DEAD MAN'S TAVERN II

[Elinor Hakebourne]

Carefully removing her bodice dagger, Elinor slashed at the open air, breathing deep as she did so. Narrowly missing a passing crew member, she slashed at the air once more, imagining it to be an enemy, whether corporeal or non-corporeal. "You're training yourself, now, are you?" She heard a voice ask behind her. It seemed to cut through the hustle and bustle of the crew making ready for port. She swung around, holding the dagger in front of her warily, and found herself staring at Julian. He raised his hands in surrender, and she relaxed her grip on her weapon, putting it cautiously back into her bodice for safekeeping. "Sorry," She finally managed, giving her fellow scribe a small smile. "After waking up from...from something, I decided that I would no longer be defenseless. I would do my best to train, become better at combat, so I wouldn't have to be rescued all the time," She explained, moving forward to stand almost toe to toe with him.

"I wouldn't mind rescuing you," Julian murmured, glancing into her eyes steadily.

"And you'll be there to rescue me, like you were when I got shot, will you?" Elinor asked bitingly, returning Julian's gaze with raised eyebrows and eyes that were as cold as ice. He stepped away then, giving her a wide berth. "I thought you'd forgiven me for that," He muttered quietly.

"I don't think I ever will," Elinor replied, equally as quietly. Keeping her chin up, she watched Julian leave her sight, and it wasn't until she could no longer see him that she let her confidence deflate like a sack with no air inside it. "Brownies," She muttered. "Martin's brownies will cure this, I'm sure of it." Setting on the course she'd delayed by her impromptu air-fight, she made her way towards the galley, hoping to see Lil and Martin's friendly faces as she did so.

[lilaney]

"Ah! Bugger! 'nother splinter! I's swear, I be getting a new pair a boots in the next port!"
" Oh, aye, ol' man, and I'll be winning them of you as well in the next round of cards!"

The banter about the crew was high as the excitement of the approaching port grew closer and closer.
They could make out the towns taller structures and the small ships moored in the bay.

"Thankfully we caught the afternoon tide, or we'd be stuck on that bloody sandbar created by Neptune hisself"
The Sandbar in question was a wonderful defense against invaders and a pain in the arse for their commerce.

This island had one thing that was the greatest jewel for the knighthammer crew aboard the El lobo Mar and there, sitting right out in there Westerly view was ship that to anyone who did not know her would not have looked twice over.
The ship looked worse for wear, a bit moldy overall, and the sails needed fixing badly.
But, to the tars, she was their love; for the Knighthammer as she was called, beckoned them to come and save her from the tryanny that had overcame her.

Josiah Briggs saw the ship and frowned.
Night was coming in a few short hours and the Captain(s) would need to be told of this discovery.
Without those who would wish them ill being roused to the defense.
"I hope they have a plan." he muttered as he made his way belowdecks.

[Hibernian]

"I would say it's still a couple of hours before sunset. More importantly young lady. if you haven't eaten yet, you had best be off to the galley before everything is gone and you find yourself fasting till morn."

"Thank you Brother, but I still have some things to find first."

The friar stared at the empty space left by the departing girl, the papers in his hands forgotten for the moment. Things to find, funny she wasn't the only one aboard looking and dam that idiot of a want-to-be pirate who stole my dog. If I ever get my hands on him I'll be on my knees doing penance for a month.

A loud exhale followed by the crash of papers upon the desk, standing up and moving to the porthole shaking his head and disgusted with himself,  "Easy now Timmy me boy, keep that temper under control, don't need to have repeats of past history. Stay focused on the task at hand and the search, the rest will come in time."

Feeling the need to regain his composure; knowing that meditation and prayer would help, the monk grabbed his breviary off the bed and headed for the quarterdeck.

[Blackjack Roberts]

Blackjack had returned to his bunk after the collision with Lil. The burning in his forearms had lessened enough for him to risk putting his bracers back on. Strange that, he would have sworn the burn would take at least three days to reach the level of healing he perceived. Still, no sense looking a gift horse in the mouth.

Reaching beneath the bunk he pulled out a bottle from the bag Rubin had secreted there for him. Thanking the huge Kushite for his optimism Jack pulled the cork free with his teeth and spat it across the floor.

Taking a huge gulp he welcomed the familiar burn of the rum and began to take stock of his current situation.

From the scuttlebutt on the Lobo del Mar he gathered their next course would be merry old England, herself. That could prove to be a bit sticky. True Malcolm no longer dogged his every step, but that didn't mean the rest of the old homeland wasn't looking to cash in on the price he still carried on his head. Within a few moments half the bottle had been drained, and Roberts was no closer to an answer than when he started.

"To Hell with this!" He cursed, tossing his hat onto the bunk. No sense in sitting in the dark, getting drunk, and worrying about things he had no control over. Better to go topside and make himself useful.

As he stepped out onto the polished deck Blackjack tossed the empty bottle overboard and swung up into the rigging to help with the sails. Besides, he hardly looked the gentleman bandit he had been over six years gone now. It was quite likely none would be able to identify him now.

"Love me fer a land Lubber, Roberts!" One of the Lobo's crew exclaimed. "Climbin' about up here wit' yer boots on? Are ye daft, man? Ye'll fall ta yer death sure!"

"Perhaps, Mate." Roberts grinned. "Could be just as easily shot, 'er hung from a yardarm. Either way, I'd prefer ta meet me maker wit' me boots on, thank ye kindly."

"Whew! And drunk ta boot, if'n I'm any judge." The old salt laughed. "Well at least try'n hit th' drink, if'n ye please. Them decks just been swabbed!"

"We have an accord, Mate!" Blackjack laughed as he worked away.

Blackjack wasn't worried about losing his grip on the ropes. Compared to lifting and carrying large jars that were continually weighted with ever increasing amounts of sand, holding onto the rigging was just short of child's play. That thought proved to be a mistake. Memories of Mi Lin rushed unbidden to his mind.

"I can go with you, Jack. Grandfather gives us his blessing if you wish to take me with you." He could see tears beginning to form in her almond eyes.

"Were it not for the enemy who pursues me I would take you with me, Little Flower." He said lowly. "I have lost one love to the fate my choices have made for me. I'll not lose you that way as well."

"Life is no more certain here, Jack Roberts!" Mi Lin reasoned back. Jack smiled. She only used his full name when she was upset with him.

"You are safer here with your clan to protect you." He softly lifted her chin. "At least I'll know you have not died because of me. I sail tomorrow, alone."

"Our clan." She corrected him. "You are a part of our family, no matter your birth. As long as the Lin Qui exist, you have a family here with us."

The word Knighthammer broke into his thoughts and Blackjack's ears immediately picked up. Looking out at the port from his vantage poin the saw the sad shape of an ill kept ship. One that despite neglect showed the line of a once fine vessel.

Blackjack's eyes rolled heavenward. "Damn it all to bloody Hell, Cade." He whispered to himself. "At the least I hope you've had the good sense to get as far from that ship as possible. For if you haven't, all Hades is about to break lose."

As he climbed down from the rigging Jack had a feeling that his last thought was the most likely to prove prophetic.

[lilaney]

From the feel of the deck below her booted feet, Lil knew they had just hit harbor water.
The sway became choppy and less smooth, like water being shaken in a jar.

Lil had apparently seen the good Dr. in the hall before he spied her.
Her greatest wish at this moment was to blend into the shadows around her, but there were none to be found.
Drake stared at the floor as he continued to walk towards her;
Lil knew that meant he was thinking about something quite hard.
Walking on a moving ship while staring at the floor was a bad combination all around.

Hoping and wishing for luck she tried to move to the sides to allow him to pass blissfully unaware of her presence. Sadly, her feet would not budge from their position. Her pulse began to race as he drew nearer and nearer.

Dr. Gander sidstepped her frozen position in the middle of the hall, and continued right on walking.

Lil; momentarily shocked at this, was outraged.
'How dare he not see me!'
Then her embarrisment came flooding back as she checked to ensure she was properly dressed like a girl and Drake had not simply thought her a sailor and wished not to be interuppted.
Nope, she had the skirt, the boots, the top. She was a girl at this moment.
"Oh! How rude!" She shouted to the empty hallway.

Stomping towards the surgery, Lil stuck her head in to see a man on one of the cots asleep.
Not wishing to wake him. She gave the room a cursory glance and saw none of her things.
Thinking a moment, she felt a shiver run down her spine.
'He wouldn't' she turned and eyeballed his private stateroom door, 'he couldn't'.
Lil felt her mind screaming "BAD IDEA! BAD IDEA!!" as she slowly walked towards the door and, with a slight tug on the latch, sailed right on through.

"Aha!" she exclaimed as she saw her glorious weapons in plain view before her.
greedily, she hurried to the desk and began replacing them upon herself.
One by one, she felt the metal greet her like a long lost friend.
Their warmth and companionship made her become more and more at ease.

Turning a quick head to the open door, Lil felt a stir of mischief overcome her.
She was truly in the Lion's Den and no one was here to see her spy a bit.
"I wonder what the good Dr. thinks about." she muttered as she saw his personal log tucked
neatly away in an insert in the desk. Lil thought the desk looked quite neat and tidy, she made a mental pause to applaud this man's want for order as her hands took the book and flipped it open.

"Hmmm.. goes back almost five years, Lord! And every page full. Lots of things on this man's mind."
Lil tried to read the handwriting. Drake's writing was that of a true doctor, chicken scratch.
"Light's not good enough in here."
As she made to light the oil lamp on the desk she heard a cough from the lintel.

Thankfully, to Lil's mind, the hand holding the book was tucked in close to her chest.
She whipped her right arm around as she spun, and now the journal was behind her back,
she took a deep breath as she spied the man before her.
"Briggs! You scared the life out of me!"

Josiah stood at the Dr.'s door glowering at the woman before him. It was not that he did not like her, but, he did not like people who caused trouble. Especially on his ship.
"What are you doing in here?"
Every word bit into Lil as she slowly slipped the journal between her shirt and her bodice. Feeling it become secured, she smiled brilliantly at Briggs.
"Simple enough, I came for my property."
The face before her was stony, he was not smiling.
"And.. what could Dr. Gander possibly have of yours in here?"
Lil lifted her chin and glared at Briggs down her nose.
"None of your business, now if you'll excuse me."

Lil meant to sail right by the man, only to have an elbow gripped firmly in his grasp.
"I don't think so. We'll see what Drake has to say about this before you run away this time."

[Hibernian]

The bustle of the crew assaulted his ears as he step onto the main deck. What might appear as chaos to the uneducated eye was actually a well trained crew going about the business of bringing a sailing ship into port. Men sprinted to the rat lines and made their way to control the billowing clouds of sail, while others secured the ship that was now being punished by the choppy water of the harbor. Each knew that a moments lapsed of attention could lead to placing the ship in jeopardy and even worse would call down the master's line upon their back.

The monk walked toward the stern making his way through the crew without incident, which was quite amazing as his head was bowed over the breviary in his hands. The crew; now use to having a cleric on board; didn't give him a second glance. Those close enough and paying attention as he moved by heard the "church language" and just assume he was praying, after all isn't that what he was suppose to be doing? More than one of the pirates hoped the old monk was praying for them, just because pirates didn't have time or an inkling to attend to the various gods of the world, it didn't mean they would turn down any advantage someone else's praying for them would offer.

Clancy had been left in charge when Mr. Briggs went below to consult the Captain. His orders were to keep the crew peaceful and busy and maintain this heading to bring the ship in, Briggs or the Captain would be back before the needing the next heading. Easy enough, keep to the heading and keep the crew busy.

Looking out across the main deck checking the crew's progress, Clancy's eye was drawn to the brown robe moving toward him. Of course he knew the monk, had even spoken with the brother once or twice in the past over whether there would be rum in heaven. The crew had been enthused when the monk assured them that any loving father such as God who could change water into wine could also change water into rum, all one needed to do was make peace with the Almighty and join the family so to speak. While none of the crew took him up on it right then, that wasn't to say some them didn't think long and hard about it.

"Well met Brother."
"Blessings of the day Clancy, if you don't mind I'll be just be praying by the back railing."
"Just keep it peaceful Brother."
"Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio..." The monk was already in prayer as he moved to the stern.

Clancy was pleased, things were going well, even if he said so himself, keep the crew busy and peaceful and keep the heading. Being an officer isn't that hard,  perhaps Briggs and the Captain would move him up in line, that would be nice, less manual labor more time on the quarterdeck. More time on the quarterdeck with the pretty ladies.

"Ahoy forward, whats going on, why aren't you working up there?" Clancy saw several crewmen looking and pointing toward the harbor. A growing sound of the buzz told him more men were now talking than working. Moving toward the forward rail he strained to hear what was going on, what were the men pointing toward?

"What is it, what are you saying? Dam it man, don't yell it from up there, come to me!"

"Clancy you idiot, look at the lines of that ship ahead, the one at anchor just two points off the bow."
"Fine I see a ship, it's a harbor what were you expecting?"
"It's their ship"
"Ok it's their ship, I'm sure that crew is happy you gave it to them."
"No, not their as in that crew but theirs as in that crews!" pointing his hand. Clancy suddenly realizes the sailor is pointing at the monk.
"Oh bloody hell, you mean that's the Knight Hammer out there?"

"Knight Hammer?" The two words broke through the prayful concentration and immediately moved the monk to action.
Walking over to the pair, the monk's right hand quickly snapped grabbing  the pirate by the ear and twisting.
"Where away?"
In a pained voice "there" and points forward just aside of the bow.

Dropping the one pirate, Brother Timothy extended his other hand palm up toward Clancy, "give me your glass."

[Elinor Hakebourne]

"I don't think so. We'll see what Drake has to say about this before you run away this time."

As Elinor approached the surgery in hopes of finding Lil -- And hopefully she won't be engaged with Dr. Gander when I find her, she thought -- She heard voices inside the inner room of the surgery. Curious, she stepped inside the surgery, and crept quietly towards the door to Dr. Gander's private stateroom. As soon as she saw Briggs holding Lil by the elbow, Elinor assumed her customary hands-on-hips, eyebrows-furrowed gesture of disapproval at Lil's supposed conduct. Because, clearly, she wouldn't be in such a position if she wasn't making a little mischief...And she wouldn't be Lil if she wasn't! Elinor thought. Try as she might, she couldn't hold the stern expression for long. Before long, her lips curled upwards into a grin, and a twinkle came into her eyes. She shook her head. "Lil! What mischief have you gotten yourself into now?" She asked playfully, entering the room.

[lilaney]

Lil's face broke into a brilliant smile.
"Why Elinor! It is wonderful to see you up and about!! How are you feeling, thank you Briggs, I have it from here." She went to tug out of his grip.
Her voice was higher and louder than normal, but, the sense of relief of finding a perfect 'out' caused her to be overly joyful.
Briggs did not believe it for a second and when Lil went to tug out of his grip a second time, he held fast. Giving a courteous nod to Elinor he spoke as politely as he could in presense of what he thought was a proper person.
"Begging your pardon, Elinor, but, this one needs to speak to the good Dr. first before seeing to you. If you wish to accompany us, I do not think either of us would mind."

"Josiah? May I ask what you are doing in my quarters with two unaccompanied young women?"
Dr. Gander stepped over the threshold and was almost nose to nose with Briggs before Lil could blink.
It could have simply been her heightened sense of her own trouble, but, Lil felt that Drake was looming over Briggs. Which was a bit odd, seeing as they were not that much different in height.

Elinor had come to Lil's right side, and planted herself in a stance of defense, Lil sensed she had a weapon out and felt a bit shame-faced for being caught so easily. How had it all gone so wrong so quickly?
There was a tense moment of silence as the two men seemed to silently communicate; Lil felt the pressure come off her arm as Josiah dropped her elbow and stepped back. Dr. Gander paitently watching him move away.
"Not my place to spread rumors, but, Drake you need to be careful around that one."
Briggs sent a glance that spoke volumes about what he thought of Lil as he gave a quick bow and left the room.
Elinor placed a hand square between Lil's shoulders. Lil tensed as she felt Drake's personal log being shoved into her spine.
"I wanted to thank you Dr. Gander, for all the hard work and effort you have done to help me."
Elinor was physically pushing Lil out the door as she prattled her thanks to the lone figure of the Dr. behind her.
As soon as she crossed the lintel, she slammed the door, practically in Drake's face.
Grabbing Lil's hand she pulled her along until they reached their shared stateroom.

Lil opened the door and the two piled into the safety that was their room.
"Phew! That was a close one! Thank you, Elinor, for a second I thought I was a gonner."
Elinor was frowning at Lil, she crossed her arms as she watched Lil remove all her weapons and slide, what she suspected when she first felt it as she was shoving Lil from the room, a book from her bodice.
"You are welcome, but, can I ask? What is that?"

[Welsh Wench]

Captain Wench turned to Martin and said, "Land ho! LAND HO!"
She rushed to the porthole and looked out.
"Oh, Martin! It must be San Graael!"
She left to run up to the top of the deck. Martin kissed his horsehead pin and attached it to his beret.
"It was meant to be. She will always be a part of me."

Wench and Jack almost collided in their haste to reach the deck.  She smiled broadly, "San Graael---how is your credit there, Jack?"
He scowled. "My credit is fine. But you overspent in La Ville de Traitre and I am now cutting you off.  We are here supplies only and.....oh, bollocks!"

The two glanced over to the harbor. Like a wounded soldier raising his arm in a last valiant effort to victory, there she stood.
The Knight Hammer.

The entire crew of the Knight Hammer rushed to the deck.
"OH, MY LORD!" breathed Martin.
Lilaney, Elinor and Brother Timothy stood open-mouthed at the ship gently bobbing in the harbor like a cork trying to stay afloat.
Its sails were tattered, the main mast was broken, and the rigging was whipping in the breeze, wrapping and unwrapping itself from the mast, depending on which way the wind was blowing.
Mason stared at the ship. "Looks like she's been in a battle."
"Where is the crow's nest?" Black Jack Roberts asked.
"Guaranteed she has been in the harbor for a while and she has fallen victim to scavengers," Jack said.
Wench felt the tears well up in her eyes as she stared at the ship she had once commanded.
"Bastards," she whispered.
Jack moved to put his arm around her. She shrugged him off, then turned on her heel and went below.
Jack stood there bewildered. Brother Timothy said in a low voice, "Let her be, Jack. She's in shock."
He nodded slowly as everyone stared at the relic of what used to be a proud ship.
Elinor murmured, "I wonder if it still has the marble tub..."

Honour sat on the edge of the bed, a thousand and one emotions flooding through her. A part of her longed for the ship but another part of her wasn't ready to go back to the command of the Knight Hammer.
She also longed for Jack's touch and the promise of what may develop. But the Knight Hammer also represented to her.....freedom. The second thing she craved. But to get the foremost thing in her life that she wanted--love--she would have to forfeit the other.
Was she ready to do that?

This was one time Wench couldn't do what she wanted. And what she wanted to do was run. But there was no place to run to anymore.  She felt the tears come unbidden to her eyes and she laid her head on the pillow and sobbed.

[Welsh Wench]

The door opened quietly and a voice said softly, "Captain?"
She looked up and the owner of the voice said bravely, "I loved her too."
Mason stood there with his hat in his hand.
"You may be the captain but I need to say my piece."
She hastily wiped her face lest Mason see her tears. Not very captain-like.
"No sense wiping your face, Captain. I know you are affected. Mind if I sit down a moment?"
She shook her head wordlessly. Mason pulled up a chair, facing his captain.
"Captain Wench, I may not be the brightest crew member--although I am a damn fine fisherman--but it doesn't take a brain to realize the ship is just that.  A ship. It's a shell,  just like the skin that covers what is inside. The heart. Captain, the heart of the Knight Hammer IS the crew. All of us. Yeah, we melded into the crew of El Lobo del Mar."
"But---"
"Hear me out, Captain. What do you think El Lobo would be without Mad Jack Wolfe? Briggs? Gordie even?" Each one contributes. One may be the heart, one may be the breath of air. Hell, Gordie is probably the eyes of the ship!"

She smiled slightly as Mason continued, "From what Davis told me, El Lobo del Mar used to be a Spanish ship. Used to be known as the Mercedes, the ship of some colonel turned Count. Do you think of her as Spanish? No. She be English through and through. And what makes her that way? The people, Captain, the PEOPLE! The blending of our crews has been for the good. Miss Elinor be gettin' mighty feisty while Miss Lilaney has been gettin' softer around the edges. I credit Dr. Gander for that. The El Lobo crew looks better now that Martin is feeding them. Black Jack Roberts has brought a knowledge of ways we never even heard of. And Brother Timothy---well, the men don't cuss and spit quite as much as they used to."
"That's true but--"
"And you--look at you!--ye don't even notice it but there be a smile on your face for no reason and ye have a spring in your step. Jack Wolfe put that there."

He jingled his purse and grinned, "And ye be putting coins in my pouch, too!"
"And how do you figure that, Jason?"
"Mason."
"Gunther."
"Hobson."
"What-EVER!  How do you figure?"
Mason laughed, "Me and the El Lobo crew bet almost daily that ye can best Mad Jack Wolfe in a battle of wits. I say to them, 'Ye watch! She side-steps him and then lightly taps him on the arse with that rapier wit before she scampers off!' Although I almost lost it over the brownie-thing."
Wench gave a genuine laugh.
"What I am trying to say, Captain, is what will be, will be. Things happen for a reason and that reason is the way the Good Lord intended it to be."

He stood up and put his hat on.
"Thank you, Mason."
"That's Jason---wait! You got it right!"
Wench laughed, "I knew it all the time!"

Jack stood on the deck looking at the Knight Hammer and wondered if he were to lose Wench forever to a pile of canvas, a hull and a deck. She came up behind him and laid her hand on his shoulder.
"I need to look for a few things. First and foremost are Amber and Muir. I know Cade well enough to know he would never turn them loose to fend for themselves."
And Gwydion's book, she thought. If it is in the last place I hid it.
Just then a flash of blue landed on Wench's shoulder. Jack glared. Blue looked at Jack with baleful eyes and peered over Wench's shoulder into her cleaveage. She laughed and pet the parrot.
"I'm sorry, Blue. No rum in there today!"
Jack ran his hands through his hair and muttered, "Can this day get any better? First a scavenged ship---and now a rum soaked bird!"

[Hibernian]

Taking the glass from the sailor and putting it immediately to his eye kept those around him from seeing the pool of tears gathering and waiting to overflow down his cheeks. As the monk fought to regain his composure, a hundred thoughts all raced through his mind at once. Dam it Timothy, think before you act, you're not some young whelp of a pup, remember in haste one misses the mark and the signs left behind. Madre Dios, what could have happen?

The Lobo continued its slow entrance into the harbor, the sails holding just enough wind to counter the tide. That same tide was now swinging the Knight Hammer about her anchor point presenting a panoramic view of the ship as like a lady twirling in her dress for her lover before a night on the town. But this lady had clearly seen better days.

The damage to the masts and rigging was no better when viewed from any view of the ship. The cause of the damage was hotly debated amongst the Lobo's crew, many thought she had been stripped by a massive gale while others suggested a more man made violence.

But as the Knight Hammer's starboard side came into full view, the red stains upon what remained of the railing and the gaping hole just above the waterline and behind cannon number 4 settled the question.

"I need to board her, where is the Captain? Get me Jack, I need to get over there."

"Brother don't even bother, let those spirits rest, besides she stripped empty by now."

The monk looked at the sailor, "I do not fear spirits, my faith protects me, what I do fear is not knowing the answer to questions, and those answers may be over there in that hulk. We will not find anything if we remain here, thus I must go there. I will say this only once more, get the Captain now."

[lilaney]

Lil stared gape-faced at what was once her beloved piece of the future.
The Kight Hammer the once proud ship, now was alone and broken.
She felt helpless, she knew the scavengers would have stolen all onboard of worth already; no point going and looking.
Her mind whirled around what had been left on the ship that would have been of some worth, and where she might be able to find them in a sea-side marketplace.
'Lucky thing thieves are fools, and will sell your own jewlery three feet from where they stole it from you.' Her eyes roved over what had to be the Market area in the towne and spied Elinor's eyes tracking the same place. Elinor deliberately moved away from Lil. To the untrained eye, it might have looked like Elinor was getting a better view. But, Lil knew better.

Elinor was still not talking to her. Lil could understand why, if she had half the morals of Elinor she wouldn't have even stolen Drake's personal log in the first place. But, dangit! She needed information.
And what better place to retrieve it than from the source himself?

Just before they had all been summoned above boards; Lil handed the personal log book over to Elinor who read the first page and frowned.
"This isn't yours, Lil. You have to take it back."
Lil felt slightly wrong footed at that. She was going to take it back! After she had had a good look at it. "I will!"
Elinor placed the book back in Lil's hands and gave her a stern look.
"You have to take it back now, that's personal! How'd you feel if he stole something of yours and read it."
'I'd cut his eyes out of his face.' Lil thought, but, didn't bother answering.
This was different than her life. This was his life they were talking about.

"Well?" Elinor prompted. Lil shrugged her shoulders and sighed, giving in would be easier than fighting.
She didn't want to completely alienate her friend, she had so few already.
"Fine, I'll take it back."
"Right now?"
"Yes, right now. But, Elinor! Just think! Drake has known Jack well before our Captain knew him, imagine what he might have written about?"
Lil knew she was playing unfair, Elinor loved a good story as much as she did, but, when your back's against the wall, you pull out all the stops.
Elinor's eyes lit for a moment, then she frowned even harder.
"No! Now, Lil take it back to him now! Maybe he might even not be mad at you."
'Drake, be mad?' the thought never occured to Lil, why would Drake be mad at her?
Then it all dawned on her and a sick feeling came into her stomach.
Maybe his past was just as bad as her's and maybe reading about it might make it sound worse than if he just told her about it.
Heaving a huge sigh, Lil put the book into one her numerous hidden pockets on her skirt and gestured for Elinor to precede her out the door.
"Fine, I see your point. I'll take it back to him right now. You can even watch me. Fair?"
Elinor was still eyeing her, but, nodded. She would forgive Lil in the end, but, someone had to keep her on the straight and narrow.

"All HANDS ON DECK!"
A thrill went up Lil's spine; she wouldn't have to return the book afterall!
"Saved by the bell" she muttered and unfortunately Elinor heard her.
They both scurried to the rail and now Lil had the evidence on her and at any moment that Elinor felt like it, she could spill the beans to Drake.

Lil weighed the outcomes heavily and decided to only catch a glimpse of Drake's past before handing the book back to him, or even better, slipping it back in his stateroom without being noticed.
Seeing as Elinor was already mad at her, what more devil could she call upon herself?

Moving slowly along the rail until she found a tall coil of line, Lil dropped into the center of coil, cutting off anyone from sneaking up on her from the rear, or the sides. Safely, in her darkened space of privacy, and with a quick glance around, she pulled the book out and let the pages fall open where they willed.

Lil eagerly stared at the page, and the longer she stared at it, the more confused she became.

Cinchona Rubiaceae for Malaria, Phosphorescent et Vieques for Maldemar, Agathosma Buchu for Merriment. 32% for potency.

She puzzled and puzzled, just then, the sun overhead darkened and she was blighted into shadows.
"What the...?"

"Honestly, I prefer Palinka, over Kirchwasser. But, when one is in dire straights, one must come up with something to sooth the nerves."

The bottom dropped out of Lil's world.
She did not need to look up from her hiding space to know who was calmly talking over her.
His voice was pleasant, Lil blamed the ocean breeze for assisting with that.
Slowly, she closed the book and raised her arm high up for him to take back what was rightfully his.
She felt him take the weight of the tome, brushing his fingers slightly against hers as he took full possession of his own personal log.

It was shame she felt just then.
Never had she felt so bad in her life. If the world swallowed her up now, she would gladly go without a fair-thee-well to anyone.

"Oh, Lilaney? Would you meet me in the Surgery this evening? We have some matters of importance to discuss."

Lil did not move, she felt the baseboards move as he walked casually away.
She did not want to see Elinor, who might either smirk or feel bad for her.
She did not want to see Gordie, or the Captain, or Martin.
If she could be buried in that coil of line for all eternity, so be it.

"Looks like ye'll finally be getting your just desserts for all the trouble you caused our good Dr. this evening."
Briggs felt smug as he leaned over the line and peered into the darkened exterior.
Lilaney was not sure if Briggs had ever received a black eye from a woman before.
But, she felt herself proud to think she might have been the first.

As he hopped and swore, she jumped out of the coil and hightailed it for safer ground.

[Elinor Hakebourne]

Off in the distance, Elinor saw Dr. Gander walk in the opposite direction from where Lil had retreated to, his log book in his hands. Hmmm, Elinor thought. Guess Lil gave him back his book straightaway after all! She smiled at the thought of her friend doing the right thing.

"Looks like ye'll finally be getting your just desserts for all the trouble you caused our good Dr. this evening."

As Elinor walked towards where Dr. Gander had come from - intending to make peace with Lil - she heard Briggs' chastisement of her friend, and saw Lil escape once more out of sight. She frowned. "You just had to stick the knife in further, didn't you, Briggs?" She asked quietly so only she could hear her words, and, with one last look at the remains of the Knight Hammer, Elinor ran off to find Lil.

[Martin Montgomery]

   "OH, MY LORD!" Standing upon the Main Deck of the "El Lobo Del Mar" Martin gripped the smoothly sanded rail with both hands,so tightly that the aged and well treated wood creaked,almost as if it were feeling the agony that the big cook wasn't showing on his face. He stood there and took in the sorry state of the first ship that he had signed on with,the "Knight Hammer". She sat forlornly adrift,and low in the water listing badly to port,several of her cannonports were wide open or missing and nothing showed in the yawning darkness. Looking up to where the crow's nest should have sat,crowning the highest point of the Mainmast,the thick wood appeared to have been raggedly sheared off at it's midpoint "Probably by cannonfire." He thought aloud to himself. Her sheets hung in frayed ribbons from the remaining two masts and much of her rigging drooped in a tangled mess,still attached in one or two places. "That would have been chainshot,from up close and personal".He noted,surprised at the knowledge that he'd picked up just in the few months the fledgling crew had shipped out with the experienced "Lobo's" crew The ratlines whipped in the steady breeze from offshore and the dark stains running down her side,bespoke volumes, more than one man had paid with his life,whether it was attacking or defending the once proud ship he could not tell. Martin turned away from the ruined carcass of the "Knight Hammer" unwept tears shining in his eyes. Reaching up he rubbed the golden pin on his newly aquired wide brimmed hat, the pin WW had just returned to him. Coming back to him after being lost overboard, it too,was a momento from yet another past time,one where he thought his future was brightly lit and set in stone. "The "Knight Hammer" will have been stripped down to her bones,he knew,nothing would still be onboard if it could fetch a few coppers in the busy port town. With a final,sad look at the pathetic remains,the big cook whispered horsely "My Lady,I was not there to protect you from the harm that befell you and now I have also failed this fine Lady. I can't bring her back,any more than I could restore to you the life that you should have had! You Both are now Lost to me and nothing that I can do now will change that!" The tears now rolled freely down his stubbled cheeks and the crew that remained on deck averted their eyes,each man among them as tough and strong as any alive but none showed contempt for Martin as he suffered,alone while surrounded by friends. 

[Martin Montgomery]

 Martin turned away from the wreckage of the first ship he'd stepped on,shipped out on and become the cook on. His cheeks were streaked with the tears of loss,both for the ruined ship sitting forlornly at anchor in the harbor and for a lost love in his past. He walked across the "Lobo's" deck as if his legs were made of wood. The big cook stopped at the main hatch that led below and as many of the men from both the "El Lobo Del Mar" and the "Knight Hammer" watched. After first carefully wiping his eyes,he swept them across the deck gathering the eyes of every man that watched,from both crews,then he faced the ragged hull that was once a proud sailing ship.......and saluted. Having never been a member of any recognized armed forces,his gesture was still so crisp and proper that no Sergeant-Major could have found a reason to complain. Martin held the salute for a full minute and he was aware that every man within his sight,from Gordy high in his Crow's Nest to several men that had been crouched on deck playing Liars Dice. Each one offered their own salute,knuckled brow,crossed chest or in the case of the lone Muslem,a low bow with his right hand to his forhead and a whispered " " (Goodbye) "Thank you all,I started to serve one crew and now,I plainly can see,I still  serve one crew. You men have taught and learned from one another,fought with and for one another,celebrated victories together and consoled each other in losses. This is a Major Loss for my original crewmates,and would be on suffered for many years,if it weren't for this ship and her original crew. I believe that nothing bad happens without something good coming from it. As I look around at you all,I can see the good. A mixed crew,roughly half from the "Lobo" and half from the "Knight Hammer" that work as one,seamlessly,making this ship and it's crew,a force to be feared and respected!" Every man stood silently each listening intently to the words that he spoke,his voice seemed to reach every man on deck,even though he hadn't raised it above his normal speaking tone. "I will continue on with the Captains' Wolfe and WWolfe" a low chuckle rolled over the deck at the understated extra "W" "and I wish to extend an invitation to a dinner this evening in honor of our lost ship the "Knight Hammer"!  I have neglected my duties for too long and nothing will keep me from making this evenings meal........memorable!" Martin turned and entered the hatch and smiled to himself as a chorus of "huzzahs" and "Remember the "Knight Hammer" followed him below. "Now I have to check with WW on her preferences for the meal. I will most likely have to make a trip ashore for supplies!" The big cook's mind was focused and settled."Closure is what we all needed,we have found the "Knight Hammer" maybe our resident Monk could help the rest of the crew handle her loss. We will one day find the black hearted fool that took her from us and then,they will suffer for our loss. One in particular,WW would like a few choice words with. Of THAT I am SURE!!" With that Martin headed towards the Co-Captain's cabin,already running through a list of needed stores.