Mercy
The swamp clung to Mercy like a shroud; the humid air thick with the stench of decay, every rustle of leaves -every snap of a twig sent shives down her down; she had been running for days, her bare feet bleeding, her stomach gnawing, the memory of the lash and leering faces of her captor, it all fuelled her desperate flight, they have been hunting her like an animal, she could hear the hounds baying in the distance.
She burst through the dense foliage onto a narrow, deserted beach; relief momentarily, but it was quickly replaced by a fresh wave of terror; three men emerged not far from her, the snarling faces illuminated by the setting sun.
“You have nowhere left to run now girl” the lead man spat; he raised the whip, pointing forwards, the two beside him began to move towards her
Mercy fell to her knees; her head lolling forwards as she felt tears wetting her eyes; she knew what was coming; but, instead of the feeling of hands on her, or the sensation of being dragged to feel the whip against her skin – two bang, loud, powerful ripped through the silence followed by heavy thuds and cries of pain.
Slowly, she dared to open her eyes.
The two men that would have taken her to their leader lay motionless on the ground; blood staining the sandy shoreline; her eyes drifted towards their leader; who found himself on his knees, a sword held by his neck, a strange figure stood to his side behind him; he looked like just some average man in simply clothes that rippled in the wind, his eyes though – they held a chilling intensity.
“Your choice is simple; Leave her be, or, I shall make you suffer a pain you have never imagined possible” the stranger said; his voice was low, but its delivery and tone hinted at the danger he presented
He allowed the leader to scarper away; run back to the swamp and disappear into its darkness; the stranger then turned his attention towards Mercy; he moved his sword, sheathing it in its scabbard on his hip; he left the two discarded pistols on the ground as he approached her “Are you alright?” he asked; offering his hand to her
His touch was surprisingly gentle; eyes filled with a strange, and unsettling kindness; but, Mercy recoiled, fear overriding any gratitude she might have felt; he was a man wasn’t he, and all men in her experience were instruments of cruelty “Don’t touch me!” she hissed, scrambling away
He didn’t pursue; instead let out a sigh as he observed her “I understand your fear; but…, I give you my word, I mean no harm to you”
As if summoned by his words, a large, dark ship seemed to materialise from the misty horizon; an East Indiaman – its sails billowing in the evening breeze.
As it drew closer, Mercy saw it – the black flag flew high, snapping defiantly in the wind; a Pirate Vessel.
Horror washed over her, she had just escaped one nightmare only to stumble into another; this man; her saviour, he was a Pirate – a monster in disguise.
He could see the terror in her eyes “You believe I am no better than the ones you ran from” he said, his voice softening “And you have every right to think that”
He lowered himself down to his haunches; he met her gaze “My name is Alfred; I am the Captain of that vessel, and I swear upon my life, if you come with me, no one will harm you, no one will lay a hand on you; you’ll find safety amongst my crew”
Mercy trembled “Safety; on a Pirate Ship?”
He nodded slowly, giving a grim smile “It’s a hard life, aye; but, we are not all cut from the same cloth, some of us…, we’ve seen enough cruelty; enough suffering – I am offering you sanctuary, I have offered this many times before, some of my crew…” he watched her “Some of them are freed slaves; coming with me, you’ll be free, respected”
He paused, allowing his words to sink in; before his eyes moved towards the direction she had previous come from “The swamp offers only death and despair” he again looked towards her “I am offering a chance; a chance to live, a chance to heal – to be your own person”
The ship lowered a small boat which began to make its way towards the shore – Alfred stood up, again he stepped forwards and offered his hand to her.
She stared at him; she wasn’t sure – she had heard so many things about pirates.
“The choice is yours; Come with me, or remain here” he said softly
She looked back towards the dark, menacing swamp; then in the direction of the imposing ship looming on the horizon; it’s black flag a symbol of terror and defiance, her heart pounded, a frantic drumbeat against the silence of the beach – could she trust him, could she trust anyone.
But, the alternative was unthinkable – the swamp only offered pain and death, this…., this would be a gamble, a desperate leap of faith; but perhaps it would be a chance for a new life.
Slowly, hesitantly; Mercy reached out, she took his hand, his grip was firm and reassuring as he helped her to her feet; she met his gaze, there was something in his eyes, something resonated with the pain she carried within her – he understood.
Alfred nodded, a flicker of something like relief seemed to cross his face, he led her towards the approaching boat – the large Pirate ship loomed on the horizon.
Written By: Westley H.
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