I stood on the bow of my ship. The smell of salt and wood permeated the humid air. The wind whipping through my hair, my hand holding my hat in place, so it would not blow the beloved article away. The salty spray brushed across my face, the fingers of a lustful woman. The blistering sun beat down on my neck and in this moment I knew. I had known for a while, but never dared believe it to be true.
The sea called out to me. It always had. I suppose it is in my blood, my father being one of the most feared pirates in all of England, but I was shielded from his life.
I showed promise from a young age, an excellent swordsman and the best fighter in the village amongst the other boys. Ever since I was small, I would row small boats out to sea, my mother screaming from the shore, demanding my return. My mother tried to take me away from it all, but she knew… she knew that I would end up exactly like my father. Fearless, courageous, cunning, salt flowing in my veins, but she also knew that my ending would be just as tragic.
My dear mother…rest in peace your boy knows what he is doing. I send you all of my thoughts, all of my love, for I know it could not have been easy. You raised a boy, every day bringing him closer to his death. You knew that one day, one day, I would leave you to become what I was have always been destined to be. Knowing that I will soon meet you, wherever we may, in the afterlife…prematurely.
Like father, like son.
And so…with this my journey begins. I claim the seven seas in the name on myself. I will become the first Captain of the Pirates. I will take down anyone in my way; not stopping until my sword is thrust through every opponent's heart. Not stopping until I see the life leave their eyes and see their blood on my hands. I will not stop, mother…. Not until one greater…more worthy than myself takes my life, but that does not mean I will not put up one hell of fight. I am a man with nothing to live for other than my greed and love for the sea.
The sea, she curls around my ship, keeping her afloat. What more of lovers embrace could I ask for? Davy Jones may never see her hull sink into his depths. I have never seen a ship strong as this; she creaks and breathes against the waves, leading me into battle.
My brave warhorse.
I take a deep breath, feeling the salt sting my nostrils. A deep, wicked laugh escapes my throat as I look out over the waves. "I am Captain Kirkland. All who do not know should fear, for one day my name will make every man, woman, and child bow to my will. Brace yourselves against the wind because the storm brewing. The storm is coming."
