A Ripple In The Ocean

Chapter 17- New waters

Immediately as I had stepped foot onto the Alezo ship a sword was aimed at my throat.
I looked down the metal to the pommel and then to the soldier holding it. He had a vicious smile that poked through his unkept beard.
I raised my hands with a sheepish smile only to find another blade poised between my shoulder blades.
I swallowed my dear and tried to remain calm as more gathered around me.

Unlike the Huvranid navy the crew mainly consisted of males; all who wore somewhat of a broken uniform. Some wore red jackets, others wore (if they had one,) a ridiculous faded yellow shirt.

"Get the captain" someone shouted.

The ship was quite beautiful really. It was made of a variety of brown woods which actually compliment the crew's brown leather shoes. Intricate designs were carved into the doors and walls.

I turned my gaze upward to look at the sails. The complex sails and ropes looked almost foreign to me.
Clinging to the masts and ropes, I could see the remaining crew looking down at me as if I were their next meal. Two swung down to get a closer look at me.

My thoughts were cut off as a door flung open and banged against the wall adjacent.
A tall muscular male barged out into the main deck. He wore only a long jacket that covered his dark tattled skin.
The sailor's face showed no hint of emotion as he brushed his white hair out of his face. his cold eyes fixed on me.
Was this the captain?
I tried to run a hand through my hair but that just ended with the sword pressed harder against my skin. I struggled to get the words out, "I-i don't wanna cause any t-trouble but-".
A loud snort cut me off.
The rest of the crew turned to see who it was and laughed as well.

"Well that's a horrible way to live isn't it?" A voice cackled. A shorter female swaggered past the male toward me. The way she confidently walked about told me that the soldier from before probably wasn't the captain.

Her clothes were finely made but worn with age. She wore the same red uniform jacket yet it had more golden chains and medals hanging from it, a white- now cream shirt poked out from the material. A scuffed brown leather hat adorned with a variety of feathers sat lazily atop dirty blonde hair; on one side her hair was loose but on the other it was messily braided down her head. Golden jewelry was dotted all over her outfit, from her ears to her fingers. Knee-high leather boots were tied tightly at her feet

She laughed again before turning to the taller male, "Nero....go check if there's a cell free" the captain ordered the emotionless soldier.

In a blink of the eyes the male shifted into a bird. His dark tattooed skin was replaced by speckled feathers. He quickly flew off and back inside the boat.
I had never seen a shifter up close.
See the royals of the Alezo clan had the ability shift. I have no idea how but sometimes it's passed on to lesser nobles.
I pushed back my surprise and looked back at the captain.
She just smiled smugly back at me.

The circle parted so the captain could walk right up to me. A few sniggers were shared among the crew.

"Captain Mary Anne Ching of HMS Whimbrel at your service" she placed her hat over her heart and mockingly bowed.
The swords were lowered but not put away.
Mary Anne raised an eyebrow waiting for me to reply.
"Oh um James Emmett, second officer of the H.N.S Kavan" I wasn't quite sure whether or not to bow so I removed my cap and awkwardly nodded.
Murmurs broke loose.
"Stop your yacking!" The captain screamed at the crew.
They immediately shut their mouths.
"So you're snake huh?" Mary Anne crossed her arms casually.
I was sure I hadn't heard her correctly, "Excuse me?" I asked.
The crew laughed.
She shook her head and chuckled. "Your accent, Ya from Huvranid" she explained.
It clicked in my head that she was referencing our royals.
"Yes" I bluntly replied.

The shifter silently returned and landed on the captain's shoulder with only a clack of his beak.
The captain nodded but continued her questioning, "So how'd you get here"
I fixed my cap back onto my head."Ship got caught in a storm-"
Captain Ching groaned and threw around her weight, "Aw boo" she rolled her eyes before shoving her hands into her pockets. "I thought we were going to get some mutiny for once" she added but a concerned frown too over her face. "You're a long way from Huvranid though mate" the captain gestured for me to follow her and the circle of crew members broke away.
I quickly walked to her side, "How far?" I asked.
Mary Anne thought for a second, "two thousand odd moraks" she shrugged.
The words were like a punch to the gut. Two thousand moraks. That means I'm probably not in home waters anymore

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Note:

I haven't been posting as much, I know, I'm sorry. I never had a solid end in mind which was kinda stupid because it's hard to work towards.
I do like the story and the characters though so I'll try write.
Have a good week.