2 Chapter 2

“I don’t know, Captain. I wasn’t thinking,” Gaven lied, or half lied. How could he explain to a man like Captain Barn that he’d seen such innocence and beauty and not being able to bear the thought of killing it?

Gaven had killed before during his time under Captain Barn. He’d seen his sword turn red with enemies’ blood as they fought for the right to the sea, to resources, over misdeeds. He’d raised his weapon whenever he was ordered, but rarely outside of that. He didn’t have a taste for bloodshed. It was just a way of life, a job. A job where he wouldn’t be hanged for being found in the wrong bed.

“Tie him to the mast,” Captain Barn ordered, letting go of Gaven’s hair so suddenly that Gaven’s chin hit the deck.