Pirate Carols!

by Maureen O. Betita 

Captain Silvestri paused at the entrance to Emily’s workroom, hearing her softly singing. The melody was familiar but the words were brand new. He smiled, listening to the story she cast in the melody…

The Cursed Quill came sailin’ in
On Solstice Eve, on Solstice Eve;
The Cursed Quill came sailin’ in
On Solstice Eve in Tortuga.

And what was in this ship’s deep hold,
On Solstice Eve, on Solstice Eve?
And what was in this ship’s deep hold,
On Solstice Eve in Tortuga?

Be gold and jewels and fabrics fine,
On Solstice Eve, on Solstice Eve;
Be gold and jewels and fabric fine,
On Solstice Eve in Tortuga.

They sold them to the pirates there,
On Solstice Eve, on Solstice Eve;
They sold them to the pirates there,
On Solstice Eve in Tortuga.

They made a tidy profit, too,
On Solstice Eve, on Solstice Eve;
They made a tidy profit, too,
On Solstice Eve in Tortuga.

They knew the winter ball was nigh;

On Solstice Eve, on Solstice Eve;
They knew the winter ball was nigh;

On Solstice Eve in Tortuga.

They also sold the rum and wine,
On Solstice Eve, on Solstice Eve;
They also sold the rum and wine,
On Solstice Eve in Tortuga.

The Cursed Quill, she saved the best,
On Solstice Eve, on Solstice Eve;
The Cursed Quill, she saved the best,
On Solstice Eve in Tortuga.

Come the ball they outshone the rest

On Solstice Eve, On Solstice Eve;
With pockets plump and a merry cheer

On Solstice Eve in Tortuga.

She spun about, securing an earring in place and grinned at her husband. “I’m ready for the Pirate Ball!”

He admired her new dress, the color of old gold, shined to glow with experience. He held out his arm and they left the changing room. “I enjoyed your song. Quite accurate.”

“Well, I calls ‘em as I sees ‘em!” She laughed merrily. “I’m working on a version of Randolph the Scurvy Ridden Pirate and Rowdy Night, Tortuga Night.”

He shook his head in amusement, having no idea what she meant. The buzz from the grotto grew as they wove their way through the passages to the dance floor. Time to party!

…..

I love holiday parties! A chance to pull out the sparkle and glitter, shop for a new dress and pretty shoes. The pirates of the Kraken’s Caribbean hold a ball on the Solstice, and if anyone can strive to out-sparkle each other, it’s a bunch of pirates!

What would you wear, given anything in the world to choose from, to the pirate ball?

**A random comment will receive a sparkly chandelier ornament and some swag from the Kraken’s Caribbean series. (Residents outside the USA will receive a giftcard from Amazon.)**