Donuts: Week 2
I twirled the lady about the floor as the musicians pushed us towards a delightful and frenzied waltz. She moved with such grace, a testament to her good breeding and stately upbringing.
"Captain?"
We navigated the floor, avoiding others and carving a piece of the floor amidst our fellow party goers. The night was ours and my heart filled with joy.
"Captain, sir?"
The music ceased as the wind whipped through the sails and my eyes adjusted from the bright glare of my dream to the stormy daybreak of the Atlantic. My focus went once more to the dance of the sea, the gentle caress of my frigate moving over rough seas after the larger 40 gun pirate vessel. The music of Poseidon is far less enjoyable than that of the queen's court.
"I hear you Mr. Goss. Are the men ready?"
"Aye sir, they beat to quarters minutes ago. Marine sharpshooters are on the sails and the crews are standing by their guns, as ordered."
The men were indeed ready, but silent. Only our sails made a sound, but the crew's eyes screamed with nervous anticipation. They were hungry and scared, as I was. I slowly removed my heavy officer's coat and handed it to my steward to be placed in my cabin. He returned with my pistol and sword.
"This is what we have been waiting for this past week. We have all sailed as only men of the Royal Navy can, and our wretched pirate host will soon discover that we fight far better than we sail." Nervous laughs came from the crew as I headed below decks to address the gun crews.
"The pirates left our fair city aflame and bloodied. Our honor tarnished. Our families in mourning. By our actions today they will never do so again. Judgment on behalf of the Queen is ours to deliver!"
The ship came alive. The ship itself was listening.
"As your captain I have done all I can to maneuver us into position. I have trained you as is our tradition. All lies in your hands now. Speak with your swords and summon hell itself with your cannon. This morn we shall retake our donuts!"
Every man aboard shouted and the chorus of "huzzah" swept over the waves. The pirates turned back and looked upon us with sadness, for they knew they were lost. Had we wanted, we could have asked for their surrender. Instead, we raised our colors.
Glory for the Queen!
