Golden Waters

Chapter 7

Written by: Fench
Edited by: Toasy
Chapter 7

Hi guys! I suddenly had a huge project I had to finish, so I wasn't able to update earlier :/
And then I went skiing so didn't have time oof
(Also then I kinda forgot shh-)
Anyways, here's a new chapter for you guys to gobble up!

(',,•ω•,,)♡

"Captain! Captain!" A British voice sounded from behind Archer. He turned around, raising an eyebrow. The voice's owner skidded to a halt right beside him.

"What-" Archer started, but was immediately cut off.

"The animals are acting off, I think there's a storm right up ahead." Caleb said, before realizing he just interrupted his captain. His eyes widened and an embarrassed flush dusted his cheekbones. "I'm sorry, I just think it's really close and I wanted to let you know-"

Archer himself had been feeling uneasy this morning too, and this just seemed to confirm his suspicion. He looked at the sky up ahead, clouds were already clotting together and turning a dark shade of grey. Time for some action. He pinned Caleb down with a stern look. "Go find Evera and get below deck please, I don't want the two of you getting hurt okay?"

He could see that Caleb did not want to stay below deck and wanted to help, but he agreed nevertheless. As the young man ran off, Archer himself went to find Seàn. He raced across the deck and spotted his friend showing one of the new lads how to easily tie a rope.

The temperature had dropped a good few degrees and by now more and more people seemed to notice the storm brewing ahead of them. The ones who were aware of the continuously darker growing clouds were already silently preparing themselves, going over the orders Archer had given them in case of a storm. Seàn shot one glance at the sky and as soon as he spotted Archer, he dropped the rope and trotted over to him.

"What's the plan?" He asks, keeping an eye on the sky. The wind already started to pick up, the sails were billowing more than they usually were and the wood was creaking.

"We're definitely not going to outsail this storm, so I want Andries and Félix to double check the security ropes on the cannons. We don't want those rolling around down there. Could you ask them to do that?" Archer asked him, the familiar feeling of adrenaline overtaking him. "When you're done, come back up!"

"Will do captain!" Seàn said and hurried below deck.

Archer made his way over to the quarter deck to yell out some orders for the rest of the crew, who had all already turned their attention to their captain, awaiting further instructions. He and Narina exchanged a knowing look, she once again focussed on the sea, noting the slightly higher waves.

"Alright guys! You've undoubtedly seen that we're sailing right into a storm, so I want some things done! Batten down the hatches, stow some sails!¹ If it gets too dangerous up in the rigging I want you guys to come straight down, it's not the end of the world if we still have the sails up! The rest of you, prepare yourselves!"

Sounds of affirmation were heard and the crew quickly set to work. In the meantime, Archer and Narina wordlessly swapped places, Archer taking the helm and Narina hurrying to help carry out the orders.

The waves began to pile up and Archer made sure to keep the bow in front of the coming waves. That was the sturdiest part of the ship and was most likely to survive all the sea water slamming into it. The rain had started coming down a while back as well, water was soaking his clothes and dripping down his face. The water was making the wood of the helm slippery, but through the years he had mastered a firm grip even in these situations.