Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Write in the HISTORICAL genre (05/03/07)
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TITLE: From One Fair Lady to Another | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bryan Coomes
05/10/07 -
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The day was June 7, 1692 and it marked a significant turning point for William, as he had decided that his days of commanding the famed pirate ship were at an end. He had yet to notify his first mate of his decision, but it was apparent that the crew was itching to divide the plunder. Port Royal was the modern equivalent of Sodom in that it had all of the delightful excesses a true pirate desired: wine, women, and wagering to name a few.
After the ship had docked and the crew received their apportioned compensation, they quickly scurried about the brothels and taverns just like the beady-eyed rats aboard the ship would do whenever their darkened hideout in the cargo hold would become illumined. Watching the last crewman disappear, William turned to face his friend and first mate Davy Jones.
Flashing his dashing smile, William followed by saying, “Well she’s all yours,”
Davy’s snaggle-toothed smile quickly faded as he replied, “What do ya mean Cap’ain?”
“My Fair Lady is yours now Davy. I am no longer Captain,” William calmly stated staring back at the ship.
“I don’ understand. Why now? You ‘ave many a good year left in ya and we never did get our chance at one of those big ole’ treasure galleons. Are you sure ‘bout this,” Davy questioned in sincere concern.
“I am more sure about this than anything ever in my life. The only treasure I seek is here in Port Royal,” William paused as he looked to the hilltop where one of the few churches in the town sat. Sighing he then concluded, “If she’ll have me.”
“Aye,” Davy replied, head turning to gaze up at the church with a wide grin.
Quickly embracing his friend, William then set off in a dash toward the rectory that sat behind the church on the hill in search of Gwyneth. Upon reaching the plateau his eyes were rewarded as she was outside tending to the lush, resplendent gardens on the church property. Captivated, he stood staring at her in the midst of the vibrant yellows of the Alamanda, the soft purples of the Jacaranda and the hot pinks of the Ixora.
As if aware of his presence, she raised her head and peered cautiously at him with her pale blue eyes while her long auburn hair swayed softly from the gentle ocean breeze. The moment seemed to last an eternity before she let a small smile escape.
“I thought I might never see you again Captain,” Gwyneth said with a mock salute.
“I wasn’t sure you would ever want to see me again,” he replied slowly approaching her. “But I had to come. I am sorry for the way I left. And I am just William now.”
“So no more high seas swashbuckling for you? Whatever are you going to do with yourself,” she playfully questioned.
Locking her gaze he replied, “Anything I have to, to be near you.”
“Is that so? Well, you can start by coming to hear my Father’s sermon later today,” she stated.
“I will,” he simply replied. “I need to take care of some things but I will return. I promise,” he finished with a smile.
“I know,” she replied, smiling in return.
She watched him trotting back down the path to the city below and thanked God for his safe return. She had prayed daily for his safety and his salvation. It appeared that perhaps her prayers were finally being answered.
He was well out of sight amongst the inhabitants when without warning there was a loud rumbling like thunder followed by severe tremors that caused the buildings below to start crumbling and falling into the sea. The sea then receded only to return with such a surge that it covered vast expanses of the land, drowning hundreds of people. All told the death toll from the earthquake and resulting tsunami was in the thousands but miraculously William Thomas was spared. Later that year, he and Gwyneth were wed.
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Author’s Note:
The earthquake and tsunami that destroyed much of Port Royal were widely regarded as judgement being sent forth by God unto the men and women of that desperately wicked city. Comparisons then were drawn to the destruction of Sodom and it is interesting to see the similarities that exist with the current time tsunami in Thailand and Katrina flooding in New Orleans, both places notorious for their love of sin and perversion. The survivors of Port Royal endeavored to rebuild and restore it to what it once was but it was destroyed two more times, once by fire (1704) and finally by hurricane (1722).
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I thought I knew quite a bit about Port Royale (I used to play 'Pirates' on my brother's computer), but I had never heard of this tsunami. It makes me want to go look it up somewhere and study it some more. Thanks for sharing this story.
Very well done.
This story would make a good novel -- very interesting read. Good job.
I do have one minor nitpick--the ending with the tsunami seemed a bit rushed--but there's only so much you can do with 750 words! I'd love to read an extended version of this!