Chapter 39: The Quartermaster

He led Red Jidian all the way down the quarters, and going even more below that...

Until Ren Jidian could almost feel like they're reaching the very bottom of the ship, only its thin keel separating them from the waters itself.

They arrive at small hatch on the floor, the metal rings that served as the opener locked with chains.

The fancily dressed man took a silver key, its head shaped like a skull, and unlocked it.

"After you." He said once more with that untrustworthy smile.

Ren Jidian did not go down despite the muffled shouts ringing louder in his ear.

"You go first. I need to make sure your Captain does not attack me once he saw a stranger in his secret prison room."

"Fair enough." The quartermaster shrugged, and stepped in first.

Once Ren Jidian heard him take the last step from the creaky, echoey stairs.....

He followed, holding his chest to calm his wildly beating heart.