"Dead men tell no tales..." he responds idly, "How will anyone know to fear you if they're all fucking dead?" he shrugs. Seems simple enough. It's not the entire truth, but certainly part of it.

The mark on Izzy’s hand doesn't go unnoticed, but Ed can't quite make out the details, and pushes off the surface he's leaning on to move closer and assist with Izzy’s sleeves, holding out a hand for the cord to be handed to him. "That's by design. Never want them to know where I'll strike next. Fear is always a pirate's greatest tool." he smirks, proud of his ability as much as any other man on board would be of their own.