Tainted Tides

Chapter 10

*Dec's POV*

My normal routine continued into the next day, but it was clear that wasn't the case for most of the other crew. The men aboard the ship moved like a well oiled machine. Sails were adjusted with speed and tact, pushing us closer and closer to dry land. As much as I'd fallen in love with the way the 'Silent Captain' rocked and swayed, I missed the feeling of steady floors; ground that didn't creak as I walked.

Just before sundown, we'd docked in Baron's Bay. As we stepped off the ship, the whole crew scattered. Everyone was eager to get the restocking part of our visit over with so thy could get to the eating, drinking and overall, more pleasurable part.

I walked away with Phil, heading towards the lumber market. We needed to order some planks of wood and have them delivered to the docks in the morning. It was clear Phil had been here before as he navigated the crowded streets and slipped through drunken skirmishes unscathed, with practiced grace.

Within minutes, Phil had led me into the inner parts of the city. Once we were out of the busy streets and onto more peaceful cobblestone, Phil slowed down and started making conversation with me again. We talked about various other crew members. He told me about Ashley and Jordan Banjo, brothers who had joined the crew together after struggling to be successful as performers. He told me about Dermott O'Leary, a recent join after the death of their former captain. Lastly, he told me about how Stephen had lost his leg when he was helping dock the ship, but his leg was crushed between the ship and the dock. The medic needed to amputate the foot as it was irreparable, but his shin healed. Phil had hand-crafted Stephens prosthetic foot, treating him like an injured son.

In our passing conversation, we reached the lumber vendor within minutes. I watched as Phil chatted away with the tall stranger with tact and finesse. Phil's tone was joyful and friendly, whereas his words were calculated and precise, knowing when to press and when to lay off to get the best deal. Phil had a real talent with people. He knew how to get what he wanted and he did it with such finesse that his victims wouldn't know they'd been played. I just hoped he would never use his manipulative means on me.

As Phil shook hands with the vendor, confirming the deal, he gestured for me to do the same. I hadn't spoken a word to the vendor the entire time but I shook his hand and thanked him for his time. I wasn't sure why Phil had asked me to do that, and I could have sworn that I felt Phil's eyes burning holes into my skull as he watched my actions.

This had nothing to do with being polite. It was an unnecessary action, but it must have had a reason. Just as I was about to ask, Phil walked away, forcing me to keep up with him. Before I knew it, I was focussed on trying to keep his pace and I had forgotten all about the handshake.

Philip gradually slowed our place over the following few minutes before breaking the silence.

"Are you excited for tonight Dec? It must have been ages since you've had.... 'company'. I don't imagine navy ships dock in places with brothels very often."

"Oh, er... I'm pretty much indifferent... I guess you could say... I don't know what I'm missing and I'm not all that rushed to find out..." I said, hoping Phil would get the hint of my 'innocence' without me having to clarify.

Phil laughed loudly, without a hint of mockery in it. The sound resonated and bounced around the stone buildings surrounding us, enveloping me in a sense of comfort. I knew he wasn't laughing at my virginity; he was more than likely laughing at the way I explained it

"I see, Dec. You're waiting for the right person..." He left the words linger before accepting my silence as a response. "Well I hope you find her soon. No matter how hard it is to be stuck on a pirate ship, it's worth waiting for the right one." He said 'Her' with an indescribable emphasis; as if it was the most important word in that sentence; as if he knew that it wasn't a 'her' I had my eyes on...