The Silent Thief

XI

Today is Thursday which means I post a new chapter. Since I love the people who comment, I decided to post 2 chapters. Thanks to my readers.

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XI

       When I reached the ship, I felt as if I’d died. I was breathing heavily and my arms burned so bad. My whole body hurt. The seafarers hoisted the ship onto the deck. I was lifted out of the rowboat, and I basically collapsed in the man’s arms. I opened my eyes to see Captain James with an amused look on his face. He stood me up and held onto my shoulders. I didn’t feel like standing at the moment, but Captain James held me.

“My boy, do the words ‘we are to leave in five minutes’ have any meaning to you?” He asked laughing.

I was too tired to answer and I already knew what horrible soreness I would be feeling tomorrow.

“Take him to lie down in my quarters,” the Captain spoke to Alexander then he turned to me. “The Sir and I have some matters to speak with you.”

I nodded while the giant Alexander threw me over his shoulder. I let out a little cry of pain at the sudden movement.

“Maybe you’ve learned your lesson eh, pretty boy?” Alexander said chuckling.

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         Someone shook me until I was awake. I saw it was Sir William and a scowl came to my face. I looked around and remembered that I was in the Captain and Sir Williams’ room. I must’ve fallen asleep after Alexander left me here. I hadn’t gotten any sleep last night, and my body was aching from rowing so far.

“I see you’re comfortable,” Sir William said as I sat up.

The door opened and Captain James stepped in. He walked over to the table and spread a paper onto to it.

“I believe, Ace, that you haven’t had the proper orientation,” the Captain said still studying his paper.

“Yes, Captain,” I answered standing up. I recalled the ‘orientation’ that I had when I stepped onto this boat but stopped myself from saying anything sarcastic.

“Aye, now come over here,” he said while circling something on the paper with his finger. I went to stand by him and saw that the paper was a layout of the ship. The captain circled with his finger again and started to explain, “This is where we are now.” He moved his finger along the paper, “These are the stairs that go down to the deck.” He pointed at two openings in the floor, “These two doors go down to the crews’ sleeping quarters. The third door, which you can see is directly under us, goes to the top storage area.” He circled the area under the third door and continued speaking, “This area here, is at even level with the crew’s quarters; but here,” he pointed at the back of the storage area, “are stairs that leads to the third level. The whole third level area is for storage which we call the bottom storage area.”

“Wait,” I said after a question came to mind, “If the whole third level is for storage, then why do you need the top storage area?”

He looked at me and answered like it was obvious, “This area is easier to access so we store the most important goods there; such as wine,--”

“Beer,” Sir William pitched in.

“Rum,” Captain James continued.

“Ok, I understand, keep going,” I motioned with my hand while rolling my eyes.

 Here,” Captain James pointed at a room near the bow of the ship on the second level, “is where you eat.”

“Understand, Ace?” Sir William asked.

“Yes, Sir,” I answered glancing at him. “Sir William, where is this place where the treasure is?” He was about to answer but Captain James pulled a roll of paper from somewhere and laid it on the table. I looked under the table and noticed bunches of scrolls and maps, but one particular piece caught my eye. I started to reach for it but Sir William pulled me back.

“Remember your place, boy. You are not in a position to know all of our business,” Sir William said looking me in the eyes.

This man has some secrets, I thought looking back to where that paper was.

“Sir William,” Captain James said putting a hand on his shoulder, “The lad was just curious. We all are.”

“But you especially, James, have learned your lesson on how one should not be too curious,” Sir William replied turning to face him.

The Captain didn’t reply, he smiled then turned to me. “About that question,” he said motioning me to come near. “This map shows the Mediterranean Sea, Spain, the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco, and finally, the great Atlantic Ocean,” he said quite proud of himself for knowing a little geography. “We suppose the treasure is here.” He pointed to an island west of the country I guessed to be Morocco. “It’s beautiful isn’t it?”

I looked at the map and tried figuring out what part of it was beautiful. “Pardon me Captain, but all I see is two green colored countries and blue water. The water doesn’t even have lines that represent waves. It’s just a solid color. There aren’t even names on the bodies.”

The Captain looked at me startled. “It is what God created! But I guess you have a point,” Captain James said scratching his scraggly chin. He looked as if he hadn’t shaved in a couple of days. “Sir William, please remind me later to add more detail to the map.”

Sir William nodded and said to the Captain, “I will, and I’ll be outside if you need me.” He nodded his hat at me making me mad. Men only nodded their hats at ladies and Sir William knew that. The Captain did not notice though.

After the Sir had left Captain James said, “I see that you and my uncle are not enjoying each other’s company that much.”

“Your uncle, Captain?”

“Yes, I thought you knew. Sir William is my uncle.”