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Captain Samuel Bellamy, of The Whydah Gally, stood watch with the rest of his men, several miles off the coast of Nassau. It was race day, and many of the smaller sloops would engage in tests of speed and command.
The winners would usually take comfort in knowing that their victory would be accompanied by gold, wenches, wine and rum. Many of the races would be of a friendly wager.
Though, many ended in bloodshed and the sinking of another vessel.
Black Sam was in place to make sure it was a proper race - and that both ships made it to the designated spot to turn back and head for the finish line, back in the harbor.
As the two vessels approached, Captain Bellamy saw it with his own eyes, for the first time… The victory of The Tamisra.
The two ships sailed equally until they reached the turning point. As they came about, The Tamisra slowed its pace and got behind The Kingston.
As The Tamisra sped up, it seemed to overtake the smaller vessel. And, that was the last day anyone had ever seen The Kingston.
CHAPTER SIX - The Man Who Loved The Monster:
Part I
Elijah Crowe was not afraid of the ship. He studied her scars like scripture, charted currents that did not exist, and spoke to Raven as if she were still human—not a legend wrapped in iron and cursed.
Their love was quiet and dangerous.
At night, the ship stilled itself, listening as they whispered dreams neither dared believe. Raven imagined leaving the sea. The ship did not like that.
Timbers groaned. The water darkened.
When Crowe betrayed her, the sea claimed him eagerly—dragging him down with hands that were not hands at all.
Raven screamed for the first time since her father.
The sea answered with silence.
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Elijah Crow, a slightly older man - only slightly older than Raven Morana, by five years her senior, stood with a smile and at the ready as the crew grappled the ships and extended their planks.
Raven, now in her mid-twenties, was smitten with Crowe. She watched from her helm as he crossed over to The Tamisra with grace and ease.
She calmly walked down the steps to greet her guest. She nodded her head to the right, slightly - turning toward the captain’s cabin with an extended arm to usher her guest toward her awaiting chambers.
Without hesitation, as she closed the door behind her, grabbing Elijah by the collars and slammed him against the wall - next to the door she’d just closed and planted a rather large, wet, and somewhat sloppy kiss.
With a slight twist, he grabbed and turned her toward the same wall, and passionately kissed her lips, and moved down toward her neck.
She grabbed his hair and pulled him back - locking eyes with him, sternly… then, smiled seductively.
“Have you thought about my offer to come with me to Port Royal?” He asked with a heavy breath.
“You’re wanting to talk about that, now?” She questioned with a wry smile, and bit his ear lovingly.
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