The hull was dark and damp. Rays of light fought to get through the cracks between planks of wood. The captive was not at all concerned. A group of sailors came and grabbed him, dragging him up a steep set of stairs. He attempted to walk, but the shackles made it difficult. The sun was disorienting, but simultaneously appreciated. The hull was cold. The sun warmed him. The hull smelled of clams and oysters. The deck had fresh air. What could only be guessed as the captain of this ship approached as the captive as thrown to floor of the deck. The captive rose to his knees and stared at the captain.

“You will be our guest until we receive 200 pounds in gold!”

The captive stifled a laugh and tried not to smile.

“You think that’s funny, do you? If we don’t get it you’ll be about 10 inches shorter and your reign will be over mighty quick.”

The captive looked around at the sailors.

“I am only amused at how low you have set the ransom,” the captive said. “You probably could have asked for double that. As a matter of fact, I will pay triple that for my own release.”

The captain physically drew back. The offer was a surprise.

“I can get you 600 pounds of gold without any issue whatsoever. You can keep me as your captive chained in the hull until you receive it. Write to my estate and ask for that. If they do not reply with the aforementioned gold, you can have my head and my son can have my title. I swear it to be true.”

The captive was not pleading for his life. He was negotiating for a HIGHER RANSOM!

The sailors turned their heads to see if they were all hearing the same words. A higher ransom meant more to split between them. They all looked at the captain.

“Why would you do this,” asked the captain, stroking his chin and trying to find the angle the captive was playing.

“It would be a disgrace to be ransomed at such a low price. Mere senators go for more than that. I am more than a mere senator. As such, my ransom should be more. My pride is wounded at 200 pounds of gold. It must be set higher!”

As the captain huddled with his advisors, the captive let a small grin cross his face. He knew had already won.