by Dahlia Atrois » Thu Sep 15, 2005 2:50 pm
“The damage to the lower deck is extensive, the floor in the aft area where the crew sleeps in paces the wood burned through, other places could break if ya step wrongly. The beams there are also badly damaged. Even the middle deck floor right above the fire, ain’t sound.†While the carpenter spoke, the he was nervously wringing the greasy rag he had in his hands as though to squeeze the life out of it. As he spoke his voice cracked and quivered, “we don’t have the equipment to repair the ship as she sails on. With all respects Cap’n, we need to dock and repair her as well as check her supports and restock supplies.â€Â
Bekka stood motionless looking out the window unable to believe his ranks were penetrated by an outsider. Who in God’s name would try to spy on a pirate? Or was it meant as sabotage? Who does he work for? If only I didn’t kill him I would have some answers…
“Cap’n?†echoed the quivering voice as.
“What? Oh, yes,†Bekka murmured, “How many of my men were lost?â€Â
“Five sir. Good God fear’n men they were. They must’ve been drunk as skunks to have a fight where a bloke’s arms are severed, then his head,†the carpenter mumbled and then began babbling, “Damnable alcohol. Bloody shame. Good men they were too.â€Â
“Stop wringing the damnable cloth, man!†Bekka yelled as he turned and began pacing, recollecting the entire grotesque scene. “We will dock then,†he sighed and collapsed into his chair, resting his head in his hand. “Dahlia, look on the map for the nearest port where we are not known. We’ll already have to lower our flag to dock; we don’t need to be known ourselves. Go now, man. Tend to your chores and your work.†With that Bekka dismissed the man and turning to Dahlia, “So, where are we to turn this day? What pitiful little hut of a dock are we to take refuge in?â€Â
Dahlia, now very concerned over her captain’s demeanor, replied, “We passed a small port town a day ago. There is a cliff over hanging it, secluding it from prying eyes…. If I may be so bold Sir, does that man trouble you still? I see your mannerisms are distant and your mind engaged elsewhere.†As she spoke he motioned for her to sit across from his desk, where the map lay open and marked with a compass.
“That man was not a drunken maddened crewman. He was here for us, for me, for this ship. We are legended to carry treasure from your home. No one can imagine what this treasure is, so they hunt and search for us. I can’t imagine how he infiltrated… If only I did not lose my temper, I could have known….†As he spoke, Bekka leaned toward her, and almost in a whisper, continued, “If something should happen, and I die or disappear; this is your ship. I trained you for it; you are more than capable and the men respect you. You will carry the title of Captain of Rehal’s Sunset, the proud Brigantine of military origin turned privateer in a time of turmoil. She stands for righteousness and all that I love.â€Â
In utter shock, Dahlia sat staring unsure of what to say to her Captain for a few moments. Finally finding words, “Thank you, it is more than I deserve or could even hope for, but why this sudden path of thinking? You are not yet fifty-five, and still as strong as ever andâ€â€Ã¢â‚¬Â
“Just remember my words, Dahlia. Now, go and have the dead crew buried in a sailor’s funeral, we shall then turn towards that port town. The unknown man will have a fate all his own which I shall give him.â€Â
With that, Dahlia left the Captain’s quarters and proceeded to carry out his instructions, whilst Bekka tended to his unwelcome guest. Fully aware that the man might have been a spy, he set out to send a message that would be as clear as day. He went down to the ship’s hold and acquired a large broad plank, about eight by ten feet in size, and fastened the parts of the dead man onto it, and set it afloat in the sea to go back to whence it came. The dead man bore Bekka Pavonperas’ wax insignia on its forehead into eternity. Sent back to his employer with proof that Rehal’s Sunset will not be taken by underhanded treachery.
As Bekka stared out at the water in the sunset, it seemed as though it were made of millions of golden threads that breathed in their own life as the ship changed course to north by northeast, where that little port town lay. He never changed course before, always steadfast and focused; but now were changing and time was plodding on. And it made him feel older than his years.
The next afternoon…
“Dock dew east! Cut speed! Lower the sails! Keep her steady! Prepare to lay way the anchors!â€Â
The foreman ordered as the ship began to dock. The scenery was crisp and fresh and beautiful, the town seemed as though it grew out of the ground under the shelter of the over lying cliff. Bekka and Dahlia stood on the forecastle of the ship watching as they pulled in, while Dahlia's hair whisked playfully about her and Bekka.
When the ship finally docked, the sky was clouding over and darkening very quickly as the wind picked up in speed. Upon disembarking, Dahlia noticed the port seemed awfully quiet and serene even for a small, secluded town. Dahlia looked around for the dock manager. It was getting awfully cloudy and damp, so she wanted to hurry.
Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.