Nathaniel Hemlock was once one of the most feared pirates to ever sail the seas. His endless quest for gold and power claimed many lives but never concerned him since his heart had long hardened. That is until one day that desire took a dark turn. For power and gold he traded not only his own soul but that of his crew. Now he is cursed to sail the seas until the end of time, unless 1000 more souls are given, one a year...all must be children which was one of the only things he would never do. Present day. Lloyd has always scoffed at the legends that bring visitors to his town near the sea, and with the arrival of a movie crew it's gotten worse. Returning home one evening he sees a strange, old fashioned boat docked and curiously decides to board it. A decision he soon regrets. Once onboard he cannot leave. Nathaniel is not best pleased but there is little he can do and decides to use Lloyd as a cabin boy to make himself useful while he continues to search for another way of breaking his curse and freeing his crew. Their lives will soon become more entwined and perhaps Lloyd is the one who can warm the frozen heart.
View MoreAs soon as Higgins saw Nathaniel leave, he headed for Nathaniel's cabin. He came bearing gifts if one could call bread and dried meat gifts. He knocked once, then entered before Lloyd could respond. The sight of the drawn-looking form made him pause, his unease growing like a storm on the horizon.He quickly swallowed when Lloyd looked quizzically at him. He hurried to the desk, placed the chipped plate down, and scribbled a note.'Thought you might be hungry. It ain't much; I haven't cooked for ages.'"Thanks," Lloyd read the note. His stomach grumbled at the sight of the food, but he wasn't sure whether it was with need or revulsion. "And don't worry about it; food is food," he said, the lack of choice in his tone unmistakable.Higgins nodded, offering him the plate. He tried not to stare as he picked idly at the stale crust, his fingers hesitating over the harder parts, a process that seemed to stretch on uncomfortably.Even though their cupboards were never bare, that didn't prom
Alcohol.The scourge of the earth and the source of all its joy!Lloyd had a discerning taste or liked to think he did and was always particular about what he drank. Despite his modest income, he prioritised quality, saving for a decent brand. The thought of stale beer and plonk for wine was enough to make him shudder.In some ways, it was a blessing. He hadn't wanted to go down the route of drinking cheap booze to knock himself out. There were other ways to deal with day-to-day stress. Getting drunk now and then was good enough.The rum Nathaniel had was of a strength seldom found on the streets. In fact, one probably needed a special licence to brew it that strong. It was bitter and burned his throat as it practically evaporated on the way down. But at that moment, it tasted like the sweetest honey after the hideous journey of his dreams. "Shit...how do...you stay sober?" He asked between hurried but tiny swallows, each drop making his body shudder with delight and disgust and sha
Nathaniel returned to his desk. He was visibly shaken and glad Lloyd couldn't see it. Despite the younger male's belief that emotion didn't make him weak, it was hard to conquer.Emotion, whatever it was, had always been an enemy to fight.He seized three books, practically tearing the pages as he searched the lengthy paragraphs. It seemed like hours before he finally caught sight of something that could help.It was a long shot, and it was dangerous, but time was running out.'I ain't got a choice. And I ain't wasting any more time. If this works, I'll have time later to see if there's anything else to ease things.' He looked over at the bed, biting his lip.Lloyd clutched at the air, desperate for anything to help him sit up. Lying down, he felt as if a chain was wrapped tight around his chest, and someone, or something, had its hands around his throat. "Nathaniel, it's getting hard to swallow, and it hurts when I take too deep a breath." His voice sounded far away, an echo in his
Thus, he loved. Thus, he lostLife was cruel, and he paid the cost.Oh, illness and death was sharp and strongHe cursed the Gods of new and old.Above in Heaven, he doth hear. He felt, he sensed, the mortal fear Thy mortal soul, you'll suffer still But blessed you'll be when you slay evil.Lloyd tossed in his sleep as pain and infection coursed through his limp body. His dreams moved freely, each more unpleasant than the last.He sat, his body slack and covered in clammy sweat, in the damp, dark cave where Blake had trapped him. Like towering spectres, the shadows seemed to mock him as unseen creatures stirred within them.A grotesque figure, human in form but radiating a foul stench, stood at the mouth of the cave, blocking the light.'I hunger. Death is unkind. The master will not allow me to feed except on my own body. I ate my heart. It broke my teeth...but I crave soft flesh.'Blake's mouth dripped with desperation and grim desire as it reached Lloyd's ears. He could almos
Lloyd proceeded cautiously towards Nathaniel's room. His pride slowed his step, but the odd feeling that the others were talking about him slowed it even more.The way the amulet pulsated, like a frantic heartbeat, made him believe that his ordeal was not yet over. He took a breath when he reached the door, bolstering his nerves before throwing it open without even a by-your-leave, smiling brightly as Nathaniel span around, the look of shock a novelty in the usually irritated eyes. "What on earth do you..." The question remained unfinished as Lloyd stalked boldly over and slid into his lap, curling his arms around his neck. "I know we're going to leave land...But how long have we got? Or when do we reach land again?" He asked, "I have a surprise for you." He winked, his lips curling in a sly, seductive grin. "And I think it's one you'll appreciate." Nathaniel was silent for a moment, his eyes flitting from Lloyd to the chart on his desk. Lloyd could almost see his thoughts shatte
Lloyd gazed over the open water, closing his eyes as the salt stung them, blown in from the soft waves that caressed the lonely shore."Just tell me what you need, and I'll do it," he smiled at Nathaniel tiredly, rubbing the back of his neck. The etching of a deep scar still lay there, concealed by his hair. It wasn't the first time he'd nearly lost his life. But that was a story for another day; he just wanted the man to know he wasn't ignorant of violence. Nathaniel reached out, his finger ghosting the red mark and sending tingles through Lloyd's body."I can always take what comes at me," he whispered, turning to kiss the man's hand. "And I have the marks to prove it."Nathaniel gave a sad smile and withdrew his hand with a shake of his head."I have plenty of stories for all my scars. Each of 'em fairly gruesome..." He remembered all of them. They weren't events one could forget. "They ain't important." He turned away abruptly. "Come to my room whenever you're ready, and I'll sho
The cabin seemed to glow with warmth as Nathaniel cradled Lloyd in his arms, trying to avoid putting too much pressure on the bandage, however close he wanted him.A red hue had already seeped through the thick material, unseen in the throes of desire, but something that now irritated him.He should have known better. He should have resisted him as he had resisted people for centuries, as well as morals."I'm going to need to redo your bandages..." He whispered, his voice flat and pragmatic. "I don't want you getting ill..."Lloyd glanced down. He hadn't been aware that his wounds had opened again, but now the sting was beginning to tease his nerves.It had been worth it, though, to feel wanted and desirable. Not just a one-night stand that would be forgotten like yesterday's trash."Well, let me get my bearings a bit before you do. I hate moving when I'm settled," he said, shifting slightly to ease the pressure on his torn skin. "It's not too bad. Just a little sensitive. My own faul
Lloyd held Nathaniel's eyes as he slid his hand under the linen shirt and pushed it from the broad shoulders.His skin was badly marked with scars from old fights, although a snaking tattoo cleverly disguised the longest on his side.Dropping the fabric to the floor, he ran his fingers through the man's hair before dropping his hand to knead his crotch through his pants gently; a shudder of delight pulsated through him at the feeling beneath.Nathaniel shifted to grab his wrist, amused by the plaintive complaint he received, Lloyd's lips curving into an annoyed pout."Problem, lad?""You're the cause of it." "I'm the cause of many things..." Nathaniel said quietly, "Although this is possibly the first time, I don't have to feel guilty about it..."Lloyd's sulk melted into a smile as he drew the man into a deep kiss, the heat rising like an inferno in his own body. If he had any doubts about his actions, they had melted away like snow in summer."I want you to forget your guilt; I wan
The men spoke lowly about the repercussions of the actions. A handful wanted nothing more to do with it. Their hearts were not frozen enough to commit the atrocities that the beast demanded.They could still feel its presence, dark and foreboding, even in the light of day. The rest were torn. Only three were full of enough resentment to be adamant in their resolve.As the crew drifted away to begin their duties, those three remained. Richards, Abraham and Davis. Three unassuming men, each filthy in mind and body but hard-working for the most part. They had been with Nathaniel since their former ships had been ransacked, unwilling to fall victim to the bloody sword wielded before them.Cowardice had its benefits sometimes, but it served to heighten the bitterness when the blade fell."We'll need support. Silent support," Abraham rubbed his chin, the stubble stinging the rough fingers. "He ain't gonna resist. I know a few things you don't, and none of 'em are good. If he wants his se
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