Pirate Crew

One day Mad Martin goes too far and you know that the time has come. You insult him back using every foul name a lifetime amongst pirates has taught you and challenge him for control of the ship. A shocked silence radiates outward through the crew. Mad Martin looks surprised at first, then angry, then happy with a sly and savage cunning. He finishes the bottle he is drinking from, calls for weapons, and orders the crew to form a circle for the two of you to battle in.

The feel of the cutlass in your hand is a welcome one. You’ve been wielding such a weapon since you were a child and have a rare skill with the heavy cumbersome blade. The captain holds his as if it weighs no more than a butter knife but there is more sway in his stance than the movement of the ship would justify. As the two of you begin to circle one another you are content to wait and let him make the first move. He does so and comes raging and screaming at you like a bull. For all his size and former strength he is clumsy and blunders by you leaving himself wide open for a cut across his shoulder.

Opening up the space between you again you settle in to wait for him once more. His anger and drunkenness conspire so he barely feels the pain. Rushing at you again he misses by a mile and you cut his leg in passing. Again and again the process is repeated until he is bleeding from half a dozen gashes. Deciding that the time is right you lunge across the deck and run him through. Captain Mad Martin dies with a curse on his lips and the crew begins to cheer. Their bellows echo as they lift you on their shoulders and throw his carcass over the side.

You’ve become captain of your own ship through the strength and speed of your fighting arm. The crew respects and fears you as they should and are ready to follow you to the ends of the sea and back. Maybe now you can finally get some decent food and a good night’s sleep.

The End