Reaper of the Sea

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300] Reaper of the Sea[/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]

When some of the men decided to give up the sea, of course she'd berate them to the fullest. "Bunc' o' yeller bellied sea trout!" Sneered at each as they disembarked from the ship. "I be a tellin' ye now. Flap ye jibs, 'n I'll be makin' ye s'ark bait. O' t'at ye kin count on."



The men knew the Captain of the Black Swan made not idle threats. Too many times she's made examples of unruly crew members. Those who have been with her, and her father before, new well the firery lass could be cruel, they spent years watching her heart blacken more and more. Black was more than just a surname, it was the color of the woman deep inside.



Once the crew had disembarked in full, she'd have the men set out to seek their replacements, be they willing or not. She was good at persuation, she could turn a farm hand into one of the most astoute seamen. A knack she had, well learned from her father and the men who she spent her life growing up beside on the rolling decks.



At the age of thirty three, and having sailed the seven seas since a young age, there was little she didn't know about a ship. If it were physically possible, she could man all stations herself, as well as navigate the large vessel.



Now it was time to tend to repairs. Both ships had assertained a large amount of damage during the storm that over took them. Upon reaching port, she'd send word to Carlotta to have the woman meet her in her private quarters at the Dockside Inn at dusk. Right now, she needed to soak in some hot water, to ease the aches and pains that had settled into muscles and joints alike.



She didn't trust the private or public baths of her own establishment. Instead, she'd go to the hot springs, nestled in an area of the mountains that is quite secluded and close to her own manor home. It also allowed her to keep an eye on her surroundings, in case anyone tried to sneak up on her. To the stables she'd head, first checking on the stallion that awaited her there. Blaze stood eighteen hands in height, and was faster than most horses she's ever come across. An Arabian breed, one of her prized captures. There was very little that the Captain ever paid for with solid coin.



Once saddled, horse and rider would set to the streets, galloping wildly through them. A comment was made by one who seen the dark horse, and dark clad rider pass... "Iffen I didnae ken better, I be swearin' t'at be the devil 'imself ridin' on 'n nightmare." Soon the two would disappear from civilization, a dead run to carry them into the thick forest of the foot hills. Free rein was given to the beast that carried her. He knew where she was going, this path was one often traveled.



Once the hot springs were reached, she'd pull tack and saddle from the stallion, to permit him to graze and move about unhindered. Her clothing and weapons would be discarded close to the water's edge, to be in close range to be quickly snagged if needed. It was then she'd slip into the steaming waters with a soft sigh of relief. Slipping beneath the surface for a few moment, then rising to stand in the shoulder deep depths.



Moving to where a rock ledge rested beneath the water, it would be here that she'd settle, relaxing back. Staring up at the rays of sunshine that broke through the cover of the umbrella of leaves overhead. It was then she began to ponder. Her thoughts going back to the ship that passed them at sea. Closing her eyes, she could recall every detail of the vessel, as well as that strange red glowing light that encompassed it....