FireSweet

Storm Struck

            It was an order, not a suggestion, so I sat down on the wooden chair.  I looked at him; I really didn’t know what was going to happen to me.  This guy was supposed to be my judge? And was Red’s boss? The latter thought was pretty amusing.  I smirked at Captain Tempest Storm.  He flipped his feet off of the table and sat up a little straighter.  He leaned forward and asked me a single question, “Are you this guy’s sister?”

            I blinked at him, I didn’t mean to be caught so far off my guard but I had expected to be drilled and dragged over hot coals about my appearance here.  It was so simple.  So my answer was equally simple.  I said “No.”

            Tempest looked at me harder.  “You have never seen Red before today?”

            I looked at him, and still looked confused.  “No, of course not, I just got here, wherever here is, and he found me wandering around looking confused.  He said he would help me.” 

            Tempest Storm shrugged and suddenly appeared disinterested.  “Red you are free to go then.  Just give me a few moments with this wench and then you can get her out of my camp.  You know that we do not create bonds in this crew.”

            Red bobbed his head a couple times and rushed out of the room, looking relieved.  He didn’t even give me a “thank-you-for-saving-my-life-and-career-and-I’m-sorry-I-disowned-you” look.  He just ditched me, again.  I was really starting to hate that guy.

            The captain turned his attention back to me again.  “I don’t care if you lied to me or told me the truth.  I do know that after today I never want you to catch you in my camp again.  If I see you near here there will be hell to pay, do you understand?  Now if I were you I would go to Carnie, she takes in people like you and gives them a place to stay.  Wenches like you need to stay away from my crew.  We do not adopt weaklings here and will not take pity on your filth.  My name is Captain Tempest Storm, and don’t you forget that.  If you ever hear tale of my crew, you will know how lucky you are to have survived this encounter.  We are one of the best crews around, and will not hesitate to cut you down.”

            I glared at him.  That was beyond insulting.  I may have been inexperienced and a girl, but I was by no means weak.  I would prove it to him and Red and any other cocky arrogant pirate that said I was just another wench.  I stood up, and turned to leave.  I looked back over my shoulder at Tempest.

            “Who is the strongest captain here? The one everyone fears and wishes to serve under?” I asked. 

            He looked at me and laughed, “Little girl I will answer your question truthfully.  The most ruthless and elite crew in this world is captained by Mají-jalio.  He has not even brought on a new member in years, let alone a wench like you.  He will enslave you upon sight, if you’re lucky.  I will even be as kind as to tell you what his standard looks like so you can find the ship he uses as his den.  It’s crimson with a black cutlass.  A white jolly roger is in front of the sword, the sign of true pirates.  Now get out of my sight, and out of my camp.  The worst of luck to you and your blade.”

            I stalked out of the office, pride in my features.  Unfortunately I was tackled as soon as I walked out of the building, end of all pride.  Kealo and Shadow were literally dragging me out through the mud of the camp.  With this disgrace I lost it.  I began yelling at the world cursing them all and their sorry excuse for a captain.  As I said his name it began raining, typical.

            I just yelled louder, kicking and fighting the guys as I tried to speak my piece to those that were listening.  “I will show you all! Prove that I’m not weak; I’m not just another wench out there.  Someday it will be all of you that will taste my steel and wish you had shown me a little dignity, will be on your knees begging me for mercy.  Captain Tempest Storm will be the joke around here.  He will wish he had never met me.  You will hear my name from every crew whispered in every conversation.”

 Red walked near the gate, facing me.  “Shut up wench,” he said, “you are not wanted here.  You have no place and are tainting our air with your vile breath.” 

            I quit struggling at his words, glaring at him instead, hatred showing in my eyes.  I began speaking again, death in my voice now.  I didn’t have to yell, for a few moments it was as if time slowed down so I could promise him what I would accomplish.

  “Red, listen to me and listen up real good.  I will make your life hell; I will take everything from you.  You will be so miserable that no person will dare take pity on you and for that I will laugh.  You will come to me, begging for the sweet mercy of death before I am done with you.  This I swear.”  I left my final words to linger in the air as the door to the camp slammed shut behind me.  Kaelo and Shadow released me and dove away, returning to their master. 

            So I set off, truly alone, with determination in my heart.  I had no idea what would happen to me, and only one clue as to what direction I would head.  Mají-jalio.