What The Tides Bring

Chapter One : The Bleak Wood

The sounds of wood creaking through the center of the ship was almost ominous. The way the waves rocked against it just ever so slightly, teetering it back and forth and back again. The gold trim that outlined the ship, clashing with the stained black of the oak that carried along the exterior. It was a stark difference from the ivory sails that flew above, the only difference being the red lines that went vertical and horizontal across one of them. Indicating the Royal Navy as owners of such a magnificent boat.

The Loneridge Ship was really a domineering and intimidating ship to be around. The sheer size alone had many step back, weary and away from what could possibly be an imminent threat to them. The Royal Navy, often referred to as His Majesty's Royal Navy, was charged by the Crown with keeping peace, protecting the shipping lanes, and most important, capturing pirates. Unfortunately for the Crown, some Navy officers weren't as honest as perhaps they should be. Corruption, money, greed, that's all it was, that's all it could be. Being so far away from home many things had been pushed under the table, many deals and exchanges no one spoke about.

Instead of protecting civilians, many Navy officials accepted gold under the guise of "taxes' ' and generally oppressed anyone they thought they could push around. Some officers and guards could be bribed, others turned their heads when crimes were committed. But all Navy personnel were still fighters in the King's name. The king would employ Royal Navy marines and ships to escort trader and slave vessels and defend against any attacks that should arise during their time on the open seas.

It was all a take type of relationship. Still the struggle to survive and make a living no matter what, but at least with a secured title, you can do no wrong in the eyes of the law, especially if you are the law. Vladimir paced the edge of the ship, the line of men in front of him. His own Quarter Master Marcus Rowan and First Mate Thaddeus Reed, along with his Navigator Salem Callous. His eyes were cold, calculating, he had been on this job for longer than anyone could ever realize. And with it, came certain responsibilities.

He and the rest of the men stood facing outwards towards the seas. The massive rock-like land gave them enough cover as they watched the cannons pop through the air. The swaying of the ship made it hard for all to keep their balance, the water splashing on the decks as they stayed anchored into the ground made them all keep their heads on a swivel. Most of the men weren't sure what they should do, what was going on, as they had watched ahead as their sister ship was sinking to a watery grave. The screams, the yells and cries while jeers and cheers of the pirates sang free.

With his spyglass he could see it all. The captain's hat, wild curly hair, feral almost. His men to match with the ratty old ship that somehow managed to stay afloat and survive each and every damned time. At times like this, he felt as if he was the one who was cursed to chance these pirates for all eternity. His face was stone cold as he heard Marcus speak up beside him.

"Sir, shall we intervene."

"No, we shan't."

"But it's the third ship this month. It's becoming a problem."

"A problem that will eventually sort itself out."

"And we sacrifice our men as we do so?"

"It's all for the greater good."

"May I ask why, sir?"

The glare that Vlad gave as he did not like being questioned. Gestured for Thaddeus to step forward, handing him the spyglass to take a look for himself as the man shouldered past the seasoned naval officer. Gazing through the glass to see what exactly Vladimir had saw. It was when Vlad spoke up again, directing his attention to Salem.