The Scarlet Sun
an excerpt

The gods cursed my father, or so he said. The day I was born, he wailed loud and strong at the heavens for the unfortunate destiny in which they’d placed him.
For my father was a sailor, a fine, honest man of the seas. He’d wanted a son, but as fate would have it, he only had daughters - four of us to be precise.
However, as I grew it became apparent I wasn’t like my sisters. I, like my father, was drawn to the sea. The lapping waves upon the shore brought a sense of calm to my heart and a desire to ride the ocean aboard a large vessel, brought joy to my soul.
I stood upon the golden shores of my home in Saint Augustine, viewing the ocean and watching the sun glide gracefully down to the horizon. It cast a shimmer of light which looked like gold and danced upon the water. A slight breeze blew, carrying with it the slightly salty scent of the vast body of water beyond.
“Father, please teach me to sail?” I asked.
Shocked that a daughter would ask such, “Nay, child. Why do you ask such of me?”
“I want to ride upon the waves. Leave this shore and find another.”
“It isn’t proper for a young lady, Marie.” He began walking away.
“But why?” I yelled.
He paused and I ran up next to him.
“It is not what ladies do. Women do not sail their own ships.”
“Father, please.” I begged, staring up into his steel grey eyes, hoping he’d concede.
He brushed his hand through his black hair. I could tell he took a few moments seriously considering my request.
I whispered, “Please. I won’t tell anyone.”
“No one?”
“No one. Not even Mother.”
He scratched his beard and cocked his head to the side briefly.
“No, Marie.”
I blurt out, “Father, you’ve always wanted a son to sail with. Though I may not be a boy, I have the desire. I want to sail, and if you will not teach me, I will learn elsewhere.”
He laughed. “Where Marie? What man is foolish enough to teach a young lady to sail? It is considered bad luck to have a woman aboard a ship.”
Frustrated I kicked the earth beneath my feet, a cloud of sand and dirt swirled up around my dress.
“I will do it myself!”
He looked at me, his eyes set in a serious glare, the likes of which I’d never seen before. He drew near and pulled me close.
“So be it. I will bring you upon my ship. Once. I think you will find it does not suit you, child.”
I threw my arms around his neck. “Oh, father, thank you!” When our eyes met, he still held the same tight, serious gaze.
“However, you may not go wearing a dress.” He paused and smirked, obviously expecting me to refuse.
I nodded. “I understand. But, Father, what will I wear? I don’t believe I should go wearing just my under dress.” I lifted my emerald green over dress, exposing my white under dress.
“Heavens no child! We will find trousers, like the young men wear.” He paused and shook his head. “I can not do this. It isn’t right.”
“Yes it is father. I don’t mind wearing trousers and looking like a boy. It is of no consequence to me.” I stood tall, chest thrust out, hoping to prove my commitment. Luckily, my breasts hadn’t fully sprouted, although there were small mounds beginning to poke out.
“What about your hair?” He touched the brown curly locks which hung gracefully about my shoulder.
“We will cut it.”
“Nay. We will not cut your hair. Perhaps we can find a cap.”
“What ever you wish, Father. I will do as you ask, sir. But what will we tell Mother?”
“I will talk with your mother. And you will agree and do as I say.”
I smiled and nodded.
He placed his hand upon my shoulder. “Come child, let us make haste. We have much to do before we set sail.”

* * *

That first trip was magical. I know Father hoped I’d never ask to go again, but it wasn’t so. I’d fallen in love with the sea.
For two years, I guised as a man upon my Father’s ship and learned as much as I could. My crewmates all helped guide and direct me.
My father always told his crew, “The boy here, Martin, is the neighbor’s son. Go easy on him, for a bit at least.” And for the most part, they did. I learned to wield a sword and read, all things not afforded to the feminine gender. Although it was difficult to admit at first, I grew more comfortable as time passed living the lie as Martin Kolgrim.
And so began my career as a sailor.