by Ryan Gilbert
The crew shifted nervously, but none of them were upset. They understood Riggs’ predicament, or at least thought that they did. It was not something to which any of them were accustomed, but they decided to give the captain some time to think things over and adjust. Nobody knew what to expect.
After minutes of standing out on the deck, the crew heard the lock on the doors click. They remained silent as the doors slowly opened, revealing their captain.
Riggs solemnly strode out onto the deck, hat in hand. He looked out over his crew and met each and every pair of eyes. Their devotion to him showed in their respect and their understanding of his situation. He was truly glad to be their captain.
Without saying a word, he placed his hat over top his scraggly hair. When he looked up, the crew saw the signature grin of their beloved captain.
Smiling, Riggs said, “Step lively, ye filthy scallywags.”
The crew’s fears were calmed once those words left Riggs’ mouth. He was still the same Riggs that they had known for years, the same pirate that they had made captain.
Pulling a map out of his coat, Riggs said, “Mateys, we’ve got some more treasure to find. There are more riches out there fer us to plunder. So why not start now?”
The crew let out laughs and shouts as they ran about, preparing the ship. In minutes, the sails were at full canvas and the ship was sailing forward, ready to embark on new adventures. There was nothing that a quick trip to Rebelde could not fix. The Red Sky was strong once again. It had gone against the most dangerous ship of legends and had survived the battle. There was nothing to stop it now.
Unrolling the map, Riggs surveyed the drawings and marks. He recognized some of the islands on it, but most of them he had never seen. As his eyes wandered across the yellowing paper, he tried to judge where they should be headed.
Moving his finger from island to island, he came across one that had something peculiar sketched on it. In the middle of the island was a drawing of something with three prongs.
Riggs chuckled to himself. It was Poseidon’s trident.
Rolling up the map, Riggs gripped the wheel and let the ocean breeze flow across his face. Everything had fallen into place. Gazing out over the sea, he knew that he would see Julia again. It was a feeling in his heart that he felt would never disappear. Whatever happened, he knew that he would find a way.
Turning the wheel towards him, he started to whisper to himself the song that had stuck with the pirates for their entire voyage.
“Give me the sea;
Give me the wind.
Give me a ship
To plunder the land.
Steal and lie;
Steal and lie;
There are no rules,
But you will not die.
Raise the skull and crossbones;
Bring fear into a man’s soul.
Shoot and loot, steal his gold;
Send him down to the depths below.
Swords and pistols,
We prefer.
Mermaid magic,
Don’t deter.
This feeling is true;
Something no treasure can buy.
Drink up, mangy dogs;
For today, we cannot die.
This heart is weeping;
Surely yours is too.
I shall see you again.
Julia, I love you.”
The End… For Now
« COMING SOON »
A Red Sky Has Fallen
The Red Sky Series
A Red Sky Is Upon Us
A Red Sky Has Fallen
A Red Sky Rising
Dawn of a Red Sky
Era of a Red Sky
Table of Contents
A Red Sky Is Upon Us
Copyright
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The End… For Now
« COMING SOON »
