Pirate Queen Ching Shih and the Raven’s Skull: Part Two

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Too many mates either lack o' limb or poor as thy pauper, but a wise pirate always kin make proper change. ~ Bob the Pirate. Author of 'Rich Pirate, Poor Pirate'

Ever wonder why so many Pirates need of prosthesis of one form or another. Or a pirate on many occasion end up buying a drink for others only to end up poor. Many a time commerce is a fickle thing an' between pirates can oft lead t' disagreement an' sword play o' which thee results ten t' be unsatisfactory to at least one party.

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"Pieces of Eight" also known as the Spanish 8 Reales and the need for fractional currency.

The Spanish dollar was bought into our lexicon from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel 'Treasure Island' colloquially described as the Pieces of Eight was originally designed to match the German Thaler after 1598. At the time it represented the world's currency as Spain was the premier economic world power. The Pillar dollar is in fact 8 Reales and when change was desperately needed in the New World commerce the coin was often broken into halves, quarters or smaller if necessary especially when four, two, and one Reale coins were in short supply.

Mutiny Metals Fractional Bars for today's smart Pirate!

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Mutiny Metals Chubby 1/2 ozT 0.999 fine silver Bar
A favorite Pirate Silver shopping Website Mutiny Metals

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The Kraken Chubby 1/2 ozT 0.999 fine silver bar

Mutiny Metals has been one of my favorite retailers of fine Pirate treasure. Mr Bailey has quite the presence on Instagram and frequently displays his shiny Piratey wares, any product updates, and or sneaky little giveaway.

“The Year is 1725 – you can pick a profession of choice, are you a farmer, blacksmith, baker, carpenter? Or do you go Rogue? A Pirate maybe? Adventures, Treasure, new locations? Badass served up daily! Or you can choose boring and never be to any badass pirate parties. Mutiny Metals – anything but boring” ~ Captain of Mutiny Metals

Pirate Queen Ching Shih and the Raven’s Skull: Part Two

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Chang accompanied the Raven into the city and along the way questioning shop keepers and customers alike regarding current events while the Raven shopped at her own leisurely pace. A growing crowd followed the foreign woman may be seen as a novelty or a celebrity figure or perhaps waiting for trouble to find her. The unfortunate incident at the wharf couldn't be helped.

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About a thousand people milled about from water’s edge along the way towards the rich ornate fortifications of Madam Ching Shih, Queen of the pirates. The ship's cook, Chang once ran an establishment here and was quite familiar with this ambitious Queen and Pirate enclave. A former prostitute having married a pirate Captain, Shih had built upon her late husband's Pirate fledgling empire over the years from the bitter dissatisfaction of the regions many fishermen, merchants and shore workers by their official governmental overlords. The Chinese Imperial navy can no longer contain her growing power. Loyalty only goes as far as on an empty stomach and purse. Impoverished and overtaxed, many took up piracy because there was no other way. For others to fly Shih's Red flag was a means of self-preservation from her predatory ships. It was joining or perish.

At first weaker captains do not fare very well in the cut throat business while stronger ones tend to get the job done. Even Shih's chief policy to promise setting aside 80% of all captured goods and money into a collective fund benefited many that are less successful or crippled under her service tend to stifle those more daring in pirating the dangerous but much more lucrative royal or even foreign trade ships. Rumors abound of dissatisfied captains shirk at seeing 80% of their booty go to freeloading pirates as some high risk booty were not given the benefit of a significant Risk premium. As Shih's power increases, less and less are the opportunities of plunder. "No Prey, No Pay" as the saying goes. As more pirates under her employ began to overburden the pool of money dissent begins to brew. Her opulent living hasn't been good in the eyes of many in destitute as their payouts becoming smaller and with widespread Mutiny developing Ching needed someone to take the blame. The ideal political target would be the outspoken Captain Poa, a former teacher and headmaster turned Pirate. His well-reasoned criticism of her leadership were often exposed in the pool payoffs of key Captains in the vote for supreme leader and even at the council level to stay in power. She naturally denied it of course, and he couldn't prove it. Only a few have ever seen the real books if they exist.

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Shih's spies have reported regarding the growing legend surrounding the exploits of the Storm Crow. The Dragoon ships that arrived months ago, rich in booty resupplied quick but left with the stories of the Storm Crow behind. But how much was true and how much was mere fanciful tale. That was until it was corroborated from Captain Louie's Troubadour and his squadron stopping in also for resupply a few weeks later with his newest additions Mist and Cortezia.

The sight of these captured formidable ships was more than sufficient proof and many we're hired. The pirates under Shih's employ were whisperings of joining the independent exemplary crew of the Storm Crow or her allies. The competent leadership of Captain Flint, the motivational and organizational skills of John Silver, and then there was the enigmatic combat and tactical specialist, Mintauru also known as the Bloody Raven. These three have built a legend among the local pirates that bear witness to the events even before the battle of the Waki Islands. In the face of impossible odds and numbers defeating superior forces, and at the same time generous to their allies with the spoils.

Shih wanted to be known as that giant killer in order to cement her leadership facing the powerful foreigners in the same manner. She'd already defeated an incompetent Chinese Imperial navy but it took sheer numbers mustering her hundreds of ships strong fleet and with the heavy losses against the Imperial Chinese hired Western ships, still Shih was hardly in the league with the Storm Crow's heroic achievements.

While It was not possible for thousands of pirates joining the Storm Crow the popularity of this Raven and the Storm Crow represented a threat to her power base as seditious rumors now speak of replacing Shih with the Raven.

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It was all good Information, Chang was invaluable from what he can learn, at least she could reasonably gauge Shih's own motives. A small dress shop caught her eye, a traditional silk dress resembled that of typical formal wear yet not over ornate, pleasing in appearance the Raven ordered one in black silk and gave her a gold teal as advance payment, "See it delivered to the Storm Crow two days hence." The Seamstress's eyes lit up accepting the generous payment took some measurements and went to work immediately.

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After her business a man in black silk Asian garb entered the shop and politely waited upon her. Also adorned with Shih's Crane symbol on his right shoulder and his pigtailed hair hung over his left. He was accompanied by four armed men and all respectfully bowed, "Welcome to Quon Lu city Captain Mintauru, I am Wu Lee, of Madam Shih's court. She will be pleased that you have come upon her invitation, may we escort you to Madam's humble home."

The Raven inspected the guard detail taking mental notes determining whether she was a guest or a prisoner. "You must excuse us as we were unaware of your early arrival as reported by our Harbor Master. Neither he or we we're aware that The Bloody Raven was not a man." He placed six silver Teals into her hand. "Of course this is a refund of your Moorage fee as you and your ship should have been exempt. I do not know what you did to our Harbor Master but he and his guard were too frightened to return your money in person, my apologies Captain."
"I am not actually Captain since its just an unofficial working title. Very well, I wouldn't know which home to enter. "
She nodded to her Cook, "And Chang, you are free to go about your own business. See you tomorrow." The cook grinned and disappeared into the crowd. “Proceed Mr Lee.”

"My lady, we understand that you are very capable of defending yourself, but I was warned of Captain Poa's assassins that may try to harm you believing you would make an alliance with my Madam. It would be even worse if his treacherous lies turn you from what Madame is willing to propose for you a very generous offer"
"Am I expected to Ally with her?"
"I cannot tell you how to go about your business my lady, but Madam has only the needs of her people concerned, and a peace to maintain. Captain Poa has divided our people, committed regrettable acts of treason, and has become rogue to his brethren, Shih, and Quon Lu city."

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The guards looked at Mr. Lee's guest before opening the doors. They passed between more guards through the courtyard leading into another ornate set of doors where a servant welcomed them in. The hallway was appointed with urns filled with fresh bouquets of flowers, their delicate scent a refreshing change from the sea air.
Mr. Lee stepped into the spacious hall to properly introduce the guest of honor, "May I present, LADY Mintauru, the Bloody Raven of the Storm Crow."

The dining hall filled with applause as the Raven stepped through the ornate entrance. A banquet table was set an elegant array of foods and drink. Rich tapestries and works of art lined the walls. Guards dressed in fancy palatial styled uniforms. Not much different than any other aspiring empire. The Queen of the Pirates stood up prompting the Council of Captains to stand with her. "Welcome, welcome our special guest Lady Mintauru! Please join us as we celebrate with a feast to your victory against our common enemies!"

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"Why thank you, Madam Shih. But much credit should go to those who fought at my side. I am but one of many."
"Ah, unexpected humility and modesty, I shall remember that of the Bloody Raven. And It seems that both Captain Louie and Chief Keeper neglected to mention I am so pleased to find the reputed legendary Mintauru as a very capable woman warrior, we may have much in common."

One Asian Captain stood out from his peers, "We heard that your combat skills are quite unique. Perhaps you could enlighten us with a quick demonstration." His words were chosen like Buddha but his body language framed it as a clear personal challenge.
Shih laughed, "Lady Mintauru, you must excuse Captain Jir of his insatiable curiosity more than his Kung Fu skills. I don't expect you to accept his challenge." Raven's instincts felt that Shih deliberately pushed this test and needed to validate her identity, so be it, the challenge had to be accepted in order to move forward. She pushed back, "I am not in the practice of revealing my abilities before allies....as well as potential foes, Madam. When I do, it would usually be too late for my opponents."

Shih felt that barb as her eyes widened and brows arched. It was an implied brush back, as if 'never try to make an enemy when peace was offered in good faith'. The Raven removed her cloak and purse to Mr Lee. She stepped to the open floor at a point adjacent to the large emblem of Shih's Crane.

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Captain Jir smiled and removed his silk jacket as he stepped around the table, his oiled skin wrapped about his muscular torso reminiscent of Davinci's perfect heroic sculptures. But as his intentions whether it be his ego or his hormones driving his actions he still had something to prove, using his broadsword he performed a brief Kung Fu exercise dispatching his imaginary opponent, then turning to the Raven.
"You may concede if you wish as I was not expect having to fight a foreign woman." He stood straight, interlocked his fingers upon the pommel of his sword and respectfully bowed.

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"At least you practice respect but do not underestimate me nor let your eyes deceive you Captain Jir." Sighed the Raven, "so in the bequest of Madam." She mirrored Jir's posture and waited.

They stood together face to face in the Posture of Respect for what seemed much longer than needed. Jir became impatient, his sword hand muscles tightened, then he initiated. "Hai!" She sidestepped his thrust then backed off his back hand follow through just far enough that his blade sliced through only a few strands of her hair. Before the hairs could begin to fall, that instant she drew Fang's blade up against the side of Jir's neck in one motion before he could finish his backswing. Jir felt her rock steady blade bite just enough to cut the skin and not more. "And a bit further your artery will be severed." As if she were finishing his thought sentence. Captain Jir freezes, "Wah, hài hō Kung Fu... I acquiesce." The Raven sheaths her blade and both assume the posture of respect.

“Amazing speed!” Shih stood again and exclaimed, "You are indeed the reputed Bloody Raven."
The hall erupted into immediate cheers and applause, bowlfuls of boat shaped Sycee silver bars poured on to the banquet table as wagers we're settled.

1, My own photos (free to use) 2. Robert Helpmann as Lee from the movie: 55 Days in Peking 19633. Takayo Fischer as Ching Shih: Pirates of the Caribbean At worlds end 20074. Chang from the Movie The Admiral, Roaring Currents 2014R Clip art from 123RF

Ching Shih and the Raven's skull: Part One

“Et lux in tenebris to serve laboro, sum sicarius” “I work in the shadows to serve the Light, I am an Assassin”