Triple Drabble - Music
The ship’s musicians struck up a lilting jig, and several men began an impromptu dance across the deck, not caring if their partner was no buxom maid but a bewhiskered crewmate instead. The remaining men raised their tankards to all and sundry including the King (whether pirate or principality), their Captain, their crew, their long-suffering mothers… leaving no one out as the rum flowed freely.
Jack Sparrow sat apart from the men, enjoying the festivities though not taking part. There were several things pressing on his mind, the first and foremost being the one he’d left behind several months previously. If all went well, he planned for them to be reunited once he’d reached Tortuga.
For now he would wait, and watch and wonder. The stars above did not answer his question, nor did the dark sea beyond the Pearl’s bow. His heart knew the answer but would not admit it so. The past had taught him neither to trust nor to listen, even when he knew what he wanted most.
They say the Wise Men followed a guiding Star, leading them to One worth more than any earthly treasure. Jack opened his compass and smiled as the needle held steady. He knew where his treasure lay. It was time. Time to claim it as his own.
Jack raised his cup, and toasted the far horizon. “Happy Christmas, luv.”
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