The Black Ale

Captain!

Picture:

*Quarter Master Remington/Rem*

They had been sitting in that room for a good few hours. The tears were long gone, but could come back any second. All four sat in the corner of the room against the wall. Caroline and Evilin sat between Henry and Rachael. 

Both claimed to do their best to protect the two younger girls. 

Caroline looked over the bandage on Henry's arm, studying the way it was wrapped. She had pointed out a few times already that the wrapping was an old style. Not something still used or studied within the medical field. 

At first they payed no mind to her words, but after some time, Rachael and Henry would use this topic as an escape. To keep their minds off of what awaited for them. 

All eyes shot to the door as it unlocked and opened. 

Evilin blinked at the sight of the person entering the room. He looked much different from before, but she swore on her life that this was the archer. 

The paint had been washed away and his clothing had changed. What shocked her the most was how young he looked. He couldn't be much older than her... Could he?

They watched as he ignored the fact that they were in the room and headed over to one of the tables. He placed his bow and quiver on one of the tables and picked up a bottle. He popped off the cork and swirled the liquid around a bit as he looked over it. 

He glanced over to the corner at the four before turning his back to them and looking for something else. He picked up a metal cup and poured a great amount of rum into it. 

Placing the bottle back down, he spun back around and looked to them. He took a large sip from his cup, keeping his eyes on the four. He whipped a bit of rum off the corner of his lips as he leaned on the table a bit. 

He only took his eyes off Evilin and the others for a second to look in his cup. But as soon as he looked back to them he downed the cup of rum. He let out a soft sigh before turning to fill his cup once more. 

Evilin glanced to the others to see that Caroline was in deed scared. She huddled closer to Rachael, while Rachael and Henry had a warning look in their eyes towards the pirate. 

Just as the pirate was about to take another sip from his fresh cup of rum, the doors opened once more and two other pirates entered the room followed by the Captain. 

Masa took off his black coat and handed it to one of the new pirates. The two also looked different. They were in new clothes and the war paint washed from their faces as well. 

Masa looked around the room and locked his eyes on this captives for a moment. He turned back to the archer, "Are you ready Griffin?" He asked as he walked over to the shorter pirate. 

Griffin shrugged as he took another large sip from his cup. "Another cup or two." he stated. 

Masa turned away from Griffin and looked to the other two pirates that came in with him. "Daften, take over for Rem for the time being. Make sure we stay on course." He told one of them. One of the pirates nodded and left. 

Masa turned to the second pirate, "Make sure no one comes in." he told him. 

"Aye." the pirate responded. As he turned towards the door. 

"Rem?" Masa questioned. 

Rem looked over his shoulder to his Captain. "No one." He added. 

Rem nodded as he left the room. 

Masa turned back to face Griffin just as Griffin finished his cup once more. He watched Griffin pick up the bottle and pour more rum into his cup. 

Griffin lifted his cup to his lips, "Almost." He stated in a soft whisper. 

Masa looked over his shoulder to the four in the corner. "You." He pointed to Caroline. He motioned for the girl to come to him. 

Caroline's eyes began to water as she clutched onto Rachael. Rachael narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth. "Fuck off!" Rachael shouted. 

All were a bit taken back by her words. although Masa and Griffin didn't seem to be fazed by it. Instead Masa rubbed the side of his chin as he thought for a second. He narrowed his eyes at Rachael before making his way over to her. 

His boots hit the floor with a hollow sound as his pace quickened. Once close enough he reached out and took hold of Rachael's arm, ripping her from Caroline's grasp. 

Henry went to get up but was shoved back by Masa's foot. "Stay down boy." Masa warned. 

Rachael lashed out at Masa trying to fight her way out of his grasp. But his grip tightened as he swirled her around to where her back was pressed to his body. He leaned down, "You or her." He pointed to Caroline. "Your choice." He whispered into her ear. 

Rachael gulped as she looked to Caroline. She wanted to fight and wanted to get away, but if she did, Caroline would suffer for it.

So she gave in. "Me." She felt tears burning at the corners of her eyes. She took in a deep breath telling herself to not let them make her cry. She would have to be strong. 

Masa let her go and motioned to the door in the back. "After you." He told her. 

Rachael gathered what she could as she held her head high and made her way to the back door. Masa followed and when she stopped at the door Masa unlocked it and opened it up for her to head inside. 

Rachael gulped and looked back at Evilin and the others. She gave them a smile as a tear rushed down the side of her cheek. She knew that when she left that room she would forever be changed. 

She turned back to the dark room and once more held her composure as she entered. Masa stood at the door and looked to Griffin. He motioned to the room. 

Griffin already had another cup of rum in his hands at this time. He nodded as he quickly chugged the full cup. He set the cup down and whipped his mouth before heading to the door. Once Griffin was in the room Masa shut the door and locked it. Leaving Griffin and Rachael in the other room alone. 

He then turned on his heels and headed for the table where Griffin had left the rum. He picked up the bottle and four cups. He then sat at the head of the larger table setting the bottle and cups down in front of him. 

He looked to Evilin, Henry and Caroline. Silently motioning them to join him. 

Caroline and Evilin looked to Henry who shook his head at them. Evilin and Caroline both agreed as they stayed put and got closer to Henry. 

Masa watched them for a moment before turning and pouring himself some rum. "It might be a while." He stated, placing the bottle down. 

He took a sip from his cup and looked back to the door.