“Ahoy brother, I saw your ship come into harbour. Rumour has it that you had a successful voyage. Can I expect the crew to be coming by later?”
“Yes sister, I’m sure many of my crew will be visiting before the night is done”
“And what have we here? A new captive” She eyed you up and down “Aye she is a pretty one”
“Not a captive. It be Isaac”
“Isaac? What has Isaac done?” The Madam spoke to Isaac “I suppose he’s got you with child lass. Hmm I do have contacts. Leave her with me and I’ll see what can be done”
“Naye. This is Isaac. Some magic turned him into a wench. I was hoping you might be able to take her in and give her advice on how to be a woman”
The Madame did a double take “Did I hear you right? Are you saying this lass is Isaac?”
“Aye, And the gypsy say’s the spell is permanent. Isaac’s days as a pirate are over”
“No Captain, I want to stay a pirate. It’s the only life I have known” That was true. Isaac had been orphaned at a young age and the Captain had taken him on, originally as a cabin boy. He had risen through the ranks.
“Aye Isaac a very good pirate you were. You were my protégé. I have never met a better sailor at such a tender age and many a time your wit has helped us capture a prize. You will be sadly missed. You have repaid me many times for taking you in. But….. I’ve never had a wench as a mate either. There’s no place for a woman on a pirate ship”
“Captain I beg you! I can be just as good a navigator as ever! Just because I have these” Isaac touched his breasts “does not mean I can’t run a ship and command men”
“Sister. Can I ask you to take Isaac in and find her something more appropriate to wear. Put her in the room you keep for me. I’ll stay on the ship. I’ll bring back Isaac’s share of the booty once it is divvied up. That should enable her pay for her keep” The Captain began to walk away.
“Captain I beg you!” Isaac began to follow him. “Please reconsider”
The Captain stopped and turned around “Isaac, it hurts me to leave you here but I have no choice. I cannot allow you back on the ship. A pirate ship is no place for a pretty lass. You will get your share. I will have it your personal belongings delivered this afternoon. I advise you to wait here to collect”
Madam Astoria added “Isaac, I have known you a long time. You are almost family. You are welcome to stay. I will show you the captain’s room and teach you how to be a girl”
“Captain?......” Isaac pleaded
“I will be in harbour for a few days. I will be back to see how you are going before I set sail once more” He turned away once more.