The Adventures of the HMS Harlot

Part 1: Connor Tempest, Scout

Roaring...all I could hear was the roaring thunder raging across the sky, as if declaring to the entire world that it is king. The storm's violent wind and rain ripped across our Harlot's base. I was nervous but not for the ship; if there is one thing that I have learned in all my years it's that Roy Nightingale would die before letting a ship go down under his navigation. I was worried for Phoenix, my falcon.

"Phoenix where the hell are you?" I screamed to the heavens. While the storm snuffed out my voice, I saw my small buddy struggle with the wind, as her wings fought hard to get her closer. Once I saw her swoop under the deck I knew she was safe.

"EVERYONE! GRAB A ROPE AND...." Odessa voice was drowned out by the thunder. It didn't matter though, it didn't take genius to figure out what she said or meant, "Get your ass somewhere safe and tied down by a rope"

I grabbed the rope closest to me and tied it to my waist and then to the Harlot. I was soaked. Heck, everyone was! I heard my freshly sharpened sickles clink together as the boat rocked back and forth. The only time you could get a decent glimpse of anyone was when the lightening struck across the sky. Not that I would really know who is who anyway. Everything and everyone is still so new to me.

I know Roy didn't want me to follow him but we've traveled together for so long he is more kin to me than my own. He knows how much I hate killing, but I try to reassure him that I can handle it. I understand fully what I signed up for. Plus, without me looking out for him who knows what might happen to him. Well, who am I kidding, with out his presence who knows what might happen to me.

I have to say living here hasn't been as hard as I thought it was going to be. It helps that Roy and I keep up our daily routines of sword play. Those help me to keep killing to a minimum. Everything is actually interesting here. It's nice to be around people haven't been completely battered by the war. People who can still find reasons to go even if they are small ones. They make me feel more human and more welcomed than I felt in years. So for now I just want to do my share and help out where I can.

Our captain's methods may be over the top, but it's hard to argue with her results. She's the kind of person who demands respect and I admire that even if she rarely second guesses taking a life. At the end of the day admiration creates belief. Belief inspires faith. Having faith with give you hope. And with hope there is almost nothing you cannot achieve. I have found a home in the Harlot. So for now I will follow the captain and her bandits of the sky in hopes that we all truly find whatever we are searching for.

Connor Tempest