Sicily had everything a pirate could possibly want.  It was settled just enough that one could find partners to exchange news with and trade with without running into the law.  But more importantly, it had a prime location.  To the north of the Sicilian harbor was the Etruscan Leauge, the rising city of Rome, and other small time chiefdoms that dotted the boot-like peninsula.  To the West were Carthage and the Phoenician settlements on Sardinia.  To the East was the Greater Mediterranean.

Today they sailed east.  Amentuankh had enjoyed his respite in alcohol, jewelry, and some of their captured girls but his business here was finished.  Slaves and cargo had been sold to merchants who didn't ask where such things came from, the crew was rested, and the more mundane supplies restocked.  Each and every day the Egyptian stayed in this haven was a day where he wasn't making money.  Sure, he worked under the Greek bastard Alkestis who technically owned the ship, but aside from a share in the profits the self styled 'King of the Sea' didn't ask for much.

Returning to the galley to Amentuankh was like returning to home.  Unlike some of the larger warships some maritime states could afford, the galley he worked with only had a single sail and a one and a half rows of oars partially recessed into the deck.  The ship was light, though, and more importantly fast.  Looking around, he noticed most of the crew had already returned aboard - though a brief look to his right showed the face of one of the prettier crew members - for a second, Amen tried to remember his name.  Looked a little roman, though some features reminded Amen of his homeland ... If he was like some of the more greek members of the crew he might make an offer.  They'd practically jumped to join the pirate crew during their last fight on the sea ... and decent with a sword the time he'd fought almost immediately afterwards.  Or enthusiastic, at least.

Oh right, Rys.  [color=yellow]"Rys!  Enjoy your stay here?  Ready to set out on the sea once again?"[/color]  The well jeweled 'captain' slapped his arm around the man's shoulder, rings briefly grasping the mans bone briefly and somewhat affectionately - or domineeringly, depending on who you asked.  [color=yellow]"Or are you already missing home?"[/color]