Farewell

Writing prompt by Scoot: A character that is a stowaway

I lift the rugged stoneware cup to my lips. The steam rolls along my cheeks, an emotional hug giving me the support only a good cup of coffee can. The towering sailor before me stands at the ready. The only thing that has moved since he placed the letter on the table before me is the sash around his shoulders. Fisher, my husband, hands him a cup. He eyes it suspiciously then looks to me for…permission?

“Please, have a drink and a seat. This is going to be hard enough without you staring at me like that.”

“Aye, sir.” There was a spark of delight in the man’s eyes as he took the warm cup and tapped it against Fisher’s. He sits and wholly focuses on the cup.

Fisher steps around behind me and places a hand on my shoulder. That man is a light house in my storm. I break the was seal and unroll the letter. I can hear the gruff voice of a captain who spent his life barking orders in the uneven inked lines.

Dearest Kitten,

I’d wished with with everything I had to tell you this in person. If you’re reading this, then, well, not all wishes come true.

In the end here, I’m left with only two things: This boat and a broken heart. I wish I could have been what you needed. I wish I could have been anything more than what I was. I wish I’d done better by you.

I still remember the day I found you, stashed away in a crate of silks. Rations were disappearing and I set about to find the thief. What I found was a ferocious little girl, a little jungle cat. Afraid of nothing. In case you’re wondering, I still have the scar. I should have dropped you at the next harbor, but how could I let ferocious little kitten like you go? Still, life of a pirate is no life at all. These fools, they speak of glory and legacy. Most of them are lost to Davey Jones never to be spoke of. No, the life of a pirate is no life at all.

I know you set out to make a life for yourself. A real life, not like mine. I know I said some nasty things when you left, but I didn’t mean them. Not any of them. I’m glad you left. Glad you settled down.

Well, I better get on with it. The reason I’m writing is because I’m leaving you my ship, the Moring Star. I asked my First Mate, but he has no interest in being a Captain. Shooly is his name. Loyal to the bloody end. After him, the only other person was you, or send her to bottom of the sea. The thought of sending her to the depths broke my heart to much. I couldn’t do it.

Shooly will take you to the ship and get you settled. Taking command will come with a challenge or two, but nothing you haven’t handled in the past.

Please take care of her. Make an honest vessel of her, I don’t care, just keep wind in her sails.

Farewell,

Kellen

I grasp at my husbands hand, steady, firm. Tears fall on the paper. He was miserable man, but also the closest I had to a father. Fisher sets his cup on the table and pulls out a chair, never letting go of my hand.

“What do you want to do?”

Shooly stops and watches. I left that life for a reason. I left…the open sea, the sunrise painting the sky, interesting people. I did miss it.

“Shooly?” He stood to attention. “If I make the Morning Star honest, will you still sail with me?”

“Aye, sir. I’d like that.”

“Fisher, are you will to go with me? Leave all this behind?”

“Leave all of what behind? All this?” He waves his hand at the room. “We’re a family and nothing is breaking that.”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

We spent the next hour gathering what little supplies we had into single laundry bag. Shooly hoisted it over his shoulder and carried our whole life like a sack of potatoes out the door. We followed in the shadow of the man as parted the busy street like the hull of a ship.

The Morning Star sat in the dock awaiting new orders. It sat low, like it knew her Captain had passed. The steps to the deck were steep and unsteady. I set foot on the deck and began to sway. Had it really been so long? Had I lost my see legs? Shooly didn’t give me time to doubt as he ushered us straight into the the Captain’s quarters.

“Captain had this made for you.” He pointed to the suite hanging in the corner. He set our sack down against the wall. “You should address the men as soon as you change.” He stepped out of the quarters and closed the door behind him. His shadow never left though. He was standing guard.

I set to changing as Fisher looked about the cabin. He had to keep a hand on the wall as he walked. The suit wasn’t that of a pirate. Kellen knew I’d never go back. This was a merchant Captain’s suit and it fit perfectly. I presented myself fully dressed to my husband.

“Looks like you were made for this.”

“I think you might be right. Let’s go.”

I tapped the door to warn Shooly and opened the door. I stepped out in to the mid-day sun at rough crew of men. It had been a while since they’d seen any money. They all grumbled and few spit. My confidence swayed but held firm with Fishher at my right shoulder and Shooly at my left.

“I’m Captain of this ship now. We’re going to make an honest women of the Morning Star. If you don’t want that, leave now.” I looked each man in the eye. A few turned and left. Good, those would have been trouble.

“Wait, I remember you! You’re the Cap’n’s kitten!” The old man pointed his boney finger at her.

“Ahahaha, I don’t think I’ll take order from the Captain’s little pussy cat.” I pull my belt knife and step forward. I’m pushed aside as Fisher stomps forward. The man lifts his chin in defiance and Fisher obliges. His punch is like a cannonball, dropping the sailor to the deck. He grabs the sailor by the collar and drags him to the railing and tosses him into the harbor. He turns and walks back, stopping just in front of me.

“Wait, were you going to stab that man?”

“Um…yes…”

“Um…NO. We’re going to discuss what it means to run an honest ship.” He steps back behind my right shoulder.

“Anyone else?” I ask. The old man wasn’t pointing anymore, instead he focused on his feet. “Good. I want this ship ready to sale with the tide.”

“YOU HEARD THE CAPTAIN, YOU DOGS. GET TO WORK.” Shooly began driving the men to their places. It was chaotic at first, but soon he had the men in synch and preparing to sale. Shooly returned to my left shoulder. “Where to sale to, Captain?”

“I have no idea, but I’m going to say farewell to this old life and we’re going to start a new one.” Fisher steps forward and takes my hand in his.

“Aye, Captain. To a new life.”