title: Secrets of the Pirate Captain: Discover the Darkest Secrets of the Seven Seas
author:  Sue Unstead 
description: (back panel) <BR> This swashbuckling pack is filled with everything you need to become a daredevil pirate. Inside, youll find a stash of precious booty alongside The Pirate Captains Logbooka guide for all young pirates, holding the dark secrets of Captain Joshua Blackthorn himself.
zlib_text: **Chapter One**
  
  “I must apologize for the inconvenience, gentlemen, but I promise you will be
  back on your way soon.”
  
  Esmeralda’s smile did not falter as she spoke, looking out across the deck.
  Several members of the crew were tied together, but it was the central two
  figures that caught her eye. A lady, dressed in the latest fashion, not that
  Esmeralda ever ventured near enough to land to know, and a man, purple in the
  face with anger. They were tied back to back. The gentle movement of the waves
  rocked the ship back and forth.
  
  “It is more than a damned inconvenience!” the gentleman roared, struggling
  against his bonds. “Pirates! I will have the government on you, and your
  captain!”
  
  Esmeralda’s smile became a frown. “I _am_ the captain, sir, and though I have
  no doubt you will attempt to set whatever authorities you please on me and my
  ship, we will be long gone.”
  
  She turned, her coat flapping in the wind. Her captain’s hat shaded her eyes
  from the blistering sun, and her sword w