Chapter Text
Chapter 1
The pirate crew aboard the ship known as ‘The Raveness’ made a point of sailing as quickly as they could towards the slaver ship the moment they spotted it in the distance. They weren’t hard to spot as they had vibrant blue sails, and plenty of gold adorning their ships. The gold of course had been acquired by the successful capture and sale of slaves that the island of Pavlovia was best known for.
Captain Richard Tozier had done his research as to when the ships were heading from Pavlovia to his home land of Valora Kingdom. He was proud to say his research had paid off. Beverly and Max worked the canons, shooting various holes into the expensive wood along the side of the slave ship.
Once they were close enough, Mike Hanlon, and Ben Hanscom threw the plank across so Richie and his cousin, Mike Wheeler could venture across. The men on the ship were trained for combat, but they weren’t a match for Richie’s crew. Mike Hanlon tossed several men overboard easily while Ben seemed most interested in knocking men out with his club.
Bill Denbrough and Georgie Denbrough fought their way through the ship quickly with their swords. Georgie’s hooked hand came in handy when it came to disarming soldiers aboard the ship. By the time their were only three soldiers left, they decided to surrender the ship, begging for their lives.
“Where are you assholes keeping your slaves?” Richie asked holding a sword to large neck of the most talkative crew member on the slave ship.
“Below deck, in cages.” The man explained, swallowing nervously as his blue eyes looked over Richie’s dark obsidian orbs.
“Hanlon, Hanscom… go get our new guests.” Richie ordered, not removing his eyes from the man before him, “You know slavery is a really risky business these days. With people like me at sea, you definitely won’t be staying in business. I want you to tell that to your leader. If he keeps sending slave ships with precious cargo, he’s going to lose a lot of gold.” Richie said before pulling back his sword, pointing a finger towards the small row boat on the side of the ship, “Take that boat, and deliver my message. Make sparing your life worthwhile for me.” Richie said watching as the remaining three men made a run for the row boat.
Richie smirked as his cousin stood next to him, “You’re really letting them go?” Mike asked.
Although they were often mistaken for twins, the two cousins dressed very differently. Richie’s dark curls were only obscured by a black tricorn hat to keep the sun off his pale skin, a gold earring glistening in the sunlight, while Mike simply let his hair flow freely in the wind, free of ear piercings. Richie wore black leather pants, under a blue-grey frilled shirt and a red sash around his waist. Several thin gold chains hung from Richie’s neck, many of which he’d pull off and sell to merchants on land. Two large coal coloured boots were pulled on up to his mid calf. Richie’s fingers were adorned with several rings he’d stolen from his victims at sea; these too he often sold on land as they had no sentimental value. Mike wore a loose white shirt under a dark brown vest. His legs were covered by black pants, and chestnut coloured boots. While Richie always looked more dressed up, Mike always made a point to look modest.
“Why not? It’s only three, and they’ll get my message across.” Richie said as the men got the boat into the water before jumping into it.
“It will definitely get your message across, but what if they come looking for us?” Mike asked cautiously.
“They won’t. They aren’t an army, they’re just slavers.” Richie explained, “Even if they did come after us, I don’t doubt the ability of my crew, or their will to win this war.”
Mike put his sword back onto his belt, “If you say so.”
Georgie Denbrough grabbed up what he could, hauling as many goods as he could onto their ship with a pleased smile on his face. “Mike, why don’t you grab something that looks either expensive or useful and bring it to the ship. I plan to set this thing on fire before we abandon it.” Richie smirked at his cousin.
Mike smiled a little, and headed off to seek out what ever treasures there may be on the ship. Richie picked up a large casket of wine, hauling it to the ship. Once the casket was placed aboard the ship, Richie turned back to see Mike Hanlon, and Ben Hanscom leading three very beautiful, and scantily clad men onto the ship, “Welcome to the first taste of freedom you’ve had since your capture.” Richie smiled at them.
The shortest of the three was a brunette with shaggy curls, deep brown eyes, and many freckles covering his body. The tallest of them all was a man with golden blonde locks that looked to be well taken care of. His amber eyes scanned Richie suspiciously as he held his arms crossed before him. The final of the three had beautiful brown eyes rimmed with a lush forest green colour. He stood attentively, his dark blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail; it didn’t look like it had been cut in years. The men were wearing nothing but loin clothes, and thick brown collars around their necks. Their wrists had red marks where they had previously been wearing shackles. It was clear Ben and Mike had freed them from the shackles below deck.
“You’re seriously trying to convince us that you’re setting us free? Be honest, what are your plans for us.” The tall blonde spoke first, clearly not in the mood for lies.
“You have a choice, you may stay aboard the ship and work as a crew member, or you can leave any time, and start new lives on land. I’m not a slaver, in fact I’m quite the opposite of that.” Richie informed them, “Could I get your names?”
The blonde who spoke first didn’t look convinced, but he responded, “Stanley Uris.”
Richie pointed at the shortest, more freckled man, “Edward Kaspbrak… I prefer Eddie.” The man said looking hopeful that Richie wasn’t lying, that they were truly free.
Richie turned to the final man who bowed before him, “My name is Will Byers. How may I serve you master?”
Will’s reaction to him surprised him the most, “You don’t have to bow. I’m also not your master, you’re free now to make your own decisions.” Richie informed him.
“My apologies, sir.” Will said quickly, looking a bit lost as he didn’t know what was expected of him.
Richie eyed him for a moment before looking to the others who were staring at Will as if he was out of his mind entirely. “Do you three know what you’d like to do now that you’re free?” Richie asked.
“I have no where to go. I guess I’m stuck here?” Eddie spoke up.
“It’s not the worst place to be ‘stuck’ you know?” Richie smirked at him.
“I also have no where to go. I’ll be staying here for now.” Stan nodded in agreement.
“Alright, what about you?” Richie turned to Will who still looked lost.
“What do you think I should do, master?” Will asked his eyes big, and inquisitive.
“Uh… ok.” Richie cleared his throat, “You aren’t being tricked, you’re free. You don’t have to call me master. Also, it’s entirely your decision what you do. What did you want to do?”
Will looked around as if expecting Stan or Eddie to have the correct answer, “I…” He looked to Richie, “I wish to serve you.”
“He’s a lost cause. He’s been raised on Pavlovia since childhood.” Stan explained quickly.
This told Richie a lot. Children and babies that were raised on Pavlovia Island all became brainwashed into their roles as servants. Richie didn’t know much about their raising, but he could only guess it was intense training that broke their minds and spirits. It made him feel bad for Will, clearly, he couldn’t think for himself anymore.
“How about you be my cabin boy? You can run errands for me, and deliver messages to crewmates for me?” Richie decided it was a good temporary solution.
“Yes master.” Will bowed again.
Richie was about to correct Will, but he decided the day was already quite trying for the young man. Turning his attention to Stan and Eddie, he decided he might get better answers from them. “What sort of things are you two good at?”
“I… I can read the stars.” Stan said, “I could navigate for you.”
“You can read the stars?” Richie nodded, “Impressive. You see that dark-skinned man that freed you? He’s the one who steers the ship, talk to him, and he’ll find a task for you.”
Stan nodded his head, “I just have one question.”
“Yes?” Richie asked curiously.
Stan looked down at himself, “Is there anything else I can wear?”
Richie smiled a little, “Ask around, see if anyone has anything they can spare. If not, don’t worry, we’re docking very soon for supplies. I’ll buy you something.”
Stan nodded before removing his leather collar, heading over to Mike who was working on steering the ship. Eddie followed suit, removing the uncomfortable looking collar. Once he dropped it on the deck floor, Eddie looked at Richie, “I know I’m not very strong or anything, but, my father was a doctor, and I know quite a bit from him. Maybe I could help some people on your ship that need medical attention?” Eddie spoke quickly.
Richie looked impressed, “That’s really good news. Georgie could use someone to help him with his wrist pain.”
“Georgie?” Eddie questioned looking around.
“He’s the boy with the hook on his hand, can't miss him. His older brother Bill can probably be of better assistance.” Richie nodded to Bill Denbrough who was adjusting the sails.
“Alright. I’ll talk to Bill.” Eddie nodded heading over to the auburn man.
Richie was left with the awkward slave boy who hadn’t bothered to remove his collar, “You can take that off, you know?” Richie pointed at the leather collar.
Will looked at him, “Oh, I don’t mind. I’ve always worn one.” He said quickly, “This will ensure people know I’m your servant.” He added.
“You’re not my servant. You’re my cabin boy.” Richie reminded him.
“What’s the difference if I may ask?” Will asked politely, his confusion was endearing, and rather cute in Richie’s opinion.
“Well, you don’t serve me, you just pull your weight to earn your keep here. We all work together to ensure the ship runs properly.” Richie tried to explain.
“What sort of tasks aside from running errands did you wish of me? I’m trained in many things.” Will started almost excitedly, “I can clean your clothing, help you bathe, I could massage you, and help keep you entertained at night.”
“No, no, no, you’re not required to do that… the cleaning sounds alright, but everything else, don’t worry about it.” Richie said quickly, trying to keep his eyes off the beautiful man before him as his cheeks flushed momentarily.
“If you’re certain. I could… pour you wine?” Will suggested instead, feeling uneasy as he had made his new master uncomfortable multiple times in their first meeting together.
“Great, I could always use more reasons to be lazy.” Richie was just relieved it was something nonsexual he was offering.
Will smiled, feeling relieved. “What would you like me to do first, master?”
“Richie.” Richie corrected.
“Yes, of course. My apologies.” Will bowed his head again, clearly out of habit.
It was going to be a long journey back to the mainland, Richie could already tell. Stepping closer, Richie reached behind Will’s neck, and began undoing the collar. He took it off the blonde before him, allowing it to land at their feet. “Does that feel better?” Richie asked him.
Will gently reached up, rubbing the skin on his neck. It felt strange to him, he wasn’t used to there being nothing there. “I… This is…” Will looked down and then up at Richie, “You are very kind, Richie.” Will didn’t know what freedom was, that much was clear to Richie.
“Tell that to my cousin, he thinks I’m an asshole.” Richie smirked a little.
“Of course, where is your cousin?” Will immediately straightened up.
“No, I didn’t mean that literally…” Richie couldn’t help but let out a laugh, “Why don’t I show you around the ship?” Richie asked, placing a hand on Will’s shoulder as he started to walk with him below deck.
“That sounds wonderful.” Will nodded, following Richie’s lead.