Jack of Scurvy Bay

Part 1

The oceans were always an ominous and unpredictable part of the world, yet many poor farmers and peasants who’ve faced bitter hardship in their lifetimes turned to the sea for one thing: freedom. Only upon the open waters did they experience the lust of searching for a lost treasure, the will to challenge the rules, and the desire to be free of life’s many burdens.

It was that feeling and sensation that forced Jack, a simple middle-class man born to a quiet, law-abiding family, to take to the seas. His family thought that Jack had lost his mind to leave his comfortable little job for a life of danger and uncertainty. Little did they know that Jack would eventually change the course of history.

It was a normal day in the calm and peaceful town of Scurvy Bay where Jack was sent by his older brothers to the local bakery to get something to eat. He was well on his way until he heard the sounds of the bells ringing loudly, calling everyone to the town square.

Jack rushed to the town square, neglecting his original mission, and didn't stop until he reached the middle of town. He saw a giant platform that the authorities often used to execute high profile criminals. His eyes widened in awe of just how many people had decided to turn up to witness this unpleasantness.

“Citizens of Scurvy Bay, today is a good day!” The local magistrate announced to the roar of the crowd. They didn't know exactly what was about to happen, yet that did not stop them from showing excitement. Since it was often calm and peaceful they welcomed a change of events.

“We have captured Big Chief, the notorious pirate that has been terrorizing the seas of the kingdom!” He declared. A henchman was waiting at the ready to behead the foul pirate.

“Any last words?”

“Aye, you people don't even know freedom. You want to experience it? Then go to Plihr-“

The magistrate didn't let him finish as he waved and the henchmen proceeded with the beheading. Big Chief’s head rolled on the ground as if it were merely a child’s toy ball.

Silence dominated the square as the people's excitement was replaced with shock and terror. They were used to peace and calm, after all.

Big Chief's final words left their imprint within the mind of young Jack, who always wondered what might lie beyond the normal life that he was accustomed to. He then remembered the hunger of his brothers. “I don't want to get shouted at again!” He thought as he made his way to the bakery and got the goods.

All he thought about on his way back home was Big Chief, who even when faced with certain death had not shown any fear; in fact, he had tried to encourage others to be free. What did that word even mean?

It was almost getting dark when Jack reached home. He opened the door and saw Andy, his older brother waiting for him.

“Where the hell were you?” Asked Andy as he grabbed Jack and threw him on the ground.

“It was crowded!” Jack protested as the bag that was full of bread fell on the ground.

“Look at what you’ve done!”

“Me? You’re the one who tossed me, idiot.”

“Manners, little brother.”

Andy picked Jack up and tossed him around for a couple of minutes. He seemed to rather enjoy bullying his younger brother.

“Go to bed. It's getting late.” Andy said firmly.

“What? It's not even night time!”

“So, what? Go to your room and go to sleep.”

Jack picked himself up having decided to go to his room and surrender to the silence of his thoughts. He always kept a journal with him and during these times he would put down his thoughts on paper before going to sleep. It took him hours to do this, yet he always looked forward to it.

He turned off the lights and lit a few candles, allowing just enough brightness to see what he was writing. “Dear diary, today I saw Big Chief… Even though it was a horrible experience I couldn’t help but admire that guy’s courage in the face of death… One day, I want to be in that position.”

Before he knew it, he fell asleep.

***

Andy woke up early the next morning to the sound of chickens signaling the start of a bright new day and that meant only one thing to him; a new day to torture Jack. He quickly made his way to Jack's room and opened it hastily.

“Surprise!”

Yet the surprise was on his own face as he didn’t see Jack lying in his bed. It was strange since he never left without at least telling Andy where he was going.

“Jack?” He wondered where his brother might have gone to.

“Ah, who cares? I'll beat his ass once he's back.”

Or so Andy thought; for time quickly passed and Jack was nowhere to be found. And for once in his life Andy began to grow worried about his brother. Where on earth did he go? Hours turned to days and days turned to weeks until that fateful day.