The Sleeping Pirate

Chapter One

Once upon a time, there was a pirate captain named Aurora. Her ship was the sleeping pirate. She and her pirate crew went on many adventures. The most recent added a member to the crew.

They had stopped at a port for supplies and Captain Aurora decided to explore. She wandered the streets, taking in the sights. Aurora passed a bar, a butcher man, a blacksmith, and a few small restaurants. She eventually found herself standing in front of a white castle.

A large stonewall surrounded the beautiful castle. The metal gate was made of intricately formed metal. Aurora approached the gates admiring the patterns in the gate.

"Maybe I'll see what I can steel" Aurora said to herself. She was about to push the gate open when she noticed the castle guards. There was no way they would let her past the gate.

Aurora backed away from the gate and decided to climb up and over the wall surrounding the castle. She walked along the wall for about three minutes before stopping to examine the wall. It was about ten feet tall and made of stone. Aurora placed her hands on the wall and began to climb.

Slowly Aurora climbed the wall. She hoisted herself onto the top of the wall, her legs dangling down. Aurora pushed herself off the wall. Her knees buckled when she landed. Aurora rolled forward so the impact did not hurt as much.

Aurora stood and brushed the dirt off her black pants. She started heading for the castle. She ended up in the garden, and wove her way through it. She was almost caught by some of the gardeners, because she tripped over a gnome.

Aurora finally made it to the castle after ten minutes of navigating the garden. The stalls of the castle were covered in vines. There were two tall towers. One on the east side, one on the west. Aurora started climbing the western tower.

Aurora's arms and legs ached as she climbed higher and higher. Her fingers hurt from gripping the rough stonewalls. However, she kept climbing. At the top was a window that led into a beautifully decorated bedroom.

Aurora pushed open the window and climbed in. There was a canopy bed a white dresser a desk with a lamp and a white bookshelf. Aurora made her way to the bed and collapsed onto the mattress. Soon she fell fast asleep.

. . .

Aurora woke with a start. Standing over her was a young man with black eyes and dark brown hair. He was wearing a servant's uniform and his eyes were wide with shock.

"Who are you?" The man asked straightening.

"My name is Aurora, and you are?" Aurora asked getting out of the bed.

"My name is Finnian Bell." He said." What is a pirate like yourself doing asleep in the princess's bed?"

"Well I was going to steal some stuff, but climbing up the tower took a lot out of me."

"You climbed the tower?" Finnian said his jaw dropping.

"Yeah." Aurora said shrugging.

"You are the coolest woman I have ever met." Finnian said smiling widely.

"Thanks. So, what are you doing up here?" Aurora asked.

"I was looking for the Princess. She is supposed to meet a suitor." Finnian said.

"OK, well she isn't here." Aurora said.

"Obviously." Finnian said rolling his eyes.

"Yeah." Aurora said running a hand through her long blond hair.

"What's it like being a pirate?" Finnian asked.

"Well, it is full of danger and excitement. You are free to do what you want. It is almost never boring and, depending on the crew, you have the best friends a person could ask for." Aurora answered thoughtfully.

"Can I join your crew?" Finnian asked.

"Only if you can tell me how you would benefit my crew."

"Um, I know a lot about politics and know how to best deal with royals. I can cook, and I have had some practice with a sword."

"Interesting," Aurora said," I think I will take you with me."

"Seriously?" Finnian said grinning.

"Yup." Aurora said nodding, "It would be nice to have someone who knows about politics."

"Thank you." Finnian said practically jumping up and down. Aurora opened the window and held out a hand for Finnian to grab.

"Shall we go?" Aurora asked.

"We shall." Finnian answered accepting her hand.

"You are officially a member of the Sleeping Pirates."