"… would never have thought these men of seafaring heart to be so small in spirit and [ ]. For after the [ ] British sealed us in these three years ago, it was the fairest company a gentleman could ask in this our domain. Riches beyond [ ] and [ ].

And then the women died, every one, in childbirth or [ ] and the men fell to [ ]. Some wanted to leave, but I could not, as captain, permit such desertion, so these men were [ ], [ ], [ ] the temptations of [ ] and began much fighting over the gold. We all were kings and still they fought. Three I beheaded to teach them [ ], and of Jilbahr I had to eat his heart for breakfast, to teach the others. After that there was order again. We drank and slept together. We were family once again, as no [ ] until Reno went mad, and [ ], [ ] no one left but my five loyal lieutenants, who joined me here to come to terms.

Yet in less time than a [ ] they killed each other at my table while I watched with a great sadness. For many a lonely month I walked my [ ] and thought of [ ]. Nay, this cannot be, said I, they are not dead— it was but a trick these merry soldiers have played on me, to chastise me for my harsh disciplines. But no trick rotted their corpses at my table. I made to bargain with God, whom I had forsaken many these devilish years, and I told Him that if only He would send me the company of men, I would give a third of my gold to them and a third to the church.

Yet nothing came to pass, so when I promised all my earthly treasure to the church, which caused me [ ]. I fell next into a [ ] rage, for my despair made me [ ]. I set traps to keep all men out of my kingdom, for now I hated all things and loved only my gold and myself and [ ]. And now the years have passed and I am not such a [ ]. I have accepted my place here in [ ] for it is proper that such a one as I would [ ]. I rue the misfortunes I have begot, I rue the world that seemed so careless. But do not think thee I rue my life, nor half a sun my time in this sacred place. Yet still there be time for reflection and [ ]. For since there be here now none to hear me, so will I speak to thee— thee in me that I have lost.

Thou, thou Boy, hast taken sail from my soul, and it is to thee that I appeal for my redemption and my [ ]. Be thou strong before the mast and rejoice in thy bold youth— but then return to me, thou, that I may at last rest.

And when thou hast returned and returned to me that boy who wast me, then to thine own manhood mayest thou go. I sit here now at my table with my guests. I await my next visitor with joy, and with the passion of a shared secret. I shall not move from this seat of honor until my honored and awaited visitor arrives, for to him I will my final will and testament which is [ ].

Take here what thee will. What was mine now is thine. Yet if thee take it all, do thou get it all— all the running from shadows, the [ ] greed, which hungers more, the more it is sated, the friendless old age, the grave of deep waters. Take rather that which is suited to the treasure thine own heart seeks and seek not for treasure cold and shiny, lest it lead thee to far caverns and chain thee there on a throne of waves, thou King of Empty Wishes.“

William B. Pordobel

this 25th day of October, 1684