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The Pirate Rebels |
A fierce pirate named Sharkface attacks a town and takes a group of boys prisoner. They are trained to become pirate leaders but, led by one of them, they rebel against this pirate menace. They unite a series of pirate enclaves, overcome Scarface's home port, and establish a peaceful new nation made up of former pirates. |
Sharkface was the most feared pirate in all the Caribbean's waters and islands. News of his merciless attacks on ships and towns chilled everyone who lived on the islands floating in those tropical seas. Rory, an engaging boy, and his friends, hearing stories of pirate adventures, were both fascinated and terrified, especially when the name Sharkface was mentioned. They often played pirate games, but beneath the boyish bravado of make-believe fantasy, they all secretly dreaded ever having to actually come face to face with Sharkface and his crew of cutthroat brigands. Rory lived in a town called Terraforte. It had never been attacked by pirates. It was well fortified and maintained constant vigilance, ensuring any approach by a pirate ship would not catch them unaware.
The town's seaport faced a harbor that was protected with sea walls on top of which were mounted 25 powerful cannons. In addition, a range of thickly forested mountains protected the town from an attack from the rear. Terraforte was a protectorate of the Spanish Kingdom and was governed by an Army Colonel, who commanded a platoon of 50 soldiers. The residents, including, Rory's family, were primarily prosperous traders and their warehouses and money vaults were full of treasures. The town would be a rich prize for a pirate like Sharkface, but the Colonel and all the residents were confident that, if any pirates dared to attack the town, they could be beaten back, and the town would remain safe.
One day, Rory and his friends had climbed high onto one of the mountain peaks that had a wide view of the town and ocean. Far out in the distance they spotted a ship that did not look like any of the merchant ships or Spanish war ships that often visited the island. While Rory and most of the other boys carefully watched the ship, one of the band of friends was sent back to the town to alert the Colonel of the possible danger. Just as he left, the remaining boys were surprised as a bunch of fierce looking seaman quietly surrounded them. The boys were herded together, gagged, and bound with heavy ropes. By this time, it was midafternoon. Although tied up, the boys were not blindfolded and could still watch as the still unidentified ship drew closer to the town. Their friend, who had been sent to warn the town, apparently succeeded and Rory could see the alerted soldiers and townsfolk readying a defense from the ship approaching the harbor. The ship was now recognizable. It was painted black, with red trim. It was huge, at least 100 ft long. There were 20 powerful cannons peeking out of each side of the ship. On its mast a flag blew in the wind. It wasn't the usual "Jolly Roger" black pirate flag with the white skull and cross swords. This flag was blood red with the head of a great shark with an open mouth of teeth ready to bite into anything that dared to approach. This was Sharkface's ship, called "Jaws", whose very appearance terrified even the bravest of men........
