1708 AD “What happened, then?” prompted the young sailor when Captain Drake ended his tale. “What happened?” repeated the old man, “Tis world happened. Th’ one you live in. No shambling dead, no Plague. No Curse.” “But what about Kaya? Did she really kill herself?” Now, the young lad was curious. Drake eyed him, then finished his drink and rose from his stool. “It’s late, Bucko. We depart early t’morrow, better for ye to git some sleep,” he said smiling. “No, you promised me the proof of your statements, Sir,” the seaman protested. Drake lowered his aching back to the chest and opened it. The boys eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of what lied inside the box. “Seen. Ain’t telling no tall tales, Bucko,” said Drake gravely. The young lad staggered backward to get some distance from the thing which twitched and quivered inside the container. “After Kaya clubbed me senseless she sacrificed Red Leg’s life to Mabouya. This lifted th’ Curse, ‘cause all dead returned to thar graves.
