Durard

Durard was an inhabitant of Malaz City on Malaz Island who was a veteran sea raider and the captain-owner of the ship, the Twisted - which was moored all by itself at the end of a wharf on the Malaz City waterfront. He evidently lived aboard his ship, which could fairly be categorized as a derelict wreck. The Twisted was thought by one and all to be cursed because of the long string of extremely bad luck which had befallen it over the years. Durard was described as "an older gentleman, grey-bearded", "grey-haired and grizzled".Deadhouse Landing, Chapter 4, US TPB p.86-88Deadhouse Landing, Chapter 6, US TPB p.114-116
==In Deadhouse Landing==
Two new-comers to Malaz, Wu and Dancer - badly in need of a vessel - considered acquiring Durard's ship. It would presumably be relatively cheap, especially after Wu took pains to make the Twisted a haunted shipDeadhouse Landing, Chapter 4, US TPB p.88 as well as a hexed one. Durard, soon at the end of his rope from being 'haunted', finally put the Twisted up for sale. Wu and Dancer quickly took advantage of this willingness on Durard's part to sell the Twisted, arranging for him to come to their 'headquarters', the waterfront dive, "Smiley's", to discuss particulars. Durard arrived looking like death warmed over and "like a man who hadn't slept well in a very long time". Durard told Wu and Dancer how unusual it was for just two individuals to buy an ocean-going vessel. Asked how they wished to pay for the Twisted, Wu - now using the name "Kellanved" - pulled out three pouches, the contents of which made Durard's "eyes fairly goggle".Deadhouse Landing, Chapter 6, US TPB p.112-116 As it happened, the pouches were full of small seashells that were used on the island as "tokens" which the local merchants recognized as legal tender amongst themselves. The shells had the advantage of not having any intrinsic worth elsewhere - so they were safe to use and transport on an island full of thieves and pirates.Deadhouse Landing, Chapter 2, US TPB p.34-38
Collecting himself, Durard struck a deal to exchange the Twisted for the contents of the three pouches, and quickly signed the paperwork concluding the purchase. Securing the pouches, Durard took leave of Kellanved and Dancer with a broad grin and while "fairly chuckling".Deadhouse Landing, Chapter 6, US TPB p.116-117 The now wealthy Durard soon "left town" and perhaps left the island as well.Deadhouse Landing, Chapter 12, US TPB p.235
==Notes and references==
Category:Males
Category:Captains
Category:Pirates
Category:Sailors