Chapter 6.

Poison and Dishonor.

The battle on the Crimson Fury reached its climax as Marcus and Morgana engaged in a fierce duel. The swords of both captains gleamed under the moonlight, clashing with a force that resonated through the ship. 

Around them, the sailors of both crews continued to fight with determination, knowing that the fate of the battle depended on the outcome of the clash between their leaders.

Marcus, with his experience and skill, managed to disarm Morgana and pinned her to the floor, holding her tightly. This ends here, Morgana, he said in a deep voice, his breathing labored from the effort.

But Morgana was not willing to give up so easily. With surprising skill and speed, she slid a hand into his boot and pulled out a small pocket knife, its blade stained with the deadly venom of a Komodo dragon. Unable to see clearly, she stabbed Marcus in the side, the poison rapidly flowing through his system.

Marcus felt a sharp pain and staggered back, dropping Morgana. Weakness took hold of him, and his vision began to blur. At 43, he was a strong and experienced man, but the poison was relentless. He knew he couldn't continue the fight under these conditions.

¡Retreat! Marcus shouted to his crew, trying to maintain his composure. This battle isn't over, but we must retreat for now!...

Iris, seeing Marcus's serious injury, ran to him and helped him stand. ¡Captain, we must go!

As the crew of The Shadow of Thunder retreated, Morgana slowly stood up, watching her enemy with a cruel smile on her face. ¿What is it, Marcus?  ¿Is the great Captain Stormy turning into an old man no longer made to navigate murky waters?

Morgana's words echoed in Marcus's mind as his sailors carried him back to their ship. He knew he had been defeated, at least for the moment, and Morgana's taunt only intensified his pain. 

But he also knew he could not give up. The battle was not over yet, and he had sworn that there would be no place for magic at sea.

Iris and the rest of the crew did their best to steady Marcus as they sailed back to their shelter. The Komodo dragon's venom was potent, and Marcus felt his strength fading with each passing minute.

Captain, hold on, Iris murmured, applying pressure to the wound. We will find a way to save you.

Marcus nodded weakly, his mind struggling to stay lucid. We cannot let Morgana win… We cannot allow magic to rule the sea.

In The Crimson Fury, Morgana watched the enemy ship sail away. The partial victory had been a relief, but her desire for vengeance was not satisfied. She knew that Marcus still lived, and as long as he breathed, her mission would not be complete.

The storm was slowly calming, but the tension was growing.

The feeling in the air was still palpable. The echoes of the battle resonated in the minds of all who had participated, and they knew that the conflict was far from over.