Tempest

Chapter 1

{{{As always, many thanks to my faithful readers and a vast 'Welcome' to any newcomers! Credit goes out to HookLineSinker5 for help with getting this idea off the ground and for the help with my writer's block and the hunting of words. Many thanks!}}}

"Captain, you are needed in the galley," The deep timbre of Sera's Quartermaster, a tall dark-skinned man of the African territories, could be heard outside the door to her cabin. He'd knocked three times with the edge of the middle knuckle of his right hand, as was protocol and he awaited an answer.

The dram that had been filled to the point of easy spillage was quickly downed and placed atop the dark wooden table-top before the captain whose presence was being requested pushed her chair back and crossed the cabin space while straightening her clothes. Her crew need not know the turbulent thoughts of their captain, and Sera hid them well beneath the cool, calm and collected exterior of an experienced woman at sea.

"What is it, Todd?" The door was opened and the Quartermaster stepped back while clasping his hands behind his back in the respectful manner. He did not meet her gaze, but rather looked to a spot just above her head in a show of respect.

"It seems the cook's suspicions of a stow away were correct, Captain."

That piqued her interest. "Cooky caught someone?"

"Aye, Ma'am." A single nod was given before his gaze again bore holes into the black wood above their heads.

"Well I hardly see why I need be notified. Hold a vote, as is customary and I shall carry out the verdict." Sera turned to go back into her cabin, but the clearing of Todd's throat stopped her. "Something else, Master Todd?"

"There seems to be a bit of a complication with the stow away."

"And what would that be?" Sera's hands clasped behind her back in much the same manner as Todd's.

"The stow away....is a woman."

Now *that* caused a finely arched brow to rise into the blonde hairline that was hidden beneath a black tricorn hat. "A woman? What kind of foolish woman would dare to stow away on *my* ship?"

It was a question that needn't an answer for the captain motioned for Todd to follow her and they made the journey across the main deck and down the levels of the ship to the galley where shouting could be heard. The crowd that had gathered was thick and all were calling for blood, as well as other unsavory things, from the young woman that had been caught stealing their food. They parted as their captain approached, much like Moses parting the sea, and soon Sera and Todd found themselves in the doorway to the galley.

Sera's eyes landed on the newcomer immediately, and how could they not? Dirty as her clothes may have been, she stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the crew of misfit ruffians. A cloak, while torn and ragged, made of the finest blue and gold, a gown to match, and lustrous chestnut hair that was worn in a style befitting the upper class. This woman was nowhere near what Sera was expecting. Typically when they'd had women sneak aboard it'd been local wenches looking for free passage. Which the crew had, of course, voted on and allowed considering the women's ....expertise.

"Back to work!" The crew members that had gathered begrudgingly obeyed the orders that were backed up by the booming voice of Todd while Sera approach the young woman who was being held in place by a fierce looking butcher knife.

"I caugh' her Cap'n! I knew there were some'en gettin' into me stores!" Cooky, the ship's cook was squinting one eye at the girl while holding a filthy and bloody butcher knife to the hollow of her throat. There was fear burning in her azure eyes and Sera couldn't help but give a malicious grin at such a thing.