Viola

A Pirate Jig

All our wares had been sold in a little less than thirty-six hours. It was astonishing. Normally, ships boarded for weeks at docks. As soon as the last barrel of wine was sold a cheer rang out from all corners of the ship. All of the money had been pooled in the Lady Captain's bedroom, and she chose the moment to distribute it to every crewman. Each man got an equal share, besides Jack who received a share and a half. The Lady Captain simply gave herself a double share. This was much less than most normal captains earned, but I supposed that was why her crew was so devoted. I refused a share, saying I had nothing to use it on.

Not twenty seconds had passed by before there was not a single soul left on the ship beside me and the Captain. And in forty seconds, she was gone too. Boat theft was clearly not near the top of the list of priorities, if I was to be trusted with keeping it sound.

Hours went by, me continuing to sew the patchwork blanket and watching crew members trickle in, and out, in, and out again. I took a nap. I finally awoke to the sounds of loud chatter and music. Climbing the stairs to the deck, I soon discovered the cause of the ruckus.

So this was a party. There was plenty of alcohol and music. Lukas was playing accordion, but every so often he would switch to a selection of small drums. I meandered over to him.

He was thoroughly occupied with the accordion, but I could tell he appreciated the company. I noticed a small wooden instrument that looked not unlike the flute my father had given me to learn. I raised it up to my mouth and gave it an experimental toot. The quality was airier than I was used to, but the basic machination was the same. Covering some of the holes and playing, I found the notes were at least of similar pitch to the fingerings I was accustomed to.

I played a scale in time to Lukas's accordion.

"Gentlemen and Ladies," The Lady Captain began, arms spread wide, holding some beverage in one and a young lady in another. The lady was young, but still probably older than the Captain.

I was a fool to have thought my new little 'talent' would have gone unnoticed.

"Our dear Mademoiselle Madeleine has volunteered to play a dance for my... friend, here." She winked at Lukas.

Obediently, he struck up a slow, steady beat on the largest of his drums. I looked around. The crew's shining faces (some from excitement, some simply from alcohol) looked back at me. Some began clapping along.

Hands shaking, I brought the small flute up to my lips. Suddenly, I remembered a composition one of my suitors had written me. He had traveled to Spain and had said it reminded him of exotic beauty. The Captain's 'friend' certainly fit that definition, I noted, eyeing her silky smooth hair and piercing pale eyes.

"Play already!" Victor shouted, grinning. The other pirates yelled their agreement.

I started the tune slowly. It was in G minor, started on a Bb.

The Lady Captain led her 'friend' to roughly the center of the deck and reclined against the door to her quarters to watch.

The whore scanned our expectant faces and turned her back to the Captain. She struck a pose, arms draped above her head and all her weight on the left hip.

She waited several beats, then shifted her weight to the other side. She brought the matching arm down slowly and a slight smile showed on her face. She began throwing her hips left and right every beat, undulating her arms like the sea.

Bum, went the drum.

Bum.

Bum.

She stepped forward, looking around. Jack sat on the floor nearest her.