The Tale Of The Dark Falcon (Section 3)

16

"Welcome Captain. Please join me." Peter pulling up a chair for Araina. She gave her jacket to the waiter, and in return the waiter gave her a bottle of red wine. Araina sat down in front of Peter. He could not help but notice her neck, shoulders, cleavage, and the smoothness of her skin. How her curls fell upon her shoulders as if they were floating.

"To what do I owe this night cap?" Araina taking a huge sip of her bottle of red wine. Looking at Peter, he seemed comfortable. A white linen shirt untucked, brown pants with black boots. Araina noticed his broad chest showing within his shirt. Araina also could see that he has had two bottles of rum. She had to take caution of him.

"It's been a long time Araina. I suspected our fates would never be interwined again. But since we have crossroads once more, I thought we could enjoy a night cap together. Just for tonight."

Araina pondered at his request. She would have to be on guard. With his heavy amount of drinking, she did not know what to expect. She has experienced a different side of Peter once. A more loving, thoughtful, and innocent young man. Then as she has aged along the years she has listened to within the grape vine of Peter's disturbing new personality. Power has corrupted his thinking, greed has become his new passion, and his mind has led him to believe that he is above the law.

Araina could tell with his new career, he has used alchohol to numb the daily stresses of life.

"How has piracy treated you thus far Araina?" Peter pouring himself another cup.

Araina took a small sip from her bottle of wine, she knew better to answer. "I'm not a fool Petter. I have grown since then."

Peter took Araina's hand. "I know. You have grown into a beautiful woman." Peter took her hand and rubbed his thumb on the inside of her hand. "
"Are you playing me for a fool Araina? You should know me better than that." Peter said in a serious tone.

Araina got up. "You still are a fool Peter. You still are." She was about to leave when Peter stopped her.

"I gave you everything you needed. I took you in. And this is how you repay me?! Siding with the enemy? With common low life thieves?!" Peter paused. "I want to know why. WHY?!"

Araina came closer to his face. "We chose our own paths Peter. You chose the dark and narrow." She whispered into his ear. "Tell me, who feeds the poor, who protects the innocent? I don't see your justice providing that kind of help. So who is really the enemy? Who is really the low life thieves?" Araina turned, but Peter stopped her again. He grabbed her arm.

"Then you will be judged. And when I have evidence of your criminal ways, you will be punished." Peter grabbed her closer. "Unless you beg for mercy." Peter whispered.

Araina was about to grab her dagger when she realized killing him when drunk by toxins would be cowardly. Araina made her exit.

"YOU'LL COME BACK!!" Peter taking another gulp of his rum.

Araina ignored his last words. Her plan failed. Getting information by using her irresistible body wasn't going to work with Peter Whitkin. His power met more than a her. She did learn more about him. He was still in wanting. His pleasure was to take anything or anyone that did not belong to him. This information would help her in the future. She hoped.

Peter Whitkin threw the glass bottle. His hatred only built up more. He was the law. Nothing was above him, everything was below him. All pirates should be below him, six feet under. He would make it his ultimate goal to send those slimy pirates back into the pit of despair. If he could not have her, then justice would take her.

Araina took one last look at the Pub while riding down to her true love, The Dark Falcon. On rare occasion, she would wonder if her life would be better if she lived the remainder of her life with Peter. But knowing life wouldn't be as adventurous.

Arriving back she found her crew in deep sleep. Exhausted with there enjoyment of the night life. The odor of grog, gas, and vomit traveled below deck.

Araina came up to her Quarters. She was surprised to find Jack gone, not waiting for her. "Would he not be curious of my departure?" she whispered to herself. Araina brushed the thought from her mind. Quietness is what she needed for tonight. Letting one man occupy her mind was unusual, and sinful in her book. She decided rest was needed on her part. She slipped into something more comfortable. Rest would help her think more clearly for tomorrow. Tomorrow would be the day for action. To be swift, and cunning. Like the wolf.

17

Awaken from her slumbers by the morning sun, Araina took ready for the day. Bathing, dressing, and eating she was prepared for today.

"Cap'n?" Mr. Gullman knocking at her door.

"Come." Araina commanded. Mr. Gullman found her seated at her desk, in deep thought.

"Cap'n, the men would like to know of ye plans for today?" Nervously speaking for knowing Araina's temper was unpredictable.

Araina looked up. "Tell my men we should have information on the whereabouts of treasure today. We will sail at midnight tonight." Araina paused. "Gather them up, I will need there help today."

Mr. Gullman nodded, and did what he was told.

Araina rolled up the map with brown wrapping. Her plan was simple. Hoping all will go well. Araina exited out of her Quarters to greet her men. Her apperance was a white corset, with dark brown pants laced upwards towards her hips, a light brown jacket, and brown boots. She greeted her men with a smile. "We have great fortune awaiting us my fellow men. But to travel to such a place I will need your help of distracting our Prosecutor who dares to ruin our fortunes. We will let no man stand in our way."

They nodded, and murmured in agreement.

Araina jumped down from the balcony from which she stood. "I will distract our Persecutor from delaying our fortunes. The six of my men will travel with Mr. Gullman, and Jack. The rest of you four will prepare the ship for departure. We have to make great haste when we return."

Araina pulled Mr. Gullman aside. "Where is that blasted Jack?" Araina's voice sounding intense, and annoyed.

Mr. Gullman took a big gulp. "I have no idea Cap'n. I haven't seen him risen out of his Chambers." Mr. Gullman fidgeting with his fingers.

Araina looked down upon his hands. She rolled her eyes. "Stop fidgeting you idiot. You have no reason to be nervous. I will take care of that brute." Araina stormed off below deck. Mr. Gullman blew a sigh.

Araina took her steps cautiously. Appearing in front of his door, she quietly opened it. With a crack she saw him in a deep sleep. She walked silently towards his bedside. The candle was dim, all curtains closed from letting the sunlight in. She watched his chest move up and down underneath his sheets. She sat right next to him. He did not budge. Her anger was only gone for a second until she remembered why she was down there.

"Waiting for something?" Jack whispered softly close to her ear. Araina only turned her head for a couple of seconds from his body. She was surprised to know she did not feel him move. She must of been lost in thought.

She turned back to him, and stood up. "Yes. Waiting for you to awake from your pathetic dreams. We have treasure to pursue." Crossing her arms.

Jack got out of bed. His chest was broad, shoulders large. His body indented with muscular features. The woman inside her wanted to use her finger to trace every outline, but the Araina in her wanted results. Progress. Treasure.

Jack came in front of her after rinsing his face. He stood in arm's length of her. Silence ran around the room. Only there breathing could be heard. Araina first placed her hands on top of his naked shoulders. His shoulders were firm. His skin was rough as a man skin but yet soft to the touch. She ran her hands from his shoulders to his firm, strong neck, then gently gliding them down his chest. Jack simply did the same. With his firm hands on top of her soft shoulders, he used his hands to feel the softness of her body from her shoulders to her neck.

"Cap'n?" Mr. Gullman stated from beyond the door.

Araina was about to turn, but Jack took her by the shoulders and turned her around. "No. We have been interrupted long enough."

Araina came out of his grasp. "There are more important things Mr. DuVon." Araina turned, and opened the door.

"Well, he is finally up. Make sure you help the man." Araina left. She had work to do. A man to distract. While Jack, and Mr. Gullman translated the information.

Araina was about to step off The Dark Falcon when Mr. Gullman stopped her. "Cap'n?"

Araina turned to him. "Listen to me, if any of Peter's demons come upon you, let the soldiers become distracted with my men. You, and Mr. DuVon should be able to get to Abhijat. Translate as much as you can. Quickly get out, and go back to the ship. We have to make a quick escape when I return. You should be on The Dark Falcon before me. Get her ready. For we must set sail when I return. If I do not get back before soldiers start running down to The Dark Falcon. Keep to the code."

Mr. Gullman was about to protest. But Araina placed her hand up. "No arguments Mr. Gullman. That is an order. I do not care who protests. My orders are final."

Mr. Gullman bowed his head. "Ye Cap'n."

Araina smiled. Jumped onto a horse that Mr. Gullman brought for her, and raced off to Peter Whitkins mansion. Since he was after her, she would be in his grasp. Long enough to distract him. Then escape his clutches before her ship left without her. If she did not make it, at least her crew would. Her earnings was to be shared throughout all men and women who were banished my Peter Whitkins blood guilty hands. The only pain she could give to Peter was to help her kind from Peter Whitkin, and his merciless soul.

18

"Ye sir, which way? Where be Mr. Abhijat home?" Mr. Gullman, and Jack walking toward the middle of the town with the crew behind them. Jack directed him to a pathway up a hill through a forest. "That is our direction we should be heading."

Mr. Gullman, Jack, and the crew were about leave when a group of soldiers appeared to be searching for someone. Jack turned around to face the crew. "Alright, they are probably looking for a band of rough, grubby looking pirates. So split into two groups of three, and make sure they spot you. Make them follow you. Then once they have questioned you, report back to the ship. Help the rest of the crew prepare for departure. Understand?"

"Ye." The crew stated. Following command they split into two groups of three. Made eye contact with the soldiers, and soon off into another direction leading the soldiers off Jack, and Mr. Gullmans trail.

"We should hurry Mr. Gullman."

Jack, and Mr. Gullman went there way onto the path. Walking as quickly as they could. Being cautious of every step of the way. Soldiers could be hidden in every bush. Every tree. Jack was listening to any sound the forest would make.

Suddenly, Jack heard a twig snap in half. His stress was working on his nerves.

"Jack. Be calm. Ye don't have to worry me bucko."

Jack was reassured by his confidence. Soon Jack, and Mr. Gullman would arrive at Abhijat home.

"Jack, where be this Abhijat home?" Mr. Gullman getting tired.

"Soon, Mr. Gullman." Jack stated. Before Mr. Gullman could say anything, Jack suddenly was lifted into a net.

Mr. Gullman stepped aside. Wanting to be careful. He jumped onto a boulder, took his dagger, and tried to cut down the ropes.

"DUCK!!!" Before Mr. Gullman could turn around, Jack kicked him back by swinging himself. Mr. Gullman fell onto his back. An arrow whizzed by Mr. Gullman, and Jack's head.


Mr. Gullman and Jack viewed there attacker. The attacker was hunched over, and covered with leaves sewn together as a disguise. He wore a painted, wooden mask, to frighten anyone who crossed him.

Jack noticed a familiarity with there attacker. "Abhijat?" Jack questioned.

The attacker cocked his head. "Jack?" The attacker with his heavy Indian accent.

"It is I." Jack relieved. Abhijat took off his mask. His long, brown hair covered most of his caramel skin. His age did not fit with his unmarked face. His dark brown eyes searched for the rope which held Jack in mid-air.

Jack fell onto the ground, after loosening the rope. Abhijat approached Jack, shaking his hand rapidly, and hugging him without warning. "Ye Jack. It's been awhile."

"It has Abhijat. I would like you to meet Mr. Gullman." Jack directing him to Mr. Gullman. Abhijat shook his hand, and led them both to his home.

They arrived in front of a wooden door placed in front of a small cave. "Come in my friends. Come. Come."

Strolling inside, they found Abhijat's home to be very cozy. Torches were lit throughout the narrow halls of the cave. Within Abhijat's home there were many trinkets of all sorts. Compasses hanging from the ceilings, shells in dug out shelves, sheets of sails from shipwrecks, glass in all shapes and colors, maps in each corner of the Abhijat's hideout. Crystals that lit up the room by the reflection of the torches. To Jack it all seemed like treasure. Each item had a story to tell.

"Come my friends, come and sit." Abhijat practically begging for his guest to relax. After guiding his guest to a sit, he handed them both a glass cup, and poured rum. "To relax thee nerves." Abhijat pouring himself a cup, and sitting upon a stump from the forest. "Please forgive me for my attempt earlier. Within my forest bandits tend to travel these woods, I do my share of defending myself."

"It be alright Abhijat, no need to apologize." Mr. Gullman raising his empty glass towards him. Abhijat chuckled, and poured Mr. Gullman another glass of rum.

Jack shook his head, and smiled of Mr. Gullman's negligence of almost his death-dealing encounter with Abhijat. "Abhijat, we have business to discuss." Jack with a serious expression.

Abhijat smiled. Getting up, he placed a table in front of Jack, and himself. "Even though you are a decent friend Jack, you know as well as anyone that I demand payment."

Jack nodded in agreement. He threw on top of the table a small, brown sack. Abhijat opened, and poured out two dozen doubloons. Abhijat smiled with glee. "A fair payment," tucking all the doubloons back into the small sack. "Now, what can I do for you?"

Jack took out the map. "We need you to interpret this?" Sliding the map in front of Abhijat.

Putting on his spectacles, Abhijat looked over the map. Glancing over the map, he became intrigued. His whole focus was on his findings of the translation.

Jack could see his interest growing. "Abhijat?" Jack could see his expression of glee, turned into an expression of seriousness. "Abhijat?"

Soon Abhijat lost concentration by Jack's constant call. "Jack.....this map.....this map holds the treasure of Adjo." Abhijat overwhelmed of what he was translating. Jack was surprised. Mr. Gullman confused. "Who is this Adjo?"

Jack looked over to Mr. Gullman. "Adjo. He was just a soldier for a Pharaoh called Menes in the land of Egypt. A man who desired the luxury, and treasures of his Pharaoh. He became obsessed of the finer things, even his very name means treasure. His Pharaoh had deep trust for Adjo. But soon Adjo turned on Menes, but failed to murder him. Adjo was soon taken to the dungeon to be tortured. But it's said Anpu 'the god of the underworld,' gave him strength beyond fifty men. Took over Menes soldiers, and drowned his Master in his own blood. Soon he had all the treasure, and luxury he could ever want. But to make sure no one would ever take it, he hid it in the deepest part of the jungle on some island before Anpu took his soul to the underworld to serve him for all eternity."

Mr Gullman was sort of surprised. "Ye this be true?" The superstitious pirate simply stated.

Jack placed a comforting hand on Mr. Gullman's shoulder. "Others say before Menes tortured Adjo, Menes was suffocated by his own wife Queen Nuri for Adjo."

"What pray tell is the meaning of her name Jack?" Mr. Gullman curious.

"Wicked." Jack took the map from Abhijat. "Does the map give any indication of the treasure's whereabouts?"

Abhijat felt as if Jack took his precious love from him. "Ye it does."

"Well Abhijat, do you mind translating?" Giving the map back.

Abhijat thought for a minute. Then gave a mischievous smile. "Instead of your precious doubloons, let me travel along with you."

Mr.Gullman, and Jack both looked at each other with concern cross there face. "Now Abhijat?" Jack questioning.

"I go, or I will not tell you the whereabouts of Adjo's treasure." Abhijat saying his final word. Mr. Gullman, and Jack had no choice. "Please Jack?" Abhijat pleading.

Jack put a smile upon his face. "Alright Abhijat. You may accompany us."

Abhijat chuckled in excitement."Thank You Jack. You will not be disappointed." Shaking Jack's hand uncontrollably. "You will not be disappointed."

"You will have no choice." Jack whispered to himself, patting his friend's back. "No choice."

19

Araina arrived in front of Peter Whitkin's manison. Stepping out of the carriage she arrived right when Peter was stepping out. "Ah, my little China doll, care to join me for a rid within my carriage."

Araina thought for a minute. "I would love to kind sire." Bowing in front of his excellency.

Peter Whitkin smiled with delight. Peter now could keep an eye on her. He was just informed his men were spying upon her crew which were doing absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. Having Araina accompany him everywhere would be a nice bonus. Instead of striking fear into Araina, maybe he would be able to persuade her with his charm.

Peter guided Araina to his carriage. The carriage was one of his priceless treasures. Decorated with gold stem that traced the very outline of the carriage. It's beauty was stunning. "To my office Mr. Brink." Peter ordering his driver.

Looking upon Araina he could see her beauty glow in the afternoon sunlight. Her tan skin radiated with a shine. "You are looking as ravishing as ever my dear Araina." Peter handing her a glass of wine.

Araina took the glass from him. Craved with a beautiful pattern around the center. "Flattery will get you know where Mr. Whitkin." Taking a sip. "Are you sure you can handle your own liquor?" Remembering the other night of wanting to dispose of him when Peter was intoxicated.

"Oh please forgive, and forget every moment of that night. That was no way to treat any lady no matter what stature." Gulping down this wine. "Please, have dinner with me to accept my apology in behavior of last night."

Ariana was famished. "Why not." She decided to play along. At least Whitkin would be distracted with her, instead of focusing on her reason for being in Port.

They arrived in front of Peter Whitkin's office, and he guided Araina in. In his office, the wooden floor had beautiful gloss, flourishing furniture, and a wooden round table, with dark red hems tracing the outline of the beautiful wooden carvings. The aroma of the room was of sweet cinnamon.

Arriving in front of the wooden round table, Araina found it romantically decorated. Silk as a table cloth, and three white candles in a three-branched brass candelabrum. Araina held a pure silver spoon to see it's marvelous shine, and detailed carvings of soldiers within the handle.

Araina, and Peter sat, enjoying there evening meal of roasted boar with fresh green vegetables. Peter Whitkin could not help but notice Araina's presence was soothing to him. "Do you recall the last time we sat together, and enjoyed a meal?"

Araina thought for a second. Suddenly a humoring memory of her past crept into her thoughts. "When your Father appointed you Manager for one night. You made the effort to cook, and the turkey tasted awful." Amused by her tale.

Peter seemed in shock. "You seem not to remember that you assisted with the cooking." Pointing his fork at her.

"If I was assisting I would never have roasted the turkey until it turned as hard as a rock." Smiling to herself.

"Alright, alright. I take full blame." Content with his surroundings. Peter began to reflect his past as while. "Such innocent times. Many of my childhood moments include you." Peter reached for Araina's hand, and held it. "Times I have longed for ever since I left to be a soldier." Peter paused, to let his remark sink into Araina. "Have you ever felt the same way?" Peter stated with a soothing voice.

Within her mind Araina pondered about her past thoughts of Peter. At one point in her life she desired the time Peter used to glance her way. His romantic tactics he used to try on her. Remembering there first kiss under there Maple tree. Times when innocence was bliss, and nothing mattered within there lives. Only there one mind set was being together. So young, and not having a care in the world.

"At times I did Peter. At times I did." Araina holding his hand tighter. Peter could see something sparkle within her eyes. As if she was turning back into the young, innocent, lovable woman he feel in love with.

His feelings were overpowering his mission to turn her into leverage. "Araina." He whispered leaning closer to her.

"I would like another drink." Araina stammering. Peter could see she was dazed by his alluring appeal. "Let me Araina." Grabbing her glass.

Araina stopped him. "No please. Let me." Seeing as his glass was empty. Peter insisted, but Araina was too stubborn. She decided to make her own special drink for Peter, and herself, since this was a special time.

While Araina invented her drink for the two of them, Peter reflected on a possible thought. By a show of this dinner, there was still evidence of the old Araina he once knew. Old feelings began to arise deep within his heart. Araina could transition from a heartless, she-devil pirate, to his lovable, sweet Araina. She would be able to transform into his other half.

Nightfall came upon them without warning. Araina arrived back at the table. Placing the glass right in front of Peter.
Araina sat back down puzzled. Peter noticed without hesitation. "Is something wrong my dear?"

Araina shook her head. "No. Nothing is wrong." Araina sighed. "That is my dilemma. I have never felt this way in the longest time Peter."

Peter took a sip of his drink.

"In the deepest part of my heart, I have missed every fiber of your soul, and in my darkest moments, I have wanted to be near you for comfort. I thought I would never say this in my lifetime, but I now regret my life of piracy and have never wanted you so desperately." Shaking within her boots.

Peter stood up from his chair, and knelt down in front of Araina. "Araina, are your words truly meaningful?"

Araina placed her head down for a moment, then gazed into Peter's eyes with tears streaming from her eyes. "Yes." She whispered.

Peter fell flat onto the floor. Araina wickedly smiled. "But I have an tendency to lie." Grabbing Peter's face, and kissing his cheek. "So long my darling." Dropping his head upon the wooden floor.

Araina exited out without looking back. Closing the door behind her, she grabbed one of the horses from the carriage, and raced off to her only true love, The Dark Falcon.

20

"Where is our Captain?" The crew murmured to each other. Time was running out. It was almost midnight. Jack, and Mr. Gullman grew worried. If Araina remained absent then Jack, and Mr. Gullman were to stick to the code. Mr. Gullman glanced at Jack. It was time. She wasn't going to make it. Mr. Gullman stood on the balcony to alert the crew.

"Gent's!" Mr. Gullman yelled. The crew stood silent. Awaiting orders from second in command. "Our Captian, seems to be...."

"HERE!" Araina shouted riding in front of her crew. Mr. Gullman was relieved to see his Captain. Araina jumped off her horse, and gave orders to set sail. Jack, and Mr.Gullman stood in front of Araina to recieve any newly information. "I'm going down below. No one disturb me." Araina firmly stated while taking her horse by the reins.

Mr. Gullman, and Jack just looked at each other with confusion. Araina was truly the definition of unpredictable.

Araina went down below, placing her horse in a built in stable. Araina took off the reins, and placed them on a near by hook. Araina took a leather back brush, and started stroking the horse's mane. The horse was beautiful. Her coat was golden beige with pearl white spots around her backside. Her eyes were dark brown, and glistened with elegance. Her muscular features showed she was still young, energetic, and strong.

Araina noticed something upon the horse's body. She traced the scars upon her belly. They were still fresh. The horse whinced in agony. Araina took a cloth, and a bowl of water. She started cleaning the scars when the horse grew anxious. "Woah, woah." Araina stroking her long mane. "Shhh. Shhh. It's alright." The horse began calming down, comforted by her soothing voice. Araina finished up, by giving a bucket of fresh water, and food in front of the horse.

Araina was about to leave when she noticed something was missing. Coming around to the horse, she held the horse's face. "You will be Meeka." Brushing the hair from her big, brown eyes. "Right." Araina left without another word and went straight to the deck.

Araina was impressed. Her crew were hard at work with there chores. Araina rang a huge brass bell with emeralds aligned around the edges of the bell to get her crew's attention. "Does anyone know where we are heading next?" Araina questioned. The crew were perplexed by this. What this a test? Was this some kind of trickery? Some death-dealing game Araina wanted to play? One crew member decided he was brave enough to test her theory. "Treasure?"

"YEEE!!" Araina raising her fist in the air. The crew followed. "Ye. Off to get OUR treasure! Now back to work you scallywags." Crew bursted into laughter. Araina grew serious, and lost her temper. "NOW, YOU DOG LICKERS! OR I WILL THROW YOU TO THE SHARKS MYSELF!!" The crew was panic-stricken, rushing around, and bumping into each other. Araina smiled to herself. She still had the power. She missed her anger, her power of putting fear into anyone, and everyone. Power to place fear into her crew reminded them who The Captain was, and why we respected her.

Araina turned, and went inside her Quarters, finding Jack, Mr. Gullman, and a strange, scraggy looking man. Araina was baffled. "Alright. Someone explain in the next 5 seconds who this filthy man is, or I feed him to my horse." Araina pulling out her pistol. Jack came in front of Araina. "He is our guide to the treasure."

Araina's temper was raising. "I told you... to translate the map, not have a stowaway upon my ship. Were my directions that difficult to follow?"

Mr. Gullman nugged Abhijat. "Madam, I decided not to translate unless I am part of the adventure." Abhijat stepped forward. "You either send me on a rowboat back to land, or AHHHH!" Araina suddenly front kicked Abhijat. He fell upon his back. She knelt down next to Abhijat. "I see your mother did not teach you to not order a Captain around. It's just not polite. " Araina looked up at Mr. Gullman, then back to Abhijat. "You will translate the map, and will not give me a fuss. You will stay in the brig since it's our most comfortable room on my whole ship."

Araina stood up, and sat in her chair. "Mr. Gullman, take our guest to the brig. Give him the map to translate." Abhijat led himself to the door, and Mr. Gullman followed. "Oh, and Mr. Abhijat, remember who you are dealing with. And if you don't remember who I am, allow my crew to remind you."

Abhijat, and Mr. Gullman left. Stepping down the stairs, Abhijat spoke with amazement by his interaction with the Captain. "That is no ordinary woman?"

Mr. Gullman chuckled. "I assume you have never heard about Captain Araina. And no she is not just a mere woman, she is The Pirate Captain." Guiding Abhijat below.

Jack watched them go down below. Turning around to find Araina diligently looking at maps, and different Ports. He walked over to Araina. "What was the purpose of putting Abhijat in the brig?" His anger raising up.

Araina glanced at Jack. Her patience was running out. "If guilt is eating you up that much, join your friend. I'm sure he will admire the company."

"There is no need to be sarcastic." Jack's voice appearing louder.

Araina snapped. Banged her hands on her desk, and stood up. "I have every right to be sarcastic. You did not follow orders. I told you translate, then leave. Not bring a stowaway."

"I explained earlier to you, he would not translate without......" Jack was interrupted by Araina grabbing a dagger from her boot, and coming around the table to face him. "Well apparently you are not familiar with my way of persuasion." Jack walked backwards, while Araina walked towards him. "See, I taught this skill to my whole crew. You seem not to be getting it." Pointing the dagger to Jack. "Now we have another mouth to feed, and another soul to split the proceeds." Throwing the dagger into the wall inches away from Jack. "You should count your blessings Jack, your lucky I need you alive." Araina was about to seat back in her chair when she realized something. She pulled out her pistol, pointing to Jack. "In fact. I don't need you. I have the map, have the translater, I have leverage. You have nothing. So what could I possibly need from you?" Cocking her pistol.

"We made a deal." Jack firmly stating.

"Pirate." Araina targeted Jack, and pulled a trigger. The pistol went off.

Jack was stunned. Araina smiled viciously. He was no longer a problem.

21

At that moment Jack had a flash back of his past. All his golden moments, all his darkest times. Remembering his childhood, his awkward times as a young teenager, and now these moments of being a man. He felt no pain, no dizziness, he felt nothing. Jack searched his body for any bodily fluids, most likely blood. He felt nothing wet upon his chest. He looked up at Araina. She was behind her desk, searching for the nearest Port for reloading of supplies.

"You shot me." Jack surprised by her actions. "At least....... I think you did." Jack still confused by no sign of death approaching him.

Araina was into her studies. Her eyes did not leave the map. "I did shoot you." Araina pausing for the effect. "I just conveniently forgot to leave the bullet in." Smirking.

Jack's anger grew hot. "Then why did you try to shoot me?" Unbuttoning his shirt looking for any signs of discomfort or injuries.

Without glancing at Jack, Araina simply stated. "I thought you deserved a good scare."

Jack rolled his eyes. Relief was a comfort to him. But Araina's frightful trickery annoyed him. Jack began buttoning up his shirt.

Araina glanced his way. That tunic of his wanted to be unbuttoned. Araina brushed off the idea from her mind. "Since your moment of horror is over. Why don't you join my crew with there daily chores?"

Jack huffed.

"Oh and there is no choice in the matter. This is an order." Araina making eye contact with Jack. "Go. Now."

Jack saluted his Captain, and exited out of her Quarters. After Jack closed the door behind him. He was certain the next time Araina would try to "scare" him, he would not be able to laugh about it later. He decided it was best to follow orders to avoid death another day.

After Jack's leaving, Araina chuckled to herself. She found her prank to be amusing. She wondered if she could deceit him again. She found striking terror into someone's eyes was amusing to her. Soon her mind drifted into wondering about her translator in the brig. Curious of his progress, she decided to go visit her new found prisoner. She at least needed her first heading. Sailing without no heading was dangerous in these waters. She could not sail blind. Walking out of her cabin, she found Jack leaning upon her balcony near the stairs with his arms crossed.

Araina rolled her eyes. "Done with your chores already?" Walking down the steps, while Jack followed behind her. "I could find more for you to do you know."

Jack shook his head. "There is no need Captain." Following behind. "Besides, I'm as curious as you are of Abhijat's finding."

Araina shrugged, and decided to have Jack accompany her. Perhaps Abhijat would be more cooperative while Jack was by her side.

Araina found Mr. Gullman asleep upon a wooden stool. She was vexed by his sense of alertness.

"Mr. Gullman!" Araina raising him from his slumber. Mr. Gullman fell of of his stool with shock, and stood as a soldier. "Open the door." She ordered. Mr. Gullman did as he was told. Araina stepped inside to find Abhijat working hard as ever translating the map. Abhijat was startled by Araina's presences, never realizing how a woman could be completely dangerous.

Araina gave Abhijat, an interesting smile, while raising her right eyebrow towards him. Soon she moved her attention to Mr. Gullman. "Mr. Gullman bring our guest something to eat. He must be quite famished from all the excitement he has endured upon my ship."

Before Mr. Gullman could leave to obey Araina's request, he was pulled to the side. "Mr. Gullman, after his appetite is fulfilled, drench him in soap and water. I do not want his foul odor in my Quarters."

Mr. Gullman seemed confused. "Cap'n?"

Araina rolled her eyes, trying to cling to her last bit of patience. She pulled Mr. Gullman ever so tighter. "Bring him to my Quarters after you fool." Shoving Mr. Gullman back.

"Ye, Cap'n!" Taking Abhijat by the arm, and guiding him to the kitchen. While Mr. Gullman was esorting Abhijat to the kitchen, Jack could not help but feel empathy towards his comrade. If anything happened to Abhijat he would feel responsible.

Araina glanced at Jack, sensing his pity towards his friend. Araina walked up in front of him, while still staring straight ahead.
"Mr. DuVon, bring what he has accomplished so for when Mr. Gullman is finished with him."

Jack could only begrudgingly obey. He had no choice but to obey, otherwise he would be in the same position as Abhijat. As acknowledging her request, Jack walked towards the kitchen. Araina took a blissful sigh, the feeling of being in charge, being on top, gave her satisfaction within her own self. She decided to check on the rest of her crew. Climbing up the steps, she found her crew on deck attending to there chores. She surveyed who was doing what. Like eyes of a hawk, she found one of her crew members Moe Tantum sitting in a daze.

Araina marched over to Moe lost within his thoughts. "Mr. Tantum!" she hollered. Recognizing that demanding voice, his mind alerted him to respond quickly.

"Ye Cap'n!" Moe stated in a firm tone.

With her hands behind her back, Araina strolled around him as a shark circling it's next meal. "I see we have time to think Mr. Tantum." She pause in front of him. "You know the penalty of slackers upon my ship." Araina smiled wickedly. Moe Tantum knew the penalty, and began to sweat. As he glanced around to find an excuse to save him from punishment. He looked no further until he found a merchant ship a few yards away. Acting quickly he pointed to the near by ship.

"Cap'n, I was examining that wee be ship over thar." Araina instantly. Scaned the vast sea to find a merchant ship coming towards them.

Without thinking Araina shouted her orders. "HOLD THE RUDDER! LAY ANCHOR! TAKE DOWN THE JOLLY ROGER!"

With her boisterous command, her men quickly sprung into action. "Scope!" Araina yelled. One of her crew member from the crow's nest dropped within her hands her spyglass. She viewed the colors upon the merchant ship. "TRADESMEN BOYS!" Informing her crew. Her crew gave a merciless laugh.

"Alright gentlemen you all know your duties. Hope to it." Araina ordered.