Chapter 1 - Anne Morgan - Pirate Life

The seas raged as I turned the wheel, trying to gain control of my ship. The waves bashed at the sides, demanding surrender.

"Cast anchor!" I shouted to my crew over the roaring winds.

"Aye, aye captain!" I heard someone call out. The ship rocked violently, threatening to tip over.

"Hold steady men!" I called out. Slowly, the ship stopped rocking.

"Sleep now! Tomorrow, we must find land! We must renew our stock and supplies before another storm!" I commanded.

"Who's keeping first watch captain?" The quartermaster asked, slapping a fish off his hat.

"I will keep watch tonight." I replied, pointing a stern finger to the crew's cabin. They all nodded, not daring to disobey me. I smiled to myself.

Once they had gone, I took myself to the ship's prow where I climbed onto the bowsprit and sat steadily thinking about my parents who, once upon a time, were captains of the Night Strider, the ship that now belonged to me.

My mother and father had died three years ago, hung by the neck until dead because they were caught by Commodore Nicholas Harrison. I wasn't going to take revenge because mother and father had once told me that revenge will do nothing but cause more pain and anguish.

My aim now was to sail the sea, looking for treasure and occasionally, raiding ships, just for the fun of it. There was a rule though, and that was not to kill unless necessary. The waves soaked me and chilled me to the bones, but I didn't mind, because after all, the sea is my home.

Many hours passed, the storm died, leaving the reflection of the moon, floating on the calm ocean. I climbed down from where I sat and took hold of the wheel, changing our course's direction. Quietly, I reflected about the day's events. I had heard the crew talking about me.

"Do you reckon that, Cap'n looks a bit down lately?" Master Kelly had said.

"Maybe she's lonely. After all there are no other ladies on board this ship." Mr. Billy had replied.

"Perhaps she needs a man." Mr. Black Heart suggested.

"I do not need a man!" I exclaimed angrily. "Back to your posts, you stinkin' rats, belay your gossiping!"

The crew had hastily disbanded and returned to their posts, muttering under their breaths. Almost instantly, I began to feel bad. These people, the crew, they were my mother and father's friends. Ever since their death, they have been looking after me as if I were their own daughter.

Maybe they were right about me needing a man, but then again, I wasn't lonely, I just didn't get enough sleep at night due to incredibly horrible nightmares that will not leave me alone.

The sun began to rise over the horizon and I yawned in relief, ringing the bell to wake the crew.

"Good morning, Master. Kelly, Master. Avary, Mr. Pugwash, Little Jack Boy, Mr. Booth, Scar, Uncle Billy, Mr. Bower and Mr. Ward, Master Jimmy, Corky, Master Bill, Master Will, Mr. Honest, Cubert, Sinbad." I said brightly. I know that I was the captain and I needn't say a greeting to my crew, but mother had made me promise to, so I have always done it with question.

"Get some sleep now Anne Morgan." Mr. Black Heart said kindly. "We'll look after the rest."

I looked around at my crew and a sense of pride came over me. Not many years ago, these men had been simple tradesmen, but now they were real pirates. Master Kelly is the quartermaster, Master Avary as the first mate, Mr. Pugwash, Master Jimmy, Master Bill, Master Will and Cubert are the ship's boatswain and Little Jack Boy is the cabin boy (although he is only 10). Mr. Booth as the carpenter, Scar, Mr. Honest, Corky and Sinbad as the gunners, Uncle Billy as the master carpenter and Mr. Bower as the pilot. There was also Mr. Blackheart who was the best cook ever! Last but not least, Mr. Ward, who is a fantastic powder money. I beamed.

"Belay your daydreaming now lil cap'n and off you go to bed. We'll take care of the rest." Scar said, giving me a little push. I smiled gladly. As soon as my head reached the pillow, I was fast asleep, with not a worry or care in the world.