The Adventures of the HMS Harlot

Part 1: Eldon Bridges, Cabin Boy

I was ready. I had my slingshot, plenty of scraps, and was prepared to board the merchant ship. I know that a real weapon would have been better but ole Barty here says "I am simply not of age to bear arms." Odessa has a damn golden revolver and I get a 'y' shaped piece of wood.

"Eldon... what are you doing?" asked the Captain.

I thought it was a bit obvious, but she was having none of it and sent me down below with Rowena. I had to go hide out with the medic?! No offense to the doc, she can patch up the nastiest of wounds, but the crew was risking their lives and I had to listen to the sounds of gun fire and sword play behind a door.

I just wish to carry my own weight on the ship. I already owe the Captain the world and, as Seymour taught me, a pirate should choose his debts wisely. Seymour is all sniper-like and doesn't talk much to me or anyone but one night he saw me eyeing the crow's nest and snuck me up for a look. I tried but failed to race him up the post, and we sat there for a while listening to the wind hit the sails. It was a cloudy evening and the shadows hid that mean mug of his. Out of nowhere he casually whispered about the importance of paying off one's debts. I guess the old guy wanted to pass on some knowledge to the kid. The presentation was a bit silly but coming from Seymour I took it to heart and now I make sure to keep track of what's owed.

Right before the raid, we had escaped an exciting storm that nearly blew me off the Harlot as I tried to keep hold of a sail. As Odessa passed, she nearly tumbled off the starboard side but I made sure to catch her. Light as a cloud that one is. I find it humorous that a girl with nearly 10 years on me can be half my size, but that's Odessa. I neither expected nor needed a gesture of appreciation from her and received none. Instead, I made a mental note that she owed me a minor debt while she pointed out that I had let go of a sail. I returned to business and what do you know, a few moments later the wind whipped up and lifted me off of my feet. I did my best impression of a waving flag until Odessa ran up and tied me down. Her debt was payed. We were even.

The crew returned from the raid with a new engine and Otto threatened to whip me for being excited about it. How dare I show any signs of joy? We wouldn't want smiles spreading through the ship. I don't think the Boatswain could function.

Eldon Bridges