Palm trees swayed in the distance as the ship slowly came into port. Bastion's heart beat quickened in his chest, weeks of planning coming together in a sweet satisfactory fashion.
Today was the day.
All hands had gathered on the main deck, ready to be addressed personally by the captain himself.
"Alright me lads," the ships' leader began as he strode down the deck, staring down each and every member of his crew. "Our hard work is about to pay off." His tone inspired confidence, left no room for debate. Bastion had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. After all his hard work he couldn't afford to be found out now. The wind swayed the ship slightly, causing the scene to feel slightly unsteady
"Soon we will dock and head to shore. I expect each and everyone of you to blend in. If anyone of you falters we will be spotted and likely be arrested. At that point we would no doubt be heading for the gallows. Make no mistake mates- I will not hesitate to kill the cowards who reveal us on site before that happens." The captain glared at the assembled crew to drive the point home. Bastion's hands subconsciously balled into fists. Threats like that weren't uncommon on the ship but it still made the boy's blood boil every time he heard them.
No matter. Today would be last day he would ever have to hear them. One last raid to end all raids.
A cabin boy stepped forward, lugging a rickety old barrel that he then unceremoniously tipped over, spilling its contents. Clothes.
"Disguises," Bastion's father clarified, "so we won't be recognized." At that, several members stepped forward and began to pick from the scattered pile of fabric. It was the captain's son thought, not unlike a dress rehearsal in a play. The group hastily began covering themselves in the flowy tunic and head coverings that thankfully covered their faces. Bastion revealed his grin as soon as the covering obscured his face. The tide was coming in and soon all his hard work would pay off. The crew would have their prize, drink themselves into a stupor, and Bastion would be on his way. The plan couldn't and wouldn't fail. It was far too perfect. He watched with satisfaction as the jolly roger- the ship's pirate flag was quickly lowered and a more neutral merchant one took its place. With any luck when they made it to port the world would see them as just another merchant ship returning from a long journey abroad.
Once the team going ashore was dismissed, Bastion began to go back to his cabin when he saw Ron waiting discretely at the bottom of the stair case. Curious, the captain's son approached him, casting quick glances back to make sure they weren't being watched.
"What is it?"
Ron produced a small cloth bag tied with a hastily cut peice of twine. "I know it's a bit early but I thought you should have this." The young cook whispered as he carefully undid the twine to reveal an apple and a few cuts of cheese. "I'm sorry it's not more, it was all I could smuggle from the kitchen without drawing notice." He explained apologetically as he handed the young man the bag
Bastion nodded gratefully before taking it, "Thank you."
"I only wish it were more," Ron smiled sadly.
"It's plenty. More than plenty." He assured the cook. Footsteps from above broke the spell of the moment.The creak of the stairs indicated that the individual was coming closer. Breaking eye contact, both men retreated. Ron went back to the kitchen and Bastion ducked into his cabin just as one of the crew reach the bottom.
Once Bastion was safely inside his room he stashed the small sack of food with his sparsely packed clothes and waited. Once the mission was successful he would wait until the rest of the crew had drunken themselves into a stupor, then he would grab his bag and jump ship.
The ship slowly began to slow to a halt. The captain's son heard the telltale shout that indicated that the men were about to lower the ship's anchor. Ready and alert Bastion waited at the door for a moment before casually exiting the cabin and heading back to the main deck. The port was now clearly in view. Docks lead to the pier where thousands of sailors intermingled and brushed past each other without a second thought. A seemingly endless bazaar dominated the landscape so merchants could trade and sell their goods. Today seemed to be especially good for building which was excellent as it meant nobody would be paying attention to the strangers who were passing through. Bastion adjusted his face covering thoughtfully. What ever his misgivings on his father's methods he had to admit that he had played the situation masterfully.
Behind him, Bastion could hear the shuffling of the team that would be going ashore behind him. Turning slowly, the captain's son went to stand with them, ready to go.
The captain appeared once more. He was now in disguise as well, the same type of tunic and head covering obscured his face and body but Bastion can still feel the intensity behind his gaze. The cabin boy came forward and lowered the gangplank. Single file, Bastion's team slowly filed off of the ship and onto the plank. The young man turned to take his leave of the ship when a hand stopped him. Startled Bastion turned to see that his father had grabbed his arm and held him in place. The captain's expression was ice. "Don't fail me," he warned his grip on his boy's arm tightened slightly, a silent threat. Bastion had to resist the urge to pull away. A few tense moments ensued before his father finally released him. Seizing his chance, the boy caught his breath before calmly heading down to the dock. It unnerving but he tried to shake off the feeling, assured that soon that his life as a pirate would come to a close.