Girl Name Sandra..

Chapter Nine: Hate is a WEAK word...

Chapter Nine: Hate is a WEAK word...

The smell of salt water, smelly crew members, and dead fish filled Anton's nose as he walked from below the deck and into the early morning light. The image of his fellow crew members busying themselves with deck chores made Anton laugh; mainly because he used to be one of these men, cleaning the deck until his fingers turn into salted dried meat and his knees bleed from the splinters.

"Do you smell that, Alex?" said Anton as soon as he was in Alex reach so he can roughly pat his friend's back. Anton took a good whiff of the awful smell, since he was so use to the smell he did not gag like a new shipmate that never been on a long voyage with men that never heard of baths before.

"What? John's arse, or Stephen's feet? Mayhap, the crews unbathed bodies." Alex bickered as he leaned over the side of the ship, hopping he would smell the salt water instead. Alex, of course was not new to these circumstances, but he did not favor nor tolerate them like Anton does.

"No, ole chap. The smell of adventure, the morning air and the future coins we will have in our pockets."

Alex straightened his back before running his hands through his golden blonde hair. "If it wasn't for future wealth, adventure and the love of diverse women; I would of never stepped onto this..old ship."

"You sound like most of the crew on this old boat," said a fellow shipmate and a close friend to Anton and Alex. Like the two, this man was tall, young but a little older and handsome. Unfortunately, he hides his handsome looks under his beard and stern features.

"Josiah, how are you this morning? Last night you did not look all that pleased." said Alex as he put his full attention on his two close friends, instead of the horrid smell.

Josiah sighed in relief, "Better. Knowing that Bertha would not be visiting us anytime soon."

"Aye, I've heard she already took down two ships and its cargo." said Anton as he took a quick glance at the calm sea. "Luckily, we left at the end of the change in wind."

Bertha, a nasty thing that brings hell behind her. Many unlucky ships and crew has experienced her wrath of anger she brings upon them. With her large several hands, she pulls the ships and their wealth into the depths of the sea to never be found.

There was many stories of how Bertha became such a evil thing. Some say it was a witch that came apart of the sea, to seek vengeance for her lover's death. Others say it was Poseidon, punishing the crews for their crimes. Few, who does not have a great source of imagination just thinks she's just a horrible storm that brings misfortune. Even if the stories are different, they all end in bringing out fear from the tough men that sails the seven seas. Including the three handsome fellows that gets chills when speaking her name.

"I have heard about the girl that owns your heart, Anton," said Josiah while giving him a teasing wink.

Anton's eyebrows arched in irritation, "Thanks Alex, for keeping your trap shut."

"So, tis true?" Josiah questioned.

"Aye, Anton here has fallen over hills for this young lass." said Alex as he, as well sent a teasing wink towards Anton.

"Enough, you two. I will not hear these awful words anymore."

"Awe, he's turning red." Alex stated while witnessing his friend's cheek turn into a reddish hue.

Josiah could not help but laugh, "Stop tormenting the man, Alex. We don't want to hurt his feelings." Both handsome men laughed to their sense of humor.