CLANDESTINE! ▶ BLACK FLAG

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER TWO
PLAY THE GAME.

THE FIRST TIME SCARLETT EVER MET EDWARD KENWAY WAS NO TYPICAL CIRCUMSTANCE. It almost seemed like years ago, when in truth it hadn't been as long. Near the shores of Kingston, she proudly stood behind the wheel of the Cursed Corsair, watching both the currents and the crew go about with their duties.

When she was only eighteen, her father, Ed Thatch, lent her the Queen Anne's Revenge ( a vessel feared throughout the seas ) for her to commandeer a ship of her own. She had set her sights on a particular British Man o' War and soon claimed it as her own.

A few years later, she docked the Cursed Corsair in Nassau, Blackbeard gave her a task, which he often did. Apparently he had become acquainted with a man named Edward Kenway, who was a privateer and a very promising sailor, he had put it. Her father was known for playing tricks, and that warm afternoon was no exception.

"Give him a little scare, that's all." Thatch had told her at the docks, just as her ship was preparing to leave. He had that wicked smirk on his chapped lips that would leave even the sharpest of voyagers with countless nightmares. "Sink the ship for all I care. It's just a simple gunboat, after all— but for God's sake don't kill him. It's just a game, lass. Your goal is the map."

From where she had stood aboard the Corsair, forearms leaning on the edge, Scarlett rolled her eyes, which was a frequent habit of hers. "When you told me you had a proposition for me, father," She said. "I assumed it was going to be fun. That sounds like an absolute bore if I can't even strike him the slightest."

"Such sharp words. I wonder where you get it from." Thatch muttered in slight amusement, causing his daughter to laugh. "Edward Kenway is a good man, and that's rarer than gold in these waters. Full of potential, I reckon."

"Then what's he doing in the company of pirates?" The redhead countered with a raised eyebrow. "He sounds like a saint, the way you describe him. I've seen the currents devour men for less."

"This man's different, Rosie." Blackbeard told her, using the nickname he had given her long ago for her absurdly red hair. He huffed, glancing out at the horizon. "He's got a hint of the devil in him. Looks like the one I saw in you the first I saw ye years ago. His ship should be nearby at this point."

"Edward Kenway..." Scarlett mused, folding her arms across her chest. "Fine, I'll give him a little scare, aye?" She grinned mischievously before taking the wife brimmed hat off her head and giving the other pirate a theatrical bow. "As you wish, cap'n."

Thatch laughed at that, shaking his head slightly. "May the sea be kind to ye, lass." He told her before he began to make his way back to the tavern.

Scarlett turned and made her way to the wheel of the ship, placing her hands on it. Her crew erupted into cheer as soon as she did, and a proud smirk appeared on her face. Many would say that a ship was no place for a woman. It was even considered taboo for a lady to be onboard a vessel, hence the name she had given her own. The Cursed Corsair. It struck fear in the hearts of anyone who dared to even glance at it.

"All right, lads!" She shouted, her voice loud enough to be heard throughout the deck. Her men ( and women ) listened to her every command. "Raise anchor and free all sails! Set a course for toil and trouble!"

Her words were proven true in just a matter of moments when she had spotted a vessel just off the coast with her spyglass. The man aboard her ship made their way to their battle stations, although having been told not to damage the ship too much. No lives were to be lost, apparently. They were curious orders, but everyone in the West Indies knew better than to question the Thatches.