Elara continued, "The Code also says: Every man has a vote in the affairs of the ship. I call for a vote of confidence. Do you still sail with me? Or do we choose a new captain?"
She stepped down from the quarterdeck and stood beside Silas. Then, to the shock of everyone, she unbuckled her sword belt and laid her weapons at Peg's feet. pirates law
I. Every sailor has a vote in the disposition of plunder and the election of officers. II. Desertion or concealment of treasure is punishable by death. III. Lights out at eight bells. Gaming and fighting forbidden after. IV. Mutiny earns the maroon. V. The captain shares the same rations, the same danger, and the same fall from grace. Elara continued, "The Code also says: Every man
Elara nodded to the quartermaster, old Peg, who stepped forward and unrolled a copy of the code. "Article Four," Peg croaked. "Any man who strikes his captain in anger shall receive forty lashes. Any man who conspires to seize the ship shall be marooned on a sand cay with one pistol, one ball, and a single ration of water." Or do we choose a new captain
Elara turned to the quartermaster. "The Code is clear. The captain retains command. However, the challenge was lawful." She looked at Silas. "You will not be marooned. You will receive twenty lashes for striking me. And then, if you wish, you will be restored as navigator."
That night, Silas took his lashes without a sound. The next morning, he stood at the helm, charting a course toward a fat East Indiaman reported off the Cape.
Silas’s eyes widened.