Merrick stood on the quarterdeck as the pirates worked.
"All hands, prepare to make sail! Weigh anchor and stow it proper!" He shouted over the din of the footsteps, ropes, and luffing of sails.
"You heard the captain! Heave away on the capstan, lads! Put your backs into it!" The bosun echoed. His name was Samuel Hartley, from Bay Reach.
Merrick chanced a look at his new compass. The heading was south by southwest. The same heading he plotted for Mao Shar. This must be the right direction, he thought. He knew, somehow, that he was on the right course for the Light of the Sea. Afterall, that was what he wanted most.
"Mr. Gilb, set our course three degrees south-southwest! We''ve a long journey ahead and not a moment to lose!" He said, nodding to Mr. Gilb. By now they had cleared the docks, and were making their way west, out from the shallows that surrounded Nustar Island.
"Aye, Captain! Three degrees south-southwest it is!" Mr. Gilb replied, turning the wheel to adjust for the ship''s heading.
"Mr. Rooker, unfurl the mainsail and the topsails! I want every scrap of canvas catching the wind!" Merrick ordered.
"Aye, Captain! You heard ''im, lads! Hoist the mainsail and let the topsails fly!" Tom nodded, and gathered some pirates to help with his assigned work.
"Cook, make sure the galley’s ready. We’ve no time for a hungry crew, and see that the fresh supplies are stowed proper!" Merrick ordered Jeb.
"Aye, Cap’n! By thunder, we''ll have a feast fit for gentlemen of fortune!" Jeb responded. No hint of animosity in his voice. He was the picture of an eager, loyal pirate.
"And watch those hawsers! We don’t want ''em fouling in the lines. Clear the decks and stand ready to trim sail as needed!" Merrick said to the crew at large. The deck was looking a bit messy, and that was a hazard to men and efficient work.
"Aye, Captain! You heard ''im, lads! Clear those hawsers and keep the decks tidy!" the bosun replied.
Merrick addressed the crew at large once more. He stood with an air of confidence about him. He held his right arm up, forefinger touching his thumb, and swayed with the motion of the deck. He looked much more graceful aboard the ship. The cursed compass hung off his jacket, visible to those who knew to look for it.
"Right, ye scallywags! We’ve a fair wind and a clear course. Let’s make the most of it and keep a sharp eye out for trouble. We’re bound for the Shark Islands, and I want no slackers aboard my ship! Move lively now! Let''s put some distance between us and Nustar! And remember, lads, keep your eyes peeled and your wits about ye. There’s more than just the sea that threatens us on this voyage!"
"You heard the captain! Let’s make this a smooth departure and stay sharp. We’ve a long way to go and plenty to face along the way." Roger added.
The ship made great time, and soon Nustar Island was a dot on the horizon. They were safe from the navies of the world out here. The Tiderunner was fast enough to outrun any navy ship, save for an Imperial Man O War, but those were not likely to be seen in the western Cerulean Sea.
Merrick felt a little off, however. He blinked and tried to pinpoint the feelings he was experiencing. A mixture of elation and despair. It was a strange flavor, he had never tasted.
"Odd..." He thought. Was this the effect of the compass? He shook his head and cleared his mind. The feeling faded away, and he regained his confidence and bravado once more. He returned to his quarters to ensure his heading, and look over his charts and maps.
A knock came at the door. Merrick bolted upright, from his hunched position, reading the maps. What could this be? Roger''s betrayal at hand?
"Cap''n, it''s Gilb and the Bosun. We need a word." Mr. Gilbs voice whispered quietly through the heavy oak doors.
"Come in, lads. Door’s open." Merrick replied, tensing up. What could these two want? Gilb and Sam entered. They looked like their normal selves, and not like blood thirsty mutineers.
"Cap''n, there’s murmurings amongst the crew. They’re restless after Nustar, and the encounter with Jones has ‘em spooked." The Helmsman said.
"Aye, Cap''n. There’s talk of dark omens and curses. They’re lookin’ to you for answers, and I reckon some aren’t too pleased with what they’re hearin''." Samuel added.
"Aye, I’ve heard the whispers. The sea’s a cruel mistress, and men will talk. What’s your take on it, lads?" Merrick sat back in his chair and peered cautiously at the two. His fingers were steepled, and he looked rather relaxed given the circumstances.
"Truth be told, Cap''n, some of the men are lookin'' to Roger for guidance. They think he’s got a steadier hand for these troubled waters." Gilb said, he looked disheartened to even bring this topic up.
"But there’s those of us still loyal to ye, Cap''n. We’ve sailed through worse, and we’ll see this through. But we need to know what you’re plannin''. The men need to believe there’s more than just blind luck at play." Samuel added quickly.
"Blind luck’s done us well enough so far, hasn’t it? But I hear ye. We’re headed for the Shark Islands, seeking the Light of the Sea. A treasure worth any risk, and one that’ll see us all rich beyond measure." Merrick smirked.
"Aye, but the crew needs more than promises of gold. They need to know we’re not sailin'' straight into the jaws of death." Gilb replied, shifting slightly where he stood.
Merrick looked serious for a moment, before leaning forward.
"Every voyage carries its risks, Gilb. But I have a plan, one that’ll keep us clear of Jones and his damned crew. Trust me as you always have, and we’ll see this through."
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Aye, Cap''n. We trust ye, but we need to keep the men in line. Roger’s whispers are poison. We need to cut ''em off at the root." Samuel responded. Merrick thought both of these men looked honest. His gut feeling said he could trust them. They were on his side in this mess.
"Leave Roger to me. I’ve dealt with his kind before. Just keep the crew focused and ready. We’ll be needin'' every hand sharp and every mind clear for what’s ahead." Merrick reassured them.
"Understood, Cap''n. We’ll keep things steady on deck. Just give us the word, and we’ll do our part." Mr. Gilb replied, smiling at Merrick.
"Good. Now, let’s see to it that our voyage to Mao Shar is swift and smooth. Dismissed." Merrick said, and he waved the two off. As they left the cabin, he sat back and smiled to himself. Roger hadn''t gotten to the two most influential people on his crew, besides the First Mate himself. The question was... Who had he gotten to already?
Roger Allerday and a group of his followers crowded around a dark corner of the focsle. The smell of salt water and sweat filled the stale air. The ship rocked gently with the swells. Billy, Rooker, Ampthos, and Ken were gathered with Roger.
"Lads, it’s plain to see the Cap’n’s lost his way. Chasing after legends and curses while we’re the ones payin'' the price. Ken, Ampthos, you’ve seen the madness with your own eyes. What say you?" Roger asked the two younger pirates.
"Merrick’s a madcap, sure, but he’s led us through tight spots before. What makes ye think mutiny’s the answer?" Replied Ken, hesitantly.
Tom Rooker leaned in closer to Ken.
"It’s different, Ken. We’re not just facing mortal danger. We’re facing Davy Jones himself. And for what? Some fairy tale? The Black Squids don’t risk their necks for legends; we’re in it for real gains." He said, frowning seriously.
"Listen, lads. We’re part of the Black Squids. Captain Singh and the fleet’ll back us if we bring them the Light of the Sea. We won’t be just followin'' Merrick’s folly; we’ll be securing our future." Billy chimed in.
"And what if the Light’s just another tale? We mutiny and find nothin’? We’d be traitors without a cause." Asked Ampthos, skeptical of the ideas being presented.
"The Light of the Sea is real. Merrick’s gamble with Jones proves it. And think, lads—control over the seas and weather. Captain Singh will see the value in that. We bring him the Light, and we secure our place in the Black Squids. We’d be heroes, not traitors." responded Roger firmly.
"Aye, but how do we know Singh’ll back us? Merrick’s always been tight with the fleet." asked Ken, he seemed the more skeptical of the two in Roger''s eyes.
"Merrick’s tight with Singh, but Singh values power and loyalty above all. If we bring him the Light of the Sea, we’ll have both. Merrick’s lost his way, and it’s time for new leadership." Rooker responded.
"We’ve all seen the Cap’n’s obsession. It’s a danger to us all. The Black Squids are about survival and profit. This? This is madness. Singh will see it our way." Billy said, almost as if to convince himself more than the two younger pirates.
"Aye, I’ve no love for Merrick’s wild chases. But I’ll not turn on a cap’n without cause. Show me this Light, and you’ve got my sword." Ampthos said hesitantly.
"That’s all we ask, Ampthos. When we make for Mao Shar, stay sharp. When the time comes, we’ll make our move. For now, spread the word. We need every man ready when it counts." Said Roger, nodding and clapping Ampthos on the shoulder.
Ken Withershanks frowned slightly.
"I''m not sure... I think Merrick deserves a chance." He said.
"That''s your call, Ken. Just don''t wait for the storm to come callin'' before finding the right port to moor in." Replied Roger, ominously. "Now, keep it quiet, and keep it steady. When the moment''s right, Merrick won''t know what hit him. For our future lads."
With that, the group dispersed. Before Ken left, Roger pulled him aside by the arm. Ken looked down at Roger''s grasp and frowned slightly.
"I know you’re torn, lad. Merrick’s been a good cap’n in the past, but think of the future. Think of what happens if we fail to act." Roger said, lowering his voice.
"I know, but mutiny... it’s a heavy step, Roger." Ken said. He strained against Roger''s tightened grip, but did not try to break free.
"Aye, it is. But sometimes the heaviest steps are the ones that save our necks. Don’t let misplaced loyalty blind you to the truth. We need a leader who’ll take us to safety, not into the jaws of death." Roger retorted.
"I’ll think on it, Roger. I just need more time." Ken sighed.
"There''s a good lad. Don''t wait to long though, time is a luxury we don''t have in great supply. Just be ready when the moment comes. We''re counting on you." Roger said, as he released Ken''s arm. The two men left the focsle, Ken rubbing his arm and looking thoughtful.
In the galley, Jeb Tyndall stood above the range, stirring a huge iron pot. The smell of salted pork and boiled vegetables mixed with the heavy odor of fresh fish and alcohol. The galley was dimly lit, yet cozy in its appearance. For a pirate ship, it was well kept, a clear sign that Jeb did not like disorganization. Two newer crew mates sat at a table, playing a game of cards.
"Look at you two, enjoin'' a bit of leisure while ol'' Salty Jeb''s slavin'' away over the cookpot. A fine life eh? But tell me, gents, how''re ye finding the Tiderunner so far?" The old cook asked, sly as ever.
Jacob Thatcher looked up and smiled at Jeb. He was from Vulrandgrad, the capital of the Kingdom of Azon.
"Aye Salty Jeb, she''s a good ship. A sturdy vessel no doubt. She has spirit." He said.
"Jake''s right. She''s a good ship. The crew though, they seem a bit... divided if ye catch my drift." Finn O''Malley added. Finn O''Malley was from the independent city-state of Golav’r Llevad, where the wizards and witches of the Ars Notoria kept court. Jeb was cautious of that one.
"Divided, ye say? Now that’s interestin''. And what about you two? Where do your loyalties lie, eh?" Jeb asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, Salty Jeb, we’re new to the crew, as ye know. Just findin'' our sea legs, as it were. But a ship’s only as good as her cap’n, they say. And Merrick... well, he’s got a way about him." Jake said hesitantly.
"True enough. But there’s talk below decks, Jeb. Some say Merrick’s leadin'' us into the maw of madness. Others say he’s got a plan. Hard to know who to trust, aye?" added Finn.
"Aye, by thunder, it’s a tricky spot we’re in. Gentlemen of fortune like ourselves, we’ve got to pick our sides wisely. Merrick’s a madcap, sure, but he’s seen us through tight spots. Then there’s Roger, steady as they come, but with a glint in his eye." Jeb replied with a pensive nod.
"So, Salty Jeb, where do you stand? Ye’ve been with Merrick a long time, haven’t ye?" Jake asked.
"Aye, that I have. But a wise man keeps his options open, eh? Just keep your ears open and your wits sharp. The sea’s a fickle mistress, and fortunes can change with the tide." Jeb answered, grinning slyly.
"And if the tide turns, Jeb? What then?" Finn asked, eyeing the old cook suspiciously.
"If the tide turns, lads, best be on the right side of it. Merrick’s got his charms, but Roger’s got a plan. Weigh your choices carefully, and remember—loyalty’s a fine thing, but survival’s finer." Jeb said, leaning over his cookpot, and returning the suspicious gaze.
"Aye, we’ll keep that in mind, Salty Jeb. Thanks for the advice." Jake answered, after a long tense moment.
"Good lads. Look at ye, smart as paint! Now, finish up your game and get ready for supper. We’ve got a long journey ahead, and a well-fed crew’s a happy crew." Jeb smiled coyly. He returned to his cooking.