Time: 9:30 AM
The main hall of the Queen Anne's Revenge was dimly lit, with an air thick with rum, sweat, and dirt. Pirates were scattered across the moldy floor, with nothing more than their cloaks or an empty barrel serving as pillows. The sound of waves crashing against the hull of the ship accompanied the silence.
Suddenly, a loud shout broke the stillness:
—"Get up, you lazy bastards!" — roared Blackbeard from the entrance to the hall.
The crew startled awake. Despite the hangovers and exhaustion, they all stood up in unison, shouting with vigor:
—"Aye, Captain!"
Blackbeard flashed a smile under his imposing black beard, braided with burning wicks.
—"Prepare for the day. Later, you'll have your reward. Now, I'm going to see the helmsman."
The men quickly nodded as they strapped on their boots or adjusted their belts.
(On the deck)
Blackbeard stepped out into the open air, the sun already high, lighting up the horizon. He walked toward the stern where the helmsman was keeping the course steady. A few steps away, he shouted:
—"Helmsman!"
The man, a weathered sailor with a scar on his forehead, immediately turned.
—"At your service, Captain."
Blackbeard stood beside him, looking at the endless sea.
—"Anything happen during the night or the early hours?"
The helmsman shook his head slightly.
—"Nothing, Captain. After the celebration and signing that strange scroll, I took over my post. The only thing I saw was fog."
Blackbeard furrowed his brow and pulled a silver compass from his coat. As he looked at it, he realized the needles were spinning wildly, as if the world had lost its north.
—"This... it's happening to you too, isn't it?" — he asked, showing him the compass.
The helmsman nodded.
—"Yes, Captain. I checked my compass a few minutes ago. I thought it was broken."
Blackbeard tucked the compass away with a grim expression.
—"Alright, I'll send your replacement and the lookout. Tell them to look for land nearby."
The helmsman nodded again and returned to his duties.
Inspection rounds
Blackbeard walked the ship, inspecting every corner. His first stop was the kitchen. There, Hernán, the head cook, was organizing his helpers. A man of imposing height and robust build, Hernán was the soul of the food aboard.
—"Hernán, how are the reserves and your men?" — asked the Captain.
—"All good, Captain. With yesterday's loot, we can eat for three more weeks. My men are preparing breakfast."
Blackbeard nodded in satisfaction and moved on to the armory. Upon entering, he found the veteran crew members cleaning weapons and singing tavern songs.
—"Captain, how's it going?" — one of them greeted him.
—"Good. How are the falchions for the lads?"
—"Almost ready. We'll clean the cannons after."
Blackbeard nodded again before leaving.
Breakfast in the main hall
By 10:30 AM, everyone was seated in the main hall except for the helmsman and the lookout. The cook served the captain first and announced:
—"Today's special: vegetable soup with lamb."
—"Thanks, Hernán!" — everyone exclaimed in unison.
Between laughs and comments, they enjoyed their breakfast eagerly.
At 11:15 AM, while Blackbeard was in his cabin reviewing maps, a knock on the door interrupted him. When he opened it, the lookout was there.
—"Captain, we've spotted an inhabited island."
Blackbeard didn't hesitate.
—"Good. Tell the helmsman to steer the ship towards it."
The lookout nodded and quickly left. Blackbeard adjusted his falchion and butcher's hook before heading to the main hall.
When he arrived, he found the crew playing cards and drinking. He slammed a fist on the table to get their attention.
—"Listen up! We've found an island. I want you to get ready to raid."
The crew roared with excitement, but Blackbeard raised his hand, stopping them.
—"I don't want you killing anyone."
The crew looked at him confused. Blackbeard let out a laugh.
—"Hahaha! Just kidding. Do what you want, but remember: don't leave the island in ashes."
With a loud cheer and laughter, everyone rushed to prepare for the assault. Blackbeard, satisfied, climbed to the deck to oversee the course toward their next target.