Backstory Drabbles 5 - 8

[dwgm]

Here are drabbles for the next four prompts in LJ's hseas_challenge #4: Backstories. The first two are a hundred words apiece, and the last drabble combines two prompts in 200 words.


5. The mutiny


The sound of boots and a key grating in the lock roused Jack instantly. He struggled up, hoping he looked fierce and stoic in spite of his battered state.

But it was Turner.

Bill was silent at first, just passed in water and clean rags, then a packet of hardtack and a flask.

"Rum?" Jack’s smile cracked open the cut on his lip.

"Aye." Bill looked hangdog. "I'm sorry Jack. Won't say I told you so."

"Good," Jack said, wryly. He downed half the contents of the flask in one go.

He'd bloody be hearing enough of that from Teague.

*


6. The pirate’s gospel – a good man turning pirate


It's a fortnight before he's able to rest upon his back, but the first time he's left to sleep in silent shadow, the darling novice who's occasionally been allowed to read to him slips into the cell, tractless.

She sits on the bed beside him. "Señor."

"Pequeña, you shouldn't."

She shakes her head. His wrist lies atop the blanket in the moonlight, and she touches the scabbed letter, gently. "You will leave soon."

“I must.”

She meets his eyes. “I must, too.”

Later he considers it a good omen that so enjoyable a sin is his first as a pirate.

*


7. "Use your voice, my little bird..." – Elizabeth learns from her Mother
8. The first lie – the Governor’s daughter is honestly dishonest


"He didn't do it!"

Her voice seemed unnaturally loud and they all turned to stare, even the accused. Mother gaped, and Father's brow lowered.

"What do you mean, child?"

Elizabeth straightened. "Jemmy didn't kill the deer, I saw the man, he ran off toward the village. Jemmy only found it and was bringing it to you."

Father once more turned to the grubby stipling. "Is that so, Jemmy?"

Jemmy, twisting his hat with blood-stained, nervous fingers, didn't look meet Father’s gaze, but said, "Aye, sir."

Father was silent for an uncomfortable moment. Then he said to his steward, "It seems we may have erred, Simmons. You'll make inquiries in the village this afternoon." His eye turned upon Jemmy again. "As you were attempting to do your duty, you shall have a haunch of the beast as a reward, for you and your family."

"Thank you," Jemmy choked.

*

"Elizabeth," said Mother, when they were alone. "You lied to save that boy."

Elizabeth swallowed hard. "The punishment for poaching—“

“—is death.” Mother nodded. She drew Elizabeth close, and her voice trembled. "Lies may have unintended consequences, my dear. But I think, in such a case, one cannot but speak.”


~.~


TBC

Comments

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you liked these, and appreciate knowing you like the way I write Elizabeth, who is my favorite besides Jack. Thank you for the feedback, and for the birthday wishes! Both are very much appreciated. :)