Torquato chewed thoughtfully on the stem of his pipe, letting a small puff of smoke drift from his lips, his jaw clenched in a toothy grin. A solid day's work.
He surveyed the scene before him, his hobnail boots clomping loudly against the deck of ship, amid all the other noises of an afternoon on the high seas. A small line of sailors had formed along the deck of the ship, carrying various goods and valuables over to the starboard side of the ship, where they were handed off to member's of Torquato's crew, who hefted the items onto the deck of the Desiderata.
They had come across the merchant schooner only a few hours before, escorted by a small warship. Torquato and his crew had made quick work of the escort, sending her to the bottom of the sea in a matter of minutes, prompting the surrender of the unarmed merchant vessel, leading to the current state of affairs. Torquato nodded approvingly as he watched the train of sailors move along the deck, carrying the last of his ill-gotten gains. He turned on his heel, marching to the stern of the ship, where the captain of the vessel stood, surveying the scene from his place at the ship's wheel.
"Capitano!" Torquato shouted, lifting his pipe from his mouth. "I believe we have, as you say, 'cleaned you out!' Upon my departure from this vessel, you will be free to go!"
The captain -- an older man with a well-kept salt and pepper goatee -- scoffed, a deep scowl crossing his face. "Free to return to Connlaoth empty-handed."
Torquato clicked his tongue at that, raising his free hand to wag a finger at the disgruntled seaman. "Tsk tsk tsk. How ungrateful of you! At least you will be able to go home and kiss your wife, perhaps even share her bed, if she feels generous, and kicks out the stable-boy for you!" Torquato boomed out a hearty belly laugh, one that some of his crewmen joined in on. "I cannot say the same for your escort, however! It is important to count your blessings, yes, Capitano?"
"Damn your eyes, pirate."
Torquato spun about-face once more, marching back to where his ship's gangplank rested on the merchant vessel's deck, and climbing aboard his own vessel, now laden with stolen goods. "Rest assured!" he shouted, pointing to the merchant captain "My men and I will see to it that your wares are spent on only the finest of libations! Only wine, women, and song, my friend!"
The other captain remained silent, and the two ships began to drift apart as Torquato's crew cut loose from the merchant ship. Torquato popped his pipe back into his mouth, the grin returning as the sails were raised, and caught the wind.
