[b]Cassandra[/b]

Cassie realized that the pirate outside the door had heard her words and had taken offence if the tone of his voice was anything to go by. [i]Good,[/i] she thought, despite his angry words that met her through the thick wood of the door. She wondered what would happen if she went on threatening him and the rest of the crew. Would they kill her or just try to torture her, horribly? She didn't think she would like to find out, regardless. Even if she was stronger now, she could not overpower a number of them. She worried, too, of what would happen once morning came and the sun rose in the sky. Would they bring her up onto the deck? She had yet to risk stepping into the sunlight but she had no doubt that the experience would be a painful one. The heat of the sun made her uncomfortable even with the curtains drawn in her room. She didn't like the prickling sensation that was a result of being too close to the sun's rays.

The pirate's voice came again, pulling Cassie from her thoughts. Rage rose within her chest and fear clutched her heart. Surely they had not killed her family. What would be the point in taking her alive if they could not hold her hostage to exchange for coin? She knew the answer to that but did not like to dwell on it. She wanted desperately to tear down the door and silence the man outside it, she even rose to her feet and clenched her fists at her sides, but she did not take a step to cross the room. She could not display her true strength if she wanted to survive this. She would have to keep her new found abilities to herself and use them wisely. It was her only hope of escaping. 

Cassie remained silent and sat back down on the cot, closing her eyes and crying softly again. The man outside told her he was leaving and she was glad. She didn't want to hear what they may or may not have done to her family. She had to believe that they were ok, otherwise what was the point in surviving? She had nothing to return to if they were dead. She listened while his footsteps traveled down the hallway and up a flight of stairs and then rose from where she'd been sitting. She slipped a pin from her hair and brushed at her eyes as she crossed to the door. She did not know how to pick locks and she was aware that she would most likely fail at the task but she crouched down in front of the lock, even so, and attempting to free herself. 

**

Jamie was barely fifteen and had been aboard the Lusty Pillager for almost a year now. He had been an orphan when the band of men had come to the port he lived on and when he had heard tell that they were looking for strong young boys to help on deck, he had offered his services at once. Many would look at the life of a pirate with fear and revulsion but not Jamie. This way of life meant a roof over his head and food in his belly and he was content with that. If he had not come aboard the ship he may be dead now. 

Jamie had been rushing about on deck, doing as he was ordered by whatever crew member happened to spot him. Even so, he had seen them bring the young woman aboard the ship and his curiosity was peaking. He wondered why they had taken this one, specifically, and he hoped that she would live long enough to make it to wherever they were taking her. He didn't like it when the prisoners were killed or hurt below deck by one of the crew members. Sometimes their screams would keep him awake at night. Most of them were innocent enough, he imagined, and he didn't like to think of what happened behind the closed door of that storage room. 

Jamie's attention was caught by Jacob as he resurfaced from below deck. He watched as the man helped to raise the sails for a moment before a quick slap to the back of his head reminded him that he should be working, too. He hurried to help tip unwanted items over the side of the ship as they began to withdraw from the dock. As soon as he had the chance, however, Jamie found himself next to Jacob and glanced up at the older man.

"Hey, Mr. Kidd. I saw ya bring that lady below deck. What's the story with 'er?" He didn't expect much of an answer and braced himself for another slap to encourage him to get back to work but he had always been very curious and he hovered next to him still, awaiting his response.