Lady Wick, Violin Exerpt

An exerpt introducing Silas Redwine, a violinist who becomes central to the plot of the novel.

 

Silas took his sister's hand and helped her up the steps. A small crowd had already gathered on deck. He smiled as he removed his violin from its case and wedged the polished wood beneath his chin. A quick nod signaled Lucy, who fitted the bow to her cello.

            For a moment, time slowed. Silas felt the gentle motion of the waves beneath the deck, and the light, salt air blowing through his hair. He let Lucy's music resonate through the core of his being, stirring his soul.

            Finally, his arms began to move, bowing into the music, producing rich pearls of melody. Each tone thrummed through the air. Even as he closed his eyes, he saw the music soothing his mind, honeying in blossoms of harmony.

            The concerto carried forward, and Silas picked up speed. His fingers flitted over the high strings, and caressed the low ones. Lucy's cello moaned under the expertise of her bow, bending and swaying, attaining perfection.

            Their melodies intertwined, weaving to and fro in passionate crescendos. They were unaware of the crowd watching; of the women with their furs and jewels, and the men with their starched waistcoats and silver pocket watches. 

            Silas came to when the song ended. The daydream was finished, and he found, upon opening his eyes, that he was once again only a performer. The audience applauded politely and Lucy blushed.

            An hour passed in the same manner. They played to keep living, and they lived through their music. Lucy tapped her brother on the shoulder when they paused for an intermission. "Do you see that?" She asked, pointing out onto the water.

            Silas squinted, walking over to the rail. The first few stars had already burned through the curtain of the sky, the distant African coast a mere speck against the horizon. They were out in the open seas.

            He gulped. "Yes. It's getting dark. I'll go fetch us some candles…"

            "No," she pulled him back. "There. There's a shape-- it's a ship, isn't it?"

            A shadow, slightly blacker than the night, came into Silas's view. His stomach flipped. "I'm… going to check with the captain," he said.

            "And I'm going to find some water." Lucy announced. "I'm parched."

            Silas made his way across the deck with brisk, long strides. "Captain Williams?" He called.

            "Silas, my boy!" The captain slapped a grin across his wide face. "What can I do you for? Night's a nice one, ain't it?"

            "Yes sir," Silas nodded, pointing out into the night. "Is that of any concern to us?"

            "Aye lad," He gave Silas a hearty clap on the back. "Keen eyes, keen eyes! Just spotted her myself." He pulled out his spyglass. "Seems to be an English vessel, by her flag, leastways…"

            "And that's good, right?"

            He looked at Silas's fidgeting fingers and chuckled. "Never been sailin', have you?"

Silas shook his head. "No sir. Never."

"'Tis standard-- ships bumpin' into one another for news.    Looks like an old make…full speed…"

            "Captain?"

            "Can't make out her name… colors look English though."

"So everything's alright?" Silas released a long breath.

"She's hailin' us!" The captain turned. "Finally, some news of the mother country! Lads-- look lively!" Beneath their feet, the ship jerked every so slightly to the left. "Easy now! Larboard!"

            "What's that mama?" A little girl clad entirely in butter-colored frills pointed to the ship.

            "I don't know."

            "It's another ship!" 

            The passengers came to the realization as one. Men squinted through the smoke rings above their pipes, the women peered through opera glasses, all pointing and waving.

            A cold breeze whipped through the air, flustering Silas's hair.  They were almost parallel to the ship now. He could see silhouettes walking across the deck, bathed in twilight, waving their arms.

            "Ho there!"

He could already hear their voices. Ezra strolled out onto the open deck and cupped his hands around his mouth.

            "Ahoy there friends! This is Captain Ezra Williams-- I greet you as a friend. Who is your commander?"

            The respondent shouts were indistinguishable. Captain Williams inquired a second time. Silas found himself being pushed closer towards the rails by rows of curious passengers.

            The other ship's flag suddenly disappeared. A moment later, it was replaced. Captain Williams dropped his spyglass and turned back to the crew. "Turn her around!" The call was frantic. "Turn her back! It's the Lucifer's Hand!"

Author's Note

I welcome all comments and concrit, and yes, I know that some people have negative comments. That's fine. This is a work in progress, and it's very encouraging just to know that someone wants to read it! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read/review this exerpt!

Reviews

[Eagle Cruagh]

I simply question that a sea captain in charge
of a ship load of passengers would have been
so naive. Pirates are always a danger at sea.

Sorry, that seemed a distraction in an other wise
perfect story. Your story is so well researched.
It is brilliantly contrived and executed.

I am anxious to read more of this story.

Rated ---- 100 %

------Eagle Cruagh

[Pandora-Jane Shteln]

You have to post more! That was *so* incredible! You breathed life into everyone there, even the nameless little girl. And the irony...very chilling. Because this is only a small piece I don't know how representative it is of the characters, but I'd like to see *more* of Lucy. She seems to need a little more 'substance' of some sort. Your description here is just gorgeous, and when Lady Wick is published they'd *better* put in illustrations! (: Awesome, J.P.!

I absolutely love historical writings, novels, etc. To me, adventures of the seas with pirates and other dangers are very captivating.

I find that the very beginning of the chapter needs something more, because you just dived right into where they were and the characters name.
I especially like the detail used, though, and I hope that later on you'll reveal the physical appearances of the characters.

And the cliffhanger leaves me dreadfully curious and wanting to read more...