PORT ROYAL

ENGLAND, 1736

"Hoist anchor!"

The call was an immediate alarm to all the sailors on deck to drop whatever they were doing and scurry along to raise the huge ship figurehead.

At the wheel stood a tall man with messy blonde hair and piercing green eyes. On his head was a three cornered black hat adorned with a large white feather that bobbed proudly in the wind. He wore a high collared red coat over a weather beaten shirt and brown trousers with high dark boots. Strapped to his side on his belt hung a long ornate sword, not a sword intended for just any ordinary sailor or navy officer, but a highwayman's sword.

A pirate sword.

And this was not just any ordinary pirate, either.

He was Captain Arthur Kirkland, Lord of the English Seas and Beyond. Terror of Great Britain.

And he was preparing to set out on a most remarkable journey yet.

The seas were rough during the first part of their voyage.

The crew was scurrying around desperately, trying to haul in the nets before they were destroyed in the storm.

Rain splattered across the deck as the sound of many boots thudded away.

Arthur held on to the wheel tightly as a sudden wave threatened to tip them over. Wiping the rain from his face, he smiled.

Storms out on the seas never bothered him. It was simply nature's way of telling them who was in charge.

"Cap'n!" His First Mate yelled out over the clamour and noise.

Arthur turned to look. Alfred was stomping his way on over, trying to keep from slipping.

His bright blue eyes were wide with shock. "We've caught something, dude!"

Arthur held back a sigh. "Is that not what nets are for, Alfred?"

Alfred paused to think this over, ran a hand through his dark blonde hair. "Oh, yeah! But Cap'n, this isn't just some sweet fish that we've caught! This is somethin' else!"

This took Arthur by surprise. If it wasn't fish, then-?

"Well, Alfred, in case you haven't noticed, we happen to be in the middle of a storm, so later would be a much better-"

"Oh, the storm? It's already passing, isn't it? Look!" Alfred pointed out across the deck.

Arthur let go of the wheel. "What in the blazes-?!"

He was right. The rain and clouds overhead looked like they were clearing away, the choppy wind was settling down to a brisk breeze and the vessel, which had been rocking violently back and forth just a moment ago was merely bobbing along the waves.

Alfred looked back up and smiled excitedly. "OK! So can you come have a look now?"

Arthur studied the weather and sighed. It wouldn't hurt to have a peek before getting back to work. "Alright." He leaped down to the main deck with Alfred rushing beside him.

The rest of the crew were gathered around the nets, apparently in awe of whatever was inside them.

"We got somethin', Cap'n!" A burly man by the name of Helling grinned. "Aye, I've heard." Arthur pushed his way through. "Move aside!" Immediately, the crowd of pirates dispersed, allowing their captain to get a view of the mysterious catch.

"Bloody Hell!" A young dirty blonde cabin boy called Peter gasped out. "It's a girl!"

"Aye," Arthur breathed.

She may not have been a mermaid, or even a sea nymph at that, but it certainly was a rare occurrence when an unconscious young woman got tangled in your fishing nets and dragged on board.

She had rivulets of water dripping off her tanned skin and thick black hair. She was wearing clothing that had been ripped, most likely in the storm. Her clothing wasn't even for a proper young lady such as herself, but rather men's clothing that were too large on her, a loose white shirt, trousers, belt and boots.

Arthur bent down and checked her pulse.

No, no...wait! Yes, it was faint, but still there.

"What're we to do with 'er, Cap'n?" A pirate called Bungard inquired. Arthur paused. "Should some of the crew, uh, take care of 'er?"

With a nasty start, Arthur realized that certain crew members were staring rather...hungrily at the girl.

It was to be expected. They were pirates, after all. But that didn't stop Arthur from saying "No. Erm, let me think..."

He thought for a moment.

"Well, first we can dry her off and make sure she doesn't die of cold," Arthur listed off slowly. "Then you can bring her to my quarters." "But Cap'n-" "What?" "Your quarters? S'it really proper to-" "Last time I checked, Mr. Garrot, I was still Captain of this ship. My orders are to be carried out. Now, go to!"

And with that, he went back to the wheel, Alfred in hot pursuit.

"Hey, Cap'n, dude! Do you think she'll be OK?"

"I hope so, Alfred. I do hope so. Now, get back to work!"