Chapter One: Midnight at the Docks

Thomas Mabel can ride a mule until his rear goes numb, raise and shear and herd a flock of sheep, and most importantly, withstand the abuse of his father for sixteen years without a single complaint. Sadly anything beyond the whimsical tales of scallywags and swashbuckling that he and his younger sister shared are not on that list. Which would be pretty useful when he gets offered an escape from a pirate at the market. No strings attached, unless you count capturing the princess of Spain for ransom to prove his loyalty.