This story is about a young woman named Cassia who takes on the role of a cabin boy to escape her life as a slave. Little does she know, the ship she joins is actually a pirate ship led by the Dread Pirate Malko. Better synopsis to come.
She had seen them sing shanties before but never on such a nice day. On a day like this, she felt like nothing could wrong. Everyone seemed so happy, and it made being on a pirate ship feel less scary. No one was fighting or threatening each other. Even the captain up near the helm seemed to be in good spirits. He wasn’t smiling but he looked content. That was probably the happiest she had ever seen him look. And possibly the most handsome, as well.
The way he stood there, in that confident posture, with the wind blowing through his wavy locks, it was almost like something out a dream. He looked as if he didn’t have a worry in the world. As if he was some kind of powerful ruler. And Cassia guessed, in a way he was. He was the king of the Savage Mamba. The ruler and leader of this magnificent ship. And although he was a scary man, especially when made angry, Cassia could understand why the men respected him. There was an air of confidence that radiated from him.
He was a man that knew what he wanted, and wasn’t afraid to take it. He didn’t cave under pressure and he knew how to keep order. He seemed to have all the right qualities of a great leader. And he was looking right at her…
Cassia quickly looked away as her eyes locked with the captain’s for one brief moment. Even though she was heavily attracted to him, she always tried to make sure that he didn’t see her looking! If he caught her staring at him, admiring him like a lovestruck girl, she wasn’t sure how he would react! Or what he would think! For all he knew, she was a young boy! Had he seen her just now?! Should she dare look at him again and find out?
Time seemed to slow in her short moment of panic. The music got quieter, the voices of the men singing become slower and distorted. Captain Malko was far enough away, she could have been staring at anything. He probably didn’t notice. She was probably just worrying for no reason! Get a grip, Cassia. He didn’t see…
“Boy, the captain would like a word with you!”