Troubled Waters

Black-Eye helps salvage treasure from the reef. Winner!

The Devil’s Mercy cut eastward, the wind snapping her sails as the crew neared the uncharted reef the Spaniard had spoken of. Black-Eye Blackburn stood beside the helm; boots braced against the deck as the swell rose beneath them.

Captain Scarlett barked orders, her voice carrying over the crash of waves. “Sound the depths! Keep your eyes sharp for breakers!”

By afternoon, the jagged teeth of the reef broke the surface ahead. Seabirds wheeled above, and the stench of fish filled the air. Black-Eye spotted the wreck half-buried in the coral a rotting galleon, its hull split like a gutted whale.

They lowered the longboat, rowing into the shallows. The reef tore at the oars, but they made it to the wreck. Inside, the air was damp and foul, water sloshing around their ankles. Scarlett led the way, her lantern casting golden light over piles of broken crates.

Then Black-Eye saw it; chests stacked in the captain’s quarters, their lids swelled with age but heavy with promise. They cracked one open, revealing coins, jewels, and silver plate.

The crew grinned like wolves.

They worked until nightfall, ferrying treasure back to the Devil’s Mercy. Exhausted, Black-Eye returned to his cramped cabin. He kicked off his boots and collapsed onto the thin pillow, the sound of the sea thudding against the hull like a steady drum.

Sleep came quickly, but not without thought gold drew sharks, both in the water and among men.

By dawn, the crew’s excitement was already turning into whispers.

Scarlett caught his eye across the deck and said quietly, “Keep your wits, Black-Eye. Fish aren’t the only things that feed in these waters.”

He nodded, hand brushing the dagger at his belt. Trouble was coming. He could smell it on the wind.


Word Count: 294
Prompt: "Write a story that includes the words: boots, fish, pillow”
Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"