A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  BOOK TWO  (Part Twelve: Blog Sixty-Three)

By Dan Watt and Taylor Norris, co-authors of the Rita Walker series

Inside the Captain’s quarters on the Nagua, Olanis sits across from the Captain, who is leaning to one side because of her wounds.  “Wheel Turner” sits beside her, sitting up anxiously.  On her other side is “Storm Caller” rolling a scrying ball in her hands.  Around the rest of the table are “Dizzying Blade” dancing a throwing knife between her fingers; “Ship Protector” sipping sake from a bottle found from the other ship; and “Ship Builder” sitting mutely staring at the interior of the room.

“What name have you chosen for your ship Captain Olanis?” the Captain asks with a wan smile.

“Ulfhild,” she replies feeling her heart beating rapidly with excitement.

The Captain smirks and leans forward with a grimace.  “Before the burials we need to divide the crew.”  “There has been some agreed upon changes.  Zala will stay with me as First Mate.  So will Navigator Jo Anne, “Ship Protector” Umi, “Ship Builder”, Master-at-Arms Sadie, and….”   She sees the Captain glance at “Storm Caller”.  “Aarini will stay on as Helmswoman.”

Oanis is shocked.  She turns to “Wheel Turner”.

“We’ve argued, and laughed together since we were wee bits,” “Wheel Turner” tells her with moisture wetting her eyes.  “You’re my best mate.”

Olanis’ lips tremble as she nods.

“Nippi,” the Captain continues, “Janice, and the “Cannibal” will stay.  So will Canneta and Areso.  You’ll need to pick cooks and surgeons from the older girls.  However, Arsema and Amelie will be joining you.”  Olanis hears the Captain murmur with gritted teeth, “and hopefully Amelie’s ever growing ten legged friend.”

Olanis bursts into laughter.

“I recommend Arsema’s as your First Mate to replace Aarini and Amelie as your Master-at-Arms.”

“Worthy choices,” Olanis says.

“Now we need to bury our dead at sea,” the Captain says.

Olanis peers around the table.  There are no smiling faces now.

Dan Watt is the author of the epic dark fantasy fiction book BARD

Taylor Norris, RMT, as First Mate ‘One Eye’ Olanis:  taynorris@gmail.com (Kitchener-Waterloo)

With thanks to Joanne Gosling (Navigator ‘Storm Caller’ Master Jo Anne): Joanne is an Interior Decorator who specializes in closets: Jgosling@calclosets.com Calclosetsjoanne or Joannegosling22@gmail.com

Leah Weir (Helmswoman ‘Wheel Turner’ Synthia): model and cover editor;

Andraya Watt as Assistant-Master-at-Arms, Amelie

With Thanks To:

Fire & Steel for the Medieval Rapier:  http://fireandsteel.ca/

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

Krissy Karmaschek for background pictures

Tags: Fantasy Fiction, Pirates, Science Fiction, storytelling