A Different Name and a Different Face

Darien finally confronts the horrors of the pirate ship and the ways that it has changed him. Will he let Captain Bluebeard turn him into a pirate or will he take a stand and make a fateful choice?

Previously on Palace of Mirrors: 

The kidnapping of Marialla from her farm set off a chain of events that led to Darien being taken prisoner on board the Kraken, a space pirate vessel. Instead of throwing him in the brig, Captain Bluebeard has begun to train Darien to join the crew of the ship. Along the way he has found a friend in Gent, the ship’s engineer, but has also gained enemies–most prominently a sadistic pirate who goes by the name Fantasia.

Dramatis Personae:

Darien - The main character, a farm boy who grew up with big dreams fed by his aunt who raised him on a mixture of history and fairy tale. He’s currently on a quest to rescue Marialla, a woman he met earlier in the story, who has been kidnapped by the moon’s government for unknown reasons.

Captain Bluebeard - The leader of the band of pirates that serves aboard the starship Kraken. He’s an enigmatic figure who keeps to traditions that have long fallen out of favor. For unknown reasons, he has taken a liking to Darien and is personally training the boy in the art of sword fighting.

Gent - The Kraken’s engineer. At first glance a vain figure only concerned with appearances, he’s known to wear fine capes and flashy clothing. He’s young, just a few years older than Darien, but basically grew up on the Kraken. Although he suggests Darien be hanged in their first meeting, he has since befriended the boy and is currently training him on the engineering of the Kraken.

Fantasia - Beautiful and deadly, a proper femme fatale on the Kraken. She has no patience for anyone who gets in her way and has taken a particular dislike to Darien, who embarrassed her. She’s known for her exceptional skill as a wielder of dual blades.

Trollbreath - A pirate low on the pecking order. Squat, brutish, and ugly. He would almost be pathetic if it weren’t for the fact that he’s as cruel as any other member of Bluebeard’s crew.

Twilight - Bluebeard’s second officer and chief enforcer. He’s a massive man who stands a head taller than any other member of the pirate crew.