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A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Eight)

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A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Eight)

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

“You were eating Peg leg’s left hand?” she hears Zala ask the Cannibal girl as they catch sight of ‘Wheel Turner’ talking to the ‘Ship Builder’.  She notices that they brought the pinnace farther up the stony shore now that the tide is in.

“Before coming here I lived in a land with too many people,” the Cannibal girl replies.  “You notice the Horse People will only allow us to land to trade.”

“But it’s the same for us,” she hears Zala say.

“Some of your men told the Horse People how pale skins, like myself, and your friend with the interesting sword hilt, would claim their lands as they did in the world you came from.  Now the Horse People won’t allow my people to land because when the brandy moon moves in front of the milky one we have to feed. “

“Where we came from there was disease and war,” Zala says.  “Didn’t that stop you from having too many people?”

“Some of us are not affected by disease or got it and survived,” the Cannibal girl says indifferently.  “We tried war but that didn’t work.  Some of the members of the warring tribes fell in love with each other and we like to make little ones too much.  So a month before the three moons become one, we stop eating and only drink.  Then during the eclipse, because we are starving, each tribe attacks another.  We do not hunt down the children but adopt them afterwards.  Unlike the Horse People we do not bury those killed.   We eat them as nature intended.  Afterwards we are horrified and apologize to the children that we ate their parents.  Mostly we are a caring and loving people.”

It makes Master Jo Anne queasy when she realizes what the Cannibal girl says makes sense.  She worries, as she knows the Captain does, that overpopulation on the ships will bring trouble.  “What is your name?” she asks.

“Melinda,” the Cannibal girl answers.

Master Jo Anne notices her glancing at the ‘Ship Builder’, especially at his missing finger.

“We did that?” Melinda asks.  “That would be an awkward finger to get at without eating the others?”

“No one knows what happened exactly,” Zala replies, looking at Master Jo Anne for confirmation.

“It was something else,” she says.  If they ever find the Witch, everyone will understand.  She turns to ‘Wheel Turner’ and the ‘Ship Builder’ and tells them, “This is Melinda, she came from the other ship,” she tells them.  “She ate part of Peg leg’s left hand but she’s better now.”  Deftly she uses her knife to cut the vines binding Melinda’s wrists.

“Are you hungry?” ‘Wheel Turner’ asks everyone.  Master Jo Anne knows this is a test to see if the madness is out of Melinda, or not.

“Very much so,” Melinda replies, “and thirsty!”

“We have biscuits and dried fish to eat,” ‘Wheel Turner’ says, noticeably keeping her body turned sideways to Melinda.  “As for drink, there’s watered down rum.”

“I don’t eat flesh,” Melinda says, “So some rum and a biscuit would be wonderful.”

Master Jo Anne is shocked at Melinda’s reply.  “You don’t eat flesh?” she asks.

“That’s only once a year, to cull the population, otherwise I abhor it,” Melinda replies.  “Sadly the two moons did not converge as planned.”

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

Krissy Karmaschek for background pictures

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Seven)

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A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Seven)

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

“This one is injured,” says the tall, dark Horse Man with the bulging chest muscles that ripple as he speaks down towards the Captain.  “She gnawed on wood leg’s left hand between sensual whispers.  A girl, must be one of yours?”  The last statement was definitely a question made plain by the Horse Man’s arched left eyebrow.

“We’ll take her,” the Captain says with a frown and after a pause, “and the others.  In our boat we have a casket of liquid sunlight.”  The Captain shakes her head, making it clear; she’s losing greatly in this deal.

The Horse Man raises his square shaped chin so his eyes are half lidded.  His tail whips side to side.  “Bring gift, and we will share a meal to seal deal.”  The Horse Woman says something to him in their language with much vigour.  With a voice torn between lust and regret he adds, “And take the pointed ear one with succulent canine back to your boat, now.  She may not come back.”  The Horse Man raises his hands before his face and independently moves them as if to make sure that all his fingers are still there.

“Master Jo Anne, you and Zala take our guest back to the pinnace with you,” the Captain tells her.  “And ask Synthia and the ‘Ship Builder’ to return with our special gift.”  She notices the Captain doesn’t give Synthia’s title.

The Horse Woman makes a nod behind her and a male Horse Teen trots up to the tree.  Like the others he has shaggy hair.  He carries an obsidian dagger that he uses to release everyone but the Cannibal girl.  After a moment of hesitation the vines that encircle the tree around her and the gag in her mouth are cut, but not the vine that binds her wrists.  Master Jo Anne notices the teen is very cautious around the Cannibal girl.

“I won’t hurt you,” the Cannibal girl says to her and Zala in such a sweet and honest voice that Master Jo Anne instantly believes her.

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

Krissy Karmaschek for background pictures

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Six)

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A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Six)

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

Its sunset and she knows the bugs will smell their sweat once they move past the wind that always touches the shore.  The red rimmed eyes of the ‘Harlot’ are heartbreaking.  The poor girl holds her bow with knocked arrow pointing at the ground as she furtively tries to glance everywhere at once for signs of her lover.  There are two known dangers on the island.  One is the Cannibals whose ship they didn’t see anywhere; the other is the Horse People who live here.

The sound of a hoof striking a rock is unmistakable.  With only the two moons to give light and the faint mist that blankets everything it’s hard to decide if what she sees is a tree, a plant, or something on two or four legs.

There are two more distinct strikes of the hoof and an impatient cough.

She sees the Captain raise an arm.  Zala also raises her arm to make sure everyone sees.  “I am Captain Alejandra of the Nagua we come to negotiate the release of any survivors of the Surprise.  The ship stuck on the rocks near your shore.”

“You are not welcome here,” says a cocky baritone voice.  “Drop weapons and clothes and–,” there’s a loud oomph sound from the speaker.  An angry feminine voice says something in a different language.

“Keep all clothes on and everything,” says the voice in a much higher tone.  There’s silence then, “Put hands above head.”

“I think his wife just gave him a toe or knuckle reminder of who his eyes should stay on,” whispers ‘Wheel Turner’ with a snicker.

As she sheathes her rapier and raises her arms above her head Master Jo Anne has to chew on her lower lip to not laugh out loud.

“I bet I can reach my throwing knife and implant it into his throat before he could let off an arrow,” she hears ‘Dizzying Blade’ tell the ‘Harlot’.

“Where do we go?” the Captain asks.

There’s some inaudible conversation between the female and male voice.  “Forward ten paces,” the male voice demands.  There’s a pause.  “Twenty of yours.”

As she walks with the Captain and the others through the mist, passing glimpses of tree trunks and bushes, Master Jo Anne realizes they are entering an opening with a giant tree before them.  There’s the sound of the hoof against a rock again.  To her right about ten paces away she sees the shadowy image of a well-endowed massive horse body with a torso of an equally large man.  Beside him, perhaps three-quarters the size, is a buxomly female.  The male is holding a spear and the female a longbow with a knocked arrow.  

The tree’s trunk is clothed in thick vines that grow vertically up its trunk.  As she gets closer she sees Captain Peg leg with a leaf wrapped around his left hand.  Humphrey and some others from the Surprise are tied and gagged with vines against other trees.  The ‘Harlot’ cries out and dashes to Humphrey.  Master Jo Anne tears up as she watches the ‘Harlot’ caressing her lover’s cheek but smart enough to know not to try to cut the vines.

Master Jo Anne follows the others to the other side of the tree.

The Horse People couple are closer now, along with others.  The male who spoke to them, is as tall as a Shire horse.  At least nineteen hands tall at the horse’s shoulder and another seven hands to the crown of his head.  In the mist his skin is dark and glistening.  Long, auburn curls fall around his broad shoulders.  His irises are green or grey.  She can see the muscles in his cheeks twitch confidently as he smiles through thick lips that show off his shiny white buck teeth.

She hears a hiss and turns her attention to the female, who is now glowering at her with wide hazel eyes.  The girl’s dark brown hair flows around her bare chest and farther down until it leads Master Jo Anne’s eyes to the arrow aimed at her own chest. 

“Navigator,” she hears the Captain whisper.

Quickly she turns her attention back to the tree.  A lush young woman is tied there.  The woman is wearing a similar mix match of clothing that everyone on the Nague wears: a vest from here, capris from there, a laced shirt from somewhere else.  The girl’s irises are a peculiar mauve with specks of red.  The girl glances back at Master Jo Anne inquisitively.  In the mist the freckles on her long narrow nose and full cheeks are only visible intermittently.  The vine gag shows her long, thick canines.   She must be one of the Cannibals.  Because the girl has what looks like curly slate grey hair in the mist, tied back in a bun, her long pointy ears are clearly visible.  They twitch causing Master Jo Anne to involuntarily step back.

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

Krissy Karmaschek for background pictures

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Five)

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A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Five)

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

The Surprise rests against an outcropping of rocks with minimal damage to her port side.  Master Jo Anne agrees with the Captain and ‘Ship Builder’ that the ship can be salvaged with enough help.  From the hold she hears the ‘Ship Builder’ call up that the crew’s personal chests are locked.  A short time later she hears him shout up that the barrels in the cargo hold are all tied and untouched.

Once on deck she hears him say in his deep, solemn voice, “The Cannibals just wanted meat it seems.”

She notices that there’s no other sign of death but for the chipped beams from obvious sword and knife fighting.  She thought there would be blood.  It was so long ago but she remembers now that when the Cannibals killed and ate all of Barthadrow’s men on the Nagua, there were few signs except for a few pieces of flesh and a tooth here and there.

As they head towards the island she realizes the pinnace is loaded with a motley crew.  The Captain and Zala sit on the front seat facing towards the rocky beach they head towards.  On the middle seat are ‘Wheel Turner’ and the ‘Ship Builder’.  She wonders if his finger makes rowing harder.  With her, seated at the very back, is ‘Dizzying Blade’ with the ‘Harlot’ between them.  Watching ‘Dizzying Blade’ slide a flint stone along the blade of one of her throwing knives is very intimidating.  The ‘Harlot’ is sitting forward with an intent stare. 

In the centre of the pinnace is the metal fire pit for the ‘Ship Protector’, two sacks, and a barrel of sustenance very dear to the Captain.  One of the sacks is full of biscuits and dried fish.  The other contains a few of the bows and arrows the Captain asked to be made.  The arrow heads are coated in a resin Nippi made from a plant called Bell Iron.  The husk of the plant is thick and hairy like a coconut but bell shaped.  Inside is an inedible and viscous liquid that smells horrible but hardens the tips to the strength of iron.  She remembers looking inside an open fruit and seeing fibers that hold the large seed inside.  The fibres are soft like silver but extremely strong.  The ‘Harlot’ made some jewellery from the fibres.

A light drizzle makes everything glisten.  But the wind is a zephyr and warm.  As always the water has a stench from the rotting vegetation left by low tide.

Partially hidden amongst some giant Aloe Vera growing near the shore is another pinnace. 

“We’ll land between those two boulders,” she hears the Captain call in a soft voice. 

‘Dizzying Blade’ puts away her sharpening stone.  Zala takes out a bow and a quiver with six arrows from the one sack.  She tosses the ‘Harlot’ another bow and quiver.  Everyone else but the rowers draws out whatever type of rapier or sword they have. 

Once the pinnace slides into the pebbled shore the Captain and Zala leap out first.  ‘Dizzying Blade’, herself, and the ‘Harlot’ leap into the shallow water next.  As they all head towards shore ‘Wheel Turner’ and the ‘Ship Builder’ pull the pinnace farther onto shore and spike its rope into the ground.  They won’t be coming with them.

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

Krissy Karmaschek for background pictures

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Four)

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A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Four)

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

Master Jo Anne grimaces.  An idea comes to her that could save her life—for a moment at least.  She finds Janet asleep in the hold beside Nippie.  Gently she shakes Janet and whispers, “I need you to sing for me, m’love.”

Janet wakes up with a stir and Master Jo Anne is shocked by the absolute look of hate and terror she sees in Janet’s eyes.  But the glaring stare softness with recognition. 

“You want me to sing?” Janet asks in a sweet, grumpy voice.

“Aye lass, a lovely tune,” Master Jo Anne says with a kind smile.  With tender steps so as not to wake the rum infused girls sleeping, she leads Janet to the deck.

They walk past the girls who are raising the sails to ‘One Eye’s’ singing and mandolin playing.   Master Jo Anne holds a hand up for Janet to stay just outside of ‘Dizzying Blade’s’ room.  “Don’t out sing First Mate Olanis,” She tells Janet, “but sing that lovely song you sing during full moons.  Our Master-at-arms loves that song and it’s her birthday soon.”  She has no idea when anyone’s birthday is but it could be true.

“My heart is broken,” Janet sings in a soprano voice full of sorrow.

For the full moon reminds

Reminds me of cannon ball fire

Reminds me of rape and pillage

Master Jo Anne covers her ears as Janet wails:

Why!?

Why!?

Does the moon grow full…

“Oh, shut your trap!  Please Janet!” she hears ‘Dizzying Blade’ cry out. “I hate that song!” Master Jo Anne hears lament in ‘Dizzying Blade’s’ voice.

Janet turns to her.  “You said she loves this song.”  Master Jo Anne doesn’t miss the accusatory look now on Janet’s face.

“She loves it,” she assures Janet, “but maybe only on full moons.”  Turning to ‘Dizzying Blade’s’ door she shouts.  “Captain wants you on the pinnace.”

There’s a sound of something banging and an unmentionable string of words from ‘Dizzying Blade’.  “I’ll be there in a moment but I need to use the Head first.  Now where’s that throwing knife I was sharpening.”

“Go back to bed now Janet,” Master Jo Anne says with a thankful smile.  “You did awfully wonderful for me.”

“Okay, but that was strange,” Janet says as she walks off with groggy steps.

Master Jo Anne wonders if Janet is the only one that doesn’t have to say “Aye, aye sir.”

Dan Watt is the author of BARD an epic fantasy story

Taylor Norris, RMT, as First Mate ‘One Eye’ Olanis:  taynorris@gmail.com

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

Krissy Karmaschek for background pictures

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-three)

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A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-three)

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

Master Jo Anne clenches the scrying ball in her left hand as she sits on the bowsprit with her chin jutting out as she peers through the wet wind.  Raven had called out that a ship was stuck and listing near the shore of an island called Nasty To Get Off.  

She can now see that the mainmast was broken off just below the crow’s nest.  She wonders if Peg leg’s Surprise had cannon shot or did the Cannibals?  As the Nagua gets closer she knows it isn’t the Cannibal ship but the Surprise.  She turns to the ‘Harlot’ and sees the red rimmed eyes under her hand that she uses as a visor.  The ‘Harlot’s’ lips are also cracked.

“Is that the Surprise?” the ‘Harlot’ asks in a raspy voice full of worry.

“It is,” Master Jo Anne replies.  “But there’s no pinnace aboard and they had two.”

“I want to go ashore,” the ‘Harlot’ says and there’s no room for argument.

“We need to get to the Surprise first, see what’s usable before we check the shore.”  Master Jo Anne reaches back and pats the ‘Harlot’s’ shoulder.  “The Surprise is listing Northeast!” she shouts.

“Surprise Northeast!” she hears Umi shout from the fo’c’sle, “Wake Captain!  Surprise listing!”

Faintly from a distance she hears Aarini’s ragged voice reply, “Aye, aye, ‘Ship Protector’!”

“I’m going to get the Master-at-Arms to teach me how to kill if they ate my Humphrey,” the ‘Harlot’ croaks out.  “If they did, by Crazy Bumbee’s hairy arse, I’ll kill them all!”

“You’ll need to eat first and no more rum!” Master Jo Anne tells her with true concern in her voice.  Never has she seen the ‘Harlot’ appear so distraught. 

As the Nagua nears the Surprise Master Jo Anne hears Aarini shout out the Captain’s orders.  “Lower the sails and prepare to drop anchor!”  ‘One Eye’ and Zala must still be sleeping if Aarini is repeating the Captian.  “Roll call for the pinnace is–,” Aarini continues to shout when the ‘Harlot’ takes off down the fo’c’sle’s steps.

“Me!” Master Jo Anne hears the ‘Harlot’ cries out.

There’s silence for a moment.  A moment later Aarini shouts out: “Thelma is chosen!  Navigator wake the Master-at-Arms, and if you live wake Zala.”  Drunken laughter erupts through the ship.  “First Mate Olanis will be in charge of the ship,” Aarini continues, “with me as her First Mate.  Our most esteemed Captain will be joining the others on the pinnace.  The Captain says, and I quote, ‘A final rule me lovely crew of Mary Reads, if you see any horsemen cantering on the shore, especially if they’re starkers, no catcalls!’”

Dan Watt is the author of BARD an epic fantasy story

Taylor Norris, RMT, as First Mate ‘One Eye’ Olanis:  taynorris@gmail.com

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

Krissy Karmaschek for background pictures

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Six: Blog Thirty-Four)

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

Dan Watt is the author of BARD an epic fantasy story

Taylor Norris, RMT, as First Mate ‘One Eye’ Olanis:  taynorris@gmail.com

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

Krissy Karmaschek for background pictures

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Five: Blog Thirty-Two)

~ Caedar Writing & Artwork: Books by Author, Interviews, Guest Blogs, and more... ~ Leave a comment

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Five: Blog Thirty-Two)

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

“I’ll take me kip now,” ‘Wheel Turner’ says with a glance up at the sky where the much closer Eau-de-vie blocks the milky white of the much farther away Cachaça.

Oli sees Aarini gulp.  “Steady lass,” Oli says reassuringly.  “We see this once a year.”

“I saw what they did to Barthadrow’s crew on the Nagua—before we took it–and the Queen of Pirates gave it to the Captain,” Aarini says shivering as she stares up into the sky now the colour of brandy.  “The only thing left was the blood stains mixed with bits of skin and slivers of bone.  Is that what happened to the ‘Ship Builder’s’ finger?  He had to fight off the Cannibals when Eau-de-vie covered Cachaça?”

“Best forget that,” Oli hears ‘Wheel Turner’ say in a stern tone.  “Captain and Navigator don’t like talk of what happened to the ‘Ship Builder’s’ finger.  Besides, I don’t need nightmares before a potential battle.”

“Ah!  The girls Zala has chosen have arrived,” Oli says with a sigh, glad to change the subject.  “Off to bed for you Zala,” Oli says to the girl she is sure will be a captain someday.”

“Aye, aye, First Mate,” Zala replies.

As ‘Wheel Turner’ and Zala leave Oli turns to the waiting girls.  The younger ones already look woozy from the rum.

“Four of you older and bigger girls get on the spokes of the capstan and help Cook Nippie and Janet get that anchor aboard,” she shouts out.  “Ye others get pulling the ropes to raise the sails and be prepared to pull on the sheets.  Except you Kitkun,” she says to a tall, lean girl who is deep into her child bearing years. 

Her nickname is Raven, both because of the meaning of her name and her and keen eyesight.  “We need you in the Crows ‘Nest.” 

Kitkun once told her she came from a giant Island off the shore of an even larger island.  Where her people made totems poles and warred with the tribes from the other island.  She had also told Oli her parents gave her the name Kitkun because ravens circled over her mother as she gave birth to her. 

“You’ve got the eyes of the raven lass,” Oli reminds Kitkun.

“Aye, aye, First Mate” Kitkun replies as she clambers up the rope ladder of the main mast.

Oli plucks the strings of her mandolin and sings:  “Have you heard the tale of Whimpering Isaac?”

“We have,” the girls sing back, “but tell us again First Mate Olanis.”

Oli swings her mandolin behind her and climbs the steps to the fo’c’sle.  On the bowsprit sits The Navigator, Master Jo Ann, and beside her huddled in a canvas sheet is the ‘Harlot’.

“He was the first pirate to survive the Cannibals.  Well most of him.”  She sings.  She pauses, entranced as the ‘Harlot’ glances her way; with a stare so familiar.  Oh, she thinks, I know whose eyes the ‘Harlot’s reflect.  That look of devotion, and of determination, of desperation, and fear of never seeing her lover again.  The ‘Harlot’ might lose her nickname if this is true.  I think she’s smitten with Humphrey.  That pained face the ‘Harlot’ wears as the growing wind whips her hair into her face, is the spitting image of the one she so often sees, on ‘The Shipbuilder’s’.

Dan Watt is the author of BARD an epic fantasy story

Taylor Norris, RMT, as First Mate ‘One Eye’ Olanis:  taynorris@gmail.com

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

Krissy Karmaschek for background pictures

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Five: Blog Thirty-one)

~ Caedar Writing & Artwork: Books by Author, Interviews, Guest Blogs, and more... ~ Leave a comment

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Five: Blog Thirty-one)

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

“We have a pact with Peg leg,” Oli says.

“Aye, we do,” the Captain agrees.  “Forget your eye patch and pull out your mandolin my First Mate.  The girls will need a song to carry them through the next while.”  Oli watches as the Captain stares into the sky.  “And a storm is brewing.  I’ll take first sleep so you’re in charge.”

“Aye, aye Captain,” Oli says with a grin.

Oli feels a nudge against her shoulder.

“Sir,” the ‘Harlot’ says to her with tear streaked cheeks and a determined stare.  “I wish to help pull the sheets and whatever else it takes to make the Nague fly towards Captain Peg leg’s ship the Surprise.

“Aye sister,” Oli replies.  “Help make them bows twang with the Master-at-Arms and the Shipbuilder.  We’ll handle lowering and raising the sails.”

“But we need to hurry,” the ‘Harlot’ says in a tone that surprises Oli; there’s no sarcasm only worry in it.

“We’ll make haste and if he hasn’t been eaten yet save your heart,” Oli assures her.

“Thank you sir,” the ‘Harlot’ says with a shake of her now clasped hands. 

Oli goes to her room under the fo’c’sle and straps her mandolin over her shoulder.

“Lasses all, hear me!” Oli shouts out as she walks towards the post of the main mast while lightly strumming the strings of her mandolin.  “We must save our friends on the Surprise from our friends the Cannibals.”  She starts strumming the strings of her mandolin with more vigor.  “There’s a wind building and a storm brewing, so we must hurry.  Now see Cook Nippie and Janet and receive your quota of rum for this wild ride.”  Zala and Aarini step to either side of her.  “Zala will choose which of you rest and which of you stay on deck to work.  We’ll be doing shifts of eight hours.  Helmswoman Synthia has turned the first hourglass over.  Those of you resting get as much kip as you can.  The rest of you!  It’s time to fly!”

“With me Aarini,” Oli sings as she saunters over to the Poop Deck where ‘Wheel Turner’ is waiting for them.  “You’ll be pulling the spokes one way or the other,” Oli says as ‘Wheel Turner’ steps back so Aarini can take the wheel.  “Zala will be calling the direction from the fo’c’sle where Master Jo Ann our beloved Navigator will tell her which way we wants to go.”

“Where will you be sir?” Aarini asks with a mixture of concern and excitement in her voice and on her face.

“I’ll be nearby,” Oli replies with a wink, “Giving orders between singing a song.”

The planks of the deck, the sails, and everything else are suddenly tinted a semi-translucent brandy colour.

Dan Watt is the author of BARD an epic fantasy story

Taylor Norris, RMT, as First Mate ‘One Eye’ Olanis:  taynorris@gmail.com

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Five: Blog Thirty)

~ Caedar Writing & Artwork: Books by Author, Interviews, Guest Blogs, and more... ~ Leave a comment

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Five: Blog Thirty)

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

“You’re a genius First Mate Olanis,” ‘Wheel Turner’ says and slaps her on the shoulder.  “Up you go while I pass the skin sacks to you.”

Oli grunts as ‘Wheel Turner’ gives her the sacks.  “If we really wanted to get fresh water we would need to hook up a pulley and use buckets,” she says through gritting teeth.

“There’s a wind coming up and dark clouds in the sky that says are time here is up,” ‘Wheel Turner’ replies with her own grunt.

“I’m thinking we tie a string to the sacks and place them on some of the broad leaves so we can slide them down,” Oli says wiping perspiration from her forehead.  You might be able to carry them but they’re too heavy for me to lug down.”

“Aye,” ‘Wheel Turner’ says. 

Oli sees ‘Wheel Turner’ hack off a couple of leaves from unfamiliar plant.  The leaves are as long and wide as she is. 

Once they get to the water Oli makes one of Umi’s Ama whistles.  In a short time she sees the pinnace being rowed their way.

The growing waves rock the pinnace as it makes it back to the Nagua.  Once the two water sacks, seaweed, and dogweed are loaded Oli goes with ‘Wheel Turner’ to see the Captain on the Fo’c’sle.

“Captain and Navigator,” she and ‘Wheel Turner’ say in unison.

“There’s fruit and fresh water and we found a new people,” Oli tells the Captain.

“Taller than the Real Talls and with a dorsal fin along their backs,” ‘Wheel Turner’ adds.

“Well,” the Captain says as she pinches her chin in thought.  “All we saw was Peg leg’s Surprise pass us with the Cannibals’ ship close behind.”

“And there are full moons crossing,” ‘Storm Caller’ says ominously.

“Ah!” Oli cries out.  “All of us women will be howling at the moon.  It will be a crazy ship for the next while.  Poor, poor ‘Ship Builder’.  He’ll be hiding more than normal.”  She laughs.

“And Janet will be singing her lamenting songs,” ‘Wheel Turner’ adds with a groan.

“Two full moons crossing one another,” ‘Storm Caller’ says again.

Everyone goes silent.

“The Cannibals will be wanting to feed,” the Captain says in a wearisome tone.

Dan Watt is the author of BARD an epic fantasy story

Taylor Norris, RMT, as First Mate ‘One Eye’ Olanis:  taynorris@gmail.com

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Five: Blog Twenty-Nine)

~ Caedar Writing & Artwork: Books by Author, Interviews, Guest Blogs, and more... ~ Leave a comment

A Motley Sisterhood of Pirates!  (Part Five: Blog Twenty-Nine)

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

‘Wheel Turner’ pops her knife out of her mouth and with a shake of her head whispers, “The ‘Harlot’ would be hypnotized by the pendulum swing of the one fellow down there.”

Oli almost spits out her knife as she holds back a laugh.  She takes her own knife out of her mouth.  “How many leagues do you think we climbed to get to the pond?”

“About ten at least,” ‘Wheel Turner’ replies.

“Then how tall do you figure them peoples down there are?”

She sees a mind churning expression on ‘Wheel Turner’s’ face.

“Maybe three, three-and-a-half for some.  They’re all different heights.”

“How tall would you say the Real Talls are?”  Oli asks, desperate for another peek but knowing its best she doesn’t.

“Two, two-and-a-half tops.”

“The Real Talls don’t have dorsal fins on their back, or wide hands with webbing between though, do they?” Oli asks conspiratorially.

“They don’t have feathery things for hair or wide splayed feet, or walk around nude either,” ‘Wheel Turner’ adds.  “Thought I saw an opening at the far end of the lagoon but couldn’t be sure with all the foliage.  Do you think they’re newbies and still haven’t found their way around?”

“There was some poorly made huts,” Oli replies thoughtfully.  Could be their ship was dashed to pieces and they’re all that’s left.”

“Really want to take another look,” ‘Wheel Turner’ says while she clasps her hands into fists.

Oli glances up into the sky.  “Best we get some water and relate all this to the Captain,” she says with a finger to her lips.

She and ‘Wheel Turner’ take turns filling their water sacks.  While one fills the other keeps an eye on the far side of the pond.

“Would have liked to lay nude and all and let the sun dry me but we best get back,” ‘Wheel Turner’ says with a sigh.  “Do you think we’ll ever be safe to do what we want?”

“What fun is it to do what we want and be safe,” Oli says with her head tilted to the side and a wide grin on her face.

Dan Watt is the author of BARD an epic fantasy story

Taylor Norris, RMT, as First Mate ‘One Eye’ Olanis:  taynorris@gmail.com

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;

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

Alex Watt for background pictures

Daiana Duca for background pictures