*CLASH* (2)

            Katarina awoke from her captain’s quarters to hear frantic voices. She got up and walked out on to the deck.

            “What is so important that you fools would wake me up?” she bellowed.

            A younger privateer named Morrow pointed to the horizon. “Look Cap’n” She followed his finger to see a ship ten times bigger than their Brigantine the Thorncrest. On the flag she could see a demonic skeleton stabbing a bloody heart.

            Another older sailor named Lowery shouted, “I wouldn’t believe it if me eyes didn’t see it. It’s Blackbeard!”

            The crew hushed and then suddenly filled with whispers of their impending doom. Katarina felt the wind with her hand.

            “The winds on our sides, lads. Full speed ahead!” she said.       

            “What Cap’n? Are you mad? That’s bloody Edward Teach! He’s thee most feared pirate in the world! He’ll crush us!” Morrow protested.

            “Did I ask for your opinion, Mr. Morrow?” she asked. He looked dumbfounded and shook his head. “Then man your station.”

            He walked away cursing. “I shoulda never joined a woman’s crew. She’s bad luck I tell ya.” He said to another gunner as he filled his spot on the cannon.

            Crocker came up from the sleeping quarters.

            “Avast! What’s all the commotion, Captain Cross?”

            “The Queen Anne’s Revenge be on the horizon. She is coming at as at about 7 knots roughly, My Crocker.” Katarina informed him.

            “Blackbeard, eh Captain? We’ll have him swimming with the fishes in no time.” He chuckled.

            She could here Morrow mumbling again.

            “They’re both insane! Be prepared, for today be the day we die!” he promised.

            The ships got nearer and Katarina yelled, “Ready on the cannons. Do not shoot unless told to do so!”

            They mover closer and closer into firing range.

            “Raise the Jolly Roger!” Katarina shouted. The famous pink and black starred skull and cross bone flag was raised high.

            Most men hated to be taken out by the Thorncrest because of the female captain so to further the embarrassment she made the flag feminine.

            “Fire, Captain?” the men asked frantically as they were now on top of the other ship.

            “No, pull alongside it and let me board.”

            “You are mad. Blackbeard will kill you! He has no mercy on anyone, not even a woman such as yourself!” Morrow howled.

            “Do as I say!” she ordered. And so they did. Katarina stood on the rail and jumped boats. She was instantly surrounded by huge angry pirates.

            “Parley?” she asked. A second later a tall man in a velvet coat came out from the cabin. He had a striking black beard and a terrifying grin. He pulled his cutlass out and put it to her throat.

            She could hear Morrow on other ship, “Oh she has really done it now. What a stupid girl.”

            She looked Blackbeard in the eyes, which is not something most people lived to tell about.

            “Edward Teach.” She spat.

            “Katarina Cross.” He answered.

            Then he let out a jolly laugh, putting his sword up. Katarina chuckled in return.

            “Ah…my niece, the 2^nd famous pirate on the seven seas.” He hugged her. Katarina’s crew breathed a sigh of relief.

            “2^nd? I’m the 1^st, Uncle Ed.” She elbowed him.

            “I saw an isle a few miles south of here. We should go have a celebration of being reunited.” He said.

            “Fine with me!” she told him. “But first I must ask you, have you heard from my father?”

            “As a matter of fact, I have.” Blackbeard frowned.