice was stopped when a six-meter high wave hit the deck, rudely throwing the pirates down to the floor. Zhang Heng grabbed onto a nearby rope, which saved him from being swept away.

Though Marvin was in the cabin, he wasn’t doing too good as well. He was peeling a potato when the giant wave hit the s.h.i.+p, almost costing him his finger. The entire boat rocked violently, and when Marvin looked up, he saw the smoked meat that he hung up earlier was swinging left and right from their hooks, splattering into each other with loud thuds.

Whenever the s.h.i.+p was struck by the restless waves, it sounded like the world was coming to an end. Indeed, one would start to doubt if this wooden s.h.i.+p could withstand the wrath of mother nature.

Immediately, Marvin jumped to the nearest corner and started to pray with all his might. These were the true colors of the ocean. They could be gentle and balmy, but temperamental and merciless as well – much like a teenage girl. One moment, the sea could be smiling a sweet tune, and another, it could be wrathful enough to destroy an entire s.h.i.+p.

As compared to others on board, Rothko was exceptionally calm. Having weathered countless storms throughout his entire life, a small splatter like that was not enough to shake him.

“Hmm. I want you to feel her. This as fast as the Sea Lion goes. If the winds get any wilder, I’m afraid her mainsail will be destroyed. You’ll have to loosen the rope that is tied around the truss and tuck away the mainsail and headsail. Otherwise, the mast will break in half in no time!”

Rothko’s treatment of Zhang Heng had changed completely. So, instead of threatening him, Zhang Heng took a different approach and went against Frazer’s advice. Of course, by threatening Rothko, Zhang Heng could easily force him to stay on the s.h.i.+p.

However, it was worth noting that when one decided to impart his skills to another, there was a big difference between giving his all and halfheartedly imparting knowledge.

No doubt, although Rothko was one of the best boatswains amongst his peers, Zhang Heng could still learn how to maneuver the mainsail even if he lost him. And if Rothko was forced, he might as well just look for another teacher. What was the point when he wasn’t doing it willingly but rather, driven to teach under duress.

That was why Zhang Heng was prepared to make a bet. On the night he confronted Rothko, he decided to tell him the location of his daughter. Immediately, Rothko left the brothel to look for her. At first, Zhang Heng thought that it was all but wasted effort. To his greatest surprise, Rothko returned to the Sea Lion the next morning.

“I told the captain that I want you to work under me. To be honest with you, I will only stay in Na.s.sau for another three months, no longer. In these three months, you must learn everything I have to teach you. If you fail, you have no one to blame but yourself.”

At first, Zhang Heng thought that conscience had made him return to the Sea Lion. One night, Zhang Heng found out the truth from a very drunk Rothko. He apparently spent everything he earned so far, and without any savings, it was impossible for him to travel to England. Besides, he had not seen his daughter for many years. It would be embarra.s.sing for him to visit her empty-handed. That was why he came back here, attempting to earn a more before leaving for England.

Regardless, Zhang Heng now gained another mentor. Rothko changed the way he treated him after the two of them spent some time together. Whether a captain of a cargo s.h.i.+p or a pirate, Rothko had never seen someone as disciplined as Zhang Heng. Every day, Zhang Heng would wake up two hours earlier than others, starting his day with some movement training. An hour later, Owen would join him, and both of them would spar with each other.

When the rest of the crew had just woken up and were having their breakfast, Zhang Heng was already with Rothko, observing the weather and maneuvering the mainsail. Other than that, he would work with Marvin, employing the help of good food and some money to build solid relations.h.i.+ps with the other pirates. Through them, Zhang Heng quickly learned how to maneuver a s.h.i.+p, shoot a cannon, and read a nautical chart.

“I heard that your only daughter is still alive! Congratulations! What do you think? Do you think he will become a threat to us?”

Out of nowhere, Orff appeared behind Rothko. He stared at Zhang Heng, who was high above the mast, attempting to fold away the mainsail.