Prologue:
Zephyr: Journey Across the Equestrian Sea
The might of the sea thrashed the Zephyr about like a small toy, as the marvelous galleon danced and wobbled unwillingly to the rhythm of the wave's wicked song. A great crescendo of salt water and white foam flooded onto the deck in a vain attempt to claim the vessel for the sea, but she was not so easily won. Lightning slashed through the angry sky like a knife through butter. Thunder soon followed— adding much needed percussion to the melody of the storm. A broad stallion with a wild black mane and a nasty, pale-pink scar streaked across his left eye, was expertly controlling the Zephyr's helm. His skills were unmatched against all others— the sea being his only equal. He called out over the howling winds and pounding rain, while also doing his best to keep balance as the deck ceaselessly rocked sideways. His tangled hair billowed furiously behind him like a reaper's cloak.
"Captain, we should turn back! She can't stay afloat forever!" The one whom he had addressed as captain, was focusing her attentions towards the moody silver horizon. Her eyes were a mysterious deep-set green. Wild and unpredictable, just like the sea.
"Steady as she goes. We can't afford to turn back now." Her voice was eerily calm, unfazed by the might of the storm. Now was not the time to display fear. Besides, it was just another form of weakness, and she couldn’t afford to waste her time on such things. A magnificent treasure was on her mind. The Pirate’s Dream. Said to be just an old legend spouted from the withered tongues of old salts— however, she knew that the treasure was real. If only she could find it.
He mustn’t get it first…
According to the legend, whoever finds this fabled treasure controls the Seven Equestrian Seas. The captain knew she wasn’t the only pirate thirsting for such a power. Captain Cutthroat, one of the most notorious pirates to ever sail the Equestrian Seas, was also in search of it. The vile sea dog and his mangy crew had an infamous reputation. Namely, for their unrelenting cruelty. For many a pirate, if they valued their own miserable lives that is, feared the salty sea dog and his band of murderous mates. For they showed no mercy to those defeated in battle. By tradition, it was an honorable exhibition for pirates to spare the losers; but Cutthroat was not an honorable creature. She knew first hoof that no trace of good existed within his soggy old heart.
By now, the storm had relented. The thunder was just a soft, distant memory on the horizon. The rain merely a harmless trickle. Large white gulls soon appeared, being carried close to the ship by a gentle tropical breeze. Lusty cries escaped from their throats, as if announcing to the crew that the maelstrom had finally subsided. The broken sky was a collection of silver and blue, with soft touches of orange and rose. The colors bled together harmoniously, like messy paint swatches in the evening sky. The captain turned, and used what remained of the fading light to assess the condition of her ship. The Zephyr had taken on some water and the wood from the railing had been scratched up in places. The sails had remained fully intact, but the beams were slightly askew. Overall, nothing a little tinkering couldn’t fix.
"Oi, Captain," came a female's voice from the crow’s nest. "I see land. Dead ahead!" It belonged to a crème colored earth pony with a wind-swept blonde mane and feisty, sky-blue eyes. The captain nodded her head approvingly, acknowledging the lookout's keen gaze. A burly looking griffon with a heavily scarred beak and disheveled, rust-colored feathers, suddenly appeared up from below deck. He ambled over to stand beside his captain. His sharp black talons creating a loud ‘tap tap’ sound as he walked. There was a slight and distinct limp to his gait, as a result of the maimed foreleg on his right side. He too, was curious to get a good glimpse of the lookout's discovery. It was definitely land. Horseshoe Bay Coast to be exact. The stretch of terrain looked very promising from his perspective. Lush and green with an alluring white sandy beach, embraced by clear blue waters. A tropical paradise— and the ideal place for finding new recruits. He remembered that the captain had made it perfectly clear to gather new members, even if they were unwilling. The griffon wasn't particularly fond of the prospect of coercing members into joining their cause. Then again, he would never dream of arguing with the captain. Even the slightest hint at an objection rankled.
"Should we go ashore, Captain?" he asked in a low voice. Despite his doubts, his large yellow eyes showed nothing but loyalty and patience.
"Not yet. We’ll stay close to the shore and bide our time for now. We're going to capture the very first landlubbers we see, got it?" The griffon nodded reluctantly. He was a civil bird at heart and didn’t need to use force to solve his problems. There had to be another method to this besides kidnapping. But again, he wouldn’t dare to deny the captain’s orders. This was the plan and like it or not, they were sticking to it.
"Understood." Then he turned and relayed her orders to the rest of the crew. Meanwhile, the captain kept her eyes fixated on the shoreline. Even after the sun had long since gone and the moon lit up the white sand, so that it shimmered like stardust in the night. Very soon, the Zephyr's measly crew of four would become something far more impressive. Hopefully, impressive enough to rival her flea-bitten competition. It was just a matter of waiting. This was a perfect plan. No, an infallible one! The captain couldn’t resist grinning smugly at her own hubris.
To be continued....
