His explanation.

"Why yes they shall." He replied "We keep the galley slaves on a strict schedule. They are fed twice a day at mid-morning and mid-evening. They are also allowed water breaks every few hours as the toil of the oar is exhausting."

He ushered Aurélie to the starboard side of the vessel so she could get a clear view of the oars. "We have anywhere from sixty to eighty galley slaves on board at a time." They watched the oars raise and crash into the water. They could hear more clearly the sounds coming from below deck. A whip crack followed by an obviously female wail could clearly be heard.

The Captain acting completely normal smiled and grabbed Aurélie's camera. "Let me take a few shots of you here next to the oars. Will make a great profile picture for your blog series." He said snapping photos of her standing against the ships railing with open seas and rowing oars in the background.

He smiled as he handed her back the camera. "Where to now?"