The Scathed

[Crestshot]

Well, I may have RL things going on mates, but I'm still able to get a chapter out to ye. Wouldn't leave you all hanging, aye? So, quickly, for I must go and do things of the theater soon, I give you...

Standoff in Tortuga



At Tortuga, they were swiftly kicked from the ship, their belongings thrown into the sand after them. Charles growled as he picked up the bags and slung them over his shoulder and under his arm. A few people along the beached stopped to point and laugh drunkenly, but they were mostly ignored in favor of rum and fights.

Sarah just stood there, her shoes sinking into the sand as she watched the ship sail away. Charles came up to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders comfortingly. “C’mon Sarah, we have to find someplace to stay.” She merely nodded and let her brother lead her. They walked through fist fights and gunshots as they wandered the town, looking for a place that wasn’t too hostile. There didn’t seem to be one.

A man with yellowed teeth and matted hair crept up to Sarah. “Why hello, lass. What’s a fine lil’ girly like you doin’ lookin’ so sad?” His grind widened. “I can cheer ya up lass… quite well.”

“Back off, bloke,” Charles said threateningly, stepping in front of her.

The dirty man eyed him. “You be her man?” he asked, poking her in the chest.

Charles stood firm. “No, I’m her brother.”

The man got in Charles’ face, close enough for him to smell his rank breath and the smell of alcohol. “Well, if that’s the case, you shouldn’t be opposed if I wan’ to spend a lil’ time with her,” he leered, and tried to get around him.

Charles moved to block him as he pulled out his pistol. “I’m warning you, bloke. Don’t try anything,” he said, pointing the gun right in the man’s face.

He glared up at Charles. “You wouldn’ pull that trigger. It’s against Pirate Code!” he growled, but still looked intimidated by the gun.

“Well then it’s a good thing I’m not a pirate, isn’t it?” Charles responded.

He saw the man begin to slip a hand into his pocket. “C’mon boy, just move aside…”

“Bart!” a voice barked across the road. Charles glanced over to see a small woman with dark – was that green? – hair walk briskly over to them.

“Wha’ trouble ye gettin’ into now, Bart?” the woman asked in a thick Irish accent. Her hands were on her hips as she stared him down. Bart seemed to wither slightly.

“Just tryin’ to ‘preciate a beautiful woman, Luckie,” he muttered.

The woman glanced at Charles, who still had a gun pointed at Bart, and Sarah, who peeked meekly out from behind him. “Aye?” she asked skeptically. “Honestly, go bother Johnny instead, ye daft lump of manure! And pu’ tha’ dagger away, or ye be facin’ the end o’ mine, and ye won’t be gettin’ any biscuits anytime soon!” Bart grumbled and stalked off.

Charles continued to glare after him, even when he had disappeared into the crowd. They hadn’t been there long, and already he hated Tortuga.

“Ye can pu’ the weapon down, lad,” the woman said in a much softer voice. It was only then that Charles realized his pistol was still raised. He hastily put it back in his belt.

“Thank you for your help,” he said to the green haired woman. “Now, excuse us, but we have to find a place to stay tonight.” He picked up the bags he had dropped during the small fight and began heading away.

“Wait,” the woman called. The siblings turned back towards her. “If ye don’ mind me askin’, why were ye pointin’ a pistol at Bart?”

Charles felt his back stiffen. “I felt he was threatening my sister. Nothing more.”

The woman shook her head. “I’ll ‘ave ta berate him abou’ tha’ later,” she muttered. “Come on now, follow me. I may have somethin’ tha’ll help ye ou’.” She began walking away. Charles and Sarah glanced at each other, then Charles shrugged and began following after the woman, Sarah following close behind.

The woman glanced backwards once or twice to be sure they were following, but mostly walked a fast pace until they reached a building with a picture of a pastry on the outside. She stepped past the threshold and motioned for Charles and Sarah to follow. They stepped into a shop filled with the most glorious smells, much different than the rancid Tortuga just on the other side of the door. Both inhaled deeply, cleansing sea salt and dirt from their senses. She noticed the content looks on their faces and smiled.

“Welcome ta the bes’ baker in all o’ Tortuga!” she said proudly. “Come on in the back, I’m sure I go’ somethin’ for ye.” She continued deeper into the building as Charles and Sarah looked about in wonder.

“Alrigh’, let’s see…” the woman muttered, moving a few things around. “Can never remember… aha!” She pulled a sheet away to reveal a nice, thick loaf of bread. “Here ye go, jus’ baked this morn!” she said. She broke two pieces off for the siblings, which they accepted gratefully.

“What’s your name again?” Sarah asked as Charles munched on the bread. “I recall Bart saying it, but don’t remember exactly what it was.”

The woman smiled gently at them. “I’m Luckie. Luckie O’Clover.”



Now you can all go bug Luckie! Haha. Actually, I asked her if she would be in it. I do believe she will be rather fitting, eh? Thanks for letting me borrow your name mate.

Well mates, what do you think? A little shorter than most, but oh well. I'll be listening for the buzz. Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot