Hey guys! I'm back with chapter 7 of The Pirate King. This is one of my favorite stories. I actually wrote it while I was in school. During class when I had nothing else to do I would whip out my notebook and go to town. While everyone else was immersed in calculus and Shakespeare, I was sailing the seas and exploring the world with a group of very handsome pirates. I love being a writer! Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter!
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The Pirate King
Chapter 7: The Storm
Thunder resounded off the ocean waves as they began to churn threateningly. Endymion drew his brows together in worry.
"How does it look, Zoicite?" Endymion asked his navigator.
"It looks like a hurricane, sir!"
"Great, just perfect." He ran his hand through his hair, agitated. "Is there anyway we can dodge it?"
"No sir, it's moving too quickly. We're heading straight into its path."
"Tell the men to tie the sails and batten the hatches. Drop the anchor. We're gonna wait this out."
"Yes sir!" Zoicite rushed to carry out Endymion's orders. Endymion blew out a gusty sigh of frustration.
"Is something wrong, Endymion?" Serenity asked, coming to join him.
"Yes actually," he began. He knew he had to have all the women below deck to keep them safe. "We're about to run into a hurricane."
"No!" she exclaimed. "What are we going to do?"
"Drop the anchor and hope to God it's quick."
"Is that all we can do?"
"That's all we can do. You and the other girls are going to be below deck, where it is safe."
Serenity glared at him. "I am not staying below deck and I don't think the other girls will either. I want to help as much as I can."
Endymion considered her for a moment before smiling. "Alright then, but I warned you…"
The wind ripped through the boat deck, pulling with it several barrels that had been left on deck. Endymion ducked his head just as one flew towards him.
"That was close!" Serenity shouted over the wind. Endymion grinned back. Around both of their waists a thick, brown rope had been tied, leading to the boat railing where it was knotted around the wooden handrails.
A wave crashed over the ship, causing it to rock threateningly. Serenity stumbled back and clutched the rail to prevent being thrown overboard.
"Captain!" Zoicite called from where he was tied to the mast. "The eye is up ahead!"
Endymion looked up to see a circle of calm sea. "Finally, we're halfway through."
"Halfway!" Serenity exclaimed. "We're only halfway?" her voice rose hysterically.
The eye drifted leisurely over them and the violent rocking of the boat ceased. Endymion untied the rope from his waist. "Alright men, hurry up and grab some food and water, visit the privy and be back before the eye is past."
"Aye captain!" They all replied in tired voices. Serenity untied her rope and slumped to the floor.
"Imagine if it had been a tsunami.' Endymion laughed, coming to sit beside her. Serenity laughed along weakly. They sat in silence for the rest of the time they had in the eye.
The line of angry dark clouds returned and the sea began to rage once again. They quickly retied their ropes before the hurricane hit them full force once more. The ship lurched forward with a sickening jolt and Serenity was tossed over the railing. The rope tensed and she fell the full length of it. Endymion jumped towards where she had fallen but was held back by his own length of rope.
"Why?" he cursed himself. "Why did I let her stay on deck?" He untied his rope and ran hap-hazard to the railing where he rope was still tied. After peering overboard he saw Serenity clinging to the hull, her eyes clenched in panic.
"Princess!" he called to her. She opened her eyes and peered at him. "Hold on to the rope! I am going to pull you back up!" Serenity nodded her understanding and released the hull slowly before wrapping her hands around the rope.
Endymion worked on hoisting the rope slowly, aware that if he panicked and messed up he could send them both into the rolling sea. She was actually very light and would have been easy to pull up if the wind wasn't pushing so violently against her.
Finally he pulled her up and over the railing. She stood for a moment before slumping against his chest in tears.
"I…I was so…scared!" she cried.
"You're alright now…its okay." He soothed, rubbing her head gently.
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Sorry this chapter was so short but when I originally wrote this story it was a one-parter and after breaking it up I was left with some short chapter like this one that didn't really belong anywhere. But I will make it up to you all in the next chapter! Love is in the air for our hero and heroine!