The Parting Glass

To Port

"Captain Ellery!"

A young man with dark black hair threw open the door to the captains quarters.

“What is it, Cuttley?”

"Captain Ellery, we've run upon land! What shall we do? Will we take port?" He gasped, breathless.

Captain Ellery sat comfortably in front of his desk, his feet thrown unceremoniously on top of it, a large bird resting on the toes of his boots. He ushered, "Who owns it?"

"I-I don't know...."

"Not Rosethen territory, aye?"

"Nay, sir, far from it."

Captain Ellery patted his desk, "Take her into port. We can finally see to that damage after the... rendezvous with the Navy dogs last week."

"Aye, Cap'n."

The crew member left, and Captain Ellery reclined yet again, his eyes falling onto a golden music box.

*

Crew-mate Allen Cuttley politely left the captains quarters. He eyed the first mate standing watch outside the opulent door ,"We're to port here s'long as there be nary a tie to Rosethen. Any idea what's his aversion? Seemed a well enough place." Said Allen Cuttley in a low tone, hoping the captain wouldn’t hear.

"It bein' Rosethen? Nothin' 'cept that revolution couple years back. Nasty deal, it was."

"And whassat to do with the Captain?"

The first-mate chortled, "Ya ever seen a man of Rosethen blood? Why, compare him to the captain there. Wouldn’t tell the difference.”

"Captain's Rosethen? Wouldn't he made keen to visit home?"

The first mate knocked a broom on Allen's head, "Are ya deaf or jus'stupid? Did I not jus' mention the revolution not three years back?!"

"R-revolution....?"

The door was violently and suddenly kicked open, Captain Ellery Garret stood in the doorway.

"If you both are done chittering your gossip like Bonny school lasses, I'd like to run a bloody pirate ship. Did I not order a porting?!"

Cuttley and the first mate shared a quick, worried glance,

"Y-yes sir, ya did" Cuttley stammered

"Then why in the bloody hell are we not ported yet?!"

*

Captain Ellery stood on the railing and stared off into the port town. He frowned slightly,

"Take only what you can get under stealth. Keep eyes off of us till my order is given. Take it all, spare nothing."

He extended his slender arm, and the large sea eagle that had sat upon his shoulder spread it's wings and soared high into the clear blue sky above. Captain Ellery followed suit, taking a magnificent dive into the crystalline waters of the port. As his hands broke the water, he heard the call, "Captain's overboard."

Climbing suavely onto dry land, not too far from the dock. Garret shook off as much water as he could manage; spitting out the saltwater that had pervaded his mouth. He ringed out and readjusted his hat, and snuck into the port town.

*

The streets were lined with banners and flowers, as though welcoming the angels themselves. By the simple looks of it, the town itself had nothing more to offer other than dirt, rats, and sewage. The visitors, however, would probably be worth more than any treasure found on the continent.

So he hoped.

The rhythmic footsteps that stormed down the footpath scared Captain Ellery into hiding around a corner. He hissed,"Damn dogs.."

A hand grabbed his arm, "Kid,” said the owner of the hand, “it's not safe to play dress up in this place. Those soldiers aren' keen on pirates."

Captain Ellery grimaced, "Get your filthy, mud swabbing, land fast hands off of me."

Captain Ellery drew his pistol, and aimed it at the civilians face,

"Give me e'rything ya got. Including yer clothes."