Witches vs Wizards by Adam Bennett & Sam M Phillips

Author:Adam Bennett & Sam M Phillips [Bennett, Adam & Phillips, Sam M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zombie Pirate Publishing
Published: 2018-11-14T23:00:00+00:00

***

For a fortnight the Fearful Revenge sat at anchor in the lea of a nearby island. Effie and any able-bodied crewmember repaired what they could of the ship. Pumps were manned around the clock to drain the bilge and hold. The main yardarm was splinted and bound with ropes. Sprung hull planks were braced and sealed with oakum. Sails and their blocks, sheets, stays, and halyards were replaced and rigged.

When the ship was seaworthy again, Effie stood on the anchor capstan as she addressed the assembled crew on the main deck.

“Crewmates, I stand before you not as your captain but as a part of the crew of Fearful Revenge. I know that many of you may now see me as someone different. It is true, I have changed. I now have… different abilities. But, as I have recently discovered, it appears that the fates have destined me to acquire these talents. To what purpose I cannot say. But, it was because of this gift that you are still breathing and not sleeping in Davy Jones’ locker...”

“But what are ye? A wench or a witch?” was shouted from the assembled crew.

“We keep no wenches aboard this ship. If you that is what you want then go dockside. But, am I a witch? I do not think so. I cast no bones and brew no potions. I do not know what I am. I will tell you this...” Effie drew her sword and raised her arm. “I am a pirate; give me a sturdy ship, wind in her sails, and prey on the horizon.”

A great hurrah thundered across the deck. Effie looked upon the faces of the crew, many of them nodding their agreement, some shaking their heads.

“Now mates, here is my question to you. Am I still your captain? Will you allow me to lead you to other victories and riches?” Effie looked each crewmember in the eye. Some turned away with a warding sign. “We will have a fair vote. Mister Tobias, if you will.” Effie turned her back to face away from the crew.

Tobias stood at the base of the capstan holding a chest full of coins. “Okay lads and lasses, each of you will take a coin. If you want Cap’n Roberts to remain as our cap’n then lay the coin on the capstan, otherwise, the coin is yours. This is a fair vote, no harm nor ill will come to you no matter how you vote.”

One by one the crew took a coin from the chest and cast their lot.

Impatient for the result, Effie stood quietly and waited. Behind her, she heard the tink of coins as the crew decided her fate.

“Has everyone voted?” Tobias clearly proclaimed. “Then the lots have been cast.”

Effie turned around. Tobias and the bosun counted the coins on the capstan. “Fifty-seven coins were taken from the chest. We count forty-nine in favour of Cap’n Roberts.”

“Thank you, mates, for your vote of confidence. For those who no longer want to be part of this crew, you may leave the Revenge at our next port.

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