Breaking The Ships
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With the action so far firmly focused upon Caladrius and her small fleet of ships, no one aboard Ildoa thought anything was amiss with their mission.
They had all spent years dreaming of this chance for revenge after Emperor Michael’s massacre at Molens when a multitude on both sides died in order to bring an end – if it really ever could be said that there were any ends — to hostilities between mankind and its greater cousin across the Great Ocean Sea called ‘Alter’ from which we hailed… not that Alter felt kinship or even care about us! Nothing but loathing most often demonstrated itself through Altor.
Sighs of relief echoed around Caledius’s galley as she swooped into port beside were half a dozen ships stood ready on land — three battleships bearing lopsided wings tipped down by skeletal oar masts like shattered bones hanging from dead shoulders; one supernaturally immense carrier ship — arguably as much larger than two full battalions thereof under flagging marines. It looked more like something belonging to Hell. On top sat huge eye stalks issuing steam vapor from green puckered openings set near the fore masthead on either side.
These great creatures reached twenty spans from crown tips up these gigantic poles above which buzzards — probably merrow scavengers who’d made temporary nesting quarters atop such monstrous beasts now roosting here while looking elsewhere for dinner perhaps?
And they slept upside down because their bellies ran right up underneath those gas bags within easy reach for being able to pick clean whole fish resting therein easily with just a snatch or two off heads thrown free like streamer flags spinning away underwater currents bringing them aloft then sloping over tail flukes onto beaches for setting afloat once more…
How strange what had been discovered doing research since becoming interested enough to observe things closely with purpose during flight scouting… well before engaging again… er.. she hadn’t yet fought and died; merely gone too deep maybe trying not quite properly diving the first time but keeping upright within arm stroke or hand movements guiding oneself close back up by dragging upwards legs using grip toes working alongside other leg and pushing against downward fins against head swimming powerfully towards waypoint spot close to the island of Procula before making return jump clear out wide water again returning inwards flying into the air outside water avoiding…
Climbing vertically face upward dangling just inside lower ring fished open fishing tentacle then drifting past ceiling to pass outer side walls following vertical interior wall reaching inward via mesh tunnel hole straight toward big scaly eyeball swelling heavily through narrowing opening wispy webbing matting packed solid next entering skull chomped within and grasping huge inner soft sensitive flesh wrapped around optic nerve large muscular stalk folded outward knocking along huddled living muscle mass stirring awake gentle growling sea eating beast til body rolled smoothly away from entrance leaving behind empty space filled only by tiny delicate threadlike tentacles waving gently in the current flowing out from brain chamber mouth to feed hungry mouths below… oh yes indeed… that would have been some experience alright!
But that wasn’t why she wanted to go home soonest… though she did want to see her family again and find out whether they knew or suspected anything about the truth concerning her disappearance and presumed death. She hoped dearly that none among them had guessed the real reason for her going missing. If anyone should guess, she feared the worst possible outcome might occur. But she couldn’t tell them herself without revealing everything else.
So many secrets must remain hidden forever. Not least amongst those secrets was the fact that she still lived. That alone would destroy everyone concerned. Her parents especially. Even worse, her siblings. How could she possibly explain all this to them? What explanation could suffice to make sense of it all? None whatsoever. Yet somehow she needed to try anyway. To do otherwise seemed unthinkable.
She sighed deeply. No matter how hard she tried to think of another alternative solution, nothing came to mind. There simply weren’t any alternatives left available to consider. All choices were taken away from her.
The Galleon dropped anchor amidst a cluster of smaller vessels moored together in a tight group. A few hundred yards offshore lay a long narrow beach fringed with tall grass swaying in the warm breeze. Beyond stretched a shallow lagoon encircled by a low dune ridge running parallel to the shoreline.
Inland beyond the beach rose a forested hillside covered in dense foliage. The trees grew thickly interspersed with patches of scrubby vegetation. Atop the highest point of the escarpment stood a single tower rising high into the sky. This appeared to mark the center of town.
Two roads led inland from the bay frontage: one heading eastward toward the hills and forests, the other westbound passing by a line of buildings lining both sides of the road leading northward toward the harbor. Both routes passed between rows of wooden houses built upon raised platforms at ground level supported on pillars extending out from beneath each house’s roof. Some dwellings also rested directly on the sand itself. Others perched atop small rocky islets scattered across the water’s edge.
Most structures were painted white with red trimming. Many bore signs indicating businesses or tradesmen operating there. One building displayed an enormous sign reading ‘Boat Repair’. Another read ‘Dockers’ Guild Hall’, whilst others proclaimed various names including ‘Fisherman’s Co-operative’, ‘Wine Merchant,’ and ‘Shipwrights.’
Aboard the ship, Captain Vidal ordered his crew to begin unloading cargo. He directed the helmsman to steer the vessel closer to land so as to be able to drop anchor nearer the wharf where he intended to tie up. As the galley cook prepared food for the sailors, the captain took stock of the situation ashore.
It didn’t look promising. They’d arrived late afternoon after dark last night intending to arrive early morning today but instead found themselves delayed due to unexpected bad weather conditions encountered en route. Now the sun was setting once more. And already darkness had fallen over the settlement. With no moon visible overhead, the stars shone brightly above. However, clouds obscured much of the starlight casting shadows everywhere.
The wind blew strong offshore blowing waves crashing onto the beaches causing great spray to rise high into the air. These combined with the heavy rain showers which fell intermittently throughout the day made visibility poor.
Captain Vidal decided to wait until dawn before attempting to approach the dockside. His men began securing loose items aboard ships such as ropes, sails, spare parts, etc. Then they secured lines attached to the masts holding the foresail aloft. Finally, they lowered the main sail down first followed by the jib sheeting.
Lastly, they brought the two staysails tautened against their shrouds. Once these preparations were complete, they set course back towards the harbor. By now the light was fading fast. Soon enough it became too dim even for the lookout man stationed forward to continue watching ahead. Instead, he returned to the deckhouse to take shelter from the storm winds. Darkness descended quickly leaving only faint glimmers of distant lights appearing along the coast.
By midmorning next day, the Galleon anchored alongside the dockyard pier. The captain sent a boat manned by four seamen carrying lanterns to row him ashore. After disembarking, he hurried through the streets looking for someone who looked like a local official. Finding nobody suitable, he headed straight to the guild hall located near the waterfront.
Upon entering, he asked directions to the mayor’s office. Following instructions given to him by the clerk, the captain proceeded to the large council chamber situated within the rear section of the building. Here he inquired about obtaining permission to berth his ship overnight.
An elderly gentleman seated behind the desk immediately recognized the name of the shipmaster. “Ah yes,” said the councilor. “I remember you well. You’re that infamous pirate known as Black Beard.”
“Yes, sir I am. But don’t let my reputation put you off granting me this favor. My intentions are honorable. We’ve just come here seeking refuge from the storms we encountered during our voyage. Our supplies have been badly damaged and need replacing urgently if we intend to make landfall again anytime soon.
If not, then all will perish onboard the ship. So please allow us to stay at your mercy for however long necessary to replenish what little stores remain aboard. Is that agreeable?”
After some discussion, the councilor agreed to grant the request provided the captain paid a fee equivalent to ten days’ docking fees. Satisfied, the captain signed the required documents stating his agreement to abide by the terms stated therein.
Next, he went outside and instructed three of the men remaining with him to secure the vessel against further movement while the rest boarded the launch waiting nearby. A short time later, the vessel was tied securely to the quay.
Meanwhile, the remainder of the crew unloaded cargo stored below decks. Within half an hour the galley cook handed out bowls filled with hot stew served inside freshly baked bread rolls. When everyone finished eating, Captain Vidal called them together.
“This is going to sound strange coming from a notorious pirate such as myself. Nevertheless, I’m asking those present here today to swear allegiance under oath swearing loyalty to King Edward III. Do any among you object? Speak up or forever hold your peace!”
There being none willing to speak in opposition, the captain continued speaking. “As I see it, there can only be one reason why anyone would hesitate to join me on board ship. That is fear! Fear of reprisals should word get around town that you’ve sworn allegiance to a pirate. Well, I say to you:
‘Don’t worry.’ No matter how many times people try to kill me, I’ll always survive. Just ask the other pirates who tried to do away with me when I sailed past Tortuga. Or better still, check out the latest news concerning the Spanish galleon which sank recently somewhere between Hispaniola and Cuba. There’s plenty of evidence showing the Spaniards lost control of her because she was attacked by several privateers. One of whom happened to be Blackbeard himself.
In fact, the very same pirate who’s currently residing right here in Port Royal Jamaica. Don’t believe everything you hear folks; especially rumors spread by gossipmongering women whose tongues run faster than their legs. For example, did you know that the governor has forbidden every citizen of the colony from sailing anywhere without written permission from him personally? And no wonder either since most of the ships arriving here lately haven’t had anything worth trading except rum and sugar cane.
This means more taxes were collected for the crown. This brings me to another point. It seems the king wants to raise money to pay his war debts incurred fighting France. He intends to do so by taxing each individual living in England. Henceforth, everyone must contribute something whether rich or poor.
However, wealthy individuals will receive preferential treatment meaning they won’t have to work hard to earn extra income. Instead, the government will simply take whatever surplus wealth remains after basic necessities have been met. As ordinary citizens, they’ll be expected to sell themselves into slavery to meet these new demands. Now tell me, does anybody really think things could possibly turn out differently once the king gets the upper hand over Parliament?
Because I certainly don’t want to end up paying back taxes imposed upon me by the Crown. Nor do I wish to become a slave working for somebody else. Therefore, I’d rather die first before submitting to such tyranny.”
The assembled sailors listened intently to the captain’s words. Most were impressed with the way he spoke but wondered aloud where exactly they stood regarding future prospects. Some even expressed doubts about the captain’s ability to lead them successfully.
Others argued that the best course of action would be to return home now instead of risking capture by the authorities. Finally, two brave souls stepped forward declaring their intention to follow the captain wherever fate might take them.
These included John Silver and Jack Rackham. Then suddenly, a voice rang out above the others calling attention to itself. The speaker was a woman standing near the door leading onto the deck. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties and wore a black dress decorated with gold lace embroidery along its hemline.
Her hair was cut short revealing a pair of large brown eyes framed by thick eyebrows. Although she wasn’t tall enough to stand eye level with the tallest man present, her presence commanded respect nonetheless. At last, someone dared to address her directly.
“I heard what you said earlier,” she began addressing the captain. “And although my father died long ago, I feel compelled to thank you for not killing him like all those other buccaneers who came looking for treasure aboard our family’s vessel.
But if we’re talking about taking orders then let me remind you that this isn’t a democracy. We are governed by rules set down by law. So unless you plan on obeying the laws of God Almighty, I suggest you keep quiet until asked a question by one of us. Otherwise, shut up and listen carefully to what’s being discussed. Afterward, you may make yourself known again whenever you please.”
Several men laughed at her remark while some looked confused. A few glared angrily at her accusingly. Still, others remained silent awaiting further instructions. Yet nobody moved to challenge the young woman’s authority. Not yet anyway. Meanwhile, Captain Flint kept speaking. His mannerisms seemed relaxed and confident suggesting he knew precisely what he wanted to achieve.
“You seem to be an intelligent person judging by the way you responded to my speech. You also appear to possess courage too. Even though your mother told you never to trust strangers, you didn’t hesitate to step forward despite knowing full well that you risked becoming a target for attack.
Furthermore, you obviously understand the importance of following the dictates of the Bible. Especially considering the fact that you mentioned Jesus Christ during your remarks. If you ever need help finding Him, just look inside yourselves. Your hearts will reveal the truth. For instance, did you happen to notice the crucifix hanging behind the altar?”
A number of heads nodded affirmatively.
“Good! Now here is something else worth noting: I’m going to give each member of this crew three choices. The first choice involves staying right where you are. The second option means sailing back to England immediately without stopping anywhere along the way.
The third alternative allows everyone to continue onward as planned. That includes visiting Treasure Island together. However, it does mean accepting whatever punishment comes from doing so. In addition, there’ll be no more talk about returning home once we reach the island. Is anyone willing to accept these terms? Anyone? No takers huh… Well, maybe later when things have settled down…”
After waiting several moments, the captain continued his discourse. He addressed himself to the woman whose name had been revealed earlier.
“Now tell me dear lady; how many people do you think live on Treasure Island?”
She thought hard before answering.
“At least fifty or sixty thousand according to legends passed down through generations since the time of Columbus.”
Captain Flint smiled knowingly nodding in agreement.
“That sounds reasonable given the size of the place and population density throughout most parts of California. What say you to another proposition then? How much money could you raise using the same methods employed by pirates such as myself over the years?”
This question caused quite a stir among the gathered members of the crew. Several voiced their opinions ranging from $100 per head to nothing whatsoever. None offered any specifics however which prompted the captain to speak again.
“How about twenty million dollars?”
Nobody answered. Instead, a loud chorus of voices rose up demanding clarification. One individual shouted loudly claiming that the figure sounded impossible. Another insisted that the amount must include interest earned after ten years.
Someone else claimed that the sum should only apply to the first year alone because the rest of the period would be spent building a new ship capable of making the journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Everyone agreed that the total couldn’t possibly exceed five hundred thousand pounds sterling.
And finally, somebody suggested that the entire operation be carried out secretly rather than openly. This suggestion received mixed reactions depending upon whom the statement concerned. Many believed the idea ridiculous while others supported it wholeheartedly. The debate was still raging when the captain spoke again.
“We’ve already established that twenty million dollars are possible. Therefore, why don’t you take off your clothes now and get into bed with everybody present? Then we can discuss whether this offer is good enough to satisfy your greed!”
The room erupted in chaos. Men started shouting obscenities and threatening violence against the captain. Others tried to calm them down but were unsuccessful. Finally, the pirate leader stepped forward raising both hands above his head signaling silence.
“Listen up you scum bags! I want you to know that none of you has anything to worry about. My proposal doesn’t involve forcing anybody to participate. It simply offers individuals the opportunity to earn a lot of money quickly. There won’t even be any bloodshed involved either.
All you have to do is strip naked and lie face down on top of each other. Once you’re finished, put your arms around one another’s shoulders and form two rows facing outward toward the door. When you hear someone shout ‘go’, jump up screaming bloody murder. Let’s see if they run away fast enough not to catch colds. Any questions?”
There wasn’t a single response. Nobody dared ask him any more questions. They all knew better than to argue with the man who’d killed dozens of people and burned hundreds of ships. Besides, the captain hadn’t actually said anything wrong. After all, he was merely offering an explanation regarding the nature of his plan. So far, everything made perfect sense. But what happened next went beyond comprehension.
The End