Owned by Pirates

I realized I hadn’t had a meal this delicious in a long time. I also saw that everyone’s bowls and plates were empty. “Shall I begin washing up?” I asked softly, looking at McGee. Then I saw that the Captain had appeared in the doorway.

“No, lass, you can start helping tomorrow,” the Captain said. “Tonight we’ll go have a chat and get you settled.”

Another strange glance flashed from man to man around the table. I wondered what they were thinking. Then I realized that they might be wondering about the bed sharing situation. My hands began to flutter as I realized I was wondering too.

“All right men. Don’t get too rowdy tonight. There is a heap and a half of work tomorrow. I’ll be turning in now.”

I looked up and saw him tilt his head to indicate that I should follow. “Goodnight,” I whispered to Larry, nodding to the rest of the men as I scurried away at the Captain’s heels.

Taking a deep breath as I followed the tall man, I tried to appear calm. I knew I’d likely be the talk of the evening around that table as the drinking went on. I was accustomed to being the talk of the town, due to rumors that my father spread. But this time the gossip might have an edge closer to the truth. I had no way of knowing.

The Captain led me into a room at the other end of the ship, far away from the galley and the bunk room.

I’d never slept anywhere but my own tiny bed. The thought of sleeping in a hammock in a room full of men was too much to contemplate. I realized how kind the Captain was to take me in, but I couldn't help wondering what he had in mind.

He had purchased me. I belonged to him now. So he could really do anything he liked.

As he opened the door, I stepped into a small wooden room. It was furnished with a small bed, several clothing hooks on the walls, and a few built-in shelves. The scent of the wood weathered by the salty sea air was comforting.

“You may wear one of my shirts to sleep in,” the Captain said matter of factly. “It shall hang like a dress on you, and will be appropriate enough. At our next port of call, you and Larry can pick up any fabric you need to make yourself some new clothing.” He handed me a huge but soft old linen shirt.

I set it on the bed as I removed my shoes, then awkwardly looked down at the floor.

“Oh, I’m sorry lass,” the Captain said, “You have my word that I will not look.” He sat on the edge of the bed with his back to me.

“No, um, it’s just that... I cannot reach the buttons along my back. My mother has always helped me dress.”

He turned to me with an odd look in his eyes. I tried to hide my slight shaking as he said, “Let me help you.”

I stepped in front of him, turning my back as I allowed him to undress me. He tried to work the tiny buttons faster with his thick fingers. Feeling his hands so close to my skin, and his warm breath down my neck, was making me flutter inside. “Calm down, sweet girl. Everything is fine.” He fumbled at the bottom few fasteners, then finally freed me. As he opened the dress at the back so that I could remove the rest myself, I heard a savage growl.

I spun quickly. Did I displease him in some way? With tiny steps I began to inch away, looking over my shoulder at him.

His eyes were nearly black with rage as his fingertips lightly touched my shoulders. “Who put those marks on your back?”

“Oh, I forgot.”

It looked like what he was seeing nearly broke something deep inside a man who had likely seen horrors beyond measure. He lowered his voice to a sharp whisper. “Who?”

“I... um, I angered my father a few times, sir. Especially two days ago.”

“And he gave you the lash?” he asked, incredulous.

“He said that’s what all parents did to bring up children right, sir. I learned my lessons quickly, or at least, I really tried. I almost always get things correct at the first try now, sir, really I do.”

The anger emanating from him was incredible, and he looked like he could have punched through a stone wall. I nervously took another step back before he seemed to sense my fear.

Instantly he softened, holding out his hands. “Come here, little one. I’m not angry with you.”

I slowly took the four steps forward to stand before him, extending my trembling hands. He held them gently, looking into my eyes with a softness that I would never have expected from what I assumed was a hardened criminal.

“Your father is a bad man,” he said quietly. “I want you to know that you’ll never be punished here. If you make a mistake, we’ll correct you by simply telling you. The lash is reserved for men who steal from their mates, or act truly dishonorably. Do you understand?”

I didn’t dare speak, just nodded.

“I don’t want you to fear me,” he continued. “You’re mine now, and no harm will come to you.” He reached out to cup my cheek in his large hand. I was deeply affected by the simple gesture. I tried not to let him see the shudder that ran through me as I realized I’d never been touched by a kind man.

“Do those cuts and bruises hurt?” he asked, his gruff voice soft.