Trophy

The storm was ferocious; strong winds, thunder, lightning, and rapidly undulating waves that buffeted Cygnet’s Admiral around like it was weightless; Captain Stalton had difficulty keeping on course but he was somehow managing it.

The ships radio was out of action after the ship had been struck by lightning for the third time… Stalton could see the light through the rain in the distance from the lighthouse at Crabber’s Cove.

Come with me and all will be well, Stalton could hear sung over the cacophony of sounds that surrounded him – not sung, wailed – come with me and all will be well, I can guide you safely to shore, I am the maiden of the sea, and of my word you can be sure.

Ahead of him, Stalton was shocked to see a lady standing in the waves, not only standing, but commanding them… the way ahead with her seemed a lot calmer than any other way, and after his ship was struck by lightning a fourth time he decided to follow her.

It was several weeks until Cygnet’s Admiral was found, irrepeparably damaged on rocks a few miles south of Crabber’s Lighthouse.

In a cave well below the wreck, the lady played with her latest trophy, Stalton’s hat; in a corner, shackled and chained, Stalton couldn’t work out how he still lived.