GLOSSARY:
Quarter gallery.
The high, tower-like structure at the back of a ship that housed the officer's quarters, including the top deck where the ship's wheel is located.
Powdermonkey.
A person in charge of moving gunpowder to the ship's cannons/artillery. This role was often filled by young boys aged 12-14 due to their ability to move around in the limited space between decks.
Keelhauling.
The process of punishing/killing someone by dragging them through the water under the keel (underside) of a ship by rope. This was a particularly harsh form of punishment as the underside of ships was covered in barnacles, which would cut up the skin of the victim.
Quartermaster.
The person that is second in command on the ship. They take on leadership duties when the captain is not available.
Galley.
The kitchen on a ship.
Flintlock.
A type of pistol commonly used on pirate ships in the 17th-18th century. These fired when a piece of flint struck a piece of metal (frizzen) to ignite gunpowder. Often old guns were reconstructed into a lighters, so that when the trigger pulled, tinder in the body of the gun ignited. Matches were not invented until the early 19th century, so this was the only way for pirates to quickly ignite flames.
Chewstick.
A tool for cleaning teeth before the use of toothbrushes. These were commonly made by taking licorice root and fashioning the end into a set of bristles.
Jolly boat.
A small paddle boat (dinghy) that sailors used to get inland through waters too shallow for their ships. They are steered with two paddles on either side.
PART I.
A mother's job is to teach her children with love.
In mother nature, this is in the guiding winds that blow one home.
She is in the snap of sails and the crack of wood,
She is in the sunrise and sunset, and the endless starry night.
In mother by birth, this is in the hands she holds her children with.
She is in the scolding smack, the loving embrace,
She is in the letters she writes for one's return.
But this land is run by a king
and no mother has a hand in the law.
The law does not teach and it does not love,
It only fears and blackens and hates.
And so, one must live outside in watery exile
And teach themselves
And hope that love will one day follow.
ONYX | PROLOGUE
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Sodalite & Aventurine
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