5 YEARS LATER
My Father had became very paranoid ever since seeing the ship he called the Pearl. He forbade both Anna and I from stepping foot on any ship. He also was shore to increase the number of soldiers in Port Destile. I couldn't understand what his hysteria was about. Yes, it was a pirate ship obviously from the black sails but what made it so intimidating that Father practically lost it these past five years? I wanted to delve into the mystery more but as usual Father refused to reveal any information to me.
I was practically miserable now. I longed to sail the seas again but of course that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. So for now I settled for staying on the beach. Every time a single wave hit me it just increased my lust. I would sit there some days and just hope for a huge wave to come and sweep me into the cool sea. Then I could just swim as far as possible. Start a new life. And just be free. That fantasy will never happen though. In just a year when I'd turn 17 I'll be of proper marrying age and after that my life is officially over.
That was the whole point of tonight's festivities. I was pretty damn sure at least. My Father hadn't had a ball in the longest. So it came as a shock to me the day he announced it.
" A what?" Anna and I shouted in unison.
" You heard what I said." My Father said coolly.
" Not that I'm not excited my love but I am just not understanding-"
" Anna." He said warningly. " Do not question my decisions please."
" I can't believe that I'm saying this but for once I'm with Anna." I said still confused on the reason my Father would suggest such a thing. " I don't understand the point of this little soirée Father."
He chuckled mirthlessly.
" Can a Governor not have a ball without it being interrogated why? Perhaps I am just in a socializing mood. It has been awhile since I've seen many people from this port. Maybe I just want to catch up with old friends? George Benson, Thomas Finkle, James Poppert, and Lord Becket are all going to come." He added glancing at me.
He had just listed some of the eligible bachelors this port had to offer. All of them were not to my liking. George was a cheat. Tommy a drunk. James was just plain rude. And Cutler Beckett...He was the worse. A tiny man with a huge ego. My Father absolutely loved him.
" Am I supposed to care that these men are attending?" I asked irritably.
" You should." He replied in his normal booming voice. " One these men could very well be your...Well you know what I'm trying to say."
" Sadly I do. And I'm sorry to say that I will never marry any of those gentlemen."
My Father laughed entirely too loud. This even startled Anna.
" Oh that is funny dear child!" He yelled. " You act as though you even have a choice! Personally I like Cutler. And he's already told me of his fancying you."
I couldn't suppress a shiver. Why on earth would that man have an interest in me?
" Anna, my dear please go to town with Isabella to purchase some new gowns. We wouldn't want to present ourselves in a bad manner now would we?"
Anna's eyes sparked when shopping was mentioned. Even if it involved me. Though she'd shove me off with a servant as soon as we arrived in town.
" Why yes love!" She exclaimed. " I couldn't imagine anything more exciting!"
I could. Anything in the world would be more exciting than going with Anna anywhere. Especially to go buy a constricting garment that practically caused many of women to lose consciousness or die. I absolutely despised them.
In less than no time we were on a carriage ride to town. Our estate wasn't to far off from the town of Port Destile. It was by a good walking distance. But heaven knows Anna would die if anyone made her walk. So we rode in awkward silence. Which was usual when the two of us were away from my Father.
Port Destile was one of the most bustling places of the Caribbean. Fashion was the most important import next to weaponry. No wonder the greedy bitch chose to leech herself to my Father. Anna never wore the same dress twice and gloated about her amazing fashion skills to anyone she could force to listen. Those people were mostly servants. I pitied that they had to put up with her like that.
As I assumed Anna left me with our newest servant Tabby and zoomed off to the nearest store.
" Where shall we go to first Miss?" Tabby asked softly.
" Ummm?" I pondered. I honestly wanted to prolong this treasured time away from the estate and Anna. " It matters not to me. How about we browse around for a bit."
Tabby nodded and obediently followed me. We wandered aimlessly around the market place for an hour. I hadn't purchased a dress yet and didn't plan on doing so. I knew Anna would take care of that for me. She would want her 'daughter' running about in rags as she called the gowns I've picked out in the past. I did however buy Tabby some things. I felt bad for that girl. She only wanted freedom such as myself. And she had to put up with way more than I did. She deserved much more then even I could give her.
" What would Miss like to do now?" She asked finishing the meal I got for us.
" You should know." I replied mischievously.
" Do you think it a wise idea Miss? What about Miss Anna?"
" Who cares what that old hag thinks." I said rising from my seat. " And please Tabby. I insist you call me Bella."
" Okay then Bella."
Our destination was right around the corner from where we were. I had wanted to go here for the longest time. This was the perfect opportunity.
No one at all was in the sword shop. It didn't surprise me. The people of Port Destile would never make shady transactions like that during the day. Not when the world was so anti-pirate.
" Hello?" I asked loudly. " Looking for assistance here?"
Finally a man emerged from the back. He was in his twenties I'd say with blond hair.
" What?" He snapped.
I raised my eyebrows.
" Excuse me sir but I require your help?" I snarled trying to calm myself. " You do work here right?"
" Seeing as I'm here I would say so!"
I openned my mouth to retaliate when Tabby stepped out from behind me.
" Look Brian why don't you drop the attitude and do your job!" She yelled. " Geez! Why did you always have to be this difficult?"
I was dumbstruck. Never had I heard her be so bold.
" I am going to assume that you two know each other?" I inquired.
" Yes." They answered in unison.
" We unfortunately have past relations." Tabby growled.
" Come on then." The man called Brian said leading us to the back of the store.
Hundreds of swords sat on display. Their hilts glittering, just begging to be unsheathed. And soon I would acquire one of my own.
" Why are you even here girly?" Brian barked at me.
" I wish to purchase one of these fine swords." I explained.
He snorted diversely.
" You? The Governor's daughter! Ha! Please don't make me laugh!"
I tossed my pouch of gold on the table.
" I am very serious sir. I have my own reasons for wanting one. And they are not of your concern. My Father will not know this is entirely between us."
" All right then." He said looking convinced.
Brian walked over to the left wall and examined the stretch of swords before him. After a minute or two he lifted one up and brought it over to me.
" This'll do nicely for you." He muttered releasing it from it cover and handing it to me.
It was a clean silver with a basic black hilt. Despite its normality I was entranced by it. The way the dim light was magnified off the blade. The way it felt so complete in my grasp. It was mine.
" I don't even know why I am offering this." He started. " But would you like lessons?"
Excitement surged through me making me break my fixated state.
" Are you serious?" I asked in a low voice. I could not believe that this man that was entirely rude to me was offering this.
" Yes, I suppose I am." He murmured.
" But why?"
" I have my own reasons." Brian said glancing up at Tabby. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday if there free for you girly."
" They are!" I said concealing my sword in a belt around my waist under my dress. "I'll be here! Thank you for everything!"
Tabby and I started to leave when he shouted.
" Oh and bring Tabby along!"
I giggled and stared at Tabby's embarrassed expression.
" If I may be so bold, Shut it Bella!"
