A King's Man

The perspective of the antagonist

I am a King’s man. I live to serve his royal highness and I’m damn well proud of it. My name is Jonah Silverson or better yet, Commodore Silverson. I worked hard to get to this role and I don’t take any part of it lightly. For King and country I cleanse the seas of its greatest pestilence… pirates. I despise the idea of these reprobates tainting my precious sea, and it has been my solemn duty to rid tides of the scum. I take great pleasure in seeing the fiery remnants of the shredded vessels of pirates. As I stand  at the helm of the Conquest, the grandest ship in the naval fleet and look into the horizon, I smirk at the fact that my greatest personal enemy sits shackled in the brig below deck. It also brings me such pleasure to hear rumors of his child reverting to piracy. It’s laughable really. If only his dear wife would have chosen my hand, she wouldn’t be alone at this moment. 

“Mr. Thorne! Take the helm and hold the course steady.”

“Aye sir.”

He takes the helm and I make my way to the brig below. I look into the sad rusted cell before me and look upon him. 

“Shame isn’t it Sally? All those lives sent to the depths… all that blood on your hands.”

“...”

“You have permission to speak, my friend.”

“I’m no friend of yours Jonah.”

“What a sad sentiment. Still your fate is in my hands. I think you owe a bit of courtesy.”

“You’ll have my death before my courtesy.”

“Soon and very soon Salvador. But first… there is news of your ship… and your child.”

“...Pray tell.”

“Seems they have fallen into the hands of pirates. Who knows what they have done to your sweet daughter.”

“You’re cruel… despicable…”

“Your words mean nothing.”

“William Hartman… Edward Reagan Arnold Sutherland… Anto O’Leary. Your men, faithful to the crown and to you. The moment you found them unsuitable for your deeds, you casted them out. Your soul belongs to none but the devil himself.”

“There is only one opinion that matters to me. His royal highness, and as far I’m concerned, his views are very favorable. My heart belongs to his service.”

“Heart!? You have no heart!”

“You will see my friend… you will see.”

I walk from his presence knowing full well what lies before us. He will see what my wrath is capable of. By God and by our King, he will know. I make my way back to the deck. I look at my men as they work tirelessly to get to our heading and I smile. Then I hear the voice of a young man with the sound of concern.

“Pardon me sir…”

“Commodore, if you will.”

“Commodore… Some of the men are hearing rumors of where we are going”

“Rumors you say? Well pray tell! ALL MEN… FALL IN!”

Suddenly all my men are standing in formation before me on the ship's deck. 

“Young Mr. Collier has something he would like to address.”

“...I… Uh…”

“Now don't be bashful! Speak! Anything you have to say to me, can surely be said before these seasoned men of the crown!”

“I’ve heard...rumors… that our heading is.. The Moreau Straights… to search for pirates.”

“That’s nothing out of the ordinary. What more have you to say about these rumors?”

“...That there are… sirens... and a kraken.”

The men then laugh at the young fellow. I only need to smirk at the idea. Mythological creatures… How absurd!

“Mr. Collier, we are to sail as commanded! Despite your so-called rumors we are indeed commanded to sail towards those waters and to hold no quarter upon any ship that flies a pirate’s flag, and you son have only two options…”

I pull out my cutlass and point it at the young man’s chest.

“You can return to your post and follow orders, or… you can take your chances in the abyss, do you understand?”

“Aye, sir… Commodore.”

“Now listen here Gentlemen! We are all King’s men and we are to act like King’s men. Orders are to be followed and our course is not to be altered.  We have dealings with pirates, and we will hold no quarter, no matter what comes our way. Do I make myself clear?”

“AYE, COMMODORE!” They all shout in unison.

“Return to your posts.”

I watch as they scatter like roaches. I Walk back to the helm and dismiss Mr. Thorne to his duties. I look out once again to the horizon with immense pride at the pleasure I will receive once the sea is rid of the scum. Surly I will be made a lord for the scourge I shall release. 

“For his Majesty.”