The water lapped against the shore, sparkling bright blue with a hint of green. It shone, rolling over and over, creating white foam lining the top of each wave. The sand on the beach was a light brown, shells placed here and there along it. A long, dark tan dock extended out on to the water, ships of all sizes parked along it. Overhead, seagulls screamed their hearts out, calling to each other. They soared in circles until content, then landing. A light breeze from the ocean swirled through the air, moist and refreshing on such a hot summer's day.
This is Port Royal. It has been years since the devil's flags have been spotted on the horizon. It is not exactly peaceful here yet, but it is certainly better than when the pirates ruled it. Or so some say. Some are still being pushed for the mistakes of others. There are the rich, and there are the poor. The backers and the bartenders. The army men and the sailors. An ideal town in the middle of the tropical Caribbean Sea, under British rule.
Governor Swan lives, as he always does, in complete luxury. His place is large enough to be called a palace, with its huge rooms and winding hallways. One would think a man of his riches and position would be of complete happiness. But, as every story starts, he is not.
His daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Turner, lives a much more simple life among the townsfolk. Marring Mr. William Tuner years ago, her status was lowered by a large amount. With Governor Swan bending the rules, Elizabeth lives at a slightly higher status than the other townsfolk, with one maid, but not higher by much. It is certainly nothing compared to the life she is used to. William Turner continues to be a black smith to provide for his family. William and the governor are not, and never were, on the best terms but somehow they manage to get by.
Back to where our story begins, it is bright day. Not unusual for the Caribbean I might remind you though. The flaming ball we call a sun shone down on the island, making even the naked sweat. Green palm leaves provide some shade for the citizens, but not nearly as much as would be desired. Coconuts and sugar cane fields slowly go stale from lack of water. It had not rained in ages and yet, in a place surrounded by the sea, one would think they would be able to get by. Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.