Every boy wants to be the hero in a fantasy adventure story, and brothers Chris and Kenny are no different. When they accidentally time travel back to the 1770’s, they meet up with an unexpected ally in Court, along with a variety of pirates, scallywags, and scoundrels, which includes Captain Ross and the crew of the Sorceress.
“These islands aren’t quite like the ones I’ve seen on maps of the Caribbean—unless maybe they’re too small to have made it onto any maps that survived into our time. And there’s a couple other things out of place according to what I thought I understood about the time.”
Court sat looking out toward the sea. A scowl passed over his face, and he used his good hand to wipe his forehead.
“What are the other things?” Kenny asked.
“I suppose it’s something you need to know, but I don’t want to scare you. I’m not telling you this to frighten you. I’m telling you this to help you survive. First, like I said, this place is different than any you’ve ever known or thought of. You saw Snarlin’ Fox. I mentioned Captain Ross, Toeless Tim, and Philip One-Eye. They’re buccaneers. Pirates, plain and simple. They’re at war with the world and out to get whatever they can, however they can. There are one or two among them with some shred of human decency still stuck to their souls, but the rest are devoid of sympathy, civility, and kindness. Their cup of care for anything other than themselves has long since gone dry. Captain Ross and his gang are a scourge in these seas. Captain Bird and another ship or two also stain the sea with their filth—”
Court stopped short. He pulled a spyglass from the bag hanging over his shoulder and put the glass to his eye.
“I think we’re about to meet one of those foul captains and his scurvy crew. A ship’s putting in near Shipwreck Cove.”
“Why are they coming here? Are they after you?” Kenny asked.
Court looked at the sky. “They’re not coming after something; they’re getting away from something.”
“What are they getting away from?” I asked.
“That’s the other thing you need to know about.”
You can read all about how Chris and Kenny prepare to experience their first fire-breathing dragon, learn how to load a flintlock pistol, outrun hungry razor-feathered dragonlings, and even outwit bloodthirsty cannibals in Stanley Wheeler’s Accidental Pirates, available now!
I remember when I was a Cub Scout in the 50s, mom got me a subscription to Boy's Life magazine. Didn't become a really avid reader until I discovered scifi at 14, but that magazine was a jump start. You guys are doing good work. Shoring up Western Civilization, I'd say. Huzzah!
That's a great snippet!