Blade Maidens: Dead in the Water – 20

“I don’t think I’m made for this life.

I watched a man die today.

Remzo had been skimming. We all knew it. Food. Grog. A little extra. Against the Captain’s orders,  course, but no harm done. He’s the cook, why not ta

Was the cook.

Skimmed some of our cargo too. Was going to sell it at port. That was too much. Too greedy.

Captain found out. Raided his stash. Found more than I would have guessed. Sentenced him to be keelhauled. Didn’t know it was still done.

Thought his screams when the rope dragged him under would be the worst part. Then came the waiting. Just the sound of the crew pulling on the rope, dragging him against the hull. Maybe he’d hold his breath long enough. Make it through.

What came up on the other side of the ship wasn’t Remzo. Wasn’t even a body. Just bloody tatters only fit for chum. Line was cut, anchor was raised, on we went.

I want to go home.”

– A journal entry from Shipman Iyan Renau, a crew member on the Dragon’s Teeth