Chapter 217 - A Decent… Human Being (2/2)

Less than half the pirates were in any condition to fight, and those who could, couldn’t think straight. After the ma.s.sive battle, all their s.h.i.+ps suffered a certain extent of damage, not to mention out of ammunition as well. They would lose almost instantly if the navy appeared in front of them right now. Zhang Heng knew that they were in bad shape. That was why he wanted to leave the island as soon as possible.

Sam did not blame Zhang Heng for abandoning them and fleeing on his own. Judging the Jackdaw’s current condition, Zhang Heng barely had enough people to operate the s.h.i.+p, let alone sparing some of his men to fight off the enemies. He was left with no other option but to leave the island.

Meanwhile, all the Jackdaw’s pirates had boarded their s.h.i.+p. Harry and Ramsay did a fantastic job, managing to gather most of the s.h.i.+p’s complement in ten minutes amid the chaos. Unfortunately, two pirates from Jackdaw remained missing.

Zhang Heng couldn’t afford to wait any longer. He was the last to leave the island. Seeing that the ferry was here, he pushed Jarvis onto it before he got on.

Anne and a few other pirates rowed the boat with all their might. As for Dufresne, he had temporarily relieved Billy’s position at the helm and took command of pirates still sober enough to understand a sentence. Releasing the mainsail with a whoosh, they retrieved the anchor and prepared to leave the island. Every second counted if they wanted to stay alive. Once the ferry was well on her way, Jarvis finally dropped the act.

“How did you find my men in the woods?”

“No. Technically, your people found my people in the woods.”

“What an interesting coincidence. You do know you can’t be running forever, right? Even if you manage to escape this time, there will always be a next time. It’s extremely rare that pirates have good endings. Take a look at Honegg, for instance. He now has power over the cannons set up to protect the island! He said he’s done with risking his life as a pirate. If the Red Coat from Scotland sniffs him out, he would have no place to run.”

“I agree with you to a certain extent. But, this can’t be the only reason you betrayed the people on the beach. Many saw you as their friend, your brother.”

“You will need some courage to begin a new life, young man. I shall cut off every garotting of my turbulent past. Only by doing that will I be able to live a better life in the new world. You have not seen the way those people look at us, Zhang Heng! We are like savages, ferocious beasts to them! You see, the letter of pardon isn’t of importance. I have to wipe my slate clean and leave everything behind here. If I do that, then I will be able to become a de… a decent human being.”

“I hope you get what you want.”

The ferry finally arrived at the Jackdaw. Zhang Heng kept away his gun and grabbed the rope beside him. Just as the Jackdaw was about to leave, a black shadow appeared near the island.