The North's Galleon

Chapter 1: Stowaway

Gunther watched the port shrink away over the back of the ship. The next port was only a week's journey, hiding a girl for one week couldn't be that difficult. Especially with Lawrence's skillset.

He looked out to the deck, where his crew was getting right to work. He sighed and took the wheel. With waves this steady, he barely had to man it. It was more of just reminding everyone that he was in charge while the captain rested.

A cold hand grabbed his neck, and he whipped around to face Lawrence.

"Hid her?" He murmured.

"As well as I can. One of us is going to have to give up our rations to keep her fed though."

Gunther sighed again. "I'll take it tonight. Captain's taking a rest right now."

"According to Jackal, they got in a little scuffle onshore and had to make a run for it."

"Oh brother."

They stared out over the endless ocean. "Women on board is a bad omen."

"Sky's clear as day and the water is calm."

"You're new to sailing, I ain't trusting your judgement."

"As long as only we know, it ain't a bad omen."

Lawrence patted Gunther on the back. "You're sounding more like a sailor every day. Don't drive us into a storm again."

He walked away, and Gunther pursed his lips.

One week.

One week to the next port.

How bad could it be?

~~~

Lawrence had long known how to make himself dead silent in a building with squeaky boards. Ships with squeaky boards were a different beast, but he was learning fast.

He came out in the storage room, where the girl was nestled up behind some barrels. "How we doing, girly?"

"Don't call me that!" She spit.

"Then what shall I call you?"

"I--" she cut herself off. "Denise."

"Pretty name. Not quite as pretty as your hair though." He patted her head. "If you got taken in by pirates, I'd imagine you'd make a good ransom."

"Are you planning to run into pirates?"

"Oh no, love. Would never plan on it. But y'know, there's a feisty crew that sails these waters. I hear they killed the crown prince quite a few years ago." He teased gently. "Of course, t'was probably someone else. I doubt they would've done that and not bragged about it."

The girl furrowed her brow and scowled at him.

"Now, now, love, I'm sure he met a merciful end. I hear the first mate of their crew doesn't like torture and has been insisting everyone they kill gets a swift end."

"You're a jerk."

"I'm a sailor, love. We're all arseholes."

"Would you quit calling me love? I'm engaged."

"Ha! A girl as young as you, engaged? I don't believe it. Unless..." He squinted mischievously. "Ah, we're helping you to elope are we? Now now, darling, I wouldn't call that any form of honorable action. I should have them turn the ship around and dump you back on the dock."

"Please don't!"

Lawrence laughed. "I'm joking, doll. I'd have to tell them I snuck someone on board to do that, and I don't really fancy getting thrown into the ocean." He patted her head and started walking out. "Gunther will bring you some food later. Try not to cause too much trouble."

~~~

A/n: ohohohoho Al back at it with pirates?

The sea shanties man

They got me

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