The Gods’ Teeth — Captain’s Law
During the voyage aboard Brandy’s Folly, Captain Travin introduced his officers and crew, including the Ribbet first mate, Olbek Snot.
Crossing night
On the third night, the party ate with the crew in the long galley. Extra lanterns burned, laughter filled the room, and the smells of linseed oil, pipe smoke, cabbage, and close quarters competed for attention. The party met Millie and Swoosh among the crowded benches.
The captain proposed a toast:
“May you sometimes get what you want. May you always get what you need, but may we never get what we deserve!”
Then he issued his warning. During the passage through the Gods’ Teeth, passengers must lock themselves in their cabins. Unassigned hands must stay below in the cargo hold. Anyone caught above deck would go over the side.
“No jawin’. No negotiations. No second warnings. On this ship, that is captain’s law.”
The song
Fiddles and a hurdy-gurdy appeared. The crew pushed Swoosh forward, and a rousing story-song poured out of him about Brandy’s Folly crossing the Gods’ Teeth.
It was a wonderful song. Its relationship to the truth was considerably less impressive.
Continue with Ashin’s Challenge.