Calum nodded. "Aye. For the most part, that is true. Although I doubt I would label my actions offensive. Ambitious, yes, but..." He stopped and his face went carefully blank. "You are mistaken about one thing - the Court did not execute me. They let others take care of that for them."

For a few moments after that, he was silent, considering the other question. "Pirates are a superstitious bunch by nature, but even I have no idea how..." He trailed off thoughtfully, and then reached up to remove the talisman that Josiah wore around his neck. He glanced at the tiny charm, a small smile starting to appear on his face. "I suppose it has something to do with the grimoire. Very fortunate for me - it gives me more time, at the very least."