The Hag's Contract

Aye, lad, ye heard right: one or two people have met the Hag and returned to tell of it. I know of fifty men who went after her gold, and only four of ’em came back. They were all strong men in their prime, and they turned up wandering the countryside, near witless for days. Seems she’d had her way with them, if ye know what I mean, and it drove ’em half crazy. Weren’t none of ’em right in the head for months afterward.

So I reckon ye can get away from her, if ye’re man enough to please her. Wouldn’t want to try it myself, no sirree, not with this bum leg and a hook for a hand.

What more do I know of the Hag? Not much more, lad, not much more. Just that it’s best to steer clear of her ports. Aye, and stick to the sea. The sea’s a tricky enough lover herself, but ye can master her, given enough years.

Now that yer thoughts are turnin’ to adventure. I’ll put in a good word for ye with a captain friend of mine—never ye mind which one—and we’ll see if we can’t get ye a berth. Won’t be much to start, but keep your head down, follow orders, fight like a devil—and ye’ll do good enough.

Now get home to your mother, lad, lest the Hag come for ye!