The Escape (part 14)
The wind batters against ship's frame
in darkness hope's a flame
the prisoners devise a code
passed about in quiet whispers
enduring lashes for every sound
a plan contrived
with time and patience
until death's black shadow visits
the old man releases his spirit
his long white beard whithers
arms thin
back split
he hunches forward
no longer rowing
becomes cruel lashing's prey
his life not chosen
determination sold
Artul shouts out to the guard
still banging at his drum
"He's dead you ugly lard!"
the man's sneer cruel and vile
"Keep rowing you dogs lick bile!"
the prisoners hold fast a while
in darkness keep hearts bold
though suffering remains untold
their spirits make buoyant
asking not for pity askance
cowering rejection
noble grants
tungsten wills never melt
at last a guard approaches
torch in hand
keys jingling at the belt
he goes for the lock
attempts to release the old man's body
Artul awaits
jaguar tension muscles tense
the cruel rhythm keeper bends
Artul kicks at his ankle
breaking force
he buckles and sways
nearest prisoner aids
smashes head to torso
berserker source flow
guard falls with great calamity
cacophony
the keys slide into a lane
Kiara wriggles
wrangles them floor to hand
unlocks her chains
passes the key
soon the prisoners set free
they quietly ascend the deck
sneaking through crew evades
ghostly quiet as phantoms
no moon nor silhouettes this night
luck erupts unknown source turns
hope for freedom spurns
for every slaving man they meet
another thrown into the sea
cut down or heart's beat silence
as the outlandish scene progresses
only the captain's cabin remains
they take the helm like horses reins
Artul swings an axe
shattering the doorway
wood splintering gaps revealing
luxurious interior and gorgeous furniture
chests filled with treasure
a single man rolls out of bed
screams ensuing
fluttering beautiful women near
scantily clad they flee in fear
the captain's head he rears
wearing pretty silk pajamas
hair in wild disarray
he reaches for a hand cannon
Kiara holds him to a point
demands his responding voice
"Tell us oh brave slave master
what brings you to this disaster
you sip in fine luxury
while poor men you force to labor
no concern for misery
their right to exist freely
your profits extracted
from life's blood
you turn aside pathetic cries
desires beyond satisfaction
while your monkeys slay
good men die and fade away."
the man grimaces attempts to stand
pleads for life and makes amends
Kiara's eyes narrow merciless
knuckles tighten white
ghost of the old man's soul
hovering in mind's bloodied eye
like an arrow meeting its mark
she slides her arm forth
pushes cold steel
through bone and marrow.