The Pirate King

The pirate ship bounded over the waves, the Jolly Rodger waving in the breeze. Out upon the deck, stepped the Pirate King and his motley crew froze in fear. Peg legged Pete stopped swabbing the deck, Fat Fred’s big belly shook in fright, one-eyed Sam’s hands trembled upon the wheel. The only one who was far enough away, Crazy Andy up in the crow’s nest, desperately looking for land. The Pirate King his feet spread wide, raised up his right hand, upon which was a gleaming sliver hook and he shouted, ”The island, where’s the island?”

Upon his shoulder down swooped Killer, the parrot, he sat down upon the Pirate King’s shoulder and shouted into his ear,”Land, captain, land.”

They all looked to the right and saw an island close by. The Pirate King grunted satisfied and retreated to his cabin for another swig of rum. Mad Andy came down from the crow’s nest and with one-eyed Sam turning the wheel quickly, the pirate ship pulled into the little port.

Everyone who was upon the wharf, scrambled for safety seeing the fearsome pirate ship. Fishermen who were sorting their wares, knew to pay no mind, knowing what may be the result. Down came the plank and with the Pirate King in lead, they all stepped down upon the wharf. The Pirate King looked all about, there were three pubs among the other buildings there. One was the”Crow’s Nest”, one the”Pirate’s Haven” and one the”Smuggler’s Den.” It was toward the”Pirate’s Haven” that the Pirate King strode, his motley crew dragging behind.

Inside the dimly lit pub, everyone looked quite amazed at the sight. The Pirate King looked positively regal, in a purple velvet jacket and a wide, brimmed black hat with a purple ribbon and feather. His pants were black and upon his feet he had shiny, black boots. The Pirate King went to the bar, behind which tall and proud stood the barman. Meanwhile Charlie the piano player had begun playing pirate songs. The Pirate King slammed down his fist upon the bar, so that the glasses tinkled and the bottles behind the bar clanked together. He shouted,”Two bottles of rum and beer for me and my men!”

Then followed by his crew, he went to a table way up front,where a small stage was set up and a little too close to nervous Charlie the piano player. They soon got quite boisterous, as the second round was served. Then the bartender shouted for silence and announced that darling Kitty would sing. Charlie began playing a romantic melody and upon the stage stepped a lovely young woman. Her voice was mellow and so tender, everyone sat staring at her. Something strange then did occur, the Pirate King’s face lost all its tension and yes, there even was a gentle smile. His crew was too busy drinking or this would have frightened them. When Kitty finished her song, they began to whistle and applaud. She walked behind the stage and at this time the Pirate King jumped up and shouted,”Bring that girl to me!”

From a shadowy corner of the pub a handsome young man jumped up - He shouted back,”That young woman is mine!” Not a sound was heard, as everyone stared agape. They were anticipating a fight, even the bartender looked scared and Charlie was desperately playing another pirate song. The Pirate King looked at the young man and stepped forward, the young man stepped toward the Pirate King. Just as they were nearly eye to eye, darling Kitty came running from the stage. She grabbed onto the Pirate King’s hand and kissed his cheek, then she said tenderly, ”Papa this is Ted my fiancée.”

The Pirate King looked startled but then he smiled and stretched out his hooked hand which the uncertain Ted grabbed and shook, then the Pirate King lifted up a glass of rum. He said,”You be good to her or you’ll walk the plank!” Darling Kitty and Ted both laughed, they knew they had the Pirate King’s blessing. Then the Pirate King shouted,”Drinks all around!”

Everyone clapped and cheered. The little island had never seen such a wedding. For two weeks everyone drank and feasted. Then it was time for the Pirate King to leave and the happy young couple stood upon the wharf, as the pirate ship departed. The Pirate King stood up on deck and the motley crew wiped tears and waved with their handkerchiefs then the pirate ship headed out to sea.