Dizgaia ~ The Dreamfinder's Daughter

Chapter 34 ~ A Pirate's Life

Mia tumbled out of her seat and onto the floor. The grizzled old pirate let out a hearty laugh as Hook helped Mia back to her feet and into her chair.

"Mia! Are you well?"

The old pirate let out a rasping laugh as he claimed a seat at their table across from them. "Seems bein' surrounded by a pair o' handsome rogues was too much fer yer bonny lass."

Long John Silver was not a handsome man. It was arguable whether he ever was, even in his younger years. Ages of seafaring had weathered his features even further. Nevertheless, he had an air of importance and charisma about him. Her wits having returned to her, Mia leaned across the table, wide-eyed and full of excitement.

"You're really Long John Silver?" she asked. "The Long John Silver?"

The old pirate cracked a smile. "S'far as I know, lassie, I'm ta' one and only."

"The real Long John Silver, as in the quartermaster under the notorious Captain Flint? As in the sea cook under Captain Smollet? As in the mutiny of the Hispaniola?" she rattled off excitedly to the shock of both men. "As in the search for Treasure Island? The man who befriended Jim Hawkins and stood against five mutinous pirates? The man who escaped the noose with four hundred guineas of treasure? That Long John Silver?"

Both Silver and Hook gaped at her in surprise. Finally, Silver's lips broke into a wide smile and he nodded. "Aye. The same. And so much more." He leaned across the table, resting his chin upon his fist as he gazed curiously at Mia. "And how be it that a bonny young lass such as ye self be knowin' so much 'bout an old seadog like m'self?"

Hook's eyes narrowed at Mia. "That... is a very good question."

Mia's face paled at the realization that she may have displayed too much knowledge. In fact, Hook was gazing at her downright suspiciously. Swallowing nervously, she tried her best to work around it.

"Really?" she said, leaning back in her seat and letting out a little laugh as though she found their confusion positively silly. "I mean, why shouldn't people know about you? You're infamous, aren't you? Tales of Long John Silver and Treasure Island are there to be heard for those who are keen for a good tale. I've always loved stories about seafaring adventures and buccaneers. My parents were well-learned and told me many stories of Dizgaia's most notorious pirates."

Phew. Good save Mia, she commended herself. That was a reasonable enough explanation... She hoped.

Hook was mollified by her explanation. Mia was a storyteller, after all. It shouldn't be so strange that she'd also be a connoisseur of tales about swashbuckling adventurers.

"This lass o'yers is truly somethin'," said Silver with a proud smile. "I sees why ye've taken a shine ta her, Jim-Boy!"

"Don't call me that, Silver," Hook growled. "Just what are you getting at by showing your face to me again?"

Silver's smile slipped from his face. "Is that inny way ta treat an ol' friend?"

Hook leaned forward with teeth clenched. "We are not old friends! You stranded me on that blasted scrap of land after I did everything to help you find the sunken treasure of Coeur du Mer!"

"Aye," Silver laughed, "That was quite the adventure, weren't it?"

Hook slammed his steel namesake on the table as a snarl issued from his lips. "I ought to gut you like a fish, you treacherous-"

"Ye needn't be so rash, Jim-boy," said Silver, looking anything but worried. "After all, if'n I got to keep that treasure, do ye really believe I'd be here on Isla Tesoro? I'd be livin' out me days enjoyin' the rich man's life. I lost that treasure."