"Ed. His name is Ed."

Blackbeard kills kids.

Only the really naughty ones though, the ones who deserved it. That’s what Black Pete had said to Stede, only a few short days before their fated meeting with said infamous pirate captain. It hadn’t really processed at the time, just another barely believable description of the mythical man idolised by Stede’s fanciful employee. It isn’t true. It can’t be. The man standing in front of Stede now has only killed one person, he’d said as much.

But Stede had watched him order the deaths of men. Blackbeard may not have been the one to do it, but his body count was higher than a singular digit. He was perfectly capable of being the monster so many believed him to be.

Stede holds the wailing baby closer. He meets Ed’s expression with one that he hopes is defiant, or determined. Something strong.

“She’s coming with us,” he says and his tone is a challenge.