The Pirates of Refined Culture

The next day in the morning we were asked to board the ship and within 20 minutes were inside it. The ship started and we all started feeling a deep seated fear in our heart. I was seated in the front row and I could see the open, vast sea that further disappointed me. We entered the island an affluent traders and leaving as poor people who needed to build the wealth from the scratch. However, I had a good amount of wealth at my home that was at least sufficient enough to provide for the monthly requirements of my family. But for building the wealth from a scratch I had to start from the scratch.
I noticed that the pirates were people of refined culture and possessed handsome features. Each pirate had a French cut beard style and sported straw hat with wide brim. I also noticed that they were blonde and had brown hair. Never ever could I think that pirates can be so disciplined and reserved. The other thing I admired was their adherence to punctuality and respect for time. To my displeasure

We were informed that because of unfavorable weather the journey was delayed and we needed to halt at the nearest island for at least one day. The island was uninhabited but had many old buildings. The pirates took possession of a huge mansion where we all stayed. The island was very cold and had so much moisture in the air that I could not breathe properly. Soon I heard the incessant sneezing issuing from a particular direction. Someone was sneezing continuously without any break. As I went into the direction I saw that it was the head of pirates. I learned that he was allergic to certain weather conditions. Everyone was frightened. The head could not live in those conditions and if they wanted to leave the island it could have been more detrimental. Understandably the open ambiance could have even more pronounced effects on him. He was still sneezing.

As I was not standing very far, I also started sneezing and to save myself from this dangerous infection I used the long end of my turban to cover my face. In fact I was trained in tailoring work when I was a child. But I employed my skill for my personal use only. So I had fashioned the long end of my turban to include a portion of very fine netting intended to allow easy breathing while filter the impurities of air. The surroundings of this portion were decorated with beautiful blue colored thread embroidery. Likewise I had also used intricate embroidery to embellish the portions that covered both cheeks. As I wrapped my headgear and acted to move behind someone held my wrist tightly.

I was fraught with fear as I could see all the people standing in fine rows except me. I was annoyed at my unwarranted curiosity that compelled me to act hastily and ignore the decorum that was so dear to these pirates. As I saw behind I noticed the head of pirates gesturing me to come to him. He had forcefully covered his mouth and nostrils with his hand to stop sneezing. He managed to tell his people to take off my headgear and put across his face the same way I was wearing. The order was promptly followed and as soon as nose of the head was covered he stopped sneezing.

He told something to his interpreter and I learned he was thanking me for helping him out. I was then told to go and join the front row of traders which I did. The whole day passed but weather could not return to the normal. This was perhaps the first time I was praying that the weather should not be normal again. Spending time in this uninhibited island with cultured pirates of well refined manners was one thing and being left in the jungles of unknown territories and struggling for survival was a completely different thing something that I never wished to happen. The whole day passed quiet peacefully.