Chapter 1

                                                                                                                   Sea Legs

Ducking behind a barrel and trying not to make any noise. My heart is pacing and my breath is fluttering from trying to suppress my breathing.  After just leaving a particularly bad situation inside the local tavern concerning a gold piece that had just been kicked to the arch of my boot. I don’t think the locals in Cuiaba care for outsiders. Everyone here smells like sheep dung rum and campfire. I know I need to be on my way considering even the local trollops won’t take to the liking of my white skin. Better just be unseen, I thought.

I headed back to the trail coming from the water way where my dingy was upside down in some tall grass. Along the way over hearing some inebriated men speaking loudly about a gringo who had been causing problems in the tavern, so I knew my stay was over due. I tucked my head as much as I could under my brim and inconspicuously walked to my boat. 

The wind was not blowing and the breeze was sporadic so I knew I should get to my ship and ready her for departure as soon as permitted. Once I reached my love I boarded her and checked for anything that might be misconstrued from intruders. I felt assured that no one had invaded my home and checked the current to reassure not drifting into the shore while the wind was in question. Not more than an hour and the chilly night had picked up an electric feeling from the lightning in the distance and sound of thunder that followed. I knew I would be on my way soon enough.