by Sheri Lorenz

Created on: September 24, 2010

Captain Nick Savage stood at the helm of his ship, his boots planted firmly on the deck with the arrogance and ease of a man born for the sea.  Though the sun was close to setting, the heat was still merciless. He had long since shed his shirt and his strong muscular chest glistened with sweat.   He ran fingers through his long sandy hair, lifted his spyglass and steely green eyes scanned the vast ocean, willing his quarry to appear.

They were lying in wait for a ship rumored to be one of the Kings own and filled with riches beyond their wildest dreams. The king’s ship was traveling without escort and promised to be an easy conquest.  They had been sailing for two months, were nearly out of rum and dangerously low on supplies. His crew was growing restless and he knew he would not be able to contain them much longer; the arguments were growing more deadly by the day.  Just this past night a man had been thrown overboard over a very trivial matter.  They were ready to set foot upon dry land and find a warm willing woman to bed down with. Truth be told, he couldn't blame them, he was beginning to get impatient himself.

The sun was nearly set and he was about to give up this day as another one lost, when he saw a flash of light in the distance.   He lowered his spyglass and rubbed his tired eyes.  He turned to signal Parker, the ship's quartermaster.  Captain Nick trusted him with his life.  The boatswain was directing the sailors and the gunner was readying the cannons.   The impending darkness would be their cover; they would wait until deep night before over taking their prey.

The men worked in unison; the tension caused by two months of boredom was gone in an instant.  They immediately set to work preparing for the battle ahead. There was an almost jovial atmosphere in the air. This is what they lived for.  The night deepened into an inky darkness, the moonless night would serve them well.

 They crept stealthily closer and prepared to board.  He jumped agilely onto their deck with a twinkle in his sea green eyes and prepared to take the ship.

Learn more about this author, Sheri Lorenz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.