The Walkers

Chapter 18

There's a famous saying that goes something like: 'Whomever doesn't work, doesn't eat'. It seems these filthy pirates keep that as their creed or something. As you can see, I just woke up, but it might have been better I didn't. I am stuck in this rather cramped room where they stock everything! By everything, I mean everything: fish, oranges, rum, more rum and... did I mention rum? I am pretty sure they are going to die of intoxication.

"Ugh..." My head hurts. Everything is spinning. Are we going through a rough sea? I feel like puking. The stench is so strong that I would rather have walked the plank.

As I lied there with my hands tied together and suffocating from the filth mixed together with the aromas from the seas and other unmentionable scents, I cannot help but wonder how did these events turned like this. I know it is my fault. I know I shouldn't have made fun of Cap'n Morrison. Did I just say "Cap'n". God. It's sticking onto me. I would have guessed we were undergoing through a storm by the amount of rocking I have been submitted to, but I hear no rain falling nor strong winds. It's as if something I am unaware of is happening.

"Voices..." There are yells and screams upstairs. I mean, it's normal for them to be in a pirate ship, but it seems rather rowdier than usual. Is there a high alert or something? It doesn't involve me. I'll just rock and roll all night.

Like I said before, this place is cramped, damp and the lighting is pretty dim. I don't care what's happening upstairs, but my stomach is growling. There's the other thing that concerns me... why am I a man? I am pretty sure I was a girl back in the Forest. I even felt the extra weight I had to carry on my body and the silky, fluttery hair. Even Christen recognized me as a woman! I wonder where is she... Wait. I hear something. Steps, perhaps? I will act as if I'm asleep.

"Wakey, grub!" The coarse voice broke the silence that veiled the room like an avalanche storming through a door. 

"Ugh... wha... "I opened my eyes as if I had just woke up from a dream.

"Get up, shark bait!" He ordered once more. This time it was more aggressive. I would have gotten roughed up if I resisted. Even if this person is rather lanky, I can feel that he's by far stronger than me. I have no chance against him.

"What are you going to do to me?" I inquired. Well, being above on the deck is better than stinking like rotten grog.

"Ye have two choices: clean the deck or them Hempen Halter." His eyes were glaring daggers at me. If I had to make a choice, it has to be now. I didn't actually understand the second one. That means that is a bad ending. That's a death flag! No way I am choosing one.

"...I'll clean..." I replied submissively.

"Good. We're makin' a seadog outta ye." Oh god. What will happen to me? I am not going to regret this, right? Right?

If I only knew what was going to happen in the future...