A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  BOOK Three  (Part Fourteen: Blog Seventy-four)

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

Note:  The pictures of Helmswoman “Wheel Turner” Synthia were taken, as a favour, by professional family and baby photographer Kimberley Lee (kimberleyleephotography.co.uk)

Synthia follows Amelie’s instructions and steps closer to the Freya’s Master-at-arms.  As-soon-as they’re chest-to-chest, Synthia turns the length of her rapier’s blade edge to face Amelie’s upper ribs.  She holds onto the terzo with her left hand and starts making sawing motions.

“Bien,” Amelie commends her.  “Now, even in fog, you are a deadly opponent.”

Synthia grins at the complement.  She hears footsteps nearby and waves the tip of her rapier in that direction.  At the same time, Amelie steps back with a throwing knife ready.

“Helmswoman,” a familiar voice says too loudly.  “Captain wants you on the Poopdeck,” Arsema continues.

As Synthia turns towards Amelie to thank her for the lesson.  She gasps as Amelie flicks her weaponized arm towards Arsema.  Arsema drops squealing to the floor of the Forecastle.

“Never, ever, take your eyes off your opponent or a thrown weapon,” Amelie chastises the girl while still holding the throwing knife.  

“Yes sir,” Synthia hears Arsema mumble with her face still to the floor.

“Stay and train with the Master-at-arms,” Synthia says to Arsema.  She makes a flamboyant salute towards Amelie, who now has a scowl on her face.

The fog isn’t as dense now, as she walks towards the stairs leading to the Poop deck.  Once there she sees Captain Olanis staring through a telescope.

“Oh Captain, my captain,” Synthia says with aplomb.

“Helmswoman, you’ll be needing to take the wheel soon.”  Olanis turns to her.  “There’s no sign of Captain Barthadrow’s ship, or some of the others.”  Olanis spits into the air.  “Best scenario, no one has observed us but that’s very unlikely.  More probable, they’re wondering why their own ship isn’t docking.  The good news is, if we have to get close, we can.”

Synthia peers towards the port of the island.  “How many remain?”

“Six 100 cannon and two 40 cannon galleons,” Olanis replies.  “Too many.”

“Stick to the plan?” Synthia asks.

“We’ll signal the Nagua with the hooded lantern, once you steer us close enough.”

“Aye, aye Captain,” Synthia says and salutes.  “Dizzying Blade” always came across as the suicidal type.  Jump in first, and learn if it’s dangerous later.  Umi the Ama is more cautious.  But pairing them might be genius.  The hellraiser will get things done, while the cautionary will keep everyone alive.  Still, it’s pretty much a suicide mission.  “Fare well my sisters,” she says into the strengthening wind as she heads towards the spoked wheel.

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 (pictures by: professional family and baby photographer Kimberley Lee (kimberleyleephotography.co.uk); (El Cid Rapier by blades-uk.com)

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

Maegan Curlyo as Master-at-Arms “Dizzying Blade” Sadie (pictures of Maegan by Ben Kraehling)

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: Pirates, Science Fiction, Story Telling, Writing