Joshua Harrison: A Pirate's Beginning (Pt.2)

  Joshua sat outside he and his partner's hide-away. It was night, George was asleep now. Irene had made some excuse about not feeling well after George returned and had gone home. He supposed she'd gone to pack. Did he need to pack? More importantly, did he have anything that he even could pack? He only really had the cloths on his back, a couple of other sets of clothing and his father's pocket watch. He would take those. Carefully, he snuck back into the collapsing building. A candle was still lit, though it had almost burned all the way down. He didn't look at George as he moved about the room, grabbing a sack and stuffing his things into it. The watch he held for a moment, frowning at it, before that, too, was stuffed into the sack. Now he glanced over at George, moving to his bed, taking well over half of the gold. George would be able to get more easily, he knew that.
  Outside, he heard a whisper. He couldn't stop a smile from curling his lips. He was, actually, pretty happy about this. He headed towards the entrance, pushing back the curtain to see her standing there. The moon's light was reflected in her hair, it was held back with a tie. She looked beautiful, as always. Part of him still didn't believe it. Irene Williams was running away with him. With him, of all people. He knew he was grinning like an idiot as he approached her. He didn't care and she was smiling back at him.
  The two made a run for it, leaving town, hopping from moving cart to moving cart. Irene seemed to be able to hold her own. Sometimes even moving ahead of him. She was quick, well-balanced, far more agile than he was. Of course, if she ever got to far ahead, she would pause, waiting for him. The two continued this way until the sun began to rise, Josh grinning happily the entire time.
  As the sun began to rise, Josh frowned, "Maybe we should set up camp? Just get off the roads and rest for awhile?" The roads were typically well traveled during the day time. He figured getting off of them for a few hours wouldn't harm anything. They could both use the rest, as well.
  Irene seemed reluctant but, she agreed to rest. He lead her off the road to a well-covered area, low-hanging branches, bushes and tall grass working to help conceal them. He doubted they would need someone on guard. At this, Irene wholeheartedly agreed before laying a little ways from him and rolling onto her side. He glanced at the back the was facing him before laying down in his own spot. Josh was more than willing to give her her own space. He moved his bag under his head, using it for a pillow. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep.

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  When Joshua awoke, it was nearing midday. He let out a groan as he sat up, looking around. Irene wasn't in sight. He went to grab his bag. To his shock, it was gone as well. She'd taken it. Josh swore under his breath. Of course, she hadn't actually wanted to be with him! She'd wanted a fool she could string along. He rubbed at his face, running his fingers through his blonde hair. He truly was an idiot.George had never let Irene near the money... all Josh had been was a pawn. He stood, aiming a rather forceful kick at the tree nearby. George had been right about just about everything. One thing he was wrong about was that they were weaker. No, they certainly weren't weaker. They most certainly couldn't be trusted.
  Now he had no where to go. No money. He didn't even have a change of clothing. here was another town nearby, the neighboring port to Coral Harbor. Josh supposed he could head into town and grab some supplies. Clasping his hands behind his back, he headed towards it. He could already smell the filth that any port carried.
  Shouts could be heard from inside the tavern, the sounds of fighting and glass smashing. He frowned but didn't react all too much. All of the sudden, a sword stopped him, barring his path. Josh's eyes flicked towards the man holding the sword. He was rather large in height and bulky with muscle. His muscles were hidden, for the most part, under a long, tan leather jacket. He wore a rather elegant outfit beyond that, complete a wide-brimmed hat and long red feather.
  "Now, where are ye headed, laddie?" The man's accent was most definitely not from these parts.
  Josh frowned, trying to think of some clever response. He had a sword near him, however. "No where." The reply was honest enough. Josh was, indeed, going no where.
  The man eyed Josh, evaluating him, "What's yer name?"
  "Joshua Harrison."
  He nodded, "Got a job, Joshua?"
  Josh raised an eyebrow at him, "You have my name, shouldn't I have yours?"
  The man gave a deep, chesty laugh, "I suppose so, lad. Captain Horace Vernon."
  This man was a captain, then. "Why... are you asking if I have a job?"
  Captain Vernon gave a shrug, "Ye look like a strong enough lad. I'm lookin' for people ta' join my crew."
  Josh bit his lip, "Work on a ship? I, well, I am in need of work, I suppose..." He couldn't lie on the street forever, he supposed.
  Vernon grinned, moving the sword away from Josh and sheathing it in one swift motion as he stood. His large hand, clapped Josh on the back, "Glad ta' have ye aboard, laddie."