Infernal Waters

Five ~ The Captain

The men are quick to gather the supplies, and soon, it's time to start the procedure.

With every second that ticks by, the knots in the pit of my stomach grow.

I knew perfectly well how the procedure was done, but I've never actually done it before. And the situation is worsened by the fact that I'm on a moving vessel, and am equipped with only the most primitive of materials.

I stare into the face of the dying man, and my anxiousness in heightened. This man's life is in my hands. If I fail, he will die.

Swallowing my nerves, I get to work.

I sterilise the knife with the rum, then pour a generous amount of it over the man's wound.

Almost instantly, he convulses in pain.

He grips hammock so hard that it begins to sway back and forth. For a second, it makes me lose my concentration, but the potent smell of the rum brings me back.

With a steady hand, I remove the stitches. Though, it's difficult, because he's constantly writhing around, not being able to stand the pain.

By the time I remove the last stitch, the man is no longer able to withstand the agony, and falls unconscious.

This is a relief, because now he'll be still for the next part of the procedure, which is undoubtedly the most difficult.

I cut away at the gangrenous flesh, careful not to nick any organs. Though, this is no easy task.

I find myself timing my every action to the steady rocking of the boat, so that I'm not caught off-guard and lose my grip.

Finally, I heat the knife until it glows a fiery red, like embers. Taking a deep breath, I press the knife into his wound. The sizzle of flesh and the smell of burnt skin quickly fill the small area of the deck.

This causes many of the pirates to either make haste out of the vicinity, or gag silently.

I, however, sigh with relief.

I finish up by cleaning the wound once again and wrapping it up with a bandage. This requires help, which the pirates are surprisingly quick to offer.

I make an attempt to clean my hands of blood using a rag, although it doesn't help much. 

Back when I lived a normal life in my hometown, I would have kicked up a fuss about my foul state. Though after weeks of being without a shower and being thrown around in various forms of scum, every inch of my skin is covered with a thick layer of grime.

Seeing as my job is done, I quickly move to make an escape from this pirate-filled hell-hole. Unfortunately, Irwin has one last thing to say.

"Oi, lass! Ya ain't leavin' yet."

"And why would that be?" I reply coolly.

"The cap'n wants to see ya," He says, grinning triumphantly.

Well, this should be fun.

I am led up yet another set of narrow steps, and across the top deck towards what appears to be the captains quarters. Irwin, who's job I'm beginning to think is to watch over me, knocks twice on the door of the captain's quarters.

The door stands out from every other part of the ship. It's faded green colouring is a striking contrast to the dull browns and blacks that taint the rest of the ship. 

Irwin extends his hand toward to door to knock once again, before the captivating voice of the captain rings out.

"Come in," He says.

And with one swift motion, Irwin opens the door and shoves me inside, shutting behind me. Now, I'm alone with the captain.

In the seconds that follow, I do nothing but stand there dumbfounded, my mind in a daze.

"Are you going to stand there all day? Because I have work to do, you know." Says the captain, feigning boredom. Though, there is a distinct tinge of amusement in his voice.

The captain had a curious accent. Without a doubt, it was English. Though, it didn't sound like the English merchants who would pass through my home-town in search of trade.

His accent was hardened, likely by the years out at sea with nothing but the provincial drawl of the pirates to listen to.

Gathering the little bit of strength I have left, I straighten my posture and turn to face him. 

Unfortunately, it backfires, and I recoil from the intense light that shines through the large windows on the back wall. 

As my eyes adjust to it, the conspicuous figure in the middle of the room becomes increasingly clear.

For the first time since I've been on this ship, I see the face of the man who both saved my life, and potentially ruined it.