The High Seas

[Elen Galad]

The 1700's have dawned, with a new age of exploration and conquest. Far to the west, new lands lay shrouded in mystery, bursting with riches waiting to be claimed by those brave enough to challenge their waters. The great empires of the world battle to control these rich trading routs, and the oceans and seas of the world become a place for a man to make his fortunes.

Some sail for country, some for faith, and still others sail only for themselves. These have many names. Rebel, highwaymen, outlaw, deserter, thief, soldiers of fortune. All true but not so accurate as the one most know and rightly fear.

Pirate.

So, come. If it's adventure you seek, you can do worse than the sea. The Spanish Main, The Caribbean, The West Indies, The Pacific Rim. All are ripe with adventure, but not without peril. If you seek treasure and riches, there is plenty of that too, but only for those with the will to take it. For to make it as a pirate it takes more than cleverness, strength, and love of the sea.

For nothing is had or taken without first giving something. And it is he who gains the most who pays the highest price.

 

[Elen Galad]

The Crimson Phoenix floated just of the coast of Florida, where she had put in to resupply before heading south towards the Keys. Her bight red sails were furled, and her crew was busy shaping up her rigging. They climbed and clambered back and forth across her deck, securing tack lines, checking for stays, and oiling the tackle. Captain Riley was standing next to the railing on the steering deck, one boot on the gunwale and his elbows resting on his knee. His dark red hair was pushed around a bit by a passing breeze and he inhaled, taking in the scent of the ocean.

"How does she fair today, captain?" a deep voice rumbled behind him.

Riley turned his head to se his quartermaster, Koba, a giant man with skin as ebony as the ship's hull, and muscles like a rhinoceros. Many scars crossed his arms and back, and he wore a big leather belt with his pants, which were as red as the sails. His leather boots were shined and his swords clinked as he walked over and stood next to his captain.

"She smells ah fair blow tadeh, Mr Koba." said Riley, his rich brogue coloring his words.

Riley stood and walked over to the wheel house and looked out over the decks.

"Ey, ah fair wind is ours, lads."

Mr Koba stood next to him and crossed his big arms over his barrel chest.

"Den let us ride de squall while she last, sir."

Riley took hold of the wheel.

"All hands! Weigh anchor!" he shouted.

"You heard de news! Haul up those stays, me trumps!" Koba's voice thundered next to him.

Riley smiled and gave the wheel a good turn to starboard.

"Loose all'n trim her sharp to tha wind, lads! Crowd her on and giee me all she's worth!"

The sails billowed as they filled with a favorable wind and the Phoenix began to glide out towards open sea.