The large cavern was quiet as the pirates waited to hear what Ilona would say. It was warm both from the fire and the number of people in the space. Ilona felt beads of sweat form on the back of her neck. She didn't know how much of it was from the heat and how much was from nervousness.
She looked out over the crowd and met Mason's cool blue eyes. He gave her a slight nod, and that was all she needed to build enough confidence to begin.
"We stayed on the ship after all the lifeboats were gone," Ilona said with a clear, calm voice, "I knew you would all be at risk if I didn't steer the ship away from your boats. I've seen ships run over lifeboats and crush them into splinters along with everyone on board. I knew I couldn't let that happen to my crew.
