Wow so many views its exciting and thanks heaps for the favs. I hope this is sounding very piraty (new word). Haha
Chapter 2
The crew cheered and hollered; with a bottle of rum in one hand and a fat pouch in the other they celebrated their victory. Drinking to the Captain and to the mighty ship that was the Jackdaw. Her once empty hold now full of gold, sugar and other precious cargo plundered from the two Briggs. Items that were greatly needed back in Nassau.
They had battled full heartedly and earned their prize but the ship had not escaped unscathed. Two large holes in her hull needed to be boarded and the sails were tattered, torn beyond repair. Harbouring them from sailing any further.
Edward sat in his dimly lit cabin, deep in thoughts of great treasures and riches while he studied a large map of the Caribbean. His brow furrowed in frustration, he was no closer to finding the Observatory or the amount of gold he desired. All he had was a map and a few Templar keys for his efforts. Hardly worth his time or sanity. No one believed him nor would they help aid his searches.
Taking a swig from his bottle he stabbed the map with a knife, right where the island Tulum was located. That was Edwards's second encounter with the Assassins after his tyranny in Havana. He didn't think much of their creed, liking more of a dangerous and rebellious lifestyle. Though he was fond of their second tenant 'everything is permitted' that suited him just fine. Pillaging and plundering whatever he liked however he saw fit. Living life as a free man, no rules, no king.
Outside on deck the booming voice of Adewale split the air before the doors to Edward's cabin were flung open. His quartermaster stood fuming at the doorway, "you'd better come put a boot into these men before I light a cannon under their asses".
"Haven't they finished repairing the blasted ship yet?"
Ade shook his head, "it seems the crew are a little distracted today sir. If they keep moving at this pace we'll never reach Nassau".
"Bloody hell," Edward threw his bottle on the floor and followed Ade out on deck, slamming his cabin doors closed behind him. Two sailors resting near the stairs jumped at the sudden sight of the Captain and fumbled to stand up.
"What are you to staring at?" he seethed, "get back to work!"
"Aye Capt'n". They scrambled up the runs to join the men tying the last of the sails to the mast.
Resting a hand on the hilt of his sword he stalked towards the front of the ship, the men he had assigned to fix the hull had stopped their work and instead where peering over the sides to the sea below.
"Can ya hear it?"
"What is it?"
"Music"
"Sirens?"
Sloshed with rum and too busy talking nonsense they didn't hear Edwards approaching footsteps.
"What's the meaning of this Jack?" He barked at the balding man.
The men backed up slowly leaving poor Jack standing alone to face the Captain's wrath. "Didn't… didn't ya hear it sir?" he stuttered, wringing his hands anxiously.
"Hear what? Spill it out man?"
Jack leaned in closer to Edward and whispered "we heard music sir, clear as day. The men, you see, they be suspecting sirens".
"Music!" Edward laughed shaking his head, "we're in the middle of the ocean lads".
A nervous, toothy grin spread across Jacks face. "The men are a tad superstitious Capt'n that all".
"Aye" Edward chuckled. "I think that's enough for you lot till we make port, its affecting your senses men". He took out his spyglass and looked out over the vast Caribbean Sea; there was nothing but floating debris and a rowboat bobbing in the choppy waters.
"Do you see something Kenway?" Adewale stood beside him.
"Wreckage from the storm and a lonely rowboat, nothing of true value".
"Could be a shipwreck survivor inside, they might need some help".
Replacing the spyglass back on his belt he glanced at Jack, "is the hull patched yet?"
"The largest is Capt'n but the other still needs work".
"And the sails?"
"Ready to go" a sailor pipped up.
Nodding he walked towards the ship's hull with Adewale in tow, "any orders Kenway?"
"Continue on course men, we'll check the boat when we pass".
"Boat in sighting sir!"
"Bring her to a standstill, drop anchor".
Releasing the wheel he and his crew peered over the side to the vessel below and were surprised to find a woman curled in the bottom.
"Hello boys." Standing up she flashed them a big smile.
A few men cheered and whistled at the beautiful brunette below who was wearing no more than brown pants and a loose cotton top that showed her bare middle.
"Would it be you who my crew heard not a moment ago?" Edward chuckled, "I'm afraid they mistook you for a siren".
She laughed and waved a fiddle in the air, "that's very flattering but I am no siren. Just merely a musician awaiting to be rescued".
"Today's your lucky day then! It's not often one come across a rowboat with a lovely lass such as yourself inside, do you need asistance?" Edward gestured around to his ship and fellow crewmen.
"You must be the Captain, am I right".
"Aye, Edward Kenway at your service," he made a little bow towards her.
"Well Captain, may I ask what you mean by help. That black flag at your mast brings no comfort and Pirates aren't the kindest of souls." She was beginning to feel a little uneasy under the eyes of the men, it was in anyone's best interest to avoid Pirates at all costs. Quickly she tugged on her boots and laced the corset around her as fast as she could.
The men all laughed loudly at the words the woman had spoken.
Edward was the first to speak, "you have my word the crew will not disobey my orders".
Waving a hand she sat back down in the boat, "as promising as that sounds Mr Kenway I think I'll take my chances with the sea, thank you for the offer all the same".
Edward was confused, what woman would want to spend her time in a small rowboat, in the middle of nowhere.
"There is no land for miles, you'll surely perish before you before you reach any. Come aboard and I'll give you safe passage." Edward watched the woman pick up the boats oars, 'she's serious' he thought.
The woman stared up at the rugged man contemplating her choices. She could go with them or stay where she was and hope for the best.
A rope was thrown over the side of the ship to the boat down below.
"Have you made your decision yet lass?" Edward called down to her.
She didn't reply for some time, still deciding whether to risk it or not.
"Perhaps we should just leave her Captain, we need to reach Nassau soon," Adewale whispered to him.
"I know, I know just give me a moment Ade".
"I can leave you hear with the sharks if you like, I hear they keep wonderful company" Edward smirked.
"Perhaps better than your own Captain," she grinned.
The crew laughed heartedly, Edward shot them a menacing look which silenced them immediately.
"I assure you there is none better than mine, come aboard my lady and see for yourself".
She grabbed the end of the rope and put her right foot on the side, "you're quite the charmer Mr Kenway".
Edward smiled, "that's the spirit". Turning around to face the men holding the rope he ordered "hold tight lads and bring her up gently!"
They dug their heels into the wood and gripped tightly to support the woman's weight. But were surprised when she climbed over the side and onto the deck of the ship without the ropes aid.
"Sorry boys" she pattered one of the men's arm and dropped her bag on the ground.
"You've had experience with ships before? I'm impressed" Edward asked walking down the ships stairs towards the lady.
"I've had my fair share of fun" she grinned looking around the ship.
"I didn't catch your name".
"That's because I didn't give you one" she gave a sly smile. "It's Sophia".
