The Other Side of Shrae: Prologue

Prologue

“Talli Firecrow’s the name”, the red-haired, green-eyed young woman said to the captain of the Albutrae, captain Seilrite.

“Any previous experience sailing?” the grizzled old sailor asked. His hair was white, and he had a short, bristly beard, making him look quite intimidating.

“Er…” Talli said, trying to sugar-coat the fact she used to be a pirate, “I used to be a… erm, privateer”, she said awkwardly, looking around and hoping none had noticed.

Seilrite nodded, coughed, and muttered something like “Very well…”

They stepped aboard the ship, it’s white sails fluttering slightly in the wind.

“Well, there you are.” the captain said, clearing his throat loudly, “The Albutrea, finest ship ever, if you ask me. Good for fishin’, but even better for exploring.”

Talli nodded, taking in the whole ship. It wasn’t a bad one, that was for sure.

“How long you think we’ll have to sail before we find this ‘Other side of Shrae’?” A brown-haired man said, coming up from under-deck.

“Who knows.” the Captain replied with a shrug, “None’s ever thought of or had want to explore this side of the great sea. If we’re lucky, we’ll find land in a couple weeks. Hopefully we can find someplace fast, but you never know with sailing. Just the luck of the draw, really. If you’re blown off-course even a few hours you might miss a landmass you might otherwise see.”

The man nodded, and kept on carrying supplies from shore back onto the Albutrae.

“So, when are we leaving?” Talli said, eager to set off.

“Well, I’d say in a few days, if the weather stays calm.” Seilrite said, scratching his beard.

There were some shouts, and Sielrite was called away to see to the loading of some very heavy casks of rum, and Talli wandered off to meet the rest of the crew, shaking hands and exchanging names until she had met everyone. Some came just for the paycheck, some came to document any new plants or animals they might find, some came because they knew the Albutrae’s Captain, or had friends aboard.

Talli, however, used to be a pirate;

She came for adventure.