Today’s whole mess started when I was scrolling through fantasy league updates before practice. The Pirates’ injury list popped up – man, it’s longer than a ship’s rope. First mate’s got a pulled groin, cannon loader busted his finger, even the lookout sprained an ankle climbing the rigging yesterday.
I grabbed my journal and headed straight for Quartermaster Davies. “What’s the real damage?” I asked, plopping down next to him as he glared at the sick bay reports. He just grunted and slid the parchment over. Eight names. Eight! And three of ’em are starters.
The Dirty Details
- Blackbeard Bill (our main swordsman): Separated shoulder during boarding drills. Can’t swing right for weeks.
- One-Eyed Jack (powder monkey): Burnt his good hand cleaning cannons. Bandaged up like a mummy.
- Slippery Pete (helmsman): Tripped over a loose deck plank. Twisted knee swollen like a melon.
Old man Davies rubbed his temples. “Changes everything, lad,” he growled. “Can’t storm merchant ships proper when half the crew’s moaning in their hammocks.” He started scribbling furiously – swapping positions, shifting roles. Moved the cook’s assistant to swabbing duties cause the backup swabbie’s now backup helmsman. Pure chaos.
Strategy Gone Sideways
Went to observe afternoon battle simulations. Total disaster. Without Bill’s sword pressure, the starboard flank collapsed. Tried hitting a schooner’s weak spot? Too slow – new powder monkey fumbled the fuse. Saw Captain Moody chewing his beard raw on the quarterdeck. When the mock battle ended, he stomped past muttering “raiding coastal villages only till further notice.” Less plunder, less risk.
Why do I know this stings extra bad? Cause last year when the scurvy outbreak hit, they demoted my brother from rigging to bilge duty. Broke his spirit worse than his back. Watched him clean rat droppings while healthy pirates took his glory. Told Davies then – rotate reserves more, keep ’em sharp. He’d nodded, scribbled a note… and did absolutely nothing. Bet my last gold coin he’s rewriting that same note right now.
Left practice early, sharpening my quill. Some lessons sink slower than cannonballs.
