The Wandering Knave of the Seven Seas: The Voyage of Neptune's Mermaids

Chapter Two: A Proposal

Hello and welcome to the second chapter in the first book of what I hope will be a series that attract at least some people. I really feel like I did okay with this one, but that extra bit of feedback/constructive criticism would be fabulous!

So, I know what you all are probably thinking... Another Pirate book. Yes yes. I've thought that too. But hopefully you can overlook that in this one. I've definitely gone out a completely different way then the others, so I do hope you appreciate it :)

So, if you would be so kind,

Vote or comment or whatever.

Thanks,

Naomi :)

The darkness blanketing the dense forest had swallowed up any chance of finding my path. I blindly stumbled through thickets of bushes and dodged around towering trees, pulling my skirts occasionally from where it snagged on a twig. I stomped and cursed my way through in a very unwomanly way, the scent of the smoke around me the only thing leading me on. Maliciously, I thought of the few remaining Pirates, succumbing to their torture as they watched on while their shop slowly obliterated into nothing but ash in the wind.

My thoughts had to take a newer and sadder turn when I decided I needed to ditch the blade. I knew that even if there were no weapon on my person I would be scolded on sight and assumed irresponsible from my appearance alone, but it would still be safer if I left it. My dress was ripped, the bottom stained in drying blood. Cuts and bruises adorned my arms and neck and I could feel where something had sliced across my dress and against my neck. Despite my horrendous appearance, I wondered if I could still slip past my brother.

No. Of course I wouldn’t. He would be waiting for me.

The dark air had become chilly by the time I had finally made it to the end of the forest and emerged onto another darkened path. The road before me was empty of a soul, but as I continued on, reaching the stretched streets, I noticed the wandering people whom had emerged from the safety of their homes and was headed towards the orange glow in the distance. Soldiers tried to contain them and send them back into their homes, but curiosity won out. I hurried into the shadows of the buildings, avoiding the patrol groups scurrying the streets, but keeping my eyes on the people.

There was the familiar buzz of gossip as people questioned what had happened. I hurried after one group of men, keeping as close to the shadows of the buildings as possible.

“I believe it was the Red Howl. Rumours have spoken of its presence in these parts.” One man uttered, his hands playing with a gold wristwatch that glowed momentarily under the flickering lights from the houses they passed.

Another man scoffed. “Preposterous. That ship sunk months ago.”

The third man chuckled. “It is all utter nonsense, men. That a Pirate shall think himself brave enough to enter such a town is ridiculous! Look what it got them. They deserved it, they did. All of them. Bloody Pirates!”

The men all stopped then, glancing up the road as a group of soldiers approached, their blades shinning underneath the glow of the fire. Closer to the burning ship, the sounds had gotten louder and the smells stronger. I had to close my bare hand over my mouth to keep from exhaling the foul fumes. As the soldiers approached I sunk into the shadows even further, watching them with narrowed eyes as they approached the men.

“We ask you to turn and retreat back into your homes. We assure you that the Royal Navy has everything under control here, so please…”

The sounds of their voices drifted off as I dodged them and hurried away. I could hear the other men’s response to the soldiers, but continued on quickly. I scampered along the streets, keeping my eyes peeled for more soldiers and dodging more of the public. Finally, I reached a narrow alleyway where large factories blocked my view of the port. I could still hear and smell everything fairly well, which, unfortunately, was not the best thing in the middle of an alleyway. I tried not to breathe as I passed several passed out drunks and made sure to step correctly over the broken glass and bird faeces. My nose was scrunched up disgustedly, my eyes downcast. Always I kept my senses on guard, waiting for something.