Castaway

Pacing up and down the deck, you anxiously watch as the shores of your hometown slowly fade into the distance. You suppose you should be more concerned with the gallery of eyes either appreciating or condemning the sight of a woman aboard. It had taken you by surprise that your captor did not immediately relegate you in the brig or tie you up. However, now you can only assume that has more to do with the fact you have no chances of escaping rather than a bid of diplomacy on his end. In fact, it seemed he had more important duties to attend as he almost immediately delegated you to a new overseer upon arrival on the vessel. You suppose it must be the second in command as he is the next best dressed marauder you have seen thus far. Although you also conjecture that your captor was attempting to impersonate your real betrothed and likely does not dress as such regularly.

The winds pick up and rain begins drizzling lightly as you sail further from shore and deeper into the unknown. Shivering, you take full stock of your apparel for the first time since leaving your family's home. The once dove white, well-fitting gown, is now stained with blood, dirt, and other unknown substances. It is also badly torn and loosely hanging from your shoulders with the split sides revealing your petticoats and undergarments. Blushing, you quickly attempt to cover yourself in a vain attempt at modesty. It is no wonder so many of the sailors have been eyeing you the way a starving man might look at a freshly caught meal. Turning away from their prying gaze, you wrap your arms about yourself as you lean against the railing.

"The Captain wants to see you."

You startle at the sound of your new jailer's voice and turn to survey him. Despite his presumably lower rank, he appears to be slightly your captors senior. Dark, wavy black hair whips around his broad, tanned face as he regards you in kind. Swallowing dryly, you nod in affirmation as you quickly avert your gaze from his dark, steely one. Had you more strength left you might have protested, however, you are also aware there is little point. You are the crew's captor now and will be subject to their bidding until you are rescued or find a way to escape. Silently, you follow as you are brought below deck to the Captain's quarters at least relieved to be out of the rain.

"Might I not change first?" You turn suddenly to face your escort as your nerves return tenfold.

The man does not reply, instead reaching past you to push open the large wooden aperture separating you from the next room. Taking a deep breath, you quickly brush past him, deciding you might as well get it all over with. The door closes loudly behind you as you slowly take in the modest but well-furnished cabin. Large shadows flicker across the walls, illuminated by the half melted candles strewn around the room. Confused, you step forward to survey the rest of the area only to find that you are completely alone. After a few minutes pass by without interruption you grow bold enough to begin examining some of the objects left out. There are several letters scattered about the table in the center of the room, however, it is the large map beneath them that draws your attention. The rain continues to pelt outside as you absentmindedly take a seat, you push the other papers aside and take in the full image below. Your fingers trace along a previously routed passage that leads towards the Africas and beyond.

"Quite the wonder, no?" A deep and familiar voice interrupts your thoughts.

Visibly startled, you cannot help reflexively scrambling to your feet at the sight of the imposing figure in the doorway.

"I am sorry." You are surprised to hear the words tumble from your lips as you timidly retreat from the table.

In spite of yourself, you feel a deep blush rake over your cheeks as you cautiously take in your captor's familiar sight. This time he has respectfully removed his hat in your presence, revealing a thick head of dirty blonde hair lightly curling around his weathered yet uncharacteristically handsome face. Upon closer inspection you gauge he must be only a few years your senior, yet he has the air of someone decades beyond. Biting the inside of your lip, you find yourself growing anxious as you wait for your presumed reprimand.

"So, tell me," He speaks again, his tawny eyes remaining fixed on you as he ignores your apology. "What do you know about your engagement?"

"It would seem next to nothing." You find yourself compelled to admit as your blush deepens. "Other than it was to be to an Ambassador of one of our neighboring allies..."

Your words slowly trail off as the man continues to observe you for a moment before stepping forward.

"Having seen you," The Captain's warm breath brushes across your neck as he bends down to speak in your ear. "I now see why the bastard was so eager to secure your hand. I find it increasingly difficult to believe you are the so-called strangers you claim to be."

"I speak the truth." You reply honestly, however, your nervous voice comes out in a tremble.

“We will see about that.” The man retorts almost tauntingly as you feel him tug at the torn fabric at your side. “But first I will be a gracious host and relieve you of these rags."