EL LOBO DEL MAR

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Duckie had just dipped his quill to begin the day's journal entry when a soft rap came at the surgery door. With a sigh he pushed back from his desk and opened the door.
"Jack! So good to see you. How's Honour?"
"She's well. Still sleeping. We had a... productive evening."
"Well, don't just stand there bobbing on the doorstep!" chided the doctor. "Come in and tell me all about it! The polite parts, mind you. By your smile I can tell how the rest of it went. Here, pull up that chair. Brandy?"
Jack laughed. "When the news is good, the bar opens?"
"Because when the news isn't good, you mope too much. I won't pour good liquor on a bad attitude." He handed a glass to Jack. "Here. Now spill it! I'm dying to hear."
"First off, she's staying. She's really staying, Duckie," Jack grinned. "We're making a fresh start of it."
"Thank God!!" Duckie elated. "It's about bloody time! I've been waiting for you two to figure out you're meant for one another! So tell me, what was the turning point?"

Jack sipped his brandy and thought a moment. "I'm not quite sure. Maybe it was the mutiny where her life was in danger, or on the island when she saved my life once again. Maybe a combination? Either way, I'm grateful."
"You both needed a sharp rap on the head to realise how much you need each other, and you got it. I'm happy for you, Jack. She completes you."
"More than you know, Ducks. There's even more good news."
"Really? Well, tell me, man! Keeping it to yourself is not fair."

Jack looked at his friend with a sense of pride Duckie had never seen in his eyes before.
"Drake, I have a child."
Duckie's eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. In a flash, he sat his drink down and slammed the surgery door.
"Good God! Does Honour know?"
Jack looked up at the ceiling in exasperation. "Why does everyone react this way?"
"Because you're a two-legged tomcat?" Duckie offered.
"Duckie, Honour is the mother! We have a child together!"

Duckie blinked, then downed his brandy in one gulp.
"I'll wait while you pour another," sighed Jack.
His glass full once again, Duckie found his voice. "Jack, please, don't get me wrong. I'm happy for you! I'm just..."
"Shocked?"
"Scratching the surface, yes."
"Imagine how I felt."

Duckie rubbed his chin. "Of course! She was so tired during the crossing from Tobago, and I wrote off her getting violently ill after saving your life on shock. Damn, how could I have missed it? It makes sense, since you two were going at it like rabbits..."
"Is that your clinical analysis? Rabbits?"
"I'm sorry!" Duckie laughed. "Honestly, Jack, I've never seen a man so enamoured of his wife in all my days. That's why I was so taken aback by your actions after the Mendoza engagement. So was she."
Jack stared at his glass, as if searching for a good answer. "My ego got the better of me. The ship was a floating wreck, and I was no better..."
"Rubbish. You were fine, Jack. I remember how you were when we rescued you from Mendoza's prison. You were a shell, barely alive. I swear you died twice on my table. So don't tell me getting shot was worse. You were mourning your ship, and your image."

A bitter laugh escaped Jack's lips. "You have an annoying habit of getting to the truth of things."
"Suck it up, Jack. You were a fool to run her off the way you did. It's a wonder I stayed on with you after that."
"As I recall, Doctor, you didn't. We parted company for nearly a year."
"Because you were an idiot. I almost didn't forgive you for the way you treated her."
"And yet, you did."
"Escaping your orbit is a difficult thing. Honour is the best thing that's ever happened to you, Jack. I'm glad you've finally woken up to the fact." He took a sip of brandy. "Ye gods! A baby! You're a father now! I'll bet he's a real scrapper!"
"She."
Duckie froze. "Beg pardon?"
Jack laughed. "Duckie, I have a daughter. A beautiful little girl named Zara. Zara Wolfe."
"Oh my god," said Duckie as he rubbed his forehead. "That has to feel like a reversal of fortunes for you, then."
"How so?"
Duckie laughed. "Because, my lusty friend; eventually, you're going to have to protect her from men like you!"

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Jack shook his head and laughed. "That was one of the first thoughts to cross my mind!" He finished off his brandy and offered his glass for a refill. "God, Duckie, why can't Briggs have taken the news as well as you have?"
"I suppose I haven't gotten all the information he did. All you've told me are the happy parts. What haven't you told me, Jack? You always have a hidden card."
"We're going to Wales, to fetch Zara."
"Ohhh," said Duckie thoughtfully. "That's a month's journey, including a layover at the Azores, isn't it? And not a bit of pirating to be had whilst Honour is aboard. Certainly none with the wee bairn in our midst. How did you expect him to feel, Jack?"
"He's threatened to leave the ship."
"Piracy is the only way of life he knows. You just took that away from him. Briggs has been the epitome of the loyal soldier. But if you're leaving the Account, as I pray to God you are, what's left for him? The sea is the only constant lover he's known since Annie died."
"That's why I thought he'd be happy, Drake. He knows what it means to be a father."

Duckie shook his head. "The news did more to reopen old wounds than you realise, I'm afraid. Phillip disavowed Josiah when he learned his father was a pirate, not a merchant sailor. Remember?"
"I didn't even stop to think," said Jack. "Getting anywhere near England would be painful for him, now that you mention it."
"Everyone sees Josiah as a rock. It's easy to forget that he has his own feelings, and his own ghosts. Give him time, Jack. He may come around yet. Christ, I need time to deal with being an uncle to your daughter! By the way, who is taking care of the little angel?"
"Honour's sister, Megan. She and her husband Daffyd. Good lord, Duckie. If you think it's a stretch coming to grips with being an uncle, try getting your head around being a father!"

It was Duckie's turn to stare at his glass. "If Ellen had stayed around, I might well be on the other side of this conversation."
"Oh, damn. I'm sorry," said Jack.
Duckie waved his hand. "No, don't worry about it. It was years ago. She was right to leave. My place is here, and we both knew it."
"It seems my happiness is once again the source of pain for others."
"Oh, stop it!" admonished Duckie. "Allow yourself to be happy, you ridiculous son of a belch! You have to concentrate on yourself and what's right for your family now! Wales is beautiful this time of year. Actually, Wales is beautiful any time of year. Even more so now that we're going to retrieve my niece!"
"Do you really think Briggs will come around?"
"Worry, worry, worry!" Duckie laughed. "He's probably more frightened of being beaten over the head with a belaying pin by a toddler. He'll come round, Jack. Give him time to digest the news. Being an uncle to your daughter... that should give any man pause! Now go. Go and attend to your beautiful wife."
Duckie stole Jack's glass away and hustled him out of the surgery.
"Thanks, Ducks. You're a good friend," said Jack.
"Pish. Knowing you two, this ship will be a floating nursery. My only wish is that I get to deliver the next one. Or ones!"

Duckie closed the door and went back to his brandy. "I'm an uncle! To no doubt the most headstrong little girl the world has ever seen. This will be such fun! Now, how terribly will I be able to spoil her...?"

He sat at his desk and took up his quill once more, but found himself too excited to concentrate. Knowing that Jack and Honour were together again, and that they had a daughter, gave him more joy than he could have imagined. Duckie had held a guarded hope that they would reconcile ever since he found out Honour was aboard. Now the world felt a little brighter.

The thought of returning to England brought its own sense of happiness. He hadn't been home to see his family in over five years. He took a sip of brandy and began rummaging through the cubbyholes of his desk. Finally, he found what he was looking for. A bittersweet letter he had received a year before from his sister Rose, informing him of the passing of her husband Edwin Carlisle, the Earl of Shrewsbury. How would she react to the news that not only was her former flame Jack Wolfe a husband, but a father was well?

[Welsh Wench]

Honour gazed over the shoreline of GlenLivet as it came into view. She felt her stomach tighten up. 'Please, for all of our sakes, don't be here....'

Jack came up behind her, sliding his arm around her waist. She jumped a mile.
Laughing, he pushed the hair away from her ear and whispered, "Almost in port."
She nodded, her eyes still darting back and forth as she skimmed her eyes over the ships that were docked.
"You seem nervous, love."
She shook her head. "I just want to pick up my things and head out as soon as possible. I--I miss our daughter and I don't want her to forget me."
He sighed. "And she doesn't even know me."
He turned Honour around to face him. "Think she will like me?"
She looked at Jack's face, so hopeful and yet full of apprehension. She drew him close and laid her head against his chest.
"I know she will. I can't wait to hear her call you 'Da' for the first time."
Jack brightened. "You really think she will?"
She laughed and said, "What do you think she will call you? Captain?"
He laughed with her and said, "That would be Captain Da!"
Honour still continued to look over the port.
"Honour? You seem a bit distracted."
She hastily replied, "Jack, I was in Glenlivet for a few days awaiting passage back to Wales when you kidnapped me.  I just want to fetch my things from the inn and get out of here."
"I'll go with you then."
"NO!"
"Pardon?"
She did a quick recovery. "I mean, you have so much to do with the men.  Giving them the news that we are sailing back to the Continent to pick up your child. I really hope you don't lose anyone."
Jack replied, "Can't say that I blame them.  And I hope that Briggs will make the decision to stay. There hasn't been much talking to him the past three days."
"When will he let you know?"
Jack shrugged. "I guess I will find out when he shows up on Monday."

A person was clearing their throats behind them.  They both turned and Eli Meredith stood there, his cap in his hand and a look of uncertainty.
Honour gave him a warm smile and Jack nodded solemnly. He still did not quite trust the lad due to his small but unwilling part in the mutiny.
"If I may be talking to you, Captain Wolfe? In private?"
Jack said cooly, "There is nothing you can say to me that you cannot say in front of Mrs. Wolfe."
Honour gave Jack's arm a quick squeeze. "It's alright, Jack. Eli needs to talk man to man with you. I'll get my things together to go ashore."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack led Eli to the quarterdeck.
"We will have privacy here. Speak your mind, Meredith."
Eli twisted his cap in his hand. "First off, I want to say how right happy I am that you and Mrs. Wolfe are together. "
Jack looked at the lad and softened.  He couldn't have been much older than nineteen.  His blond hair kept falling over his eyes and he kept pushing it back.
"Thank you, Meredith. Now what is on your mind?"
Eli started but then his words came tumbling out.
"I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for what happened. Burgess was a bad lot from the beginning. And I know I should have warned you but I was afraid of him.  I was hoping that he would change his mind."
Jack admitted, "You did redeem yourself when you told me where Honour was. For that I am thankful. "
Eli nodded solemly. "I don't think I could have forgiven myself if any harm had come to your lady, Captain.  But what I would like to know is this--do you intend to leave me in Glenlivet?"
Jack shook his head. "I don't rightly know, Eli. I spared your life. Is that not enough?"
Eli looked down at the deck. "I overheard you talking to Mr. Briggs. I kept it all to myself but I heard that you intend to sail for Wales."
Jack nodded. "I will be telling the crew in my speech before they disembark in port."
Eli raised his eyes and said with trepidation tinged with hope, "I'd like to stay on and go to Wales with the ship, Captain."
Jack took a deep breath. I think that can be arranged.
Eli impulsively stepped forward and grabbed his captain's hand.
"Thank you, sir! Thank you!"
Eli walked off and his captain said quietly, "You are welcome....Eli."
Eli stood up a little taller and squared his shoulders.  He had redeemed himself in his captain's eyes and he was ready to face the world again with his head held high.

[Welsh Wench]

Honour gathered what few things she had and returned to the deck. The men were getting excited. She gave the port a sweeping look.
And breathed a sigh of relief.
The Gryphon was not there.

She drew her shawl closer to her as her mind went back over the three days before Jack had whisked her away to Isla Muelle Key under protest.
Under protest?
Kidnapped was more like it.

Jack had kissed her and the gangplank was let down.
"I still think I should go with you, Honour."
She hugged him and said with a sigh, "I would rather go by myself. I'll be back before you know it."
He reluctantly let her go. "And when will that be?"
She kissed his cheek and said, "I will be back no later than 3:00. And may I do a bit of shopping?"
She looked at him hopefully and he laughed as he produced a bag of gold coins.
"Don't spend them all at the boot store, love. We have no more room!"
"Now, you know you can never have too many boots, darling!"

She walked down the street leading to the room she had taken.
Taken with.....him.
Her mind drifted back to that day....

"Honour! What are you doing here?"
She turned, a look of delight and worry crossing her face.
"Cade Jennings!"
A person she thought she would never see again in her life.

"You didn't wait for me. I told you I would be back in a week's time. "
"I had to leave. I....I got word that my mother was sick and I had to rush home to Wales."
"And how is she?"
"She had a bad chest cold and it was touch and go for a while. But she recovered."
Oh, how easy it was to lie....

"Have dinner with me.  And then we can decide what we want to do."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you did get a formal divorce decree from Jack, didn't you?"
"Not exactly."
"What do you mean?"
"I--I left Barbados suddenly and there was no time to file papers or anything.  He went to Martinique to get Armand LaFork---"
"La Fourche--"
"WhatEVER. By the time he came back, I had gone. I had left him a note."
Another lie.
They just seemed to be coming quicker.
"So what do you do now? Can you get a divorce en absentia from him? I mean, you could claim desertion. After all, he left you to go to Martinique."
"I don't know. I suppose I could see the magistrate about an annulment."
He took her hands. "I love you, Honour. And I want to be with you."
 

Coincidently, they had both taken rooms at the same inn.
By the end of dessert, the second room was no longer needed.

Honour drew her shawl around her and entered the tavern.
"There you are!"
Mrs. Washburn bustled forth. "Lord, child! We thought something had happened to ye! Ye disappeared and never came back!"
Honour replied, "I had a few complications, Mrs. Washburn. But things have straightened out and I have come for my things."
"Ye are paid up till the end of the week.  But ye missed yer passage ship back to Wales, dearie.  And a gentleman left a note for ye."
She opened a drawer and pulled out an envelope.
"Was he upset?"
"He didn't seem to be. He told me ye'd be back for yer things, that ye probably had  gotten distracted with the bootmaker. He was laughing about it and said he would catch up with ye when--how did he put it?--Oh yes. When ye are a free woman."
She winked slyly at Honour.
"Thank you, Mrs. Washburn. I'll collect my things. I have passage back to Wales on another ship."

In the privacy of her room, she opened the envelope. The handwriting she knew well.

Honour, darling---I  had to leave quickly for another port. El Lobo del Mar was spotted and my quartermaster sent word to me that Jack was heading into port. Fortunately I had docked The Gryphon on the west side of the port and Jack always favors coming in where the wind will take him. I'll catch up to you in a few week's time. By then Jack will be gone. I know he stops for supplies here and then heads out.  Be careful and avoid the taverns. I know he frequents the Bilge Pump Pub and takes rooms there.
I love you.
Cade

She folded the letter and put it back in the envelope, shoving it to the bottom of one of the trunks.  There weren't very many things to pack up since most of her belongings--except for most of the chests of guilders that were deposited at the bank in Bridgetown--were at Megan's in Wales.
Including what she held dearest of all.
Zara.

She opened the trunk and pulled out a little velvet box that had been tucked into the pocket on the side of the lining. Carefully she opened it and took something out.
A lock of dark brown curls tied with a pink satin ribbon. She smiled softly and tucked it into her pocket.
'Jack Wolfe, it isn't much. But at least you can hold a small part of your daughter.'

She called down to Mrs. Washburn.
"May I borrow one of the men and a cart to transport my trunk to the docks?"
Mrs. Washburn called back, "Most certain, dearie." Then she yelled, "Caleb! Get yerself over here. A small job for ye!"

Within the hour, Honour had the trunk sent on ahead and decided to do a bit of shopping. By the end of it, Jack's pouch was empty.
Yet she had purchased a new dress, a pair of boots and three silk shirts for Jack to replace the one she had pinned through the mast with her sgian dubh, the one that was caught in the door that he had to cut be out, and the one she threw out the porthole when Jack decided the key was more important than satisfaction.
She picked up a few things for Zara. A dress here, a blanket there.
And the crew was not forgotten. A few bottles of fine claret to be shared among them all.
Because after all....the men needed to know they were appreciated.

One final stop.
Honour entered Ye Olde Swordshop.
"May I help you, Miss?"
She looked around and said, "I'd like to purchase a rapier. That one over there. The French one."
Master Campbell laughed and said, "Aye, ye know your rapiers! T'is one of my best sellers."
"Do you do engraving?"
"I surely do. I can even do it whilst ye wait, Miss. A gift for a husband? Or a lover?"
he said with a wink.
She smiled broadly and said, "I want it inscribed with two initials."
"And that would be?"
"E. M."
"I know this E. M. will be pleased."
Honour nodded. "A special person.  Because if it weren't for him, I never would have found my way back to the person I love. And now I have a chance to get it right."

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

The crew assembled on the main deck at the end of the forenoon watch as was their tradition on the first day in port.  That was when the captain would address the men a timetable for their say and any relevant news.  The usual boisterous mood of the crew was replaced by an unsettling quiet on this occasion, however.  Rumours of Jack's intent to turn the ship toward Wales and the Continent had somehow found its way through the ranks.  Most of the men were indifferent. Some were actually relieved, as the voyage would put comfortable distance between themselves and a noose on some island. And then there was the very vocal minority who were resentful. Theses were men who had fled from justice in the Commonwealth to continue their lawless existence in the Caribbean. Jack Wolfe's El Lobo was the gravy train upon which they had ridden. Now they were at the end of the line.

Jack wasn't the only one they were upset with. Fortunately, she was already off the ship.

Briggs was there was well, seated at a small desk to one side of the gangway. On the desk were a quill and ship's roster. A closed chest sat on the deck beside him. The quartermaster's typically somber expression was on this day downright dour.

Jack paused as he stepped onto the deck. All conversation came to an abrupt halt as the crew turned their attention to him. It took only moments for Jack to gage their mood. He knew he was turning their lives upside down, but whatever sympathy he felt wasn't about to sway his decision. He squared his shoulders and walked over to where his trusted friend sat. The murmur of the assembly began again, though more subdued.

"Morning, Josiah."
"Mornin', Jack."
No warmth, no daily complaints. Nothing to give Jack an idea of what the gruff man had decided. Briggs could be maddeningly tight-lipped when he got the notion to be. This was one of those times.
"I see you have things ready to pay off anyone who chooses not to stay," Jack continued, his voice hushed.
"Aye," answered Briggs with a sigh. "I'm hopin' it's enough to cover 'em all."
So was Jack. "It won't be as bad as all that, Josiah," he said, as much to convince himself as it was meant for Briggs.
Briggs gave a skeptical grunt. "You're the cap'n. You got a good speech, I hope? One mutiny is enough for my tastes."

"I'm feeling inspired today," smiled Jack. When in doubt, fake confidence. He turned to make his way to the quarterdeck when he spotted a tense Eli standing on the fringes.
"Ah! Mister Meredith! A word with you!"
Eli pulled the tattered woolen cap off his head and wrung it in his hands as he approached Jack. He knew he was walking a fine line with his captain after the mutiny, and he feared the worst in being singled out.
"Aye, cap'n?" he asked quietly.
Jack smiled in hopes of putting the young man at ease. "Meredith... I mean, Eli, I have a job for you, if you're up to it."
The sailor perked up. "Aye, sir! Name it!"
"Since I can count on you being one to stay on," said Jack, "I want you to assist Master Briggs in taking care of the men who decide to part company. You think you're up to it, lad?"
A broad smile broke out on Eli's face. "Yessir! You can count on me!"
"Now wait one damned minute," protested Briggs. "Ye can't be serious! This mutinous pup..."
"This young man helped foil the mutiny, if you'll remember," countered Jack. "If it weren't for him, Honour might well be dead. That more than warrants a second chance in my book."
Briggs gave Jack a long, unhappy look, then sat back in his chair. "Meredith! Get yer skinny arse over here. Lemme tell ye how this works."
Eli gave Jack an expectant look, and scurried off when Jack nodded his head in Briggs' direction.

The men had left an avenue along the gunwale for Jack to approach the quarterdeck. He felt incredibly uncomfortable knowing that all eyes were upon him. For every ounce of pride he felt for being a ship's master and commander, he felt an equal amount of stage fright. Honour had made certain he was dressed the part of pirate captain. He sported his nicest frock coat, and two of his finest pistols were shoved into his belt, including the one he had personally taken off Diego Mendoza. "Dress to impress, in all things," she had advised. Jack took heart in her words of encouragement as he stepped to the taffrail.

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

"Gentlemen! And I use the term ever so loosely."
The usual titter of laughter rippled through the men.
"No doubt word of my intentions has reached your ears..." he began.
"Gone soft, ye have! All for the love of a doxy!" a man cried.
Jack felt his blood begin to boil, but he kept his head. "You know, mate, ordinarily I'd be upset by your claptrap. But since you've gone out of your way to show everyone what an ignorant git you really are, I'll forego humiliating you further."
A derisive laugh worked its way through the men.
"As I was saying," continued Jack, "what you've heard is indeed true. Effective immediately, this ship is retired from the Account. El Lobo Del Mar is now a peaceful vessel. Come Monday, we will be headed for Wales."
He paused to let the news sink in.
"Those of you who wish to stay on shall be ensured a fair salary. Those who wish to seek their own fortunes may see Master Briggs. You'll receive a fair recompense, and your name will be stricken from the roster."
A dissenting cry swelled within the crew. The vocal minority were going to have their say. But before they could gain a unified voice, a shot rang out behind the throng.

Eli Meredith stood with his smoking pistol held above his head.
"Listen to what the cap'n has to say! It's a fair offer!" he exclaimed, though his voice betrayed a waver of fear. "Those what protest, take your money! Good riddance to ye! The rest, we're going to Wales!"
The men looked at the scrawny man for a few moments, then turned their attention back to Jack.
"Thank you, Mister Meredith," said Jack, with a bemused smile. The young man was proving to be full of surprises. "Now that I have your attention once again, the usual rules apply. You're to be aboard and ready to sail Monday morning. No exceptions. If you land in gaol or get yourself killed, or simply oversleep in the tavern or some strumpet's arms, know that it has been a pleasure working with you. Your effects will be auctioned before the mast. Now, go enjoy yourselves. Those wanting to part company, Mister Briggs will see to you now."

He watched as the majority of men shuffled off the ship and down the docks into town. Several stayed behind to take their money and leave the crew.

"Make your mark here beside your name," said Briggs, and he took a sack coins from Eli and handed it to each man in turn. "Ye can take your effects with ye now, or collect them off the dock Monday morn. Matters not a whit to me," he explained to them.
"An' what about you, Briggs? You can't be no happier with this than the rest of us," asked the last crewman to take his money.
Briggs gave Eli a sidelong glance, then looked back to the man. "That's between me and the cap'n. Same as always."
The man shrugged and hefted the sack of coins. He intentionally jostled Eli with his shoulder on his way to gangplank. Eli got a fighting look on his face, which quickly faded when he heard Briggs laugh.
"Easy there, tough man! That bloke would have ye for breakfast and still be in want of a meal."

Jack walked up the the desk and examined the roster.
"Sixteen men in all. Better than I expected." He read over the list, and gave his friend a puzzled look. "I don't see your name crossed off. Does that mean you're staying, or still thinking?"
Briggs leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. "And trust ye to get this ship all the way to Wales on your own? Ye'll be too busy thinkin' about that little girl of your'n to keep a steady course! And I can't exactly see myself deprivin' the wee angel of knowin' her Uncle Josiah."
Jack smiled with satisfaction. "I'm glad you're staying, Josiah. El Lobo wouldn't be the same without you."
"Nay, this ship would still be the same. You'd be more out of control, if that be possible. Somebody has to ride herd on ye. I've got the most experience." He looked at the roster again and sighed. "At least it wasn't as bad as what I'd planned for..."
"But Master Briggs," interrupted Eli, "you only had eighteen bags in the chest."
"Have ye ever been told ye've got a big mouth, boy?" grumbled Briggs as he avoided looking at the smirk on Jack's face. "Still, that's sixteen warm bodies I need to find before Monday. Not gonna be easy in this backwater port."
"A monumental task, I'm sure," teased Jack. "But one you're no doubt equal to, my friend."
Briggs gave a faint smile and nodded before turning his attention to Eli. "Well, what are ye standin' about lollygaggin' for? Stow that chest! We've got recruitin' to do."

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

Honour arrived back at the docks with her packages and Eli's sword just before three o'clock as she'd promised Jack. A small group of men were gathered at the entrance of the dock where El Lobo was berthed. From the looks of them, they were unhappy and drunk. It wasn't the first time she'd had to make her way past drunken sailors. She considered them to be like snakes. If you ignore them, usually they will do the same to you. As she drew closer, she could overhear their conversation.

"Damn that Wolfe, anyways! We had us a good thing goin', too."
"Yeah, until that woman showed up again!"
"Nothin' but trouble, she is! Turned him all 'round. Made him soft!"
"Soft in the head is more like it! I'm thinkin' Burgess was right. Shame what happened to him. We coulda had a bit of fun with that tart, too, once Wolfe was outta the way!"
"Oi! Speakin' of the little bint, there she be!"

Honour's face flushed red when she heard the men talk. She was angry that they would insult her husband's name so, and sickened by their insinuations. It took all her strength to keep from confronting them. But she bit her lip and pulled her packages close as she hurried past. The fact that she carried the sword made it easier to ignore their laughter and the lewd kissing sounds one of them made once she was by them. She gave thanks as she walked with determination toward the safety of the ship that those horrid men were no longer part of the crew. What they thought didn't matter. She and her husband were going to retrieve their precious little girl.

[Welsh Wench]

"Jack, I just don't know what to make out of all this."
She sat on the bed, her dressing gown wrapped around her, a satin ribbon tying her hair back.
Jack looked at her, his mind still trying to wrap around the notion that less than two weeks ago, he had found his wife crawling on her hands and knees in the Bilge Pump Pub, trying to escape without him noticing her.  It was only the dragging of her skirt that caught his attention.
As she was about to cross the threshold and escape to freedom, he had recognized the curve of her bottom and had caught her by the ankles, dragging her back into the tavern and yanking her to her feet.  He found himself face to face with the one he had been searching the Caribbean for over the last eighteen months.
What had started out as a forced kidnapping became a willing reconciliation.
Honour had given herself freely and willingly and had also given him the greatest gift she could.
A child and the promise of a family.
While he didn't agree with the way she left, he now understood why she did what she did.
Cade's figuring into the equation, however, was inexcusable.

"Jack, did you hear me?"
He looked at what she had spread all over the bed, the look of puzzlement on her face. He crossed over and sat on the bed next to her.
"Having a problem, are we?"
"Yes. I can't figure out what all these scrolls are about."
She sighed. "Was it all for naught?

He brushed her hair back. "No, Honour. The journal and the secrets of the Kings led you back to me."
She smiled broadly.
"Yes, it did. And I realized that I was on a journey and you are the journey's end."

She opened the scrolls and said exasperatedly, "Look here! All I see are squiggly lines and symbols that make no sense.  But with twenty-four of these, there has to be a pattern. Is it twelve this way? Or three rows of four? Four rows of three? Two columns of six?"

Jack took the ribbon from her hair and gave it a gentle tug. Softly he said, "Does it really matter, Honour? I found the treasure I was looking for the last eighteen months. All my life, really."
As he kissed her and gently pushed her back on the pillows, she whispered, "I love you, Jack." He pulled back and said, "What did you say?"
He looked at her with a tenderness in his eyes she had never seen before, even when they were in Castara.
"I said, 'I love you.' Good Lord, it is like a catharsis for me to finally be able to say that again!"
"Again? And who have you said that to before, my love? Cade Jennings?"
Rhys Morgan's face came unbidden to her memory. Bu for once she didn't feel any sense of betrayal. Rhys was the past.  Jack was her future.

"No, my love. I never told Cade that I loved him. I don't think he really loved me either."
"I had no idea that Cade hated me."
"He didn't hate you, Jack. He admired you.  He wanted to be just like you. And he learned well. That was why he bought the Gryphon."
She put her arms around Jack and drew him to her.
"But let's not speak of him. This is our time to reconcile."

[Welsh Wench]

When Honour woke up the next morning, she vaguely remembered Jack kissing her and saying something about coordinates, the Azores, and the quarterdeck. She stretched her arms over her head, yawning. Sliding out of bed, she dressed in a blouse and skirt. Carefully she went through her recent purchases until she found what she was looking for.

Honour made her way to the deck. There was Eli Meredith, busy making a knot in the rope that was coiled.
"Eli? May I see you a minute?"
Eli scrambled to his feet.
"Good morning, Mrs. Wolfe."
"Please--call me Honour, Eli. I am only a couple years older than you are. Calling me Mrs. Wolfe makes me feel like I am your best friend's mother!"
He gave her a warm smile, feeling he had been accepted by the captain's wife.
She poured a cup of coffee and added a splash of brandy that Jack had kept hidden behind the binnacle. She reached over and added a bit to the cup that Eli had been drinking.
"I want to thank you, Eli, for staying with the crew."
"It's my pleasure, Mrs....Honour. And I owe you a debt of gratitude for intervening between the captain and myself."
"It is I who can't thank you enough, Eli. Whether you know it or not, you saved my life when Burgess was in my room. If the mutiny had been a success, it would be Captain Burgess. Captain Wolfe and Briggs would be murdered and I have no doubt that I would be put to death before long."
Eli looked down. "I am so sorry."
She gave Eli's arm a squeeze. "I also want to thank you for one other thing, Eli. This may sound strange, though."
"What is it, Honour?"
"If it weren't for the mutiny, Jack and I may never have found our way back to each other."
"I don't understand, Honour."

She explained, "When I came back to my room after pleading your case to Jack, you had fallen asleep. I hadn't the heart to wake you. But I realized this.  That Mad Jack Wolfe did have a heart and compassion. And it was a trait I thought he didn't have. We decided we are going to try again. And, Eli, we owe it to you."

His face blushed with undisguised pleasure. Eli had felt that he had redeemed himself fully for the part he played in the mutiny. Honour didn't tell Eli that because he fell asleep in her bed, she ended up in the cabin and in Jack's bed. How right it felt and how much she missed waking up in his arms.
He impulsively took her hand.
"I am so happy, Honour. At least something good came out of it."

She reached behind the binnacle again and took a package wrapped in oil cloth.
"Eli, this is for you."
His mouth dropped and the look of astonishment on his face was a sight to behold. Carefully he unwrapped it and his breath caught.
"Oh, Lord!"

The French rapier gleamed in the sunlight, almost as if it were glowing. He tenderly caressed the blade and his fingers crossed the engraving.
"E. M.--you even had it engraved!"
His eyes shone with pride. The sight of his joy brought unbidden tears to Honour's eyes.
Impulsively he hugged her and then realized he touched his captain's wife. He looked over and saw Jack standing over by the gunwale, watching.
"I--I'm sorry, Captain, Sir."
Jack affected a stern look but the corners of his mouth were turned up in mirth.
"I'll forgive you this once, boy. Although I can't say I blame you."
Then his face broke out in a grin. Eli nodded, smiled shyly and walked off, carefully holding the rapier.

Jack put his arm around Honour.
"How many times have I told you about rapiers not being any good for fighting aboard a ship?"
She leaned against him. "I know. But he needed something to make himself feel special. You can't buy loyalty like that, my darling."
He kissed her and said, "Have I told you lately how much I love you?"
She sighed happily and said, "Yes. But I never tire of hearing it!"

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Honour pulled her shawl around her shoulders and shivered a bit.  Jack put his arm around her and held her close as they looked out across the port of Ponta Delgada on the beautiful green island of São Miguel in the Azores.  The fertile island that served as the midway point for their voyage across the Atlantic offered only a fraction of the warmth they were accustomed to back in the Caribbean.  A thick, surreal fog blanketed the area, further reminding them of their distance from those sunny shores.

Jack's thoughts drifted back two nights previous.  He and Honour were enjoying an after dinner glass of Madeira and each others company.  Once again, as they had the past several nights when Jack could devote his entire attention to his beloved wife, their conversation turned to their future together.
"Tell me again about Zara," he asked.
Honour laughed softly.  "You never tire of hearing about her, do you?"
"The more you tell me about our little girl, she becomes that much more real to me," Jack said, with a softness in his eyes that made Honour's heart melt.  Ever since he had learned of Zara's existence, she had seen a tenderness within him she wouldn't have believed possible some eighteen months ago.
She squeezed his hand.  "I know a better way."

Honour got up from the table and went to the chest of drawers.  She opened the second drawer from the top and began looking for something.
"You haven't been hiding little Zara in there this entire time, have you?" Jack teased.
"Of course not!  Do you honestly think any child of yours could stay quiet five minutes, much less this long?"  Honour pulled something from the drawer and hid it behind her back.  "Now, close your eyes and hold out your hands."
"The last time you asked me to do this, I found your dressing gown in my hands and you wearing nothing but a smile and my boots!"
Honour's mouth hung open in shock.  "Jack Wolfe, you are a beast!  Just hush and do as I ask, please?"
Jack settled back in his chair with a devilish smile on his face and did as she asked.  Honour placed the object in his hands, and gently curled his fingers around it.
"Oh," he said, somewhat crestfallen.  "Not a dressing gown.  I suppose, since we've just eaten..."
Honour gave him a gentle slap on the shoulder.  "Would you try concentrating on something other than making another baby?"
"Oh, difficult, difficult," he said with mock determination.  "Let's see... it's velvet, and a box.  Honour, are you proposing to me?!"
"Damn it, Jack!  Open your bloody eyes!" she said in laughing exasperation.
"Ah, that would help!"  He opened his eyes and looked on the small box, then over to Honour.  "Damn.  You're still dressed."
She gave him an "I'm about to slap you into next week" look.  He grinned sheepishly, and opened the small velvet box.

Jack's eyes went wide, and Honour was sure she saw tears welling, ready to pour forth in joy.
Inside the little box was a lock of Zara's hair, bound by a slender pink ribbon.  He set the box down on his knee and gently lifted up the lock, examining it in the lamp light.
"This... this is really hers?  Ours?" he asked, his voice halting.
Honour nodded.  "Yes, Jack.  It's Zara's."
He shook his head and smiled, and kissed the tiny bundle of chestnut brown silken strands that swirled and cascaded across his fingers. 
"Oh yes," Jack said softly.  "This is much, much better."  He sighed wistfully.  "My little princess..."

"Jack?  Jack!  Have you heard a word I've said?"
Honour's question broke his reverie.  In fact, he hadn't heard her at all.  His thought were consumed by the fact that they were one step closer to seeing their daughter.
"I'm sorry!  My thoughts were somewhere else," he said with a smile.
Honour gave a laugh.  "I'll say they were.  Let me guess... Wales, perhaps?"
It was his turn to laugh.  "You know me too well, my love.  Are you sure you've dressed warmly enough?  I'd hate for you to catch a chill whilst you're here.  Then I would have to share you with Duckie!"
Honour laid her head on his shoulder.  "No, I'll be fine.  Besides, it will be a lot colder than this once we reach Beaumaris.  I have to toughen back up!"
"Don't toughen up too much, love.  I'm rather fond of your tenderness."
"No need to worry, darling," she smiled.  "Tenderness for you is something I'll never run short of."
"I'll hold you to that!" he chuckled.  "Now, see there?  Those are the shops I told you about.  The last time I was here, they carried the finest in Portuguese laces, woollens, and the like.  Maybe they'll have something cozy and warm for you.  And Zara too!"
"When were you here last?  It must have been quite a while."
"Oh, five years, give or take.  It was a joint venture between myself and my old friend, Rhys Morgan.  God rest his soul."

Honour felt a small pang of sadness at that name.  It was the first time she had heard Jack speak it since their honeymoon, and it struck her as odd that it should come up seemingly out of the blue.  But then again, this was Rhys' old haunt on his many jaunts in and out of the Mediterranean.
"Five years is a long time in this area, what with all their squabbles with Spain.  You're certain we'll be safe?" she asked.
"Darling, any enemy of Spain is a friend of the Portuguese.  Given that, I'm practically a national hero."
Honour turned and took him by the lapels of his frock coat, drawing him close.
"National hero, eh?" she said with a sly smile.  "How much store credit do you get for that?"
Jack laughed and kissed her gently.  "Not nearly enough."
She gave him an exaggerated pout.  "Oh.  Do they take guilders?"
"Yes, darling.  Whatever coin you carry, they'll gladly take."
She grinned at him, and shook her purse.  "Shopping awaits, then!"

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

As she descended the gangplank, Jack called after her.
"I promise I'll be along shortly!  So please, stay close to the waterfront?"
"I promise!" she replied with a wave.
Jack turned his attention to Briggs, who was having an ever louder discussion with a local stockman who had come aboard to take an order for ship's supplies.
"Twenty barrels... BARRELS..." he made a rough barrel shape with his arms, "of salted... SALTED... pork.  PORK-O!"
The stockman held his hands up in utter frustration.  Jack stepped in to defuse what what quickly becoming a bad situation.

"Sim.  Nós queremos vinte tambores da carne de porco salgada," he said calmly.
The stockman broke into a smile of relief.  "Sim, sim!  Você precisa qualquer outra coisa?"
"What else do we need, Josiah?"
"Um, thirty barrels of dried beef."
"Trinta tambores da carne secada.  Is that it?"
"Forty five barrels of water?  That should do it."
"Quarenta e cinco tambores da água fresca.  Aquele é todo."
"Muito bom, senhor!  Eu tê-lo-ei manhã amanhã entregada.  Obrigado!"  With that, the stockman turned to leave.
"Apenas um momento!  Uma mais coisa..." said Jack, and the man stopped.  "Talvez você poderia encontrar um tradutor para meu amigo?  Preferivelmente uma cabeça vermelha?"
The stockman laughed loudly.  "Eu penso que eu conheço apenas a menina!  Mas é cara!"

Jack walked back to Briggs, who stood there with an exasperated look on his face.  "Is there any language ye don't speak?"
"Cantonese.  And Polish."
"Too much gibberish?"
"Yeah.  And the Cantonese is almost as bad.  But at any rate, the goods will be delivered tomorrow morning."
"Aye, that'll do.  Now what was that bit at the end that had the two of ye laughing so hard?  It had to be at my expense."
Jack chuckled.  "I asked him if he could find you a translator.  Preferably a redhead."
"That'd do just nicely!  Thank ye, Jack," beamed Briggs.
"Oh, don't thank me too fast!  He knows the girl, but she's expensive!"
Briggs smile faded a just a little.  "I'll suffer through, for a redhead," he shrugged.

A little while later, Jack was walking the bustling streets of Sao Miguel.  The port town had grown considerably in the years since his last visit, so much so that it had lost much of its familiarity.  He thought back to his days working with Rhys, intercepting Spanish merchants and trafficking the goods from the Azores to Ireland and Wales, and even Holland.  It had been a profitable partnership, until the lure of the New World became more than Jack could resist.

He continued walking among the open air shops, hoping to find Honour.  While he knew she was close by, he really didn't care to be apart from her.  One of the shops caught Jack's eye, and he stopped to browse.  Piled in heaps on a table and hanging from the edge of the tent by strings were all manner of toy animals.  Horses, tigers, fish, and others, all brightly coloured and made from soft fabric.  A happy smile spread across his face as he turned them over in his hand one by one.
"Oh, this is it.  This is the one."  He held up a stuffed rabbit.  Its ears were long and floppy, and its brightly striped body was soft and plush.
"Ah yes, you like?" asked the eager shopkeeper.  She smiled broadly, exposing all six of her teeth.
"Yes, this will do nicely!  How much?"
The woman took the rabbit and turned it over in her hands.  "For you, three piastres.  A bargain!"
"Three?!" said an astonished Jack.  "I can have a feast for myself and my wife for that.  One."
The woman looked at the rabbit and shook her head.  "And you would have made his little girl so happy," she said to it sadly.
"How do you know it I have a daughter?  I could be buying that for a favourite niece for all you know."
"I've been doing this for a very long time, senhor.  Men with baby girls buy horses and rabbits.  And their eyes light up just like yours.  I can tell you love your daughter very much.  So one piastre is too little for my toys."

Jack looked skyward and sighed.  "All right.  You've bested me."  He pulled a coin from his pocket and flipped it at the woman.  She caught it in mid air and examined it, and the rabbit tumbled across the table to land near Jack's hand.
"A Dutch guilder!  Senhor, this is too much!"
"No, it's worth every penny for the smiles it will put on little girl's face," said Jack as he picked up the rabbit and stuffed it in his pocket.
The woman grinned happily.  "I close early today!  Bless you, senhor!"
Jack tipped his battered tricorn, and spun on his heel to continue his search for Honour.

[Welsh Wench]

Honour entered each covered booth, drawing her cloak closer to her. The tradesmen had braziers at each booth, so she was able to warm her hands.
"Do you have anything in a woolen scarf? Maybe a red?"
The wool merchant grinned and said, "Yes, Madame! The finest merino wool and knitted by my own wife."
She held it in her hands and hefted it. Not too heavy, not too light. She knew Jack would be unprepared for a Welsh winter.
"I'll take it, Senor."

At the next booth, she purchased a wool coat and gloves for Briggs and a few other things for the crew that stayed behind. She found a wool cap for Eli to replace the one he had. She remembered he had twisted it so much in his nervousness he had poked a hole in it with his finger. The embarrassment he felt touched Honour. She sensed that Eli didn't have much and had left to go to sea with whatever was on his back. She didn't know why she felt such an affinity for him. Perhaps it was his guilelessness or the eagerness to please. Whatever it was, she knew it was genuine. And Eli deserved a break.
She headed over to a small outdoor cafe, sitting down to a cup of hot tea when a pair of hands went over her eyes.

"Guess who?"
"Now, Briggs--don't you dare let Jack catch us!"
"WHAT?"
She laughed as Jack sat down.
"You were my second guess, love."
He grinned and reached into a sack. "I bought something for Zara."
Jack reached in and withdrew a stuffed rabbit. The eyes were sewed buttons and it had a bright pink ribbon on its neck.
"Do you think she will like it?"
She looked at the hopefulness on Jack's face and she felt a softness for him she didn't think possible.  He was so eager to please and do things right.
She took his hand in hers and said, "I think she will love it, Jack. How could she not? It is from her father."

Jack's face broke out in a grin. "I can't believe by the end of next week I will be holding my daughter in my arms."
"She's a squirmer, Jack! Just so you know. Always on the move.  Why, before I left, Muir----"
"Muir! I forgot about him!"
"Muir missed you something fierce. He took your shirt and laid it at my feet when I was packing to leave. At that moment, I almost changed my mind. I think Muir was trying to tell me something but I was too intent on getting back to my family."
Jack looked off in the distance. "I found that shirt. It still smelled like jasmine."

He took himself back to the present and squeezed the hand that held his.
"I feel like I have been given a second chance, Honour."
"As have I, Jack. And now we have a family."
"More tea?"
"I'm fine. But get something for yourself."
Jack went up to the tavern bar.

Honour sat there, a feeling of contentment coming over her. She felt that nothing could intrude on it. She looked out onto the bazaar and that is when she saw him.
Could it be....?
Impossible.
Her blood ran cold.
But no one wore boots like Rhys Morgan.

Her heart started racing. It can't be.....no, it can't. She held Rhys untill his life force ebbed away. She remembered brushing his hair back from his face and his beautiful grey-green eyes closing, his breath coming in a ragged gasp.
The blood...
Oh, the blood.

She jumped up just as Jack was coming back with his brandy.
"Jack...I forgot a purchase at the silk merchant. I---I'll be back in a minute."
"But Honour..."
She threw the cloak on and said hurriedly, "I'll be back in a few minutes, Jack."
Without waiting for a reply from him, she rushed out the door and looked up and down the street. The fog was settling in as thick as pea soup but even so, she spied the dark green frock coat that he had worn so often.
The gold and silver hilt of the rapier that he always wore.
The burgundy tooled boots.

She rushed down the lane, trying to squeeze by the merchants and their patrons.
"Excuse me..excuse me..pardon...sorry...."
The coat.
The rapier.
The boots.
The strut.
There was only one person who when you added up the factors tallied one man.
And that tally was Rhys Morgan.

As she entered a clearing from the people, he was gone in the mist.
She stood there and rubbed her eyes. Was it a mirage? A ghost intruding on her present happiness?
Or was he alive?
She looked up and down the lane but there was no one in sight.
No dark green coat.
No gold and silver rapier.
No burgundy boots.
Nothing.

She felt a tear escape from her eyes and she whispered his name.
Then she shook her head and said to herself, 'No, Rhiannon. You didn't see him. Your mind is playing tricks on you.'
She turned and headed back to the tavern, trying to compose herself.

Honour entered and Jack was sitting there, idly touching the ribbon on the rabbit's neck. She sat down.
"Did you find what you were looking for?"
"What?"
"The purchase. At the silk merchant."
She laughed shakily and said, "Half way there I realized I had put it in another bag. Sometimes I don't know where my mind is, Jack."
He laughed. "I know."
"What?"
"It is occupied with Wales and Zara.  Relax, love. We will be home soon enough."

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Briggs shouldered the door to the great cabin open and bustled inside. It was obvious to everyone that the quartermaster was not a happy man at that moment.
"Sorry for bein' late," he said as he pulled his chair up to the table. Briggs grabbed the bottle of brandy and poured a nearly full glass. Jack and Duckie exchanged amused looks as he drained the glass and poured another.
"Rough day?" asked Jack.
Briggs looked at the ceiling and sighed. "Ye know them men we took on at Glenlivet?"
Jack nodded. "Yes, what about them? They seemed able enough."
"Idiots," huffed Briggs. "Well intentioned, but dumb as a bucket of rocks! I don't mind a man bein' green as grass, but these..." He shook his head and knocked back half his glass.
"Inexperienced?" Duckie asked. "You've dealt with inexperienced men, Josiah, and taught them well. What have they managed to do that's got you so frustrated?"
Briggs crossed his arms and leaned on the table. "Duckie, I had not one, but two men hangin' upside down by their boots from the mainsail riggin' this afternoon! After witnessin' a sorry performance like that, ye'll be forgivin' me a drink or three."
Duckie tried hard not to laugh, but failed.

Jack shook his head and indulged himself some brandy. "They'll get the hang of things..."
Briggs shot him a pained expression.
"... pardon the pun," Jack smirked. "You'll have them trained in by the time we port in Beaumaris."
"If I don't kill 'em all first," grumbled Briggs.
"Now, now, Josiah. You'll need them all if you're to get the ship to Amsterdam."
Briggs' face lit up. "Amsterdam? Ye know I'm willin', but why?"
"I'm not about to try and sell our cargo anywhere within the Commonwealth," explained Jack. "Their agents ask too many inconvenient questions. That's why I want you to take El Lobo to Amsterdam and oversee the sale of the cargo personally. For a handsome percentage, of course."
"Ye needn't sweeten the pot, Jack. Not when ye're sendin' me to that happy town!"
"Well, in that case--"
"But I'd be ungrateful if I said no," Briggs continued quickly.
"We can't have that, can we?" laughed Jack. "Whilst you're there, I'd like you to get the ship inspected and any repairs made. I trust you won't mind a few extra days in port?"
"Aye, it'll be done. Probably take a month all told, I reckon."
"Perfect! I was estimating the same," said Jack. "That will give me plenty of time to get to know my little Zara." Briggs could tell from the look on his friend's face that he could have said the Amsterdam run would take six months, and Jack would have been fine with it.

"As well as your other new family members," said Duckie with a smile over the rim of his glass.
"My other..." Jack began, and his voice trailed off. "Oh."
"Yes, your in-laws! Honour has told me about Megan and her husband. They sound delightful."
Jack fidgeted. "That's what she tells me, as well. Honestly, I'm not sure which I'm more nervous about. Seeing Zara, or meeting Honour's sister?"
Briggs took a sip of brandy, and stared into the glass. "It's not the wee one what's got ye worried," he said quietly. "When they're that tiny, they haven't learned how to judge yet. All they do is love ye." He looked his friend in the eyes with a mixture of happiness, envy, and regret. "When ye hold that precious tiny thing, ye'll understand. And it'll change ye forever."
"Yes, and just think how Megan and Daffyd will feel!" Duckie interrupted. He knew how deeply Briggs had been hurt by his son's rejection. The last thing he wanted was Josiah's wound reopened and Jack's moment spoiled. "No doubt this will be an awkward meeting for them as well. It's not every day you open your home to a notorious Caribbean pirate that just happens to be your brother-in-law."
"She'll likely be countin' the good silver every fifteen minutes," Briggs chuckled.
"Then I'll turn my pockets out for her every ten," said Jack with a wry smile. Briggs was right. He was very concerned about how Honour's family would receive him. The last time Honour was with them, she and Jack weren't on the best of terms. And she hadn't been at all forthcoming about what she had told them.

"Everything will be fine, Jack," said Duckie reassuringly. "You'll do what you always do; charm them completely. They'll soon realise that their trust is more valuable to you than any of their belongings."
"I hope you're right, Ducks. I need this to go well."
"It will. Once they see how much you and Honour love each other..."
"And hear how often ye do," interjected Briggs.
Jack picked up the cork from the brandy bottle and tossed it at Briggs' head.
"Well, there's that, too!" Duckie laughed. "My point is, you will feel like part of their family before you know it. Because thanks to Zara, you are part of the family already."
"Feeling like part of my family meant having someone try to stab your hand with a fork if you reached for the potatoes out of turn," said Jack.
"Affection takes many forms, Jack." Duckie smiled and sipped his brandy. "Speaking of family, I won't be accompanying the ship to Amsterdam. I'd like to visit my, um, family in Shrewsbury. That is, if it's all right with you, Jack."
"I didn't know you had family in Shrewsbury," said Jack.

Duckie straightened a bit in his chair. He didn't want to reveal that the family he was going to visit was his sister Rose. Jack's first love.
"They moved there two or three years ago. I promised I would come visit if I was ever able. Since it would seem I have a month available, I'd like to make good on that promise."
"I don't see there bein' much of a need for your services on a simple run to Holland," Briggs said thoughtfully. "Maybe afterwards, dependin' upon the quality of the company the men keep..."
"In that case," said Duckie, "make sure you pick up a supply of mercury. I have the feeling I'll have a surgery full of men requiring aid."
Briggs laughed. "Consider it done! I'll give 'em the speech, for what good it'll do."
"Shrewsbury," Jack said, stroking his chin. "That's a far cry from Basingstoke. Your family have always stayed close to the ancestral farms. What on earth would possess them to move to the West country?"
"Yes, um, it was a bit of a surprise to me as well," Duckie lied. Rose was a notorious status seeker, and she had managed to marry Edwin Carlisle, the Earl of Shrewsbury. A powerful man twenty years her elder. And true to form, she became a wealthy widow. Duckie loved his sister, but he couldn't help feeling ashamed of her.
"Then it's a good thing we're porting so close," said Jack. "It will shorten your trip considerably." He took the bottle of brandy and topped of everyone's glasses and raised his own in a toast. "Gentlmen! To success in all our endeavours! No matter where they take us, may they always bring us back together!"

The three men drank, and drank again as friends and comrades, each one uncertain yet hopeful as to what the future would bring.

[Welsh Wench]

The gangplank was put in place. Honour slid her hand into Jack's and pulled her cloak closer to her.  He reached over to her and fastened her cloak pin to close it.
Gently he put her hood up.
"When will you ever learn to dress yourself, woman?"
She laughed and said, "There's a wenchmouth in there but I am not going to say it!"
"How do I look?"
"Very piratey. But don't fret. Megan and Daffyd know your occupation. In fact, Megan said she didn't expect anything less of me. She always said I had a penchant for pirates. Even when I was a child, I used to sit on the docks whenever I could."

Jack motioned Briggs over to him. "Josiah, you are all set to take the ship to Amsterdam?"
Briggs grinned. "Aye, right and ready. The men will take two days' rest and then we shall sail off."
"And you know who to contact for unloading the swag?"
He nodded. "Claessen de Witt."
"And you know to hold out for twice of what he offers?"
"His reputation precedes him. He is known to be fair. After he sees no other alternative."
"So I expect you back around February 15th.  We will be staying at Honour's sister Megan's place--what was the name of the estate again, dear?"
Honour was putting her hands in a fur muff.
"Bancroft Hall."
"Right. Bancroft. In Beaumaris. We shall be ready to sail around that time. Just send word to us you are in port and we can be there by the next day. Bancroft is--how many miles is it, Honour?"
"Five miles from the port, darling."
Jack clapped his best friend on the shoulder.
"And you will be fine without Duckie?"
"I don't intend on getting into any skirmishes in the English Channel, Jack. We will be fine. Davis is with me. Even the kid. What's his name."
"Eli, Josiah." Honour supplied. "Jack? Are you ready?"
"As ready as I will ever be, darling. Lead on!"

They sat in the carriage, Jack looking out the window abstractedly.
"Jack, there is no reason to be nervous. She's only a baby."
"Only a baby? Good Lord, Honour! Here I am thirty-six and I am meeting my own flesh and blood. I just want to make a good impression on her!"
"Jack, she doesn't know about impressions. All she will want is to be rocked and sung to."
"What about your sister?"
"She's too old to be rocked."
"You know what I mean. I want your family to like me."
She patted Jack's hand.
"They will love you."
"I wanted to shave before we saw them."
"Darling, what would your crew think if you turned dandy on them? No, you made the right decision to gentrify yourself once we got there. Besides, Megan and Daffyd are good sorts. And their children will love to meet their Uncle Jack."
"That's right, Honour. Lay the pressure on me!"
She laughed. "It will only be for a month, Jack. What can possibly happen?"
He looked darkly out the window of the carriage. "With us? Anything!"

The carriage pulled up to a manor house in dark red brick and a trail of frozen ivy crawling up the side. The bare trees were laden with icicles and snow covered the roof.
Jack helped Honour from the carriage and pulled his great coat closer to him, the red wool scarf around his neck.
"My God, it is like a winter wonderland, Honour! I hope it is warm inside."
"Megan has a fireplace in every room, dear. But the real warmth is in her hospitality."
"And..and she is inside?"
"Megan? I suppose so."
"No! Zara."
"Well, I am sure she doesn't have any social obligations yet, Jack. Yes, she will be indoors. Megan is so overly cautious, she wouldn't take her outside. Now--take a deep breath!"

Honour reached up and knocked on the great lion's head door knocker.
The door opened and a dumpling-faced woman opened the door.
"Miss Rhiannon! You're back earlier than we expected!"
Jack turned to look behind him and saw no one. It finally hit him that he now knew his wife's real name.
Rhiannon.

Honour hugged the woman. "It is so nice to be back, Merrion."
"Well, don't just stand here, Rhiannon. Come in, come in!"
Jack followed his wife into the parlour.
Rhiannon took her cloak off and said, "Merrion, I'd like you to meet my----"
"So this is little Zara's da? I'd know it in  a minute. The hair and the chin!"
Jack couldn't help but grin. He was shifting from foot to foot, anxious and nervous to finally meet his progeny.
"Did you have a nice sail to Barbados, Rhiannon?"
"It was incredible, Merrion!"
The housekeeper frowned a bit. "We expected you to come back by yourself. Megan will be very surprised."
"It's a long story, Merrion, and I am sure----"

"Rhiannon!"

[Welsh Wench]

 
Honour ran over and gave the woman a hug. She was about five years older than Honour, her hair a honey-coloured blonde and her hazel eyes reflected a serenity that Jack scarcely saw in women. She was about the same height as Honour but she was plumper. A woman who was content with her maternal status.
Honour ran back to Jack and took his hand.
"Megan, I would like you  to meet Ma----um..Captain Jack Wolfe."
Megan tried to suppress a grin. "With an 'e; no less! My, my....the other names I had heard you called!"
Honour felt her face colour. Megan continued, looking up at the ceiling as if they were all listed there.
"Let's see...there was 'scoundrel'....'cur'....."
Honour tried to motion Megan to be quiet but she continued mirthfully, "....and then there was my personal favorite. What was it again, Rhiannon?"
Rhianon's face continued to flame. "I'm sure I don't remember----"
"Oh yes! NOW I remember what it was! Let's see if I can do it right....'NO GOOD ROTTEN BASTARD!' "
Jack stood there, his mouth dropped open.  Megan then laughed gaily and said, "Don't fret, Mr. Wolfe. I called my husband 'lower than a snake's belly'. But we all say those things in the throes of childbirth!"

Honour asked anxiously, "And where is my little precious?"
"Nanny Greyson just got her down for her nap. So let her sleep a little bit or she will be cranky. Please, dear! Sit and visit. You too, Mr. Wolfe."
Jack looked anxiously at Honour but she sighed.
"Best do what Megan wants us to. She won't settle for any disturbance in her domestic bliss!"
Merrion came in with a tray loaded with a silver tea set and blueberry scones with clotted cream.
"I thought the guests would like a bit of repast. Lord knows, they will need to keep their strength up when they have to run after little Missy upstairs."
Megan poured a cup and handed it to Jack. Her eyes twinkled as she said, "Brandy is on the sideboard, second door on the bottom."
He grinned and headed that way. As he passed Honour, he whispered, "I like her....Rhiannon!"
Honour felt her face blush. She hadn't really noticed that Merrion was the one who spilled the beans on what her real name was. But she knew it was always in the background, waiting to come out. In a way, she felt relieved. As if one less secret loomed before her, waiting to explode.

Honour asked, "And how is she? Did she miss me?"
Megan handed her a scone. "Babies don't think in those terms, Rhiannon. But I think she felt something missing."
"And what did I miss? Did she take her first step yet?"
Megan shook her head. "No, I think she was waiting for you to come back to show you how she is growing up. But that upper tooth did break through. We gave her a wet rag to chew on and a spot of whiskey on the gums helped."
Jack's eyes grew wide. Megan smiled, "It is an old Conaway tradition, Mr. Wolfe. A tot of whiskey on the gums to numb it."
"Please---call me Jack. Um...Conaway tradition?"
"Generations of Conaways have relied on the spirits. Of course, some can handle it more than others."
Megan winked. "Why, some of us have even succumbed to matrimony while under the influence of aqua vitae!"

Honour asked, "Where is Daffyd?"
"Oh...he had to go to the magistrate's office to file some new deeds. The children are over at Standish Hall visiting with their friends."
Jack kept looking anxiously up the stairs.
Megan smiled, "You look like you are waiting for someone, Jack. OH! I know! Could it be you want to see your daughter?"
"Well, I was hoping..."
"Of course you were! Rhiannon, where ARE your manners? Take the man up to meet his little unexpected bundle of joy."

Honour grabbed Jack's hand and hurried him upstairs.
 
At the door, he hesitated and said, "Honour, I don't know if I am ready for this...."
"Jack, she is just a little girl."
"I know, Honour, but---"
"But nothing! You can't tell me the great Mad Jack Wolfe is cowed by the thoughts of meeting a little tyke."
"But...but what if she throws a thin mint cookie at me?"
"She won't. Maybe at Briggs but not you."

Jack still hesitated but Honour tenderly put her hand on his arm.
"It's all right, Jack.  She's not going anywhere.  You've got the rest of your life to get acquainted with her.  And her with you."


She opened the door and led him to a cradle that held a small, delicate little toddler. Her brown curls spread out over the satin pillow, her cheeks pink with health. She had a pink wool blanket wrapped around her, and she had one tiny hand balled up into a little fist, the other had her thumb in her mouth.

Honour gently drew the blanket down. Her eyes shone with pride but her voice had a little catch in it as she said, "John Michael Wolfe, may I present....your daughter."

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Stepping close to Zara's cradle, Jack stared in wonder at his beautiful little daughter.  Her delicate features were framed by soft ringlets of her dark brown hair, a perfect match in shade and curl to his.  She had his chin too, which gave her a determined expression even in slumber.  Her complexion was darker than Honour's and a little lighter than his before he began his life under the scorching Caribbean sun, but the rest of her features were unmistakably Honour's.  Zara had the same rosy cheeks, the same nose, and Jack was certain she had the same large, expressive eyes.  Even the way she held her hands reminded him of his beloved wife.  He was utterly entranced by this tiny little life, his own flesh and blood.  As he watched her softly breathing, he found himself overwhelmed by a flood of emotions.  Awe, pride, love, and something else he hadn't felt in a long, long time.  Joy.  Pure, unadulterated joy, as perfect as the peace and contentment reflected in the angelic face of his baby girl.

Jack scarcely noticed Honour's hand as she placed it gently on his shoulder.  She rested her head against him and drank in the sight of her daughter.  Their daughter.  Zara had grown so much in the eight weeks she had been away.  She made a silent vow that she would never be apart from beautiful child ever again.  They were a family once again, mother, father, and child.
"She's beautiful, isn't she?" whispered Honour.
Jack nodded.  "Beyond description.  Just like her mother."
 
He looked at her and smiled, and Honour could see the love and joy in her husband's eyes.    She could feel her heart swell with love for this paradox of a man she she was married to.  Pirate, scholar, lover, husband, and now father.  His capacity for tenderness never ceased to amaze her, but it served to prove what she already knew.  Jack would be a splendid father.  Honour watched his face, and an amused smile played across her face.
"Jack?"
"Yes, darling?" he asked, his eyes never leaving their sleeping babe.
"It's all right to breathe.  You won't wake her."
Jack grinned sheepishly, then slipped his arm around her slender waist and drew her close.
"I-- I don't know what to say, Honour."
"Why don't you start by telling me what you're feeling?"
He watched Zara a little longer in silence, then looked at Honour with glistening eyes.
"Everything," he whispered.

She looked into his eyes and smiled.  "That's a lot of things to be feeling," she teased tenderly.
He returned the smile, and sighed.  "She's even more beautiful than you described.  She's perfect!"
Jack slowly reached for Zara's hand, but stopped and looked back to Honour with a questioning look.  Before he could speak the question, Honour smiled and nodded.  He extended his finger, and gently touched his daughter's  little fingers.
"I can't believe how tiny she is," he said softly.
"Believe me," said Honour, "she didn't feel tiny when I was giving birth!"
Zara moved slightly, and made a small noise.  Jack instinctively pulled his hand back.
"It's all right, Jack.  She's still asleep.  You didn't wake her.  It's no different than when you move in your sleep."
"Yeah, but very different from when you move.  My pillow ends up on your side of the bed when you do that..."
Suddenly, Jack gasped.  Honour looked to find Zara's little hand grasping her father's finger.
"What do I do?" asked Jack nervously.
Honour put her hand over his other hand and squeezed.  "Just enjoy it."
"That I can do," he grinned.

"She's really got quite the grip!" he laughed.
"And you'd best remember it," advised Honour.  "She will latch on to anything in reach."  She tugged at his long locks, and tapped the shiny gold earring in his left ear.
"Oh, right," said Jack thoughtfully.  "I suppose I have an awful lot to learn."  His face clouded with doubt.  "Honour, what if...  what if I make a mistake?"
By this time, Zara's grip on his finger had loosened, and she brought her little fist back near her face. 
"Let's talk outside," Honour said quietly, and urged Jack to come with her.  They left the nursery, and she closed the door behind them quietly.  Before he could say a word, she  rushed to her husband and hugged him. 
"Oh, Jack!  Everything is going to be fine, just fine!  Yes, we will make mistakes.  But we'll make them together.  And we'll fix them together."

Jack smiled at her.  "I suppose she didn't come along with an instruction book, by any chance?"
"No," Honour laughed.  "I checked with the midwife.  No instructions, not even proper paperwork.  The Lord Protector would be so disappointed."
"Let's not bring His Puffiness, Lord Cromwell into this.  This is a happy occasion!"
"You're right."  She cocked her head to one side.  "You know, you've never told me anything about your father.  What was he like?"
Jack's breath caught for a moment.  "My dad?  He was a good man.  Very solid and upright.  Firm but fair, and always quick with a bit of incisive wisdom.  Tom and I called him the Oracle.  If we were ever in a bind, he'd never fail to help us work it out.  He'd never tell us anything outright.  There was always a lesson to be learned, and he was a very good teacher."
"He sounds like a good man to emulate," said Honour.
"I guess he was grooming me for this moment," Jack said thoughtfully.  "Cheeky bastard, he had lessons in his lessons!"
"I've seen you do the same thing with your men, Jack.  And I've seen the way they respect you for it.  You are a father figure to most of them.  Take Eli, for example.  He wants nothing more than your respect and approval."
"I guess I hadn't stopped to think of it that way."
"You're a natural born leader, Jack.  Your father prepared you better than you know."  She took him by the lapels of his waistcoat and gave him a stern look.  "Just remember, Zara is your daughter, not a member of your crew.  I'll not have you ordering her about, do you understand?"
Jack started to protest, then thought about her words.  "You're right, as usual.  Lord knows how well that strategy works with you!"
"And it will work just as poorly with her.  Doubly so, since she's a product of us both."
"Aye.  I'll try my best.  I can't promise I won't slip.  Occupational hazard, and all that."
Honour smiled and looked into his eyes.  "I know, Jack.  Just as I know you will be a wonderful father."
He smiled, and kissed her softly.  "With you beside me, I know I can do anything.  But now it's your turn."
"My turn?  What do you mean?"
"I told you about my father.  Now I'd like to hear about yours.  You've told me practically nothing about him."  Jack stopped to look at the ornate door lintels and crown moulding.  "I'm just dying to hear how the daughter of a stable hand lucked into this kind of money!"
Honour bit her lip.  "It's a rather long story."
"I like long stories," he said gently.  "It's time for truth between us, Rhiannon.  Though you'll always be Honour to me.  Don't worry!  I won't love you one bit less.  I swear it."