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Chapter 4
A Real Gentleman
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Sam was alone in those infernal chambers. As entering the captain's cabin, after climbing down a few little stairs, a huge round table was right by the entrance, in front of the doors. Over it there were some localization objects such as compasses and maps; also candles and half empty bottles of smelly drinks. Behind this table there was another one, rectangular and with a fancy chair behind it. Over it, there were writing feathers, letters and small buckets of dark ink. There were boxes and barrels everywhere; on a corner, a little wardrobe with terribly messy clothes shook to the boat's swings. On the right side there was a small sized model of the boat and only in the bottom, right next to the window and half hidden by red curtains, a fluffy long seat that appeared to be used as a bed, but even this was covered in many books.
None of the candles was lightened, therefore the only light illuminating the room was the moon, who poorly penetrated through the windows from the farther part of the cabin. Sam quickly walked around the chamber, searching for something that might help her in any way. She considered jumping from the window to the sea, but quickly remembered that the dress, the corset and the lack of practice would not aid her as she swam to the coast. To her surprise, as investing near the clothes' wardrobe, she found various weapons on a corner: swords, knives, pistols. She grabbed a knife and decided to hold in until the man named Edward returned. Fights were not worthy of ladies or girls – the only time she had attacked someone was during the pirates' visit to her house in Kent – however she was before an emergency and she shook every time she imagined what the captain intended to do with her.
The minutes seemed hours and, although she wanted to think of an attack plan, she did not know how well this man was trained or what to do. After all, what would happen even if he was killed? The crew wouldn't exactly name her their queen. Sam was tired and scared. This was the type of thing the thin boy from the market of Kingston would announce, that would happen in some other city. It would never cross Sam's mind she would be a victim of kidnapping. Time passed and no one appeared. Sam sat on the long fluffy seat, very straight. She buried her head in her arms and cried for hours.
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Edward entered the cabin laughing, after quite long. He held a glass almost empty bottle and had no visible reaction as he saw Sam, who still cried.
-Ye feeling better, lass? – He asked calmly while putting down the bottle.
-Take me back. – Sam begged, drying her tears.
Edward scoffed. He took out the belts that held his weapons and hanged on the dummy he apparently used to train his fighting.
-I am aware you are… angry, for denouncing you today. – Sam attempted to say. – But I do not deserve this, sir. Please… Please take me back.
Edward didn't even look at Sam, he removed the red stripe that served as belt, where he placed his weapons, and put them on the dummy, as well as the outer armor. He also removed what appeared to be long leather bracelets, with blades underneath, of his arms and placed them on the round. Sam rolled her eyes, nervous for not getting any answer. Edward took off his boots as calm as possible and went to take another sip of his drink, disappointed when he ended it. He threw the bottle back to the table and approached Sam.
-And what is "this"? – He asked.
-Excuse me?
-You say you do not deserve "this". – He said, leaned in her direction. – What do you think I am going to do to you?
Sam did not have the courage to speak, she felt the air escaping from her lungs. Edward laughed again and grabbed Sam's arm, who raised the knife she hid with her other hand, raising it to Edward. He smiled and pulled her arm aside, simply pushing her away from where he meant to lay.
-What of the guts for it, gorgeous? – He laughed, pushing away the books and letters from the fluffy seat.
He laid on his back and placed his arms under his head, shutting his eyes.
-I usually sleep by the men. Sorry about the mess. – He said. – You may lay where you please.
-Why don't you sleep with the men today? – Sam murmured, hoping the pirate didn't listen.
-Not all men on this ship would act this way. – He answered, making Sam blush of embarrassment. – If there was not a gentleman guarding you, you would likely be having a rough time.
-"Gentleman" is not exactly how I would describe you. – Sam growled, her voice cracking due to the nerves.
-You know what happens if ye leave. Be my guest. – Edward did not open his eyes.
Sam rolled her eyes, mad, and walked around the room. She walked to the rectangular table and, after making sure Edward's eyes remained shut, looked to the letters. For now there were mere sketches, all seemed directed to this «Caroline», from Bristol. Sam looked at him with despise, imagining all the women the pirate must write to. She put the knife on the table, concluding it would not be of much aid. She decided to sit leaned against the wooden boxes, once more drowning her head in her arms and trying not to cry too loud.
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Edward had no idea what time it was, but a long time had passed since he had woken to Sam's cries. She had not stopped yet. She was clearly making an effort not to cry too loud, but even Edward began feeling pity for the girl. What did she think would happen? He had taken her to a ship filled with men and besides a shaken arm they hadn't even touched her. Why did she cry so much? Edward got up with a sight, making Sam raise her eyes.
-Up we go, pospsy. - Edward's voice was heard in the dark.
He raised Sam as if holding a damsel and, although she pushed him away, he carried her to where he had been laying and placed her there, to the girl's surprise. She said nothing, only watched as he headed for the door and left the cabin. She was alone and slightly more relaxed. She thought strange Edward's act. After all, not all pirates when listening to the cries of the girl would lay her carefully and leave her alone.
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A strong shake woke Sam from her profound sleep. She had managed to fall asleep, although not long. The sun's rays already entered the captain's cabin, where, for a few seconds, Sam was confused to be in. as she sat up, rubbing her eyes, she remembered what had happened the previous night. She looked outside, through the windows, and saw nothing but sea. The landscape was beautiful and calm, in contrast with the feelings hunting Sam. She heard a sound and quickly looked at the cabin's entrance, where she saw Edward, the captain, putting something in the clothes' wardrobe.
-Did ye sleep well, lass? – He asked, looking at Sam.
-Are we on land? – She questioned.
-No, sweetheart. – He laughed. – We are in a good area to hunt.
-Hunt?
-Whales.
The captain approached Sam and pointed at a small pot that was on a corner.
-That's what you'll be using for your… needs.
Sam made a disgusted sound and Edward turned around, his hands reaching for the back of his white shirt. He removed it and Sam almost gasped, looking at his back. It was filled with dark tattoos, of swords and skulls and panthers, each telling its own story. He was a very fit man, muscular and of just the right proportions, making it hard for Samantha not to stare. He tied his loose hair in a poor bun and looked at Sam through the corner of his eye. He couldn't help a smirk to the redness of her cheeks.
-Enjoying the view, love?
Sam raised her eyebrows and looked away.
-Do not flatter yourself. – She barked.
Edward scoffed and headed out of the cabin.
-Oh and you can go to the deck if you want, lass. – He said. – Just stay by my quartermaster, Adéwalé.
Sam was left alone with no idea who the man Edward spoke of was. She looked around and sighted. She needed to clean herself, she needed new clothes, she needed decent food. And there she was, in that cabin. She merely sat there for a few minutes, gathering the courage to take a peek through the entrance door. She got up and hooped her way there, slightly opening the door, nervous, and took a look outside.
The men were preparing a smaller boat with harpoons and knifes. Apparently Edward and one of his men were to use them to hunt. Sam took a look around, wondering which man was the quartermaster the captain had spoken of. She was not particularly fond of the idea of leaving the cabin, but she did not wish to remain inside it either.
After a while, she finally stepped out of the chamber, moved by her hunger and need of fresh air. The crewmen saw her but said nothing, merely returned to their positions around the deck. Sam moved her hair to the left side of her head, nervous, and looked around for the quartermaster. No one said a single word to her and she began wondering if she should return inside. That was when she saw a small gunboat, farther away from the huge ship on which she was now, but becoming closer and closer. Navy men. She needed to warn them and escape. But how?
-Samantha. – A voice spoke at her side. – How are you?
Sam looked at the origin of the sound and almost gasped when she saw the boy: John Miles. The boy who was courting Annabelle, her friend. He wore torn clothes and weapons. But why? He was a boy of wealth. What was he doing like that on a pirate ship?
-Mr. Miles?
-What did ye do to piss off the Captain, again? - He smiled and placed his hands on his hips.
-Are you involved? I was kidnapped! You must help me leave this ship.
Sam approached John and united her hands in a begging gesture.
-Don't worry. – He laughed. – We won't hurt you. This will be fun, having you here!
Sam frowned and remained silent, wondering if she had heard correctly.
-Mr. Miles… You must let me go! – She argued. – I must go home.
-Sorry, Sam. – He raised his arms. – Captain's orders are to keep you with us until he says otherwise.
-You do not work for this Captain, you work for the navy! My father trained you!
-Well this pays better.
The girl made a disgusted face and the boy smiled.
-You're a pirate here? Like them?
-How do ye think Kenway knew where ye lived?
-You lack honor. – She simply said.
-After the night you just had with Kenway, I think you lack some honor as well. – He giggled.
-Nothing happened with that Captain. I wish to go home!
-I cannot return anymore. You have seen what I do, now I will never be accepted among the navy no longer.
-I will make sure you are not. – Sam threatened.
Before anything else was said, Samantha looked to the side of the ship and her heart raced as she saw the navy gunboat floating very near the pirate ship. The Jackdaw was anchored, since its Captain was hunting wales somewhere close by. Most men were too busy staring and yelling at the hunt to actually guard the ship. She needed to get their attention. Sam calmly entered the Captain's cabin and John sighted and walked away, since he was not allowed to enter it. Sam headed straight for the place where Edward kept his weapons and sighted in relief to find a pistol. She made sure it was loaded – as she had seen her father do before – and got up. Gaining courage, the girl ran outside, to the edge of the ship closer to the small gunboat and shot at the air.
The two navy men looked up to the surprise and spotted Sam. All of the pirates were now looking around, attempting to find the origin of the shot.
-Up here! – Sam yelled. – Help! I've been taken by pirates! Help!
-Shit. – John murmured from where he was standing and ran towards Sam.
-Pirates?! Jump, miss! – The officers yelled from the boat, reaching for their weapons.
Sam looked back and cried of nerves when she saw pirates running towards her. She climbed the wooden hand rail and jumped into the water. However, a huge muscular man grabbed her in plain air, pulling her back in the ship. Sam cried out loud and begged for help. Two men held her and two others used muskets to shoot the officers. Sam begged them not to, but it was worthless. The navy men attempted to defend themselves and managed to shoot one of the pirate shooters, but soon Sam heard a powder barrel exploding from the gunboat and realized what she had just caused.
-Fucking wench almost got us caught! – One of the shooters yelled and headed towards Sam.
-Kill her! – Another one said.
A few men gathered around the pirate who had been shot, making it impossible for Sam to see if he was dead of not. She soon realized he was not, though, since another pirate ran towards her, crying and yelling she had almost got his brother killed. Out of pity for their mate, the pirates grabbing Sam let go of her and the crying pirate threw her on the floor.
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