The Other Tide

Chapter I

The necklace around her neck dangled on her delicate features. The shimmer caught the man's attention. The symbol on it was exactly what they were looking for. The man nodded his head to the girl, motioning for the others. The other two men grabbed her by the arms, lifting her off the ground.The sword clanked down on the ground. "What are you-..? Put me down!" She squirmed, kicking her feet. The three men walked away from the house, leaving the burning town behind. The Captain awaited their arrival, standing on the quarter deck. The men returned with the valuables they had stolen and supplies. The Captain raised an eyebrow seeing an unusual cargo being carried onto the ship. His boots boomed as he stepped down the stairs to his trusted Quartermaster. "Please tell me this lass has the map, or she is of some value to us." The Captain spoke, his voice stern and cold. The two crew members sat Sariah down, her bottom plopped onto the deck. She glared up at the now four men around her. The Quartermaster, Mohan Paj, was the man who she confronted in the house. The Captain and Mohan spoke amongst each other, whispering their secrets. Or at least what she thought they were doing. The Captain looked down at her, his face shadowed over by the moon. Piercing gold met icy blue. It was like their eyes glowed in the darkness, the only thing that could be seen. With a wave of his hand, the men grabbed her by the arms again. "Take her to the cellars, I'll deal with this later." The Captain turned on his heels, walking back to the wheel. Next thing you knew she was being thrown in a cell. With nothing but a pile of hay and a barrel with a lantern. She turned, the metal bars clashing together as the key turned to lock the door. Quickly pulling herself up, she rushed over to the door. Tugging on it, hoping something would work. "Let me out of here!" She yelled, banging on the metal bars one more time. She huffed, sitting down against the ship's wall. She leaned her head back, listening to the ocean just outside. She knew once her father returned home he would be looking for her, he had to, right?

What felt like ages, the sound of rusty metal filled the room. Water splashed against her face, causing her to gasp and sit up. "What is wrong with you?!" She wiped the water away from her eyes. A soft chuckle escaped through his lips. "Morning Sunshine." A voice filled her ears, causing her eyes to meet a..soft gaze? The Captain was crouched down in front of her, a small smirk on his lips. This was different from what she witnessed last night...wait a minute...was it even morning? Did she fall asleep?! She looked away, her eyes scanning the small window in the cell. The sun shone through, gracing her with its rays. Soft fingers gently grabbed her chin, turning her gaze back forward. "You have something I want.." The Captain spoke, speaking softly to not scare her. "Like I told your little friend, the map you're looking for isn't something to be found." She grabbed his wrist, yanking his hand away from her chin. "And I'm not in the mood to help pirates like you." Her eyes narrowed, turning into a glare. The smirk on his face never faltered, instead growing in size. "It's cute how you think you have a choice here. Need I remind you, we're in the middle of the ocean." He stood back up, straightening his posture. "Either we leave you to drown or you simply help us find this lost treasure." He crossed his arms, looking down at her. Her lashes fluttered up, their gazes meeting. "If you kill me, you will lose that treasure...." She threatened, her gaze nevering wavering. The Captain softly chuckled, clicking his tongue on his teeth. He leaned down, leaning close. "That's why it would be as much fun watching you fight for your life..." He smirked, his voice lowering its tone. Her heart pounded in her chest, swallowing hard. His back straightened, turning on his heel. Her eyes caught a glimpse of a knife he had on his belt. Just as his hand was placed on the door, she lunged at him. She grabbed the knife, pinning him down. "Ah, I've found myself a feisty one." The Captain smirked, looking up at her.