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With one confident leap, he stepped onto the damp ground and surveyed the area critically before motioning with a toss of his head, for his men follow suit. It was quite, quite dark and save for the sound of the choppy waves some distance away, all was quiet.
Eeriely quiet.
Troubled, he scrutinised ahead of him. Yet the dimness of whatever light was around prevented him from doing a thorough survey. He grew impatient and cleared his throat, feeling the stir behind him and holding his hand up to silence them. They obeyed, although the uncertainty seemed to feed on their highstrung nerves.
At long last, the flare of a torch light came into view. Signalling for his men to get ready, he took his time to absorb the sight before him. His eyes widened at four drabbily-clothed ladies following the leader, a particularly attractive lady in a prim attire. Behind him, he could hear the muffled snickers of his men, and his eyes narrowed.
Something was wrong. The problem was... what?
"You've all the shipments, then?" ~ The lady asked, her green eyes glittering as she, in turn, surveyed himself and his men. Fifteen to five. At least, they had the advantage in numbers. But... what the hell, just get it over and done with... this place gives me the creeps... ~ He cleared his throat again before replying ~ "Aye. And you have the payment ready?"
"Of course." ~ She answered with a tinge of scorn ~ "Her Ladyship pays for her goods. You're sure that this is of the highest quality from France?"
He resented the distrust in her voice. Replying coldly ~ "Naturally. Brandy... silk... perfumes... powders..." ~ Here, one impatient lad began to drag out a carton and open it with a crowbar ~ "See there. We've delivered the goods." ~ He handed the bill to the lady ~ "Let's complete the deal and be done with."
Her pearly teeth flashed once and she advanced towards the group, the other maidens following suit ~ "Tis good that we've found a reliable partner. Lady Cora finds some smugglers most dishonourable... we are pleased to have met you." ~ The ladies smiled at the men, and panic was now gripping him for no reason ~ "Alright. Men! Move the cargo over!" ~ Turning snappish ~ "Move it!"
"Isn't it a lovely night?" ~ She murmured softly, facing the direction of the sky ~ "You know what would make it perfect?" ~ The burly sailor returned her beam idiotically ~ "Yeah... moonlight... that'd be right romantic." ~ He reached out to cup her chin, tilting it towards his own, his lips puckered up for a kiss despite his leader's shout of warning.
All too soon, the nightmare had begun. The clouds drifted, revealing the heavenly globe, candescent in the velvety sky. In two seconds, they heard the ominous sound of fabric tearing. Terror ripped their voices away at the horrific sight in front of them. And then he cried in resignation.
"Werewolves!" ~ The more agile of the group regained their senses, but almost too late. They swung their blades blindly at the lashing claws, some aiming for the hearts of the five terrifying beasts. Yet it was all too late. They knew it...
As the morning sun arose from the horizon, the ground was strewn with torn limbs, grotesque faces and bloodied organs.
A lonely boat bopped about the waters harmlessly.
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