Snippet #1956342

Val could barely hear James over the commotion. In a matter of seconds they were aligned with the Duchess and the first cannon had been fired. It was an impressive shot and Val was pleased she landed such a catch with the Gunman. It sailed straight through the main mast disabling any chance of them fleeing. Val cheered along with the rest of her men. The smoke from the cannon was obscuring her view from the Duchess but she could here the yelling and general panic. She smiled maliciously. Gunpowder and salt mixed in the air, a smell that she had grown up with all her life. Now was the crucial time to board before the enemy gathered their wits and went for their swords.

"COME ON MEN! THE TIME IS NOW. BOARD!!!" She hollered over the racket. She unsheathed her sword and with a wordless cry she plunged her sword upwards and pulled sharply on her rope. She bent her knees in preparation for the jarring tug that she knew was coming. The next second she was launched from the deck and flung across the swirling mass of salty water. He landed heavily on the bridge deck but giving the helmsman no chance to prepare himself she had her sword at his throat. He was a roughened older bloke with a nasty scar down his neck. He scowled at her and managed to get a gob of spit at her feet. Her face turned deadly serious and she pressed the tip of her sword just that little bit harder, drawing blood. She saw him gulp. In a truly venomous tone she asked,

"Where is your cowardly Captain?"

If he did not answer correctly she felt no qualms against skewering him there and then. This is what she grew up doing. Through her warped sense of justice this was what was right.

"Go fuck yerself..." he grumbled in a gravelling voice that ended with a wet gurgle as Val thrust her sword through his throat. The body slumped to the floor and the man behind him dropped his sword, his face clear with fear. She turned towards him and asked again,

"Where is he?"

Trembling the guy simply pointed below. The Captains Quarters. She nodded and called over one of her men to take the man away. They had the ship overrun with her men. In the centre of the main deck her men surrounded the Duchesses crew. Taking her time she leislurely walked down the stairs. Delicately wiping the blood off of her sword with elaborate swipes. When she reached the final step she stood alert, waiting for Johnny to give her the report and accompany her in entering the Captains Quarters.