The Siren's Song

Chapter One

Bill stood on the deck of his ship just staring at the sea. He was drawn to it. He couldn't help it. The fresh, crisp breeze. The faint smell of salt. The spray that could cool you down on a hot summer's day. It all beckoned to him. He watched as a dolphin leaped out of the water and clicked at him.

"Hello to you too." He laughed as the mammal went back under. He leaned on the railing as the sea sprayed his face. "This is nice." He sighed. His hand strayed to the triangular pendant around his neck. It was a simple golden triangle with a single blue crystal set in the center in a teardrop shape. He never took it off. Ever.

He closed his only eye briefly as he listened to the bustle of the ship. What I wouldn't give for some peace. He thought as shouts rose up around him.

"Capt'n!" One of his men ran over and tapped him roughly on the shoulder.

"What is it boy?" He snarled, irritated that the young shipmate had rudely interrupted him moment of peace.

"Its James. 'E's got a man fish!" The boy cried excitedly. Bill instantly perked up at this.

A siren? He chased after the boy, his boots clicking on the boards of the deck. His sword clattered loudly at his side. He arrived below deck just as he heard a splash. He looked at where it came from, a large barrel. Seawater sloshed over the side as a brown haired girl looked at the pirates gawking at her. Her brown eyes were wide with fear.

"'Ey! Its a female!" One of the men called crudely.

"Aye! 'At it is!" Another replied. They closed in on her as she shrunk further into the cramped barrel.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Bill hollered. The room fell silent save for the gentle sloshing of the water in the barrel as the girl tried to dive deeper into the barrel. "Incompetent morons." He muttered under his breath as the men in the room shrunk under his harsh golden glare.

"What are you all doing loitering around like useless fish on a dock? Get back to work!" He growled. There was a moment's confusion as men scrambled to get to where they were previously. A couple of men got knocked out in the rush and had to be dragged out on deck. Finally the room was cleared out except for the girl and Bill. He took a step towards the barrel.

"Eek!" The girl squeaked and almost tipped the small barrel over trying to get away. Bill stopped midstep.

"I'm not going to harm you." He held out a hand palm up. With his other hand he unbuckled his sword and sat it on the ground. The girl shot a wary glance at it as Bill reached in his boot and pulled out a golden dagger. That too he sat on the ground. He straightened up and took an experimental step forward. The girl eyed him, the fear still in her eyes, only dulled. She chattered something that couldn't be understood by any normal man.

"No. I don't have anything else on me." Bill chuckled lightly. "I told you I wasn't going to hurt you."

The girl's eyes became as big as saucers as she chattered something else. Bill smirked. He chattered back in the same tone. The siren's mouth dropped open.

"I imagine that you are able to speak English. I may be able to understand your language but it has been some time and I am a bit rusty." He smiled. He held up two fingers and his pinky, a common signal used by sirens to show that no harm is meant.

"H-how can you understand me?" The girl stuttered. "And h-how do you k-know that signal?"

"Ah yes. I do know Sirenis. But as I said, its been a while since I last had to use it." Bill picked up a stool and sat it beside the siren and sat on it. "What is your name child?"