by: CM_Zero
Description}: Once there were three pirate captains that considered themselves the sovereigns of the untamed seas. They were known as Scarface Jake, One-Eye Joseph and Crimson-Blade Marie. They recognized each others great strength and influence and formed an alliance. From that day forth their combined pirate fleet became an unstoppable scourge to all ships traveling between the continents. There was however an area they could not pass, filled with reefs and shallows, which was known as the home of the Scyllas, creatures half woman and half kraken. Beyond it were more rich trade roots waiting for them to plunder, but getting there without crossing the dangerous area would take them a year. A year they did not want to wait. They sailed to the edge of the Scylla territory and waited for one of the creatures to show itself. When she did, the captains feigned honest intentions. "We need to get past your territory, but sailing around it would take too much time. Please allow us to sail through this area and we will pay you handsomely for that privilege. We have gold and gems in spades to spare.""I do not care for your gold, but I do care for your gems. A ruby, an emerald and a sapphire. Three of each and I will grant you passage." The pirates agreed readily, thinking they had already won. "Follow me closely with your ships and you will be safe. I will collect my payment once we are on the other site." As she had promised the Scylla lead them through the dangerous waters unscathed, but once on the other site the three captains refused to pay. "We are pirates after all. Why should we pay for something we already got through trickery.""If you will not honor our bargain, you will receive your punishment in due time." With that she disappeared under the waves and the captains laughed still thinking they had won. Later that night the Scylla, who had followed the pirate ships, came to collect her due and take care of the oath-breakers. Not a single sailor noticed when their captains and their gems were stolen away right from under their noses. The Scylla took the three pirates back to her territory and began to punish them thoroughly and in in various ways for their trickery. Nobody knows what became of them after that. Some say the Scylla kept them as toys with her, to tease and punish for her amusement. Others say that the punishment was so effective, that the three criminals changed their ways and lived honest lifes once freed. In any case, as pirates, they disappeared from history that day. And the moral of this story? If you bargain with a sea dweller, honor your word or face the consequences.
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