DEAD MAN'S TAVERN II

[Hibernian]

Kate had begun to move forward against the ever increasing crowd flowing toward the common and the waterworks about the church when suddenly she came to an abrupt stop. Now Kate being young, somewhat healthy and a normal size for a woman moves with great agility and is able to stop easily, quickly, and gracefully.

Brother Timothy is not young, has two bad knees, and is larger than the average man. While slow to start, once he has started rolling, stopping quickly is not easily done. Unfortunately, he was moving quite well when upon looking up he notices that Kate, who was suppose to be running in front of him, had stopped. As the lyrics to the song go, whether the stone hits the pitcher or the pitcher hits the stone, either way is bad for the pitcher. In this case, Kate is the pitcher.

"Oh no, don't stop!" The two collide, the monk falling to the ground while Kate travels through the air landing no less than 20 feet away in a trough of water. Wiping her face and pulling wet strands of hair out of face Kate screams, "What is your problem, don't you watch where you are going?"

"Well at least have the courtesy to signal and let me know when you are going to just stop in the middle of a get away! And why did you stop in the middle of the street?"

"I wasn't sure we were on the proper heading, shouldn't we ask for directions?"

"Oh sure, let's ask this gathering mass of pirates, excuse me sir, we just destroyed your church and would like to leave now, could you point us on our way?"

"Well, I thought it was a good idea at the time."

He offers his staff to help Kate out of the water and as Kate tries to wring the water out of hair Brother Timothy looks about. Things look familiar and he decides that this was indeed the way they had arrived at the church.

"Hey there they are, look over there!" The high pitched voice could barely be heard over the din of the crowd but several did take note. Brother Timothy located the source of the voice, it came from a small lad, the very same small lad who had served as their guide to the church. It was "Souris, why?"

The small boy open his arms wide, the palms of his hand upward and shrugged, "I'm a pirate."

"Let's go Kate, and don't stop until you get to the Lobo!"

[Blackjack Roberts]

"Blast!" Blackjack fumed as he tried to make headway towards the church. "Move yer bloody arse, Mate!"

He had bulled his way through almost as far as he could go and was becoming more worried and frustrated by the second as the Church of St. Dimas began to grow shorter by the moment. The whole building was actually sinking! It seemed as if no matter where they went the crew of the Knight Hammer was bound and determined to sink something!

Finally as concerned as he could get Roberts rammed his cutlass home into it's sheath and jerked Old Hob free of it's frog. Aiming as high above the gathered crowd as he could he sent the black leather sailing above the throng's collective heads with a sharp crack. Coiling the whip quickly he allowed the open mouthed doxies and beggars to see the pistol in his hand. Something was wrong. There wasn't a real pirate one in the crowd, just the flotsam that made their way on LaVille du Traitre by catering to them. Where where all the pirates?

No time to ponder that now, if the monk and Kate were somehow involved with the current turn of events they might need all the help they could get. Blackjack touched the brim of his hat with two fingers as he shot through the open way made for him by the dock scum and ran for Scuttlebutt Alley. It was the quickest shortcut to Crossbones Road and the church.

As he ran from the alley Roberts skidded to a dead halt. There in front of him was the answer to the question that had puzzled him on the docks. Brother Timothy and Kate were running full bore in his direction with near every bloody handed pirate on the island hot on their heels! The shock of such a sight was more than even Blackjack's jaded senses could take and without thinking he turned and ran himself. Right into a wall that hadn't been there when he entered the road. Looking up from where he had landed on his backside he stared up openmouthed at the giant figure of Rubin staring down at him with an amused grin. Martin chuckling at the huge Kushite's side.

"Well, Blackjack, it's good to see you are back among the living." Rubin half laughed, holding his hand out to help the stunned pirate to his feet.

"Aye, ye bloody walkin' mountain." Jack grinned as he grasped Rubin's hand to be pulled up as easily as a child to his feet. "It's good to see ye as well, but what in God's name is going on?" Blackjack glanced behind Martin and his old friend to see nearly all of Rubin's men armed to the teeth.

"I am not sure myself. Your friend Martin came to me with a cry for help. I called my men together and he led us towards the church." Rubin scowled. "The whole island is up in arms. Some are saying the Treasure of St. Dimas is found."

"Well, we've no time to sort it out now!" Martin pointed up the road at the fast approaching horde. "Look!"

Rubin shoved Blackjack and Martin toward the alley motioning for Brother Timothy and Kate to hurry. "Take your friends back to your ship, Blackjack. I and my men will hold the others here as long as we can!" Soon The monk and Kate were in Scuttlebutt Alley, breathing hard from their exertions as Rubin and his men blocked the entrance with their bodies and steel.

"Can ye still run?" Blackjack asked the puffing holy man.

"I'll well run out of this!" Brother Timothy struggled to catch his breath.

"C'mon then, Brother." Jack grinned. "Scuttlebutt Alley is a shortcut straight ta the docks and I'm not sure how long even Rubin can hold back the crowd of admirers ye seem ta have attracted."

Raised angry voices behind them were all the encouragement the quartet needed to start them off at a dead run to the docks. Blackjack and Martin had pulled their pistols just in case any more surprises awaited them in the short distance back to the Lobo and relative safety. Roberts glanced back at the monk and girl. The treasure of St. Dimas? Whether or not they had found that long sought swag just the rumor would eventually bring the whole of the island down on their necks for sure.

[Elinor Hakebourne]

"Whoever makes it back, we'll get them aboard.  Whoever doesn't... they get to do the explaining for us."

Captain Wolfe's words hit her like a gong. "Well, then...I'll just have to make sure they DO get aboard the ship, won't I?" She exclaimed, her face flushed and her eyes starting to fill with tears.

Paying no more heed to Captain Wolfe or Julian, Elinor dashed her way toward the main deck, and immediately shaded her eyes from the bright sunshine overhead, searching frantically on the horizon. Off in the distance, she could see a horde of people. A horde that was headed by none other than Blackjack, Martin, Brother Timothy, and Kate! "Who're the rest of those folk behind your crewmates?" Julian asked, coming up behind her.

"It looks like they didn't have the most welcoming reception upon arriving at the church," She mused. The impulse to do something to aid their journey back was strong; however, with as much haste as they were making, she discerned it would be best not to hinder them by attempting to meet them onshore. Dashing forward, she began yelling at the crewmen of the El Lobo. "What are you all standing about for? Captain Wolfe wants the ship setting sail in twenty, and we have crew that I won't tolerate being left!" Several of the crew members--including Julian-- glanced at her, shock on their faces. A few began to giggle, but that didn't last for long; the crew had work to do and couldn't spend time laughing at a silly young girl-scribe. Frustrated at herself being made fun of, Elinor stood near the entrance to the ship. "If you want back in my good graces, Julian, you'll stand on the opposite side of me and make sure no-one hinders the entrance of my friends back on the boat. Do you understand?" She asked urgently. Julian nodded his head vigorously, and took his post.

All of this thought, however, was almost all for naught, for, moments after Elinor and Julian had begun to "keep the way clear," the group began to bound onto the ship.

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Briggs paced the deck making sure everything was being made ready to get the ship back out to sea in short order, barking orders and hurling epithets at those not moving fast enough in his eyes. Across the deck he saw Elinor imploring some of the crew to do something, only to be met with laughter. He dashed to the shoreward gunwale and quickly saw why she was in such a state. The missing crewmates were racing along the docks toward the ship with an angry throng in pursuit.

"Quit yer laughin' and help the little lady, ye brainless maggots!" he bellowed. "Listen up! We've got crew comin' in hot! Get ready to receive 'em and provide cover, or ye'll have TWO Wolfes a-chewin' on ye!! Crews to the patereros! The rest of ye, prepare to repel borders!!"

The crew immediately shifted their efforts to safeguarding the ship and their imperilled comrades. Gunners uncapped the small swivel guns mounted on the ship's gunwales and began loading them with grape shot and two-pound balls. Pistols and boarding pikes where handed out, and men crowded the rails ready to mount a defence against the oncoming mob. Kate was the first to start up the gangway, with Brother Timothy and the rest close behind. Somewhere along the line they had picked up the runner that was sent to tell Dagget's ship to follow El Lobo to the port of Sangraal. The hoard was some twenty yards behind and gaining.

"Slow 'em down, boys!" ordered Briggs.
Two of the swivel guns fired, sending up a spray of shattered earth directly in front of the mob, but the onrushing pirates did not slow down. El Lobo's newest crew members made their way in single file up the narrow gangplank as fast as they could. Martin was the last on board, and pistol shots rang out about him as his new boots hit the deck. He was swept away from the gunwale by the helping hands of crewmen determined to keep him and everyone else safe.

Amid shouts from the crowd of "Give us the treasure!!", a few men scrambled up the gangplank. There had been no time to haul it up before the pirates got there. The lead was the recipient of a boot in the face courtesy of Josiah Briggs.  The second found himself acquainted with the heavy brass handguard of his cutlass. Soon the ramp was crowded with men, making it too heavy to move. Any invader picked off by small arms fire was quickly replaced by another.

It was apparent that trying to fight a delaying action was a fools errand given the numbers hell bent on getting aboard. As grappling hooks were thrown from the shore and the small guns spoke once again, Briggs fell back from the front line to better command the situation.
"Make all sail!" he hollered over the din. "Every scrap o' canvas we've got, see that it's catchin' wind!! With a will, ye sluggards!!"
Men clambered up the lines and loosed the sails, which billowed out in the brisk breeze. The quartermaster breathed a sigh of relief when the new mast creaked and groaned softly against the strain, but held fast.

"Well, sink an' scupper me!" he laughed. "Ahmet, ye're slippin', givin' us quality work as such!" He turned back to where the men were still putting up a spirited and effective fight. "Now, lads!! Cut the lines!! Cut 'em all!!"

Swords and hatchets came down hard on the mooring lines holding the ship in place. After a couple blows the heavy ropes gave way, recoiling like huge angry serpents into the crowd on the shore. The vessel began moving forward at once and gathered speed quickly. The overloaded gangplank was shed, and the pirates on it were dumped into the water where they yelled and cursed like so many wet monkeys. Anyone foolish enough to still be holding on to a grapnel's line found themselves dragged into the drink to join them.

El Lobo del Mar was free, doing what she did best of all and faster than most.

Running like the wind.

[Elinor Hakebourne]

As her friends got on board, and the El Lobo set sail once more, Elinor breathed a sigh of relief. That was, until, her fellow scribe, Julian, tapped her on the shoulder. "Now that we've cast off once more, and all your friends are back on the ship, would we be able to talk?" He asked her, trying not to seem overeager.

"Possibly," Elinor said slowly, not wanting to give him much hope that her feelings had changed. In truth, they had...a little.  "What did you want to talk about?"

Julian led her to a slightly more secluded place--if there is such a locale on a ship--and motioned for her to sit with him. "I would like us to be friends again. What can I do to make that happen?" Julian asked, not beating around the bush. Elinor paused, thinking. Her mind flashed back to all that had occurred in the surgery, from Julian poking around in her belongings, to attempting to go to Captain Wolfe when he had thought they were committing mutiny. "I think very highly of my fellow crewmates. They are some of my dearest friends. My allegiance, my duty is to them foremost. You threatened our positions on this vessel when you were about to go to Captain Wolfe with news you thought you understood, but you did not. If you wish us to be friends once more, you must understand--I look out for my own. If that includes you, so much the better. If you make efforts not to be included, that is your choice." Elinor stared at him, making sure that he completely understood. He nodded. "I understand. I will do my best."

Elinor breathed another sigh of relief. She did not forget things of the past, but she hated keeping grudges. "Thank you. Now, I suppose I need to go see Brother Timothy, Martin and Kate and see why they were so delayed in getting upon the ship!"

[Martin Montgomery]

 As the "Lobo" left the protective harbor of Pirate ran Island Martin thought back over the last few hours,starting with his seemingly Innocent shopping trip for a few more items......"The whole bloody church is SINKING!!" Martin exclaimed with disbelief. "I thought that just once,we could leave a place ALMOST like it was BEFORE we got there!!" Even as the words crossed his lips the big man reacted with a speed that was brought about by fear for his friends. The ship's cook turned from the swiftly settling church and ran towards Rubin's massive warehouse sized store. Leaping up onto the boardwalk he retained all of his speed and kept on going! Hitting the solid door with such force he burst the thick wooden slab from it's heavy frame and both it and the rotund cook hit the warehouses floor with a resounding "OOOOFFFF!!!"  His breath left his lungs as the dust that covered the floor rose in a great cloud that rolled past the fully stocked shelves,adding to the layer of dirt already covering the various unsellable product that were on display there. As Martin lay there struggling to regain his breath,Rubin came out of the back room and rounded the front counter. "Martin Montgomery!!!" He bellowed "What in all of the Devil's Names gives you the right to destroy my place of business and my HOME!?!? The ebony giant was closely followed by three armed men,one being his strapping son. A look of concern crossed the shopkeepers face as Martin lay there gasping like a fish out of water! "Martin! Are you well my friend?"  The huge shopkeeper took a deep breath and after sheathing both of his lengthy weapons,he waved his two men too defensive positions outside of the broken door. Rubin reached down and without visible effort took a grip under Martin's arm and bodily yanked him to his feet. Steadying the cook with one hand he brushed his clothing off with his other hamsized hand. Keeping his voice steady,he rapidly asked again. "What is wrong?  Is there trouble aboard the "Lobo?" Why are you not on board? Reaching out and laying his own outsized hand on the Kushites arm ,Martin huffed one more deep breath then panted out "My friends.....Kate and...Brother T..T..Timothy at the ....church........Sinking ......TROUBLE!!!!" Turning to his men as they reentered the destroyed doorway Rubin barked "Malachi,gather as many armed men as you can in two minutes. Kosar take the rest and ready them to repel looters! Martin ,come with me!" The ebony giant,his son,Martin and five rough looking men each armed from knives or swords to pistols,raced out the ruined doorway. The stout cook having regained his breath set a fast pace and soon the disappearing spire and it's distinctive cross have into view. Two of Rubin's toughs instinctively made the sign of the cross as it settled lower among the geysers of seawater that shot to impressive heights from every treasure hole dug throughout the churchyard! Three figures were hotfooting it across the cobblestoned road looking back at the sinking church. Sliding on the wet cobblestones the shopkeep and the ship's cook came to a stop side by side and were plowed into by the fleeing trio! "Well, Blackjack, it's good to see you are back among the living." Rubin half laughed, holding his hand out to help the stunned pirate to his feet. "Aye, ye bloody walkin' mountain." Jack grinned as he grasped Rubin's hand to be pulled up much as Martin had been not minutes before. Martin himself lost the rest of their conversation as he steadied Kate and Brother Timothy,who had not been bowled over by their  collision with the,much softer feeling,cook. The big man quickly noticed the brown robed monk covering a small chest with the sleeve of his robe and earned a hard stare when he started to ask about it. Blackjack had grabbed Rubin's massive arm for emphasis as Malachi and another fifteen men in Rubin's employ appeared behind the small group,Martin cut in "Well, we've no time to sort it out now!" pointing  the opposite direction up the road at a fast approaching horde of hard eyed pirates "Look!" Turning to Martin,Rubin looked him in the eye and quietly whispered "Give me something. NOW!" Understanding crossed his slack face and he dug deeply into his beltpouch,pulling out a small cloth sack Martin addressed the Giant in a loud voice to be heard by all present. "Rubin! I am hear-by contracting you and your men for the protection of my shipmates and me to the safety of the decks of the "El Lobo Del Mar!" Placing the small sack in the huge man's hand who quickly opened it and emptied the contents into his dusky palm. "Lads!" He yelled "We have been contracted ,all legal and proper and in accordance with all bylaws of the CODE!" Smiling at Kate and giving Brother Timothy a quick bow "We will escort these good people back to their ship!" One of Rubin's toughs did a doubletake "WHAT!?!?" He yelled his face darkening with anger "We're workin' fer THEM?!!? WHY?!?" His eyes widened with fear as his Kushite employer's hand gathered his shirtfront and a good amount of his chesthairs in a bunch,pulling him to his tiptoes! "This is why Roget!!" Rubin's other hand waved in front of the surprised pirate's face showing him the three sparkling stones in his palm. "YES SIR!!" Roget said as he regained his feet and drew his daggers with a feral grin! Rubin shoved Blackjack and Martin toward the alley motioning for Brother Timothy and Kate to hurry. "Take your friends back to your ship, Blackjack. I and my men will hold the others here as long as we can!" As one ,the four shipmates turned and ran for the narrow confines of Scuttlebutt alley,Kate led the way followed closely by the,huffing and puffing but well moving,Brother Timothy still lugging his plain wooden chest. Blackjack and Martin were jogging along behind them,one moving lightly and one lumbering heavy,both with bared steel and drawn pistols. As they left the alley and came out on the docks the four friends heard the wild cries of several men who had gotten by Rubin and his men! A man from the "Lobo" who had been dispatched to looked behind them then turned and ran for the ship! The five ran up the gangplank and Martin swore he saw and heard Elinor casting about and chivying the crew into laying covering fire!! The swivelguns fired and earth was thrown up in front of the mob but it didn't slow them one bit! The small group stood and caught their breath as the "Lobo's" crew freed the gangplank and cut the ropes attached to grappling hooks. Martin felt a pain in his left leg and thought he had pulled a muscle,he reached back to massage it away and a stunned look froze on his face when his questing hand found the hilt of a small knife!! Pulling the four inch blade from his thigh and dropping it to the deck,the enraged man turned and grabbed an ironwood belaying pin from a rack that stood close. "You sons of *******!!! Do you realize these are NEW BOOTS!! Do you know what blood does to LEATHER?!?!?" The "Lobo" was pulling away from the docks smoothly,irate pirates were in the water and a large group was loitering on the dock waving there fist in the air! Martin stepped to the rail and closed one eye winging the heavy belaying pin across the thirty yards between the ship and the docks,hitting the mobs leader in the head,knocking him out! Martin gave a whoop of delight as the unconscious man tumbled into the water beside the wharf!!     
   

 

[Welsh Wench]

"Ooof!"
Wench landed on the floor when El Lobo del Mar broke free of her moorings. She picked herself up and looked out the port hole.
"By God, we ARE moving!"
Then a thought crossed her mind.
"BROTHER TIMOTHY! KATE!"
She raced out to the deck and saw Jack clapping Briggs on the shoulder.
She went up to Jack, her eyes blazing.
"You BASTARD! How can you leave my crew behind?"
Kate came up behind her and hugged her.
"Calm down, Wench! We made a flying leap and landed just as the gangplank fell into the brine with an overload of pirates!"
Brother Timothy stood there, dirt and mud on his habit and a tear across the hem. He held onto a small box for dear life.
Wench softened at the sight of the one person who had been her rock through all her shenanigans and yet he still forgave her. He was the one person who knew all her secrets.
Save one.
She came up to him and put her hand on his shoulder.
Softly she said, "Brother Timothy? You look a bit dazed. Are you alright?"
He nodded. "I'm fine, Wench. What a tale I have to...."
All of a sudden, a tremendous noise came from the port. The earth shuddered with such a tremor it extended to the ocean depths.  The force sent the crew of El Lobo del Mar to the deck. Scrambling to their feet, they all looked towards the port of La Ville du Traitre. Soot and fire shot from the land as the steeple disappeared. It was as if the earth had swallowed it up.
Black Jack Roberts gave a low whistle and said, "Saints alive, do you suppose Sodom and Gomorrah ended like that?"

Duckie came out of the infirmerary, concern on his face.
"All patients present and accounted for except one."
"Over here, Sawbones!" Jack Roberts called.
Kate sat down. "I really could use a drink!"
Jack opened up a bottle of his finest whiskey and passed it around. Martin held up his hand and said, "I'll pass....oh, thank you, Wench!"
She had passed a cup of hot coffee without Jack's preservative rum.
Wench did a mental tally. All her crew was present and accounted for.  They all survived La Ville du Traitre. Barely.
Thank God.

She looked towards the shore, the island looking like Dante's Inferno. A small part of her wondered if Gwydion was safe. While she wished to never lay eyes on him again, she never forgot her first lover and all he had taught her. A thought crossed her mind and she let out a little giggle.
Jack raised his eyebrow and said, "Care to share with the rest of us, Honour?"
"Just thinking of the creatures below the sea and wondering how many sharks are there."
It would just be like Gwydion to turn into the biggest predator of them all.

Lilaney spoke up.
"Brother Timothy, what is in the box?"
He stood there and said, "I don't exactly know--but whatever it is, it is holy."
Wench said softly, "Perhaps, Brother, you'd like to go to my quarters and open the box in private."
"Yes. I think that is best."
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and said softly, "God bless and keep you, Tim."
He looked startled. It was the first time she had called him by his proper name. Giving her a smile, he said, "I'm not sure. But I think this is something the Church would like to know about."
He left to examine the contents in private.

Jack turned to Wench and said, "The map, Honour. Did you decipher it?"
"Not only decipher but transcribed and in a way that only I can!"
Jack unfurled it. and shook his head. "Why does Antiqua have a little heart where the dot over the 'i' should be?"
She smiled. "I told you I transcribed it as only I could! Better than just signing my name to it."
Jack shook his head and handed the maps to Briggs.
"Davis? The ship is yours while Briggs and I go over the charts. Honour, don't fret. We'll get your ship back. Soon."
Her face darkened as she muttered, "You could have said, 'Sweetheart, the ship is yours till I get back.' But nooo! You have to give it to Davis!"

Kate stood there, mud splashed on her clothes. "I really need to change. Wench? Keep me company and I'll fill you in on what happened."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In her quarters, Kate washed up.
"I would KILL for that marble tub that is on the Knight Hammer."
"Maybe the next time El Lobo is in for repair, I can convince Jack we really need one. I miss the heated towel rack."
"Wench, do you ever think of Daemon?"
"Only every other day. And days that end in 'y'. If he never presented that offer of getting a ship, I'd be in Wales by now. That is what I planned. To have Daemon take me to Wales."
Wench sat cross-legged on the bed as Kate ran a comb through her wet hair.
Wench looked down and said, "I guess I said that out loud, didn't I?"
Kate looked at her and sat down too. "I had a feeling all your secrets are rooted there."
"Am I that transparent?"
"Only to me. Because I am your best friend. I always got the feeling you were running from something. What is it, Wench? A man?"
She shook her head. "Not running from something, Kate. But to. To something."
"And that would be..?"
Wench said quietly, "On your mother's life, Kate, you can't tell a soul."
"I promise, Wench. What has you tied to Wales?"
She gave Kate a small smile that reflected both pride and sadness.
"There is a little girl in Wales waiting for her mommy to show up."
"Wench! You....a MOTHER?"
She nodded. "I left her with my sister Megan and her husband Daffyd. When I ran into Daemon Vardus I had just left Barbados on my way back to get her. I needed my family. See, I had--inherited--some land in Barbados and was settling accounts with the overseer, making necessary adjustments to the house and such to make it a viable sugar plantation. Cade and I were going to marry and settle there. Rather, I was going to settle there and Cade would have a home base. I think being married to a smuggler appealed to my wilder and romantic side."
"Did you forget a little thing like a marriage to Captain Mad Jack Wolfe?"
Wench looked pensive. "Jack has sea water in his blood. He'd never settle down. He couldn't even if he tried. I realized that three weeks into our marriage. We were engaged in a sea battle with a ship called the Mercedes. Jack took a ball in the shoulder and was bleeding out. He talked me through it and I dug the ball out. At that point I could see it was all smoke and mirrors with us."

Kate asked, "Did Rhys Morgan know?"
"What?"
"Did Rhys Morgan ever know about his daughter?"
"Kate, is that what you think? That my baby is Rhys Morgan's?"
"Well...yes. I thought you had a bit of comfort knowing you at least had his child."
Wench shook her head and said quietly, "Her name is Zara. Zara Wolfe."
"You mean...?"
"Yes, Kate. Jack and I have a child together. And the sad thing is, I haven't told him. And I am not sure if I ever will."

[Hibernian]

He closed the door to the cabin gently but then made sure that the latch was secure. A locked door would have been preferred, but a lifting latch would warn of anyone's unexpected entrance. This was a task best done in private, until he actually knew what lay within the chest it would also be a task done safer alone as well.

The small chest still tightly held under his left arm he cleared the clutter of maps and papers from the table. Softly placing, as if afraid to break whatever was inside, the chest in the middle of the table he sat down upon the bed directly alongside.

The chest was made of common wood, perhaps a bit less of two feet in length and a foot in height, with an iron latch controlled by what appeared to be a circular piece of wood with four figures carved upon it. Trying to open the top it became obvious that the latch was locked in place by the wooden piece with the four carved figures.

"No key hole, so what is the key?" Looking to the cabin ceiling and heaven, "Well, any hints, clues, divine inspiration right about now would be welcomed." Sitting back the monk just stared at the chest, "Probably made by Jesuits, never do it the easy way when you can make it so complicated you need a conclave of Cardinals to figure something out. Probably wrote two or three dozen papers just explaining the meaning behind those figures."

The figures, what are those anyway? Look like an angel, an African lion, that one is an ox, and a big bird. That beak could be a vulture, no not with that neck, must be an eagle. Interesting the wooden piece moves, moves in the four points of the compass, perhaps moving in the proper combination of moves will open the chest. But what combination?

Think Timothy me boy, use your heaven sent senses, the answer must be right in front. What do we know dealing with four of a kind that a priest would approve, and come in animal shapes and that lone angel. Noah's animals went in two by two not four by four, angels appeared to show the ram for sacrifice, and Adam and Eve named all the creatures, but nothing makes sense. Christ entered the city upon an weed puller not an ox, dam it I need more animals, even if I had all the help of the apostles I might not figure this one out.

Pacing back and forth in the cabin, Brother Timothy was praying one moment and ready at the next to just take a hammer to the chest. Then it hit, apostles, why didn't he see it from the start, the figures were there to represent four very important men. The angel, lion, ox, eagle; just as the old bed time prayer taught to children, "Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, God bless the bed I lay on."

Quickly he move the wooden piece in the direction of the four figures, first the Angel, then the lion, the ox was third followed by the eagle. As the wooden piece moved into the slot on the Eagle sides, a loud click could be heard as the latch sprang loose.

Blessings himself with the sign of the cross first he slowly lifted the lid to reveal the contents of the chest.

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Briggs spread out the map Honour had made on the table of the great cabin while Jack poured them some more rum.  The quartermaster worked his way around the table, feeling under the unruly piles of maps and charts piled there.
"Where'd ye leave the instruments?" he asked impatiently.
"They're somewhere under there, keep going,"Jack answered.
"That's like sayin' there's a loose farthing in the hold," Briggs grumbled.  "Ain't a bit of good to no one if it can't be found."
"You have a problem with my organisational system?"
"No, but yer lack of one is a real pain in the arse at the moment... I swear on me mamma's soul, Jack, as bad as ye are about puttin' things away, I thank God ye and Honour never had kids."

Jack nearly choked on his rum.  If his friend only knew the truth!  Hopefully one day soon, he could announce to the world he had a daughter.  More importantly, he could see her with his own eyes and hold her.
"You all right?" asked Briggs.
"Yeah, I'm fine," said Jack as he wiped rum from his chin with his shirt sleeve.  "The sudden image of you playing nanny to my children was a bit more than I could take."  Indeed, the thought of Briggs trying to watch over little Zara was incredibly funny to him.
"Now there's a thought that'll be keepin' me awake at night... ah!  Here's somethin'."  He extracted a compass and metal scale rule from the papers.
"Here, you'll be needing this.  I don't trust your memory."  Jack pulled a reference map of the region from the bookcase and laid it out beside Honour's map.  "There's a set of dividers under that mess somewhere as well.  Shall I fetch you a fine tooth comb?"
"Just wantin' to sure this here map is accurate is all," Briggs answered.  "That, an' whether or not it's on the up and up."
"Please!  You're forgetting who taught her how to read maps in the first place.  I know you distrust her, Josiah, but what could she possibly stand to gain by providing us with an inaccurate map?  She has a heavy investment in it being right."
"Sense and that woman don't exactly keep steady company from what I've seen.  But aye, there'd be no sense for her to keep us from findin' her ship."
"My point exactly," Jack agreed, though he himself was in no hurry to complete that particular task.  "Now, how do things look?"

Briggs rummaged around for the dividers and began comparing the two maps.  He found that though the scale varied somewhat, the known islands matched up as expected.  After much measuring and making of thoughtful noises, he laid down his instruments and drained the glass of rum he'd been given.
"Everything is spot on.  Have to admit, she did a fine job of it.  I can't say as I care for the thought of makin' port at any of these wee islands.  This ain't exactly a rutter!  No depth soundin's, no marked approaches...  It'll be a hell of a risk, Jack."
"If that scheming cockerel could manage it," said Jack, "then we'll have no trouble at all."  He took a long look at his old friend, and began to chuckle.
"What's got ye so tickled this time?"
"I was wondering what you'd rather be called; Uncle Josiah, or Uncle Bwiggs?" replied Jack, dissolving into laughter.
Briggs shook his head and rolled up the map.  "I think ye're havin' far too much fun with the idea of bein' a pappy!"  Pausing at the door, he offered a final thought.  "Just think, ye could have ye a bouncin' baby girl to bring up!  Wouldn't that be a bit of irony?"

A few steps down the corridor, Briggs paused at the sound of a loud belly laugh coming from the door behind him.  He looked up and shook his head slowly.  "Please, Lord.  If those two ever do have children, don't let any of 'em be girls!  The world ain't ready!"

[lilaney]

Lil walked the main deck, careful to avoid those who were actually employed to the task of sailing the ship at its fastest clip.
She enjoyed the gentle rock and sway as the ship past out of the harbor and began to take on the big swells that make the ocean so beautiful, and yet so dangerous a taskmistress.
"Oi! Ya want a job?!"
Lil looked up at a line monkey who was looking back down at her. She scrutinized the man for honesty, trusting his eyes, she nodded her assent and the Jack smiled.
"Good O! Iffn ye ken, git up this man line an 'elp out wit the topsails!"
Lil grinned and tucking her skirts into her waistband, she mounted the man-lines and scurried to the top.
The bend and sway of the ship was far more pronounced up at the top.
Lil laughed into the wind at the sense of freedom she felt.
If she didn't have a brain in her head, she would have flung out her arms and pretended to soar, but, since she did have the brains God gave a Jellyfish, she held fast to the lines and helped unfurl the Mainsail which was eager to take the wind and let the El Lobo fly.

From the main deck a man watched her work, and inwardly grinned.
'She may be tough, but, I bet on the inside she's all heart' He thought.
The man coughed deeply, turned and headed back to the Surgery.

[Welsh Wench]

Kate stood there with a shocked look on her face.
"You don't know if you will ever tell Jack Wolfe he has a child? For heaven's sake, why not? Wench, he has a right to know."
"Kate, it is all so complicated."
"What is so complicated about saying, 'Oh, by the way, Captain Wolfe--I'll be asking you for a larger share of the booty. I have to keep the baby IN booties.'  Is that the reason you left him in the first place?"
Wench looked out the port window, lost in thought.
"One of the reasons. It's not a story I am proud of."
Kate sat down on the bed. "Sounds like this is a confession for Brother Timothy."
Wench laughed and said, "I took care of getting absolved of all sins when I was on the Dark Vexation heading to Port Royal."
"Port Royal! Why there?"
"Two words. James Blake."
"You left Jack for James Blake?"
"No, I left him because of--not for--Cade Jennings."
"I don't follow."
Wench sighed. "It's a long story."
"Well, I see us floating around for a while. You may as well tell me the story."

"Jack and I were returning to Barbados when he took the grand notion to settle an old score with Colonel Diego de Castille y Mendoza, a man out for blood. This very ship that we are sailing on is the altered flagship of Mendoza's. A slight that Mendoza never forgave. As you know, Jack was injured and I had to dig the musket ball out of his shoulder. But he was a changed man after that."
"How so?"
"Kate, he seemed to lose confidence in himself. El Lobo barely limped into port, heavily damaged. But worse than that, he lost interest in me. To make a long story short, he listened to tavern talk and believed that I was involved with Cade Jennings."
"Weren't you?"
Wench shook her head. "Not at that point. But Jack pulled a gun on me and threatened to kill both me and Cade. I--I foolishly ran to Cade's room and by the time I left in the morning, his accusations were no longer accusations but fact. The next day he was sorrowful and full of apologies and then he dumped the news on me. He was going to St Maarten to get the journal of Armand La Fork."
"LaFourche."
"Whatever. I had begun to suspect it a few days before that I was going to have a baby. Kate, I just couldn't bring a baby into that kind of environment. And I couldn't trust that Jack would ever accept being a father."
"Shouldn't you have at least given him that option?"
Wench shrugged. "I wasn't thinking too clearly. So I waited until he was gone and then took some money that Jack had. I didn't take it all. I just took what I needed to secure Zara's future."
"What of the plantation in Barbados that you inherited?"
Wench said, "Oh. Well, Jack left me with enough money to buy it. I bought it and deeded it in the name of R.C. Castlemaine. My real name."
"And you went to Wales? How did you sail there?"
Wench continued, "Captain James Blake helped me arrange passage. He took me as far as Port Royal and I caught another ship to Beaumaris. I went to stay with Megan. Zara was born March 1st during a terrible storm. I don't know what was louder--the thunder or the wail that Zara let out when she caught her first breath."

Kate grinned. "Like mother, like daughter. So what does this bouncing bundle of Wolfe look like?"
Wench laughed. "She has Jack's dark hair with loose curls and brilliant blue eyes. Delicate features and a little giggle that would put a smile on your face."
"I would love to see her."
Wench's voice caught as she said, "So would I, Kate. And somehow I have to go to Wales and pick up my child. Then give this life up and settle down to raise her."
"With or without Captain Wolfe as her father?"
"It remains to be seen, Kate."
"What would be the problem? Jack would be astounded to know he has a child."
"It's not so much Jack as it is Briggs."
"Briggs?"
Wench laughed. "I just can't see Briggs as a nanny...could you?"

[Blackjack Roberts]

No sooner had the gangplank struck the water when Blackjack clambered up into the riggings to help with the sails. At least the replacements were first rate and it made getting them tied into place all the easier. From the corner of his eye he caught Lil climbing up to help with the topsails. "Excellent, Lass." He thought. "Now that the treasure of St. Dimas has been taken we'll need all the speed we can get."

From the moment Blackjack had intentionally marooned himself on LaVille du Traitre to escape Malcolm he had heard rumors of that fabled swag. Some said it was a horde of gemstones, each as big as a man's fist. Others that it contained the original thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas. Were that true the Vatican would pay through the nose to posses them. Still others swore it was a map showing the secret way to the mines of King Solomon. Jack neither knew, nor cared. Such relics and fancies usually carried with them the kind of consequences that sane men wished to avoid.

Either way it was Brother Timothy's responsibility now. At least a Holy man was better equipped to deal with what traps and curses may have been put on the thing to safeguard it. Several shots rang out from the docks and Jack wrapped his legs in the rigging to steady himself. Holding tight with one hand he pulled one pistol after the other and returned fire with the other. Not that it would do much good, but the satisfaction of seeing a body fall into the drink after each shot brought a evil smile to his face. "Take another pot shot at us, Dogs." he hissed.

Once they were well under way he swung down to the deck. Most of the command had vanished below deck, even Briggs. Blackjack scratched his head in puzzlement. Mad Jack obviously knew the Island of Traitors. Surely he would know that the "Boss" wouldn't let a rare treasure like the one the monk had pilfered go that easily. Something important must be distracting him. Captain Mad Jack Wolfe wasn't a man known to make mistakes. True, they had a good head start, but.

Blackjack walked easily to the aft of the fleeing Lobo del Mar. No since in getting everyone in a state unnecessarily. Casually he unfastened his small spyglass from his belt. With luck he was just being his over cautious self. He lifted the telescope to his eye, pointing it in the direction of the rapidly shrinking island.

"Oh, bloody Hell!" He cursed as he spied the two small specks separating from the larger speck of land. "I thought as much. Brother Tim, ye've stirred up a bloody hornet's nest now!" Snapping the spyglass shut and securing it to his belt he turned to cup his hands to his mouth when the shout came down from the crow's nest.

"SHIPS AHOY!" Gordy shouted down to the deck. "WE'RE BEING FOLLOWED, MATES!"

[Hibernian]

"God bless Saint Peter and Paul." His eyes widen as he gazed on the contents of the wooden chest, bringing his hands together by his chin and interlocking his fingers he slowly lean forward in his seat and placed his elbows upon the table. His chin resting now on top of his fingers he reminded himself to breath as his eyes traveled the length of the chest left to right and back again. The initial reaction had been to reach out and immediately touch, but the wisdom of years kept his hands in check while he thought things through. These church relics were usual not guarded beyond a lock, but most relics were not kept on an island of thieves and pirates. There may be more here than meets the eye.

After all, hadn't everything been going well down in the catacombs until that unfortunate moment when he turned the lever on that final gate left instead of right. Yes the gate blocking the access to the relic opened but so too it appears the gate holding out the ocean. Before one could say three Our Fathers there was water up to the knees that kept slowly rising. It was only by the grace of Himself that he was able to grab the chest and then a bit of Irish luck the water was flowing in the direction towards the very exit he desired. Yes, there are tricks and secrets here, probably those Jesuits, so it would be wise to slow down and think.

What now? What he needed was a way to reveal something unseen, something he is perhaps missing. Looking about the Wench's cabin for inspiration his eyes dwelled on her table top, One of those boxes in front of the mirror should have what he needs. Checking several he picks one up and returns to the chest. Removing the lid, a small blow from his cheeks results in a small cloud of perfumed dust. Carefully he picks up the puff and slowly shakes a fine layer of powder across the interior of the wooden chest.

Within the wooden chest the powder settles like a layer of fresh snow revealing uneven surfaces and unseen lines. One particular line stands out, very small and hair like his eyes trace its route from one end of the chest to the other. Anyone just reaching in and withdrawing the chest would break the line and receive in return what appeared to be a small but rather nasty looking dart in the back of one hand. Carefully, with his small dagger, the monk trips the wire and watches as the dart clunks harmlessly.

Moving the sleeves of his brown robe over his hands Brother Timothy slowly reaches into the wooden chest, firmly grasping the object within on both sides and slowly lifts and lowers it to the table. It is another chest, but even under the layer of perfumed powder it is obvious that this one is not made of wood. This rectangular shaped chest is made of gold, and embedded across the chest are gems the like of which he has never seen. Relics aside the chest alone is worth the ransom of a king. No wonder every pirate and thief with his brother on that cursed isle has spent a lifetime looking for this chest. But what must lie within?

A deep breath to steady his hand and now it is time to find out.

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Briggs had scarcely turned the handle to his cabin door when Gordy's cry of "Sail ho!  We're being followed, mates!" hit his ears.  He cursed under his breath and opened the door.  Taking the new map from under his arm, he leaned in to his quarters with the intent of tossing the chart on his desk, but he stopped at the sight of a smoke grey cat curled up in the middle of his bed.
"Oi!  Puddin'!  How did ye get in here, ye devil!" the quartermaster hissed.
Puddin' lifted his head, scarcely opening his eyes beyond half mast.  His ears swung out flat to either side of his sleek head, and he gave a cavernous yawn.
Briggs could barely contain himself. 
"Offa my bed, ye beast!  I'm tired of findin' hairballs and bits o' mice buried under my pillow!"
He flung the map at the cat.  It landed harmlessly on the end of the bed and rolled toward where the emerald-eyed cat lay like a miniature Sphinx.  The map rolled up onto his front legs, and Puddin' promptly made a pillow of it.
"I'll be back to settle with ye, bucko!"  Briggs fumed.  He was certain the cat rolled his eyes dismissively.

Turning his attention to more urgent matters, Briggs strode purposefully on to the weather deck.
"Where be our shadows, Gordy?" he shouted.
"A league and a half to stern, maybe a bit more!" the lookout answered.  "They be makin' a course parallel to us.  Not movin' to intercept, at least not now!"
"Thank 'ee, Gordy!  Your eyes be the sharpest, bar none!" Briggs replied as he climbed the steps to the quarterdeck.  He pulled the large perspective glass from the binnacle and walked to the aft gunwale.  Extending the glass, he regarded the pursuing vessels.  They kept on a parallel course, matching the Lobo's speed.  A broad red stripe down the sides of each vessel at the gun ports gave him the last bit of information he needed.  He pulled the glass from his eye and announced his findings.
"Stand down, lads!  It's Daggett's mates, come to follow us to Sangraal!  Stand down the gun crews, and keep us in full canvas!  Cap'n Wolfe wants as much sea in between us and La Ville du Traitre as we can muster!  Now, let's give him all we have!"

Though he knew it was his station, Briggs didn't care much for being the authoritarian.  It was a necessary evil in his eyes, and he'd developed quite the acerbic tongue thanks to his many years with Jack.  Still, it was not something he enjoyed.  Pausing at the top of the steps, he regarded the crew as they went about their duties.  El Lobo was not the first pirate ship he'd served on, but it was certainly the most disciplined.  With a satisfied smile, he descended the steps to make his report to his long time friend and captain.

Briggs rapped his customary rhythm on Jack's door.
"Come in, Josiah!"
He opened the door to find Jack pouring over a large leather bound book.
"I thought ye'd be wantin' to know, we're bein' followed by two ships," the quartermaster annonounced.
"Malcolm's ships?  Good.  I was hoping they'd be along."  Jack never looked up.  Instead, he kept one finger on the book's page as the other hand scribbled notes.  Briggs tried to look at what the book contained, but found himself confronted by fanciful images with a combination of Welsh and Latin text.
"Aye, they're Daggett's all right.  Erm...  I'm almost afraid to ask, Jack.  What is it that's got ye so wrapped up?  More of that Fang Stewie?"
Jack finished a notation, then laid down his quill.
"Just going over some Celtic mythology.  I have some questions about this for Duckie.  If memory serves, some of his relatives were Welsh."
"Honour's Welsh, ain't she?  Why don't ye ask her?"
Jack closed the book and returned it to its place in the bookshelf.  "It's a surprise," he lied.  "I thought it might impress her if I knew some of the stories she grew up hearing."
"Suit yerself," Briggs shrugged.  "I'll let Duckie know you're lookin' for him if I see him."  With that, the quartermaster excused himself to return to the main deck.

Jack looked over his noted with a furrowed brow.  He had been reading about the Celtic goddess who's name matched that of his bride: Rhiannon.  According to the legends, Rhiannon could transform herself into a bird or a horse, just as he's seen his wife do on the island.  Had he really seen what he thought he had?  Was there a connection?  And would he ever know the truth?

[Ice Mage]

*White Rose sifted through her dresses, trying to find the right gown for the occasion.  Memories of her days in the Royal Palace came back to her, especially as she found old cloths that were once staples in her wardrobe.  Everything from Elegant Ball Gowns to battle armor, she found herself almost forgetting about what had happened.  Then suddenly an image of her hands soaked in her daughters blood flashed before her eyes.  It was almost as if she could see and feel it once more.

Unlike previous bouts with her feelings over her daughter, she was no longer feeling sad.  She had a sadistic rage come over her that could only be rivaled by Vlad Tepes himself.  She pulled her Battle Armor from the closet, making a point to leave her Tabard behind.  She slipped her tattered clothing off her shoulders, and started putting on her Armor.  Dorean found his personal luggage by the bed, and went ahead and pulled out a modest suit.

Once he was dressed he walked over to his wife, who was sheathing her sword.*

[Getting ready for battle are we?]

*She turned to glare at him!*

'I want their heads on a platter!  I will make those B******s pay for what they did!  And don't you even think about trying to stop me.'

*She pun away and started for the door.  Dorean grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back.*

[listen Honey!  I want revenge too, but now is not the time.  We will get them one at a time, but right now we need to get to your son!]

*She ripped her arm from his hand, and grunted in anger!*

'Fine!  But once we liberate him from my father, I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE!'

*Dorean nodded in agreement, and they exited for the captain's quarters.  Outside were two guards, who motioned down the hall.  The sound of music filled the air, accompanied by the smell of fresh meats, baked breads and deserts.  Angry or no, their mouths began to water.  As they entered the Captains Cabin, they were greeted by warm smiles and music.  The captain was playing a violin alongside a couple officers with other instruments.  The ships quartermaster came to them, a glass of wine in one hand and a Pint in the other.*

-Milord, Milady!  Could I perchance offer you a Glass of our Ships finest wine, or perhaps a pint of the Captain personal stock of Ale?-

*Dorean grabbed the pint, and Rose the Wine.  They were then escorted to a large table, adorned with fine china and the best Asian silk.  The Captain welcomed them to his table, and went back to playing his Violin.  Dorean and Rose looked at each other with a very unsure feeling.  Although they were perfectly validated for being angry, they could not help but be pulled into the party.  Staying cautious, they simply raise their glasses in thanks.  Everything continued seamlessly until the doors were thrown open.  In walked a hooded gentleman wearing a dark blue armor and carrying a very familiar staff.  The Man raised his head and pulled off the hood.  I was apparently Daemon, but something seemed wrong.  From his belt hung the Rune Blade that he wielded on the Knight Hammer, the very blade that gave him command of the undead, and made him return to evil incarnate.  So not only was he wearing his Royal Armor, but he was carrying the sword that grants him his position as Lord General of The Dark Legion.  He quietly bowed and looked at the now still Dining Room.

"I do apologize for being late, my clothes seem to have shrunk since the last time I wore them."