Martin Hünemöller

Legends of The Sea - A Pirate Tale

Prolog

The search for a hidden treasure has been ongoing for several months now. The crew of the "Freedom" was exhausted and there was still no proof that the treasure really existed. Apart from a map that Captain Clara Reeves picked up on the black market and a few rumors that had reached her ears from same sailors, they still hadn't find the island Storm eye. Her first mate tried to keep the crew motivated but the lack of food and rum was starting to get to everyone. Clara could already tell things were getting tense. The ship's condition was a further concern for the captain, as the rigging and sails urgently needed to be repaired. On top of that, the cleanliness and work ethic on board left a lot to be desired. The tense situation eventually started to affect her 200- strong crew. She could already sense the seeds of mutiny. To forestall that mood, Clara decided to gather her crew together to discuss their next steps. Meanwhile, Ann the lookout, kept an eye out for the mainland, while the quartermaster, Elliot and the first mate checked which items needed to be restocked. Everyone else was sent on deck, where Captain Clara tried to gave a inspirational speek. >I know the last few days have been tough for us but I promise you we'll be rewarded in the end. Besides, who said this journey would be easy? Remember! Good comrades stick together, even in difficult times.We didn't just choose this life to chase after some treasures. It's about facing a challenge head-on and embracing the adventure of discovering something new. An island that's still unknown to many and an ancient artifact that's never been seen or held in anyone's hands. Aren't you curious about what it could be?< A grim-looking pirate emerged from the crew. >That all sounds fine but how about making some real loot again hm? Perhaps you should stop believing that we can get rich with old junk!< If there was one thing Clara didn't like at all, it was cheeky know-it-alls. Enraged she drew her sabre, which immediately began to glow red. Suddenly the ropes on board moved and held the cheeky pirate upside down by his feet. >You think this is just old junk? Well, I used to feel the same way but after I found this magical sword I realised there's more to life than coins and jewels. Look, I understand that you're all pretty tired, but to say that this all is a waste of time is just nonsense. I don't want to hear another word from you, or you can sleep with the sharks! < As the blade was lowered, the ropes slowly loosened again. The buccaneer returned to his seat, visibly confused. The entire crew bowed their heads in reverence before their captain. With a slight grin she said. >If we work together, we can achieve anything. There's so much to discover in this world so let's restock our ship and soon we sailing again with new energy. So, are you with me?< The words brought the pirates' ambition back. They all raised their arms and shouted, "Aye, aye Captain!" Ann from the lookout hurried down, she saw a large area of land to the east. The Freedom sat sails left for the mainland.

They finally approached a large port town that had several piers where locals, sailors or pirates could anchor. The town of Sol Tàlis was built upwards in steps and further down there were many merchants' stalls selling everything you could possibly need. The sun was shining brightly, casting a golden glow over the entire town. The captain divided her crew into smaller groups and while they took care of the supplies, her first mate Maxwell accompanied her to learn more about the treasure island. As there were a lot of pirates in this town, the locals didn't pay much attention to them walking around. She asked a seller where she could buy same sea maps. >Sea maps? hm... why don't you ask the old Murray. He collected all kinds of charts in his life. He's usually to be found at his shop, right by the port.< Reaching the shop they encountered an older man with a full beard who was in possession of a considerable array of navigational and observational instruments, including devices for determining direction, compasses, speedometers, telescopes, and an extensive collection of maps. The captain showed him the map which didn't took them anywhere near their destination. Astonished, Murray scratched his head and realised. >It's really strange that you can't find this island. I've checked the map and everything looks accurate and in the right place. Let me see, I might have a one from the same location.< He promptly took a see map with the same coordinates and started comparing the two with a magnifying glass. Maxwell was starting to doubt the island's existence. Had she been too optimistic? Was it just a sailor's story? Clara noticed that he was lost in thoughts and put a hand on his shoulder. >Don't worry. My instincts have never let me down. Remember what I said: 'Who said this journey was going to be easy?' We will find this place, together!< She nodded at him with a smile. He gave her a little nod and a smile but it was clear he wasn't totally convinced. Meanwhile, the old man had lifted his head from the cards again and started to explain. >Either someone's pulled a fast one on you or this card is older than mine.< Clara remembered something else. >Wait a minute! One of the sailors told me that Storm eye lays never at the same place. If he was right, that could explain why there are different maps.< >Maybe it's a floating island?< Maxwell suggested.
>Aye, it's possible. Our map could have been made by the first person to reach the island alive and return safely.< Said the captain with full determination. Murray had listened attentively to both of them. >Sink Me! You two could be right. If it's not a forgery, then two sea maps were probably drawn. Unfortunately I couldn't find out who drew yours and what year it is.<
This new knowledge was enough for Clara but she still bought Murray's map to be on the safe side. Meanwhile, her crew were already stowing new provisions below deck. However, their captain decided to take a look around the town, perhaps finding someone who could tell them more about this mysteries land. Her black hair blew in the wind as she ran from the port further into the city, her companion barely able to keep up. As if forgetting everything around her, she took out the map, thought for a moment, wrote something in her logbook and continued on her way. For weeks they hadn't come any step closer to their goal but now there was a glimmer of hope and the fire in her was back. Maxwell knew his captain well and he knew how stubborn she could be when it came to pursuing a goal. The time just flew by while they were questioning people here but no one seemed to have ever heard of such an island. The sun was setting, giving the city an orange glow, even the clouds were shining brightly in the sky. Clara would normally have been admiring this romantic picture immediately but the treasure hunt had completely taken over. >Clara, look at this sunset – it's beautiful!< Even her faithful first mate couldn't distract her. >What? Oh yeah, very nice. Wait, we haven't looked over there yet.< Clara said as she continued to look around. To distract them, he suggested they go to the tavern. After thinking about she said yes and soon they were sitting at the bar drinking grog but instead of relaxing, she got out her logbook, where she'd been writing down everything about this journey. >I'm not surprised that no one's ever heard of Storm Eye.< Maxwell interrupted her >Clara! This can't go on forever!< >Of course not, we need to talk to someone who knows about curses or something.< Clara said as she flicked through the pages. >You're going to kill yourself!< Maxwell tried to make it clear. >You're risking the trust of the crew for a damn treasure?"< She rolled her eyes and turned to him. >Now don't start that too. Don't you realise that we've already made a lot of progress? Besides, you're welcome to go to sleep. I can manage the rest on my own.< But her comrade-in-arms wasn't going to be driven away that easily. >You should get some rest too and I won't leave you alone, Who knows what other ideas you'll come up with.< A young man joined them. >Excuse me, you two, my name is Captain Cyris Dripik and I've heard that you're looking for an island?< Both looked at the pirate, puzzled. >Can you help us?< Clara asked immediately. >Not me personally, but there's is someone here on Sol Tàlis that people like to go to when they don't know what to do.< Maxwell was sceptical.>He ould also be a charlatan taking people's money.< Clara thought for a minute.>He might be our only chance to finally get answers but I don't know if we should trust him either.< Captain Dripik smiled >I've often spoken to people here in the tavern who have gone to the Prophet. All of his predictions have come true.< While Maxwell was still pondering, the captain had come to a final conclusion. >What do we have to lose? And if he tries to trick us, you can send him over the plank yourself Max.< >Ha ha ha, I like you two. Good luck with your treasure hunt and if you need any help my ship is laying near east of the port.< With these words Cyris said goodbye. >What a nice guy, you don't meet people like him not every day.< Maxwell realised. >Well, there are other pirates like me who show a bit of decency. Good, then let's set off at once!< >Aye captain.< They headed for the woods after they left the bar. >He's got his house miles away from the town. Odd fellow.< Maxwell looked at Clara, scratching his head. >I spent my childhood alone in a huge estate and now I'm the captain of a pirate crew.< Clara countered. >Whatever, Let's talk to him, I'd like to get some sleep tonight.< Maxwell yawned. It had become dark but the path to the mountain was in easy reach.The two pirates were now surrounded by trees and the moon provided the only illumination.They came to the silhouette of a house, with two skulls with candles on long sticks in front of it. >Not exactly welcoming.< Maxwell remarked.Clara knocked on the door and was immediately granted entry by a calm voice.They found themselves in a sparsely lit room and someone approached them, holding a staff in his left hand. Both pirates took a step back with their hands on the hilts of their sabres.The person bowed and held a hand to their forehead as a form of greeting. >Greetings, my dear pirates. I have been informed that you require my assistance?< Clara inquired, her expression indicating a certain perplexity as she released the hold on her sword. >We have heard that you often help people.< >Lots of travellers have asked for my advice.< he continued. >I possess extensive knowledge of the world and its mysteries.< Maxwell looked at the strange grey figure whose eyes were covered by a hood. >How can we trust you?< he asked. >I am the prophet. I speak the truth and predict what is to come. I am not the key to your destination myself - I only see it.< he replied. >We're looking for an island called Storm's Eye but no one's ever heard of it. Do you know how we can find it?< Clara said as she showed the location on her map. >First you should know that this island is protected by a powerful creature, the sea serpent Morga!< warned the prophet. >What a wonderful prospect.< Maxwell muttered sarcastically. >To avoid this fate, you must heed my words to the letter! Always sail west from Sol Tàlis, never change course. Follow the wind alone and you will soon reach the bay of Scrab Island. Sail south past the island and continue to follow the current. There you will be surprised by the storm, which you will have to survive without deviating from your course. The black rocks will soon appear ahead. When you pass them, you'll find Storm Eye.< Clara had been taking notes, her grin widening. >After all these weeks, we finally have a direction that can take us forward. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.< >Wait a minute!< interrupted her first mate >What tells us that you are telling the truth and not sending us to our own death.< the prophet bowed >I can of course accompany you on this journey and act as an advisor.< The captain and Maxwell looked at each other and nodded, then Clara reached into her pocket and placed ten gold coins in his hand. >So be it Balgra. Welcome aboard the "Freedom."< >Wonderful, when shall we set sail dear buccaneers?< he asked, but before Clara could say anything Maxwell replied. >Tomorrow! When everyone has had a good night's sleep. I know you would like to leave right away, but not only the crew needs sleep, so do you, Clara.< Her eyes wandered to their ship. >You're right, my crew needs to be able to rely on me. Meet us you on the ship tomorrow at sunrise.< The Prophet bowed again. >So be it, I wish you a pleasant night.< With these words, the mysterious man left the room. >Do you really think we can trust him? > Maxwell whispered. >I know it all sounds pretty crazy but from what we've heard, it can only be something unnatural. Besides, he's coming with us.< Clara reassured him. >Alright, I trust you.< said Maxwell with a smile. Then the two of them made their way back to their ship, which lay peacefully on the pier.

Shortly before sunrise, Clara was already awake and ensured that her ship was prepared for the uncertain journey ahead. The crew seemed to have become motivated again. The deck was clean, with everything in the storeroom organised. Cassandra, Freedom's navigator and helmswoman, was also already up. She was leaning against the railing and looking out to sea. Her captain joined her >Morning Cassandra, did you slept well?< She turned to Clara, looking slightly sleepy. >You know me, if I don't know exactly where we're going, I can hardly sleep at all.< Clara said encouragingly. >Don't worry, Balgra is with us and he knows the way perfectly well.< They saw him approaching the ship with a staff in his hand wrapped in several strips of cloth. Every local he encountered bowed before him; it was clear that he had lived here for a long time.The navigator women also noticed this. >He seems to really help the people here, as friendly as they greet him.< Her captain nodded in agreement. >Aye, prophets can be very influential. Today we will see if his words are really telling the true. Come, let us welcome him.< Both bowed to Balgra and accompanied him out of the ship. When the entire crew was back on their feet, Clara introduced the man in grey to everyone and explained where the journey was taking them.The Freedom and her crew had been following the wind to the west for several hours but there was still no land in sight.While Clara regularly checked that the sails were correct and that they were still on course according to the map, Balgra was there to support the navigator and helmswoman throughout the journey. Although Cassandra trusted her captain, she was somewhat sceptical about navigating a ship without intervening. Maxwell, who was in charge below deck, remained suspicious of the Prophet. Clara, on the other hand, was optimistic that they would finally succeed this time. After she returned to Cassandra, she asked. >Captain, we still haven't seen any land. Are we really going the right way?< >Balgra intervened >Patience is the key. We'll reach our first destination soon.< Clara agreed with him. >We've been at sea for longer and haven't found anything. Be patient, okay?< > Well, if you say so.< she replied, somewhat annoyed. Soon after, Ann shouted from the lookout, >LAND IN SIGHT! < Everyone immediately ran to the deck, Maxwell looked through his telescope and couldn't believe it. >A hundred thousand hellhounds, just like he said! Scrab Island.< Captain Clara was grinning from ear to ear. >Thank you Balgra.< >It's not finished yet Captain. Think of Morga's protection!< he reminded her. >You're right.< Clara realised as she turned to her crew. >Listen up, everyone! As soon as we pass the island, the current will carry us. I need you all to keep the ship on course. Understood!< >Aye, Aye Captain!< shouted all the pirates on board. As described by the Prophet, they sailed south past Scrab Island as the ship picked up speed as if by magic. Both the sea and the wind drove them steadily forward, even the weather was on their side today. However, this was soon to change. After a while, they noticed that the sea was becoming increasingly choppy. The sky, which had just been bright blue, was steadily darkening. Dark clouds appeared with rumbling thunder and bright flashes of lightning. The sea serpent's storm had reached the Freedom. Without even thinking about it, Clara pulled her magic sword upwards and it began to glow red again. This time, however, it was not the ropes that were being moved but the ship's masts that were being held to keep the sails stable. >Come on, we have to stay on course or we are doomed!< shouted the captain as she tried to fight against the force of the storm. The crew immediately pulled on the ropes to keep the sails straight as well. The first mate hurried below deck with a few others to look for holes in the hull. Kassandra could just about hold the steering wheel and wondered. >I've never experienced a storm like this before.< >This isn't a normal one either, Morga sent it so that no one can get close to storm eye.< Clara explained exhaustedly. >Appropriate name, I'd say.< Kassandra realized. >Hold on, we should reach the black rocks soon, then we'll be safe.< she assured her. >Good, because the damn thing can't hold on much longer.< Suddenly a huge wave hit the ship and pulled the navigator women to the ground. The steering wheel spun like crazy. Maxwell was back on deck and notice what happend. Through his telescope he saw the black rocks that they were heading towards. He immediately ran to the captain, who had already recognised the danger. Kassandra was back on her feet and was trying to regain control of the ship. >We have to get out of here immediately!< said Maxwell in a panic.>I'm aware of that too. Captain, can't you use your sword?< she asked. >If I let go of the sails now, it will be the end of the freedom.< Clara explained. >I'll help!< a voice rang out behind them. Balgra held out his staff, the end of which began to glow blue. He swung it over the sea, causing another large wave to appear which hit the ship, allowing them to pass the black rocks without being damaged. The three looked at the prophet in confusion. >I can see into the future but that doesn't mean I don't intervene sometimes.<

By the time all the wounded had been cared for and the ship had been checked for damage, the weather had already changed.The sky became clearer, the clouds thinned out and the sun shone as if nothing had happened.They had actually overcome the magical protection of the island. Storm Eye could already be seen on the horizon in all its glory. They droped the anchor close to the beach, and part of the crew went ashore with Clara and Maxwell in a dinghy. A large jungle lay before them. With help of the map they was able to orient herself well. The whole untouched nature amazed her, Clara wrote everything she found in her book while her first mate looked around for old artefacts. A short time later they reached some ruins, exactly those that were marked on the map. >That's what we've been looking for for so long.< said Clara with tears in her eyes. Maxwell put a hand on her shoulder. >Because you didn't give up. I had already dismissed it all as a sailor's story but you always believed in it.< She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. >Thank you Max for always being by my side despite your doubts.< He blushed. >Yes... ahem.. let's take a look at the treasure.< The captain nodded in agreement and they both ventured further forward. On a stome pedestal lay a black crown with a symbol that Clara immediately recognized. It was an old relic of the sea god.

The end...?

All rights belong to its author. It was published on e-Stories.org by demand of Martin Hünemöller.
Published on e-Stories.org on 02/01/2025.