Black Leopard (closed for Leongreybeard and Artimodorus)

[LeonGreybeard]

http://brethrencoast.com/ship/brig.jpg

The Black Leopard was a brig, 125 feet long, eight gun starboard, eight guns port, a pair hidden at the bow and two more in the captain's quarters at the stern She was quick, maneuverable. Bound for Jamaica, though the sailing plan filed when she left the refit yard in Boston said Bermuda. Currently she was flying English colours. Commonly her Captain, Leonardo Atticus, would dress her as English, French, Spanish or Dutch. He spoke all those languages, and his men came from everywhere so there would always be a few that could speak those languages. English, though was his primary language. England though was just one of the many countries that would hang him if they had a chance.

They ran rum from Jamaica to Newfoundland. And took any prize that could be plucked and scuttled. Crew that resisted were killed, but if quarter was asked it was readily given and survivors from the plundered vessel set in boats with some provisions before their ship was scuttled.

The ship had settled into the long grind south against the current, more of less hugging the shore, but no so close as to be easily recognized. His men were all good sailors, and Leon relaxed in his cabin, poring over charts, and making entries in his two logs - the official one for use when flying England's colours, and the real one, used to tally plunder and calculate the value of the men's shares.

His cabin door burst open, and two of his men Jason and Bill entered, dragging between them a young woman, in a now tattered shift. Flame red hair, light complexion. Amply proportioned, but trim and fit. Her bright green eyes showed a mixture of terror and . . and . . defiance? Not a wise strategy with these two thought Leon. Jason advised they had found her stowing away in one of the ship's boats when they were doing regular watch inspections.

"Jason, we have been at sea four days. So she was missed on several previous watches. Figure out who did those watches, and have them flogged. No exceptions. This could be a spy! Mayhap is a spy!

"Release her, and begone."

There followed a series of glances and looks back and forth between Jason and Bill.

"NO! You may not have her for your games, pleasures and whatever else you two had hoped for."

Leon had no idea why he was protecting her, but some sixth sense told him she was not a common whore from the docks. But why was she here?

"Mistress, stay in my cabin. Here you are safe from them. Whether you can stay in here is another matter. What are you doing on my ship?"

 

[marine_biochild]

Thomasina had been watching the clear blue sky as the large vessel rocked against the waves. She was comfortable in the small boat all to herself. At her feet sat a small trunk filled with enough clothing to tide her until she reached her destination. Her mind fluttered to her betrothed, a wealthy man who had taken a liking to her at her fathers ball two years prior. Roger was a gentleman through and through, treating her to the finer things in life and always doting on her to ensure the easiest of lifestyles. Her pink lips turned up into a small smile. She was looking forward to marrying him, though they had only known each other a short time, she did not hesitate when he asked for her hand.

Her thoughts stopped abruptly when she heard footsteps drawing near. Pulling the tarp back over her she hoped the men on watch were still as absent minded as the four previous days. It seemed as though her luck had finally run out as the tarp covering her was ripped away. Rough hand grabbed at her, yanking her out of the boat and onto the hard floor of the deck. Fighting against their hold she was soon dragged into what seemed to be the captains quarters.

She pulled against their grasp during the short conversation her eyes narrowing on the man who seemed to be the captain of this vessel. It wasn't long before she was release, straightening herself she watched as the two barbarians left.

"What are you doing on my ship?"

Turning her green orbs back to him she though silently on how to answer. She had been caught red handed hiding away on his ship. She knew that most would throw her overboard or worse. She ran her hands down the front of her cream colored dress trying desperately to figure out how to explain herself.

Deciding the truth was her best option she spoke slowly, a hint of an Irish accent flourishing her words. "My name is Thomasina Mclain. I'm on my way to Jamaica. Your fine vessel was the only one leaving port within the year that would get me there. After speaking to a few of the ports-man I realized that you do not take passengers and although I can pay handsomely for my way on this ship I took a chance in stowing away." She held herself as if she were a noble woman as she spoke.

"I am not a spy. Nor am I here to cause yourself or your crew any harm. I am to be betrothed in Jamaica and simply needed passage." She only hoped she wouldn't have to fight her way to stay on this ship. She was a tough woman but she had a feeling that the man before her had tricks up his sleeves when it came to survival.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

"We are a pirate ship. We do not take passengers. No fee would suffice within the range you would be able to pay to forgo the prizes we might find. Everyone on this ship earns their keep. The crew all have alloted shares of our booty. And a captain only has command when the crew can count on substantial prizes. If they suspet me of weakness, they would slit my throat in a trice."

He reached out and touched her breast, right over where he judged the nipple to be. Her reaction was plain.

"Hmpf. A virgin to be sure. Well that may be the first bit of good luck you have had today. You are worth far more in that state."

Wlaking around her slowly, "Quite comely in fact. You would bring a very good price on the white slave market in New Orleans. Many would pay handsomely to pluck your flower." He continued to scan her.

At that a man opened the cabin door, carring a bag. "These seem to be women's clothes sir." He was short, had less than a full compliment of teeth, and leered at her.

The captain walked to the man, and touched a knife to the seaman's groin. "This woman has my protection. Any man on board so much as touches her and he will lose that part that touched her. Am I clear?"

The man nodded and scuttled away.

"You will do my pleasure and you will do my bidding. Or I will leave you to the men. When they have finished with you, you will welcome the sharks when they toss you into the sea. You will be safe enough in my cabin. I will have a pail brought for your ablutions. Take that bunk by the wall. They can rig an old storm sail there as a curtain to give you privacy."

"Now, who is this 'betrothed' you speak of?"

 

[marine_biochild]

His hand reached out, brushing gently across her breast. Pulling back her face became a dark shade of crimson. He spoke of the slave trade, of using her to make money and the idea made her stomach wretch. Biting her lip she watched him walk slowly her mind grasping at any idea to get her out of this mess. She cursed her pride and her impatience that had urged her to stow away.

Moving the hair from one shoulder she remained silent, allowing him to continue speaking. It was when her trunk was brought in that she finally spoke. "I don't need your protection. I'm not here, to become on of your rag tag bunch." She took a step forward grabbing her things from his grasp angrily. "I can pull my own weight. I know how to sail. My father taught me when we came from my homeland. But I will not pretend to be your cabin boy." She growled.

Glancing to the bunk she hesitated before turning back to him. "Roger Daniel Wilcox." She said proudly. "The single heir of the Wilcox trading company. He deals in Cocoa and Sugarcane." Her eyes gleamed as she said it. If everything went correctly she would never have to want for anything ever again.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

"Well that may be good news for you after all. Sir Roger would have me hanged if he could catch me. But that will never happen. However he is as you say quite wealthy, and I imagine he would pay handsomely for your safe delivery, intact."

He strode to the door, opened it and called "Jason."

Moments later a pirate with sword drawn appeared. "Put that away Jason, all is well. We make for Port Royal. Fly English colours, change our name to the "Golden Swan" Begone. Make haste.

After rummaging in the drawer in his chart table, Leonardo produced a quill, ink and some linen paper. Those he set on the chart table.

"Miss, write a letter to Sir John, explaining your situation, and that I require a ransom of 2000 gold guineas. I wager he will try to bargain me down on that number. At least you will learn your true worth to him. And no tricks! I learned reading and writing as a pup."

"I see by the look in your eyes you have yet to realize jsut how desperate you situation is. You still are thinking of escape. My men would have you in an instant."

"This is for your own protection." Quickly and deftly he clamped his large hand over her wrists, pinning them together. Then bound them tighly with a length of rough cordage, and secured that to the chart table leg, which itself had been secured to the cabin sole to prevent movement in rough seas. Of course she struggled, but he was much stronger and easily over came her, protecting himself from her attempts at biting.

"Feisty. I like that"

He left to takle stock of the state of his ship, and to tell the first mate, Jason, of his plan.

 

[marine_biochild]

Her hands shook with anger. Ransom? He was going to keep her for ransom! She wanted to lash out. Wanted to use the fiery anger her mother had bestowed in her. It wasn't long before his hands gripped wrists pulling her forward. "Get off of me! You boggin gombeen man!" She growled her polite attempt at an English accent gone, replaced by her Irish one her eyes showing her fervent hatred towards him.

She fought him the entire way to the desk growling curses in her native tongue, any attempt of being noble and lady like was gone. She was angry, and the fiery rage passed down through her heritage made her want nothing more than to fight her way free.

She watched him leave, her hands pulling at the cordage. Glancing down to the paper she took a long moment to compose herself. She didn't exactly have an option at that point. Once her thoughts had calmed she fidgeted with her bindings until she could handle the quill. She wrote slowly, her bindings making it difficult to write at her normal speed. After explaining her situation she asking desperately for freedom she signed her name with her usual flourish. She read and reread twice before pushing the linen paper away to allow the pigment to dry, her fingers touched with ink.

Her eyes wondered the cabin her min wondering. "Thomasina... why dont'cha cop on ya gimp." She muttered to herself waiting patiently for him to return and release her. She would have to make the best of her situation. He had agreed to keep her safe, untouched. It was better than it could have been she only hoped the trip would be quick. Her beloved would surely pay....right?

 

[LeonGreybeard]

He walked in, no greeting, and went straight to the chart table. Read her letter, once, twice, all the time glancing at her as he read. Nothing crossed his face. No hint of what he was thinking. Stowed the letter a drawer under the table, and produced a stiletto. Handed it to her, hilt first. "Free yourself."

It took her a moment to twist the knife to slice the rope. At that moment he took her wrist, roughly, and bent it so the point of the knife was at his throat. Ice cold eyes stared into hers. After what seemed an hour, but was really just a few seconds he turned back to his charts. "Keep it."

Two sailors entered, eyes down. They rigged a makeshift curtain on the far side of his cabin using tattered, tan sailcloth. Left a wooden pail. And finally set up a hammock strung from the deck head on the opposite side of his cabin.

"We will soon be set on by a gale. We shall run before it, and as it happens it will take us toward Port Royal. When you get sick, use the pail." As he spoke the ship creaked and groaned, beginning an odd corkscrew like motion.

Jason appeared at the door, a questioning look on his face. "Bare poles aft Jason. If it freshens more, trail warps. Take care you don't sail us under."

The wind screamed in the rigging. Leonardo stood wide askance studying the chart, and glancing at the small compass set into the frame. While the ship rolled and tossed under him, his upper body remained nearly still, legs adjusting rapidly.

"Find something to hang onto."

 

[marine_biochild]

When he walked in it was as if the room filled with silent power, her eyes rose to watch him. Leaning back in the chair she allowed him read in silence, her eyes roaming over his strong body. He was the captain of a ship, a large and prominent one at that. She was shocked from her appraisal of him when he held the hilt of a small blade towards her. The cool metal of the hilt touched her skin. He told her to free herself and so she set to work twisting the blade to cut the rope.

Once free his rough hands grabbed her once more, placing the blade against his neck. She still, her green eyes widening in a mix of surprise and fear. His eyes stared back into her before he finally let her go telling her to keep it. Nodding she stood slowly, stowing the knife in the sash of her dress.

She watched in silence as her small space was set up, her eyes wandering to him once more as he studied his charts. "A gale?" She said quietly. "What size is this gale?" Her accent was now only a hint, having calmed herself and gotten control over the Irish within her. "As ship this size should have no iss-" Her sentence was cut short as she was thrown slightly, managing to grasp the edge of his desk in time so her small frame wouldn't be thrown to the other side of the cabin.


"Find something to hang onto"

He didn't have to tell her twice. Moving to the bunk she would be using as sleeping quarters she took a seat, holding onto the edges tightly while she watched him. Strong legs keeping him upright and stable.

She glanced to one of the out facing windows behind him as sh watched the lightening flash and waves crash against them. She silently thankful she was no longer in the small boat. The thought of swaying and twisting in the smaller vessel made her stomach sink. Taking a deep breath she looked back at him.

"You never told me your name." She called over the sound of wind in the rigging above them.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

"Leonardo Atticus, at your service mistress." Call me Captain. Or sire. Or sir. I will call you McLain. At the moment you are a precious cargo, to be delivered to Sir Roger intact, and in as good condition under the circumstances as we can manage.

The ship pointed up at what seemed an impossible angle, then abruptly turned to one side and rolled down onto her beam ends, juddering and moaning. You could hear items clattering as they fell free. Finally after what seemed forever, she started to right herself.

He staggered to the door, opened it and bellowed, "Jason, strip her to bare poles and trail warps. Should have already been done." He slammed the door shut, but still some foaming water entered. As the sound of rushing water quieted he opened the door again.

A faint voice was heard above the din of the storm, "Was done sire, we are running afore it, bare poles and trailing warps."

"Lash yourself to the binnacle Jason, and have the men go below and batten down all hatches."

Then quieter, to her, in a calm voice, "We may well get to Port Royal sooner than I expected."

Holding onto the chart table for balance as the ship corkscrewed in the storm, he eyed her up and down. "Thou arst comeley indeed, I do hope Sir Roger appreciates what a fine specimen you are. Methinks I should have asked for more."

 

[marine_biochild]

"Captain will suffice." She said but before she could continue any conversation the vessel jeered, sending her tumbling off the steady bunk and sailing towards the desk. With a gasp she was soon on the floor, her feet colliding with the side of desk. Forcing herself up once more she took hold of the desk corners, her eyes glancing to the foaming water drifting in the open door.

Steadying herself she took a deep breath. She thanked the lord she had been given a steel stomach but even now she glanced around for the pail just in case. She remembered the few things her father had taught her when she was young on their journey to England. She remembered to always stay low when the boat rocked but it wouldn't work if the boat capsized.

He spoke calmer to her, turning to make haste for the table once more. "And from Port Royal? To Jamaica?" She asked. She felt her stomach flip again, her hands gripping tighter to the wood of his desk as they began to turn again. Her red curls bouncing as they did.

As she held on she could feel his eyes wondering, as if appraising her. "I beg your pardon captain but by Jaysus if you continue your gock'n I will be forced to forget any attempt of being civil." She growled looking to him angrily. Her spit fiery Irish accent once again coming back. As the vessel heaved again she felt herself turn green momentarily before forcing herself back to a level head.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

"Methinks you forget your exact predicament. You'd best be respectful. This being my ship I will look at what I want to look at, and I will touch what I want to touch, and I will do what I want to do. You are intact and unsullied at the moment because it is my choice. And that could change at any moment."

"Port Royal is in Jamaica. Where pirates are much less likely to be accosted. And it is the base from which we will make known to Sir Roger my demands. He may well decide to try to capture my ship and rescue you rather than pay the ransom. And so we will be very careful exactly how we present our demands. Meantime, let us hope Neptune does not take us first."

"You say you know how to sail? I doubt that. Never saw a ship of notable size from Ireland, and don't suppose I ever will. Can you use a lee cloth?" He chuckled at this point. "If you could you already would have. Get in the bunk and I will show you."

At that he made his way to the bunk, and produced a large cloth from under it. "It ties here, and here to the deck head, showing her attachment points on the beam that ran over the bunk. Keeps the occupant from falling out like you just did. Tie from the bunk so you can untie without needind me to help you."

At that he climbed into the hammock which was violently swaying side to side, and minutes later was snoring.

 

[marine_biochild]

"Methinks you forget...if I am sullied. Your ransom means nothing." She said coldly leaning forward. "I may be on your ship, and I may be at your mercy but that does not mean I will bow down and become some floosie at your hand. I'm not some wee doll ready to rub elbows with any man I see." Her hands held tighter to the desk as she glanced out the window once more.

He explained Port Royal before asking about her sailing experience. "I was a young lass when my father and I came to England. He showed me some of the things about sailing. Taught me direction and how to keep my barrings in the night. " At the mention of the lee cloth she hesitated. Following she held tightly to the bunk as he produced the cloth.

With a nod she watched as he made his way to his own hammock. She waited for the sound of snores to fill the room before taking hold of her trunk. With some wrestling and curses she managed to unclasp, grab her nightgown and clasp the trunk back. Dressing was much harder than she thought it would be as she attempted to dress on the cot but managed to get dressed in the small linen nightdress. Her feet hit the cold floor of the cabin with a shiver as she placed her dress over the hangings around her cot. She would need to wear the same dress tomorrow if she were to enure she had enough clothes for the long journey.

Climbing back onto the cot he fastened the lee cloth ensuring it was tight before laying on her back staring up at the wooden deck head. Taking a deep breath it was the wee hours of the morning before she had finally lulled to sleep.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

The next morning, when he woke he noticed the motion of the ship had quieted. It was late in the year and hurricanes were rare. Hearing nothing from her bunk he quietly made his way onto the deck. The sun was rising in the east, and a fine easterly trade was blowing. He could not see land, but knew they must be close. In the offing was a large Spanish galleon, apparently happy to keep her distance in case they were privateers. There were, in fact, worse. But he had to deal with his current prize. If they lost to the galleon she would be taken, her men would revenge all sorts of past insults on her. Cook brought him a steaming mug of sweet tea.

Joachim had the morning watch. "We be twixt Cuba and Haiti sire. That galleon stood off when she caught sight of us at first light. She has been pacing us. If she finds a sister, she might attack."

"Bear off Joachim, down to a broad reach. That galleon can't point with us, so if she attacks we will have more room upwind, and might well outrun her, despite her better speed at the same point."

On his rounds he was happy to see there was minimal damage from the storm, the men making small repairs, the most important being replacing the braces on the mainmast. At the moment it was steadied by halyards tied off as back stays.

Checking with his telescope he was pleased to see the galleon had fallen off to match them, still reluctant to come closer, but a worry none the less.

By the galley, after checking the powder was dry, "Cook, bring hard tack and tea to my cabin. Two lots."

"Aye sir." The cook was a surly dutch man pressed from the crew of a small trader they found. The rest of her crew was set into boats before they torched the ship, but they took the cook as theirs had been mortally wounded in the skirmish.

He banged on his cabin door, loudly. Opened it and called in "Make your self decent lass."

 

[marine_biochild]

She was startled awake by a loud knock on the door. Her vision blurred and her body still heavy with sleep she took a moment, urging her mind to focus as well as her eyes. Taking a deep breath she heard the captains voice and all memories from the previous day came flooding back. With a quiet groan she rubbed her eyes, forcing herself up on the cot. Once she had disassembled the lee cloth she let her bare feet press against the cold wood of the cabin floor.

She took her time dressing, ensuring that she was put together before tackling her wildly curling red hair. Searching around in her trunk she found her brush and was soon taming the wild tresses but without a mirror she had no way wrapping it up as it usually was instead she began to long braiding process, that at least she could do by feel and not by sight. Once she felt she was fully decent she slipped on her small shoes before exiting the makeshift confines of her sleeping quarters.

"Good morning captain." She said as she exited her eyes looking him over slowly before she came to a stop beside his desk. She wasn't sure what else to say. She didn't exactly want to spend all day with him but on the other side of the coin she didn't want to walk around the vessel with the men. She could only imagine the last time they had seen a women let alone been in the company of one. The thought made her shiver with disgust.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

"If I had doubts about whether you were a man or a woman they are gone now. A ship could run aground in the time it takes you to pull on a dress."

"Here's sweet tea and hard tack. Let it soak in the tea a bit before you try to chew it or it'll break your teeth."

He looked her over again. A fine specimen to be sure. The long red hair was her best feature, but the pale almost translucent skin was rare too. Thre were plenty of whores in the ports who had more curves than she, but none had her fine features and slim artist's hands. And beautiful green eyes. That shone with disdain everytime he looked into them. No matter he'd be rid of her soon enough.

When he opened the drawer to his chart table, he caught her eyes fixed on the two pistols he kept there. Laughing, "Aye they are both loaded and primed. One ball in each. Catch me unawares and you could easily kill me. And then be prepared to enjoy the company of my men, who would be in no mood to be kind once they saw what you did."

"Here is my plan for your ransom. There is a local priest. I give him money for his orphanage. He will deliver your letter and wait a response. If positive the priest will to tell them of a small cove down the coast. You would be in a small boat anchored, but protected by our guns. Sir Roger may send no more than three men, in a small boat, with the money. The exchange will take place. I will give him my word that I will release you. He will try some tricks I am sure, but we will be ready for him."

 

[marine_biochild]

Taking his breakfast offering she stood in silence watching the pistols as he spoke. Lifting her green eyes back up to him she said nothing. His plan was simple enough. Ensure everything was in order and the money had been given before releasing her. Carefully she let the end of her hard tack soak before taking a small bite. The biscuit was rather blind but it would suffice until she was back in the arms of her love. Taking a sip of her tea she bit back the taste of sweet sugar. She was one for English tea but once again, it was better than starving.

She placed her tack back in the tea cup beginning to speak. "A common pirate gives to charity is surprising but I'll over look it. I expect that you have done this many times over and will not question such a thing but I do have to warn you. My betrothed is well known and well liked. You may have a problem with the law." Her eyes rose to meet his. "Are you prepared to head off the royal army if need be? It may be befitting to allow me passage lest risk losing men and life." Her lips twitched into a smile as she took another bite of her tack.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

"If I were in his shoes, I would first pay the ransom and secure you safe, then attack. Sir Roger may well try that. He could recover his ransom, and many of my men have prices on their heads, dead or alive. I do too for that matter."

"So, I have demanded that Sir Roger himself will bring the money. And come aboard to give it to me. Not here, but in a cove nearby I know. Once we are safely away we will put you two in a boat that can easily make shore, while we escape. He knows I have no use for you on board my ship. You can't fight. You are weak and useless as a sailor. He himself would be no better. It should be obvious to him that I would rather not have either of you on board. Your only possible value to me is for your ransom."

"I am counting on him being over-confident that he can capture us after the exchange. I fully expect him to try. But we have slipped his nets before and will again, just as easily."

The door opened, Jason stuck his head in, "Capt. Port Royal in the offing."

"Send a man for her bucket, Jason"

At that he stood up and roughly grabbed her wrists together, and quickly tied them together, then despite her struggles, easily took her back to the bunk where he tied the other end of the rope to a post. The set up gave her about 5 feet to move about in, no more. Of course she was furious. He ignored her, and took the knife from her waist.

"In port, you might escape and make land. I'll not take that chance. You can scream all you want, the crew will think I am having my way with you. When we are in port, those on the docks will imagine some whore is acting a part. But I'll not stay in here to listen to it."

At that he laughed, tweaked her nipple with a twinkle in his eye, and left, closing the door behind him. You could hear noises from above as the ship was made ready to anchor in the harbour.

 

[marine_biochild]

His plan was simple and she knew it would work. Roger would come for her and this nightmare would be over. She would go home and spend the rest of her life raising a family. It was only when he called her useless that she began to object. She was not useless, she never had been. She could hear the sound of boots above them and soon the ringing over Jason's voice called out to the captain.

She was to busy staring after Jason to realized he had stood but was soon assaulted with his hands on her wrists. "Let me go!" Struggling she pulled and kicked at his trying to get free. His hand were rough and although it was pointless. Once tied she pulled angrily at the rope. "Ciach ort." She growled at him, venom in her voice. Fire roared in her eyes and she tried to pull away as he reached for the knife in her waist.

A flinch was the only response he received from touching her breast but she was to angry to do anything more. She watched him leave before swearing again. Taking a seat on the bunk she tugged and pulled at the rope urging herself free. She worked on the rope until her wrists were raw and voice sore from screaming curses.

Her head rested against the wall of the cabin her eyes on the open window. Having pulled the hangings back so she could see the full room she sang quiet verses to herself to keep herself occupied. She worked her way through Follow Me up to Carlow before moving onto Jackets Green. The footsteps had calmed by the time she was on the last verse of Jackets Green her eyes glancing to the door curiously hearing footsteps.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

The cabin door opened and the room was filled with the aroma of mutton stew. Cook walked in, and set down a bowl on the chart table. With his eyes averted, he set down a second bowl on the floor by her bunk, with a spoon. And left, no word spoken. The aroma was redolent with exotic spices.

Leonardo came in, and stood by the table, quietly eating the stew. The look on his face was distant. Troubled. Part way through his meal he took out the pistols and carefully checked them. Checked the stilletto. Pulled out his short sword and shaved a little hair from the back of his hand with it. Then pushed the bowl away, half still left. Looked over at her and then placed it by her now empty bowl.

"I suppose you havn't eaten for a while. I'm not hungry. You are welcome to it. Could use some weight on your bones in any event." Went to reach for her, but was distracted by some sounds on the deck.

For the next half hour he did nothing but pace back and forth and check his weapons again and again.

Just as it was getting dark, a younger man came in the cabin, fine featured, dark hair.

"Well Alonso?"

The man glanced at her, but said nothing.

"Very well, step outside Alonso"

The two left, and only moments later Leonardo returned, an even more troubled look on his face. Jason followed him in. They studied the charts for a while, then consulted some tables.

"When the moon sets then."

"Yes."

They whispered, then Leonardo walked over to her bunk, and bent down as if to pick up the the now empty bowls. In a flash he clapped his hand over her mouth, and held her tight. Jason came with a gag, which they fitted on her, despite her struggles. Her voice could still be heard, but now much muffled.

Leonardo looked into her eyes, now fiery with anger.

"Sir Roger told the priest that he would never marry a pirate's whore, let alone pay for her."

 

[marine_biochild]

The warm smell of stew rose in the room as the cook brought her a bowl. With a little work and determination she had managed to figure out eating while her hands were tied. Th many flavors enveloped her, causing her to smile quietly. Her stomach, which had remained silent until now gave leaps of excitement upon being filled.

He walked over, having barely eaten to offer her his helping. "Thank you." She said hesitantly taking the bowl. "Don't think this makes up for you binding me, mind." She scolded but set to work on his bowl at her leisure. She hadn't realized how hungry she had become and as she watched him pace the bowl soon emptied.

He took his time examining his weapons which made her nervous. He wasn't going to hurt Roger, was he? Her now full stomach sank but before she could think on it longer the door opened with a slight creek. A young man, rather handsome strode to the captain but seemed hesitant to speak with her in the room. Before she could argue that anything spoken involved her they were gone.

What could possibly be so secretive? Was it plans of after the money exchanged? Where they were going perhaps?

The door swung open again and in strode Jason and Leonardo the handsome young man nowhere in sight. Glancing to he too she became uneasy. Something wasn't right. They were stiff, Leonardo was trouble. What had the young man said? And what was to happen when the moon set?

Leonardo walked towards her bunk, seeming to want her bowl but before she could offer them his arms took hold over her. Pulling her against him his hand against her mouth she screamed. Thrashing against his body to no avail she let out another scream of anger. What in heaven's name had gotten into them? She wasn't going to run! She was causing them no harm!

His cool eyes glanced back into her, angry filling them like a glass of emerald's.

"Let me go! Are you out daft!" She screamed against the gag her arms fighting to free themselves from his strong hold.

"Sir Roger told the priest that he would never marry a pirate's whore, let alone pay for her."

His words halted her.

It couldn't be true. He had to be lying to her. Making her worry so as to make sure she wasn't trouble. Against her own fruition her eyes began to glass with unshod tears. No. He couldn't, he'd never.

Her throat began to sting and she willed herself not to cry. Crying was for the weak. Nothing ever came of crying, but the tears came. The came in slow moving trails that worked their way to the cloth gag that sat against her teeth to wet it.

After a moments time she began to move again but this time she wasn't trying to free herself to hurt him she was trying to pull away. To get as far away from this man and his lies as she could.

"No."

It was a garble of a noise against the cloth, pushing her bound hands against his chest.

"Liar."

Another garble of syllables as she began to tremble, a sob trying desperately to force itself from her chest. What did this mean? If he was telling her the truth, she was useless. What would they do to her? Her thoughts ran to the weapons in his desk, the ones he had checked numerous times. Would they kill her? There it was. The sob had freed itself at the thought of death. Slowly she stopped fighting, opting instead to sag against his hold.

Sobbing silently against his chest, her face hidden in his shirt she sobbed over and over. Pleading in muffled tones not to kill her. She wasn't ready to die, nor was she ready to give up.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

He extinguished the oil lamp and the candles. The only light in the room came from the moon. A distorted rectangle of white was on the deck, crossed with mullions. They sat in silence, listening. Leon whispered in her ear, "This is for your own safety, though I suppose you don't see it as such. Try to relax. No harm will come to you in here."

The silence was deafening. As time went by, hearing became more acute, and the sound of little waves on the hull was noticed. Glints from the moonlight on their eyes showed both men were alert. There was a feeling of tension.

As time passed the moonlit shaped moved across the deck, and then became dimmer as the moon set. Without the moonlight it was velvet black in the cabin. slight shuffling sounds, the cabin door opened and closed, almost silently. He could hear her breathing, still unsettled. But there was no way to reassure her. And even if he did, how re-assuring would it be to know that he planned to sell her on the white slave market in New Orleans. As a virgin, she would almost certainly bring more than the ransom he had asked. But it was not in the nature of men like Sir Roger to realize they had been bested.

If indeed he had. At this very moment Sir Roger's men could be surrounding the ship, ready to attack, take the pirates to be hanged and rescue her. There was no way to know, but it was essential to leave Port Royal as soon as possible.

Leonardo went and sat beside her. Whispered in her ear, 'The men will muffle the anchor chain and windlass. Weigh anchor, and the tide will drift us to the harbor mouth and beyond, Jason is on the helm he knows what do to. I am staying here to cut you free should we be attacked. I'll not let you drown, bound like this.' She was shaking. Fear or anger or both? No way to know in the dark. Leon moved away again so he could listen.

Odd noises then, quiet, and sporadic. But the boat seemed to be moving, Or was it? Perhaps an illusion. He knew Jason would steer wide berths around the other anchored ships, hoping the slow movement would not attract attention. This time of night the men on watch were often dozing.

It seemed better this way. The only other possibility was to boldly sail out in broad daylight. But one did not know. The fates would decide.

It seemed hours had passed, really it was about a half hour.

The cabin door opened, someone entered, and whispers followed. The door opened and closed again. Leonardo went back to her and whispered 'We are clear of the harbor mouth, the chances of attack are slim, but we will drift a ways farther before setting a couple of foresails. Once we are a mile or so out Jason or I will take off that gag. They are steering by a star, we will not run any light tonight at all. If you can, sleep.'

A few minutes later, the sound of soft snores was coming from his hammock.

 

[marine_biochild]

His breath against her ear was the only indication that she wasn't alone as the room was thrown into darkness once the candles were gone. Staring at the small patch of moonlight she didn't turn to him.

"No harm will come to you in here"

Could she believe him? Should she? Her breath, still hitched from her sobs was the only sound filling the room for the longest time. Although she had calmed herself to an extent her tears continued. An endless trail marking the end of her life as a high class woman with worth. Roger would soon send word to her family as well as England. Her fathers name would be marred and with only her young sister left her family would live on in ruins thanks to her. Poor Marie, she would have a hard time finding a suitor now.

She squeezed her eyes shut, willing the trail of tears to cease but to no avail.

Breath against her ear once more pulled her from her thoughts. The gag that had been placed in her mouth was now damp from her tears and slowly biting into her cheeks and as she sat in silent listening to his words she could feel the raw skin of her wrists bound before her begin to ache once more. He spoke of leaving Port Royal but where would they go? Where were they taking her? He had no plans of killing her, that much was clear but what would he do with her now?

Her mind was reeling with questions, fears,heartache. What seemed like hours to him was mere moments for her. Before she could finish one line of thought her mind was jumping to the next. SO much so that when the door opened for a second time her body jolted. Her ears, not a tune to the silence had startled her to her senses at the noise.

Her face beating heart had begun to slow once more when his breath was again brushing her ear. Reaching up with her bound hands she tugged at it quietly, trying to loosen it enough to be comfortable but was left helpless by the strong knot and bindings around her wrist.

Sleep? He was honestly telling her to sleep after everything that had occurred but she knew he was right.

Her mind still a blur of images and thoughts she watched as she stars passed by the window, letting the sound of lapping waves against the ship lull her until, as if a new born babe began to drift into restless slumber. Her back against the hull and her legs tucked beside her she no longer heard the sounds of footsteps, nor the waves.

 

[LeonGreybeard]

The only way one could tell the door opened was a slight increase in the light in that area. The person who entered the Captain's cabin was absolutely silent. He touched her on the cheek to wake her, then whispered in her ear 'Be silent and I will loose the gag. It will look as if it came loose, but be silent lest ye wake him.' Then he loosened the gag a bit, enough it fell to her chin, but not off. Then he gave her a full draught of grog, basically high proof rum and water, whispering, 'This will help you sleep.' Then left, the room darkening very slightly as the door closed.

When he woke, Atticus felt his ship making way on a close reach. He swing down from the hammock and glanced out the window. It was almost daybreak. Glancing at her, he noticed the gag had somehow come loose in the night. But she had been quiet, so no harm done. They had escaped Sir Roger yet again, this time by riding the tide out of the harbour, and sailing without lights, north-east he hoped. A glance at the small compass set in the chart table confirmed, north-east.

For a time he sat and watched her sleeping. She was comely, pretty even, and well proportioned. But looking somewhat the worse for wear, tatty hair, clothes astray. That would have to be remedied before they reached the slave market, if she was to bring top price. Who knows, perhaps the man who bought her as a bride would be nicer than Sir Roger. Could hardly be worse, from what he had heard.

Knock at the door. "Captain?"

"Yes, come in."

The cabin boy brought hard tack and sweet tea for them.

"Set it on the chart table."

The boy glanced over at her, but a withering look from Atticus sent him scrambling.

Chuckling he jostled her bed, "Breakfast is served your ladyship, such as it is."

Atticus bent down and deftly sliced the gag from her, then inhaled a scent, but couldn't quite place it. Frowned, but continued to loosen her bonds until she was freed, totally. She looked apprehensive.

"We have left Port Royal, escaped I am sure is the way Sir Roger would describe it. Men are being flogged at the moment for failing to catch us. To be safe you must stay in my cabin. Here the men most likely will not touch you. But they are just simple pirates, and prone to take instant gratification even though by abstaining, great treasure might be had. Here you will be safe, and your precious flower will remain intact."

At that after dunking more hard tack in his tea to soften it, he produced a pistol from the drawer of the chart table. He carefully unloaded it, and double checked it. Then held it up, cocked the hammer, and pulled the trigger. "That is how you fire a pistol. Cock the hammer, aim it, pull the trigger." Then handed it to her. "Practice that."

Satisfied, he re-loaded it and walked over and placed it under her pillow. "If it should happen you feel a need to protect your self from one of my men, use the pistol. Don't threaten with it, simply kill the man. If you hesitate he will disarm you."

He chuckled, "If you decide to shoot me, and take your chances with the men, please be kind enough to put the bullet through my brain. Have the grace to not leave me a slobbering invalid."

 

[marine_biochild]

It was gentle motion, a render touch that woke her from her restless slumber. Warm breath against her ear, instructing her to remain quiet. Taking a deep breath she nodded in the darkness her eyes blinded by the night. Once free of the gag she smiled, relief washing over her. Cool liquid that burned her nose and set fire to her throat washed into her, pushing away her thirst. "Thank you." She whispered to the night and then, her savior was gone and sleep once again took hold.

The morning sun came and so did the startled jostling of her wakeup call. Gasping she looked around frantically before feeling hands on her. It wasn't long before her bindings were severed and she was once again free. Rubbing the pink of her wrists she stared up at Captain Leon wondering what he had up his sleeve this early morning.

Rubbing sleep from her eyes with the heels of her palms she tried to put together her thoughts as he spoke. "I see.... And where is it that we are going?" It was a simple question but one that nagged at the back of her mind, forcing her to ponder on the matter over and over again.

He produced one of his weapons before handing it to her, his skilled fingers showing her the correct method of use in the process. The metal pistol was heavy in her hands, her long fingers running long it's cold muzzle. Carefully she held it up, drawing the hammer back before aiming and pulling the trigger. When he was satisfied she watched him place it under her pillow while she pulled the tea into her lap.

She allowed him to speak, her nimble digits working on the now messed braid across her shoulder. Letting the tresses fall in messed waves in odd curls she dunked the tack in her tea. "And if I was daft enough to do just that captain. Surely I would not last on this ship long. I wager I'll take my chances with you than without you." her voice was even but deep down she was trembling. He had his own plans and was obviously keen on keeping said plans to himself.

"So as it were. I am still a prisoner in this cabin. " She held up a hand before he could interject." All be it for my best safety none the less. "I urge you to take in mind that one may only stay alone in a room for so long before said persons mind begins to dull and wither." Her eyes looked up at him as she took a bit of softener tack, a rogue curl falling against her forehead.

"If at all possible I would like something to entertain myself with. Mayhap reading supplies or allow me to sit on deck to watch the waves. I am not picky but I will not spend the rest of this journey where ever that may be taking us, in complete and under isolation. "

 

[LeonGreybeard]

Atticus smiled. 'Truly a feisty one. Giving unilateral demands while prisoner on a pirate ship.' But it was in their best interests to keep her in as close to original condition as possible. Such as she were few and far between at the slave market. In fact, to bring the best price it would be wise to send Alonso ahead to start rumors of a prize such as she, to be offered soon. Then wealthy buyers would come, and the bidding would be fierce. Not as much as a good Spanish ship full of silver, but enough to give substantial shares to the men.

"Very well. Make yourself ready. It is time for me to tour the ship, assess our prospects for the coming journey."

He paused, looking at her, intently. Found himself momentarily entranced by the flaming red color of her hair, straggly as it was at the moment. Pale skin.

"Thou'rt comely indeed Miss. Perhaps you could choose some attire and style that is less likely to inflame the men's passions?"

In truth this request was as much for himself as the men.

"Hair in a bun like the school mistress that strapped them as wee lads?" A quick image of school and the first time he had felt a twinge in his groin as he was punished for something, talking probably. His teacher had red hair too. Pale skin. What would his life have been like if his parents hadn't died of the plague, and he hadn't escaped England as a cabin boy? Died of typhus? Now a fat Lord suffering from gout, mewling brats bumping into him? So much of life was pure chance.

Jason entered the cabin, breaking the spell. With a wave of his hand Atticus dismissed her, gesturing toward the curtained off area of her bunk.

The two men hovered over the chart table and debated strategy. Then, in his 'command' voice, "Jason, we make for Dragon's Cove. We must resupply, fresh water, dried beef, an ewe, a couple of pigs. We can not sail that far on hard tack and what rain water might come to us. Keep our dress as English. Those who know us will not be confused, but those who don't may be."

Jason nodded. He had made clear his objection, felt it better to chance weather than stay so close to Sir Roger's forces, all anxious to make amends for having been fooled back at Port Royal. The woman was affecting his judgment, but there is only one Captain on a ship and his duty was clear. He went to the helm to give orders to change course, Dragon's cove would be an easy short beat in this wind.