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Did ye truly destroy the port with magik?
Nae less than what was deserved. My lad was ten when curs dared surround him, weapons
drawn with intent to kill. Only ten. Do ye tell me ye would do naught to save him were he a lad
of yers? She hooked her arm through his and brought him over to a table, no longer wishing to
discuss that long ago day when her son had been in danger. She sat him down, motioning Gin
and Torin to do the same. Now, point out those ye think trustworthy to the Capt n so he might
gather a crew.
Aye, twould be a great help. Gin waved over a serving wench, thinking a tankard of ale
was in order. He looked at Jas wondering why she had as of yet to take a seat. Do ye leave us
then, Gran? I had hoped for yer opinion.
Wish I do to see if there are some old friends about. I will return soon and will give any aid
I can.
Gin nodded. Much luck in yer search, Mistress Stone.
Thank ye, Capt n, and much luck to ye. Jasper wandered off towards a different part of the
tavern certain she saw a familiar face.
After the order for ale was given, Gin lounged back in his chair to study the growing crowd
in the tavern. It was already a lively room with ribald jokes and laughter; a man in a tatty coat
was singing drunkenly at the bar. Someone with a guitar was in the corner attempting to tune the
instrument in the rising din.
Where is Master Stone? Gator stared at his hands. He wanted to be part of Gin s crew, but
he worried what his father would think did he learn he sailed with Jasper. Not that it should
matter since his father had sailed off without him. And was he not a man grown? At the age of
twenty should he not be old enough to make his own decisions? Yeryl and Zasara, all he had
ever wished to do was gain his father s approval, to see his father look upon him with pride.
Fuck! He had to realize that it would probably never happen. Rigger Boots was an angry and
bitter man, allowing the taking of his eye to rule his life. Red Boots had tried over the years to
comfort Gator, to tell him that Rig s actions did not reflect upon him, that Rig was the overly
prideful sort. Red always told him to be his own man, to find the rules that would guide his life
and stick to them, and to act honorably.
If he were truthful with himself, Red had always been more father to him than Rig, and it
would be best to seek Red s approval instead. Aye, he would, from that moment, seek to make
his grandfather proud.
He guards the boat with his treasure and their son.
He found treasure?
Aye. A fine woman Lemon Drop is, and most willing to learn the way of the sea. His son, I
am told, desires very much to capt n his own boat one day; he finishes his fostering with us. Gin
motioned to Torin. This is my own treasure, Torin eth Welex.
I am told my name translates to Thunder Crash. Torin scratched his chin, thinking his
beard was growing in nicely. He too looked around liking the feel of the tavern. Spotting the
stage, he asked, Do you dance, Gin?
I enjoy a good stomp. Do ye wish to dance, love? Gin smiled, liking the idea of dancing
with his lover.
Mayhap after we find crew.
The musician in the corner, Streaker, Gator motioned towards the man still tuning his
guitar, a fine player he is and plays most requests. He is also a fine cook, occasionally aiding
the barkeep when the barkeep s son is too drunk to do so. Is that the only reason ye stop this
way, to search out crew for yer new boat? Certain I am that Grandpapa would wish to aid ye fit
yer boat with those loyal to ye.
We were just in Lynda, tis where I gained my boat, and now make our way north
searching for The Mistress Grey with desire for vengeance. I look not to gain full crew this
voyage, so mayhap upon our return, Capt n Red would still desire to help me complete the
chore. Gin nudged Gator. Ye worry so, tis easy to read upon yer face. I am most pleased to
have ye as crew upon my boat.
Ye are?
Aye. A Boots ye be and one taught much by Capt n Red himself. Always have I felt that
Red was the finest of sailors, the best pirate upon the sea. He is a man who holds my greatest
respect and deepest admiration. He took Rum and me in when most turned away from a pair of
dirty, starving orphans. Like a father he has been to us and I will always love him as such.
Aye. Gator nodded, emotion pooling in his eyes once more. Aye. Grandpapa is the finest
of men.
Then tis settled and agreed, Master Boots. Now, think ye Streaker would be interested in
sailing with us? Tis always good to have a cook aboard.
Let us ask. Gator whistled and motioned for Streaker to join them, holding up his tankard
of ale as an offer. He then signaled to the barmaid to bring over another tankard.
Never one to pass up a free drink, the lanky, light-haired man climbed to his feet and crossed
the room with long strides. Accepting the tankard from the pretty wench, he sat, his guitar at his
side. What can I do for ye, lad?
I thought ye might be interested in new adventure.
Oh? Streaker looked at the others sitting at the table. Is there new adventure about?
Gin sat forward, rested his arms upon the table, but then eased back; the tables were not
particularly clean. I am putting together a crew and young Gator tells me ye are the trustworthy
sort.
That is pleasing to hear, I must say. Considering his past.
He also stated that ye have a fine hand in the kitchen.
Food is just another means of expressing the creative side of my soul. In need are ye of a
cook then?
* * *
Jasper approached the darkened table at the back of the tavern expecting the face to change
with each step nearer. Years it had been since last she had seen him, he a young lad still growing
into his rapidly developing young body. Seeing that it was indeed her former boatswain, she sat
down across from him and stole the roll of parchment from his hands.
Her brows flew up seeing what had been written. Master Drum, such serious business.
Bass Drum s lips curled upward seeing his former captain and easily slipped back into the
rough parlance of the pirate. Jasper Stone, what brings ye this way?
I could ask the same of ye.
Laughter danced in his brown eyes. But I asked first.
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