Captn Jaq

"They call me, 'Ishmael.'

"No. No. That's a flat out lie. They call me many a thing; things that'll make yer grandmother blush.

"I am a girl - true - a lass, a wench, and fair friend with no name to tie her down, but...I was called 'Jaq,' Jaquelina Finch. Jaq, Jaquelina, or Finch; never Jaqy. Call me 'Jaqy' an' I'll slit yer throat. Then kick ye to a shallow ditch an' let the gulls 'ave ther way with ye.

"Oh silence yerself, mate. There's no need fer formalities 'ere. I'm a 'umble person at heart. Ne'er one fer pomp an' flourish. See. Even m'dagger. No longer than a palm. It doesn't e'en surpass m'own finger tip.

"Aye, I best pocket it now fer safe keepin'. I lost m'cutlass to an officer of the king's navy just the other day when its blade found itself lodged in 'is leg. I had that sword fer the past two an' twenty years. A shame t'see it go, hobblin' away like that.

"An' aye. That be m'hand on yer hilt an' not just m'finger at yer chest. Now, be a fair friend an' lend a girl a sword. I'll keep it 'n good condition. Promise."


My mother worked at a house of ill-repute, a tavern, a salon of leisure, serving drams of liquor and her time to those who sought her. Mother was a woman of her word and defended her will and the will of those who could not defend their own -- including mine.

Some called her wench while others lady, but only one -- as so I have been told -- called her by her given name, Helen. Never my lovely Helen, my precious Helen, my most dearest Helen. Just Helen. "For why challenge the name of mariner legend if ye not wish to challenge the legend herself," as so said my father... from what I have been told.

My father was no poor man or rich man either. He was no merchant sailor or navy officer. He was a man who drew his lot by the sword and steered the course of his own destiny. Some say he was born at sea with mother dying at childbirth. Some too say he stowed away in a barrel of apples. While others still say he left his bed one morning with a thought in his head and never cared to change it.

I have set the coords, and I will find my father, the man who never knew while I have always known by the words of others. All I have is his name and my mother's dying voice to last me forever. "You bear 'is mark on the tip o'y'neck. Show 'im. He would never dare t'throw y'back. You are Jaquelina Finch. The long lost Sparrow. O' capt'n Jack."