Member-only story
A Pirate’s Life Or A Short One
A short story introduction to an action-adventure fantasy character
It was a quiet moment aboard the Wind Of Fortune. The old merchant ship crashed over wave after wave, sun-bleached sails billowing in the wind and tugging her on, despite the loud creaks. Gavin Locke, a sturdy sailor, stole a moment in the sun.
“I don’t pay you to stand around!” the merchant captain spoke from behind. Gavin ceased his leaning on the rails and stood at attention, facing the captain. The deck was nearly shining; he had been scrubbing it for the past hour.
“Shall I scrub the deck again sir?” For a moment, the captain reconsidered.
“I suppose, if you must take some time in the sun, go and relieve whoever’s in the crow’s nest and take watch for pirates for a time.” The captain had delivered a fresh order, and sauntered over to take Gavin’s place at the rails to enjoy his self-satisfaction.
“Aye sir.” Gavin resisted the urge to chuckle. The old man was a mighty merchant, but his true joy was bossing people around between ports.
Gavin jogged across the rolling ship to a net of ropes that led from the rail to the crow’s nest. A light hop and some spritely climbing later, Gavin found his crewmate in the nest — asleep.
