A Captains life (Story one)

[Rosebud]

Captain Randolph Dupree waited stoically through the monsoon season, trapped in the steamy bowls of Port Royal. A city that festered with the stench of stale beer, foul odors and fouler people. Lacking the funds to purchase his own ship and loath to sail under another mans orders, he waited. Each day not spent drinking or gambling, he would walk the docks. His keen eye toward the well healed gentlemen who greeted their investments and the cargo they carried.

 

It was on such a day that Captain Dupree spied a conversation that took place between one of these businessmen and the captain of his ship, just arrived and in the process of being unloaded. Dupree approached just within earshot but outside of their interest. Finding a crate he settled down, lighting a short pipe he listened.

 

Businessman "No...It is of little matter to me, your problems with the crew. They are paid fairly as are you." 

 

The Captain " I beg your par..." but he was cut off by the businessman.

 

"I'm talking sir, If your wages are not to your liking then I will find another who will find them more to his!" 

 

"Now look here Crain..." but once again he was cut short by the businessman who was growing angrier and loader.

 

"That's Mr. Crain, you low breed dog"

 

At this the Captain grew quite red in the face and was noticeable upset. He was both embarrassed and seething that this oaf of a man was talking to him like this in front of his crew. A crew that by now, had stopped any meaningful work and was thoroughly enjoying the exchange. It was the snickering from the beck above the dock that prompted his next response.

 

"How dare you talk to me in that manner you felt covered prissy." hissed out of the captains mouth in a menacing tone.

 

Captain Dupree could see where this was leading. To his amazement the portly businessman was adjusting his footing as one would before he drew his sword. There was no question in Dupree's mind that the other captain had noticed this as well. Seeing an opportunity Dupree rose and with a concealed haste,made his way toward the argument.

 

The other captain had indeed seen the movement. So when the businessman drew his sword it had barely clear the scabbard as the captains quick blade snaked over cutting the businessman's fat wrist. Then with a deft motion it circled upward slicing his cheek. The man fell backward narrowly avoiding the tip of the captains blade as he landed on his ample rear with a crash. So enraged had the captain become that he advanced to finish this ass who had dared insult him.

 

Dupree was just able to deflect the finishing blow with his now drawn cutlass. The other captain stepped back with a sneer. Dupree made no attempt to attack but held his ground next to the floundering businessman. He spoke in a low, level and respectful tone, without anger.

 

"You've won this fight captain...I think however you've lost your job. Better unemployed then a stretched neck aye?"

 

The captain could see that Dupree was a seasoned swordsman. Maybe a match for him...maybe not, either way...not worth it. Turning the situation over in his mind for a moment he realized the truth in Dupree's words. Spitting on the businessman he straightening up and returned his saber to its sheath, turned and walked away.

 

The businessman was moaning on the edge of tears as he tended to his wounds. Holding his bleeding jowl with one hand he slammed the other into a crate of radishes.

 

"Come sir...no good in the crew seeing you like this..." said Dupree.

 

Stopping he noticed the eyes upon him. Then he made it to his feet still holding his injured face. Blood streamed down his hand from the wound that would require stiches. Dupree handed him a handkerchief but did not assist him as he rose. Instead he looked at the crew over the railing and bellowed.

 

"Get back to work you scum or you'll be looking for new stowage." Then turning to the businessman he added "Captain Randolph Dupree, at your service sir."