More Pirate Story!

Well, here's another part of my pirate story! We're all glad Sarah won the card game, aren't we?!? Alas, poor Sarah, as if her life wasn't hard enough... Well, as usual, tell me what you think! Here's the last chapter I posted, in case you forget what's going on (Chapter 8 The Bet)



Chapter 9: Broken Mast

Sarah stood on the deck watching the sky. It was turning from blue, to gray, to black. Then the wind started to pick up, blowing her golden locks around her face.

"Oh no." commented Skinner "I knew this was coming! Rotten luck! That this is, rotten luck!" And he stormed into the galley, leaving Sarah to look at the building storm.

The waves grew and began to slap the ship, tossing it back and forth.

"Get below deck, lass!" yelled Skinner out of the galley window "Tis' the best place for you in a time like this!"

Sarah ran below to the hold. She huddled by the tall packing crates. Slowly the storm picked up, growing even stronger.

Sarah began to think horrible thoughts.

What if they sprang a leak and the ship started to sink? What then? Would they all die? Or maybe all the pirates would get into the row boats and and sail away to safety, leaving her behind to drown. After all, she was just a slave and nothing more.

The wind howled around the ship, always getting louder and stronger. The waves crashed with an angry force upon the ship, causing it to shudder. They splashed over the sides, soaking The Ransom's decks with salty spray.

Overhead, Sarah could hear Jamison and the Captain yelling orders. They crew hurried to obey, but the storm was strong and loud, and the work went slowly. Sarah realized that she could help, at least just a little.

So gathering all her courage, she darted up the wooden steps to the cold and wet deck.

Wind. Waves. Rain. Salty water. Lighting. Thunder.

Sarah was soon soaked to the skin. They had to bring down the sails. Jamison hurried to secure pulleys and tie knots. Sarah took a quick glance up at the tall masts, they were nearly done.

Then, there was a terrific crash.

"Sarah!" yelled Jamison, pushing her away.

The huge main mast had cracked in half. The top came falling out of the sky, landing right where Sarah had just been standing.

Sarah looked up from where she had fallen on the deck. She would have died...if not for Jamison Dread.

"Darn it! Blast it all!" yelled Jamison "Where in blazes are we going to get a new mast? How in tarnation are we supposed to get to the Bahamas now?"

Running his head through his long black hair, he shook his head and stormed to the other side of the deck. Not taking another look at Sarah.

Captain Frite was even angrier then Jamison about the broken mast. Muttering dark curses in all sorts of languages, he kicked the fallen piece with his dirty boot. Than he shook his fist at the dark clouds.

"Curse you! Darn you! Horrid storm! Blasted wind! Think you can best us, don't you?...." he paused shaking with rage "Well you can't! You haven't bested me or me' crew! You hear?"

And still uttering things that are best left unwritten, he stormed to his cabin.

At last the storm finished. It ended in the dead of night.

At last Sarah was free to sleep. She was so tired.

Her dress, which was already in bad condition, was torn and soaked, and covered in grime. Her golden hair was twisted in knots, and her face was smudged with dirt. She had fallen asleep leaning on a pile of rope on the deck, half sheltered by some packing cases. Dirty and tired as she was, Sarah was still dreadfully beautiful.

"You saved her life, I saw it." remarked Johnny Terror wringing out his wet cap.

"So what if I did?" snarled Jamison taking a deep breath on his pipe.

"Hey, I'm just saying..."

"She's worth several hundred crowns." he paused "That's what I was saving, the money."

"You're lying, Jamison. You like Sarah, admit it!"

"What in tarnation are you talking about, kid? She's a slave and nothing more. I have no feelings for her."

But Jamison Dread, the First Mate of ship The Ransom, was lying.

Maedaeria, Ep. 6

Here is episode 6!! Sorry to everyone who still is not in the story yet! I'm working on it!! in the next couple of episodes you may spy a couple of new characters!! I'll keep you alerted! :)

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As Kateri and the Pegasus slowly descended to the forest ground, no one uttered a word, until at last, awe in her voice, the Pegasus finally spoke.
“Do you mean…?” she cried, as they landed with a thump by a bush of deep red berries.
“Yes.” Kateri said, overcome with amazement. “I think this is the Everlasting Stone..... The Lithos Athanatos.”
“Good heavens. What makes you think a thing like that?” the Pegasus said, her eyes wide.
“Because," Kateri whispered, "I think that that well, the one we fell into, was truly the Lost Well. I think it was the enchanted well out of which this Land of Elves sprung.”
“Could it be?” the Pegasus cried, shocked. “Could it truly be? Heavens, it was a stroke of luck which brought me into that well. But I have to ask -- even in the midst of this amazing discovery -- how in the world did I get into that well? Do you know?”
This reminded Kateri of the frightening affairs that in the first place had led to the discovering of the Lithos Athanatos.
“I don’t truly know,” she said hesitantly. “But I think I might have an idea.” Pulling the white piece of cloth out of the pocket into which she had put it, Kateri, sliding from the back of the Pegasus, held it before her. “Do you recognize this?”

Suddenly, the Pegasus’s dark eyes grew to twice their normal size. She kicked, rearing. Neighing, terrified, she seemed unable to control herself.
“What’s wrong?” Kateri cried, as the Pegasus trembled and ninnied, terror in her eyes. “Please, calm down!” Putting her hand tentatively on the frightened animal’s side, she looked into her eyes. Slowly, the Pegasus’ fast breathing slowed.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured. “That clothe….it is from my dear friend’s gown… I remember now! I don’t know what happened….it all took place so quickly! For weeks someone had been following us…we didn’t know who…Oh, I don’t know what to do!”
“Please, please, try and stay calm. Why don’t you wait until we are in a safe place before you tell me your story?”

The forest was growing dark. Although just that morning Kateri would not have been in the least frightened to travel though the forest in the dark, her trust in the goodness of all its inhabitants had been shattered through the events of the afternoon. Now, she knew she would not have been able to make the journey alone, for though she could in know way be called a coward, and though she was in fact one of the bravest of all the Elvin princesses, she now knew that there were those in the forest who could and would attack her. These beasts were indeed far too powerful for her, for she was still a young Elf and a novice the ways of white magic.

Nonetheless, the Pegasus and Kateri reached the kingdom of the elves in safety. As soon as Kateri passed through the enchanted gate through which only those who wished no evil upon the elves could enter, she was surrounded by friends.
“What happened?” cried Emily. “We’ve all been so worried. It’s taken you ages to return. Some of the men went out to try and find you, but you were no where to be found!”
“Princess Kateri,” a deep voice said, and the girls, looking up, found themselves facing one of the Elders, a group of wise and respected elves who dealt with all matters of importance that occurred in the Elvin Kingdom. “You must follow me. Honored One,” he added, turning to the Pegasus, “We are amazed and privileged to have you here with us. Please, follow me as well. And you, Princess Emily.”
The group of elves around the two girls and the Pegasus parted for Kateri, Emily and the Pegasus.

A little while later, Kateri, the Pegasus, and Emily sat in a small lounge in the Place of Councils. As the Princess of the Elvin Kingdom, Kateri, and her friends as well, now had to appear before the Council to explain what had happened to her while in the forest. The Elders were gathering at the moment. Suddenly, the door opened, and a beautiful, aged elf came in carrying a tray on which glasses of a strange, misty substance stood.
“Here, dear ones, drink this. It will calm your spirits.”
“Oh, thank you, Meginia.” Kateri tried to smile, taking one of the glasses from the tray and sipping from it.
“I’ll leave you to yourselves for now. But let me warn you, you shall be summoned soon. For now, sit here and collect your thoughts. I’ll come get you once you are called for.”

Chapter Nineteen

I'm sorry, I haven't posted here in a long time! But here is some more of The Davis Family now!

Chapter Nineteen: Thanksgiving Day

That day it was Thanksgiving! Everyone was full of excitement and happiness. That morning they ate a hasty breakfast, packed everything into the car, and just drove off to the Ferrier’s.

“I just can’t wait! Today is the day! The wonderful day!” exclaimed Sarah, happily.

“Yeah! I can’t wait to eat turkey with gravy, corn, squash, stuffing, and pumpkin bread and corn bread!” Jack said.

“I can show Irene all my new stuffed animals that she hasn’t seen!” said Rosie; happily, she loved her stuffed animals very much.

“I can’t wait to write with Cecile, and to just see her! Just think, today is Thanksgiving!” Sarah exclaimed.

“Yeah! It’s going to be so much fun!” cried Evelyn.

Soon they reached the Ferrier’s house! When they started to drive into their long driveway all the children cheered with excitement. They were just about to see their cousins once again! They all thought. And as soon as possible, they all piled out of the van reaching to hug a cousin.

“Happy Thanksgiving! You’re here! Hurray!” everyone cried. Mama kissed her sister while Papa and Uncle John slapped each other on the backs. “It’s nice to see you again, Tom!” said Uncle John.

Everyone, (with their companion) hurried inside where the table was half set and the whole house smelled like a Thanksgiving dinner.

“Here, let me help you set the table and cook, Michele.” urged Mama.

“No, no, you sit down, I’ll do it all.” Aunt Michele said.

“I couldn’t let you do all this!”

“Well, alright.” And with that Mama quickly started helping her.

“Cecile, could you please put the forks around those two tables for everyone?” asked Aunt Michele.

“Sure, Mama.” After Cecile did this, she quickly started chatting with Sarah.

“I’m so glad you could make it here! We have so much planned!” said Cecile.

“Why wouldn’t we make it? What do you have planned?” Sarah asked.

“Well, after dinner we’re going to watch a movie then we’re going to chat a little bit, next we’ll get ready for bed and then go to bed and talk and write for a long time until the grownups tell us to go to sleep. What do you think?”

“That sounds like so much fun!”

“I thought so too.”

Meanwhile, Evelyn and Helen were talking about animals.

“Did you know that our horse Rose is going to have a baby?” asked Evelyn.

“No way! Really?” Helen said.

“Yep! We, of course, don’t know the date though. But I wish we did.”

“Well, that’s the fun part, it will be a surprise!”

“I guess so.”

Soon it was time for dinner. Everyone sat down to two tables of food: turkey with gravy, squash, corn, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. The meal was so good to everyone. They chatted and ate for a long time until everyone was done (even the grownups) and the mothers served pie. There was apple pie, cherry pie, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie. The children ate it so hastily because they loved it so much.

Soon after pie, everyone huddled into the living room, popped in a movie that came out recently and watched with everyone quiet. When it was done, everyone said it was a very good movie and chatted more than planned. After, they all got ready for bed and went to bed.

The boys and girls chatted, giggled, and wrote for a very long time until 1:00 A.M., and fell asleep.

The night past very quickly and Sarah was the first one to wake up at 7:00 and hurriedly woke up Cecile.

“Wake up, Cecile! It’s 7:00.” She said.

“Really? Already?” said Cecile, yawning.

“Yes.”

“Alright, I’m getting up.” And the two chatted for a little bit. The Davis girls had slept in sleeping-bags on the floor, and the Ferrier girls slept in their own beds. (Which Irene didn’t want to do, she wanted to sleep on the floor with Rosie.) Soon Evelyn and Helen woke up, then Rosie and Irene did.

“Do you want to go downstairs for breakfast now?” Rosie asked who was very hungry.

“Sure, let’s go.” said Cecile. And everyone crawled out of their sleeping-bags/beds and tiptoed down the stairs where there was no one except Aunt Michele there. “Good morning, girls.” She said.

And they responded, “Good morning.”

“Would you like some breakfast?”

“Yeah!” they said. Soon the rest of the gang came down the stairs and everyone sat down at the table. There was bread with honey butter, milk, and fruit for breakfast, and everyone enjoyed it.

After breakfast all the children got dressed then they went to visit the chickens and the horses.

The little girls and boys rode on Sylvie who was an old and gentle horse. (That is why they liked her.) And the older ones rode on Chesnutt. They older boys and girls had raced together on them. It was annoying for the girls because they always bragged, but still pretty fun.

Soon the grownups called them in because it was time to go. Time to go, already? They all thought. They went inside sadly, to gather up all their stuff.

When everyone had their clothes and everything they brought all gathered up, they had to leave.

“Good-bye, good-bye!” they all called. And everyone waved and hugged each other, not wanting to let go. Soon the Davis’s all piled back into the van, already. They waved continually until the Ferrier’s disappeared.

Maedaeria, Ep. 5

As the creature soared into the air, a sudden gust of wind blew Kateri's dark hair about her face. She stared up into the blue sky as the monster slowly turned into a tiny dot, until he, and the young woman with him, disappeared completely from sight. The forest, ancient and serene, was silent all around her. A small, white strip of cloth on the leafy ground caught Kateri’s eye. She slowly knelt down, taking the small piece of cloth in her hand. Suddenly, she heard a rustling of leaves, a ninny, a fearful cry.

Kateri straightened up, looking anxiously around her.
“Who’s there?” Kateri cried. Her own voice sounded strange to her: faint, fearful. At first, no one answered, but then, a soft, “help me!”
“Who are you, where are you?” Kateri called, her pluck returning to her.
“Where am I? I haven't the slightest idea! I fell into some sort of pit…maybe an old well. I don't know what happened... I can't seem to remember a thing...”
"Oh, don't worry, I'll find you!" Kateri searched around carefully, cautious of where she placed her feet, lest she fall into the ditch too. This turned out to be a rather ineffectual caution, because suddenly the ground gave way beneath Kateri and she tumbled down into a deep, dark crevice, landing at the feet of a chestnut mare.
“Ow,” Kateri cried, rubbing her head.
“Oh dear, I hope you’re not seriously damaged. I didn’t mean for you to all into the pit too.”
“Why, you’re a talking horse!” Kateri exclaimed gleefully, staring up at the horse. “Of course I’ve known talking beasts….But they have grown so scarce under Syncrad’s rule…I haven’t seen one in hundreds of years!”
“Oh, I’m not just a talking horse. I’m a Pegasus. Now, if you help me out of this tangled web I’m caught in, I can fly us both out of here.”
Standing up, Kateri saw the lovely, soft wings of the Pegasus. Her eyes wide with admiration, she quickly starting bending back the think brambles that the mare was caught in.
“Oh, thank you,” the mare said gratefully once she was free. “Now, climb on my back, and I’ll get us out of here!”
Kateri scrambled onto the high back of the Pegasus, and they were about to soar out of the ditch when suddenly Kateri exclaimed, and tumbled of the mare.

“What is it?” the Pegasus cried, startled. Turning around, she saw Kateri digging around a large, round rock frantically. “What are you doing?” Suddenly, Kateri had the round stone in her arms, and a torrent of cool water was rapidly filling the well. Kateri rushed to the mare, clambering onto her back.
“Go, go now!” she screamed, and the mare kicked off from the ground, soaring out into the sunlight.

Kateri and the Pegasus circled the forest.
“What happened back there?” the horse cried, indignant.
“See this stone?” Kateri asked, reverently holding the circular stone before her.
“So? What is it?”
“In this stone rests the fate of Elvaeria, Linaeria, Maedaeria, and all the world.”

New Story!

Chapter One


The year was 1678. The sky was a dull gray, the air muggy, stifling. The clouds above were dark and heavy with rain, and yet it refused to pour. Through the windows could be seen the muddy cobbled streets, the stately mansions lining the wide lane. Passing carriages and the few pedestrians still hurrying home could be glimpsed out parlor windows.

At the dock, the air tasted salty. The waves hurled, crashing against one another and lapping at the boats resting in the harbor. The port was alive with activity. Sailors bustled around, some lugging large crates and barrels onto and from the ships, swearing loudly, their laugher and voices raucous as the cries of the circling seabirds.

Many people crowded round the port as a dark ship came into bay. The rowdy, hard-worked people of the little port town of Ravenhill would use any excuse for a celebration, and the arrival of the Monarch from her long, seaward voyage was the perfect occasion for a hullabaloo. As the ship neared the dock, Captain Tobias Horatio could be seen yelling orders, the crew flying around, completing their various duties. Soon the men were swooping from the ship, disappearing to their various destinations. Carlo stood on the dockyard, his small face grimy with soot and mud. He smiled, waving at a tall, thin figure standing on the deck of the Monarch.

Enrique Cossaire heaved a deep sigh as he watched Carlo. As relieved as he was that he was at long last going to once again stand on land, he felt that a heavy burden was weighing him down, as though a great stone were resting atop his heart. The other men glared at him as they passed, some muttering curses under their breath. Enrique knew the only thing that was keeping him alive was the fact that Captain Horatio had a strange affinity for him, which led him to protect Enrique from the many threats of the men.

“And whither shall you be going once on land? Have you ever been to Ravenhill before this?” The Captain’s booming voice shocked Enrique out of his gloomy contemplations.
“Captain,” Enrique cried, his dark face full of admiration. “No, sir, I’ve never been before. I suppose I’ll look around for a bookshop, perhaps get some new quills and paper. But nowhere in particular.”
The captain, a broad, tall man, wore scuffed, brown high-topped boots and a once-fine blue vest that was now beginning to look shabby and old. He had rough, scraggy features, unkempt black hair, and dark piercing eyes. Yet, something about him bespoke superior intelligence and an active, informed mind. Never had Enrique heard him use the rough language of a common sailor. He spoke and stood like a gentlemen.
“That’s what I love about you, Enrique,” the Captain laughed, staring at Enrique in amusement. “The bookshop, whilst your companions visit saloons and drink till they drop.”
Enrique hung his head in embarrassment, his cheeks red.
“Nothing at all to be ashamed of, my friend,” Captain Horatio added, giving Enrique a heartening nod.
“If only the others saw it that way…they seem to think rather differently,” Enrique muttered, more to himself than to the Captain.
Captain Horatio laughed.
“If every fellow put much store on what others thought, the world would be a dismal place indeed. Now get ye to the nearest bookshop, young man, and be here bright and early tomorrow morning.”

As Enrique stepped onto the dock, he breathed deeply, taking in the aroma of fish and salt that he was so accustomed to smelling.
“Enrique, Enrique!” Carlo rushed toward him, his boyish face rosy and flushed.
“Shh, not so loud!” Enrique murmured, glancing around to see if any of his fellow crew members were nearby. Then, grinning broadly, Enrique laughed, “My young cousin, how are you?” Ruffling Carlo’s hair, he added, “And how is your mother?”
At this, a shadow passed over Carlo’s ruddy face.
“Much worse. She’s been having aches and pains all over; she’s not been herself for days. She’s been calling for someone… ‘Edouard.’ I think he might be my father.”

The cottage was small and shabby; it seemed as though it was tilted to the side. As Enrique passed through the doorway, he found himself praying that there would not be a strong gust of wind, for fear that the little shack might topple over. Inside, the prospect was no better. It was a one room cottage, containing little more than a rickety table and chairs and a small bed with a straw mattress. A woman lay on the bed, covered in a threadbare quilt, shivering. She was flushed and feverish, muttering in her sleep.
“Colette?” Enrique whispered, kneeling down beside his aunt. “Can you hear me?”
Enrique jumped back in surprise when Colette’s blue eyes flashed open, her hand suddenly reaching out and clutching his shirt in a startlingly strong grip.
“Edouard?” she cried desperately.
“No, Colette. It’s I, Enrique, your nephew. Don’t you recognize me?”
Colette’s grasp slackened, her hand dropped to her side, her eyes rolling to the back of her head.
“Good gracious, what is the matter with her?” Enrique whispered, his eyes wide and fearful. He suddenly felt Carlo’s hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw the young boy’s large brown eyes filled with tears.
“Carlo, Carlo!” Enrique turned, hugging his cousin. Planting a kiss on his head, he grasped him firmly by the shoulders. “Listen to me. You must not be afraid, no matter what happens. You are a brave young scallywag, I know. You must simply trust. She’ll get better, you’ll see.”

Enrique soon sent Carlo out on some errands, thinking it best if the boy be out of the house for a while, free of its shackling misery. As he sat on a shaky chair by his aunt’s bedside, his head nodded with fatigue. Suddenly his eyes shot open. Colette’s skeletal hand was gripping his knee.
“Enrique. You’re here. I knew you would come.”
“Yes, Aunt, yes, I’m here!” Enrique grasped Colette’s hand, his eyes shining with tears.
“Listen to me. I know my time is finally coming, thank God. The timing is right; you are here. When I die – no, said no words against it, we both know it is undeniable – when I die, you must take care of Carlo. Take him on the Monarch with you, take him to sea!”
“Aunt, I can’t –”
“Promise me, Enrique!” His aunt’s blue eyes were indomitable, her chin set. For but a moment, Enrique looked into the face of his aunt from years before; the same determination, the same lust for life. But then it disappeared, her eyes went glossy and her breathing grew thin. “Edouard, Edouard…”

Another Chapter of Kateri's Story

Here's some more! Uhhh am I hogging this blog? I'll slow down, ok?

*WARNING* this chapter MENTIONS a KISS.


Chapter 8: The Bet

"If Sarah wins, does she get the money? Tis' nearly a hundred crowns!" cried Johnny

"I don't know..." said Old Buck "I don't think so. Don't seem fair seeing how she didn't bet any."

Sarah took a sudden lead.

"Blast it!" murmured Jamison. Sarah let out a giggle as she won the next hand. Jamison cast her a glare, as he shuffled the cards. He shuffled them so angerly Sarah thought he might rip the deck in half.

"Come now, Jamie" said Skinner "Don't let pretty little Sarah get you down."

"Don't call me Jamie! How many times do I have to say that? If you do it one more more time, I'll have you walk the plank. As for this blasted game of cards, I'm not letting it get me down. Now be quite all of ya, and let me think!"

"If I win.." said Sarah timidly "Please, may I win the money?"

"Only if you offer something just as valuable." said Old Buck

"But I haven't got anything!" cried Sarah reaching for a card.

"Ask Jamison, tis' up to him. And its not my money to win, but his." sighed Sarah

Jamison slammed his fist down on the table. "You don't have anything I want." he said passing out the cards again "So, no, you can't win the money."

"Hey!" called Johnny Terror "She has something I want!"

"And what in blazes could that be?" asked Jamison throwing down his cards.

"A kiss from the fair lady."

Sarah's cheeks grew hot. No! Never!

Jamison fingered the deck of cards, thinking.

"Alright, alright." he said casting Sarah a wicked grin "That's a bet I'll take."

Sarah felt sick suddenly. "You win, you get all the gold, every last piece." said Jamison "But if I win, well, you know what you owe me. Lets play!"

Now Sarah had to win. Kiss Jamison? "I'd rather throw myself into the sea then kiss Jamison Dread!"

All the pirates were rooting loudly for Jamison now. Sarah was angry and getting stressed out.

Finelly, at last, Sarah began to fully win. Slapping down a final card to win the game.

"Blast it!" yelled Jamison

"Whew!" breathed Sarah, too relived at the propect of not having to kiss Jamison to notice much.

Sarah's win brought jeers from the crew.

"Jamison lost to Sarah! Hahaha!"

"Ah, whatever, you win some you loose some." Said Jamison standing up and pushing the gold at Sarah.

"Hang in there, Jamie!" said Johnny slapping him on the back "You'll get her yet."

Jamison just shook his head. "You're gonna want to put that in a safe place." said Jamison pointing to the gold.

Sarah nodded too amazed at what had just happened to do much.

Pirate Story!!!!! More of it!

Here's some more! Sorry its so long!!!!



Chapter 7: Card Game

Once the sun began to set, Jamison led Sarah out of the village back to the old dirty docks. Sarah took one long look at the shore, knowing she'd never see land again for a year.

She took it all in, the setting sun, the little shops, the people tired and happy heading home after a day's hard work...

"Come on!" yelled Jamison "Get aboard!"

Closing her eyes Sarah sighed and turned to board the ship.

That night, lying in the hold, she fell asleep to the rocking of the ship. In her dreams she was free and back home.

Above her, on the deck, Jamison and the Captain were discussing the ship's plans and their course.

"So we'll plan to raid a few ships on our way, Captain?"

"Yes, if you think we can do it."

"I know we can. This is the best crew we've had yet. And we need the money."

"Not if we find Eddie's treasure."

Jamison laughed. "We're still looking for that eh?"

"Aye, Jamison, that we are."

"Whatever you say, Captain. You know best."

Captain Frite nodded, and took a long breath on his pipe. At last he spoke, looking Jamison in the eye.

"So, Jamison, what do you make of that girl you picked up? I hear she has quite a spirit."

Jamison laughed. "Aye, aye, that she does. But we'll soon, you know, break her in."

The Captain now laughed, an evil cruel sound. "That you had better, my boy! Slavers don't like slaves with character..." he paused "I hope her beauty won't distract you from your duty. I hope it won't.... conflict with what needs to be done. You know, like how she needs to be treated... She is not part of the crew, lad, she is cargo. You can't spoil a slave, Jamison."

"You think I don't know how to handle her? Come now, Captain, who has been in charge of our prisoners for nearly five years now?"

"I don't not trust you, Jamison. I merely wondering what's going on. After all, tis' a first time we've let a slave roam our ship. Tell me, Jamison, why don't you shackle her?"

Jamison didn't answer.

The Captain continued, "And why did you let her come ashore? Jamison, you are more then just my first mate, you are a close friend. I just want to know, what's going on with ya?"

Jamison flashed with anger. "What do you mean? Nothing is wrong and nothing is going on, Captain!"

"Alright, matey, alright. I trust you. You may go now, lad." then he whispered to himself "The sooner we sell the lass the better."

The next morning it was raining. Not storming, just raining. Little chores had to be done, and that left Sarah plenty of free time. Feeling bored, she went to the galley. A handful of pirates were playing cards, while others talked, whittled, and threw knives at a target on the galley wall.

Cardshark won a huge pile of gold after another. This lead to all sorts of arguments among the pirates who had lost. "Well, that's a good day's work!" he declared grabbing his piles of gold.

Jamison came over to the table holding a knife in his teeth and shuffling a deck of cards.

Most of the crew was broke, but a handful of players joined the game, Johnny Terror, Mitch Snarle, Old Buck, and Arnold Beer.

"Oh come on!" said Johnny "We need one more player to make this a real good game!"

Without thinking, Sarah called out, "I'll join! Please! Can't I?"

They all turned and looked at her in surprise.

"A gal?" said Old Buck "I don't think so..."

"Do ya even know how to play?" asked Arnold Beer

"Well, no." admitted Sarah "But couldn't one of you teach me?"

"Eh, come on!" said Johnny "Let her play! We need at least one more person..."

"I don't care if she plays or not." said Mitch "So I say we leave the descion up to our good First Mate, Jamie Dread!"

"Don't call me Jamie!" snarled Jamison "And I don't know. I don't think its right for slaves to play with us."

"Slaves?" thundered Skinner "Let the gal have some fun! She ain't a slave till we've sold her!"

"Well, I own her, don't I?" said Jamison glaring

"Come now, Jamie, don't be so hard-hearted." pleaded Skinner

"Don't call me Jamie! And sure, whatever, let her play! What do I care? She'll be out first round anyway."

Sarah grinned and joined the group. She was surprised about how patiently they taught her how to play. Even Jamison was nice about it. Sarah didn't know what to make of him. Almost sweet one minute and sour the next. Sarah did find him dashing, but what were looks when somebody kidnapped you?

When Sarah got hold of the game, Jamison dealt out the cards and they started. Sarah, of course, had no money to bet. But all the crew said it was fine, for she would be out first anyway.

But it was Mitch who fell out first, and next went Arnold Beer. After them, Old Buck lost, leaving Johnny Terror, Jamison, and Sarah. It was clear the three of them were having the best of luck.

"I can't believe you've stayed in this long." said Jamison taking a quick look at his cards.

"Neither can I." said Johnny "And you've never played this game before?"

"Never picked up a card in all my life till now." said Sarah

"Beginners luck." remarked Cardshark watching them "That, and the fact that you two boys can't stink at playing a game of cards! You can't seem to win anything without loaded dice or marked cards. Too busy playing with that junk to master areal game. Well, now its coming back to bite ya! Because a little lady is beating ya both!"

This brought laughter from nearly everyone. Only Johnny and Jamison didn't think it funny at all.

After another twenty minutes of play, Johnny fell out.

"Come on, matey!" begged Johnny to Jamison "Just finish her off and win the game! Please, oh please, don't let a girl win!"

Sarah laughed as she won the next hand. Jamison glared. She won the next hand too, and the one after that. Slapping down their cards furiously, they played on.

Finely Jamison won the next couple hands and soon they were even.

"That a boy!" cried Old Buck "Just win the next few and pull away!"

The First Mate playing cards with a lady was exciting enough. But the First Mate nearly losing to a lady, well, nobody wanted to miss that! Soon everyone was gathered around he old wooden table watching the two battle eachother at a game of cards.