Ch 3 Corsairs!
"After you left, Holmes, I returned to The Swan to talk to the captain. I then returned to the inn and met Rose. As you know, she decided to remain with me. We then took our luggage to the ship.
"We went on board, and were taken to our cabins. We had some time before we sailed, and we spent it catching up with the captain. He showed around the ship that would be our home for the next few weeks. She was a trim ship, and a happy ship, with a crew that was seasoned and disciplined." I had to stop for a few moments to catch my breath.
Rose brought me some tea, and rubbed my back. I was then able to continue. "If you recall, The Swan was a three-masted schooner. She looked like a beautiful bird, when she was running before the wind, with her sails set. She was a fast ship.
"We were about five days out of Anfalas, when Captain Longbottom called me aside. 'We've heard tell of Corsairs attacking ships and murdering the crews. Usually they stay well north, but have steadily worked their way south. I'm not trying to alarm you, but I wanted you to know.' I thanked him, then went below to Rose. I told her what Theogred had said.
"All was well for about a fortnight. It was a dark, moonless night. We were running before the wind, when suddenly, it died to almost nothing. We were becalmed in a black pool of nothingness. Theogred ordered the watchmen aloft to keep a sharp lookout.
Suddenly, a voice rang out in the night. "Ahoy! Ship dead ahead!" The captain shouted "Hard a-port!" hoping to pass the other ship. We held our breath, listening to the seas drumming on the shore.
Like a ghost rising from the grave, we saw the vessel coming out of the darkness. We could hear the shouts of its captain as they started to board us. We tried to outrun them, but were not able to do so. Finally, in order to save his men, Theogred hove to, dead in the water. The sails were furled.
I took Rose and we went below. I gave her some of my clothing to wear, hoping the pirates would be fooled. I said a quick prayer to Eru, and then we went on deck. The first mate brought the crew to the stern. They stood together, with the captain in their midst.
Captain Longbottom motioned for us to join them, which we did. The pirate crew then came forward, and told us we would be free to join them. However, if anyone wished not to, they would be set adrift in a row boat, with only enough provisions for three days. "Now, how many want to take the risk?" growled the pirate captain.
Holmes, you would have been proud! Every man there stepped forward to go with their captain, Rose and I among them. I think this surprised both captains. Theogred asked "Are you sure you want to take such a risk? I will not lie to you. I do not believe we will make landfall before our provisions give out."
No one left the ranks. The first mate stood before his captain and told him "You have been fair and have treated us as gentlemen. We will stand withn you all the way. We are aware of the danger involved. We will stay with you." Theogred could do nothing but say a heartfelt "Thank you." With that, he turned to the crew, and saluted them. He could only hope they would make it to land.
