Part three of The Treasure Hunter Series; the continuing saga being published weekly for Serial Sundays.

BACK TO PART TWO OF TREASURE HUNTERS

“A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid” J. R. R. Tolkien

The Treasure Hunters, Part Three

My feet were not used to running barefoot, and I could feel each and every little stick and stone along the path. I just hoped we would reach our destination, soon.

The little rag tag group formed of myself and the recently acquainted pirates finally reached the camp. From what I could tell, realistically, the hike up the hill could not have been more than a few kilometres. Unfortunately it felt more like a marathon to me and my poor bare feet. What I would have given for a foot bath and a massage right now!

I was seated by a tall wooden table, sitting on the hard bench. A person, who obviously seemed to be a cabin boy, had brought a bowl of some sort of grub and a chalice filled with what tasted like wine. OK, so this was no gourmet meal. Certainly no competition for any fast food meal I had eaten in the past either. But at this point, hearing my stomach growling, I would have settled for a bowl of cooked stones. I could not believe how unbelievable hungry I actually was.

“So, Lad, which boat did you serve on?” The Captain, sitting on the other end of the table, asked me.

“I um, ” Come on think, think, I was telling myself. It had been a while since I watched any films, especially those of adventure and pirates! Then it hit me: “The Black Pearl, Sir!” Nice save dumbass I told myself.

The Captain looked puzzled for a while before he replied, “The Black Pearl? I don’t recall a ship by that name. What was the name of your Captain, Lad?” He ogled me suspiciously.

“Sparrow, Sir, Captain Sparrow.” I tried to pull the best innocent look on my face I could muster. It sure had worked before. At least when I was still me that is.

“Sparrow, Sparrow…” The Captain repeated thoughtfully, rubbing his beard in the process. Then he stopped and looked at me, or rather right through me. He let out a laugh: “I do recall a Captain Sparrow. Tough as nails! No wonder you are on the run!”

So, the little white lie sank in! Great! But now, the Captain believed me to be a runaway. I didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing at this point. After a moment of silence, staring at my feet, trying to look guilty as the suspect of being on the run, I looked up.

“Yes, he was. That’s why I left.”

“And I suppose you are looking for a new hiring?” The Captain asked, this time very politely.

Well, I guess I was looking for a job. I had nothing but the clothes on my back, no shoes, no food. So yes, I needed a job, a place to stay and the means to find my way back.

“Yes.” I replied simply.

The cabin boy had been filling the drinks and as he had heard the Captain’s comments asking me about the job, he looked at me, smirked and gave me a wink.

“Well, laddie,” The Captain replied, “You look like you are made of a stern stuff. Consider yourself hired!”

I had no idea what I had gotten myself into, but come what may, I was now officially a pirate!

“Thank you, Sir!” Good thing I had been watching a lot of television and movies in the past. I at least had some idea of how the people talked in the past. At least I hoped the Hollywood types had not taken too many artistic liberties!

“Welcome on board!” The cabin boy said to me. It was actually the first time I heard him speak and I was surprised he sounded more like a girl than a young boy.

“Thank you!” I think. I just wasn’t sure.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART FOUR