Chapter Three
The Blade Beneath The Heart
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Those who tell you that your whole life flashes before your eyes when you face death are lying. I'm standing, with a sword at my neck and a very angry pirate at the end of that sword. My life hasn't passed through my eyes yet and I have a feeling it won't.
I had officially pissed Edward Mason off. The look in his eyes confirmed it.
"Who are you?" He finally broke the silence though, by the tone of his voice, I wished he hadn't.
"Is that all any of you can ask? Who are you? Who are you? Who are YOU?" My voice became louder with each word. "You guys want to know who I am. My name is Ben. I was once a crew member for the Vendetta with Charles Swan as my captain."
"If you were a member of the vendetta you would be dead like all the others. Unless you ran away when the ship was caught?" His tone was mocking and the sword never lowered from my neck.
My eyes narrowed at his line of question. I was exhausted and now very annoyed. I snapped. "You dare to judge me on something you do not understand. It Was Captain Swan who saved my life. When he saw the ship he told me to get away so I disguised myself as a captive."
"You still didn't fight. And why would Swan ever save you over the other members of his crew?" My eyes widened slightly. I turned my head to look at Seth. He was staring at me, shock obvious on his face. Our eyes locked and I could see the gratitude in them. My gaze didn't waver as I spoke again.
"Captain Swan saw me like his own child." Seth's mouth opened slightly. A small smirk crept across his lips.
"Well unfortunately, I don't. You have insulted me and attacked one of my crew members—"
"Freaky-Blue-Eye-Tormentor hit me first. The bastard even broke my nose."
"Freaky-Blue-Eye-Tormentor? Really? I think you mean Mike."
"I don't care what that bastards name is, he bloody broke my nose."
"You're acting like a child. Your life is being threatened and you're worried about your nose. You should have been a girl." Out of the corner of my eye I saw Seth freeze.
"Um, captain. I was just thinking, I used to be a part of Charles Swan's crew and I think I remember this man. His name was Ben and he is a pretty good fighter. One of the best. I was thinking that we get him to work on the ship."
Mason paused. His eyes looked over my body and I felt fear that he would notice my less than manly appearance. He didn't. "Alright. If you think his a good fighter, let's see if he can fight me. Seth, give him your sword." Seth looked panicked so I gave him a reassuring smile. Carefully he handed me a sword. It was heavier than what I was used to but I didn't say anything.
I flexed my arm muscles slightly before twirling the blade in my hand. Out of the corner of my eye I watched as Edward moved his sword swiftly downwards. I raised my blade upwards.
The match began. His eyes examined my movements and foretold my next attack. Different. I told myself. I lunged left each time it was expected to go right and vice versa.
I could have sworn part way through our match he cursed me under his breath. I couldn't help but tease him as I fought.
"I'm not like your other fights am I? Or maybe you're losing your touch?"
The bastard growled at me as I again dodged his swings.
"It's almost like you have studied my moves. Do you idolise me?" He snarled.
"Only in your dreams."
The fight continued. My hands began to blister and sweat was beginning to bead across his forehead. I pushed myself onwards though.
Then I saw the reflection in the window. My past and it's horrors flew around me as I fought not only with Edward but also with myself. I gasped slightly before I was hit across the head. My vision wavered slightly. Edward had stopped fighting and was glaring behind me. I turned slightly. Jasper, the blond man from the ship was holding a blank of wood. It was then I knew my fate. I would join Captain Mason and for as long as I could hide the truth about myself, I would fight alongside this crew. Every pirate fought against each other, but united when faced with the Navy. I would not fall to any man or woman until Captain James Track was dead at my feet.
I fell to the ground in a heap. My legs no longer able to hold me. "You have my loyalty Captain."
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