The Prayer
"Come!"
Kennedy's blond head poked around the door to the Captain's cabin, his face sombre. "Mr. Bracegirdle's compliments, Sir, and the corvette has been spotted again. Seems to have brought some reinforcements, too."
Pellew pursed his lips at this, more annoyed than anything else. The last thing he was looking for was a fight; the ship needed repairs, the crew needed rest, and some re-victualling was in order. But there it was. Well, if the enemy was going to bring a fight to his door, then the more fool he. He nodded tersely. "Very well, Mr. Kennedy. My compliments to Mr. Bracegirdle, and tell him to beat to quarters. I'll be up presently."
Kennedy quickly left to do the Captain's bidding, leaving him in a room whose quiet was broken only by the creaking of the ship's beams. The calm before the storm, Pellew mused, a small smile quirking his mouth. He grew quickly sombre again at the prospect of the battle ahead. As he always did at a time like this, he began to pray, even as he was getting ready. Dear Lord, please protect my ship, her officers and her crew. Let them fight bravely and honourably. Guide their aim so we may end this engagement quickly and mercifully for all. Spare them from death, Dear Lord, if it be your will. But if you must call some of them back to your bosom, I pray you will grant them a swift release, devoid of suffering. Make us strong and resolute; help us achieve victory so we may protect our people and keep tyranny at bay one more day.
After taking one last look at his charts, Pellew moved to tie on his sword and pick up his hat. As he did so, his eyes alighted on the engraving of his wife, hanging discreetly on his wall. He let out a long, silent breath, his fingers brushing its surface lightly. His head bent, eyes closed, he went on. I know, Dear Lord, that you have been most generous toward your humble servant, but I beg you once more, in your infinite kindness, to keep me safe, so I may see my wife and children again, keep them from harm and rejoice in their love, as I know they do in mine. But if my time has finally come, I beseech you to protect my family after I am gone. Let my children grow strong and true in your light; give my darling wife the strength to go on. Bring her peace, so she may continue to sing your praise despite her pain. Please keep them all in your heart, as they keep you in theirs. Amen.
Straightening to his full height, Pellew brought his fingers to his lips and tapped them lightly over his heart before putting on his hat and leaving for the quarterdeck.
THE END
"Come!"
Kennedy's blond head poked around the door to the Captain's cabin, his face sombre. "Mr. Bracegirdle's compliments, Sir, and the corvette has been spotted again. Seems to have brought some reinforcements, too."
Pellew pursed his lips at this, more annoyed than anything else. The last thing he was looking for was a fight; the ship needed repairs, the crew needed rest, and some re-victualling was in order. But there it was. Well, if the enemy was going to bring a fight to his door, then the more fool he. He nodded tersely. "Very well, Mr. Kennedy. My compliments to Mr. Bracegirdle, and tell him to beat to quarters. I'll be up presently."
Kennedy quickly left to do the Captain's bidding, leaving him in a room whose quiet was broken only by the creaking of the ship's beams. The calm before the storm, Pellew mused, a small smile quirking his mouth. He grew quickly sombre again at the prospect of the battle ahead. As he always did at a time like this, he began to pray, even as he was getting ready. Dear Lord, please protect my ship, her officers and her crew. Let them fight bravely and honourably. Guide their aim so we may end this engagement quickly and mercifully for all. Spare them from death, Dear Lord, if it be your will. But if you must call some of them back to your bosom, I pray you will grant them a swift release, devoid of suffering. Make us strong and resolute; help us achieve victory so we may protect our people and keep tyranny at bay one more day.
After taking one last look at his charts, Pellew moved to tie on his sword and pick up his hat. As he did so, his eyes alighted on the engraving of his wife, hanging discreetly on his wall. He let out a long, silent breath, his fingers brushing its surface lightly. His head bent, eyes closed, he went on. I know, Dear Lord, that you have been most generous toward your humble servant, but I beg you once more, in your infinite kindness, to keep me safe, so I may see my wife and children again, keep them from harm and rejoice in their love, as I know they do in mine. But if my time has finally come, I beseech you to protect my family after I am gone. Let my children grow strong and true in your light; give my darling wife the strength to go on. Bring her peace, so she may continue to sing your praise despite her pain. Please keep them all in your heart, as they keep you in theirs. Amen.
Straightening to his full height, Pellew brought his fingers to his lips and tapped them lightly over his heart before putting on his hat and leaving for the quarterdeck.
THE END