The ruthless captain of the ship scowled as he surveyed the deck. The new wannabe-pirates were cowering under his gaze. He had an intense air about him, and easily reached six feet tall. He had a crazy scar across the left side of his face, and there were countless stories of how he received it. This particular captain was a legend; he was known for how he brutally treated the captives from the ships he plundered.
A few of the boys who volunteered to be on his crew caught his eye. Quite a few of his decisions were obvious. For instance, the boy who sniveled when he made eye contact was immediately escorted off his ship, where he could be consoled by the other useless lads who thought they were good enough for his ship. Some skittered away before the captain could even reach their place in line. Others walked morosely off the ship, part disappointed, part relieved to be away from the dangerous feeling they got while in the captain's presence.
One tall whip of a boy was standing straight and tall; he appeared receptive to orders. The captain appraised him, decided he was good enough, or at least would last longer that the others, and was about to wave him through to the side of the deck where the other boys who had passed inspection were standing, when he noticed the younger boy standing fearfully behind the taller one.
The captain raised his bushy eyebrow, and the younger boy attempted to mimic him, scrunching his face up as well.
Despite the front the captain put on for outsiders, he chose his crew based on bravery, not strength. He had turned away many a boy who could hold his own in a fight because of the fear in their eyes.
Any kid that could look in the captain's scarred face and (attempt to) raise an eyebrow, was welcome on his crew. Besides, the kid would learn to fight well enough, being on the rough and tumble crew and after being doused a couple times by the older crew mates. And once he grew a little.
The older boy was tense, until the captain gave the duo a wink and a nod in the direction for them to go. He sighed in relief and ushered his younger friend across the deck with him. The younger boy saluted the captain. The captain saluted back.
