From the Depths
Chapter one:
The Ship
On one very dark, cold night, a girl stood on the deck of the Empress. She wore a billowing pirate's coat, and thick, black knee-high boots, with a slight heel. Her tri-cone hat shadowed most of her stunning features and underneath, hair was braided messily down her back. From her point of view on the deck, the pirate could see the other ship perfectly. It was a tall, oak vessel with black sails. The symbol printed on the flag was a skull facing right, and a swooping red sparrow. The girl on the deck recognized this ship from her years of pirate hopping, and all the legends that were told about the ship. The girl glided to the captain's quarters. She cleared her throat, and entered her cabin. Promptly walking over to her desk, she sat in the chair. She studied her charts, and cursed under her breath. In fury, she threw her hat off, revealing her heart shaped face. This mysterious girl was none other then the Governors daughter, Elizabeth Turner.
Elizabeth had been Captain of the Empress for a short time, but had already mastered the basics. Peering out through the musty glass, she saw the ship next to hers gently rocking back and fourth. She smirked, and stood again. Elizabeth found am oil lamp, and headed for the crew's sleeping area. She tip-toed into the small chamber, dousing the lamp. The sounds of sleeping pirate men filled her ears. Elizabeth floated silently around the men, squinty in the dim light, trying to find her first mate. At last, she found the sleeping Chinese face of Tai Huang. She cleared her throat loudly, and he only stirred. She put her hand on his shoulder, he didn't move. Elizabeth threw an exasperated sigh, and thought of nothing better to do then shake him. Instinctively, she put her hands on his broad shoulders and shook violently. He awoke with a jerk, and sat up.
Wide eyes, he said, "Yes, Cap'in?"
Elizabeth smirked. "The ship has caught us once again."
He sighed. "Yeah, I figured that may the reason of this…rude awakening."
"Now, Tai," Elizabeth giggled. "I can have you cast off this ship."
Tai laughed heartily. "Yes, I know Mistress."
Her smile faded. "Now, back to our more serious matters,"
He nodded somberly. "Yes, indeed."
Tai Huang swung his legs over the edge of his cot, and got up. He followed her out. Once on the ship, they went over to where she had been standing.
"It's gone!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening.
Tai Huang looked at her gravely. "Are you sure it was even there to begin with, Cap'in?"
Elizabeth looked at him, outraged. "Of course it was there!"
Tai Huang raised his hands, and backed away slowly. "Sorry,"
Elizabeth nodded, and scanned the lighted horizon. The sun was starting to rise. But alas, no ship.
You see, the ship that she had spotted, was of course, the ship of the notorious pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow. She had been searching for him for months. It seemed like a game, really, the ship would appear, often at night, and when Elizabeth had gone to get her first mate, would disappear. Elizabeth was in need of talking to her husband, who happened to be Captain of the Flying Dutchman, William Turner.
