The Pirate

by Michele deBes

Captain Scarborough raised the telescope to his one good eye and watched the flash of sails on the horizon.

“We should have caught her by now. She has a damn fine crew for her size.” He said.

“Aye Captain.” Said Scuppa, then lowered his voice and brought his weather beaten face closer. “We could use some good hands. This lot aint worth their grog.”

“You’re not wrong. More canvas. I’m sick of this cat and mouse race.” Said the captain.

Scupper gave orders to the men and soon the Black Angel was leaning into the swell, her rigging singing with the strain.

Within half an hour the Captain could make out the crew in the rigging of the smaller vessel and the fine lines of her hull.

“She’s the Cape Flyer.” He said. “Never heard of her. Raise the Jolly Roger, we’re going in for the kill.”

No sooner had he spoken when the little ship veered to the right in a precision tack. She pulled away, opening up a good distance while the heavier Black Angel took her time to come about. This happened many more times during the next hour. Captain Scarborough was pacing the deck in frustration, barking orders at his sullen crew, his long black curls whipping from side to side as he strode.

“She’s lost her mainsail.” Shouted Scupper and the crew cheered.

Through the telescope the captain could see one half of the sail fluttering from the mast, their other dragging in the sea. Already the men were high up in the rigging, cutting the ropes and he marvelled at their skill.

The Black Angel, under full sale, bore down on the little ship and it was soon obvious the race was over.

“She led us a merry chase.” Said Scupper.

“That she has. Prepare to board.” Said the captain drawing his sword and flashing a yellow smile.

Scupper drew his sword and shouted the command.

“She’s flying the white flag.” Came a cry from above in the rigging and again there was cheering. After all the exertions of the chase they were glad there was no fight at the end of it. They dropped from the rigging, taking up grappling hooks.

“At least they are good at this part.” Said the captain.

“Aye Captain.” said scupper and the motley crew gathered with drawn swords. “An uglier bunch you’ll never see.”

The crew of the Cape Flyer was gather aft on the top deck and the Black Angels leapt across and soon filled the lower deck, growling for blood. Captain Scarborough stood balance on the railing his hand in the rigging, eyeing the young healthy crew with their clean uniforms.

“Do you surrender?” he shouted.

“Who boards my ship uninvited.” A voice rang out that silenced the voice of the Black Angels. The Cape Flyers parted and a woman moved forward. She was dressed in a blue satin dress, her long blonde hair wild around her.

Captain Scarborough at your service” he said as he removed his hat and swept the air with its long feather. His men laughed and moved forward craning their grimy necks for a better look.

“The Countess Amerosi.” She said tilting her chin high to glare down at the captain.
“Surrender your weapons Countess.” He said.

“We have no weapons. We were sailing in a race when we were blown off course by a tropical storm. We carry no cargo. Let us go in peace.”

Captain Scarborough jumped down on to the deck and his men parted as he approached the stairs to the upper deck. He twirled his moustache and smiled up at her.

“You are obviously used to having your wished granted but not today countess.” He said. “You’ll be worth a pretty ransom and your sailors… they have a choice. Join my crew or walk the plank.”

The Black angels cheered as the Cape Flyers muttered among themselves.

“Then I advise my men to save themselves and I will throw myself on your mercy. But keep in mind a ransom will be happily paid by my father… IF I am unharmed.” She said as she stepped calmly forward and descended the stairs to stand before the captain. A small smile played on her lips. “I’ve never met a pirate before.” She said.

He eyed the soft curve of her breasts pressing against the tight boddess of her dress, her flushed cheeks and deep blue eyes that regarding him with obvious interest.

“Don’t believe everything you hear about us, we are not all savages.” he said sheathing his sword.

While his eyes were averted she attacked, slipping behind him as she drew a dagger from the folds of her dress. In a moment her arm was around his windpipe the blade pressed to his cheek.

“Don’t move unless you want to lose that other eye.” She said. He raised his hands to grab her but a sharp sting on his cheek told him she was not afraid to use the knife.
“No, not my eye.” he pleaded as he felt the trickle of blood down his face. “Stand down men.”

Her sailors moved down to the lower deck now with swords in their hands and the Black Angels muttered and cursed.

“I have no argument with the sailors of the Black Angel.” She said “You are free to take this ship and I will have yours.”

“No she’s mine” cried the captain.

“Is that so. You don’t recall the name White Peter by any chance?” He jerked and she tightened her arm around his neck. “The rightful owner. Do you remember slitting his throat and putting his daughter in a rowing boat in the middle of the ocean. Do you?”
The captains face had gone pale beneath the second line of blood that ran down his face.

“It can’t be true.” He whispered and she laughed.

“Yes I am back from the dead to claim my inheritance.” She said as she let her men take the captain from her grasp so she could face him.

“Mercy.” He begged his eyes white rimmed with fear.

“I will show the same mercy you showed me. Prepare the row boat.” She said and her men leapt into action.