The Amsterdam

[Captain Emmy Tot]

Captain Emmy "Head Hunter" Tot

It was one of those mornings, that you'd give thanks to, when you awoke to view it and all it's colorful glory. At least to her, it was the most magnificent sight to have been witnessed. The sky was aglow with brilliant colors. The blues and violets of the fading blackness of night off to the west, was becoming overpowered by the brilliant pinks and oranges that arose to the east. A steady breeze kept the sails billowed in full, causing the Brigandine to smoothly cut through the choppy waters of the ocean.

The water had turned from a blue black, to blue green as the sun began to rise. Sea gulls over head, screeching loudly as they circled for their dinner, which swam just below the water's surface. Off in the distance, Marlins were cutting through the water as they rose and fell. Memorized by it all, as she stood at the ships railing. Her long auburn hair blowing about her as it was captured in the gusting winds. Having chosen to wear a black pull over tunic, and what once use to be a pair of black trousers, the legs having been cut off just above the knee, so that they were now what will one day be considered a Bermuda style, and bare feet.

A light touch to her shoulder would have her looking over it, to see the man who had become her most trusted friend and first mate. In his hand was a mug of hot coffee, this offered to her with a hitch of a grin. "Pink skies in the morning, sailors take warning." A bit of a chuckle in his voice "Morning Captain."

"Thanks Franco." Accepting the steaming mug. Franco was far from a handsome man. Now in his late forties, his life out to sea had taken it's toll. His features were so heavily weathered, they had a leathery look to them. Deep scars marred the fine lines of his face; and no doubt his body in full. His chest was thick, rounded like a barrel. His arms were bigger than her thigh, his wrists thicker than both of her's together. What few teeth were still in his mouth, were in stages of decay. His hair had long since lost it's luster, of what she would consider a pale blonde; though now it was more gray in coloration. What there was left of it, hung just past his shoulders, in thinning wisps. A scraggily beard, arms and chest heavily covered in man fur. Where scars didn't flaw facial features, deep lines had long since set into place. A long time ago, she had earned his devotion and unshakable loyalty.

==============Reflections================

It was gained, virtually on the first day they met. The Amsterdam had anchored off shore of a small coastal city, of the Greek Islands. The stop was purely for restocking purposes. Gaining provisions, and selling off a few acquired (Stolen) items. As was habit, when she went ashore, a picture perfect lady would be seem. Her gown was of the highest fashion in make. Not heavily ornate, with bobbles, though from pierced ears, tear drop diamond earrings suspended. About her delicate throat, laid the most perfect combination of pearls. She always amazed her men, when the transformation took place, from being Captain Emmy "Head Hunter" Tot, to the delicate lady in waiting, Emmaline Tottington.

It was their third day in port, trading had gone successfully. A hefty profit was to be shared between herself and her crew. Of course, she would gain a full fifty percent of the haul, ten percent for her first mate, helmsman and navigator. A full five percent, went to her cook, though out of that he was responsible for stocking the pantry to her specification. Her men would never go hungry, nor eat rotten meat, if she could help it. So, in a portion of the hold, an area had been set up, for keeping live stock on board.

Laying hens for fresh eggs, several others for putting in the pot. (Those that stopped laying, would soon end up as stew.) Due to limited space, only a few larger animals would be kept. Two hogs, of average size, to accompany the two lambs. Daily the men would rotate on tossing nets, to draw what the ocean had to offer in the way of fish. On slaughter day, of one of the animals, the innards and skin would be cast over the side, while men awaited with harthingys. Once the fins would crest the water's surface, they would prepare for a fight of their life. There was nothing better than grilled shark steak, the trick, getting the shark before it got them. Stuart "Lamb Chop" Fig, was a culinary genius. He had figured out how to dry vegetables out in the sun, which made them not only lighter to carry, but allowed them to enjoy a hearty stew when rehydrated while cooking. Also the same with fruit, which would be one of the reasons his cut was as it was.

The other fifteen percent, was divided amongst the crew, on top of their choice out of the items they came upon. In that, a near two percent more was added to each man's payday. It was enough it kept them happy, and loyal to the female captain. In all her years upon the sea, not even a whisper of a mutiny ever took place upon the Amsterdam's decks.

She had been just strolling along the market area, when she heard angry shouts and the sounds of a group running. She had been nearly bowled over, by a large man running for his life; literally. Hot on his tail, was a group of men, wielding weapons that ranged from swords to what ever large item could be lifted in hand. There was a pause in time, when they stood there looking at one another. Blood was trickling from his right nostril and the side of his mouth. His skin was already beginning to discolor upon his cheek and right eye. His gaze flit between her own, and the pearls about her throat. She knew the battle that was waging in his mind. Her hand lifted to pull the necklace free of her throat and offered it out to him, which in turn had him staring at her with a mixture of amazement and distrust.

"Go on, take it. Use it to buy you sanctuary until the morning. At that time, seek out the Amsterdam in port." Thrusting the necklace out to him, until he grasped it in hand. The angry vigilantes were getting closer, she gave him a shove to get him back on the run. "I'll take care of them, now go!" He needed no further urging, he darted off to run into the crowded market. Her men who were mingling about, had witnessed the entire situation. A nod towards one would have him following after Franco, the rest would await her action, then would do what ever was necessary to assist.

She'd make eye contact with each, then turn her attention to the band of men running down the market area's main road. Facing them fully, as they closed in. Her eyes would widen, a hand would lift to rest it's back against her forehead. A terrified scream to rip past her lips, just before she'd fall into a heap, in the center of the street. Taking this as their cue, her men would rush towards her, shouting. Of course, this would have them bumping into, or blocking the path of any of the group that was in hot pursuit. Of course, there were those who stopped, their chivalry so strong, the damsel in distress to become their point of focus.

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Franco made it to the ship, his presence at her side at the moment, was proof of this. What reason was behind the mob hunting him down and wishing to spill his blood. That will be a tale for another day. "Yes, quite a storm brewing, that's for sure." Turning to look back out over the vast open water, and the heavenly display. "Lucky us in keeping ahead of it, though just to be safe, have the men store any unnecessary items below. Make sure all is secure, especially the cannons and shot." Just a glance over at him as the mug was lifted to take a sip.

"Ai, Ai Captain. I'll see to it after the morning meal. Seems Lamb Chop has got quite a feast prepared." An exhaled laugh. "Said he can feel we're getting closer to land." A glance up at the gulls with a shake of his head. "Sometimes I think, he thinks, we're all nothing more than a bunch of simpletons. Anyone knows, who's been out to sea for any length of time, if there's birds, land's within a day or so travel ... as long as we keep a steady wind as we do now."

_________________
Emmaline Tottington

"Political correctness gets you everywhere!"

[Captain Emmy Tot]

The Revenge of Emmy Tot

Piracy was very much a man’s world and women were not allowed aboard pirate ships; it was part of the ‘Pirate’s Code’. However, there were one or two notable exceptions where women did go to sea and when they did, they often proved to be more than a match for the men. Here is a story of another young woman who was taken to sea against her will, and how she dealt with her situation.

Emmy Tot was born into Scottish aristocracy. Christened, Emmaline Tottington, at the age of nineteen, she was taken into employment as Lady in Waiting to the Countess of Eglinton in the North Ayrshire district of Cunninghame, of which Irvine is the predominant town. There is, in the center of Irvine, a rather gruesome tribute to Emmy’s exploits. Standing on top of a lantern, over the doorway of the Eglinton Arms Hotel, is the figure of a girl, holding in one hand a sword, dripping blood, and in the other, a severed head.

As the story goes, The Earl of Eglinton was hosting a banquet at Eglinton Castle, just outside Irvine. In those days, Irvine was a busy seaport and often there were merchant ships of varying size and from different countries docked in the harbor. One such was the ‘Amsterdam’, a vessel commanded by Jan Van der Goot, a small time privateer, sailing under the Dutch flag. It was the Earl’s custom to invite to his banquets, the master of any ship that happened to be in the harbor at the time and Van der Goot was included on this occasion.

The moment that he set eyes on Emmy, he was captivated. He asked the vivacious lady in waiting to join him on his ship, but she was not interested in the Dutchman and refused. Van der Goot however, was a determined man and through the night, he returned with four of his crew, broke into her room and abducted her, carrying her back to his ship. They took her to Van der Goot’s cabin and locked her in, setting sail out of Irvine almost immediately. Once at sea, the cowardly captain stayed on deck drinking with his men, while Emmaline pondered her fate in the cabin below.

Several hours later and very much the worse for drink, Van der Goot returned to his cabin and found his captive, curled up on the floor in the corner, apparently asleep. Totally drunk, he threw himself, fully dressed onto his bed and was soon snoring. But Emmaline in fact, was wide awake and biding her time. She waited maybe half an hour to make sure that her captor was sleeping deeply before quietly getting to he feet. She moved over to where the captain was stretched out on his bed. Then carefully drawing his dagger from its scabbard, she thrust it into his chest, piercing his heart! For a moment his eyes opened in surprise. Then, just as quickly, they closed. Van der Goot was dead!

Emmaline was not yet finished. She drew out the captain’s sword and with a few hacking blows, cut his head from its body! Dragging her grisly prize out of the cabin, and still carrying the sword, dripping with blood, she made her way onto the deck. At the point of the sword, she forced the helmsman to ring the ship’s bell, summoning the crew on to the deck. It was nearly dawn and most of the men were sleepy eyed and still half-drunk. But they soon sobered up when they saw Emmaline holding up the severed head of their captain! At that moment, the taste for power and control was over whelming.

She informed them then, she was taking over control of the ship and the men could do one of two things, comply, or jump into the ocean and hope they could swim to the nearest shore. They were too shocked to argue and did as they were told. Emmy would hang the captain's head from the crows nest, to be a reminder to any and all who would think to cross her, his body cast out to sea.

As they continue on their voyage, she spent many hours in what was now "her" cabin. The first mate and navigator to be kept close to her side, teaching her the ways of sailing, reading maps, and anything else that would be helpful for her to run a proficient ship. Being a woman of wealth, it was easy to bribe the men into a position of loyalty. With the help of the cabin boy, Captain der Goot's clothing was altered to fit her curvaceous and slender form. Now she could also look the part in which she stepped. Changing her name to Emmy Tot, Captain of the Amsterdam.

So that was how her life began, all those years ago. Ten years of roving the open sea. Though not as notorious as her counter parts of the trade, she had her tales to share of taking over heavily laden merchant ships, and those carrying important passengers and the like.

It would be one of those chance directions, that would be bringing her to the Port of Sharks Bay. A place in which to seek some rest and relaxation from the sea, as well as to find a possible ship laden heavily, that she might lighten the load of as they depart to destinations unknown.

[Captain Emmy Tot]

Despite continual victimization of royal ships, pirates were often tolerated and even courted by governors, merchants and citizens of many lands. In some ways, this support of piracy marked the growing restlessness to become independent from England. Merchants purchased black market goods from the pirates that they could not obtain directly from England

Despite the apparent prosperity of this middleman role, most pirates led hard lives and died early. Life onboard the vessels was miserable; the wooden ships were dank and moldy, stinking of rotted meat, waste and unwashed bodies.

The work was unending and disease ran rampant. Often, half the crew was lost to disease on a single voyage. If the men did not succumb to disease, they could easily lose their life or limbs in battle and, on occasion, punishment awaited them when they returned to shore.

The brutal life onboard and the likelihood of injury or death did not dissuade all seamen from joining the ranks of the picaroons. The slim possibility of financial reward was a strong incentive. Although many died with little to their names, others somehow managed to thwart authority and see reward for their efforts.

This made it all the easier for Emmy Tot. Already having a reputation started, with the adding of superstitions that ran so rampant through the sea fearing community. Her poise and grace of a lady, aided her and her crew out of many a situtation that could have otherwise became a fatal ending.

It would be her greed, and the thrill of the chase; along with the kill, that would be that which fed her desires. Many whispered that she had gone insane that night within the captain's quarters. That it was her madness that drove her on, and that which her men fed from. It was like she was untouchable, the way she raged across the deck of a captured ship. Her trademark had became the beheading of each and every captain crossed. This in turn, and as years passed by, would have her gaining the title of Emmy "Head Hunter" Tot........

[Captain Emmy Tot]

The ship that she took control of, was a soundly made and proficient vessel. The Amsterdam is a Brigatine. Brigantines were two-masted ships in use for coastal trading. The foremasts carried square-rigged sails, while the main masts carried a fore-and-aft-rigged mainsail and square-rigged top sail. They were up to 80 feet long and could carry 100 men and 12 small cannon. The gun deck was just beneath the ship's main deck. This was where the cannon were located.

The structures of the Amsterdam, like most larger pirate ships, was made of cedar and oak. They had a raised deck near the bow called a forecastle and a higher deck near the stern called the sterncastle. The deck on top of the sterncastle was called the quarterdeck. This was where the helm or the wheel was located. Most navigational decisions were made on the quarterdeck. Just under the quarterdeck were the captain's cabin and officer's quarters.

Gunpowder was stored in the ship's magazine. This was usually on a lower deck near the stern, well away from the ship's galley which held the stove. The risk of fire or explosion was very great on a pirate ship. The slightest spark could ignite the gunpowder in the magazine and destroy the entire ship. Pirates were not allowed to smoke below decks.

The ship's water supply was stored in large barrels that were placed down in the hold to act as ballast. Sails were stored in the driest area below decks so they would not rot.

Meat was salted down and packed in barrels, but it often rotted and sailors were forced to fish or go ashore to hunt for fresh meat. Pirates also ate dry, hard biscuits called 'hard tack.' They drank rum or grog which was rum mixed with warm water and lemon.

The regular crew slept below in cramped and dirty quarters. The smell of bilge water was foul and rats were ever-present on board.

A ship was steered with a huge wooden rudder that was linked to the ship's wheel. The anchor could weigh up to 3,000 pounds and had to be raised and lowered with a winch called a 'capstan.' Five or six pirates would turn the capstan slowly around on its axis to wind in the anchor rope.

Ropes were made of hemp and made up the ship's rigging that supported the sails and masts. Every seafarer knew how to repair ropes and fix broken pulleys.

Sails was made of tough canvas called 'sailcloth,' woven from hemp, cotton or linen.

Pirate crews had to climb ropes called 'ratlines' to get up to the yardarms which held the sails to the masts. From there, they could take in or let out sails, depending on the wind conditions.