RenaissanceFestival.com Forums

Pirate Festival => Port of Call => Topic started by: Welsh Wench on December 23, 2008, 01:48:03 PM

Title: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on December 23, 2008, 01:48:03 PM
This is a closed story by Welsh Wench and Mad Jack Wolfe.
©2009 by the respective authors. All Rights Reserved.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 18, 2009, 07:06:49 PM
Hampshire, Near Portsmouth - 1639

"Damn it, Jack, you're just being unreasonable now!"

John Michael Wolfe was stuffing whatever belongings he could into a sea bag. His older brother, Royal Navy Lieutenant Thomas Wolfe, was standing over him, desperately trying to talk his younger brother out of becoming a merchant marine.
"Define 'reasonable'," Jack shot back.
Thomas looked at the ceiling in frustration. "Fine. 'Reasonable' would be you stopping this nonsense and going back to Oxford where you belong."
Jack shook his head. "No, you just defined 'unreasonable'. Try again."
"Jack, you have a bright future as a professor! No fewer than three deans have come here begging to talk with you in hopes of changing your mind! Yet you insist on shipping out on a merchantman tomorrow? THAT is what I'd call unreasonable."
Jack turned and faced his brother. "Our father is dead, Tom. Mum isn't getting a penny now that he's gone. How much of your salary can you spare to keep bread on her table? Not one damned farthing, because the Navy can't afford to pay you! I can send back most of my money once we're under way, because I'll get paid regular. And I live cheap. Being at university has taught me to be frugal."

"It's not what Father would have wanted," said Thomas.
Jack rolled his eyes. "Yeah, and Dad is dead. I say he doesn't get a bloody vote. He took it upon himself to bugger off to the great beyond and leave us to tend to the mess. Well, I'm doing that, the best I can."
"Being angry at Father isn't going to help anything. It's not his fault he died."
Jack continued ramming whatever he could into his sea bag. "I'm not so dim as to think he planned it, Tom. But it doesn't change the fact that he did, and left us holding the bag."
Thomas shook his head. "I want you to think this through, Jackie..."
"Don't call me that!!" Jack erupted. "'Jackie' sounds like a little boy with an all-day lollipop. How would you like it if I started calling you Tommy again?"
"I'm sorry. You're right. I wouldn't like it much. But please, give it a few days before you commit to this choice."
"No time. The Laura Anne sails tomorrow. And I shall be on her when she does."
"There are other ships, Jack. You don't have to sail on that one."
Jack shook his head as he cinched up the sack. "I gave Captain Pritchard my word. You know how Father felt about men who don't keep their word."
"So now you invoke him, since it suits your purpose?"
"Something like that."

Thomas went to the chair across from Jack's bed and sat heavily. "Are you really doing this for Mum, or is it something else?"
"I don't know what you mean," said Jack.
"There's more to this than an overdeveloped sense of responsibility." Thomas leaned forward and looked at his brother. "This is about Rose, isn't it?"
Jack stiffened. "It's got nothing to do with her."
"Oh, the hell it doesn't. She hurt you, and badly. I remember the night she rejected your proposal. It was the first time you'd had anything to drink. I've never seen anyone hold their liquor so poorly."
"Rose wanted status," said Jack bitterly. "Like she said, I'm just the son of a shipwright. What status could I give her?"
"She's missing the point," Thomas said gently. "Everyone knows how much you love her. Rose is throwing away everything, for what? A meaningless title? Land? Will those things keep her warm at night?"
Jack's stomach was steadily tying itself in knots. Yes, Rose had hurt him badly. He had saved for months to buy her an engagement ring. Jack had worshiped the very ground she walked on, and she had never rebuked any profession of love he had given, no matter how bold. That made her laughing rejection of his proposal that much more cruel. He had been nothing more than an entertaining diversion to her.

"Tom, I really don't want to talk about this right now."
"When do you want to talk about it, Jack?"
"How about... never?"
Thomas stood and took his brother by the shoulders. "I know I can't talk you out of this. But keep this with you; I will do everything I can to keep tabs on you so I know you are safe."
"What, are you afraid I'll fall in with pirates?"
"Something like that."
Jack gave his brother a wicked grin. "Then I swear an oath that if I ever do fall in with pirates, I shall become the more feared pirate the world has ever seen!"
Thomas bit his lip and nodded. "That is what I'm most afraid of. You have a terrible habit of attaining whatever goal you set for yourself."
Jack shook his head. "There's no danger of that happening, Tom. I feel the same about pirates as you do. They are a vile and cancerous blight. I'd rather die than become one of them."
"Let's hope it never comes to that." Thomas looked hard into Jack's eyes. "Promise me you'll be careful?"
"I promise," smiled Jack. "Frankly, I feel better knowing you'll be out there keeping an eye on me."
The bothers hugged, and Thomas mussed Jack's hair. "Be careful. And for God's sake, get a bloody haircut!"
"Spoken like a true Navy man!" laughed Jack.

He watched as his brother left and closed the door. After a few moments, he reached under the bed and pulled out a bottle of Jamaican rum he has purchased a few days before on the docks at Portsmouth. Jack pulled out the cork and took a couple of swallows of the amber liquid. A violent shudder ran through him as the rum scorched its way down his throat, and he had to fight back the urge to retch. Finally, he unclenched his eyes and shoved the cork back into the bottle.

"Maybe Tom is right," he said quietly. "Maybe I'm doing the wrong thing. Maybe I'm not cut out for the sea. But I just don't care any more."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 26, 2009, 01:08:22 PM
The morning sun broke clear and bright over the harbour town of Portsmouth, bringing with it the promise of new beginnings.  Jack climbed off the back of the wagon he had hitched a ride on and gave the farmer a couple shillings for his kindness.  Slinging his overstuffed sea bag over his shoulder, he scanned the ships docked there.  A myriad of vessels lay before him; merchantmen, warships, mail runners, and a host of others.  Jack knew the Laura Anne was a two-masted brigantine, which helped to significantly narrow his search.  Being the son of a shipwright proved to be an advantage in situations like this.  He could tell at a glance what type of ship each one was, and usually where it had been built.

At the end of one dock laid a stoutly built ship, deep drafted, with two masts.  The foremast was square-rigged, and the mainsail was set fore and aft of the mainmast.  She wasn't a large ship, but it was apparent she could carry quite a bit of cargo.  Jack was fairly confident she was the Laura Anne, but he didn't feel like walking all the way down the long dock to find out.  A man was sitting on the dock near the stern of a large weathered sloop, repairing one of the lines with a marlinespike.  Jack decided the grizzled tar was as good a person to ask as any.
"Pardon me, sir," he began.
"'Sir'?!" the man asked incredulously.  He spat on the deck and gave Jack an amused look.  "Ain't no 'sirs' here, boy.  All of us, we work for a livin'."

Jack could feel his face getting red.  He knew full well how sailors addressed one another, and he knew a lot of their vernacular, too.  But he never dreamt that one day he would be a sailor.
"Sorry," he said with a smile.  "No offence intended, mate.  That brigantine down there, is she the Laura Anne?"
"I suppose it could be," the man replied.  "Who wants to know?"
"I ship out on her today.  I was hoping you'd save a bloke a long walk if you know it's her."
The man shook his head.  "Sonny, after a month of nothin' but blue water and rollin' decks, you'll wish you had enjoyed the walk.  But I figure it's somethin' you'll have to learn the hard way.  Yeah, she be the Laura Anne.  Pritchard's a good master.  Tough but fair."
"Thanks, mate," said Jack, and he turned to leave.
"Hey, sonny!" the man called.  "This is your first time on blue water, ain't it?"
Jack bit his lip.  "Yes, it is."
"You'll need a sure-fire seasick remedy then.  I got one, but it'll cost you a sixpence."
Jack thought about it, and how queasy he got when a skiff he was in got caught in a heavy chop.  He dug in his pocket and put the coin in the man's hand.  The man pocketed the coin and waved younger man closer.
"The best cure for seasickness?" he said mysteriously.
"Yes?"
"Sit under a tree."
Jack gave him a dumbfounded look, and the man let loose an ear-splitting cackle.  Knowing he'd been taken and rightly so, Jack laughed and started down the dock to his new home, and the future.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 02, 2009, 06:12:17 AM
A few minutes later, Jack found himself tenuously setting foot onto the deck of the Laura Anne.  He found it strange that no one challenged him.  Undeterred, he looked around until he spotted the quartermaster who had signed him on.  Jack walked up to the man and cleared his throat.
"Excuse me, Mr. Graves?  Jack Wolfe.  We met two days ago at the Crown and Rose.  I'm reporting for duty."
Graves looked the lad over and sniffed.  "You look skinnier in the daylight.  Can you climb?"
"Yes, sir.  I even know a thing or two about working the lines.  My father..."
"Is not a member of this crew, boy," interrupted Graves.  "We'll teach you how to properly work the lines, as well as other duties about the ship.  Now, follow me.  I'll show you where you'll bunk down."

Graves told Jack about the ship and the captain, and explained how they carried textiles and other manufactured goods from England and Wales to the colonies on Nevis and Antigua, and brought back sugar cane, rum, and other exotic goods.
"I'm a little confused," said Jack.  "If the normal run takes you to Beaumaris and Liverpool, what is the ship doing in Portsmouth?  Isn't that a bit out of the way?"
"It's for the captain," Graves explained.  "Every year at this time, we make port here so he can visit his wife."
"He only visits her once a year?  Mrs. Pritchard is a very understanding woman."
"No, Mrs. Pritchard is dead.  The captain pays his respects on their anniversary."
"Oh, my God," Jack stammered.  "I didn't know..."
"Well, now you do," said Graves, with the slightest hint of a smirk.  "Here.  Here's where you'll spend your time not on watch."
They were on the gun deck.  It was cramped, hot, and smelled of pitch, sweat, and a hint of spent gunpowder.  Hammocks were slung from the overhead, and a few of them were filled with sleeping men.
"Get your kit secured and settle in, boy.  We sail with the evening tide."  Without waiting for acknowledgement, Graves turned and left the gun deck.

Jack looked around, trying to see where he could put his sea bag.  He found that tied to each deck support was a net, and some of the men had stowed their belongings that way.  He shrugged, and stuffed his bag into one of the emptier nets.  Jack leaned against the support and let out a loud sigh.  A knot the size of a grapefruit was forming in his stomach.  What was he doing there?  He wasn't a sailor.  He was a philosophy and literature student at university.  At least he had been, before walking away from that life.
"Who are you fooling, Jack?" he asked himself quietly.
A low chuckle from one of the hammocks startled him.  He turned to find a bearded man with shaggy light brown hair, a few years older than himself, looking at him with a mocking smile.
"Well, well," the man laughed.  "Looks like we got us a fish out of water, we do."
Jack knew he would encounter razzing for being a "guppy", a new sailor.  He just hadn't expected it to start within the first half hour.  "Yeah, I'm new.  What of it?"
"Oh, hold on there, laddie buck!  Ye best be belayin' that tone.  If ye want a fight, there's plenty of men here what'll give ye one."
"Sorry," said Jack.  "I'm a little jumpy."
"Nah," the man replied.  "You're a lot jumpy.  Ye don't have much to worry for, mate.  This here's a good ship, with a good crew.  What be yer name?"
"Jack.  Jack Wolfe."  He extended his hand.  "What's yours?"
The older fellow gave Jack's hand a firm shake.  His palm felt like an odd combination of leather and sandpaper.  "Pleased to meet ye, Jack Wolfe.  My name's Josiah Briggs."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 09, 2009, 08:58:32 AM
"I'd like to say it's a pleasure, Josiah, but I'm not even sure I'm doing the right thing by being here," said Jack.
Briggs gave him a thoughtful look and nodded. "Aye, then ye be like nearly ever other man who takes to the sea. I suppose it's a matter of whether you're runnin' from somethin', or runnin' to somethin'."
Jack thought about it for a moment. "I guess a little of both."
"Glad to hear ye ain't over-thought it," Briggs laughed. "Once we set sail, ye'll know if this is the right life for ye."
"And if I find it's not?"
"Then it's goin' to be a very long trip to Nevis for ye."
Jack rolled his eyes and sagged against the support again. "That's not much encouragement."
"Ye'll be fine, Jack. Ye seem like a bit of all right to me. Green as grass, but that's nothin' new. Tell ye what; stick close to ol' Briggs. I'll take good care of ye. Teach ye the ropes good and proper."

"If you don't mind my asking, just how old is 'ol' Briggs'?" Jack asked.
"Twenty-four, last Thursday. How old are ye?"
"Nineteen, this past July."
"About what I figured," chuckled Briggs. "Just a pup. But ye got a sharp look in your eyes."
"It's very kind of you to take me under your wing like this, Josiah. It's intimidating walking into a new life feeling like you don't have a friend to your name."
"Everybody needs a friend. Might as well be me!" Briggs hopped out of his hammock and pulled Jack's bag from the net. "Let's start with teachin' ye how to stow your gear the right way. Listen sharp to me, Jack, and ye'll make captain in no time."
"And I suppose by the time that happens, you'll be an admiral?"
Briggs gave a hearty laugh. "Hell, yes! We may be mates now, but I'll not be taking orders from you if'n I can help it!"

That evening, the Laura Anne slipped silently out of Portsmouth harbour and into the English Channel, on her way to the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. Jack and Briggs were aloft working the mainsail lines. Briggs was pleasantly surprised with Jack's knowledge, though the younger man's fearlessness worried him. The last thing he wanted was for his new friend to end up on the deck below with a broken neck. He genuinely liked Jack. He could see a fire in the lad's eyes that spoke of intelligence and ambition. This was a man headed for something big, even though neither could guess what that might be.

Jack finally paused in his work and looked back toward Portsmouth. The sun was setting, bathing the town in a soft orange glow.
"Beautiful, ain't it?" said Briggs.
Jack nodded. "Yes, it is." He shook his head and rechecked the sail stay he had just secured. "I'll get back to work..."
"Nay, laddie. Ye'll do nothin' of the sort. I'll finish up. Go ahead and take a good long look. Get it out of your system now, or ye'll regret it."
Jack smiled his thanks and looked back at Portsmouth. He felt a twinge of regret for leaving, but he knew this was something he had to do. In a way, this was his way of honouring his father's memory in addition to providing for his mother. As the port shrank in the ship's wake, Jack hoped that other things would dwindle into nothingness with it. His utter disillusionment with Oxford's petty politics that sabotaged any chance of his becoming a professor there, for one. The other, deeper wound would take longer, but it helped that he no longer would hear her name spoken ever again. His best friend's sister, and the woman who had broken his heart.

Rose Gander.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:01:30 PM
Beaumaris, Wales---1641


Daddy? You called for me?"
The imposing figure towered over her. "Yes. Sit down."
She sat on the edge of the chair, her feet never touching the floor. He stood there and cleared his throat. "I have made some new arrangements, child. You are being sent away to a convent."
"Daddy? I am to go away? Please! I'll be good. I promise!"
"You are beyond control. You have the house servants wrapped around your finger to the point where they are covering over for the mischief and mayhem you are causing. I shall not have this house in a constant uproar due to your shenanigans. We have already gone through five governesses in the last year."
Her lower lip trembled at the thought of not being in her home with her sisters. But she put on a false bravado.
"And where am I to go?"
"To the Order of St Brigid. They are expecting you there in the next few days."
Her father walked over to her and said, "I have Nanny Greyson packing your things now. Tomorrow she will be taking you to the convent."
She stood up and said defiantly, "I shall go but I am taking Muir with me."
She left the room, her little head held high but inside she was quaking with fear of the unknown.


The teacher, known affectionately to the little girls as Master Scholar, stood in the doorway and asked, "Do you think that was necessary?"
Her father turned around and said, "She's six years old! Do you know what she just did this morning? She demanded of Parry the head stablemaster that she will ride Goliath instead of her pony. Goliath! That horse stands 17 hands and is raw power! She told him that she had my permission. Parry knew I would never let her ride Goliath so when his back was turned, she opened the stall, climbed on the rails and hopped on the horse. She held onto his mane and the last Parry saw of her, she was galloping off towards the open meadow and into the woods. He tried to ride off to catch her but she was gone. He was frantic. And do you know where she was?"
The teacher shook his head.
"She went swimming in the pond in the middle of the clearing. Quicksand all around. Then she decided she was going berry-picking. She picked berries alright. She came home...BLUE! Seems she squished them in her pockets. Those were the ones she didn't eat."
The teacher said, "I admit that was a little extreme..."
The father interrupted him with, "Oh, that's her on one of her GOOD days."

The teacher said, "Mayhaps you have had the wrong servants watching her. She has a quick mind. If you would allow me to..."
"No! She is going. That is final. Let the order educate her."
"And what order is that, if I may be so bold as to ask?"

"That is not your concern. And if you continue to pry, you shall be out of a position."
The teacher finished his rum in one gulp and said, "Don't bother. Anyone that would turn such a little girl away from the only home she has known....I'll be moving on."
He turned and walked out of the study.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:02:09 PM
From the stairways, the little girl had been listening to the entire conversation. The teacher was in his room, gathering his belongings. She hesitated at the door and then said in a small voice, "Master Scholar?"
He turned at the sound of her and smiled gently. "Yes, child?"
"I wanted you to know that I learned to read and write while listening to you."
She showed him a slate where she had written some words. She stood there and waited for his reaction.
The teacher took the slate and said, "That is excellent! You far outpass your sisters."
She took her slate back and said "Thank you. I sat outside the door and listened and copied everything you said."
He put his hands on her shoulders and said, "Remember this, child. Knowledge is power. You have that and you can rule the world!"
She looked up at him and tried to put on a brave face. "I shall be leaving tomorrow. I am taking my dog with me. He will protect me. And I shall fear nothing."
The teacher gave her a smile. "Perhaps some day our paths will cross, little one. Until then, keep safe."
Her wolf-dog came into the room and stood by her side. "We shall. Thank you, Master Scholar. I shall not forget that I owe my desire for learning to you."
He was amazed at her sharpness of mind and the adult way she had of speaking. It had touched his heart and he gathered his bag.
"God be with you, young one."
"And you, too, Master Scholar."
She offered her hand to him and he took it. On impulse she gave him a hug and then quickly ran out the door.
The teacher gave a sigh, grabbed his bag and walked out, looking back just once.
Then he walked away.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:02:41 PM
She walked down to the docks of her coastal town in Wales.
'So what if I took Goliath out riding? It's not like I hurt him. No reason to send me away.'
Her wolf-dog Muir jumped along beside her. Suddenly the dog ran ahead and saw a young man looking over the port.
Muir jumped up on him. The man laughed and rubbed the dog behind the ears. "Good dog!"
The little girl ran after her dog and panted, "I'm so sorry, Mister. My dog means no harm."

The young man stood up, running his hands through his unruly brown hair and smiled at her. She was quite the sight. Her light blonde hair hung down her back in a tangle. There was a streak of dirt on her face and her hands were stained with blueberry juice.
"Well, what on earth have YOU been into, little girl?"
She looked down at her chemise that was covered in blueberry juice and the grass stains on the back of her skirt.
"I...um...fell down."
"Really? How many times?"
She laughed. "Quite a few!"
"And blue hands?"
"I had blueberries." She pulled a handful out of her pocket. "I'd offer you some but they are a little squished...oh bother!"
"What, little lass?"
"My dress. I keep getting the laces all knotted. Nanny Greyson said it means I am trouble. With a capital T."

Muir was running excitedly up and down the docks. She frowned. "He never acts like that at home. I think he would like to be on the ships. His name is Irish for 'Sea' "
"Ah--you are Irish?"
"No--I am Welsh. Where do you think you are, anyways? Are you lost?"
He was taken aback by her forthrightness.
"Not at all. I just made port this morning.

She looked over the harbor, her finger on her lips, deep in thought as her eyes searched the newly arrived vessels.
"Which is your ship?"
He pointed to a large vessel with impressive sails."That one."
She looked over the harbor and said, " L-A-U-R-A..A-N-N-E."
She looked at him with pride. "The Laura Anne!"
"You can read? A little thing like you?"
She drew herself up and said, "Of course I can read! I'm already six years old!"
A grin crossed his face. She obviously was a lass who knew her own mind.

"So who is this Laura Anne and what did she do to deserve her own ship?"
"Well, um...I don't really know..."
She interrupted him. "Well, I think you should! After all, she is letting you sail on her ship. Can I meet her?"
The young man hesitated. There didn't seem to be any reasoning with a little lady who had her mind made up on certain things.
"I think she is indisposed right now."
The little girl tossed her blonde mane and said with a dignity that spoke of breeding, "Well, maybe some day Laura Anne's path and mine will cross. Until then, please give her my regards."

She looked at her blueberries and threw them in the water. "I should have planned better. I'm hungry now."
The young man took an apple out of his pocket.
"Will this help?"
She smiled at him and said, "Thank you!"
She bit into the apple, the juice running down her chin. She took her fingers and wiped her chin with them.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:03:13 PM
She sighed. "I won't be here long. I am to go away to some sort of school. Father said so."
"Oh? And why is that?" he asked.
"Just because I took Goliath out for a ride, and other things that seem to upset my father."
"Really! He sounds like an impressive beast for one as small as you."
She said with a imperial air, "Oh, it's not the first time. I've taken him out lots of times! And I am NOT so small. I keep telling you--I'm six years old!"
He tried to keep from laughing. "Yes, I can see you are quite the young lady. So..when are you leaving?"

Sadly, she said, "I shall be leaving tomorrow."
She looked over the harbor and her face brightened.
"But I would so love to see your ship!"
He laughed and said, "Why not, little missy!"
She stamped her foot and said, "I am NOT little! I already told you that I am six years old."
He gallantly swept his cap off his head and dipped low into a bow. "And I am at your command, mademoiselle!"

She looked up at the sails.
"Those look different than the others."
She ran her little hands over the captain's door. "Oooh! Smooth! Why don't you carve your initials in the door? That way you will know which one is yours!"
He said, "I'm sorry but they are not mine. No one marks this door. The captain--and Laura Ann--are very particular about it. It is teakwood."

She looked over to the sun setting and sighed. "I guess I should be going back home. Why I don't know. They are already sending me away so what more can they do to punish me?"
She pointed to another ship. "See that one? That one belongs to Captain Henry Morgan. His ship is the Neptune Rising. Someday I should like to meet him. Maybe even sail with him! But he's an old man."
"Really! How old is he?"
She wrinkled her brow in thought and said, "I'm not sure. But he's probably as old as you are!"
The young man winced. He had just passed his twenty-first birthday and really didn't think of himself as 'aged.'

She turned to the young man and held out her hand. "I want to thank you for a wonderful time, Sir. Perhaps I'll see you again."
He took her little hand and kissed it. "I should be honored. My name is John Michael Wolfe. And you would be........?"
She smiled and said, "I'm not allowed to talk to strangers let alone tell them my name."
She then cupped her hand to her mouth and motioned him towards her. Conspiratorially she whispered, "But my name is Rhiannon!"
He smiled back at her, "I'm pleased to meet you, Miss Rhiannon."

Looking at the sun dipping in the sky, she sighed and said, "I really must be going."
He took her hand and kissed it again and said, "Good day, Miss Rhiannon. It was a pleasure to meet you."
She waved and ran off the docks, her dog trotting alongside her.

What a precocious child, he thought. And for sure she will grow up to be trouble for any man.......
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:04:22 PM
Four months later, off the coast of Antigua...

"Get off me, damn you!" Jack cursed.  The pirate kept a firm grip on the collar of Jack's shirt as he dragged the young man toward the cell.  Jack struggled and tore at the big man's hand, to no avail.  Finally, the cell door swung open, and Jack was thrust inside.
He whirled and lunged at his assailant.  "I'll do you for that, you bastard!"  As he dove forward, a heavy fist caught his chin and sent him spilling to the deck.  Jack saw stars, and could feel the world caving in on him.  He shook his head and fought off unconsciousness.  A minute or two passed with him on his hands and knees, trying desperately to grasp what was going on.  The taste of iron became more than he could take, and he spat a mouthful of blood  onto the deck.  He ran his tongue over his teeth, and found them to all be in place.
"Ain't no use in fightin', Jack," said a weary Briggs.  "The Laura Anne be theirs, no matter what we think about it."
Jack dropped to the deck and rolled onto his back.  "You saw what they did."
"I saw a hell of a lot, Jack.  You're gonna have to narrow it down a bit."
"Captain Pritchard!" spat Jack.  "They murdered him, right before our eyes!"
Briggs shook his head sadly.  "Cap'n Pritchard had been lookin' for a way to die ever since his wife passed on six years ago.  He found it today, tryin' to save his ship.  An honourable way to go, no matter how ye look at it."
Jack stared at the overhead as he listened to his friend.  He kept running his tongue over his teeth, and was unhappy to find that the left canine and surrounding teeth were somewhat loose.  "I never knew the captain was so despondent."
"Aye, he hid it well enough," said Briggs.  "Buried himself in work, he did.  But we knew why.  And not a one of us could blame him."
"And this is supposed to make me feel better?" asked Jack.  "What's next?  Tea and crumpets with our new pirate master?"

Briggs laughed darkly.  "Yeah, somethin' like that.  They'll be wantin' to press us into service, seein' as we're the skilled ones.  Same with the cooper and sailin' master."
"I won't turn pirate," said Jack sternly.
"Then you're gonna find yerself dead, Jack.  Harkness ain't known for playin' around.  Best ye drop yer high-minded ideals and look to what keeps ye drawin' a breath."
Jack thought about his friend's words.  William Harkness was notorious for disposing of anyone or anything he didn't find useful.  But what did he have to offer?  Briggs was obvious.    Ten years on the sea had made Briggs an expert sailor and a fierce warrior.  Jack had two and a half years.  What use was he?

Heavy footsteps on the deck caught their attention.  Jack rolled over to see two formidable looking men approach the cell and unlock it.
"You," one of them said as they pointed at Jack.  "Come with us."
Jack dragged himself to his feet, with a balled a fist behind his back.
"Jack!" called Briggs.  "Don't do anything stupid!  I'll never forgive ye if'n ye get yerself killed for no good reason.  Think!  You're good at that!  We'll get out of this alive, I swear."
Jack looked back at his friend, and uncurled his fingers.  With a nod, he turned and went with the two pirates.

They led Jack up one deck, and down a long companionway to a room with an ornate teakwood door.  The largest of the two men rapped three times on the door.
"Come!" came a voice from within.
The door was opened, and Jack was shoved roughly inside.  He struggled back to his feet and tried to get his bearings.  He was standing near the middle of the ship's great cabin.  Behind him, to either side of the door, were bookcases stuffed full of books, journals, and charts.  A large, four-poster bed was to his left, and a heavy table that could easily seat six lay before him.  To his right was a simple desk, covered in charts.  The setting was more what Jack expected to find in a governor's mansion, not a pirate ship.  Everything was orderly and clean, with just the right amount of opulence to let anyone entering know they were in the presence of a wealthy and powerful man.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:04:57 PM
Harkness himself sat at the table, with a full spread of cheeses, bread, and claret.  He was not a large man, but imposing nonetheless.  Jack guessed his age at about thirty.  His clothing was much like the cabin; understated elegance.  Over a simple white silk shirt, Harkness wore a waistcoat of emerald and black brocade.  His shoulder-length mane of jet black hair was loose, but neatly kept.
"Ah!  Mister Wolfe.  Welcome aboard the Raven's Pride.  How good of you to join me," he said, flashing a warm yet unsettling smile.  "Please!  Have a seat.  No doubt you're hungry."
Jack sat warily, and tried to mask his desire for the food in front of him.
Harkness filled a glass with claret and offered it to Jack.  Jack sat it down on the table, and without a word, pushed it back at him.
Harkness chuckled.  "Imbido non per vestri hostilis.  But the Bible teaches us that if your enemy hungers, feed him.  If he is thirsty, give him drink."
"And in doing so, you heap burning coals upon his head.  Romans, 12:20.  I've read it too, a number of times.  You'll have to do better, Captain Harkness."
"My, my, my," said Harkness.  "You're going to make this difficult, aren't you, Mister Wolfe?  And you've heard of me!  I'm flattered."
"Everyone has heard of William 'Iron Will' Harkness.  You're the most vile, wicked pirate to every terrorize these waters."

The toothy smile flashed again, but Jack detected and edge of annoyance showing through the pirate's smug façade.  "You're forgetting 'ruthless', Mr. Wolfe.  Always remember 'ruthless'."  Harkness took a sip of wine.  "Yes, I've enjoyed a modicum of success plying my trade.  One might say that business has been good."
"Robbery and murder?  That's a business to you?" Jack fired back.
"I could have gone into politics and done exactly the same things, Mr. Wolfe, and been hailed as a noble public servant.  But I prefer things this way.  More open, more honest.  If you're expecting me to justify myself to you, you're sorely mistaken."
"It's not me I'd be worried about, Captain.  You'll have to answer for your crimes one day.  In one court or another."
"First you try to insult me, now you moralise.  If your intent is to annoy me, you're off to a good start."
"Fine, then.  If I'm an annoyance, then let me go.  My friend as well.  We'll cause you no trouble," said Jack as he got up to leave.

"SIT DOWN, Mr. Wolfe!"
Jack froze, then slowly retook his seat.
Harkness shook his head slowly, his ready smile not nearly as bright this time.  "I can't tell if you're brazen, or stupid.  You're certainly dancing on either side of that dangerous line."  He leaned back in his chair and popped a piece of cheese in his mouth.  "Let me explain to you how this works, Jack.  Isn't that what your shipmates call you?  Do you mind if I call you that?"
Jack looked around the cabin feigning boredom.  "Your ship, your choice."
"Let me make this perfectly clear to you, Jack," Harkness began deliberately.  "My reputation for discarding that which is of no service to me is well deserved.  I'm offering you a chance to continue drawing a breath.  Cooperate, and you'll have an opportunity to join my crew.  Continue to be a flippant, disrespectful pain in the arse, and you'll find yourself swimming for your life as this ship fades into the distance.  Am... I... CLEAR?"
"Crystalline," replied Jack.  What was most clear to him was that Harkness wasn't like the other sailors he had encountered.  When other men got angry, they got loud and made mistakes.  Not William Harkness.  When he got mad, he got cold.  It was a trait the pirate captain shared with Jack's father, and the realisation left Jack feeling unsure of himself.

"There, that's more like it," smiled Harkness.  "I brought you here for a reason, Jack.  Care to venture what it is?"
"My sparkling personality?"
Harkness' eyes hardened.  "Hardly.  Word amongst your shipmates is that you're the son of a shipwright.  Is this true?"
Jack fidgeted.  "Yes," he answered quietly.
The broad smile returned.  "Excellent.  A bit of honesty at last.  And what would you make of the Pride, Jack?"
"She looks fast enough.  Certainly fast enough to overtake freighters and merchantmen."
Harkness sat forward and leaned on the table.  "I want her faster."
Jack thought for a moment, an decided that Josiah was right.  He could stick to his principles and die, or live and find a chance to escape.  "With adjustments to the forecastle and stern, maybe some other alterations with the masts, I think it's possible to make her much faster," he answered.
"Can you make that happen?"
"What if I can?  What do I get out of it?"
"You become part of my crew, and I reward you handsomely.  I suppose now you want to know what happens if you don't, or worse, try to deceive me?"
"I have an idea..."
"I make good on my promise to throw you overboard to drown," said Harkness quietly.  "You, and your friend."
Jack's mouth fell open.  "Leave Josiah out of this."
Harkness grinned.  "Consider it an incentive to perform."  He poured more wine in his glass, and pushed the glass Jack had refused earlier back to the young man.  "Now, do we have a pact?"
Jack lifted his glass from the table and stared into the blood red wine.  He swore he would never fall in with pirates, but he couldn't let his stubbornness be the cause of his best friend's death.  With the words tasting like ash in his mouth, Jack replied "Yes.  We do."
Harkness' smile became one of self-satisfaction.  "I knew you'd see reason, Jack.  You know, in a way you remind me of myself at your age.  We're going to become good friends, you and I."

Jack forced a smile and sipped his wine, and tried to ignore the feeling he had just sold his soul.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:07:14 PM
Two weeks later, somewhere off Antigua...

Reluctantly, Jack kept his bargain with Captain William Harkess.  He would draw up plans to make the Raven's Pride even faster and deadlier, under one condition; that Josiah Briggs be allowed to assist him.  To his surprise, Harkness agreed.  Over the next two weeks, the men made a painstaking assessment of the Pride's superstructure, with Jack making detailed notes and drawings as he crawled about within her.  At first, Harkness made sure a guard was with the pair at all times.  This impeded Jack's ability to get to know the vessel he was expected to improve, and improve significantly.  Finally, after much debate, they were allowed full and almost unrestricted access to the innards of the ship.

Though Jack never formally apprenticed under his father as Thomas had, Charles Wolfe nevertheless managed to impart much of his 35 years of ship construction knowledge to his inquisitive younger son.  While other children played with watercolours and chalk, young Jack learned the skill of drafting.  He went with his father one day each week to the shipyard to see oak and birch shaped into sleek, imagination-inspiring vessels.  Every moment was a teaching opportunity in Charles' eyes.  He relished that, though his sons could not have been more different in their natures, they were bright and eager to learn.

One particular night, as he had done so many nights during this ordeal, Jack asked his late father for guidance as he poured over his notes and roughed out a few preliminary drafts.  He knew his father would never approve of the situation he was in now, but he took comfort in knowing his father's love had always transcended mistakes.
"Forgive me, Papa," he said prayerfully, "but I need all the skills you taught me to stay alive now."

On this night, he got an answer.
"How many times must I remind you, Jackie?  There is almost always more than one solution to a given problem.  Start over, and look at it with different eyes."
Jack could hear his father's voice as if here were there in the room.  Memories of the lessons and advice his father gave him often came back to him in this fashion.  In a way, it helped ease his sense of loss.  As Jack looked over his raw notes again, a desperate plan began to form in his head.  Instead of looking for ways to strengthen the Pride, he began to map out her weaknesses.  He knew every ship had fundamental flaws in either design or construction.  If he were clever enough, it would be possible to use the proposed improvements to weaken the Pride sufficiently such that she would not survive her next battle or heavy storm.  It was a terrible risk.  Jack knew he could be planning his own suicide and the death of many good men.  Though he felt an odd admiration for the pirate, he felt in his heart that Harkness must be stopped, whatever the cost.  Each night, he would stay up until the wee hours working on two sets of plans.  One correct set that he could use to demonstrate his progress to Harkness and others, and another set that slyly called for considerable weakening of the ship that would prove fatal for them all.  These plans he kept hidden, even from Josiah.  If anything went wrong, he wanted his friend to be blameless.  But when the time came and Harkness approved the plans, would Jack would be able to make the swap?  It would mean condemning every last man, including Josiah, to an almost certain death.

"Your pappy taught ye well, Jack!" admired Briggs.  "These drawin's would make any shipwright proud to call his own work.  How come ye never went into the trade yerself, with such a fine eye and hand?"
Jack moved around the drafting table to better check a set of angles.  "My father was a good shipwright, and proud of his work.  But he wanted more for me and my brother.  Hand me that protractor there, would you?  The half-circle with a flat side."
"Here ye be."  Briggs handed over the instrument and frowned.  "Somehow, I don't see you quittin' Oxford and puttin' out to sea figurin' into his plans for ye."
Jack sighed.  "No.  No, it didn't.  Nor did his dying of consumption figure into mine."
"That ain't why ye threw your hook.  Two year's I've known ye, and ye ain't never once mentioned her name."
Jack chuckled.  "That's what I like about you, Josiah.  When most people get around someone who's taught at university, they get tongue-tied worrying about their grammar and diction.  But not you."
"I don't see much point in usin' a two-shillin' word when a ha'penny will do.  And what irks the hell out of me is the way ye change the subject whenever we start talkin' about why ye left a promisin' life on dry land."
"What makes you so certain it was a woman that drove me out to sea?"
Briggs chuckled and shook his head.  "It's always one of two things what makes a man like you up and trade his life for one on blue water; a woman, or runnin' from the law.  Ye ain't the law breakin' type, so that leaves just one thing."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:09:48 PM
Jack opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.  After a few seconds, his shoulders sagged in defeat.  "Your grammar may be atrocious, but your logic is indisputable."
"Ha!  My guess was right!" said Briggs as he turned a chair around backwards and sat down.  "Now, spill it."
"Your guess?" asked Jack indignantly.  "You were bluffing?"
"Aye," Briggs smiled in satisfaction.  "That's why I never play ye in cards.  You're a smart man, Jack Wolfe, but there be priests what can lie better than ye!"
Jack sat against the table.  "All right, I know when I'm beaten!" he chuckled.  "Rose.  Her name is Rose.  My best friend's sister."
"Broke your heart that bad, did she?"
"It took my asking her to marry me to find out my blood wasn't blue enough for her taste."
Briggs winced.  "Damn.  That's rough.  I'm sorry, Jack.  Did ye lose your friend in the deal?"
"No, thank God.  Duckie sat with me most of that night, bless his soul.  He was completely mortified by his sister's behaviour.  Kept apologising for her, for what it was worth."
"I'm sorry, but did I hear ye right?  His name is 'Duckie'?"
"That's his nickname," laughed Jack.  "His real name is Drake."
"Oh, I see know," nodded Briggs.  "Drake, like the male duck, so's ye called him Duckie."
"Actually, that had nothing to do with it."
"Come again?  Ye lost me."
"Whenever anyone asked Drake how he was, his invariable reply was 'just ducky!'  So it stuck."
Briggs gave a hearty laugh.  "I'll remember to watch what I say around ye from now on!"

"No worries of that, my friend.  I can't see any other name suiting you," smiled Jack.
"And don't ye be worryin' none, neither.  Another lass will come along and turn your head.  You'll forget all about that Rose."
"Not bloody likely."
"Jack, me boy, I have a feeling some day the right one will show up when ye least expect it.  And then heaven help ye!"
Jack looked off in the distance, his mouth a firm line.  "I don't have time for that sentimental hearts-and-flowers, Josiah.  There's only one thing women are good for. And after that, it is on to the next.  Women are a smorgasbord and I'm a hungry man.  But I know when to push away from the table."
Briggs gave his friend a concerned look.  "Suit yerself, mate.  But ye can't stay angry forever."

Jack ignored Briggs' statement and turned his attention back to the drawings.  "I can't believe I'm actually going through with this, Josiah."
"We do what we must to live another day, Jack.  It may leave a sour taste in your mouth now, but it beats the alternative.  But I gotta say, you're a more honourable man than I."
"How so?"
Briggs moved one of the drawings around on the table.  "If I knew ships like ye do, I'd be powerful tempted to weaken her up.  Hide the lot of it amidst all the changes.  Then wait and hope for the next storm or battle to come along and send Harkness straight to Hell."
Trying not to fidget, Jack said, "I have to admit, it crossed my mind."
"Ah," said Briggs, "but there be the difference 'tween ye and me.  With ye knowin' all that philosophy and such, it probably crossed your mind as well that doin' somethin' like that would make ye no better than that devil Harkness.  That is, if ye were actually inclined to try such a thing."
Jack's eyes narrowed.  "How long have you known?"
"A couple of days now.  Remember when ye asked me to fetch some paper?  I ran across the other set of plans then.  Purely by accident, mind ye.  What in God's sweet name were ye thinkin'?"
Crossing his arms defensively, Jack said, "It's just as you said.  I thought that if I could trick Harkness into weakening his own ship, his reign of terror would be ended."
"Aye, along with the rest of us."  Briggs shook his head.  "Jack, Jack...  Harkness will get his.  Men like him, they burn bright and fast.  And they know it.  Piracy ain't exactly known for long careers."

Jack pulled a chair over and sat heavily.  "I'm sorry, Josiah.  The last thing I would want to do is put you in danger.  It was a foolish idea."
"Foolish, I'll give ye," said Briggs.  "Your heart was in the right place, Jack.  Like I said, I'd  have considered it too.  But your head weren't anywhere close."  He went to the cubbyhole where the alternate plans were hidden among sheaves of drawing paper.  Josiah retrieved them, and went to the porthole.  "I think this here would be a better place to hide these plans."  He swung open the porthole and shoved the papers through, and they fluttered silently into the ship's wake.
"What now?" asked Jack.
"We finish the plans, just like ye promised."
"And make the Pride that much more deadly."
"Aye, and we stay alive.  Think about it, Jack.  Harkness has taken a likin' to ye.  You can use that."
Jack shook his head.  "I don't understand."
Briggs put a reassuring hand on his younger friend's shoulder.  "There's an old saying; "keep yer friends close, and yer enemies closer.'  Heard it before?"
"Yes, I have."
"Harkness be one ye need to keep very, very close.  Let him think you're his friend.  That way ye'll know just what he's up to, and it'll give ye a measure of protection.  Those plans are what ye call a good faith gesture.  Then we'll bide our time and hope fate decides to smile on us."
"You really think it will work?"
Briggs laughed ruefully.  "Ain't like we've got anything else workin' in our favour!  These are the cards we're given, Jack.  Let's play 'em, and play 'em well."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:10:18 PM
Harkness' brow furrowed as he went over the plans Jack had drawn up for the refit of his Raven's Pride.  He had Jack's drawings laid out on the large table in his cabin, side by side with the ship's original construction draughts.  Harkness had surprised Jack by producing a full set of brass and ivory drafting instruments with which to examine the work and the knowledge to use them.  Jack breathed a sigh of relief that Josiah has destroyed the alternate set of plans.  There was no way his scheme would have worked.  Harkness would have spotted the sabotage easily.  Jack would not underestimate this pirate captain again.

"Interesting.  Most interesting," hummed Harkness in a soft baritone.  He made a few more comparisons, transposing measurements between the drawings via compass and scale with practised efficiency.  "You think cutting down the fo'c'sle almost flush with the main deck will gain us that much more speed?"
"I'm certain of it," replied Jack confidently.  "And you'll gain four more forward guns, with significant reinforcement of the ship's prow.  See?  Here, and here."
"What of the quarterdeck, Mr. Wolfe?" Harkness asked with a hint of testiness in his voice.  "You've reduced it to a mere six feet above the weather deck.  Why?"
"You wanted more speed, did you not?  Dropping the quarterdeck by four feet will give you that.  If your ego can stand the loss of rarefied air, that is."
Harkness flashed his quick, enigmatic smile.  "Jack," he said, tapping the drafting compass on the table, "have I told you how damned annoying I find you?"
Jack gave a thoughtful look.  "Only twice today.  You're slipping."

The captain laughed heartily and leaned back in his chair.  Jack broke into a broad smile and joined in the laughter.  He had spent  considerable effort getting to know Harkness over the past month, in hopes of gaining the captain's confidence.  But something unexpected happened.  Jack began to genuinely respect and admire the man.  William Harkness was a far cry from the bloodthirsty madman of tavern lore.  Quite the contrary.  He was a charismatic leader of men, intelligent and articulate.  Someone Jack could identify with.  The crew followed Harkness out of respect, not fear.  "Firm but fair" was the common consensus.

"This is good work, Jack!" applauded Harkness.  "Very good, indeed!  You'll not only make the Pride faster, but much stronger.  I dare say she'll be the most formidable ship in the entire Caribbean."
Jack couldn't help but smile with pride.  "I'm glad you're pleased."
"Pleased?!  To put it mildly!  Of course I'm pleased!  Even with all the changes you propose, there is no loss of cargo capacity.  That pleases me even more.  You're assuring my continued dominance in these waters, against pirates or patriots."
"As if that was ever in question, captain."
"Oh, please, Jack," Harkness chided.  "Fate and fortune are fickle mistresses.  Whatever lifted you up one day will bring you crashing down another.  Mark my words, lad.  Treat every success as a gift.  There is nothing more humiliating than your next engagement."
Much like Jack's own father, Harkness never passed up a teaching moment.

The captain glanced at the plans again, then fetched two glasses which he filled with rum.  Thought the dark liquid burned his throat, Jack was beginning to develop a taste for the stuff.
"We'll be putting in at St. Thomas in a few days," Harkness announced.  "It's a friendly port, one I think you'll enjoy.  I'll order that work begin immediately on the refit."
Jack nearly choked on his drink.  "Just like that?
"Of course!  No reason to tarry.  Unless my eyes deceive me, and they don't, these draughts are complete and ready for the shipyard."
"I'm just a bit surprised that you trust me, is all."
Harkness smiled broadly.  "I do trust you.  To a point.  But I trust the shipwright at Charlotte Amalie more.  He'll catch anything I missed.  If he finds more than honest mistakes, then I'll revisit the matter.  Most unpleasantly."
"He shouldn't find any mistakes at all," countered Jack defensively.
"Well then, there's nothing to worry about, is there?"  Jack's reaction told Harkness everything he needed to know.  The young man was more concerned about the quality of his work than whether or not Harkness believed him.  The ruse with the drafting instruments had worked perfectly.  Navigation charts were one thing, but ship's schematics were hardly his speciality.

The captain regarded the younger man with a measured gaze.  He was a bit of a puzzle, this Jack Wolfe.  He had every reason in the world to be anywhere but on a ship in the Caribbean, yet here he was.  The lad was intelligent, learned even, but incredibly angry at the world.  Not at all unlike William Harkness at that age.  If Harkness could only find a way to help Jack channel that anger, that intensity...  It could well be that in Jack Wolfe, Harkness had found what he had been searching for these past few years.

A protégé.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:13:16 PM
Jack strode the deck of the ship, keeping a close eye on the crew as they went about their assigned tasks.  Every now and again he would lean in to check on a team's progress or better explain what it was he wanted them to do.  If necessary, he would roll up his sleeves and pitch in to ensure everything was done just as he had envisioned.  The men had been slow to warm up to Jack at first, unsure as to how they felt about taking orders from this young upstart.  Jack himself was surprised at first that they listened to him at all.  He hadn't sought out the chance to lead these men.  It had been thrust upon him most unexpectedly.

By William Harkness himself.

The night was a chilled and rainy one as the Raven's Pride rode at anchor just outside the harbour of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.  With the water choppy and night falling, they had to hold position until the next morning before attempting the circuitous route among the islets and shoals that littered the approach to the Virgin Islands port.  Jack had just finished his duty watch when one of the men brought word Captain Harkness wanted to see him.  The captain had made a habit of calling Jack to his quarters over the recent weeks to discuss the refit and banter about philosophy.  Harkness seemed almost starved for intellectual conversation, and Jack was happy to oblige.  As he spent more time with the man, Jack's appreciation for Harkness' intellect and sophistication grew.  It became harder and harder for Jack to see him a pirate any more.  William Harkness wasn't anything like the murderous animals he had read about and learned to despise.  Far from it.  He was worldly, yes, but refined.  Perhaps it was Jack's sudden immersion into a frightening, alien world that coloured his perceptions, but he had come to count his captain among the noblest men he had ever known.

"Have you ever been to this island before, Jack?"  Harkness asked.
"No, I haven't,"  replied Jack. " It was never on the Laura Anne's run."
"Truly a jewel, this place.  Hilly, like the north country back in England.  And the women here!  You're in for a treat, my lad.  Dusky diamonds, every last one of them."
"Do you ever miss them?"
"What?  The women?  Every hour of the day, until I've had my fill of them.  Then I can't get back to sea fast enough," said Harkness with a mischievous smile.
"No, I meant the hills," laughed Jack.  "Do you ever get homesick?"
Harkness' eyebrows went up in surprise a the question.  "For England?  Hell no.  This, " he said with a sweeping gesture of his hand, "this is my home now. This wooden world is all mine, and it gives me everything I need.  I can't say as much for Mother England."
Jack couldn't imagine never returning to where he was born.  He missed his sisters, Jacqueline and Victoria, and even his priggish brother Tom.  He wondered how his mother was getting along.  She had put on a brave face the last time he saw her, but he knew she missed his father terribly.

"Have you heard a word I've said?"
Jack snapped out of his reverie.  "I'm sorry, William!  I was lost in thought."
"I asked how you've adjusted to life at sea, and if you were homesick.  I got my answer.  No matter, really.  It takes a few years for some people."
"A few years for what?"
Harkness leaned on the table and smiled knowingly, light dancing in his eyes.  "To realise this is where they belong, Jack.  In a life on blue water.  You'll figure it out soon enough.  The sea is in your blood.  Always has been.  You were simply headed in the wrong direction."
"And where are you from?  You've never said."
"I'm from here.  The sea."
"Then why do you sound like you're from the north?"
"Every place has a north, Jack," Harkness snickered.
"Is prevarication part of being an effective pirate?"
"Now you're catching on!  Admit nothing, deny everything, and lie through the rest of it.  You'll learn the proper balance.  It's an acquired skill."
"I've the feeling I'm learning from a master."
"That you are, my boy!" Harkness said with pride.  "I'll have you manufacturing truth easier than the Commonwealth prints money."
"And both equally meaningless!" Jack said with a raise of his glass.

"That's the spirit!" laughed Harkness.  He sat back and regarded Jack with a critical eye.  "You know, I haven't decided who I'll have oversee the refit of the Pride."
Jack cocked his head quizzically.  "Really?  I thought you'd task Phillips, the carpenter, with that duty."
Harkness shook his head.  "Phillips' head is as full of sawdust as his projects.  I had someone else in mind."
"Daniels?  He's an able hand."
"Sycophant.  Out for himself and any woman he can seduce.  Try again."
"Tompkins?  He was helpful enough."
Harkness looked balefully at the overhead.  "Jack, Jack!  What am I going to do with you?"
"Not killing me would be a good starter."
That drew a belly laugh from the captain.  "The answer is literally right under your nose."
Jack thought for a moment.  "Oh, yeah!  Briggs!  He'd be perfect--"
"Ah!  No," interrupted Harkness.  He took a swig from his glass and pointed directly at his young charge.  Jack's eyes went wide.
"What?  Me?!  You want me in charge of the refit?"
"Yes," beamed Harkness.  "You.  I want you to oversee it all."
Jack could scarcely close his mouth.  "But, why me?"
"What, you don't think you're up to it?"
"It's not that," Jack stammered.  "I thought you'd want someone, oh, I don't know...  more experienced?"
"I need someone knowledgeable, Jack.  And you're that man."
"But I've never lead men before."
Harkness grinned reassuringly at Jack's naivete.  "Despite everything you've been taught, leadership is learned.  Some are born with the raw materials, but they have to be forged.  You have those materials, Jack Wolfe.  You were born to be a leader of men.  Now it's your chance to man up and exercise the talents God Jehovah gave you."

Jack sat back in his chair, gobsmacked.  "I... I don't know..."
"Yeah you do," chuckled Harkness.  "We will make port tomorrow, and I shall step off this ship and leave you in command.  How long will the refit take?"
Jack shook his head and tried to think.  He was so overwhelmed that his thoughts came molasses slow.  "Um... ten days?"
Harkness slapped the desk.  "You have fourteen.  There's a certain establishment I'm part owner in, and I need to thoroughly inspect the inventory.  Womanly inventory.  I like to take my time, if you get my meaning."
Jack thought for a moment, and burst out laughing.  "Aye, I can see why!"
Harkness refilled their glasses.  "Make me proud, Jack Wolfe.  Make the Pride the most fearsome vessel the world has ever seen.  My trust is in you.  Don't fail me."
Jack swallowed hard and forced a smile.  "I won't fail you, William.  I swear it."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:14:04 PM
Josiah put a hand on his friend's shoulder, snapping him back into the present.  "I swear, Jack, if ye ain't hip deep in the workin's of this ship, you're starin' off a thousand miles away."
Jack smiled.  "Just trying to keep things straight in my head is all."
Briggs gave his friend a hard look.  "Are ye, Jack?  Are ye keepin' all this straight in that head of your'n?  Because from where I stand, I ain't seein' it."
"I don't know what you mean."
"The hell you don't.  Two full years I've known ye, and of all the damn fool crazy things you've done, this top's 'em all."
Jack looked at his friend stone-faced, but kept his silence.
"Remember when Harkness took the Laura Anne?" Briggs continued.  "Ready to take on the entire crew bare handed, ye were.  If it hadn't been for me talkin' some sense into ye, you'd be a dead man.  Now look at ye.  Best chums with one of the most notorious pirates these waters have ever seen."

"You said yourself, Josiah," Jack said defensively, "that we have to do whatever is necessary to survive.  'Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer', was how you put it.  That's what I'm doing."
"There's a big difference between pretendin' to put up with somebody ye hate, and outright hero worship.  Ye know what the crew be callin' ye behind your back?"
"I'm afraid you're going to tell me whether I want to hear it or not."
"'Little Will', seein' how you're the fair haired child all of a sudden."
Jack could feel his anger starting to flare.  "What, do they think I kissed Harkness' arse to be put in charge of this?  He GAVE it to me, Josiah.  I never asked for it.  Hell, I never wanted it!  The next thing I knew, he was telling me how much he trusted me and how I was the only one he thought could make sure things were done right."

"Did he now?" asked Briggs with a sceptical note in his voice.
"Are you calling me a liar, Josiah?"
"Oh, no.  Not you, Jack.  I know ye too well.  I'm callin' Harkness a liar."
"You're what?!"
Briggs took a deep breath.  "Jack, a man like Will Harkness didn't get where he is by bein' a choir boy.  He stole, murdered, and lied his way there.  I'm thinkin' pretty strong that's what he's up to now.  Lyin' to ye."
Jack rolled his eyes.  "Did it ever occur to you that maybe I am the only man for this job?  That he recognises my abilities and trusts me to ensure success?"
"Men like Harkness don't trust, Jack..."
"All right!  Fine!  Then answer me this; what does William Harkness have to gain by lying to me?"
Briggs gave his young friend a sad, almost pitying look.  "Not a thing, Jack.  Not a thing.  But he knows damn well you have everything to lose."

Jack blinked hard several times.  Was Josiah right?  Had the pirate played him for a fool, and he had become too starstruck to see it?  A sickening tightness started in the young man's stomach.  Just when he was certain how things in this world worked, everything was thrown into confusion again.
"Think about it, will ye?" asked Briggs before returning to his work.  He blamed himself for not saying anything sooner.  He never dreamed Jack would be taken in by the likes of Harkness, but he had neglected to take into account his friend's age and eagerness to please, and the captain's renowned charisma.

Jack turned his gaze back to the harbour, his head filled with doubts and anger at the possibility he had been duped.  He quickly vowed two things to himself.  First, complete the job as he had promised.  At least his word meant something, if no one else's did.  The second vow he believed would protect and serve him the best.

Trust no one.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:15:46 PM
Wales, 1645.
Four years later...


"Come on, Muir. Let's go! I want to see what ships have docked since this morning!"
Her loyal wolf dog barked and jumped on her. He seemed to know what the word 'ship' meant.
It had become a Saturday morning ritual for the two of them. He and his mistress would run to the port and sit on the grass.
The dog, who had always been her faithful companion, would sit next to her. Together they would gaze off to the horizon.
She absentmindedly stroked his head.
"Someday, Muir---someday! Someday we shall go sailing off and be free as---" she pointed to the sky, "-as free as those sea gulls! No one to tell us what to do or where to go!"

Back at the Order of St. Brigid, the novitiate had come back, nervously wringing her hands. "I'm sorry, Mother Superior. She's not in her room."
Mother Superior's lips were drawn in a tight line. She exclaimed, "Once again! TROUBLE! I should send her back to her father."
The novitiate asked, "Why don't you?"
The Mother Superior shook her head and said, "Her father is our most generous benefactor. On one condition."
"What is that?"
"We keep her here with us."
"Shall I continue to search for her?"
The elderly nun let out a pent-up sigh.
"No. I have an idea where she is. And when she returns, I shall deal with her. Again."

She walked to the docks, passing a fruit vendor. The young lass known to them all, she was quick with a smile and a greeting for them.
"Hello, Pierre."
"Ah, bon jour! If it isn't the little nun!"
She stamped her foot and said, "How many times do I have to tell you? I am not little and I am not a nun!"
He laughed. "Once again I apologize, ma petite! Will an apple make up for it?"
She broke out in a smile. "Indeed it shall! You know how I love apples!"
The vendor took a bone and Muir's tail thumped on the ground. "And one for le chien, oui?"

The young girl and her dog walked back to the dock. Upon arriving the two companions sat down on the grass and looked out to the sea. She spied a ship with impressive sails.
"Isn't that a beautiful ship, Muir?"
The dog paused from gnawing on his bone and barked as if to answer in the affirmative.
She looked over and saw a small skiff tied to a pole.
"I want to take a closer look at that ship, Muir. It looks like one that I saw a long time ago. But I can't remember the name.... It was the day we picked blueberries back in Beaumaris."
She stood up and looked around. No one was watching.
"Muir, I bet we can row it out and look at the ship's name and then be back before anyone knows it is missing."
Muir jumped into the skiff when he saw his mistress put one foot in it. She untied the rope and picked up the oars.
"Now you sit there and don't move! This won't take us long."

As she rowed the skiff out of the harbor, a sea gull landed on her head. She screamed and waved her hands to ward it off.
"AHH! OW!! GET OFF ME! OFF! OFF! STUPID BIRD!"
Muir jumped at the chance to chase the bird.
"Muir! NO! Sit! SIT!"
But it was to no avail. It was then that the skiff overturned, promptly plunging its occupants into the sea.


Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:16:15 PM
On the shore, a young man watched the skiff rowing out of the docks. He stood there staring incredulously and then swore.
"Uncle Henry will flay me alive!"
Just then the boat had overturned. He yelled, "God above!"
Hastily he took his boots off, throwing them onto the dock. He threw his coat off, then tossed his hat and dove into the water.
As he swam towards the overturned skiff, he saw the young girl clinging to a dog's neck. She was hanging on for dear life.
As he reached her, she gasped, "I'm so sorry, Mister! There was this seagull and my dog jumped and--"
He said, "Are you all right?"
She nodded. He righted the skiff and climbed into it. Extending his hand, he pulled the girl into it. She immediately reached for her dog.
"Where I go, he goes!"

The young man yelled, "What were you thinking of, little girl?"
She said darkly, "I'm ten. I'm not little."
He fumed, "Alright, young lady! What was the big idea?"
Her teeth chattered, more from excitement than from the cold.
"I wanted to see the name of the ship."
"You mean The Neptune Rising?"
"You know the ship?"
He couldn't help but grin. "I most certainly do! The ship belongs to my uncle. I'm an apprentice first mate.
He proudly added, "And he promised it to me someday."
Her eye widened. "You--you're a pirate!"
She looked with astonishment at his face, taking in his light brown hair streaked blond from hours spent on sea and salt. His grey-green eyes were mirthful and he wore a gold earring.
He laughed and said, "Such a label! I prefer to think of myself as a privateer with an unusual outlook on life."
"It is a grand ship. Nanny Greyson would tell me stories of the sea. She heard them from her father. Someday I should love to sail. Be free! As free as the birds!"
He laughed. "Lasses do not belong on ships. T'would tempt the sea. She is a jealous mistress."
The young girl retorted, "I'm not afraid. Maybe the sea needs to be afraid of ME! Someday...."

He rowed up to the docks, tying the skiff to the wharf. He extended his hand to help her out.
"Good! No one made off with my clothes," he said.
She looked at the pile of clothes on the grass and exclaimed, "Ooooh! What great boots!"
"They're from the finest boot maker in France."
She wrung her dress out, rivulets of water cascading onto the grass.
While the young pirate was wringing out his shirt, she took the boots and put them on. She tried on his coat and clamped his hat on her head.
"How do I look?" she asked, twirling around.
He looked up and retorted, "Ridiculous! Give them back to me!"
She pouted, "I thought I looked like a real pirate!"
He snatched the hat off her head and she said, "Hey!"
"Yes, real piratey in that dress. Where do you live, anyway?" he asked.
She pointed to a large greystone building on the bluff.
"Up there."
"The Order of St Brigid? You're a NUN?"
"NEVER!" she said, trying to separate the strands that were plastered around her face. Pieces of seaweed were caught in her wet hair.
He held his hand out and she said petulantly, "Oh, alright! Take your old coat!"
She handed it back to him and said darkly, "Just wait till I get a bodice."
He raised his eyebrow and she looked down. "Well...someday! When I have something to put in it."
He laughed and said, "Then I shall look forward to that day!"

"Shall I deliver you to the abbey?" he asked.
She shook her head. "No, I can slip in without anyone knowing I was gone and change into dry clothes. But thank you all the same. I'd like to thank you for the rescue, Mr....?"
He said, "Morgan. Rhys Morgan."
She smiled at him and said, "And I am Miss Conaway."
He tipped his hat to her and said, "It was a pleasure to rescue you, Miss Conaway."
She curtseyed and replied, "And it was a pleasure to be rescued, Mr. Morgan."
As she turned to go, she looked over her shoulder and asked, "How old are you?"
"Twenty," he replied.
She laughed and said, "Someday I shall be that old----Rhys! And wearing a bodice!"
She walked off, her dog trotting beside her.

She climbed through the window into her room. As she leaned over the sill, she fell forward and hit something solid.
She looked up into the furious face of Mother Superior, tapping a switch in her hand.
She whispered, "I think we are in trouble, Muir. Again."

That night, the little lass crawled out of her bed to gaze at the stars from her bedroom window. Muir sat next to her. She put her arm around the dog, willing herself not to cry. It was this stoic demeanor that earned her even more lashes from the switch that Mother Superior wielded.
The more she steeled herself not to cry, the harder the nun punished her. This was no exception. She ached from the beating she received.
She whispered, "We did have a grand adventure today, didn't we, Muir? It was worth every stroke that Mother Superior gave me."
She found her youthful mind drifting back to the young man who rescued her. And for some reason, wondering what her first kiss would be like and whom it would be.
She turned to her dog and gave him a smile. "Rhys Morgan. A nice name for a nice man. Perhaps we shall see him again, Muir."

As she settled back in her bed to go to sleep, the thoughts of a ship called The Neptune Rising came to her mind. Along with the thoughts of a young man with eyes the colour of the sea.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:17:15 PM
Off the coast of Beaumaris, Wales---1645


"Keep rowing. It's right.....over....THERE!"
The two pirates were in a skiff, the younger one rowing and the older one keeping his eye on the rugged coast.
"Are you sure?"
The older retorted, "Excuse me, Mr. Wet-Behind-The-Ears! Who has been in the sweet trade longer, you or me?"
"You."
"And who is your captain?"
The younger man grinned, "You, Uncle Henry."
Henry Morgan looked at his nephew with affection. "Damn right! And see that you remember that, Rhys!"

The two men jumped out of the skiff and pulled it onto the shore. Henry Morgan shaded his eyes and looked out towards his pride and joy, the Neptune Rising.
He lifted his face to the sun and breathed deeply. "It doesn't get any better than this, Rhys!"
Rhys laughed, "That's why I joined you, Henry!"
Rhys tied the skiff to a gnarly tree that was near the small beach where they landed. He surveyed the land.
"This is what you picked out?"
Henry turned his attention to Rhys. "Sure as I am standing here, boy! I did my research. The land here belongs to Lord Rhodri Conaway. The manor is about a mile inland and he never ventures down here. The caves are deep and stay dry for the most part because of this incline here. And further on down the coast about ten miles is an estate called Castlemaine. Same set-up with the caves. Only his go back even further but it is a little less accessible. His estate has that big bluff with the rock jutting out that looks like a figurehead on a ship. See it over there?"

Rhys shaded his eyes and nodded. "And the goods will be safe there?"
"As safe as in yer mother's womb, boy!" Henry laughed. "Don't be so apprehensive!"
"I'm not. I just want to make sure our goods are safe."
Henry looked at his favorite nephew and smiled, "Have you ever known me not to cover all situations?"
Rhys shook his head.
"Then what make you think I didn't this time? In fact, this cave is a virtual labyrinth of tunnels. I have them marked and mapped out so we can hide things far back into it and no one will be the wiser. Especially Lord Conaway."

"Conaway. Welsh name. Are there many in the area?"
Henry gave a non-committal shrug. "Damned if I know. All I know is that the Conaways have held this estate since the Domesday book. Lost his wife a few years ago under suspicious circumstances. Constable ruled out foul play and it was just an that--an accident. Whatever it was."
"Did he have children?"
Henry looked at his nephew with exasperation. "Why all the questions?"
Rhys rubbed his chin.
"Nothing, really. Just trying to find out if any children will be playing around the cliffs and get into the caves. You know how children are. You WERE one yourself once, weren't you, Henry?"
Henry clapped his nephew on the shoulder. "No. No, I never was."
He burst out laughing at Rhys' puzzled look.
"What say you that we start exploring the caves and finding the best way to angle all the chests?"
Rhys nodded.
But he couldn't help but think of the enchanting little girl he fished out of the ocean less than a month ago.
Complete with a dog.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:17:59 PM
"That's the last of it!"
Henry leaned back and stretched his back. Rhys surveyed the booty they had carefully hidden in the cave, his torch making shadows on the walls.
"I didn't think you would be able to fit all of it in here, Uncle Henry. You are sure it is safe and will stay dry?"

Henry snorted, "Of course I am sure! You think I would put this fortune just anywhere? Besides, Lord Conaway is too arrogant to think anyone would use his property for criminal activity and Lord Castlemaine--the grey stone manor just beyond the bluff--well, let's just say he can be bought for a price."
Rhys raised his eyebrow. "You have the cooperation of the gentry?"
Henry chuckled, "Every man has his price, Rhys. Remember that. There is not a man alive that can't be bought or---"
"Blackmailed?"
"Such an ugly word! I prefer 'induced to participate with an exchange of information.' I have the information and they are induced to participate. Lord Madoc Castlemaine does have a few skeletons rattling in his proverbial closet."
Rhys smiled, "Uncle, you always did have the gift of the Welsh upon your lips."
Henry laughed. "And now here we are in Beaumaris and I know a good tavern with cold ale and buxom tavern maids. We can get a warm bed and a hot bowl of soup."
"Or vice versa if we are persuasive!"
Henry laughed and clapped his nephew on the shoulder. "Now you're talking!"

Henry looked with affection at his older brother's son as Rhys made his way to the tavern bar to get the ales. His mind drifted back to the day that Rhys had made his way to the Neptune Rising, Henry's flagship.


"Uncle Henry?"
The privateer looked up from the gunwale to see a lad of fifteen, a wool cap on his tawny hair and his grey-green eyes full of merriment.
"Rhys? What in the name of all creation are you doing here?"
Rhys hefted his duffel and threw it on the deck. He crossed his arms and said, "I'm sailing with you."
"WHAT? What about your studies?"
"What better way to learn astronomy cartography than to sail in the middle of the ocean?"
"And what does your father say?"
Rhys set his mouth in a firm line and said nothing.
"You didn't tell him?"
"Well, I did in a way....."
"And what 'way' is that?"
"I left him a letter."
"I see."
Rhys went on in a rush, "It's not like I wouldn't learn anything. Uncle Henry, I would get more experience with you than I ever would sitting in a stuffy university.
And Father always said that experience was the best teacher. And I would pull my weight. I don't expect to be treated as your nephew but as one of the crew. And at the end of a couple years, I can pick up my studies at Cambridge again. You know our motto----'From here, light and sacred draughts.
From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge.' "

Henry shook his head. " 'From this place', Rhys-- this place is Cambridge. Do you have any idea what life aboard a pi-- a privateer ship is like?"
"Precisely why I want to join with you. I'll make you a bargain. If, after three months, it is not working out for both of us--or you alone--you can drop me off at the nearest port and I'll book passage back to Wales."
"Cambridge."
"Whatever."
"And you promise to continue your education if this doesn't work out beneficially for both of us?"
"Absolutely."

Henry stuck out his hand and said, "Welcome aboard, nephew!"
"Ah, ah, ah.....that is Rhys to you....Henry!"


"Henry? You seemed a million miles away."
"Just reliving the past, my boy."
Rhys set the ale down along with a hearty stew and brown bread.
"Beautiful countryside, Wales is."
"Miss it while at sea?" Henry asked.
"Yes and no. The sea represents freedom and the land represents---"
"Settling down?"
"Aye. And that I am not ready to do."

Henry took a spoonful of the stew and wiped his mouth. "Someday you will, boy. Sure, you are only twenty. But someday, some little lass will creep into your mind and get under your skin and then it is good-bye, briny deep and hello, hearth and home!"
Rhys laughed, "While I have known my share in port, none touch my heart, Henry."
Henry nodded sagely, "She's out there, my lad. She's out there. And then you can say good-bye to your heart!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:18:46 PM
La Habana, Cuba -- 1645

Jack sat in a dimly lit tavern contemplating how much his life had changed in the past three years.  He was no longer the idealistic, moral young man who had signed on to a freighter, certain he knew exactly how the world worked and his place in it.  Events had transfigured him, remoulded him into something very different, inside and out.  His neatly kept hair now hung long and wild past his shoulders, and his once clean-shaven face sported a close-cropped goatee.  For a man of 27 years, his eyes belonged to someone much older.  He was very much a product of his environment now.  He was a pirate.

And he was enjoying it.

The world had revealed much to Jack.  More than he could have imagined in his dreams or his nightmares.  His misgivings about Harkness that arose during the refit of the Raven's Pride proved to be unfounded.  The captain took Jack fully under his wing and taught the young man the finer points of piracy and seamanship.  Navigation, swordplay, negotiation, gunnery, tactics and strategy, and most importantly, self promotion.  Jack learned that the majority, and often the most terrifying, of the rumours circulating about William Harkness were started by Harkness himself.  It was his habit on extended layovers to dress in the shabbiest, tar stained clothes he could find, smudge himself with soot and pitch, and wander into a tavern crowded with merchant sailors to weave harrowing tales of the merciless pirate "Iron Will" Harkness.  With just the right touch of his powerful personality, his stories left the sailors almost too frightened to go back aboard their ships.  More often than not, he could get few rattled men to divulge their ship's destination and cargo.  Imagine their terror when, as if foretold by that half crazed old salt, a sleek, powerful ship flying a black flag emblazoned with a raven clutching a sword and pistol ran them down and demanded unconditional surrender.

When Jack questioned Harkness on this well worn ploy, the elder man replied, "Which would you rather do, Jack?  Transfer their cargo directly, or salvage it off the bottom?"  The logic was irrefutable.  Jack began openly shadowing his mentor, no matter the situation.  He soon learned that Will Harkness was no bloodthirsty beast.  Quite the contrary.  Will Harkness was cool, even tempered, and a brilliant tactician.  He could read men in a matter of moments, and develop a strategy to pick them apart before they knew what hit them.  Jack learned the benefit of this skill from the many ships they took over the years.  Yes, there was the odd foolhardy captain that dared make a stand, and they were made example of.  That's where Jack saw Will's truly human side.  Will Harkness despised the taking of a human life, no matter how necessary it was to achieve his ends.  After one such occasion, Jack entered the great cabin to find his captain openly weeping, regretting the life he had taken that day.  "Human life is precious, Jack.  Never ever forget that," Will had said.  "When you must take it, never take it lightly."  But ever the enigma, Will Harkness was back on deck the next morning, playing the role of ruthless sea dog.  It was a lesson Jack took to heart.  No matter how the captain feels inside, he is still the captain.

"You're going to stare a hole into the bottom of that mug," said a sultry voice.
Jack looked up into the most perfect emerald eyes he had ever seen in his life.  They belonged to an exotic Spanish beauty with dusky skin and jet black hair that cascaded over her bare shoulders.
"Dios mio," he murmered.
The woman laughed.  "That sounds so funny with an English accent like yours!  Come on, say something else, like paella or cucaracha!"
Jack blushed.  "I'm sorry.  I wasn't... you caught me off guard."
"Me?" replied the woman in mock astonishment.  "I caught a pirate unawares?  This is indeed a great day for me!  What is my reward for taking a pirate?"
Jack made a production of checking his clothes.  "I wouldn't say you've taken a pirate just yet.  I'm still fully dressed."
"I can change that," she purred.
"Oh, can you now?"
"Faster than you think.  What is your name?"
"Jack Wol--"  The raven haired woman grabbed Jack by the collar and kissed him deeply, their tongues playing an intricate, erotic dance.  He could scarcely draw in enough air when she let him go.
"Jack.  I like that name," she said breathlessly.
"I didn't catch yours," he said.
"No, you didn't."
"Will I ever?"
She wound her fingers in hair, and pulled him suddenly to her.  "Mercedes," she said huskily, and his eyes grew wide as she playfully bit his earlobe.

Alarm bells clanged in his head.  A woman this aggressive had something to prove, or someone to hurt.  But he shoved those thoughts aside. 
"Mercedes.  I like that name, too."  He buried his face in her black hair, and sought out her neck.  Mercedes pushed him back with a wicked smile.
"Oh, no.  Not until I let you. This is my game."
"If it's your game, will you ever let me?"
Her devious smile grew.  "I will.  If you can last that long."
"Oh, I can last quite a while."
"Prove it."
"What, here?  On the bar counter?  Or would you prefer a table that gives everyone a good view?"
"Don't tempt me!" Mercedes laughed.  "No, I have a room upstairs.  Unless you're afraid."
"I'm anything but afraid," said Jack.
She entwined her arms about Jack's waist and pulled him close against her.  "No, I'd say you're not one bit afraid," she smiled.  "Let's go."
"Let me pay my bill," Jack started.
"Don't worry about it."  She caught the innkeeper's attention.  "Manuel!  He's with me."
"As you wish, señora," Manuel replied wearily.  "May God have mercy on this one..."

From a corner table, a young man roughly Jack's age watched the proceedings.  His grey-green eyes narrowed slightly as the pair went up the stairs to the rooms above.
"Got your hooks into another one, Mercedes?" he quietly asked no one.  Could  Diego be far behind?

Mercedes led Jack into her flat.  It was opulent for a tavern room, with thick drapery and a massive bed.  The room was lit with at least two dozen candles, and the air was heavy with the scent of sandalwood oil.
"What have I gotten myself into?" Jack asked aloud.
"Me, unless you've suddenly got cold feet," teased Mercedes.
Jack laughed.  "No, no, I haven't changed my mind.  But this room!  This isn't what I'd expect from a tavern doxy!"
Mercedes got a hard look in her eyes.  She shoved Jack hard against the door and kissed him deeply, digging her nails into his chest.   "You have no idea who I am, do you?"
"Mine for the night?"
She began loosening his shirt.  "Good answer.  Now, enough talk.  Make love to me."
Jack laughed.  "That sounded strangely like an order."
Mercedes rolled her eyes.  "You English!  All you do is talk, talk, talk!"  She grabbed Jack by the shirt and pushed him down on the bed.  Suddenly she was astride him, unbuckling his belt.  He reciprocated by unlacing the front of her bodice.
"Isn't this better than talking?" she grinned.
"You've convinced me.  I'll keep my mouth shut."
"Oh, no, no, no," Mercedes said as she leaned forward, her lips brushing his.  "I intend to keep it busy..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:20:01 PM
The following morning, the young man with grey-green eyes was still in the tavern, sipping mulled cider as he looked over what appeared to be hastily drawn navigation charts.  He had slept in the common room with the rest of the sailors and those too drunk to make it home the night before.  Not because he himself had been too drunk or couldn't afford a private room.  Taverns were the heartbeat of any port town.  Loose tongues abounded once the alcohol began to flow.  Anything of use could be overheard.  What ships were in port, what they carried, where they were headed, whether or not they had an adequate crew or competent captain.  The other patrons were beginning to stir when the tavern door swung open with a loud bang.  In walked five serious looking men, their leader entering last, slapping a pair of black leather riding gloves impatiently into his hand.

"Manuel!" the imposing man called.  "Manuel, get out here!"
Manuel emerged from the pantry, pausing a moment to look out over the main room and take note of the groaning, grumbling patrons.  They were all moving to some degree, so he stepped behind the bar.
"I hope I don't have to have the hinges on that door fixed again, Roberto," he said, unimpressed.
"Send the bill to Colonel Mendoza.  Is she here?"
"If you weren't certain of it, you wouldn't be here wrecking my property," said Manuel.  "Upstairs. Like always."
Roberto motioned to his men to up the stairs to Mercedes' room.  Before they could reach the staircase, the young man spoke up.
"I saw her kissing a man goodbye just before you arrived.  It was only a couple of minutes ago.  He left through the back way.  He looked like a common labourer.  If you hurry, you can catch him before he gets too far!"
Roberto looked at Manuel, who nodded and pointed toward the back exit.
"Why didn't you say so?" demanded Roberto.
Manuel shrugged.  "You asked about Mercedes, not if she was with anyone.  Besides, I'm unhappy about my door."
"After him!" Roberto ordered his men.  "Before he gets out of town!"
The men crowded through the back door and into the alleyway.  The young man winked at Manuel, tossed him a coin, and charged up the stairs to Mercedes' room.

He paused at the top of the stairs and counted down three doors to the right.  Mercedes had tried to work her charms on him more than once, but he had heard too many things about her reputation and her husband's deadly temper.  Each time he declined, and each time she reminded him where she would be if he reconsidered.  He listened at the door.  The sound of soft laughter could be heard.  They were still at it.  But there wasn't time to wait.  Mendoza's men would be back as soon as they found out they had been tricked, and they wouldn't be happy.  The young man took a deep breath, and burst into the room.

There lay Jack and Mercedes, in the throes of passion.
"Whoa!" yelped the man, and he immediately turned to face the wall.  "Sorry to barge in like this, but sir, you need to leave. Now."
"Excuse me, but I'm not ready to leave, sir," Jack retorted.  "Now get your arse out of here before I get up and shoot you."
"You aren't going anywhere until you finish what you started, Jack," snapped Mercedes.  "And you!  You picked a fine time to change your mind about coming to see me.  You'll have to wait your turn."
The man sighed in exasperation.  "I haven't changed my mind, Contessa, I'm trying to--"
"Contessa?" interrupted Jack.  He looked down at Mercedes and smiled.  "I've never had a Contessa before.  I'm really taking a liking to this port!"
"This port is going to be the end of you if we don't leave now!"  The man picked up Jack's shirt and pants and threw them at him.  "Her husband's men were just downstairs looking for her.  If they find you, it won't be good."
"What, they'll kill me?" asked Jack as he reluctantly pulled on his pants.
"No.  They'll drag you to her husband, and he'll kill you."
Jack shot Mercedes a look.  She gave a sheepish smile and shrugged.
He hastened his efforts to get dressed.  "Bollocks!  It was good, Mercedes, but not worth dying over.  And I suppose I should thank you for the warning, whatever your name is."
"Rhys Morgan."
"Jack Wolfe.  I'd say it's a pleasure, but that would be lying.  Shall we make our exit?"

The door of the tavern crashed open again.
"I said be careful of my door!  And don't tell me to charge it to Colonel Mendoza!  He hasn't paid for the last one you broke!" howled Manuel as Mendoza's men stormed back inside.  The innkeeper began arguing loudly with Roberto in an attempt to buy the two young men time.  Not that he cared about them.  Blood was devilishly hard to clean off unfinished wood floors.
"Nefi bliw," Rhys swore in Welsh.
"If that's anything like bloody hell, I agree," said Jack.  "How many?  Can we fight them?"
"Six."
"The window it is."
Rhys stuck his head out the window and looked down.  There was a short drop to a long wooden overhang for diverting the tropical rains that often fell.  As fortune would have it, a farmer's cart full of produce had been left in the alley.
"We can do this,"said Rhys as he clambered out of the window.  There was a narrow ledge that allowed for a foothold.  He looked back into the room to find Jack and Mercedes sharing one more overheated kiss.  The sound of boots could be heard charging up the stairs.
"Damn it, Jack!  Get out here!  Let's go!" Rhys hissed.
Jack quickly joined him on the ledge.  To Rhys' surprise, Jack leaned nonchalantly on the windowsill.
"What are you DOING?" asked Rhys.
"One last look, mate.  Believe me, she was worth a bit of trouble."
At that moment, one of Mendoza's men appeared at the door, a pistol at the ready.  The man's scowl turned to a snarl as he caught a glimpse of Jack's face in the window.  Rhys didn't care to find out what brazen thing Jack might do in the face of this danger.  He took control of the situation.  Grabbing Jack's belt at the small of his back, Rhys yanked hard.

Jack's eyes went wide as he felt himself falling backward through space.  With a crunching thud, he landed flat on his back in the middle of the farmer's produce cart.  He shook his head hard and took a quick personal inventory.  Everything still moved, and nothing seemed broken, though his back felt wet.  The air was suddenly sickly sweet.  Jack reached beside him and looked at one of the items that had broken his fall, just as Rhys dropped from the overhang onto the end of the cart.
"Casaba melons?!" complained Jack.  "I hate casaba melons!"
"It was either that or a ball to the head.  The melons seemed a little less final.  Now get off your back and let's get--"
A shot rang out from the window above, and a melon at Jack's side exploded.
"They're in the alley!!" bellowed the gunman.
Rhys and Jack leaped from the cart.  The pair ran at full speed down the alleyway and into the street, with Jack leaving a scattershot trail of seeds and melon bits in his wake.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:20:39 PM
"Quick! To the dock!" Rhys yelled.
Jack was close on his heels. "Why the dock? I'll be a sitting duck!"
Rhys ran towards a small skiff that was tied to a sapling. "Because Medoza's men will be looking for you on land. They won't think to look for you on the water."
Rhys untied the ship quickly and shoved an oar in Jack's hand.
"Start paddling, stud!"

Rhys threw the rope into the skiff and pushed the skiff for all it was worth. Jack jumped in, followed by Rhys.
As the two of them paddled, Jack asked, "And just where do we go in this toy boat?"
Rhys pointed about a hundred yards from the harbor. "I was in town to gather some information for my uncle. No one will think to connect you with this ship."
Jack looked up in the moonlight and could see the figurehead. It was a torso and head of a massive man, a trident held high.
"So whose ship am I to be a guest of, if I may be so bold as to ask?"
Rhys nodded. "That is the Neptune Rising. A pi--privateering ship from Wales.
Jack snorted with laughter, "Privateer, my arse. That ship belongs to Henry Morgan. Oh, and as you are Rhys Morgan--sailing with your da?"
Rhys shook his head. "No, my uncle. Doing an apprenticeship as an astronomy cartographer."
Jack affected a snobby tone. "Ooh, a learned man, no less!"
Rhys retorted, "I don't hear the accent of a slumlord in you, sir."
Jack muttered, "Oxford."
Rhys laughed, "Cambridge."
Together they yelled, "OXBRIDGE!" and clapped each other's hands.

Deftly, Rhys pulled the skiff up to the ship and yelled, "Dalton! Throw the ropes over."
A rope ladder dropped down. Rhys tied the skiff to the lines dangling overboard and motioned for Jack to climb up.
As they cleared the gunwale, a large man stood with his hands on his hips.
"And just what devilment have you gotten yourself into, young pup? And what is that smell? Rotten fruit?"
Jack lifted his arms and smelled underneath, then shrugged.
Rhys explained, "Our guest here ran into a bit of local trouble so he will stay the night till the smoke clears. Where is Uncle Henry?"
"Took the other jollyboat over to port to see about....his merchandise. Said he may spend the evening at the gaming tables. And not to wait up," Dalton winked.

Rhys motioned to Jack to follow him. He opened up the door to a small but neat cabin. Maps and inkwells were all over a table with an oil lamp dangling from a hook. There was a small cot in the corner and a footlocker at the end of it.
"I'm sorry I am not really set up to receive guests but I do have some blankets if you don't mind crashing on the floor."
Jack shook his head. "Not at all. Beats the hell out of the undertaker's slab."
He sat on the chair and tried not to spew melon seeds and pulp. Rhys sized him up. He rummaged in an armoire and threw some clothes at Jack.
"You are a bit shorter than me. But I think my shirt will fit you and you may have to roll the breeches up a bit."
"Thanks, mate!"
"You will find soap and water in that pitcher. I think the soap is strong enough to get the fruit-smell out."
Jack looked quizzically at Rhys. "Mind telling me why you are taking the time to help a total stranger out of a dicey situation?"
Rhys shrugged. "Because there but for the grace of God that could have been me."
Jack questioned, "I don't quite get your meaning, mate."
Rhys smiled, "Change your clothes and I'll tell you a tale, Jack, old boy!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:21:25 PM
Jack rubbed his hair with a towel. "That seems to have done the trick. I threw the water in some potted plant you have. Hope you don't have a crop of melons next year, mate."
He sat down on the chair and held his hands out. "The shirt's a bit large but I can't begin to tell you how nice this feels."
Rhys opened a bottle of brandy and poured two glasses, sliding one of them across the table to Jack's waiting hand.
"You said you were going to tell me a story. So...I love sea tales. Let's hear it."
Rhys took a deep drink of the brandy, letting its warmth spread through his body.
"Ever hear of Colonel Diego de Castille y Mendoza?"
Jack shook his head.
"You should. You just cuckolded him."
Jack spewed his brandy across the room. "Damn! I had no idea the wench was married."
Rhys leaned back in his chair. "That, Jack Wolfe, is no wench. She is the Countess de Castille y Mendoza. But, as she said, you can just call her Mercedes."
"You seem familiar with her. Have you and she ever...."
Jack made a gesture leaving no doubt as to what he wondered what Mercedes and Rhys had ever done.
Rhys laughed with derision. "No, I never had that pleasure, Jack."
"Too bad, mate. It was..incredible!"
"No doubt. And I can name a dozen men who can testify to that."
"A--a dozen?"
"She's known as the catch of Cuba. Providing you don't catch something."
Jack automatically started to squirm.
Rhys said, "You know what they say, 'A night in the arms of Venus leads to a lifetime on Mercury!' "
He then burst out laughing at the look on Jack's face.
"Oh, I'm sure Mercedes would never let that happen to her. She has access to the best medicines and physicians hush money can buy."
"But....she was so...passionate! So...."
"Desperate?"
"Now hold on there! A woman isn't desperate when she wants me and I'll thank you to---"
Rhys waved the upcoming temper away. "You are a hot-blooded one, aren't you?"
Jack settled down and Rhys filled another glass for him.
"This is a pattern with the fiery Countess. She keeps a room at the tavern on the nights she decides to prowl. And when the revered Colonel is off on his power trips."
"Power trips?"
Rhys poured himself a glass. "Colonel Diego y Castille Mendoza--related to the Castille dynasty. Think Isabella was an aunt distantly related. Isabella, you know, the mother of Catherine of Aragon. Although I think Diego was more suitably descended from her daughter Joanna the Mad. Diego goes insanely crazy when things don't go his way."
"And Mercedes doesn't go his way?"
"Mercedes goes her own way. And frequently."
"Does Mendoza know?"
"He does. Let me explain about Diego Mendoza. He is trying to rebuild the Spanish navy one vengeance at a time. See, he hates all Englishmen and holds us--even though I am Welsh---personally responsible for a little public humiliation called the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Being a superb military man, Diego always felt the tide would have turned in their favor except for one thing--besides the weather."
"What was that?"
"In order to execute their 'line ahead' attack, the English tacked upwind of the Armada, thus gaining the weather gage, a significant advantage. Remember that maneuver, Jack, if you ever become a commander and find yourself in a situation. It comes in handy. Henry has used it before and it works briliantly. Anyways, this is besides the point. Diego wants to make each and every Englishman pay for it and Mercedes wants to make Diego pay for ignoring her in his conquest for power."
"She only goes for Englishmen?"
"Yeah. Her little way of getting even. And there is something else."
"What is that?"
"Mercedes is bored. Not to say she didn't enjoy herself. But I would guess by this time tomorrow, she will be esconced in those sandalwood scented sheets with another of our mother country's sons."
Jack threw back another drink. "You mean she...she...."
"Used you? Yeah. I'm afraid so. Oh, don't take it personally. She had a good time, I am sure of it. But mark my words--if Mendoza ever finds out the name of any one of them, his murderous temper will be unleashed and he will make an example of him."
"And what of Mercedes?"
Rhys shrugged. "Who cares?"
Jack looked down at his glass.
Rhys filled it again. "Let me guess. You do. Well, don't. Countess Mendoza can take care of herself. Diego forgives her. He always does."

Jack sat there looking dejected.
Rhys stood up and stretched. "Just put this in your book of remembrances in the chapter entitled, 'What I did on my visit to Cuba' or some such rot. Tomorrow she will be a smile on your face that your wife won't understand."
"I have no wife."
"Good. Then a smile on your face your future wife won't understand and you won't have the ensuing guilt."
Jack punched the pillow and rolled up a few blankets.
"My deepest thanks to you. For the rescue and the enlightenment."
"Tomorrow I will deliver you to town. I suggest you get a new hat and not return to that tavern and you will be safe."
Rhys blew out the oil lamp. "Goodnight, Oxford."
"Goodnight, Cambridge."
Together they said, "Oxbridge!" and laughed.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:22:28 PM
The next morning, after a light breakfast of hardtack and bad coffee, Rhys and Jack rowed the Neptune Rising's jollyboat toward the Raven's Pride.  Jack was explaining to Rhys how he fell into company with Harkness and a life of piracy.  When he began telling about gaining Harkness' respect with the Pride's refit, Rhys couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"What's so damned funny?" asked Jack indignantly.
"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry," Rhys laughed.  "But you, redesigning a ship?  I just can't see you planning out something that requires that much care!  You're more of a 'leap before you look' sort of fellow."
"Laugh it up, Cambridge.  Why don't you tell me where you and your uncle are headed next, and you can see for yourself just how fast the Pride is?"
"As entertaining as that sounds, I'll pass.  Uncle Henry is looking to establish himself here in the Caribbean, so we'll be staying put a while.  The waters back home are over-hunted, he says.  The Spanish are thick as fleas on a dog's back here, and he does so enjoy bedevilling them."
"Pulling up stakes, eh?  Well, he's picked a good place to resettle, especially if he like Spanish targets.  Where exactly were the old haunts?"
Rhys smiled whistfully.  "Beaumaris, on the northern coast.  The most beautiful place on earth.  There was a small bay, more of a cove to be honest, that we used.  You'd love it.  It's called Blaidd Drwg Bae."
"Again with the Welsh.  What does it mean?"
"Bad Wolf Bay."
Jack let out a hearty laugh.  "Aye, they practically named it for me!"

By that time they were along side the Pride, opposite the docks and any prying eyes.  Jack let out a loud whistle.
"Ahoy the ship!" he yelled.  "It's Jack Wolfe, and a friend!  Throw us a couple of lines!"
A few faces appeared at the gunwale.  One of them belonged to Briggs.  "If it ain't the tomcat draggin' himself home!  Three lines, boys, and step lively!"
Jack and Rhys tied on to the boat to prevent it drifting away, and the two men climbed the side of the ship up to the weather deck.  Briggs was giving his friend and expectant look.
"Josiah," said Jack merrily, "this is Rhys Morgan.  Rhys, Josiah Briggs, my best friend."
"Pleased to meet ye, Rhys," said Briggs.  "Somethin' tells me there's a story to go along with all this."
"Aye, there is," replied Jack.  "Rhys saved my life yesterday."
"He did, eh?  And who was the angry husband he saved ye from?"
"The Governor of Havana," Rhys said matter-of-factly.
Briggs choked back startled laughter.  "Saints and angels, Jack!  Only you would pull somethin' so daft!  "
"In all fairness, she didn't tell me she's the governor's wife.  We never exactly exchanged last names."
"Just everything else, I suppose."
"Something like that.  Wouldn't be polite to kiss and tell.  But when Mendoza's men stormed in to find his wife, Rhys was kind enough to stage a rescue."
"If I had known you were Oxford, I probably would have changed my mind," Rhys smirked.
"Oi!  How do you think I feel being rescued by a Cambridge man?"
"I dunno, who was smart enough not to climb into her bed in the first place?  Certainly not the Oxford man."
"Yeah, but the Oxford man put a hell of a smile on her face..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:22:52 PM
Briggs stepped in between the two college rivals.  "All right, gentlemen!  That's about enough, the both of ye!"  He wasn't sure if Jack and Rhys were about to come to blows, but he felt the precaution of keeping them separate was the wise choice.  They glared at each other as if Briggs weren't even there.  After a long pause, they both broke out laughing, leaving Briggs with a bewildered look on his face.
"Thanks for saving my hide, Cambridge," said Jack.
"You owe me one, Oxford!"
"Oxbridge!" they said in unison, and laughed even more.
"Would somebody tell me what the hell is goin' on?" complained Briggs.
Jack clapped his friend on the back.  "Rival schools, my friend.  Rhys here went to Cambridge, poor bloke.  But he's a good man in spite of it."
Rhys smirked, "And you've done nothing to improve my opinion of anyone from Oxford, Jack."
"Likewise, but I'm starting to warm up to you."
Briggs shook his head.  "What's this world comin' to?  Ye'll need a head full of book learnin' to be a pirate before long!"
This drew a fresh round of laughter from everyone.  The rest of the men went about their duties, leaving Jack, Briggs, and Rhys to themselves.

"Come on, let us show you around," Jack said to Rhys.  "You showed me hospitality, now it's my turn to play host."
Rhys smiled and shook his head.  "I really should be getting back.  Somebody has to watch over the crew whilst Uncle Henry is off conducting business."
"They'll get by for a few hours on their own.  What could happen in that short time?"
"With you involved, anything and everything!"
"Ain't that the truth!" Briggs laughed.
"I'm a bit of an overachiever," grinned Jack.  "And Josiah isn't about to let me live down that little incident in San Juan and the brothel.  Are you, Briggs?"
"It was your bright idea to try and sneak them women back to the ship... dressed as nuns."
"And it would have worked, too!" Jack protested.  "If the shortest path to the waterfront hadn't gone right past the church.  Damned nosy priest.  What was he up at that hour for, anyway?"
Rhys laughed and rolled his eyes.  "That seals it!  I'm leaving before you can cook up any more wild plans.  Harlots dressed as nuns?  Let me guess- you were dressed as a priest?"
"Not exactly..." began Jack.
"The Mother Superior," interrupted Briggs.
Rhys stared at Jack, slackjawed with astonishment at the older man's audacity.  "You are mad, Jack Wolfe!" he exclaimed.  "As if I needed any more evidence!"
Jack pondered Rhys' words a moment.  "'Mad Jack Wolfe'.  That's got quite the ring!  Mind if I use it?"
"Aye!" laughed Briggs.  "That sums ye up perfect!"
"Wear it in good health, Oxford!  Lord knows you've earned it."

Jack smiled at his new friend.  "Thanks, Cambridge.  And thank you again for saving my neck.  I'm serious; I owe you."
"Here's hoping you never have to make good on that debt, my friend," answered Rhys.  "Do yourself a favour, eh?  At least try to stay out of trouble?  You can start with not going ashore anywhere you hear the name Mendoza."
"I'll give it a go, mate.  I promise."
Rhys chuckled and shook his head as he climbed over the side of the ship and down to his boat.
"Hey, Cambridge!" Jack yelled.  "You think our paths will cross again some day?"
"Oh God, I hope not, Oxford!  Once was enough!"  Rhys laughed.

Jack and Briggs stood at the gunwale for a bit as Rhys rowed away.
"Are ye goin' to take his advice?" asked Briggs.
"I think I might just do that, this time," Jack said quietly.
"That close, huh?"
Jack took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  "Yeah."
"What about next time?"
"Easy.  I'll ask her straight away if her husband is the governor.  If not, then it's a party!"
Briggs laughed softly.  "Aye, 'Mad Jack', indeed!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:23:51 PM
On the open sea -- 1649

The two magnificent ships strained and groaned as their hulls grated against one another in this unholy union.  Hooks and grapnels dug into the hull of the prey, holding it fast against the predator.  Smoke from pistols, scatterguns, and patereros obscured the deck as Will Harkness stalked the deck of his latest prize.  He carried his cutlass in one hand, his pistol in the other.  His eyes searched the murky air as he stepped over the fallen men from both ships whom Fortune had failed to smile upon.  He hated this kind of engagement, where the decks ran red because the losing captain favoured self over sense.  Normally, the sight of Harkness' colours would make any ship's captain heave to and surrender.  It was a regrettable loss of life on both sides.  The pirate captain shook his head bitterly, and paused to look at the sails fluttering uselessly overhead, emblazoned with the blood red Norman cross of Spain.

"Mendoza!!" he shouted.  "Show yourself, you cowardly dog!  Give it up!  You've lost this time!"
Harkness turned around, in case Colonel Diego Mendoza had decided to emerge from his quarters and face his conqueror.  Instead, he was met by a pair of boots smashing into his chest.  His pistol went skittering across the deck, but he managed to keep hold of his cutlass as he fell on to his back.  Instinctively, he brought his blade up across his chest just as another clanged against it.
"How dare you try and take my ship, you English dog!" raged Mendoza.  "Get up, and face me like a man!"
Harkness brushed Mendoza's sword aside and sprang to his feet.  He ignored the broken ribs that burned in his side as he faced his enemy.  "Now, who is the dog?  The man that called you out, or the one who blindsided him?"
Mendoza swung angrily at him, and Harkness deflected the blow.  "That's not much of an answer!"
"You English think you own the seas!" Mendoza raged.  "Spain is her master, and I'll do whatever I must to restore the motherland to her rightful place!"
Harkness had to work doubly hard to fend off Mendoza's onslaught.  Though blinded by his quest to restore Spain's naval domination, Diego was a skilled swordsman, with the will of a zealot.
"But you're beaten, Diego!" countered Harkness.  "Your men are defeated.  I've won the day!  Give up now, and I'll make sure you have safe passage back to Cuba."
"NEVER!!  Not as long as my heart beats!" howled Mendoza.  He pressed his attack against Harkness, who had no choice but to give ground.  Harkness rallied, forcing Mendoza backward.  The two men clashed like titans, to a virtual standstill.

Blade clanged against blade until finally, Mendoza found and advantage and spun Harkness' cutlass out of his hand.  Will stood there, dumbfounded.  Diego pressed the point of his sword against his opponent's chest.
"Tell me why I shouldn't kill you here and know."
Harkness's eyes searched the deck, and came back to Mendoza.
"Because I'm almost as good as you with a sword?"
Mendoza gave a feral grin.  "Not good enough."
He cocked his arm to drive his cutlass through Will Harkness' heart, but another blade slapped Medoza's sword away before he could strike the death blow.

"It's about time you showed up!" Harkness groused.
"What, you think this all works on a schedule?" asked Jack Wolfe, as he stepped in front of his captain.  Both men's eyes went wide just before they ducked away, and Diego Mendoza's sword cut a groove into the bulkhead just behind them.
Harkness rolled to Mendoza's left, out of harm's way.  Jack, however, rolled right, and found himself face to face with the angry Spaniard.
"I don't know you," said Mendoza warily.
"Jack Wolfe.  Though I can't say it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Mendoza's eyes flared.  "Jack Wolfe?!"
"Um, yeah.  I thought you said you didn't know me."
"I don't.  But my wife knows you!"  Mendoza swung wildly, and Jack easily blocked the blow.  Realisation dawned on the young man's face.

"Mendoza, Mendoza... Why is that familiar?  You mean Mercedes, right?  That sweet little contessa from Cuba!  Oh, she was one hell of a goer, that one!  But I'm guessing you didn't want to hear that...  Whoa!!!"  Jack ducked and did a shoulder roll across the deck as Diego tried mightily to take his head off.
"I'm beginning to think you're upset about that little tryst."
Mendoza stalked across the deck toward him.  "She's thrown your name in my face every chance she gets!"
"Really!" Jack mused.  "I made more of an impression than Rhys gave me credit for!  How about that?"  He deftly blocked another attack from the cuckold Spaniard.
"I'm going to enjoy killing you, Jack Wolfe!"
"And I'm going to enjoy spoiling your day!" 

Jack mounted a counter attack, matching Diego blow for blow.  But the Spaniard quickly adapted, forcing the young pirate backwards cross the deck.  Before he knew it, Jack had his back against the mainmast.  Mendoza swung like a man possessed, not allowing a counter-thrust nor escape.   Jack began to panic, when he saw a coil of rope sitting atop a barrel next to him.  He grabbed it, and flung it at his adversary's face.  The rope fouled Mendoza's vision, and allowed Jack to dance away.  By the time Diego got rid of the rope, he found Jack's blade tip inches from his nose, and Will Harkness' pistol against his back.

"I'm pretty sure this is where you surrender, mate," said Jack.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:25:21 PM
Diego Mendoza stood there, wild eyed, not sure what to do next.  Finally, he decided defeat was inevitable.  His chest heaving, he tossed his sword to the deck.
"You win," he whispered.
Jack's brow furrowed.  "Oh, I'm so sorry.  I didn't quite catch that.  Louder, please, for the gallery?"
Mendoza took a deep breath.  "I said, you win!" he growled through clenched teeth.
Jack began to speak, but Harkness preempted him.  "I heard that, loud and clear, Mister Wolfe.  And so did you."
"Aye, Captain.  That I did," said Jack.
Jack backed off and let his sword drop.  Mendoza swiftly went for a dagger hidden in his boot, and Jack cuffed him with the guard of his sword.  The Spaniard dropped to his knees and spat a bit of blood on the deck, a bitter, hateful expression on his face.
"Tell your men to stand down, Diego," Harkness ordered.
After a long pause, Mendoza shouted "¡Entrega!  ¡Ahora háganlo!"
Reluctantly, his remaining men stopped fighting and surrendered to their pirate masters.
"Good choice," said Jack.
"Go to hell!" Mendoza spat.
"Maybe some day, but that's a philosophical debate for another time."
"You English talk too much."
"Funny, I recall you're lovely wife saying that just before she, well..."
Mendoza started to get to his feet, but Harkness stopped him.  "That's enough, Mister Wolfe!  Am I understood?"
"Crystalline, sir," answered Jack as he backed away.

Will waved in a few men to take custody of Mendoza, and Harkness relieved the Spaniard of his boot dagger and a few other hidden blades.  He walked over to Jack, who was at the far gunwale, staring out across the open sea.
"He was humiliated enough, Jack," began Will.
"I know," said Jack.  "I guess the moment got away from me."
"It's called mercy, Jack.  And with it goes respect.  You must never let those qualities get away from you."
Jack turned and gave his mentor a hard look.
"Would he have shown us such mercy?"
Harkness shook his head.  "Certainly not.  But we must be better than those we vanquish, in all ways.  If we aren't superior in mercy, then we are no better than a common highwayman.  Does that make sense to you?"
Jack thought for a moment.  "I suppose it does.  I'd never thought of it that way."
"Yes, you had.  But you had an advantage over him, and you exploited it.  As you should have."
"Now you have me confused.  You tell me to show compassion, but to exploit advantages as well?"
"Exploit any advantage in battle, but be compassionate in victory.  Be humble in triumph," smiled Harkness.  "That is, unless they're too stupid to give up and you have no other choice."
"There's always a lesson with you, isn't there?"
"Of course!  I'd be a poor mentor otherwise.  You two seem to have a bit of history between you."
Jack laughed.  "You could say that.  Remember when we were in Cuba last year?"
"I do.  You didn't leave the ship the last two days we were there.  Usually you're off carousing in the taverns unless there's deal to be struck.  I take it that's when you met the good Colonel's wife?"
"The Catch of Cuba herself."
"She's something else, isn't she?" chuckled Harkness.

Jack gaped at his captain.  "You mean... you, too?"
"What can I say?  The does enjoy her Englishmen," Will smiled wistfully.  "Though Diego never heard about me in that regard.  You seem to have made an impression on the fiery Mercedes."
"As you say, Will; best effort in all things.  How do you know our testy friend, then?"
"Diego and I have crossed paths more than a few times.  The nutter has it in his head that getting rid of me is key to restoring Spain's dominance in the region.  It doesn't help that I've cost him quite  a bit of money, and the lion's share of his credibility with his masters."
"I've heard he's obsessed with Spain's former naval glory.  Though I never thought I'd actually come face to face with him.  His lot usually talk big from behind a desk."
"Oh, not Diego Mendoza," said Harkness.  "He puts a lot of personal effort into his lunacy.  What do you think we should do with him?"

Jack thought for a moment.  "We could kill him, but for what?  Being an incredible nuisance and a self-aggrandising fool?  Hardly seems fair."
"Ransom him, then?  He's rich."
They paused and looked across the deck of the ship to where Mendoza was being held.  The defiant Spaniard was red-faced, petulantly cursing every man within earshot.
"And put up with that howling?  Not worth the money, if you ask me.  Mercedes would never pay us to get him back anyway."
"Then we're back to killing him?" asked Harkness.
Jack shook his head no.  "If we did, then the Spanish government would have to take action.  They may think him as much of a pain as we do, but he is one of their own.  And stepped up Spanish patrols would be bad for business."
"What do you want to do with him, then?" Harkness asked.
"Why me?"
"All I did was muck things up by getting sloppy.  You beat him.  You figure out what his fate is."
Jack gave his captain a look of surprise.  "Well, then.  I suppose there's nothing else to do but give him the longboat and some supplies, and set him and a few close friends free near the shipping lanes.  Let them sail for it as best they can."
Harkness smiled proudly at his apprentice.  "I think that's a very good, very merciful choice."
"I figured it's what you would do if you were making the decision."
"You're right.  It is the choice I would make.  I've taught you well."

"When will you run out of things to teach me?" asked Jack jokingly.
Will looked around at the two ships, and gave a chuckle as his cracked ribs argued with him.  "Today.  How's that?"
"Today?  What do you mean?"
"Well, you're your own man now, Jack.  You've earned the respect and trust of the crew.  You'll make a fine leader, in spite of your impulsiveness.   And besides, you saved my life.  If it weren't for you, Diego would have run me through.  I'd hate to think of myself impaled against some Spanish bulkhead.
"You would have done the same for me."
Will laughed.  "That has nothing to do with it.  Most of the men know Mendoza is a superior swordsman and stayed back.  You jumped in, your own skills be damned.  That's courage.  And courage will see you through, even when you don't think you're ready to take something on."
"You're talking in riddles again, Will.  What are you driving at?"

Harkness looked around them.  "What do you  think of this ship, Jack?"
Jack regarded the vessel with a critical eye.  "She's sleek.  Well built.  With a few improvements, she might even be made to give the Pride a run for her money.  Why?  Thinking of keeping her?"
"It all depends.  I'm curious.  If I had died today, command of the Pride would have fallen to you.  There's a packet of final orders in my quarters stating as much.  Given the choice, which ship would you keep?  The Pride, or this one and make it your own?"
"Why all this morbid talk, Will?"
"Indulge me."
"You sound like someone who is contemplating their mortality."
Harkness kept his silence.
"Now, wait just a moment..." started Jack.
"Mendoza never should have been able to catch me off guard the way he did.  I got careless.  Maybe too much success has made me soft.  Or maybe just the years."  Will paused for a moment and looked at his protégé.  "Piracy is a young man's enterprise, Jack.  And I am no longer a young man.  Maybe it's time I quit this game before it quits me."
"You can't let one misstep rattle you so!" implored Jack.  "You're Iron Will Harkness, for God's sake.  Your very name strikes terror into men's hearts.  How could you think of walking away from that?"
"Iron Will Harkness is a persona, Jack," the captain said quietly.  "A carefully manufactured façade of my own creation.  In the end, I'm just a man, like any other."  He smiled enigmatically.  "Maybe, if you live to be my age, you'll understand."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2009, 08:25:58 PM
"I can't believe I'm hearing this," Jack said in disbelief.  "I can't imagine any other life than this one.  And I can't believe you'd just... walk away from it!"
Harkness smiled a bit.  "Listen to yourself, Jack.  When we first met, you would have rather died than become a pirate.  You said it yourself.  Look at you now.  Can you honestly tell me things can't change, when you're living proof they do?"
"What am I supposed to do, if you leave?"
"Exactly what you would have done if I had died today.  Carry on."  Harkness took his student by the shoulders.  "You're ready for this, Jack.  And I'm ready to move on.  It's time, for both of us."
Still in shock, Jack looked his mentor in the eyes.  "Damn you for springing this on me, Will.  It's not fair."
"Jack, I've learned you make your best decisions when you don't have time to think about it too much.  You over-analyse, my boy.  Trust your instincts.  Your wits will balance things out.  Now, answer my question.  Which ship shall be yours?"

Jack turned and looked at the Spanish vessel again.  It was remarkably trim for ship of Spain, built almost in the style of France's lean, fast frigates.  She had real possibilities, with some work.  Then he looked at the Pride.  There was a ship he knew like the back of his hand, since he had helped to shape her.  Jack knew her quirks and temperament like a lover knows his partner.  The comfortable familiarity was a powerful draw.  But he knew if he took the Pride as his own, he'd never escape the shadow of Will Harkness.

"If I had to make a choice..."
"Yes, Jack.  You have to choose."
"This ship, definitely.
Harkness chuckled.  "You never do anything the easy way, do you?"
"Where's the fun in that?" replied Jack.
"The fun is just beginning, my lad.  You'll be a captain now, in your own right.  We'll make the announcement once we make port.  I prefer not to spring this news whilst we're still at sea."
"What are you going to do?"
"What, with the Pride?  The quartermaster has been wanting his own ship for a while now.  He'll jump at the chance to have her."
"I thought as much.  He'll do well.  I suppose we'll have to work out who goes with which ship when we part company.  But what I'm really interested in, Will, is what your plans are for yourself."
"I honestly don't know for sure.  I certainly won't become a merchant captain, what with you out there running free!  No, I'll find something.  Can you imagine me as a gentleman farmer?"
Jack laughed involuntarily at the thought.  "You, living on dry land?  I'll believe it when I see it."
"I know this for certain," said Harkness, "you're getting more than a ship in this bargain.  You're getting a sworn enemy."
"How do you figure?  Mendoza?  What's a ship to him?  He'll just buy another."
"Oh, you don't know this ship's name?"
"Not a clue."
"Jack, this is the second Mercedes of his that you've been involved with.  And this time, you're taking her away."
Jack stared at his captain with a mixture of shock and glee.  "You're joking!  He named this ship after his wife?"
"Even had the figurehead carved in her likeness."
"This is too good!  I'm enjoying it more every moment.  I may just have to swing out on the bowsprit and give her a kiss as we sail away!"

Harkness' expression turned serious.  "Be careful, Jack.  Diego Mendoza may have lost today, but don't underestimate him.  He's wealthy, driven, and more than a little crazy.  That's a dangerous combination.  You're going to have a very, very high spot on his list of people to get revenge on.  I know you're not one to look over your shoulder, but you may want to start."
"He's had it out for you for a long time, you said.  And you've managed to elude him."
"Because I keep tabs on him.  One of the first things I do in port is ask if he's about.  Not just to decide if I want to make a prize at his expense, but to avoid him, too."
"You make it sound like the better option is killing him now."
"No, and for the same reasons you arrived at.  Better to have him wage his impotent crusade than to deal with a fleet of costa garda.  Just watch yourself, all right?"
Jack let Will's words sink in.  Harkness was a cautious man, but the concern in his voice was unusually strong this time. 
"I promise.  No letting my guard down with this one," Jack nodded.  It wasn't enough that he had butterflies in his stomach at becoming a captain, he now had a blood enemy.
"Good," Harkness smiled.  "So, what are you going to name your very own ship?  Assuming there's no sentiment behind Mercedes for you."
"Very funny.  I'm tempted toward something Spanish as a tip of the hat to the man who so graciously provided her."  Jack thought for a moment, and his eyes brightened.  "I know!  How about El Lobo del Mar?"
"The Wolf of the Sea, captained by Mad Jack Wolfe himself," mused Harkness.  "Interesting choice, practically naming her after yourself."
"It works then?"
Harkness nodded approval.  "With a name like that, your reputation will practically write itself!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 07, 2009, 08:43:16 PM

Aboard the Neptune Rising on the open seas--1650


Henry, this fish is superb!"
Henry leaned back and smiled. "Thanks to Dolan for snagging into that school of
tuna. Nothing like fresh fish for the men."
"But you didn't bring out the Madeira for nothing."
"Whatever do you mean?"
Rhys narrowed his eyes. "You have something on your mind, Henry. I haven't spent all these years on the Neptune Rising for nothing."

Henry poured another glass of wine and topped Rhys' off.
"Rhys, it is no secret you are like a son to me. Sure, you are blood kin but I have always regarded you as more than a nephew.
Rhys clinked his glass with Henry's.  "And I feel the same way. A better mentor I never could have picked. If I had been looking."
Henry took a long sip of his wine before continuing.
"I have something of importance to discuss. I've decided to organize the privateers in the Caribbean into a force to be reckoned with. I've been in touch witha few--Morris and Jackman to name a few--and we think if we become an organization, we will have more of an impact breaking the yoke of the Spanish Main."
Rhys nodded his head slowly. "Sounds like a solid plan. Have you any ideas?"
Henry laughed. "Yes, I do. And we are meeting in Port Royal to discuss it.  How does Order of the Brethren Coast sound?"
Rhys agreed, "A force to be reckoned with, I daresay."

Henry leaned forward and his eyes glittered with ambition. "And a force like that--and the head of that force--deserves a big ship, wouldn't you say?"
"Not to mention a big hat. With lots of plumes. What are you getting at, Henry?"
"You know that French frigate we took six months ago?"
"The one you left in drydock in St Maarten?"
"The very one. She'd make a fine flagship, wouldn't she?"
"But you HAVE a flagship, Henry. Neptune Rising has been your pride and joy."
"Aye--but it is time I be trading up."
"You intend to sell the Neptune Rising?

Henry said exasperatedly, "For a Cambridge boy, you aren't quite good at sussing things out. I'm giving it to someone."
"Dolan? Pretty high reward for a passel of fish, Uncle."
Henry rolled his eyes. "Do I have to spell it out for you, Rhys? I'm leaving the Neptune Rising in your capable hands."
"ME?"
"I've watched you the past five years. You love the ship as much as I do, maybe even more. Sure, I could sell her. But would anyone love her like a Morgan?"
"Neptune Rising---to be mine?"
"Rhys, you started out as an astronomy cartographer. But you've taken to pyracy--and let's not deny it, we call a spade a spade--like a duck takes to water."
"But, Henry, what of the smuggling operation in Wales?"
"You can run it. Hell, you practically do anyways!"
"And what terms do you want out of it?"

"Lord Madoc Castlemaine gets his ten percent. Kick me back another ten percent and that leaves you with eighty percent for you and your crew. That ten percent will keep me in rum and pleasurable company."
"And will I have to meet with Lord Castlemaine to introduce myself as the new proprietor of his caves?"
Henry shook his head. "Not very often. You remit the payment to a bank in Cardiff. Lovely resort spot. In fact, I think I have only met him twice. Just lost his wife last year. Fell down the stairs and broke her neck."
"And you will make all the arrangements?"
"No arrangements to make. Hell, Rhys, don't make this more complicated than it is.
Once a year, Lord Castlemaine gives a ball. I go there, make all the right noises, pass myself off as Lord Henry Morgan as I was born and garner respect among the landed gentry. I get on with it. I even met Lord Conaway at the last ball. Poor sod has no idea his caves are my prime outlet for ill-gotten goods."

Rhys sat back, the proposal almost too much for him to absorb. But a smile slowly spread over his face.
"It could be interesting--and an adventure besides!"
"Not to mention it will set you up financially for your future."
"As an astonomy cartographer?
"Hell, Rhys, you can even buy your professorship at Oxford."
"Cambridge."
"There too."

They clinked glasses again and Rhys said, "To the Neptune Rising."
Henry smiled back. "Long may she plunder!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 20, 2009, 07:49:59 AM
Petit Goave -- December, 1650

A sultry breeze blew steadily off the coast of Hispaniola, washing over the sleepy port town of Petit Goave and out into the harbour.  The ships anchored there bobbed gently, their masts slightly swaying like mangroves.  Among these was a fine weathered vessel of quiet majesty; the Neptune Rising.  Her captain, Rhys Morgan, sat in his cabin as he stared at a desk littered with maps, notes, and plotting instruments.  Lines of frustration creased his brow as he puzzled what their next destination.  Prizes had become few and far between lately, as merchants shifted their trade to other ports or out of the area entirely in response to the threat of one pirate who seemed to time his attacks with uncanny precision and effectiveness.  Rumour had it the pirate had supernatural assistance from a dark, mystical woman.  Rhys didn't believe the stories, but after nearly two months without a prize of value, he would have been happy for such an advisor. 
"I'll be damned if I'm left to raiding fishing boats for food," Rhys swore.  He poured another glass of rum and sipped it as he stared bitterly at the maps.  There had to be some place left to hunt...  but where?

A knock at the cabin door broke his concentration.
"I said no interruptions!" barked Rhys testily.
The door opened slightly, and the quartermaster, Dolan, poked his head in.
"Begging your pardon, but there's a man come aboard to see you.  Says it's mightily important.
"Whatever he has to say, he can say to you," Rhys answered.  "Keep him out of the crew's way, and send him off when he's through.  I have enough trouble."
Dolan's head disappeared, but the door remained open.  Rhys could hear voices, and after a few moments Dolan reappeared.  "He won't hear of it, Captain.  He claims to have vital information.  Says it's a matter of life and death."
Rhys exhaled through clenched teeth.  He had promised his men a solution to their predicament before the day was out in order to keep any of them from jumping ship.  And here was some damned fool with "information" that he was certain would only put him further behind.
"All right, damn it.  Show him in."  Rhys picked up his quill and hunched over his desk, pretending to be make notations in hope that by appearing too busy the visitor would leave faster.  He could hear the sound of a pair of boots on the deck in front of him, with an almost lackadaisical gait.  Without looking up, Rhys said in his most impatient and officious tone, "I'm a very busy man, a fact I hope you can appreciate.  So please, say your piece and be on your way..."
A casaba melon rolled across the table and stopped right under his gaze.
Rhys blinked in disbelief and looked up into the face of the man who had brought it.
His eyes hardened into a contemptuous glare.
"You," he growled.

"You were expecting Father Christmas?" smiled Jack Wolfe as he casually took the chair opposite Rhys.  "Captain Morgan.  Has a nice ring to it.  You should take out a patent.  And is that any way to greet an old friend?  I had hoped they at least taught you some manners at Cambridge.  Why so glum?"
Rhys sat back in his chair and looked at the man he had saved from certain death at the hands of jealous Spanish warlord a scant few years before.  He looked the almost the same, save for even longer hair held back from his face with a red head scarf and a close cropped goatee which served to give him a wild look.
"'Mad Jack' Wolfe, master of El Lobo del Mar.  Thanks to you, my crew haven't been able to take a prize worth the effort in months.  Apparently Oxford taught you the vice of greed very well."
"Nope.  Picked that one up all on my own, thank you," Jack smirked.  "That is the name of our game, yeah?  Greed?  Take all you can, and give nothing back?"
"What do you want, Jack?  If you came to gloat, then you've accomplished your mission."  Rhys picked up the melon and tossed it to Jack.  "You can take your remembrance and go.  I'm busy."
Jack put the melon back on Rhys' desk.  "I'm not here to gloat, Cambridge.  I'm here to help."
Rhys choked back an incredulous laugh.  "Help?  How?  You're not planning to retire already, are you?"
"Not on your life, mate," Jack replied coolly.  "I'm offering you a partnership."
Rhys stared at Jack for several seconds, unsure of what he had just heard.  "Come again?"
"You heard me right, Rhys.  I'm offering you a full partnership.  A lifeline of sorts.  The question is, are you willing...," he picked up the melon and looked at it for a moment, then tossed it without warning to Rhys,  "... to take it?"
Rhys caught the melon in both hands, still puzzled by Jack's mysterious arrival and even more unexpected business proposal.  He regarded the melon before placing on the table again.  "What's the catch?"
"No catch."
"Oh, come on, Oxford.  I didn't just fall off the turnip wagon.  You've got quite the reputation for heavy conditions on any deal you strike."
Jack smiled to himself.  "Yeah, I know.  I started the stories.  It's a sweet bit of leverage whenever I have to negotiate.  When they're expecting outrageous demands, it's easier to sneak in onerous ones."
"How perfectly underhanded of you!" chuckled Rhys, with a hint of admiration in his voice.  Jack's audacity never ceased to amaze him.  For that very reason, Rhys was still wary of what his old acquaintance had in store.
"It beats a career in politics.  This way is more honest, as an old friend once pointed out.  But I'm serious, Rhys.  No catch, no conditions."
"There have to be terms."
"What good business deal doesn't have terms?"
Rhys tapped the end of his quill on the desk.  "I'm dying to hear this."
"Still cautious.  I like that.  All right then, the terms."  Jack leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him as he looked Rhys in the eye.  "A division of labour.  There are too many prizes and not enough of me to take them.  We take certain territories, which will shift over time, and hunt them clean.  Whatever you take, you keep to share out as you will."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 20, 2009, 07:56:36 AM
Rhys thought for a moment, and laughed.  "I'm still waiting for the catch, Jack.  What is it?  A steep percentage after six months?  An annual lump sum payment?  My soul, perhaps?"
"Please!  What would I do with your soul?  I've no use for my own."  He shook his head.  "As I said, no catch.  No cut, no payments, no usury.  Simply a place for your men to ply their trade, and the information with which to do it."
"Information?  What information would that be?" asked Rhys, a little faster than he meant to.  Jack's offer was intriguing, to say the least.  But he needed to know everything before considering taking the offer.
"Where to cruise, who to hit, and when."
"Nobody has those kind of specifics.  It's impossible."
"I do."
"You really are mad."
"A great many would agree.  But it doesn't change the fact that I'm telling you the truth."
Rhys searched Jack's face, and found nothing but cool, rational composure.  For Jack to be talking like a madman, he certainly wasn't acting like one.  "I have to know where this information comes from."
Jack gave a sly smirk.  "The same source that told me where to find you.  You went to great lengths to let everyone know you were going north from Jamaica to Nassau.  But here you are, due east, hidden in the French port of Petit Goave."
"That doesn't mean a thing.  So someone recognised my ship sailing into port.  Tongues wag."
"You've been in port barely a day, Cambridge.  Word travels fast in the Caribbean, but not that fast."  Jack leaned forward.  "I sailed in from the east.  Directly here.  Because I knew this is where you'd be.  Just as I knew where those Spanish military payroll sloops would be, just as I knew where the new French governor of Montserrat's ship would be, etcetera, etcetera."
"And where does this intelligence come from?  Not even a network of spies could be so accurate."
Jack's gaze shifted to somewhere over Rhys' shoulder.  "I have an associate.  You might say she has special talents.  Special sight..."
"This is madness..."
"No, it's NOT!  Damn it, Rhys!  I'm offering you something rare here.  Something I wouldn't offer anyone else."
"Why me, then?  Why seek me out?"
Jack rolled his eyes.  "My God, you're thick for an educated man!  It's right in front of you.  Literally."
Rhys looked down at his desk.  "This?  It's a melon.  You hate these things as I recall."
"And if you hadn't yanked me off into a cartload of the damned things, I'd be a dead man."  He sighed heavily.  "I am trying to repay a debt.  You saved my arse when I was in trouble.  I want to do the same for you."

Rhys looked at Jack, and then back to the casaba.  He gave a slight scowl as he pondered Jack's offer, and idly spun the melon as he thought.
"You're asking me to take quite a leap of faith, Oxford.  Your success is practically legendary, to be sure.  You've all but eclipsed Will Harkness' reputation.  By the way, what ever happened to him?  He seemed to vanish about the same time you got your ship."
Jack gave a slight smile.  "He...  went on to bigger and better things."
"You didn't..."
"NO!  God, no!  I left Will on St. Eustatius.  He said something about seeing how the other half lives, whatever that means.  And that's the last I've seen of him."
"Maybe your paths will cross again one day."
"I'd like that.  As long as he's not bringing the hangman's noose with him, that is!"
The two men laughed together, but the thoughtful frown returned to Rhys' face.
"Who is this 'advisor' of yours?  And how reliable is she, really?" Rhys asked.
"You really can't take anything on faith, can you, Cambridge?"
"Not where you're concerned, Oxford."
They looked at each other for a long moment, before they laughed in unison, "Oxbridge!"
"Pour me some of that rum, and I'll tell you," said Jack.
"Now we're getting down to business," replied Rhys as he poured.  He handed the glass to Jack, then refilled his own.  "Tell me all about her."
Jack took a sip, and sighed.  "Her name is Bonita.  Ask her what her last name is six different times, and you'll get different answers.  The men have settled on 'le Mystère', since that about sums her up.  She is an Obeah priestess, among other things, and she is very, very good at what she does."
"That doesn't tell me much," replied Rhys sceptically.
"The proof is in the pudding, as they say.  Look at the success I've enjoyed.  You tell me how I can be in the right place at exactly the right time, every time.  Defies the odds, even reason itself, wouldn't you say?"
"You're incredibly lucky, I'll give you that."
"Luck, nothing," said Jack.  "All I did was take Bonita's word as gospel truth, and there were the ships.  Just as vulnerable, just as loaded with swag as she said they would be.  How in the world could any man be that bloody lucky?"
Rhys ran a finger around the rim of his glass.  "And what is to stop me from declining your offer and exposing your secret?"
"Pffft!  Easy!  You're honourable to a fault, Rhys Morgan.  You have no reason to expose me, nor anything to gain from it.  If anything, you're terribly intrigued.  Besides, I don't care if you did tell anyone.  They'd think you barking mad, and you know it.  Frankly, I have nothing to lose in this deal.  But you do, if you walk away."
"You seem to have all this figured out.  With the help of your Obeah friend, I suppose?"
"With the help of a solid Oxford education, which you were so tragically denied."  Jack shook his head.  "Rhys, I'm trying to help you.  I wouldn't have come here if I didn't know I could fix things.  All I'm asking for is the chance to prove I'm sincere."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 20, 2009, 08:01:12 AM
"Jack, everything you've said borders on preposterous!  I need to think about this long and hard before I can hope to give you an answer.  You're asking me to risk my very future on your word."
"Then I'll tell you what," Jack said solemnly.  "Sail with me on one cruise.  I'll tell you where to strike, and you take the lead.  The Lobo will hang back, as support only, flying the colours of the ship you're going to take.  You'll know ahead of time your prey's weaknesses and cargo.  Whatever you take is yours.  Outside of that, I don't know any other way to convince you."
Rhys cocked his head.  "And why would you do this?  Why are you trying so very hard to convince me to come along with you?"
Jack looked down and took a deep breath.  "Rhys, I hate debt.  I owe you my life.  That's a pretty big debt.  You're in trouble, and I can make it right.  I'm asking you to let me do this for you.  As repayment.  No strings, no games.  We work together until you decide to break company.  I ask nothing in return, not even a stake in your smuggling operation between here and Wales."
"How do you know about that?" demanded Rhys.
"I told you.  Bonita is very good."
"I should say so..."
"And it took about fifteen minutes to verify it the last time I was in Jamaica.  The Morgan legacy is a very poorly kept secret."
Rhys could feel his face colour.  "That many people know?"
"Well, no, not that many.  I'd say fully half of Port Royal is still ignorant to your dealings."
With a chuckle, Rhys picked up his quill again and tapped it on the table.  "I have to admit, Jack, your offer is very intriguing."
"Then, say yes."
Rhys stared at Jack for several moments as he weighed the pros and cons.  Finally, he answered.
"Yes."
"Excellent!" exclaimed Jack as he jumped to his feet.  He produced a set of papers bound with a blood red ribbon and slapped them on the desk.  "Here is where we sail next.  As agreed, you sail lead with the Lobo as second.  Take both ships on your own.  If anything goes amiss, sound the bell and I'll be there to help.  But I doubt that will be necessary."
Rhys looked at the packet.  "All right.  When do we sail?"
"Tomorrow, at first light."
"No, that's not possible.  I'm waiting on supplies that won't be available for another two days."
Jack gave him a sly smile and motioned to starboard.  "Look out your window."
Rhys went to the window on that side and looked out.  To his amazement, a set of supply boats heavy with goods was headed toward the Neptune Rising.  He turned back in amazement.
"How... how did you know I would agree?"
"I told you, mate.  Bonita is very, very good."
Rhys turned back to the window, still in shock.  "I should say she is.  But you never mentioned this!  How much will I owe you for this courtesy?  Jack?"
He turned back to find Jack gone, and the casaba melon spinning in the middle of his desk.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 27, 2009, 07:49:53 AM
Beaumaris, Wales--Early summer, 1651

Rhys Morgan's hired coach pulled up in front of a massive grey stone manor. Turrets spindled up to the sky. He looked out the coach window and saw the wrought iron gate with the stone wall around it. Almost like a fortress, he thought.
As the coachman opened the door, Rhys gathered his coat and put his cavalier hat on his head.
"You sure you don't mind waiting?"
The coachman shook his head.
"I have nothing to do  way out here...may as well wait for you, Guv'nor."
Rhys pressed a few coins in his hand.
"I don't know how long I shall be. Not long though, provided my business goes smoothly with Lord Castlemaine."
The coachman tipped his hat. "I'll meander towards the kitchen. Unwritten law that there may be a scone or two in my future. Ta, Guv'nor."
Rhys laughed inwardly. 'Guv'nor....for a pirate? Or is that a privateer now?'
He walked up to stone steps and lifted the huge lion's head that was the doorknocker. The door was heavy English oak. 'Probably from a tree since Domesday....'

"This way, please."
The house servant led Rhys down a long hall with marbled floors and into an opulent study with a massive desk of mahogany.
"He shouldn't be but a few moments. Would you care for a brandy?"
Brandy sounded good to Rhys, seeing he had his fill of rum enough to last a lifetime. But Uncle Henry always told him, 'A captain is no better than his men. And you can lose the postion by a whim of the crew.'
So Rhys drank rum with his men.

"A brandy would be fine, thank you."
The servant poured him a snifter in a Murano glass. He bowed as he closed the doors, saying, "Lord Castlemaine will be in shortly."

Rhys looked around the library. Impressive but Rhys was used to a study like this. His childhood home was a manor on an estate. He strolled over to the books and picked one out. Leatherbound...well worn. Lord Castlemaine was a reader. Or his ancestors had been.
Above the fireplace mantel hung the portrait of a woman. No doubt  his wife, Rhys surmised.

She wore a dress of dove grey, her shoulders white and her face reflected her patrician upbringing. Her ebony hair was piled on top of her head. A handsome woman, Rhys thought. But something was missing....no warmth in her ice blue eyes. Almost as if she was looking down in disdain at all who disturbed the sanctuary of her home.
He walked over to the window and looked out to the vast grounds of the estate. The grounds were landscaped--and almost too  perfectly.  At once he had a longing for the sea, wishing the Neptune Rising wasn't in for repairs. It would be at least a month or two before she would be ready to sail again.

*Ahem!*
Rhys Morgan turned around to meet his 'landlord' of the smuggling operations.
There he stood.
Lord Madoc Castlemaine.

Lord Castlemaine stood about 6'2', broad of shoulder and slim. His raven black hair, without a trace of grey,  was in waves and his close-trimmed beard gave his face a sardonic look. Brown of eyes, his mouth was what could only be described as cruel. He carried himself with the air of what could only be described as breeding. Rhys judged him to be in his mid-to-late forties.

Rhys gave him a slight bow and removed his cavalier hat.
"Lord Castlemaine."
Madoc sat down and surveyed the young man in front of him. Rhys had the air of a man who spent a great deal of time in the sun and was all the better for it. He had a lightness to his manner that was incongruous with a man who made his living by the pre-emptively salvaging of goods destined for other ports. Of which they never arrived.
Rhys had dressed in one of his best frock coats, his breeches were impeccable and his boots had a high shine to them. The cavalier hat set his features off to the mirth with which Rhys approached life.

Lord Castlemaine leaned back and crossed his arms in front of him.
"So you are Henry Morgan's nephew. Have a seat."
Rhys sat down and nodded. "The operation is going smoothly and I have found new sources of revenue---"
Madoc waved him away with his hand. "I have no interest in what the operation is doing. The less I know, the better. Do you have the draft for the bank?"
Rhys reached into his pocket and said, "Yes, I have it right here---"
Madoc gave him a cold look. "Deposit it in the account. Cardiff. Henry gave you the instructions, did he not?"
"Yes, he did and--"
"Then do it."
Madoc stood up. Rhys did also.
"Make sure your crew clean up after themselves next time. I don't want to see any evidence the caves are being used."
"You won't, Lord Madoc. I'll see to it that the men are discreet."

He walked Rhys to the door. Rhys looked up at the portrait and said politely, "Your wife is a fine-looking woman, Lord Castlemaine."
"Was."
"Beg your pardon?"
"She's deceased these three years."
The way Madoc said it, Rhys couldn't help but wonder what she was like. She had a haughty face and a face devoid of warmth.
A good match for him, Rhys thought.

Madoc opened the door. "I will expect another draft in six months."
"I shall have it."
With that, Madoc left the room. Rhys stood there, not quite knowing what to do.
'Nice doing business with you....bastard,' he said to himself.
He sighed, put his cavalier hat on his head and headed back towards the carriage.

The coachman sat on the grass enjoying an apple he had plucked from Lord Castlemaine's tree.
"Done already, Guv'nor?"
"Done."
As he took his seat in the coach, Rhys turned to the coachman and asked, "Might I ask, is Lord Castlemaine married?"
"Not now. Heard he is in the market, as it were. Wife died a few years back. Tragic, it was."
"Really. What happened?"
The coachman picked up his whip and took his place on the buckboard.
"Fell down the stairs one night. Broke her neck."
"That is tragic!"
The coachman's face turned stony. "Aye. For all but Lord Castlemaine."
"What do you mean?"
He lightly switched the horses. "Upon the death of Lady Castlemaine, Lord Madoc Castlemaine inherited for himself four hundred acres of grassland between the forest on the edge of the property all the way to Lord Conaway's."
Rhys sat there and pondered, "You don't say."
"Aye, I just did, didn't I? But you didn't hear it from me."
Rhys murmured, 'Bastard...'
"What?"
"Nothing. To the docks, please."
"Sure thing, Guv'nor."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 03, 2009, 07:51:27 AM
A Tavern on the Island of Tortuga-- Summer, 1651

First mate and quartermaster of El Lobo del Mar Josiah Briggs gave the tavern wench a wink as he took the two tankards from her tray.  He looked around the crowded room with a somewhat perturbed expression on his face as he worked his way back to his table, trying hard not to spill any ale while he jostled his way through the throng.  He gave an exasperated sigh when he reached the table, and sat the mugs down before taking his seat.
"I swear, Jack, I never seen times as bad as what's befallen us now," Josiah complained.  "Nary a bit of prey in sight, and what we do take ain't worth the powder to blow it up with.  How in the name of all what's holy did things dry up so fast?  We had the run of the sea, takin' whatever ship we wanted, when we wanted it.  Now, nothin'."
Jack took a deep drink from his mug.  "Just as Bonita foretold, my old friend."
"Ye know damn well I don't believe in her spells and whatnot.  All that witch woman does..."  Briggs dropped his voice and looked around furtively before continuing in hushed tones.  "All she manages to do is unnerve the hell out of me."
"Why, Josiah!  I never knew you found her so attractive," said Jack with a smirk.
Briggs' face began to flush.  "Ye know that ain't so!  Besides, I prefer redheads."
"Just pulling your leg, mate.  Everyone knows your taste for ginger," Jack laughed.  "I admit, Bonita's ways are a bit, well, unorthodox, but she hasn't been wrong yet."
"Ye call it unorthodox, I call it scary."
"Be that as it may, I trust her.  A month ago, she predicted that the French would arrive en masse with privateers and completely disrupt shipping in this area.  What happened?  The French crowded in here and New Providence to prosecute their grudge against Spain, clogged the ports, and we can't hope to get the prices for prizes or goods we're used to.  I swear, if one more French ship detains us to 'check our commission', I'll hand them over to the Spanish myself."
"Why didn't ye say ye knew this was comin'?  Though I should have known, the cavalier way ye've been takin' all this adversity."
Jack shrugged.  "You said you didn't believe in Bonita's abilities.  Didn't want to bother you with a lot of trifling nonsense that just happened to be spot on yet again."
Briggs rolled his eyes.  "And ye intend to rub my face in it, don't ye?"
"Every chance I get," grinned Jack.

The truth was, Briggs did believe in Bonita's divination skills.  She had provided Jack with flawless information on what targets to hit and when they would be most vulnerable.  Her readings helped fuel Jack's meteoric rise in the ranks of pirates over the past two years.  But the quartermaster couldn't help but wonder what might happen should Jack anger her.  Rumours and speculation about the true extent of her powers circulated in whispers among the crew.  How much danger would they all be in?
"Well, like ye've always said, peace is bad for business.  Especially ours.  Hang Cromwell and his Roundheads for inflictin' these poppin' jays on us!  Them and their damned treaties," fumed Briggs.  "It's a good thing Rhys left for Wales when he did.  I like him.  He's a good lad, and a better businessman.  Why did he go back, anyways?"
"He has a smuggling run between here and Wales.  Beaumaris, I think.  You remember that port from our time on the Laura Anne, don't you?"
"Yeah, vaguely.  I remember it was chilly, but the company was warm."
"That's right, I recall that redhead.  Robbed you blind the next morning if memory serves..."
"Anyway, we were talkin' about Rhys," interrupted Briggs.
"Right," chuckled Jack.  "He said something about a transaction he had to take care of personally.  That's it."
"Did he say when he expected to be back?"
"No.  But I'm guessing before the end of Fall.  He'll up against the winter squalls if he waits any later."
"He's avoided the indignity of bein' a pirate with no prey, I'll give him that," grumbled Briggs.
It was Jack's turn to roll his eyes.  "I hope you don't intend to cry in your ale all night."

"Bein' a realist ain't what I call cryin'," Briggs retorted.  "So, what's left for us to do?  I can't see ye turnin' gentleman farmer after all these years on the account.  I hear tell the Portuguese are offerin' commissions for little of nothin'.  Are we to turn privateer, too?"
Jack gave Briggs a sour look and offered his mug.  "Here.  Wash your mouth out with this.  How long have we known each other, Josiah?"
Briggs thought for a moment.  "I reckon about twelve years, give or take.  Why?"
"Then I'm even more shocked that you were able to ask me that question with a straight face," chided Jack.  "Absolutely not.  Out of the question.  I will never turn privateer.  Everyone else can sell out, but not me."
"I don't figure you as bein' much for starvin' either, Jack.  You must have somethin' stirred up in that schemin' head of yours, or another prediction from yer pet witch.  Otherwise we wouldn't be having this talk."
"Should I tell Bonita you have a new nickname for her?"
Briggs began to go pale.  "All right, that was uncalled for.  I shouldn't have said it."
Jack motioned around them.  "It's a full room, my friend.  Lots of ears, and lots of lips to spread what they hear."  He held a finger straight up in the air.  "Bonita has a nasty temper.  Unfortunate things can happen."  Jack slowly curled his finger over until it was pointed at the table top, then waggled it.
Briggs' eyes grew wide in horror.  After a few seconds, Jack burst into laughter.
"Just having some fun with you, Josiah!  I know you don't like Bonita, and she feels the same about you.  If you haven't had a problem yet, I'd say you're safe."
The quartermaster nervously took a sip of ale.  "You were sayin', about our plans?"

"Sorry I rattled you so, Josiah," Jack chuckled.  "All right, to the future.  I hear tell that Barbados is relenting to pressure from England to become a colony.  Most likely it will be official early next year.  They've appointed an interim governor with strong ties, so he's almost guaranteed to stay on once Barbados is made England's latest jewel.  Said governor will be under enormous pressure to succeed.  What is the biggest problem facing any governor, provisional or not?"
"Ah!" smiled Briggs.  "Supplies!  If there were to be a flood of goods for his people to buy on the cheap, the happier they'll be, and the better he'll look in England's eyes."
"Precisely.  And we are the altruistic and enterprising lot that can give them those goods at the right price."  A sly grin spread across Jack's face.  "Of course, we'll need the cooperation of one provisional governor."
"Oh, of course.  Of course!" chimed Briggs, taking on the air of a stuffy merchant.
"We'll have to be sure to do this right.  I'm in no mood to prop up a second governor a year from now.  I want him squarely in my pocket and keep him there."
"I take it Bonita's 'seen' this plan as workin'?" asked Briggs.
"Put it this way, my friend.  She has seen us commanding the entire stretch between Barbados and Trinidad."
Briggs blinked.  "I'm startin' to take a shine to her visions."
"I don't think the good people of Barbados will mind that their goods were made in Spain or The Netherlands."
"People ain't real picky when the price is right, I've seen.  But that puts us right on the doorstep of the Spanish Main.  What are the odds yer old friend Mendoza is hangin' about round there?  Word was he's left Cuba for a better appointment, whatever that means."
Jack had a bit more ale.  "He's probably still the laughing stock of the Spanish Royal Court.  I'm not worried about him and his crusade."
"They did nearly strung him up over our raids. You know he'll never stop blamin' you for that bit of mischief".
"Let him blame.  He's of no consequence to us.  I'm sure Mercedes is keeping him tied in knots, if she has a fresh hunting ground."
Briggs raised his mug.  "We're sailin' to Barbados, then?"
Jack banged his mug against his friend's.
"To Barbados, and new fortunes!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 10, 2009, 07:07:31 AM

Wales--Spring, 1652


Rhiannon sat there on the bluff with her writing journal. Gazing out to the horizon, she could see the ships with their tall sails as they appeared to kiss the heavens. She sighed deeply and looked over at Muir, her dearest companion. He was stretched out in the sunshine, his eyes half-closed.
"Someday, Muir. Someday we shall be out of here."
He raised his head and she pet his ears. "Well....we'll just have to be a little more patient, won't we?"
He licked her hand and she laughed. "I don't know how...but we will!"
She returned to the journal, licked the tip of the wax pencil, and scratched a few words down on paper.

A sudden shadow fell across her paper and she quickly covered the words with her hands and turned sharply. The sun was shining in her eyes and she shielded her eyes, jumping up quickly. Muir instantly sprang into action, standing by his mistress's side, growling.
A voice said, "A thousand pardons, lass. I didn't mean to startle you."
He stepped away from the bright sunshine into the shade.
Her finger touched her lips as she thought deeply. Muir sat quietly but his tail thumped in a wary recognition.
The face had grown more mature. He had an air of confidence but there was something...something there that reminded her of another time.

She said excitedly, "I can't believe it. I know you!  We met before. You--you're Rhys Morgan!"
He looked at her quizzically. "We've met?"
She smiled broadly.  "I see you got a new frock coat."
She glanced down and said, "Same boots but they are alot scuffier. I wonder if I would still look real piratey."
She reached over and took his cavalier hat off his head and perched it on her own.

Comprehension began to dawn on him. He grinned, "Now I remember! You were the little girl who stole my uncle's skiff when you took an unexpected dip into the sea! You and your dog! I should have at least recognized him!"
Rhiannon feigned a hurtful expression, "Well, that isn't very flattering! You would remember the dog but not the girl?"
He laughed, "Man's best friend, you know."
Muir came over to Rhys and gently put his muzzle into the man's hand. He pet him and said to the lass, "It's been a while since I rescued you, Miss.....? I'm sorry. I forgot your name."
"Miss Conaway."
"Ah, yes! Miss Conaway, nun in training!"
She closed her book with a definitive clap and said frostily, "I thought I made it clear that day that I was NOT a nun. I would never be a nun."
He bowed deeply. "I should feel for a young woman like you to take the veil would be a disservice to mankind. No, Miss Conaway, beautiful hair like yours should not be hidden under a wimple."
She looked out to the sea and murmured, "The first chance I get, Muir and I are out of here."

He motioned to the grass and asked, "May I?"
She nodded and he sat on the grass and patted the spot next to him. She tucked her skirts under her legs.
"I thought pirates never left the docks but here you are on the bluff. May I inquire what brings you up here?"
He laughed and said, "We DO like to lose our sea legs, you know. Land under our feet is a refreshing change."
"And what have you there?"
He withdrew a few sheets of paper and a stick of drawing charcoal. "I like to sketch. Does that surprise you?"
She said, "As a matter of fact, it does. From all the stories I heard as a child, all pirates did was plunder and drink rum. You are disillusioning me, sir!"
Rhys looked up at the sun and then back to her face. "This is fantastic light. It would be a shame to waste the opportunity."
"I don't understand..."
"Wait! Don't move! I need a model!"

She sat there for a half hour and when he was done, he handed her the sketch. It was a portrait of her looking towards the sea.
"This is wonderful! No one has ever done a portrait of me before!" she exclaimed.
Rhys put the charcoal in his pocket. She tried to hand it back to him but he shook his head. "No, that is for you."
She smiled radiantly at him and held it close to her heart. "No one has ever given me something so personal before. I shall cherish this forever!"

He laughed and then stood up. "I need to get back to my ship."
Rhys held out his hand and helped her up. She dusted off the back of her skirt and said, "I'd say Mother Superior has figured out where I am. We have finally come to a meeting of the minds. She lets me go and my father continues as the abbey's benefactor and--what did you say? YOUR ship?"
He grinned proudly and said, "Aye. My ship. My uncle Henry went on to bigger and better things."
"He didn't---"
"Oh, hell no! He's still alive. What I meant was that met up with a few friends and over a bottle of rum, they decided to form an organization of pi--privateers. We had taken a French frigate and Henry decided it was more fitting to his station to have a larger ship. Along with a new hat and lots of feathers. Dandy that he is!"

Her eyes glowed with a newfound fascination for the young man. "So--you are officially a pirate captain!"
He smiled and said, "That's a given fact.  Say, would you like the grand tour, Miss Conaway?"
"Oooh, I would love it! But Muir would have to go with us. I never leave him behind."
"By all means, he is invited! After all, if it wasn't for him, you wouldn't have taken a swim in the briny deep and I may not have had the privilege of rescuing you."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 10, 2009, 07:08:29 AM
Rhys and Rhiannon walked down to where the skiff was tied up.
"Is that the same one?"
Rhys chuckled, "It so happens that one met with an unfortunate encounter with a shark. Bit it clean in two. This one is a bit more sturdy. May I?"
He held his hand out and she took it as he helped her into the skiff. Muir jumped in of his own accord.
Rhiannon sternly admonished, "Muir, you will SIT and not move."
He looked at her with baleful eyes and Rhys burst out laughing.
"I guess he won't be moving."
He picked up the oars and began rowing towards the Neptune Rising.

As they neared the ship, Rhys called out, "Dolan! Throw the ladder over!"
A rope ladder appeared and Rhys helped Rhiannon up and over the gunwale, then reached down for Muir.
Dolan did a double take. Rhys Morgan? Bringing a woman to the ship? He looked closer and relaxed. She was naught but a young girl. And with a dog even.
"Dolan? This is Miss Conaway and the esteemed pooch Muir."
Dolan touched his fingers to the brim of his tricorn and grinned. "Pleased t' meet ya, lass!"
She gave him a warm smile. "It is wonderful to get a tour of a real pirate ship, Mr. Dolan."
Rhys took her by the arm and said, "I'll take over now, Dolan."
The quartermaster grinned and said, "Aye, Captain."

Watching Rhys and Rhiannon head towards the different parts of the ship, Dolan saw the pride that Rhys had pointing out the various features of the brigantine.
"Wot ye make o' it, Dolan?" Carson the master gunner asked.
Dolan looked at the pair thoughtfully and then laughed. "Nothing, Carson. Ye know the cap'n. He always throws the little ones back. This be no exception."
Carson frowned, "Aye. If ye say so. Yet  he ne'er brought one in fer th' grand tour before."
Dolan took a pipe out and lit it.  "She just be a slip of a girl. The dog be the chaperone!"
They both laughed and resumed their work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"And this is the captain's quarters."
He opened the door to the room. It was small but a bit messy. A comfortable looking bed was pushed up against the bulkhead, the covers rumpled. The desk was covered with maps and charts, a quill was stuck in its inkwell. Rhiannon looked at the charts. She picked up one.
"What is this? It doesn't look like one of the sea with islands."
He looked over her shoulder. Suddenly she was aware of how close he was and how nice he smelled. A combination of the sea and leather.
He pointed to what looked like a circle with dots and lines radiating from the the center, bisecting each other.
"This is a map of the stars. See this over here?" He pointed to three stars in a row
She proudly said, "That is Orion's Belt. The stars are Rigel, Bellatrix and Betelgeuse."
He looked at her with amazement.
"Very good! And do you know what this cluster of stars is?"
She shook her head.
"That is the Pleiades or Seven Sisters. I was studying to be an astronomy cartographer at Cambridge."
She looked at him with a look of admiration.
"Cambridge! Rhys Morgan, you just may be the smartest pirate I have ever met!"

Within a half hour, Rhys and Rhiannon emerged from his cabin. Dolan raised his eyebrow and behind Rhiannon's back, Rhys drew his finger across his throat and the quartermaster could hardly contain his mirth.
"Dolan, I'll be back as soon as I take Miss Conaway back to her---where do I take you back to? It's getting late."
She laughed, "The bluff will be fine. Mr Dolan, it was a pleasure to meet you."
He nodded. "As it were fer me too, young miss."
Rhys couldn't help but hear the emphasis Dolan put on 'young miss'.
He helped her over the gunwale to the ladder along with her dog.
Before he threw his leg over the rail, he whispered, "Don't be thinking I am getting ideas, Dolan. She's pretty but young."
Dolan grinned and gave his captain a two finger salute.
'Ne'er brought one on board, Captain. Ne'er in all the times I have known ye.' he said to himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~

As Rhys helped her from the skiff, she gave him a smile.
"I had a wonderful afternoon, Captain Morgan. Thank you for the portrait!"
"Please. Call me Rhys.  Will you be back here soon?"
She smiled and said, "I am usually here every Saturday. Perhaps I shall see you again?"
Rhys took her hand and kissed it. He replied, "I would dare say you can count on it, Miss Conaway."
Rhiannon's face blushed as she curtseyed. "It was a pleasure. The ship was beautiful--all that I hoped and knew it could be. And now I must get back before Mother Superior sends her snoopiest novitiate out here to look for me."
He removed his cavalier hat and swept into a bow.
"Till we meet again, Miss Conaway."
As she walked off, she looked over her shoulder and with a wink, she said, "Please. Call me Rhiannon."
And with that she disappeared down the stone path.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 17, 2009, 08:46:33 AM
Barbados--Autumn, 1651

Jack impatiently paced the long grand foyer of the governor's mansion. The stuffy butler had made it clear that the governor was 'unaccustomed to receiving visitors without a proper appointment.' But an exception to that rule was easily purchased with a few Spanish escudos. What they didn't buy, apparently, was expedience. The otherwise infuriating delay gave Jack a chance to learn a little more about the England's newest representative in the Caribbean beyond what he'd found out after a few rounds at the tavern the previous night.

Symbols of the Commonwealth were strategically placed throughout the space, ensuring  visitors were constantly reminded of the relatively new order of things.  Governor Christopher Culley was determined to transform this far flung outpost into a right proper colony of England, starting with his own residence.  If it weren't for the the steamy morning and scent of tropical flowers, one would think they were in London.  Jack was becoming thoroughly tired of of having to look at the gaudy, inescapable seals of state.  He had inherited a strong dislike of the Roundheads from his father, a talented shipwright and staunch Royalist. Normally, he couldn't be bothered with politics. Politicians were to be bought or gotten around, simple as that. Bored with pacing, Jack stopped in front of the seals and began picking at its gilding. Just as he thought. Nothing but worthless wood underneath.  With any luck, Governor Culley would be equally lacking in substance.

The sound of someone loudly clearing their throat caught his attention. He turned to find the stuffy butler standing just outside the doorway of the governor's office.
"Governor Culley will see you now," the butler announced.
Jack briskly traversed the length of the hall and brushed past the manservant.  "About bloody time," he grumbled.

Culley's chambers were opulent for those of an interim governor.  This man clearly intended to stay in office, and thought himself sufficiently well connected to do so.  Two large portraits, one of Culley and another of Oliver Cromwell, consumed one of the walls. Symbols of state and station were so garishly displayed that one might guess Culley was either wildly egotistical or putting on airs. Jack was betting on the latter.
"Governor Culley! Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.  I'm Captain Jack Wolfe..."
His voice trailed off when he realised the door hadn't been closed behind him. There stood the butler in the doorway, staring off into space.
"Pssst! Oi! You there!" Jack said in a hushed voice.
"I beg your pardon, sir. Is there something you require?" asked the butler.
"Yes," replied Jack. "Privacy. Shoo! Go... buttle something."
The butler gave him a sour look and closed the door. Jack turned his attention back to the governor.
"Herndon has been with my family for over twenty-five years, Captain Wolfe. Do show him some respect," said Culley.
"Twenty-five years, you say? And he still manages to get out of bed each morning and do it all again. Admirable. As I was saying, I'm captain of the ship El Lobo del Mar."
"Welcome to Barbados, Captain. And what may this future colony of England do for you?"
Jack smiled. "We'll get to that in a bit. What I'd like to talk about is what I can do for your colony."
"Really?" Culley asked with surprise. "Are you offering the services of your ship and crew for the colony's protection?"
"Oh, slow down there, mate," Jack laughed. "Nothing quite so honourable. You have a veritable flood of colonists coming in every month. That must put quite a strain on your warehouses, eh? And those new folk, they must be upset over the prices."
"It's true, the supply ships are rarely in step with the colony vessels.  That is an economic reality every colony faces.  Exactly what is it you're getting at, Captain Wolfe?"
"Right to the point.  I like that," said Jack.  "You have supply chain problems, and I have inventory that can be, one might say, difficult to move."
"This port is not open pirates, Captain. We're done here," Culley declared.
"Such a harsh word, 'pirate'.  And we've only just met."
"And what would you call yourself?"
"'Visionary entrepreneur' has a nice sound to it."
"Even so, I cannot condone illegal activities in my jurisdiction."
"They're only illegal if you see them as such, Governor."
"The answer is still no, sir.  Please leave."
Jack cocked an eyebrow. "Suit yourself, Governor. I'm sure your principles will keep you warm when they call you back to England because of all the colonist's complaints. Ta."
He walked to the door and began to turn the handle.
"Just a moment, Captain," Culley said quickly.  Jack smiled to himself and turned back to face the governor. "Perhaps I was... rash, not to listen to your proposal."
"A wise man knows when to consider previously unexplored options.  Here's what I envision.  I bring in goods to your markets for a fair price, and in payment for the courtesy, you'll receive ten percent of the proceeds, and the pick of the luxury items as they're available."

Culley mulled Jack's words over for a bit.
"You're asking me to take a bribe to allow you to sell stolen goods in my colony."
"I'm offering to shore up your supply houses to supplement to your normal shipments. You'll receive a percentage as your fee for legally condemning our salvaged goods for sale.  It's all perfectly legal, in that light."
Governor Culley leaned back in his chair and folded his hands across his chest.
"You make a most compelling business offer, Captain Wolfe."
"I was going for irresistible, but compelling works."
"I like to know just who is using my port and why, so I had my people do some listening in the taverns.  Your name kept popping up.  I made a few inquiries.  You have quite the reputation throughout the entire Caribbean."
"And a dubious one, no doubt," Jack offered with a disarming smile.
Culley chuckled, but held his air of authority. "You have a gift for understatement, Captain. If I were mad enough to consider this partnership, what assurances do I have that you'll honour any agreement we might make?"
"As dubious as my reputation may be, Governor, I understand the need for discretion. We have no written contract, so there is little that might be traced back to either of us. This is a gamble for me as well, as your reputation has no doubt been sanitized by your Roundhead friends.  That's what my sources have found, at any rate."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 17, 2009, 08:47:03 AM
Culley shifted uneasily in his seat.  Indeed, he had been a miserable failure as a politician, but had gained critical alliances when he threw in with Cromwell's political machine.
"Go on," said Culley.
"I've arranged for a good faith gesture to arrive at your personal residence late this night.  I promise that it will be done swiftly and unnoticed.  If anything goes awry, you can deny any knowledge and we part company.  Otherwise, I'll do what I do best, and you can polish your medals and sharpen your smile whilst you collect your percentage.  Everyone benefits."
"Don't you think that a bit presumptuous?  What if I say no?"
"Forgive me for getting ahead of myself, Governor.  I am, above all, an optimist.  I would be terribly disappointed if you were to decline, of course.  But I am a good sport.  If that is your choice, I'll leave your residence and go about my business, and never speak a word of our conversation.  Though the merchants may sleep a little less easily over their shipments..."
Jack extended his hand. "So I ask you, Governor Culley; deal, or no deal?"
The governor weighed the options in his mind, including the thinly veiled threat against commerce in his waters.  He stood and shook the pirate's hand.
"We have a contract, Captain Wolfe.  Your goods are welcome here at equitable prices, and your prompt payment of all 'fees' will ensure a long and happy business relationship, as well as your continued enjoyment of the protection of my garrison and patrols."
Culley wasn't above making veiled threats, either.
"A pleasure doing business with you, Governor," Jack beamed.

He strolled out of the Governor's chamber and was met by Briggs at the foyer.
"Well, how'd it go?  Are we in?" Briggs asked enthusiastically and a little too loud.
Jack grabbed him by the shirt collar and, without breaking smile nor stride, hustled the quartermaster past the stony-faced butler and out of the governor's residence.
"Your subtlety could use a bit of work, Josiah."
"Damn subtlety.  What'd the stuffed shirt say?"
Jack patted the front of his frock coat.  "Guess what I have in my pocket, old friend?"
"It ain't jinglin', so my guess would be a governor?"
The two men laughed heartily.  "Nice and snug in there, he is," chuckled Jack.  "Just as Bonita predicted.  But I need him to really enjoy being there.
"What have ye got in mind?  A few luxuries?"
"No, just one."  Jack began walking down the street.  "We need to stop and visit Madame Renee."
Briggs' eyes lit up.  "I could use a bit of celebratin', after all this good news..."
"Not for you!" Jack laughed.  "We need to arrange for the good governor's gift."
"Do ye think she'll go along with it?"
"Of course she will.  I'm a stakeholder in her business.  In the minority, but I can bargain the difference.  One of her girls in the governor's bed is the governor in her pocket, as well.  Besides, if it wasn't for me, she'd still be wiping tables and scrubbing floors at that tavern in Falmouth."
"Aye, she's come a long way since those days at the Dog and Doublet."
"Better name, too.  No one would give a second thought to a madame named Pip Woolston from Cornwall."
"She's an exotic one, for such a plain name.  And her new one, Madame Renee de Bertrand, it suits her.  She even looks French..." said Briggs dreamily.
"Steady, Josiah.  Keep your blood in one place, eh?  Tomorrow, I need to go ahead with the purchase of those three warehouses."
Briggs snapped out of his reverie.  "The ones on St. Michael Row?  Consider it done, Jack."
"Good.  You know what?  I'm beginning to like Barbados."
"Just as long as ye don't become married to her."
"You know, Bonita said something very similar..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 24, 2009, 06:26:53 AM
Wales---Late summer, 1652  

The summer sun shone through the trees on the two girls sitting on the boulders by the stream. Their feet dangled in the cool water as they idly chatted.
"He sounds like a wonderful man but honestly, you are courting disaster, you know. If the Mother Superior finds out about it, she will send you packing so fast your head will swim!"
"Don't worry. It is all very innocent. We just meet on the bluffs. We sit and talk for hours. Athena, the extent of that man's knowledge knows no bounds! I've never met anyone as fascinating as him."
Athena looked askance at her.
"A month you have been meeting him. So, tell me the truth--how does he kiss?"
Rhiannon blushed and shrugged. "I couldn't say. He's been a perfect gentleman."
Athena looked at her friend with doubt on her face.
"Either you are lying--to me or to yourself--or he's got a passel of problems. Rhiannon, he's a pirate! They plunder and pillage and do a whole lot more than that! IF you know what I mean."
Rhiannon lifted her feet out of the cool water and dried them off with her skirt.
"He will be leaving in another month. And I shall miss him enormously. Unless I decide to stow away on his ship."
Athena looked incredulously at her friend. "Stow away? Now I know you have gone around the bend! You wouldn't last a week on a pirate ship. They would throw you overboard so fast your head would spin. Females are considered bad luck. And no pirate would take the chance of incurring the sea's wrath. Besides, your dog would be a dead giveaway!"

Athena was one of a rare breed of gypsy. Her family had stayed in one place in Wales. Her mother was the midwife and local herbalist that all came to for cures and remedies. Her father was renown throughout the countryside for his vast knowledge of horses. Many a Welsh farmer sought Gideon out if his horse was sick. It was said that if Gideon couldn't cure it, it couldn't be cured.
Meeting one day long ago when they both had ventured into the woods to pick blackberries, they discovered they were the same age. Even though cultures apart, the two struck up a fast friendship as girls the tender age of seven were apt to do. They met frequently to pick their berries and wildflowers. She found Athena to be fascinating with her knowledge of herbs and potions. She jingled when she walked. Her many gold and silver bracelets and colorful headscarves were the envy of her. Rhiannon would look down at her plain grey dress the sisters made her wear and sigh. Oh, to dress like Athena in many colours and silks! What a contrast the two girls were as they grew towards womanhood! Athena with her beautiful dark brown eyes and curling dark hair, Rhiannon with her long light blonde hair and blue-green eyes. Fpr ten years they had been best friends, realizing even though they were from different worlds, they really were not so different.

"So...you are meeting him again today?"
"Yes. He said he had a surprised for me so I have to look my best."
'A surprise, huh?" Athena was dubious."What kind of surprise?"
"Athena, if I knew it wouldn't be a...ah! Right where I left it!"

She pulled a cloth bag from behind the log and shook some fabric out. Rhiannon held up a dress of butter yellow for Athena to admire.
"Oooh, I love it! And how did you procure THIS dress, may I ask?"
Rhiannon unbuttoned the dress from the abbey and stepped out of it.
"My sister Megan was here to see me last week and she slipped a package to me while the Mother Superior was tending to some abbey matters. Megan just got married last year, you know. Daffyd Llewellyn of Bancroft Hall. I've never seen Megan so radiant. They just had a baby in May. Anyways, Megan told me she was tired of seeing me in drab grey and I deserved a new dress so...here it is!"
She pulled it over her head and shimmied into it. When it was situated, Rhiannon drew the lacings tight, stuffing and fluffing herself.
Athena's dark eyebrows furrowed over her beautiful dark eyes. "I still say you are courting disaster! I really would hate to lose you, Rhiannon. You have been my best friend."
Rhiannon said, "Well, Mother Superior WON'T find out, will she? Now....help me with tighten the laces just once more. I need to look positively smashing for Rhys!"

Rhiannon pinched her cheeks and bit her lips to redden them. Athena shook her head and said, "You Welsh girls! Why not use berries? Here..."
She picked up a raspberry and crushed it. "A little here...some here...NOW! Go meet the young pirate that has captured your heart and tell me all about the surprise next week!"
She hugged her friend and said, "That I shall! Anon, Athena!"
She turned and waved goodbye. Athena watched her go and murmured in Romani, "God help you, my friend."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 24, 2009, 06:28:55 AM
Rhiannon sat on the grass of the bluffs, waiting for him to show. She inhaled deeply the heady smells of a late summer afternoon. All of a sudden, a pair of hands covered her eyes. She gave a sharp intake of breath when a low, gentle voice whispered, "Guess who!"
He took his hands away and she turned to peer into a face she was beginning to realize that she loved.
"Rhys!"

He laughed and said, "Rhiannon, we have been meeting here for two months now.  I would have been disappointed if you had said another. So...where is Muir?"
She laughed and said, "He was busy gnawing on a bone and so I decided to leave him back at the abbey. Sister Mary Margaret--or is it Margaret Mary? I forget--said he could keep her company."
He held something behind his back.
"So..is that the surprise you have for me?"
He nodded and said, "Close your eyes and hold out your hands."
She did as he told but she couldn't help the smile on her face.

"Oh! OH! How wonderful!"
In her hands were a pair of beautiful black calfskin boots. He grinned, "I take it you like them?"
"I love them!"
She already had her shoes off and was pulling the boots on.
He sat next to her and said, "They are from the finest bootmaker in London."
Rhiannon stood up and put her foot out to admire them, her eyes shining.
He laughed and said, "What was it you asked me once? 'Do I look real---piratey?' Was that the word?"
She smiled, "You remembered?"
"Miss Conaway, even at the age of ten you were hard to forget!"
She hugged him and said, "I shall never take them off!"

He offered his arm to her which she willingly took. "Let's take a walk along the shore."
She smiled happily at him and said, "You know how I love the sea."
He looked down. "I highly recommend that you put those boots back in the bag. They aren't waterproofed yet."

As they walked, Rhiannon stopped occasionally to pick up a few shells, her bare feet feeling the warmth of the sand between her toes.  Rhys' eyes scanned the skies. Dark clouds were building.
"Looks like we may be in for a storm.  Are you ready to head back to the bluffs?"
She said reluctantly, "I suppose it would be the wise thing to do."

They headed back in silence. Rhys looked up at the sky again.  "Winds out of the west, we are getting that storm. That's what we get for taking the shoreline."
She said, "Think we can outrun it?"
"We can try."

As they walked briskly back, Rhys finally said, "I don't think this is going to work."
The raindrops started coming down. Lightly at first but heavier. The thunder began and flashes of lightning played out. He shouted over the rumbling, "The caves along the coast--let's take shelter."
He grabbed her hand and led the way as they ran across the sands and into a cave that was deep enough to provide shelter.
"I don't think I have ever been so wet in my life!" she said as she shook the water off her hands and wrung her hair out.
Rhys laughed, "Except for the time you took the dip in the brine when the skiff overturned."
"You will never let me live that down, will you?"
He looked at her and said, "No. Because if not for that, I never would have met that charming little lass."
She peered outside and said, "It only seems to be coming down heavier."
He sat down and took his boots off. "Oh bother! These may never be the same. She sat next to him. "Think the storm will let up?"
"Who can say?"
"Where are we?'
"Cliffs and caves along this coast that has been a drop-off point for smuggling operations."
"How do you know that?"
He just shrugged. "I just know."
"I think this land belongs to Lord Madoc Castlemaine."
"How do you know?"
"His land joins my father's along the shore up to where that rock juts out by the bluff."
"Wait a minute. You are Lord Conaway's daughter?"
She nodded, looking at him quizzically. "You didn't know?"
Rhys shook his head. "I never connected it with the manor over there. I presumed you were..."
His voice trailed off.  Rhiannon said softly, "A homeless waif the sisters took in?"
"I just didn't think...."
"It's alright, Rhys. I do get to go home around Michaelmas for a few days."
"Did you ever...explore...the lands and caves of your father's?"
She shook her head and he breathed a quick sigh of relief.

He took off his shirt and held it up. "I hope this dries out soon."
She looked down at her yellow dress. "And this was a brand new dress, too!"
Rhys pushed her hair back out of her eyes and said, "It was very fetching on you."
She felt a blush on her cheeks. It always felt like that when Rhys complimented her.
But this was somehow different. She could feel a heat rising in her face.
He asked softly, "How old are you really, Rhiannon?"
She replied, "I turned sixteen in April."
A voice in the back of his mind whispered, 'Are you insane, Rhys Morgan?'

He reached up and caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes at the softness of his touch. When she opened her eyes, she saw a look in Rhys' eyes that she had never seen before. Tenderness, yes.
But something else.
A spark that could lead to a flame. And that would lead to an inferno Rhiannon had no desire to put out.
She gently touched his hand and brought it down to her bodice lacings.
"Rhiannon.....are you sure?"
She put her arms around his neck and whispered, "Yes, Rhys. I am sure."

That afternoon, as the storm raged outside the cave, they ceased to be pirate and lass but became man and woman.

Rhys changed her life and there was no going back.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 31, 2009, 07:28:41 AM
Cruising Off Barbados – Early Autumn, 1651


A sultry tropical wind carried El Lobo along that morning as they hunted the heavily travelled waters between Barbados and Tobago.  Jack drank in the clear sea air as the sunlight warmed his face.  He yawned and stretched, then sleepily climbed the steps to the "holy ground" of the quarterdeck.  Briggs, ever the early riser, was conning the helm in his captain's stead whilst enjoying a cup of what he referred to as "fortified" coffee.
"Good morning, Josiah," said Jack.  "How's the coffee?"
"Terrible as usual, 'til ye sets it to rights," the quartermaster replied, tapping the binnacle with the toe of his shoe.  In addition to the ship's compass and various navigational instruments, it housed a rather large bottle of rum.  Oddly enough, neither man could recall ever seeing it full, though they were the only two to partake of it.
"One of these days we'll press a decent cook, I swear."  Jack looked out over the main deck of his ship, when his eyes were drawn to the figure of a woman who was undeniably the most enigmatic member of his crew.  No small feat in a world where keeping one's past a secret was the norm.  He leaned against the railing as the willowy, dusky-skinned woman sat down on the deck near the ship's waist, facing the bow.  The rest of the crew were used to her presence and early morning rituals, but they kept a respectable distance nonetheless.
"I'd be a fool to venture a guess as to what she's up to today," Briggs muttered.  "Here. Have some coffee whilst ye take in the show." He handed Jack a large cup which, to Jack's surprise, contained straight rum.
"Just the way I like my morning cup; untainted by coffee.  There's a good man," he said approvingly.  "Now, let's have a closer look at dear Bonita's latest undertaking."

Bonita le Mystère – the last name was give her by the crew, since she had never revealed her real last name, if she had one– was seated, her waist-length dreadlocks spilling onto the deck around her.  She had encircled herself with a ring of salt, as those who were wont to magical ceremonies would tend to protect themselves.  As Jack approached, he noticed a small canvas sack beside her, along with a formidable looking bronze knife.  He started to speak, but his words evaporated when the sack seemed to move on it's own.
"Careful where you step, Jack," she admonished in her thick Creole accent.  "Do not break Bonita's circle wit' you clumsy feet.  You wish for answers, den ask de questions, as always."
Jack took a gulp of rum and cleared his throat, then slowly stepped around in front of her.  Unlike Briggs, he wasn't distrustful or suspicious of Bonita and her Obeah religious practices.  Far from it.  In the two years they'd known one another, she had become his closest confidant and advisor.  So close, in fact, that rumours persisted that she was much more than Jack's 'good luck charm'.  But there were aspects of her abilities his rational mind couldn't explain, so he never failed to show what he hoped was appropriate respect.
"The circle of salt, I understand," Jack said.  "But I haven't quite sussed out the blade or that..."  Something in the canvas sack jumped and squeaked.  "... that wriggly bag of yours."
Bonita laughed quietly as she loosened the string holding the sack shut.  "A mystery revealed, just for you," she said, and thrust her hand into the mouth of the bag.  After a few moments, she produced a small lizard about eight inches long from its snout to the tip of its tail.  She quickly grabbed the bag's string with her teeth and pulled it snug.

"A gecko!" said Jack.  "I'd recognise those annoying little beasties anywhere.  Always getting into and behind things they oughtn't.  So, how does this aggrandized salamander fit in?"
She looked up at him with her dark eyes and smiled.  "A simple question deserve a simple answer," she said.  With that, she pinned the gecko against the deck and lopped it's head off with the knife.  The body wriggled for a few seconds, then fell still.  She set the carcass aside and tossed the head overboard.
Jack stared at Bonita for several seconds, completely astonished.  "I suppose I should have seen that coming," he said.
"De bodies Bonita use to make many t'ings.  Medicines, tonics..."
"Potions and talismans?" he mused.  "And their wee heads don't count for much?"
"Many t'ings," she repeated slowly.  "De heads, dey only make silly noises."

"Speaking of the heads that make silly noises," Jack said, "you're certain that Governor Culley will keep his end of the agreement?"
"De meeting went jus' as Bonita said that it would, yes?" she asked.
"Yes, nearly word for word," he said, dodging another airborne gecko head.  Soon he found himself held by her gaze.
"An' de gift?  Culley found her pleasant company, yes?"
"Enthusiastically so, according to Renee."
"Him know de answer, yet dis bring Jack Wolfe no peace to him troubled mind," she sighed.  Her blade flashed again in the sunlight.
"Occupational hazard, darling.  Worry is part of the job.  All I'm asking is for you to read the cards for me again.  Just to be sure, yeah?"
Bonita quickly finished off the last lizard and stuffed their carcasses into the sack.  She stood and swept away the salt circle with her bare feet, then turned back to face Jack.  She stepped close to him, and whispered huskily in his ear.  
"Your quarters, after sunset."
She looked at Jack with an odd tilt of her head, her piercing dark eyes searching his.  After a few moments, she turned and went below.

What he didn't tell her was that, despite her sight, despite her assurances, he couldn't shake the feeling that things wouldn't go as planned this time.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on September 07, 2009, 07:32:53 AM
Wales---Autumn, 1651

Rhiannon slipped outside in the early morning mist. She had taken a bottle from  Mother Superior's secret stash of her best claret and two goblets. She wrapped her cloak around her and hid the bottle underneath. As always, she hurried down the path. Rhys was waiting for her in the cave. Her eyes lit up when she saw him. He had a candle lit and stuck in an upturned shell. She laughed and produced the claret. Rhys poured them each a glass.
"I must say, you are full of surprises, Rhiannon."
She put her arms around him, being careful not to spill the wine. "No, my darling. Just a woman in love."
He gently disentangled her arms and held her hands at her wrists.  "Rhiannon, I have to go leave in two days time."
"What?"
"The Neptune Rising is ready to sail. I have to make one more run but I shall be back for you."
Rhiannon lifted her head up. "Take me with you, Rhys! Please! I can't bear to be apart from you another day! I am so afraid Mother Superior is starting to suspect things are not as they should be.  I think I am being followed. Mother Superior isn't above having one of her lackeys--commonly known as a novitiate--do her spying for her."
He slipped her chemise down and kissed her shoulder. "Now, how would that be, a fine upstanding lass as yourself running off with a pirate? I swear, I will quit this life and come back respectable and shall ask for your hand proper. And then go back to Cambridge to finish my abandoned course of studies as an astronomy cartographer."
Rhiannon looked deeply into his eyes. "My father will never---NEVER!--give his consent, Rhys. You are a pirate! Your kind has left their booty in his caves and used them for smuggling. I have a bad feeling he knows about the booty stored there. He tries to ignore it because he fears repercussions. But he hates you all the same."
"I'll only be gone a couple months. I'll be back no later than December. I have to go to Barbados. There is an operation going on down there. I have a partner. And he is getting it started in Castara. I have to deliver the news to him that I am quitting the life and becoming a respectable member of society."
"Can't you just send him a letter?"
Rhys shook his head. "He's not the kind of man you send a letter to tell bad news to. I know him. He will try to talk me out of it but we need to square it all away. Papers need to be signed. I'm giving up my share of the company. It needs to be done according to the Code."
"What code?"
Rhys spread the blankets out on the floor of the cave. "It's more like Jack's own code. And I owe it to him. I can't really explain."
She pouted, "I don't think I like this Jack person. He's taking you away from me."
Rhys laughed as he took the ribbon out of her hair. "This it is fortunate that the two of you shall never meet!"

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


She laid her head on Rhys' chest, listening to his heart beat. He gently caressed her back.
"Rhys, I thought of a way for you to let me know you are back."
"How, love?"
"My friend Athena."
"The gysy girl I met last week?"
Rhiannon nodded. "She lives about a mile from St Brigid's. Her father stops regularly to check on the horses. At least once a week. Athena sometimes comes with him and supplies the sacramental wine from her mother's vineyard. How else do you think I knew about Mother Superior's proclivity for red wine? Anyways, Athena lives in that stone cottage over by the edge of the woods."
"The one with the pink roses growing up the side?"
"That's the one. I can't slip away during the week to the bluffs. And you certainly can't come into the convent. But Athena can. She can get word to me and I can be packed and ready to leave by nightfall."
"It sounds plausible. Will she do it?"
"Athena has been telling me for years I need to get away from this place. And she knows I love you. So, yes, she will do it. Get word to Athena and she can get word to me."

He stroked the hair back from her face and told her, "I have something for  you. Close your eyes, love."
She did and Rhys slipped a ring on her finger. He said, "It has been in my family for generations. Solid gold. Supposedly belonged to Owain Gruffydd. King of Wales in the time of Henry the Second. Of whom I am descended. Owain, not Henry."
Rhiannon's eyes shone as he slipped it on to her finger. She kissed him gently.
"I shall wear it forever."
Rhys laughed, "It is what I call a promise ring. Look inside. What does it say?"
She took it off her finger and said, "The writing is so tiny.. it says, 'wa--wait--wait for me."
Rhys said, "I had it inscribed. It is a symbol that I will come back to you. I promise, Rhiannon, I will come back for you."
She said softly, "You always kept your word to me, Rhys. And you will. You will come back."

It was growing late in the day. Rhys stood up and reached for his breeches. Rhiannon tried to be brave.
"This is it, isn't it, Rhys?"
He said, "Yes. I am leaving at daybreak. I have to check the supplies. I swear, I shall be back no later than the end of December."
Tears were beginning to spill down Rhiannon's cheeks. "Rhys, why can't you take me with you?"
"We've been over this, Rhiannon. I have a few things to straighten out. It's not like I can just bring you aboard the ship. The men are expecting to do a bit of privateering on our way back to the Caribbean."
Rhys reached into his sketch box and pulled out a paper. He handed it to Rhiannon.
"Here. I sketched Muir and you sitting on the cliffs."
She looked at it through her tears. "Oh, Rhys! Look at the details! You are a world class artist!"
Rhys said modestly, 'It wasn't hard. The subjects were fascinating!"

He put his shirt on and reached for his boots. Rhiannon turned her head so he wouldn't see the misery on her face.
He sat next to her and cupped her face in his hands. "Don't cry, my love. I shall be back. And we have a wonderful life ahead of us! Be brave. And keep this close to your heart. The knowledge that I love you."
She closed her eyes, the tears on her lashes and threatening to spill over. Her mouth trembled but she bravely nodded and barely whispered, "I know."

Rhys walked to the entrance of the cave and looked back just once at her with a face that reflected his love for her. He couldn't bear it any longer and squared his shoulders and walked out of the cave.
Rhiannon pressed her face into the blankets and cried as if her heart were breaking in two.


Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 14, 2009, 07:20:58 AM
St. Lawrence, Barbados – Early Winter, 1651

El Lobo del Mar was back in port after an incredibly successful ten day cruise.  Seven prizes of various types and wealth taken, including an overripe French merchantman that had wandered off course en route to Martinique after a sudden squall disabled her rudder.  Jack had ordered his crew to repair the French ship, and invited their captain, quartermaster, and other senior officers over to El Lobo for a celebration in their honour.  In gratitude for their salvation, the Frenchmen brought several gifts, including bottles of absinthe, which Jack was all too happy to share with them.  The party rolled well into the evening, the liquor flowing freely until the French contingent had passed out.  The following morning, they found themselves prisoners of the infamous pirate, Mad Jack Wolfe.  Once the French ship was repaired and "lightened of her burden, so as to speed her way homeward," as Jack recorded in his journal, the prisoners were released to their ship and sent on their way unharmed.

But the sweetest prize taken on this cruise, the one Jack was most proud of, carried no silks or luxuries.  Not even that much wine to speak of.  It carried gold.  Box after box of Spanish gold coins.  The military payroll for the garrisons under command of one Colonel Diego Mendoza y Castille.  Half a year's salaries for 2,500 underpaid and unhappy men, already well overdue, had fallen into the eager hands of pirates.  And it all happened as Bonita had foreseen.

"Are you certain?" Jack asked the night of her revelation about the approaching Spanish vessel.  "It's his?  Not that I care one way or the other, but it would be so much sweeter!"
Bonita looked at Jack as she scooped up the tools of her trade.  "De bones not lie, but him know dis to be true."
"I know," he said with a gratified smile.  "You're never wrong.  I simply cannot believe my luck at times."
"Some t'ings are luck.  Ot'ers are somet'ing different."
"Different, as in...?"
"Some t'ings are destiny."
Jack picked up the bottle of rum that sat at one end of the table and laughed.
"There are a lot of things I believe in, Bonita."  He took a long drink from the bottle and handed it to her.  "Destiny isn't one of them."
"De great Jack Wolfe, him make him own way in de world?  Everyt'ing bend to him will?"
"Not everything.  Just the important bits," he smiled.  "Though I couldn't make it happen without you.  To be able to peer into the inner machinations of the Universe and see how things move together...  I am envious of you at times."
"Dere are t'ings dat even Bonita cannot see, Jack.  An' some t'ings we should never see."
"Really?  There are actually things even you can't see?"  He folded his arms and leaned against the table with a look of insatiable curiosity.  "Like what?  Do tell!"
Bonita took another healthy swig of rum and passed the bottle back.
"Like Jack Wolfe himself."
"What?" he asked, dumbfounded.
She shook her head.  "Him stay always hidden from Bonita, just out of sight.  Him, and dey who are closest to him."  Bonita caressed his face gently.  "Which is why Bonita keep him close, all de time."
"I never knew.  How come you've never told me this before?"
"Him never ask," she said with a smile that he was sure concealed more, but gave no hint as to what or how to ask for it.  That was always Bonita's way.

Now, every last real taken from the Spanish vessel was being spent like water in every tavern, brothel, and back alley in St. Lawrence by Jack and his crew.  One tavern in particular, the Elephant, was the noisiest of them all.  This was the favourite haunt of the El Lobo crew, and they had been partying almost nonstop for the past three days since returning to port.  Suddenly, a pistol shot rang out, and every head in the tavern turned to see where it came from.  When they saw who fired the shot, a raucous cheer went up almost immediately.  There, standing on a table in the middle of the common room was Jack, the still smoking pistol held above his head.  He was grinning, his eyes wild and full of drunkenly gleeful mischief.
"How are we doin' tonight, gentlemen?" he asked loudly.
Another loud cheer went up.
"Still got plenty of money?"
This time the cheer was nowhere as loud, and punctuated with laughter.
"What are ya, pirates, or bankers?" he chided.  "Spend it up, boys!  There's more to be had out there, and we're gonna take it all!"
The men cheered louder than ever, and the women showed renewed interest in them without hesitation.
"Two days!  Hold on, hold on!" Jack shouted over the din.  "Two days, we set sail again.  So don't go getting' yourselves killed, or worse, married!!"
One cheeky tar in front of Jack's table comically took off his cap and went down on one knee before the doxy he'd been chatting up.  Jack gave the display a mock look of disapproval, and poured his ale over the man's head.  The whole tavern erupted in laughter.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 14, 2009, 07:26:11 AM
"Saved him in the nick of time, I did!" proclaimed Jack, and he hopped down from his makeshift stage.  He grabbed another ale from the tray of a passing barmaid and gave her a wink as he laid down too many coins in payment.  She gave him a smile that fell somewhere between gratitude and amorous interest before going on her way.
Jack sat back down and surveyed the tavern, smiling at his men as they continued their revels.  He was on his own that night, which was unusual.  Normally Briggs would be at his side, but the quartermaster had drunk far too much the night before and was in no mood or condition to be drinking again so soon.  Jack took a long drink from his mug and stretched lazily.
"God, it's good to be me!" he said aloud to no one in particular.  He was rewarded with the sensation of a woman's slender hands on his shoulders.
"I can think of so many ways it could be even better to be you," she said in his ear huskily, with a heavy Spanish accent and a voice like velvet that made all the nerves down his spine tingle with electricity.
Jack's eyes grew wide when the mystery woman slid into the seat beside him.  He stared for a moment, unable to believe his eyes.
"Mercedes?  Is that you?"
The raven-haired beauty gave an amused smile and shook her head.  "No, señor.  My name is Rebeca.  But I could be Mercedes, if that's what you want.  And who are you, besides a man who is very happy with life?"
"Jack.  Captain Jack Wolfe.  No, Rebeca suits you just fine.  It's that you're the spitting image of someone I knew a very long time ago."
Indeed, Rebeca looked remarkably like Mercedes Mendoza, the noble woman Jack had a one-night tryst with in Havana a few years before.  The same jet black hair, the same dusky complexion, the same hauntingly lovely eyes.  At least that's what the abundance of alcohol in Jack's belly had tried to convince him.  He shook his head and laughed.  Of course it wasn't Mercedes.  Lighting doesn't strike twice.
"This Mercedes, she was a lover of yours?" Rebeca asked as she toyed with her hair.
"For a night.  You might say she deepened my appreciation for Latin women."
She tilted her head and smiled knowingly.  "Such romances are best, I think.  Fewer complications, more variety."
"I like the way you think, Rebeca."
"I hope you are interested in more than my mind, Jack."
He found himself becoming lost in her smouldering eyes.  "Oh, most certainly.  I can see you're a woman with a lot to offer."
"And I'm guessing you are a man with a lot to give," she said, running her finger up and down his forearm.
"Shall we go upstairs to your and find out?"
Rebeca shook her head.  "I do not have a room here.  But if you are willing, you may follow me back to my room at the Red Bulldog.  It is only a couple streets over.  And the bed is very large."
Jack smiled in anticipation and kissed her hand.  "The night air will do me good.  Please, lead the way!"

Jack and Rebeca left the tavern together and began walking down the street.  She held onto Jack's arm, partly to steady the very drunk man.  The sounds of the tavern died as they turned the corner.  Once they reached the middle of the next block, Rebeca began looking around them, as if searching for someone.
"Who are you looking for?" Jack slurred.  "There's nobody out but us!  I think they're resting up for church tomorrow, that's what I think.  Is today Saturday, or Wednesday?"
"All this talk of church, and we have not even sinned yet!" she laughed.  "Here, we can save time if we take this alley."
"Oh, I like the sound of that!" said Jack.  "It's a good thing I'm with you.  Alleys can be dangerous places, especially for beautiful women like yourself."
"I am very good at taking care of myself."
"I'm sure you are, darling.  But I can't help but wonder how you'll take care of me?" he laughed.
"You're about to find out, my friend," she said, her voice unexpectedly grave.

The alleys that ran between the buildings of St. Lawrence were like a second set of streets, allowing deliveries to be made behind each house and business.  For convenience, there intersecting alleys that allowed carts to easily reach their destination without having to go to the end of a block or wait for another cart to move.  Rebeca stopped at one of these intersections, their surrounding illuminated only by pale moonlight.  Jack took a more couple drunken steps, then turned to look at her quizzically.
"Why'd you stop?" he asked.  "You're not lost, are you?"
"I am sorry, Jack," said Rebeca, her voice filled with regret.  "I actually liked you."  She backed away from him and into the shadows. "¡Éste es el hombre que Mendoza quiere!" she said loudly before turning to run back down the way they came.
Jack stood there for a moment, confused, trying to parse out what Rebeca had said.
"Wait!" he called to her.  "What do you mean, I'm the one Mendoza wants....?"  His voice trailed off as the realisation set in.  "Mendoza?  Oh, no... no, no, NO!  You set me up!!"
Jack began looking around wildly, and it seemed as if the very shadows themselves were stirring to life and moving toward him.  His heart pounded in his ears like the drums of war.  He tried desperately to figure out just how many men there were and where they were coming from, and he began moving backwards away from the intersection.  The heavy fog of alcohol made it hard for him to think.  There had to be a way out.  There was always a way out...

Two large hands grabbed him by the shoulders from behind and spun him headlong into the wall.  Jack's head rebounded off the bricks, and he saw stars for a moment.  He grabbed for his pistol and drew it.  If he could get off one shot, one lucky shot, maybe it could buy him enough time to get away, or at least stay alive a little while longer.  Gritting his teeth, he spun around and raised his pistol.  A heavy fist slammed into his jaw, and Jack Wolfe's world faded into sickening blackness.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 21, 2009, 07:45:17 AM
A familiar sound teased Jack's ears as he slowly regained consciousness.  Familiar, but not right.  Not as he remembered it should be.

Creaking.

The creaking of a ship's timbers as she moved through the waves.  But the sound was all wrong.  Unfamiliar.  Now he noticed the rocking of the vessel.  Definitely a good sized ship.  But even that felt wrong.  The pitch and roll weren't as he knew they should be.  He paid attention to how much she rolled from side to side and how long it took.  This ship sat higher in the water, and her hull was shorter in length but wider at the beam.  He was aboard a ship at sea, but it wasn't his ship.  Not his cherished El Lobo del Mar.  Where was he, and where were they taking him?  He slowly opened his eyes.  It was dark, save for the feeble light of a single oil lamp.  At least he assumed it was an oil lamp.  Everything was blurry.  His eyes refused to focus on his dimly lit surroundings.  He gave up for the moment and closed his eyes again.  

Thoughts were moving in Jack's head like they were being dragged through molasses.  He tried to focus, but concentration was terribly difficult.  This wasn't a hangover.  He'd had plenty of those in his life, and they never felt like this.
Drugged.  That had to be it, he reasoned.  Jack's limbs felt like lead weights.  Nothing wanted to respond, at least not as fast as he wanted them to.  Best to keep still and save energy for now.

Fractured bits of memories came slowly drifting back to Jack's mind.  The tavern.  The girl.  The dark alley.  Someone had attacked him.  
Why?
All right, it's not like I don't have a few enemies and rivals, he thought.  But who?
Then he remembered the name the girl had spoken.

Mendoza.

The girl had called out to whoever had knocked Jack out and brought him aboard this ship.  He'd heard rumours that Mendoza had put a price on his head, but nothing specific.  So much money for his head, more for his dead body, and substantially more if he were alive.  If that was the case, his captors were going for the full payoff.  Jack remembered what Rhys Morgan had told him about Mendoza's preference for having captives brought before him for torture and eventual execution when they were no longer amusing.  Between his little tryst with Diego's wife Mercedes and the myriad other ways Jack had found to embarrass or humiliate the Colonel, he knew he'd get the deluxe treatment.  Diego Mendoza was a career sadist and murderer, and he had no intention of becoming the Spaniard's next plaything.

Escape.
There had to be a way out.  There's always a way out, Jack reminded himself.  Granted, the mantra hadn't helped much in that St. Lawrence alley, but this would be different.  He was sure of it.
Get out of whatever cabin he was in, find weapons, stay in the shadows, and steal a ship's boat.  Try not to get captured or killed in the process.  Simple enough.  Even if he couldn't steal a boat, he could get off the ship and deny Mendoza his prize.  Dead was dead, but Jack wanted it on his own terms if it came to that.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 21, 2009, 07:47:20 AM
He lifted his head, pausing to wait out the ensuing wave of nausea.  When the spinning sensation stopped, he opened his eyes again and looked around the room.  Slowly, his surroundings came into focus.  Jack was in a small cabin.  Not the surgery as he suspected, but a regular cabin like what would belong to a quartermaster or first mate.  He took some satisfaction that his incarceration was an inconvenience for someone, and that they valued him enough not to chain him in the bilges.  There was a small table with a chair against the opposite wall from the bed.  On the table were what looked like a couple of apothecary bottles and a wooden bowl.  An oil lantern hung from the ceiling, swaying with the movements of the ship.  He quickly looked away from the lantern as nausea threatened a thunderous return.  There was a crucifix on the bulkhead above the desk, with a rosary hung like a swag underneath.  That clinched it.  A Spanish ship, belonging either to Spanish bounty hunters or Mendoza himself.

Jack sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed.  To his relief, there were no restraints.  Apparently they planned to keep him too drugged to be concerned with him mounting an escape.  He steadied himself, then attempted to stand.  Jack's knees buckled, but he caught himself on the side of the bed without making much noise.  All right, no making a run for it, he thought.  He slowly got back to his feet and made a few halting steps to the table where he was able to brace himself again.  There was an almost clear liquid in the bowl beside the apothecary bottles.  He picked it up and smelled it.  His nose wrinkled at the sour smell of rancid water.  Wherever his captors were from, they didn't waste time resupplying in St. Lawrence.  He dipped a finger in the water and tasted it.  No hint of anything but water from what he could tell.  Despite the horrid taste, the water felt good in his mouth.  He was parched dry and his tongue felt thick, no doubt from whatever drugs they used on him.  Jack sighed as he held his nose and lifted the bowl to his lips.  The water tasted terrible, but not the worst he'd ever been forced to drink.  It eased the sandpaper feel of his throat and helped to clear his head a little.

He set the bowl down quietly and turned his attention to the three apothecary bottles.  Two of them had labels too badly smeared for his blurry vision to make out.  One of the smudged ones looked like it might have been labelled heroína, a word he was unfamiliar with, but it was hard to tell.  The third bottle was clear enough to read.  It contained a dark liquid and was marked láudano, Spanish for laudanum.  A preparation of opium, a powerful narcotic, and alcohol in the form of liquor.  So that's what they'd been using to keep him unconscious and under control, along with whatever was in the other bottles.  Obviously whoever made the tincture knew what they were doing, or Jack quite easily would be dead if they didn't.  More evidence that these were Mendoza's men.  Your average bounty hunter wouldn't be so careful.

As Jack looked at the bottle, he felt himself growing angrier by the second.  How dare Mendoza kidnap him and keep him in a drug induced stupor!  If it's war Mendoza wanted, he had gotten his wish.  Jack had been toying with him all this time.  No more.
"All right, cool down, Jack," he muttered to himself.  "Escape first, revenge later.  Anger makes you sloppy."
He went to place the laudanum bottle back on the desk, once again trying to do so as quietly as possible without alerting anyone guarding the room that he was awake and moving about.  As he did so, the ship pitched unexpectedly, and he knocked over one of the other bottles.  Its glass plug popped free, skittered across the deck, and struck the bulkhead just to one side of the door with a bang.  Jack left the laudanum on the table and tried to get back on the bed as quickly as possible before anyone discovered him awake.  He had one hand on the bed when the cabin door opened.  The guard's eyes went wide when he saw Jack looking back at him.  The man was wearing a yellow and red tunic, black pants, and black boots.  He was definitely Spanish, and definitely displeased.
"Bollocks!" said Jack dejectedly.

"¡Está despierto! ¡Ayuda venida!"
the soldier called to his comrades as he charged. 
Jack grabbed the crucifix from the wall and drew back to swing it like a hammer, but the soldier was on him too quickly and slammed him against the wall.  The crucifix went flying from Jack's hand.  His only weapon was gone.  The next thing he knew, he was pinned down on the bed.  The drugs had left him too weak to effectively fight back, but he tried anyway.  A second soldier entered the room, leaving another soldier outside.  The two men spoke heatedly in Spanish as Jack continued to struggle.  The second man picked up one of the bottles as they talked.
"Hold him down!" he ordered.
"I'm trying!  Hurry up!  I don't know how much long I can hold him!" snapped the first.
The second uncorked the bottle in his hand.  It was the laudanum again.  "All right, I'm coming!  Get his mouth open."
The first soldier pinned Jack's arms against the bed with his knees, and grabbed Jack's face to force open his mouth.  Jack responded by drawing up his knees fast and hard into the soldier's kidneys.  The man hollowed in pain, and repaid Jack with a hard right cross to the jaw.  Jack tried to clench his jaws after the blow, but the second man grabbed Jack's face under the jaw and used his powerful fingers to force Jack's mouth to stay open.  The man poured the dark liquid into Jack's mouth and forced it shut.  Jack struggled, refusing to swallow.  The soldier responded by grabbing Jack's nose and pinching it closed.
"Quit squirming and swallow it, pendejo!" the first soldier growled.

Finally, Jack's lungs began to burn for lack of air, and he involuntarily swallowed the drug.  The second man released his nose, but wisely held on to keep Jack's mouth closed. Jack stared with hatred at the two men, who leered back at him in triumph.  The urge to fight began to drain from him, and he could feel his muscles relax.  He tried to will his body to fight off the narcotic, but it was no use.  Everything before him started blur and fade. 

Even the laughter of the soldiers seemed to fall away into nothingness...
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 28, 2009, 07:34:40 AM
Josiah Briggs sat at the table of El Lobo's great cabin - Jack's personal quarters - with his head in his hands.  He was staring at maps of Barbados and its two major towns, Bridgetown and St. Lawrence.  Frustration and worry furrowed his brow.  Jack had been missing for over a week, and there was still no sign of him.  It was as if he had vanished off the face of the earth.  The only clue they had was that he had left the Elephant tavern with a beautiful young woman, a striking Spanish lass.  No one thought it unusual for Jack Wolfe to take up with a woman he had just met, and Briggs waited the requisite three days before bothering to look for him.  The quartermaster cursed himself for not following his gut and mounting a search much earlier.  

Jack had intended to sail in two days when he had gone missing, and even he was disciplined enough be back aboard his own ship on the appointed date to sail.  Josiah had fully expected to see Jack that morning, sauntering up the dock with a smile on his face and not a penny in his pocket.  But he never showed, and the usual tour of the taverns proved fruitless.  Now Briggs had every available crewman dispersed across the island, tearing it apart in search of El Lobo's missing master.

There was a soft knock at the door, followed by the creaking of its hinges.  Briggs didn't bother to look up.
"Aye, what have ye got?" His voice was weary from the nonstop stream of disheartening news.
"Just 'eard from 'ornsby an' 'is men in Bridgetown, Cap'n," said the crewman.  "No sign o' Cap'n Jack, an' nobody there's sayin' nuffin."
Briggs looked up at the man with hooded eyes.  "For starters, spread word that the next man what calls me 'captain' get to clean the bilges with his tongue.  There be only one captain of this here ship, and it ain't me!  Got it?"
The man blinked at the quartermaster's vehemence.  "Aye, cap--  I mean, Mister Briggs!  I'll tell 'em all, like th' gospel trufe, I will!"
Briggs sighed and rubbed his forehead.  "This is getting' us nowhere fast.  Either Jack's dead, God forbid, or he ain't on this blessed rock any more.  Tell Hornsby and the rest to keep lookin' for Jack, even raise the reward money another hundred, but I want that girl found, too!  I'm willin' to bet me Aunt Betsy's cat she's still in St. Lawrence."  He sat back and tapped a metal rule on the desk.  "Is Jennings still in St. Lawrence?"
"Aye, he's searchin' warehouses an' such."
"Send word I want him back here.  The lad's got new duties."
"Mind me askin' wha' ye have in mind for 'im?  In case 'e asks?"
Briggs smiled grimly.  "Our young Master Jennings is gonna be the bait for a certain señorita."

Cade Jenning was the youngest member of the crew, and for all intents and purposes Jack's protege.  Cade had been a New Providence street urchin, barely 13 years old when he and Jack crossed paths one evening as Jack was walking back to the ship after a night on the town.  Cade stepped out of an alleyway and confronted Jack with a sword.

"H-hold there!" the scrawny lad ordered, his voice quaking.  "Hand over your m-money, and you'll keep your life!"
Jack stopped and looked behind himself, then back at Cade.  "Me?"
"Yes, y-you!  I won't tell you again, give me your money!"  The boy's voice was steadily creeping upward in pitch in step with his anxiety.  
"Oi!  Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?  And shouldn't you be home in bed, instead of prowling the streets trying to get yourself killed?"
"You're the one that needs to w-worry about getting killed!" the boy said haltingly as he waggled his sword in what he hoped was a menacing fashion.  "Now!  Give me your money!"
Jack sighed and rolled his eyes.  He dug in his pocket and found a few coins, which he threw at Cade's feet.
Cade stared back at him and shook his head.  "You pick those up.  I'm not stupid!"  Nervously, he kept readjusting his grip on the sword that was obviously a little to heavy for him.
A smile curled Jack's lips.  He had expected the obviously starving boy to grab for the coins.  This lad might be out of his depth and terrified, but he had a brain.
"No."
"I'm w-warning you..."
"Look at you," Jack interrupted.  "A shaking, snot-nosed whelp who fancies himself a highwayman, about to get killed by a pirate.  Your parents must be so proud.  Where do they live, so I can tell the authorities where to send your body?  Don't worry.  I'll pay for your funeral.  I'm a generous bloke at heart."
Cade raised his sword and took a step closer.  "Shut up!  Just shut up!" he yelled, his voice jumping up an octave as it cracked.  "I'm no whelp!  I can take care of myself, and I don't need parents!"  He stood there looking up at Jack, his body shaking as if it were the dead of winter in Scotland.  "In fact, I intend to kill a pirate, or die by his hand!  What do you think of that?"
This lad had something to prove, probably to a gang leader, Jack thought.  The rite of passage into manhood for street thugs - a first kill.  He had to find a way to bring this to and end, preferably without doing anything drastic.
"It explains your horrid manners," said Jack nonchalantly.   "And I hate to tell you, you're doing a lousy job of trying to kill me, and I have no desire to kill you no matter how annoying I find you.  Now, do us a favour and quit waving that sword around.  You're liable to hurt yourself."
"I said pick up that money!!"
"And I said no.  Why should I do your dirty work, little boy?  You've already stated your intention to kill a pirate, and I'm a pirate!  If you're going to do it, then do it!  Or are you a whimpering, gutless little baby?  That's what everyone thinks, isn't it?  That you're weak, snivelling, and useless!  Every moment you stand there shaking like a schoolgirl, you're only proving them right.  That you are a FAILURE!"
Humiliated to the point of rage, Cade drew back his blade run Jack through.  When he thrust it forward, Jack deftly sidestepped and grabbed the sword, and jerked it out of Cade's hand.  The boy, off balance, stumbled past his opponent.  Before he could regain his footing, Jack had him pinned face first against the wall with his feet off the ground, using the sword like a bar to hold him there.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 28, 2009, 07:35:30 AM
"Let me go!" demanded Cade, though it sounded more like pleading.
"School's in session, Junior!" said Jack.  "You're not going anywhere."
"I swear I won't hurt you if you just let me go!"
"I suppose that's true.  You couldn't hurt me before all this, so I can't image you doing any damage after."
"You'll do it, then?"
"Hell no!  I'm only getting started with you.  We're going to use this incident as a learning opportunity."
"A what?"
Jack exhaled in exasperation.  "I'm going to teach you what you did wrong, sonny.  You're listening skills are really rubbish!"
"Why would you do that?"
"Because I'm feeling charitable.  Now shut it and pay attention.  Let's start with this rusted bit of junk you call a sword.  Want to know how I knew I could grab it?"
Cade stayed tight lipped.
"Fine.  Suit yourself.  When I wouldn't cooperate, you started waving it about.  No light from the windows glinted off it.  So I knew it was either rusty or made of wood.  If you let it get rusty, then I knew you wouldn't bother keeping a proper edge on it."
"You tricked me.  So what?" the boy said petulantly.
"That I did.  And that was only part of it.  You stepped in too close to make a good thrust with your blade.  If you had managed to connect, you would have poked me, not killed me.  And you know how I managed all that?"
"You're gonna tell me whether I want to hear it or not."  The lad's voice was heavy with dejection.
"See?  I knew you were clever.  You blundered because I made you angry.  Never let your emotions get out of control, boy.  Your passions will be your undoing."

Jack stepped back and released the boy.  He held the sword in front of him in both hands like a headmaster's rod.
Cade kept facing the wall.  His shoulders were shaking.
"Wait a minute," said Jack slowly.  "Are you... you're crying?"
"Just kill me and get it over with!  You said it yourself.  I'm a failure."
"I'm not going to kill you.  I never was."
"But you said..."
"I was trying to scare you.  That's all.  Now face me."
Cade slowly turn around, his face downcast so Jack couldn't see his tears.
"What's your name, son?"
"C-Cade."  He paused for a big sniff and wiped his nose with a threadbare sleeve.  "Cade Jennings."
"Why are you crying?"
"You didn't tell me your name.  That's not polite."
Jack chuckled at the admonishment.  "Right you are, Master Jennings.  My name is Jack.  Jack Wolfe."
"Jack.. Wolfe?"
"That's right.  Have you heard of me?"
"You've got the black ship with red around the gunports and the big wolf at the bow!"
"Oh, so you have heard of me!"
"Everybody has.  You're famous!"
"I'm not famous.  I'm just a pirate..."
"And I was going to try to kill you."  Tears of regret began to flow down Cade's cheeks.
Jack crouched down and set the rusty sword aside.  "Hey!  Hey, no, there's no reason for that!  It was an honest mistake.  Well, as honest as it gets when you set out to rob a man."
"I'm so sorry!  I didn't know it was you!" the boy sobbed as he slumped against the wall.  "I never would have...  You're right.  I'm a failure."
"Cade, I didn't mean it.  I said it to make you mad.  That's all."
"But it's true!  Everyone says it.  Especially Tommy."
"Who's Tommy?  Your father?  Or brother?"
"No.  Tommy is the boss of this neighbourhood.  Five whole streets.  They're all his."
"So you did this to make a rank in his gang?"
Cade nodded.  "If I robbed a man, he'd let me stay on a while longer.  If I killed someone, then I'd be part of the family forever."
"Well, that's about what I thought," Jack sighed.  "Let me guess.  He's watching us now?"
"Tommy's got eyes everywhere."
"What happens now, since I've ruined your chances?"
"I don't know," Cade said softly.  The tears started again, this time from hopelessness.

Jack's heart went out to the lad.  He knew what it felt like to be on the outside, not knowing where he fit in, or if he did at all.  Cade's chances here had been dashed because he picked the wrong man to confront.  Or had he?  Anyone else would have hurt the boy or killed him outright.  There's no telling what this Tommy fellow would do to him.  Maybe this was for the best that he had been the one Cade tried to rob.  Jack felt an enormous amount of compassion for the lad.  He was smart and bright, but lost.  Maybe, with the right teacher...
No, Jack thought.  Rule number one, no strays.  All right, he'd broken that rule with the ship's cat, but that was different.
"Where do you live, Cade?  I'll take you home to your parents."
"I ran away about a year ago.  Maybe more, I think."
"Then I think after the night you've had, going back home might be the best place for you," Jack said gently.
"I can't."  More slow tears.  The boy's despair was starting to make Jack's heart ache.
"I'm sure they'll take you back in.  They must be out of their minds with worry..."
"They're back in England."
"Oh!  Um, yeah.  That would be a problem.  Why did you leave?"
"My stepfather.  I hated him.  He beat me if I dropped a pea off my knife."
Jack shook his head and looked at the boy.  Starving, friendless, desperate, and so very alone.  But clever.  He'd stayed alive by his wits, and made it all the way from England to the Caribbean on his own.  In spite of his policy of cynicism, his heart went out to the waif.

Finally, Jack turned and started collecting the coins off the ground.
"What are you doing?" asked Cade.
"I need this money."
"Oh.  I understand."
Jack looked back at him and smiled.  "Why so glum?  It takes money to buy you a hot meal."
Cade looked at Jack as if he had just turned into a giant spider.  "A... what did you say?"
"A hot meal.  For you.  God, we'll have to work on those listening skills, too."
The boy ran to Jack and threw his arms around him, nearly knocking Jack over.
"Easy there, laddie!" laughed Jack.  "If I drop these coins, we'll have to rob somebody.   And you're not too lucky at that!"
"You're serious?  You'd do that for me?"
"What, rob somebody?  I like you, kid, but not that much!"
"No, I mean buy me food!  Who can't listen now?"
"Yeah.  I'll do that for you."  Jack stood up and smiled at Cade.  "You look like you could use a friend right about now.  Come on.  I know a place where the food it warm, and so are the tavern maids."
"Why's it so important if the tavern girls are warm?"
"Oh, you've got a lot to learn, Cade, my boy!  A lot to learn."
As he and Cade left the alley, Jack thought to himself, 'So much for rule number one...'


Now the hopes of El Lobo's crew were pinned on Jack's protege.  Briggs wasn't sure it would be enough, but Cade Jennings was Jack Wolfe's best bet for being found.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 05, 2009, 06:56:52 PM
A sharp pain in his right shoulder jostled Jack toward conciousness.  How long had they kept him drugged this time?  He felt dizzy and half sick.  More than half.  Involuntarily he leaned over and wretched, but there was nothing in his stomach.  It took nearly every once of strength he had, so weak was he from lack of food and constant drugging with laudanum and God knew what.  When his coughing subsided, he licked his parched lips and began to fall asleep again.  Another sharp jab in the shoulder, rougher than before, forced him to open his eyes.

Wherever he was this time, it was gloomy, with only sparse, flickering light.  No motion, so he wasn't on a ship.  He found himself sitting on a cold stone floor, his back against an equally cold stone wall.  Black iron bars completed the enclosure of the space, and a dank, fetid stench hung heavy in the air.  This wasn't a gaol.  He'd been in a few of those over the years.  This was a dungeon.  

Once again, something poked him hard in the shoulder.  Jack looked over toward the bars closest to him to discover who it was that wanted his attention so badly.  It was a man on the opposite side of the bars.  He wasn't terribly tall, but he carried himself in a way that conveyed importance, even authority.  His clothing was black with what seemed to be silver or gold woven into the material, except for a white shirt with lace at the cuffs and collar.  The long walking stick he had been using to prod Jack was finely carved, probably mahogany, with a heavy ivory ball for a grip.  A heavy gold chain, probably a chain of office, hung around his neck.  He looked to be a few years older than Jack.  Flecks of grey could be seen in his perfectly groomed goatee, but his cropped and coiffed hair was still jet black.  But what stood out most to Jack about this obviously wealthy man was his eyes.  Cold, cruel, and calculating, they peered out from under heavy brows.  It was a face Jack had seen before, aboard the Spanish ship he had taken for himself years ago.  The man he had cuckolded before that, and delighted in bedevilling ever since.

Diego Hernando Mendoza Y Castille.  Baron, colonel, and butcher.

"Finally.  You're awake."
"Hello there, Diego," said Jack, mustering all the sarcasm he could.  "I knew it was you behind this.  Love what you've done with the place.  How's the wife?"
Mendoza rammed the walking stick ivory ball end first through the bars and into Jack's side.  Jack couldn't be sure, but it felt like a rib cracked.
"A taste of things to come, Wolfe," intoned Mendoza in a deep, richly accented voice.  It was a voice that could have been charming if one couldn't see the cruelty etched in every line on his face.  "You are a stubborn man, even in slumber.  Do you know I have been waiting three days for you to wake up?"
"You should have thought about that before you had your lackeys start pouring potions into me.  I could have died en route and spoiled all your fun."
"It was a necessary risk.  Your reputation for finding your to freedom regardless of the cage demanded it.  No matter.  The timetable will have to be changed somewhat."
"Yeah, a lousy character trait of mine, loving my freedom.  Sorry to inconvenience you."
"You have been an inconvenience to me from the moment I first heard about you.  I expect no different from you now.  But that will end soon enough."

Diego's iciness was an unexpected change from the last time the two men came face to face.  With all the problems and humiliation he had caused Mendoza, he expected the mercurial Spaniard to be in a rage, ranting and prone to mistakes that could be capitalised on.  Instead, Mendoza was coolly in control, of himself and the circumstances.  That control included Jack.  The knot in Jack's stomach became less one of hunger and more one of the emotion he hated the most – fear.  An angry man could be taken advantage of.  Not so one who was this cold.  If Jack was going to survive the impending ordeal, he had to abandon his usual ploy of treating life as a high-stakes card game.  It had become chess.

"Don't tell me you're in a hurry to kill me, Diego.  I thought our relationship had grown beyond that."
The Spaniard chuckled.  "Indeed is has, Wolfe.  No, killing you quickly, while enjoyable, would not be as... satisfying.  I have other plans for you."
"Huzzah for you getting your giggles."
"Do not be bitter, Wolfe!  You have proven a most challenging prey over the years.  You should be proud of yourself.  It took much planning and a fair amount of luck.  And of course, the perfect trap."
"I'm beginning to see how this works," said Jack, feigning boredom.  "You're going to gloat endlessly, and in the process talk me to death.  Very clever."
Mendoza motioned over his shoulder, and a guard and two servants carrying trays stepped into view.  "You will find me an hospitable man, Mister Wolfe.  Here.  Some food to end your hunger."
"Forget it, Diego.  I'll not willingly swallow poison."
Mendoza sighed, and picked up a piece of chicken from one of the trays.  In full view, he tore off a bite and ate it, making a production of swallowing the morsel.  He then poured some wine and washed it down.
"A bit dry, for which I apologise.  But as you can see, there is no poison."  He nodded, and the guard unlocked the cell door and let the servants inside.  They left the trays on the floor in front of Jack, and quickly retreated.
"And if I refuse?" asked Jack.
"Then you can sit there and starve as the rats eat it all.  If you are lucky, they will wait a while before turning their appetites on you."
Jack looked at the food arrayed before him, then back at his captor.  "Not the most sparkling dinner conversation I've ever had, but you've made your case."
"Excellent!  Eat well, my friend.  I will see you again in five days."
"Five days?  Why five days?"
"Because I want you to regain your strength.  Then, Mr. Wolfe..."  Mendoza smiled in a way that straddled sardonic and sinister.  "Then, we shall talk."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 12, 2009, 06:30:22 AM
Rhys stood at the gunwale looking out over the whitecaps under the starlit sky. The air was warm despite it being winter in the Caribbean. He breathed deeply, knowing this may  be the last time he looked upon a tropical night.

His quartermaster and best friend came up behind him.
"Feeling a bit melacholy, Rhys?"
Rhys sighed. "Nothing like a night like this under the skies of the Caribbean, eh, Dolan?"
Dolan chuckled. "Not too late to change your mind, you know."
Rhys shook his head. "No. Much as I love the sea and the islands, my heart belongs in Wales."
His uncle's words came back to haunt him.

'Some little lass will creep into your mind and get under your skin and then it is good-bye, briny deep and hello, hearth and home....She's out there, my lad. She's out there. And then you can say good-bye to your heart..'

Dolan leaned against the gunwale and took out a black cigar.
"You aren't looking forward to telling him, are you?"
Rhys shrugged. "He'll understand."
Dolan laughed. "Understand? Jack Wolfe will say you are crazy. 'Taken in by a tart' he would say."
Rhys's jaw clenched. Dolan was quick to add, "Of course, Rhiannon Conaway is no tart. We both know that. But Jack Wolfe, he has never been roped in. Never tied down."
"It's a shame. But Jack swore he would never be tamed by a woman. Maybe if he had found someone like Rhiannon, it would change him."
Dolan asked, "Any last minute regrets, Rhys?"
"No. The deal between you and me is complete. The sale of the Neptune Rising and the smuggling operation will be turned over to you at the agreed upon percentage. Jack likes you. Maybe not as much as he likes me, but he trusts you enough to deal with."

Dolan flicked his ashes into the sea.
"That's good enough for me. Think Jack will try to talk you out of it?"
"Probably. But my mind is made up, Dolan. She's young but she's smart. And she is the one I have been waiting for all my life."
"What about Molly? How will she take the news?"
Rhys shrugged. "She won't be happy."
"Not happy? That is an understatement. I heard tell that Molly was last shopping for a wedding gown last you were in port. She all but had that ring on her finger."
"Then she can stop looking. I never was serious about Molly. She was a good time. But my heart wasn't with her. It is with a young lass in Wales."
"From a convent. If that doesn't beat all, Rhys. A nun."
He laughed. "I made that mistake once when she was ten. Asked her if she was a nun. Never saw a little girl draw herself up so regally.
'NEVER!' She was very emphatic about it too. I made the mistake of calling her a nun in training. I thought she was going to throw a book at me. 'I thought I made it clear that day that I was NOT a nun. I would never be a nun.'
He shook his head. "Lord, what a spitfire!"

"What of the smuggling operation up in those caves on Castlemaine's property?" Dolan asked.
"I'll help you clear the goods out. You can take it back with you or sell it in Scotland. Give me my fifteen percent and you and Jack can split the rest of the profit. I just want out."
"To go back to Cambridge and become an astronomy cartographer?"
Rhys laughed. "Among other things. You fail to remember, Dolan, that the Morgans are landed gentry. If I come back, settled and with a wife and a lucrative career, my father will overlook my--how did he put it?--shortcomings. My mother will just be overjoyed to have her boy back home!"
"What of Castlemaine?"
"That bastard? I clear things out of the caves and he gets nothing. He can't prove that his caves were used. And he certainly can't complain to any authority that he never got his 'cut', can he?"

Rhys inhaled the salt air. "Only one thing that can make me give this up, Dolan. It's her. I think she is my saving grace."
"You sure Jack Wolfe is gonna be in Tortuga?"
"If not, he will leave a message at The Red Bull where he was making port next. He always alternates another port with Tortuga. My guess is if he isn't there, then he is probably in Bridgetown or St Lawrence."

Dolan clapped his friend on the shoulder.
"I wish you and the little lass the best, Rhys. You know that. But I have a bad feeling in my bones."
"How so?"
Dolan looked up at the sky. "Last night, when I had the watch? I saw a comet."
"So?"
"So you know what they say about them."
"You honestly believe that stuff, Dolan?"
He shrugged. "The passing of a comet is an omen that often coincides with the fall of a great ruler. Several Aztec myths also point to the coexistence of a comet with the coming of the Spanish conquistadores."
"And what does that have to do with us? We are not great rulers, nor are we Aztecs and the last time I looked, you weren't Spanish."
"Yeah, but still...."
"Dolan, you Irish are a superstitious lot.  Any more Irish and I will be calling you by your real last name--'O'Dobhailein'.  As an astronomer, comets are nothing but dirty snowballs of rock and dirty snow."
Dolan just gazed at the sky.
"But what if the portent isn't about us?"
"What do you mean?"
"Look at it this way. Great ruler......great captain. Spanish conquistadores..those who took gold by force. Don't you see?"
"See what?"
Dolan sighed. "I feel trouble. And it all points to one man."
Rhys looked questioningly at Dolan.
He threw his cigar into the whitecaps and said, "Jack Wolfe. The portent is about Jack Wolfe. There is trouble, Rhys. Mark my words. Big time trouble."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 19, 2009, 07:53:50 AM
Cade Jennings sat more or less patiently in the public room of the Blue Gryphon tavern.  He scanned the faces of the patrons gathered there and fought the urge to rub his eyes.  For the past eight nights, he had gone from pub to pub trying to find the woman a few drunken souls had seen with Jack the night he disappeared.  Petite, yet amply endowed, with raven-black hair she wore free about her shoulders and eyes like melted chocolate.  Catnip to Jack Wolfe.  One would think that such a strikingly beautiful Spanish woman would be easy to spot in a colony that strove to be the most English in all the Caribbean.  But St. Lawrence was still an open port.  Any and all ships were welcome save those of an invading armada.  Finding a needle in a haystack was child's play in comparison.  During the course of search only one person had put a possible name to her, though he couldn't be positive: Rebeca.

The strategy was simple: keep a high profile by throwing just enough money around to lure in women with a taste for big spenders.  A few members of the crew insinuated themselves into the crowd and let any unattached woman resembling the description of  Jack's mystery girl that the strapping young man with sandy hair was looking for company.  Cade would have to set aside his preference for blondes, no matter how comely and interested they were.  That is, if they would let him.  He finally gave in and rubbed his tired eyes.

"Well, look at what the cat dragged in!" said a woman with a distinct Irish lilt.
Cade looked up and blinked.  There stood Brandy O'Dwyer.  She wasn't his girlfriend in the traditional sense.  More of a steady favourite.  No strings attached, at least none they had ever talked about.  Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled back from her face with a green ribbon, which helped to emphasise the anger in her eyes. 
"Brandy!  I didn't expect--"
"Aye, that's for damned sure, lookin' at your face!  Didn't think I'd come lookin' for ye?  St. Lawrence isn't that big, boyo!"
"Brandy, darling, I can explain.  Just not right now."
"Explain what?  How ye acquired a taste for the señoritas all of a sudden, like all the tongues have been waggin' about?" she fumed.
"It's not like that---"
"I'll tell ye how it happened!  That no good, rotten Jack Wolfe.  That's what done it!"  She drew herself up and glowered at him.  "I never expected a ring out of ye, Cade Jennings.  Not ever, and not that I'd ever ask.  But I'll be damned if I'll have your boots under me bed again!"

Cade, his mouth agape, watched as Brandy turned on her heel and marched off.  He knew she was a passionate woman, but he'd never seen her this angry before.  Apparently there were some strings he had overlooked.  He hoped that one day he could make her understand what the charade was for.  After she cooled down for a few days, of course.  Maybe a week or so.  Cade swallowed some of his drink and rubbed his eyes once more, trying to remember if he had anything stashed away that would serve as an adequate peace offering to Brandy.  Suddenly he felt the warm caress of a woman's hand just behind his ear.

"Woman problems, señor?" asked a sultry voice.

Cade silently vowed never to close his eyes for more than two seconds in a tavern ever again as he looked up.  And once again, his mouth fell open.
A stunning Spanish woman, petite yet voluptuous, with cascading hair so black that any reflected light revealed hints of midnight blue and inviting eyes the colour of melted chocolate, slipped into the chair beside him.  He didn't recall any of the chair being quite that close to him before he closed his eyes the second time, but at the moment he didn't particularly care.  He stared as, without ever breaking eye contact, she picked up his tankard and polished it off.
"Mmm, that was good.  Is there more?" she asked.
Cade blinked and swallowed hard.  "Uh... what?"
Yeah, that was ever so smooth, he thought.  But he couldn't tear his eyes away.
The mystery woman smiled and traced the back of his hand with her finger.  He was amazed at the amount of heat her fingertip gave off.  "The drink.  Is there more?  Your cup is empty."
"Oh!  Of course!"  He waved toward the bar, and a tavern girl came right over.  She warmly at Cade, but her smile evaporated when she saw the Spanish girl.
"What can I get for you?" she asked, her tone decidedly lukewarm compared to earlier that evening.
"Rum, for me and the lady, please.  Your best."
She cut her eyes to the mystery woman, then back to Cade, and made a derisive little snort.  "Sure.  Right away."  The tavern girl went to get the drinks, wishing he had ordered ale.  She could have spit in the cups first and they would've never known.

"You stare at me like a hungry man seeing food for the first time in days, Mister..."  She trailed off and raised her eyebrows, waiting for him to fill in the blank.
"Yes, I am," he replied dreamily.  "I mean-- what?"
She smiled, trying not to laugh.  "You have a name, no?"
"No.  I mean, yes!  Cade.  Cade Jennings."
The tavern girl returned and plunked the tankards down in front of them.
"That'll be six," she said matter-of-factly.
Cade gave her a suspicious look.  "The last one was two.  Shouldn't it be four, then?"
"It's six now."
He smiled to himself, knowing just what her game was.  She had been attentive and flirtatious the entire evening, meaning to get him upstairs for something more than rum and ale.  Now she was going to get that extra money out of him by other means.  He pulled nine coins out of his purse and put them on her tray.
"Will that do?"
"It's a start," she answered, finally giving him a smile.  She pocketed five of the coins and turned her attention back to her other customers.
Cade felt the mystery woman squeeze his arm just above the elbow, then linger on his biceps.  He reminded himself that he had to stay on task and not get caught up in the moment.  The life of his friend and mentor hung in the balance.  If this was the woman that had lured Jack into a trap, Cade could easily see how he would have gone for the bait.
"Are you always so very generous?" she purred?
"That all depends," he countered.  "Perhaps if I get to know you better, I will be.  You never did tell me your name."
She looked deep into his eyes and smiled disarmingly.  "Is it so important?"
It was time to see just how well Jack had taught him about the art of the chase.  Cade lifted his tankard.  "It's very important, if I wish to make a toast to an incredibly beautiful woman."
Her eyebrows went up and she smiled, obviously flattered.  "You are a very persuasive man."
"I'm just getting started."
She lifted her tankard, giving her hair a little toss as she did so.  "My name is Rebeca."
Cade smiled broadly.  This might be the one they had been looking for!  Now for the next phase.  He put his tankard against hers and held it there.
"A beautiful woman with a beautiful name.  Could this night be more complete?"
"How do you English put it?  If you play your cards right?  Is that it?"
"That's it, exactly, love."
Little did Rebeca know the game she had gotten herself into.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 19, 2009, 07:55:00 AM
For and hour, maybe more, the two teased and flirted and drank.  Cade was amazed at the amount of alcohol Rebeca was able to put away, but it was finally catching up to her.  She had become loud very affectionate, and he tried his best to mirror her drunkeness.  Cade was certainly feeling no pain, but this was nothing like the times he, Jack, and Briggs decided to paint the town red.  On those occasions he could hardly stand, and Jack was still going strong.  He hoped that Rebeca wasn't putting on an act as well.  Finally, he got his answer.
"Cade, I think you are trying to make me borracha!" she giggled.
"Borracha?  What's that?  Something good, I hope!"
"It means I'm drunk, you Englishman!" she said with feigned indignation.  "You need to improve your vocabulary.  And you need to be very, very careful."
"And why must I be careful."
"Because of what happens when me est borracha.  Want to know what that is?"  She was trying to act serious and flirtatious at the same time, but only succeeded in slurring her words whilst bobbing like a channel marker on a windy day.
Cade leaned on the table and propped his chin with his hand.  "I can't wait to hear this."
"Then I will tell you!  When I am drunk, I really like to..." Rebeca leaned in and finished her sentence in Cade's ear.  His eyes became the size of dinner plates.
"So?  Does that sound like fun to you, Cade Jennings?"
"I'd be a fool if I said no to any of that."  He figured her proposition was a ruse, just like she had probably used a hundred times before.  But he had to see how far she was willing to take things.  Was she a serious player, or simply full of liquid courage?  Cade needed to get her out of this noisy tavern room to some place where he could find out what, if anything, she knew about Jack.  "I have a room upstairs.  And I would love to indulge your whims.  Every last one of them."
Rebeca smiled enthusiastically.  "Show me the way!"

Cade stood and helped Rebeca to her feet.  As he turned to lead her upstairs to the room, he found himself face to face with the tavern wench who had been flirting with him earlier.  She stood there, arms crossed, holding her tray to her chest, with an accusatory look on her face.  Cade gave her a sheepish smile.  She rolled her eyes and brushed past him.
"Another of your women?" Rebeca asked.
"No, and I doubt she ever will be now."
"She is jealous!" she laughed, hanging on his arm.  "Wait until I spoil you for other women.  Then she will have a reason to be jealous!"
Cade turned and kissed her hand, never taking his eyes from hers.  "I can hardly wait!"
She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close.  "I wonder... just who is seducing whom now?"
"Does it matter any more?" he asked, his lips nearly brushing hers.
Rebeca's expression had gone from that of a calculating seductress to one of willing abandon.  She shook her head no.  Cade lingered for a moment, then led her up the stairs.

They paused at the door to Cade's room.  He fumbled for the key, finally finding it and unlocking the door.
"Cade?"
He turned, just as Rebeca practically tackled him and began kissing him deeply.  The couple stumbled through the door and landed on the bed, with her on top of him.  She began tearing at his clothes, but stopped cold when they heard a man's cough and the sound of the door closing.  She looked up, startled, to find the room lit with candles.  Two men were there, looking bemused.  The oldest man, a fellow with shaggy light brown hair and a beard, had been the one to close the door.  He stood there with his back to the door, blocking it in case she tried to escape.
"I hope we ain't interruptin' things, Mister Jennings," Josiah Briggs said.
"What this hell is this?!" Rebeca demanded.  "This is not part of the deal, Cade," she said angrily.  "Your friends are not invited.  Get rid of them!"
"Oh, we wouldn't think of leavin'," said Briggs.  "You're our guest for a little while."
She looked at Cade, and slammed her fist on his chest.  "You bastard!"  She scrambled to her feet and looked from man to man like some caged animal.  "I will scream, I swear it!"
"Go ahead," said Cade.  "The innkeeper knows we're here and what this is all about."
"You-- you what?  Someone, tell me what is going on!"
Briggs leaned nonchalantly against the door.  "It's simple, missy.  You're gonna park yer Spanish behind in that empty chair.  And then you're gonna start answerin' some questions.  Truthfully."
"Questions?  About what?"
"What happened the night Jack Wolfe went missing," said Cade.
Rebeca's eyes went wide.  She mouthed as if she was going to cry out for help.  Instead, she fainted dead away.
Briggs looked at Cade and shrugged.  "Looks like this'll take a little longer than we expected.  Make yerself useful and get us some coffee."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 26, 2009, 07:31:21 AM
Rebeca stirred, and her eyes fluttered open.  She found herself in a chair with her hands bound behind her and tied fast the the chair.  She could hear men's voices speaking softly.  In anger and panic, she tried to scream for help.  But her mouth was too well gagged.  Her muffled cries would reach no one who could help.
"Well, lookie who's awake!" said Briggs.  "McGlynn, pull her gag.  Mind yer fingers.  She's a feisty one, if the way she was maulin' Cade is any clue."
McGlynn approached her cautiously, making sure to keep his fingers well away from her teeth.  Instead of trying to bite him, she attempted to spit in his face.  Her mouth was too dry from the cloth, but it got her point across.  Briggs and Cade chuckled as McGlynn back-pedalled.
"What do you want with me, you Inglés carajo?!" she spat.
"Calm down there, missy," said Briggs.  "We got a few questions for ye, and yer cooperation would be kindly appreciated."
"¡Perro!  I will not answer any of you until you untie me!"
"See, that there ain't what I'd call bein' cooperative.  Be stubborn all ye want.  We got nowhere to be but right here, waitin' for you to talk."
"And if I refuse?  You will beat me, am I right?"
Briggs shook his head.  "My mama taught me that's not a nice thing to do.  Don't go pushin' yer luck, tough.  Mama Briggs ain't here to stay my hand."
Rebeca stared daggers back at him.
"Now, McGlynn here, his mama never taught him any different.  He likes to get right to the point, as they say."
McGlynn never said a word, but smiled gleefully as he pulled from his pocket a whetstone and a long, menacing knife.  Without taking his eyes from her, he began honing the knife's edge with long, deliberate strokes.
"Now, Miss Rebeca," Briggs continued, "There be one thing keepin' ye from getting' acquainted with McGlynn's special talents.  The truth.  We know ye were with Jack Wolfe the night he went missin'.  We want to know who ye were workin' for, and where they took him."
Rebeca's body stiffened.  "I do not know this Jack Wolfe."
"You're a poor liar," said Cade.  "We all saw how you reacted to his name earlier."
"You are imagining things," she said defiantly.
"I'm gonna ask you one more time," said Briggs.  "Who are you workin' for?  Tell us what we need to know, and we'll let ye go free.  You're only makin' it harder on yourself otherwise."
Rebeca kept her silence.
"Damn it, woman!  A man's life is probably hangin' in the balance!  Don't ye understand that?"
Cade shook his head in exasperation.  "We're wasting our time trying to appeal to her better nature, Josiah.  She probably doesn't have one."
"Aye, ye have a point.  Speakin' of points, maybe we should appeal to her self interest."

Briggs turned to McGlynn and nodded in Rebeca's direction.  McGlynn grinned and got up from his chair.  As he walked toward Rebeca, he kept up the lopsided maniacal grin as he held the blade upright just in front of his face, swinging it back and forth like the pendulum of a metronome.  Rebeca held her breath as the wild-eyed man approached.
"Such a shame," said Cade.  "And it was a lovely face, too."
"Don't fret none," Briggs said.  "She'll find a job scrubbin' floors or muckin' stalls.  Somewhere's they don't have to look at her."
McGlynn stopped in front of the girl and gave an odd little laugh before slowly walking around behind her.  Her eyes grew wider with fear when she heard his footsteps stop directly behind her.
"Once again," said Cade.  "Who were you working for?  Who wanted to capture Jack Wolfe and used you as bait?"
"I can't... oh dios mio!" she gasped as she felt the icy steel of McGlynn's blade against her neck.  "I swore I would not tell!  Do not kill me, por favor!  I beg you!"  Tears of desperation began to stream down her face.
"The name," pressed Briggs.
"It'd be a right pity to make a mess o' your face," hissed McGlynn menacingly.  "Do be a love an' tell us the name."
Sobbing, Rebeca whispered the name.
"Louder," commanded Cade.  "Or Mister McGlynn has his way with you."
"MENDOZA!" she shouted through her tears.  "Colonel Mendoza!  He is the one who hired me..."  Her voice trailed off as she sobbed more.
"Damn it!  I should've known it was that bastard," growled Briggs.  "Where did they take Jack?"
"I do not know!  They never told me, only who was paying me!"
"I dunno, Master Briggs," said McGlynn, placing the blade against her cheek.  "I could cheer her up with a really grand smile..."
Rebeca wailed in terror, begging in Spanish and English.  "Oh, God, please, no!!  I do not know, I swear!!" she finally got out.
"Stand down, McGlynn.  That's an order.  She doesn't know."
McGlynn let out a heavy sigh, and returned to her chair.  Cade poured her a drink and went to her side.
"I'm sorry we had to put you through that, Rebeca.  But you're the only one who could help us find our friend.  I hope you understand."
"If Mendoza finds out I told you, he will have me killed," she said shakily.
"We won't tell a soul how we found out if it comes to that.  Here, have a sip of this."
She drank greedily, hoping to soothe her shattered nerves.  "Please untie me."
"Not until you're calmer.  Then I promise we'll let you go."
"I am feeling calmer, Cade.  I promise not to tell anyone about you.  It would mean my death if I did."  She paused for a moment and gave him a quizzical look.  "My head feels strange.  What did you do?"
"One more thing for you to forgive, I'm afraid.  You'll sleep for a long time."
"You... bast..." Rebeca slurred, before her head lolled over.
Cade quickly untied her and carried her to the bed.

"Sweet Jesus," said McGlynn as he downed a cup of rum.  "I'm surprised she didn't feel me bloody hand shakin', holdin' that knife to her.  I was scared to death!"
"She was more scared than you," Briggs said.  "You did good.  Had me convinced ye were off yer nut."
"What do we do now?" asked Cade.
"Well, we know Mendoza has Jack.  He won't be near as kind as we were to Rebeca here," said Briggs.  "We need to find where that Spanish jackal is, and fast."
"Then what?"
"Then we get Jack back.  Or die tryin'."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 02, 2009, 06:48:30 PM
Low grey clouds scudded across the Barbados sky as the Neptune Rising dropped anchor in St. Lawrence's harbour.  The winds kicked up the waves just enough to make any attempt to dock too risky, so Rhys elected to wait out the weather and ride at anchor.  He stood on the quarterdeck and surveyed the docks with a spyglass, ignoring the winds as they whipped his hair into his face.

"Do you see her, Captain?" asked Dolan.  "It'd be like Wolfe to have already headed back.  We'll be chasing his crazy arse all over the Caribbean."
"Patience, my friend," said Rhys as he continued to scan the docks.  "Jack is unpredictable to his enemies, but as constant as the stars to his friends.  If he's not here, then Bonita has seen prey he can't resist."
"You actually believe that witch woman has the sight?"
"I haven't seen anything to make me think otherwise.  And the fact you believe in second sight at all tells me you think she may be genuine enough.  But if Jack said he'd be in St. Lawrence, then St. Lawrence is where he'll be...  ah!  There's El Lobo.  And there's a lot of activity around her.  They're taking on a lot of cargo.  Looks like they are getting ready to sail.  That's odd."
"Ha!" said Dolan.  "I was right, they'll be headed back to Tortuga or Port Royal just as we arrive."
Rhys collapsed the spyglass and looked on at El Lobo with worried puzzlement.  "Something's not right about this."
"A hunch, Captain?"
"A hunch.  Make ready the longboat.  We're going ashore."

Briggs' face was a mask of grim determination as he oversaw the ship's preparation from the quarterdeck.  Almost three weeks had passed since they found out who ordered the kidnapping of Jack Wolfe.  After seemingly endless inquiries of personnel from every ship that came into St. Lawrence, Mendoza's stronghold was finally discovered.  That was four days ago, and Briggs had worked ceaselessly to formulate a rescue plan.  Worry and lack of sleep etched deep lines into his features.  Cade was certain the quartermaster was growing old before his eyes, and he worried about the toll the burden of command was taking on Briggs.  Josiah Briggs was superb at commanding a ship, but he was not a leader of men nor a military strategist.
Briggs expression brightened a little when he saw Rhys and Dolan reach the top of the gangplank.  "If ye ain't a sight for sore eyes, Rhys Morgan!" he cried.  Briggs hurried down to the weather deck, and for a moment Rhys was certain he was about to be on the receiving end of a bear hug.  Instead, Briggs shook the young man's hand hard enough to make the knuckles roll uncomfortably.
"What's going on?" asked Rhys.  "You look like you're laying in for an extended cruise.  Where's Jack?"
Briggs' face went stony.  "Ye ain't heard?"
"We just made port this morning.  I saw all the activity and came straight here."
"Come with me, then," sighed Briggs heavily.  "All hell's broke loose whilst ye were gone.  I'll get ye up to speed.  You're gonna need a drink.  I know I do."

The three men went below and aft to the great cabin.  Rhys paused as he stepped through the door.  It was a disaster area.  Clothes strewn about, maps and other papers covering nearly every horizontal surface.  In amidst the maps and rutters on the large table, there was a plate of partially eaten food.  Rhys guessed the ship's cat had eaten more of it than Briggs.  Briggs himself sat down.  Collapsed was more like it.
"What's the big mystery?" asked Rhys.
"More'n a month ago, Jack went missin'," answered Briggs.  "Vanished into thin air.  It's taken us until now to find out who was behind it and where they took him."
"Jack's got his share of enemies," said Dolan.
"Aye, that's true enough of us all, if ye been on the account as long as we have," replied Briggs.  "Some enemies are more heinous than others."
"Mendoza," said Rhys.
Briggs nodded.
Rhys' jaw clenched.  Jack and Mendoza's feud was well known, everyone knew the wisest choice was to not get between the two headstrong men.  A good many dirty tricks hd been played on both sides, but this was Mendoza's most audacious.  "Where is he?"
"Mendoza was made governor of Rio del la Hacha after leavin' Cuba."  Briggs turned one of the maps around and pointed to a spot on the northern coast of South America.  "Word is he's got a right proper fortress there."

An uneasy feeling settled in Rhys' stomach.  He knew the quartmaster's next move.  Mount a rescue of his captain and friend.  "What's the plan?"
"We've signed on extra crew, and we've mounted four culverines, two a side, 22-pounders each.  That oughta at least get their attention, I'm thinkin'..."
"Now, wait a moment," Rhys interrupted.  "With one ship, you intend to lay siege to a fortress?  How many guns do they have?  Do you even know?"
"There's a hell of a lot we don't know.  Such as what we're up against, or if this'll even work," said Briggs testily.  "By I do know this: I'll be damned if I sit by whilst Jack gets tortured to death by that Spanish butcher!"
Rhys took a deep breath.  He knew Briggs was out of his depth, desperate to try anything.  But charging in, guns blazing, engaging a fortress in an artillery battle with only one vessel, was a suicide mission.  The ship would be picked apart in short order by gunners trained to defend the harbour, and a lot more men than Jack would end up dead when all was said and done. 
"Josiah, I understand you need to rescue Jack, but there's no way your plan can work.  I'm sorry, but that is how I see it."
"I ain't givin' up.  No way in hell will I do that."  Briggs uncorked a bottle and poured everyone a drink.  He leaned back with his cup and looked Rhys in the eye.   "Fine.  I knew this plan didn't have much of a chance, but it's somethin'.  You're a smart man, Rhys.  Smarter than me, and right up there with Jack by my reckonin'.  How would you do it?  How would ye rescue Jack?"

At that instant, Rhys didn't want to speak.  He found himself wishing he had never followed Jack to Barbados.  He knew that if he put forth a plan, he would be obligating himself to leading the rescue effort.  How long would it take?  Would it even be successful?  How long would he be delayed in returning to Wales, and his beloved Rhiannon?  And what if he never made it back?  What would become of her, never knowing why he didn't return?
But he knew in his heart that if Jack Wolfe stood a chance of being rescued, he would have to step forward and lead the mission.
"All right," Rhys began, dreading the words he was about to say.  "Here's what we're going to do..."

In his heart, Rhys prayed Rhiannon would understand why he was delayed.  And that he would indeed hold her in his arms again.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 10, 2009, 06:08:18 AM
"I'm here to see my sister."
Mother Superior looked up to see a stylish woman in her early twenties standing before her. She had luxurious honey-blonde curls and sparkling hazel eyes. And an air to the manor born.
"I'm sorry, Lady Llewellyn. Your sister is not able to receive visitors."
Lady Llewellyn took her gloves off carefully.
"And why is she 'not able to receive visitors'?"
"I'm afraid that is abbey business. She is a ward of the convent. And as such, she is under my care."
"And ownership? You seem to deny access to her on a regular basis, Mother Superior."
"I have been entrusted with her education and upbringing and----"
Lady Llewellyn leaned over the desk, her hands gripping the sides of it. She went nose to nose with the nun and said in measured tones, "I am well aware that you personally do not care for my sister. But she is a Conaway and I shall see her at once."
The nun and Lady Llewellyn locked eyes.
The younger woman continued, "Please don't make me go to the bishop with my suspicions that you tend to imbibe in the sacrificial wine."
"I NEVER!"
Lady Llewellyn stood up again. "True or not, it will result in an investigation and I am sure you would not like having to answer questions. Now I would suggest you get your fat arse up and lead me to Rhiannon."
The Mother Superior pursed her lips, her face turning crimson red. However, this was the daughter of her benefactor and any disturbance into the arrangement and the nun knew she could end up nursing lepers in Malta.
"Very well. Follow me."
"I knew you would see reason."

Mother Superior led the way down a hall to a small room. She knocked on the door and then opened it.
Stiffly, she said, "You have a visitor, Miss Conaway."
"Megan!"
Rhiannon leaped off the bed and hugged her sister fiercely.
Megan turned to the Mother and said, "You can go now. And close the door."
Without a word, Mother Superior turned on her heel and left.
Megan took Rhiannon's face in her hands and looked at her carefully. "Are you allright?"
Rhiannon nodded. "Yes, now that you are here."
"She's been up to the same shine?"
"Not since Muir finally bit her hand. She threatened to have him poisoned. And I told her if she laid a hand on him, I would personally throw her out the belltower."
"Why did Muir bite her? I mean, he must have had a good reason."
"She took a switch to me once too often."
Megan hugged her sister. "You will be eighteen in another year, darling. And then you will no longer be a ward of this convent. Daffyd and I will see that you make a smart match."
Rhiannon held her finger up and whispered, "I'm taken care of."

Megan stared at her sister for a few moments. She blurted out, "Oh, PLEASE don't tell me you have decided to take the veil! I'll yank you out of here so fast!"
Rhiannon burst out laughing.
"Perish the thought! Me? A NUN?"
Megan put her hand over her heart and stated, relieved, "Thank God! I can't see you as a 'bride of Christ!'"
Rhiannon said smugly, "Oh, I'll be a bride alright. Megan, the most wonderful thing has happened. I'm in love!"
Muir looked at Rhiannon with a look that almost said, 'Go on! Go on! Tell her who it is! Please! Please! Please!'
Megan stood there expectantly, her hands on her hips.
"Well? Out with it? It certainly can't be Lord Buckley's son Percival."
Rhiannon shook her head.
"Not one of Sir Neville's sons!"
"No, not one of the Neville brothers."
"I heard Lord Madoc Castlemaine is 'in the market'."
"Oh, please! He's as old as Father!"
Megan tapped her foot and gestured with an 'out with it' gesture.
Rhiannon let out a pent-up breath. "Do you ever hear of Lord Owain Morgan?"
Megan nodded slowly. "Yes. Very powerful and influential family to the south of us. From Monmouthshire."
"I'm going to marry Lord Morgan's son."
Megan looked at her sister and then burst out laughing. "Rhiannon, you have such a wild imagination!"
Rhiannon looked hurt at her sister.
"It's true!"
Megan shook her head. "Sir Cadfael is engaged to Lady Gwyneth Evans."
Then a long pause. "Wait...Rhiannon you don't mean...the other one?"
Rhiannon looked down and said, "By the other one, if you mean Rhys Morgan, then yes."
She looked up. "I am going to marry Rhys Morgan!" Her eyes were shining, her face full of hope.
Megan looked at her sister and said, mostly to herself, "I should have known. He's a---a pirate!"
Then she burst out laughing. "A pirate! Rhiannon, leave it to you to give Father the coronary he is certainly going to have!"
Rhiannon and Megan sat on her bed. Rhiannon told her how she met Rhys again and the plans they made.
"And we are going to live in Monmouthshire. As soon as he comes back."
"And where has he gone?"
"To the Caribbean. He is meeting a Captain Ferret--or maybe it is Coyote, I am not sure--but he is wrapping up his pirate business and then he will be back by the end of December to take me to Monmouthshire. I am sure Father will be glad that I will be Lady Morgan."
"And what will Captain Morgan do with his life now?"
She said proudly, "He will be an astronomy cartographer. He is going back to Cambridge to finish his studies. We have it all planned out."
"And what are these plans?"
"As soon as Rhys is in port, Athena will get word to me. And look!"

She reached under her bed and pulled out a few boxes of things.
"I have already begun to pack. Muir and I can be out of here in fifteen minutes."
Megan started to laugh.
"Oh, Rhiannon! This is priceless! I would love to see Father's face when he finds out."
"So will I. But alas, I shall be far away."

The sisters spent the next hour catching up on the shire gossip. Megan described every little thing her little son Dylan had done.
As Megan rose to go, Rhiannon hugged her tightly, the tears starting to spill over.
"I can't tell you how much your visits mean to me, Megan. I--I miss you and Dilys and Gwyneth so much!"
"Gwyneth will try to get here next week. She has a few essentials she thinks you need and Dilys always makes sure some sweetmeats are tucked away for you."
Rhiannon hugged her sister all the more tighter.
"I will send word with Athena when I am safely gone."

Megan held her sister at arm's length and said seriously, "If there is anything you need, you come straight to me. Understand?"
Rhiannon nodded.
"I don't care what time of day or night it is. You come home. Daffyd loves you like a sister.
Promise me? Promise me you will come right to me?"
Rhiannon nodded. "I shall. If I am ever in trouble, Megan, I know that you and Daffyd will take me in and take care of me."
Megan clasped her sister and whispered, "Promise me."
"I shall. No matter what happens in my life, I shall always come home to you, Megan."
Megan kissed the top of her sister's head and whispered, "God be with you, little sister!"

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

Megan walked by the Mother Superior. The nun sat there pretending to be busy writing.  All of a sudden, her wrist was caught in a gloved grip.
Megan leaned across the desk and said in a solemn voice, "You ever lay a hand or take a switch to my sister again, the Conaways will make sure this abbey is torn down. Stone by stone, brick by brick. And I'll personally make sure you are assigned to pick up any missing or detached body parts on a leper colony so far out of this realm, even God himself won't be able to find you."
With that Megan slammed the abbey door behind her.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 16, 2009, 08:07:53 AM
Three days after Rhys arrived in St. Lawrence, he left again, this time aboard El Lobo del Mar.  He had convinced Briggs to dismount the heavy culverines and replace them with regular guns.  Their additional weight would have slowed their progress more than Rhys cared to imagine.  Never mind that one ship was useless against a fortress, if there indeed was one.  If Jack was going to be rescued, stealth was the key.  Not a short-lived, futile artillery battle.

Rhys had plotted a course that would take them to Rio de la Hacha, a town on the northern coast of South America just west of the centre of the Spanish Main, in just under a week if the winds stayed in their favour.  He wished that if this rescue mission had to happen at all, that it had been launched from Port Royal.  A fast sail almost due south, and no islands or coastline to skirt or heavily travelled shipping lanes to avoid.  But fate demanded that they take a course that would bring them dangerously close to the Spanish ports of Caracas, Coro, Portobello, and Maricaibo, and the Dutch ports of Aruba and Curacao.  Each one could be counted on for complete intolerance of a pirate vessel in their waters.  As an added measure of security, Rhys had the distinctive wolf figurehead replaced with the original carving of Mercedes Mendoza herself.  Briggs understood the reasoning, since the wolf was unique to El Lobo, but he wouldn't quit grumbling about how the change was "ruining Jack's ship" and that it was a "bad omen for sure" until her hair and dress had been painted appropriate shades of red.  Rhys and Dolan had a good chuckle over how even Briggs' highly superstitious nature could be calmed by a pretty redhead, even in effigy.

Dolan's talents as a master forger would serve them well should any patrol ships intercept them.  Thanks to an impressive collection of official seals they had appropriated over the years, he was able to produce impressively faked official papers from the Dutch and Spanish governments that they hoped would satisfy even the most suspicious naval officer even if flying the proper flags didn't.

What caught Rhys by surprise, almost as much as Jack's being taken, was Briggs' insistence that he not only lead the rescue, but take command of El Lobo herself.
"What?  Me?" stammered Rhys.  "No, Josiah, I can't.  You know this ship and her crew best.  They trust you."
"Aye, and I trust ye," said Briggs.  "That's good enough for them."  He took a ragged breath.  "Rhys, it took me days to come up with a plan, and my best thinkin' would have got us blown out of the water without ever gettin' close enough to help Jack.  I ain't got the head for this sort of thing.  But ye most certainly do.  If we're to save Jack Wolfe, you're the man what's gonna make it happen."
Rhys leaned back against the heavy wooden table and looked at the floor.  As he thought about what Briggs said, he wished his Uncle Henry were there to talk it out with.  But he knew what the advice would be: "You're in the yoke already, lad.  What's one more bit of burden?  That's why God gave you those broad Morgan shoulders.  Use 'em."
"All right," he said quietly.
"Ye'll do it, then?"
"Yes, Josiah.  I'll do it.  The important thing is that we get Jack home and safe.  If this will help that cause, I'll do it."
Briggs breathed a sigh of relief.  "I knew ye'd see it that way!  Ye won't regret it, Rhys."
"I already do."
"Ye're talkin' about that lass back in Wales, ain't ye?"
"Rhiannon.  Yes.  I promised her I'd be back in three months.  Heaven only knows how long I'll be delayed now."
"She'll still be waitin' for ye, if it's meant to be.  Ye'll have her in yer arms again before ye know it."
"I hope you're right, Josiah.  But life didn't stand still here whilst I was gone.  How can I expect it to there?"
"The same reason I believe Jack is still alive.  Faith.  It's all we got.  Let that sustain ye."

Rhys was heartened at the crew's reaction to Briggs' announcement that he would be the acting captain of El Lobo for the rescue.  The men seemed to go about their work with renewed vigour and purpose, eager to put to sea.  They responded even better than the Neptune Rising's crew, much to his amazement.  Either they respected Rhys that much, or they wanted their old captain back so badly they'd endure any master that would fulfil that end.  Rhys was content to split the difference.  He wanted this ordeal over and done with as soon as possible, preferably with Jack alive to resume command and let Rhys get on with his life.

Much to everyone's relief, the voyage went swiftly, without incident.  Their closest call was with a Spanish war galleon that fell in step with them as they passed the bay that let to Maricaibo and Portobello.  The galleon raised the flag of Spain, and El Lobo raised theirs in kind.  Things got tense when the galleon fired a salute, and the crew thought they were under attack.  Fortunately, Rhys realised the flag they were flying was that of the Spanish royal court, of which Mendoza was a dubious member.  He swiftly instructed the gun crews to fire a return salute of six guns, without shot, in rapid succession.  Once the salute was returned, the war galleon broke off and allowed the pirate ship to continue on.

They hugged the coast after that, finding themselves harassed only once by a group of Native war canoes, who attacked solely because of the Spanish flag they'd forgotten to take down.  Briggs quickly ran up Jack's flag, a rampant wolf astride two crossed swords, and the Indians broke off, choosing to fall in beside the ship shouting cheers.  Rhys had the ship slow at that point, and invited some of the natives aboard.  They told him, in broken Spanish, that they were indeed on course to Rio de la Hacha, but that they had best not approach the city directly.  Instead, there was a large bay just to the northeast where they could anchor and hide the ship among the huge mangroves that crowded the shoreline.  From there, it would be a hike of roughly a mile to the town.  In an incredibly generous gesture, they offered to serve as guides.

"Why would you tell me this?" asked Rhys.
"Because," said the chief, who called himself William.  "You are the enemy of Chief Mendoza.  He has brought much sorrow to my people.  He makes us slaves.  Mendoza makes everyone slaves, even his own kind.  If rescuing your chief brings grief and anger to Mendoza, then my people will help any way we can.  Anger makes him foolish.  We will strike at that time, once you are away, to avenge my people."
Rhys pushed bowls of meat and rum forward to William.
"We accept your offer, and we promise to bring much grief to Chief Mendoza."
William nibbled at the meat, and spat it out.  Apparently the salt taste disagreed with him.  But the rum was a far different story.  Thanks to Jack's impressive collection of Caribbean rums, it wasn't long before the chief was pledging undying loyalty, if Rhys agreed to leave several barrels of the amber liquid behind after the rescue was complete.  Rhys promised William eight barrels of rum as payment for his assistance, which William gladly accepted.

"Y'know, Jack ain't gonna be much too pleased with ye emptyin' the rum stores to a bunch of Indians," Briggs commented the next morning as they watched a still drunken William and his men row out ahead of the ship.
"I think Jack will understand why I did it," said Rhys.  "We need every bit of help we can get at this point.  Rum is the least of my worries."
Briggs shook his head.  "Ye don't know Jack and his rum.  Tell me; how many time you reckon ye've seen Jack sober?"
"I assumed almost always."
"As Jack would say, to assume the obvious is to overlook the obvious.  That man ain't drawn a sober breath in the past five years, at least."
"Why on earth would he do that to himself?"
"Why does he do anything he does?  God only knows, and He ain't tellin'."
"Then Mendoza can't torture Jack any more than he's tortured himself.  I can't imagine what's driven him to... wait!  What's William doing?"
William was standing up in the lead war canoe, waving and pointing wildly toward the shoreline.  As Rhys and Briggs watched, a bay opened up before them.  The mouth of it wasn't very wide, but it was sufficient for El Lobo to pass without trouble.  It was ringed by mangrove trees, which would provide excellent cover from passing vessels.
"Think you can get us in there, Master Briggs?" asked Rhys.
"Just you watch me!" grinned the quartermaster, who went immediately to the forward rail of the quarterdeck and began shouting orders to the crew.  Within a few minutes, the sails were struck just enough to carry the ship gently into the mouth of the bay.
The easy part was over.  They'd made it to Rio de la Hacha.  Now the real work began.  Get into the city, find a way into where Jack was being held, and get him to safety.
That is, if he was still alive.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 23, 2009, 11:23:36 AM
As the sun set behind the bay where El Lobo was anchored, Rhys, Briggs, and Dolan met with Chief William and four of his men.  William drew a rough map in the sand of the route they would take through the jungle that skirted a makeshift road that ran near the water, and a crude representation of the town itself.  Rio de la Hacha was typical of many well established Spanish colonies in that the town had originally been contained within the fortress walls, but thanks to success and population growth spilled outside of the stone walls.  As Mendoza increased his power, he forced the general populace out of the fortress complex entirely, including the church, and converted any housing into barracks for the garrison.  To quell the outcry of the citizenry over this move, Mendoza threw a considerable amount of gold into a new, ornate church, complete with an abbey.  He put even more into additional fortifications guarding the town and his de facto castle.

William promised that he and his men would camp on the shore near the ship, waiting to create a diversion when Rhys and company returned with Jack.  His plan was for them to rush to the outskirts of the town and cause a commotion, with the intent of buying El Lobo time to get out of the bay unnoticed.  If the sentries were busy combing the jungle for marauding natives, reasoned William, the less likely anyone would take note of a departing vessel.  No one could argue with his logic.

Still, there were misgivings.

"I don't know if I trust this one," said Briggs as they moved through the jungle.  Broken moonlight served as their only illumination as they negotiated the dense foliage slowed their progress.  "Seems like he's goin' to a lot of trouble just to see Mendoza get egg on his face."
"Don't worry yourself, Josiah," answered Rhys.  "I trust him, but only so far.  He seems sincere enough.  We know the Spanish have enslaved every Indian they can get their hands on.  If we're successful, he'll probably go back to his people with a bloody great tale of how he led a coup against Mendoza.  As long as we get Jack back and alive, let him have his story.  Maybe he can use it to rally his people and really have a go against the bastard."
"I suppose," grumbled Briggs.  "As long as he's there to make a ruckus like he promised, that's all I care."
"If we're inventive enough, then it won't matter if he's there or not," offered Dolan.
Rhys chuckled.  "You're the optimist tonight!"
"I figure we'd snuck in and out of enough places in our time," Dolan said, "this oughta be easy."
"Just how many Spanish fortresses have ye slipped in and out of, unseen and unheard?" asked Briggs.
Dolan took his time answering.  "Well... this'll be the first.  But we're very good!"
Briggs snorted.  "I'm feelin' better about this already."
"We'll worry about getting into the town first, then Mendoza's keep," said Rhys.  "One step at a time."

Finally, they reached the first outlying houses.  They were modest, built of stone and mud brick, with thatched roofs.  No lights could be seen in any of the windows.  It was late enough that everyone was asleep.  Hopefully they would stay that way.
William put his hand on Rhys' shoulder.  "Here is where we part ways, for now," he said quietly.  We will see you again at your ship with your friend.  May the spirits guide you and keep you safe."
"In four days, if not sooner," replied Rhys.  "Thank you again for your help."
William nodded, then motioned to his men.  With barely a sound, they disappeared into the jungle.

The three men moved quietly and carefully between the houses, trying not to disturb any of the chickens and other animals that either slept or stood in their pens.  They spotted a lane just beyond the last house in their path.  As they rounded the corner of the house, Rhys froze and held up his hand for the others to stop.
"Company," he whispered.
All three hid in the shadows and waited.  A man on horseback was slowly making his way up the lane in their direction.
"Patrol?" whispered Dolan.  Rhys motioned for his friend to stay quiet.
The horse continued on the road until it was in front of the house where the three men were hiding.  It paused, then stepped onto the narrow dirt path that led to the house.  When horse and rider got to about twenty feet from the house, they stopped.

The three men held their breath.  But the rider, who they were certain suspected their presence, said nothing.  After a short while, the horse shifted, as if fidgeting in boredom.  The rider remained silent.  Rhys nodded to Briggs and Dolan, and all three drew their pistols and stepped into the moonlight.  They waited for the rider to respond, but nothing happened.
Finally, Rhys made a few cautious steps forward.  The horse looked at him, but the rider did not move.  Dolan and Briggs joined Rhys, and they approached the rider.  That's when they heard a strange noise.
Snoring.
The rider was fast asleep, probably after far too much to drink at the tavern.  In a ritual that had no doubt played out many times before, the trusty animal had carried his slumbering master safely home.

Quietly chuckling more in relief than anything else, the trio looked around for any other surprises, then set off down the worn road toward the centre of town.

Rio de la Hacha was a run of the mill Spanish settlement in the Caribbean, save for the stone-walled fortress that loomed over it.  Thirty-foot walls sprang up at the city's centre, with  large, domed watchtowers at each of its four corners.  A multitude of notches were built into the top rim of the walls, with a cannon barrel protruding from each one.  Smaller swivelling guns, called patereros, were mounted on the parapets beside each cannon.  Their use was more anti-personnel in nature, which undoubtedly sent a message to the general populace to accept whatever Mendoza decreed.

The sight sent a chill through Rhys.  They weren't dealing with just any vengeful man.  Diego Mendoza was a full-fledged despot, with the arms and manpower to enforce his every whim.
"Our informants fell short," Rhys said quietly.
"I hate bein' right," Briggs grunted.
Dolan was a bit more philosophical.  "All right, it's a tad bigger'n what I expected.  But there's a door, yeah?  A door is a way in and out.  We'll be fine.  Have to get inventive, but we're fine."
"Optimistic bugger," grumbled Briggs.
"Look," said Dolan.  "I know you'll move Heaven and Earth, and Hell if need be, to save Jack.  Same with Rhys.  All we need is a way in.  It's there, which means we'll find it.  It's up to Jack to hold on 'til we get there."
"Where'd ye hire this one, Rhys?" Briggs asked.  "He's crazy enough to be one of Jack's own crew."
Rhys gave a small laugh.  "I guess Jack rubbed off on me more than I realised.  Otherwise I never would have hired him."
Dolan grinned, but the grin faded as the jibes settled in.  "Oi, wait a minute!" he said in mock protest.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 30, 2009, 07:28:30 AM
"What we need to do is get our silly arses off the street before a patrol comes round," said Briggs warily. 
They could hear the muted sounds of a busy tavern just around the corner.  Above its door was a sign that read "Le Feliz Bol."
"'The Happy Bull'," read Rhys.  "Sounds lively enough.  Shall we?  Tongues should be wagging freely enough, perhaps we'll learn a few things about this fair town."
Tavern was like any other in a port town.  The patrons were primarily sailors from other lands, but a few hard-partying locals were still there enjoying themselves, and the tavern girls were enjoying everyone's money.  The trio nonchalantly took up a table with a clear view of the door and window.  It wasn't long before a tavern wench was there to take their orders.
"What can I get you boys?" she asked in surprisingly good English.  Beaming with pride at their reaction, she added, "Consuela speaks fine English, no?"
"Yes, ye do!" said Briggs.  "But how'd ye know we be English?"
"I have been in taverns since I was a little girl.  Seen lots of men from everywhere.  You are not haughty like the French," she turned her nose up and brushed the underside of it with her forefinger, "and you are not Dutch.  They are too fat."  Consuela smiled coquettishly at Briggs.  "And Englishmen are so handsome."
Dolan and Rhys exchanged bemused looks, and Briggs began to blush.  "Um, I think we'll all be havin' ale, if ye please," the quartermaster said sheepishly.
Consuela smiled and went off to fetch their drinks.  Briggs looked back at his comrades who were still smiling at him.
"What the hell are ye grinnin' at?"
"I think Consuela likes you, Josiah!" Dolan said.
"Like?" said Rhys.  "Painting the nursery is more like it."
"All right, have ye had yer fun?" Briggs groused.
Dolan chuckled.  "Not even close!"
Rhys was quick to interject.  "Josiah, this may be a valuable turn for us.  She doesn't miss much.  If you can get her talking, maybe she knows something that will help."
Briggs sighed heavily.  "Well, she ain't much to look at..."
"When did you get particular?" asked Dolan.  Briggs shot him a look and started to open his mouth.
"It's not like we're asking you to sleep with her," interrupted Rhys.  "Fine, she's not a redhead, and she's seen better days.  Just make her feel appreciated, chat her up a bit, use your charm..."
Dolan snorted.
"... and see if she has anything to say that can help us find Jack," Rhys finished.
"Aye, for Jack," Briggs agreed.

Consuela returned with mugs filled to the rim with ale.  She deftly placed a mug in front of each man, smiling proudly when she finished.
"Look!" she announced, holding up her tray.  "Not a drop spilled!"
The men gave her a brief round of applause, and Briggs slipped a few coins into her hand for payment.  Her eyes grew wide when she say how much he'd given her.  She quickly stuffed the money into a pocket in her apron, then leaned close to Briggs and whispered something in his ear.
He smiled back, and said, "Aye, I'd like that!"
Consuela went back to her rounds with an obvious spring in her step.  Briggs sat there, looking pleased with himself.
"Well?" asked Dolan.  "What did she say?"
"That she's done workin' in a little while, and wanted to know if I'd be interested in some food and talk."  He straightened the lapels of his waistcoat.  "She thinks I'm right handsome."
"Warms the heart, them employing the blind such," Dolan said to Rhys.
"Ignore him, Josiah," said Rhys quickly.  "His mouth gets smarter than the rest of his head sometimes.  But this is perfect!  Hopefully she'll know something to set us in the right direction."
Briggs stared into his ale.  "Or let us know we're too late."

Less than half an hour later, Briggs and Consuela were off in a quieter corner of the tavern talking away over a hot meal, Consuela doing most of the talking.    Rhys and Dolan had something to eat as well, and Dolan secured a room at the tavern for them to stay in for the next few days.  When Dolan came back to the table, he found Briggs and Consuela were still talking.
"Is the poor blighter getting a word in edgewise?" he asked Rhys.
Rhys studied the bottom of his nearly empty mug.  "I've seen him nod at least half a dozen times, if that counts."
"I wish they'd hurry up!  Either she knows something, or she doesn't."
"She knows plenty," announced Briggs as he took his seat at their table.
"Thank God," said Rhys.  "We were afraid you were busy making wedding plans and forgot all about Jack."
Briggs gave him a sour look.  "She's already married, not that she was gonna let such get in the way.  But there ain't much goes on around here she don't know about.  First off, she said a bunch of Mendoza's men were throwin' a lot of coin about less than two weeks after Jack went missin'.  Said that Mendoza rewarded 'em for 'removin' a piratical thorn from his side'.  They wouldn't give a name, but Consuela said once a couple of 'em got good and liquored up, damned if they didn't start howlin' like wolves, with the others tryin' to shut 'em up."
"So that confirms it.  He's got Jack, just as we thought," said Dolan.  "Too bad she doesn't know if he's alive."
"From what she says, Mendoza likes makin' a big display of his enemies he's beaten.  Displays their heads on tall stakes outside the entrance to the fort that faces the main street here in town.  There ain't been a fresh one in over six months.  I take it to mean Jack's still alive."
"That's enough to keep my hopes up," said Rhys.
Dolan nodded.  "For me, too.  Now to find a way in there.  I doubt Mendoza would be willing to let Jack have visitors."
"The only livin' souls any of the prisoners get to see other than Mendoza and his men are the monks from the abbey."  Briggs leaned in toward the middle of the table.  "Consuela says the abbot, a Brother Rodrigo, put the screws to Mendoza a while back for not allowin' prisoners care for their bodies and their souls.  It took him a long time and a lot of playin' off that black-hearted devil's Catholic guilt, but he won.  So once a week, the abbot and his boys are let in to try and patch up the ones they can, give last rites to them they can't, and preach the gospel to the rest.  And they make sure the ones that butcher is through with get a proper Christian burial."
Rhys began to smile.  "I take it Brother Rodrigo and Mendoza aren't exactly on the best of terms, then?"
"Mendoza would get rid of the monk if he could, but everybody in town loves him.  And Rodrigo seems to enjoy bein' a pain in that pompous Spaniard's arse."
Now Dolan began to smile.  "I think I've got a sudden urge to give confession, Rhys.  How about you?"
Rhys grinned and lifted his mug.  "I don't know about confession, but I do feel like making a friend with strong ties to the Church!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 07, 2009, 07:26:47 AM
A quiet knock came on the door, breaking Brother Rodrigo's concentration from the holy tracts he was studying.  He looked up to see Brother Alejandro standing in the doorway with a worried look on his face.  Rodrigo thought nothing of if it, as Alejandro was usually worried about something.  He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment.
"Yes, Alejandro?" he asked, trying not to sound too impatient.  The day had brought almost continual interruptions, and it was still morning.
"Your pardon, Brother Rodrigo.  I'm sorry to take you from your studies.  But there are three very unusual men here."
"Surely you or another of the Order can assist them.  What do they want?"
"You, Brother."
Rodrigo blinked.  "Me?  Whatever for?"
"The will not say, except that you are the only one that can help them  They say it is urgent."  Alejandro paused.  "They are Englishmen.  Sailors, by the way they dress."
Rodrigo took a deep breath.  "Where did you leave them?"
"They are in the courtyard, out of sight from the street.  Should I send them away?"

Three English sailors, at the door of an abbey in the heart of a Spanish stronghold, seeking out a solitary monk.  Could it be?
"No, there is no need.  I'll see them."  Rodrigo marked his place in his bible and rose.  "You did well by keeping them from prying eyes.    But I must ask something of you before we talk to them."
"What is that?"
"That you speak of it with no one, inside or outside of these walls, save me.  The Colonel would use their very presence here against us, regardless of their purpose here."
Alejandro nodded.  "You have my solemn word."
The two monks left the cell and walked down the long hallway to the main areas of the abbey.  As they passed the cloister, where the monks came for meditation and reflection, they were stopped by another of their Order.
"Peace to you, Brother Rodrigo,  Brother Alejandro," he said with a nod.
"And peace to you, Brother Esteban," said Rodrigo.
"You seem to be headed somewhere with a purpose," Esteban commented.
"The Lord's work is always an urgent purpose, wouldn't you agree?" countered Rodrigo.
Esteban smiled at the gentle rebuke.  "Yes, of course.  Then I shan't detain you further.  Peace, my brothers."
He stepped aside to let the two pass.  As they continued on to their way, Esteban's face clouded with suspicion.  He waited until they rounded the corner, then began to follow them at a discrete distance.

"Perhaps I worry too much," said Alejandro quietly, "But I find myself unable to fully trust Brother Esteban."
Rodrigo clenched his jaw.  "Our Brother Esteban is better suited to political pursuits than spiritual ones.  If he devoted only a fraction of the effort he spends minding everyone else's business to the Holy scriptures, he'd make a fine monk."  He paused and smiled.  "Forgive me.  As you can tell, I don't trust him either."
"I feel better knowing my misgivings are real."
"Not to worry.  He's meddlesome, but not bold.  When he becomes that, then it's time to be concerned.  Did these men give their names?"
"Only one did.  Morgan, I'm sure he said."
Rodrigo looked sidelong at the other monk.  "Morgan, you say?"
"Yes.  Is that important?"
He quickened their pace.  "Perhaps, Alejandro.  It may mean nothing.  Or everything."

They entered the small courtyard area to find the three men waiting more or less patiently.  Just as Alejandro had said, they appeared to be sailors, rough-hewn and rugged, their clothes well worn though not shabby.  There was a grim intensity to them that was almost palpable.  One of them stepped forward, a young man with grey-green eyes that belonged to a man far older.  Despite his age, he had the bearing of a leader.
"Brother Rodrigo?" he asked.
"I am.  And you are Mister Morgan?"
Rhys smiled with relief.  "Yes.  Please, call me Rhys."
Rodrigo's eyebrows went up at the name. 
"... And these are my friends, Josiah Briggs and Johnny Dolan."
"Please forgive my forwardness," said Rodrigo, "but I am curious why three men, strangers to this place, would seek out a lowly monk as myself?"
"We learned about you from some of the people in town," said Rhys.  "We're hoping you can help us.  It's very urgent..."
"A friend of ours is in bad trouble," interrupted Briggs.  "Can ye help, or not?"
Rodrigo took a deep breath and looked at the three men.  He could see the desperation in their eyes.  He knew what he had to do.
"Brother Alejandro, please tend to the gardens," he said quickly.
The monk looked at him in confusion.  "Brother, the gardens are--"
"In need of tending, brother.  Please."
Alejandro looked at the other men, then back to Rodrigo.  "Of course, brother."  He quickly left the courtyard, leaving the four men alone.
"Please, follow me," said the abbot.  "There is a place where we can talk privately."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 07, 2009, 07:27:21 AM
He led them back toward the cloister, then off down another, shorter hallway to a fairly large room.  It had a bed against the back wall and desk with chair against another, and large chest at the foot of the bed.  Rodrigo quickly and quietly closed the door behind them.
"These quarters are for visiting abbots and priests," he explained.  "No one is using them, so we will not be disturbed."
He turned to the men, looked up at the ceiling for a moment as he crossed himself, and swallowed hard.
"Your friend.  His name is Jack Wolfe, yes?"
"Yes!" answered Briggs, a little too loudly.
"We knew he was here," said Rhys.  "What do you know about him?"
"He said you would come for him," Rodrigo said, his voice full of wonder.  "And, thanks be to la Santísima Madre, here you are!  I only pray you have arrived in time."
"He's still alive?" asked Dolan.
"Your friend is alive, yes.  But he is weak, so very weak after the tortures that monster has put him through."
"We're gettin' him out," growled Briggs.  "We're gettin' him, and if I can get my hands on that bastard Mendoza - beggin' yer pardon, brother - so help me..."
"Is there a way into Mendoza fortress, Brother?" asked Rhys.  "A poorly guarded entrance, a low wall, tunnels, anything like that?"
Rodrigo shook his head.  "No.  Mendoza has men everywhere at all times.  He is afraid of an uprising by the people.  Every wall, every gate is well guarded."
"We didn't come all this way for naught," said Dolan.  "We're leaving with Jack.  There's got to be some way in.  What if we create a diversion, and sneak in during the ruckus?"
"That gets us in, if it works at all.  What about getting out?" asked Rhys.  "You said Jack is in bad shape, Brother?"
Rodrigo nodded.
"Then I doubt he's up to much sneaking about, and we can't move quickly carrying him."  "You lot come and go from there on a regular basis," Dolan said.  "What if we hid on one of your carts?"
"Aye, that'd work!" said Briggs.  "We hide in barrels or under tarps, and roll through the gates right under their noses!"
"I am afraid we walk in," Rodrigo said sadly.  "Mendoza allows us to carry medicines only.  Everything else, bandages, water, bread, he provides.  I convinced him it would be viewed as penance for his sins if he did that for us.  I am so very sorry.  I want to see your friend away from that prison as much as you do.  He is a good soul, and cannot deserve what Mendoza has put him through."

"First time I've heard anyone say that about Jack," said Briggs.
"There is much good in him," Rodrigo insisted.  "Otherwise, why would he have three friends willing to risk their lives to save his?  A truly wicked man would be forsaken.  He is not."
"He's got you there, Briggs," said Dolan.
"All right, back to matters at hand," Rhys said.  "We'll contemplate the worth of Jack's soul after we've finished saving his hide.  Now, Brother, you say you walk in.  How many of you, usually?"
"Five, sometimes six or seven."
"Is it always the same group of people?  The same faces?"
"It is always myself and Brother Alejandro.  The others take turns, so that all the brothers may help and minister to the tormented in time."
Rhys crossed his arms as he thought.  "Different monks, eh?"
"Yes."
"Gentlemen," said Rhys to his shipmates.  "How do you feel about trading your boots for sandals?"

Dolan's eyes went wide, and Briggs began to laugh.
"Aye, now ye be thinkin' like Jack!" the quartermaster said.
Rodrigo shook his head.  "I'm sorry, but your idea cannot work."
"Why not?" asked Rhys.
"We are of the Dominican Order, Rhys."  Rodrigo brushed his cheeks.  "Mister Briggs, you would not be believable as a monk."
"Fine," said Rhys.  "He shaves."
"Now, just a damned minute..." Briggs started.
"Two weeks, and you'll be brushy as ever, Josiah," Rhys said.  "Remember, it's for Jack."
Briggs took a deep breath, and exhaled noisily.  "All right, fine.  For Jack."
"But there is the matter of you, Rhys Morgan," said Rodrigo.
"Me?  What about me?"
Rodrigo ran his fingers through his close cropped hair.  "You have hair like a woman.  That will not do."
Dolan laughed out loud.  "He's got you there, pretty boy!"
"Remember, Rhys," said Briggs.  "It's for Jack.  I shave, and ye cut yer locks.  Or this plan of your'n  will never work."
Rhys sighed, remembering the feel of Rhiannon's delicate fingers running through his hair, gently tugging at it as they kissed...
"Fine," he said.  "I'll do it.  We have to rescue Jack.  And what are you smirking at, Dolan?"
Dolan took off his hat and ran his hand over his smooth scalp and clean chin.  "I'm just happy I decided a while back to shave it all off!  I'd hate to have to make the terrible fashion sacrifices you two are faced with."
Rodrigo stepped forward and nodded his approval.  "Then it is settled.  Rhys, I do believe we can make your plan work, and we can get you to your friend.  I understand now why Jack has spoken so highly of you.  You as well, Mister Briggs.  He said you have a heart as big as the oceans, and I believe him."  He paused to collect his thoughts.  "We will enter the fortress the day after tomorrow.  You will need to be here at dawn, if not earlier.  A prayer must be given at the start of this enterprise if we are to succeed.  And we will give you instruction on how to behave so that you may be believable monks.  Together, we will save your friend."
"Thank ye mightily, Brother," said Briggs.
"We can't thank you enough," added Rhys.  "We know you didn't have to help us."
"Diego Mendoza is a terrible, wicked man," said Rodrigo.  "If I can help stop him from taking but one life unnecessarily, then it is a triumph for God.  If stopping him causes great upset for Mendoza, then it is a most glorious triumph."
Briggs chuckled.  "If there's one thing Jack's good at, it's causin' great upset!"
"Then may God smile on us, my friends.  We shall serve Him well!" smiled Rodrigo.

Rodrigo showed the trio back to the courtyard gate.
"Day after tomorrow, at dawn, my friends.  May the blessings of the Lord be upon us all," he said quietly.
He shut the gate behind them and locked it.  He paused to cross himself, then started back toward his cell.  If this endeavour were to succeed, much prayer would be needed.
Rodrigo quickly walked down the pathway that skirted the cloister.  As he entered the long hallway back to his cell, a figure emerged from the shadows near the courtyard arch.  With narrowed eyes, Brother Esteban watched the abbot disappear into the hallway.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 14, 2009, 08:22:53 PM
Two days later, as planned, Rhys, Briggs, and Dolan were at the abbey.  It was well before dawn when they ran the bell at the gate.  Brother Alejandro was there to greet them and swiftly usher them in off the street.  Wordlessly, they followed him to the visiting abbot's cell where their plot had been born.  There they found Brother Rodrigo waiting.  Rhys was immediately taken with how calm the abbot seemed, given the nature of what they were about to attempt.  He himself felt wound tighter than the mainspring of a mechanical clock.  The last time he could remember being so nervous was the first time he had been taken part in a boarding action as part of his uncle Henry's crew.  At least the boarding had been straightforward: jump across to the enemy ship, weapons at the ready, and hurl yourself into battle.  Try your best to stay alive and deprive the opposing fellow the opportunity of doing the same at your expense.  If only this situation lent itself to such simplicity.

Brother Rodrigo warmly greeted each of the men.
"Rhys!  It is so good to see you all!" he beamed.  "The hair, it is much better now, no?"
Rhys ran his hand through his radically shorter hair.  He hoped Rhiannon would understand.  And not laugh too much.  "Well, no," he answered.
The abbot laughed.  "It is small sacrifice God will reward greatly!  Mister Dolan!  You look rested and well?"
Dolan couldn't help but smile at the optimistically exuberant monk.  It felt a bit like the commander reviewing his troops before a battle.  And in many was, it was.
"Ready for anything, brother!" he said smartly.
"Good, good!  Now, speaking of sacrifices..."
Josiah Briggs stood there looking like a little boy forced to wear his Sunday best on a day with fresh, sloppy mud puddles as far as the eye could see.
"Careful, Brother," said Dolan.  "He's a might testy since getting shorn."
Brother Rodrigo smiled at the clean-shaven quartermaster.  "Again, God rewards all sacrifices, no matter how small.  See?  You look ten years younger, Mister Briggs!  A reward already realised."
"I ye say so," grumbled Briggs.
"In two weeks, you'll be getting back to your scruffy self," Rhys said.  "It's going to take much longer for me."
Dolan rolled his eyes.  "Will you ladies stow it?  I've had to listen to this all night long.  Let's worry about saving Jack now, and your vanity later, shall we?"

"Yes, we have much work to do," said Rodrigo.  He went to the trunk at the foot of the bed and retrieved three monk's habits and three pairs of sandals.  He gave a set to each man.
"Here.  Put these on.  You may put these over your clothes if you so wish."
The three men pulled off their boots and slipped their feet into the sandals.
"This'll take a bit of getting' used to," Briggs said.
"Why?" asked Dolan.  "They're shoes."
"I been wearin' boots since I was a lad of ten."
"Thank goodness.  I half expected you to say you were born wearing boots."

"Are they always like this?" Rodrigo asked Rhys.
"Oh, yes.  Can you tell they're good friends?"
"I was afraid they were bitter enemies.  What we are about to do is dangerous enough without any more complications."
"I'll take care of it," said Rhys.  "Oi!  You two, save the banter for later!  You're worrying the good brother.  Now, finish dressing.  In quiet, if you please?"

Briggs and Dolan looked at Rhys like a couple of scolded children, and went about pulling on their monk's robes.  Rodrigo helped them all make sure the layers laid correctly, then showed them how to properly tie the rope belt around their waists.  He stood back and admired his temporary novitiates.
"What do ye think?" asked Briggs.
Rodrigo nodded approvingly.  "You look like fine monks, ready to do God's work.  Now, do any of you speak Espanol well?"
"I do," said Rhys. 
"Let me hear."
Rhys took a deep breath, and began to recite the Lord's Prayer. "Padre nuestro que Estás en los cielos: santificado sea tu nombre.  Venga tu reino, sea hecha tu voluntad, como en el cielo así también en la tierra... "
Rodrigo held up his hand.
"How was that?"
"Very good.  Except that you speak Spanish like an Englishman."
"How do you say 'I fancy a pint and a meat pie with vinegar' in Spanish, Rhys?" Dolan snickered.
"Can you be serious for two minutes, damn it?" snipped Rhys.  Normally he relied on Dolan's wisecracks to keep the mood light, but he found himself out of patience.  Too much was at stake.
Dolan's face fell in the realisation he had made one joke too many.  "Sorry, Rhys."
"It is fine," interrupted Rodrigo.  "Do not worry.  If the guards ask, I shall tell them that you are new novitiates and have taken a vow of silence to prove your devotion to God."
"We appreciate everything ye're doin' for Jack, Brother," said Briggs.  "I mean, not just the robes and such, but all the... well...."
"The lies?" said Rodrigo.  "If I tell a lie or two to prevent a murder, I believe God will find a way to forgive me.  Diego Mendoza is an evil man.  I cannot change him or stop him.  But if I can frustrate him by prevent his committing an evil act, then I shall do it."  He took a deep breath, and a determined look came over him.  "But enough about my soul.  We have Jack Wolfe's life to save.  Now, we have your clothes.  You will need names.  Rhys, I shall call you 'Reyes'.  Mister Dolan, you will be called 'Juan'.  And Mister Briggs, you shall be 'Isaias'.  Please, remember these names.  They mean life for your friend."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 14, 2009, 08:24:39 PM

The three men nodded their understanding.  Rodrigo spent the next several minutes acquainting them how to properly convey a blessing in silence with the rosary, and what kind of medical supplies they would be carrying in.  Finally satisfied that he had prepared them as well as one could hope, they all went to the courtyard to meet up with Brother Alejandro.  The monk was trying mightily not to pace in worry.  He hated going inside the fortress, but this was far riskier than one of Rodrigo's displays of defiance to Mendoza's authority.  If they were found out, Mendoza would surely kill them.
"Thank Heaven!" he said to Rodrigo as they entered to courtyard.  "I was beginning to worry."
"Alejandro, you always worry," Rodrigo said with a reassuring smile.  "These are the novitiates who will be with us today," he continued with a wink.  "Brothers Reyes, Juan, and Isaias."
Alejandro smiled nervously.  "Yes, of course.  You've spoken very highly of them before."  He knew the importance of the charade starting before they left the abbey, in case any prying ears were nearby.  But it only served to set him more on edge.
Rodrigo said a brief prayer, and motioned for Rhys, Briggs, and Dolan to pull up their hoods.  He hoped it would be enough to disguise their English features.
"May God bless us and protect us," he said quietly as he unlocked the gate.

They made their way through the streets, and Rhys couldn't help but notice the grim looks on the faces of the people as they passed.  It seemed that everyone knew where they were headed and why.  He found himself saying a silent prayer not only for Jack, but for them all.  This had to be the craziest scheme he had ever been involved in.  But Jack had a way of being at the centre of enterprises anyone else would think completely mad.

Finally, they arrived at the north gate of the fortress.  Four imposing looking guards stood at their stations.  One of them was a brawny fellow wearing a red shirt under his armour, and by his bearing he was the captain of the guard.  He stepped forward as the monks approached, a cruel sneer on his face.
"If it's Thursday, it must be time for a visit from the merciful Brother Rodrigo and his friends!" he jeered.
"Yes, it is Thursday, Ernesto," said Rodrigo.  "And once again, I shall say a prayer for you.  Now please, let us inside.  No doubt your master has been busy again this week."
"In time, brother, in time.  Hello, Alejandro."  Two simple words, but the way he said them made the monk flinch.
"H-hello, Ernesto."
"And who are these?  A warm day, and they are wearing hoods?"  Ernesto reached for Briggs' hood to pull it back.
"Ernesto!" barked Rodrigo.  "Have you no shame?  These brothers have taken a vow of silence.  They cover their heads to demonstrate their devotion to God, just as you wear that uniform to show your devotion to your employer."
Ernesto glared at the abbot, but his gazed faltered as guilt began to do its work.  "You monks and your vows," he grumbled.  Finally he turned and went to the gate.  "Open up!" he ordered loudly.
With a heavy thud, the thick wooden doors of the gate began to swing inward.  Rodrigo smiled politely at the captain, then motioned for the monks to follow him inside.

They walked across a large, open area that was used primarily for Mendoza to conduct troop reviews when he was in the mood to play military man.  Rodrigo and Alejandro led them toward a low stone building situated between two barracks.  A single guard stood by the heavy metal door.  Wordlessly, he unlocked it and swung it open as the monks approached.  Rodrigo nodded in gratitude as they stepped inside.
The inside of the building was outfitted more as an armoury that a gaol, with muskets and swords lining the walls, ready to be quickly distributed.  In the centre was a spiral staircase that led downward.  Alejandro was the first one to the stairs, and the rest followed.
Rhys fought the urge to cough when the fetid stench first hit his nostrils.  They were a little over halfway down the staircase, which seemed ridiculously long.  The robes and sandals only served to slow their progress.  It felt like they were truly descending into the Pit.
When they reached the bottom, they found themselves in the heart of what could only be described as a dungeon.  Large cells of stone and iron bars, their floors strewn with filthy straw, went off in all directions.  Rhys caught a glimpse of Briggs' face in the flickering torchlight.  Never before had he seen the quartermaster so angry.  Rhys put a hand on his friend's shoulder to let him know his feelings were shared.  Now to find Jack, and try to find a way out.

"Brothers, come here."
Rodrigo and Alejandro were standing further down the hallway.  Alejandro's face was ashen as he looked into the cell.  Dolan, Rhys, and Briggs quickly joined them.
"This is the man I told you of.  The one was have tried so very hard to take care of."  Rodrigo leaned close to Rhys.  "I'm sorry," he whispered.
Rhys' heart sank as he looked into the cell.  There lay Jack Wolfe, slumped against the wall, shackled like an animal.  The man he had known to be so vital, so energetic, so irrepressible, stared back at him with sunken, vacant eyes.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 21, 2009, 11:36:53 AM
"Guard!" called Rodrigo. "Open the cell."
One of the two guards very casually retrieved his keys and unlocked Jack's cell. Rodrigo shot him a withering look when the guard smiled with satisfaction at Jack's suffering. The abbot brushed past him, with Rhys right behind. Briggs and Dolan hovered outside in spite of their desire to rush in and help their fallen friend, or strangle the guards who stood by and did nothing.
Rodrigo and Rhys knelt at Jack's side. Rodrigo took Jack's hand, then brushed the matted hair away from his face. To their mutual relief, Jack blinked slowly. He was still alive.

"Muchas gracias, Dios," Rodrigo said quietly. "Jack, can you hear me? It is Brother Rodrigo. Do you remember me?"
Jack's eyes shifted to the abbot's face, and a faint smile formed on his parched, cracked lips.
"Rod...rigo..." he whispered. "My... friend."
"Yes, Jack, that's right. Very good. But you do not look so good, my friend. You were stronger only a week ago!"
"Lost... lost again at... dice..."
Rodrigo smiled at Rhys. "Even now, Brother Reyes, he makes jokes! Save your strength, please, Jack." He looked up at Dolan and Briggs. "Bring us water, quickly!"
Briggs picked up a bucket that was half full of water and tasted it. The water was starting to go bad, but was still drinkable. Now was not the time to be picky. He quickly brought the water into the cell and gave it to Rhys, who wasted no time cupping water to Jack's mouth. Briggs wanted badly to say something – anything – to his friend and captain that might him hang on. But he knew that would be a death sentence to them all.
As Rhys helped Jack to drink, Rodrigo pulled a small vial from a pouch and mixed its contents with the water in Rhys' hand.
"Something for the pain," he whispered. The abbot then got to his feet and left the cell.
"Alejandro, please go to Jack's side. I'm afraid his time may be near."
Alenjandro took a deep breath and entered the cell. He knelt beside Jack and took from a pouch a small crucifix, which he placed on the pirate's chest.

Rodrigo went to one of the guards, his eyes full of fire.
"Where is your lord and master?" he demanded.
"Colonel Mendoza is busy--"
"I don't care! Bring him here! I want him here when yet another of his sins comes to fruition!"
The guard hesitated, then thought better of arguing and went to fetch Mendoza. He knew better than to anger the abbot any further. There was only one man who intimidated him as much or not more than the Colonel. And that was Brother Rodrigo.

"Hello, Jack. Do you remember me?" asked Alejandro.
"Brother Ale...jandro. The nervous one."
"You're an observant man," smiled Alejandro.
"Occupational hazard. Is this... it?"
"Only you and God have any idea."
"So... so tired..."
Alejandro nodded, then made the sign of the cross with his right hand. He began reciting the last rites just loud enough for everyone to hear.

Rhys continued to give Jack water as Alejandro spoke, but Jack began to shake his head no. He leaned closer as Jack looked at him, and smiled as the light of realisation began to shine in his friend's eyes.
"Reyes?" he said in a rough whisper. A genuine smile brightened his face. "Reyes? Rhys! Why, it's Rhys Mor..."
Rhys' eyes went wide, and he help up his hand. Jack fell silent, but continued to smile.
"I'm glad I... got to see you... one last time." He began to cough, and Rhys gave him another sip of water. "Are any... other 'brothers' here?"
Rhys nodded, and Jack looked up at the monk standing before him. The monk cocked his head just enough for some light to reach his face. Jack gave him a supremely puzzled look, and Briggs nodded in acknowledgement.
Jack looked back to Rhys and shook his head. "You damned fools," he whispered. "You damned, wonderful fools... It's a good... good thing... you're not... real."
Rhys grabbed his hand and squeezed it tight. He nodded vigorously to let Jack know he was indeed real.
"Just my luck... I hallucinate... and do I get a... blonde wench? No..."

Alejandro caught Rhys' eye and gave him a quick nod, and began to speak just a little louder.
Rhys leaned close. "Jack, it's me," he whispered. "Rhys. I'm really here. So is Briggs and Dolan."
"Then, I'm not... not dreaming?"
"No."
Jack blinked a couple times and sighed. "Then you're all... crazier... than me... That's saying something."
"Lay back and rest. We're going to get you out of here."
"No coffins. I... hate pine."
"No coffins, I promise."
Jack smiled, but was overtaken with racking coughs. Alejandro paused and helped Rhys keep the weakened man from tipping over until the coughing subsided.

The sound of heavy boots with spurs could be heard descending the stairs into prison. Rodrigo looked away from Jack's cell into the face of the man he had come to regard as the earthly incarnation of Satan himself.

Colonel Diego Mendoza.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 21, 2009, 11:37:39 AM
"Ah, Brother Rodrigo!" Mendoza said gloatingly. "I understand there is something you want me to see?"
Rodrigo pointed at Jack's cell. "Your latest handiwork," he spat. "Another life wasted, by your hand."
Mendoza's face clouded with disappointment. "Oh, no. Did Wolfe die, and I wasn't here to see it?"
Rodrigo could barely contain his anger at Mendoza's flippant attitude. "No, Diego. Not yet. I did not bring you here to gloat. I brought you here to bear witness, in hope that you might, for once in your life, feel some remorse for the sins you commit!"
"Jack Wolfe committed crimes against me!" said Mendoza angrily. "I demand vengeance, and I shall have it!"
"No," replied Rodrigo.
Mendoza's eyes flared with rage. "No? How dare you tell me no?!"
"Vengeance belongs to God, and God alone. You commit a sin in killing this man. You commit another by being prideful enough to think you may take that which belongs to God. Sin upon sin, Diego. When does it stop?"
"So help me, Brother Rodrigo..."
"What? What will you do? Silence me as well? Another sin? More blood on your hands?"
Mendoza knew what would happen if he murdered the abbot. The entire town would rise up against him, and the truth was he did not have sufficient forces to put down an insurrection. His garrison was a mere 125 men, not the 500 his propagandists had led the townspeople to believe.
"You try my patience, Brother," he said icily. "I will not be judged by you."
"I am but a messenger, Diego. I judge no one. Only God can. If my reminding you of God's laws and His word angers you, then it is you who is in the wrong." Rodrigo knew he was on dangerous ground, but if there were to be any chance of rescuing Jack, Mendoza had to be driven to distraction.

"Would... would someone tell those two... to shut it, and... and let me die... in peace?" Jack rasped.
"You're not going to die," whispered Rhys.
Jack smiled at his friend. "Always the optimist." He leaned toward Rhys so he could whisper and still be heard over the argument raging outside the cell. "Get yourself... out of here. Stay alive... for that pretty girl... in Wales What's her name? Something... with lots of consonants..."
"Rhiannon. And you're gonna be at the wedding."
"Oh no. I hate weddings. They scare me. Smell like... commitment."
Jack was suddenly overcome with another coughing fit, this one worse than the last. When it was over, his eyes were wide, almost panicked. He looked at Rhys, then to Briggs. Josiah had never seen his friend's eyes so full of fear. Every breath was a struggle, and Jack Wolfe was losing.
"This is it, lads," he wheezed. "Too tired... have to sleep..."
"Stay awake, Jack," implored Alejandro. "You can't go to sleep. Not yet."
Jack ignored the monk, and looked to his friends. "Fat lot of good you sods did. But thanks... for trying." He blinked a few times, swallowed hard, and gave a short, coughing gasp. "Blimey..."

Briggs could only stare in stunned silence as his best friend's eyes slowly closed. Rhys felt Jack's hand gradually go limp. He looked at Alejandro, who's face was the picture of serenity and comfort.
"It's all right," the monk said quietly. "You'll see."
He said a quiet blessing and made the sign of the cross on Jack's forehead. He then rose and walked toward the cell door. When he reached Briggs' side, he paused and leaned close.
"Faith, brother. Faith."
Briggs gave him a pained, confused look. A solitary tear ran down the gruff quartermaster's cheek.
Alejandro nodded, then went to the open cell door and cleared his throat. Rodrigo and Mendoza didn't hear over their own quarrelling. With uncharacteristic strength in his voice, he said, "Gentlemen!"
The two warring men stopped and looked at him with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity.
"Gentlemen," Alejandro repeated calmly. "Jack Wolfe is dead."
Dolan stepped to the bars of the cell and looked at his friends. Briggs was now at Jack's side as well. Rhys looked back at Dolan and shook his head.
Rodrigo sighed and crossed himself, and said a silent prayer.

A cruel, satisfied smile curled Mendoza's lips.
"Well, Brother Rodrigo. It would seem I win after all."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 28, 2009, 12:31:16 PM
Mendoza's words were the last straw for Briggs.  He had contained his anger and hatred for the Spaniard far longer than even he could believe.  The quartermaster's face contorted into a mask of wordless rage.  Enough was enough.  Mendoza was going to pay for this latest crime with his life.  He began to get to his feet when Rhys grabbed him by the arm.  Josiah tried to pull free, but Rhys gave him a stern look and slowly shook his head.  He understood the desire for revenge, but acting on it would only serve to get them all killed.  One death today was already too much.

"And what is it you have won, Diego?" Rodrigo asked wearily.
Mendoza buffed the polished handle of his walking stick with his sleeve.  "Honour is served."
"You have a twisted definition of the word."
"I would not expect you to understand, Brother Rodrigo.  What is honour to a monk?"
"You are the one who doesn't understand, Diego.  Honour is best served in mercy.  Something you know nothing about."
"This grows tiresome to me..."
"What is tiresome is your capacity for cruelty.  Is there no remorse left in your heart?  Not one shred of regret?"
"Oh, I have a regret," said Mendoza.  "I regret that Jack Wolfe was far weaker a man than the legends would have us believe.  If only half of them were true, he would spring back to life before our eyes.  But the invincible pirate was no more than a pathetic mortal."
"As we all are," Rodrigo reminded him.  "Pathetic, flawed, and in need of forgiveness.  Some more than others."
Mendoza tried to pretend the abbot's words didn't bother him.  "As per our agreement, Brother, you may remove the body.  Preferably before the rats take an interest in it?"  He nodded to the guard who had brought him.  "Fetch the mule cart."
The guard quickly departed to order up the narrow mule-driven cart Mendoza regularly loaned to the monks for the removal of his expired "guests".  It was common for the livery to have the mule hitched and ready when the monks came to visit, just in case.

Rodrigo shook his head in disgust.  He then turned his attention to Alejandro.
"Brother Alejandro, attend the body, please."
Alejandro nodded, and loosened what appeared to be a small bedroll from the small of his back.  In fact, it was a shroud for carrying dead bodies from the prison.  He gave one end to Rhys, and the other to Briggs.
"Lay it out flat on the ground, and lift him gently onto it," he instructed.
Briggs looked at Rhys, still in a state of disbelief and shock.  Rhys walked to Alejandro's side and spread his end out on the dirt floor.  Briggs mechanically followed suit at his end.  Without hesitation, Rhys went to Jack's body and hooked his hands under Jack's arms.  Briggs hesitated, then took hold of Jack's boots at the ankle.  Together they lifted him onto the shroud, and folded it over his prone form.  Alejandro crossed himself, and gave them a sympathetic smile.
"Brothers, please lift him and follow me.  Brother Juan, attend them."
They lifted Jack's body and followed Alejandro out of the cell toward the stairway.  As they passed Mendoza, the man's face grew concerned.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 28, 2009, 12:31:48 PM
"Wait!"  he cried.
Rhys and Briggs froze, not knowing what to do.
"What is it now?" Rodrigo asked, his tone fully exasperated.
"I want to see the body."
"You made this just a body.  Why do you need to see it again?"
The truth was, Mendoza was a superstitious man.  And many of the stories surrounding Jack Wolfe were built on common superstitions.  And that worried Diego Mendoza.
"I want to see that he is indeed dead."
Rodrigo sighed, and motioned to Rhys and Briggs to set Jack's body on the ground.  Rodrigo pulled back the shroud from Jack's face.
"Look, Diego.  Look into the face of death.  The face you killed.  Are you satisfied?"
Mendoza shook his head.  In one motion, he pulled free a short, thin sword from his ornate cane and held it aloft.
"I shall be, once I am certain once and for all he is dead!"
Rodrigo did his best to interpose his body between Jack and Mendoza's blade.
"Diego Mendoza!  You will not defile this body!  You have done enough to cause this man's death.  You will not mutilate him, not without killing me!"
Mendoza's eyes were wild, almost panicked.  Slowly, he regained control and sheathed the sword.
"What assurance can you give me that he is indeed dead?"
"Brother Alejandro's word is not enough?"
Mendoza shook his head.  "No.  I require more."
Rodrigo gritted his teeth.  "Fine.  Then I shall give it to you."
He dug around in his pouch and produced a small metal mirror wrapped in cloth.  He took the mirror and placed it under Jack's nose.  If a person were alive, their respiration would produce fog on the mirror's surface.  Rodrigo held it there a good thirty seconds, and the mirror never fogged.
"Are you satisfied now?" he demanded.  "Jack Wolfe does not breathe.  He is dead.  By your hand."
Mendoza took a long, hard look at Jack's body, his jaw visibly clenched.  Without unclenching his jaw, he muttered, "Yes."
Rodrigo motioned to Rhys to cover Jack's face and continue on.  Rhys did so, and the small precession began ascending the staircase.
"I never thought I'd see this," remarked Rodrigo.
Mendoza looked at him dismissively.  "See what?"
"I never thought I would ever see you so afraid of another man, especially a dead one."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Jack Wolfe is dead.  You saw to it.  Yet that wasn't enough for you.  You wanted to plunge a sword through his dead heart, just to make sure he wouldn't spring back to life like in the tavern stories you spoke of." 
Rodrigo cocked his head and smiled.
"Deigo Mendoza, afraid of a corpse.  Jack Wolfe was indeed a greater man than you will ever be."
Mendoza's eyes flared.  "Get out.  Get out, now!  I will not tolerate this talk!" he raged, spittle flying from his mouth.  "Never forget this, Brother Rodrigo!  I am a great man!  Do you hear me?  A great man!  I fear no one!  No one!!"
Rodrigo smiled and gave a half bow.
"So you say, Diego.  So you say.  I take my leave of you."

Rodrigo quickly ascended the staircase and left the makeshift armoury to find Jack's body loaded on the mule cart.  Alejandro was already in the driver's seat.
"Make swift, brother," said Rodrigo.  "We have much to do."
Alejandro nodded, and slapped the reins against the little mule's flanks.  The mule gave a half-hearted buck and began to pull forward.
Rodrigo looked to Rhys, Briggs, and Dolan, and found bewildered faces.
"Come.  Quickly.  Our work has just begun."
He turned and walked away quickly, and the three fell in line behind him.  They followed the cart out of the main gates of the fortress.  There was no way they could keep up with the trotting little mule, but they walked as quickly as humanly possible.
No,
Once they were two blocks away from the fortress, Briggs jogged caught up to Rodrigo.
"What in the hell, pardon my language, is goin' on?  What work is left to do besides buryin' him?"
"You will see, soon enough," said Rodrigo, never breaking stride.
"That's it?  I'll see?"
"Yes, you will see."  Rodrigo looked over at Briggs.  "And if you want to see your friend alive, you will be quiet and walk swiftly.  There is not much time."
Briggs' eyes went wide.  Without another word, he fell back with Rhys and Dolan, and walked as fast as his sea legs would carry him.
"What did he say?" asked Dolan.
"Jack's alive, mates.  So we'd best talk less and walk more!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 11, 2010, 08:07:16 AM
Rodrigo led the three men to the back side of the abbey property.  The cobblestones turned into a dirt trail, and they could see the fresh tracks of Alejandro's cart.  They continued to walk quickly, not wanting to lose a single precious moment.  Alejandro appeared at the gate.  He opened it, urgently ushering them through, and locked it behind them.  The nervous monk fell in behind the group, whispering prayers the entire time.

They reached the cart that carried Jack.  The mule was content to stand and doze after the vigorous trot Alejandro had asked of it.  Rodrigo crossed himself for the benefit of anyone who might be watching, then drew back the tarp that had served as Jack's shroud.  Jack's features were still slack and seemingly lifeless.  Briggs had seen him asleep  or passed out plenty of times before, and his friend never looked like this.
"Are ye sure he's still alive?" whispered Briggs.
Rodrigo nodded, and proceeded to pinch Jack's nose closed.  After a few long seconds, Jack's mouth opened as he involuntarily gulped a breath of air.
"We must get him inside," said Rodrigo urgently.
"Ye ain't got to tell me twice!" said Briggs.  "Dolan, grab his legs.  Lively now!"
The two men pulled their unconscious friend from the cart and carried him between them as they followed Alejandro into the abbey. 

Rhys walked alongside Rodrigo.  He tried unsuccessfully to ignore the small graveyard off to one side, and the two freshly dug graves that gaped patiently skyward.
"We open one or two graves before we make our weekly call on Mendoza's prison," said Rodrigo.  "Then pray they will not be needed."
"I can't tell you how glad I am they won't be," Rhys said.  "I'd call that lucky."
"God chose to smile today.  We can all be grateful for that."
"And that we are.  Your ingenuity saved Jack, and all of us.  Brother, I must ask, what was that you put in his water?  Something to drug him, to give the appearance of death?"
Rodrigo shook his head.  "Your friend is close enough to death without such help.  No, it was something much simpler.  An extract from the roots of the valerian plant.  The Indians here have a name for it that means 'all heal'.  It eased his breathing, calmed him and helped him fall into a deep sleep, nothing more."
"But, I don't understand," said Rhys.  "You held a mirror to his face.  He wasn't breathing."
"A parlour trick.  Its surface was coated with lye soap and polished several times."  Rodrigo smiled.  "Such a mirror will not haze from your breath."
"Brilliant!" laughed Rys.  "I'll have to remember that trick!  I'm glad you were able to sell it so effectively.  For a moment, it looked like Mendoza was going to make doubly sure."
"Diego is a murderer and a coward, and carries the guilt that goes with it no matter what he pretends.  That I can still reach it is all that matters.  But enough of our little deception.  The work of saving Jack has just begun."

They hurried between side of the abbey that housed the monk's cloisters and an outbuilding containing the abbey's kitchen and bakery.  They went through a heavy wooden door, and Rhys knew instantly where they were.  It was the end of the hallway near the cell where they had dressed that morning.  He and the abbot quickly slipped inside the cell and shut the door.
Jack was laid out on the bed, still unconscious.  Alejandro was putting leaves and roots from a compartmented box into a stone bowl.  He then ground them together with a pestle made of the same dark stone as the bowl, pausing to add water every now and again as he made a paste.
"He says it's medicine they learnt from the local Indians," said Briggs.
Rhys looked at Rodrigo.  "More herbs to help him rest?"
"No," replied the abbot.  "These are to give him strength and encourage his body to heal.  We teach the Indians God's word, and they teach us new ways to heal.  It is a good trade."
They watched as Alejandro poured some wine into the bowl and create a thickened solution.
"The wine makes it taste better and will help dull his pain a little," he said.
"Ye don't know Jack," said Briggs.  "It'll take more than that for him to notice it at all."
Alejandro transferred some of the dark, pungent liquid to a cup.
"Lift his head."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 11, 2010, 08:08:44 AM
Briggs propped Jack up, using one of the monk's robes as an additional pillow.
"Jack?  Hey, Jack.  It's me, Briggs," the quartermaster said quietly.  He gently patted his friend's face, trying to roust him from sleep.  "Wake up, mate.  Come on, that's it!  That's a good lad!"
Jack's eyes fluttered, then slowly opened.  He winced as he looked around, trying to get his eyes to focus.  Finally his eyes rested on Briggs' face.
"Oh, no," he mumbled, his mouth dry and tongue thick.  "You dead, too?"
"No, and ye ain't dead neither, Jack.  We got ye out of that stinkin' hell hole of Mendoza's."
Jack frowned as he tried to understand.  "Not... not dead?"
"No.  A little worse for wear, but that be it."
"Thirsty."
"We got ye somethin' for that," said Briggs. 
He moved so that Alejandro could bring the cup to Jack's lips.  Jack smiled a little in recognition at the monk, and opened his mouth.  Alejandro poured some of the liquid into his mouth.  He swallowed, and immediately began to choke and sputter.
"Gah!" he gasped.  "Take me... back to Mendoza.  He... was more... humane."
"You must drink more," urged Alejandro.  "It will make you stronger."
"Lucky for... you... I'm so weak."
"Why is that, my friend?"
"You'd be the... first monk... I ever punched."
"First get your strength back, then worry about someone to hit."  The monk brought the cup back up to Jack's mouth, and this time Jack was able to drink more of it.  Though from the faces he made, the healing elixer tasted awful.
"Taste pretty bad there, ol' Jack?" asked Dolan.
"Tasted better dirt," Jack replied.  "Do I have... to drink more?"
"You must finish it all, as quickly as you can," said Alejandro.
"Yeah," said Jack.  His eyes began to grow heavy.  "You're definitely getting punched.  When I'm not... so tired."
"You need to stay awake a little longer and drink the medicine, Jack."  Alejandro smiled as he helped Jack drink some more.  He was astonished at the pirate's irrepressibility.  It gave him hope that Jack might just pull through.

A sharp, insistent knock came at the door.
The men looked to Rodrigo, who seemed just as surprised as any of them.  The abbot held up his hand for them to remain silent as another set of raps sounded.  He turned and opened the door just enough to reveal his face and nothing more.  There in the hallway stood Brother Esteban.
"Was is it that you need, Brother Esteban?"
Esteban tried in vain to see around Rodrigo, but the taller abbot blocked his view entirely.
"I would speak with you, Brother Rodrigo," he said curtly.  Sweat beaded up on the monk's forehead.
"It will have to wait..."
"No!  We will talk now!"
Rodrigo expression did not change, save to raise an eyebrow at the monk's agitation.
"Very well, Esteban.  As you wish."
The abbot opened the door and slipped through, quickly turning his back on Esteban to keep the monk's view of the room's interior.  Rodrigo paused and locked eyes with Briggs.  He gave a reassuring nod, and closed the door solidly.

"All right, you have my attention.  What is it you want, Esteban?  And why are you in such a state?"
"I will ask the questions, Brother," Esteban snapped.  "Not enough questions are asked around here, or of you.  That changes today."
"Is there a problem with your work assignments?  Everyone contributes equally here, you know that."
"The problem is the secrecy that surrounds you and the workings of this abbey.  Something underhanded is going on here, and I want to know what it is!"
"Brother, you are overwrought.  There is no secrecy here, I assure you.  Perhaps your answers are better found through prayer than accusations."
Esteban reached within his robe and produced an ornate flintlock pistol.  With a shaking hand, he pointed its barrel at Rodrigo's chest.
"Esteban, do not be a fool.  Put the weapon away."
"Get away from the door, Rodrigo.  I am going to find out for myself what is going on here."
"What are you doing with a pistol, anyway?  You know weapons are forbidden within these walls."
Esteban gave him an oily smile.  "A gift from a benefactor, who is also curious about what goes on here."
"Diego Mendoza," said Rodrigo, the contempt in his voice unhidden.
"He and I struck up something of a friendship a few months ago.  If I provided him with information, he would be generous with his rewards.  I have asked to meet with him again this afternoon, to tell him about the strangers I have seen you with."
"Tell me, Esteban.  What did Diego promise you for the betrayal of your brothers?"
"That I will be the next abbot, once you are gone.  Which, I am certain, will be very soon." 

He waved the pistol to one side.  "Step away, Rodrigo.  I will not ask again."
Rodrigo sighed in resignation, and moved away from the cell door.  He kept his eyes locked with those of the treacherous monk. 
Esteban pushed the door open and raised his pistol as he stepped inside.  His eyes went wide at the sight of an Englishman standing near the foot of the bed, and Alejandro tending to another beaten, dishevelled Englishman.  The Englishman that was Mendoza's prize prisoner!
"Alejandro!  Get away from him!" he ordered.
Alejandro stood slowly, but kept himself between Esteban and Jack.
"Do it now!" said Esteban, his voice cracking with stress.
"Oi!  What you doin', playin' with guns?" a strange, gruff voice said to his immediate left.
The monk turned and found a rough looking man with shaggy brown hair glaring at him.  He raised the pistol quickly and started to pull the trigger in panic.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 11, 2010, 08:10:08 AM
Esteban felt a strong man's arm grab him from behind, forcing his gun arm up and away from the stranger with the gruff voice.  But before he could struggle or cry out, he became aware of a sensation in his back that was cold and seared at the same time.  It seemed to go all the way through his body, through his very heart.  His legs felt like wet ropes, unable to support him any more.  Someone was lowering him to the floor, and a terrible darkness came rushing in like the ocean...

"Oh, yeah.  That's what dead looks like," said Jack.  "Don't worry, Josiah.  You look much better than him..."  With that, he drifted off to sleep again.

Dolan looked up at Rodrigo apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Brother.  He came in here waving that gun, and he was gonna shoot Briggs..."
Rodrigo closed the door.  He turned and looked down at Esteban's body, and crossed himself. 
"Judas will not get his silver today.  You did what you had to do, Mister Dolan.  Esteban made many, many poor choices.  One of which was getting word to Mendoza that you are here."  He turned to Rhys next.  "I'm sorry, Rhys.  But we will not have time to make your friend strong enough to travel.  Mendoza will be here with his soldiers, and they will search this entire abbey.  There is no place I can hide you and your men, or Jack, with any certainty."
Rhys bit his lip.  "No, I suppose we don't have a choice.  If Mendoza thinks Jack is alive, he'll tear this place down brick by brick.  Can we borrow the cart and mule?"
Rodrigo smiled.  "It is not mine to lend.  It belongs to Mendoza.  And despite his iron-fisted ways, Rio de la Hacha is somewhat of a lawless town.  One turns their back on an unattended bit of property, it may well disappear."
"I do like the way you think, Brother!  Briggs, Dolan, let's get Jack loaded on the cart again.  Either of you know how to drive a mule?"
"Aye, me grandpappy was a coachman!" said Briggs.  "Taught me the basics.  And he told me some stories that'd--"
Rhys jerked a thumb towards the abbot.
"-- not be polite to repeat in present company, I'm thinkin'.  Come on, Dolan.  Let's get Sleepin' Beauty into his carriage."
"Wait a moment!" said Rodrigo.  "Please remove his boots and leave them here."
"What?  Them's Jack's favourite boots!" protested Briggs.
"We are a poor monastery, Mister Briggs.  I can sell those boots to buy more medicines with which to help Mendoza's victims, and you know there will be more."
Briggs thought about it for a moment.  "It's a small price for all ye've done, Brother.  It ain't like he can't get more."  He pulled off Jack's boots and left them on the trunk.

Dolan and Briggs lifted Jack carefully and carried him out of the room.  Alejandro picked up a blanket and went with them to help, and to field any questions that might arise.
Rodrigo began silently packing up the medicine box.
"Brother Rodrigo, I want to thank you again for everything you've done to help Jack.  I know you've put yourself at risk, and..."
"I would do it again, Rhys, to stop a life from being needlessly and cruelly taken."  Rodrigo closed up the medicine box and latched it.  Then he picked it up and held it out for Rhys to take.  "You will need this.  I pray there will be enough to keep him alive until you make it back to your home port."
"But, he seemed so much stronger with that little bit Alejandro gave him."
"It was the first nutrition he has taken in a long time.  His body will burn it up quickly.  There are instructions in the box to tell you how to mix the herbs.  Now, go.  Take your friend back to your ship and get him home as soon as you can.  Mendoza will be here any time now, and I do not want him to find you here."
Rhys took the box and nodded.  "We'll leave with the tide at first light tomorrow.  Thank you, Brother.  I wish there was something I could do for you in return."
"Get your friend home alive, so he may bedevil Mendoza once more.  That will be payment enough.  Now, go with God, and quickly!"
Rhys smiled, and left the cell.  Rodrigo looked down at the lifeless body of the traitor, Esteban, and shook his head.
"Your role is not played out yet, brother," he said quietly.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 11, 2010, 08:11:33 AM
Rhys hustled out the door and jogged toward the cart.  As he approached, he could hear Alejandro giving Briggs instructions.
"Yes, it is the same road the Indians had you skirt as you came into town.  It is quite rough, but it will take you all the way to the bay in half an hour's time."
"As long as it takes us where we're goin', I can handle it from there," said Briggs confidently.  He checked the mule's harness and bridle.  After making a few quick adjustments, he patted the mule on the neck.
Jack was laid out in the back of the cart once again.  The blanket had been put down as a palette for his comfort.  Rhys secured the box of medicine in the cart, then took a step back to figure out their next steps.
"There's not enough room on the bench for all three of us," he said with a sigh.  "And Mendoza probably knows there are three of us, thanks to Esteban."
"I know you, Rhys," Dolan said.  "There's an idea cooking up, I can tell."
Rhys gave a wry smile.  "We hide in the cart with Jack.  It will be cramped, but there's no other way."
"We're all one big happy crew," laughed Dolan.  "Not like we've never been shoulder to shoulder with mates before."
"It's settled then.  Briggs, are you and your steed ready?"
"Aye, as ready as we'll ever be.  We lucked out, I reckon.  This one's still pretty young.  I think I can coax some speed out of him."
Rhys turned back to Alejandro.  "Thank you for everything, Brother.  I wish we could repay your kindnesses."
"Be safe.  That will be payment enough."  The monk made the sign of the cross and said a short prayer for their protection.  "Now, my friends.  Farewell.  Vaya con Dios."

Dolan and Rhys climbed into the cart and pulled the tarp over themselves.  It was tight fit, but it would have to do.  Briggs took his seat on the bench while Alejandro swung open the gate.
"Right, then!"  he said as he took the slack out of the reins.  "Let's see what ye got!"
He shook the reins and make two sharp clucking sounds.  The mule flicked an ear, and did not move.  Cursing under his breath, he looked around for a buggy whip, but found nothing.
"We ain't got time for this," he grumbled.  Remembering a trick his grandfather taught him, Briggs flicked the reins hard, causing them to slap the mule hard on the rump with a loud pop.  The surprised mule gave a little buck and began to move forward.
"That got yer attention!  Move yer lazy arse!  Hyah!"
The mule didn't seem interested in going any faster than a walk, so Briggs gave him another crack with the reins.  That got the mule trotting.  Briggs doffed his hat to Alejandro as they went through the gate and turned down the dirt lane.

As he quickly approached the main road, the mule began to slow down.
"Oh no, ye don't!"  Briggs flicked the reins again, but this time the mule ignored him.
"Damn it all, what I wouldn't do for a whip right now...."  He looked under the bench again, and found a half dozen stones, each a little smaller than a peach and fairly flat.  He picked one up and hefted it, then tapped it loudly on the bench four times.  Once they had made the turn onto the road, Briggs threw the rock hard and hit the mule squarely on the right side of his rump.  To the quartermaster's satisfaction, the mule found the inspiration to start running.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 18, 2010, 07:35:08 AM
People on the street turned and looked when they heard the clatter of hooves and wagon wheels on the cobblestones.  They saw the mule-drawn cart racing down the street, weaving around obstacles, the driver clearly unwilling to slow down.  Pedestrians dodged out of harms way and took refuge in doorways and alleys.  A shopkeeper shook his fist and shouted angrily, upset over a large table of casaba melons that had gotten side-swiped by the passing cart as it turned onto a crossing street.

Brother Alejandro had told Briggs where to take jog off the main street to avoid going past the fortress gates where there were sure to be armed guards.  And Briggs new that if the mule caught sight of home, there would be no getting him to go past.
"Ye all right back there?" he called.
"Still here!" replied Dolan.  "In spite of your crazy driving!"
"Think ye can do better, Mister Smart Mouth?"
"Best speed, Mister Briggs!" interrupted Rhys.  "We'll hang on!"
"Aye, cap'n!"  The quartermaster flicked the reins.  "Shift, ye miserable son of a glue pot!"
They took another sharp corner, heading once again for the road out of town toward the bay.  Briggs smiled, confident they were home free.  The smile evaporated when he saw a patrol of four men emerge from the alley.
"Blimey," he muttered.  "Hold tight and heads down!  We got company!"
The soldiers reacted in surprise, and quickly formed a barrier across the street with their bodies.  The head of the patrol, wearing a red shirt under his cuirass, held his hand up for the cart to stop.
Briggs clucked and flicked the reins, urging the mule on.
The leader said something to his men, and they raised their muskets.
The cart sped onward.
The leader raised his own musket and barked an order.  His men adjusted their aim.
Briggs held his breath, but kept the mule running right at them.
The leader shouted another order.  The crack of gunfire rang through the street.

One of the soldiers fell backward onto the cobblestones, his armour chestplate dented inward by the ball from a pistol.  The others were momentarily distracted by their comrade's fall, and realised their chance to fire had passed.  They dove to the sides of the street as the cart rumbled past them.  One man got a shot off as Briggs slowed enough to turn onto the main road.
Briggs shielded his face as splinters erupted from the bench beside him.  He laughed nervously with relief that the shot had gone wide, missing him, his friends, and the mule.  This time the mule didn't need any encouragement to keep running.
"Nice shootin' back there, Dolan!"
"Nice shooting, my arse!  I wanted the commander!"
"Ye did?  Then yer shootin' stinks like usual!"
Dolan laughed as he pulled the tarp back into place over him once again.  He looked over to Rhys, who was keeping a watchful eye on Jack.
"I can't believe he slept through all that."
Rhys shook his head.  "He's still terribly weak.  We'll need to get him back to Barbados as soon as possible."
Jack frowned in his sleep.  His eyes were clenched, and he seemed to be muttering.
"I'm almost afraid to wonder what he could be dreaming about," Rhys continued.
"Briggs' driving, most likely.  I know I'll be having nightmares over it!"

To call it a proper road was a stretch.  In the early days of Rio del la Hacha, the small bay where El Lobo lay at anchor had served as the main port.  Now that the town had its own port facility, the bay and the road leading to it had fallen into disuse, visited only by Indians, smugglers, and pirates.  The jungle was already beginning to reclaim large portions of the road.  Briggs tried to keep the wheels in the ruts, doing his best to avoid where it had eroded or collapsed.  The cobblestone streets of town seemed glassy smooth in comparison.  He let the mule slow a bit, not wanting the animal to stumble or injure a leg.  The mule, however, took Briggs' leniency as a signal to stop.
"Oh, no ye don't!"  He reached under the bench and retrieved another rock.  As before, he tapped it loudly on the bench four times. 
The mule's ears went up in alarm, and it lunged forward, practically knocking Briggs off his bench.  He was quickly able to get the mule under control, but kept him at a trot this time.
When the mule jumped forward, the cart was jerked so hard that all three men in back could not avoid hitting their heads against the front end of the cart.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 18, 2010, 07:36:29 AM
"Ow!" cried Jack.  He opened his eyes and looked around.  "What the... where the hell am I?  And what the hell am I doing under a sheet with the lot of you?"
"It's not a sheet, Jack, it's a tarp," Rhys explained.  "You're in the back of a cart headed out of Rio de la Hacha, back to the ship.  We're rescuing you!"
The cart hit another washed out section with bone-jarring force.
"Did it occur to anyone to take an actual road?"
"This is a road, Jack!" Briggs replied.  "Or what passes for one in these parts!  Glad you're back with us!"
"Only if we survive this wagon ride!"  Jack's head rebounded off the bed of the cart as they hit another collapsed bit of road.  "Ouch!  Damn it!  And what's that stench?  Casaba melons?  I hate those things!"
"Easy, Jack," said Rhys.  "The medicine has you overstimulated.  You have to save your strength."
The cart shook with bone-jarring violence, as if they were rolling across a giant washboard.
"I think I chipped a tooth!  Damn it, I did!  Worst rescue EVER!!" Jack bellowed.
"Anything in that box to knock him back out?  'Cause I'm about to!" yelled Briggs.
"Wait, wait," said Jack.  "The monks...  where's Mendoza?  I was dead!  Oh God, my head is fuzzy."
"You've been in and out of consciousness all day," Rhys explained.  "The monks tricked Mendoza into thinking you were dead."
"They had me fooled, too.  Hearing someone giving you last rights isn't a pleasant experience.  I like Latin, but... at a distance."
"Had us all fooled, you did," said Dolan.  "You make a pretty convincing stiff."
Rhys continued on.  "We pulled you out of that hell hole of his and got you back to the abbey, where the monks gave you some medicine.  But brother Rodrigo tells me that your body will use it up quickly, which is why you need to be still and rest."
Jack closed his eyes.  "Too bad there's not more of it.  I feel as wretched as this road rides.  Wretched and tired.  All Billingsly knows how to do is bandage up what he's cut off.  Gives a good shave, though," he said as he rubbed his face.  "I'm overdue."
"Don't you worry," said Dolan.  "The brothers packed us off with plenty more, eh, Rhys?  You'll be right as rain, just you watch!"
Rhys remembered Rodrigo's words.  "I pray there will be enough to keep him alive until you make it back to your home port."  But now was not the time for truth.  Jack had been through enough.  What he needed now was hope.
"Plenty more, Jack," said Rhys.  "You're going to be just fine with a little food and rest.  That's a promise."

The road mercifully smoothed out as they reached the bay.  Briggs pulled the cart to a stop well in sight of the ship.  He stood and waved his hat in the air, and he could see someone on the quarterdeck wave back.  He then made an exaggerated beckoning motion, indicating that they needed a boat, and quickly.  When the crewman waved again, Briggs jumped down from the bench and went to see if he could be of help with Jack.
"He's asleep again," said Rhys.  "That last bit of smooth road lulled him right out."
Briggs nodded, his face clouded with concern.  "I signalled for a boat.  They oughta have one over double quick.  If not, I'll find out why."
"Spoken like a true quartermaster.  Dolan, you and Briggs fold the tarp up so we can use it as a litter when the boat arrives.  I'm going to have a look at this medicine chest."
Briggs and Dolan set about their task while Rhys opened large wooden box Brother Rodrigo had given him. 
Inside where several linen bags, each filled with dried leaves or roots.  Each one was labelled in Latin.  There was a stone mortar and pestle, and to his relief a folded piece of paper with instructions how to make the medicine for Jack and how often he should be given it.  He knew the responsibility would fall to himself, Briggs, and Dolan to care for Jack.  The ship's barber-surgeon, Jonas Billingsly, was handier with a rum bottle and saw than  he was the finer points of the healing arts.

Rhys looked at the ship, wishing it was the Neptune Rising instead of El Lobo.  Then setting foot aboard her would mean not returning to Barbados, but to Wales, and his beloved Rhiannon.
"I hope you can forgive me, my love," he said softly.  "I'm sorry, but I have to see this through.  I'll make it up to you.  I promise."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 18, 2010, 07:38:03 AM
His reverie was broken when he saw the longboat appear from around the far side of the ship and head toward shore.  He sighed deeply and closed the medicine box.
"The boat is on the way, lads," Rhys said, trying to sound upbeat.  "It should be here in a couple minutes."
"Hmph," grunted Briggs.  "It'll be a damned sight sooner, I think!"
He went toward the beach, waving his arms and shouting.  "Oi!  Shift it!  The captain's hurt!  Faster, ye gobs!"
He watched for a moment, and gave a satisfied nod when he saw the tempo of the boat crew's rowing pick up.  He turned around, and saw the mule staring back at him, still breathing heavily from all the running.
"Aw, don't give me that look," Briggs said as he went to the mule's side and patted its neck.  "I know ye ain't used to that much work, but it was for a good reason.  And ye did good.  I wish I had a carrot for ye, or some cane sugar.  Ye earned it, that's for sure."
Briggs took off the mule's bridle, and had just started to remove the harness when he heard the boat beach behind him.
"Well, it's about time ye showed up!"  He took a few steps toward the men.  "Captain's in the back of the cart.  He's hurt real bad, so be careful of him!  Take him over now and get him aboard, then come back for us.  No dawdlin'!  Off with ye!"
The men went to Jack, and lifted him out of the cart using the tarp as a stretcher.  Swiftly but gently, they got him into the boat and started back to the ship.  Briggs looked on as they rowed away.

"YEOUCH!!!" he yelled, and grabbed his backside.  He turned quickly, and found that the mule had stepped up behind him and registered his opinion of all the work Briggs had made him do.  As Briggs rubbed his injured behind, Rhys and Dolan stood to the side, doubled over in laughter.
"Why didn't ye tell me he was makin' a sneak attack?" he complained.
Dolan tried to catch his breath.  "We figured he was trying to settle the score!  I pity the next person handling him when he hears four knocks!"
Briggs tried to stay upset, but the laughter was too infectious.  He burst out in laughter himself, and rubbed the mule's forehead.
"We'll call it a draw, you and me," he chuckled.  He unfastened the mule's harness, and the animal took a few steps forward and looked at him.
"Aw, now don't go thinkin' ye got a new home!  Shoo!  Off with ye!"
The mule took a few reluctant steps toward the road, and looked back.
"Sweet Mother Mary, he thinks I'm his new best friend.  Shoo!  Go!"
Briggs ran at the mule, shuffling his feet in the rocks and clapping his hands.  The mule trotted a couple steps, but came to a stop and looked back again.
"That does it," said Briggs.  He picked up a rock and knocked it again the side of the cart once, twice, three times....
On the fourth knock, the mule brayed in alarm and began trotting down the road.  Briggs smiled to himself in satisfaction.
"Poor fellow," said Dolan.  "A shame he has to go.  He finally met his equal in you."
Briggs smiled proudly, but quickly realised he'd just been insulted.
"Why, I oughta..." he started.
"Save it, lads," said Rhys.  "Here comes the boat.  Finish when we're back aboard.  I'm sure the men will enjoy the distraction."

Once back aboard El Lobo, Rhys made sure Jack was carried below to the surgery.  He was still asleep, but fitfully.  Rhys could feel warmth in Jack's forehead.  A fever was setting in.  It would be a long trip home.
Rhys went to the quarterdeck to find out what had transpired aboard while he was away.  A man named Riley had the watch.
"So, what happened to our Indian friends?  I thought they were supposed to be at the ready to provide a distraction."
Riley shook his head.  "They pulled a fast one, they did.  Said you promised them half the liquor up front.  We delivered, and the next thing we knew they were paddling back out to open water, laughing their fool arses off!"
Rhys sighed.  "Then let's hope the good brothers bought us enough time to get away.  Make the ship ready.  We sail tomorrow morning with the tide."

A loud knock came at the door to the great cabin.  Rhys was startled awake.  It was early in the morning, and he had just fallen asleep after tending to a feverish Jack.
"What?!" he said sharply.
The door opened, and Briggs stepped inside.
"Don't you ever sleep?" Rhys asked testily.
"Not near as much as I'd like to," Briggs replied.  "I hate to bother ye, but we've got a bit of a situation topside."
Rhys rubbed his eyes.  "God, what now?"
"Visitors."

Rhys strode onto the weather deck a pace behind Briggs.  He hadn't bothered to put on a shirt, so he pulled a frock coat around him to ward off the cool night air.
"There, on the shore," said Briggs.
Two men stood on the beach.  One was waving a lantern.  Beside them were what looked to be two oversized duffel bags.
"A glass, and quick," he ordered.  A crewman brought him the spyglass from the quarterdeck.  He looked through it for a moment, and snapped it shut.
"Send the boat and bring them aboard now.  No questions," he said urgently.
"Who is it?" asked Briggs.
Rhys stared out at the two figures on the beach.  "Rodrigo and Alejandro.  Bring them to the cabin once they're aboard."
He picked up a lantern and waved it in response.  The lantern on shore waved again, then was extinguished.  Without another word, he left to make himself presentable for their guests.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 18, 2010, 07:39:21 AM
"Right this way, brothers," said Briggs as he ushered the two monks into the ship's great cabin.  Alejandro was his usual nervous self.  Rodrigo, on the other hand, simply looked tired.
Rhys had the large wooden table cleared off save for a decanter of wine.  With a smile, he stood and motioned for them to sit down.  Briggs took his customary seat at the end of the table to Rhys' left.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable."  Rhys waited for them to be seated.  "May I pour you both some wine?"
Rodrigo smiled wearily.  "Normally we would only take wine as part of the Sacraments, but after the events of today, I believe I shall accept your offer."
Rhys began pouring.  "For you, Brother Alejandro?"
"Yes, please," the monk said quietly.
"So, what brings you aboard?  I have an idea, but I'd rather hear it from you."
Rodrigo took a large sip of wine, and he began to visibly relax as he savoured it's taste.  "It was made abundantly clear to us that our lives are no longer protected by our positions in the Church."
"From Mendoza?" Rhys asked.
"Who else?  He arrived at the abbey two hours after you left us, with a dozen of his soldiers.  One of the brothers tried to stall them, but they threatened to tear the place apart unless Diego was taken to me immediately."  Rodrigo paused for another sip of wine.  "So they brought him to where Alejandro and I were.  In the graveyard."
"For Esteban?"  Briggs asked.
Rodrigo nodded his head.  "Diego demanded that I turn over the three Englishmen Esteban had told him about, as well as Jack's body.  I told him I could do no such thing, as there were no Englishmen at the abbey to give him.  Of course, he demanded to see Brother Esteban as well.  I told him Esteban had left the abbey earlier in the day to buy leather for sandals."
"But, how did ye get around him askin' for Jack's body?" said Briggs.
A self-satisfied smile graced Rodrigo's lips.  "Diego believed that we were in the midst of burying Jack."
"I'm afraid I don't follow," said Rhys.
"We were indeed burying a body.  Esteban's.  Alejandro and I had begun filling in the grave when Diego arrived.  As per custom, the head is covered with dirt first, then downward to the feet.  Before he could demand proof, I pulled the shroud from around Esteban's feet..."
Briggs  began to laugh.  "And lo and behold, there be Jack's boots!  Ye weren't goin' to sell 'em, ye used 'em to buy time!"
"Time was the most precious commodity we have, and the boots bought us all a great deal.  But not an infinite supply.  Diego was already angry about his cart being stolen, which he had heard about from one of his patrols.  When tomorrow comes and Brother Esteban is not there to give him the information he promised...  It was clear our time in Rio del la Hacha was at an end."
"What can we do for you both, Brother?"  asked Rhys.  "Just ask."
Rodrigo finished his wine.  He looked at Alejandro, who was still toying with his cup.  "We ask passage to Barbados with you.  But we have no money with which to pay, so we offer our services in caring for Jack on the journey there."
"Done!" said Briggs and Rhys, almost in unison.
"Mister Briggs will find quarters for you," Rhys went on to say.  "I'll not ask you to bed down with the crew."
"If possible, may we be close to Jack, that we may keep a close watch on him?" asked Alejandro.
"Aye, that should be easy enough," said Briggs.  "We set ye up in the surgery.  There be empty bunks for ye both, and Billingsly don't make much noise unless he's snorin'."
"We do not wish to impose," said Rodrigo.
"Nonsense," Rhys said.  "You're honoured guests aboard this vessel.  It's the least we can do after all the help you've given us."
"Thank you, Rhys and Josiah," Rodrigo said.  "Your kindness is indeed a blessing."
"As is yours, brother.  Briggs, would you kindly show our guests to the surgery?  We sail in a few hours, and I think we can all use our rest."

As the first rays of light broke over the hills outside Rio de la Hacha, the upper sails of El Lobo del Mar were unfurled to catch the morning breeze coming off the land.  Slowly she eased forward out of the bay and into the open waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Rhys Morgan watched the sunrise from the quarterdeck, and said a silent prayer for their journey home to be a swift and uninterrupted one.  Rodrigo had assured him that Jack's fever was controllable between the Indian's herbs and the limited medicines in the surgery, but by no means was Jack in the clear.
"Ten days to Barbados," said Briggs.  The relief of being back at sea was evident in the quartermaster's voice.
Rhys tapped his knuckles on the gunwale.  "Pass word to the men.  Bonus money if they get us home in 8 days."
"Are ye daft?  We ain't got that kind of money layin' about!"
"You let me worry about that, Josiah.  Just get the word around, please?"
"Aye," Briggs sighed.  "I sure hope ye know what ye're doin'."
"We'll find out in eight days," smiled Rhys.  "Full sails as soon as we're free and clear, Mister Briggs!"
Briggs gave him a small salute.  "Full sails, aye!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 24, 2010, 09:08:33 PM
Beaumaris, Wales

"Come on, Muir--let's go check."
The wolf-dog raised his head and gave what passed for a sigh. He trotted off to the docks with his mistress.

Rhiannon scanned the port, then to the horizon. No sign of the sails she longed to see. She tried to keep the tears that welled in her eyes from spilling over.
'Two months now. He promised, Muir....he promised."
Muir put his muzzle in Rhiannon's hand. She pet her faithful companions head, then hugged his neck.
'Why, Muir? Why is he not here?'
She felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning quickly, she came face to face with one of the novitiates.
"Mary Agnes."
"Come with me, Rhiannon.  Mother Superior wants to see you on a matter of grave importance."
"What now?"
"I have no idea."
"Oh, bother! I forgot to make the beds."

Rhiannon stood in front of the Mother Superior.
"Your dog stays out of the office."
She lifted her head in defiance.
"Muir stays with me."
Mother Superior drew her mouth into a tight line.
"Very well. How long has it been going on?"
"How long has WHAT been going on?"
"You and...that man."
Rhiannon felt her heart sink.
"What--what do you mean?"
Mother Superior stood up, her face a mask of contorted rage.
"You have been meeting that man. Often and in a most unseemly manner."
Rhiannon's mind raced.  How? How did Mother Superior find out?
She drew up her courage. "I don't know what you are talking about," she said haughtily.
Mother Superior took her switch and smacked it so hard on her desk that it broke in two.
"Do NOT add lying to your sins, Rhiannon."
At this point, Rhiannon knew she had been found out so she mounted her counterattack.
"So I was seen talking to a man. That doesn't mean anything. I have talked with lots of sailors. I find them alot more fascinating than burying my nose in a hymn book and wailing a dirge like the Benedictine monks. If talking to colourful and interesting people is a sin, then yes, I am guilty."

The nun's face twisted in rage. "You have been found out, Miss Conaway. Someone finally came forward. Her conscience bothered her and she confessed what she saw to a priest."
Rhiannon couldn't believe what she was hearing. Not so much that she had been confessed to a priest but the fact that a priest violated the sanctity of confession.
"The priest felt it was his duty to tell me to save your immortal soul. Little did he know the problems I have had to endure because of you. Your father has been generous to us as our benefactor. But it seems your time has run out. I am sending you back to your father."
"You-you're sending me away?"
"He can deal with you and your sinful ways."
"Sinful ways. If talking to a few sailors is a sinful way, then yes, I am guilty of that."

Mother Superior took great delight in her next words.
"Your sinful ways consist of more than chatting. More like pleasures of the flesh. Oh, yes! You were seen coming out of a cave with a--a pirate! The person who observed you on more than one occasion had seen you come out arm-in-arm with a man who is renowned in these parts as a pirate who uses the cliffs and caves for his smuggling operation. The last time you trysted in there, you left behind a blanket and a candle. It wasn't hard to deduce what had been going on in that cave!"

Rhiannon was beginning to see there was no defense. She was being sent back to Lord Conaway. Her head bent down in defeat and her shoulders sagged.
The Mother Superior then went in for the kill.
"You have been looking more pale every day and losing weight. You are not with child, are you?"
At that Rhiannon snapped back to reality.
"With child? No, I am not with child. I almost wish I was! I'd have someone to love me. And you'd best hear it from me, Mother Superior! I would raise that child in love and not with alot of detestable and harsh rules--or with beatings. And my child would be the child of the most feared and awesome pirate in Wales---in the world!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 25, 2010, 06:15:36 AM

That day, Rhiannon Conaway packed her meager belongings. She carefully folded the yellow dress that she wore the first day she and Rhys had made love. Muir stood beside her, his tail wagging. Almost as if he knew they were breaking free from the chains of the Order of St Brigid.
Mother Superior had arranged for a carriage to transport them back to Lord Conaway.

As Rhiannon walked down the hall, the nuns and novitiates were lined up. She looked each one of them straight in the eyes.
Each one met her gaze. Some with pity, some with compassion. One or two with a faint amusement.
And one who stood with her eyes cast down.
Mary Agnes.
The novitiate.

Mother Superior stood at the door. Stiffly she said, "God be with you."
Rhiannon replied, 'Whatever."
"Your carriage is waiting."
Rhiannon said, "I would like to say goodbye to Cedric if you don't mind. It will only take a few minutes. You can grant me that one favor, can you not? I mean, since you made so much money by my being here...."
Steely, the Mother Superior said, "Alright. Ten minutes. No more."
Rhiannon nodded silently.

As Muir trotted beside her, she said softly to him, 'Don't question, Muir. Just stay with me. I know what I am doing.'
She went to the side door of the stable and opened it up.
There stood one of the horses of the Order of St Brigid.
A white stallion by the name of Taliesin.

Muir started to bark.
"Hush, Muir! The way I understand it was Father gave alot of money to the Order to keep me here. So, in a sense, I think this horse belongs to the Conaways."
She quietly bridled Taliesin. He was a stallion seventeen hands high.
She took Muir and hoisted him over the crossbars of the stall so his feet were dangling over each side. He whimpered as he hung there.
"Quiet, Muir. It is just for a minute."
Throwing her bag over the back of the horse, she climbed the crossbars and jumped expertly onto Taliesin's back.  Reaching over, she scooped up her wolfdog into her waiting arms.

She whispered, 'Think you are going to send me home in a rented conveyance like some Scottish woman? Think again, you old battle-ax!  Lady Rhiannon Conaway will go home in her OWN way."

She touched Taliesin's neck and whispered, 'Off to the meadows, Taliesin. I heard the hay is good and that pretty little mare is usually out there.'
He whinnied and tossed his head, walking briskly towards the door.  She murmured, 'Just like a man to trot off if there is a good bedding to be had....'
As the horse cleared the door, she kicked him hard in the flanks. Taliesin leaped and galloped across the meadow.
Towards Rhiannon's childhood home.
For all six years of her life.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 01, 2010, 08:34:17 AM
Caribbean Sea, near the Grenadines

Rhys heard a tentative knock at the cabin door.  He was plotting the ship's latest position, attempting to determine just how far away they were from their destination of Barbados.  With a sigh, he put his instruments down and took a sip of brandy.
"Come," he announced.
The door slowly opened, and Brother Rodrigo stuck his head into the cabin.
"I hope I am not disturbing you," the abbot said.
"No, not at all, Brother!  Please, do come in."  Rhys picked up his measuring rule again as Rodrigo closed the cabin door and took a seat across from El Lobo's acting captain.  "I was double-checking our position.  I have to say that I'm quite proud of the crew!  They're going to earn that incentive money I promised at this rate."
"You have a fine crew, Rhys.  They have been most respectful of us.  Not at all like what I had been told about life aboard English ships.  Certainly not what I expected on a pirate ship."
Rhys smiled.  "You'll find this is no ordinary pirate ship."
"Of course it is not!  She is as unusual as her master."
"Yes, well...  Jack is, to say the least, unique."
"I can see that from the fierce loyalty he inspires in his friends."  Rodrigo shifted in his seat.  "Josiah told me of your sacrifice to lead Jack's rescue."
"Not a sacrifice," sighed Rhys.  "Just a delay.  The moment I'm sure Jack will recover fully, I'll be bound for Wales as fast as my ship will take me."
"She must be extraordinary."
"She's fast and hearty, worthy of my last ounce of pride.  I inherited her from my uncle when he retired to a life on dry land."
Rodrigo chuckled.  "I was referring to the reason you want to get back to Wales so urgently, Rhys."
"You... OH!"  Rhys felt his face grow hot.  "Yes, extraordinary is a good word for Rhiannon.  It feels like I've been away from her for an eternity.  I would have been back already, if Jack hadn't gotten himself kidnapped."

Rodrigo nodded, choosing to ignore the bitter notes in Rhys' voice.  Rhys was a man in love and a man delayed.  Some resentment was natural.
"Speaking of Jack... how long before we make port?"
Rhys made a measurement and checked the number against some others he had jotted down earlier.
"By this, just under two days.  The crew have done a fine job!  I asked them for eight days instead of ten, and that's what they're giving me."
"I see," Rodrigo said grimly.
"I don't like the sound of that," said Rhys.  "What's the matter?"
"We have run out of the medicine to treat Jack.  Our attempts to fight his fever caused us to use it up too quickly."
Rhys exhaled slowly.  "Damn."
Rodrigo nodded in agreement.  "Alejandro and I shall do what we can, but he will need a doctor's care immediately once we reach land."
Rhys slapped the ruler down on the table in frustration.  "There's no more speed to be had.  The masts are already at the breaking point as it is."
"Then it is is God's hands."
"I pray He's in a charitable mood."
"He is always charitable, Rhys," said Rodrigo.  "But like any charitable father, sometimes He says no."

The next two days passed slowly, even as El Lobo sliced through the sea, her masts and hull groaning in protest.  Briggs had the ship's cooper adapt some of the metal bands used to reinforce barrels to serve the same purpose for the masts.  Jack's fever returned just as the monks feared, quickly driving him into delirium.  Rodrigo and Alejandro tended to him with diligence and patience in spite of his ravings.  Billingsly, the barber-surgeon, insisted on bleeding Jack to "correct an obvious imbalance of the humours" and bring down the fever.  The monks vehemently opposed this, going so far as to wait until Billingsly passed out once again from too much liquor and stealing his keys to the surgery.  He awoke to find himself deposited on the main deck, locked out of his own domain.  His complaints to Rhys fell on deaf ears, and he resigned himself to finishing out the trip bunked with the rest of the crew on the gun deck.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 01, 2010, 08:35:58 AM
Finally, El Lobo reached home.  She charged into the harbour at Bridgetown late at night, blazing lanterns hanging from the yards, bowsprit, and gunwales.  They did not wait for a pilot to guide them in safely.  Instead, Briggs brought them in as close to shore as he dared and dropped anchor.  Even before the anchor cable had been drawn taught, the ship's longboat was being lowered over the side.  Inside it, bundled in blankets for warmth and restraint, was Jack, with Rodrigo and Alejandro at his side.  No sooner was the boat in the water than Rhys, Briggs, and Dolan clambered down the ship's side and began rowing for all they were worth.
"I still don't know where you expect to find a physician in the middle of the night," said Dolan.
"Neither do I," said Rhys grimly. 
"That's why we're goin' to see somebody what knows every doctor in Bridgetown," Briggs said.
"And they won't shoot us for coming round at this ungodly hour?" asked Dolan.
Briggs chuckled.  "Not this someone."

"All right, all right!  Hold your horses, damn it!" the woman shouted at the pounding coming from the back door.  She walked as quickly as she could, the jade green fabric of her skirts rustling loudly as she did.  "Stupid drunken tars, banging at the wrong door again!  It won't get you served any faster, I'll see to that!"
She angrily flung the door open and drew a deep breath to start her normal tirade about which entrance was the proper one for patrons to use at her establishment.
"Listen up, you silly-arsed--- RHYS!"
She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a hug.  But her mood quickly changed when she looked behind him to see Briggs and Dolan carrying an unconscious Jack.  Behind them stood two very uncomfortable looking monks.
"Oh, sweet weeping Jesus..."  She held up her hand quickly.  "Begging your pardon, brothers.  What did he get himself into this time?"
"Sorry to show up on your doorstep like this, Renee," said Rhys.  "But he needs a doctor, and a good one, straight away."
"I can see that.  You did right by bringing him here.  Well, don't just stand there, get him out of this night air!" said Renee.  "Take him up the stairs, first room on the left.  Nobody's using it, and the linens are fresh.  I'll not have him on my parlour couch smelling that that!  He'll scare off the clientèle!"
"You're all heart, Renee!" teased Briggs as he passed her.
Renee's red curls danced as she laughed.  "And it's solid gold from what they say!"

A few curious faces peeked around the corner from the parlour to see what the commotion was about.
"Shoo!  Nothing to see!  Get back to your gents, the lot of you!"  Renee gave the monks a polite smile as they followed after Jack.  It was hard to say who was more uncomfortable with the situation, her or them.  She waited until they were on the stairs before turning to Rhys.
"All right, what gives?" she demanded.  "You pop in here, middle of the night, Jack looking like three miles of bad road?  And with monks?  If the gents see those two they might suddenly get a conscience, and that's bad for business!"
"It's going to take a while to explain," said Rhys.
Renee held up a finger, then walked quickly to the front parlour.  Rhys could hear a burst of giggling as she returned with a nearly full bottle of rum and two glasses.
"What was all that?" he asked.
She flashed him a demure smile.  "The girls think we're going to do more than chat.  Not that I wouldn't mind it.  Any of them would love to have a go with you."
Rhys smiled and felt himself blush.  "Now, Renee..."
"I know, I know.  That girl in Wales has your heart and everything else locked up for herself.  What's her name again?  I remember it's lovely, with lots of consonants."
"Rhiannon."
"It sounds so pretty when you say it!  How I do envy her," Renee said as she eyed Rhys.  She put the glasses on a table and filled them with rum.  Then she took a seat, and motioned for him to join her.  "Down to business, then.  What the hell happened to Jack?"
Rhys took a sip from his glass.  "Mendoza."
Renee went pale.  She drained her glass and refilled it.  "Blimey.  He's lucky he's alive at all.  Right!  From the start, then..."

For the next half hour, Rhys told the tale of Jack's abduction, the intrigue at the abbey, and his subsequent rescue.  Renee listened with rapt attention, reacting in horror, anger, disbelief, and laughter at the twists and turns of the adventure.
"Now the monks make sense," she said as she finished off another glass of rum.  "Mendoza would have killed them both sooner than later.  Kind of you to give them a lift.  It's a pity that Alejandro went and took the vow, though.  I wouldn't mind a religious experience with him!  Yelling 'Oh God!' counts, right?"
Rhys couldn't help but laugh.  "I don't see how it wouldn't!  They really were invaluable for keeping Jack alive this long.  And they'll be able to explain the workings of the herbs to the doctor better than I could hope to."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 01, 2010, 08:36:42 AM
"Speaking of which, we need to find that doctor!  I know all of them in this town."
"Briggs thought you would."
"Ain't he the sweetheart?  And he's right.  Only the best for my girls, I say!"
Rhys got to his feet and offered a hand to Renee.  She stood up quickly, and pitched forward into Rhys' arms.
"Oh!" she laughed.  "I think that rum went to my head!"
"Renee, you can drink me under the table any day."
She slapped his chest.  "Fine then, you're on to me.  But I knew you'd catch me in your arms."
He looked down at her and raised an eyebrow.  "The doctor, Renee?"
"Yes, fine, the doctor.  God, you're no fun!"
She went back to the front parlour and took one of the girls aside.  After a few moments, she walked down the hallway toward Rhys again.
"All right, dreamboat, come with me!  I know just the doctor we need."
Renee opened the door and stepped through.  Rhys followed her outside.
"I hope he won't mind us waking him up," he said.
She shook her curly red tresses.  "I seriously doubt he's asleep.  The sun isn't up yet."
"The sun isn't...?"
"You might say he's working through a few things.  Oi, keep up!  Over this way.  We're going to the White Hart."
"And just what is he 'working through'?"
Renee sighed.  "He moved to the island some five or six months ago with his new bride.  Emily, I think her name was.  Anyway, after about a month of paradise, she decides she's homesick and wants to go back to England.  Problem is, he's under contract to the governor here.  If he goes back, he breaks the contract and has to repay all the expenses for moving them here plus a year's wages.  I don't have to tell you they moved here with the clothes on their back and little else.  Poor bastard did everything he could think of to keep Emily here, but she wouldn't have it.  She wrote daddy, who sent money to get her back home.  So off she went."
"That had to be devastating for him!" said Rhys.
"Oh yes.  Not that he let on at first, mind you.  He was gallant and understanding as she made ready to leave, and kept a stiff upper lip after she left.  For about two weeks.  After that he fell apart, bless.  Now if he's not doctoring, he's drinking.  Ah!  Here we are."
Renee waited for Rhys to open the door for her.  He did so with a gentlemanly bow, and she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Gotcha!" she giggled.
Rhys shook his head and smiled, and followed her inside.

The White Hart was a typical tavern, with an expansive common room filled with tables of varying sizes.  A bar where the tavern keeper poured drinks and dished up food was near the back, away from the door.  A large hearth was behind him, with a crackling fire for heat and cooking blazing away.  A wooden staircase near the bar led up to the private rooms that could be rented by the night.
Only a handful of people were in the tavern, scattered all about the room.  The tavern keeper rolled his eyes when he saw Rhys and Renee enter.  Two more people to bother with.  His relief was evident when Renee held up her hand and shook her head to let him know they didn't want anything.  She pointed over to a table where a dishevelled was sitting hunched over what was left of his drink.
"There he is," she said with satisfaction.
"Him?  He's a wreck!"
She gave Rhys a pained look.  "Fine!  Go back and get Billingsly if you think that butcher can do any better.  I'd rather not lose my business partner, thank you kindly!  You want the best for Jack?  So do I.  And he's it."
Rhys held up his hands in front of himself.  "All right!  Sorry!  Lead on, Madame Renee."
Renee rolled her eyes.  "Oh, very cheeky!  Come on, pirate boy!  Time for you to meet the one and only Doctor Drake Gander."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 08, 2010, 09:19:10 AM
She led Rhys to the doctor's table and took a seat on the bench next to the drunken man.
"Drake?" she said softly.  "Are you all right?  You look a bit peaked."
Gander wobbled a little, then he turned to look at her.  His face went through several puzzled expressions as he tried to get his eyes to focus on her.  The light of recognition finally went on.
"Why, Renee!  How good of you to let me come by for a visit," he slurred.  Rhys stifled a laugh.
Renee shook her head.  "No, Drake, you're still at the White Hart.  We came to find you."
"And did you?"
"Yes, yes we did, Drake.  We found you just fine.  But we need you to come with us now.  This nice young man and I will help you.  His name is Rhys."
Drake looked around woozily at Rhys, then back to Renee.  "Whatever for?  I'm not done with my drink!"
"A friend of mine is terribly ill, and he needs your help."
"Surely a dose of clap can wait until tomorrow..."
Renee sighed, her patience clearly beginning to wear thin.  "Drake, we're afraid he might be dying.  We need you to see him now.  Please?"
A scowl came over Drake's face.  "Dying?  That won't do at all.  We should get moving!"
He tried to stand quickly, and found his legs were like rubber.  Rhys caught him before he could fall.
"I fear I may need a little assistance."
Rhys gave Renee a dubious look.  She shot him an equally stern one in response as she took Drake's other arm.  Together they manoeuvred the drunken physician away from the bench and toward the door.
"Hey, what about my money?" the tavern keeper yelled.  "He owes me two pounds and six!"
"I'm good for it, Aidan!" replied Renee.  "Two pounds six?" she asked Drake.  "When did you start drinking today?"
"Um, noon, maybe?"
"And this is the doctor that will save Jack?" said Rhys.
"He sobers up fast, Rhys, don't worry."
"I do?"
"Yes, Drake, you do.  Remember?"
"Oh, ah.... no."
"Trust me, you will," she said.  "And you trust me, too. Rhys.  This will work!"
"For Jack's sake, I hope you're right."

They managed to guide Doctor Gander out the door into the quiet streets of Bridgetown.
"How does the night air feel, Drake?" asked Rhys.
"Much better, thank you.  That tavern was awfully stuffy.  I feel positively light!"
"Then how's about using your legs instead of us doing all the work?" Renee groused.
"Oh my!  I'm so sorry!" said Drake, promptly dissolving into a fit of giggles.
"Renee..." said Rhys warily.
"Don't make me drop this drunken sod and smack you, Rhys Morgan!"

Once inside the back door of the house, Renee motioned to where Dolan and Briggs had carried Jack earlier.
"Here, let's take him up the back stairs."
"I suppose we should afford him some dignity," said Rhys.
"Dignity, hell!  The girls will mob him if we take him round front."
"He's that much of a ladies man?"
"No, the girls love him because he keeps them working.  'Doctor Magic', they call him."
"HE is still awake and listening to everything you say," hiccuped Drake.
"Thanks for warning us, pet," said Renee.  "Now lift those feet.  There we are!  Just a few more to go...  Oops!  Sorry!  It's a narrow stairs.  Did you even feel it?  I thought not.  Up and up, almost there...."
Renee got in front of Drake and held his hand to help steady him.  Rhys got in behind, keeping a hand on Drake's back to keep him from falling backwards down the stairs.  When he reached the top step, he stumbled and fell forward into Renee.  Rhys tried to hold on to him, but was pulled off his feet as well.  The trio landed on the floor in a heap with Drake on top of Renee, giggling like a fool.
"Oof!  Get off me!" she complained, wriggling out from underneath him.  "I charge extra for this sort of thing!"
A door opened behind them, and Briggs looked out into the hall.
"Would you three quick muckin' about and get in here?  And don't tell me that's the doctor."
"Fine," said Rhys as he helped Renee to her feet.  "We won't."
Briggs rolled his eyes and swore under his breath before coming out into the hall.  Together, he and Rhys helped the inebriated Drake to his feet.
"I'll get the coffee started," said Renee.  "He's going to need it by the gallons."
"Come on, Doctor Magic," Rhys said.  "Time for you to meet your patient."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 08, 2010, 09:21:15 AM
They half walked, half dragged Drake into the room.  The doctor squinted, trying to process the scene before him.  A man with long brown hair and a full beard lay in the bed, obviously feverish.  Hovering over him were two monks, both of them eye Drake with suspicion.  Drake took a deep breath and squared his shoulders.
"Thank you, gentlemen," he said, his words a bit less slurred than before.  "I'm quite all right.  I'll have a look at my patient now."
He walked unsteadily toward the bed, pausing once to check his balance.  "Perdoneme, amigos," he said to the monks with a deferential nod. "Por favor."
Rodrigo looked to Rhys, who gave a single nod of approval.  The monks stepped aside, allowing Drake to sit on the edge of the bed.  He took a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed the sweat away from Jack's face.  Then he touched Jack's forehead with the back of his fingers, and shook his head slowly in disapproval.
"Rhys, what is his name, please?"
"It's Jack."
Drake gave a little smile.  "I should have guessed.  Hard to find a sailor not named Jack.  It's the most common nickname of those employed in the nautical trade.  So tell me, how long has he been like this?"
"We have been fighting the fever for just over a week now," said Rodrigo.  "But we ran out of medicines two days ago.  He has been asleep since this morning.  A few times he has cried out from bad dreams."
"What were you treating him with?"
"A variety of native herbs and roots.  I do not have a full list of them with me.  It is back on the ship."
"Whatever they were, you've done an admirable job of keeping him alive.  I'm curious to see that list."  He patted Jack's face gently.  "Jack?  Jack, I need you to wake up.  Come on!  That's a good man.  Eyes open!"
Jack's eyes fluttered open.  They darted back and forth as he fought to focus them.
"That's it, Jack.  Stay with us.  Keep your eyes right here on my face.  Can you understand me?"
Jack looked away for a moment, then back to Drake.  He nodded.  "Uh huh."
"Don't worry, your friends are right here.  I'm going to be looking after you now.  My name is Doctor Gander.  But you may call me Drake."
Jack's eyebrows knitted together.  "Drake....  Drake Gander?" he said through parched lips.
"Yes, that is my name, Jack.  Good for you!  You're with us in the here and now--"
"Duckie?"

Drake stared at him in disbelief.  "How did you know that name?  No one has called me that in a very, very long time."  He though for a moment, and his eyes grew wide.  "No, it can't be!"
"Oxford," croaked Jack.  "You and me."
"Sweet mercy...  Jack?  Jack Wolfe?"
Jack gave a slow nod.
"But how?  Why?"
"Long story..."
"What?  Oh!  Of course it is!  Where's my head?"  Drake turned to Rhys.  "I need you to fetch my doctor's bag."  He dug in a pocket and produced a key, which he tossed to Rhys.  "My office is on Chapel Street, at the corner with Lower Broad.  It's the next street over, um, that way.  You'll find the bag under the desk.  And do tell Renee to hurry with that coffee!  Have her bring water, too."
Rhys stood there, stunned by the sudden transformation of the man he had only minutes before dragged out of a bar and up the stairs.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" demanded Drake.  "Off you go!"
Rhys blinked, then headed for the door.  "I'll be back shortly!"
"See that you are, Mister Morgan!"  Drake turned back to Jack, who was smiling up at him.  "Well, well.  Jack Wolfe!  I never thought I'd lay eyes on you again.  Don't you worry.  Whatever malady you have, I shall cure you of it."
"I know."
"Now close your eyes and rest.  I'll be waking you soon enough to pour awful tasting things down your gullet."
Jack managed a smile, and let his eyes drift closed.
Drake looked at his old friend and shook his head.  Whatever separate roads they had taken, for whatever reason, they had converged again.  Where would they lead next?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 08, 2010, 09:24:02 AM
"Well, look who's got his colour back!" said Renee cheerily.  She stood at the door of Jack's room with a steaming bowl of soup in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other.
Jack sat up in bed a little more, setting aside the book he was reading.  "Are both of those for me?  Or do I have to choose?"
She stepped inside and set the bottle down on the table.  "You get both, but in proper order!  I know better than to let you choose.  You'd have the wine over food any day of the week, but it's for medicinal purposes.  To build up your blood.  What's that you're reading?"
"Nothing, really.  Something I'd started before this whole fiasco took place.  I had Briggs fetch it for me to pass the time."
She peered at the cover.  "Another of your egghead books.  I can't even begin to pronounce that."
"Oedipus Aegyptiacus," he said with a smile as he took the bowl from her.  "Some German bloke thinks he's figured out how to read Egyptian hieroglyphs, 1500 years after everyone else forgot.  I don't buy it, but he's got some interesting ideas.  Might lead to something someday.  Mmm, this is good!  Where'd you find leeks?"
"One of the farmers took a notion to try growing them, and they turned out!  I thought you'd like a little taste of home."  Renee pulled the chair over beside the bed and sat down.  "You had us terribly worried, Jack."
"Worried about me?  What on earth for?"
"You were asleep four whole days, for starters.  Drake wasn't sure you'd make it."
"Duckie worries too much.  And so do you, Pip."
She gave Jack a stern look.  "Oi!  You can call me Renee like everyone else.  It was your idea after all.  Pip Woolston from Cornwall ceased to be when Renee de Bertrand was born."
"You wanted to run the classiest house in all of Barbados, so you needed a classy name.  Even if you don't speak a lick of French."
"I know all the really good words," she winked.  "Including lécher."
"Ow!!  Don't make me laugh!" said Jack.  "Not until these ribs heal!"

Renee looked at Jack, and he could see the worry in her eyes.
"You're hovering, Renee."
"Damned right, I'm hovering.  This time was really close, Jack.  Briggs said he thought you were a goner more than once."
Jack looked at his soup bowl and toyed with the spoon.  "So did I."
"And?"
He gave her a confused look.  "And what?"
"Maybe you should give a thought to changing tack, Captain."
Jack stayed silent for several seconds.  "You have an annoying habit of reading my mind."
"No, it's that for once you're actually thinking ahead.  All I ask is that you don't shove it aside.  Some of us like having your worthless arse around, Jack Wolfe.  You know, for laughs."
"Oh, is that all I'm good for?" he said in feigned shock.  "A few laughs, nothing more?"
"Not with your ribs cracked up like they are, you're not!  If you think I'll do all the work, you're more addled than usual," she said with a bawdy giggle.  "I'm not that charitable."
"You're all heart, Pip."
"So they tell me, but you and I know different."  She leaned over and took his hand.
"Promise me you'll think about it, Jack?"
He nodded and gave her a little smile.  "I promise."
"Good.  Now finish your soup.  I'll be back in a while to fetch the bowl.  If you're up to it, we'll crack that bottle of wine.  Maybe tomorrow we'll see about giving you a shave. "
Renee got up from the chair and went to the door.  She paused for a moment as if she had more to say, then turned and left the room.
Jack took another bite of soup and let his gaze go far away.  Maybe this was a wake up call?  A tap on the shoulder to let him know that perhaps his days as a pirate were numbered?  He sighed and shook his head.
"No.  Not today.  I'll think about it tomorrow."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 14, 2010, 07:56:15 PM
  
Wales--Late autumn, 1652


Riding up to the manor of the house she grew up in, Rhiannon rode straight to the stable. Currying an incredibly large stallion was a groom. She alighted from her horse and led Taliesin into a stall.
The groom turned around and said, 'What in the name of the gods do ye think ye are doin' there? This be estate of Lord Conaway. This not be a tavern and ye canna be just droppin' yer steed 'ere."
He stood there with his hands on his hips and started towards her, his face red with indignation.
She barely suppressed a grin. "Hello to you, too, Parry."
Parry looked closely, "Do I know ye?"
She faked a little girl voice and said, 'My father said I could ride Goliath. He gave me permission. So are you going to bridle him for me or shall I do it myself?'"
Parry looked at the young woman before him. "No! Can't be! Impossible!"
She grinned at him and said, "Do you need any more proof than that? 'Here, Parry--I brought you some blueberries. I am sorry they got squished in my pockets. They were delicious!' "
Parry's face split in a grin. "Well, I'll be! Miss Rhiannon! Thought I'd ne'er lay me eyes on ye agin! Are ye home to stay?"
Rhiannon led Taliesin into a stall and grabbed a curry brush. "It all depends, Parry. How welcome do you think he would make me?"
Parry shrugged. "Been--what? Ten years?"
"More like eleven. I'm seventeen now."
He took the curry brush out of her hand and with his hand under her chin, tilted her face up to meet his.
"Ye be in trouble, child."
She turned her face away and patted Taliesin, ignoring the question.
Just then Muir ran into the stable. He looked at Parry and then jumped up on him, knocking him down.
Rhiannon commanded, "Muir! Down! Muir sat down at her feet. She reached out and helped Parry up.
He said, "That be MUIR? Why, he be a mere pup when he left. But then, ye be a mere slip of a lass when ye left."
She looked at Parry and said, "It won't get any easier, will it?"
Parry shook his head. "No."
"How is he?"
"Older."
"How will he receive me?"
Parry hesitated and then picked his words carefully. "He'll be beside himself."
She turned to go. "That's what I was afraid of."

Rhiannon made her way to the manor house, Muir at her heels. She knocked on the front door. It doesn't feel like home anymore. Do I even have one? A man who she did not know opened the door.
"All trade is to be taken to the rear of the house by the servants' entrance."
He closed the door. She turned to Muir and laughed.
"Can you believe that, Muir? Kicked out of my own childhood home!"
She continued to laugh as she went around the rear. In reply to her knock, the door was opened. The cook, Mrs. Quincy, took one look at her and the dog and then threw out her arms.
"You've come home, dearie! And with the dog too!"
Rhiannon laughed and said, "You are the only one who recognized me, Mrs.Quincy!"
Mrs. Quincy bustled her inside. "I thought about you every day and twice on Sunday! And you are just how I imagined you would have looked. Had you been allowed to stay here and grow up proper!"
The cook hurried to give her a glass of milk and some hot scones. She took them eagerly. "No one could match your scones, Mrs. Quincy!"
"Are you home to stay, child?"
"That depends."
"Have you been let go from the Order?"
"Let's just say I left voluntarily and let it go at that, alright?"
Mrs. Q. sniffed and said, "Never was a place for a bit of a lass like you anyhow."
"Is he about?"
The cook nodded, "Aye. He is in his study."
Rhiannon made a face. "That was the last place I saw him. Couldn't even come to see me off when I was handed over."
Mrs. Quincy pursed her lips. "Don't think the servants didn't notice either."
"And my sisters? How fare they?"
"All married well and contented. They are scattered over the shire. You have several nieces and nephews."
"Wonderful! I shall catch up with you later. I had better get this over with. I need to see if I have a bed tonight or if I sleep in the stable."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 14, 2010, 07:57:41 PM
She knocked on the study door. A gruff voice from within said, "Come in."
She opened the door tentatively. "Hello, Father."
Lord Conaway stared. "What are you doing here?"
"Happy to see you too, Father."
He stood up and gave her a perfunctory hug. Not much warmth there, she thought.
"Order couldn't handle you either, could they?"
"It was time for me to leave, Father."
"And tell me the story."
"I'd rather not."
"Either you tell it or you can keep going."
"You'd throw me out?"
They both stared each other down. He motioned for her to sit down. She did. The silence was palpable.
"Alright, if you must know, I made a few mistakes. So I felt the time was right to come home and reacquaint myself with the family."
He tented his fingers and said, "No need to tell me what mistakes you made. You're not with child, are you?"
She grew indignant. "Certainly not!"
He shrugged. "You may stay here. For now. Until we can work out a mutually beneficial solution to this problem."
"Problem. That is the way you dismiss it?"
He said nothing.
"Very well," she said.
Lord Conaway said, "Your room is exactly as when you left. Your sisters insisted."
She left the room without a word.

Lord Conaway ran his hands over his face. What to do with this unexpected problem that showed up on the doorstep, he thought.  'If she is in trouble with the order, then that is trouble I don't need either'.

He went to the stables.
Parry came forward and said tentatively, "Aye, it be good to have young miss home again, yes?"
Lord Conaway ignored that and took Goliath out of the stall. He mounted his stallion and then said to Parry.
"Don't get too used to it."
And with that he rode off to negotiate a release from his 'situation.'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 21, 2010, 08:04:08 PM
Rhiannon looked out the window of the carriage. How different her life had turned out.
From summer to winter, she had metamorphosed from an innocent girl to fallen angel to reluctant bride.
The man who sat next to her was Lord Madoc Castlemaine.
Her new husband.

"What do you mean, I am to marry Lord Castlemaine? He--he's OLD!"
Rhodri Conaway looked at his youngest daughter. He gave a deep sigh.
"What do you expect, Rhiannon? You have acted in a most disgraceful manner. Consorting casually with a pirate. Despicable lot, they are. They have been using my property for their ill-gotten gains. And I found out who it was. Captain Rhys Morgan. And from a fine family, he is! Turns out he is the youngest son of Sir Owain Morgan. Had a promising career and educated at Cambridge until he fell in with his renegade uncle.  Coincidentally, it turns out to be the very pirate you consorted with. The one who left you after he amused himself with your virtue. If I ever get my hands on him, he will pay. Not only for trespassing, but the humiliation he has brought upon this family and the Conaway name. I'll hunt him down and when I find him, I'll stretch his neck."

"NO!" Rhiannon cried.
Rhodri folded his hands across his chest and looked at his daughter coldly.
"Then I would say you had no choice in the matter. Save his worthless hide. Marry Lord Castlemaine and it is that or I will see Morgan hung."
She hung her head in defeat. Lord Conaway took a gentler approach.
"Rhiannon, it's not so bad as that. Lord Castlemaine is willing to overlook your past--indiscretion---in exchange for a young bride. And after you give him children---"
"Children? With THAT fossil?"
Coldly, Rhodri said, "Watch what you say. He is scarcely older than me. As I was saying, all women want children. Lord Castlemaine would provide handsomely for them. And you.
"He already has three. And they are older than me."
"It doesn't hurt to have spare."

She stood there and her shoulders sagged. "I have no choice, do I?"
"Not from where I sit, you don't. Rhys Morgan's worthless life in exchange for a life of privilege and title."
She nodded slowly, her eyes filling with tears as she met her father's gaze.
"Allright," she whispered. "I'll do it."
And with that she ran out of the study.

Within a minute, Dilys stormed in the room. "What on earth is in your head?"
Lord Conaway looked up from his papers.
"I assume you have something to say, Dilys?"
"I just saw Rhiannon. She looked like she was about to faint."
"Brides sometimes do."
"WHAT?"
"Rhiannon has agreed to marry Lord Madoc Castlemaine."
"Are you out of your mind?"
"And you are out of line, Dilys."
"The man's wife died under suspicious circumstances. And you are selling my baby sister to him?"
"He is looking for a young wife and I have a daughter that needs a husband. One who is willing to take her."
"Why? Because she fell in love?"
"With a pirate."
"With a man she loved."
"And where is that man?"
"Something has delayed him."
"Or he took what he wanted and what he wasn't entitled to and left her."
Dilys locked his with her father's. "And when is this happy event?"
"In two days."
"TWO DAYS? Not even enough time to post the banns."
"We can file them after the ceremony. The bishop---"
"Can be bought. The mighty Conaway and Castlemaines throw a few extra coins in the coffers and he will turn a blind eye and wink at the lack of propriety."

Lord Conaway stood up and slammed his fist down on his desk.
"Sometimes I wonder what I have done to deserve daughters such as this."
Dilys raised her chin defiantly.
"Still upset that I married Angus?"
"He's a Scot."
"He loves me. Something that is in short supply in this family. It's a wonder Mother ever had children."
Lord Conaway grew silent and said in a hoarse whisper, "She loved me."
Dilys replied, "And you changed. What you did--and are doing--to Rhiannon, she never would have approved. She was Mother's last gift to you. Instead of cherishing her, you got rid of her. It wasn't her fault what happened to Mother."
"She's always been defiant and headstrong. If she had been an obedient child, I may still have had a wife."
Dilys spat, "You disgust me!" and left the room, slamming the door on the way out.
Lord Conaway ran his hands over his face.
'It's the right thing. It's the ONLY thing.'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 21, 2010, 08:04:41 PM
Megan sat on the bed holding Rhiannon as she sobbed, grieving for the apparent desertion by Rhys. In between her cries, she haltingly said, "Something must have happened to him. Rhys would never do that! He wouldn't!"
Gwyneth solemnly looked at the clothes strewn on the bed. Quietly, she asked, "Rhiannon, love. What dress do you want?"
Dilys, leaning against the dresser, asked hotly, "What difference does it make? May as well pick out her shroud."
"Dilys!" Gwyneth admonished as this brought fresh wails from Rhiannon. Dilys held Rhiannon's hand as she said shamefully, "Forgive me, darling."
Megan rocked her sister and soothed her. "Rhiannon, we will always be here for you."
"Gwyneth added, "In time, Rhiannon, it all works out. In the end, all things are equal. Now...what dress, dear?" she asked gently.
Dilys retorted, "That one. The black one over there. And a black veil over her face!"
Gwyneth shot her a look.
Rhiannon stood up. She blew her nose in a handkerchief and with her red-rimmed eyes, defiantly threw the clothes in a pile.
She pulled one out of the bottom. "This one. I want this one."
Gwyneth was shocked.
"You can't wear that! It--it's scarlet!"
Dilys applauded. "I think it is perfect!"
Megan started, "Rhiannon----"
But her little sister raised her chin and said through clenched teeth, "I wear the scarlet one or I don't get married at all."

In the end, a cooler head prevailed. But one act of defiance was known to Rhiannon and Rhiannon alone.
She wore a dress of butter yellow.
The dress she wore the day she gave herself body, heart and soul to Rhys Morgan.

Lord Conaway did not kiss his daughter.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 01, 2010, 09:11:39 AM
Bridgetown, Barbados

Renee transferred the gold and silver coins from one hand to the other as she counted them out.  She gave the older man a dubious glance.
"Now there, gov'nor, you know full well it's one more gold than what you gave me."
"Oh!  Terribly sorry," the gentleman said.  "I must have miscounted."  He dug another coin from his purse and reluctantly handed it to her.  "An honest mistake."
"Of course it was, dove," she said with a smile.  "Come along, Fancy," she said to one of the girls, a pretty sable-haired young woman in a bright red dress.  "Be good to him, yeah?"
"Just like I always do, mum," said Fancy with a smile as she took the hand of the island's commerce minister and led him up the stairs.

Renee walked to the back of the house where she kept the ledger.  It was a large space, encompassing the kitchen and pantry, and a common area for eating and generally getting away from the clientèle.  She made a few notations, then put Fancy's money into one lock-box and her percentage into another.  As she closed the ledger, she heard the shuffle of feet nearby.  She gave a glance off to the side and saw Briggs standing near the doorway, grinning at her like a schoolboy.  A coquettish smile played upon her lips as she straightened the lock-boxes on their shelves.  They didn't need straightening, but it gave her a little more time in the gaze of a man that didn't look at her the way a starving dog would a fat roast.

Renee de Bertrand dealt with men day in and day out, and for the most part she enjoyed being in their company.  As long as they had manners, that is.  She had never been a prostitute herself, but understood the trade well and had managed to establish the finest house in all of Barbados.  In her view, just because these women had turned to prostitution to survive did not mean they should be treated as social outcasts.  Her girls were healthy and happy, each of them there of their own free will.  Renee treated them all with motherly compassion, making sure they were safe, educated, and taken care of.  If someone decided to leave her employ for whatever reason, they were free to do so with no repercussions or animosity.  Renee didn't believe in burning bridges.  Nor did she believe that anyone was truly irredeemable.  She made sure to instil those beliefs in her girls.  Her goal was to give them more than a place to work; she wanted to give them hope.

As Renee straightened the lock boxes, she thought back to a time when she was still known as Penelope Woolston, Pip to her friends and family.  She laboured as a tavern wench in her home town of Penwyn on the easterly coast of Cornwall.  The money wasn't good, but it was an honest day's work.  Every spare penny she had, she squirrelled away for the day she could finally leave Cornwall for some place – any place – more exciting.  Though she had no formal education, she was a voracious reader, devouring any book she could find that could tell her of life in other lands.  Her father, Robert, had a modest trade as a tinsmith.  He wasn't the best at what he did, but he managed to provide for his wife and daughter.  Pip's obsession with leaving Penwyn was a source of irritation for him.  He feared her wanderlust made her a bad marriage proposition.  No man wanted a woman with her "head in the clouds and an eye down the road" for a wife, in his estimation.  That suited Pip just fine.  She had no desire to be tied down or answer to anyone.  Her mother, Felicity, was quietly supportive of Pip's ambitions, however.  She would sometimes accept books as barter for her services as a laundress, and she would tuck them under Pip's bed for her to discover later.  Their private jokes about the book faeries coming to visit were a delight for both women, and kept Pip out of trouble with her father.  Her mother's encouragement helped her hold on to her dreams, even when she was certain they'd never come true.

Then, one day, someone walked into her tavern and her life that not only made her dreams seem possible, but right within her grasp.

A quietly intense young man named Jack Wolfe.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 08, 2010, 08:24:22 AM
Jack was a sailor aboard the merchant ship Laura Anne, in port to take on a shipment of tin and other goods.  He kept to himself at first, content to pass the time as Pip did, reading a book.  He didn't seem at all the type to be making his life on the sea.  He had good manners, was obviously educated, and rarely drank anything stronger than beer.  His ship ported there every three months, and Jack would spend his time ashore at the tavern, reading.  Pip would make a point of waiting on him, sometimes giving up half her tip money from him to the other girls to do so, all for the chance to find out what he was reading.  And to find out more about him.  Finding someone who seemed to be a kindred spirit in a tin town was an opportunity too good to pass up.  And the other girls agreed with her that he was easy on the eyes.

It didn't take long for Pip to strike up a friendship with Jack.  She began asking him about the books he was reading, and his favourite subjects and authors.  The range of subject matter in which he was well versed surprised her.  Philosophy, literature, ancient civilisations, natural science, art-- he seemed to have an interest in everything.  A friendship was quickly sparked.  She told him of her dreams to travel and see the world, and he told her of the different ports he had been to and the people there, fuelling her desires to be free to go where she wanted.   Since the Laura Anne was in port every few months, Jack made a bargain with Pip.  He would loan her as many books as she wanted, as long as she never stopped reading and learning.  And foremost, that she never give up her dreams.  "The world will not record the things we wish for but never try,"  he told her.  Pip took his words to heart.  Her free time was spent reading and learning, and her time working was filled with thoughts of where she would rather be.  Jack's stories of the New World intrigued her greatly, and she read everything she could find about it.  It was a wild and dangerous place, and Pip Woolston wanted to be at the heart of it all.

In a short time, their friendship progressed from long talks by the fire to something far more intimate.  Not a romance per se, but it served to alleviate their mutual loneliness. This arrangement suited them both just fine, as neither was interested in romantic commitment.  They had both tried and failed in that arena before, and weren't in a hurry to fail again.  Pip made it clear that whenever Jack was in port, her bed was warm and waiting, and Jack was happy to oblige her.  Their friendship over the next year a satisfying one, intellectually and physically.

Then, one foggy April morning, Jack failed to walk through her door.

"What day is it, Benny?" Pip asked the tavern owner.
"Thursday."
"I know it's Thursday, you prawn.  I mean what's the date?"
"The 18th.  What do you care?"
She looked at the door and frowned.  "Just wondering is all."
"Oh, you're looking for your sailor boy, aren't you?"
Her cheeks flushed.  "Why would I be looking for him?"
"Call it a guess," said Benny.  "The stack of books under the counter and the fresh linens you took three days ago gave it away.  I'll be taking a tuppence out of your pay for that, don't be mistaken!  You're not due fresh sheets for another two weeks."
"You can take your tuppence," snapped Pip, "and you can shove---"
"Why don't you go down to the docks and see if his ship's here?" interrupted Grace, another tavern maid.  She was ten years older that Pip, and was looked upon by the other girls there as sort of an older sister.  "I'll take care of things 'til you get back."  She cut a look at Benny.  "And it won't even cost you a tuppence."
Benny threw his hands up in the air.  "Fine, then!  Go!  'Cause I'm made of money, what should I care?"
"Oh, shut it!" said Grace.  "She won't be long, and the work still gets done.  Bloody heartless, you are."
"You watch your mouth, girlie!" he warned.
She gave Benny a dismissive roll of her eyes and turned to Pip.  "Never mind Old Tight-Pockets.  You run along and find out about your lad."
Pip smiled happily and gave Grace a quick kiss on her cheek.  "Thanks!  I'll only be a few minutes, I promise!"

Pip ran down the lane toward the docks, her sky-blue skirt flying in the gentle morning breeze as she did.  She stopped at the top of the small hill that led to the quays and looked out over the harbour.  Her heart sank a little when she saw that the Laura Anne wasn't there.  Nor was she anchored in the harbour, and there were no sails approaching that she could see.  In a way, it was a relief that he hadn't suddenly decided to end their friendship without explanation.  But he was almost four days overdue.  What happened to him?

She walked down the hill toward the harbour master's shack, her feet feeling more leaden with each step.  'Maybe there was a storm, or there was a delay at the last port,' she told herself as she put her hand on the door handle.  'No need to bother the harbour master.  I'll give it a couple more days...'
The door opened, and Pip let out a little yelp.

"I'm sorry!" said Mr. Smithers, the harbour master.  He was a kindly, white-haired little man with a chubby face and ready smile.  "I saw you come to the door, and when you didn't come in I thought I'd left the door locked again.  Bother old age anyway, it makes you forgetful."
"No, I didn't want to pester you," she said.
"Nonsense!  I pretty girl like you, pester me?  Why, you'd only brighten my day.  Now, come on inside.  What is it you need, my dear?"
"I- I was wondering about a ship."
"Then you're in the right place!" Mr. Smithers laughed warmly.  He opened up a large blue ledger.  "Which one, and when was it due?"
"The Laura Anne.  It was supposed to be here three days ago."
Mr. Smithers ran his finger down the columns on the page and frowned.  "Actually, four days ago.  She's very late indeed.  I should have known something was amiss.  The Henrietta and the Laura Anne almost always meet up on their way here.  At the worst they're no more than half a day apart.  The Henrietta ported right on schedule."  He looked up from the book, his face full of concern.  "I'm sorry, but I don't know what to tell you.  Is a family member aboard?"
"No," Pip said softly.  "Just a friend."
The man reached across the counter and put his hand on hers.  "Well, they probably got delayed in port.  Ships are always getting held up by slow warehouses, money squabbles, foul weather, and such.  Nothing to worry yourself about.  Your friend will be here soon enough."
She smiled and nodded at his reassurance.  "Thanks.  I appreciate your taking the time to listen to my silly worries."
"Not silly at all, my dear.  You're at the tavern, yes?"
"Yes, at Benny's place.  The Dog and Doublet."
"I'll make sure word gets sent when the Laura Anne arrives.  The minute I'm certain it's her!"
"You're so kind!" she smiled.  "I hope to hear from you soon."  She turned and opened the door to leave.
"He's a very lucky young man, your friend."
Pip blushed a little as she grinned.  "I like to think he is!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 08, 2010, 08:26:05 AM
Another week passed, and no word from Mister Smithers.  Every morning, Pip would stand at the top of the hill and look out on the harbour, straining her eyes to see Jack's ship, as if she could will it to come over the horizon.  It never did.  A week turned into a month, then three.
She had gone to the hilltop less and less frequently, until she stopped going at all as her hope of Jack's return evaporated.  It was good while it lasted, she told herself.  And like all good things...
Then one evening, she overheard two men talking in the tavern.  She was certain one of them had said the name Laura Anne.
"Excuse me, but I couldn't help overhearing," she began.  "Did one of you mention the Laura Anne?  The merchant freighter?"
"Aye!" said one of the men.  "You knew someone aboard her?"
Pip's blood ran cold at his choice of words.  "Yes.  A friend.  His name is Jack Wolfe."
"Hmph.  Never heard of him.  But he's got me pity if'n he were aboard her a few months back."
"Please, no riddles," she said.  "Do you know what happened to the ship?"
The second man leaned on his elbows and got a grim look on his face.  "Pirates."
The blood drained out of Pip's face at the word.  "No..."
"Afraid so, missy," said the first.  "About three, maybe four months ago, give or take.  Word is they became a prize of Iron Will Harkness hisself.  Ruthless bastard he is.  And he ain't known for taking prisoners.  Ye either join up with him, or die."
Pip's heart felt like it wanted to stop beating.  She knew Jack hated pirates, and would never submit to becoming one.
"I hope it were over quick for yer friend, miss," the second said.  "I'm sorry for ye.  Hell of a way for a man to go, what that lot do to ye."
She backed away from their table, running into another as she did.  "Um, thank you...  thanks.  I, I have to..."  
Pip broke and ran from the public room of the tavern toward the back stairs and the seclusion of her own room.  Benny and Grace watched in surprise as she fled.
"Oi, get back here, missy!" shouted Benny.  "These tables won't wait themselves!"
Grace gave him an angry look as she went to follow Pip.  "Could you shut your yap for half a moment?  Something's upset her, and I'm going to find out what."
"Oh no you're not," said Benny.  "We've got paying customers to serve!"
She snatched off her apron and threw it at him.  "Then put this on and start serving!  If the string will reach around that belly of yours, that is.  I'm checking on Pip, and that's the end of it."
She left the main room, leaving Benny with a handful of apron and an open mouth.

Grace knocked softly on Pip's door.  There was no answer.  She put her ear to the door, but couldn't hear anything.  She turned the handle and pushed gently, and the door opened.  Pip was sitting on the bed with a book in her hand, staring at the floor in silence.
"What's the matter, love?" asked Grace as she sat beside Pip on the bed.
Pip blinked, but didn't look up.  "He's dead, Grace.  The men downstairs said so.  It was pirates."
Grace gently brushed Pip's hair away from her face.  "Your friend Jack?  The handsome one with all the books?"
"Yeah.  Him."  Pip ran her hand over the cover of the book.  "This was one of his favourites.  About some bloke named Socrates by another named Xenophon.  Took me forever to get the names right when I read them aloud.  Always made Jack laugh when I botched them.  Never mean like or anything.  Just a gentle laugh, then he'd help me say them right."
"Oh, Pip.  I'm so sorry.  I know he meant an awful lot to you."
"That's why it doesn't make any sense, Grace."
"What doesn't?"
Pip looked at her friend.  Grace could see a hundred emotions behind the girl's eyes; pain, sorrow, anger, despair, confusion...  Those and more roiled just below the surface.
"Why can't I cry?  I'm supposed to cry, aren't I?  But I can't."
"I don't know, love," Grace sighed.  "Maybe you're just in shock."  She pulled Pip close and stroked her hair.  "It'll come.  Everybody grieves differently.  Just give yourself some time."
"I miss him, Grace.  I just can't accept he's gone.  It hurts too much."
"Did you love him?"
Pip's eyes searched the room, as if the right thing to say would appear on the wall or on a shelf before her.  She bit her lip, then quietly said, "I don't know."
The words sounded hollow to Grace.  She could tell from the way Pip sat on the edge of her seat listening to Jack, the way she looked at him, the way she would laugh and play with her hair when he said something funny, that she did indeed know.  But it didn't matter now.  Jack was gone, and Pip's heart needed to heal.
"You're done for the night, young lady" said Grace.  "Here.  You lie back and don't worry about work.  I'll take care of everything.  Including Benny."  She stood and waited for Pip to lie down, and pushed the candle on the table closer to the bedside.  "I'll be back in a few minutes with a blanket and some hot cider for you."

Grace quietly closed the door, leaving Pip to the silence of her room.  Pip took a deep, shuddering breath, and looked at the book that was still in her hands.  She ran her slender finger along its spine, then opened it at page 1 and began to read.  And as she did, a solitary tear rolled down her cheek.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 22, 2010, 09:55:39 AM
Fourteen Months Later...

It was a muggy June evening, and the Dog and Doublet was standing room only with patrons.  The harbour was choked with a dozen or more ships, and it seemed as if every sailor had descended on this one tavern.  Laughter and loud conversation filled the air, competing with the off-key stylings of a drunken fiddler.  Nobody knew who he was or how to get him to stop playing, so the general consensus was to let him keep drinking until he couldn't hold on to his fiddle any longer.  Pip made her way through the pressing throng as quickly as she could, her face only a few shades lighter than her hair.  Once she got to the bar, she slammed her tray down, glaring at it with gritted teeth.
"What the hell's got you in a snit?" asked Benny.
Pip ignored him and looked over at Grace, who was filling some tankards with ale.  "I swear to God above, the next tarry son of a whore that pinches my bum or tries to grab anything else is gonna get his teeth knocked out!"
"They're a grabby lot tonight, that's for certain!" agreed Grace.
"It's like a bloody sea of hands out there!" said Pip.  "And if they're not grabbing low, they're pawing high.  I've never seen it this bad!"
"Oh, quit your complaining," Benny said.  "You're making plenty of tip money, yeah?  What's a little pinch or slap?"
"I'd like to put you in a dress and shove you into the middle of them," grumbled Pip.  "You'd sing a different tune!"
Benny threw up his hands.  "What do you want me to do?  Throw them all out for being men?"
"You could be a little sympathetic for a change," said Grace.
"All right then.  I'm sorry you got your bum pinched in the line of duty.  Feel better?"
"Yeah, I feel right cheery about it now," laughed Pip.  "God, you're useless!"
"I don't know," teased Grace.  "I think he'd look pretty in a frilly dress and pigtails.  And this lot is so drunk, they'd never know the difference!"

Benny tried not to look uncomfortable at being the butt of their joke as Grace and Pip laughed and giggled.  But Pip's laughter was cut short as a pair of arms snaked around her waist from behind and pulled her backwards into their owner.  She could smell rum on his breath, and could feel the butt of a pistol poking into her.  At least she hoped it was his pistol.
"'Allo, lovely," he said in a boozy slur.  "How I've missed you!"
Pip pulled away from her assailant, grabbed her tray off the counter, and swung it hard against the man's head with a loud crack.  He stumbled backward holding his face in pain.
"Damn it, Pip!" he howled.  "I was trying to say hello!"
Her mouth fell open, and she dropped what was left of the tray to the floor.  That voice!  She knew it.  But it couldn't be!
"J- Jack?  Jack Wolfe?  Is it you?" she stammered.
"Who the hell were you expecting?  King Charles himself?"  Jack straightened up and checked his nose to see if it was broken, then worked his jaw.  "Whoever said only goodbyes are painful never met you!"
"JACK!" she shouted joyfully, and launched herself at him.  Jack quickly found himself on the receiving end of a warm and lingering kiss.
"Did you miss me?" he asked breathlessly.
Pip promptly slapped him hard across the face.
"What was that for?!"
"For dying, you jackass!"

Jack gave her a puzzled look, and pointed back over his shoulder.  "Know what?  I'm gonna go out and come back in, and maybe you'll start making sense.  Where in the world did you ever get the idea I was dead?"
Pip stood with a fist planted on her cocked hip and glared at him.  "First, your ship doesn't show up when it was supposed to, leaving everyone, including my dad, scrambling to find buyers for their tin.  Months go by, and not even so much as a letter from you.  Then two men came in, talking about how the Laura Anne was taken by some pirate named Steely Pete Harper, or something..."
"Iron Will Harkness," Jack corrected.
"Like I give a damn?" she snapped.  "They said that any man who wouldn't join him was as good as dead.  You always did say how much you hate pirates and would never be one, so what was I supposed to think after hearing that?"
Jack took a step back, and with a smile he spread his arms.  "Take a look.  What do you see?"
In the heat of the moment, Pip hadn't really paid much attention his appearance, just that he was alive and well.  Jack's hair was now shoulder length, hanging in loose curls.  He sported a goatee that gave him a slightly sinister look.  The man who had been loathe to carry a knife now openly displayed a pistol and cutlass, and something told her there were a god many more blades hidden on his person.  His clothes were very different from what she remembered.  Gone were simple shoes, slops, and short jacket.  Instead he wore a loose shirt of silk, a long waistcoat, a heavy belt that served as a holster for his pistol, cotton breeches, and expensive looking tall boots.  Gone was the young sailor she had known.  Jack had become more than just a little rough around the edges.  He had become a pirate.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 22, 2010, 09:57:17 AM
Pip's eyes narrowed in disdain.  "You idiot."
"Now that's not the Pip I remember," he said with a hint of disappointment in his voice.  "When did you become so judgemental?"
"When I discovered you sold out."
"We need to talk, then."
"I'm busy."
Jack dug in his pocket and put some coins on the counter.  "Here you are, Benny.  She's done for the night."
Benny picked up the coins and rattled them in his hand.  "It's a busy night."
Jack rolled his eyes and put a few more coins in Benny's hand.  The tavern owner raised an eyebrow, then looked at Pip.  "I think we'll manage.  Off you go."
Jack took Pip by the elbow to lead her to a table, but she jerked her arm away from him.  He held his hands up in acquiescence.
"All right, fine, we'll do it your way."
Jack followed her to a corner table where it wasn't quite so noisy.  She took a seat, and he sat down beside her.  He tried to disarm her with his best charming grin, but Pip met him with a stony glare.
"Well, this is cozy," he said, trying to lighten the mood.  "Miss me?"
"I thought you were dead," she replied curtly.
"You sound disappointed that I'm not."
Pip shook her head slowly.  "I waited for you, Jack.  Every morning I thought, 'This will be the day he comes strolling through my door with some wonderful story about where he's been.'  You never did.  And each day, it hurt a little more.  Then I heard about your ship being taken my this Harkness fellow.  They told me you were dead, and I went numb.  Now, after all this time, just as I start to feel again, you finally come strolling through my door.  How am I supposed to feel?"
"Happy, perhaps?  You find out after a year--"
"Fourteen months, eleven days, and a handful of hours."
"-- fourteen months that I'm alive and well!  I should think that would worth more than snarling at me.  Or would you feel better if I had died?"
"No, of course not.  It's just that..."  She took a deep breath.  "It took a long time to let go of your memory, Jack.  I suppose I'm in shock."
Jack gave her a quizzical look.  "You... Pip, I had no idea you felt that way about me."
Her eyes went wide.  "Whoa, Nelly!  Don't get any ideas I was in love with you, sailor boy!  I missed your library, that's all.  Fine, our talks, too."
"That's all you missed?" he asked with a mischievous smile.  "What about after the talks?"
Pip's face turned instantly crimson, and she burst into giggles.  "Yeah, I missed that, too!"  But her laugher quickly faded, and she leaned on the table and rested her chin in her palm.  "What happened, Jack?"
Jack sighed and leaned back in his chair.  "Like you heard, we got taken by pirates.  By Will Harkness himself.  Probably the most notorious pirate in the Caribbean.  Certainly the most successful."
"You sound like you admire him."
"You'd be right."
"I don't understand.  You hated pirates."
"I did.  But some of the men told Harkness I knew a thing or two about ship building.  I struck a bargain to help Harkness modify his ship in exchange for keeping Josiah alive."
Her face lit up.  "Briggs is alive?  Oh, thank goodness!"
"He's done too much to keep my sorry hide safe, so I couldn't very well abandon him.  But Will took me under his wing.  And as irony would have it, I'm a pretty good pirate!"  Jack laughed and shook his head.  "Who'd have thought?  But the life suits me, Pip.  As strange as it may sound, I like it."
"If only those stuffed shirts at Cambridge could see you now!"
"Oi!  Oxford, thank you!"
"I'm sorry!" she laughed.  "I get those two mixed up!"

Jack tilted his head and smiled.  "I have missed you, Pip.  Have you kept up your studies?"
"Of course I have!  Just because you were out of the picture didn't mean my dreams went with you.  My eyes are still down the road, as my dad is so fond of saying.  I just have to get my feet to follow."
"What would it take?"
Pip gave him a suspicious look.  "Some place far from here, with something I can call my own."
"Then I have just the thing."
"Oh, I have to hear this."
"During my travels, I managed to win a business in a game of dice.  I haven't the foggiest what to do with it, and I don't want to go through the bother of selling the thing.  What I need  is someone to run it."
"I'll bite.  Just where is this business?"
"Bridgetown, Barbados.  About as far away as you can get from Cornwall and still hear your mother tongue."
"And the nature of this business?"
Jack shifted in his chair and looked at the table.  "A brothel," he said quietly.
"Come again?"
He sighed and looked her in the eyes.  "A brothel."
Pip stared at him, open-mouthed.  "Are you out of your bleedin' mind?!  Me, a madame?  What if my parents found out?"
"It's over three month's sail from here to there.  It's not like they can nip off round the corner and find you."
"I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted."
"Flattered!  You were the first person I thought of."
"'Oh my, I just won a whorehouse.  Whatever should I do?  Wait!  Pip would be perfect to run it!'  Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm insulted."
"Oh, don't be so melodramatic.  Frankly, I don't care what you do with it.  Leave it a brothel, turn it into a coffee house, it doesn't matter.  But think of it, love.  It's something you can make your own, far away from here.  That's what you want most, isn't it?"
Pip crossed her arms and thought for a few moments.  "How many other houses are there?"
Jack fought back a smile.  "Two.  This one is supposed to be the classiest in all of Barbados."
She thought some more, tapping her heel as she did so.  "The classiest, you say?"
"The best."
"Hmph.  It would be a shame to turn it into a coffee house if it's the best."
"That's entirely up to the proprietor."
"What's in it for you?"
"A minimal stake.  15%.  That keeps me a minority stakeholder, which means you, or whoever, calls the shots."
"I'd get free run?"
"Totally free.  And at 15% share, I can assure you stay afloat."
"So you're saying I can't lose?"
"Now would I let that happen?" Jack smiled.
"You're making this sound very enticing."
"What a relief!  I meant to."
Pip thought about it a bit more, then hit the table with her open hand.  "Let's do it."
"What, right here?  In front of all these people?  The scandal!"
"Be serious for half a moment, could you?  I mean yes, I'm accepting your business offer!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 22, 2010, 09:58:57 AM
Jack grinned.  "Yes!  I knew you couldn't pass up a good offer!  There's only one problem."
"A problem?  You're telling me now?"
"It's your name."
She looked at him and blinked.  "My name?  What the hell is wrong with my name?"
"Well, think of it.  Pip Woolston.  You'll need a fancier name than that.  You can't run a proper brothel as Pip Woolston from Cornwall.  People would be expecting sheep in the parlour."
"Listen here, mister minority stakeholder..."
"All I'm suggesting – suggesting, mind you – is that we give you a name befitting your proprietorship, yeah?  And the upside is that with a fake name, your parents would never be the wiser in the unlikely chance someone should walk into your dad's tin shop and start extolling the virtues of Barbados' bawdy houses."
Pip thought about it for a second, and burst out laughing.  "All right, smart guy!  What kind of name do you suggest?"
Jack tapped his finger to his lips as he thought.  "Something exotic, something madamely-sounding...  something French.  That's it!  Madame Renee.  Madame Renee de Bertrand.  How does that sound?"
"Ooh, I think I fancy that!  Madame Renee de Bertrand.  I do like the sound of it!  What's it mean?"
"Beats me, I just made it up!"
"Well, I like it!"
"Wonderful!" said Jack.  "You'd best wrap things up here as soon as you can.  We leave day after tomorrow."
Pip's mouth fell open.  "Now, just a minute!  This is awfully fast..."
"That's when I sail, love.  And if you're going to take this opportunity, you have to be aboard my ship."
"But, my parents... and Benny!  Someone's got to look after that useless lump."
Jack looked at her sadly.  "I'm sorry.  I thought you were serious.  It's a hard thing, really going after your dreams.  Forget I asked."  He pushed back from the table and started to get up.
"Wait!" she exclaimed.  "I-- I do want to come along."
He settled back into his chair.  "Then come with me.  You'll be under my protection.  The captain's woman.  You'll be untouchable."
"The... 'captain's woman'?"
"Yeah, didn't I mention?  I've got my own ship!  And it's magic.  It's going to take you to your dreams, Madame Renee de Bertrand!"


Renee smiled as she though back to those days, and how eagerly she grabbed hold of the chance Jack had given her.  She pushed the last lock-box into place and ran her hand over the counter.
"What, you going to hang about all day smiling at me, Josie?" she asked with a playful lilt.  "Or is there something here of mine you'd like?"
The entendre sent Briggs into a full blush, complete with nervous laughter.  "Um, I, ah, no...  I mean, yes!" he stumbled.  "For Jack, I mean!  He's in need of water, and the pitcher's run dry."
"Has it, then?" she asked.  "I don't see a pitcher in your hands.  Plan on carrying the water in your pockets?"
A look of embarrassed shock came over Briggs' face.  "Damn!  I plum forgot to bring the thing!  I'll go and fetch it."
"Hold on, love," Renee said quickly.  She picked up a fresh pitcher from the table and sauntered toward him, her eyes locked on his the entire time.  Briggs watched as she approached, totally mesmerised, unable to look away from her.  It was only after she pressed the pitcher against his chest that he remembered to breathe.   

"I know you're good for the other one.  Not like I don't know where to find you, right?"
"Oh, I'm pretty easy to find, for you anyway," Briggs said absently.
Renee smiled and gave him a wink.  "Keep talking like that, Josie, and I'll take you up on it!"
Briggs swallowed hard, and backed up.  "Um, yes ma'am!  I'd like that!  I mean... I'd best get this up to Jack!  Thank ye, ma'am!"
He beat a hasty retreat up the stairs.  Renee watched him as he went, and smiled to herself.
"You know, Mister Josiah Briggs, I think I just might do that..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 05, 2010, 07:53:02 AM
Three weeks later...

Rhys quietly closed the back door to Renee's house and looked around.  Everyone was either in the front parlour or otherwise occupied, save Doctor Gander.  He was sitting at the table with his back to Rhys, making notes in a leather-bound book.  Not wanting to disturb him, Rhys turned to walk to the stairs.
"Come to see Jack, Rhys?" asked Duckie.
"How did you know it was me?  You never looked up."
Duckie finished a notation and turned around in his seat.  "You come here nearly every day to see him, and always at the same time."
"God, have I become that predictable?"
"Everyone has routines.  It's perfectly normal.  But today is a bit different, isn't it?"
Rhys' shoulders slumped a little.  "Briggs told you?"
"Of course.  But don't worry, no one has told Jack.  That's up to you."
"Lucky me.  How is he today?"
"Doing fine!  In good spirits, as usual.  Renee tells me he still cries out from night terrors, though.  Not that he'll ever admit it.  His body is healing exceptionally well.  The psychological scars, however..."  Duckie drew in a breath and sighed.  "Time will tell.  Wounds to the heart and mind can be just as devastating as wounds to the body.  More so in some cases, because they are insidious.  You can see a bodily wound, and that makes them simple to treat in comparison.  I'm afraid we have yet to discover how much Mendoza really injured Jack."
"How do you think he'll take the news?"
"If you're looking for the perfect time to tell him, Rhys, don't waste your time.  It will never come.  The question is, how much longer can you wait?"
"I can't decide if you're a better philosopher or physician, Duckie."
"I'm just a simple healer, nothing more.  Now, go tell him, before you talk yourself out of it again."
Rhys gave a wan smile, then turned and went up the stairs to Jack's room.

Jack heard a knock at his door.  Quickly, he set his book aside and got up from the bed.  He hastily poured a glass of rum and took a seat at the table.
"Come in?"
The door opened, and Rhys stepped in.  "Hello, Jack.  Good to see you up and about."
"Rhys!" Jack exclaimed happily.  "I was just about to indulge.  Please, join me!"
He poured another glass as Rhys sat down.
"Duckie says I'll be strong enough to go back to the ship in a week," said Jack.  "God, I can hardly wait to be aboard her again!  Now, I've been thinking – and trust me, I've had far too much time to do that – about what our next target should be.  How does Guadeloupe sound?  Poorly defended and not terribly rich, but enough of a statement to let the world know I'm back, and good as ever!  What say you?"
Rhys looked at his friend, and thought about Duckie's words.  Jack was animated to the point of being almost manic.  Rhys felt a twinge of pity for him, something he never thought he'd ever feel for this man.  It certainly didn't make his next words any easier to deliver.
"I'm sorry, Jack.  I can't."
"What do you mean, you can't?  Did your ship sink overnight?"
"No," said Rhys.  "I hate to tell you this, I really do.  But I have to leave."
"Nonsense!  You just got here.  Haven't even touched your rum."
"That's not what I mean, and you know it."  Rhys paused and took a deep breath to compose himself.  "This is why I came back to the Caribbean in the first place.  To tell you I'm leaving the life behind, for good.  I'm signing over the smuggling business to you, effective immediately.  Then I'm sailing home to Wales."
"What, you sailed all the way here to tell me you're homesick?  Why didn't you save yourself the trouble and stay there?" asked Jack, his voice becoming agitated.
"Because I had to do right by you.  We're business partners and friends, and that means something.  But now I have to leave this world behind, and go back home."
"What the hell is there that's more important than riches here?"
Rhys took a sip of rum.  "Rhiannon.  She's all the riches I need."

Jack could scarcely believe what he was hearing. 
"Oh, of course.  That girl you keep moping about.  Rhys, mate!  You know yourself there's a killing to be made there!  The Spanish can't move fast enough to protect themselves, and the Dutch are becoming nearly as vulnerable."  He looked intently at Rhys and leaned forward.  "I've been tracking Dutch East India Company shipping for several months now.  Less the time I lost to that foolishness with Mendoza, of course.  It set my timetable back, but I'm certain I'm on the verge of a major haul, too much even for me to spend in a lifetime if I play it right.  And there's no one I'd rather share it with.  It's the least I can do after you saved my life."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 05, 2010, 07:54:42 AM
Jack looked hard into his friend's eyes.  "Rhys, our business venture has been wildly profitable.  Just think of it; in less than two years, most likely sooner, you could be wealthy enough to set up a fine life for yourself and- what's her name again?  Rebecca?  No, that's not it.  Not enough consonants."
"Rhiannon.  And I don't have that kind of time anymore, Jack"
"Well, if she's half as in love with you as you are with her, she'll wait."
"That's the problem.  She's been waiting.  I promised I'd be back in Wales by now to marry her.  I'm months overdue as it stands," said Rhys longingly.
"There's the problem with falling in love, my friend.  It makes you lose your mind and rush off to stick your head in a noose."  Jack poured them both some rum.  "Where is your young bride to be?  Still at home under her mother's wing?"
Rhys shook his head.  "Her mother died when she was a little girl.  Not long after, her father sent her away."
"To boarding school?"
"To... a convent," fidgeted Rhys.

Jack looked at him and blinked.  "You're kidding."
Rhys shook his head.
"Wales is far more progressive than I thought.  How does that work?  You walk up to the door and ask 'I'm looking for a girl.  How are you for blondes this week?'"
"You can see now why I never told you this."  Rhys sighed and rubbed his eyes.  "We met on a hillside overlooking the harbour at Beaumaris  It's up in the north of Wales."
"I've been there, several years ago.  Nice place.  Never made it past the taverns, though.  A shame, that.  Sounds like the real treasure was in the countryside."
Rhys ignored Jack's characteristically flip attitude.  "Anyway, I was on a hillside, sketching ships and the water.  To clear my head, you know?  You've seen me do it a thousand times.  She was there as well with her dog, writing poetry."
"So one thing lead to another, and you showed her your etchings?"
"We struck up a friendship, and it became much more over time."
"So, what's the plan?  Divest your holdings here, sail back home, and spring her from the convent?  An elopement?"
"Something like that.  Lord Conaway would never agree to me marrying her."  A look came into Rhys' eyes that made Jack pause.
"Oh, please!  You're going to steal her away from Sister Mary Monstrosity and Rhiannon's father?    To think they call me mad..."
"What would you have me do, then?"
Jack leaned forward and looked his old friend in the eyes.  "I'd say 'sod it all' and set my sights back on the Caribbean.  Rhys, you've seen the incredibly beautiful women here.  You'll forget about her in no time."
Rhys shook his head.  "You don't understand, Jack.  Rhiannon is... she's everything.  There's not a moment goes by that I don't think about her.  I wish there was a way to make you understand why I have to go.  But you've obviously never been in love."

Jack paused for a moment mid-drink.  "Don't be so sure of yourself, Cambridge."
"Oh, right," Rhys laughed.  "I've seen you in action, my friend.  You don't let a woman get close enough.  You see women as a diversion.  Playthings.  'Unprofitable enterprises,' you've said before.  I can no sooner see you falling in love that I can imaging my living without Rhiannon."
"A bit of advice, Rhys.  England is in turmoil.  This Lord Conaway, he's watching his wealth and status evaporate in front of his eyes.  Now you want to spirit away his daughter?  He may not consciously think of her as a possession, but that's what she is to him now.  One more thing to try and hang on to.  A man in his position is dangerous.  You keep down this path, you're likely to end up getting yourself killed.  Or worse, heartbroken."
"Rhiannon would never do anything to break my heart."
Jack leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.  "She's really worth the risk?  Worth walking away from this life for one of domesticity?"
"Jack, if you even met her, even your ice cold heart would melt."
"My heart's not nearly as icy as you think.  All the same, I doubt it."

Rhys finished off the last of his rum.  "I'm sorry, Jack.  I'm sure this looks like a foolish move, like I'm cutting and running.  But it's something I have to do."
"Of course it's foolish.  But I have a soft spot for outlandish plans that haven't an ounce of good sense behind them.  And while I am sorry you won't stay here, it's just that much more swag for me," smiled Jack.  "It's been a good run, yeah?  So when do you set sail for Wales to enact your grand plan?"
"Tomorrow.  It's going to work, Jack.  It has to."
"I'm sure it will," Jack said with mock sincerity.  "It has success written all over it.  Have you decided where you'll go once you rescue your damsel from the monsters?  You'll need a place to start anew."
"I have a few places in mind.  Why, do you have a suggestion?"
Jack stamped the floor with his heel. "Right here, in Barbados.  Her father will never think to look for the two of you this far away from Wales.  It's the perfect place to disappear and start a new life.  In face, I'll personally guarantee your safety.  Call it a wedding gift."
"Thank you, Jack," said Rhys.  "Don't be surprised when we show up on your doorstep."
"And miss out on the chance to help Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the newlyweds?  In fact, I'm looking forward to it."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 11, 2010, 07:29:04 PM
Beaumaris, Wales--April 1652

The Neptune Rising pulled into the harbour of Beaumaris as the dawn's light was breaking through the indigo sky. Rhys shouted out his commands as they brought the ship into the dock.
Dolan stood at the gunwale and looked at his friend.  Never before had Rhys Morgan seemed so antsy to leave his ship.
Finally Rhys joined him. Breathing the salt air, Rhys smiled at his quartermaster.
"Ahh! The sweet smell of Wales!"
Dolan smirked. "I'd say we could be anywhere she was and you would say the same."
Rhys shielded his eyes and looked towards the port.
"I know she will understand once I explain what happened."
"You honestly think so?"
Rhys shook his head. "No. No, I don't. Hopefully she won't be too upset. I'll take a room at the inn and then I'll wait for her gypsy friend Athena to get word to her to meet me on the bluffs. Then we head off to my father's estate and properly wed her. And then off to Cambridge to resume my studies and live a happily ever after."
"You think Jack is doing alright?"
"He was the last we left him. Weak as a kitten but Dr Gander said with the care Renee will give him, he will be on the mend. Don't know about his mental state though."
"I thought you said he was 'Mad Jack' anyways."
Rhys looked out over his ship. "An experience like that has to change you. It would anyone. Whether it will make him more introspective or reckless, only time will tell."
Dolan lit his pipe. "I know it changed me. How can one man be such a monster?"
"Power. Someone must have told him that he was put in that position by God. And he believed it."
"Heard he was a Castilian."
"Yeah. Full of himself. Probably descended from Joanna the Mad. Totally bonkers, that one. Obsessed with her husband. And Diego was totally obsessed with Mercedes."
"Where is the doxy now?"
"Divides her time between that fortress but escapes to Havana when she can."
"Well, I hope Jack pulls out of it all with minimal scarring. Both mentally and physically."
"Time will tell, Dolan. Time will tell."

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

His ship was docked, the men were given shore leave for a week.  Rhys knew that Dolan would take care of the ship and the men would be loyal to him.
He stopped in front of the grey stone cottage, anticipation that perhaps by day's end, Rhiannon would be lying in his arms in the room he booked.
Knocking on the door, it was opened by a beautiful gypsy girl.
"Are you Athena?"
She nodded. "And you are Rhys Morgan. Rhiannon described you perfectly. Right down to the sun streaks in your hair and the eyes she said were the colour of the sea. But you were supposed to be here at the end of December, Rhys Morgan!"
He sighed.
"I know. I ran into a complication where lives were at stake. Is she really upset?"
Athena shrugged. "Well, it's hard to---"
"I'll make it up to her, I swear. Would you be able to get word to her today at the convent?"
Athena shook her head. "She's not there."
"What do you mean, she's not there?"
Athena sighed. "You had better come in, Rhys Morgan."

Rhys followed Athena into the parlor. The cottage was immaculate, the smell of patchouli and sandalwood filling the air.
"Please sit down."
Rhys sat and took off his hat, twisting it in his hands.
"But she is well, isn't she?"
Athena poured a glass of wine for Rhys and handed it to him.
"She's gone."
"Yes, you said that. Now where is she? Back with her father?"
The gypsy shook her head. "I don't know where she is."
"But...but you go to the manor, don't you?"
She nodded.
"I do. I hate to have to tell you this, Rhys. But when you didn't come back, the Mother Superior found out about the two of you and sent Rhiannon home in disgrace. I saw her when I went there to drop off the season's vintage of wine. And I saw what I hoped was not true."
"You are speaking in riddles, Athena. Please! Tell me where she may be and I will find her."
Athena took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
"Rhiannon Conaway was being fitted for her wedding dress."

Rhys caught the goblet right before it slipped out of his hands.
"She--she--what?"
"She was getting married."
"But...when?"
"About three weeks ago."
"Then I have time to get her. Would you please go and tell her I am here?"
Athena shook her head no.
"It's too late."
Rhys turned pale. "What do you mean....too late?"
"She was married two weeks ago."

Rhys was hearing the words that Athena was telling him but it sounded far away. Like it was happening to someone else and he was eavesdropping.
"...and when I saw her, she wouldn't look me in the eyes. I never saw her again. And I haven't been able to find out who she married or where she is. I'm sorry, Rhys. I really am."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 18, 2010, 08:41:01 PM
Rhys sat on the boulder for an hour, just staring out to sea.
'She didn't wait for me...she's married...'
He repeated it like a mantra. Finally he stood up. His heart was heavy. Then he turned and headed for the tavern in port.

The innkeeper came over to him. "What'll ye have, son?"
Rhys said absentmindedly, "Hmmm? Ale. A tankard of ale."
The innkeeper came back and put it down. "That be all?"
"For now."
Rhys sat there and drank his ale. He signaled for another one. The innkeeper's daughter, a pleasant girl named Sally, approached Rhys. She said shyly, "Can I get ye anything to eat?"
Rhys shook his head. Sally leaned over. "Ye be alright?"
"Don't think I ever will be."
She sat down. "Ah, it be a girl ye be pinin' for..isn't it?"
Rhys shook his head no. Need to play this one carefully, he thought. "I hear tell there was a fancy to-do wedding up at Conaway Manor a few weeks ago. One of Lord Conaway's daughters..which one was it again?"
Sally said, "Oh, that be Miss Rhiannon. Funny thing about that, no one in the parish knew she was betrothed. It were one minute she be in the convent, the next she be getting wed. I hear tell he was a baron or something like that. Also, funny thing. The banns were not posted in the church. Yet she be married here."
"And who did she marry?"
"Not sure. But he's moneyed. Took their wedding trip to Scotland. So maybe he be a lairde there. Don't rightly know, just that she got wed and now she be settled somewhere."
Rhys sat there brooding over the new information. Banns not posted?  Who in hell did she marry?
Damn Jack. Damn Jack Wolfe for screwing up his life. And damn the Morgan honour. Damn...everyone.
And everything.

Rhys stayed into the late night and drank himself into oblivion. He took a few bottles of whiskey and went to his room. He continued to drink until he passed out. And he continued this pattern for a week.
Finally a knock on his door.
"Go away."
"No."
"GO AWAY!"
"If you don't open this door, then I am breaking it down, Rhys Morgan. And I'll have the innkeeper send you the bill."
Dolan waited a minute and then he heard the latch.
Rhys came to the door with bloodshot eyes and disheveled hair. He looked like he had slept in his clothes. Because he had.
The quartermaster took one look at his captain and said quietly, "I heard."
Rhys looked at him with red-rimmed eyes and the tears started to well.
"I was late. Too late. TWO...DAMNED..WEEKS LATE!"
He punctuated each word with a hole to the wall with his fist.
Dolan gathered Rhys' things.
"Come on."
"What?"
"Come on. We're going home."
"Home? And where is that?"
"Anywhere but here, Rhys."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 26, 2010, 07:07:32 PM
Beaumaris, Wales---July, 1652

"This way, Captain Morgan."
The butler led Rhys to the library where he had met with Lord Madoc Castlemaine
several times before.
"Thank you. I hope he won't be long. I have business elsewhere to wrap up."
"I'm sure he will be here shortly. Please, help yourself to the brandy."

Rhys poured a generous snifter of brandy and surveyed the room. Something was different. Something was....missing. He looked up.
The portrait of Lady Castlemaine was gone and in its stead was a huge empty wall.

"Captain Morgan."
He turned around to face Madoc Castlemaine, lord of the manor.
The past few months had brought a cynicism to Rhys. Bitterness time had not managed to abate but intensify.
He swirled his brandy nonchalantly.
"Castlemaine."
Madoc raised his eyebrow at the lack of title in Rhys' greeting but said nothing.
"I trust the funds are in the bank as directed."
"Yes, and no way to be traced to our....arrangement. Here is the receipt showing the deposit amount."
Madoc took the receipt and looked at the figure.
"I must say--I am impressed. The smuggling business must be paying off."
Rhys took a deep drink of the brandy and said, "I've decided to concentrate on business rather than personal pursuits. And also to tell you this will be your last draft."
Madoc sat back and steepled his fingers.
"Well, I would say this demands an explanation. Have a seat, please."

Rhys took the leather chair opposite the one that Madoc had indicated. It let Madoc know he was no longer acquiescing to him. And that he would no longer have any hold over him or his commerce.

"I'm pulling out the goods and relocating to Jamaica."
"Really. And why, may I ask? England, Wales and Scotland have need of your merchandise, you know. You have a good arrangement here."
"England, Wales and Scotland no longer hold any interest for me. I have made arrangements elsewhere and find the Caribbean more suits my lifestyle now. I have inventoried all goods at face value and have calculated your percentage. The goods will be out at the end of the month and then it is 'nice doing business with you. Don't call me.' "
Rhys rose to go. Madoc gave him a sardonic smile.
"It's a woman, isn't it? You either are nursing a jilted heart or have something going on with a dusky beauty down in Jamaica. So which is it?"
Rhys put on his cavalier hat.
"That, Madoc, is my personal business. Not yours."
Madoc looked at Rhys with faint amusement.
"I think I just got my answer."

Rhys turned to go and Madoc replied, "I'm having a soiree tonight. I'd be  honoured if you would attend. My wife--"
"Your wife?"
"Yes, I've recently wed since we last saw each other."
"That explains the absence of the first Lady Castlemaine's portrait. The new Lady C. found it disturbing?"
"My wife has no say in the running of the household matters. She is here simply to be a hostess, keep me satisfied and provide me with heirs."
"Well, that's a pretty tall order. I wish her the best then."
"She's learning the first. The second is working quite well and the third will be a product of the second in no time at all. Shall we expect you this evening?"
Rhys chuckled, "Sure. Why not? It may be entertaining to see how the other half lives."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 02, 2010, 08:55:15 PM
"Madoc, please--why do we have to have these constant social occasions?"
"Because it is not only our social obligations, it is good business."
"But I am tired of playing hostess to your stodgy old friends. Why can't I invite my sisters? At least there would be someone to laugh with. If I have to hear about Lady Crowley's gout or Lady Byerly's non-stop lying-ins, I will scream!"

Madoc tied his cravat and looked at her in the mirror.
"And isn't it about time you had something to contribute to their conversations?"
Her face blushed.
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"No? It should be about time your belly started to swell. We have been married for five months and yet no sign of the quickening of life."
Rhiannon said indignantly, "I am NOT barren, if that is what you are implying. The time just hasn't been....right."
Her eyes involuntarily darted to the small chest where a vial of herbs held the key to her 'barreness'.
'At least wait until I figure things out,' she reasoned. ' Until my heart heals.'
Dealing with a pregnancy, a lying-in and the thoughts of a baby was something that Rhiannon just couldn't deal with at the moment.

Madoc caressed her cheek.
"No mind, we just have to make sure the time is right then."
He traced his hand from her face to her chest.
"Maybe accelerate the efforts then."
Inside Rhiannon shuddered. Not that Madoc was clumsy or a bad lover. On the contrary, she did not like the way he made her feel. Her reluctant but obvious enjoyment made her feel disloyal to the one man her body still craved.
The captain who betrayed her.
The captain that left her to face the music and pick up the pieces.
Alone.

She gently took Madoc's hand and placed it away from her.
"I have to get dressed for want of your 'social obligation.'"
Madoc reached in the armoire and pulled out a dress of royal blue.
"This is the dress you shall wear. With the matching sapphires to show your eyes to full advantage."
She took the dress.
"Is that all I am to you, Madoc? Decoration?"
"Of course not. Everything that matters is what the Castlemaines can get. And more Castlemaines, of course. And when you do produce an heir--a son--you will be rewarded."

"By the way, how goes the portrait? You find Monsieur Gerard enjoyable to work with?"
Her face blushed. "Yes, I do. He is a delight."
"I'm pleased. When shall it be finished?"
She shrugged. "I'm not sure. You would have to ask him as I am not the artist."

The portrait was taking longer than anticipated. In Monsieur Gerard, Rhiannon had found a lovely diversion. The flirting, the innuendoes...
In her loneliness, Rhiannon found nothing wrong. After all, he was an artist.
And French.
A man to her Welsh eyes deemed to be 'forbidden fruit'.
Yet he was entertaining to be with. Witty, charming....and very attractive.
It was Rhiannon's way of dealing with the hurt that pierced her heart and the pain laid bare by Rhys Morgan's desertion.

"We shall have another 'social engagement' as you like to call them when it is to be unveiled, Rhiannon."
Her heart dropped as the portrait Madoc commissioned would not be what he expected.  
No piety.
No drab, hand me down dress from the late Lady Castlemaine the First.
But one of Rhiannon's own choosing.

"...and I invited him."
"I'm sorry, Madoc. What did you say?"
"A merchant. Very profitable and successful in his own right. I invited him tonight. Just so you know when you see a strange face."
'Alright--now go so Rhoslyn can dress me."

Rhoslyn came in with combs, brushes and scented lotions. As she brushed Rhiannon's hair, she gingerly approached a subject of a delicacy.
"Ma'am, the portrait--you will take care that propriety and all due respect is accorded you?"
"What do you mean, Rhoslyn?"
"I mean...well...servants talk. And there is an exceptional amount of talk about Monsieur Gerard. The closed doors, the laughter....the whispers. You be careful of your station in life, Milady."
Her worried eyes met Rhiannon's in the mirror.
"Duly noted, Rhoslyn. And...thank you."
She nodded.
"Now, shall we try the ivory combs or the velvet band?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 02, 2010, 08:56:37 PM
Madoc knocked at the door. "Rhiannon, are you almost ready?"
"Come in, Madoc."
Rhoslyn was finishing up the tightening of Rhiannon's lacings.
Madoc looked her appreciatively up and down.
"And you look every bit the lady of the manor."
She groaned. "I don't WANT to look like the lady of the manor. I want to be the girl picking blueberries and wildflowers again, not talking to boring men. Like that merchant you invited. What am I supposed to talk to him about?"
"Oh...silks, lace, spices....you can always find something to talk about, Rhiannon. Just don't act your age."
The fact that she was thirty years younger than Madoc always smarted. He made her feel like such a child.
"Now, shall we go downstairs to greet our guests?"
She sighed. "If we must. Although I do feel a headache coming on..."
Madoc held his arm out to her. She sighed and laid her hand on it as she had done so many times before for the social soirees.

As they descended the stairs, Madoc said, "Ah! There he is. The merchant I was telling you about."
Rhiannon looked down and felt as if her heart had stopped beating. She tried to catch her breath.
At the foot of the stairs looking up at her was the last person she ever expected to see again in her life.

Captain Rhys Morgan.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 17, 2010, 06:31:20 AM
How Rhiannon made it to the bottom of the staircase she never knew. She felt as if she had been thrown underwater and was struggling to rise to the surface to gasp a breath before reality dragged her below the surface again.

"Captain Rhys Morgan, may I present my wife Lady Castlemaine."
If Rhys showed any surprise, he certainly kept it hidden. He extended his hand and took hers into his. Drawing her hand to his mouth for a kiss, Rhys said, "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Castlemaine."

Rhiannon fought hard to keep any emotions to herself. It was as if another person was saying the words she had repeated over and over at these balls and social functions Madoc was fond of hosting.
"It is indeed a joy to meet you, Captain Morgan. Will you be in Beaumaris long?"
Act! Act! The voice inside her head screamed.
But her heart was telling her to throw herself in Rhys' arms and beg him to take her away with him.

"Unfortunately I will be gone by the end of the week. I have other commitments that take precedence. Tying loose ends up and all that."
"Will you be making port here again?"
Please, Rhys, please! Take me with you!
"I can't say, Lady Castlemaine. I am dispersing some merchandise and then will have to see what the future holds."
The future holds me, Rhys. Me!

Madoc watched with amusement and a sense of pride that Rhiannon could ask just the right questions. She had a blush on her face but that could be due to rushing around to get ready, he reasoned.
Madoc slipped his arm around Rhiannon's waist in a proprietary sense.
He could see that Rhys Morgan was intrigued by his lovely wife. And she was his.
Madoc's and no one else's.
He looked over and saw Lord Dimsworth.
"Darling, I am sorry but I must see Lord Dimsworth about that stallion. He has offered it for sale and I intend to be the one who purchases him. Captain Morgan? I do hope we meet again before you sail off on your journeys."

Rhiannon stood there not knowing what her role in this Greek tragedy was. Rhys extended his hand to her and bowed.
"The quartet is playing. Would you honour me with a dance, Lady Castlemaine?"
She heard the slight derision in his voice as he said her name. She tilted her chin up defiantly at that and said in a cultured voice, "I would be delighted, Captain Morgan."

He led her out to the polished marble ballroom floor. Bowing to her, she gave him a curtsey and he took her in his arms but in a way that was all proper to the morals of the occasion.
"You are looking well, Milady."
Rhiannon looked up at him and gazed into his eyes. They had changed. Gone was the softness when he looked at her. It had been replaced with a hardness that was almost frightening to see.  While he was still handsome, he had the edge of bitterness to his demeanor.
"Thank you, Captain," she could barely utter.
"Marriage seems to agree with you."
Marriage to you, Rhys. That is what you promised me.
She fought to keep the accusations to herself.
"I wish I could say the same for you, Captain Morgan. Or has someone else stolen your heart?"
The bitterness and invective tinged her voice. 
He smiled in faint amusement.
"Why, Lady Castlemaine! That is a bold question from such a genteel lady. Are you asking me if I am in love with someone?"
She said through clenched teeth, "I would like to know if I had been replaced."

Just then Madoc came over to the couple.
"Sir Morgan, would you mind if I took over the dance?"
Rhys bowed. "Not at all. It was indeed a pleasure, Lady Castlemaine. And thank you for the stimulating conversation."
Madoc raised his eyebrow as Rhiannon's face flushed.
Rhys tipped his cavalier hat to them both and nodded to Rhiannon.
"I shall bid you a good evening, Lady Castlemaine. I do hope you enjoy your...party."

Madoc took Rhiannon in his arms and whirled her around the ballroom.
"Interesting fellow, don't you think?"
"Yes."
"Imports all sorts of goods. Spices.....silks....coffee....gold..."
She took a bold step.
"If I didn't know better, Madoc, I would think he was a pirate."
A slight smile played on Madoc's lips.
"Pirate? Where would you get a notion like that?"
"From what you are telling me he is dealing in."
"No, my dear. No pirate. Just a merchant."
"You don't socialize with the bourgeois class, Madoc."
"It was just a business proposition, Lady Castlemaine. And may I remind you that your place is to look enchanting and not think so damn much?"
Rhiannon pursed her lips. "Then you shall hear no more of it from me, Lord Castlemaine."

The evening continued on with Rhiannon going through the motions. She made all the right replies, smiled in all the appropriate places yet her mind was in such turmoil that she was running on automatic.
As soon as the last guest left, she mounted the staircase, heading for her bedroom. Madoc was right behind her.
As she reached the door, she turned to him.
"I'm really exhausted, Madoc."
He opened the door for her and said, "I don't care if you are or not."
And shut the door behind them.

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

"And how did ye grand old party go, Captain?"
Rhys sat down at the tavern table and signaled for a tavern wench to bring him an ale.
"Keep them coming until I either say no more or pass out. Whatever comes first, luv."
He dropped a handful of coins onto her tray.
Taking a deep drink, he looked at Dolan with a look that measured between derision and defeat.
"It was a very enlightening party."
"I'll bet. That bastard Castlemaine has high falutin' ways."
"He recently got married."
"Oh? Well, bet she is a proper lady to the manor born. About as much fun as a nun in a convent, I bet," Dolan snorted.
"You got half that right."
"Proper lady, huh? Knew it."
"No, the convent part."
"He married a nun?"
"Not quite."
"Rhys, you're speaking in riddles."
Rhys looked at Dolan with a look that straddled heartbreak.
"I found her."
Dolan looked at him with a sinking feeling.
"Her?" Even though he knew.
"Rhiannon. The lovely Miss Conaway is now the blushing bride of one Lord Madoc Castlemaine."
And with that, Rhys hurled his tankard against the mirror over the mantle, shattering it.
The tavern went silent.
Rhys stood up and threw a few gold coins on the tavern counter.
"That should cover it. And if it doesn't....do send the bill to Castlemaine."
And with that he walked out into the dark night.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 23, 2010, 08:41:34 PM
Rhiannon sat on the bluff where she had sat so many afternoons writing her poetry. So many things changed, it was like a lifetime ago. She unconsciously twisted her wedding band.
As she gazed across to the sea, she heard a twig snap behind her. Sharply turning her head, she saw him.
Rhys Morgan.

She turned her head and looked out to the sea again.
"I knew you would come," she said softly.
He leaned on a crossed limb.
"I knew you'd be here."

"So...you are now Lady Castlemaine. Mistress of the manor."
She felt her eyes well up with tears and barely whispered, 'I waited. And waited. And waited. And waited..."
Her voice trailed off.
He sat beside her, plucking a blade of grass. "I came as soon as I could."
She whirled on him. "Eight months too late! Do you have any idea what you have done to my life?"
"I ran into trouble."
"So did I, Rhys. So did I. Mother Superior found out and I was sent home in disgrace."
"Disgrace? You didn't waste any time in getting married. Athena told me that as soon as you left, within a month you were married to landed gentry. An older man, she said. She couldn't figure out why no banns were posted. Were you afraid he would find out about us and change his mind?"
Rhiannon raised her hand to slap Rhys and he caught her by the wrist.
"Damn you, Rhys Morgan. You ruined my life. I loved you and gave you my heart. My soul. I was ready to sail with you and you wouldn't let me. Did you get delayed by some treasure? A woman, perhaps? Were you in prison?"
"As a matter of fact, I was."
Her mouth dropped open. He stood up and held his hand out to her.
"Let's walk. I don't want your reputation besmirched, Lady Castlemaine. I know your husband and I don't think he would hesitate to stretch my neck if he could."

They walked through the woods in silence for a few minutes.
"You are looking well, Lady Castlemaine."
"As are you, Captain Morgan."
"Nice dress."
Rhiannon smoothed the gathers on her silk skirt down.
"Thank you."
"Beautiful boots."
She said nothing.
"Is that ring an original or a hand me down from the first Lady Castlemaine?"
"Damn you, Rhys Morgan! DAMN YOU!'

He stopped and looked at her.
"I'm sorry. That was totally uncalled for on my part, Lady Castlemaine."
She turned her head. "Please. Don't call me that."
"Lady Castlemaine?"
She nodded miserably, unable to face him.
He turned her face to his and looked at the sadness in her eyes.
"I'm sorry. I'm...so..very...sorry," she blurted out.
She looked back into his eyes and fell into his arms, sobbing.

Rhys held her until her tears were spent. "Rhiannon, my love, I haven't the words to tell you how sorry I am. I came back as quickly as I could."
She whispered, "It wasn't quick enough, Rhys. Do you know what it was like waiting day after day, night after night for you to come?  Muir sat by that window all night long watching. I think he wanted out of St Brigid's as much as I did."

Rhiannon sat on a boulder, dabbing her eyes with the handkerchief.
"If I hadn't married Madoc, my father was going to hunt you down if you were still alive and hang you. I--I did it to protect you."
"But how did Mother Superior find out about us? We were never seen."
"Oh, but we were. Mary Agnes--the damn snitch--decided in the interest of her immortal soul, to unburden herself to the parish priest. He in turn broke the rules of confession and got his mouth running to the old crone. And I was sent home. Father found out what it was and who it was with. Rhys, I never knew you used the caves as storage for your smuggled goods."
He sighed. "I was quitting the Account and I didn't want you to think I was using you as a ways and means to keep it there."
"Well, it turns out Father found out about what was in the cave. He didn't do anything about it right away since I turned up at the same time. And he used it as leverage to take care of his 'situation.' Seems I brought disgrace on the house of Conway. He knew Madoc Castlemaine was keen to get married again and regain his position in the social world of Wales and a young bride was just the thing."
"Did Castlemaine ever find out about you and me?"
"No. Father had intimated that I had been seduced by an unknown and it was a one-time thing. That seemed acceptable to Madoc. But in small ways, he never lets me forget that I am 'damaged goods' in his eyes."
"Is he good to you?"
She sighed.
"Good. No, he is not good to me. He's controlling and demanding. And he has a cruel streak."
"I'm so sorry, my darling."
He gently pushed her hair back from her face.
"God, I love you."

She turned her head so he wouldn't see the despair in her eyes. She could almost handle it if he were ambivalent towards her but this was salt in a fresh wound.
She could hardly get the words out.
"Rhys, why did you desert me? I waited for you."

Rhys took her hand. "I didn't desert you, love. But I had no choice. It was my duty as a Morgan to help out a friend. Honour above all things, Rhiannon.  A friend of mine was being held captive by a crazed Spanish count over a slight indiscretion. His quartermaster was going in half-cocked to rescue him. If I didn't lead the rescue, the quartermaster would have gotten himself killed and Jack Wolfe would have died a horrific death. He's recuperating at a friend's establishment."
"I certainly hope Mr. Fox--"
"---Wolfe."
"---whatever his name is---I hope that namesake of vermin is pleased he ruined two lives!"
"Darling, he had no idea. He even told me to leave him, to go back to Wales and live happily ever after. I came back as soon as I was sure he was taken care of."

"So where does that leave us, Rhys?"
He reached over and brushed her hair from her face.
"I don't know. All is I know that I can't let you go. I won't let you go."
She turned her head.
"Rhys, Madoc's powerful. And he's connected. And he's ruthless."
"And cruel and vindictive. I have had dealings with him."
"I surmised as much. Merchant, my arse. You had the same arrangement with him as you did with my father. But with Madoc's blessings".
"Can you get away tomorrow?"
She nodded slowly.
"I'll find a way. But don't meet me here. It's too open. I'll take one of the horses out riding tomorrow. Madoc will be gone all morning."
"Where shall we meet?"
"See that path there? About half a mile away is an old grinding mill. I'll meet you there."
He gently caressed her cheek with the fingertips.
"I'll see you tomorrow then. Around 10:00."
"Rhys?"
"Yes."
"Just.....don't expect anything out of me. Not....not like before."
He looked towards the sea. "I'd never impose myself on the bonds of holy matrimony, Rhiannon."
She sighed and got up.
"It's better if I go first. I'll see you tomorrow, Rhys Morgan."
And with that she walked away.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 30, 2010, 08:25:24 PM
Rhiannon slowed Daisy down to a trot. She wended her way through the maple trees. The canopy of foliage provided just enough cover. Easing Daisy down the slope, she came to a clearing.
Ahead lay the grist mill.

A chestnut horse was tethered to an oak tree and on the millrace sat Rhys Morgan.
She reined her mare in and asked, "Where did you get  your means of conveyance?"
He smiled.
"You always did have a fancy way with words. I hired her from a stable. Oh, don't look so alarmed. It was on the poor side of town. I told the stable master that I had to meet my brother to discuss family business regarding an inheritance. He didn't question the gold coin I gave him."
"No wonder. You always did dress in the finest of clothes, Captain Morgan."
"It's not the cost, sweetheart, it is all in how you wear them. A pauper can look like a prince if he struts right. And I gave my name as Liam Gallagher. So no one will trace me."
"Ha! With that Welsh accent?"
Rhys affected a perfect Gaelic accent. "I be beggin' ta differ, me sweet colleen!"
Rhiannon tried to stifle her laugh.

"Where's Muir?"
"He's back at the stables. Madoc won't have him in the house."
"Why not?"
"Because he thinks Muir is a bad influence on his damned wolfhounds."
"Muir? That pup is the model of obedience!"
"You and I know that but this is Madoc's way of being a bastard."

Rhys reached into his saddlebag.
"I thought you might be hungry so I brought some fruit and cheese. And here--"
He handed her a round loaf of bread as he reached back into the saddlebag.
"---is some rye bread and I got this bottle of wine from the innkeeper."
"Claret. My favorite."
He produced two goblets.
My, my! You do think of everything, Captain Morgan!"
"Well, I feel it is the least I can do for you."
He poured the claret and handed one to her.
Raising his glass, he intoned, "To Muir! A prince among the paupers! Long may he bark!"

Rhiannon burst out laughing.
"You always find a way to make me laugh."
They ate their fruit and cheese, making idle chat to avoid the one subject neither found the words for.
The future.

Rhys stood up. "I never knew this place was here. How did you find it?"
"Picking blueberries. I found the start of the creek and followed it.  Around the bend there. And then I came across the mill. It has been deserted for over fifty years. Beyond the clearing is a pond with daffodils. They are all gone now since they only bloom in the spring. And there is a grove of walnut trees."
"Walnuts? Show me!"

They untethered their horses and taking the reins, Rhiannon led Rhys to a small clearing.
"There really are walnuts here!"
They tied the horses up and scooped up a few nuts, cracking them open with a rock.
Rhiannon sat down.
Sometimes I come here to be by myself."
"Do you do this often?"
"Every chance I get. Most of the time with Muir and---oh, look, Rhys! A daffodil!"

One lone perfect yellow daffodil grew by itself near the pond.
They walked over and Rhiannon reached down to pick it.
"Don't!" Rhys said.
She raised her eyebrow at him while removing her hand from the stem.
Rhys took her hand in his and said, "Don't you see, Rhiannon? In spite of everything--the timing and the season, that daffodil proved nature wrong. There is a lesson there. If it is right, nothing can stop it. And it will grow and flourish in spite of everything."
"Like us," she whispered.
"Like us," Rhys said.

She looked up at him and saw what she had hoped to see in his eyes.
The love that never left them.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 06, 2010, 07:53:17 PM
"So where does that leave us, Rhys?"
He looked tenderly at her, and removed her hat, tossing it into the shrubbery. Unlacing her waist cincher, it fell to her feet.
He gave a gentle tug and her drawstring skirt drifted to the ground. She stood there in her light chemise.
Reaching up, he took the ribbon and pulled it from her hair, falling to her shoulders.
All she could manage to say was, "Oh, Rhys...."
The only sound was their two hearts beating and the wind through the willow trees.

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

As they lay in each other's arms, Rhiannon whispered, "I love you, Rhys. I never stopped loving you."
"Nor have I for you. A part of me was always hoping I would find you again. Someday, some way...."
"So what do we do now, Rhys?"
He stroked her hair.
"I guess I never thought that far ahead, love."
She propped herself up on her elbow, her fingers trailing lightly on his chest.
"And now that I have found you, I never want to let you go, Rhiannon. But I swear, I'll find a way for us."
"Madoc has a very violent temper. I--I'd fear for both our lives."
"Can you get away tomorrow?"
She shook her head.
"Madoc is having a few gentlemen over to discuss the breeding of Welsh ponies. They are arranging some sort of 'encounter' for one of our mares. I can't go off riding too many times or he will question it. And I need to pick some blueberries--Blueberries! I forgot my blueberry basket!"
He hushed her with a kiss.
"So you dropped them on your way back."

She sighed.
"Madoc leaves for London on the twenty-first for some sort of Parliamentary thing  for two weeks."
"Will he take you?"
"Not this time. Nothing is going on in the social season of London.  And I hate to ride in a carriage. Madoc deems it unladylike for me to ride by horseback to travel with him."
"So...how do you feel about a week in Cardiff?"
"Cardiff?"
"I have some business to wrap up there. We can hire a couple horses and have a nice week at a seaside resort where no one knows us. No one looking over our shoulders. What do you say to that?"
She threw her arms around him and drew him down for a kiss.
"I'd say it sounds like heaven on earth but I think I just had it."

Rhiannon looked up at the sun.
"I'd better head back."
She gathered her chemise and pulled it over her head.
"Now where is my....ah! There it is!"
Finally she got herself presentable and picked up her velvet ribbon.
"Allow me," Rhys said.
He gathered her hair together and tied it with the ribbon. Kissing her tenderly on the nose, he asked, "And you will be alright?"
She sighed. "There is one thing about being rich, Rhys. You are always 'alright'. We aren't allowed to be any other way."
Arms wrapped around each other, they made their way to the horses. Rhys helped her up on the mare. She looked down at him and said, "Thursday. Same place."
With that, she lightly kicked the mare and headed towards the meadow.
Rhys watched her ride off until he could see her no more.

'I won't let you go this time, Rhiannon. We have a second chance and damn it all if we aren't going to take it!'
With that he mounted his steed and headed in the opposite direction.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 13, 2010, 09:54:44 PM
Two weeks later.....

"A room, please."
Rhiannon tried not to look nervously around her.
'Why should I worry?' she thought. 'I am a hundred miles away from home and Madoc is safely esconced in London. As far as the staff at Castlemaine is concerned, my sister has a bad cold and needed me to fulfill a few social obligations for her. It was so much easier to stay at her home anyways....'

"Sign here, please."
Rhys picked up the pen and signed 'Mr and Mrs. Liam Gallagher'.
"This way, please."

The innkeeper's wife led the way up the stairs.
"You and your wife are traveling through?"
"No, ma'am. My wife and I decided to take a holiday for the week. Getting away is just what she needs what with her father dying and all.'
Rhiannon couldn't help but smile. Rhys was certainly going to elaborate lengths to cover their tracks.
"I'm so sorry, my dear."
Rhiannon feigned a pained look.
"Thank you. Hearing the news that he died was such a severe shock. I certainly didn't expect it."
Rhys raised his eyebrow and smiled behind the woman's back.
"Well, I hope you enjoy your stay, dear."
"I'm sure we will. I just need to rest. Thank you for everything."

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

Rhiannon sat on the edge of the bed and bounced.
"Look, Rhys! An actual BED!"
They both looked at each other and laughed.
"Yes, well.....it will be the first time I have woken up next to you!"
She laughed, "Or said goodnight."
"Or had breakfast in bed."
"Or..."
Rhys silenced her with a kiss.
"You never did tell me what business you have in Cardiff."
"Oh, that. Well, I have to arrange for disposal of wine, spices and coffee and pick up some wool and whiskey. Irish linen. Did I mention the whiskey?"
"Yes, you did. And how are you going to get it here on horseback?"
"I'm not taking it with me. Dolan wil sail the Neptune Rising to Cardiff in a few days. I'm here to sign the manifest and I'll take you back to Beaumaris and then come back here and rejoin the ship."
"Rhys, I don't like this. It is just like the last time when you were delayed rescuing Captain Fox..."
"...Ferret--damn it! Now you have ME doing it! It's Wolfe--with an 'e' no less!"
"Please, can't we just run away NOW?"
"Sweetheart, I would love to. But I am picking up the whiskey in Scotland and then I swear I will come back for you. We can still meet. And I noticed an abandoned caretaker's cottage near the gristmill. Besides, I'll be in port every few weeks. I have to visit my folks, too. But by January things will be wrapped up that we can sail for Barbados."
"I guess you have to scrap your plans of being a cartographer."
"For now. As long as...."
"As long as Madoc is alive?"
Rhys shrugged.
Rhiannon bit her lip. "He's frightfully healthy. Once he took an arrow in the shoulder. He pulled it out and continued the hunt to the end. Rhys, he frightens me. Nothing fazes him."

Rhys could see Rhiannon was getting upset so he changed the subject.
"Is the portrait almost done?"
"It will be by the end of December. I think Madoc wants a big 'unveiling' so that means another social occasion. He's in for a surprise, though."
"How so?"
"He thinks I am wearing this matronly dress that belonged to his dead wife. But I um....got too close to the fire and oh dear! It seemed to have gotten a bit singed."
"Will Madoc be upset?"
She hesitated. "I guess I didn't think that far in advance. It was just a whim. I'll deal with it later. But let us not speak of Madoc anymore. I want to enjoy this time together."
He kissed her. "Your every wish is my command, Milady!"

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

"Lady Castlemaine? I thought that was you! What are you doing in Cardiff?"
Rhiannon almost dropped her teacup into the saucer.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Lady Castlemaine! We met at the ball at Lord Overton's estate. Don't you remember me? Sir Winston Radcliffe?"
"Is there a problem?" Rhys came over to Rhiannon and sat down at her table.
Rhiannon put her hand over Rhys' and said, "Dear, this gentleman seems to have mistaken me for a Lady....Castlemaine, is it?"
Rhys gave Sir Radcliffe a condescending smile. "I am quite sure you have made a mistake, my good man. This lovely woman here is Katie Gallagher. My wife."
Sir Radcliffe looked from one to the other, an expression of doubt on his face.
"Are....are you sure?"
Rhys burst out laughing. "Aye, mate. I am sure. She has been my wife for the last two years. We are from Dublin. Here to visit Katie's sister."
Rhiannon nodded. "I'm sorry I can't be who you want me to be."
She turned to Rhys, " A lady no less, Liam! Imagine that!"
Sir Radcliffe mopped his red face with a handkerchief. "Begging your pardon, Mrs. Gallagher. But you look just like a Lady Castlemaine from Beaumaris. My deepest apologies."
She nodded. "No pardon to be begged. I'm sure she is a lovely woman."
Rhys raised his eyebrow at Sir Radcliffe. "Anything else I can do for you, Sir?"
He shook his head in confusion. "No. I am sorry to have intruded. Please enjoy your day."

They watched as Sir Radcliffe disappeared. Rhys frowned. "I don't like that. Don't like it at all."
Rhiannon's hands shook as she tried to bring her teacup up to her lips.
"Do---do you think we fooled him?"
He gave her a reassuring smile. "I am sure we did, darling. But just to be safe---maybe we should be a bit more cautious when we go out."
She nodded. "I really don't remember him. But I meet so many people at these affairs, it is hard to keep track of Sir this and Lady that."

Rhys scanned the crowd. "Still...to be safe...maybe we should head back to Beaumaris a day early. I hate to do it but my business is wrapped up here and as much as I would love to stay here with you, I think it best we leave.  Who knows how many more of his kind are here."
She nodded. "I knew it was too good to last, my love."
He stood up and pulled her chair out.
"Then let's not waste any more time here. I know a room where a bottle of wine is waiting."
She put her arm in his and gave him a kiss.
"Then lead the way!"


Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 20, 2010, 08:39:09 PM
Rhiannon and Rhys stood at the edge of the woods that led up to Castlemaine.
He gently took her hand.
"I hate the thought of you in that cold manor, darling."
She squeezed his hand and looked into his eyes.
"I'll be fine. I know you have to go back to Cardiff by the end of the week. And I have to play the dutiful wife."
He kissed her gently.
"I'll be back before the end of the month. I'm only sailing as far as Calais. I'll leave you a note on the table in that old caretaker's cottage when I am back."
She laid her head on his chest.
"I love you, Rhys."
"As I do you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Madoc!"
He put his papers down. "So...no welcome from my wife? I came back and you weren't here."
"When did you get back?"
"Late last night. The servants told me you were staying at your sister's to help with the children when she was ill? Does she not have a governess?"
Rhiannon hung up her cloak.
"She does but Dylan was asking for me and since you were away, I saw no harm in it."
"And you were gone a whole week?"
"Thereabout. But enough of me. Act for the Settlement of Ireland. But this is way over your head, Rhiannon. You wouldn't understand it."
She felt her face turn hot and she kept her retort to herself.
"Well, then, what good am I then if you can't discuss things with me?"
"Your place is to plan the dinner party for Wednesday."
"Wednesday? Madoc, another one? I'm a bit tired of this."
"And that is one thing a wife is good for. I think the brown dress with the ecru lace on the collar and cuffs would be best."

Madoc returned to the papers he was reading.
"This is interesting. Cromwell passed the Act of Adultery. I didn't think that would ever happen."
Rhiannon felt the blood leave her face. "Wh-what act is that?"
He rustled his papers and read, "Adultery shall be adjudged Felony.
And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid, That in case any married woman shall from and after the Four and twentieth day of June aforesaid, be carnally known by any man (other them her Husband) (except in Case of Ravishment) and of such offence or offences shall be convicted as aforesaid by confession or otherwise, every such Offence and Offences shall be and is hereby adjudged Felony: and every person, as well the man as the woman, offending therein, and confessing the same, or being thereof convicted by verdict upon Indictment or Presentment as aforesaid, shall suffer death as in case of Felony, without benefit of Clergy."

He put it aside. "Well, my dear, that should keep many a wife from leaving her husband's bed for another, wouldn't you agree?"

Rhiannon laid her forehead against the window and looked out.
"Yes, Madoc. I should think so."
But her mind took her back to a seaside town.
And to a man with eyes the colour of the sea.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 27, 2010, 09:14:13 PM
The night passed quickly by. Madoc spent most of the night chatting with the other members of the upper class about his horse breeding and what changes Cromwell was implementing in the Commonwealth.

Rhiannon occupied her time dancing with guest after guest and listening to the latest gossip among the ladies. It was all she could do to keep her face from registering the boredom she felt. There were too many Lord West---- and ----cliffes to suit her.  All the while she was wishing Rhys was there. That it was Rhys she was dancing with.  As the guests were leaving, Rhiannon and Madoc stood by the door as they exchanged good nights and final compliments on the portrait.
The door finally closed on the last guest by midnight.

"I'll be up in a few minutes, Rhiannon."
"Madoc, I am really tired---"
"I said a few minutes."
She sighed. "As you wish."

Madoc stood before the portrait staring at it. The merriment in Rhiannon's eyes haunted him. Something....something there.
Her smile seemed to mock him. He poured a glass of brandy all the while searching her face for something.
He drank the brandy in one gulp and turning he hurled the glass against the fireplace.
Because right now what he wanted were answers.

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

The door opened forcefully, slamming against the wall. Rhiannon turned with a start.
"My goodness, Madoc! You startled me!"
She stood before him in her underpinnings, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his penetrating gaze.
He crossed the room in three strides and grabbed her by the wrist.
"What was the meaning of that?"
She flinched but met his gaze. Wrenching her wrist from him, she said coldly, "I have no idea what you are talking about. I am tired and I want to--"
"Oh, no? The portrait shows it very clearly. Gerard DuPre painted you as he saw you. As a woman in love. And through the eyes of a man in love. DuPre is in love with you."
"That's not true!"
"DON'T LIE!" He raised his hand and struck her hard across the face. Rhiannon fell against the wall. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to her feet. She let out a scream.
The door burst open and Rhoslyn stood there with her mouth open, looking from Madoc to Rhiannon.
"GET OUT!" Madoc yelled.

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

Rhosyn cautiously opened the door.
"Madame? Lady Castlemaine?"
In the corner, in the dark sat Rhiannon. She had propped herself up against the wall.
"Oh sweet Lord, Madame!"
"He--help me up, Rhoslyn."
She gently put her arm around Rhiannon's waist as she braced herself against the wall to stand. Her leg started to buckle but she grabbed the bedpost in time to keep from falling. Her clothing was tattered.
"Just--just get me to the bed, Rhoslyn."
Gently her maid led her to the bed and helped her put her legs up.
"I'm getting you a cold cloth, Milady."
Rhiannon laid there with her arm across her face, too bruised to even cry.
Rhoslyn tenderly wiped her face, the cloth showing blood where she had wiped her lip.
"Did I ever--ever tell you how much I like you, Rhoslyn?"
Rhoslyn understood what Rhiannon was doing. She was talking to keep herself conscious.
"Let me help you out of these rags, Milady."
She got a clean chemise and helped Rhiannon as one would a child taking off a garment. She gasped.
Rhiannon's body was covered with bruises. Some were already turning purple.
"Milady...."
"The riding crop, Rhoslyn. It---it seems Lord Castlemaine wanted to try it out and I was conven...convenient."
Rhoslyn's eyes welled up with tears as she brushed Rhiannon's hair from her face.
Rhiannon moaned. "I seem to have a bit of swelling on the side of my face, Rhoslyn."
The maid said, "Do you expect Lord Castlemaine back?"
She shook her head slightly. "I think he went somewhere to cool off."
A slight smile tried to grace her face. "After--after all, he really put himself into it."
Rhiannon then covered her face with her hands as sobs wracked her body.

"Why, Rhoslyn...why? Was he always like this?"
"More or less, dear. More so after....she died. Almost as if he was mad that she dared to die on him. Wiithout his permisson."
"How--how did she die?"
"She fell down the stairs."
"How fortunate for her."
Rhoslyn got some more cloths and washed Rhiannon's bruises.
"At least he didn't break the skin. But he--he owes me a new chemise."

And then the shock wore off and reality set in. Rhiannon's tears began anew. Rhoslyn gathered her in her arms and rocked her as a mother would a child.
"Will...will this always be my life, Rhoslyn? Living in fear and waiting for the next beating?"
Rhoslyn stroked her hair. "I don't know, Milady. All I know is that what you reap, you sow. And as my mother used to say, 'things have a way of working out.' "
Rhiannon said softly, "I'm so tired, Rhoslyn. Can you extinguish the candle?"
"Aye, Milady."
"And Rhoslyn?"
"Yes, Madame?"
"Can---can you stay with me till I fall asleep?" she said in a small voice.
Her mouth set in a firm line.
"Aye, Milady. I certainly shall. I'll stay all night."

Rhiannon gave Rhoslyn's hand a squeeze and then moaned. "I guess it wasn't a good idea to try to defend myself. My hands....."
And with that, Rhiannon drifted into a deep sleep.
Rhoslyn covered her up with a coverlet and whispered, "Aye, little one. I'll stay the night. Just to make sure no more harm comes to you."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 04, 2010, 08:35:46 PM
The door creaked open. Rhys was waiting in the caretaker's cottage that they had been using for clandestine meetings and stolen moments.
A candle was burning down and a bottle of wine was open.
He turned and saw Rhiannon standing in the shadows.
"I was beginning to wonder if you would make it. I was getting worried about you."
Rhiannon kept the cloak hood up around her face and kept herself turned to the door.
Quietly she spoke, "I can't stay. I just came to tell you I won't be able to come here for a few weeks."
He crossed over to her, putting his hand gently on her arm. Her face was turned away.
"Rhiannon? Rhiannon, look at me."
She turned into the half-light.
"I need to go, Rhys."
Gently he pushed her cloak hood down.
"Oh my God."

Rhiannon's lip was still cut and swollen.  Her left cheek had a black and blue mark and a welt .
She bowed her head in shame as a tear trickled down her cheek.
"The portrait was unveiled last night."

Rhys could feel blind rage building up.
"And so he expressed his opinion of it this way?"
She nodded wordlessly.
He gently touched her cheek said tersely, "Is this all?"
She shook her head.
"Where?"
"All--all over. His riding crop."
Rhys could feel his heart break for her. He enfolded her in his arms and drew her head gently to his chest.
She moaned softly.
"I--I just hurt all over. I even hurt too much to cry. I don't want you to see the rest of it. I'll heal. Rhoslyn brought me some ointments for it. And I rest when I can."
"Oh, my darling. I am so sorry."
"He accused me of being in love with Monsieur Gerard. Fortunately for him, he was in Italy. Otherwise, I am afraid Madoc would call him out and there would be a scandal. As it is, I seem to have paid the price."
He held her gently.

"Rhys, I'm afraid. I talked to Rhoslyn a bit and I found out his first wife fell down the stairs and broke her neck. I am wondering now....was it really an accident? I'm so very afraid of him. He left for London this morning. I--I didn't want you to see me this way."
He pulled away and looked at her with a hardened look in his eyes.
"Then in two days we are out of Beaumaris. We will sail for Barbados at first light on Thursday. Can you be ready?"
She nodded.
"I won't take anything but Muir. I know he will be only too happy to get out of that barn and into a life of sunshine."
"I'll be by around six o'clock to help you pack. The I'll have Dolan come with a carriage. Pack as many clothes as you can. No sense leaving them behind. And your jewelry. You earned it."
"I'll tell the help that I am going to bed early because I decided to join Madoc in London. That way they won't be wondering where I am. And we will have a two week head start on Madoc."
"That bastard. I would love to stay and finish him off."
She gently put her finger to his lips.
"Just get me away from here. I don't care where we are as long as it isn't in England or Wales. Paris...Rome...Barbados...the Colonies. Anywhere that Madoc's connections can't reach us."
"I'll get in touch with my friend. He offered to help and guarantees or safety.  We can go anywhere in this world, change our identites. And leave all this behind us till the coast is clear."
She laid her head on his chest and he stroked her hair away from her face.
"Thursday. After Thursday, I'll be free of all this. Promise me it will work out, Rhys. It just has to."
"It will, love. Or else it will be the last thing we ever do."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 11, 2010, 07:40:21 PM
Thursday night.....

"Now where did it go?"
Rhiannon startled at the sound at her window.
There it went again. She cautiously opened the casement window and looked below.
"Hold your fire!" she said in a whisper.
Rhys stood there with a few pebbles in his hand. "I had to get your attention someway. I saw you through the window so I waited till you were near it."
"Can you make it up the trellis?"
"Darling, to rescue you I would fight St. George's dragon."
He deftly got a foothold on the trellis and clinging between the vines and the wood, he managed to make it up to the window. With his hands on the ledge, he hoisted himself up and threw his leg over the sill.
"Are you packed?"
"Almost. I have a few duffel bags and am taking all the clothes that are practical."
He held up a dress that was thrown on the bed.
"The yellow one?"
Her lips drew into a tight line as she remembered her one act of defiance in getting married in that dress.
"No."
"Why not? It was the dress you wore that first time we made----"
"NO!"
She picked it up and threw it into the flames in the fireplace.
"I'll never wear yellow again."
Rhys knew better than to ask questions to which he didn't want to know the answers to.

As she stared at the dress scorching and then being consumed, she started trembling.
"Just get me out of here, Rhys. Now."
"You have everything you want?"
She nodded. "All I need is to get Muir. He's in the stables and we can get him on our way out."
"Dolan will be at the edge of the woods at eight o'clock with a carriage and we can board tonight and sail at first break of dawn. The tide will be in."
"All I need is to change out of this dress and into some traveling clothes. I have my riding breeches over there."
"Then change and let's get out of here."

Rhiannon quickly dropped her dress, standing before her armoire in her chemise and grabbing a shirt. Suddenly the door opened slowly.
Her worst nightmare had come true.
Madoc stood there in the doorway.
And he was weaponed.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 18, 2010, 07:56:40 PM
Rhiannon's voice caught in her throat as she whispered, 'Dear God."
Rhys turned at the shaft of light and saw Lord Castlemaine framed in the doorway.
"So it is true."
"Madoc....." her voice was scarcely above a whisper.
"YOU!" Madoc yelled.  "I thought all this time it was HIM. The Frenchman. But she was cuckolding me with you---a common pirate."
Rhys moved between Rhiannon and Madoc.
"And what sort of man beats his wife with a riding crop?"
"One whose wife needs to learn obedience. And now it turns out I beat her for the right reasons but for the wrong man. Well, that can be remedied."
He turned to Rhiannon. "Sir Winston Radcliffe told me he saw a woman who was my wife's double in Cardiff. I wanted to cut his tongue out for lying but I had to know for myself. All that time you and this cur were trysting in that cottage, you had no idea you were being followed, did you?"
Rhiannon stood there, not knowing what to do and not daring to look at Rhys. Not while Madoc was brandishing his rapier.
"It's not what you think, Madoc...."
"DON'T TAKE ME FOR A FOOL WITH YOUR LIES, RHIANNON! I had Mortimer keep a close eye on you. And he had heard through the window that you were planning your grand escape tonight. So he sent word to me. I have been staying at an inn about a day's journey from here just waiting for the word of your blundering plans."
"Madoc...."
"Remember Cromwell's Act of Adultery, my dear? I am perfectly within my rights to take the law in my own hands."
Rhys spoke up sharply, "Don't be a fool, Castlemaine."
He turned to Rhys and spat, "Stay out of this, you dog. This is between me and my wife. I'll settle with you too. After all, you forget who is the one weaponed here and who is the one who has been betrayed. No court will convict me. Crime of passion and all."

Rhiannon reached out to touch his arm in supplication, begging, "Please, Madoc. PLEASE!"
He threw her hand off, his eyes ablaze with fury.
"Please, Madoc. Please let him live. Don't add murder into it! Please! For me...."
Madoc sneered, "For you? FOR YOU? You think I want the entire shire to know I was cuckolded by the likes of him? A PIRATE? And the very one who has been storing his ill-gotten treasures in the caves on my land?"
Rhys retorted, "As if you didn't know. How will the bluebloods react when the story gets out how you received your percentage of this dirty money?"
"You bastard! You use my land and you treat my wife like a common trollop. Well, that is just what she is. A trollop. A whore. And you can both be together where I am sending you. To hell."
He drew his sword and advanced towards them.

Rhys grabbed Rhiannon and shoved her aside just as Madoc raised his sword. She screamed and the blade moved swift catching Rhys in the side.  A look of astonishment crossed his face before he fell on her.
"And now to finish you off, you whore!" Madoc screamed.
He raised his rapier and advanced towards her. "No court will convict me. You cheating..."
He raised his blade and she rolled quickly off the bed. Her hand fell on what she now knew what she had been looking for when Rhys threw the pebbles against the window.
Her bodice dagger.

With lightning fast reflexes, she threw the dagger. In her adrenaline rushed drive to survive, the aim was true.
It found its mark.
Madoc's heart.
Or would have been if he had one.

Madoc was thrown back against the wall from the sheer force of her pitching. The rapier clattered to the floor. He said not a word but a look of incredulity crossed his face. He slid down the wall, reaching his hand out to Rhiannon. She recoiled in horror.
"Rhi...Rhia....Rhiannon......"
Blood bubbled from his lips as he pitched forward.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 25, 2010, 09:28:46 PM
Rhiannon stared as her husband lay there. She heard a moan from the bed and as if swimming underwater and coming to the surface, she saw Rhys laying on the bed.
She ran over to him. He laid there holding his side, his fingers and hand turning red with the blood that was seeping from the wound inflicted on him by Madoc.
"Oh my God, Rhys."
She held him and the blood continued to seep, crimson and staining her hands and saturated her dress.
His breathing was shallow. "Ah, Rhiannon. I always thought I would die at sea. From a battle or maybe even a mutiny. Going down with my ship. Never in my dreams for the crime of being in the arms of a woman."
"Rhys, here. Let me help you sit up. It might not be as bad as it looks..."
He shook his head and whispered, "I know it's fatal, my love."
She felt hot tears trace down her face. "Rhys. Please don't leave me, Rhys. You promised me...you promised you would love me forever."
"I will, my darling....love...love you forever...."
"No, Rhys. NO! I won't have it. You said you would marry me. Together forever. That--that is what you promised me."
His eyes closed, the bedclothes turning red.
She laid her head on his shoulder and cradled his head in her arms. "I won't hear of it, Rhys. I won't let you leave me. You can't. You won't. I won't have it. I--I can't bear it. I can't go on without you."

His breathing grew more labored. "Can't--can't breathe. Not much time. Promise me one thing. Go to---go to Barbados. Get help from.....find him. He will know what to do."
She was sobbing. "You are coming with me. I won't have it any other way.  I love you. Don't leave me, Rhys! DON'T LEAVE ME!"
He drew a breath and touched her face. "I'll always be with you. I love you, Rhiannon....always and for...forever...."
His eyes closed and he went limp.
She cradled his head to her cheek and wept. But there was no response from Rhys.

Rhiannon didn't know how long she laid there holding on to him. Finally she dragged herself out of the bed, emotionally numb. She took cloths and wiped as much blood as she could from her hands and her body. She then took a pitcher of water and filled the basin. The water turned red. Fill and rinse, fill and rinse....there was no stop to the crimson water. She just repeated the actions as if someone else were doing it.
'Got to get out of here....leave....leave....'
She knew the vengefulness of Madoc's sons, particularly Henry who always resented Rhiannon usurping his dead mother's place. If she stayed, there was a more than good chance she would stand trial and swing for killing her husband.
'Go to Barbados...find him...he will know what to do...'
That is what Rhys whispered to her. But who? The captain....what was his name? Fox. That was it. Captain Fox.

As if in a trance she dropped her bloodied chemise and threw it in the fireplace. She dressed quickly in riding clothes. Walking over to the safe, she emptied the contents into a cloth bag. Jewelry and coins.
She shoved any papers and property deeds she could.
She took out the final papers.
It was the marriage contract between her father and Madoc. It was the promise of giving Lord Conaway the woods and meadowland between the two estates when she produced an heir.
'So I was nothing but a broodmare.'
She crumpled the paper and threw it into the flames.
'Take that. I won't be sold like a slave.'
Opening up her armoire, she took anything she could and shoved them into two duffel bags.
Taking her cloak she wrapped it around her shoulders.
Looking at Rhys' body on the bed, she felt the tears slide down her face.
She brushed the hair out of his face and kissed his lips that were still warm.
Softly she whispered, "I know you will always be with me, my love. A love like ours can never die. There is nothing I can do anymore for you. May God have mercy on your soul, my darling."
She touched the sleeve of his shirt.
"I love you, Rhys. Forever. I'll never love anyone again. Not like I love you."

She didn't even bother to look at Madoc.

She tossed the bags out the window and then threw her leg over the sill. She looked down. About twenty feet. She climbed down the trellis as far as she could, the thorns scratching at her and catching at her hair. Finally there was about ten feet left. She closed her eyes and took a leap.
Landing on the ground, she picked up her bags and quietly went down to the stables.
And there was the horse she had taken from the Order of St Bridgid.
A horse named Taliesin.
She wasn't stealing him.
Just borrowed with no intention of returning.
Ever.

She saddled and bridled him. Throwing the bags over the rear of the horse, she then whistled quietly for her wolf-dog Muir. Muir came out from under the hay and jumped on her.
"Hello, Muir. Looks like we are going on another adventure."
She climbed the gate of the stall and jumped on Taliesin's back. She then patted her leg and Muir took a leap. She caught him as he was in midair.
She put him in front of her and their mutual heat warmed each other. Their breaths fogged in the night air.
"Ready, Taliesin?"
She reined him towards the door. As he cleared it, she kicked in with her boots. Hard.
Taliesin reared slightly as if in agreement and cantered forward.
Her hair streamed behind her as she galloped towards the woods.
Anywhere....just away from Castlemaine Manor.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 01, 2010, 08:55:09 PM
"It's alright, Muir. Just curl up under my cloak."
The wolf-dog snuggled closer to Rhiannon. Taliesin, the steed she took from the convent, seemed to know that his rider needed to get away as far as she could and quickly.
Rhiannon's breath clouded in the damp, cold Welsh night.
'Have to get away....have to get away....have to....'
"Halt!"
Rhiannon drew the reins up short and Taliesin skidded to a stop, rearing up slightly.
"Wh--who is it?"
A dark cloaked figure came out from behind the trees, his coal black stallion blocking their way.
"Never mind the name," the stranger said. In the moonlight, Rhiannon could see that he was rough trade.
"Wh-wh-what do you want?"
He gave a low chuckle. "Yer valuables, fer one."
Her hand tightened on the saddle bag that contained all the Castlemaine jewels. Her duffel bags with her clothes and the money were thrown across Taliesin's back and tied down securely.
"I-I don't have any money."
"No? Then what is in the bags?"
"Just foodstuff. I--I'm on my way to see my sister. She's about a day's journey."
"And what is a nice girl like you doing riding at night instead of cozied in an inn?"
"It was too crowded so I decided to ride as long as I could and then set up in a cave...or something."
He laughed. "I think I can arrange the 'or something.' Now hop yer pretty self down from the horse and I'll show you how cozy it can be."
"WHAT?"
Taliesin pranced in place and Muir emitted a low growl.
"Ye got a dog there? Just tie him up near the tree, darling. Ye have no money and I haven't seen a woman in a week. I need something out of this."

Rhiannon shakily reached into the pouch and produced two pistols.
"And what will you do if I sh-shoot you?"
He laughed even harder. "Ye can't even hold onto 'em, ye're shaking so hard. Now come on and hand them over before you hurt yourself."
"I--I mean it. I--I'll shoot if I have to."
"No, ye won't. Ye ain't got it in ye. Now, hurry up and I'll show ye some right good lovin' under this here full moon and then--"
BAM!
A sharp yell of pain filled the night as the man clutched his knee.
"B*TCH!" he yelled.
Rhiannon fired another shot wildly and it missed the man's head by inches, sending his hat flying into the air. He dropped to the road and tried to staunch the blood. She pulled back on the hammer and squeezed the trigger but it just clicked. No spark, no fire. She hurled it at the man, bonking him in the forehead with the butt of the pistol.
And then he fell face forward in the road, curiously silent.

Rhiannon wasted no time. She dug her boot heels into Taliesin. The horse reared back and bolted. As he dashed by, he brushed into the robber's horse and spooked him. The robber's horse took off down the road in the opposite direction.

About ten miles down the road, Rhiannon reined Taliesin.  There was a fork in the road and Rhiannon did not know which way to go. Would one lead to a town? Does the other one drive her deeper into the forest?
Would there be more highwaymen?
And did she have any more shot for the pistol? As if she could load it herself...

The horse stopped and Rhiannon looked up at the stars that shining in the indigo night. It was becoming colder. Rhiannon watching her breath frost up, her fingers numb from holding the reins.
She gazed up at the heavens and searched them as if she would find the answer there.
'Mother? Mother?  Pl-please! Please! I need your help!' she begged.  She covered her face with her hands and sobbed. The last year had been a terror for her. Aside from the fact that she was told to leave the convent--the only home she had known for the past eleven years--her father had married her off to an old man. Even though Madoc was an old man of forty-seven, he was lively.
 
She wiped her tears with the corner of the cloak. Muir let out a whimper and licked her face. She hugged him fiercely.
'Where are we to go, Muir? What shall we do?'
She looked up to see her answer off in the distance.
A small stone church with a light in the stained glass window.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 08, 2010, 07:34:39 PM
Honour led the horse to the front door of the church and tied him to the rail.
Clutching her cloak tightly to her, she took Muir with her and timidly knocked on the door.
The door was answered by an old priest. He had a full beard and was tall and imperial in his bearing. Yet there was something else in his face.
Compassion.

"What can I do for you, my child?"
"Please, Father, can you hear a confession? Tonight?"
"But, child, you should be home with your family. What drives you out on a night like this? You must be chilled to the bone."
"A confession and absolution are of utmost importance, Father. Would you deny it?"
"Of course not."
"And sanctuary in a church? Where I will come to no harm nor arrest?"
The priest took a deep breath.
"My child, sanctuary and right to asylum was abolished by King James in 1623."
"But can you protect me?"
He said slowly, "I'll do what I can. But it is time for you to tell me what this is about."
"Only in a confession. Otherwise, I leave."

The priest led her to a small parlor where a fire was blazing.
He sat down in a chair and motioned for her to do likewise.
"Would you care for something to drink? Some tea?"
She shivered. "I would prefer something a bit stronger, if you don't mind."
The priest's eyes twinkled.
"I was hoping you would say that. Brandy it is, then."
 
The priest handed her a snifter.
"I made it myself last spring."
"You make strong spirits? Here?"
"Child, I am an herbalist and a healer and a distiller. Many of these ancient recipes were handed down by the Celts and the----" here he looked around--"the Druids."
Rhiannon's eyes went wide.
"Druids?"
The priest laughed, "Surely being Welsh, you know that a lot of the ancient practices had its roots in Druidism."
She took a sip of the blackberry brandy and it warmed her. Muir curled up at her feet, happy to be out of the cold.
The priest looked out at Taliesin, still tethered to the post.
"My child, if you seek---sanctuary--best I take your horse to the stable and let Brother Clement care for him. No need for you to get up, you just warm up. And then we shall talk."
The priest wrapped a wool scarf around his neck and closed the door.

Within fifteen minutes, he reappeared with an armload of firewood.
"Can't have you freezing. Your horse is stabled and being cared for."
He laid more wood on the fire, then sat down and lit his pipe.
"You--you smoke a pipe too?"
He smiled at her. "It calms me down. Now...let's talk. Might I ask your name?"
She hesitated and Muir looked up at her expectantly.
"Rhiannon Cas--Rhiannon Conaway."
"Pleased to meet you, Mistress Conaway.  Why are you in need of a quick confession and absolution? You don't look wounded nor do you look like you are in need of last rites."
She looked down at the floor and said softly, "I committed an unforgivable sin."
"A young lady as yourself? Now, what could be so bad that you feel you cannot be forgiven?"
She looked up at him with pain-filled eyes.
"I killed my husband."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 15, 2010, 07:51:59 PM
The priest downed his brandy in one gulp and looked at her. His voice remained calm.
"I see."
"It was an accident, Father. I swear. It was self defense."
Perhaps you had better start at the beginning."
"Is this my confession?"
"It is."

Rhiannon took a deep drink of her brandy and said quietly, "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been over a year since my last confession."
"Over a year?  And to what do you owe the time lapse?"
"I--I was married off to an old man I didn't love! Oh, Father, he was horrible!"
"How did you come to be married off?"
She looked down. "I was sent away in disgrace.  I met a man."
The priest said nothing.
She raised her head and said almost defiantly, "It wasn't like what you think! We were in love! He had to go away to sea--"
"He was a merchant sailor?"
"Not exactly."
"What do you mean, 'not exactly?'"
She said almost inaudibly, "He's a pirate."
The priest nodded. It wasn't unusual for an imaginative and romantic girl to lose her heart to a dashing figure.  She took a deep breath and continued.
"He was supposed to come back for me but he was delayed out of a sense of loyalty to a friend and meanwhile Mother Superior found out about us. The damned--forgive me, Father--the novitiate turned me in. I was sent home. I thought Rhys--that is his name--had deserted me and my father didn't want me around so I had to marry Lo--my husband. But Rhys found me and we made plans for him to spirit me away. But--but then my husband came home. And he ran Rhys through with his saber."
"Rhys--and you..?"
She blurted out, "It is not a sin if you are in love, is it, Father? The sin would be love denied! And the sin was every time my husband touched me. THAT was not love!"
She fought for control of her emotions. The priest could see how fragile she was.
He gently prodded, "And so what happened to the husband?"
She could hardly find her voice. "He raised his saber to run me through also but I was quicker. I hurled my bodice dagger and pinned him against the wall."

Rhiannon burst into tears. The kindly priest took her in his arms and patted her on the back, making soothing sounds.
"My child, forgiveness has been granted. Go and sin no more."
She looked up at him with a tear-stained face.
"I--I'm forgiven?"
"Clearly not a sin you intend on repeating--although we are a bit foggy on the 'is it a sin or not?' but I am willing to make allowances for your youth. Now, do you have a place to stay?"
She shook her head no.
"Where do you intend to go, child?"
She sat there undecided.
"I thought so. You haven't thought that far in advance. There is a bed in the loft up these stairs.  You shall be safe and no harm will come to you. You are under my protection. And tomorrow we shall talk about what you shall do and where you shall go."

She hugged him as if she were drowning and he was the only thing to cling to.
"How can I ever thank you, Father?"
"By entering a convent and becoming a nun."
She looked at him with a shocked expression until he laughed.
"No, I can see you are not cut out for taking the veil. Now get a good night's sleep and we shall talk on the morrow."
She started up the stairs, Muir trotting after her.
Rhiannon turned and politely asked, "Might I inquire of your name, Father?"
"Simon. Father Simon for all your spiritual needs, Miss Rhiannon."

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 22, 2010, 07:50:00 PM
Father Simon was baking bread when Rhiannon and Muir came down from the loft. He smiled up at her.
"Would you like a few slices of sunflower seed bread? It was made fresh yesterday. And the butter is freshly churned."
She gave him a radiant smile in return. "I can't think of anything better, Father."

She dropped a few pieces of salt pork to Muir as she spread the butter on her bread. Father Simon continued to knead the bread as he asked her, "And have you decided on any plans, young Rhiannon?"
"Yes, I have. Rhys and I had talked about leaving Wales for a place called Barbados. It's in the Caribbean."
He nodded slowly, "Yes, I know. And that is where you intend to go?"
She took a bite and chewed slowly. "Yes. I think Rhys would have....."
Her voice trailed off. Tears welled up in her eyes and a look of sadness like Father Simon had never seen crossed her delicate features. Her eyes misted to a place far away, along with her thoughts.
And her heart.

"And what do you intend to do with that fine steed?"
She said, "He was the convent's horse. I took him because I refused to have Mother Superior arrange for me to go home in a carriage. With all the money my father donated to keep me there, I feel the horse belongs to me. When I married, my sister Dilys arranged with the groom to have him stabled there. My father really took no note that Taliesin was there and Madoc was pleased to have such a fine piece of horseflesh in his stables. But I cannot take him with me, Father. So I would like to give him to you. As a thank you for a confession well done."
"It's very generous of you, Rhiannon. But he's too fine a gift. Why not sell him?"
"Sell Taliesin to whom? I will not have him passed to strangers. And you would be kind and not work him. And then there is the factor of time."
"And what of your dog?"
She raised her head defiantly. "Muir has been with me since I was six years old. Where I go, he goes."
Father Simon laughed. "A deal, then. But I also have something for you."

He walked over to the mantle and opened a box of rosewood. In a soft cloth, he withdrew a dagger.
It was mother of pearl, inlaid with a ruby on the hilt. He sat down and pressed it into her hand.
"Take it. From me to you."
"Father, I can't..."
"Yes, you can. Let it be a lesson to you, Rhiannon."
He opened her palm and pointed to the ruby. "This represents the blood that has been spilled in the name of lust.  But it is tempered with the pearl, the purity of white which represents the forgiveness of your sins.  Never forget, Rhiannon, that which was shed. But what has now been absolved.  Besides, I have blessed it and you may need it someday."

She took the dagger and slipped it into her bodice. Father Simon pretended not to notice where she kept it.
He said briskly, "And when did you intend to leave for Barbados?"
"As soon as I can book passage. Preferably today."
"But there may be no ships leaving for a few days."
She shrugged, "Then I shall wait till one does. I can procure a room for a few days."
"Are you sure? You are more than welcome to stay here until that time."
Rhiannon shook her head no. "It would be better that I leave. I shall miss Taliesin dearly but I know he will be in good hands. Will you take me to the harbor?"
"If that is what you want."
She said softly, almost to herself, "That is what Rhys would have wanted. He had a friend that would have helped us."
"Does this friend have a name so you can contact him?"
Her brow furrowed. "Fox. Captain Fox. I don't remember the name of his ship though. Rhys told me to go to him and he would help me."

Father Simon dusted flour off his hands and wiped it on his frock.
"I must say sending you off to a foreign land is not setting well with me, child."
"Father, my wolf-dog has been protecting me since I was a little girl. I shall be fine."
She looked off in the distance and said, "Yes, that is where he would want me to go."
"Barbados?"
"Barbados."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 29, 2010, 08:27:47 PM

St Lawrence, Barbados--March, 1653

Rhiannon hauled her duffel bag up to the tavern.
"I'd like a room, please."
The tavern owner sized her up. "For just yourself?"
"Yes."
"Just passing through?"
She shrugged. "I don't know yet. I am looking for someone."
"This someone have a name?"
"Captain Fox."
"Hadn't heard of him. What ship?"
She frowned. "I don't know."
"Well, that is gonna make it more difficult."
"Then I will have to try that much harder to look for him, won't I?"
He turned his journal around.
"Sign here."
She hesitated and then took pen in hand and wrote.
He turned it around and said, "Honour Bright. Unusual name."
"My mother said it was an oath of fidelity. To be true to oneself, she always said."
"Uh huh. Well, your room is the second one on the right."
"Thank you."
As she climbed the stairs, she asked, "Any other ports here in Barbados?"
"Bridgetown."
"I'll start here."

Rhiannon opened the door and her room consisted of a small bed and a chest of drawers. She opened the window, her nose wrinkling to the smells in the alley. Quickly she shut it.
The voyage had taken three months. Captain Weston was very solicitous. As a personal favor to his cousin, Father Simon and seeing as he was a God-fearing man, he made sure no harm had come to her. He made sure she dined in his cabin and the crew left her alone. Not a bad idea that Captain Weston told them that she was his niece. That made her off limits.

Three months had given her plenty of time to grieve over Rhys. And every time it was like a fresh wound. She would spend her hours staring out at the sea, praying that Rhys would forgive her for running out like she did. But what more could she have done? Madoc's sons would see that she would be brought to justice and she couldn't take the chance that they wouldn't dig deep in their pockets to see the justice would go the way they wanted. After all, Judas Iscariot got what he wanted.
For a price.
She drew the sheets back and laid down. Before she knew it, she was sound asleep in a bed that finally wasn't rocking.

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

"Excuse me...I'm looking for a Captain Fox that ports in Barbados. Have you seen him?"
"What is the name of his ship?"
"I don't know."
"I'm sorry. Don't know any Captain Fox."
She walked outside, despair on her face. Tavern after tavern, it was the same story.
"No--ship's name?"
"I'm sorry. Never heard of him."
"Nope, little lady. But will I do?"
She looked up at the sign.
The Varlet and Vixen.

Her eyes adjusted to the darkness. A tavern keeper with a kindly face was polishing glasses.
"Can I help you, Miss?"
She nodded. "An ale, please."
He poured her a tankard and set it in front of her.
"I'm looking for someone. A Captain Fox. Does he port here?"
He shook his head. "Not that I know of."
She sighed and drank her ale.

A few minutes later, a scurvy man sidled up next to her.
"You looking for Fox?"
She turned to him and her face lit up.
"You know him?"
"Aye. He just ported this morning. Down at the dock right now. Fer a few shillings, I take ye to 'im."
She dug into her purse and gave it to him.
"You sure he isn't in a tavern? After all, it's getting dark."
"He's at the docks like I said. Takin' care o' is crew."
She looked over and the tavern keeper was nowhere in sight.
She sighed. "Alright."
They left the tavern.
"Down this alley. It's a shortcut to the dock."
She followed him around the back of the tavern. "Are you sure?"
Suddenly she was thrown against the bricks and the dissolute pirate was pressing her body into the bricks, his hands roaming all over her and tugging at her skirt and chemise. She tried to scream but he covered his mouth with hers.
"WHAT THE HELL?"

The tavern keeper was in the alley dumping his trash. He threw it down and grabbed a huge club.
The pirate turned around and ducked just as the cudgel swung and barely missed his head. He scrambled to his feet and ran off. Rhiannon slumped against the bricks, too shocked to cry out.
"Here now, Missy. Whatever possessed you to go in the alley with that scum?"
"He--he said he knew Captain Fox and would lead me to him."
Suddenly the enormity of what almost happened overcame her and she broke down in sobs. Her face to the bricks, she covered her face with her arm, her body wracked.
"Alright, young miss. You come with me."

He led her to the back room of the tavern and sat her down in a chair.
"Jared can take care of the tavern for a minute. Here's a warm wet cloth."
He wiped the tears off her face but they kept flowing.
"What you need is a hot meal. When was the last time you had one?"
Rhiannon shrugged. "I guess maybe a few days ago."
He looked at her sternly. "A few months is more like it. Look at you. Your clothes are hanging on you. You stay right here."
The tavern keep disappeared for a minute and came back with a bowl of stew and some brown bread.
"Made it myself and it's got meat in it to build you up. Now you eat and don't get out of that chair until every last drop is mopped up with that bread. And milk. Girl like you needs milk. Not ale."
He came back with a fresh glass.
Hungrily Rhiannon devoured the meal.

The tavern keeper turned his chair around and faced her.
Sternly, he said, "You can't keep looking in tavern after tavern asking for a captain, Missy. It's only going to land you in hot water. What if I hadn't been there to save you? These men have no qualms about using a woman and then maybe even killing them when they are finished."
Rhiannon's eyes grew wide.
He continued, "Yes, well, I can see that never crossed your mind. So why are you looking for this Captain Fox?"
She took a deep breath. "I was told by an old friend if I was ever in trouble, this captain would help me. Now I need his help."
"And what help would that be?"
She didn't answer.
"Yes, well, I figure we all have our secrets. So where are you staying?"
"Over at The King's Falcon."
He snorted. "A dump."
"You have a better idea?"
He looked at her thoughtfully. "Aye. I do. I happen to have a room upstairs. It was the tavern wench's that ran off with a sailor last week. Left me shorthanded. You interested in a deal?"
"What sort of deal?"
"I run a clean establishment. Nothing fancy but the food is good and the ale is cold. The rum isn't the best but it's not rotgut. If you are willing to help me out, I'll let you stay in that room. Mine is down the hall, Jared's is next to you. I promise you no harm will come to you. They would have to get through the both of us to get to you. In exchange, you can help lay spirits down. The men will leave you alone. Between Jared and Malcolm, we got you protected. The pay will be what you can wheedle out of these old salts. And I am willing to wager you will do fine.
So how does that sound?"

She looked around. The place was clean and lively. And it would afford her more time to find Captain Fox.
"And I can have whatever coins I sweep up off the floor?"
He broke out in laughter. "You drive a hard bargain, Missy. Sure as I am sitting here, what you can glean is also yours."
She extended her hand. "Honour Bright, tavern wench at your service."
He took her hand and instead of shaking it, he kissed it.
"Amos O'Reilly at your service, Miss Bright."

She smiled and asked, "When can I start?"
"How soon can you get your things?"
"If you lend me Jared, I can be back in an hour."
"Well, welcome to The Varlet and Vixen, Miss Bright!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on September 05, 2010, 10:10:19 PM
July, 1653

Rhiannon ran back and forth between the tables. Once or twice she felt a pinch on her bum but as she turned around, the culprit must have been diverting his attention elsewhere.
"Hey! Tavern wench! More rum!"
She yelled back, "Hold your water, old man!"
To which the pirates' table broke out in raucous laughter.
She brushed her hair out of her eyes with the back of her hand. Someone smacked her on the behind and she wheeled around, gently grabbing the offending pirate by the lapels of his frock coat and pulled him close to her. She sensuously licked her lips.
"What's your name, pirate?" she breathed softly.
"Peyton," he winked to his fellow pirates.
Rhiannon sat on his lap. Peyton thought he was going to get lucky. She leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Peyton, darling--touch my arse once more and the dagger in my boot will be lodged in your chest. And believe me, it won't be Cupid shooting an arrow through your heart. Savvy?"
Peyton turned red with embarrassment combined with fury. She stood up and gave him a wink for the benefit of his friends.
"What? What did she say, Peyton?"
"Yeah, you meeting the lass later?"
"Don't hold out on us!"
But Peyton, embarrassed, went back to his ale. Still,  he couldn't take his eyes off the lass' assets.
She looked over at the dissolute lot that frequented The Varlet and Vixen. Shaking her head, she sighed and murmured, 'I really need to find something else to do with my life.'

Clearing off a table and pocketing any coins carelessly left behind, she arched her back to stretch.
A nowhere job with nowhere people, all heading in the same direction.
Nowhere.
Amos yelled, "Honour! Those pirates at the table by the window be wanting more ale. So pick up these tankards and get your pretty self over there."
She sighed and headed over with a tray. As she turned around to put the tankards down, one of them grabbed her around the waist and drunkenly said, " I've got a place fer ye to rest yer assets, darlin'...."
She picked up a tankard and dumped the contents over his head, to the riotous laughter of his shipmates.
Walking over to Amos, she said furiously, "If you don't want a killing on the premises, then I would suggest you let me have a break."
Amos couldn't blame her. The afternoon crowd  had been there since mid-morning and the later the afternoon, the drunker they became.
"Sure, darlin' . Go for a walk around the block and cool off."

She stood out back and looked towards the sea. 'If I can just find Captain Fox, maybe I can figure out what to do. I just can't believe that no one has heard of him. Maybe a few days down in Bridgetown will bring more results.'
She sighed, tied her hair back and walked back into the den of thieves.

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

Rhiannon had only been working six months when a handsome captain came into the tavern. She walked up to him as he sat down at the corner table, his back to the wall.
"Something I can get for you?" she asked.
He looked up at her with deep brown eyes and grinned. "An ale...to start out with." He constantly looked out the window.
"Are you expecting company?" she asked.
"Company?" he laughed. "You are new here, are you not?"
She blushed and retorted, "Something amusing about that?"
He shook his head and said, "No. I never heard it put quite that way. But yes, I am expecting company."
"Shall I tell him you are here if and when I see this individual?"
He looked at her and blinked. "Such high-class words for a tavern wench."
She glared at him. "What makes you think a tavern wench has to speak in one-syllable words?"
He laughed and said, "Point well-taken. I am waiting for a Captain Wolfe but I don't see him. His ship has not ported."
She came back with his ale and he beckoned to her. "Not much business yet, and I'm in need of company."
She opened her mouth to retort a reply and he held up his hand.
"I am not taking you for a doxy. Just some intelligent conversation."
She suddenly smiled and held out her hand to him. "My name is Honour Bright."
He kissed her hand and said, "And I am Captain James Blake of the 'Dark Vexation', just ported this morning."
"Where are you from, Captain Blake?"
"Please, call me James. Ireland. Wicklow, to be precise. And you?"
"Originally from Wales. A town near Beaumaris."
"Very pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Bright...."

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

It lasted two weeks. She remembered their last night together. They had spent the night in her room above the tavern. He held her close and kissed her.
"If you're ever back in Barbados...." she whispered.
"Aye. I know..."
Before the morning dawned, he was gone.

She got up and wrapped the sheet around her. On the dresser was a package.
Upon opening, she found a beautiful bolt of sky blue silk. She smiled softly as her fingers touched the fabric. And then her eyes inexplicably filled with tears.
And the reason then dawned on her.
James Blake was the first man she had been with since....since him.

Tears traced down her face as she fought back the sobs.
And one thing became clear to her.
He was not Rhys Morgan.

She walked over to her casement window and opened it. Through her tears, she saw the sails of the Dark Vexation almost out of the harbour.
'Goodbye, James,' she whispered.
Rhiannon went back to bed and hugged her pillow, her tears wetting the case.
She cried until there were no more tears.
'Would it always be this way?'  she wondered.
She felt disloyal to Rhys' memory. Ashamed that she let another man take his place, even temporarily. It wasn't James' fault. It was just the way it was.

She washed her face and looked in the mirror.
'At least he was a captain...'
And at that moment, she didn't feel ashamed anymore.
She just felt...nothing. For no one.
Not even herself.
'Love,' she thought. 'Love is just an excuse for...'
She didn't need an excuse anymore.
It would be captains or nothing.
And she wasn't going to settle for 'nothing'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 19, 2010, 10:16:29 PM
September, 1653

It had been a full two years, maybe more, since Jack had heard a pub tale about a certain ship.  A ship said to carry the entire year's profits of the Dutch East India Company's operations in the New World back to Holland.  She was fast by any country's standards, solidly built, and heavily armed so she wouldn't have to be slowed down by escorts.  Other pirates had tried to chase her down, but found themselves outrun, or crippled for daring to engage, or both.  Her name was the Stad Utrecht.

Jack originally dismissed the stories as just another sailor's yarn, because he saw no way the VOC could possibly be foolish enough to put all that treasure on one ship, no matter how fast or heavily gunned she was.  Everything changed when he met a Dutch captain named Korteweg in a tiny pub on the island of Nevis.   Korteweg was deep in his cups, bragging mightily about the wealth and power of the Dutch, and how they would one day rule the entire New World.  Jack egged him on for laughs until the drunk Dutchman started boasting how no one had figured out that the Stad Utrecht took different routes at different times to a destination on one of the three islands of Aruba, Bonaire, or Curacao, known by mariners as the "ABC" Islands.  All the silver and gold the Dutch accumulated during the year was melted down and re-minted into guilders and kroners.  Less than two weeks before the Stad Utrecht was to arrive, a fast mail runner was dispatched to the islands, carrying letters to the three governors notifying them where the treasure would be picked up.  The money would be quickly transported under heavy guard to the the appointed port, where the Stad Utrecht would swoop in like an eagle grabbing up its prey then head back out to sea.

Jack couldn't discount the man's story; it was far too detailed.  He had learned over the years to trust words of a drunken fool above those of the most sober priest.  Priests were used to keeping secrets, where a drunk fool never knew when to shut up.  He continued to ply the Dutchman with drink until the man couldn't string two words together.  Jack asked a tavern wench for some paper and a pen and ink.  He wrote down the specifics of the Dutchman's story while they were still fresh in his mind.  It became his habit to refresh his memory with those notes whenever they dropped anchor at a port that had dealings with the Dutch, friendly or hostile.  Talk among the crew had him obsessed with with a phantom ship, almost as obsessed as he'd become with a mysterious sealed chest he'd discovered aboard a French ship.  But with Jack Wolfe, obsession and determination could be virtually indistinguishable.

He came ever so close to finding out the Stad Utrecht's route when he was imprisoned by Diego Mendoza.  One more thing added to the list of reasons to hate the vicious Spaniard.  When he had regained his strength enough to return to the sea, he abandoned the lucrative hunting ground that had made him and his crew so wealthy to cruise waters Bonita "saw" were most likely to be taken by the Stad Utrecht.  They took a ship here and there to put a few coins in the crew's pockets, but not so many as to dissuade the Dutch from continuing to use that road.  The men were unhappy with with Jack's choices, but none dared part company and none dared complain too loudly for fear of drawing Bonita's evil eye.  Jack's wild hunches and strangely inspired decisions had made them all rich men so far, so the crew grumbled in their bunks and hoped for the best.

Finally, Jack's determination paid off. El Lobo intercepted a fast little Dutch mail ship named the Windhond, en route to the ABC Islands near the time of year the Stad Utrecht made its run.  The Windhond tried valiantly to run from the pirate ship, but a series of well placed volleys of chain shot through their sails from El Lobo's bow guns made escape impossible.  The Dutch ship surrendered without a fight and her captain was brought aboard El Lobo for questioning.  He was taken to a stark little room with only two chairs facing each other in it.  After a long wait, he found himself face to face with the pirate who had taken his ship, and a most unusual woman.

"Are you comfortable enough, captain?  I trust you weren't terribly mistreated whilst being escorted here?" asked Jack.
The Dutchman gave him an incredulous look, then without answering tried to find a place on the wall to stare at.
Jack smiled at Bonita, who sat on the floor with a small leather bag clutched in her hand.  "I'll call it a yes," he said with a smirk.  Bonita returned his smile, but went back to staring coldly at the Dutch captain.
"You don't remember me, do you?  Jack Wolfe, from Nevis?" continued Jack.  He fanned himself with a couple pieces of stained paper.  "Me, I remember faces.  And I remember yours quite well, Captain Korteweg."
Korteweg's eyes snapped back to Jack's.  "How do you know me?  I have never met you. I would remember meeting pirate scum like you."
"Well, of course you don't remember.  How silly of me.  You were blind drunk!  Drunk, and running your mouth."  Jack held up the papers, well out of the Dutchman's reach.  "But I wrote it all down.  Every last bit of what you had to say about the Stad Utrecht.  Wasn't that thoughtful of me?"
Korteweg glared at him.  "You are lying," he spat.

Jack held the papers off to the side and began to read aloud.  "Stad Utrecht, treasure ship of the VOC.  Makes an annual run to deliver the year's operating capital and pick up the year's profits.  Always preceded by a mail runner – that would be you – to the ABC Islands... Sound familiar, my friend?"
The Hollander's face turned crimson with shame and anger, but he kept silent.
"Yeah, that's what I thought.  Now that your memory is jarred, when is the Stad Utrecht due to arrive?"
"You have my ship," growled Korteweg.  "If you think the letters are aboard, go find them."
"Let me help you understand something, mate," said Jack calmly.  "The more cooperative you are, the better things will go for you and your crew.  So I'd like to hear the information from you, instead of trying to find the orange sealing wax to close those letters up again."
"And if I refuse?"
Jack shook his head.  "That's where my lovely and talented friend Bonita comes in."
Bonita gave Korteweg a wholly unpleasant smile, more baring of her teeth than anything else.  Her eyes stayed cold and flinty.
Korteweg snorted.  "You would leave the, how do you say it?  The dirty work, to a woman?  You do not frighten me, Wolfe."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 21, 2010, 09:59:55 AM
Bonita slowly got to her feet, never once taking her eyes off the Dutchman.  His sneer evaporated when he saw the long bone-handled knife in her hand.  She circled behind him, stalking him.  Korteweg began to sweat.
"What-- what is she doing?  Make her stop!"
Jack shook his head pityingly.  "You reap what you sew, mate.  It's out of my hands."
Bonita's knife flashed, and the Dutchman flinched as she came away with a hunk of reddish-blonde hair.  She walked back to her original spot, casually turning the knife in her hand.
"Dis tell Bonita all she need to know about de little Dutch man," she said menacingly.  In one motion, Bonita slipped the knife back into her clothes and sat down on the deck.  Then she pulled a long chicken bone from her pouch and tied the lock of hair around it.  Once she was satisfied the knot was tight, she held the bone to her lips and whispered something, then let it fall to the floor.
Korteweg watched her warily and crossed himself.  "You did not say she was a witch!"
"You're the one who wanted to be stubborn," said Jack.  "Now, I'm not going to pretend to know what it was she just did, but it can't spell good news for you."
"I bind him to de trut', so Bonita can tell if what he say be true, or lies," she intoned.  "De bones reveal all, and bones no lie!"
"There you have it then," continued Jack.  "You have an opportunity to better your situation and tell me the truth.  Or you can be stubborn, and suffer the consequences.  And to help you better decide, she is the consequences.  Her and her knife."

Korteweg swallowed hard, and began talking freely.  As the Dutchman spoke, Bonita rolled the bones over and over, announcing "Him telling de trut'" nearly every time.  Only once did she shoot Korteweg a warning look, telling Jack, "Dere is much more him not telling."  Korteweg sighed and divulged the information.  He verified that the Stad Utrecht was indeed en route, scheduled to arrive in twenty days.  She would be carrying money collected from some of the lesser outposts on St. Kitts and St. Eustasius, as well as the next year's operating capital.  Her first stop was to be Curacao to collect the profits, then on to Aruba to deliver the operating money.  The Dutch had become so secure with the speed and might of the Stad Utrecht and the safety of their own waters that they no longer felt the need for caution in handling such an incredible amount of treasure.

"Thank you, Captain Korteweg," said Jack.  "You've been most helpful.  I'll make certain you and your crew are treated fairly."
"You will let us go, yes?"
Jack gave him an amused look.  "Of course not!  I may be called mad, but I'm no fool.  A little vocabulary lesson for you, Mijnheer:  'treated fairly' does not mean 'released'.  It wouldn't do for you to run ahead and warn everyone about my presence in these waters, now would it?  I need you out of the way for a while, at least twenty days.  Continue to cooperate, and I'll make sure the island we make you governor of is an hospitable one."
Korteweg slouched in his chair, defeated.  He had naively hoped in that his cooperation would buy the freedom of his men.  To make matters worse, his first major assignment as a captain of the Dutch East India Company was a failure.
"Oh, don't look so dejected," said Jack.  "You and your men get to stay alive.  That's something to celebrate!"
"You are the Devil," said Korteweg bitterly.
Jack shook his head.  "I prefer 'entrepreneur', but we're just splitting hairs now.  Keep your seat, captain.  My men will be round to escort you to the brig.  And there will be a guard on the door, so no use trying anything heroic."
"Bonita will sit wit' our guest until de men come," she said quickly.
"What?" asked Jack.  "You-- no.  No, come along.  I'll post a proper guard."
"De Dutchman, him already know him no match for Bonita," she countered, with a light in her eyes that made Jack uncomfortable.  "Bonita too fast wit' de knife.  And ot'er t'ings, too.  If him know a man be outside de door, him will try to escape.  De bones, dey show dis t'ing to me already."
Jack sighed, knowing all to well it was useless arguing with Bonita if her bones were involved.
"All right, all right!  But you watch him, and that's all.  Understand me?  No mischief!"
Bonita put her hands behind her back and gave Jack a self-satisfied smile.  "Bonita be a good girl for Jack Wolfe.  Him de captain, and him word final!"
"Well, that was way too easy," Jack muttered to himself.  "Whatever!  I have plans to make.  Captain Korteweg, it has been a pleasure.  I'll see you later.  Bonita, you stick to your promise!"  He closed the door with a loud clack of its latch.

Bonita waited until the sound of Jack's bootheels faded completely.  She turned to Korteweg with a malevolent smile. 
"Now, Bonita have some questions for de Dutchman.  And him gonna answer dem all, wit' de trut', or wit' him blood..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 28, 2010, 07:21:38 PM
"I must be out of my mind to leave Bonita alone with Korteweg," groused Jack as he spread out some charts of the southern Caribbean on the large table in his cabin.  He scribbled down some hasty notes from the conversation with Korteweg, still muttering to himself.  "If I had a farthing for every time I've let that woman talk me into something... never mind, I do.  More like ten for every time.  Still, I must remember to count his fingers next time I see him..."
He poured himself a large tankard of rum and began going over his notes, comparing them to the maps.  The route the Stad Utrecht would take was indeed out of the way, but it wasn't a stretch to see her speed would make up for the extra distance.  But an intercept in open waters was risky.  One faulty manouever on Jack's part, and the prey could take the wind and run before he could correct his mistake.  No, to catch this prey, he'd have to do the thing they'd never expect: attack in her own waters.

Jack went to the bookshelf and pulled out a large leather-bound book containing detailed maps, or rutters, of various islands, inlets, and estuaries.  He selected the rutters for Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, carefully spreading them out on the table.  Notations in the margins reminded him of perils in those waters beyond the natural hazards of shoals, reefs, and straits.  The VOC ensured there were heavy patrols throughout the island chain thanks to their heavy influence with the monarchy.  To make matters worse, the Dutch had adopted a policy of employing pirate hunters.  They operated on the fringes, with small, fast, over-gunned sloops.  They didn't care about making arrests.  They got their pay for stopping pirates and their trade, no matter what.  Taking a healthy swallow of rum, Jack began to plan his most ambitious, and dangerous, trap ever.

A knock came at the door, momentarily breaking Jack's concentration.
"Go away!" he snapped.
"Jack, it's Cade."
"Don't care!  Busy!"
Jack didn't look up as the door creaked on its hinges.  A handsome young man with light brown hair, tousled and sun-streaked with gold, and soulful green-grey eyes looked around the door.  It was Cade Jennings, the young man Jack had rescued as a lad from the streets of New Providence years earlier and made his protege.  Jack often jokingly referred to him as "the son he never wanted."  But what a protege Cade had become!  Piracy was second nature to him.  He was especially adept at smuggling, both the mechanics and business side of things.

Jack looked up, and did a slight double take.  He'd never noticed it before, but there were times Cade bore a resemblance to his old friend Rhys Morgan.  Maybe it because Jack had received word just two weeks before that Rhys was dead, murdered in the home of a nobleman back in Wales last Winter.  That explained why Rhys never showed up in Barbados with his lady love.  Hard to start a new life when you're dead.  Jack silently cursed his old friend and business partner for following his heart and getting killed for it, just as he had warned.

Jack shook his head and gave Cade a scowl.
"Which part of 'go away, I'm busy' didn't you understand?"
Cade laughed as he stepped into the cabin.  "I'm here under orders of the good doctor.  He says you need to take time out to eat something today."
"Who says I haven't?"
"Anyone who knows you.  This is the third straight day I've had to remind you to take a meal."
"The fourth," Jack corrected.  "You've become quite the nag, Cade.  Keep it up!  You'll make someone a fine wife."
"What can we say to get you to quit obsessing over that Dutch ship long enough to eat?  You can't live off rum, you know."
Jack looked up from the charts and pointed out toward the sea.  "Tell me the Stad Utretch is tied up along side with her crew under guard.  Then I'll worry about eating.  After we're bloody rich.  I don't have time to go topside for food." 
"I thought you'd say that," said Cade.  He went to the door and retrieved from the floor a tray carrying a plate heaped with food.  He put it down on the table in front of Jack, then stood back with his arms crossed.  "Now you don't have to leave the cabin.  Eat."

Jack picked up a bone with a hunk of meat attached.  "What's this supposed to be?"
"Chicken, of course."
Jack sniffed it and dropped it back on the plate.  "Albatross is more like it.  He killed the last chicken a week ago."
Cade shrugged and took a seat across from Jack.  He poured himself some rum and took a glance at the maps spread across the table.
"Things went well with our Dutch guest, I take it?"
"Better than I'd imagined," smiled Jack.  He confirmed the route and timetable of the treasure ship, including her cargo and destinations.  This is it, Cade.  Finally, I will have her!"
"Then what?"
Jack gave Cade an uncomfortable look.  "What do you mean?"
"You'll be richer than you ever dreamt.  We all will.  You'll have netted the biggest prize ever.  What's left after that?"
"Retirement?!" snorted Jack.  "Getting impatient for me to hand over the reins, Cade?  How amitious of you."
"You know what I mean, Jack.  Most people would want to go out on top.  It's only fitting for the career you've had."
Jack took a sip of rum and thought a moment.  "It's a tempting thought.  But I still have a few scores to settle.  A big pot of money would go a long way to that end."
"Mendoza?"
"For starters."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 28, 2010, 07:22:11 PM
Cade nodded.  Jack had told him of his imprisonment by the dangerous Spaniard, and Briggs provided details of the rescue.  He knew Jack wouldn't rest until he had revenge on Diego Mendoza.  He also knew better than to get Jack talking about it.
"I'm glad the Dutchman decided to cooperate," he said, to keep things on a more pleasant subject.  "When do you want him and his crew released?"
"I don't," said Jack flatly.
"But, you said he gave you the information you wanted!  Normally you take the best of their cargo and set them free."
"This time is different, Cade.  If I let them go, they'll race straight back to whence they came and tell everyone we're lying in wait.  They're loose ends, and I hate loose ends.  I haven't worked this hard to throw it all away in a fit of kindness.  I'll put a crew of our men aboard their ship so she can complete her mission and get the letters to the Dutch governors."
"Well, we can't keep their entire crew in our brig."
"We don't have to."
Cade gave his mentor a hard look.  "You're not thinking of killing them, are you?"
Jack took the ruler in his hand and slapped it down onto the tabletop in exasperation.  "No, Cade.  I'm going to do something I rarely ever do.  I'm marooning them."  He pointed at one of the maps.  "There's an island three days sail from here, well out of the normal shipping lanes.  It's lush, with plenty of food and no inhabitants.  None I know of, anyway.  Someone will find them in a couple of weeks.  They'll be fine."
Cade shook his head.  "These are Dutch East India Company men.  You honestly think they can survive on their own?"
"Not my problem.  It's not like I'm asking them to swim for it.  If they can't shift for themselves, they'd best be fast learners."
"I don't see a big difference between this and killing them outright."

Jack closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose.  Though he loved Cade like a son, he was often infuriated by the young man's bouts of morality.
"I'm going to put this to you straight, Mister Jennings..."
Cade shifted uneasily at Jack's sudden shift in formality.  He'd pushed too far.  The captain's hat was on.
"You have a choice to make," continued Jack.  "Either you're a pirate, capable of making the hard choices for your own benefit and your crew's that a pirate has to make, or you can be Saint Bloody Cade the Merciful and open up a bakery somewhere.  You can't be both.  Being a pirate means being selfish, being cut-throat.  The quicker you lose this ridiculous conscience of yours, the better for everyone."
He leaned back in his chair and regarded the young man across from him.
"I thought I'd provided a better example for you, lad.  This is very disappointing to me.  I thought you were ready for bigger things.  I thought this was the life you wanted."

Cade could feel the heat of shame rise in his face.  Jack was right.  He wasn't thinking like a pirate, but like an idealist.  In any other world, this would have been a good thing.  But not in this one.  Compassion and conscience were a liability, and mercy a passing whim.  Ever since Jack had taken him under his wing, Cade wanted to be just like him.  Jack had been a saviour, mentor and father to him.  To hear disappointment in Jack's voice cut Cade to the quick.
"This is the life I want, Jack," he said, trying to keep his voice from wavering.  "You've taught me how to be a good pirate, and I want to make you proud."
"Then start acting like it, Mister Jennings," Jack said, not letting up on the pressure.  He picked up the chicken leg and waved it toward the door.  "On your way, then.  I have planning, and eating, to do."

Cade closed the door to Jack's cabin and stood there in silence.  Even though he was twenty years old, Jack knew just how to make him feel like an insecure little kid with the tone of his voice.  He took a deep breath and began walking toward the weather deck.  He kept hearing Jack's words over and over in his mind.  And with every stride, his resolve became stronger.  He did not want to be a pirate just like Jack Wolfe.

He wanted to be better than Jack Wolfe.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 03, 2010, 08:11:30 PM
December, 1653

"Honour? I'd like to speak to you in the back."
Honour tucked her towel into her waistband and pushed her hair out of her face with the heel of her hand.
'It had better not be about that slime Peyton.'

Amos was sitting in his chair in his makeshift office where he kept his books and his supply of private rum. He lit a thin black cigar and leaned back, surveying her.
She touched her nose. "Do I have something on my face?"
He laughed and gestured for her to sit down.
"Rum?"
"Yes, please."
He poured her a small tankard and she held it to her nose.
"You keep the good stuff for yourself, don't you, Amos?"
He smiled. "I'd be a fool not to."
"Well, you didn't request my presence just to give me a drink. So what gives?"
He chuckled. "I was just thinking how pretty you are and what a stroke of genius it was on my part to hire you. This is the first stop most shipmates make when they port in St Lawrence. 'Like the scenery' they always say."
Honour felt herself blush.
"I wouldn't say that..."
"It's true, darling. You are a rare breed of brains, beauty and wit. And you have one other thing."
"What's that?"
"Class. You can't buy that. It is something you were born with."
She laughed to herself, 'if only the great Lord Rhodri Conaway could see his little girl laying down whiskey for pirates!'

She shrugged. "I just know what I want. And how to get it."
He took a deep drag on his cigarette and blew a smoke ring. " Captain of the month club does not qualify."
"I beg your pardon!"
He leaned forward and folded his hands. "I worry about you, Honour. Someday you are going to run into the wrong man."
She crossed her arms in front of her.
"You didn't call me in here to give me a lecture on morality, Amos. Come on...out with it!"
"No. No, I didn't. I have a proposition for you."
She raised her eyebrow and tried to stifle a smile. Amos caught it.
"Now, get that thought out of your head. I love you like a daughter, Honour. And me, Malcolm and Jared will always protect you. How would you like a bigger piece of the pie?"
She waved her arm. "Bigger than this tavern on the docks? What are you offering me, a percentage on the soup you sell?"
"Don't be cheeky. The owner was in here last week."
"The owner? But...but...YOU are the owner!"
He stubbed out his cigarette. "Only the tavern keeper, love. "
"Who is he? Have I ever seen him?"
He shook his head. "No, I don't think so. He stopped in here and you were on your way out."
"But you didn't introduce me."
"You had an armful of captain."
She felt her face blush. "Oh. Captain Faraday. "
"Yes, well, the owner saw you and wanted to meet you but he was only in port for a day and you seemed to be otherwise occupied."
She bristled at that. "It was my day off and what I do on my day off is my business, Amos."

"Aside from that, the owner wanted me to make you a deal. He wants to make you a dealer of cards. You ever play One-and-Thirty?"
Honour shook her head no.
"Object of the game is to deal cards as close to thirty-one as you can. The dealer goes around to each player, starting with eldest and ending with himself, and asks whether they want to 'stick' or 'have it'."
She burst out laughing.
"You actually want me to ask them THAT? The answer can be quite loaded, knowing this bawdy clientele, Amos."
He ignored that.
"If the player wishes to stick, the dealer goes to the next; if they will have it, they get another card. They may continue to get more cards until they decide to stick, or they go over thirty-one, in which case they are out. Lots of money to be made. Even more with Bone-Ace."
She propped her arms up, folding her hands under her chin.
"Sounds intriguing. What is it?"
"Same thing as One-and Thirty but the ace of hearts is the Bone-Ace.  All other players pay a single stake to the holder of the highest card.  Beats all over cards."
"And what do I get in this? Salary or percentage?"
"Percentage. It will give you more...incentive, shall we say? To keep the stakes high."
"How much percentage?"
"Fifteen percent."
"Twenty-five."
"Twenty."
She held her finger up. "And all the gold I can sweep up?"
"Deal."
"Deal!" She exclaimed.

She trailed her finger around the rim of her tankard. "So tell me about this owner. Have I seen him?"
Amos shook his head. "He doesn't get in very often. He has other.....interests that keep him occupied when he is in St Lawrence."
"What kind of business?"
"A cathouse."
"How nice! I've been thinking of getting myself a kitten. Think he may sell me one?"
"Honour, are you that naive, really? Let's just say it is the kind of business you and Faraday were most likely dallying in."
"AMOS!"
"Well, it's true. He owns at least one brothel. And he likes to go there to make sure his merchandise is in tiptop shape."
Honour's face coloured.
"So what is his name?"
"Never mind his name. He prefers to be anonymous."
"So why did he want me to deal cards here?"
"Your looks. And he may have other plans for you. He liked the way you look."
She tossed her hair. "I don't intend to spend time with a man like that."
"Don't be so sure, Missy--he's a captain."
"A captain?"
"Yes. So that alone should fit the bill."
She mused, "A captain......alright, Amos. Tell him I'm his."
Amos raised his eyebrow.
She shrugged. "I meant in an employment situation where my chemise stays on."
Amos laughed. "I'll relay the message."
Honour said mostly to herself, 'A captain....this could get interesting.'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 10, 2010, 08:17:43 PM
February, 1654

Honour opened her eyes. Her head felt heavy, pounding with the aftereffects of liquor.
Lots of liquor.  

She sat up too quickly and held her head in her hands. Looking over with bleary eyes, she saw the reason why.
The handsome pirate from the night before.

Bits and pieces of the night flashed through her memory.
The rum.
The gambling.
The flirting.
The late hour.
And the loneliness.
Always the loneliness.

She slipped out of bed and looked at the pirate. Not just any pirate. A pirate captain.
Captain Jonas Corwin of the Golden Phoenix. Handsome, sardonic. And a streak of cruelty.
Just like Madoc Castlemaine.

The sun was starting to rise. Ships were coming and going out of the harbour. Honour walked over to the casement window to look out over the port of St Lawrence.  She laid her head against the window and felt her eyes fill with tears.
'What has happened to me?'
But she knew the answer to that question.
What happened to her was Captain Rhys Morgan.

A sense of abandonment washed over her again. Only one man came remotely close to Rhys and he was also gone.
Captain James Blake of the Dark Vexation.Two weeks was all he stayed with her. And in the light of day, it was painfully clear.
He wasn't Rhys Morgan.
None of them were.
She knew she was looking for Rhys Morgan in every man she had made love with.
Made love?
Hardly.

Her mind drifted back to a conversation two weeks previous.
Amos called her over to sit at the table and share an ale with him after hours.

"Honour, we need to have a serious talk."
She took a deep drink of her ale.
"You aren't going to fire me, are you?"
"Far from it. You are a drawing card here. The day I hired you for the Varlet and Vixen was the day I took alot of business away from the Red Parrot. The men come here to see what you are going to do next. The way you handle yourself and the way you never let them get away with anything."
"So I am light on my feet."
Amos was visibly uncomfortable. He pulled at the collar of his shirt.
"Yes...well...you know I love you like a daughter. And this is why it is so hard to talk to you about this."
"Amos, you have never been one to hold back. Just tell me what is on your mind."
He reached over and took her hand. "I know, lass, that you have had a hard time coming to grips with the fact that your betrothed died when that horse threw him. But losing yourself in every man that comes your way..."
"I beg your pardon, Amos! I do not consort with every man who walks through that door."
He shook his head. "Let me amend that statement. Let's say with every captain that comes through that door."
"Again, you are wrong. Did I spend any time with the captain of the Ebony Heart? Or the Lelystad."
"Honour, the captain of the Ebony Heart had a wooden leg and the captain of the Lelystad was Dutch."
She crossed her arms. "So, see? I do have standards!"
He sighed. "I just don't want to see you hurt. Some of these men..well, they aren't the nicest in the world."
She touched his arm. "Amos, you worry too much. I can take care of myself."
"Aye, I know that, lass. But I don't want to see you come down with...well, I don't want to see you with the pox or a báibín."
"Amos, don't worry. Please. As I said, I can take care of myself."


The resentment for each of these men welled up in her.
Used.
She felt used.

She looked at Jonas Corwin again and then quickly rifled through his pockets, taking all the gold coin and currency. Honour opened up the casement window and glanced below. Yes, there he was. In the alley picking through the refuse as usual. Picking up Corwin's clothes and his cavalier hat, she yelled from the window, "Gibson! Head's up! Here's a new set of clothes for you!"
And with one toss, Honour had donated to the poor.

Honour hastily put on her clothes to go to work downstairs. From the bed, Jonas mumbled something in his sleep. With her hand on the doorknob, she turned to his sleeping form.
"Good-bye, Jonas. I hope you had a good time. Because I didn't."
She left him his boots.

As she walked down the hall, she felt bad about what she had done. In a moment of remorse, she headed back to the room. She whispered, "'Tis a terrible thing I even thought of doing to you, darling...." She put his sword in the corner. "I would hate for you to be left defenseless."
She closed the door and left Captain Jonas Corwin with his dreams.
And with one satisfying thought.
She finally got even with one of them.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 17, 2010, 09:06:14 PM
Honour scooped the loose coins she found on the floor into her apron. Not hard to find when the sailors and pirates were deep in their cups. Even more careless when they waved their sovereigns around, freely spending to impress a young tavern wench.
"I'd say you were done for the night, Honour."
She turned to Amos. "We've been busy.  It's been a long day---and night."
"Always is when a ship or two ports. Especially if they had a successful run. By the way....I heard some commotion coming from your room. Any ideas what the pounding may have been?"
Quickly she said, "It may have been the casement window banging open. I think I forgot to latch it and there has been a breeze."

She opened the door to her room. There was the source of the pounding.
Three holes had been punched in her wall.
And the bedclothes were missing.
She couldn't help but smile at the image that came to her mind.
'Looks like someone got up on the wrong side of bed this morning.'
She rubbed her arm where a bruise was turning black and blue. Jonas had grabbed her roughly when they made it back to her room. No tenderness. No gentleness. Jonas had treated her like a common trollop.
'Serves you right,' she thought. 'Next time maybe you won't take advantage of someone's loneliness.'

The moonlight shone through the casement window. She opened it up to let in the sea breeze, inhaling the salt air. The restless feeling let her know that sleep would elude her.
Slipping on her boots, she grabbed her new cloak.
Over in the corner to one side was her sword. She smiled wistfully as she recalled the day she had purchased it. As she picked it up, something didn't seem quite right to her. I wish I could tell what it is, she thought. She slipped her favorite bodice dagger into its proper place, along with her rapier and went down the back door.
As she walked down the lane, a voice slurred, "Miz Honour--thank 'ee kindly fer the new duds!"
She looked up and there was Gibson standing with a flask of rum.
"Hello, Gibson. I must say you look dashing. I love that hat on you."
Gibson handed her the flask. " 'ere, Miss, take a sip!"
She tried to appear gracious. "No, thank you, Gibson. I've had plenty tonight but thank you just the same."

The wind had picked up, whipping her hair around her face. Should have bound it up, she thought. Ah well, it feels good. As she walked down to the harbor, she stood on the dock and surveyed the ships that were in port.
Let's see...there's Poseidon's Revenge....Charles Elliot, I saw him earlier. The Black Rock. I thought I saw Blue flying around...The Lady Barbara. Nice! Samuel is back in port....The Ebony Blade ...oh dear, Captain Faraday is still here. I thought he'd be gone by now......The Golden Phoenix...Wait! The Golden Phoenix? Wasn't Captain Corwin supposed to be gone by now?
She felt an arm around her neck. Cold steel against her throat. A rum-soaked voice said rasply, "You're going to pay for that."
She knew the voice.
Captain Jonas Corwin.
And this time he was dressed.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 24, 2010, 07:59:56 PM
"I must say, Jonas, that is a nice sword."
"Yeah. Nice indeed. Since that was all you left me with. And where are my clothes?"
"I have no idea where you put them."
"Don't mess with me, trollop. I'll run you through. What is one less strumpet to this place?"
Honour thought quickly. He was holding her arm that she normally used to draw her rapier.
"Jonas, please. I have no idea what you are talking about."
"NO? I had to walk through this town wrapped in your sheets."
"Really? I found it odd, yes, that they disappeared."
The blade moved across her chest, leaving a faint red mark. Blood began to seep slowly out of the razor-fine cut.
"Jonas, please, there is no need to get testy."
"Testy? Try outraged. When the crew saw me in my boots and YOUR sheets, I would say they lost a bit of respect for me."
"Well, it's not my fault you were so eager. You must have thrown the clothes and they went flying out the window."
"Yeah. Right. How stupid do you think I am?"
Honour gathered all her wits and flung back at him, "I don't know, Jonas, how stupid ARE you? OW!"

She flinched. Another thin line began to trickle blood.
'He's serious now', she thought. 'I think he is beyond reasoning.' Blood began to trickle into her chemise and stain.
She remembered she was wearing new boots with really good heels. She moved quickly and ground her heel into his shin.
Jonas Corwin let out a yell. At that opportunity, Honour spun around and drew her rapier out. She faced her attacker. He had his sword in position.
Honour knew now that he meant business.

She tried to remember everything that James Blake had taught her in those two weeks.
Keep the sword out in front of your body. 'On point' he had said.
She kept repeating to herself, 'Win by not losing. Concentrate on staying alive.' Like a mantra.
She could feel adrenaline pumping through her veins.
Jonas sneered, "You think I am to be bested by a woman?"
They stood there on the docks in the moonlight. Somehow her cloak had slipped off.
She whispered with all her strength and a confidence she did not feel, "I'm not just any woman, Jonas. I thought you of all people would have realized that."

They cautiously circled as he attempted a thrust. She parried it. Something did not feel right. Jonas's sword glanced off her arm. Blood was drawn.
This is not going well, she thought. I'll deal with it later. Something just doesn't feel right with this sword. Something not...balanced. How can that be? It was just replaced. Jonas thrust again but this time she was ready for it. She blocked it and the blade felt like it had a 'give' to it. She remembered Blake had told her to keep her opponent as far away as possible. She thrust her sword toward Jonas but he blocked it. Her blade twisted ever so slightly.
Something is dreadfully wrong with this sword. Could it be...? No! Impossible!
She thrust again and Jonas parried. Then he swung at her sword and it caught her hilt, barely missing her hand. The blade twisted even more.
Her sense of preservation was at full steam. He thrust and she parried, and the blade was giving way.
She thrust once more and the blade was giving way from the hilt.
At that moment, Jonas backed up.
And stepped on one of the cats that lived on the wharfs.

The cat screeched and sunk his claws into Jonas' leg. Jonas let out a scream and Honour saw her chance. She drew her foot back and kicked.
Hard.

Jonas never saw it coming. As he dropped to his knees, Honour drew her foot back once more and kicked him squarely on the chin. He fell to the ground, unconscious.
She stood there gasping for breath, blood streaming down her chest and she took a cloth and tried to stem the flow of blood that was starting to gush from her arm wound. She thought fast of what to do. Reaching towards Jonas, she took his sword and pitched it into the water. She walked over and ground her heel into his hand once for good measure, hearing the bones break. He never uttered a word.
He was totally knocked out.
She dragged herself over to a shed, took some rope and expertly tied his hands to the dock, throwing canvas over him. She stuffed a rag in his mouth, gagging him.
'Let his crew find him. I've had enough killing in my life.'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 31, 2010, 07:42:48 PM
Her eyes filled with tears and she hastily wiped them away. As she stood there trying to get herself together, a crew member from the Black Rock walked by.
"Honour? You alright, Miss?"
She nodded. "Hello, Jenkins." She tried to get her breathing under control. "Jenkins, I'm sorry. I was attacked and he got away."
"Miss! You alright? You're bleeding!"
She picked up her sword or what was left of it. "Jenkins? Could you please tell me what is wrong with my sword?"
Jenkins looked at it. "Miss, dinna take a swordsmith to tell me what is wrong wit' yer sword. This 'ere blade is brass. Soft metal. Never to be used for a blade."
"I see. Thank you."
"Miss, you want me to see you back to the tavern?"
"No, Jenkins, thank you. I'll be alright."
She took her bodice dagger out and ripped her cloak into strips, wrapping them around her arm and using the pieces to wipe the blood up. Jenkins stood there doubtfully. Honour managed a wan smile.
"I shall be fine. Please, enjoy your night."
"If yer sure, Miss.."
"I am."

She watched him walk away, looking back once. She gave him a self-confident wave she did not feel. She picked up the two pieces that used to be her rapier and looked at the blade. And her mind went back to the day she spent the day with Captain Faraday.
Captain Adam Faraday.
The captain whose credit she had ruined.

Adam had stood her up one night. He claimed he had been arranging supplies for his ship but he had been seen on the arm of Molly Easley.
'Easy' Easley.
A cut-rate strumpet.
The next day, Honour had pretended to believe his excuse about having to take care of the ship's supplies. She allowed him to keep her company the next day. Adam had taken her to the shops on the northern side of town. A new dress, a new pair of boots....guilty compensation for taking his affections elsewhere.
They had stopped at Master Campbell's while Adam had picked up his sword that was being sharpened.
"Oh, Adam! I like this one!"
Honour had picked up a French rapier.
"But I want the brass on the blade and the steel on the hilt. To match my grommets."
Adam had laughed. 'Brass is never used in a blade. Too soft. But yes, my dear, I shall order you a sword. One sword for the little lady, Master Campbell."
The swordsmith grinned, "Aye....just need to size it to her petite stature. Be ready in two days."
Honour gave Adam a beatific smile.
The night came and Adam had expected he would be spending the night with Honour but she claimed she was indisposed that night.  Adam had kissed her hand and said he would see her the next day.

And the next day is when she got her revenge. She told the bootmaker she and Captain Faraday were betrothed and as a wedding gift, she could pick out any pair of boots she wanted. And what she wanted was white kid boots with a high heel. But it was to be a secret as Captain Faraday had to untangle a bit of a problem.
The problem being a shrewish wife in Bristol.
The story was repeated throughout the shops until Honour felt she had compensated herself for Adam's slight.

Adam had spent the next night with her but she remembered him being a bit quiet in the tavern. It now became all too clear to her.
Adam Faraday got even with her too.

She sat down on the deck, bewildered. And she burst into tears.
Was he that upset to put my life into jeopardy? She looked out and saw The Ebony Blade.
She took ragged breaths and then she slowly got to her feet. She wiped the tears off her face with the cloth from her cloak. Walking down to his ship, she stealthily climbed on board. The crew must be out on the town. A light glowed in the Captain's cabin.
She got out her bodice dagger and walked over to each sail.
And carved her initials, HB, in each one.

Quietly, she walked over to the cabin door. She stood there for a minute. Then she carved her initials in the fine wood. And dropped the two pieces of her sword in front of it.

Honour climbed off the ship and walked back to the tavern. As she entered, she saw the barkeep sitting there with an ale.
She stood there and said, "Amos? I think..I think I need a doctor."
And fainted.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 07, 2010, 08:23:12 PM
Amos had carried her to her room and summoned the doctor. The blade Jonas Corwin had used was contaminated. Between Doctor Benson and Honour's best friend Kate, they continued their ministrations on Honour.
 
Honour stirred in her unconsciousness. She had been vaguely aware of someone holding her down and a burning sensation in her arm that felt like fire. The smell of bourbon wafted near her nose. In her delirium, she heard the clash of swords that brought back memories she thought she had pushed far down and blocked. Jonas brought those memories back.

The dreams were always the same. The door banging open. The shadow in the candlelight. The angry voices, the accusations.
And then....

She sat up and screamed. Kate jumped a mile. She came over to her. Honour was shaking.
Kate gathered her into her arms and rocked her gently.
All Honour could do was whisper, 'Oh God. The blood! All the blood! And there was not a thing I could do..'
Kate made soothing noises to try to calm her down but to no avail.
'I tried! I really tried but he wouldn't listen....'
She cried like her heart was breaking.

Kate never left her side. Honour was shaking with the fever and talking of things she ought not. None of it made any sense.
She tried to get her to calm down but Honour's skin was like fire.
She looked at Kate and whispered to her, "Am I going to die?"
She said, "Honour, you are feisty. I would hate to see the damage you inflicted on the person who did this to you."
She murmured, "I need to make a confession."
"Hush! There is time for that later."
She whispered, "Two men died because of me, Kate. I never meant for it to happen. It just did. And now I shall burn in hell for it!"
Kate tried not to smile. "Then I pity the devil when you arrive as he shall have his work cut out for him!"
She shook her head. "If he is there, then I shall truly be in hell!"
"Who? The devil?"
"My husband."
Kate tried to figure out what she was talking about. "You were married before? I did not know this. You are a widow?"
She shook her head again. "No. I am a murderess."
Kate was taken back by it. "I can see you doing alot of things, Honour, but murder? What did you do, love him to death?"
She laid back on the pillows, still burning up. Kate continued with the cool cloths.
"It wasn't my fault. He was never to find out."
"Honour, you aren't making much sense."
She took a deep breath and whispered, "I've totally screwed up my life. I have always loved foolishly. For all the wrong reasons. And the wrong men. And I had a man die in my bed."

She tried to gather her strength. makine no sense as the fever was taking its toll.
"All the blood. It was so awful."
She looked at her hands and it was as if she could still see the blood there.
"I held him. He drew his last breath in my arms. Oh, Kate! It was the worst thing to happen to me."
"Honour, maybe you need to be quiet for a while.."
"No! I need to tell someone! What if I die and no one here ever knew who I was. I never told a soul what really happened that night! Except Father Simon."
Kate sat next to her and held her hands. "And you feel the time is right?"
She took a deep breath and continued, still in fever. She whispered, "Have you ever heard the name Rhys Morgan?"
Kate nodded. "The Captain of the Neptune Rising. Henry Morgan's nephew. Dashing man. I met him once. Well-educated, smart and savvy. Makes berth in Tortuga."
Honour's eyes filled with tears and she could barely speak. "Not any more. He's dead."
"Dead? You were married to him?"
She shook her head. "He's dead because he knew me."

Kate listened to the gut-wrenching story of what had happened that fateful night in Beaumaris. When dawn approached, Honour's fever had broken. And she was going to live.

Kate awoke from the bed she slept in next to Honour's to find her staring out the window.  Softly she said, "I want to thank you, Kate. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have made it."
Kate reached over and smoothed the hair back from her face and smiled.
"You would have done the same for me."
Honour looked down.
"I did some soul-searching last night, Kate. And I came to a decision."
"And what is that?"
She looked up with a look of determination on her face.
"The next time I bed a man, I'll demand a wedding ring first."

Kate laughed. "You can say that now. But what happens when the next handsome captain walks through that door?"
Honour smiled softly, "I can add Mrs. Captain to my name."

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 15, 2010, 09:11:45 AM
The two ships rode at anchor scarcely two hundred yards from one another in the shallower waters off a tiny uninhabited island, their sleek black hulls glistening in the sunlight where the gentle swells of the sea touched them.  There was no mistaking these vessels for merchantmen, though their holds were spacious; they were not military ships, though they bristled with weapons.  These were ships that belonged to the wolves of the seas.  They belonged to pirates.

A longboat was lowered to the water from the three-masted brigantine.  Her crew clambered down the side of the ship and began rowing toward the other vessel.  One man near the front of the boat sang a lewd shanty to set the pace for rowing and ensure all the men with oars pulled in unison, and they would answer back during the choruses.  One man sat quietly in the middle of the boat, watching as each stoke took them closer to their destination.  In ten minutes time, they were alongside the swift black frigate with a rampant wolf as its figurehead, El Lobo del Mar.

A sharp knock on the great cabin's door brought Jack's attention back from the book he was reading.  He looked up as Briggs opened the door and stepped inside.
"Our guest is aboard and waitin' to see ye as ye asked, Jack."
"Ah, good!" said Jack.  "I was beginning to wonder if he was going to accept my invitation.  He runs on his own schedule, anyway."
"Why shouldn't I?" asked James Blake as stepped through the door.  "I sailed three days out of my way to meet you here in the middle of nowhere.  It's a good thing you sent a map.  No one else has ever heard of Sand Crab Spit."
"That's because I made it up," smiled Jack.  He filled a glass with rum pushed it to Blake before refilling his own.  "I didn't want unexpected company."
"Not a terribly imaginative name," said Blake.
Jack shrugged.  "How many islands have you run across named Tortuga this or Tortuga that?"
"Too damned many, and almost none shaped like a turtle.  Briggs, you joining us?"
"Aye, for supper,"the quartermaster said.  "Right now I got repair work to key an eye on.  I'll leave ye to business, Cap'ns," he said as he closed the door behind him.
"That Briggs is all work and no play," Blake said.
"He's got plenty of play once he spies a redhead.  Like bloody catnip to him.  The ship could be on fire and his arse with it, and he'd never notice."
Blake couldn't help thinking back to the blond tavern wench he'd met in the port of St Lawrence and how she almost – almost – could make a man forget about the sea.  "Depending on the woman," he said, "I can see how he'd be distracted."
"Blimey," exhaled Jack.  "Fess up.  What's her name?"
Blake picked up one of the books on Jack's desk.  "Socrates.  Still reading this long-haired stuff, eh?"
"Halfway down to me bum.  Now give.  Who is she?"
"What makes you think there's anyone?"
"That mysterious smile of yours, James.  The one you always get when you're keeping something secret."
"I smile a lot."
"You keep a lot of secrets."
Blake put the book back down.  "You wouldn't care for her.  Not your type."
"I like all kinds of women.  Try me."
"She's got class, and a lot of it.  And she's not married."
Jack burst out laughing.  "You're right!  Where's the excitement in that?"
Blake's enigmatic smile grew a bit.  "See?  Told you she's not one you'd fancy."
He found himself thinking again of how the golden cascade of her hair smelled, and the delicate passion of her kiss.  Honour Bright was proving to be a delightfully lingering memory.  Blake took a sip of rum as he pushed thoughts of her aside for the moment.  He knew from experience how underhandedly Jack could manipulate a distracted man.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 15, 2010, 09:13:47 AM
"You didn't bring me all this way to talk about my love life, Jack," he said, regaining a businesslike demeanour.  "What's the mystery?"
Jack swirled his glass and watched the dark amber liquid travel round and round.  "What do you know about the Stad Utrecht?"
"The Dutch treasure ship?  I know she's fast and heavily armed.  Only a fool would try to engage her in open water, if they could catch her at all."
Jack's answer was a coy smile.
"Oh, no," said Blake.  "No, no, no.  Not even you are crazy."
"I'm taking her, James.  And right in their own waters.  I want you to join me."
"You've really gone round the bend this time, Jack.  It's suicide!  Unlike you, I'm in no hurry to die."
"Will you at least hear me out before dismissing the notion altogether?"
"All right," sighed Blake.  "Entertain me."
Unfazed, Jack spread out a map of the Dutch islands Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
"I have it on good authority and confirmed that the treasure ship will come in through here, bringing with it the year's operating capital for the VOC.  They'll port here," he pointed at Curaçao, "at Willemstad, where they'll pick up the past year's profits.  Then they will travel to Oranjestad on Aruba to leave the operating monies."
"Wait, just wait a moment," said Blake.  "That can't be right.  You have to have been lied to.  There is no way they'd do things in that order.  It's completely backwards from the way anyone sane would think."
"Exactly," grinned Jack.  "They rotate the pick up and drop off ports so no one can easily plan a raid.  It's worked well for them for years.  Why should they worry, then?  They've gotten arrogant."
"They have the advantage of home waters.  Not to mention the constant patrols of VOC and pirate hunter ships, and I'm sure that ship will be escorted."
"Ah, but they aren't!  No one has been able to catch or successfully engage her, so they feel she has no need for escort.  Unnecessary expenditures.  You know the Dutch."
Blake shook his head.  "How can you be so sure this will work?"
"We're--"
"I haven't said yes, Jack."
"Fine.  I intend to lie in wait here," Jack said, pointing to a spot between Aruba and Bonaire, "and ambush them when they make the turn for Oranjestad.  They'll have to slow to make the approach.  Then I'll have them."

Blake looked long an hard at the map, mulling over Jack's plan.  It was risky.  Hell, it was insane.  But Jack had a way of making insane plans work.  There was one more piece of the puzzle he needed to know.
"Is that the only reason you believe this can work?"
Jack shook his head.  "Of course not.  Bonita has seen that it will work.  She read the bones for me again before I left her and Cade at Castara to get things ready there.  That's all the guarantee I need."
Blake put his glass down and stood up.  "I hope she's right, Jack.  I really do.  But you know I refuse to put my trust in her ways.  It's unnatural, and I'll be no part of witchcraft."
"Oh, James, please.  This is no time to be provincial.  It's as good as ours!"
"I'm sorry.  But I can't."  He turned and walked for the door.   "Good luck, Jack.  I hope, for your sake, she's right."
"Where the hell are you going?" Jack demanded.  "You're passing up the opportunity of a lifetime!"
Blake's enigmatic smile returned.  "Back to Barbados.  I have some unfinished business there."
Jack rolled his eyes.  "Fine then.  Leave!  And give my regards to Miss Classy Arse!"
"Oh, I shall, my friend.  Once we've gotten... sufficiently reacquainted.  Good luck, Jack."

Blake closed the door behind him and began the walk topside.  He knew he would potentially be missing out on a tremendous haul, one that could make him incredibly rich for the rest of his life.  But the risks were too great for such a cautious soul as he.  Add to it the involvement of the witch Bonita, and it became an endeavour too dirty even for his hands.  To be honest, there was only one prize on his mind.  One that he could not help but think of to the point of distraction. 

A golden-haired beauty named Honour Bright.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 22, 2010, 08:07:31 PM
"Gentlemen? We have three days in  port. That includes nights. So I would recommend that you make the most of them. I know I shall!"
The cheer went up from his crew.
"And anyone not back here at 6 AM when we sail off will be left behind with no compensation. You may find your belongings on the deck. If they are still there."

The men filed off down the gangplank. The quartermaster turned to the captain.
"And are ye staying on the ship, Captain? Or in town?"
James Blake gave him a broad smile. "It seems I have a place to stay, Sanders."
Sanders tipped his hat to the captain. "Blonde, brunette or redhead this time?"
Blake thought back to the tavern wench with a smart mouth who intrigued him.
"It doesn't really matter, Sanders. As Captain Wolfe says, 'All cats look alike in the dark.' "
Sanders chuckled, "That Wolfe--it doesn't matter what they are as long as they are halfway decent, female...."
"..and dusky," said Blake.
"You would have thought that business with Mendoza's wife would have cured him of that."
"Some habits die hard, Sanders. And if you want me, check in with Amos the barkeep. He most likely will know where to find me."
Sanders grinned and wagged a finger at him. "The mystery is becoming clearer, Captain Blake."
James took his hat and ran his finger over the feathers in his cavalier hat.
"No, Sanders. It's not Maeve. Now, I'll see you back here Wedneday night."
He whistled a tune as he walked down the gangplank and into the spring night.

The Varlet and Vixen was hopping that night. Blake came into the tavern and his eyes skimmed over the crowd. The brunette with the snapping brown eyes was there, handing over an ale to a group of pirates. The redhead with the big...heart. She was scooping money off a table and wiping it down.
But Honour was nowhere in sight. Possibly her night off?

Honour's friend Kate was over by the barkeep Amos talking quietly. James looked her over appreciatively. He made his way over to where they were. Immediately they stopped talking.
"Excuse me...Amos, is it?"
He nodded. "Aye."
"I was wondering---is Honour Bright here?"
Kate shot Amos a look and Amos shrugged. "Why do you want to know?"
Blake sensed he was an intruder in the inner circle but he pressed on.
"I was just wondering. I wondered how she was doing. And wanting to pay my respects."
Amos looked over at the tables in the corner.
"Kate, your customers are waiting."
"But, Amos...."
"Now, lambchop. Go take care of your customers and things  will be alright. I'll see to it."
She looked from Blake to Amos. "Alrigh, Amos. I'm trusting you, though."
He idly polished a tankard. "I know you are, Kate, darlin'. Don't fret."
She gave a backward glance and walked over to her customers.

Blake sat at the tavernkeep's bar. "I am not meaning any harm, Amos."
He looked over. "She's away for a bit. Needed to see her kin. Mother took ill. She will be back. Just can't say when."
"Her mother? I thought her mother was dead."
"Maybe it was her father."
"Father is dead, too."
Amos said exasperatingly, "Well, then, it was somebody. Why are you so hot to see her? This is more than paying some respects to a tavern wench."

He looked over at James Blake's fresh clothes and the tilt of his hat. This was no man looking for an easy time with any strumpet. This was a man who had come courting...or as close to courting as you could get in this backwater port.
James found himself blushing. "I just wanted to see how she was doing. We....alright, so we spent a bit of time together."
Amos grinned, "And you want to see if lightning strikes twice, is it?"
James leaned over and looked Amos in the eye. "Is she here or not?"
"Not."
"Will she be back?"
"In a few weeks. And you will be back at sea, won't you?"
He nodded.
"Care to give me your name, Captain? So's I can tell her when she gets back who was asking for her."
"Blake. Captain James Blake of the Dark Vexation."
Amos nodded, "Aye. I'll tell her you were asking for her. You seem like a decent sort."
He slid a coin onto the table towards Amos. "I like to think so."
And walked out of the tavern.

Kate came back to Amos.
"And what did he want with her?"
"My guess is he wanted to take up where he left off with her. She was with him a few months ago."
"He seems a decent sort of man. Not like that Corwin bastard. I swear, if I ever get my hands on him..."
"Now, Kate. Karma will come back to him."
"Yes, but Honour told me what happened to her in her room."
Amos raised his eyebrow. She shook her head.
"Don't ask. He's not a nice man. But believe me, she got even with him."
"Should I have told that Blake guy where to find Honour?"
Kate shook her head.
"No. He can see her the next time he is in port. Right now she needs to rest. The sword cuts in themselves were not that bad. It will  leave some slight scarring but the real danger was in the contamination. And I wouldn't be surprised if Corwin poisoned his sword on purpose. Because even if the cuts wouldn't  kill, the sepsis would."
Amos looked at her kindly. "You are a good friend to Honour."
Kate smiled, "She's my best friend. And she would do the same for me."
"Take the rest of the night off, Kate. Tend to your patient. There is soup in the kitchen. Take a bowl up to Honour."
She gave him a hug. "And that is from Honour too. Don't worry, Amos. Together we will keep her safe and let her heal. And Corwin is safely out of the harbour. We saw his ship sail off two days ago."
"Then I can rest easy."
Kate left to go to the kitchen and take the back steps.

Amos thought about James Blake. He almost felt sorry for the man. He had seen the effect that Honour had on quite a few of the men but he knew she wouldn't settle for just any man. Had to be a captain.
'The girl is running from something more than her redcoat fiance getting thrown from a horse. More to it. Men of the sea. Captains, no less. She's hiding something.'
He thought of James Blake again.
'Aye, man. A taste of honey is worse than none at all....'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 28, 2010, 08:20:36 PM
Smoke swirled in the air, carrying with it the smell of burnt oak and pitch.  Jack Wolfe walked along the weather deck of his ship and took the sight that lay before him: the hopelessly crippled Stad Utrecht.  Shattered, smouldering wood littered her weather deck.  The mainmast was gone, having been smashed down by chainshot by El Lobo's gunners.  The broken foremast lay across the deck, hanging halfway over the starboard side when the mainmast fell and pulled it down as well.  The sails of the mizzen were little more than tattered shreds flailing uselessly in the wind.  Jack couldn't help but smile with pride.  The mighty treasure ship, the pride of the Dutch East India Company, was a useless hulk.

And it was his doing.

His trap had worked perfectly.  El Lobo lay patiently in the strait between Aruba and Bonaire, waiting for the Stad Utrecht.  Once the treasure ship was full into the strait, the only easily navigable route between the two islands, she had nowhere else to go but into the teeth of El Lobo del Mar.  Jack's attack was systematic; stay out of the reach of the Dutchman's guns as much as possible, and take her apart piece by piece.  Gunners concentrated their fire of grape and chain on the treasure ship's sails, robbing her of canvas to catch the wind.  Once she was hobbled, they focussed on the main deck, using grape and bar shot to clear the deck of personnel.  The demoralising effect this had was evident as the Dutchman's return fire became sporadic and disorganised.  El Lobo's gun crews then poured fire into the sides of their prey, disabling her guns and her gun crews.  Finally, Jack ordered the taking of her mainmast, and took with it any hope the VOC ship had for escape.

Still, the Dutch captain would not surrender.  Their remaining guns still hurled iron at the pirate ship.  El Lobo managed to evade most of the shots as she worked ever closer to the crippled Dutchman, returning her own withering fire.  The Dutch captain commanded his crew to fight to the last before he himself was carried away by a cannonball.  And fight they did.  Even after the pirate ship pulled along side and the marauders boarded, the men fought.  But the pirates were too many, too determined for them to resist for long.

"Look at that, would you, Josiah?  Isn't that beautiful?"
"Aye," the quartermaster said quietly.  "Ye took a hell of a gamble, Jack.  And God blind me if ye didn't win once again."
Jack looked at his friend.  "You sound almost like you were hoping this wouldn't work."
Briggs shook his head.  "No, I'd never wish failure on ye, Jack.  Ye know me better than that.  But if ye be right, as ye usually be...  this could change everythin'."
"What, money?" scoffed Jack.  "Money changes nothing and no one.  If anything, it reveals who they really are."
"There's my point.  Ye can trust the starvin' man.  The man what wants not...  who is he beholden to?  Bestow that manner of wealth on these black-hearted tars, Jack, and what can ye do with a crew what don't need ye for their next meal?"
Jack bit his lip as he watched his men aboard the Dutch ship blasting or hacking open every box, every chest, and going through the pockets of the dead for anything they could find.  "It would upset the order of things," he mused.
"Them wheels in yer head be turnin', I can tell."
"Just weighing options.  We don't even know if there's an ounce of treasure aboard her.  Time to go aboard and see, eh?  Then I'll worry about how rich anyone will become.  Including myself."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 06, 2010, 05:55:02 AM
Together, Briggs and Jack boarded the captive Dutch ship.  With their captain aboard, Jack's men began to focus more on securing the ship and a little less on lining their pockets.  Even though the ship's articles strictly stated that not even a shilling of the spoils would be concealed from the rest of the crew by any man, he allowed some latitude for personal gain.  A gunshot was heard from the forecastle, probably one of his men rounding up the last of the Dutch crew taking refuge in the forward crew spaces.  One less prisoner to worry about, thought Jack.
"You there!" yelled Briggs at three men gathered round a chest trying to pry off its lock.  "There be plenty of time for that later!  Make yerselves useful and put out them fires, quick like!  Damn fools," he groused.  "They'd let this whole ship blow to hell under their feet tryin' to get one coin out of a lockbox."
"Now, now, Josiah," said Jack.  "It wasn't long ago that we were the ones scraping for that last bit of shine before Harkness could set his hobnail boots on deck."
"Well, ain't we all philosophical, now that ye've taken the mother of all prizes?"
Jack's jaw tightened as they walked toward the large cargo hatch that led down to the main hold.
"All we've got so far is a wrecked ship and the promise she's carrying a king's ransom," he said.  Though taking the Stad Utrecht was a noteworthy accomplishment in itself, he would consider the entire enterprise a failure if the wealth of the VOC wasn't nestled in her belly.  He threw a leg over the lip of the hatch and stepped on to the ladder.  "Shall we?  The suspense is killing me."
"Right behind ye, Jack," smiled Briggs reassuringly.  Where Jack was filled with the trepidation that he could have been misled, Josiah was brimming with faith in his friend.

They descended the ladder, passing through the main gun deck as they went.  Jack regarded the broken guns and dead bodies that littered the deck in quiet dispassion.  Damage and casualties aboard El Lobo had been surprisingly light.  Not so for the Utrecht.  Jack tried to find an ounce of pity for the fallen men.  But there was none in him to be had.
Briggs let out a low whistle.  "What a mess," he said as he surveyed the damage.  "They went down fightin', I'll give 'em that."
"For king and country.  Or king and Company, is more like it.  A poor career choice in the end."
"They probably said the same of us when the fight started.  But they're dead and we ain't.  That's what matters most," said Briggs.
Jack made a non-committal noise and continued  down the ladder.  Briggs closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for the dead before following his captain down.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 12, 2010, 08:37:27 PM
They arrived in the belly of the vessel to find half a dozen men standing guard over the contents of the main hold.  Every trick known and a few Jack had never seen before had gone into making sure the Utrecht could hold as much cargo as possible without sinking.  That a ship its size could carry so much and still be nimble was amazing to him.  The lower gun deck, which typically ate up a good portion of the hold's vertical space, had been reduced to little more than enclosed catwalks on either side of the ship, scarcely wide enough to contain a recoiling gun.  Jack marvelled at the engineering that had gone into the construction of the mighty Dutch ship.  Suddenly, he wasn't the pirate victorious surveying his prize, but the son of a shipwright in awe.

"I'm sorry I had to kill you," Jack thought to himself.  But any further remorse would have to wait.  Treasure first, introspection later.

"Clear the hold," he ordered his men.  
They climbed the ladder in turn, leaving Jack and Briggs by themselves.  In the centre of the hold amid boxes of coffee and wine and bundles of linen and calico were six large crates, the four biggest lashed together and covered in tarpaulins.  The two smaller ones had "Bezit van de Schatkist van het Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie", "Property of the Treasury of the Dutch East India Company", stencilled on the side.  Jack patted one of them like one would a horse being considered for purchase.
"Safe bet these are the treasure destined for the voyage back to Holland," Jack said quietly.  "But these..."  He walked around to the shrouded crates.  "These are what we are really interested in.  Give me your knife."

Briggs retrieved a formidable looking blade from his belt and handed it to Jack.
"Well, ye can rest sure that I'm interested in them first two as well," laughed Briggs.  Gold and silver be gold and silver to me.  I ain't particular."
Jack ignored him.  Instead, he kept looking at the covered crates as he turned the knife over and over in his hand.  Would it be what he hoped and dreamt of?  Years of work had gone into this moment.  It had to be the payoff of those efforts.  It just had to!  He took a deep breath and slashed the ropes holding the the corner of one of the tarpaulins in place.  Jack grabbed the heavy canvas and pulled it back from the crate it concealed.  

"No...." he whispered.

He stared, dumbstruck, at the single word stencilled on the crate's side.  The knife slipped from his fingers to clatter against the ballast stones.

"Drupkers," it read in bold lettering.

"Ye be better at languages and such than I.  But whatever it says, I'm guessin' it ain't 'more treasure than what ye know what to do with'," said Briggs.
Jack continued to stare in disbelief.  "Printing presses," he managed to say, but it came out as a mumble.
Briggs stepped closer to his distraught friend.  "I couldn't hear ye, Jack..."
"PRINTING PRESSES!!" exploded Jack.  Briggs flinched as Jacks' crushing disappointment flashed to rage.  "Printing god-damned presses??  You have to be kidding me!  Years of work and planning, and for WHAT?!  So I can print bloody pamphlets in bloody Dutch??!!"  He picked up a ballast stone and hammered it against the side of a crate, starting low and working his way up.  Every strike returned a solid thud as one would expect from a container of heavy equipment.  The Dutch commonly parcelled monetary shipments into sacks containing a certain amount of gold or silver, which would have left a void near the top of the crate.  There was no such hollow space to be found.  He kicked a crate hard in his anger, but the crate did not yield.  Something in his foot, however, did.
 
"OW!  Damn it!" he yelped.  Jack paused long enough to regain a little composure before turning to Briggs.  His face was red with fury and humiliation.
"Finish securing the ship," he ordered through gritted teeth and ragged breaths.  "Then strip it of anything of value.  Cargo, personal belongings, food, I don't care.  Then I want the two treasure crates shared out with the crew.  Every last bit of it.  I owe the men that much for taking them on this wild goose chase."  Jack walked to the ladder, trying hard not to limp.
"Aye, it'll be done.  She'll be stripped of her name and ship's bell before we rig for towin'," said Briggs.
"No.  I want her burned."
"She may be a derelict now, but she's still worth somethin' once we have her condemned in St. Lawrence..."
"No!" snapped Jack.  "She burns.  No debate this time, Josiah.  And the damned presses burn with her."  He began to climb the ladder.
"Where are ye goin'?" asked Briggs.  "Don't ye want to inspect the rest of the cargo?"
Jack stood on the ladder, a beaten look on his face.  "I've seen enough.  You take it from here.  I need to go back to El Lobo."
Josiah shook his head.  "So they got one over on us.  Fat lot of good that did 'em!  We've got their best ship!  It ain't the end of the world."
"It's not that," said Jack as he began climbing again.
"Well, if it ain't yer wounded pride, what in the name of mother's milk is it?"
Jack clenched his teeth.  "I think I broke my bloody foot, if you must know!"
Briggs tried to stifle a laugh, and partially succeeded.  "All right, Jack.  I'll take care of things here whilst Duckie gets ye fixed up."
Without another word, Jack began climbing again.
The quartermaster waited until his captain was well out of sight before allowing himself to chuckle.  "With that Wolfe temper, it's a wonder he ain't broke every bone in his body," he said quietly.  He looked around the hold and began a rough inventory of the items there, marking each box, crate, bundle, and cask with a piece of chalk to indicate what was to be transferred to El Lobo.

Including the printing presses.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 26, 2010, 07:53:45 PM
"I'm sorry.  I'm so very sorry," whispered Doctor Drake Gander to a young man who had just fallen asleep from too much pain and a healthy dose of laudanum mixed with thinned molasses.  Duckie stood and looked with pity on the lad, from who he'd just taken what was left of the young man's arm and leg.  "Two extra shares and a life as a cripple.  I don't call that fair at all," he muttered.

The surgery door banged open.  Duckie's eyes screwed shut with the thought of more wounded being brought in for attention.  Attention!  More like selective butchering, he thought.  He found himself wishing once again that medicine would one day advance from taking to giving in order to save lives.
Without looking to see who came in, he ordered, "Just put them somewhere clear on the floor.  There aren't any beds left.  Thank your captain for that."
"And would you have me lying face up or down?" said Jack.
Duckie whirled around.  "Oh, heavens!  I'm sorry, Jack!  I didn't mean..."
"Oh yes you did.  And you're right.  But it is the nature of this business."
"Still, I shouldn't-"
"Save it, would you?"  Jack limped to the chair by Duckie's writing desk and sat heavily.
"Oh, what did you do to yourself?  Get shot in the arse?" asked Duckie with a tinge of sarcasm.
"And bleed all over your favourite chair?  I know better.  No, it's... more mundane that that."

Duckie crossed his arms.  "Do tell?  By your limp, you hurt your foot."
Jack's face coloured a bit.  "I...  I kicked something."
"Something bigger than you?"
"Yes."
"Something more unyielding than you?"
"Yes," said Jack through gritted teeth.
"Something you didn't like finding?"
"Yes.  Can we dispense with playing twenty questions, doctor?  And what makes you think I found something I didn't like?"
"For starters, Jack, you're stone sober.  If it had been what you were after, I'd find out about this in two or three days.  You're not drunk, you're not happy, and you're complaining about a sore foot.  One does not have to be a deductive genius to see this engagement went sour.  Let's get that boot off."
"Damn you and your Oxford intellect," groused Jack has he gingerly pulled off his boot.
"Don't give me that," said Duckie.  "You could have matriculated half a dozen times before you quit.  But no, you needed more.  Now, what did you do?"

"I kicked a crate."
"A crate of what?
"Printing presses," Jack muttered.
"Come again?"
"You heard me!  Printing presses!"
Duckie sat down on the floor and dissolved into laughter.  "You mean to tell me the grand treasure the Dutch were hurrying in was a way to print books locally?"
"Beats the hell out of me..."
"It did your foot."
"Oh, shut it!"  Jack extended his leg so Duckie could examine him.  "Ducks, printing is expensive.  Very expensive.  The Dutch aren't so prosperous every citizen of a far-flung colony could afford books."
Duckie took hold of Jack's foot and manipulated the ankle.  "No, they're barely scraping by.  The VOC see to that through heavy taxation."
"So there has to be another purpose for those presses."
Duckie moved on the the broader area of the foot.  "Like what, do you think?  You don't put something like printing presses aboard your most formidable ship, do you?  It doesn't make sense."

"Unless..."  Jack paused for a moment.  "What?  Do you think they may be making a move toward paper money?  No, that would be-- YEOUCH!!"
"I think the word you wanted was 'insane', but I could be mistaken," said Duckie.  He kept his head turned to keep Jack from seeing his smirk.
"All right, you found what hurts.  What is it?"
Duckie bent Jack's toes one by one, eliciting no response.  But when he pulled on one of the middle toes...
"Damn it!" yelped Jack.  "Which one is broken?"
"None of them," said Duckie.  "You merely dislocated one of them, and I set that to rights.
Now, what do you intend to do with those printing presses?"
"I'm of a mind to burn them with the Utrecht.  What use are they to me?"
"Well, I don't know...  you could stash them at Castara and wait for the Dutch to replace what they think is lost to the depths.  Then flood their economy with useless script.  How better to bring an entire government to its knees than collapsing their economy?"
Jack thought for a moment.  "You mean, counterfeiting?"
"No, I meant wallpaper.  Yes, counterfeiting!  Far less risky to life and limb of these young men than outright piracy."
"Why, good doctor," snickered Jack.  "You're beginning to sound like a proper pirate!"
"A hazard of the company I keep.  Foul and dissolute lot they are, let me tell you!"  He handed Jack his boot.  "Put this back on.  My surgery smells bad enough as it is."

Jack looked around the surgery as he pulled his boot back on.  His foot was still sore, but the stabbing pain was gone.  He gave a heavy sigh as he looked upon the wounded.
"How many this time?"
Duckie stood up and smoothed his clothes.  "Sixteen.  One of your less bloody actions, I have to say."
"Thank you for pointing that out.  You know I care about these men, Ducks."
"Really?  Answer me this, then."  Duckie went to the bunk of the man he'd just sedated, who had lost his right arm and leg.  He lifted the young man's head.  "What's his name?"
Jack's face clouded as he thought.  An answer was not forthcoming.
"See what I mean?" said Duckie.  "You don't even--"
"FRANKS!" said Jack.  "Jeremy Franks.  He's from Bristol.  Aged twenty-two.  Has a sister named Marjory.  A girl he fancies named Stephanie.  Oh dear God, will she even want him now?"
Duckie's face drained.  "I'm sorry, Jack, I didn't..."
"Didn't think I care?  Didn't think I give a damn?"  Jack stared at the young man lying there.  "Four shares.  No!  Five!  I can't make him whole again, but I can make him rich,"
he spat.
"Jack, just cool down a moment..."
Jack shook his head.  "No.  No, not this time.  I did this.  This is a product of my ambition.  And it failed.  I owe him that much."  He gave his friend a forlorned look.  "I'm losing my taste for this game, Drake.  Right now, it's ashes in my mouth.  I don't like this."
Duckie shook his head slowly.  "I don't know what to tell you, Jack.  But if it pains you that much, why continue on that course?"
Jack laughed bitterly.  "What, and give all this up?"
"You could."
"And put you out of a job?  No."
"It wouldn't break my heart, you know."
"Yeah, but then you'd be back working for Renee."  Jack straightened his waistcoat and sniffed.  "There's work yet to be done, and I need you.  Carry on, doctor."

Jack closed the surgery door behind him.  Duckie shook his head mournfully.
"It doesn't take a genius to see it's not in you any more, Jack," he whispered.  "May God grant you the wisdom to see it for yourself."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 09, 2011, 06:51:09 PM
That evening, Jack was sitting at the table in his cabin, looking over the preliminary inventory of cargo and booty taken from the Dutch ship.  It was a more than respectable haul by any standards.  The treasure, ranging from raw, mined nuggets of gold and silver to smelted bars to luxurious finery to various artefacts no doubt offered up by (or outright stolen from) the natives.  A large cache of coins had been recovered from the ship as well.  Add to it the expected proceeds from the sale of the calico, coffee, and spices, Jack was beginning to feel somewhat better about how this action had gone.  He didn't factor in the wine and beer the Dutchman was carrying.  That would be long gone before they saw the shores of Barbados again.   He toyed with the pieces of roasted chicken on his plate.  The disappointment of not finding the promised riches aboard the Utrecht still weighed on him.  He picked up a drumstick and examined it.
"Duckie would tell me to eat you and quit brooding," said Jack.
"Eatin' it's a damn sight less unnervin' to me than seein' ye talk to it," Briggs said.
Jack blinked and looked up at Briggs standing in the doorway.  Briggs was regarding his captain warily.
"I didn't hear you knock, Josiah."  He let the piece of chicken fall back to the plate.  "Do come in.  I'm sure you have more to say than my dinner does."
Briggs closed the door and took a chair across from Jack.  He pushed a ledger sheet over to Jack's side.  As Jack reached to pick it up, he noticed his friend eyeing the meat he'd left uneaten.
"Oh, have it.  I was going to give it to the cat anyway."
"There's times ye think more of that cat than ye do yourself."
"To be honest, there's times I envy that cat's life."
"Do ye now?" asked Briggs around a mouthful of chicken.  "A life of lyin' about, nothin' to call yer own..."
"No responsibility, a warm place to sleep, plenty to hunt, free run of the place, not to mention all the rum you want..."
"All right, I see yer point.  The little beggar's got it good, a-piratin' off pirates.  But before ye start sleepin' in the rafters, take a look at that final inventory.  The men are already haulin' the contents of the hold over to ours.  Told 'em they can't touch a drop 'til we're under way.  That seemed to motivate 'em!"

Jack picked up the ledger sheet and read it over as Briggs finished off the plate of food.  His men had managed to find five more small chests heavy with coins, bales of tobacco, and some small casks of cognac.
"Well," smiled Jack, "Duckie will be pleased with the cognac.  Well done with everything they found.  Each man will go into St. Lawrence richer than they've ever been in their lives."
"And be just as poor as before after a couple days," chuckled Josiah.  "Ye still plan to share all of it out?"
"Every last penny of it, Josiah.  And I'm sweetening the pot by foregoing my shares.  I owe the men that much."
Briggs frowned a little.  "By all rights, they ain't entitled to any more than what the articles say they get.  Now, I know this action fell short of what ye thought it'd be, but ye needn't cut yerself off to...  never mind.  Ye be the captain, and thy will be done."
"Go on," said Jack as he poured them both some rum.  "Let me hear your theory, Philosopher Briggs."
Josiah took his cup of rum and shifted uneasily in his chair.  "It ain't my place to say--"
"Which has never stopped you in the past."
"All right, then.  Jack, ye know the nature of this life.  So do the men.  How many times have we taken a fat merchantman only to find half a cask of rum and a hold full of ballast stones, or a Bermuda sloop heavy with swag when all we was after was sailcloth and nails?  Sometimes fortune smiles on our scurvy hides, and most times it don't.  Why are ye puttin' your thumb on the scales this time?"

Jack sighed heavily and swallowed a healthy mouthful of rum.  "Because, my old friend, those instances you mention were pure chance.  Prey of opportunity.  This is different.  I hunted this one.  Like a careful hunter stalking the proverbial white hart, I hunted this one down.  I learnt her habits, her paths...  Everything there was to know about her, I sorted the facts from fiction.  So I thought, anyway.  Now that I have her in my hand, what did I gain, really?"
"A fine haul, by any standards."
"By normal standards.  Will all that was promised, this is damned pathetic.  If she'd carried a quarter of what was promoted as fact, I'd be set for life.  I could have...."  Jack's voice trailed off.  He drowned the rest of the though with another mouthful of rum.
"Ye could have quit this life?" asked Josiah.  He sighed and took a drink himself.  "Well, hell, who wouldn't, if ye had the riches of the Grand Mogul himself?  That's the lesson ol' Will Harkness taught us, wasn't it?  Quit whilst ye be ahead?"
Jack raised his cup.  "To Iron Will.  Wherever he is, I hope he's happy."
Briggs raised his cup in kind.  "To Iron Will.  Ye know, there was another sayin' he was fond of, right before runnin' down prey.  Can't for the life of me recall what is was, though."

Jack put his cup down and folded his arms across his chest.  "There are old pirates and bold pirates," he intoned dramatically.  'But there are no old, bold pirates."
"Aye, that's the one!" laughed Josiah.  "Ye even sounded a bit like the old man himself!"
"Well, seeing as neither of us is going to join him in retirement,  we should decide how to sell off this cargo."  Jack looked over the inventory again, and this time his mouth fell open when he read the final items.  "The printing presses?  You brought aboard the printing presses?!"
Briggs looked into his cup.  "I'm runnin' a bit dry, here..."
"Damn the rum!  I told you I wanted those presses scuttled with the ship!"
"That ye did.  And, well, I figured ye were just blowin' off steam and would change yer mind eventually.  Didn't want ye feelin' regret for a decision made in anger and all."  Briggs glanced up to see his captain glaring at him, and he quickly looked back down again.
"Mister Briggs," said Jack slowly through gritted teeth.
"Captain?" he replied, still not wanting to look up.
"I have one thing to say about this blatant disregard for my direct orders."
"Now, Jack, ye needn't be pullin' rank on me--"
"Thank you."
"Uh... come again?"
Jack chuckled a little.  "You anticipated – again – my imminent change of heart about those presses.  I was going to ask you to transfer them if you hadn't already done it."
Briggs shook his head and began to laugh himself.  "Ye were so mad ye couldn't see straight!  I knew ye would come to your senses after Duckie got through with ye."
"Well, my friend, I hope I didn't disappoint!"
"Nay, ye never do!  But next time ye come across cargo ye don't care much for, hit it with a stick next time!  Was anythin' broke?"
"Just my pride.  And I"ll take your advice, believe me!"
"I'll believe that when I see it," said Briggs.  He took a sip of rum and settled back in his chair.  "And just what have ye got planned for them presses?  Openin' a book store?  Printin' political pamplets?  Or cookbooks, maybe?"

Jack shrugged.  "Haven't a clue.  We don't even know it they're for books or VOC company script.  I'm hoping books.  Undermining governments by flooding their economy with useless money isn't my style.  I prefer them rich and fat, because that's when they get lazy and we get rich.  We'll worry about that when we get to St. Lawrence.  But I do know what we're going to do right this very moment."
"Aye?  What's that?"
Jack reached under the table and brought up an oversized bottle of rum.
"Tonight, my dear Josiah, we celebrate!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 17, 2011, 09:42:18 PM
Briggs squinted uneasily into the Caribbean sun as he tried to collect his thoughts.  The ship was docked in St. Lawrence, and the crew were anxious to go ashore and start spending their money.  But before they could, they had to endure the requisite liberty speech.  Normally it would be Jack delivering the speech, but no one had seen him since El Lobo had nestled securely into her quay two hours before.  All eyes were on the quartermaster.  Exactly where Briggs didn't want them.  The men were anxious to get off the ship and were becoming vocal about the delay.  Finally, Briggs cleared his throat and hoped he could remember all the points.  Jack could rattle them off blind drunk, and often times did.
"All right, ye tarry jackals, listen up!  First off, has anyone seen the captain?"
The men muttered among themselves.  One crewman decided to offer up a theory.
"I'm bettin' 'e went ashore early as to get first crack at th' best girls!" he yelled.
"Ha, aye!" said another.  "'Cause 'e knows we'll be keepin' 'em busy enough!"
"All right, that's enough!" said Briggs.  "Then it's down to me."  He drew himself up and took a deep breath.  "We'll be in port three days, and three days only!"

The men began to grumble at this restriction on their time.
"Aw, quit yer bellyachin'!  Not a one of ye will have two shillin's to rub together after the second day.  So if ye ain't here for any reason when this ship sets stern to this here port, ye be out of luck.  We come back for no man, and any effects ye leave behind will be auctioned before the mast.  If ye land in the gaol house, ye best have money for bail or a soft-headed mate that does.  If ye managed to up and get yerself killed or press-ganged, well, it's been a pleasure sailin' with ye!"

The men chuckled, some a little more nervously than others.  All these things were a distinct possibility, and no man wanted to be left behind with only the shirt on his back.  Or dead.
"Any man wantin' to part company, see me after this and we'll get ye squared away.  Now remember, ye have three days!  Make the most of it, lads.  I'm sure the women will be happy to see ye."

A raucous cheer went up from the crew, and Briggs signalled for the gangway to be lowered.  The men swarmed off the ship and into the town with pockets, bags, hats, and anything else they could use bursting with swag.  They knew Briggs was right.  In two days or less, they'd all be penniless once again.  But they didn't care.  Why save money for tomorrow when there may not be one?

Briggs watched the men file off the ship, and grunted with satisfaction when he saw there were no stragglers.  It's not that he particularly cared if a man wanted to leave the ship.  That was a normal part of life at sea.  But for every man they lost, it meant recruiting work for the quartermaster.  He already had to find replacement for the men who died or became crippled when they took the Utrecht.  That there would be no additional burden was a welcome relief.

He pulled a rag from his pocket and mopped his brow.  It was going to be a steamy tropical day.  The kind of day that was better spent in a tavern with pleasurable company.  Briggs walked down the steps to the weather deck and began to make his way to his quarters.  A tangle of ropes that hadn't been properly stowed caught his eye.  He cursed under his breath and went to coil the ropes.  As he passed the hatch to the main hold, something else caught his attention.

"PSSSTT!!"
"Eh?  What?" said Briggs, looking for the source of the sound.
"PSSST!  Briggs!  Down here!"  The loud rasp was from none other than Jack.
"Jack!  I looked all over hell and gone for ye!  What are ye doin' down there?"
"SHHHHH!!" replied Jack.  "Keep your voice down!  Are all the men gone?"
"Aye, except for the watch on the quarterdeck."
"Good!  Then get down here, just as fast as you can go!"
"What for?  What's got ye so excited?"
Jack help up his hand.  It was full of silver and gold coins.  "This!"
Briggs' eyes bugged.  "Sweet blessed mother...  on my way!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 23, 2011, 07:07:35 PM
Briggs scampered down the ladder like a powder monkey.  He stumbled over the ballast stones in his haste to see what his captain had discovered.  The quartermaster's mouth fell open at what he saw.  Jack had pried the side off one of the printing press crates.  Inside were smaller crates, stacked three high and two across.  Each crate was roughly two feet high and slightly more that than deep.  One of the crates was resting on a smaller crate of coffee.  It was about three feet long.  Its lid was cast off to the side.  Briggs stared at the contents.  Dozens of white cloth bags were neatly stacked within, each labelled with accounting marks.  Jack had split open one of the bags, revealing the silver and gold coins it contained.
"Yeah, that's about the way I looked when I opened the crate," said Jack.
"But.... but how did you know?" Briggs stammered.
"That's just it!  I didn't.  Curiosity got the better of me."  He leaned against a support beam.  "I decided to take a look before turning the crew loose on the poor citizenry, in case I wanted to keep a few of them aboard to help move these things.  When I cracked the big crate open, I was puzzled about what kind of printing press could be broken down into smaller piece.  It's just not possible.  Then I found these lovely, lovely coins."
Briggs picked up some of the coins and admired them in the light.  "Guilders," he said, just above a whisper.  "How many crates, do ye reckon?  Is this the only one?"
Jack shook his head and picked up a pry bar.  "Let's find out, shall we?"

Together, Jack and Briggs partially pried open the three remaining large crates.  Packed inside each one were six identical smaller crates, just like they had found in the first one.  The two men looked at one another, and together they burst out laughing.
"Well, souse me for a gurnet!" swore Briggs between bouts of joyous laughter.  "It was right here under our noses the whole stinkin' time!  Those Dutch bastards told us true!  And here ye wanted to scuttle the lot!"
"Aye, my friend!  Thanks for once again saving me from myself."  Jack stroked the side of one of the crates.  "It's all here.  Everything we'd heard, and more."
"How many chests does that make it?  Twenty-four?  Hell, one would suffice for a simple man."
Jack nodded.  "Twenty-four.  Twenty-four chests of gold and silver, right in our hands!"
"The men will think they're gettin' all their birthdays and Christmases all at once when they hear about this."

"No!" said Jack sharply.
Briggs gave him a puzzled look.  "Eh?  What do ye mean, no?  What of the articles?"
"Damn the articles.  They got their shares and more, including ours.  No, Josiah.  This is ours.  The men think this is nothing but a lot of worthless machinery.  Let them keep on thinking that."
A deeply troubled look came over Briggs' face.  "I don't rightly know..."
"Oh, come on, Josiah!  Don't go and develop a sense of fair play on me!  We're pirates, not ministers.  We don't run a charity.  Look, the men are happy.  They're richer than they've ever been before.  And now, so are we.  Balance in the universe has been restored."
"All right, all right!  Not a word to the men.  I swear Jack, ye could talk a parson's wife out of her best pearls."
"Don't think I haven't!  The dress, too.  It was a good day."  He fetched a hammer and nails from a small toolbox hanging from the bulkhead.  "Now, let's fill our pockets so we can nail these shut again.  And remember, not a word to a soul.  Not even Duckie yet."
"Not even to me own blessed Mum," swore Briggs as he sought to fill anything in his clothing that could serve as a pocket.  "And don't you let some tavern wench get ye to yappin, neither!"
"Funny man," said Jack.  " Here, hold this nail steady, would you?"

A dishevelled man begging on the docks near El Lobo looked round at the ship in confusion when he heard a howl of pain an cursing emanate from deep within her.

"Ye did that on purpose!" yelped Briggs.
"Did not!  It slipped."
"Slipped, me arse."
"Oh, enough with the frowny face.  Come on, let's get his squared away."

Briggs gingerly held the nail in place and watched the hammer intently.  Eventually he relaxed by the time they got to the last crate.
"Well, I don't know about you, Josiah, but I feel like celebrating!" said Jack as he tossed the hammer somewhere in the vicinity of the toolbox it came from.
"I know!" said Briggs.  "Let's go to the Dog and Doublet.  I do fancy that place."
"You fancy that redhead who slips you extra drinks and the occasional peep down her bodice.  No, I had a different place in mind."
"Where's that?"
"The Varlet and Vixen," said Jack with a gleam in his eye.  "They have gaming at cards, and I'm feeling particularly lucky today!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 30, 2011, 09:48:56 PM
 
 
Honour walked down the stairs from her room, her eyes scanning the crowd.
'Wall to wall pirates. It's going to be a late night, ' she thought.
As she reached the tavern main room, Kate sidled up to her and crossed her arms.
"Two ships ported today. That is why we are so busy."
"Which ones?"
"The Hades and another ship that I didn't get to find out. Hey, Malcolm! What was the name of that ship that ported?"
From the back the voice yelled out, "I can't remember. But something Spanish."
Kate turned to Honour and said, "Something Spanish."
Honour laughed, "Yes, I caught that. Damn. The Hades? That is a rough crowd."
"Don't I know it. But grin and bear it. The nicer you are, the more they spend. And the more they spend, the more they drink. "
Honour finished, "The more they drink, the sloppier they get. I love cleaning up the floor after."
Kate laughed. "It can be profitable to be a charwoman."
Honour raised her eyebrow. "Charwoman? Bite your tongue, Kate. Think of it more as a dividend. A bonus. A----"
"Fringe benefit?" Kate added.
Honour grimaced. "I wouldn't know. I haven't been laid since Corwin."
Kate gave her hand a squeeze. "You'll get over that, honey. You are just a bit gun-shy."
She sighed. "I get lonely, Kate. Really lonely. Sometimes I just want to...."
Her thought trailed off into the nether. And James Blake came unbidden to her mind.
Kate frowned. "Remember that vow you made? No slap and tickle till you have a ring on your finger?"
Honour's eyes skimmed the crowd. "You're right. But it doesn't make the nights any warmer."
"And you are dealing cards tonight?"
She sighed. "Yes. Amos thinks this crowd is ready to part with their money. And the more they drink, the more they gamble."
Kate added, "And the more they lose."
Honour shrugged, "I run a fair table. If they lose, they don't have the savvy."
She ran her fingers through her hair.
"Alright. Let's have a go at it."
She adjusted her bodice, arranging her assets just so.
She sighed. 'It's going to be a long night....'

Honour walked over to the table and flashed a smile.
"Gentlemen? And I use the term ever so loosely..."
Honour leaned forward ever so slightly to afford them a look and a promise of what lay beneath the silk gown. 
"Now who is ready to play Bone-Ace?"
The men clamoured and dug deep in their pockets, throwing their ante on a pile in the center of the table. Honour's slender fingers gently stroked the deck of cards, The sensuous gesture was not lost on these men.  She looked each one in the eyes, sizing up what she may have to deal with. Then she smiled.
"Shall we begin?"
Her fingers flew as she shuffled the cards and dealt them out.
"And we all know the rules of the game?"
One pirate grinned, "Ye be givin' th' winner a bit extra? Ye know...as a reward?"
The men guffawed at that.
Honour mentally rolled her eyes but she smiled, "Well, now, there is always that possibility. Do any of you captain a ship?"
The tall pirate with a cavalier hat pulled rakishly down leered, "I be a captain, aye, little lady. O' me own vessel."
With that the men erupted into laughter.
Honour smiled, "Yes, I am sure you are. And you frequently polish the shipwheel, I presume?"
With that the pirates filled the tavern with their bawdy laughter.
She gave them a dimpled look and said, "Now then, shall we play a game and see what transpires later, gentlemen? Winner takes all."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 06, 2011, 09:05:46 PM
The sun was setting over the hills, setting the sky ablaze with reds and oranges.  The first flickers of candlelight could be seen in a few windows.
"You've been awfully quiet, Josiah," said Jack as the two men walked up the lane to the Varlet and Vixen.  "Thinking of ways to spend your share of the windfall?"
"Eh?  Oh, sorry, Jack.  Aye, it be one hell of a fortune we've got stowed away.  Half of one of them chests would make a man's life easy for a few years, don't you reckon?"
Jack looked around to make sure no one was close enough to hear their conversation.  "No question," he replied.  "With that kind of wealth, I could seriously consider taking Harkness' advice.  You know, go out on top while I can still enjoy life, instead of wondering if this is finally the morning my neck gets stretched?"
"Speakin' of the Old Man, I wonder if he's still retired as it were?"
"I've wondered that myself.  It's been years since I've heard anything about him.  Almost like he disappeared entirely.  Wouldn't it be something to see him once more, and tell him about all this?"
"He'd be proud of ye, Jack.  Of that I've got no doubt.  But I can't say as I see ye livin' the life of landed gentry or a gentleman farmer.  The sea's in yer blood, mate.  She'll always be first in that heart of yours, and don't ye doubt it!"
"Rest easy, Josiah!  In all the years you've known me, how long has a woman ever kept my head turned?  Two days?  Three?"
"Five, but ye were too drunk to remember the first two days of it.  So was she for that matter.  So we'll call it three for sake of argument."
"Fair enough, my friend!" laughed Jack as he opened the tavern door.  "Here.  Quartermasters and philosophers first."

Jack and Briggs walked into the tavern.  It took their eyes a few moments to adjust to the lighting provided by oil lamps and candles. The crowd this evening was a raucous one, filling the air with conversation and laughter. The Varlet and Vixen was cut above the rest of the dock taverns, but the crowd made it feel like any other ale house in St Lawrence.
In other words, Briggs and Jack felt right at home.

The little wench with the auburn hair came up to their table.
"What will it be, gents?"
"Irish whiskey, lass. We are celebrating our arrival in your fair port."
Kate laughed, "Oooh, fancy words! Most would say, 'Rum, wench!' but thanks for the respect! I'll get it for you now. You've set me in such a good mood, I won't even spit in it," she said with a wink.

As she walked off, Briggs' eyes followed her. "Not quite a redhead... but I'm willin' to overlook that."
Jack laughed, "She is a looker. You two would make a dandy couple!"
Briggs' face turned red which made Jack laugh all the more.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the gaming table in the back of the tavern.
"YOU'RE CHEATING!!"
The words reverberated around the room and a drunken voice uttered them.
Honour's face burned red with anger, "I am not!  You just happen to be a poor player, Donovan, and a worse loser! And I can think of a few other things that you are terrible at! Beginning and ending in the bedroom."

Jack and Briggs turned to see a loud-mouthed sot squared off against a strikingly lovely young woman. She refused to back down even though he was head-and-shoulders taller.

Suddenly, the pirate hauled back and slapped her across the face. She put her hand up to her cheek in shock. Jack put down his cup, and stood to draw his pistol and intervene on her behalf. Josiah put a steadying hand on Jack's arm.
"Careful now, mate. Are ye sure ye want to be steppin' in to this squall?"
Before he could respond, Honour had recovered rapidly. She withdrew a  ruby-inlaid dagger from where it had been nestled.
Quickly she pointed it at the lout and said, "You can either go with your face sliced horizontally or vertically. But I guarantee your nose will suffer."
Their faces were a few inches apart.
"B*tch!" he spat.
Still looking into his eyes, she threw the dagger down.
And nailed his foot in his leather boot. He let out a scream of pain. Jared was there in an instant. Honour said with disdain, "Take this detritus out of here and make sure he never comes back."
The patrons began cheering as he was escorted out of the tavern. Face first.
She turned to the pirates and said a bit too brightly, "Gentlemen? A fifteen minute recess. Next round on the house to allay the inconvenience of delaying your game."
The pirates ony heard 'next round on the house.'
She willed herself to keep from tearing up due to the blow Donovan struck. Memories of Jonas Corwin and that brutal night she spent with him came flooding back to her.

She walked over to the bar. Jack's eyes were locked on the captivating spitfire. He mentally took an inventory as was his custom when a woman of interest walked by. He could assess a woman's attributes and willingness to share them in a matter of a few minutes.
She was a petite woman.  Jack guessed her age at no more than twenty.  Though she toiled as a common tavern girl, there was nothing at all common about her.  She had an almost regal bearing that spoke more of a woman of privileged upbringing than a commoner, her small stature doing nothing to repress her commanding presence and lion's heart.  She wore her mane of long blond hair free, save for a small portion she kept tied back from her lovely face with a black velvet band.  Even her clothing set her apart from the other serving girls.  The long, puffy sleeves of her gauzy white blouse gave her dress an almost gown-like quality.  Despite the impracticality of such an expensive garment in her line of work, it suited her perfectly.  Coal black stays accentuated her womanly charms and slender waist.  A matching black skirt, with a shorter green overskirt tucked into it and draped just so completed the picture.  Jack quickly realized that her measured gait, that some might dismiss as a subdued strut, was due in large part to the leather boots she wore.  No padding about in a pauper's cloth shoes for this jewel of a woman.  His eyes surveyed her stunningly exquisite form, feasting on every delightful curve and line.   Everything about her demanded attention, and she had Jack's fully.  Men's heads turned as she walked by, their conversations trailing off into the aether until the voice of reason whispered to them that there was no point in trying to draw her attentions.  This woman was out of reach for the average man.  She had her standards, and they would not bend.  She was unlike any woman Jack had encountered, and he knew at that moment he had to have her.

Pouring herself an ale, she sat down and put the cool tankard to her cheek to keep the bruising down. Her hand was shaking. The tavern keep looked concerned at her. "You alright, Honour, sweetheart?"

"I will be."

"Amos--your sword, please."
The barkeep drew his sword and she took the blade to look at her face in the reflection of steel.
'Wonderful', she thought. 'It will be a honey of a bruise.'
"Amos? Could you please let Kate finish up dealing tonight?"
He nodded solemnly.
"You just sit there and calm down, darlin'."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 06, 2011, 09:09:20 PM
"Oh hell and tarnation.  I know that look," muttered Briggs.
"Please, Josiah.  I'm just... admiring."
"My arse.  Sizin' her up is more like it."
Jack shot him a pained expression.  "You make me sound so uncouth."
"Oi, if the shoe fits..."
"Like you weren't with the serving girl?"
"That's different."
"How so?!"
"It was me doin' it," smiled Briggs.
Jack laughed and set his mug down on the table.  "I think it's time I introduce myself to the young lady.  You know, to make sure she's all right after that dust-up."
"I dunno, Jack.  I think she be more than a handful, even for you!"
"Good thing I've got two hands, then."  Jack gave his friend a wink as he started to walk her way.  "Wish me luck!"
"Luck, nothin'!  I'll hate auctionin' yer effects before the mast.  But it'll be one hell of a wake!"

Honour heard soft laughter behind her. She turned and there he stood.
Captain Jack Wolfe.

His way of dressing wasn't pretentious. Far from it. But even with his eclectic choice of clothes, he cut a dashing figure. Over his white silk shirt, he wore a waistcoat of green brocade. Muted red linen breeches were tucked neatly into his well-worn brown leather boots. A wide belt served as a makeshift holster for an ornate Spanish pistol. Her eyes lingered on the elaborate weapon. It was the sort carried by noblemen or officers, and she couldn't help but wonder how he'd come by it. A cutlass peeking out from his dark blue frock coat completed the package. .

His hair was brown, thick and unruly, tied back with a burgundy scarf. He had arresting eyes. Eyes that peered into your soul and could see straight through to your heart, as if all your secrets were laid bare before him. They were light brown with flecks of green in them. As if Poseidon himself had bestowed them upon him.  They looked like the kind of eyes that could change as the sea. From a pool of tranquility to a tempest in the wind of a mood.

His beard was neatly clipped and could barely contain the sardonic smile that graced his lips. A big plus was that he had white teeth. Not that they were white. But that he had them. And they were his own.
He wasn't a tall man, neither was he short. Average.
And that was about all that was average about him.
Jack Wolfe was no ordinary tar.
He was a captain.
A pirate captain.

From his very aura, you knew he was someone that commanded attention. Men sat up a little straighter in his presence. Women's breath came a little shallower. She wondered what he could do to your breath in a one-on-one situation. She shook her head out of her reverie, his voice intruding into her daydream.

She cooly said,  "Think it was funny?"
"Not at all. I was just admiring your....spunk."
She closed her eyes against the pain and winced a bit.
"Let me see that," he said.
She gingerly took the tankard away from her face and he touched it.
"Aye! That renegade struck you fiercely, for sure!"
She said quietly, "Occupational hazard."
"You work here?"
"I don't exactly hang around here for my health."
"That ale won't help much with the pain."
He signaled to Amos.
"Whiskey. And keep it coming."
"I'm not sure of this..."
"Trust me."
"Your name, please. I don't drink with strangers."
"Captain Jack Wolfe of El Lobo del Mar.  Ported this morning."
"Ah, the Spanish ship. But for someone Spanish you look awfully English to me."
She extended her hand and replied with the alias she took when she landed in Barbados, "Honour Bright. Tavern wench at your service."
He took her hand, kissed it and said, "Miss Bright, I do hope to see much more of you while I am in port..." 
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 13, 2011, 07:37:16 PM
He looked into her eyes, and marveled at their depth.  Brilliant blue, like the sky after the passing of a summer storm, but tinged with sadness.  Her face was delicate and defined, with high cheekbones and a softly radiant smile that he somehow felt the world did not witness nearly often enough.  A glint of light drew his attention downward, where he spied the hilt of the ruby inlaid dagger she'd deftly used to defend herself earlier nestled securely in her ample cleavage.  She caught his eyes lingering, and tipped his head back up by gently taking hold of his goatee.

"I am flattered, Captain Wolfe.  But I do prefer that a gentleman looks at my eyes when we talk," she said with a bemused smile.  He looked at her, and did something she never expected. 
He blushed.


Honour gazed at Jack but there was pain in her eyes. The brute had struck her harder than she had thought.
She asked the handsome pirate, "Are you sure the whiskey will help better than the ale?"
He smiled disarmingly at her and said, "As sure as I am standing here, love."

Amos set two glasses of Irish whiskey in front of them. Jack motioned to Amos, "And keep the bottle here. Oh, hell! Make it two!" he winked.
Amos scowled, "You just get any thoughts and designs out of your head, scallawag! That little lass is like a daughter to me."
Jack raised his eyebrow. "A daughter, you say? Then why do you let her deal cards for the miscreants of that other ship? If she were my daughter--which she most certainly isn't--I would take a little more care to protect her than to let her get slapped by a brute like the one you pitched out of here."
Honour listened to the exchange. "Can the lass say something here? Amos does watch over me. It was a business proposition, fair and square."
Amos glared at Jack. "I've seen your kind in here before! And I'm keeping my eye on you, sir."
Honour sighed. "Excuse me, please, Captain Wolfe."

She took Amos aside and put her hands on her hips. "And what seems to be the problem, Amos? You never raised a fuss when I had a drink with anyone before."
He continued to polish the glass and said, "I don't like the way he is looking at you, Honour. Like you are fresh meat in a butcher shop."
She tossed her head and laughed, "He's handsome and charming."
Amos put his hands on the tavern counter and leaned towards Honour. "And that is what worries me, darlin'! It is like catnip to a cat, Miss Puss-in-Boots."

He ticked his fingers off.
"Handsome. Charming. A captain. Only one thing missing is, 'Is he rich? Can he show Miss Bright a good time?' I know you, Missy. Three out of four and you wil be bidding me nighty-night with your hand on his arm, tossing your hair as you walk out that door."

She laughed. "Please don't worry, Amos. Have you ever known me not to hold my whiskey?"
He frowned, "Once or twice. The last time you almost got killed."
"Well, I am older and wiser now."
"Ha! Older by about two months."
She laid her hand on Amos' arm and said, "Please don't worry. I know better now. It's not like I am running off to marry him.  He looks to be good conversation."
As she walked away, Amos muttered, 'Right. Good conversation. And then you be scrambling on the floor looking for your pantalets....'

She turned her attention back to Jack.
"So..you just made port?"
"Just this morning. I need to do a little..unloading."
"Really! And what could that be?"
She cupped her chin in her hand and gazed up at him from under long lashes.

Before he could answer, Jack felt a hand on his shoulder.  He looked round to find Briggs smirking at him.
"Can I help you, Josiah?" he asked, quickly cutting his eyes over to Honour, then back again.
"A moment of yer time, Captain?" asked Briggs.  He gave Honour a warm smile.  "Ship's business, ma'am."
Honour could tell from the gleam in the quartermaster's eye he was up to something.  "By all means," she said with a nod.  "But not too long.  I might get lonely."
Jack took her hand and kissed it, keeping his eyes locked with hers the entire time.  "I promise, I'll only be a moment."  Then he shot Briggs an impatient look, and the two men walked a short distance away from where Honour stood.

"Ship's business my arse!" Jack fumed.
Briggs' mischievous smile only got bigger.  "Are ye sure  you're feelin' all right, Jack?  Ye ain't actin' at all like yer normal self."
"What are you talking about?"
"In case ye didn't notice, that young lady don't look one bit Spanish."
Jack burst out laughing.  "Now, who was it had his head turned just this evening by a woman who isn't a redhead?"
"Not true!" protested Briggs.  "Dependin' on the light, I could see some red."
"Bollocks, and you know it!  Fine, so this one's not Spanish.  Nothing wrong with a little variety, yeah?"
"I think ye be in a generous mood tonight, too.  Yer gonna have to teach this youngster the ropes from the look of things.  Unless ye plan on playin' nanny."
"She's not that young, Josiah."
"I dunno.  Ye usually throw the little ones back.  What is it ye say about them?  Too 'clingy'?"
"I think I can handle the situation," said Jack.  "She works in a tavern, so she knows how all this works.  It's all just a bit of fun and company, then I move along.  No harm, no foul."
Briggs chuckled.  "Well, don't worry.  I know better than to try and talk sense with ye when a woman's involved.  I'm goin' back to the ship for a bit of shut eye.  Just don't expect me to leave a light burnin' for ye!"
The quartermaster turned and sauntered off, shaking his head and laughing to himself.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 13, 2011, 07:43:39 PM
Jack couldn't help but laugh himself as he walked back to where Honour waited patiently.
"Is everything all right?" she asked.
"Just fine, love.  Couldn't be better, in fact, now that I'm in your company once more."
Honour's cheeks flushed pink.  "You flatter me, Captain."
"I meant every word of it." 
"What did you say the name of your ship was again?" she said, half-heartedly trying to change the subject to safer ground.
"El Lobo del Mar."

She put her finger to her lips and with a quick intake of breath, said, "El Lobo del Mar? Why, she is a legend in these waters! None is said to outrun her!"
Jack beamed with pride. "Aye, that would be my ship, love."
Her eyes grew wide.
"Captain 'Mad' Jack Wolfe!' I have heard of you!"
"You have?"
"Why, yes. It is said you never leave a ship unscathed."
He picked up his whiskey glass.
She twisted a strand of hair around her finger and added, "Or a woman unsatisfied."
Jack paused in mid-drink.
"Yes, well, there is that...."

She took a deep drink of the whiskey, reveling in the warmth going down. She was beginning to forget about the bruise on her cheek.
"My, my! " she said. "I hear bits and pieces of tavern gossip that echoes through this port. A Dutch merchant ship was overtaken a few days ago by--dare I say?--pirates. An agent for the VOC was at the magistrate's office filing a report on the burning of a vessel, the Stad Utrecht. Seems the crew were set adrift in a skiff and were rescued three days later by Portuguese fishermen.
Jack gave her a wide grin and said, "I wouldn't know a thing. You might say I was an almost completely innocent bystander."

Honour laughed and said, "That's good to hear! I wonder what booty the vessel was carrying?"
Jack leaned forward and poured another whiskey for Honour and himself. "Oh, I imagine the usual. Calico. Spices. Coffee. Wine. And twenty-four chests of gold and silver guilders."
"Tw-tw-twenty-four chests of guilders?"
Honour was astonished. Jack lit a pipe and took a deep draw on it.
"Now, did I say THAT?" he grinned.
She laughed and said, "I'm sorry. No, I didn't hear that at all! My, it is getting awfully warm in here."
Jack poured another whiskey. "I daresay you are beginning to feel better already."
She raised an eyebrow and said, "Indeed. I feel just fine. In more ways than one."
She leaned closer to him and ran her finger up and down his arm and whispered in a husky voice, "And I daresay I am going to feel alot better very soon. VERY soon."

Jack began to melt into her irresistible allure. The heat of her breath on his ear as she spoke the words 'VERY soon' made more than the hair on the back of his neck stand up.
But he had to be sure if her interest was in him or just what she could gain by a roll in the proverbial sack with him.  He looked her squarely in the eyes.
"What be your aim in all of this, darling? I'm not some young seaman, ready to believe the enchanting words of a beautiful woman with honey on her tongue and gold in her eyes. Is it me or is it the prize I carried in?"
Honour stood up and leaned over the table.
"I suppose I could ask you the same thing. Is it me you are interested in or just my body for a night of pleasure? You know what? You are a bastard, Jack Wolfe. I may work tables in a tavern but I am not a cheap doxy here for you to have a night of fun. . If that is what you want, there are plenty of other wenches here with low standards."
She turned to leave and Jack grabbed her by the arm. Amusment glittered in his eyes.
"Hold on there, Miss Bright. I appreciate your honesty. And I meant no harm by it.
She turned to leave and Jack grabbed her by the arm. Amusment glittered in his eyes.
"Hold on there, Miss Bright. I appreciate your honesty. And I meant no harm by it. I've been a cynic too long when it comes to matters of the...heart. So before you get your pantalets in a twist, sit down and let's have some meaningful conversation."
She sat down. Jack gave her a grin and said, "So how about another whiskey and then I take your clothes off?"
She stood up her face, flaming.
"How dare you..."
His face dropped in mock disappointment. "You don't like the whiskey?"
She burst out laughing. "You are still a bastard, Jack Wolfe. A dangerous, magnificent bastard but I like you."
He poured another glass and pushed it in her direction. "No need to drink and run then. Stay awhile and I promise to be witty and charming and mind my manners. Until you tell me otherwise. Then we can get naked together!"
She shook her head, laughing. "You are the kind of man a woman can't stay mad at."
"Does that mean yes to the naked?"
She shook her head. "It means yes to the whiskey."
"And then the clothes?"
She traced her finger around the rim of her glass and looked up at him with a twinkle in her eyes. "We shall see what transpires."
He took a drink of his whiskey and looked at her over the rim of his glass.
"Ah, you give me hope, Miss Bright!"
"And what if hope is all I give you?"
Jack leaned forward. "Oh before the night is over, you may just find out if those tavern stories really are true."
The back of his hand stroked her unbruised cheek. His finger ran down to the neckline of her chemise and ran across the edge of it.
She felt her breath stop and she had to will herself to breathe again.
"I'd be careful if I were you, Jack Wolfe. I am weaponed."
He reached in and took out her bodice dagger. She gasped at how fast he was able to retrieve it, and even more amazed that his fingers skimmed over her skin.
He studied it in the candlelight of the tavern table. Running his finger over the blade, he said, "Nice. You keep it sharp. Most women wouldn't even know what to do with it."
He turned it over in his hand. "Mother of pearl handle. Ruby in the hilt. Expensive. How did you come by it?"
Her face coloured. "It was a gift."
He deftly returned it to its nestled spot. But this time it seems he took his time.
"More whiskey, darling?"

She held out her glass and smiled. "I certainly hope you aren't planning on getting me drunk, Captain. Because it won't work."
"What won't work?"
"Oh, you figured a little liquid encouragement and you found a place to port for the night."
"Oh, you discovered my plan then."
She leaned forward, the whiskey starting to take its toll.
"I said you were a bastard and I meant it."
"I have no doubt."
She drew closer to him. "Gentlemen hold no fascination for me. Bastards, on the other hand...."
He could feel the heat rising off her and said, "Then prepare to be spellbound...."
Jack was beginning to feel drawn into her web and at that point he wondered.
Was he the hunter?
Or the game?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 20, 2011, 07:55:47 PM
"You polish that tankard anymore and you will have nothing but a handle left."
Kate ambled over to where Amos was polishing and scowling.
She leaned against the counter and tucked her small towel into her waistband.
"There! There is the problem!"
He nodded towards the table where Honour sat with a handsome pirate.
"What, Honour and that honey of a pirate?"
Amos glared at Kate.
"Yes, Honour and Captain Charming over there. They've been at it for the last three hours."
"At....what?"
He continued to polish and slammed the tankard down.
"Whatever. I don't know. All I know is that he is up to no good."
"You can tell from over here?"
"I know his type. All flash. He's wining and dining her."
"But they aren't eating."
"Alright then, he's wining."
"It's whiskey."
Amos put his hands on the counter and leaned towards Kate.
"Are we getting into semantics now? She's about to fall back into her usual habits."
"And how can you tell?"
"Watch."
"Watch what?"
"Look at her. First she leans forward.....then the little tilt with the shoulder....followed by her taking a strand of her hair and twirling it around her finger...now she gives him that smile...and lowers her eyes....and repeat."

Kate was in awe.
"How do you know what she is going to do?"
Amos threw his dishrag down.
"Because young Missy over there has been following the same pattern ever since she has been here. Only the person sitting across from her changes."
"You need to get yourself a hobby, Amos!"
He folded his arms across his chest.
"And you are no better, Miss Kate! I saw you putting a little more swing in your backyard when that friend of his was here."
She gave him a wide-eyed look.
"What friend?"
"That tall pirate with the shaggy brown hair and blue eyes. Rugged-looking. Big shoulders. I saw you."
"And what did I happen to do?"
"Lean a little closer when you put his drink down. And I can smell the rosewater that you spritzed on not more than five minutes after they arrived!"
"It was a coincidence, Amos. I happened to brush up against that rose bush outside."
Amos gave a derisive laugh. "And if I believe that one, you have a nice waterfront lot to sell me over on Queen Street!"
"There IS no waterfront....oh. I see. Alright, so he took down my name and said he would be in tomorrow and maybe we could have dinner. Is it my fault he liked my....backyard?"

Amos shook his head. "Like herding cats you girls are. Especially you and Honour. Damn, if you weren't so attractive and bringing in the money, I would toss the two of you out of here."
"You wouldn't, Amos. You love us."
"Damn right I do. That is why I keep you two on. Birds of a feather, you two are. And that is why you struck up such a fast friendship."
"Honour will be alright, Amos. She is just lonely and that captain seems to be keeping her entertained."
Amos glared. "Oh, yeah? Well, who is entertaining who, I wonder? Just look!"
Kate looked over.
"What am I looking at?"
"Miss Bright just happens to be running her foot casually up and down that pirate's leg. No good can come of that."
Kate looked over and laughed.
"You are imagining things."
"Am I? Now watch him. First he pours her a drink....then one for him...tops hers off. Now he leans back and look!...his arm casually rests on the back of her chair...his finger slowly running on her arm....then he gives her that charming smile of his...doesn't even have a gold tooth in his head...and that Spanish pistol...you know how she is a pushover for a big pistol...."

Kate sighed. "She will be alright, Amos. She will drink herself blind and he will leave since he figures it isn't going to get him anywhere. Then you or I can make sure she gets to bed."
Amos scowled. "Something not right here. This one is flash, I tell you. Lots of gold coins and that smile. Like a cat with a canary. Playing with it until he goes in for the kill....."
Kate picked her towel up and headed towards the customers but said over her shoulder, "You worry too much, Amos."
He frowned. "Maybe....maybe...but this time I doubt it!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 27, 2011, 07:13:43 PM
Honour stood up and said, "I can't believe the hour, Captain Wolfe. I really must call it a night. Much as I hate this night to end."
"You're not serious, are you?  I mean, the sun isn't up yet.  That's the true signal the night is over."  He stood and stepped close to her.  "But bedtime is always negotiable..."

She laughed and put her hands on his chest, giving him a soft push away. "The sun may not be up yet but you forget that I am a mere tavern wench and I have been on my feet since this morning."
Jack wrapped his hands around hers.  Honour was surprised how gentle yet insistent he could be.  "Fine.  I'll carry you.  The hour is late, by your own admission.  And I would be remiss in my duties as a gentleman-- all right, I heard that giggle--to let you go home unattended.  Where is your room?  I promise to deliver you safely."

She snaked her arm around his neck and pulled him closer to her, whispering in his ear.
"You may be a knight in shining armour, Captain, but I have been able to hold my whis---whiskey fairly well and...."
"Hey, Honour! WE NEED MORE RUM!"
She snapped at the pirates at the table across the room.
"Can't you see that I am doo-offty? Off duty. That is what I meant. Get someone else to do it for you."
Jack looked over at the table of tarry lads and arched an eyebrow.  "You lot are well done for.  Quiet, or shift.  There are other barmaids."  He gave them a wink.  "This one's busy!"
Jack turned to Honour.  "And I mean that in the most respectful way, I promise.  Just shutting the lads up."
Honour put a finger to his lips.  "How about you shut up, and concentrate on escorting me home? Because really, I am not so think as you drunk I am. But yes, the Hades just pulled in and the girls always check to make sure they have their knickers when they leave here. The boys have been known to get excep---exceptionally  firsky...FRISKY! I meant frisky."
"Well then, since I know the crew of the Hades and their exploits, allow me to offer my services in defence of your knickers, my dear!  I shall pay special attention to them, even if they should end up on the floor with my assistance.  Remember how you promised to get naked with me when we started drinking?"

She held up her finger and placed it softly to his lips. "Ah, that is where you are wrong, Captain. I never promised that. I said let's see who perspires...I mean what transpires...and I never promised to be your port. So you can just leave my pantalets out of this equation."
Jack pulled her close.  "Equations?  I was never very good at math.  One plus one equals us.  Nothing else much matters, yeah?"
"Nothing except the basic math. First you add the whiskey. Then you subtract my clothes. I'm  not even getting into the division...."
"Or the multiplication.  That we can toss out straight away.  But I'm all for subtracting your clothes, mine too, then adding me to you."  He shook his head. "What is with all the mathematics?  Music!  That's what we should be talking about. The beautiful music we could make together..."
She giggled, "I don't think any bawdy sea shanties fit me. And the only music I think you want to hear is the creak of bedsprings."

Jack traced his finger along her neckline, lingering near her cleavage.  "Shanties?  No. You're the type symphonies are written about.  But not operas.  God, I hate operas. Alot of fat Germans screaming bad love poems at one another."
She looked down at his finger and gently removed it.
"I am Welsh. And I prefer being the kind of woman nations go to war over."
"Funny, I own what some consider to be a warship.  Who would you have me conquer in your name, fair Helen?"
Honour leaned over him and whispered, "Surprise me with a few apples of gold, noble Paris."
She stood slightly away from him. "I bet you didn't know I knew that, did you?"

Jack grinned.  "I was hoping you did!  You're obviously a woman of bearing and grace.  What you're doing here... that's a mystery to me.  You're out of place.  Yet you fit in by commanding respect.  And you get it.  You've certainly gotten it from me."

She smiled and kissed him gently on the lips. "And now it is time I get back to my room. But yes, the way the Hades crew is all riled up, I really would appreciate it if you would see that I get safely to my room. It is just out the back door and up the stairs."
"Evasive to the end. I have to respect that.  Enigmatic beauty is universally irresistible."  He searched her eyes, but he was just as drunk as she was.  "All right, enough philosophical drivel.  Lead the way, my dear!  And I shall guard you from anyone and anything.  Excluding myself, of course."

She looked over and frowned. "I suppose I should say goodnight to Amos but he must be in the back...Kate?" she called out. "I'm leaving now. Remind Amos I have tomorrow off. I'll see him on Monday."
Kate gave her a wave.
"I really appre---appreciate this, Captain. We can go out the back way."

She opened the back door and into the hot sultry night.
And whatever else awaited.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 06, 2011, 07:31:53 PM
Honour breathed the salt air as she opened the door. She gathered up her hair in one hand and fanned herself.
"I swear, the nights keep getting hotter and hotter. I expect this in August, not June."

Jack slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her close.  Honour thrilled as his lips found that one special place on her neck that made her knees weak.
"It can get even hotter," he breathed.

She began to feel herself being drawn into a situation that she knew where it would lead. This was how it started with James Blake.
And all the others.
She found herself with a shortness of breath that wasn't due to tight corsets. She turned her face away and whispered, "No.."
"Wait... what?  No?  Did I do something wrong?  I thought..."
"You thought...what? That if you bought me a few drinks and paid attention to me, and flattered me,  that I would be yours for a night? That you would add another notch to your baldric?"
"All right, fine.  You saw through my very thin ploy.  To a point.  But I've never seen you as another notch in any of my clothing.  No, there's something very, very different about you. Something... inescapable.  I can't explain it, Honour Bright.  But I'll never be able to get you out of my mind."

She laughed derisively. "That is what they all say. 'I've never met a girl like you, Honour.' 'I could spend the rest of my life with you, Honour...' Well, Captain, the translation is always the same. And this time I won't fall for it."
"I never said I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, Honour," Jack said with a pained expression.  "Merely that I find you enchanting.  If you inferred more than that,  well, that's on you, love."

She felt her eyes well up with tears.
"Fine. Then go. JUST GO! I can find my own way to my room."
She started towards the stairs.
"Honour, wait!" he said.  "I didn't mean to upset you!  It's just...  I'm not some Johnny-come-lately.  Yeah, I could do the smooth talking bit, but that's a disservice to you.  It's trite and overdone, and that's not my style.  I prefer up-front insincerity."
She stood there, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I--I'm sorry. Just too much...too much whiskey, Too many customers.... too much... life."
Jack walked to her and finished wiping a tear from her eye.  "I promise, you'll be amazed at my staying power," he whispered with a disarming smile.
She shrugged and gave a little laugh. "You are intriguing, Captain."

With barely any hesitation, Jack kisses her.  Deeply, searching... It was a kiss that had no indication of ending any time soon.
She found herself responding and when she broke free from it, she shook her head. "No, Jack."
"No?  And why not?  We're both consenting adults.  The night is still young...  All right, maybe not young, but of a consenting age as well."  He quietly managed to manoeuvre her to where her back was against the stone wall.  "As I was saying...."  He kissed her once again, this time it was more insistent, more demanding.

She felt the cold stone against her back and she began to shiver. Not so much from the stones but from where Jack's hands were..... insistent and probing, and her heart began to race.  But she found her hands against his chest, pushing him away.  
"No...  wait," she breathed. She adjusted her chemise and her skirt.
"Take me up to your room, ' he whispered.  He pressed her even harder against the stones as his hands grew bolder.
"No, Jack..."
"Then come back to my ship...."
"NO!"
Jack lifted her chin to meet his eyes. "Damn it all! What will it take, woman?"
Her eyes met his.
"A wedding ring."

Jack stood there, not believing what he was hearing.
"A...a what? A wedding ring?"
She nodded. "I... I won't allow you to bed me until we are properly wed."
Jack looked her squarely in the eyes... and hiccuped.  "A wedding ring."
"Yes," she said flatly.  "Otherwise, you can forget about any stairway to heaven."
"Oh...  I do like stairways."  Jack took her by the hand and began marching down the alley toward the street.  He paused only to snatch the flowers out of old lady Poggit's window garden.
He dragged Honour down the street in a hurry.
"Where are we going?"
"To make a right proper married woman of  you."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 13, 2011, 09:03:49 PM
Her feet tried to keep up as Jack hurried her down the street.
"I've never had anyone wanting to marry me in such a hurry."
"It's not the wedding part I'm in a hurry to get to," replied Jack.
She stopped suddenly. "You like wedding cake and I don't know any bakers."
He turned to look at her.  "Why... yes!  Cake!  I love cake," he said as he started walking again.  "Can't get enough of it.  We'll have to find a baker come morning!"
"But I can't get married in this skirt. It's not white. And I have no veil."
"And all I have is a big pistol. Come ON!"

She tried to smooth down her skirt.
He stopped and brushed the hair away from Honour's face, then touched her chin gently.  She looked up into his eyes.
"Honour, you look beautiful.  And this is just a ceremony, after all.  A formality.  Wouldn't you agree that what comes after the ceremony is most important?"
She nodded. "A house and a yard full of children and a dog..."
Jack swallowed hard.  "Yes, well, I wasn't thinking quite that far into the future, but you've got the flavour of it."
"You don't like dogs?"
"More of a cat person, but dogs are fine.  Can we keep walking?"

He grabbed her by the hand and yanked her down the street.
"You seem very determined, Cat-pain. Captain. That is what I meant."
"That I am.  I thought you'd be flattered."
Honour did her best to keep up.  "Flattered, and winded...You really like me then? It wasn't just the whiskey or..or.....wait a second."
She rearranged her flowers and looked down. "My boots. I don't have the right boots for a wedding."

He winced and took a deep breath before turning back to her.  "Yes, I really do fancy you, and it's not just whiskey talking.  Much.  Anyway, I'd marry you barefoot if I had to!"
Honour smiled at him.  "You're certainly easy to please."
"Darling, you have no idea how easy at this point."

She stopped and narrowed her eyes at him, putting her hands on her hips.
"You aren't doing this just so you can...you know---finish what you started in the alley.  Are you?"
"Well, of course..."
"WHAT??"
"I mean, of course NOT," he said quickly.  "But I wasn't the only one thinking about where this night might lead.  In fact, you're the one who insisted we get married before sharing a bed.  How do I know it's not you who are trying to take advantage of me?"
Her mouth dropped open and closed quickly. "I'll have you know, Captain, that I have had--I mean can have--any man--captain!--I want in this port. So don't be thinking you are the only James--gentleman!--around."
She tossed her head. "Any man would be proud to have me on his arm, I will have you know. Maybe this isn't such a good idea, Captain."
She bent forward to retie her boot lace, affording him a spectacular view of what he could lay claim to if he handled this just right.

"Honour, wait..."
She straightened up, only wobbling slightly as she locked him with the sternest gaze she could muster as he walked to her.
"You're right.  And I'm sorry."
"For accusing me of coercing you into marrying me, or for being a bastard?"
Jack smiled disarmingly.  "Both."
Her look faded from disapproval to one of mild distrust.  "I'm listening."
"You're right.  You're beautiful, and any man in his right mind would walk over broken glass to be with you and count himself lucky.  Yet here I stand, making a mess of thing."

"Go on," she said.
"I should be counting myself the most fortunate bloke on earth by having you even considering marrying me.  Now how stupid does that make me, getting you all upset?"
"Very."
"Enough helping from you, thanks."
He took a deep breath.  "So I'm sorry.  I do want to marry you, Honour Bright.  And not just because of that kiss in the alleyway.  That's the truth."  He paused and held his hands out to the side, and began to slowly back away.  "But I understand if you're having second thoughts..."
  She shook her head. "I'm not having second thoughts. I just want to be sure you want ME. And not just a night."
She stood close to him, so close he could smell the jasmine that she wore.
She ran her finger down his chest and whispered, "You had better make it worth my while."
"Oh, I shall," he whispered in reply, and brought his lips close to hers.  Honour was quick to block his kiss with her finger.
"Aaahhh, patience!  Have you forgot where we were going?"
"How silly of me," he smiled.  "No, I haven't forgotten."
He reached over and knocked on the heavy wooden door of one of the houses.
"What on earth are you doing?" she exclaimed.
"Magistrate's house.  Told you it wasn't far!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 20, 2011, 10:03:50 PM
Jack knocked on the door. No answer.
"Do you suppose no one is home?" Honour whispered.
"I could always break in and find out," said Jack with a mischievous smile.
She put her arm on his frock coat.
"What, and have me spend my weeding--wedding--night alone?"
Brushing a tendril of blond hair back from her face, he replied, "Not a chance, love.  Maybe he's a heavy sleeper, yeah?  Let's try again..."

Jack knocked on the heavy wooden door, much harder this time.  Honour cringed at the loud sound.
"Shhh! You will wake up the entire port! Maybe this is a sign...maybe we aren't supposed to get married."
She stood close to Jack, her jasmine perfume filling the night air with every movement of her.
"We're getting married," he said with determination, "if I have to get myself ordained."
Honour began to speak, but was interrupted by the sound of an upstairs window opening.
"Oi!" came an angry man's voice.  "Go away!  It's the middle of the night!"
Honour grabbed Jack's coat and said softly, 'We had better go. There is always tomorrow and you can pick me up at the tavern....."
"And take the chance you'll sober up and reconsider?  Not on your life, darling."  He looked up at the man in the window.  "You're the magistrate, right?  We want to get married!"
"It'll wait!"
Jack pulled a small purse of coins from his pocket and jingled it loudly.  Honour's eyes grew wide at the sound of what must have been a lot of money.
"No, I don't think it will.  At least, this money won't."
"You--you're going to pay him off? I mean, isn't' that kind of like a dow--dow--you know, where the father pays the man to take his daughter off his hands? Is that my dow--dow---price?"

"A dowry?  Heavens, no!  This is a straight-up bribe, love.  Besides, I'm the one who'd get paid the dowry.  I think."  He looked back up at the man.  "What'll it be?  A couple shillings in the morning, or an awful lot more tonight?"
The magistrate gritted his teeth.  "I'll be right down," he growled before disappearing from the window.
"He's probably coming down to excommunicate me. He's mad. Maybe we should see him in the morning. What do you think? I mean, I am not in the mood to get scolded."

She started to slowly back away from the door.
"Don't worry, dear.  He can't excommunicate you.  He's just another civil servant."  He turned back to the door, waiting for the magistrate to open it.  "Of course, he could punch me right in the face.  I'd rather be excommunicated, then."
"He's not allowed to hit you. And if that is the case, I can tell his wife about his gambling at the tavern."
She giggled. "Did I say that out loud?"
Jack grinned at her in surprise.  "Oh, now I know I love you!  We were meant for each other.  I knew it!"
Honour giggled again, but her smile faded quickly.  "What do you mean, 'now' you know?  You didn't....?"

The door's deadbolt lock banged loudly as it was unlocked, and the door swung open.  There stood the magistrate in his nightshirt and a robe.  He had a lamp in his hand, and a scowl on his face.

Honour stood there with her most somber look on her face, trying to stay upright as she leaned on Jack.
"He looks fero--fero--fierce."
Jack slipped his arm around Honour's waist to steady her.  Giving his most charming grin, he held the coin purse out for the magistrate.  The magistrate took it and felt its weight, then slipped it into a pocket in his robe.
"Right!" the man said.  "I'll be having your names."
"That much money, you could give us a smile," said Jack.  Honour tried hard not to giggle.
"The money buys you the ceremony and my not calling the constable.  Now, your names."
'Honour Bright."
The magistrate looked over his glasses at her.  "You're joking," he said flatly.
"I am not!" she said indignantly.
"What kind of name is that?" he asked Jack.
"Um, Welsh?" shrugged Jack.
The magistrate sighed.  "Fine, fine.  You can be Honour Bright.  I don't want to know how many consonants."  He looked back to Jack.  "And yours better not be 'Unbroken Bond'."
"John Michael Wolfe, your magisterialness.  CAPTAIN John Michael Wolfe."
"Oh good.  Another captain.  I should have guessed.  All right then, is there anyone here with objections to this man and woman being joined in holy matrimony?  Anyone?  Please?  Anyone at all?"
 
The magistrate looked around, hoping someone-anyone--would come out of the shadows with a reason to let him get back into his warm bed.
He sighed.
"Yes, well...be that as it may...."

His jaw clenched, he opened a copy of the Book of Common Prayer and began to read.  "I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, that ye confess it.  For ye be well assured... Oh, never mind.  You'll be lucky to remember this."
Honour hiccupped loudly as if to underscore his point.

He looked over his glasses at them.
"Yes, well, we can dispense with all the formality."
"Miss Bright, do you?"
She nodded.
"You sure about that?"
"I am."
He turned to Jack.
"I'd ask you the same question but the answer is pretty obvious you want her. Quickly."
"Let me tell you, mate..." started Jack.
"How 'bout you don't?  Now, the ring please.   You do have a ring to make this good and proper, right?"

Jack searched his frock frantically. Finally, he produced a gold trinket and offered it to her.
"What manner of wedding piece is this?"
She regarded the ungainly trinket of gold. It was an ugly thing; a disc of gold with arms reaching out.
Jack met her eyes. "Darling, I swear I'll get you an honest ring."
"You'd better," she warned.
"Anything you want.  As you were saying, sir..."
"By the power vested in me....

"Emeralds."
"What?"
The magistrate rolled his eyes and began tapping his foot.
"I want emeralds in my wedding ring."
"Absolutely.  Your Honor..."
"At least three," she added mischievously.
Yes, dear!  Oh, looks at that.  He's getting upset with us, darling."
"May I finish, please?  I'd like to get back to bed," said the magistrate.
Jack turned to the magistrate. "I feel your pain, Sir."

"I pronounce you man and wife." 
He retrieved a sheet of paper from a small desk just inside the door, scribbled a few words on it, and handed it to Jack. 
"Now, kiss the bride and go away!" the man said, and he slammed the door.

The magistrate opened the door again and called out, "Mrs. Wolfe--try not to enjoy it too much. After all it IS Sunday morning."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on March 27, 2011, 09:13:42 PM
Honour fumbled for the key she kept hidden above the doorjamb. Jack took it out of her hand and put it in the keyhole. Then he drew his foot back and practically kicked the door open. He swept her up in his arms and carried her into the room, kicking the door shut with his foot.

Honour stood there with the moonlight streaming through the window. Jack drew her to him, winding her hair in his hand, his face only an inch from hers.
"And now you got what you wanted. A wedding band. Now it is my turn to get what I want."
He gave her skirt a quick tug and it fell to the floor.
Her breath caught in her throat as Jack moved his hand down her cheek and slowly down to her bodice lacings, his fingers finding their way under the lacings.
He tugged.
Nothing.

"Th-th-they seem to be knotted."
"It's a good thing I'm here.  I'm quite good with knots."  He deftly reached into his boot and produced a slender bone-handled dagger, its blade glinted in the dim light.

Her voice cracked as she whispered, 'No...no..."and backed against the wall.
"No, wait..."  Jack didn't expect her fearful response.  He looked at the knife in his hand and silently cursed himself.  How could she know he meant no harm? 
"Here," he said gently, and took her hand in his.  Honour watched as he tenderly wrapped her fingers around the hilt. His eyes never left hers.

Jack covered her hand with his and gently placed the dagger under the bottom lacing. With a slow flick of the tip, the lacing gave way as if it were butter and one by one the lacings slowly cut away .
"I may not be good at lacing but I know the best way to un--"
The trepidation Honour had felt quickly turned to a building excitement as each lace yielded to the edge of the blade.

Each knot gave way and the garment fell away. Honour stood there in her chemise, shivering.
He took the marriage license out of his pocket and whispered in her ear, "The sword is mightier than the pen, it would seem."
He tossed the paper on the dresser.

Jack drew her to him and traced his finger along the edge of the chemise, his finger catching the edge. A whisper of softness and a promise to what lay underneath it.
"And now let's see if what I find is worthy of a gold band."
Her eyes were cast downward as he gently tugged the chemise down from her shoulders.

She put her arms around his neck and drew him close to her.
"Make love to me. Even if you tell me lies, I'll pretend to believe them and we can face the dawn and sort it out. But for tonight I will believe anything you tell me. Just love me. Love me strong and love me all night long. Just for tonight."

Jack stood back from her. The chemise drifted towards the floor, landing in a puddle of silk at her feet.  He gazed at her curves. A smile slowly spread across his face as he whispered to himself, 'Well, damn. This is going to be a great night.....'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 03, 2011, 08:51:39 PM
The skies delivered a clap of thunder, waking Honour up. She lifted her head from her pillow to see sheets of rain hitting the windowpane. Honour groaned and pulled the blanket over her head. She couldn't understand why she felt so wonderful despite the pounding of her head from the hangover she had.

She rolled over in her bed and absent-mindedly stretched out. She felt....skin? A body? She opened one eye and....whaaat?

Snoring softly on the pillow beside her was a man. At least she was pretty sure it was a man. Wildly tousled brown hair obscured the person's face. She lifted the covers to make sure. Oh, yes, definitely a man...Then she looked down at the floor and saw a trail of clothes that led to the door.  Next to her side of the bed was a puddle of silk. She kept looking from under the sheet...to the body next to her...to the discarded silk....back under the sheet and to the body again.

Honour tried to move as far as she could to the edge of the bed. She quietly leaned on her elbow, keeping the sheet up around her chin. Her head pounded from the whiskey and she rubbed her temples. The body rolled over and she looked upon the sleeping face.
It was the pirate from the tavern the night before.

Bits and pieces of the night before started to reconnect in her mind. She threw the covers back over her head. 'Gotta think...gotta think....Alright, so now do I say, 'Thank you very much, that is the nicest thing that anyone has ever done to me.  It was great and very nice to have met you and if you are ever in port again...' I mean, it's not like I have never had company in my bed.'

She looked under the bed.
'Well, at least he has great boots too."
Honour tried to slip out of the bed as quietly as she could. But before she could escape, his arm was around her, preventing her from leaving. A little squeak escaped her but she quickly realized he was very much asleep. The more Honour tried to slip from the man's grasp, the tighter he held on.
Finally she quit struggling and lay looking up at the ceiling once more. She touched her silver necklace. 'I don't think I had better ask you for help on this one, Mother. You would probably say, 'Rhiannon, you got yourself into this one, better get out of this one yourself.'

She looked over at her bedmate who was still out cold. A determined look came over her face. Gently, she lifted the edge up on his pillow to partially cover his face, just enough to hopefully get him to move. And move he did. Out of reflex, he took his arm from around Honour to move the obstruction out of the way. She popped free from his grasp and landed on the floor with an unceremonious thump.

She scrambled to grab the sheet ever so carefully and wrap it around her. Sitting carefully in the chair, she stared at the handsome pirate. "Oh, please please let him be a captain...'
She looked over at the pile of clothes on the floor that belonged to him.  Hers were strewn in a trail that not surprisingly led right to the bed.  She could see his frock coat, and sword, and what looked to be the butt of an ornate Spanish pistol.
"Whew!" she breathed.  "I think he's a captain, all right.  A girl has to keep her standards."

She picked up her bodice and saw the lacings cut in little pieces. "I know there has to be a logical explanation....I just wish I knew what it was.'

Beside his breeches, she spied a bone-handled dagger.  A smile slowly tugged at the corners of her mouth.  'Oh yeah, that's why....I can't remember when the pants came off...'

She traced her trail of clothes again, starting at the door and working toward the bed.  Her mouth dropped open a little as she realized there was a good three feet between her chemise and her boots that were right beside the bed.
'I must have fallen face first in bed then...but something tells me I didn't exactly fall.  Carried?  Carried works...But how did my boots get off? And why last? A bodice is one thing, but if he so much as shortened a bootlace...'  
Honour quickly inspected her boots to find the laces were indeed as she'd left them.
She looked at them. 'Oh crap. I broke a heel....Maybe I can guilt him into buying a new pair?  It's worked before,' she mused. 'I wonder how his credit is...'

She crawled around the floor, looking for her pantelets.
'They have to be here somewhere...OW!'
Her knee landed on a button.
'These aren't mine...'
Honour found a silk shirt and held it up. Buttons were torn from it and it was ripped halfway up the back.
'Oh, Muir, what have you done?' Then she realized Muir was over at the tavern sleeping under the table to keep Amos company.

She picked up her chemise. The drawstring was missing.  Her face turned crimson at the thought of Malcolm knocking at her door to see if she was alright.
"I heard noises. Are you alright? You aren't getting killed, are you?"
"No, Malcolm. It must have been in the alley."
She was wrapped in a sheet and her hair was tousled and her lipcolour smeared.

Honour bit her lip and wondered if you could actually die from it. The rush of blood out of your head...how can such a man have such stamina? And know all the right buttons to push?
And push them so perfectly.
She couldn't even remember his name.

As she passed the dresser, a piece of paper caught her eye.
She picked it up.
A marriage license.
Two names were on it.

John Michael Wolfe
Honour Bright


MARRIED?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 10, 2011, 08:48:55 PM
Honour stared in disbelief at the marriage certificate in her hand. At the bottom were their signatures, along with the wax seal of the magistrate making their union official.
'Add writing to the list of his talents,' she thought.
Memories of the previous night's activities came into focus for her. The whiskey, the dancing, the wedding, the...
"What have you gotten yourself into this time?" she asked herself aloud.

At her words, Jack stirred from his sleep. He reached for her side of the bed, but she wasn't there. The bed was still warm, though.
'She'll be back,' he thought. 'They always come back.'
A steady throbbing in his skull told him he was in for one serious hangover, so he didn't bother opening his eyes. Next he reached for the sheet, which Honour was using as a makeshift dressing gown.
"What the...?" he grumbled as he sat up.
He opened his eyes to find a glowing yet perturbed young woman before him. She held a crumpled piece of paper in her hand. He smiled, and tried to jog his memory as to her name.
"Good morning, my lovely!" he offered. "Don't tell me... Your name's Helen....no, Hannah...umm....Betsy?"

Her face reflected astonishment.
"You don't remember, do you? Read it! It's all there in official print!" she retorted as she threw the crumpled document in his face.
"It would be SO nice if you remembered the name of your wife. And I don't mean 'Mrs. Wolfe'." 

He unfolded the document she'd so graciously presented him. "Blah, blah, blah, 'Holy Matrimony' , blah, blah, 'John Michael Wolfe and Honour Bright'..."
Jack looked at her suspiciously. "What kind of bloody name is 'Honour Bright'?"
She balled up the sheet and threw it at him.
"It's my name!"

Jack pulled the sheet from about his head and chuckled.  "I do like this arrangement much better," he said with a sly smile.  Honour blushed as she tried half-heartedly to cover herself.
"The name!  Ah, well, that makes all the difference in the world, love!" Jack continued.  "Why don't you bring your lovely self back into bed, and we can discuss things further, yeah?  'Honour Bright' suits you.  Honour Bright Wolfe, even more so.  Now, what's it to be, darling wife?  You, standing there unappreciated?  Or here in this nice, warm bed, fully and repeatedly appreciated by me?"

Honour thought for a moment, and all things being equal, Jack Wolfe wasn't that disgusting. In fact, he had a certain allure.  She got back into bed, and Jack threw the sheet back over them like a matador's cape.
She whispered, "You certainly don't give a woman a chance to think, do you, Jack?"
He laughed, "Faint heart never won fair lady, yeah?"
She looked at him warily, "Where do you get the 'lady' idea, pirate?"
He chuckled, "Woman, I have been wise to the ways and means of both doxies and damsels. And you, my dear, are no mere tavern wench."
She turned away and murmured, "You are mistaken."
He put his finger under her chin and turned her head so she couldn't tear her eyes away from him.
"I think not. You have all your teeth. They are white. You don't jump on your food and drink like you shall never see another morsel or another tankard again. Your dialect, Welsh though it may be, belies an educated gentry. You stood up for yourself against that brute yet not in a slatternly way. But as one with smarts and wits."
She jerked his hand away and said, "I said you are mistaken. My mother was a housemaid and my father was a stable hand. I am the result of too much ale and moonlight. Father was long gone by the time of my birth. Mother died when I was a child. I was raised in an orphanage.  End of story."

Jack regarded her thoughtfully.  Something didn't ring true about her story, but he had nothing more to go on but a hunch.
"Aye. If you say so, my wife. Wife! Ye gads! I now have one."
"You never had one before?"
He laughed. "Never got caught before. love. You?"
She looked away and pulled the sheet around her. "No."

Jack stood up and reached for his clothes. He pulled the shirt over his head.
Ripped. Damn!
As he put his boots on, he looked over at the woman who was now his dearly beloved. Her arms stretched over her head, the sheets swirling around her. Her hair laid in a tangle around her shoulders and her eyes reflected some sort of dreamy afterglow.

He gave her a grin and she put her hand up.
"Oh, no, you don't!" she protested.
"Suit yourself.  It would have been magic."
He laughed and took her in his arms, giving her a passionate kiss. Then he left the bed, headed towards the door.
She said indignantly, "And where do you think you are going?"
"Back to my ship."
She took the marriage license and threw it in his face again.
"Guess again. You think you can just...just....just....and then LEAVE?"
Jack shrugged. "Never been an issue before."
She said darkly, "You've never come up against Honour Bright."
He retorted, "And you have never tangled with Captain Jack Wolfe!"
Jack suddenly burst out laughing.
"Aye, and I do think I have taken on a tigress!"
She raised her eyebrow as she tucked the sheet up to her chin.
"Tigress?"
He kicked his boots off and with a twinkle in his eye, he said, "What's this old world coming to, Honour?"
"What do you mean?"
He drew the sheet back. "It's not right. The hunter got captured by the game."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 17, 2011, 10:20:03 PM
She slowly woke up, the twilight fading into shadows on the wall.
"Jack? Jack?" she whispered. He was sound asleep.

Honour rolled over and propped herself up on her elbow and stared at the sleeping man. What was it about him that made her want him so badly?  Was it his rakish good looks? Charisma? The way he made her feel?  She even liked way he smelled.  She leaned close and drank in his scent.  A smile touched her lips as she thought about how he smelled like spices.  Old spices with a hint of leather and sweat.  She had never had anyone set her on fire like this man did. Even Rhys never made her feel like this. So...wanton. So...wicked and with no shame.

Her face coloured at the thought of how much she enjoyed herself, and him.  A giggle escaped her lips.
Then her convent upbringing kicked in and she wondered how hot the flames of hell would be. And if she had a chemise light enough for the heat and what boots she could wear.
And would Jack be there?

She marveled that even when he was sleeping, she could almost read his mind.
It was obvious he was a man of... well, action. If it was something he wanted, then sooner or later it would fall into his hands. And right now, in his hands is just where she wanted to be.
She sighed happily. The rest was pretty great, too.
She wondered how long it would take him to recoup his resources
She began to gently kiss his skin, first across his chest, then to his neck.  Jack stirred, but didn't wake up.  As she continued kissing him, her eyes strayed down his body which was covered only with the thin sheet.  And her eyes went wide.  He had clearly already recovered...

'This man must be automatic' she thought, and hastened over to her own side of the bed.
'Curiosity killed the cat', she thought to herself.  'And if that's true, then it must have been satisfaction that brought her back.' 

Honour laid there staring at the ceiling and wondered how long she should let him sleep. He had a slight smile on his face. What was he thinking? And was she enough woman for him?
She turned to face him. Carefully, she studied his features. Crow's feet from squinting into the Caribbean sun were beginning to form at the corners of his eyes.  Unlike so many sailors she'd seen, his face was not leathery. There was a softness to it she found appealing. Some mischievous something inside her made her take her finger and tickle the end of his nose.
He wrinkled his nose and snorted. She softly giggled, tracing her finger down to his mouth gently.
She traced the outline of his lips with her fingertip. Her thoughts drifted back to how these lips kissed her, caressed her, and made her feel like a woman.

She sighed and reached over for a blanket. Wrapping herself in it, she lit a candle that was on the dresser. The shadows immediately came to life.
She poured herself a glass of wine and sat in the chair, staring at her bed. She could scarcely believe nor comprehend the enormity of what she had done the previous night before.
She was a tavern wench yesterday. Today the bride of a pirate. She shook her head as if to clear it and achieve an understanding.

She drew the blanket around her and tucked her legs up under her. What a shock to wake up and find herself married. She looked over at her new husband sleeping in her bed. A wave of guilt swept over her. She felt disloyal to the memory of the only man she swore she would ever love. She ran her fingers through her hair, deep in thought.
Spying the marriage license that was crumpled on the floor, she bent to pick it up. Smoothing it out, she looked at it. It certainly looked legal. She hardly remembered filling it out. Damn whiskey!
The date was right. That early, early morning.
John Michael Wolfe.
Honour Bright.

She hardly knew the man who was now her husband. The only thing that she knew at this point was his name and his ship. Not where he was from. Not even his age. She did know one thing. He could really hold his whiskey. And he was good in....
She pushed that thought out of her mind. That doesn't count. Not really. All right, it does, but that's for another time.
She sat back and closed her eyes. A thought occurred to her and a smile came to her lips. A loophole in case she should need it.
Because when it all came down to it...
Who was Honour Bright?

It was the name she used when she had come to St. Lawrence. A name that no one would be able to trace back to Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine. She took a sip of wine and thought back to that night she entered the tavern, eager to find a job. Amos, the tavern keeper, asked her, "And what be yer name, lassie?"
She blurted out the first thought in her head. It was a phrase she heard her father and her husband, who both sat on the House of Lords, utter.
'Honour Bright'.
An assurance of truth or fidelity. A cynical smile crossed her lips. Truth. Her whole existence since she came to St. Lawrence was a lie.
And fidelity?
The very reason she had to lie.
A wave of chill came over her. From the coolness of the room or the pang of her conscience, she couldn't tell. Did it really matter anymore?
Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine was, in essence, dead.
Honour Bright took her place.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 24, 2011, 08:58:29 PM
She could hear Jack stir behind her.
"What a perfect night for staying in bed," he purred.
"Where else would I go in the middle of the night?" Honour rubbed her temples. "If only I could remember how I got here...."
"Does any of that really matter?  I'm a bit fuzzy on where I'm at, but that's not stopping me from having a good time."
She looked at him hopefully. "You think I am a good time?"
"Calling you a 'good time' is damning with faint praise, love!"

She pulled back the blanket and slid back into bed. "If only I could remember where my pantalets got thrown....'
Jack put his arm around her and pulled her close.  "Worry about them in the morning.  You have no need for them right now."

She landed on top of him. He wound his hand in her hair, pulling her so close their lips were only inches apart.
"See?" he whispered.  "Isn't this much better?"
Honour had to remember to keep breathing when she found herself unable to tear her gaze from his eyes.
"I don't know if it is better or not. I only have two times to compare."
"Oh, you do have a very good point, love!  Very good indeed."  He kissed her deeply, but stopped abruptly.  "Let's start the comparison, shall we?"
She gazed into his eyes and said quietly, 'Oh, you mean I should compare you to the other captains I have had?"
"Well, I hadn't planned on anything as ambitions as that," he said with a surprised laugh.  "I don't feel inclined toward sharing you, that's for sure.  You make me feel very greedy.  But as a captain, I am fully confident that I measure up. Although I have heard the quartermasters could give us a run for our money."
"Well, I consort with no one but captains. Not even quartermasters, Rhys."
Jack glanced to either side of the bed with his eyes.  "Who's Rhys?  Your husband?"
She realized the faux pas and covered it quickly. "I think you misunderstood. I have no husband."
She held up her hand. 'There are no lines on my finger to indicate a ring, now, is there, Captain?"

He ran his finger over hers where a wedding ring would have resided, then drew her hand to his lips.  He kissed her ring finger, and gave her a devilish look.  
"It's a good thing, too.  With all the whiskey we had, I'm not sure I could deal with an angry husband tonight!"
She fixed her eyes on his.
"And you certainly aren't dressed for it."
She ran her finger from his lips down to his chest.
"Did anyone ever tell you that you talk to much, Captain?"
"Then, my dear, you're going to have to find a way to shut me up," he said with a wink.
She moved closer to him and whispered, "Any preference?"
He shook his head slowly.  "I play captain enough when my clothes are on.  I'll let you surprise me."
"And can you serve under someone like me?"
"Aye, m'lady.  That I can.  And rigorously! And...I think you found the way to shut me up!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 01, 2011, 09:11:21 PM
Jack reached under the bed and pulled the bottle of merlot he had filched on their way to the room. He pulled the cork out of the bottle wtih his teeth and spit it across the room.
"Wine, my dear?"
"On top of the whiskey? The top of my head hurts. Even my hair."
"Ah, all the more so. It's called '' hair o' the dog that bit ye!'
She frowned.
"If you are sure I will feel better..."
Jack poured her a glass and said, "I never lie about a good vintage. Now drink up like a good little girl."

Honour gently took the wine goblet out of Jack's hand, taking a sip. She gazed at him over the rim. "Mmm....I don't think you need any more wine."
"Rest assured," he said with a sly smile.  "The spirit is willing, and so is the flesh."
She smiled, "In the spirit of the occasion...."
Honour handed the wine back to Jack.
"What's this?  I thought I was cut off for the night.  Although..."  He held it up to the candlelight behind Honour.  "You seem to have gotten your fair share of it!"
"And it is community property, love. But see how it sparkles in the candlelight?"
"Community property," Jack echoed.  "This sounds somewhat ominous, the way it rolled off your tongue."
She laughed as she ran her finger from his lips to his chest, 'It means what's yours is mine...and what is mine is yours....'
A huge, eager grin broke out on his face.  "Well, that's not ominous at all..."  He kissed her lips, teasingly at first, but quickly more insistent.
"And I take it what you want right now is mine..." she whispered.
"I'll be sharing what's mine in the process, so it evens out.  Yes?"
"And if I am the recipient of yours, you had better make it the best you have to offer then."
"Oh, always," he said.  "I'll make certain you get only my best.  Which I'm afraid, unless I get rid of this wine glass, will be less than impressive."

She reached over and gently took the glass out of his hand. "Here..."
She hurled it against the fireplace shattering it into pieces.
"You celebrate an important occasion by drinking only once from a goblet and then smashing it . Because another occasion will never be worthy of it. I'll clean it up in the morning....'
"Oh, I do love the way you think.  See? I appreciate you for your mind as well as your body."
Honour put her arms around Jack and rolled over with him over her.
"I don't mind that you appreciate my body, Jack. I really don't."
"Oh, good!  Because I intend to show my appreciation for your body for the next several hours, at the least..."
"My goodness! Confident in your stamina, are you?"  
"What can I say?  You have me feeling especially... inspired."
She smiled, "And perspired. After all, it releases endorphins."
"Endorphins'? Why do we want to release a lot of bloody great fish?"
She giggled, "It's the chemical that makes you feel good. Like a wrung out towel."
"Oh, I do like that feeling...Let's see how many times we can feel that way!"

Honour pulled herself away from Jack. "You mean lots of little feeling that way or one big one?"
Jack got a very worried look on his face. "Oh, no, no, no, love. Not a lot of little ones. Several BIG ones."
Her face flushed. "I don't know if I can take it..."
"Then we'll spread them out.  No sense being greedy and having them all at once," he said with a wink.

She frowned, "I don't know if we have that kind of time. Amos is expecting me at work tomorrow."
Jack shook his head.  "I'll cover any expense he may be worried about, love.  Plus more."
"Captain Wolfe, have you always been this insatiable? I'm startin to believe the stories really ARE true!"

Jack brought his face close to hers and looked deeply into her eyes.  "Honour, every tavern story, every fable, every myth has at least a grain of truth at its centre."
She smiled seductively at him while she drew him close.
"Well, let's put that element of truth to the test, shall we, Captain Wolfe?"
"Like I said, I love the way you think!" he laughed.
She nibbled on his ear....:  "Just love me..at least for tonight."
"Tonight is a good start. Maybe you'll even leave a few tavern stories behind of your own."
"Oh, I don't kiss and tell."
Honour felt his hand slide down her body and her breath caught in her throat. She could feel the heat of his breath on her neck, his teeth grazing that one spot that never failed to send thrills through her.
'So much for me falling asleep...' she thought.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 08, 2011, 08:51:03 PM
Honour laid in Jack's arms.."Oh... that was incredible...."
And with that she passed out.
Jack laid there with an unconscious Honour in his arms.
"I'm terribly flattered," he said softly.  "But what do I do now?"
A tiny devil appeared in a puff of brimstone and sat on his shoulder.  "You know what to do.  Have your way with her!"
"Um, I just did," said Jack.  "And vice-versa.  Weren't you paying attention?"
A tiny angel appeared and sat on his other shoulder.
"Cover her, and hold her in your arms until morning.  That is the chivalrous thing to do," said the angel.
"Right, I know YOU haven't been paying attention," said Jack.
"Go ahead," said the devil.  "She's all yours!"
"Yeah, ye wee numpty!!  I MARRIED her!  Can you possibly get off script and come up with something original?" groused Jack.
The devil thought for a moment, then hung his tiny scarlet head.  "I got nothin'," he said dolefully.
The angel played loudly on a tiny trumpet.
"Goodness triumphs again!  You are indeed a good man!" he proclaimed.

Jack flicked the little angel off his shoulder disdainfully.
"Stow it, you little twit!  She's passed out!  Now get a grip, both of you! Bloody hell.  Good and evil both on my shoulders, and they still don't get it!"
Jack pointed a finger and the devil and angel.
"You.... and especially YOU with the trumpet--- bugger off!" he hissed.
The diminutive agents looked at each other and shrugged.
"Fool! I'm ashamed to even associate with you!" the little red devil flung at Jack.  Then both the devil and angel vanished with their respective scents.

Jack woke up with a start.
Honour stirred...
"What did you say, Jack?" she murmured.
Jack kissed her cheek.  "Nothing, love.  Just a bad dream featuring two clueless midgets.  Go back to sleep."
Honour snuggled against him and drifted off again.
Honour hiccuped and threw her arm and leg around Jack. "Just love me....." and passed out again.
"You aren't even..."  He kissed her, and realized she passed out again.
"... awake.  Just lovely.  Here I have this beautiful woman wrapped around me..."
Honour snored softly.
"...sexy as she is right now...  Bugger!"
He looked at her face, and found himself marvelling at her features.
"You are so beautiful," he whispered.  Jack kissed her lips gently, and pulled her closer against him.
"But just one thing I have to ask.... please, don't make me fall in love with you."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 22, 2011, 10:59:04 PM
The sun was rising as Honour woke up. She lifted her head from the pillow and groaned. Nothing to eat except a few apples she had in the room and the three bottles of wine Jack had grabbed on their way to her room.

Jack heard her stir and woke up. Smiling, he said, "Well, good morning to you too. How did you sleep?"
"For only having a few hours of sleep and the headache from the wine you gave me? I've felt better. Do you realize we have stayed inside this room for two days?"
Jack laughed, "Time flies when you are having fun, yeah?"
She reached out and grabbed her dressing gown..
"Where do you think you are going? Come back here."
"I'm getting some water, do you want some?"
Jack reached down by the bed and pulled out a bottle of whiskey.
"I've got what I need right here. Aqua vitae."
"Water of life."
He grinned. "You know your Latin."
She shrugged. "I AM educated, you know. And your capacity for alot of things amazes me. Have you always been this insatiable?"
"Always."

She brushed her hair and looked at her face in the mirror. Was that a blush? Or a glow? She caught Jack gazing at her in the reflection. Turning to him, she said, "Jack, are you going to tell me about those twenty-four chests of guilders?"
His mind raced. They had both been pretty well on their way to an alcohol nirvana.
How did she remember it? Briggs' words came back to haunt him.
"And don't you let some tavern wench get ye to yappin, neither!"

He scrambled for coolness.
"I think you misunderstood me. The contents of the chests contained various sundry items. Some wine, some spices...a bit of coffee."
"But I thought you said 'guilders.'"
He shook his head. "No, I said, 'spilled dirt.' Someone didn't close the lids tightly."
He affected a cough.
"You know...dust bunnies."
She frowned. He continued, "If I said guilders, would I be in this backwater port of St Lawrence? No. I'd be in Havana or Kingston. Or spending it in Port Royal."
She didn't say anything.
"Alright, come back to bed and I wil tell you a bedtime story."
She pointed out the window.
"It's daylight."
"Aye, but this is a bed and I can tell you a story about a chest."
She sighed and let the dressing gown go.
She got back under the sheet and folded her arms.
"This had better be worth my while."
"Oh, I promise you--hasn't it been so far?"

He reached for her once more, she put her hand on his chest and whispered.
"Not again. Not till you tell me this story about a chest."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 29, 2011, 08:05:19 PM
Jack redirected his hand from the curve of Honour's hip to the tenderness of her face.
"Fair enough, darling. Here's a story of a fabled treasure. A couple of years ago, I heard a fantastic legend about a race that disappeared from these parts hundreds of years ago, possibly longer. Their real name is forgotten. The fellow who told me about them only referred to them in a hushed voice as 'Les Anciens'. The Ancients. The story goes that they abandoned their empire for whatever reason – war, famine, disease, something – and they left behind only a few traces of their existence.  One is a golden chest containing one of their most important treasures.  It's protected by a mechanism that prevents it from being opened unless you have the knowledge and the key to reveal its secrets.

"The thing is, it's no fable. The Ancients existed, I'm certain of it.  And so does that chest.  A naturalist named Armand LaFourche stumbled across one of their ruined cities a few years back.  Studied the whole thing top to bottom, and even managed to crack their language after a fashion.  In a crypt beneath a crumbling temple, he found the chest.  He was going to try and open it himself, only it stolen from him before he could try. Those in the know say he kept meticulous notes should the chest ever turn up again.  I happen have a reliable lead on where the chest is now, and word is LaFourche's journal is on the market. Once I have both, which will be only a matter of time now, I'll be rich beyond my wildest dreams. And trust me, I have some wild dreams.  So, what do you think of that little story?"

Honour bit her lip as she considered his tale.
"You do realise how outlandish it all sounds, don't you?  I mean, if he's already got the information, why doesn't this Armand LaFork--"
"LaFourche."
"Whatever. Why doesn't HE go after the treasure himself?"
"I should have known better than to open this up for questions," Jack laughed as he began to kiss her neck. She took him by the chin and pulled his face up to meet hers before he could get any further.
She repeated, "Why isn't he going after the treasure himself?"
"Because," sighed Jack, "the man is a lunatic.  Stark raving mad, he is. His obsession with the Ancients and having that chest, only to lose it again, drove him over the edge.  He's in no shape to go chasing after it.  Or, more importantly to me, demand a share from whoever opens it. The best he can manage is to sit in his garden on Martinique mumbling  to himself."
"So we're sailing to Martinique?" she said enthusiastically.  "I've always wanted to go there!"
Jack stroked her silky hair.  "I'm afraid not, my darling.  Not right away, at any rate.  I have some business to attend to in Tobago.  After that is wrapped up, we'll be Martinique bound to buy the journal."
He gently caressed her almost alabaster skin. "All that will be left is to procure the golden chest. And speaking of treasured chests..."
Honour jumped out of bed, dragging the sheet with her.
He sighed and propped himself up on his elbow. "You're getting shy now? That sheet does absolutely nothing for you, love."

Jack smiled at her and patted the place in bed next to him. She ignored him.
"Oh, come on, my sweet.  Is this about that wedding ring, or lack of one?  I swear upon my sainted mother's grave that I shall have a gold ring slipped on your finger before the end of the week. I just need to sort through some Spanish treasure on my ship and--"
She drew the sheet around her tighter. "You intend to give me...leftovers? From your ill-gotten gain?"
Jack couldn't help but laugh. "Consider it my salary from my job. Are you ready for a sail upon El Lobo del Mar? As I said, I need to meet with an associate, Cade Jennings, in Tobago.  He's there setting up a fresh enterprise.  He's a good sort, I think you will like him.  Think of it as a honeymoon cruise. Combining business with pleasure, yeah?"

Honour climbed back into bed and wrapped her arms around him.  "I heard Tobago IS lovely this time of year..." she whispered lustily.  But she stopped, and a curious look came over her.  She looked at him and asked, "Just how old are you, Jack?"
"Thirty-four. And you?"
She smiled as seductively as she knew how and said, "I turned nineteen in April."
Jack's head hit the wall with a thud.  He started laughing and couldn't stop.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
He thought of what Briggs would say. 'Cradle robber' would be the kindest thing.
"Nothing, my sweet. Nothing at all. Now...where were we?....."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 05, 2011, 09:26:39 PM
Honour rolled over and opened her eyes. She hit Jack in the head with a pillow. "You let me sleep most of the morning away! "
"You had quite the busy night, darling. And morning, too.  I thought you could use your rest."
She stood up, dragging the sheet with her. "I've had nothing to eat for almost two days now except a few apples and a handful of grapes."
Jack's brow knitted.  "Well, that's no good at all!  You need to keep your strength up, as do I.  Fancy a bite to eat?  Even if it means leaving this nice warm bed?"

She scrambled on the floor, muttering, "I know they are here...somewhere."
He leaned over the side of the bed, a look of bemusement on his face as he admired her form.  "What on earth are you looking for?"
Her face flamed with embarrassment. "Oh...nothing."
Jack held up his finger, her pantalets draped on it.
"Is this what you were looking for?"

Honour gasped in surprise and grabbed the garment off his finger.
"Yes, thank you!  Would you afford me a bit of privacy while I put them back on?"
"Not a chance, dove," he smiled wickedly. 
She shrugged, "Then enjoy the show, mate."
Jack settled back on the bed, making a small production of fluffing up his pillow before reclining. 
"You know I will!  But I do prefer you with those trappings on the floor where they belong."
She threw them in his face.
"Fine then. I'll go without. But I need food."
He pulled the pantalets off his head and placed them on the bed. 
"I'm just teasing, darling.  My preferences aside, I'd rather not have to get you out of the gaol for public lewdness and indecency.  If it will make you feel better, I'll turn my back."
"it will make me feel better. Turn your back."
As she grabbed them and let the sheet slip, she caught his gaze in the mirror.
"You cheated!
Well, yeah!" he laughed.  "I'm a pirate, remember?"
"Put the pillow over your head," demanded Honour as she moved out of range of the mirror's reflection.  "And do be quick.  I'm hungry!"
Jack sighed and picked up the pillow.  "As you wish, my dear."

She came out of the alcove of her room wearing her chemise. "The drawstring is missing. And the bodice lacings are cut into little pieces. My skirt is ripped. What the hell happened?"
"Oh, um, that might have been me," he said sheepishly.  "You were hopelessly knotted, and I wasn't in a patient mood..."
He held up his shirt, which was torn up the back.
"And neither were you, from the look of things."
"I think you caught yours on a nail. That's it. You caught it on a nail."
She looked at her hands and held them up."Do you honestly think these hands could rip through your shirt?"
Jack got out of bed and walked to her.  She gave him a wary look as he took her hands in his.
"These look like the hands of a woman capable of doing anything she puts her mind to," he said with a gentle smile.
Honour found herself blushing again.  "You're still naked."
Jack looked down. "So I am !"
"I'm dressed, after a fashion," she said.  "Shouldn't you be, too?  My stomach is rumbling like an oncoming storm."
"Can we get Amos to send up some stew and bread?"
With me looking like this?" she asked.  "Whatever will he think?"
"That you had one hell of a good night?"
Honour frowned and shook her head.  "I may as well send you down naked, then."
"I like that idea less.  Wait!  I've got an idea..."
Jack picked up his belt and untied a thin leather lanyard from it.  "This should work nicely!"
"What is that thing?"
"New lacing for your bodice, love!"
"But, it's too short."
"We improvise."
"You're mad, you know that?"
"Yeah," he grinned.  "Ain't it great?"
"Would you at least put your pants on?" she said in exasperation.  "At least be half dressed and mad."
"Oh, fine.  Prude."
It's just that you are a....umm..uh..."
"Distraction?" he replied.
Her face turned bright red.
He ran his fingers through her golden tresses, and began to pull her into a kiss.
"Oh no, you don't!" she protested, her face flaming from embarrassment and a bit of desire.  "Clothes, laces, food.  In that order.  I won't have you undressing me again without a meal."
"You drive a hard bargain, love."
"And you're a hard man--"
Jack's eyebrows went up.  "Why, thank you!"
"-- TO DEAL WITH!" she yelped, and pushed him away from her.  "Just get dressed, damn it!"

She opened up an armoire and pulled out a summer frock in sky blue. "This IS my room so I do have clothes here. Forget the bodice."
He held up his shirt. "All fine for you. But what about me?"

She opened up a drawer and pulled out a man's shirt. "Here. I sleep in this sometimes."
He sniffed it. "Smells like scotch. Whose is it?"
She grabbed it back. "It's mine. Do you want it or not?"
He grabbed it back and pulled it over his head.
"It fits. I'll take it. Smells familiar...."

Her mind went back to another place and time. She murmured, "What do you expect when you work in a tavern?"
No need to mention that the shirt belonged to James Blake.
And good whiskey was his vice.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 12, 2011, 09:07:17 PM
Honour and Jack emerged from the tavern and headed towards the small inn down the street.
"Do you realize this is the first time I have seen you in broad daylight?" she said.
He laughed and spread his arms. "And dost thou like what thou sees, fair maiden?"
She stood there with her hands on her hips, surveying him up and down. "You look taller in the dark."
"Horizontal or vertical?"
She blushed and slapped his chest. "You are a bad man, Captain Wolfe. But come on--I am starving!"
He turned her around and said, "No. No tavern. I have a better idea."
He marched her towards the dock.
"Where are we going? To the Sea Biscuit? They have wonderful cheesy...."
"You'll see!"
He led her to the dock and proudly pointed. "The best food I can think of is right in my cabin."
She put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. "Right. Now I see. You don't have to get out of bed to dine."
He laughed and put his arm around her waist, marching her towards the ship.
"There is roast pork there and fresh vegetables. And a wonderful outlaying of wine. And I also get to introduce you to my best friend."
"I met him. The bemused gentleman that was trying to talk some sense into you at the tavern. So it seems I am not your type."
"What do you mean? You are a female and you breathe."
"I caught the words 'not Spanish'. So you like them dusky and exotic."
He put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Why are you just now mentioning this?"
She started to speak. "Because...never mind."
"Because you were having too much fun to worry about details?"
From above, a voice yelled, " 'Bout time ye got yer arse back to the ship, Jack!"
Jack shielded his eyes. "Aye, Josiah. Permission to come aboard?"
The disembodied voice shouted back, "Since when did ye ask my permission on anything? But since ye did, ye have to say, "Briggs, may I?"
"Briggs, may I?"
The voice yelled back, "No."
"Sorry--coming on board anyways!"

Jack turned to Honour. "That would be Briggs."
"The gentleman I met last night."
"The very one."
"The one who tried to lure you back to the ship?"

"Briggs isn't subtle enough to lure, darling.  He came right out and said keeping company with you wasn't a wise idea."
Honour stayed silent for a couple steps.  "And was he right?"
"Maybe not," he said with a smile.  "Of course, he'd never agree."
Jack and Honour appeared at the top of the deck after crossing the gangplank.
"Aye, I knew you would show up after the customary two days and....oh. Hello."
Briggs looked from Honour to Jack and then said, "Shall I fix the guest room up?"  A crewman yelled, "Or the nursery?"
Briggs turned to the crewman. "Shush, Connors. She's not that young."
 Honour felt her face flame red. Jack threw his head back and laughed, Grabbing her hand he held his and hers up.
"Look!"
"So..what am I supposed to be looking at?"
"Oh. Well....um..uh...there's supposed to be wedding rings there."
The pipe Briggs had been packing with tobacco clattered to the deck.
"Ye...  ye what?"

"Mar-ried," said Jack slowly, emphasizing the syllables.  "You know, when the minister says a lot of vow thingies and the man and woman say 'I do'.  Ring a bell?"
Briggs snapped, "Aye, I've been there...remember?"
"Just making sure.  And yes, I know this is a big surprise for you..."
"Damn straight it is," Briggs muttered.
"... as it was for us.  Isn't that right, dear?"
 Honour looked from Jack to Briggs and could feel the colour rising in her face. "Well...um..yes...especially when you don't remember doing it..I mean the getting married part. The rest...well, um...."

 Briggs shook his head as if to clear away the confusion.  "Married??  How...  When did ye go off and do this?"
"A couple hours after you went back to the ship," said Jack.  "And trust me, the magistrate was just as surprised as anyone when we woke him up."
"I knew I shouldn't have let ye out of my sight," Briggs grumbled.
Honour wasn't sure why the quartermaster was so dismayed, but she was sure of one thing; she didn't care for the gruff man much.

She edged closer to Jack and put her hand on his arm. She suddenly felt self-conscious, like a bug under a microscope.
Jack laughed, "Yeah, you  could have been the best man. As it was...well, I was in a bit of a hurry."
Briggs took a deep breath and exhaled it through clenched teeth.  Honour pressed ever closer to Jack as he fixed her in his gaze.
"If it's all the same to ye, little miss--"
Something sparked within Honour, and she found her voice. "That's MRS, Mister Briggs.  MRS Jack Wolfe.  Please get used to it."
Josiah blinked as if he'd been slapped.  "Aye," he said quietly.  "Aye, Mrs. Wolfe.  I'll be sure to remember that.  But if I might be havin' a word in private with your husband, I'd be right appreciative."

Jack turned to Honour and said,"Why don't you scoot to my cabin, darling? I'll be there shortly. I'll have the cook fix us a delightful lunch."
She looked back at Jack and frowned. "If you are sure..."
"Of course I am sure. Now scoot!" he said as he playfully slapped her bottom.
Honour jumped a little at the swat, and turned back to her husband.  The frown was quickly turning to frustration.  "Fine!  I'll wait for you there.  Just one question?"
"And what is that, my dove?"
"WHERE is your cabin?  I've never been on this ship before."  She folded her arms and looked at him expectantly.  "And I certainly wouldn't know where a captain's cabin would be."  All right, that was a fib.  But he didn't need to know everything.
"You're right," said Jack with a smile.  "That was thoughtless of me.  Josiah, I'll be back after I show Honour to my - our cabin.  You brood and get worked up for when I return in a couple minutes."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 12, 2011, 09:31:14 PM
 Jack guided her down the long, darkened companionway to his cabin, and opened the door. As Honour attempted to walk through the door, Jack grabbed her around the waist and said, "Oh, no you don't! I do believe it is my duty to carry you over the threshold, as it were."
She put her arms around him and gave a slight smile as he lifted her up.
"This, my love, is hallowed ground aboard ship.  None dare enter save those I've given permission.  Now it's our hallowed ground."

He set Honour down and she took in the captain's quarters. The great cabin was spacious, about twenty-five feet wide and twelve feet deep. There was a large four-poster bed to starboard.  The coverlet looked to be of a soft silk.  Her eyebrow raised as she detected a woman's touch in the surroundings.  Could it be that Jack had 'previous company' that had been a little deeper relationship?

A six-foot long oak dining table that could easily double as a meeting table was in the middle of the space.  To the side was a generously wide desk, messy with charts and instruments.   Obviously it was Jack's private space.  On the forward bulkhead there was a massive bookcase, stuffed with all manner of books, maps, and charts.  Two evenly spaced oil lamps hung from the overhead.  Plenty of shuttered windows to provide light most of the time, whatever direction the ship was heading.

Jack took her hand and kissed it, then drew her close and kissed that one spot on her neck that always sent thrills through her body. "I shall not be long. Just long enough to get Briggs straightened."
"You mean straightened out?"
"Either one, love.  I think you could tell he's pretty bent out of shape at the moment."
Honour's face clouded.  "Yes, and I don't understand why he's so cross with me.  He's never met me before!  Is he always so gruff?"
Jack stroked her cheek.  "He's not cross with you, darling.  He's cross with me.  I ran off and did something he thinks is wildly irresponsible, and this is his way of letting me know he doesn't approve."
"But... YOU'RE the captain.  Doesn't your approval matter over his?"
"You tell HIM that, love!" laughed Jack as he blew her a kiss and closed the cabin door behind him.

He headed up to the quarterdeck where Briggs was standing at the rail looking off into the horizon. Jack leaned against the rail and crossed his arms.
"So, Josiah, are you not going to congratulate me on my nuptials?"
Briggs blasted, "Jack, what was in your head? Were ye so full of whiskey that ye weren't thinking?"
Jack's face turned a bit red as he said, "You want to know the truth, Josiah? She... wouldn't!"
"Wouldn't--what?"
Jack said, "She said we had to be married first."
Josiah looked dumbfounded. "A tavern wench that was a VIRGIN?"
At that Jack was a bit uncomfortable.  "Well..um...I guess she wasn't after all.  But she was serious and said she wouldn't until we were properly wed.  So... well, I wed her."
"Ye married her. Ye married a wench just to bed her?  JACK WOLFE?  Just who was doin' the seducing, Captain?  Her?  Or you?  Because what it is looking like, is that ye were roped in."
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say that...."
Josiah said darkly, "I should have stayed with ye, I should have. I saw the looks between ye.  Just how much whiskey did ye drink, Jack?"
"Well, I think I quit counting after the third bottle... or was it the fourth?"
Briggs retorted, "I hope that little bit o' heaven on earth was worth it, Jack."
"What do you mean?"
Josiah said hotly, "I mean to say is she worth all that booty we took from the Dutch merchant ship?  Dangnubbit, Jack!  Twenty-seven chests of guilders..."
"Maybe she just wants the calico.  You know, for dresses..." Jack interjected.
Josiah slammed his fist down on the rail. "If ye were a doxy, would ye want calico or guilders?"

Jack's jaw tightened as he said in a low voice, "Choose your words carefully, Mr. Briggs..."
"Think, Jack!  THINK!  Can ye buy guilders with calico?  Because if ye had guilders, ye can buy all the calico ye want!"
"Well, somehow I can't see Honour wearing calico..."
Josiah added, "And the guilders may be the lesser of your troubles."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean to tell ye, that as yer dearly beloved, she may now be entitled to a share of the booty we take from here on out!  And the ship!  Community property, that's the law of old Mother England!  Commonwealth, protectorate, or empire, it's all the same.  Half be hers."
"She wouldn't do that..."
Josiah walked off but flung over his shoulder, "That's as maybe, but I'd put that relic of a crate under lock and key. And never -- EVER – tell your glowing bride about it."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 19, 2011, 09:12:20 PM
"Josiah, you worry far too much," Jack pandered. "There's more than enough baubles and nonesuch in my cabin to keep her from a crate marked 'Sundries'. I'd wager she's more interested in my desk than some ordinary box.  I've not disclosed one bit of information what would make her wise to the Ancient's treasure.  I even told her I'm still looking for the thing.  Besides, if I can't open the bloody thing, how could she?"
"Aye, Jack.  Maybe so," Briggs sighed. Josiah felt in his bones that Jack was making a grave mistake, but he'd not go against his captain and friend.
Jack drank in the salt air, and felt renewed by it.
"Josiah," he spoke in a low voice. "May I ask a favour?"
"Ask, and I'll grant."
"I'd appreciate it if, in the future, you address Honour with the respect she's due as my wife.  She's convinced you're cross with her, and I know that's not the case.  You're aggravated as hell with me, and she got the brunt of it."
Josiah coloured a bit.  "Well, Jack, I'm just tryin' to look out for what's best for ye.  I mean, seriously!  You married her after what?  Three hours, at best?  What do you really know about her?"

Jack sighed chuckled and turned toward his friend.  "I know she's a hell of a good time, that's sure enough!  Look, Josiah...  I'm not a young man any more.  I'm over thirty, I'm on top of my game as a pirate, but what's next?  If I slow down, I'll get overtaken by some young buck what fancies himself a better pirate.  And he might be right.  Maybe it's time to settle down and make babies rather than take ships and settlements."

Briggs' eyes darkened. "Captain Jack Wolfe," he said solemnly, "ye be the commander of this ship and crew! Aye, we've been friends for round about 15 years. And this is the first time I've heard ye talk of packin' it in.  What's that woman done to ye?"

Jack shot him a wicked grin.  "You really want me to answer that question?  My friend, she can do things with her--"
"All right, that's quite enough!" Briggs laughed.  "I get the idea.  But really, Jack.  How serious are ye about this dalliance?"
"It's just that, my friend.  A dalliance.  I've never been married before.  Now I've got that under my belt.  In more ways than one!"
Briggs snorted at the joke.
"We'll see what happens," continued Jack.  "It all depends on how long she amuses me."
"Seein' ye walk up here, she's amusin' ye quite a bit!  Can't recall the last time I seen a woman put that much steam in your stride."
"I dunno...  you think she's a keeper?"
"Jack, me lad, I know ye too well.  There ain't no such thing as a keeper!  She is a lovely thing, though.  Let her down easy, yeah?"

Jack chuckled, but gave no answer.  "See to the crew, my friend.  We'll set sail for Tobago come first light. I want to know how Jennings is coming along with the smuggling operation there. And let me know should we sight prize sail. I'd like some more swag in El Lobo's belly before we finish the next four day's travel.  Just so people remember who I am.  Oh!  And have supper sent to my cabin.  Have the cook do up something nice.  We've still got a pig or two, right?  Have that sent, and some potatoes."
"Aye, Jack.  Consider it done!"

Jack clapped his friend on the shoulder and went below. He reached the door to his cabin, and hesitated.
"She really is a keeper.  And I do enjoy her company..." he thought. He shook his head hard and shrugged off the thought.
He knocked twice, turned the knob and opened the door. Honour was sitting on the bed with a curious look on her face.
"Is everything all right, Jack?" she asked.
"Everything is wonderful!  We're headed for Tobago, my darling. We'll set sail come the morning. If we're lucky we'll take a prize or two before we make landfall at my nest. For now, settle back. My crew are at your beck and call."
He sat on the bed beside her. "I've sent for food. Roast piglet and potatoes. We should have it within the couple hours or so. May I get you something to drink?"

Honour stood up quickly, just about knocking Jack off the bed. "Set sail? In the morning? I can't! I have to go back to my job as tavern wench. And I have no clothes with me. I left them in my room."
Jack said, "No, you don't. You're Mrs. Jack Wolfe now.  You don't have to do anything about that tavern wench job. And as far as clothes...."
Jack walked over to the armoire and opened it. "There are plenty of clothes in here for you."
Honour's face turned red and she walked over to the armoire.
"Are you out of your mind?"
Jack looked surprised. "Is there a problem?"
"Problem? You want to know if there is a problem?"
She grabbed a dress and threw it on his head. He swatted at the silk that swirled around his shoulders.
Her face flamed. "You expect me to wear a dress that belonged to one of your--your----your--"
Jack ripped the silk away from his face and said, "Friends of the female persuasion?"
"More like one of the strumpets for hire! Look at this dress! Cheap! And the smell! Roses? Really? And cheap ones at that! And there's this one!"
She picked up one in a hideous purple. "She must have been eating without the use of any utensils!"
She shook the dress at him. "Besides her lack of taste, look how she dribbled food on this one!"
"Well, she was a wild one, that..."
Honour shot him a warning look.

Jack sighed heavily. "Hell, it's only clothes..."
She crossed her arms and said, "I refuse to wear any dress that belonged to another woman. Particularly one who..."
"You sound more like a noble woman than a tavern wench, love.  Especially with the high and mighty bit."
She clammed up. No need for him to know what her background really was. It would only lead to questions.
Questions that she did not want to answer.
He put his arms around her and nuzzled her neck.
"Now, what would you REALLY like, my love? We have an hour before the roasted pig and I---"
"I want to go shopping."
"What?"
"Shopping. If I have to go to Tobago, I need new clothes. And there are a few things I want to pick up in my room."
"I'll go with you then."
She kissed him quickly and said, "Now, darling, you would just be bored out of your mind waiting for me to shop. I'll be back within the hour. The shopkeepers know my size."
"Really?  How would they know your size unless you frequented them, you being a tavern maid and all?"
She felt her face getting red. "Well, some of them come into the tavern with their husbands. They have taken a liking to me. And being of a smaller size, they used me for their 'model' to try the dresses on."
She looked at him, hoping he bought the lie.
He sighed and said, "I can see that.  How much do you need?"
She mentioned a modest sum. Jack gave her double and said, "Buy what your heart desires, love. Meanwhile, I shall look through the booty for that ring with three emeralds I promised."
She gave him a deep kiss and then smiled. "I shall be back with an hour. Then I shall be ravenous!"
She gave him a grin but closed the door before he could detain her further.

As she walked through the ship, she felt someone's eyes on her. She turned in time to see Briggs hurriedly looking back over the deck. His face was grim.
"Oh, well. Let Jack deal with him," she thought with a toss of her blonde mane.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 26, 2011, 08:27:03 PM
"Hello, Amos!"
He looked up.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in."
She poured herself an ale. Amos snatched it out of her hand and replaced it with a glass of milk.
"Hey!"
"I still think you are too young to drink that stuff. And if you are a good little girl, I'll let you have a chocolate torte."
"Alright. That's better. I'm sorry I didn't come in this morning but I have a good reason."
Amos crossed his arms.
"I'd love to hear YOUR side of the story. I already got a note he sent down."
"What do you mean?"
"How do you think that plate of fruit and cheese got to your room? You think the fruit fairy brought it?"
"Well...."
"Well nothing! He stopped Malcolm in the hall requesting a light repast. Mal peeked in and you were sound asleep."
"Now, wasn't that thoughtful of Jack...."
"He sent a note down telling me you were occupied and with it was a fifty-pound note to cover any 'inconvenience and loss of revenue' by your being 'indisposed.' So when does he ship out so we can get back to what passes for normal around here?"
"Well, that may be a problem..."
"What do you mean, 'a problem'? He's not leaving by the end of the week?"

She held up her hand.
"So what am I looking at?"
"Oh! We keep doing that. There is supposed to be a ring there."
"Come again?"
"We kind of got married Saturday night. Well, technically it was Sunday morning. Do you think it is a sin to...you know...on the Sabbath?"
Amos sat down with a thud.
"I don't believe it."
"What, that I got married or that I may have broken some sort of commandment? Would that be one of the ones that Moses forgot to pick up when he smashed the tablets?"
He shook his head.
"I knew I should have made Kate take that table."
She held her finger up. 'You forget--I wasn't serving, I was dealing. And that brute Donovan slapped me."
"Do you realize what you have done, MIssy? Who you have married?"
"I married Captain Jack Wolfe and----"
"No, you married Captain MAD Jack Wolfe. He's not mad as in angry, he's mad as in crazy.

It was Honour's turn to be surprised. "You know him?"
"Know him? Everyone knows him! He's a legend in the Caribbean. Rumoured to front alot of the smuggling operation and black market trade in these waters from a remote location. Some say St. Maarten, some say Antigua. Trinidad...Tobago..."
Honour cupped her chin in her hand. "You don't say. And now I am Mrs. Captain Jack Wolfe. How about that!"

Amos' face darkened. "Heard he has his hands in a few sporting houses too."
"Amos, you run a sporting house. I was dealing, remember?"
"Not that kind of sporting. I'm talking cathouse."
Honour looked puzzled. "I don't take Jack for a pet type of person...."
Amos exhaled loudly and exploded, "He's a bordello fellow!"
Realization came over Honour.
"You mean....?"
"Yes, I do mean. So you had best get your little rudder back in this tavern, Missy. Just forget about this whole 'till death or whimsy do us part.'
She cut herself a piece of the chocolate torte and licked the knife.
Amos took it away from her and she made a face at him.
"Really, Amos, you think he's going to employ me? I'm his WIFE!"
Amos muttered, "Stranger things have happened. I've heard alot of stories."
"Well, tell me one."
Amos thought and then continued to mop the bar. "Just you never mind there. Before you become a tavern story yourself. But I think you already have. Getting married in less than three hours."

Honour picked up her plate and put it in the basin behind the bar.
"Please don't worry, Amos. I'll come back to visit regular. When we get back from Tobago. And then I can come back to work. Jack won't mind, I know it. Can I borrow Lucas and Samuel to help me with some of my trunks? I don't want to leave them here."
Amos nodded. "Best you pay them a bit extra. I know the size of your chest."
Honour stifled a giggle.
Amos frowned. "You know what I mean."

As Honour turned to walk up the stairs, Amos called out, "Get him to tell you the story of the nuns and the Mother Superior and see how well you sleep at night!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 03, 2011, 09:51:40 PM
 
"Were you going to try to sneak away without saying goodbye to me?"
Honour turned around.
"Kate!"
"Amos told me."
Honour sighed. "I wanted to tell you myself."
Kate crossed her arms.
"Well?"
"Well...what?"
Kate leaned forward. "How is he?"
"He's fine."
"You know what I mean."
"Kate! Do you expect me to kiss and tell?"
"Yes.  I do. You never held back before. You know....girl talk."
"This is different."
Kate brushed back Honour's hair and grinned.
"He's a biter, I see."
"More of a nibbler."
"Better not let Amos see those suckerbites on your neck then. You know how protective he is of us."

Honour opened up the armoire and began pulling out dresses.
"I just couldn't see leaving them behind. Some of them were really quite pricey."
Kate sat on the bed.
"Do you think you will have occasion to wear them? After all, you will be on a ship."
"We have to make port sometime. And I want to look my best. Do you want this lavender one?"
Kate took it. "You know I do. I always liked it."

Honour bent over and started flinging boots out. "Well, there are enough boots here to make a cobbler weep with joy."
She began folding the dresses up and putting them in trunks.
Kate looked over.
"What have we here?"
She picked up the remnants of her lacings.
"And this too?"
Kate held up the chemise with the drawstring out.
"Oooh, here it is. The drawstring. With teeth marks on it. What the heck was going on here anyways?"
Honour snatched it away from Kate.
"Just....alright! So he is a very impatient person!"
Kate laughed. "It sounds like it. And no one had seen you in three days but Malcolm heard your voice when he was in the hallway. You didn't know it but he put a piece of paper in the doorjamb to see when it would fall out."
"He didn't!"
"Yes, he did. He wanted to see how long before you surfaced."

Honour felt her face get red. "What do you expect? It was my wedding night."
"Nights. More than one."
Honour giggled. "Alright so we celebrated a bit longer than necessary. But we are going to Tobago for our honeymoon and then we will be back."
Kate looked out the casement window.
"It's best you are leaving now."
"What?"
"Look."

Honour joined Kate at the bedroom window.
"Is---is that who I think it is?"
Kate nodded. "The Golden Phoenix just pulled into port. And Captain Jonas Corwin will be coming into the town before the night falls."
Honour hastily threw her clothes into a trunk with speed. Her face was pale.
Kate said softly, "You are safe, sweetheart. After all, you married Mad Jack Wolfe."
"You know of him?"
"Honour, every tavern wench in St. Lawrence knows the tales. And you will be out of St. Lawrence by the time the sun reaches noon. I'll keep an eye on things and if Corwin starts asking questions, we will spread the rumour that you married a Spaniard and are now living in Cadiz. That should keep him at bay."
Honour hugged Kate.
"Thank you, Kate."
"'Thank you for...what?"
"For everything. If it wasn't for you, I would be dead by that bastard's sword."
Kate hugged her back. "You would have done the same for me. Keep in touch and visit often. And give that big quartermaster a nice warm kiss from me!"

Honour laughed. "I think he would rather get those regards from you."
Kate put her hand on the doorknob and said over her shoulder, "Find out if the Mother Superior story really did involve a whip, three monkeys and a piece of fruit."
Honour said, "Wait...what?" as Kate closed the door.

Suddenly the door opened again and Kate pointed to the curtain rod.
"You may want to take your pantalets down from there," and closed the door.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 10, 2011, 08:27:52 PM
  
Honour took one last look around the room. She had buried the two duffel bags deep in the bottom of one trunk and covered it with a black velvet cloak. Lucas came to the room and said, "Amos said ye be leavin' us, little lassie. I shall sorely miss ye."
She gave him a hug and said, "As I shall miss you, Lucas. But you never know what happens in this life. You never know where life will take you if you don't take chances. And working in this establishment dealing cards, I learned you have to know when to take a chance and lay your money down. Because the turn of the card can mean a fortune lost or found. Even in matters of the heart. "
He grinned and said, " 'eard ye bagged a big one, Missy. Ye be Mrs. Captain Jack Wolfe, ye be!"
She laughed and said, "Honour Wolfe. Now there is a name with a certain panache!"
She looked under the bed one last time and pulled out a pair of boots. 'Wonder who they belong to?'
She shrugged and handed them to Lucas.
"Here, Lucas. Wear them in good health!"

She walked downstairs and Amos stood there with a woebegone look on his face. He faltered a bit as he said, "I am going to be missing you, Honour. A lot of good times here."
She gave him a hug and said, "Don't look so sad, Amos. I shall be back to work before too long. We may even someday buy a sugar plantation here."
"To raise little pirates?"
"Perish the thought, Amos! Perish the thought! But one more friend I need to take with me. He is the real reason I came back."

Amos reached behind the bar and pressed something into her hand.
"What's this?"
"That, little puss, is the fifty-pound note that your husband---Lord, I choke on that word!--gave to me. I want you to have it."
"Amos, no. I couldn't----"
He interrupted her. "You keep that money and you keep it hidden. If you ever get stranded somewhere, I want you to take that money and get passage back here to us."
She looked down at the note.
"Amos, that isn't---"
"Yes, it is. It will give me peace of mind knowing that you can at least come back here to your family."
Honour felt her eyes fill with tears. Whether it was the touching gesture of Amos or the enormity of what she did, she felt like she was going to cry at any minute.
Amos cleared his throat.
"Now you just consider it a little wedding present from me. Something you can use in the future if you need it. Like an annulment."

Honour threw her arms around Amos' neck and whispered, "Have I ever told you how much you mean to me, Amos? All of you?"
He disentangled her from his neck and said softly, "As we feel the same, darlin'. You keep yourself safe and keep your wits about you. And you save that money."
She tucked the note in what she considered the safest bank in the world.
"I'll be leaving now. If I see Kate, I just know I will be weeping."
"You taking the pooch, I assume?"
She smiled through her tears, "Yes. Can you imagine me without Muir? Or him without me?"

She went to the stable and whistled low. Her best friend came bounding out the door.
"Muir! You know I couldn't leave you behind!"
The wolf-dog that had been her constant companion jumped on her, running around her in circles.
"Are you ready for an adventure?"
He barked in affirmation.
She scratched him behind his ears.
"It's a big ship. Just as big as..."
Her voice trailed off as she looked to the harbour. She just couldn't quite bring herself to say the words that always stuck in her throat.
Neptune Rising.

Honour shook her head as if to clear the thought away. She had been so--occupied--that she had pushed the memory of Rhys Morgan down into her heart.
But seeing Muir excited about a sailing adventure brought back the memory of a dream unfulfilled.
She straightened up and said with determination, "Then let's get going!  I'll introduce you to Jack. And you had better be on your best behaviour or I shall leave you with Amos. Not that you would mind. He spoils you rotten anyway."

She opened the door and headed back to the ship.

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

Kate came into the tavern and sighed.
"Don't you be giving me that sad-eyed look, Missy."
She put her tray down.
"I won't. But it won't be the same without Honour here. But it is good she is leaving now and under the protection of Captain Wolfe. Guess who just pulled into port?"
"You're kidding, right?"
"No. You can't mistake that golden masthead. I imagine his crew and himself will be in here before nightfall. And she's gone back to Wales. Right, Amos?"
He nodded.
"Never to be seen again. At least that is the story for him."

"Think she is happy, Amos?"
He shrugged. "For the moment. She's got that glow---you know---it's good for the circulation."
Kate laughed and Amos said hotly, "I've been around, you know!"
He continued to wipe the tavern counter with his towel.
"I took a bit of insurance, you know."
"How so?"
"I gave her Wolfe's fifty-pound note for passage back."
"Amos!"
He looked serious. "There are stories about Wolfe. Short attention span. And then it is on to the next."
"But I don't think he has ever been married before?"
"So?"
"So he won't leave her stranded."
Amos put his hands on the bar. "What makes you so sure?"
"He loves her?"
Amos broke out in bitter laughter. "More like she is an amusing plaything for the moment. A munequita. But I took measures to bring her back. Let's hope she comes back the way she left us."
"What do you mean?"
Amos put his hands on the bar. "Let's hope she doesn't come back standing behind a wee bairn."
Kate looked at him with understanding.
"And if she is?"
Amos replied with determination, "I'll marry her myself."
Kate sighed. "Let's hope it never comes to that. Because hope is about all we can give her."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 17, 2011, 09:12:07 PM
Jack walked out onto the main deck with his arms full of the dresses Honour refused to wear. He was humming a tune as Briggs approached.
"Your wife went ashore a little while ago, in a real hurry. She was wearin' a smile, so I'm guessin' that means she'll be back. Here, what's all this ye be luggin' about?"
"Mrs. Wolfe disapproves of the current wardrobe choices," Jack said with a laugh as he shoved the pile of dresses into Briggs' arms. "She's gone ashore to fetch her belongings and do some last minute shopping."
Briggs spat out some lace that had found its way into his mouth. "What the devil is wrong with these here dresses?" he asked as he stuffed them into an empty barrel. "They look fine to me!"
"They're used, and they aren't hers," smiled Jack.
Briggs thought for a moment. "Aye, that would be a problem, I suppose. So just like that, she's off on a shoppin' spree? You're bein' awfully solicitous of your new lady."
"And why shouldn't I?" asked Jack. "She is my wife, after all."
"It's goin' to take some gettin' used to that notion. For us, and every doxy in any port we drop anchor at!"

"More for the rest of the men, and cheaper for me," chuckled Jack. "By the way, did those plans Cade was supposed to have delivered ever show up?"
"Aye, first thing this mornin'. They're waiting in your cabin. I swear, Jack, settin' up a smugglin' operation of this size right on the Spaniard's doorstep, it's an inspired bit of madness. Mendoza will go on a rampage if he ever finds out."

"Our old friend Mendoza has enough to worry about. Spain has overextended herself in the New World, and every other nation is chipping away at her holdings," Jack explained. "We have a good business arrangement with the governor of Barbados, and this will give us that much more merchandise to supply their needs. It will be even easier for us to hunt the entire passage between Barbados and Tobago now, and we'll have a veritable navy to do it with. I think Jennings is ready to take control of things now. He's a smart one, and loyal, at least to me." He smiled broadly. "This might even free me up to pursue other things now."
Briggs laughed. "Other things? As in that pretty new wife of your'n? What are ye plannin' to do, chase her about your plantation? Or are ye talkin' about all them tots ye're lookin' to raise?"
"Maybe both!" laughed Jack heartily. He clapped his friend on the shoulder. "Come on, let's get a look at those plans.'

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

Honour reached the docks, Lucas in tow with two other men carrying her trunks.
"Missy, which ship is the one?"
She pointed to the largest one. "That one there. El Lobo del Mar."
She reached down and petted her companion since she was a young girl. "Muir, look! It's as grand a ship as the Neptune Rising."
The wolf-dog barked and she laughed.

Honour walked across the gangplank, the three men following her. As she led them down the companionway and towards the captain's cabin, she paused, hearing voices. All of a sudden, Honour felt out of place. Like a guest on her husband's ship. Quietly she knocked on the door.
"Come in."
She opened it and saw Jack and Briggs poring over huge sheets of papers and maps. Briggs looked up, his finger still on the map and pointing to a spit of land.
"..now he's set things up so we can..."
Jack had left Briggs in mid-thought as he crossed over to Honour, put his arms around her and kissed her warmly.
A loud, impatient sigh filled the room.
Jack looked over his shoulder and said, "Hold that thought, Josiah."
To Honour he asked, "Did you get everything you need?"
She smiled and said, "I surely did. I picked up only a few things and the seamstress had some dresses she had used as samples that fit me perfectly, so I struck a good bargain with her."

She did not want to reveal she had the dresses from her previous marriage. And if she had her way, Jack would never know about the past. Or who she really was.
A tavern wench named Honour Bright suited her just fine.

She slipped free from his embrace and said quietly, "I think your Mr. Briggs is eager to get back to whatever you were talking about. I'll just unpack."
She turned to Lucas and paid him in coins. "Thank you, Lucas. And thanks to Sam and Henry for helping."
Lucas gave her a grin and tipped his hat. "Aye, Missy. Barbados just ain't gonna be the same without ye."

After they had left, she opened the trunk and then opened the chest of drawers. Jack's things were already in there. She asked, "Dear, are you using these drawers?"
He smiled up at her and said, "Not at all. Just move my things over there."
The quartermaster couldn't believe what he was hearing. No one was ever allowed to touch anything that belonged to Captain Jack Wolfe.

Briggs said tightly, "Now, as I was sayin', Jack; the harbour will be protected to the east by--"
"Honour, darling, do you have enough space?"
She said, "I think so."
She walked over to the armoire and flung open the doors. Opening up one trunk, she began to shake out the clothes and hang them up. Jack watched her adoringly.
Briggs tapped a ruler loudly on the table. Jack tore his eyes away from his wife.
"Oh! Sorry, Briggs. Where were we?"
"As I was sayin', is that we've got good protection on the harbour from--"
"Honour? Did you get anything to eat in port?"
She shook her head no. "I wanted to eat dinner with you."
He reached over to the wine rack. "I have a nice Madeira here for dinner and---"
Josiah rolled up the maps and gathered them up in his arms. "Tell ye what, Jack. We'll talk about this when ye ain't so... distracted," he said tersely. "I'll take me leave so ye can get the lass settled in."
Briggs let the door close loudly as he walked out. All he heard was Jack whispering and a woman's soft laughter.

Josiah stomped back to his quarters, maps and plans under his arm and him breathing fire.
"Damn! She's done bewitched ye, she has."
Briggs was fit to be tied as he closed the door to his cabin. "Damn it all," he muttered. "Somethin' this big and all his idea, ye think he'd at least have a passin' interest about the bloody details. Bewitched for certain, he is!"

Briggs was used to Jack's exasperating style of playing things fast and loose to the end, but never like this. He looked at the stack of charts on his desk and sighed heavily. Reaching into his sea chest, he pulled out a bottle filled with rum and set about settling his nerves.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 24, 2011, 08:36:24 PM
Jack poured the Madeira as Honour began putting away her things. "Briggs seemed mightily upset with you, Jack. I interrupted an important meeting, didn't I?" she asked.
He smiled and served Honour her drink. "No, darling. I interrupted a briefing Josiah's been sweating. He'll get over it."
"What was it about, if you don't mind my asking?"
"No, not at all! We are in the process of expanding the most elaborate smuggling operation ever seen. And we're going to do it right under the Spanish Empire's nose."

Honour nearly choked on her wine. "You- you're going to what?!"
"It's really quite simple, as I've tried to convince Josiah. The Spanish have spread themselves far too thin to even feed or protect their colonies. Trinidad is a prime example. We established a base on Tobago roughly two years ago since Spain couldn't even be bothered to station a garrison there. There's a bay on the north side called Castara I rather fancied, and made it my own. We advertise our services to the right people, and in turn the good citizens of Trinidad come north and buy our goods at a reduced price. It's their problem as to how to get it back home past all their king's men."

Honour sipped her wine as she listened intently.  "And just how do you obtain the goods to sell to the fine colonists of Trinidad?"
Jack smiled slyly. "It's a big ocean, love. Lots of shipping traffic runs between Tobago and Barbados. We usually find something."
Honour's eyes widened. "Jack, you don't expect to do any piracy when we are on our honeymoon cruise to Tobago, do you?"
"Certainly not!" he lied.
"That's good. I've seen enough of piracy and what it can do to a man to last a lifetime."
"How so?" he asked.

She didn't want to tell him the whole sordid business of what transpired two years previously. It was in the past. Best to leave it there. A memory to take out and wrap yourself around when the nights are long and cold. She hoped that a life with Jack would erase the memory. Or at least dull the pain of a memory pushed far down.
She took a deep breath and forged ahead.

"Working in a tavern in a port town in Barbados, I have seen men in search of fortune and what it can do to them. A fortune found, a fortune lost with the toss of the dice or the turn of a card."
Jack poured her another glass of wine. "Love, I know what I am doing. You might say I've done all right for myself.  Enough that you'll never want for anything."

Before she could ask further, there was a knock at the door. Jack crossed the room to answer. A man named Jameson came in with a tray and set it on the table. On the tray was a roast piglet with potatoes and greens.
"Thank you, and that will be all, Jameson."
Jameson barely glanced at Honour. After all, what was one more doxy? She wasn't the first overnight guest the captain had. And wouldn't be the last. This one was really young, though. Not rode-hard like most of the wharf trollops. He touched his fingers to his cap and backed out.

Honour sat back on the bed. She had changed into a deep crimson silk gown that showed every curve of her body. She was barefoot and her hair was in a braid down her back. Jack kicked off his boots and pulled the table to the edge of the bed. He handed her a plate made of Connemara marble, heaped with food.
She protested, "Jack, I am not one of those dock workers who eats everything in sight!"
He smiled as he took in the sight of his wife. Around her neck was a delicate silver chain. "Been meaning to ask you, love, about the chain on your neck."
He gently touched her neck and lifted the chain. "I know my metals, darling, and that is Brittania silver. A gift from an admirer?"
She took his hand and removed it from her chain. "Maybe. Does it bother you?"
Jack shrugged. "I'm not crazy about you wearing a chain given to you by a former lover but it is becoming to you. In time, I shall replace it."
She blushed. How could she tell him that it belonged to her mother? She told him her mother was a housemaid. There would be no way she would have had a chain like that. Jack must never know what her past really was.

After they sated their appetites, Jack gathered the dishes and put them outside the door to the cabin. He offered Honour some fresh fruit of grapes and apples and poured her another glass of wine.
"Jack, enough of the wine. My head is starting to spin."
She leaned back against the pillows, the goblet of Murano crystal in her hand. The colour of the wine refracted through the crystal and cast a warm glow onto her face. Jack stretched out next to her and produced something from underneath the pillows. He took her left hand in his and gently slipped a ring on her finger. She gasped audibly.

It was a band of the finest Spanish gold. A large emerald was centred, flanked by two smaller ones. The brilliance of the green was spellbinding.
"Oh, Jack! It's so beautiful!"
She extended her hand to admire it. The exquisite jewels were dazzling. He took her hand and kissed it.
"Does that make up for the brass trinket I tried to give you?"
She threw her arms around his neck and drew him to her. "More than makes up for it!"
She then frowned. "But, Jack, I have nothing to give you."
He laughed softly and said, "My dear, you have given me more than you know. Tell you what I will do..." He took the large ruby ring from his right hand and transferred it to his left. "This shall be my wedding ring. Every time I look at it, it will be a reminder of our wedding night."

She blushed. He reached up to her braid and took the ribbon from her hair. The braid fell apart and her hair cascaded down around her shoulders. She caught her breath as he buried his face in the waves of her hair.
And at that moment, all others were far, far from her mind. If they even existed at all.

Save for the memory of one she buried deep in her heart.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 31, 2011, 07:51:49 PM
The morning sun streamed in through the gallery windows and shone down on the newlyweds as they lay sleeping.  Jack's eyes opened as he abruptly woke up to the feel of his ship starting to roll through the water. He gently tried to extract himself from Honour as she lay with her head on his chest and her arms around him.
She stirred in her half-sleep. "Mmmm....where are you going?"
He eased himself out of bed and looked out the window.
"It appears we are leaving port and without my direction. I guess Briggs thought I could use the rest. But it's bad form for the captain to be sleeping in when everyone else is heaving to. It wouldn't do for them to think I am a slacker."
Honour laughed lightly as she pulled the blanket up to her chin and rolled over.
"Slacker? You? I've never known a man who could be so....energetic...on only a few hours sleep."
He grinned and crawled across the bed, yanking the blanket away from her.
"Jack!" she squealed.
She tried to grab it back but Jack had already taken it and threw it over his shoulder.
"Now, Mrs. Wolfe, I think we should----"

"Jack? You up yet?"
Briggs' voice came from the other side of the door.
"That's a loaded question, " he whispered to Honour. She started to giggle but he put his finger to her lips.
"Shh! Maybe he will go away and---"
"Captain Wolfe. This is your quartermaster. You remember me? Josiah 'I can't believe Jack isn't up here' Briggs? I know you are awake. I hear you moving around in there."
Jack sighed and affected a yawning voice. "Wh--what time is it, Josiah?"
"Time to get yer arse up on the deck. The sun has been up for a good half hour and we are clearing the port. So I suggest you put on some trousers and get up here."

He turned to Honour and sighed.
"Duty calls. Keep the bed warm."
She propped herself up on her elbow.
"I'd really like to see the ship, Jack. I can't spend all my time in the cabin. What will the crew think?"
"That I am a very fortunate man."
She pushed him away as he leaned in again to kiss her.
"No. You go up on deck. I'll get dressed and join you in about a half hour."
He moved off the bed and sighed.
"If you insist." He looked back at her once more and sighed.
"I insist. Now go!"

Jack buttoned his shirt on his way up to the quarterdeck. Briggs was already conferring with the helmsman and pointing to a spot on the map.
"Good morning, Josiah.....Mr. Carlisle."
He helped himself to a cup of coffee and reached in the binnacle for a splash of rum.
Briggs frowned, "About time ye got yer arse up here. Is it going to be like this for the next few days?"
Jack laughed and took a deep drink of the coffee.
"Probably. You didn't object when Sally or Marcy or Polly and Molly were on the ship."
Briggs glared, "The ship weren't moving then! Now how am I going to confer with you? Slip notes under the door and hope you see them by noon?"
Jack shrugged. "Josiah, you overreact. Things will settle down soon enough. And when we get to Castara, I'll ensconce my lovely wife in the bridal suite of Le Loup."
Briggs snorted, "I don't know if you have been in the sun too long, the rum has addled your brain or you just plain lost your mind. You plan on taking that young girl to THERE?"
"Sure, why not?"
"Because the proprietress will eat her for breakfast, that's why."

Just then Honour showed up on deck.
"May I come up?" She was dressed simply in a white silk blouse that kept slipping off her shoulder and a black pair of linen breeches tucked in high boots. Her hair was caught back in a black velvet ribbon.
"Ah, there you are!" Jack took her hand and led her up the stairs.
"Mr. Briggs. You do remember my glowing bride, don't you?"
Briggs looked up briefly from his map.
"That I do. Good morning, ma'am."
Jack turned his attention to his wife. "You found everything? The soap? The towels? The tub?"
She laughed. "Jack, the tub is kind of hard to miss. But I did find some rather interesting reading material. Something called the....Kama Sutra?"
Jack spewed his coffee and Briggs' shoulders began to shake with laughter as he bent over the map again.
"Didn't know ye needed an instruction manual, Jack?"
Jack glared at him. "You can be replaced, Briggs."
He turned to Honour again.
"It came with the ship. I used it to prop up the leg of the bed before I got it fixed. But now, don't you look lovely!"
She twirled around and brought out a black cavalier hat. "Can I have this one, Jack? I have nothing piratey. And when we stop in port, I can buy some feathers. Oh, do say I can have it!"
He kissed her and said, "Then it is yours."
Briggs turned to Carlisle and made a gagging motion with his finger. Carlisle spewed coffee on the map.
"Did something go down the wrong pipe, Carlisle?"
The helmsman coughed. "No, just something I had a hard time swallowing."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 07, 2011, 08:00:51 PM
Jack led Honour to the gunwale and handed her a cup of coffee.
"I have to get a few things underway so I will be back as soon as I can. Just enjoy the view, darling."

She smiled at him and gratefully accepted the coffee. Resting her elbows on the gunwale rail, Honour looked out over the horizon. The sky met the water in two shades of blue with a thin line separating them.
'I wonder if this is what  Rhys saw....'
And all of a sudden it hit her.
She was sailing in the Caribbean with another man.
Not the love of her life.

A sense of desolation washed over her like waves over sand.  Inexplicably, her eyes filled with tears. She had been so...occupied....that she didn't have a minute to even think of Rhys.
And yet there it came to her, in her moment of solitude.

She looked over as Jack gave a seemingly endless stream of instructions to the crew, who quickly set about their assignments. Within minutes, the rigging was in place, the sails filled with the morning wind, and the ship began to gracefully glide toward Castara Bay.
Once satisfied that all was under control, Jack strolled over to where his wife was.
She hastily wiped the tears from her face and gave him a smile.
"Salt spray on my face. I was watching the dolphins play."
"Where?"
She pointed towards the stern of the ship.
"They were leaping over each other."
Jack put his arm around her.
"I realize this is all so new to you, Honour. It is a bit out of the ordinary, spending your honeymoon with a crew. But I promise I shall make up for it when we get to Castara. You will have my undivided attention. After I tie up a few loose ends."

She nodded but her heart was still heavy with the realization of what she felt was a betrayal to Rhys. How could she ever give her heart to another man?
Sure, there were all those captains....but they never meant anything. Just a way to fill a need and a void in her soul.
And in the morning it was clear.
They weren't Rhys Morgan.
None of them were.
But there was one problem.
Jack Wolfe stood in a class by himself and there was no way to compare Rhys and Jack.
Apples and oranges, summer rains and hurricanes.

With a voice she willed not to tremble, she said,"Tell me more about this Jennings fellow we're going to meet.  Is he a captain?"
"A captain?" Jack smiled. "No, darling. Cade Jennings is, you might say, my protegee. We met ten years ago in Port Royal. I was leaving the pub late one night on the way back my ship, and I heard someone behind me draw a sword. I turned to find a snot-nosed boy of thirteen standing there, rusty sword in hand, trembling like a leaf. I drew my sword, expecting him to run, but he stood his ground. Claimed he wanted to become a pirate, or die by the hand of one. Being that I'm rarely in the mood to snuff a perfectly good powder monkey, I brought him aboard. Quite the little thief, young Cade. A pirate's pirate in the end. And the best smuggler I've ever seen."
Honour burst out laughing. "A powder...monkey, did you say?"
Jack smiled at her and pushed the hair out of her eyes. "A powder monkey is the lad that brings gunpowder to the gunners. Cade was quick and he was agile. Never saw a kid climb ropes like he did. Took to the sea right off."
"What of his family?"
"Father died when he was seven. His mother remarried and had died six months previous to our meeting. His stepfather used to beat him so he took to the streets. They were originally from Suffolk and he ran away to New Providence. That is where he learned his street-smarts. Hanging around the ports and pick-pocketing drunken sailors. He was good. But he was in over his head with the street gangs. So....I took him on."
"And he became the son you never had."
Jack laughed, "Hey, I'm not so old I can be put out to pasture, you know. He's only eleven years younger than me. I may have been a hell-raiser but I didn't start that early!"


Honour took a deep breath and approached a subject that had been bothering her ever since they set sail.
"Jack....about this spotting sail and filling the holds with swag----you don't really have to do this, do you?"
Jack turned to her with a puzzled look on his face.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean this is our honeymoon and if you do your privateering thing then---"
"Whoa! Hold it right there! Where did you get the idea I was a privateer?"
It was her turn to look puzzled.
"But I saw a flag of England drying out over the hatch there.  I mean,  I thought you took on opposing vessels for the glory of England."
Jack shook his head.  "I'm the only glory I care about, Honour.  Me.  Nobody else matters.  And this is a pirate ship.  PIRATE, not privateer.  I suggest you get used to that reality."

"But Jack----"
"No 'buts' about it. This is what I do, Honour. This is my job. I don't split any percentage of my booty with merry old England.  That's what a pirate does.  Robbery on the high seas.  Look it up in the legal books.  It's there.  Probably with my picture beside it, in a most unflattering pose."
"But, Jack--"
"Don't meddle in ship's business, Honour."
"So that is how you see it. And what is my purpose here then?"
"Your job is to keep the bed warm for me when I return."

Rhys never would have spoken so sharply to her. Rhys was ready to give up his wayward life for one of domesticity. Honour realized that with Jack, she didn't think that far ahead. In fact, thinking with her brain was the last thing she was doing when Jack Wolfe gave her that first whiskey.

She looked at him but he gazed over the ocean, his jaw set. She kept her voice even as she said, "I see. Well, I am glad we got that cleared up. Excuse me, Jack. I'm going back to the quarters. I'll keep your bed warm, alright. Just make sure it isn't on fire when you crawl into it. I will leave you to your....occupation, then."
She strode off the deck purposefully and entered the Captain's quarters.

He couldn't be sure...but could it be that the door slammed?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 14, 2011, 08:16:54 PM
Jack continued to stare into space where Honour had been standing. Apparently he'd said something that upset her, but what it might have been eluded him. "Josiah, may I ask you a question?"
"Aye, Jack?" Briggs replied with a smirk.
"You've been married before.  Did she just... was that... she's in a bit of a snit, isn't she?"
"Ye were pretty blunt with the young lass, Jack. Perhaps a softer tone is in order, her bein' new to this life and all.  A little tenderness can go a long way with a woman like her."
"Ah, I see," said Jack as he pondered Briggs' words.  "Sage advice, Josiah. Thank you. I'll look after things while you talk to her."
Briggs stared at his friend.
"Jack, I meant it should be you to talk to her. Seeing as how ye married her, remember?  And the way she slammed that door, there's nothin' that could get me near her until she cools off a bit."
"Oh, all right then.  This being married business is more work than I thought it would. The ship is yours. I need to see if my cabin still has a working door."

Jack made his way aft to the great cabin. The door was shut, but still on its hinges. He knocked softly before entering. Honour was sitting on the bed, staring at her wedding ring.
"Honour, I obviously upset you, and for that, I, um, apologize. Yes, that's the word. I took it for granted that you knew about my stock and trade."
"I had thought you served a nobler purpose than your own greed. I was mistaken," Honour said quietly.
Jack ignored the pointedness of her answer.
"What 'nobler purpose' would you have me serve, Honour? The Commonwealth? Risk my neck so the Lord Protector can grow fat while I starve, and my ship belongs to the fools of the Admiralty? No thank you, love. This arrangement suits me well. You said yourself that you had heard of my reputation.  I doubt anyone said a thing about my altruistic nature or nationalist leanings."
Honour kept her silence and continued to stare at the ring on her hand.
"My reputation is everything, Honour," he continued.  "It's the most effective weapon at my disposal.  And some of it is even true." 

Jack sat beside her and took her hand in his. "What do you think happens to the heart of a merchant captain when they see my flag? They'd rather give up than risk our wrath. More often than not, our prizes are taken without a shot fired from either side. We do the same work as privateers, darling. We simply do it better, for better pay, under our own flag. And without the annoying diplomatic and bureaucratic entanglements."
Honour looked up at Jack with her brilliant blue eyes, trying to will the tears away that threatened to spill over. She took a deep breath and said in a halting voice, "I didn't think that far in advance, Jack. I--I just didn't really think beyond...beyond..."
Jack stroked her cheek gently and said, "Yeah. I know.  Me too.  Any regrets?"
She gave a wan smile and shook her head. "Not really, I suppose.  I just need time, and most of all, understanding.  This is all so new to me.  I feel more than a little overwhelmed!"
He smiled warmly and said, "My dear, time is a luxury we have in abundance!  And you're right.  I haven't been very understanding.  I promise to be more patient.  But mind you, I'm not very good at it."
"Another true part of your reputation, then," she said with a little laugh.
"Guilty as charged!  What else have you heard about me?"
"That you have an impressive ship."
"And what do you think?"
She looked around the cabin.  "It could use a woman's touch and a little organisation, but yes, it's very impressive."
"What else?  It's been a long time since I've heard stories about myself."
"Well, there's tell of you feeding an uncooperative captain to horrible little man-eating fish called pinarahs."
"What?  Oh, piranhas!  Never happened."
"Really?  The man telling the story claims he was there and saw it first hand."
Jack sighed.  "No, love.  I've never fed anyone to beastly little fish.  First, can you imagine what it would take to keep a supply of ravenous piranhas?  Second, it's terribly messy.  Want to know what really happened?"
"Of course I do!" she replied in excitement.
"Here's the truth, then.  Yes, there was a captain who didn't want to talk.  It happens sometime.  They get brave and think a little silence is going to stop things.  Anyway, I had him blindfolded and tied to a chair.  Then I had a washtub full of water brought in, and had his feet forced into the water."
"That's all?  Was there anything else in the water?"
"Piranhas," said Jack.
"But, but you said that never happened!"
"Well, we told him they were piranhas.  He didn't know a piranha from a perch.  They were really minnows, and the more they nipped at his toes, the more panicked he got.  It didn't take him long to tell us everything we wanted to know."

Honour dissolved into a fit of giggles at his story.  "Now I have to wonder about the things I've heard about you!  There seems to be an awful lot of fiction at play."
"That all depends," said Jack.  "What else have you heard?"
"Well," Honour said as she bit her lower lip, "I've heard that you're an insatiable lover."
Jack smiled wickedly.  "And?"
"So far, so good.  But I think it could use some more proving.  Just to be on the safe side."
"Shall I lock the door?"
"You're the captain!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 21, 2011, 08:13:11 PM
Briggs stood at the forward rail of the ship's quarterdeck, taking a deep draw on his pipe. He gazed out over the horizon, his face reflecting the perplexed amusement of seeing his friend and captain so completely taken by a young woman.
Briggs tried not to perceive her as just another tart, but time and tide kept steering her that way. She worked in a port town in a lively tavern. He and Jack had observed how she was light on her feet as regards the advances of the men and savvy in a way that showed she knew how to handle them. What else would she be? No lady of quality ever would be seen in such an establishment.
And the method she used to obtain a ring on her finger...well, Briggs certainly took his hat off to her on that. He bet that was one Captain Jack Wolfe never saw coming.

A clearing of the throat was heard behind him. He turned and said, "Something on your mind, Davis?"
Jacob Davis, an older man who served as helmsman, stepped up next to Briggs.
"Me and some of the crew are wondering what's goin' on with the Cap'n? Bringing a woman--and a young one at that!--onto the ship? T'ain't right. T'ain't right, at all."
Briggs looked back over the sea. "He's the captain. It's his ship. What he says be the law."
Davis could scarcely contain himself  "But t' bring a woman on the ship be courtin' disaster for the crew and ship! I says we take a vote and--"
Briggs tapped his pipe on the rail and sighed heavily. "There'll be no votes taken aboard this vessel! Maybe this ain't getting' through that thick skull ye been usin' as a hat rack. Jack Wolfe ain't only captain of El Lobo del Mar, he owns her. So get any notion of sea democracy out of your head."

Jack arrived on the quarterdeck just in time to hear Davis' outburst and Briggs' reply. "Do take his advice, Mr. Davis. If you can't abide with the way I run this ship, you may still be able to swim to shore. Doubtful, but you seem a gambling man. Feel free to step off any time," he said with an unusually sunny smile.
Davis looked in stunned silence at Jack, and then to Briggs. The quartermaster stepped to one side and motioned to the briny deep with a sweeping gesture of his arm. He stammered, "Beggin' your pardon, Cap'n Wolfe. I guess I forgot me place..."
"Now you find yourself better educated, don't you?" Jack interrupted. "Back to your station, Davis. No sense overtaxing your brain any more this evening." Davis smiled nervously and retreated to the safety of the ship's wheel.

Jack walked to the forward rail of the quarterdeck and rang the watch bell four times. He waited patiently as the crew assembled. Finally, he addressed them.
"Gentlemen, no doubt you're wondering about my gentle lady guest and why she's set sail with us."
The throng grumbled in the affirmative. One voice rang out "That, and 'ow much's she's costin' ye!"
Jack smiled as the men laughed. "Quite a dear penny, I can assure you! She's my new wife."
The men stared at their captain as if struck dumb. "You heard right. And you'll afford my bride every possible courtesy. Am I understood?"
The crew murmured in the affirmative.
"Wonderful! Extra rum, all around! We're celebrating!" Jack proclaimed. The men's faces lit up as they cheered, and the fiddler struck up a tune. He turned back to face the skeptical Briggs. "See? They're good with it! No worries."
"Aye, until the rum's gone..."
"Oh, cluck-cluck, Josiah. You're always seeing the bleak side of things. Why do you think we laid in more rum before we left? I'll be below."
"Below?  Ye just came up for air!"
"Didn't you hear what I just said, Josiah? It's a celebration!  So, celebrate. And quit scowling.  It will make your forehead all wrinkly."
Briggs shook his head as Jack disappeared below again.
"Taken him hook, line, and sinker, she has..."

Honour emerged from the Captain's quarters. Three days without seeing the sun was beginning to get on her nerves. Never mind the fact that she was on her honeymoon. Jack had gone to the navigator's quarters to go over some charts so she took the opportunity to walk around the ship.
Briggs looked over and shook his head to himself. Soft-looking. Not cut out for a pirate's life. How long before she would rope Captain Jack into a life of domesticity? What if she decided babies was what she wanted? Birthing and squalling brats had no place on a pirate ship! But then, neither did a woman.
"Something I can help ye with...Mrs. Wolfe?"
"Hmm..? Oh! I'm sorry, I have a hard time getting used to that name."
'Uh-huh,' Briggs said to himself.
He looked over at her. 'That's no tavern wench, or my name ain't Briggs. Looks and walks too high-class for a common trollop.'
Honour bent down. "Oooh, what a cute little kitty!"
Kitty? Lil' Puddin' was a fighting machine!
She picked up the ship's cat, turned him on his back and cuddled him like a baby.
Briggs rushed forward and cautioned, "Mrs. Wolfe, ma'am... I wouldn't do that if I were ye. That there cat turns vicious as Satan himself when he's laid on his..."
The cat started to purr. Loudly.
"...back.  Blimey."
She crooned to the cat, "Ooh, what a sweet little puddy! Is you momma's widdle bay-bee? Of course you are!"
The cat looked at Briggs through squinted eyes as if to say, 'YOU never did this to me!'
She hugged the cat close to her and...
"Ma'am! Please! He'll scratch...."
The cat licked Honour's cheek and she giggled.
"...your eyes out. Or not."
Briggs chewed on the stem of his pipe and glared at the cat. Honour gently put the cat down and Briggs hissed under his breath at the cat, "TRAITOR!"
The cat entwined and rubbed against Honour's skirt.
"Mr. Briggs! If I may make a request?"
He just stared at her.
"Could you have the cook make up a picnic basket lunch for the Captain and me? I'd like to surprise him with a picnic on the upper deck. Maybe a lobster with drawn butter? Oh! And strawberries in champagne. Some chocolate for dessert, too! Ta!"
He muttered darkly, 'Ye want the ship moved a little to the left, too, Miss Prissy?'
She looked back. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"
He said, "Did ye want to set any mood with the light that's left, Mrs. Wolfe?"
She grinned and said, "No, Mr. Briggs. Just see that we aren't disturbed!"
He watched her go towards the cabin, a self-confident sway in her walk. He shook his head and said to himself, 'Lady? Tobago is gonna eat you up alive! Especially when SHE finds out Jack took a bride...'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 28, 2011, 06:39:50 PM
Jack finished confirming their course and went topside to take his pipe. He leaned on the gunwale and savoured the taste of the fine American tobacco he'd acquired from that red-faced English captain off Hispaniola. He could feel his muscles unwind as he stared out over the perfectly blue water of the Caribbean, and contemplated his new station in life as a husband.  His reverie was short-lived, broken by the sound of familiar footsteps behind him.
"Aye, Josiah? What can I do for you, my friend?" Jack sighed.
"I hate it when ye do that," grumbled Briggs.  "It's like havin' that witch woman aboard."
"It's not anything mystical.  You drag the toe of your left boot a little, especially when you're thinking about something.  And what would that something be?"
Briggs took a deep breath.  "Jack, ordinarily I'd never bring a problem like this to ye..."
Jack caught himself before he could roll his eyes.  "Uh-huh.  Go on."
"... but it's about that wom- I mean, that new bride of your'n, lovely as she is." Briggs fidgeted as Jack took one last long draw on his pipe, then tapped out the rest of his bowl on the gunwale.
"The ship is still afloat, I haven't heard any explosions in the past 2 hours, and no slimy monsters have tried to drag us down to the proverbial Locker.  What can she have possibly done that has you so cross?"
"It's... it's the cat, Jack."
Jack blinked, started to speak, then blinked again. "Excuse me, Josiah. Did you say 'the cat'? Did she skin him and make earmuffs?"
"No, no, worse than that, Jack. She..." Briggs' voice dropped to a hissed whisper, "...she tamed him!"

Jack regarded his friend with a look that is usually reserved for use by doctors in Bedlam.
"What do you mean, 'she tamed the cat'? What'd she do? Make him purr louder? Did he show kindness to a rat? Shed a tad less on your Sunday best? Honestly, Josiah. Puddin' has been docile since the day I pulled him sputtering from that bucket of goo.  The war between you and him started when you locked him in the bilges!"
"I didn't lock him in!  It was an honest mistake."
"That the padlock was back in place and latched?  So not only does he have hidden opposable thumbs, he's capable of padlocking a door from the opposite side? Josiah, that peaceful little moggie has only two natural enemies in his entire world; rats, and you! Have you ever noticed that the only time he ever shows you any affection at all is after he's rolled in fish guts?"
"Um, now that you mention it..."
"Let it go. Please. We'll be moored at Castara morning after next, and you can stop worrying about Honour for a few days. I'll need you to concentrate on the new operation there. Focus on the particulars you need to work out with Cade. Let me worry about the bloody cat, yeah? And my wife?" Jack requested.
"Aye, Jack. If ye don't mind terribly, I'll retire a bit early."
"Fine idea, Josiah. Sleep well. And you owe me a fresh pouch of tobacco!"

Josiah shuffled off to his cabin. "The whole bloody world's gone mad. First Jack, then the cat. Who's next? Cade? Lord knows that witch woman is off her twig. Heaven help the little miss when Bonita finds out about her..."

The rest of the sail to Tobago went without incident. Briggs was confounded by one thing. He leaned over the rail and said to Davis, "Can't understand it! That cat from hell follows the Captain's---" the words stuck in his throat but he got them out, "---wife all over the ship. Ne'er seen nothin' like it. Bewitched the cat, too, she has!"
Davis laughed, "She's not so bad, Josiah. You just don't like the idea of Jack taking his attention elsewhere. When you two were in port, didn't bother you how many women he took up with. You accepted it. What's changed?"
"This one. He's SERIOUS about her. She's lasted a week now."
Davis shook his head and laughed. "There's always hope, Josiah."
"How do ye mean?"
As Davis turned to go, he said, "Maybe she'll be gone by the time the moon is full again."
Josiah said darkly to himself, "Then life can get back to the way it's supposed to be. Next thing you know, Jack will be knittin' little booties!"

As Honour laid in Jack's arms, she yawned and asked, "What time shall we reach Tobago tomorrow?"
Jack kissed the top of her head and said, "Around the ninth hour. It's a grand place, Honour. You will like it. Honour...? Darling....?"
All he could hear is the rhythmic breathing of her. He kissed her again and soon he fell asleep.

"NO! NO! PLEASE! MADOC, DON'T! LET HIM LIVE! FOR MY SAKE...!"
She sat up in the bed, the sheet clutched around her. The tears were streaming down her face.
Jack immediately jumped up and scrambled for his sword before he realized his bride was in the throes of a night terror.
He reached over and grabbed her shoulders.
"Honour! HONOUR! Snap out of it!"
She slowly began to come out of it, her body shaking.
Jack looked at her and tenderly cupped her face.
"Honour...?" he said softly.
She got her breathing under control and the shaking began to subside. She said in a halting voice, "I--I guess I had a nightmare."
He gathered her into his arms and stroked her hair.
He quietly asked, "Honour, who is Madoc?"
She drew away from him, and laid back on the bed. She whispered, "I don't know. It was a--a bad dream. That's all it was."
He held her tenderly as he felt her body begin to relax again. Before he knew it, she had drifted back to sleep.
But Jack laid there awake, staring at the ceiling.
Who was Madoc? And who was he asked to spare?

He began to realize that maybe he didn't know his wife at all.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 04, 2011, 09:07:14 PM
Jack and Honour stepped off the ship at a little village on Castara Bay. It was a typical port town. With one exception.
Jack practically owned it.
He took her hand and they made their way to the outskirts of the little port.
"Here is where we need to meet Cade," he said.
Honour looked up. It was a timbered-and stuccoed tavern. A sign swinging up overhead – Le Loup.
She said, "The Wolf!"
He laughed and said, "Precisely. I know it's overly cautious of me, but my office of sorts is fronted by this tavern."
 
He held the door open. As they entered, Honour's eyes tried to adjust to the dimness inside. Jack went up to the bar and smiled broadly at a beautiful dark-skinned woman whose hair hung in dreadlocks with a bright scarf tied around her head. Her dress was of silk and many colours, moving with her as if in rhythm.
"Bonita! Comment allez-vous, cheri?"
The woman ran from behind the bar and said, "De great Captain Jack finally make him way to home!"
He returned her embrace, although a bit awkwardly. The woman looked over at Honour and gave a disdainful glance that made her very uncomfortable.
"And who dis little t'ing be?" she said coolly with a tinge of malice.
"Ah, Bonita, this is Honour."
The woman extended her hand in greeting but there was no warmth in her eyes.
"De island welcome you," she said icily.
Honour attempted a smile, all the while giving a questioning look to Jack.
He turned to Bonita and said, "Two of the best ale, please, Bonita."
 
As he led his bride to a table in the back, Bonita drew two tankards and put them down. She looked Honour in the eyes as she gave Jack a slight caress on his neck, then moved on.
"What did I ever do to HER?" Honour asked.
Jack chuckled, "Bonita is a bit – proprietary, shall we say? After all, this is my tavern even though she runs it like it is hers."
"And why didn't you introduce me as your wife? I could understand on the ship but this is dry land, Jack."
"Bonita is... well, um..."
"In love with you?"
Jack ran his finger around the rim of the tankard. "In love with me? Heavens no, my dear. Let's just say that Bonita and I have a mutually beneficial business arrangement."
"Oh, and I am to guess this is also mutually satisfying as well?"
Jack laughed. "I've known Bonita for years, love. More than either of us cares to admit. She's schooled in the old ways and I don't fancy her fashioning a voodoo doll in your likeness. Or chopping off its head as if you were a gecko."
 
Honour looked dubiously into the tankard, not liking the feelings of jealousy the situation brought forth in her.  She silently hoped Bonita wasn't brazen enough to try and poison her in front of Jack. Honour saw a door in the dark corner. Bonita had disappeared behind it moments earlier. Within a few minutes, a man came out.

He was of medium height, in his early twenties and what would be called--dashing. No other word for it. His hair was light brown streaked with gold, tied back with a silk ribbon and his eyes were a deep hazel flecked with gold colour. Dressed in a silk shirt, his sleeves were rolled up and he wore breeches of the softest doeskin. Even though his boots were scuffed, Honour could see that they must have cost him deep in the purse.

He deftly crept up behind Jack and put his finger to his lips, cautioning Honour to silence. In a low voice, he said to Jack with his hand clamped on his shoulder, "Oi! You're under arrest!"
Jack jumped up, pistol in hand. The man jumped back and laughed."You're slowing down, old man!"
Jack grinned and embraced the man.
"Cade, someday you will lose that little game. And I will feel so bad. For about ten seconds!"
 
Jack leaned over and kissed Honour on the cheek. "Darling, I'd like you to meet Cade Jennings, my right hand man.  Cade, please meet Honour Bright."
Honour was startled by the use of her maiden name but said nothing. But inside she was furious. Two introductions, and twice he failed to introduce her as his wife.  Just wait till I get him alone, she thought.
Cade laughed and said, "Jack is flattering me with praise so I won't give away any secrets."
 
Honour extended her hand. She felt an almost electrical charge between the two of them. Cade took her hand and kissed it, saying, "Welcome to Castara Bay, Miss Bright."
Jack grinned and put his arm possessively around Honour. "Cade is the son I never had.  Well, maybe more of a dodgy nephew than a son..."
Cade threw his head back and laughed.  "So much for the flattery!"
 
Honour finished her tankard and said, "I should leave the two of you to your business."
Jack handed her a key and said, "Here, love. My rooms are the first door on the right. I'll be up in a bit."
She only nodded, still hurt that Jack didn't want to own up to the fact he now had a wife. She took the key without a word. But as she left, she felt someone watching her. As she looked over her shoulder, she saw Cade Jennings staring at her.
She quickly mounted the stairs.
'Why didn't I stay in Barbados?' she thought.  'It would have been less... complicated.'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 11, 2011, 08:56:56 PM
Jack watched Honour take the stairs up to the landing.  "The old man did himself proud, wouldn't you say, Cade?  I think I've snagged myself one very beautiful wife."
Cade looked hard at his mentor. "She's.....she's your what?"
Jack leaned back in his seat and smiled.  "Wife.  We're men of the world, you and me, so I know that word has to be in your vocabulary somewhere. That lovely creature, Honour Bright, is Mrs. Jack Wolfe."
Cade stared back in disbelief.  "My God, man, why didn't you say so?  Anyone else would be shouting if from the rooftops!"
"You know, you're right," winced Jack.  He leaned forward and raised his tankard.  "Here's to my first faux pas as a husband.  I'm sure there's plenty more where that came from."  He got up and climbed about halfway up the stairs.  Clearing his throat loudly, he announced," Everyone!  Everyone, your attention for a moment!  Yes, thank you, that's good.  Gentlemen, ladies... and the rest of you..."
He paused for a chuckle that went through the room.
"I have a very important announcement to make!  I've taken on a new crew member aboard my ship."
"What's so bloody special about that?" someone shot back.
"Glad you asked, mate.  Very glad you did.  This new crew member is indeed important to me.  More than anything.  She is... my wife."

Bonita's head snapped around, and she shot Jack a look that was equal parts heartbreak and hatred.  After a few moments, she threw her bar rag on the floor and went into the back room.  The muffled sound of bowls or plates breaking could be heard in the stunned silence of the tavern, along with what had to be swearing in Creole.
"Um, at any rate," he continued, "that beautiful woman you saw on my arm earlier is Honour Bright-- damn, did it again!  That's Honour Wolfe!  I'm still getting used to it myself.  Now I ask that you show her all due respect.  Which means, you scalawags... HANDS OFF!"  More laughter spread throughout the room.
"Three cheers for Captain Wolfe!  Hip-hip, huzzah!" went up the toast.  Tankards clattered loudly as those in attendance began the celebration and incredulous discussions over Jack's announcement.

Jack came back down the stairs and resumed his place at the table.  "There!  All fixed.  Now everyone knows, or will shortly.  I'm betting this news will travel fast."
Cade shook his head in disbelief.  "I've never before seen a man who is so lucky and so unlucky all at once.  Lucky for who's upstairs waiting for you, and unlucky for what was staring at you from behind the bar."
Jack smiled happily.  "Yeah, I am a lucky man.  Maybe one day you'll be so lucky.  Thought I doubt it."  His smile faded quickly when he looked over at Bonita as she re-entered the room.  Her dark, haunting eyes pierced him with an anger that he'd never known.
"Oh, she'll be all right.  Bonita is resilient."
"I think you should go talk to her," advised Cade.  "She's as good as impossible to surprise, and you just delivered a huge one right in her lap.  You know how she hates that."
"Blindsiding a seer?  You have to admit, that's pretty good.  I should remember to brag about that in my old age."
"No, I'd give it a few days at least.  I just hope you haven't gotten too clever for your own good this time."
Jack finished off his tankard.  "That would be a first.  We'll be here about a week.  Plenty of time for catching up with Bonita and everyone else.  Now if you'll excuse me, I should probably retire upstairs and face the music for my lack of social skills..."

Suddenly, he felt a disquietingly familiar hand on his shoulder.  Jack winced. Shyte, he mouthed.
"Him leavin' de celebration of him marriage so soon?" asked Bonita, almost spitting the word 'marriage' out.  "Dat not polite, Jack.  Not at all."
Cade gave Jack a bemused smirk.  Jack gave him a sour look in return.
"Bonita!  I had no idea you were there," lied Jack.
"As were de intention," Bonita replied coldly.  She casually played with his long brown locks.  "When you plan on telling Bonita you a married man, cher?  Or is she just anot'er soul what work for you now?  Anot'er soul what him use up and cast aside as him see fit, maybe?"  She leaned close enough for Jack to feel her breath on his skin.  "Dere were a time, not long ago, when Bonita were so much more..."

Cade was thoroughly enjoying watching his mentor squirm.  It wasn't often Jack Wolfe found himself cornered.  Now it was a matter of who would win this contest; Jack, as the mongoose, or Bonita, as the cobra?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 11, 2011, 08:58:20 PM
"I-- I'm sorry for not getting a chance to tell you in private first, darling--" Jack stammered.
"Like when you introduce her to Bonita, maybe?  Jack Wolfe never have trouble opening him mouth before!" Bonita snapped.
"I should leave you two to talk," said Cade.
"Don't you dare," Jack countered quickly as he grabbed Cade's arm.
"Dis not going to pass easy, Jack. We share too much, too often, too deep. Enjoy dat young bride him bring among us. But Jack need to carry dis wit' him before him lie wit' her dis night..."
Bonita cleared a spot on the table in front of Jack and produced a handful of chicken bones.  She shook them in her hands and cast them on the table.  After gazing at them for a short time, she drew a long, unnatural breath.  Jack could feel his heart beating in his chest as Bonita leaned close to whisper the things she saw in the bones.
"Darkness, it await Jack Wolfe," she breathed.  "Two in him company will betray him.  Two, so dear to him black heart.  To de quick dey will cut him, and bring him such pain.  T'ree times Jack Wolfe heart will break.  Much loss and strife and searching.  A very long time it will be before him know true joy and peace."
"At least there's a happy ending," Jack quipped, trying to hide a shudder.
Bonita straightened and looked down at him with hooded eyes.  "It already in motion, started by de great captain himself.  Marrying dat child, so quick, so out of fashion for him.  Shame, Jack Wolfe!  Him bring her among us and expect her to take up dis life?  Have she taste battle?  Have she known deat'?  Do she know what it mean to be de woman of a pirate?"
She swept up the chicken bones in her hand and shook them in Jack's face.  "Dey never lie!  Now, go.  Pay attention to dat young t'ing him chose to wed."  With that, Bonita spat on the table and stalked off.

Cade took a deep breath and picked up his tankard.  "That went well."
"Shut it," snipped Jack.  "I could have gone all year without that conversation.  Talk about unnerving."
"Afraid you won't be able to, um, concentrate on your honeymoon now?"
Jack rolled his eyes.  "I'll concentrate just fine, lad.  And I've seen her spell for what you're getting at.  It's not pretty.  For the victim or the gecko."

Though he tried to make light of it, he couldn't deny Bonita had gotten inside his head.  Her predictions were chillingly accurate.  He had come to rely on them for so many successful campaigns over the years, including the most recent taking of the Dutch merchantman.  Now, at his happiest, she delivers a dire vision.  Was it genuine, or done out of spite?  What was certain; in the delicate dance he'd done for so long to keep access to Bonita's unearthly gifts, he'd finally made a misstep.

"Then what are you dallying here for, old man?" laughed Cade.  "Go give that beautiful bride of yours a proper Tobago welcome!"
Jack snatched the tankard out of Cade's hand with a devilish smirk and drained it.  "Don't wait up!" he winked.
As he climbed the stairs, a smattering of applause began, and built as he took each step.  By the time he reached the top, it was a full out ovation.  Jack bowed with a flourish, and went to the door of his and Honour's room.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 18, 2011, 07:04:52 PM
"... two in him company will betray him.

Bonita's voice echoed in Jack's mind as his hand touched the doorknob.  Which two, he wondered.  The very few people he let get close were completely trustworthy, he was sure of it.  No doubt she meant Honour, but that wasn't possible.  Was it?
"Utter nonsense," he whispered as he opened the door.
Honour sitting was by the window, gazing out at the quiet harbour town below. There was a distant sadness in her eyes as she looked his way. "What's nonsense, darling?"
"What?  Oh, just my previous thoughtlessness," Jack said as he locked the door behind him.  "I made sure to properly announce our marriage to everyone.  I'm sure you heard the applause.  I think they're happy for us.  I even got your name right this time."  He sat down on the bed next to Honour.  "Damn silly of me.  Are you settling in all right, love?"
"Better, now," she smiled.  "I was beginning to think you didn't want anyone to know about our marriage."
"A foolish, thoughtless mistake on my part.  I'm sorry for hurting your feelings."
Honour shook her head.  "It's a big change for both of us.  Almost as much as trying to walk on steady ground again!"
"It's always worst the first day, darling," he chuckled.  "Though I never quite get used to it at all."
"Do you ever think you could?" she asked with a hint of concern in her voice.
"If there's one thing your coming into my life has taught me, it's that anything is possible."  He put his arm around her, and she leaned her head against him.  "It is good to see Cade again. What did you think of him?"
She took a deep breath and said evenly, "He seems like a very nice man."
"He's a good man.  I'd trust him with my life."  Jack stroked Honour's hair gently.  "You were looking out the window and looked so wistful when I came in.  Care to share your secrets with me?"
 
How could she tell him that the view from the window reminded her of a time she was with....him?
She put a smile on her face and said, "I was thinking of how I would like to explore the bay. It looks beautiful. Do you think we could?"
Jack drew her to him. "A wonderful idea, love. Why didn't I think of that?"
Her smile dimpled as she said, "It will be nice, just the two of us. No Briggs with his suspicious scowl. No crew hovering around. I swear, it was so hard to relax knowing they were just outside the door. Now we really CAN have our honeymoon!"
Jack looked into her eyes as he loosened the ribbon that held back her hair.  "It's as if you were reading my mind..."
 
Cade stared at the bag of chicken bones on the bar and looked over at Bonita who was sitting in the corner. He walked over to her.
"Bonita? Care to explain that little drama you played out for Jack?"
She looked at him and her eyes glittered with bitterness. "Dat be for Bonita to know and young Cade to find out. Him be the son Jack ne'er had. Jack be taking a bride of tender years. Maybe Cade be replaced? Jack have sons of him own now, beget dem on dat woman him take. Pay heed, Cade Jennings. Dis a dangerous game. Jack not one to be fooled. Him know. Him know what young Cade capable of. Dat woman untouchable. Best Cade remember dat."
Cade felt his face colour. "Now you are talking nonsense, Bonita. That voodoo mumbo-jumbo may work on Jack, but not on me. I have no interest or designs on his wife. And I'll thank you not to be putting any wild notions in his head."
She grasped him by the arm and hissed, "Cade know it be true. Bonita see the look him give dat woman when she go up de stairs. Dat...dat CHILD! She no woman for Jack. Jack needs a lusty woman."
 
Cade sat down with Bonita. "Bonita, you are just as surprised as I am that Jack showed up with a wife. Now, we both know your chicken bones could 'say' anything you want them to.  It's an impressive parlour act--"
She jumped up and put her face close to his. "NO! Him not know de old ways! Bonita's tia, she a wise and respected teacher. An' she taught Bonita tres bien, she did! Bones no lie. Cade will see. BONES NO LIE! Young Cade best watch where him stepping. And where him t'inking of sleeping. What Bonita say may mean him life!  It up to Cade now.  How soon him want to die?"
Bonita got up and turned from the table.  Cade swallowed hard as her words rang in his ears.
"Bonita, did... did you see that answer in your bones as well?"
The mystic looked over her shoulder at him with hooded eyes.  "Bonita see so much.  But she not tell everyt'ing."  With that she walked quickly to the back door of the tavern and out of Cade's sight.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 18, 2011, 07:05:47 PM
Jack and Honour walked arm in arm along the sands until they came to a small cove. Honour sat down and took her boots off, then hiked her skirt up and waded into the water.
"Jack, the water is so warm!"
"Aye, usually is this time of year."
The cove was surrounded by high cliffs. There were palm trees lining the beach. Honour breathed deeply the salt air.
"This must truly be paradise!" she said.
Jack looked over the horizon. He said softly, "It is now, my love."
She looked back at Jack and grinned. She came back to shore and began to unlace her bodice, flinging it off and hitting him in the chest. Jack raised his eyebrow.
"Far be it from me to protest your undressing, but dare I ask what you're up to?"
She dropped her skirt and said, "I am going swimming."
"Swimming. Now?"
The chemise dropped next and she looked over her shoulder and winked.
"I surely am."
 
She dove into the surf, then surfaced, her hair streaming down her back and her face glistening with the drops from the sea.
She smiled at him and beckoned him with her finger.
He grinned and stood up to remove his shirt.
"Well, when in Rome. Or Tobago. Or paradise..."
 
They never heard the snapping of a twig as they were observed from the darkness of the shade. A hand reached out to the pile of shed clothes and cautiously removed a small article of clothing from the pile.
A small article that could prove very useful...
 
As the two lovers laughed and splashed about in the warm sea water, they were unaware of the eyes that watched them. The slender hand quickly reached out from the underbrush once again and stole another bit of clothing. At that very moment, Honour looked back toward the beach.
"Jack," she said hesitantly. "What's that? Over there by our clothes, did you see it?"
He wiped the salt water from his eyes and looked to where she was pointing. All he saw was a slight movement in the brush.
"What did you see, love? Someone trying to catch a peek?" he joked.
She splashed water at him. "No, silly! It looked like... no, that's absurd.  It couldn't have been."
Jack's curiosity was piqued.  "Couldn't be what?  You can say it.  I won't laugh."
"Like... like a big cat, I think. And there seemed to be spots all over it."
"Interesting," he said thoughtfully. "You just described a jaguar.  You've never seen one before?"
"No! It was so beautiful! But it almost felt as if it were watching us.  It's unnerving."
"You've seen a rare sight, darling. Jaguars are very elusive. And like most cats, very curious. It's nothing to worry about.  They usually stay far away people.  I wonder what brought her down here?"
"That's a relief. I would rather not become some huge cat's dinner.  And why did you call it 'her'?" Honour asked. "In fact, you call so very many things 'her' or 'she'."
"I hadn't thought much about it. Force of habit, I suppose. I'm so used to referring to ships in the feminine, it spills over to other things."
"That's something I've always wanted to know, too; why do sailors do that? Say things like 'she's a fast ship.' Why not call it 'he'?"
"Because, my darling," Jack smiled, "A ship, like a beautiful woman, costs a fortune to keep in paint and powder!"
"Oh, you devil!! Take it back!" she laughed.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 25, 2011, 08:01:42 PM
Bonita emerged from the heavy foliage behind the tavern.  Her steps were stealthy yet purposeful. In her hand she carried Honour's hair ribbon and a leather lanyard Jack used to keep the cuff of his left boot from rolling down. She paused to make sure no one had seen her, then slipped through the tavern's back door.

Without a sound, Bonita lit a lamp and slipped into the storeroom where the wine and strong spirits were kept.  She reached up to a shelf and moved a couple small wine casks aside. Reaching into the space, she retrieved two small poppets; one representing Honour, and the other Jack.  She placed the dolls on a small work table along with a brass bowl that she filled part way with dried herbs.  Then he lit a match off the lamp and used it to set the bowl of herbs smouldering.  Closing her eyes as she picked up the dolls, Bonita passed the crude avatars through the smoke again and again while she softly spoke an incantation.  Finally she took the dolls and placed them back to back, and began to wind the ribbon and lanyard about them.
 
"Wit' dese cords, toget'er dey spirits bound one to anot'er, yet dey hearts remain apart. Dey lives, dey be forever entwine, forever connected, but never share as man and woman." She clutched the dolls and touched them to her forehead, then spat on them. "Too much Bonita gave Jack Wolfe. Now we see how de great man do wit'out her!"
 
"Mmmm, that was nice!" Honour stretched out in the warm sand and closed her eyes.
Jack pulled her back to him and kissed her deeply.
"Jack, no! We really need to be getting back. The sun is starting to set and if there are jaguars around..."
He caressed her cheek and said, "That Jaguars was just curious.  I'm sure she's just as skittish about us as we are of her."
Honour sat up and reached for her chemise. "I don't intend to put that to the test."
She tossed his shirt to him. "I suggest you get dressed, too."
"I suppose I should escort you back.  Wouldn't want the jaguar to come after you."
She shot him a look of mock astonishment as she stepped into her chemise and skirt, then looked for her bodice.
"How did it get over THERE?"
Jack laughed. "Well, when you flung it off, it hit me in the face. I could have thown it in that direction, but I was too busy watching you."
She looked around. "That's strange. I was sure I had my hair tied back in a ribbon."
"I thought you did, too. I remember you taking it out ever so slowly and then tossing your hair..."
Honour held her finger up. "Hush. Don't get your blood up. We've had enough romance for one afternoon."
He searched around. "I seem to be missing a lanyard. This IS odd."
Honour looked up into the trees. "Oh, look there! A scarlet tanager. I will wager if you look in his--or her--nest, you will find my ribbon and your lacing!"
He pulled his boots on and then put his hands on her shoulders. She smiled and leaned back into him.
He buried his face in her sea-scented hair and whispered, "Then let's consider it gone for a good cause!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 25, 2011, 08:02:18 PM
Together they walked into the tavern. It seemed a whole new crew of buccaneers, swashbucklers and pirates had entered since Honour and Jack took some time out for themselves. Jack seemed to know them all. Cade Jennings was deep in conversation with another man. Jack said to Honour, "Excuse me, love. That is Captain James Blake and I must talk to him."
Honour looked over and did a double take. James? HERE? She looked around for a corner to disappear into.
 
Jack walked over to the two men. Honour sat at a corner table hoping to be inconspicuous. Bonita came over with a tankard of ale for herself and sat down uninvited.
Honour wished she would go away. She got a very uncomfortable feeling around the dark woman. It was as if she could see right through to her very soul.
Bonita eyed the young woman and said coolly, "It not like Jack Wolfe to marry at all, much less so sudden. Honour not know him long. How she do dat? Her don't look like she know juju."
Honour paled. "I didn't use any... juju, whatever is that is."
Bonita appraised her over her mug. "Dey somet'ing different about her, more dan what meet de eye. Dat why she have husband so fast. She use charms?"
Honour said, "I have no idea what you are talking about, Bonita."  She didn't know if it was the mystic's thick accent or her menacing demeanor, but Honour found herself wishing she were back in that Barbados tavern, where things at least made sense. 
Bonita laughed in a way that made her uncomfortable. "She not what she seem. She bind Jack wit' spells. Him not thinking clear. Dat not be our Jack Wolfe."
Honour tried to keep her voice steady.
"Bonita, the plain and simple fact is that Jack Wolfe fell in love with me. We got married. And I would appreciate it if you could accept the fact and not cause any trouble."
As she turned to go, Bonita whispered, "She bind to him, but dey not be one. Dey NEVER be one. She will see. Bones no lie..."
 
Honour sat shaking from her confrontation with Bonita. All she wanted to do was go upstairs and hide under the covers.  Just then Jack came over with Cade and James Blake.
Blake had a startled look of recognition on his face. But before he could say anything, Jack said, "Honour, darling, I would like you to meet my good friend Captain Blake. James, this is my wife, Honour."
Honour stood very quickly and held out her hand. Before James could say anything, she said, "How do you do, Captain... Blake, is it?"
James raised his eyebrow at her and said in return, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
To Jack, he said, "Married! YOU? You old sea dog! She reminds me of a woman I knew from Beaumaris. Miss--I mean, Mrs--Wolfe, I don't suppose you have a sister there, do you?"
Honour's face coloured and she said, "I'm afraid not, Captain. My family is from the Shetland Islands in Scotland."
James tried to keep a straight face as he kissed her hand. "A thousand pardons, Mrs. Wolfe. I meant no offense."
He whispered as he let her hand go, "Shetland Islands, my arse!"
 
Honour turned to Jack and said, "Darling, I have a splitting headache. If you don't mind, I am going to retire to our room."
Jack kissed her cheek and said, "Aye. I won't be long, darling. Keep the bed warm!"

Honour heard their raucous laughter as she hurried up the stairs. Slamming the door shut, she sat on the bed and began breathing hard.
'Maybe this whole Tobago thing wasn't such a good idea. Maybe this whole wedding thing wasn't such a good idea either.......'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 02, 2011, 09:57:05 PM
Jack watched as Honour once again retreated to their room.
"I said, your bum's on fire," said Blake.
"What?  Oh!  Sorry, James.  I was lost in thought for a moment."
"More like you were lost in those skirts of hers.  I know how your mind works, Jack."
Jack laughed loudly.  "And can you blame me, James?  My God, she's so very beautiful!  You'd count yourself lucky if such a woman found her way into your secretive life."
Blake smiled to himself as he took a drink from his mug.  "Aye, you're right.  I would indeed." He enjoyed the memory a moment before changing the subject.  "I must say, Jack, marriage suits you!  Not words I ever expected to utter."
"Not a state I ever expected to be in.  You can imagine my surprise that morning in Barbados when I woke up a husband."
Blake laughed so hard he had to hold his sides.  "I should have known there was booze involved!  But the real shock is that you honoured the covenant.  That's not like you at all! Usually that is reserved for sworn oaths of revenge."
Jack put his hand on his friend's shoulder.  "Honour is a rare woman, James."
"She would have to be for you not to walk away."
"I'm surprised myself.  Quite the flower amongst the brambles, that one.  I have to admit, I'm a bit worried about her.  That's the second time she's beaten a hasty retreat back to our room. First time she was red-faced thanks to something thoughtless I did, and now she's white as a sheet. I'm fairly certain this one isn't my fault."
"Let me ask you this; how surprised was she about waking up as your wife?"
"Same as me," chuckled Jack.  "But determined to make a go of it.  Insistent, actually."
Blake's eyebrows went up in surprise for a moment.  "Then do the both of you a favour and slow things down, Jack.  This is a big change for her, too.  No doubt she's overwhelmed.  She's leapt into your world.  It's your obligation to make sure she lands softly."
"When did you get so full of marital advice?  I thought you were the consummate bachelor."
"Still am.  But she seems a sweet girl.  I don't want to see her get hurt."  Blake winced inwardly, hoping he hadn't tipped his hand about knowing Honour.  It would be awkward indeed for Jack to find out they knew one another, socially and in the biblical sense.
"What, and risk you riding in on your white horse to pick up the pieces should I muck things up?" Jack laughed.  "I appreciate your concern, but don't worry yourself.  I promise, she'll be in capable hands.  In fact, she already has been.  Didn't you notice the glow?"
"Who could miss it?" laughed Blake.  "It's a shame you brought everyone here to talk business.  Not the best way to celebrate your honeymoon, is it?"
"I'll tell you what, James," Jack said quietly. "I plan to put off any business as long as I possibly can."

"Oi!  Wolfe!" a voice cried out.  "You brung us all this way, now what about the smugglin' you wanted us buyin' into?"  Other voices joined in the call for information.
Jack looked balefully at Blake.  "Bollocks. Jinxed myself, didn't I?"
"You know what they say - if you want the Fates to laugh, tell them you have a plan."
"Fate and I go way back, and it's never good.  Right!  Time to get down to business."  Jack quickly finished off his drink and stepped into the centre of the room.  "Gather round, everyone!  Let's talk about how we intend to capitalise on - I mean, serve the hungry populace of Trinidad, since the Spanish seems incapable of caring for their own."
The people in the tavern closed in around Jack, intent on hearing his grand plan.  Rumours about his scheme were plentiful, and he could see skepticism on more than one face.
"I've enjoyed a most friendly business partnership with the governor of Barbados for some time now.  Recently, I was able to convince him to increase the scope of his beneficence.  Thank the powers for greedy politicians, eh?"
The group chuckled their approval.
"This means anyone sailing under my flag may take safe harbour there.  No questions, no inspections.  Any goods you bring in will be legally condemned and made ready for sale as salvage.  In addition, we get free run of the entire stretch of water between here and Barbados.  Any merchants that find there way into our web we take."
"What be the catch?" someone asked loudly.
"Catch?" said Jack.  "There's no catch.  We do what we do best, the governor gets his cut, and everyone is happy.  Oh, and we don't take any English ships.  They're off the table.  No arguments."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 02, 2011, 09:57:47 PM
That set the entire room to loud and unhappy grumbling.
"What the 'ell are ye tryin' ta pull on us, Wolfe?  Not take English ships?  Ye're crazier than what I 'eard!" someone yelled in outrage.
"Now wait a minute, wait a minute!" countered Jack, more than a little annoyed.  "That's the governor's only stipulation in this whole arrangement.  Commonwealth ships are off limits. Otherwise we draw more attention than he can explain away and the deal's off.  I don't care to have the Navy nosing about and making life difficult.  This is the way it has to be.  If any of you can't live with it, you know where the harbour is.  If you're not sure, keep walking until you get wet then take a left."
Jack paused and waited for everyone to digest the terms.  The grumbling died down, though a handful of men did angrily leave the tavern.
"All right, I'm assuming we're left with only serious players," he continued.  "Now, any ships  taken by ships of our company should be brought here first, and inventoried in our own little Court of Admiralty.  St. Lawrence can be used only if circumstances demand it."
"And who'll be heading that up?" asked one of the pirates.  "You, I'm supposin'?"
"Me?  No.  I have other priorities.  I believe you saw her earlier.  Our own Captain Cade Jennings will be heading that up."
Cade turned and looked at Jack in open-mouthed astonishment.  "Me?!"
Jack grinned sheepishly.  "Oh, didn't I tell you?  You're a captain now.  Head of the Admiralty Court.  Congratulations!  Don't let it go to your head, you're still a powder monkey to me."
"When did this happen?" asked Cade.
"Just now. Weren't you listening?  If you don't want it..."
"No!  It just took me by surprise is all."
"The day I become predictable is the day your life gets easier, and there'll be none of that," said Jack.  "Anyway, the goods brought here will be assigned value and put up for auction."
Another voice asked, "Are you expecting ships we don't know to come sailing in here to buy?  That's just begging the Spanish navy to come calling!"
"Don't worry, that's not going to happen.  Our buyers will land at the port of Scarborough, roughly ten miles to our south. There's a rough road that runs between here and there.  They'll come to us that way.  How they get their purchases into Trinidad is their problem.    We stay away from the Spanish government's eyes, and we keep our prices just low enough for our customers to justify the risk.  The monies will go into a common pool and be shared out appropriately."
"What are the terms, Admiral Wolfe?" a voice jeered.
"Aye! Admiral! That's good! I love a big hat, me, with lots of feathers."
The crowd laugh, but quickly settled down.  Briggs gave his captain a very unsettled look.  They were supposed to work all this out on the trip over, but Jack had been too busy with his new bride.  What on earth would Jack say?
"Terms.  Yes, terms, terms..." Jack said haltingly.  He patted his pockets as if looking for papers.  "Bollocks! How did that happen?  I must have left them aboard ship.  I promise, they're very equitable."
"HOW equitable?"
"Very!" Jack reassured.  "Look, you'll have the specifics tomorrow, how's that?  Now, I have some pressing business to attend to.  For you souls who know me well enough yet still trust me, see Master Briggs.  He'll get you signed on and answer what questions he can.  I'll even forget about the bigger hat if it makes everyone feel better!"
A smattering of laughter rippled through the group, and the men began to queue up at the small table Briggs had set up as a clerk's desk.  They didn't care so much about the money, but enjoyed the thought of having free run to take nearly any merchant ship that came their way without looking over their shoulders.

Honour, who had been listening in on Jack's impromptu meeting, closed the door and crossed the room to lay across the bed.  She flung her arm over her eyes and took a deep shuddering breath.
James!  What is James Blake doing in Tobago, of all places?  And why of all people did he have to be friends with Captain Jack Wolfe?
Her mind drifted back to another time, another place. It seemed like a lifetime ago, thanks to the whirlwind her life had become.  Those two weeks with James.  The laughter, the intimacy, the beautifully hollow lover's promises...

Honour got up out of the bed and poured a basin of water from the pitcher. She washed her face and then peered into the mirror.
'You sure know how to arrange things,' she whispered to her reflection.
She opened the casement window and breathed deeply the salt air, trying to clear her mind. The sea breeze wafted through the window, her silk nightdress swirling around her body. She could see the palms swaying in the moonlight. Nervously she ran her fingers through her hair. I can handle this, she thought. After what happened in Beaumaris, I can handle anything.

Honour pulled the coverlet down and slid into the bed.
'It was before we ever met', she thought. 'Jack need never know.'
Out loud she whispered softly, "God willing...."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 09, 2011, 09:24:36 PM
Jack smiled as Cade, still trying to come to grips with his surprise promotion, made his way through the tavern crowd.  "Ah, the newly minted Captain Jennings!" he smiled.  "Are you forgetting something?  New captain buys the house a round!"
A loud cheer went up, and the party was under way.
Cade laughed, "Good thing I know what is in the coffers of the tavern, Jack.This round goes 'on the house' and I won' be lighter in the pockets."
"Well, seeing as we are equal in rank now, I will leave you to see to it the men behave and don't break too much of the furniture."
"I don't think that will be a problem. After all, she scares the living hell out of 
the men. Afraid she will put the evil eye on them and render some body parts useless when they need them most."
"Where did you hear that?"
"Angelique over at Madame Renee's. She told me that is the excuse they use when things just aren't up to snuff in the boudoir. Glad I have always stayed on the cordial side of said demon woman."
Out of the corner of his eye, Jack saw the brooding figure of Bonita standing behind the bar, staring daggers at him.

He looked at her a moment and sighed.  'A conversation better left for much later. Like the day we leave,' he thought.

Jack picked up his frock coat.
"And now, dear Cade, I shall leave you to host this soiree. Seems I need to take my leave and go to my room. Marital duty, meaningful conversation and all that....."
Cade laughed, "Oh, such a burden! I'm sure you are up to the task."
Jack turned as he headed towards the stairs.
"Just look for the glow."
"On her....or you?"

As Jack headed towards the staircase, he found Bonita blocking the way.
"You know I hate it when you do that," said Jack.
"Him never learn, never once in all de time Bonita know him.  So many changes so quickly? What be chasing him so hard that make him turn de world upside down?"
"Nothing wrong with a bit of change. I think the smuggling operation will be a great success, and Cade has earned his station."
Bonita smiled knowingly. "Always de businessman, and always so careful to talk about only what HIM want to.  Him know de changes I speak of.  Dat woman! How can him possibly know her?"
"Well, that's what this little honeymoon is for..."
"Hear me, Jack Wolfe!" she hissed.  "Dat woman who share you name and you bed, she not what you think!  Bonita gonna find out what charms she use to snare you heart."
Jack gave Bonita an incredulous look.  "So, you're telling me that my new bride is, ah, what's the word... oh, yes!  A witch?  Honestly, Bonita!"
"Bonita know dese t'ings, Jack. Him need to be wary of dat crafty child!"
He looked upon his trusted friend and advisor with a look of disbelief tinged with pity.  "Why are you doing this?  Wait, never mind. I may be daft, but I'm far from stupid.  It pains me that you chose this time to play me for a fool."
He turned on his heel and started up the stairs. "See to it our new partners have another round. This one's on me!"


Jack climbed the stairs and quietly entered his and Honour's room.  Honour stirred from her half-sleep and smiled at him. 
"Is the party over already?" she asked.
"No, no, it's still going strong.  But my mind was up here with you. Too many strange conversations for one evening, though.  Most I can easily dismiss, but one in particular has me puzzled."
Honour felt her heart sink but kept her voice noncommittal.
"Oh?  What was it about?" she asked.  'Please, please, please do not let it be about James...'
"I can hardly believe I even listened to such foolishness."
Her stomach tightened, but she hid it as best she could.  "What bothered you so, Jack?  You know you can tell me."
"Believe it or not, darling," he laughed, "Bonita says you're a witch."
Honour drew the sheet closer to her and gave a brittle laugh.
"A witch?  ME?"
Jack took off his shirt and threw it over the chair.
"Aye. You. I think she's finally gone round the bend."
"So does she intend to have me bound and cast into a caldron of water? Will she look for birthmarks and moles?"
Jack chuckled, "No, and I am the only one that is privy to the heart-shaped freckle on your----NOT IN THE FACE!"
He laughed as she hit him with the pillow.

"But----but what reason did she give for that outrageous accusation?"
Jack sat on the edge of the bed and pulled his boots off, kicking them under the bed.
"Some nonsense about charms and tricks.  Bonita thinks you tricked me into marrying you. Can you believe it?"
He dropped his breeches and flung them in the corner.
She sighed and shook her head.  "Bonita has very strange ideas, Jack. I could tell that about her as soon as you introduced us."
"Kind of jumps out at you, doesn't it?" he said as he pulled the sheet down and slid into bed.  "Her tia – aunt - was a very powerful priestess and taught Bonita everything she knew.  She figures that corners the market for her on strangeness."

Jack punched up his pillow and put his arm around Honour.  She pressed her body closer to him as if for protection.
Jack kissed the top of her head and said, "You're trembling, darling.  Are you cold?"
The curtains were blowing into the room.  She said, "Just a bit. The night air is chilly."
He held her close.  "Always is once the sun goes down.  Don't worry about Bonita.  She has uncanny powers of observation but this time I know she is wrong."
Honour tried to toss off the notion of being called a witch.  "I have never heard of anything so ridiculous in my life, Jack!  A witch, of all things!"
"Although she may have something there...."
Honour pulled away from Jack.  "Whatever do you mean?"
He pulled her back to him, brushing her hair back and kissing her neck as his hands caressed her.  "You certainly have bewitched me."
"I have been found out, as this was my plan from the beginning," she whispered into his ear.  "Now you are under my spell forever."
She looked longingly into his eyes.  "And I do so love this island for a honeymoon, my love."
He kissed her slowly and passionately.  "Welcome to Tobago, love...."


Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 16, 2011, 08:32:48 PM
 
The morning sun streamed into the room. A gentle breeze carried in the perfume of a myriad of tropical flowers.  Jack stirred and woke to find that he and Honour had barely moved from the way they'd held each other after making love.  He smiled and gently brushed a strand of golden hair from her face.  She drew in a soft waking breath and smiled, her eyes fluttering open to meet his.
"You've got that look in your eyes again, Jack Wolfe," she whispered.
"And what look is that, darling?"
"That look of wanting to lie abed with me, but knowing that duty calls."
"Oh, that look!  Am I that transparent?"
"As Italian crystal," she smiled, and kissed him softly.  "Go.  Play captain and I'll join you later.  I still need a bit of rest after last night. I've never seen a man with such stamina."
"As you wish, darling.  But mind you--if I come back and find you still in bed, I'll be obliged to join you."
Honour pushed him away playfully.  "Keep dreaming, you tarry sailor!  Out of my bed!  Go! Go and make us rich!"

They laughed and talked as he dressed. They kissed once more, and he opened the door to leave.
"Oh, Honour, did I mention that there are scorpions on this island?"
"No, you never did.  I think I'd remember such a thing," she replied worriedly.
"Yeah, well, just the same--be careful.  I'd hate for one to crawl into bed with you."
Honour yelped and threw the covers off, and jumping up on the bed looked for any unwanted guests.
"Ah, there's that freckle that I love!" Jack laughed.
Her eyes grew wide as she realised he'd played a prank on her.
"Oh!!  That's it!  Out with you!!" she laughed, and threw a pillow at his head.  Jack ducked out and closed the door, smiling happily.

As he walked down the stairs, he saw Cade and Briggs sitting at a table looking over some charts and papers.
"Well, well!  The last time I saw him this chipper, we had a full load of swag in our hold and a burning Spaniard to our rudder!  What brings you down from Heaven, Admiral?" Cade joked.
"I wanted to make sure your new commission hadn't gone to you're head, Captain, sir!" Jack quipped.  He looked around the room, and noticed something was amiss.  "Oi, where's Bonita?  I'm starved."
"I saw her walkin' down by the shore early this mornin'," Josiah replied.  "Damned if I know what that wild woman be up to, nor where she intends to do it."
"Fine.  She's been right moody of late.  No matter.  Cade, fetch me that bowl of apples, if you please."
"Pulling rank, are we?" Cade asked.
"Damned right, and step quickly!  Honestly, Josiah, why did I ever promote him?"
"What, like ye ever ask anyone before ye go and do it?"
"Good point.  Ah, thanks, mate."  Jack bit into a juicy red apple before continuing.  "Now, gentlemen.  Down to business..."

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

Honour laid in the bed, smiling inexplicably.  Well, alright, so she knew why she was smiling.  But she couldn't quite figure out why she should be feeling so exceptionally... content.
She closed her eyes and stretched her arms above her head, yawning.
Leaning over the side of the bed, she looked under it.
Good.
No scorpions.

She put her feet down on the floor and got up.  Grabbing her dressing gown of silk, she walked over to the French doors and opened them.
The view of the azure sea and the palm trees framing the yellow sand was breath-taking. While she had gone back to sleep, Jack must have brought a bowl of fruit up and left it on the dresser.  Taking a mango, she bit into it, deep in thought.

She had only been married to Captain Wolfe a week.  A week!  Her first marriage had lasted just over ten months.  Ten long, terrible months.
She felt she knew Jack better than she did Madoc.  She shuddered at the thought of her deceased husband. If it hadn't been for Rhys keeping her sane...
Honour pushed the thought of Rhys Morgan far down into her soul.
'This is not the time nor the place to be bringing that memory up from the depths', she thought.
I'll think about that later.
Some day.
Some day when it doesn't hurt so much.

Honour inhaled deeply the blossomed air with the underlying sea breeze.  Just a glorious day to be alive and...in love?
Was she in love?
She wondered.  It felt... different than it did with Rhys.
'Maybe because I am older', she reasoned.  'After all, I AM nineteen now.'
She threw on a chemise and quickly laced a waist cincher.  No need to bother with a skirt. She tied her hair up in a ribbon and headed down the stairs.

Jack was talking with Briggs and Cade.  They had maps and charts spread out and were studying them intently. Briggs pointed to an area.
"Now, if we expand the port over on this side..."
"Yes, but there are shoals over here..." said Cade.
"Why make it too easy?" Jack asked.
The three of them looked up as Honour reached the bottom stair.
"Mornin', Mrs. Wolfe," Briggs said stiffly.
Cade smiled and nodded.
Jack walked over to her and kissed her lovingly, and touched her ribbon in her hair.
"Dressed casually, are we, love?  Not fitting the station of a pirate queen."
She giggled at his attention.  "I intend to go to the cove and maybe pick some of the fruit there.  Or catch myself a macaw."
Jack laughed uproariously at that.  "And what do you intend to put him in?  Your chemise?"
She coloured at that.  "Alright, so I will forego the parrot.  But I intend for you to catch one for me before we leave."
Honour kissed his cheek, and waved to the others as she walked out. picking up a basket that was left by the door.  Looking back just once, she saw the men resume their consultation of the charts.
All but one.
Cade Jennings was watching her leave.  As she caught his eye, he quickly looked back to the charts on the table.
Odd, she thought.
Very odd.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 24, 2011, 08:22:12 AM
Jack tapped a brass ruler on the table. Cade blinked and looked over at his mentor.
"What?"
"Just making sure you're back with us, Cade," chuckled Jack.
"Head on a swivel, I swear," teased Briggs. "Your mama get scared by an owl?"
Cade found himself blushing. He hadn't meant to stare at Honour. But she was so lovely...
"I'm sorry, Jack. I don't know what came over me."
"Can't say as I blame you. She is beautiful." He gave Cade a stern look. "And taken, just remember."
"I'd be a fool to even thing of trying anything, not that I would."
"Yeah, you would be. But I taught you better, so there's that. Besides, I trust you with my life."
"And now who's the fool?" chuckled Briggs.
"Really?" said Jack. "I've seen you taking your share of looks, old friend."
Briggs' face turned bright red. "Well, I, um..."
"Uh-huh. Just as I thought."
"Wait! What? Did you just-- ?" sputtered the quartermaster.
"Get you to confess you've been sneaking looks at my wife? Do I have to keep an eye on you too, Josiah?"
Cade was laughing openly by now, and Briggs couldn't help but join in.
"All right, gentlemen, we all agree Honour is a very fetching woman. Now if we can come to a consensus over how to handle the increased traffic into our port, we'll be getting somewhere."

"I've been meaning to ask, Jack," said Cade. "When did you negotiate the letter of marque with Culley? I thought you hadn't met with him in months."
"What does it matter?" Jack replied.
"It will matter a great deal to our partners if they arrive at St. Lawrence with a hold full of swag and nowhere to sell it. But there's no danger of that. Is there?"
Jack fiddled with a protractor. "No imminent danger, no."
Cade looked at him in disbelief. "There isn't a letter, is there? You made it up?!"
"A little louder please, Cade. I don't think they heard you in bloody Anguilla!"
"I can't believe you lied about something this important, Jack!" pressed Cade, though considerably quieter.
"Ye're playin' this one fast and loose, Jack," added Briggs. "More'n usual."
"Look, there will be a letter of marque, when I can show Culley just how profitable this arrangement will be for him." Jack took a deep breath and sighed. "He wouldn't consider it without proof I could get the ships and minimise his risk. But now, we have the ships, and more will sign on. I'll be sailing back in a few days to Barbados, and I'll prove our case and get the letter. Simple as that. What could go wrong?"
"He could say no," said Briggs grimly.
"That's because you're not a positive thinker."
Cade leaned on the table. "And I'll be the one left holding the bag if we can't produce the letter. Remember, I'm the one you put in charge here. They'll be coming to me for the answers."
"Yes, yes, I haven't forgotten, and I wouldn't leave you high and dry," said Jack. "Once I get the letter, it will be on its way here by fast packet. That's a promise."

"All right, Jack. I trust you." Cade said, though half-heartedly.
"Fine! It's all settled then." Jack picked up a sheaf of papers and headed for the door.
"And where are ye goin'?" Briggs asked.
"To find my wife! We're going birding."
"We still have these plans to look over!"
"Later!" said Jack breezily as he left the tavern.
Cade and Briggs looked at each other in disbelief.
"Think he'll pull it off?" asked Cade.
Briggs shrugged. "We'll find out together!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 31, 2011, 08:34:19 AM
"HELP!"
Captain James Blake looked around.
"HELP!"
A coconut bounced onto the ground and rolled at his feet.
"HEY!" he shouted.
"SORRY!"
He looked up.
"What are you doing up THERE?"
"I'm stuck, what do you think?"
He chuckled and shielded his eyes.
"Honour Bright, you get yourself into the most unusual predicaments!"
The voice from up the tree yelled, "IT'S MRS. WOLFE! AND HELP ME GET DOWN!"
"Wait right there, I'll be up to help."
"Where am I going to go?"
James deftly shimmied up the tree. When he got to the palm fronds, he burst out laughing.
"HOW on God's green earth did you manage THAT?"

Honour was hanging there by her lacings which had caught on the back of two fronds and she was swinging free.
She said tightly, "Just get me down without dropping me on my----"
"Alright, alright. Let's see....just move this lace that way...and that lace this way....now hold onto the fronds so you don't drop....oh, dear!"

"AHHHHHH!"
Honour was thrown to the ground and landed on a pile of the fronds.
"OOOF!"
James climbed down and jumped the last five feet.
He bent over into a bow. "I trust you had a soft landing. No broken bones?" he asked as he helped her up.
She checked all over and said, "No, I seem to be in one piece."
James said quietly, "Good. Your husband would not be pleased and would probably run someone through out of temper."
"Surely you jest, James. He's very loving and wonderful to me."
James stopped in his tracks and looked at her incredulously. "And have you ever wondered why he is the foremost revered pirate in the Caribbean?"
She shrugged and said, "I didn't know that he was."
"He's absolutely brilliant. His campaigns are a success and his pillaged holdings are beyond belief. Some say he gets inside information and is blessed by unconventional means."
"What do you mean?"
"Word around the ports is he has help of a supernatural kind."
"James, will you PLEASE stop speaking in riddles?"
He sighed and said, "Some people say Bonita is a witch. A voodoo practitioner and Jack is the recipient of her wisdom."
She burst out laughing. "Voodoo? Bonita is nothing but smoke and mirrors!"
James shrugged, "Just repeating what I hear."

They walked on the shore in silence, Honour picking up a few shells.
James broke the silence and said, "Why did you go off with him? Why not wait for me?"
"You never asked, James. And we didn't know each other long enough."
"How long did you know Captain Jack Wolfe?"
Honour's head was down and she whispered something.
"What, Honour? I didn't hear you."
She brought her face up and her face was blushed. "I said, 'five hours.' "
"Five hours? Am I hearing right or did you say 'days'?"
She said hotly, "I couldn't help it. It's something that I--we----can't explain!"
James smiled wryly, "I must say you held out for the top dog, as it were. Tell me, Honour---is the reason you married him measured in millions?"
She raised her hand to slap him but he caught her hand and raised his eyebrow.
"Did I touch a nerve, love?"
She jerked her hand away. "I told you. I can't explain it. And I shouldn't have to."
James looked out to the sea. "I did come back, Honour. Amos told me you had gone away. Someone in your family was ill."
"What? I have no family."
"That's what I thought."
"When was this?"
"Back in February. I know because I had just come back from a meeting with your husband. He had a business deal for me and I turned him down. You want to know why?"
Honour picked up the shell and turned it over in her hand, letting the sand run through her fingers.
"Because you had other pressing business?"
"You could say so. I came back to St Lawrence to find you."
"Me? But I..."
Her voice trailed off. She unconsciously touched the faint scars where Corwin had dragged his sword across her chest.
"Oh...February. Yes. Well, I was visiting family. My....my sister came into town and I spent the day with her. Yes. That had to have been the day."
James looked toward the horizon.
"It could have been us...." his voice trailed off.
Honour sighed. "Amos. God bless him, he went and made a decision for me. And damn him too."
James turned to her, a wry smile on his face. "Think we could have made it work?"
She shook her head. "James, it was too soon. My fiance had died."
He stroked her cheek. "I would have taken you around the world, Honour."
She touched his hand and gently removed it from her face. "No, James. You say that now. But if you really wanted to, you would have taken me then and there. You left me with a bolt of sky blue silk and a lovely memory."
He shook his head. "I couldn't get you out of my mind. You invaded my daydreams and haunted my nights."
She turned away from him."This isn't fair. You can't leave and then come back whispering these confessions and expect me to tell you it is alright and expect more."
She held up her hand, the emerald ring glinting in the sun.
"This. This is what is tangible. A lover's promise never came with a maybe."

She looked up and saw the darkening sky.
"Looks like rain. I'm heading back. You can walk with me if you want to but no more chastising. No more 'what ifs' and 'why didn't yous.' This is now a closed subject. Married I am and married I am staying."
He said, "Till death do you part. Well, as you wish, Mrs. Wolfe."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 13, 2011, 07:28:17 PM
"By the powers, what are these men thinking of when they named their ships?" Jack asked out loud to no one as he walked along the path, reviewing the list of the captains who had signed the roster, and their ships. "I mean, really! Privateers Greed? Stating the bloody obvious, that.  Victorious Secret?  A very odd sense of humour at work. Oh! There you are!" he called as he spied Honour and James walking together. "James! Have you seen the names of some of these ships? Wait a moment... what be the name of your vessel again?" He looked through the list. "Ah! The Dark Vexation! Moody, but it works."

"Aye, Jack. If I may ask, what has you in such a cheery mood today?" Blake asked.
"She's stand right next to you, mate. Or have you fallen suddenly blind? Hello, Honour, dear. My, don't you have a lovely pair of coconuts!"
"I what?? Oh!" she gasped, and realized he was speaking of the two coconuts she'd knocked from the tree. "I found them lying on the ground and I thought they looked interesting," she offered, with a slight blush to her cheeks.

"That they do. But I digress. James, how fast is your ship again?"
"The Vexation can outrun any navy ship, and most pirate hunters.  I'd say she's fast enough."
"Most pirate hunters?  I suppose that will have to do."
"She's no Lobo, but being second to the fastest ship in these waters is a good place to be."
"Aye, it makes my life easier, since all I have to do is outrun you!" laughed Jack.  
After a moment James laughed too.  Honour smiled, trying to decide what to make of the friendly sparring.
"All jest aside, James, I have an offer to make you. I'd like you to take a larger role in the offshore operations. You're a fine captain, and you have a fine ship and solid crew. What say you?"
"Just like that?"
"You have a problem with taking a larger share, James? I mean, I can find someone else if you're not up to it..."
James blinked, trying to figure out Jack's generosity.  "Not at all!" he said happily.  "I have to say this is an unexpected turn of things."
"I agree, putting my trust in you has got even me scratching my head, but what can I say?  I'm feeling agreeable these days.  Must be something in the air.  That hint of jasmine, I should think," Jack said with a wink at Honour.  "Now, James, I'll escort my wife the rest of the way. That is, if you don't mind terribly."

Blake looked from Jack to Honour, and he touched the brim of his hat as he smiled at her. "No, not at all," he lied. "Mrs. Wolfe, I have enjoyed our conversation. Thank you for your company. Captain Wolfe, I'll leave you to your lovely wife.  And I'll be off to tend my ship." James strolled off down the path to the wharf, wondering to himself just how much more good fortune could possibly fall to a man like Jack Wolfe.

Jack and Honour strolled along for a while, enjoying the scenery and each other's company.
"You and James seemed to be getting on well," he finally said.  "I've never seen him quite so talkative with a woman he's just met."
Honour caught herself not breathing, and her face began to feel hot.  "He's quite a gentleman for a pirate," she said clumsily.  "I mean, he was very respectful and polite."
"That's James, right down the line.  But don't let that cordial demeanour fool you.  He can be as ruthless as they come."
She thought about the two weeks she and James had spent together, and how tender and attentive he had been toward her.  The idea of him being ruthless didn't seem to fit.  But then, she had given him plenty of reasons to be tender and attentive.
Honour cleared her throat.  "Yes, well, I'm glad you aren't jealous that he and I were talking."
"Jealous?  Not one bit," he chuckled.  "No, James Blake is too busy mooning over some woman he met in port a few months ago.  Seems sincere about it, too.  Best I can tell, at any rate.  It's hard to judge with a man like James.  He keeps his thoughts and intentions under tight wraps.  I never thought I'd see that man that caught up in anything but the sea.  Certainly not some woman."

Again, Honour found herself not breathing.  She knew exactly which woman James was so serious about, serious enough change his world.  Her.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 13, 2011, 07:31:42 PM
She swallowed hard, still keeping a grip on her composure.  The old desire to run was building fast in her stomach.  "I'm sure people have said the same of you," she said with a forced laugh.
"Plenty.  Hell, I've said it about me!  The power of a good woman, eh?" Jack smiled.  "I've come to understand his reasoning.  But I do have a serious question for you."
"Yes, Jack?" she said hesitantly
"You're the wife of a pirate now. There may come a time, forbidding all, that you may need to defend yourself. I'd like to teach you how to handle a blade, if you'd like. To tell the truth, I'd sleep easier if you did."
Jack's honesty surprised her. "I would love for you to teach me, my husband. But I need to change!" Honour looked at the sky. "It looks like rain. Do we have time?"
He looked up at the clouds. "Aye, we've got an hour or two still."

They walked briskly back to the tavern, chatting about everything and nothing.
"I'll be right back down. Please take care of these for me?" She handed the coconuts over to Jack. "I promise I'll only be a moment!"

Honour started up the stairs, and Jack called after her, "I'll happily take care of your coconuts, whenever you ask!" He placed the coconuts on the counter as he watched her climb the stairs.
"You're a bad man, Jack Wolfe!" she laughed. In a moment, she disappeared into their room.

"Her have no idea what trut' she say, Jack Wolfe!" a voice snapped harshly behind him, accompanied by the slam of a pick being driven into one of the coconuts.
"Bonita! I didn't notice you appearing out of nowhere like that." He gazed uneasily at the coconut she'd stabbed all the way to the handle of the pick.  "Be a dear and milk these?"
"Milk dese Bonita will, like him milk everyone him touch."
"I sense a touch of bitterness on your part, dear."
Bonita drew the pick from the coconut and had the point scarcely an inch from Jack's eye in a flash. "Him de one what have no idea now." She slammed the pick on the countertop and stalked off.

Jack drew a heavy breath and tries to shake off her threat. He crossed the room to an innocuous looking door and, after digging for a key, unlocked it. He opened it to reveal an impressive arsenal.

He started looking for a suitable sword when he felt a tap on his shoulder. "What the blue blazes...!" he yelped, and spun around to find a surprised Honour standing before him.
"What's gotten into you?" she asked?
"You've got a bit of cat-like quietness, don't you! Caught me lost in thought, looking for a suitable blade. That's all," he lied.
"Oh, my lord, look at all this!" she marvelled. "Can I pick my own, please?"
"Do you know the first thing about swords, love?"
"I know what I like! And I like... this one!" She grabbed an intricately wrought rapier with a gold inlaid basket.
"Oh, you don't want that. Too long and too unwieldy on the deck of a ship."
"But, I like it!" she pouted. "It's impressive, and I think it looks good on me."
"Oh, all right. When you put it that way," Jack laughed. He fitted her with a belt and a frog for the scabbard. He helped her on with the belt and got the sword hung neatly on the left hip. As he slung on his halberd and cutlass, he caught her switching her blade to her right hip.
"Here, now! What are you on about? Put that back!"
"But I like it over here! It looks better."
"Are you left handed?"
"Um... no. Why?"
"How do you intend to quickly draw your sword when it's on the wrong hip?"
"Oh... FINE." she acquiesced, and shifted the rapier back to the correct hip.
"Follow me, you dangerous fashion plate, you," he teased.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 20, 2011, 09:17:27 PM
 
They went out the back of the tavern to a groomed area that resembled a fighting ring. He stepped behind her, and placed his hands on her hips.
"Is this entirely proper?" she teased.
"We're husband and wife, love. It's all proper!" he whispered in her ear. "Now," he said softly, "draw your sword."
She drew the rapier and held it tight.
"No, love, not like that. It's not a meat cleaver. Oh, fine, it is, but a bit more refined. Here, hook your forefinger through that section there - that's it! See how it feels more balanced? That's my love!" He stepped around in from of her and drew his sword. "Now, I want you to forget about your hand. The sword is your arm. Focus on the tip. The tip is everything. Your enemy gets inside the first 8 inches of your blade, you've lost the advantage. Now, slowly, deflect my blade."
He moved his sword about, slowly encroaching on her blade. She focused intently and, to his surprise, deftly defended herself.
"Excellent! You're a near natural to this. Now, I presume you can dance, yeah?"
"Of course I can dance!" she chided. "Why, can you? I though we were here to learn about swords, not waltzing."
"Now here comes the real elegance of swordplay. Your foot work. If you can dance, you've got the proverbial fighting chance. Keep in mind what I said about the tip. You seem to understand defending yourself, now let's see if you can attack with the same aplomb!"


Jack fell into a defensive posture, and teased her forward. "Come on! I can dodge your best! Attack the tip of my blade.."
Honour felt the rapier fit her hand very nicely. It was a French rapier with a three ringed swept hilt, and bone gripping. Not like that piece of cheap brass Captain Adam Faraday had given her.
'If Rhys hadn't taught me all I knew about swordplay and self defense, the Corwin chapter in my life could have a very different ending. ' But to Jack, she was convent raised and what would a ward of a abbess know about defending one's honour--and life--with a blade?
The misplacement of the scabbard from left hip to right was a nice maneuver on her part to cover her expertise.
She delicately moved forward, getting the feel of the hilt and the heft of the blade.
She took a small step forward and her blade clashed with Jack's.
"Now you are getting the hang of it, love."
He thrust the sword carefully, controlling his move so she would not feel quite so defensive.
A resounding zing in the air and suddenly she was transported back to another time, another place.
Two years ago. A dark, snowy winter night when she was fighting for her life and that of the man she loved.
Tropical sunlight glinted off Jack's sword, just as the firelight had reflected from Madoc's that terrible night.


She took hold of the sword and whispered one word.
'Bastard.'
'BASTARD!' She screamed.
The sword took on a life of its own, wielded in the hands of a woman he loved.
She swung with all her might as Jack ducked just in time, the blade resounding against his ear.
"What?!" he yelped, completely surprised by her sudden turn. He brought his blade up quickly to parry her next strike. The clash of her sword against his rang loudly in the air.
Honour, stop! What are you doing?" he shouted, but she never responded. Normally he could gauge where an opponent would strike next by following her eyes. But Honour wasn't looking at him. She was looking through him.
She swung her sword downward, and he sidestepped the attack, using his blade to drive hers into the sand.
Jack used the opportunity to get behind her. If he could move quickly enough, he could grab her before...
Honour yanked the sword free and slashed at him. He barely deflected her blow. She swung hard again, giving him no other choice but to dive for the ground. Her sword cut deep into the palmetto tree that had been directly behind him.
Tears streamed down her face as she yelled, 'You bastard! You'll never do that to me again! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER!'
"Honour! HONOUR!" he said loudly, trying to bring her out of whatever had possessed her so. "Easy! It's me! It's Jack! HONOUR!"
Suddenly she quit struggling. Her breath was ragged, the tears still flowing down her cheeks. She looked around for a moment, confused as to what had just happened, then began to sob.
Jack kept hold of her, walking her backward slowly from the sword that was buried in the trunk of the hapless tree.
"It's all right, love. You're safe. You're always safe with me," he said soothingly. Honour's legs went weak, and he lowered her easily to the ground.
She leaned back against the tree wiping her face with her hands.
"I'm sorry....I'm so sorry....' she said over and over again.
Jack put his arm around her and cupped her face with his hand.
"Honour?" he said softly. "What did someone do to you?"
She turned her head.
"Nothing. It was...nothing."
"Nothing? Darling, a less experienced swordsman would be pushing up daisies by now."

She took a shuddering breath. "I guess it was in the tavern before I met you. I always had to be on my toes and once...in an alley....well, Amos got to me in time before he could...could...."
She gave him a faltering smile. "I am alright now. Really I am."
She looked over at the tree, then cast her eyes down. Her shoulders sagged.
"The tree....not so much so."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 27, 2011, 08:53:55 PM
She gave him a faltering smile. "I am alright now. Really I am."
She looked over at the tree, then cast her eyes down. Her shoulders sagged.
"The tree....not so much so."
She looked back at Jack, pain in her eyes.
"I--I'm so sorry. I really didn't mean to....to..."
With that she turned her head so he wouldn't see the tears filling her eyes again.
Jack took her in his arms, and gently stroked her hair. "It's all right, love. Plenty more trees where that one came from."
He eyed the tree, still not believing the ferocity with which she had attacked it. "But I think we're done with weapons training for today," he said.
She nodded slowly and started to rise. Jack took her arm and helped her up.
"That beautiful tree...'she said remorsefully.
"Don't worry your pretty head over it, love. The monkeys will find somewhere else to play."

The first heavy drops of rain began to fall. "Here, you go on back to the tavern before you get drenched. I'll be along in a moment."
But before she could answer, the skies opened in a downpour.
"Jack!" she said over the thunder. "I need to get that sword."
Rain poured down her face, mixing with the trace of tears. Rivulets of rain ran down her back.
"I'll get it for you, Honour," he answered. "You just get inside!"
Honour hesitated for a moment, then ran towards the tavern. Jack waited until she was inside before he turned back to the tree.
"I don't know who she thought you were, mate, but I pity you. And him."

Jack took hold of the sword's hilt, and put a boot heel against the tree. He shoved the tree as hard as he could while he wrestled to free the lodged blade. Suddenly, the sword popped free, sending Jack reeling backwards before falling in the sand. He watched as the tree slowly twisted where it had been gashed, its bark and wood splitting noisily as the tree sagged to the ground.

Getting back on his fee, Jack held the sword up, looking from it to the tree, then to the tavern where Honour had gone. A mixture of worry and disbelief played across his face. There was something dark Honour wasn't telling him, and he wasn't sure he wanted to know.

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

Honour quietly opened the door to the tavern, hoping against hope that the queen of voodoo was nowhere to be seen. She shivered as the storm blew the tavern door open and then slammed shut, jumping at the unexpected noise. In a panic, she ran outside to see where Jack was, the overwhelming need to be held by him more than she could bear. She saw him trudging up the path, rain pouring off the brim of his hat, his silk shirt plastered to his chest.
She couldn't stand it another moment and ran to him, her face lit against the background of a flash of lightning.
"Honour, are you daft? Get back in that room!"

She looked like a frightened child.
He grabbed her arm and led her into the tavern great room.
"I--I was afraid. It was almost as if something sinister was in the room."
She shrugged and laughed in a shaky voice. "I guess I was a bit spooked."
He glanced over to the countertop and saw the two coconuts slashed and hacked to pieces.
"Let's go upstairs and get into some dry clothes. If I'm with you, then no hobgoblins will dare pester you," he said as they climbed the stairs. "How are you feeling now?"
Jack hoped he could keep her attention, she wouldn't see the ruined coconuts.
"Wet," she shuddered. "And a bit foolish. I don't know what got into me out there."
That was a lie. She knew full well what had happened. For just a moment, she hadn't seen a tree. She had seen Madoc and Corwin, somehow horribly fused into one monstrous entity. Her instinct to survive took over from there.

In their room, Honour wrung out her hair over a basin and Jack had taken off his wet clothes and had put some dry breeches on. Opening up a cabinetl,he pulled out a bottle. Pulling the stopper, he filled two glasses with the amber liquid.
"What is this?"
"It's brandy. A little something to take the chill off you and relax you."
She gratefully took the glass and sipped it.
A shiver ran through her body as the alcohol coursed through her veins. She tried to will her hand to stop shaking.
Closing her eyes, she murmured, "Just what I need on a night like this."

She walked over to the French doors and looked out over the courtyard where in a flash of lightning she saw the hapless tree lying there. In the brilliant light of it, the palm took on the shape of a man lying there....just lying there. Thunder crashed  and she dropped her glass, shattering it against the floor.

Jack took her in his arms and eased her away from the window. "Easy now, love! That's it, just follow my lead."
He took his wet breeches and threw them on top of the broken glass.
"I'll clean that up later.  The brandy was supposed to calm your nerves, not make them worse. Dear lord, you're shaking like a leaf!"
"I-- I'll be fine," she said halfheartedly.

"Let's get you out of these wet clothes and get you warmed up," said Jack. He smiled and looked into her eyes as he unlaced her bodice.
Honour shivered, but not from the cold this time. He was giving her something much more pleasant to think about.
Jack looked up into Honour's eyes and what he saw startled him. It was the completely trusting look she had. He loosened the drawstring on her skirt and it fell into a puddle of silk at her feet.
Jack felt his pulse quicken as he tenderly pushed her wet hair away from her face.
"You must have been a very beguiling child, Honour Bright. I can almost see you come up for air after diving into a pond," he said softly.

Suddenly a reminiscence came unbidden to her mind. The memory of a girl on the verge of womanhood.The thunder...the lightning....the rain outside a cave. A dress of butter yellow and the arms of a pirate she loved from long ago.
The wet chemise slipped to the floor as she put her arms around Jack and whispered, "Just love me...one more time..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on December 04, 2011, 09:46:11 PM
Honour laid there contentedly, her arms wrapped around Jack, her blonde hair trailing across his chest.She gave a satisfied sigh.
He kissed the top of her head . "Are you feeling better now?"
She looked up at him and nodded. "I am sorry. I don't know what possessed me to attack the tree like that."
"You yelled out, 'bastard'. I must inform you, darling, that my parents were lawfully wed."
Honour blushed and buried her face for a moment in his chest. "It wasn't you. I-- I don't know what it was about. I'm just glad I didn't hurt you."
"Honour," he said gently, "What happened? Who is the bastard?"

She took a deep breath before she began to weaver her lie. "I was walking near the Varlet and Vixen when I landed in St Lawrence. As I neared an alley, a ruffian grabbed me from behind and dragged me in the alley. He had a knife. I guess when you advanced towards me, the memory came back. But I feel better now, " she laughed shakily. "I think it was a catharsis for me."
She reached up and ran her fingers gently through his hair, smoothing it away from his face. "I can guarantee it won't happen again. And to be sure, maybe you should keep sharp pointy things away from me."
Jack touched her cheek, a look of worry on his face. "That must have been terrifying for you. I hope you weren't hurt by him. Or is that where the scar came from?"

Honour self-consciously covered up the faint crisscross of scars over her chest.
She couldn't meet Jack's eyes. "I--I didn't think you would notice."
"I notice everything, love. It's a handy talent in my line of work. Though with someone as exquisite as you, my attention is tenfold."
He gently touched her chin to turn her face back toward his.
"Don't worry. The scars don't diminish your beauty one iota. But if the bastard hurt you beyond that, I'd be interested in squaring the score."

She gently took his hand away and kissed it.
"I couldn't even begin to tell you what he looked like.  It was dark.  But no, he didn't hurt me beyond that. Amos came to my rescue just in time. That is how I started working at the Varlet and Vixen. He offered me employment. I stayed there until I found something better."
"And I guess you never did."
She moved up and kissed his neck.
"I surely did. A full time occupation as Mrs. Captain Jack Wolfe."
"I must warn you. The job entails cooking and cleaning....among other things. Do you think you are up for the position?"
Honour smiled slyly.  "As long as the other things outweigh any cooking and cleaning duties, I think I might be interested."

Jack grinned, and kissed her playfully.  "Look what you've turned me into, Honour," he laughed.  "The happiest man who ever lived.  And a married man at that!  If only an old friend could see me now.  He would never believe it."
She raised her head. "Is it that hard to believe? Everyone gets married---eventually.  And you are happy right now because you got to...you know."
"Show my appreciation for you?  Yes, that always makes me very happy.  But as far as marriage goes--that was never in the plan.  Besides the cliche of a captain being married to his ship, that is.  Everyone, including myself, had me pegged as the eternal bachelor."
Honour propped herself up in her elbow."Someone broke your heart once, I'll bet. A Spanish senorita? A countess? Maybe even a voodoo queen?"

He made a sour face at the voodoo queen remark.  "Very funny!  Now whatever gave you the notion I had a heart to break?  I'm a pirate, remember?  I'm supposed to do all the heartbreaking.  It's in the rules."
Honour rolled over and stretched her arms over her head, then smiled sleepily at Jack.
"I know quite well you have a heart. I hear it beating really quick when we...."
Jack quickly kissed her.
"So, Captain Jack Wolfe.....care to enlighten me with a bedtime story?"
"A story?  Of fortune and treasure? Or of past misdeeds?"
She ran her finger down his chest. "I want to hear about your friend and why he would be surprised you took the vows."
Jack gave a wistful sigh.  "He was a good man, and a good friend.  The best.  He saved my skin on more than one occasion.  I only wish I'd been able to repay that debt when he needed it most."

Honour gave him a puzzled look.  "What do you mean?  Is he in prison?  Or is he...?"
"He's dead, love.  And I couldn't help him."
She laid her head on his chest. "I'm so sorry, Jack. Was it small pox? Or a hurricane? Oh,don't tell me he died in a duel. Or was it a mutton?"
"Mutton?"
"You know. When they take your ship, put you on an island with only a gun, one bullet and a bit of water and sail away yelling 'Adios mi amigo.' "
"Mutiny."
"What did I say?"
"Mutton."
She pouted. "Alright. Was it a mutiny?"

He played with a curl of her blonde hair as he thought back to his friend.  "Not a duel, exactly.  But it was a fight over a woman.  Quite senseless, really, and I warned him of it too."
"Well, don't leave me in suspense.  It's not fair."
"He fell in love with another man's wife, and got caught with the goods, one might say.  I told him to forget her, but he was determined to whisk her away."

"He sounds like a romantic man.  But you make it sound like love is a foolish thing," she frowned.
"No, not at all.  I'm all for someone going after their heart's desire.  But sometimes, the prize is on too high a pedestal."
"Maybe she was worth it. Maybe he was so in love with her he would have moved heaven and earth to be with her," she murmured, a far away look in her eyes.
"Now you're starting to sound like him!  That's just the way he spoke of her.  But even so, trying to steal away the wife of a powerful man like a lord is no small undertaking."
He shook his head.  "I swear, you Welsh can be so headstrong..."

Honour could feel the blood leave her face and she fought to keep her voice even. "A--and what was the name of this friend of yours?"
"Rhys Morgan of the Neptune----Honour! Are you alright?"

She jumped up and ran to the privy closet. He got up and knocked on the door.
"Honour! Are you sick?"
She came out looking pale and tried to give him a smile.
"I--I'm sorry. I must have gotten sick drinking brandy on an empty stomach."
He guided her back to the bed, covering her up with the quilt and putting his arms around her.
"Well, suffice to say Rhys would find all this quite funny, with me married and all."
Honour took a deep breath and forced herself to ask the question.  "And... and the woman?  Whatever happened to her?"
"No one knows.  Story is, one of the man's sons came home to find him stabbed through the heart.  Rhys' body was there, too.  The safe was emptied, but the woman was nowhere to be found.  Gone, like she'd been taken by the wind."
Honour curled up with her back against Jack, fighting to keep the tears from her eyes.  "I'm really tired from today.  I think I need to sleep."
He said, "I guess you have had a full day. Goodnight, love."
She barely whispered, "Goodnight."
Moving over to face the French doors, the tears began to trace down her face. She buried her face in the pillow, hoping her body wouldn't be wracked with sobs.

A wound she thought was healing had been torn open again.
She prayed that Jack would never find out the truth.
That she was the woman to blame.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on December 11, 2011, 07:24:06 PM
  
The next morning was cool and overcast. Jack awoke to find Honour still curled up, clutching the covers. He was concerned over her taking ill so suddenly. Something was amiss, but no simple answer presented itself. Quietly, he rose and closed the window to keep the chill from her. The gentle click of the latch was enough to wake her. She opened her eyes, and immediately noticed the look of concern on his face.

"Good morning, darling. How do you feel?" he asked.
She put on a cheery smile, trying not to think about Rhys or Jack's friendship with him. "I'm feeling much better today. Really. It was silly of me to go without eating like that."
"All the same, I would just as soon have you rest today. We'll be setting sail for Barbados tomorrow, and you'll need your strength for the passage. It wouldn't do for the captain's wife to be weak from the vapours, now would it? I'd hate for you to be off your game when the opportunity to irritate Briggs presents itself," he smiled.
"Jack, really. I'm fine. The last thing I want to do spend the day on a beautiful island cooped up inside! You know how I love the sand and the salt air. Please?" she pouted.
"As usual, I can deny you nothing," he sighed, as he began pulling on his clothes. "But grant me this; take your time getting up. I have business with the ship that should take no more than a couple of hours. I'll have a tray of food brought up so you can eat and dress at your leisure."
"You're not sending up that horrid woman, are you?"
"I promise, I'll have one of the servants come up. Anyone but Bonita." He fetched a dressing gown from the armoire and laid it on the bed next to her. He leaned close and kissed her lips tenderly. "I'll be back as soon as I possibly can. Josiah most likely has everything in order, but I need to inspect it myself."
"Hurry back, darling," she smiled. "And tell Josiah I've had a wonderful time buying trunks and crates of pretty things he'll need to find room for!"
Jack laughed and blew her a kiss as he closed the door.

As he descended the stairs, he looked about the tavern for a servant, but none could be found. He shook his head and set about filling a tray with fresh fruit and meat. Finally satisfied with the selection of food he'd selected, he started up the stairs just as the front door opened. In walked Cade, who gave his mentor a bemused look.
"Have you added serving wench to your many titles, Jack?"
"As a matter of fact, Mister Clever Arse, I was just fetching my wife a bite to eat before I go check on the ship. But since you're just milling about this morning being cheeky, do us a favour and run this up to her. I'm late enough as it is. Josiah begins to act like an old spinster then."
Cade took the tray, with a slightly puzzled look on his face. "Aye, Jack. See you in a bit."

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on December 11, 2011, 07:24:57 PM

Honour stretched out on the bed and then grabbed the dressing gown that Jack had left next to her. Arising, she slipped her arms through it, drawing it close to her. She padded over to the French doors and opened them up, inhaling the sea air. The sea was in a tempest, almost as if it were angry at someone. The waves crashed down on the shore and the sky was grey. Everything took on a less-than-friendly air.

She sighed and closed the door, shivering. Maybe there won't be the opportunity to go to the shore before we leave. So what do I do? Go downstairs and hang around the tavern? Bake apple tarts with Bonita? The thought of the woman sent a chill through her.
'Nonsense!' she said in an undertone.

Honour pressed her forehead to the window and peered out at the palmetto tree that she had decimated with the rapier. She couldn't believe the ferocity with which she attacked it. Her survival instincts had taken over just as they had that night Madoc arrived home and caught her with Rhys. Just as they had that night she faced Jonas Corwin as he attempted to exact his vengeance from her. Rhys would have been proud of her swordsmanship. Swordswomanship?
'Whatever,' she thought.

A knock was heard at the door, startlng her out of her reverie. She rose quickly and cautiously opened the door, half expecting to see that witch Bonita.
"Oh. My goodness, Mr. Jennings!"
She instinctively wrapped her dressing gown closer to her.
"Good morning, Mrs. Wolfe. I seem to have been the one pressed into service to deliver your breakfast. Your husband was late in his duty to his ship and as I was the only one in the tavern..."
Honour gave him a smile and said, "Please! My manners seem to be lacking. Do come in!"

Cade came into the room. "Where would you like this?"
She took it out of his hand and said, "I'll take it right now. Foolishly I forgot to eat since breakfast yesterday.
Please, won't you have a seat?"
Cade sat down, a bit nervous he was in a room alone with Captain Wolfe's wife and she was in a dressing gown. But sit down he did. Who was he to refuse an invitation?

Honour helped herself to a peach and some grapes. She offered a pomegranate to Cade which he took.
"Mmmm! I just love peaches! And fresh biscuits, too."
"Bonita made those this morning."
Honour reluctantly put it back. "I think I shall pass on the biscuits. If she made them, there may be ground glass or arsenic in them."
Cade laughed. "They are fine. In fact, everyone in the tavern had some this morning."
"Then I shall help myself to them. But if anything happens to me, be sure and tell my husband that it was the biscuits!"

Cade couldn't help but smile at the light-hearted way that Honour had. She looked so young with her hair tied back in a blue ribbon, tendrils framing her face. Her dressing gown was of sky blue and she was barefoot. Her dimpled smile was infectious and she made Cade feel at ease. If only she wasn't married to...

"... and I hope to come back to Tobago really soon. Hello? Mr. Jennings?"
Cade snapped back, his face blushing. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Wolfe. You were saying...?"
"I was saying that I was really sorry about the palmetto. I guess I got carried away. Will you see that the tree gets replaced? For Jack?"
"I certainly shall. For your sake."
Honour's smile wreathed her face, and she said, "Thank you, Mr. Jennings. You are a dear."
"Please. 'Mr. Jennings' sounds so formal. Call me Cade."
"Very well...Cade. If you would return the courtesy and call me Honour. 'Mrs. Wolfe' makes me feel like Jack's mother. My goodness, will you look at the clock on the mantle! I've been sitting here chatting for an hour and keeping you from your work! And I should get dressed and make some plans. I want to plan something special for Jack, seeing it is our last day here."
Cade picked up the tray and said, "Aye. I need to finalize plans for the smu---I mean, for the trade that Jack has outlined."
Honour laughed and said, "I know a bit about it, Mr...Cade. It is smuggling, pure and simple. After all, I AM married to a pyrate!"

Cade caught himself staring at Honour's brilliant blue eyes, and felt the heat rise in his cheeks. She was easily the most beautiful and radiant woman he'd ever seen. And she was the wife of the man who'd he come to look upon as a father-figure. How could he covet his mentor's wife?!

"Aye, ma'am. That you are. I'll be running this tray down for you. I hope you have a wonderful time here, what it being your honeymoon and all. I'll be leaving now." Cade offered incredibly clumsily. He retreated, only to catch a glimpse of Hounour framed in the light from the window. He paused and shook his head before descending the stairs.
'Alright, Cade, so she's beautiful,' he muttered to himself. 'Quit acting like a schoolboy.'
He crossed over to the tavern's bar and shoved the tray across its surface.

"Dance in your mind, does she not? Tempt you, don't she? Make you want her, no matter de consequence? D'at be her evil, that which already consume Jack, and make you doubt him." Bonita hissed. "Already you plan, in d'at dark heart you hide away. You plan to take for your own! D'at way lie darkness. But you already set you feet d'at way, so I not try to dissuade you. Have her, you will, but at a price you not want to face. De price be you immortal soul."
"Bonita, you are talking nonsense, as always," he retorted. "She's a lovely woman, yes. But she is also Jack's wife. Everyone knows that a captain's woman is untouchable and this isn't any different."

"Jack have his own fate, and she play dearly into it. He toss Bonita aside, for d'at child! He not know what he cast away! He be know as the greatest pyrate what ever sail. Pah!! He no longer worth my favours. You! Bastard child what he call his 'next in line'! Your mentor, and him grand design... distance yourself. D'at woman? Your death, it lie with her. Not that I can stop you. Not that I can stop any of you. It be what it be," she laughed hollowly.

"Fine. But the bottom line is, Bonita, that you are consumed with jealousy. Don't deny it--the green-eyed monster had gotten the better of the great voodoo queen. You need to take all these  issues up with Jack and kindly leave me out of it. And I'll not have you spreading any of your 'theories'  or as I see it your vicious lies about me, thank you very much."

He turned and quickly walked toward the door. But when he paused to look back, Bonita was nowhere to be seen. It was then that he heard Honour's door open. She was singing sweetly to herself. Cade found himself smiling as he closed the door to the tavern behind him.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 18, 2011, 06:51:30 PM
Jack strolled about the deck of his prized ship, inspecting the work of his men as they went about making the vessel ready for the voyage back to Barbados. He wore an uncharacteristically contented smile, which under other circumstances would have unnerved his crew. But they knew exactly why their captain seemed so happy, and they couldn't blame him a bit.
Josiah Briggs bustled up to Jack, wiping tar from his hands on an old rag.
"Jack! I wasn't expectin' to see ye. It's not like ye to pull a spot inspection."
"You know me, Josiah. Full of surprises."
"Especially these days."
"Boring isn't my style. How go the preparations?"
"Right on schedule," Briggs said proudly. "Maybe even ahead a bit, if the men keep this pace. Hungry for swag they be. Morale is at an all time high, thanks to this new plan ye've hatched."
"It has the benefit of never having been tried before. Expectations are guaranteed to be high. Now all we have to do is live up to them."
"Ye not be worried, I hope."
"Worried? Me?" laughed Jack. "Never. In the last ten years, how many times have we failed?"
"Not once. But... there always be that first time."
"Ah, there's that Briggs fatalism! The cloud to my silver lining. How does the hold look? Any extra room?

Briggs shook his head. "Nay, not with all the swag we're bringin' back as a 'gift' to the governor, in addition to the sale cargo. Even the rats are complainin' about the cramped quarters."
"Well, that won't do," frowned Jack.
"Eh? What's the matter with it?"
"I know this will come as an odd request, and I hate to bring it up, but... can we leave about a ton of the governor's cut here?"
"A... a ton?? What on Mother Mary's halo for?"
Jack gave a resigned sigh. "Well, I was telling Honour about some of the other ships and what they're carrying. Fabrics, luxury goods, things like that. The next thing I know, she wants to have a look. So I made the arrangements and showed her about. Long story short, it turned into a shopping excursion. Silly, I know, but I can deny her nothing. That's why I need the extra room. For her purchases."

Briggs caught the edge of a short powder barrel and sat down on it. The blood had drained from his face. "I knew ye'd take complete leave of your senses one day, Jack, but never like this! And do ye know how much extra work it will be to offload cargo, haul it to the warehouses, make space, and take on that woman's whimsies? And what the flyin' hell are ye laughin' at?!"
"YOU!" replied Jack, barely able to catch his breath. "Listen to yourself, Josiah! I think that's the shortest it's taken for you to work yourself into a froth!" He held his sides and shook his head. "I was having you on, my friend. Honour didn't buy anything, and there's no cargo to trade out. I wanted to see how you'd react, but I never thought you'd be this entertaining!"
Briggs glared at Jack for a moment, but his indignation passed quickly as he began to laugh at the joke as well. "Aye, ye had me goin', that's for sure! I ain't exactly warm to the notion of a woman - any woman - bein' aboard ship."
"I've noticed that. What's the matter, Josiah? Don't trust yourself?"
The quartermaster's mouth flopped open. "Now just a..."
"All right, all right, I'll stop. I promise! Honestly, Josiah, you make this too easy sometimes. What would you do if I didn't make sport of you?"
"Easy," smirked Briggs. "Lay low. That's when I know ye be angry with me!"

"Touché," Jack said with a smile. He looked around the deck and nodded. "Everything looks in good order, as I'd expected. Tell the men at the end of the watch there's two extra rations of rum as reward for their hard work. Any word of Duckie?"
"Nothin' new, so I expect he'll be makin' port this evenin' as planned."
"And he'll be as sociable as always when he gets back from one of his botanical excursions."
"Was was he after this time?" asked Briggs.
"He's still working on a journal of native cures. The primitive folk near Grenada caught his attention this time. I wonder if we'll see him outside of the surgery at all before we make Barbados?"
"Last time, we had to tell him thrice we'd docked. Once that man gets his head in the books, there be no draggin' him out for love nor money."
"He was that way at university as well," said Jack. "You could tell he was working on a paper. He'd carry so many books, it looked like part of the library had grown legs and wandered off."
"I believe it! All the same, it'll be good to have him back. I don't trust another surgeon with as much as a head cold otherwise."
"I will too," said Jack as he looked out over the bay. "The sooner we get back to St. Lawrence, the better."
"You in a hurry for somethin'?" asked Briggs.
"Hmm? No, no hurry. Just thinking out loud. Tell the men to keep up the good work. I'll be back at the tavern if you need me."

Briggs watched as his captain and friend took the gangway to the dock and walked briskly along the path leading toward the tavern. He wiped at the tar on his hands once more.
"Hmph. No hurry, my arse," he snorted to himself. "What are ye rushin' to this time, Jack Wolfe?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 25, 2011, 08:18:04 PM
As Jack hurried along the path back to the tavern, Muir came bounding down the path towards him. He kneeled and accepted the sweet puppy kisses Muir felt eager to bestow. "What is it, boy? What do you want?"
Muir slapped the ground with his front paws and ran off down the path. Jack jogged in pursuit, and found Muir and Honour waiting for him a short distance from the tavern. Suddenly, everything felt right again. He rushed to Honour and swept her up in his arms, as Muir barked and jumped with them.
Honour tried to catch her breath as she laughed.
"Jack, darling, you only left me a few hours ago!"
He held her and then drew back, brushing the hair off her shoulder and caressing her cheek. "Aye, but it seems like forever, love."
Muir continued to run back and forth. Jack rubbed behind the dog's ears and asked, "And what has him in a tizzy?"
She reached behind a palm tree and picked up a basket. "We, my dear, are going to have one last day to ourselves. We are going on a picnic."
Jack frowned. "Honour, sweetness, pirates don't go on picnics! We plunder, we pillage, but we don't picnic."
She smiled, "Today you aren't a pirate. Today you aren't Captain Jack Wolfe. Today you are John Michael Wolfe and you are my husband. Tomorrow we have Briggs frowning and disapproving but today it is just us. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe. And their dog."
Jack lifted the lid and picked up the corner of the cloth. "Smells good. And what did Bonita pack for us?"
She playfully slapped his hand and said, "That woman didn't have a thing to do with this. I have cold meats and cheese and bread. And frosted cakes for dessert. And----" she reached behind the tree again and picked up a bottle of wine "---I hope you don't mind that I went down in your wine cellar and took a bottle of claret. I figured if it was yours, then it technically is mine. And this is what I wanted. I found a secret place I wanted to show you anyways."

Bonita sat at the tavern bar and continually threw the bones. "This be right! Bones no lie. Bones never lie. Tia Elena say so. Always right!"
The bones continued to form the same pattern. The leg bones of the chicken bones always ran parallel and the breast bone touched each of them, slightly between the two. She sat there in satisfaction and said aloud to no one, " They lives run parallel. But never cross again. She touch each. She keep apart yet touch. She no love. She never love. She poison! Jack no listen. Jack never listen. Jack remember. Mon Dieu, he remember but it be too late. Too late for all. D'at child-bride... D'at child poison! Not what she seem. Jack no listen. Jack pay de price."

Honour took Jack's arm and led him down a path that paralleled the shore. Abruptly she turned them to the greenery and then she climbed over a large rock. She pulled her skirts up and tucked them into her waistband. Jack followed. Within a couple moments, after climbing up a small, narrow path, Honor stopped suddenly and swept her hand over the area.
"Voila! Is this not paradise or what?"
They stood in a small grotto. Overhead, a waterfall spilled over the shale and pooled in a small stream. The trees formed a canopy. She spread a cloth down and sat cross-legged on the ground. Muir ran to the pool, barking at his own reflection.
Honour produced two crystal goblets and handed Jack the bottle.
"Would you do the honours, my darling husband?"
He grinned and after opening, he poured it into the wine glasses.
"Honour, you are up to something. We may only have been married ten days, but I can read your mind. Now..what is it you are angling for?"
She looked down and said, "Am I that transparent?"
"Yes."
She looked up and there were tears on her lashes. "Jack, I--I'm afraid to go back to Barbados! I have a bad feeling about it."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm afraid something bad will happen before we get there. I can't help it. Please! Can we not stay here? Can we not live here? Surely with all the treasure you have, we can--
Jack cut her off. "What are you saying?"
She took a deep breath.
"I want you to give up being a pirate."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 25, 2011, 08:21:30 PM
Jack finished his sip of wine and took a deep breath. "Surely you're joking," he said quietly.
"I've never been more serious in my life," she replied, the resolution clear in her voice.
"You really have no idea what you're asking."
"I'm asking for normalcy. Stability. Safety. All the things a wife ought to expect from her husband."
"Stability and safety? Here? I would dearly love to give you those things, Honour. But in my world, those things are in scare supply."
"What's wrong with right here? We're away from the rest of the world, and you have a veritable army of loyal men surrounding you! How is that not safe?"
"What makes you think those men are loyal to me, love?"
"I've seen it with my own eyes, Jack! They adore you! They do whatever you ask, even the other captains, as if you were their king."
Jack smiled wanly. "Honour, those men are loyal to what I can bring them. Gold and silver, spoils and treasure. That's all I am to them. They're as loyal to me as dogs are to the town butcher. Only they're less honest about the relationship. No, if I were to step away here and now, they'd turn on me in a heartbeat."
"How can that be? What about the oaths they swore to you? What about the Code of the Brethren?"
"The Code? Oh, sweetheart... the Code is a myth. A fairy story. A bit of fiction made up by whoever writes those halfpenny books about pirates back in England. The most they've done is sign the ship's articles, like any other sailor on any other ship." He poured another glass of wine and drank half of it.

Honour sat silently, considering what her husband had just told her. "Then... there's no simple way out of this for you? For us? None at all?"
"Remember when you were a little child and grown-ups would tell you everything is going to be fine, but you knew they were lying to you just to make you feel better?"
"Yes."
"Well, everything is going to be fine."
"That isn't funny, Jack." Honour shook her head balefully. "But I see it now. You are a prisoner."
Jack slowly turned his face to look at her. She didn't notice the look in his eyes.
"... And me with you," she said bitterly. "If I'd know half of this, I never would have--"

"No."
Honour turned to look at him. "What?"
"I said no."
"I don't understand."
'It means, NO!"
"But you just said--"
"NO!" he practically shouted. "I will not be a prisoner. No, you won't be a prisoner, either. No, we will not be trapped in this life. You want safety and security? Then that's what you're going to get."
"But... you told me that's not possible. That the way things are, the expectations of your crew..."
"Captain's prerogative. I'm changing the rules of the game."
"You can do that?"
"Oh, you just watch me!"

"I don't understand the change of heart, Jack," said Honour. "First you said there was no way you could leave the trade, now you say you want to. What am I to believe?"
Jack took her hand in his. "You can believe that I want nothing more than to have a quiet life with you." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Honour, this is the first time I've ever given retirement serious thought. I've never had reason to before. I have been running my entire life, usually from one thing or another. Sometimes even from myself. But it's time I stopped running. Here and now, it ends."
His words caught her off guard. No more running. Suddenly it all made sense, why they seemed such kindred spirits. They'd both been running the better part of their lives. She now had a much better understanding of the man she called husband. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face against him, not knowing if the tears that welled in her eyes were out of happiness or relief.

"I know you're worried about the crossing to Barbados, but it's a necessary thing," he told her. "It's a big colony. We can start over there. Fade into the background and live that quiet life together. And I promise, it will be a faster sail back, at least a day shorter. What could possibly happen?" He pulled back just enough so his eyes could meet hers, and he gently wiped away some of her tears. "It's our best chance, my love. Will you take it with me?"
She nodded wordlessly. When she found her voice, she said, "Aye, my husband. I trust you with my life."
Jack said soberly, "I wish you wouldn't put it that way, Honour. That is a heavy responsibility for a man like me. But yes, we'll build a life together, away from all this. No more running, no more looking over our shoulders."

Honour smiled and kissed Jack, then stood up and stretched her back. "I shall always remember this as one perfect moment. A hidden grotto, nothing but the smell of fresh air and the earth. A very sweet, heady aroma. It reminds me of...." She stopped suddenly.
"Of what, Honour?"
She shrugged and said, "Of happy days of my youth."
She had a flash of the weekend she spent in Cardiff with Rhys. That too had been a perfect day. Like this one. A guilty feeling rose up in her. She didn't know if she felt unfaithful to Rhys' memory or to Jack. Time to push it down again till it finally would surface no more....
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 25, 2011, 08:23:34 PM
She looked at the waterfall and she smiled. Without a word, she stood, loosened her chemise and let it drift down in a silky swirl.
She walked over to the waterfall and stood under it, her hair streaming down her back and the water glistening off her skin. Jack looked over at Muir . The wolf-dog looked at him questioningly. He laughed, "She'll be the death of me, yes, pup?"
The dog gave a sharp bark and then laid down with his paws over his nose.

They laid on the grass, the picnic blanket covering them. Honour pulled away from Jack and propped herself on her elbow, her fingers trailing over his chest.
"Jack, I have been thinking..."
Jack yawned. "Honour, I already said I would seriously consider giving up this life when we got to Barbados."
She said carefully, "Barbados has some fine sugar plantations. I am willing to hazard a guess that we could buy one of them and settle down to a life of raising sugar cane."
Jack gave a quick snort of laughter. "Me? A gentleman farmer?"
She started to talk rapidly to make her pitch. "Barbados is the richest of all the European colonies in the Caribbean region. The prosperity of Barbados is regionally unmatched. And don't forget the other commodities like rum, molasses, and Falernum. And it would be a perfect place to settle down and raise children and...."
Jack jumped up, taking the cover with him. "Hold it right there, Mrs. Wolfe! What are you talking about? You mean ba---ba---ba---"
"I believe 'babies' is the word you are looking for, Jack. But eventually I thought we might start a family. A little captain..."
"Whoa! When I said 'I do' that night, I didn't say I wanted a replica of me calling me 'da-da'. I just thought we were in for a bit of fun first."
Honour looked at him with hurt in her eyes. "A bit of fun. Is that all I am to you, Jack? A commodity in itself? Like your rum casks? Like your silks and guilders and Madeira wine?"

She grabbed the cover back from him and wrapped her hurt in it.
Jack softened and began to realise his bonny bride was little more than a child herself.
He said, "I'm sorry, Honour.  I've put my foot in it again.  I promise, we'll talk about all this when we reach Barbados, love. Alright?"
She just nodded. She turned to quickly wipe a tear that trailed down her cheek before Jack could see. Perhaps children of her own would wipe Rhys' memory off her soul. She did love Jack. They were both searching for something in their lives. She prayed it would be the same thing.

Pulling her chemise back over her head, she grabbed the cover from Jack and stuffed it into the basket.
With a brittle smile, she said, a bit too brightly, "Shall we go back? I am sure you have business to attend to and I have some packing to do before tomorrow."
She started to walk back. Jack hurriedly put his shirt and breeches back on.
Muir nudged Jack's hand and Jack scratched the dog behind the ears.
"Holy shnikeys, Muir...babies!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 01, 2012, 11:03:31 AM
Bonita unlocked the door to the room that Jack and Honour shared. She stood there, her hands on her hips.
Surveying all, she felt feelings of anger and resentment well up in her. Honour's silky finery was scattered all around the room. A pair of Jack's boots were cast under the bed. The dresser had a vase of wildflowers.
The bedcovers were thrown back, showing rumpled sheets. Honour's scent of jasmine was in the air.

Bonita picked up something lacy that laid on the floor. She stood in the center of the room and closed her eyes. Clutching the fabric to her forehead, she whispered, 'Montrez-moi ! Montrez-moi où elle l'a des charmes cachés...'
The French doors suddenly flew open, banging into the wall. The curtains blew and rippled into the room. Bonita's skirt whirled around her like a dervish. She opened up her eyes and strode to the dresser, her hands out in front of her. She walked around and suddenly she stopped in front of the trunk that Honour had brought on shore with her. Bonita knelt down and ran her hands over it. She smiled to herself and tried the lock. It would not give.
"What the hell are you doing in this room?"

She whirled around and came face to face with Cade. She assumed a lofty attitude and said haughtily, "Jack leaves his room a mess. I do my job. I clean it."
"Since when?"
"Since he marry dat child-bride of his who ne'er clean a room in her life. Tavern wench? HA! You not think Bonita not know something not right there?"
"Bonita, your jealousy is getting the best of your judgement."
"Dat were you be wrong. I show you. Come downstairs."

Cade reluctantly went downstairs with Bonita. She took him over to a table in the corner and she lit two black candles. Cade asked, "Wh--what are the candles for?"
She just shook her head and the candle's flame reflected in her eyes, her pupils on fire.
She said, "Sit."
He did so with great trepidation. She withdrew a deck of cards and laid them out.
"I be using these since my tia Elena give them to me. Always de same. Always when I lay dem out, dey read the same."
She turned a card over and exclaimed, "Look!"

She turned over the Lovers card.
She said bitterly, "Always her. Always dat child bride. It be a temptation of de heart. A choice of potential partners. A single lifestyle be sacrificed and a relationship gained or one partner chosen while another turned down. Heed dis well, Cade Jennings! She make a choice in de future but it not made lightly. Like Adam and Eve, the Lovers card mean impulse dat drive us out o' de Garden. Curiosity. Well, she be curious 'bout Jack's life. Once she have stepped passed de threshold, there be no returning to the Garden."

Cade shook his head and said, "Bonita, I'm sorry but no card can read what is going on in a person's mind."
She arched her eyebrow and said, "Fool ye be, Cade Jennings. I return to de deck. And look!"
She turned the next card and came up with the Magician's card.

"Dis be Jack's card. Always have been the card of Captain Jack Wolfe! See here. Dis card point to talent, capabilities and resources. Its message tap into one's full potential rather than holding back especially when dere be a need to transform something. Dere be choices and directions to take. He may be a beneficent guide, but he not necessarily have our best interests in mind. He may also represent the querent's ego or self awareness. He also represent the intoxication of power, good and bad."

Cade stood up. "Bonita, you are making this up as you go along. It can mean anything you want it to."
She said darkly, "You stay right dere, you be next, Cade Jennings. Den maybe you believe Bonita!"
She slowly turned over the card.

Cade could not take his eyes away and stared in disbelief.
"A...devil? What does THAT mean?"
She gave a sharp bark of laughter. "Ah! Now de young pup o' dat wolf want to know what de devil card mean!"
She leaned forward and hissed, "It mean our bondage to material things rather any evil person. It be an obsession or addiction to fulfilling our own earthly base desires. It mean money and power, one who be persuasive, aggressive and controlling."
Cade laughed uncomfortably, "You must be mad, woman! That fits Captain Jack Wolfe. Not me."
She then leaned back in her chair, crossed her arms and said, "De Querent understand dat de ties that bind are freely worn, and you be only enslaved if you allow de abuse to go on."
She delivered the final barb. "You, Cade Jennings, you. YOU! You be de snake in Jack's little Garden of Eden."

Cade stared at her. His arm swept across the table, scattering the cards all over the table and onto the floor. He put his face inches from Bonita's and whispered hoarsely, "You damned witch."
He turned on his heel and walked out the door, the laughter of Bonita following him out the door.

It was near dark when Honour and Jack walked up the slope to the tavern.
"Ooof!"
"Jack! I--I'm sorry. I didn't see you there."
Jack said, "Cade, where are you going in such an all-fired hurry?"
"One of the ships docked and I have to see what they have netted on their 'fishing expedition.' From what Captain Parnell said, it was a successful trip. Spanish wine, some Belgian lace. Silks from Persia. And there is a rumour that the captured ship's hold contained alot of Aztec gold."
Jack clapped him on the back and said, "Then get to work, Cade. I must say, I do have every faith in you. In spite of my riding you unmercifully."
Cade looked at Jack and saw the captain did have a look of pride on his face. Cade felt miserable and guilty in view of what Bonita had just predicted for him. Impossible! A snake in Jack's Eden? Never!

Cade looked over at Honour. She had her arm linked in Jack's. Her wet hair hung down her back and a few tendrils around her face. She was barefoot and carried a basket. Her chemise clung to her damp body. She smiled at him but he could sense there was a wistfulness in her that became apparent. Like there was an underlying distress.
She said softly, "I do hope we shall see you in the morning, Captain Jennings, before we leave."
His face turned red and he said, "I shall make it a point to say goodbye."
Jack looked from Cade to Honor and then back to Cade. He said, "Then off you go, Cade. See you in the morning."
Cade tipped his hat to Honour and said, "Ma'am."
Jack put his arm around his wife and said, "I swear, sometimes I just can't suss him out..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 08, 2012, 07:26:28 PM
They entered the tavern to see Bonita picking up her cards and putting them back in the leather box she kept them in. Jack noticed the black candles and hoped Honour didn't see them. Bonita said darkly, "De tavern is closed for food, Jack Wolfe. Him wantin' food, him gettin' it himself."
Honour found herself instinctively drawing closer to Jack. The sooner they were out of Castara, the better she would feel. Bonita's presence sent shivers down her back. Like two opposite magnetic fields they were.
Jack said hurriedly, "No need for any food, Bonita, dear. Honour and I had our fill already. We are going to retire for the night. We shall see you in the morning."
Bonita suddenly smiled, "Aye. Dat ye shall. Bonita want to be sure to say 'goodbye' to de great Captain and him lovely bride."
They turned and headed up the stairs.

Once in their room, Honour dropped her wet chemise and reached for her dressing gown. Jack opened the French doors.
Honour sniffed the air. "Do you smell that?"
Jack said, "What do you mean?"
"Patchouli."
"How do you know what patchouli is?"
"I worked in a seaport tavern, dear. Don't you remember? Anyways, a trader came in with the most luxurious silk and showed it to me. I noticed the smell and asked him about it. He said the silks were packed with the herb to ward off moths."
"Strange, though. I always associated the scent with Bonita. She wears a scent like that. But she knows better than to come into the room. Must be something outside wafting in."

A wave of guilt washed over Honour. The trader was no lie. But the 'trader' was Captain James Blake and the silk in question was silk he left her as a going-away present.
Only he was the one going away. Jack would never know that very silk was the dressing gown she now wore.

She tilted her face up to meet his and put her arms around his neck, drawing him close to her. "I think I shall miss Castara Bay. It has been a wonderful honeymoon, darling."
He picked her up and carried her over to the bed and chuckled, "And it isn't over yet, love."

_______________________________________________________________

As she laid there in Jack's arms, her head on his chest, she listened to his rhythmic breathing as he drifted off to sleep. She willed herself not to cry. It was their last night on shore and she was filled with trepidation at the crossing back to Barbados.
'If we can only get back to Barbados safely, I know I can convince him to give up this life. Perhaps even a new life in the New World. I heard the French are planning a port on a very wide river...and it would be a chance to start a new life. No more running. For either of us. And it would be just the thing to erase Rhys' memory from my heart...'
She snuggled back into the crook of his arm and soon she too was asleep.

Jack awoke to the delicate scent of jasmine. He slowly opened his eyes to find Honour smiling up at him as she traced slow, lazy circles on his chest with her fingertip. A cool breeze wafted over them, causing Honour to shiver slightly. He pulled her close and stroked her silken hair. "Don's fret, darling. As long as I draw a breath, I'll be there to keep you warm."
Honour never lifted her head for fear that he'd see the sadness in her eyes. "Please don't tease me, Jack," she said quietly. "How can you keep such a promise when I know full well you'll be off a-pyrating?"
"How many sugar plantation owners and gentleman farmers have you heard of that go sailing off on the account when they have a wife and family to care for?"

She stared at him in utter disbelief. "Who are you, and how did you get into my bed? Where is my husband? I warn you, he is positively the most fearsome pyrate in the entire Caribbean!"
"Maybe he got a better offer, and decided to take it," he smiled.
Honour was overcome with shock and joy. "You... you what? She climbed atop Jack and began showering him with kisses. She paused momentarily as wicked smile played across her lips. "Oh, you really are my husband!"

"Easy, Honour!" he laughed. "I have to warn you, there are some minor provisions..."
"Provisions?" She gave him a dubious look. "Like what, exactly?"
"We have to buy out land near the water."
"Granted!" She leaned close to kiss him.
"And... I get to keep a boat."
"A boat? Just how big of a boat?"
"A simple fishing boat. One mast."
"No guns?"
"No guns. I'd hate to scare the fish."
"Granted!! Shall we seal our agreement?"
"I suppose we we could shake hands or something."
Honour shifted her body, and seductively brushed her lips against his. "Or," she whispered, "you could shut up and make love to me."
"Deal."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 15, 2012, 08:29:03 PM
"No! Careful with that! Jack!" Honour shouted.

Jack looked out the door of their room to see two of his crewmen wrestling the last of Honour's trunks through the tavern door. "Oi! What the lady said! Easy on the door!" he called down.

She turned from the railing with an incredulous look on her face.
"Oh! You meant the chest, didn't you? Sorry about that, darling," Jack winked at her.
Honour slipped her arms around his waist. "Captain Wolfe, would you be so cavalier about things if I parked your ship the way your crew handles my luggage?"
"Dock."
"What?"
"'Dock'. It's a very specific, uniquely nautical term."
"Which means...?"
"Um, 'park'." He kissed her on the forehead. "No more talk of scuffing up the hull! It's bad luck," he teased.

"That's the last of it all. Would you care to eat before we go aboard?" he asked.
"No, I'm fine until we set sail, thank you. Leaving port seems to give me a nervous stomach," Honour lied. What she really wanted was to be of the island, away from Bonita, and done with the crossing to Barbados as quickly as possible. No matter how Jack reassured her, she was still filled with dread.
As they descended the stairs, Muir appeared at the door and barked insistently.
"It looks like someone's anxious to get under sail!" Jack laughed.
"I know exactly how he feels," she said quietly.

The couple walked along the winding path to the dockyard, talking about everything and nothing. Muir jogged at their side, occasionally running ahead to nip at a colourful butterfly. Without warning, the dog pricked up his ears and ran off into the jungle.
"Muir! Muir, no! Come back!" Honour cried. She put her fingers to her lips and gave a piercing three-note whistle but he wouldn't respond. She grabbed the hem of her dress to chase after him, but Jack gently restrained her.
"He's probably off after a lizard or some other wee beastie. I'll fetch him, love. No use you tearing that new dress of a bit of folly." With that, he took off after the wayward Muir.

"Bloody hell, that doggy's a fast one!" Jack panted as he ran. "Muir! Oi! Here, boy! Damn it, slow down! Muir!" he yelled. He heard playful barking just ahead, and to his relief he spied the wolf-dog in the clearing ahead.

Standing beside Honour's pet was Bonita.

"Bonita!! What in blazes are you doing out here?" He was relieved to see that Muir wasn't eating anything.
"Him little wife seem to have lost somet'ing," Bonita smirked. "An' was Bonita to miss de great Captain Jack Wolfe before him set sail on anot'er grand adventure? Him never leave wit'out saying goodbye before. Jack forget him manners now him a married man?" she asked sarcastically. "Why de hurry to leave Castara and Bonita? Could it be dat pretty little bride him bring among us carry off more dan Jack Wolfe's heart, but him head as well?"
Jack was taken aback and more than a little intimidated by her accusatory tone. "Of course not!" he snapped. He shoved down the urge to become defensive as best he could. "Really, Bonita. You've been sullen and out of sorts ever since we arrived. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were jealous."

She shot him a look that made him want to run.
"Jealous?! Tell me dis - when have Bonita's bed ever been a place him not welcome? Name me one time!"
Jack stammered, feeling for all the world like a trapped rabbit.
"Dat because it never happen, Jack Wolfe!" She drew a deep breath, then waved her hand dismissively. "But him have chosen, and made him bond wit' anot'er. De Great Captain want what he want. It matter no more to me.

He almost laughed with relief. "So, you're good with it then?"
Bonita looked at him momentarily in disbelief, then chuckled despite herself. "If dat ease Jack Wolfe's mind, den yes."
"Always good to have the blessings of a friend," he smiled nervously.
She gave him a dark smile as she pulled her black lace shawl around her. "Speakin' of blessings, come wit' me."
"Go with you? Where, exactly?" He looked around furtively, praying to himself that no other surprises were about to stroll, or worse, toddle, onto the scene.
"Are him in such a hurry to get back to de little wife dat Bonita cannot read de cards? It always were our tradition, no?"

Jack's eyes lit up. Her readings had always shown him where and when to strike, and how successful he'd be on his cruises. She had never been wrong, not once, and he'd become fabulously wealthy because of her talents.
"A reading? Um, of course, yes! You know how important tradition is to me, darling." He stepped closer to her, emboldened by her seeming change in demeanour. "I know I can depend on you for the turn of a friendly card. Please, lead on."

The dark woman looked into his eyes, then turned and walked to a large rock. It was roughly the size of a tree stump, and conveniently flat enough on top. She knelt before it and produced her worn deck of cards from a pouch at her waist. Jack knelt on one knee opposite her as she shuffled the deck. Muir laid down beside him and rested his head on Jack's boot.

"As always, wit' our 'tradition', t'ree cards Bonita draw, and t'ree only," she intoned. "D'ese cards, dey show de way of Jack Wolfe voyage. Dey show what will be."
He watched eagerly as she closed her eyes and drew the first card. It depicted ten interlocking swords suspended over a sinking, ruined ship.
"This must be good, yeah? I'm the swords, defeating my prey?" he said with barely contained excitement.
Bonita shook her head solemnly. "No. Jack Wolfe is de ship."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 15, 2012, 08:29:50 PM
"How in blazes is that possible?" he gasped.
"De swords, dey be forces beyond de control of anyone. Dis be de card of sudden disaster. De card of Karma." Bonita's normally dark eyes narrowed to the point they appeared black on black.
"Not funny, Bonita. Not one bit. I know you've been upset with me, but I thought we were past all that. Aren't we?" He tried to settle himself. "The card has to be wrong. Draw again."

She sighed impatiently. "Dis next card, it eit'er confirm or negate de first. Den we see who know de cards better; Jack Wolfe, or Fate." Closing her eyes, she drew again and laid the card face up before Jack. It depicted a massive tower being blown apart by lightning, meteors, and cannon fire, with people at it's base fleeing from the falling debris.
"Let me guess. I'm neither the lightning nor the cannons?  The meteors, perhaps?" he asked dryly.
"De Tower represent all Jack Wolfe have built over de years.  Him empire.  Everyt'ing him have gain by trick and wickedness, dey cannot be held or sustained." Her eyes grew sad as she continued. "De ones dat find shelter and comfort near him will be injured or ruined as well..."

"Enough of this charade!" he growled, more in frustration than anger. "You've obviously stacked the deck in some pitiful attempt to manipulate me, to shake my confidene. Farewell, Bonita." He got up to walk away. "Muir, come!"
"Damn you, Jack Wolfe!" she spat. "Bonita be many t'ings, but she never a cheat! De cards are what dye are, even if him refuse to believe de trut' dey tell you." She slammed the deck down on the rock. "Him call Bonita - after all dis time and all we share - a cheat and a liar? Den draw de last card for himself. Do it! Unless him afraid."
She sat back with her arms crossed, seething in anger and hurt. As he watched, a small tear appeared in the corner of eye and trailed down her cheek.

In all the time he'd known her, he'd found her to be many things. But a liar was not one of them. He did his best to keep up an air of suspicion, even though she was right. Jack Wolfe, the infamous and feared pirate, was indeed scared of what the next would reveal. He reached down and cut the deck, then cut it again. When he glanced up briefly to gauge her reaction, she closed her eyes and turned her face away. He bit his lip and turned over the third and final card. What it showed him made his blood run ice cold.

Even he could clearly read it's meaning. A man and woman facing one another, but not touching. And towering over them, keeping them from one another with a huge sword driven into the earth -- the Devil.

Jack's mind reeled. With a look of confusion and fear on his face, he slowly stood and tried to force something resembling a pleasant smile. "Thank you for such a lovely time, Bonita. It's been thoroughly... interesting. If you'll pardon me, I have a ship to take out. Time and tide, and all that. See you soon." With that, he turned on his heel and walked away as fast as he could without breaking into a run. "Muir!" he called without slowing. The dog cocked his head as he watched Jack race-walk into the jungle, and followed after.

Jack looked back over his shoulder to make Muir was following and that Bonita was out of sight, and broke into a dead run. He wanted off the island and on the open seas as soon as possible.
"Damn, damn, damn! Overreaching your grasp again, you stupid git!" he chided himself as he ran. "The cards said it - the smuggling operation will fail! I've got to get Honour to Barbados and away from this life!" Muir had caught up to him finally, and stayed beside him as they ran.

"Muir! Jack! Where are you?!" Honour called. "Oh, they've been gone too long. Something's happened, I just know it!" She was about to whistle for Muir again when he and Jack exploded out of the treeline and slid to a stop in front of her.

"Jack, what on earth is wrong? You act as if the Devil himself was after you!"
"What?  How did you know?"
"What?"
"Nothing, nothing. Just thought it would be fun to run with Muir. Now, let's be off." He took her by the arm and nearly pulled her off her feet.
"What's gotten into you? We have plenty of time to get to the ship."
"Sorry, darling. Just anxious to get back to the sea." He hooked her arm and tried to ease her none too discreetly into a double-time step.
"Jack - Stop!" She pulled herself free of his grip and put her hands on her hips. "Tell me right now; what is the hurry?"
He took Honour by the shoulders and looked gravely into her eyes. "I can't tell you. Not now. There's no time. Now come on."
"I'm not taking a single step until you be honest with me!"

"How's about I tell you once we're sa-- once we're off the island?" He winced at his verbal misstep.
"You were about to say 'safely', weren't you? Jack, what's happening? Is someone after you? After us?"
"Honour, all I can tell you is that we have to get away from here, and put as much ocean between us and this island as fast as we can. Yes, we are in danger. No, I can't tell you anything else about it. I'm begging you, Honour... Can we please go now?"
She could see the haunted look in his eyes.
"All right, Jack. I trust you," she said guardedly as they walked together again.
"At least I've got that going for me..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 22, 2012, 07:53:32 PM
Jack, Honour, and Muir arrived at the docks in near record time. Briggs spotted them from the deck as he directed the ship's final preparations.
"Cap'n's here early! Step it up, ye laggards!"
Something struck him as odd about their behaviour  as they traversed the dock, but he shrugged it off as one more odd thing in Jack's treasury of odd things.
"Hmph. Jumpin' the gun on me again, eh? Bloody early inspections..." he said to himself. "Shift it, ye dogs, and and be quick about it!"

"Honour, you and Muir go on ahead and board. I'll be with you shortly. Very shortly." Jack kissed her cheek and smiled to reassure her.
"Please hurry," she whispered.
Cade walked up just as she turned toward the ship, and they very nearly collided.
"I'm sorry, Honour. I mean, Mrs. Wolfe. Please pardon my clumsiness," he offered with a broad, sunny smile.
"Mr. Jennings," she replied flatly as she stepped past him, with Muir obediently by her side.
"Good day, Mrs. Wolfe..." he offered, confused by her brusqueness. "Jack! How are you? Ready to sail?"
"Yes, yes, ready and anxious." Jack answered hurriedly.
"Is everything all right, old friend?"
"Aye! Wonderfully well. Couldn't be better. Take care of things while I'm away, yeah? No burning down the tavern!"

He clapped Cade on the shoulder and leaned close to the younger man.
"Meet me in Bridgetown in a week or two's time. No questions, lad. Just do as you're told!" he whispered, then hurried to the gangway.

"Aye, Jack! You can... count on me." Cade trailed off. "I swear, I'll never figure him out."

"Mr. Briggs!"
"Aye, Jack! We're near ready to sail, within an hour or -"
"Now."
"Eh?"
"Now. We're sailing now."
"What's the bloody rush, Jack? The tide's not full in yet."
"Captain's prerogative. They have those lovely cheesy biscuits in Bridgetown, the ones with the parsley flecks, and I'm hungry. Oi!!" he shouted to the crew. "Make ready to cast off!!"
"Jack, for the love of... Do ye even want to know if Duckie's aboard yet?"
"Oh, yes, of course. Is he?"
"Aye, he arrived yesterday, earlier than we expected. He's settled--"
"Good!  If his brandy is on board too, we can cast off like I just ordered."  Jack bit his lip and gave his friend a worried look. "Josiah, I swear I'll explain later. Right now, I want just this ship moving."
Briggs gave him bewildered look. "Aye, Jack. Thy will be done. You heard the Cap'n, lads!!" he cried. "Put yer backs into it! Make ready to cast off those lines!!"
The crew hurried about their tasks at a frantic pace. Jack watched for a moment, then turned his attention to Honour who was waiting near the steps to the quarterdeck.
"Jack!" Briggs called. "What about a few words to the crew?"
"What?"
"The sailin' talk! Ye always give a short talk to the crew when we set off, Jack. It's tradition!"
"I've never cared much for tradition," Jack replied somberly. He took Honour's hand and they climbed to the quarterdeck.

Honour walked to the aft rail and looked out over the island. As her gaze travelled down across the docks, she saw Cade looking back at her. He tipped his hat to her and bowed slightly, never taking his eyes off her. She returned his wave, and turned from the rail to look at Jack. Her husband was at the forward deck rail, looking out over the dominion of his ship. He seemed so secure and in control now, completely different from the panic she'd seen in his eyes just minutes ago.

"Full canvas!! Get us under way!" Jack ordered. The sails unfurled from the yards and filled with with the wind that he was sure would carry them to safety. As the ship began to move forward, he turned back to his wife and joined her at the taffrail. He looked back at the dock and waved a salute to his friend and apprentice, Cade. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure standing on the beach close to the where El Lobo had been docked.

It was Bonita, watching the ship pull away. She was standing at the water's edge in a calico dress with her black lace shawl blowing about her in the breeze. That's when Jack noticed the pennant flying from the ensign staff above his head, and it dawned on him what he was seeing.

Bonita's shawl, which wrapped and unfurled itself about her like some living thing, was moving opposite the wind.

"Honour, do you see that, over on the beach?"
"See what, darling?"
He looked back to find Bonita gone.
"Never mind. It was probably nothing."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 29, 2012, 09:33:10 PM
Honour gently laid her hand on Jack's arm and took a deep breath. The salt air seemed to revive her somewhat and calmed her nerves. Certainly it seemed to do that to Jack. He put his arms around her and she laid her body against his.
"How soon before we are in Barbados, Jack?"
"Four days unless we catch a really good wind. Then we may make it in three."
She murmured, "The sooner we get to Barbados, the better I shall feel."
"Did you say something, love?"
"Hmm? No. Just...thinking how much I missed home. I'll check on the land as soon as we get settled into port. We can stay at my room for a few days until we decide where we want to live."
"Why not just stay on the ship when we port?"
"Under the watchful eye of Briggs and your crew? Jack, we have only been married ten days. The room at Castara Bay was delightful, no one to bother us."
"Or hear us."
She blushed and laughed lightly. "Well...that, too."

The two of them stood in silence, watching the island of Tobago fade into the distance. Jack breathed a sigh of relief. "Never thought I'd be that happy to put Castara Bay to my rudder."
Honour turned to look at her husband. "Jack, you need to tell me what it was that haunted you so. What happened out there while you were fetching Muir?"
Jack lied, "The Spanish Crown's agents were spotted and I know there may be a small price on my head. I just wanted us to get out of there as fast as we could. Cade would know how to handle them. After all, to all of Tobago, Cade Jennings is just an innkeeper."
"Do you think Bonita would turn you or Cade in?"
Jack looked over the horizon and shook his head. "She hates Spain even more than I do. She would never turn any of us in, no matter how much she ha--no matter how much they offer."

Just then, Honour felt something entwine around her legs and jumped. She looked down to see Li'l Puddin'.
Jack laughed, "Ah, there is Mister Briggs' favorite furball!"
Honour bent down and scooped up the cat and cradled him in her arms. She subconsciously started rocking him, back and forth.
Jack looked at her and said, "Honour, what are you doing?"
"Hmm? Nothing. Why?"
He shook his head. "Is it an instinct with all you women? You get a little thing in your arms and you start rocking it like you had a wee bairn or something."
"I didn't realize I was doing that."
"Aye, well, don't! You make me nervous with that--that maternal whatever you call it."
Li'l Puddin' looked at Jack through slitted eyes and buried himself deeper into Honour's embrace. Muir sat next to her with a quizzical look on his face. Jack reached down and scratched him behind the ears. "She's not ignoring you, boy."
Honour put Li'l Puddin' down. He spied something and ran off to catch it.

"Jack, I'd like to go to our room and unpack a bit."
Jack looked over and saw Briggs standing by the quarterdeck.
"Aye, by all means, darling. I shall like to confer with Briggs anyway. Point of direction, ship's business, all that rot. You go on, I shall be there in a bit."

Honour watched her husband walk over to his best friend and clap him on the shoulder. The two of them walked off. She turned to her best friend and said, "Shall we go, Muir?"
He ran ahead of her, seeming to know where they both belonged.

She looked and saw that her trunks were stored in a corner. She opened the first one and there on top was something she didn't recognize.
It was a lavender lace shawl.
"Oh.....MY!" she gasped.

She carefully picked it up. A note fell from its folds.


                                         In appreciation for a lovely morning chat.
                                                  Your humble servant,
                                                       Cade A. Jennings
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 05, 2012, 07:57:32 PM
Jack watched as Honour disappeared below decks. He felt a twinge of regret at having lied to her about his real reason for fleeing Castara. But he knew in his heart that he'd done the right thing, and that he'd do it again if it meant keeping her safe. He looked out over the weather deck as the crew busied themselves stowing the cargo they'd so hastily lashed down earlier. The salt air and bustle of shipboard life were like a balm to his frayed nerves. The most tangible safety he'd ever known were within the confines of his wooden walls. He was staking everything that those walls would protect them from what he'd seen in Bonita's cards.

"The crew's gettin' the last bits squared away," Briggs said, interrupting Jack's reverie. "I figure things should be right and normal shortly. That is, as normal as it ever gets on this ship. Runnin' from a perfectly tranquil island as if it were Davy Jones himself rose up to swallow us all. Right peculiar, some might say..."
"Subtle as a cudgel, Josiah."
"I'm just sayin', Jack. What by God's blood has you in such a state?"
"Something terrible is going to happen at Castara," Jack said in a heavy whisper. "Something devastating."
"What manner of 'terrible'? Have the Spaniards found out about our running trade there? Or did that poppin' jay Barbadian governor sell us out? I never trusted that damned prissy peacock..."
"It's both. Or neither," Jack replied, his frustration showing. "I really don't know."
"I don't follow. Jack Wolfe ain't one to run without good reason."

Jack turned and looked Josiah squarely in the eye. "On the way to the ship, I ran into Bonita."
"Sweet mother and child! What bilge did that witch woman fill you head with?"
"Answer me this, Josiah. Can you name me one single time she's been wrong?
Briggs bit his lip as a troubled look came into his eyes. "You know full well I can't,'cause she never is. That accursed Sight of hers ain't natural. Scares the hell out of me."

"She saw the coming destruction of Castara," Jack whispered. "She saw me losing everything if I stayed."
Briggs stared slack-jawed at his friend. "What about the others? What about Cade? He's the closest thing you have to a son, leastways what you know of!"
Jack looked out over the waters ahead. "Cade is a resourceful young man.  He'll be fine."
"That's all?  Nothin' more for him?"
"I'm doing what I have to, Josiah. Protecting my own, Cade included. He's accounted for, if he chose to listen. The rest are more than capable of fending for themselves. If they weren't, they'd be dead already. Or worse yet, moneyhouse clerks. If I'm out of the picture, as it were, perhaps they'll have a fighting chance."
"Some would say you're tryin' to outrun Fate."
"And what would you say, old friend?"
Briggs looked around thoughtfully at the ship and her crew, and the sea beyond. "Cap'n know what's best for his ship and the crew what cares for her, says I. And them cheesy biscuits sound pretty good right about now."
"Thank you, Josiah."
"I'd say we've got things well in hand here," Briggs offered. "If you'd like, I'll keep an eye on these laggards for ye while you check on that bride of your's."

Jack smiled and nodded his appreciation, then made his way toward the great cabin and Honour.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Honour tried the shawl on. So soft, so delicate. A bit of an intimate gift from someone not her husband. She picked up the note and smoothed it out.
Cade A. Jennings...how forward of you! She couldn't help but smile.

She heard the sound of footsteps. As they paused by the cabin door, she hastily shoved the lavender shawl beneath a few garments.

"Honour, darling? Are you settled in?"
He entered the room just as she closed the lid.
"Aye, my husband. Just looking for...ah! Here it is!"
She produced the hideous key that Jack had given her on their wedding night. He laughed and said, "You still have that horrid piece of shine?"
She turned it over in her hand and said, "Yes, although I don't know why."
She threw it in the trunk and stood up. "Should you not be on the quarterdeck supervising your crew?"
"Briggs generously offered to watch over while I check on you.
"Briggs."
"Yes."
"The same Briggs that breathes hellfire and damnation whenever I show my face in his direction?"
"Aye. That's his way of saying you are a bit of alright."

There was a scratch on the door and Honour opened it. Li'l Puddin' dashed in, jumping on the bed.
Jack laughed, "He usually only comes in here late at night. And then sometimes only to deposit his latest catch on the bed for me to praise him."
She shuddered. "I hope he doesn't do that for my benefit."
She stroked Li'l Puddin' on the head and sat next to him. "Is you a good widdle Puddin?"
Jack winced. "Honour, darling, he is a ship's cat. Not the spoiled pampered pet of royalty!"

He reached over to pet Puddin' and was rewarded with a hiss.
"Well, that is a first! My dear, it seems Li'l Puddin' has succumbed to your charms."
She sat on the bed and picked up a piece of yarn, trailing it back and forth, watching the cat swat at it and jump. Jack laughed and sat down next to her. Puddin' stopped and glared at Jack through narrow slitted eyes.
He jumped up and said, "I guess I am perceived as the 'enemy' now. You, darling, have a new protector."
He leaned over to kiss the top of her head and Puddin' glared at him for interrupting their little game.
He shook his head and said, "Turncoat!"
He walked towards the door and said, "I'll be back around lunchtime. Anything I can get for you, love?"
She looked up from playing with the cat and smiled, "Just you."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 19, 2012, 08:25:14 PM
 
Honour spent the morning going through her chests and putting a few things in the chest of drawers. She hung up a few dresses. The rest stayed in the chests. 'No sense unpacking when we shall be leaving the El Lobo. And hopefully for good.' she thought.

Jack came in with two bowls of beef stew and bread on a tray.
"It smells marvelous, Jack. I didn't realize how hungry the sea air can make one."
"It's the cook's...HOLY HELL!"
At that moment, Li'l Puddin' decided to take a flying leap off the chest and landed right in the bowl Jack had just handed Honour. Beef and gravy went flying everywhere----on the bed, on the floor and all over Honour. She sat there, her hands dripping gravy off the ends. Gasping for breath, she shook her fingers, drops of gravy staining her dress.
"PUDDIN'!!!" Jack yelled.
All that could be seen was Puddin's tail as he dashed out the door.

Honour was at the washstand, pouring water into the basin and using a towel to clean off the spots on her dress. Jack was picking up the crockery and scooping up the beef stew with a spoon.
"He really didn't mean it, darling." Jack apologized for the cat.
He heard a sound coming from Honour, her back to him.
"Honour? Honour, don't cry. When we get to Bridgetown, I'll buy you a new dress."
She turned to face him, tears running down her cheeks. She sat down on the bed and gasped, "That had to have been the funniest thing I have seen in a long time, Jack!"
It was then that he realized the tears were not from distress.
She was laughing so hard she was crying.
Jack chuckled, "Aye, well, I guess I can still afford to buy you the new dress."

Jack spent the rest of his day on deck, conversing with his men, consulting his maps and giving directional orders.
Honour spent the afternoon playing with Li'l Puddin', reading a book and throwing a ball for Muir. She looked out the port window and saw nothing but water.
"Muir, when we get to Barbados, I'll make sure you have plenty of room to run. I know it's not much fun for you on a ship."
"Woof!"
"I couldn't agree more!"

She laid down on the bed, Muir sleeping on the floor next to the bed. Before a few minutes had passed, she was asleep herself. Cautiously, the cat crept back in. He climbed onto the bed and stared at her lovely face. Li'l Puddin' batted a strand of her hair on the pillow, then began to knead. He kept kneading and kneading.....

It was dark out when Jack finally came into the cabin. He smiled down at his young bride curled up and fast asleep. There on the pillow next to her, with his tail curled around her face and under her chin was the ship's fearsome cat.
"You traitor! Are we now competitors instead of co-conspirators?" he whispered affectionately. Puddin' stretched out as if to welcome Jack into the vacant space next to his bride.
Jack gently kissed Honour and stroked her hair back and then he had to laugh.
Her hair was a knotted mess.
"Oh, you wicked kitty! Looks like you attempted to give Mrs. Wolfe a new hairstyle!"
Honour stirred and then woke up. She smiled and said, "It's about time you got back here."
She sat up and stretched and ran her fingers through her hair.
"What the....?"
He laughed, "It looks like Li'l Puddin' has decided your hair needed a change."
She walked over to the mirror and reflected back was tangled and snarled. "I didn't even feel him do that. I must have been really tired." She opened the dresser drawer and took out a comb.
"Ow! Ow! Ow!"
Jack walked over to her, put his arms around her and reached over to get a brush out of the drawer. He led her back to the bed and gently began to brush her hair.
"Mmmm...Jack, that feels wonderful! You can brush my hair anytime."
"As you wish, my sweet."
"Jack?"
"Yes?"
"Tell me a bedtime story."
"Oh?" he smiled devilishly.
She threw her dressing gown onto the chair and slid into the bed.
As he lowered his lips to kiss her, she put her finger to his lips.
"First things first, husband of mine."
"And that would be...?"
"Tell me how Puddin' got his name!"
"A bedtime story story then. How could I possibly resist?" he teased.
Honour propped herself up on her pillow and snuggled into the covers. She stole Jack's pillow and hugged it. "Tell me positively everything!" she said with childlike excitement. "Don't you dare leave anything out, not one bit!"

Jack quietly marveled at her ability to be a confident, worldly woman one moment, then playfully childlike the next. The latter was a quality he had lost from himself long ago. "Fine, then. 'How Lil' Puddin' Got His Name'. Chapter One," he intoned loftily. Honour giggled. "We had put in at Nevis after another successful cruise..."
"Oh, not another boring pyrate story," she sighed teasingly as she whacked him with his pillow.
"Oi! Pyrate cate, pyrate story. Now hush. Where was I?"
"A-pyrating," she said through a mock groan.
"Ah, yes. Nevis. We'd gone ashore to celebrate our good fortune and spread some of our newfound wealth."
"On drinking, gambling, women of dubious-"
"Have you always been this talkative during other people's stories? Remind me never to take you to the theatre. May I continue, or do you still have a few things to add?"
"Oh, all right. I'll behave. But I won't like it," she pouted, her eyes full of mischief.
"Whatever shall I do with you, Mrs. Wolfe?"
"Hurry up with the story and you'll find out, Mr. Wolfe."
"That's all the incentive I need." He laughed and leaned close to kiss her, and she stopped him by gently poking her finger in the middle of his forehead.
"Ah! The story?"

"Aye, the story," he sighed. Honour hugged his pillow and rested her chin on it. Puddin' peeked over the pillow at her, then laid down at her side. "We were walking back to the ship sometime after midnight..
"Of course," she quietly interjected, stroking the cat behind his ears.
"... when, as we passed by an alleyway, we heard a sound like a baby's cry. It was so clear and insistent that we decided to see what the matter was. We soon found ourselves at the rear of a tavern or something like that. Someone had set out a large pail of pudding to cool in the night air, and a tiny, hungry kitten had discovered it and fallen in."

"Heavens!" Honour said worriedly. Puddin' rolled onto his side and lazily batted at her fingertips.
"The little fellow could scarcely keep his face above the pudding, and he was too small to climb out. Would have been a goner if we hadn't happened along. So I pulled him out of his predicament, wrapped him in a kerchief, and he ate pudding all the way to the ship. Wee beggar's belly was so swollen with what he'd eaten, he scarcely put up a fuss when I rinsed him off. He's had a taste for anything with cream ever since."

Honour laughed as she sat up. "Such a wonderful story! And you," she said, scooping Puddin' into her arms, "are le chat extraordinaire!" The cat laid back in her arms, purring loudly. He opened one eye and gave Jack a ridiculously self-satisfied look.
"Um, Honour?"
"Yes, my husband?"
"You're doing it again. The cradling thing."
"Of course I am! He's got your nose, after all."
"Aren't you the clever one, darling. I'd swear he's got your ears."
She shot Jack a surprised look, then set Puddin' down on the bed. "Run along, baby. Momma needs to teach your father some manners."

The cat hopped down, crossed over to the table and jumped up on it. He laid down facing the bed with his paws crossed.
Honour pulled back the covers and patted the bed.
"With an audience? Have you no shame, woman?"
"I married a pyrate, didn't I?"
"Good point."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 19, 2012, 08:26:31 PM

"Honour?"
"Hmmm?" she murmured drowsily.
"Are you happy?"
"Blissfully. And you?"
She could feel Jack grin in the dark. "Need you ask?"
He hesitated and then asked, "Honour....the others."
"What others?"
"The other men."
She held him close and whispered, "Next to you, they could never hold a candle, darling."
"Honour?"
But all he could hear is her soft breathing as she slept.
He stroked her hair but a small part of him wondered....

The next morning, she stirred and reached over for Jack. The space was empty. In a brief moment of disorientation, she bolted in the bed. She saw Jack quietly putting his boots on.
"Wh-what are you doing, Jack?"
"Getting dressed. I do that sometimes, when I have to be places. I can't spend all my time---" he pointed to the bed---"there."
He moved over to her and embraced her. She kissed him on the neck and he disentangled himself from her embrace. "No, darling, it won't work. Not this time. This is a pyrate ship and I am a pyrate captain and much as I would like to stay, it just isn't possible."
She flopped back on the pillows. "Even the cat deserted me!"
"Aye, but only temporarily. Puddin' shall be back. It's time for breakfast for him. A nice juicy mouse smothered in cream and---"
Honour put her hand to her mouth and turned a lovely shade of green.
Jack said quickly, "Or most likely just a bowl of cream."
"How many more days till we port, Jack? Are we on schedule?"
He chuckled, "First time a pyrate ship has ever been run on a timetable. But yes, today is Tuesday, so we shall be in Barbados Thursday early afternoon at the latest."
She snuggled back into the covers. "For that I shall be delighted. I know of a man--Monsieur Picou, that was planning on going back to France and wanted to sell his land and home. It's a French Creole cottage with a huge wraparound porch on all four sides and a pigeonierre and then there is a gazebo and it's painted white and--"
Jack hurriedly kissed her and said, "Yes, yes, my love, whatever you want and now I really must go on the quarterdeck. It's my job, you know. There is fresh fruit in the bowl on top of the chest. Ta', love."
He slipped into his frock coat and left before she even had a chance to tell him about the fireplaces in each room.

Honour lazed about in bed for another half hour and got up only when Muir scratched at the door. He had taken Jack's shirt and dropped it at her feet first.
She rubbed his ears and laughed, "Yes, Muir, he's a bit of alright, I agree. Now go find him. But don't get under his feet."
She grabbed an apple and some grapes and looked around the room. For a pyrate, he certainly was tidy. She bit into the apple and regarded his chest of drawers thoughtfully. As she chewed, she continued to gaze at it.
Just who ARE you, Captain Jack Wolfe?

She opened the door and looked both ways in the companionway. No sign of Jack. She went back into the room and sat in front of the dresser, popping a grape in her mouth. She casually kicked the dresser. Well, maybe a bit harder than she should. Darn it, the drawer seems to be stuck. Well, I guess it would be the kind thing to fix it for Jack, yes?

She took her sgian dubh and wedged it between the front of the drawer and the chest. Very delicately she slid it back and forth until the drawer moved forward. Son of a gun, it really DOES work!

Assorted articles of clothing. Papers....PAPERS! She drew them out carefully and smoothed them out . A deed for land in Antigua...a deed for the tavern in Castara Bay...what is this? she wondered.
She drew an oval object out. It was a metal frame with a hinged cover. She opened it and saw a miniature.
It was a miniature of a woman.

Honour gazed transfixed on the portraiture of this unknown woman. She had long curling brown hair and dark brown eyes. Around her neck was a delicate gold chain with a single pearl pendant. Honour looked closely at the woman's face. She had a patrician nose and a mouth that promised mirth. She held her head high, her chin in a determined tilt. A woman who had her place in the world and was satisfied with what she was, exuding confidence. But one thing Honour saw reflected in her eyes.
The woman had the look of a woman in love. Honour had seen that look on women before. That gleam in their eye that no one could ever deny.
She wondered if she ever had that look people noticed when she was with Rhys. Did she have it now?
She looked up at the mirror over the dresser. And what she saw startled her.
Because undeniably, there it was.
That gleam.

Honour looked further in the drawer and came across a small cedar chest. She opened it with great trepidation.
Inside was the gold chain with the pearl pendant.

And a small gold ring.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 26, 2012, 07:59:31 PM
She closed the box slowly, her emotions in a turmoil. Had Jack been married before even though he denied it? Was she an old sweetheart that he had planned to propose to, hence the ring?
Her mind was swimming with notions.

She stuffed the box and miniature back into the drawer and sat back down on the bed. It was then that she realized she didn't even know when her husband was born. She walked over to the porthole and looked out to a sky of blue. Too nice of a day to stay in the cabin.

She dressed in a simple skirt and white blouse, then donned a pair of boots. Time to get to know a bit of the crew.
Maybe one in particular...

She brushed her hair out and tied it back with a ribbon. Walking down the companionway, she climbed the stairs and stood at the rail, observing what was going on around her as she pretended to look out onto the sea. Jack was nowhere in sight.
Honour walked over to Josiah Briggs who was conversing with the helmsman.
"Pardon me, Mr. Briggs. Have you seen my husband?"
Josiah almost said, 'Who?' until he realized she meant Jack. He imperceptibly shook his head as he still could not believe that Jack was now a married man. Married and to a young lass, no less!

"He's in the map room with the navigator, goin' over some charts for future cruises."
"Future?"
"Aye, after we take on supplies in Barbados."
"When did he tell you this?"
"When he left with the navigator."
"I see."

She turned on her heel. He called after her, "Miss---Mrs. Wolfe, he won't be too long. Ye want me to send him down to ye?"
Her mind was reeling. He was still going roving? Surely Briggs misheard him!
She flung over her shoulder, "That is quite all right, Mr. Briggs. I don't intend to sit in the room. I'd like to explore the ship on my own."

She climbed up to the upper deck and sat in the sun. The sea air was calming her nerves but her mind was trying to assimilate it all. Perhaps Briggs was wrong. Maybe he assumed Jack would still be commanding El Lobo. That had to be it. Jack is all set to become a sugar plantation owner.
That must be the explanation.

Muir found his way to the top of the deck, assuming his play bow posture. She reached over and pet the wolf-dog, then tossed a ball he had given her. Right behind him was Jack.
"Ah, there you are, darling! I only have a few minutes, but Briggs told me you were up there. Enjoying this fine day, I see. Good!"

Honour smiled as best she could. "Aye, Jack. The sun is wonderful. I just couldn't stay in the cabin any longer. Too many memories. Do you know what I mean about memories, Jack?"
He kissed the top of her head and said, "I remember last night, if that is what you are referring to!"
She sighed and said, "Yes, I guess that is what I meant."
He gave Muir a bone to chew on and said, "I shall be busy with ship's business a bit longer, but tell you what, love. I'll get all this sorted out and turn the ship over to Briggs. He knows it so well anyway."
He turned and went downstairs.
She sat there wondering if Briggs would be forthcoming.
No, men stuck together. They always have, they always will. That was one thing the tavern taught her.
A small voice inside her said, 'And have you told Jack everything about YOUR past, Rhiannon?'
She said out loud to no one, 'Shut up.'

Towards the late afternoon, Honour went back to the main deck. There Briggs sat enjoying his pipe.
"Mind if I sit with you a bit, Briggs?"
He eyed her suspiciously but said, "No, ma'am."
"Nice day."
"Yes, ma'am."
"You don't like me, do you, Briggs."
"Ma'am? I got no reason not to."
"But you don't like the fact that he is married, do you?"
Briggs treaded carefully. "It ain't for me to like or dislike, Mrs. Wolfe. As long as the captain be contented and his crew obedient, that's what's important."
"Has it ever bothered you before?"
"What?"
"Sailing with a wife? I mean, a woman?"
Briggs took one last draw on his pipe and stood up.
"I'd best be returning to me duties on the quarterdeck."
He tipped his hat, "Ma'am."
She frowned. 'That didn't go so well.'

Honour headed back to the great cabin to sort through her trunks, read a book.... and maybe take another look at the drawers before Jack got back.
'Working on mysteries without any clues, that's what it is.....who IS that woman?' she puzzled.
And she felt a twinge of jealousy.
How well do I know the man who shares my bed? Will I ever?
She sighed and opened up the door, determined to find out about the man she married.
Whatever it took.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 04, 2012, 07:10:52 PM
Ship's business had consumed Jack's attention into the evening. He felt a bit guilty about Honour being left on her own for the lion's share of the day. Their closeness while at Castara had spoiled him to having her near. He was a man wedded to two women; his wife and his ship. No use worrying about balancing the two, he thought. Once they settled in at Barbados, he'd only have to worry about one.

Dinner had been brought to the cabin not long after his arrival. He and Honour chatted about the day pleasantly enough, but he could not help but notice that she seemed unusually distracted. Before long, her attention was focused on picking at her food.

"Do you not care for the chicken, love? I can send for something else if you wish," Jack offered. After a pause he added, "And I killed Briggs over tea."
"What?" she said, snapping out of her thoughts. "Oh, no. The chicken's fine, really. I'm just not very hungry tonight. You and Josiah had tea? That sounds nice."
"You've been preoccupied all evening," he said as his brow furrowed with concern. "Pray, tell me, Mrs. Wolfe. What is worrying your mind so?"
"It's... everything has been such a whirlwind for us, Jack. It's all happened so quickly that I'm only now starting to comprehend -"
"Honour?"
"Yes?"
"Settle down, sweetheart. I have nothing to hide from you. What do you want to know?"

"Everything!" she blurted.

"Everything? That's a tall order. Could take all night, but I'll give it a go. First, the world came into being," he started.
"Jack! Don't make fun of me! I'm serious. I know nearly nothing about you outside of tall tavern stories and our scant time together. Where were you born? Have you any brothers or sisters?" Honour cringed inside at how the words tumbled out of her, but there was no going back now.

"Ah. There it is, then." He took a mouthful of claret and slowly swallowed it. "You want that particular everything. It's been a long time since I've thought about the past. Even longer since anyone's cared to ask. Let's see what I can remember." He refilled their glasses and leaned back in his chair.
"Legend has it I sprang forth into the world fully formed, a cutlass in one hand and a bottle of rum in the other..." Jack began.

Honour gave him a stern look of disapproval.

"All right, all right! So much for tavern stories. From the beginning, then. I was born in July of 1629, in Hampshire, near Portsmouth, to Charles and Edith Wolfe. I'm the youngest of three children. My father was a master shipwright. A brilliant man, him. He not only built ships, he designed them. He would have loved this one. Taught me a lot about what makes a proper vessel, and what's needed to take a middling ship and make it a superior one."
He took another sip of wine before continuing. "My sister, Victoria, is a musician. She was still in London, last I heard. Then there's my brother, Thomas... ah, Thomas. An decorated officer of the Commonwealth's Navy, that one. He never approved of my career choice from what I've heard. But then, I never cared for his. A fine man."


"You sound very proud of him, in spite of your differences," Honour said quietly.
"I am! And I pray we never meet on the sea. He's the only man on earth I could accept losing a battle to." He poured himself another glass. "But enough of all that. Where was I? Oh, yes. You're probably curious as to how I came by all this?"
She sipped more of her wine, and Jack immediately topped it off.
"It had crossed my mine," she smiled. "I've heard the tavern stories, so I'll save you that. The truth is far more interesting."
"And stranger, too. I never set out for a career at sea, much less that of a pirate."
"But, you seem as if you were born to it. I can't imagine you doing anything else."

Jack pointed at the floor-to-ceiling bookcases that flanked the door of the cabin, and the shorter ones beneath the gallery windows. "Any of that spark your curiosity? Or have you known many bookworm pirates?"
"I had wondered a bit, I suppose. You hear a lot of sailor's stories in taverns, most of them about how dull it can be waiting for something to happen."
"That's true enough, and I do take advantage of those times to read. Would you believe a good many of those books have been with me since my days at university? I'll bet you haven't heard that in any of the tavern stories."

Honour blinked in surprise. "I knew you were an intelligent man, but university? Really?"
"Really," replied Jack proudly. "My course of study was literature and philosophy. I was supposed to be a stodgy, tenured professor by now."
"What happened?"
"Life happened. Well, more accurately... death happened. My father died of typhus when I was 19, just as I was entering the last year of my undergraduate study. That left my mum with only some savings and no income. So like a dutiful son, I signed aboard a merchant ship carrying goods to the West Indies and sugar back to England. Everything was as good as it ever is on a merchantman. Endless work for nearly no pay, and no intellectual stimulation save the books I could afford after sending money home."
His eyes grew sad as he continued. "A couple years later, that's when everything changed. I got word Mum was sick. Consumption. I was hopeful I'd get to see her again when when ship was taken by pirates. Briggs and I - we were shipmates even then - got pressed into service."
"That had to have been terrifying for you," said Honour.
"I guess it was. I was too angry about everything to be scared. Even angrier that I couldn't get home before she died before I could get home."

He got up from the table and went to the dresser. "Da loved that she was strong willed and feisty. You two would have had a lot to talk about."

Honour's heart began to beat faster as he unlocked the top drawer.

"Bloody hell," he said with a scowl. "What's happened here?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 11, 2012, 08:53:44 PM
Honour's heart jumped. She'd left something out of place, and he'd noticed. She just knew it. "Jack, I--"
"That's one thing you'll learn about being on a ship, darling," he interrupted. "No matter how carefully you arrange things, the sea finds a way to change it round. Nothing stays quite the way you left it. I'm sorry, what were you going to say?"
"I - I can fill your glass, if you like." That was close. Too close.
"Thank you, yes. Ah, here it is!" Jack brought out a necklace with a single pearl pendant, and a miniature portrait. He set them down gently in front of Honour. "The portrait is of Mum. She's was my father's only other love besides the sea.  The necklace was a gift from Da when I was born. Now it's my remembrance of her." He caressed her face. "And what shall I give you when you give me an heir?"
A blush rose in Honour's cheeks. "A diamond is the customary gift in my family."
"You'd look good in a tiara," he smiled mischievously.
"A tiara for each child? How generous of you, Captain Wolfe!"
"I was thinking of a tiara to hold all the diamonds. Like a crowning constellation."
"I don't think so! I rather enjoy seeing my feet, thank you very much."

She handed the necklace and miniature back to Jack. "They're charming, Jack. Your mother was a lovely woman."
"Da always thought so." He carefully put the necklace away and locked the drawer again. "Now, where was I?"
"You and Mister Briggs were captured by pirates."
"Ah, yes. Well, at first we resisted. But the captain had something neither of us had counted on."
"What was that?"
"An amazing amount of patience. Once he discovered my knowledge of ships and ship construction, he made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Prove my worth by making his vessel faster and deadlier, or watch Briggs die."
Honour's mouth fell open. "That's ghastly!  I can't believe you were turned that easily, though."
"My original plan was to make just enough changes to satisfy the captain's demands, then bargain for our freedom. But he lavished gifts on us when he saw the improvements progress. The next thing I knew, he made me his apprentice, and I began to enjoy this life. Once you've dipped your hands in murky waters, going back is nearly impossible."
"This captain sounds like a fascinating man. Whatever became of him?"
"He retired not long after letting me take possession of this ship. And here I am years later, following in his footsteps once again." Jack raised his glass to Honour. "Though I have one key advantage he didn't."
"An advantage? What sort of advantage?"
"A beautiful wife."
Honour blushed and sipped her wine. She had intended to ask about Bonita, but their sudden departure from Castara spoke volumes about Jack's loyalty to the wild-eyed sorceress. If he was willing to turn his back on Castara and her, that's all Honour needed to know.

Jack drank some of his wine and smiled. "So, that's my story. Feeling better?"
"Yes, I do. Thank you, Jack. It helps me understand you a little more."
She really did feel better. The portrait was of Jack's mother, not some secret previous wife. A wave of relief washed over her.

"Wonderful! I'm glad it sets your mind at ease," he grinned. "Now it's your turn."
Honour nearly dropped her glass. "What?"
"Your story, my pet. I'm dying to hear it. Just who is Honour Wolfe?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on March 18, 2012, 09:35:34 PM

She laughed a little uneasily.
"Jack, I told you. My mother was a scullery maid and my father was a stablehand. She was only sixteen. Her name was Branwen. And she told me my father's name was Dafydd. I always liked her name. Branwen Bright. She told me she named me Honour because 'Honour Bright' is an oath of assurance and fidelity. After I was born, she stayed on in the household and raised me. I wore hand-me-down clothes from the daughters of the manor where she worked. They were benevolent but I was taught my place.
Mother died of fever when I was ten. I remained on with the house and stayed until I was sixteen."
"Why did you leave?"
Her laugh had a hollow ring to it. "Because I refused to let the lord's son bed me. He cornered me one evening in the library where I was dusting the books and I racked him. And I left that night because he swore to make me pay. I worked my way as a tavern wench through the countryside and eventually ended up in Barbados. And that is where you found me."

"When were you born and where?"
"I told you the when but being a man, I guess you forgot. I was born April 4, 1644. So therefore I just turned 19. I was born in Llanwddyn, Wales. And that is all there is. An uneventful life."
"Why did you go to Barbados?"
She reached up and kissed him. "Have I ever told you that you ask too many questions?"
He put his arms around her and drew her close to him. She knew that fire in his eyes.
He whispered to her, "Then shut me up."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The moonlight shone through the louvered windows. Jack slept soundly next to her, his arm resting over her body. She carefully disentangled herself from his embrace. Quietly she arose and put her dressing gown on, wrapping it tightly around her. She peered through the slats and gazed at the moon.
She told so many lies in her life she was afraid she was even beginning to believe them herself.

'Just who is Honour Wolfe?' Jack had asked her.
How could she tell him that she was not Honour Bright Wolfe. How could she ever tell him that she was really Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine?

She laid her head against the window frame and thought back to her mother. That was one thing she didn't lie about. Her mother was Branwen alright. Lady Branwen Conaway. Wife of Lord Rhodri Conaway. Mother to four daughters, Rhiannon being the youngest.
She did not remember the day her mother died. How could she? She was only three. She had heard that she ran from her mother in play. Her mother ran after her, slipped and hit her head on a rock by the pond, drowning because of the ensuing unconsciousness.
Rhiannon lovingly touched the silver chain she wore around her neck and kissed it each night. Tonight she stood by the window and tenderly caressed it. It was all she had of her mother. Megan made sure she had something.

Lord Conaway had adored his wife. And blamed Rhiannon for her death. She was always a headstrong little girl that when she took without permission Lord Conaway's stallion Goliath out for a joyride into the woods where there was quicksand, he decided to find a place for her.
He surely did.
The Order of St. Brigid.

Her mind drifted back to her homecoming. Her father was having none of it. She remembered his words to her.
'You may stay here. For now. Until we can work out a mutually beneficial solution to this problem.'
She shuddered at the 'solution' to the problem. Within a week, she was married to Lord Madoc Castlemaine.
Bastard extraordinaire and known privately to Honour as 'Old Vinegar Veins'.

Lord Castlemaine. A man who appeared to be an upstanding member of the realm but in truth was a cruel and ruthless man.
Rhys Morgan was her saving grace.

She glanced over at Jack sleeping so peacefully. Even with his checkered past, could he ever forgive her for what she had done?
She had been the cause of Rhys Morgan's death.
Rhys.
Friend to Jack Wolfe.
Friend to all he met.

She fingered the chain around her neck as she reluctantly let her mind go back to that fateful night.
It was supposed to be safe. The coast was supposed to be clear. Madoc was supposed to be in London.
Supposed to, supposed to, supposed to.....


Honour drew a deep sigh and looked over to her sleeping husband. She was beginning to think there was life after Rhys Morgan.
True, she and Jack had a most unusual start to married life but he more she knew of him, the more he reminded her of Rhys. Until she no longer compared him to Rhys.
Jack Wolfe stood on his own merit, second to none.
She drew the covers down and slipped into bed quietly so as not to disturb her husband. He was half-asleep when he mumbled, "Everything alright, love?"
She snuggled closer to him and put her arms around him.
"Yes, darling."
Or they will be.
As soon as we settle in Barbados.
And with that thought, she drifted to sleep.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 25, 2012, 08:32:53 PM
Honour awoke to the wet, familiar nose of Muir nuzzling her hand. She smiled and scratched the neck of her longtime companion as she yawned. Sunlight fully illuminated the multicoloured glass panes of the gallery windows. It was then she realised Jack was already gone. "He must have gotten an early start," she mused. She could hear the watch bell ringing from the quarterdeck above. 1, 2, 3... 4? She'd slept until noon!

She dressed quickly and made her way with Muir to the weather deck. The sky was a deep turquoise with hardly a cloud in sight, and a brisk wind filled the white sails above her. The salt air cooled and invigorated her. She couldn't remember a more beautiful day. Everything felt right with the world.

"Good boy, Muir!" Jack called from the quarterdeck. "We thought you were going to lie abed all day, darling. It's far too perfect a day for that. Come join me up here, would you? I'll have a plate and tea sent up for you. How do you feel about making a day of it?"

Honour joined Jack and Briggs on the quarterdeck, and she shared a plate of smoked meats and soft bread with Muir. Briggs kept a watchful eye on the crew as they went about their tasks. Jack entertained his bride by teaching her about the various portions of the ship and their functions.

"Voile, voile!! Navire devant et au-devant de nous!" came the excited cry of the lookout from high above the weather deck.

"What's he on about, I wonder?" Briggs asked.
Jack turned and gave him a puzzled look. "You signed him on. Didn't you notice he was French? What's his name?"
"He didn't say much. Not as much as a peep, actually. But his friends vouched well for him. Called him "Le Cancrelat", I think.
"You think?"
"I might have been drinkin'," Briggs replied sheepishly.
Jack rolled his eyes as he extended the perspective glass. "Your friend the Cockroach just espied a sail ahead, bearing toward us. Let's see who wants to chat."

"Jack, is something wrong?" Honour asked worriedly.
"Nothing of any importance, love. Seems we've got some company. Probably a packet ship or a small merchantman."

He looked through the glass and quickly made out the approaching vessel. She was the same size as El Lobo, painted black with red and gold trim. The sun glinted off the ship's gilt appointments. No flag could be seen, but her full sails were emblazoned with the Burgundy Cross. Jack recognized her instantly. In another life, she would have been El Lobo's twin.

"There's only one ship fitted out that brazenly, Josiah. The Mercedes II."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 01, 2012, 08:05:07 PM
"Sweet mother of us all! Mendoza?" gasped Briggs.

Jack's eyes were pure fire, but his voice was icily cold. "Master Briggs, kindly call the men to quarters."

Without hesitation, Briggs picked up a small drum slung by the wheel and pounded out a steady beat. "To quarters!! To quarters!! Clear these decks for action, and be swift about it ye lazy slugs!!" he shouted.
Jack's voice was the next to ring out. "Hands to the braces! Stand by to strike the main course and raise topgallants! Make ready all guns!!" He turned to face the approaching enemy ship. "It's about time you showed your face, Colonel," he said quietly.

The crew launched into a frenzy of activity at the call to quarters, the order to make the ship ready for battle. Anything that wasn't critical for fighting or manoeuvring was stowed away or lashed aside. On the lower decks, temporary bulkheads were knocked down and secured. Guns were rolled back so their crews could ready and load them. Half barrels with water for swabbing the guns and putting out fires were dragged into position, and powder and shot were brought up from the magazine and placed in easy reach of the gunners.

Honour stood transfixed as Jack's rowdy and seemingly less-than-disciplined crew transformed into a synchronised living machine. She was startled when Jack took her firmly by the shoulders and fixed her eyes with his. Gone were his easy smile and quick laugh, replaced by a grimly determined mask that truly frightened her.
"Honour, darling, I need you to do exactly as I tell you, no arguments.  Go below to our cabin and stay there, and keep away from the windows. Do not come out until I send for you. Please, do this for me."
"But, why? Jack, what are you---no!! Tell me you're not attacking that ship!" she cried.
"No. I'm defending us," he said gravely. He put his arms around her and kissed her. "Always know that I love you," he whispered in her ear as he held her close. Her tear-filled eyes searched his for answers, but found none. "Josiah, please see that she makes it safely below."
"Come along, ma'am. Please." Briggs urged her gently.
Honour reluctantly allowed him to escort her from the quarterdeck. She looked back at her husband, but he had already returned his gaze to the enemy vessel.

For the first time since that fateful night Rhys died, she felt helpless and alone.

Once inside the companionway, she tried again to get answers. "Josiah, why is he doing this? Who is Mendoza?"
Briggs sighed heavily. "A man what should've been sent back to the hell what spat him out long ago. A man Jack has too many reasons to hate. A black-hearted bastard named Colonel Diego de Castille y Mendoza."

They reached the great cabin, and Briggs set about shuttering the gallery windows. "Did Jack ever tell ye how we came to be on the account?"
"Y-yes," she said with a shiver. "You both were on a freighter that got taken by pirates."
"Aye, and Jack took to the life like a duck to water. Not at first. Fought it tooth and nail he did, but finally he found his place in the world. Now, did he ever tell ye how he came about bein' master of this ship?"
"Just that his old mentor let him take it for his own."
"And where do ye think a pirate gets himself a better ship?"
"He took it?" she said tentatively.
Briggs nodded in the general direction of the approaching ship. Honour went pale.
"From this Mendoza fellow?" she asked.
"This ship was Mendoza's pride and joy, if he even feels joy. Named it after his wife. She was a pretty Jezebel who had a likin' for men of the sea, and Mendoza knew it. Mercedes also knew Jack, if ye take my meanin'. Mendoza knew about that, too."
"And Jack was involved in the taking of this ship?"
"Lead the boardin' party. When the fight was over and it was time to ask Mendoza to surrender, well, Jack couldn't resist rubbin' his face in it."
Honour shook her head. "So of course, Mendoza swore vengeance and is here to collect." She could feel a knot of dread tighten in her stomach.

"More like finish the job. Jack never told ye about his time as a guest of the Colonel, did he?"
"No, he never mentioned it."
Briggs shook his head. "Mendoza set a trap a few years back, and Jack fell right into it. They carried him off to Mendoza's personal fortress, complete with dungeon. That black-hearted devil tortured your husband, ma'am. Nearly to the point of death."

Her face went ashen. Any twinge of jealousy she may have felt over Jack's dalliance with Mendoza's wife vanished at the thought of her husband being tortured in some horrible Spanish dungeon. "Dear heavens! How did he manage to escape?"
"He didn't. We busted him out of there. Me and some men Jack trusted managed to talk our way in and mount a rescue. Anyway," continued Briggs, "we got Jack nursed back to health thanks to Duckie. And Jack swore he'd take Mendoza's life for tryin' to take his."
"Wait... Duckie? Who's that?"
"The ship's surgeon.  Have ye not met him yet?" Briggs scratched his head. "I suppose, he's been locked away studyin' his plants and whatnot. But if Mendoza doesn't break off this madness, then I'm afraid... Never mind, ma'am. Speakin' of Mendoza, I'd best get back topside before Jack starts yellin's for me."

Briggs paused at the door. "Mrs. Wolfe... Honour, please do as Jack asked. Stay away from the windows, stay low, and don't unlock this door for no one but me or Jack. It's gonna get a little rough."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 08, 2012, 07:03:59 PM
"Come on, come on! Have you the stomach for this, or not?" Jack grumbled impatiently at the pursuing ship. Mendoza's vessel had been pursuing El Lobo for nearly an hour without showing any intention of overtaking the pirate ship. Jack knew the Spaniard was toying with him, looking for some misstep or weakness to exploit. Just as Jack was doing to him.

Despite Jack's grousing, this was the part of a sea battle he enjoyed most. Employing strategy and deception to gain every tactical advantage possible. Outwit them with your brains and you stand a better chance of conquering them with your guns. Confound them completely, and you could win without a shot being fired. He had no illusions about the latter; if Mendoza didn't break off unexpectedly, all hell was sure to break loose.

"Oi, Cap'n!" shouted a lookout from the rigging. "She's makin' 'er move to windward, runnin' out 'er larboard guns, she is!"
"And there it is. Now we dance," said Jack with satisfaction. "Open the starboard gun ports, but do not run out the guns yet!" he ordered. "Everyone, make fast your positions!"
"Starboard ports only, righto!" the master gunner answered. "Stay sharp, lads, to a man. He's got somethin' up his sleeve besides a bottle o' rum this time, I'm thinkin'! Now get them ports open!"
Jack watched carefully as the Mercedes began her bid to overtake his ship and gain the superior position to windward from which to fight. Her sails shifted and finally set, filling with more wind as the Spaniard committed to their course that would carry them to El Lobo's starboard. From there they could batter the pirate ship and force her to fight against the wind, impairing her manoeuvrability and making her easier to vanquish.

Mendoza watched El Lobo's gun ports swing open one by one along her right side. A bloodthirsty smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. "Wolfe must be drunk again. He's ceded the windward position to us! Gunners, fire as we come along side! I want nothing left of that abomination, or its captain!"
The crew cheered heartily, each one thinking of how fat their pockets would soon be once the pirate lay a burning hulk. The Colonel gloated over how easy the chase had been. Yet another victory was at hand. He was a little sorry, though, that the pirate hadn't made more of a fight of it.
"Your days of running from me are over," he said as he watched the stern of Jack's ship. "You escaped me before, but not today. You are out of tricks. When I see you die this time, I shall make certain it lasts!"

"That's it, you greedy bastard," smiled Jack. "That's it! Come to papa! Briggs, I'll take the wheel. I need you on deck with the men, up forward."
"Ye've got somethin' in mind?" asked Briggs.
"Don't I always?"
"Aye, ye do. But will it work?"
"I hope so."
"That's good enough for me. On my way!"
Jack took the wheel from his quartermaster. He could feel the vibration and pull of the ship's rudder in his hands. He and his vessel were in direct communication, and it felt good.
"Oh, and Briggs!" he called.
Briggs stopped at the stairs leading down to the weather deck. "Aye, Jack?"
"Grab an axe and keep it with you."
"An axe. Part of the plan?"
"Part of the plan. Off you go!"

He held El Lobo's course steady and waited for Briggs to take his position near the forward part of the main deck. Briggs held up his axe and gave a shrug.
Jack smiled and gave another look back at the Spanish ship. She was closing, but had not yet come directly astern.
'Now the fun begins,' he thought to himself, and he began shouting a flurry of orders.
"Everyone, hold for my mark! Larboard guns, you will run out and prepare to fire! Mr. Briggs, you will loose the anchor and let it run free to 10 fathoms and hold there! And... NOW!"
The gun crews hastily opened the gun ports and shoved the artillery pieces into position, as three men under Briggs' direction freed the starboard anchor and let it fall into the sea. Briggs stood by the brake for the wildly spinning capstan and stopped the anchor's descent around the requested depth. Jack let go of the wheel, and the sudden drag created by the anchor and its thick hemp cable as they hauled it through the water made El Lobo veer hard to starboard, cutting across the path of the onrushing ship and losing speed. Men clung to the rails and rigging to keep from being pitched to the deck.

The Mercedes' helmsman Stephan Guitano didn't wait for the surprised Mendoza to recover his wits. He battled the wheel back hard to port, certain that a collision at their present speed would doom both ships. "Starboard guns, make ready and fire!!" he yelled.
"What do you think you're doing?!" demanded Mendoza.
"Making sure we don't all die," Guitano replied though clenched teeth. Mercedes resisted the course change, but finally began turning back inside the pirate's course. They were going to pass dangerously close. Below decks, the gun crews scrambled frantically to secure the larboard guns and respond to their new circumstances. Their well rehearsed gunnery routine was suddenly thrown into complete chaos and panic.

"Briggs! Cut the cable, now!!" yelled Jack.
"Back off, boys, lest ye lose somethin' you're fond of!" Briggs brought the axe down hard, cutting more than halfway through the thick woven ropes. He swung again, and the anchor was free. One man had to dive to the deck as the severed cable, no longer under the tremendous stress of dragging an anchor, came flying back and slammed into the bulkhead above him hard enough to shatter the wood. Briggs grunted in satisfaction and handed off the axe.
"What are you lot standin' around for like a bunch of lost pups for? Get movin'! We've got Spaniards to kill!" he barked as he ran back to the quarterdeck.

Jack adjusted course to ensure the Mercedes would be squarely in the reach of El Lobo's guns. He now commanded the weather gage, and Mendoza's ship was travelling too fast to do anything about it. Now was Jack's opportunity to inflict fresh humiliation on his old nemesis, and he would do it at point-blank range.

"Fire as they pass!" he ordered.
"Fire all!" Briggs echoed.
"All guns, make your target!" yelled the master gunner. "Steady, lads, steady..."

The men watched tensely as the view out of their gunports became filled with the hull of the enemy ship.

"And FIRE!!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 15, 2012, 07:56:34 PM
 
Honour paced nervously within the confines of the great cabin. Jack seemed certain she would be safest there, but she felt trapped. Any time she'd been in danger before, she'd managed to find a way to escape and hide. Not this time. To make matters worse, she realized she wasn't afraid only for her life. She feared for her husband's as well. She tried to keep herself calm by focusing on the sounds of  the ship; the creaking of timbers, the call of the crew as they worked the lines, and most importantly, the sound of Jack's voice as he directed what seemed like incomprehensible chaos. She slowed her breathing and tried to let the fear fall away from her, just as she'd been taught.

A new sound interrupted the familiar pattern. Two dull thumps. Were they being fired upon? Had the battle begun? She braced herself for the worst. But instead of what she could only imagine as the sounds of battle, she heard laughter! Had that terrible ship broken off the chase? Maybe Jack had a change of heart and decided to run for Barbados and their new life together...

The decking under her feet shuddered violently. Her ears rung with a thunder worse than any she'd ever known. In terror, she dove onto the bed and covered her head with pillows. "No, not like this. Not like this!" she pleaded. But the destruction she thought was imminent did not strike. She uncovered her head and listened. Everything seemed normal again, save the smell of freshly spent gunpowder. "We shot back? He's really going through with this madness," she said sadly.

Honour sat on the edge of the bed, her heart pounding in her chest. She fought down the urge to get sick. Suddenly she heard a whining and scratching at the door.
'Muir! Oh my God, how could I forget Muir?'
She ran to the door and flung it open. Her beloved companion practically leaped in her arms. Standing in the doorway was the ship's cat, Li'l Puddin, eyeing her balefully. She picked him up and cradled him.
"Puddin', Jack would never forgive himself if you got hurt."
The cat reacted nervously, trying to squirm out of her arms. She kicked the door shut with her foot.
Muir was hiding under the bed.
"That's the best place for you, Muir. You will be safe from any shells or balls under there. I just may join you."

Li'l Puddin' paced back and forth, meowing. Honour tried to stem the rising panic in her.
'You've been through this before, haven't you, Puddin'?"
Honour opened up her armoire and quick as a flash, the cat jumped in. Honour shut the door on him.
'At least you will be safe there, kitty."

She sat on the bed again, touching her silver chain.
'Please, Mother, watch over him and keep him safe. This may be my last chance for happiness.'

She tried not to cry. All her dreams of a new life in Barbados were going up in smoke.
Literally.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 29, 2012, 07:30:08 PM
Smoke, flame, and metal erupted from El Lobo's guns. Cannonballs smashed into Mercedes' starboard side even as her crew struggled to get their guns into place. Shards of wood and debris sprayed throughout the gun deck with hellish force. A few guns were even blasted fully from their carriages, transforming them into tumbling engines of destruction within the cramped confines of the gun deck. One of the barrels slammed into the foremast hard enough to dislodge it from its footings. Men hauled frantically on the rigging lines as they fought to disengage their ship from the pirate's before another broadside could be unleashed. A couple of the Spaniard's guns made a feeble response, their shot landing in the water wide of their target as the Mercedes wheeled away hard to port. The wounded ship continued on, smoke roiling from her starboard side as the crew struggled to set their stern to El Lobo and escape Jack Wolfe's deadly reach.

"Guns at the ready!" Jack called. "Make pursuit, Mister Briggs! Diego started this, and I'm of a mind to finish it."
"Herd him ahead of us, and pick 'em apart by hit and run?" asked Briggs.
"Seems a lovely day for it, don't you think, Josiah?" Jack stared at the retreating Spanish ship, and his jaw tightened. "Mendoza thought he could best me with a crew of cowhearted regulars, eh? I hope they're saying their prayers, because this day is about to get a whole lot worse for them. Diego needs to imagine the worst that could possibly happen, then add a locker full of bad to it."
Briggs gave Jack a measured look. "We'll be not givin' them quarter, then?"
"Put it this way, Josiah: if there's anyone left after we finish Mendoza and his pretty ship, they can swim along side us to Barbados. That's all the quarter they can hope from me."

Colonel Mendoza picked himself up off the deck and tried to comprehend what had just happened. How could it be? How could he have been outwitted - again! - by that heretical pirate? He looked down on the weather deck and watched as the crew shook off the blow they'd been dealt. They went about making what quick repairs they could to restore manoeuvrability and keep their ship in fighting order. Other crews might well have panicked, abandoning their posts and anything resembling military discipline in hopes of saving their individual hides. But these seasoned, highly paid veteran mercenaries were well acquainted with the heat of battle. Defeat was worse than death in their minds. It would take more than a surprise reversal to scare them off.

"Why did we sail past them?" Mendoza demanded. "Turn us around so we can fight!"
"It doesn't work that way, Colonel," answered Captain Mauricio Vega as he climbed the steps to the quarterdeck.
"I relieved you, Vega," Mendoza spat. "You were too cowardly to engage Wolfe."
"You got your way and were outfoxed. And now you're going to get us killed," Vega said calmly.
"How dare you..."
"Because I don't particularly feel like dying today, Señor. And I pray to God you don't either. Now, if you haven't noticed, the pirate is winning. Is that the result you are working for?"

Vega's defiance would have earned him a solid flogging under normal circumstances. But he was right. Mendoza wanted to see Wolfe dead more than anything, even if he had to swallow his pride for a little while.
"Fine," the Colonel finally said. "Resume your station."

Guitano could scarcely contain his smile as Captain Vega resumed command. "Welcome back, amigo."
"That remains to be seen, but thank you," said Vega quietly. "Now for a proper fight. Splice the forebrace and tie off! And reef those courses!!" he ordered. The crew redoubled their efforts now that a real man of the sea was giving the commands.
"Hold us on this heading, Señor Guitano. Let him think we are more damaged than we are. We'll find out if this Anglo dog is as clever as he pretends. Gun crews, double the powder for each shot! Remain at the ready, and wait for my command!"

Mendoza was still fuming. "And this foolishness of slowing the ship and sitting here like dull-witted sheep will accomplish what, exactly?"
"Very simple, Colonel," Vega replied. "I intend to bring this Wolfe to us."

Briggs surveyed the wounded Spanish ship through the spyglass. "Looks like we hit 'em good, Jack! They're takin' in sail, holdin' a steady course. They must be takin' on water faster than the pumps can rid it. Y'know, I never figured crossin' swords with that beast Mendoza would be so... anticlimactic."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 29, 2012, 07:35:43 PM
Jack finished setting El Lobo on a parallel course with her sister. "Would you rather this had been a protracted artillery fight, Josiah? I wish you'd told me sooner, so I could have let them catch us."
"I'm likin' this just fine," laughed Briggs.
"In the spirit of sportsmanship, we should run up our colours, don't you think? Just in case Diego is unclear about our intent," Jack mused.
"You'll be wantin' the red one?"
"Aye. It suits my mood."
Briggs went to a deck locker and pulled from it a blood red flag, the signal that no quarter would be given and none expected, and hauled it up to the top of the mizzen mast.
Jack watched the flag whip in the breeze. "No, that won't do. Not enough."
Briggs shrugged, and untied the line to haul the flag back down.
"No, leave it up there, Josiah. I want to add to it."
"Aye? And what be that?"
"You know that discarded figurehead we have in the hold?"
"Aye! The one Mendoza had made of his lady?"
"That would be the one," Jack smiled.
"Oh, you've got not but mischief in your head," Briggs grinned.
"See that it's brought on deck, Master Briggs. And trice it up to the foremast. Should the men take a liking with what paint's available, tart her up as they please. Good and bold."
"Lookin' to piss Mendoza off to a fare ye well?" Briggs asked.
"I'd call it a tribute to her reputation, but we don't have enough paint for that, do we?" Jack laughed. "Helm!! Takes us outside of her guns and hold us parallel. Half sail once we're there."
"Half sail, aye!!" cried the helmsman.
Briggs stopped at the steps leading down from the quarterdeck. "Half sail?"
Jack winked at his friend. "I want Diego to get a nice, long look at our portrait of his dear departed wife. The angrier he is, the bigger the mistakes he'll make!"

"Gunners, at the ready" Jack called out. "The Mercedes will, if I'm right, make a run at us before too long. I want her blown to hell this time. And 100 extra pieces to the crew what hits her magazine!" The crew cheered, and a feral smile played across his face as he looked Mendoza's vessel. "Be of good cheer, Diego. You're about to square an old debt."

"What is that damned pirate doing?" asked Mendoza. "He's been matching our speed and staying just out of range for nearly an hour now."
Mendoza peered through the perspective glass to try and see what was happening aboard his former ship, and more to the point, try to catch a glimpse of Jack Wolfe. He got his wish when he trained the glass on El Lobo's quarterdeck. He was finally close enough to see the face of the man he'd sworn vengeance on. But why was Wolfe point up at the foremast? He lifted the glass in the direction the pirate was pointing. The Spaniard began to quake with rage when he saw. It was the ship's original figurehead of his wife, painted up like a two-bit trollop.

His blood boiled at the sight of his beloved wife's likeness so disrespectfully defaced. "Vega!" he roared. "You'll attack now!"
"No, Señor!" Vega protested. "It's another trap, it has to be! They're goading you into this. Do not be tricked again!"
Mendoza pulled his pistol and pointed it at Vega's head. "Attack him now, damn you! This shot is meant for Wolfe, but I swear to God I'll use it on you first if it means his destruction!"
Vega closed his eyes and sighed in resignation. "Full sail, now!" he ordered. "Guitano, close in on the pirate. Keep our profile small to their guns as long as you can. Lieutenant Santos!"
"Yes, captain?" a fresh-faced young officer replied.
"Have Ramirez's guns crews concentrate fire on their masts and rudder," said Vega quietly. "Carry the order personally. We'll see if he still taunts us once we show our teeth."
Mendoza's orders had been explicit: destroy El Lobo and her master at all costs. But Vega was willing to gamble on the Colonel's generosity should he manage to bring Wolfe aboard Mercedes in chains.

Santos hurried to the master gunner with the revised orders. He used what passed for military formality to avoid the gaze of the Colonel. Normally, Santos avoided the gun decks entirely, but the deafening roar there was far preferable to another of Mendoza's tirades.

Ramirez's report came even quicker than Vega had hoped. "The word is given, Captain!"
"Excellent, excellent!" Vega answered. "Marksmen, get aloft!! Guitano, wait for my order before turning for the broadside."

"Well, slap me twice and hand me to me momma," laughed Briggs. "He's taken the bait!"
Jack grinned at the sight of the Spanish ship as it turned to charge, like some angry bull. "You're making this all too easy, Diego," he laughed. He turned to face the weather deck and began shouting more orders. "Full sail! Port-side gunners, stand ready to make your target when they turn!"
"Jack, what the hell is he doin' now?" said Briggs, pointing at the Spaniard. "They're turnin' too soon! Their guns won't be near as effective that far away."
"A feint? No matter. They're committed now. Helm, get us closer!"

Master Gunner Ramirez watched his prey carefully, timing the swells to better his gunners' accuracy. He caught the rhythm of the enemy ship on the water, and smiled. "And... now! FIRE ALL!!" With that, Mercedes threw the full fury of her double-charged guns at El Lobo del Mar in the form of ball, chain, and bar.

Jack turned from the gunwale to speak his orders. "Port guns, hold until we close, just a few seconds more!"
A thunderous roar erupted behind him. He whirled back to see smoke and muzzle flashes burst from Mercedes' gun decks. Whirling chains tore at El Lobo's masts, gouging and hacking at her rigging and sails. The heavier bar shot did double duty against both ship and crew. He felt the familiar thud under his feet of balls striking the hull near the stern as the Spaniard tried to shoot away his rudder. But the sound of glass and wood shattering at the stern from and errant shot made his heart lodge fast in his throat.

His quarters, where Honour was hiding, had been hit!
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 06, 2012, 09:37:07 PM
The Spanish cannonball had caught the port-side aft of the ship, at the level of the great cabin. The hurtling piece of metal smashed through the coloured glass windows, caromed off the overhead directly above Honour, and exited the through the starboard windows. Honour ducked down beside the heavy bed and threw her arms over her head, which shielded her from the worst of flying shards of wood and glass the cannonball had scattered in it's wake. She stayed there for a while, huddled and trembling, her breathing ragged as her body quaked. She found herself waiting for the wave of unholy thunder and destruction, certain that it would take her with it this time. Jack promised her she would be safe in the cabin. He promised! Why, why did he have to take on that other ship? Rhys would never have gone on some mission of vengeance, certainly not with her aboard. She just knew he wouldn't have. But Jack isn't Rhys. And Rhys is dead. Was she to die this day, too?

Honour cautiously looked up from where she crouched. The cabin was littered with glass shards and splintered wood. She gulped hard when she saw the gouge left in the overhead timbers. If that ball had come in at a lower angle, she reasoned, she would most certainly have been killed by it. Her stomach tightened into a knot as the relief of being alive faded and mortal fear took over. Jack was wrong. The cabin wasn't safe. Though she could still hear the cannons firing and men shouting, she had to go somewhere. Anywhere but the cabin, which felt increasingly like a death trap. But where?

As she began to stand up, and scuffling sound from under the bed caught her attention. Honour lifted the bed skirt and looked underneath. Muir had wedged himself as far underneath the bed as he possibly could. When he saw her face, he whimpered and started to crawl out of his hiding place.
"No, Muir," she said as soothingly as her shattered nerves would allow. "Stay here, where you'll be safe."
Her words were as much a prayer as they were an instruction. The wolf-dog's ears fell a bit, and he laid down with a heavy sigh. Her eyes welled with tears as she left the bed. She hastily wiped the tears from her eyes, when she noticed the armoire and remembered Puddin'. The door was ajar, most likely knocked open from the heavy jarring the ship had taken. When she peeked inside, Puddin' lifted his head and made a noise that clearly conveyed his annoyance at having his nap interrupted. The absurdity of it all nearly made her laugh. How many battles had this rough-and-tumble cat seen?

Satisfied that the animals were all right, Honour decided it was time to keep moving. She bit her lip hard, mustered her courage, and slipped out of the great cabin.

As she emerged from the companionway, she saw her husband's ship transformed from a well-kept sailing vessel into a killing field. The shouts of the men were awful and terrifying.

"Help me! Oh God, please, someone help me!"
Honour turned and froze in horror. A man was sprawled on the deck, his left leg twisted in a sickeningly unnatural way. His pant leg was soaked with blood. When he noticed her looking at him, he reached out to her and tried to drag himself along the deck.
"Please, mum, help me! I'm hurt bad!" he begged.
Two men rushed up and took hold of the wounded sailor.
"This ain't no place for the likes o' you!" shouted one of them at her. "Get below, before you end up like 'im or worse!"
The wounded man screamed in agony as the two sailors bodily dragged him off to the ship's forecastle, out of the line of fire. Honour watched, mesmerised, until a cannon blast from directly beneath her feet jarred her back to the awful reality that was raging around her. Frightened, desperate, Honour took refuge underneath the canvas of one of the longboats. But despite her fear, she couldn't help but peek out and watch the maelstrom.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 06, 2012, 09:40:44 PM
"Shore up our larboard defences, you sorry mongrels!!" Jack shouted to his men. "Bring us about! I want another go at him with a full broadside! Load half with chain, grape, case shot, whatever will clear their decks! Marksmen, get your worthless arses aloft, double time! Damn me if we'll be taken!!" he howled.

Honour scarcely recognised her husband. He was like a fury, bellowing orders and slamming his fists against the gunwales. She was overwhelmed by his force of will as he commanded his crew. Overwhelmed, and frightened to her very core.

Jack ground his teeth as he watched his crew respond slower than he'd like. But then, no human could ever match his expectations in battle.
"Damn it all, Jack! And you, too! They're doin' all they can!" Briggs countered.
"Then carry them all to hell! I want action! And I want it NOW!! I want Mendoza sent back to the devil that conceived him!"
Briggs looked hard at his friend. "If this don't work, Jack, you're consignin' us all to Davy Jones' locker."
"We all have to die someday, Josiah. This one is as good as any. The order is given!"
Briggs looked his captain hard in the eyes. "You heard the captain, ye dogs!" he exhorted. "Prepare to fire!"

Jack looked out over the weather deck as his crew brought El Lobo's guns guns to bear on the Mercedes. Firing in unison, they unleashed a devastating broadside against the Spanish ship. Honour flinched at the din, instinctively curling up in a ball in the bottom of the longboat.

Together, Briggs and Jack looked with satisfaction at their handiwork. Their previous efforts had crippled the Mercedes, dropping her foremast and dismounting the majority of her guns. This last volley left her broken hulk.

Captain Mauricio Vega watched his dreams of glory fade before his own dimming eyes as Guitano cradled him in his arms.
"I... I nearly had him," Vega coughed. "I nearly..."
Guitano closed his captains eyes. "Very nearly, my old friend. Your family will know you served with honour," he whispered.

El Lobo delivered a final death stroke against her enemy. Colonel Diego Mendoza tried to mount the steps to the quarterdeck, only to be thrown onto the weather deck by the impact of the pirate's weapons. The tumbling barrel of a dismounted gun found his legs, crushing them. Mendoza cried out in agony, but found it in himself to shout one more order.
"Musketeers!" he yelled. "Fire!! Fire on them! Kill all you can, damn you!!"

Jack watched as his guns tore into the Mercedes.
"Yes!!" he exulted, waving his hat in the air. "Look at her burn! Victory is ours, lads!!"
The men began to shout in celebration.

Honour could no longer contain her curiosity. Feeling it must be safe now that the firing had stopped, she lifted the canvas to get a look at what the men were cheering about.

Jack caught an odd motion out of the corner of his eye. He turned and focused, and was astonished to see Honour's face peering out from under the longboat's canvas.

"Honour! No! What are you doing up here?!" he cried. She started to reply, to explain her reason for being up on deck.

But she could only stare in horror as Jack was spun to the deck by a bullet from a Spanish sniper's musket.

"JACK!! NO!!" she screamed.

Could it be?

Had she just watched her husband die?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 20, 2012, 08:38:40 PM
"JACK! OH MY GOD! JACK!"
She rushed out from under the canvas and felt a ball whiz past her ear. Jacob Davis yelled, "GOT HIM!"
Honour looked up in time just to see a Spaniard fall from the rigging of the Mercedes into the sea.
She threw herself down on the deck next to Jack and cradled him in her arms.
"BRIGGS! WE NEED THE DOCTOR HERE!"
Briggs rushed over to see the blood on Honour's dress and on her hands. He ripped Jack's shirt open and saw where he had been shot.
"Honour, he's been hit in the shoulder. Get him outta here and down to your quarters, NOW! The Mercedes is out for blood and Mendoza wants the Captain dead! Those damned snipers will take us all out if we're not careful!"

The blood drained from Honour's face. "But he needs the doctor. I don't care what he's doing. I need him here!"
Jack came to and groaned. Honour patted his face. "Jack? Oh, Jack, my darling. You've been hit!"
Jack managed to say, "Briggs, the ship is yours. Do whatever you have to do and get us the hell out of here. Have Duckie take care of the men."
Honour looked over her shoulder and said, "You'll do no such thing! YOU GET THE DOCTOR AND YOU GET HIM NOW!"
She was on the verge of hysteria.
Jack whispered, "Get me below to our cabin, Honour. If I'm to die, I'd rather it be there."

Briggs and Honour helped Jack stand. He collapsed against the mizzen mast.
"Briggs, put that heaving hulk of Spanish manure to our rudder and get us away as fast as you can. Clap on as much canvas as you the masts will allow," he said as his knees buckled.

To Honour he gasped, "What the HELL were you thinking of, girl? You could have been killed or worse had they boarded us. I told you to stay in the cabin and not to come out until I called for you."
She started to cry again.
"Jack, a cannonball ripped through the cabin. Muir is under the bed, and Puddin' is in the armoire. I panicked. I had to get out of there. I was afraid I'd be trapped or blown up."

"BRIGGS! OVER HERE! I NEED YOUR HELP!" a man yelled in a distinct Londoner accent.
Briggs draped Jack's arm around Honour shoulder and said, "You need to get him down to the great cabin. Make him comfortable, and I'll send the doc as soon as I can."
"But there's glass everywhere!"
Another Spanish bullet whizzed by her head.
"NOW!" he yelled. "Sweep the damned glass off... I'M ON MY WAY, DUCKIE!"

Jack leaned on Honour and said, "Please, just get me down to the cabin, and we will sort things out from there."
Honour supported Jack's body with her own as best she could with her small frame. He clutched his shoulder with a torn rag which was rapidly turning red with blood.
She turned and saw the guns from the Mercedes belch out black smoke and hellish fire. Most of the shots fell wide, but the ones that hit burned images into her mind that she would not soon forget.

Half-dragging her husband, she slowly led them back to the great cabin. Jack's complexion was turning ashen and he looked about to pass out from the pain.
Bumping the door open with her hip, she was able to get set him on the chair while she shook out the coverlet with shaking hands. He grabbed another shirt and held it to his shoulder. It rapidly turned red and sticky with blood pumping out.
Honour guided him onto the bed. He moaned, sweat running in rivulets down his face.
Slowly removing the cloth, she gasped. The blood continued to flow out.
Jack grasped her hand and said rasply, "You need to dig the bullet out."
She paled. "Me? Jack, I know nothing about pistol wounds!"
He was taking shallow breaths. "It's the only way. I'll talk you through it."
"Why can't I run to the deck and get Dr. Gander?"
Jack shook his head. "The wounded men come first. That is the code I live by. If you don't do this, you very well could be a widow by nightfall."
Tears filled her eyes and she fought back the rising tide of panic.
"But I'm afraid, Jack. What if I make it worse?"
"The only way you can make it worse is hitting an artery. So don't do that."
"But I can't. I have no medical training and...."
He grasped her wrist and yanked her close to him. Her face was inches from hers. There was a look of determination and fire in his eyes she had never seen before and it frightened her.
"I made you a promise. I promised you babies. I can't do anything about it when I am dead. Disregarding the tavern stories you may have heard about me, although death is the only thing that could stop me. I don't go back on my promises. Now listen and listen good."
She nodded, fear in her heart. "Aye. I'll do it."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 21, 2012, 07:23:44 AM
He laid back against the pillows and said, "The shirt needs to come off."
With trembling hands, she took her sgian dubh and began to slice through the silk. It laid in tatters.
Jack said quietly, "In the cabinet there, get two bottles of whiskey."
"Two?"
"Aye. You have to anaesthetise and sterilise."
She retrieved them and took the cork out.
"Now fill a tankard up and help me drink it."
She lifted his head up and helped him get it down. He coughed and groaned.
"Honour, I'm going to need more periodically through this whole thing. So keep the bottle here. Now in the top drawer over there, you will find a small knife in a brown leather scabbard."

She looked and there it was.
"Good. Pour the whiskey over the knife to sterilise it."
With trembling hands, she held the knife over a basin and poured it over the blade.
"Now what, Jack?"
Jack had been holding some cloth over the wound, compressing it. "It needs cleaned and then you have to dig for the bullet."
Honour looked at Jack with horror-filled eyes. "I--I can't do this. I can't, Jack! I'll hurt you!"
He yelled, "You think I'm not already hurt? This is the only way. Now give me another swig of whiskey."

The cabin shuddered with the thud of a cannonball.
Having taken a few more shots of whiskey, Jack closed his eyes and instructed her next.
"Now...pour some of the whiskey into the wound."
"B--but, Jack, that will sting!"
He tried to focus on her face as the spirits were taking effect. He commanded her, "DO IT!"
She jumped. He had never used his 'command' voice on her. She poured it on the wound. Jack gritted his teeth and said, "Now the fun part."
"What? I can get Dr. Gander now?"
He shook his head. "You need to insert a knife into the wound and find the bullet."
"WHAT?" she shrieked. "Jack, I can't do that!"
His wound started bleeding again. "Honour, if you don't, I most likely will bleed out and then it is over the side in a canvas sail and a cannonball for me."
She took a deep breath and ran her fingers nervously through her hair. "You will talk me through it?"
"Certainly. Just go slowly and listen to everything I say."
She nodded wordlessly and sent up a prayer.

"This is going to be the hard part for me, " Jack said. He closed his eyes and said, "You need to take the sterilized knife blade and insert it in the wound."
Honour put her hand to her mouth and whispered, "There has to be another way..."
Jack shook his head and said hoarsely, "There isn't. Good God, girl! You are the wife of a pirate. Have you not learned ANYTHING?"
Tears fllled her eyes. Jack had never spoken so harshly to her before.
"You need to work quickly. If I pass out from pain or too much spirits, I can't direct you. Are you ready?"
She nodded.
"Good. Now carefully insert it....AAAAHHH!"
Honour felt a tear trail down her cheek. "I'm so sorry----"
"Not up for discussion right now," he could barely get out as he hissed through this teeth. "You.. need... to... to find the bullet. You will feel metal on metal. Gently slip the tip of the blade beside the ball and use the tip to slowly roll the ball back up through the wound tract and then... then..."
"Jack? JACK!!"
He couldn't hear her. He was unconscious.

After what felt like an eternity of probing, Honour felt a distinct scrape. Sweat was running down her back and she couldn't even brush her hair out of her eyes. If she lost the ball, she would have to start all over again. Mercifully, Jack was in oblivion.
The ball slowly rolled like a cannonball on an uneven deck. Because the wound entrance was ragged, the ball wouldn't pop out.
'Oh, please, God,' she prayed. Jack was still unconscious. She could barely see the ball.
There was only one thing left to do.
She had to remove the ball with her fingers.

She took a deep breath and carefully inserted two slim fingers into the wound track. She was thankful Jack was not conscious as she would never have been able to do it if he were looking at her with pain-ravaged eyes. Carefully grasping the ball, she extracted it.
She sat back and held it between her fingers, dazed and surprised at the size of the ball. Hearing Jack moan, she realized he was coming back to consciousness.

Honour took cloths and wiped his face down. He opened his eyes and groaned.
"Am I... dead?"
She felt the tears trailing down her cheek as she wiped them away with the back of her hand.
"No, my love, you are quite alive. But Jack, the blood is starting up again."
He took a shallow breath and said, "In the washstand below in the cupboard, you will find cotton. You need to pack the wound."
"Shouldn't I get Dr. Gander to take a look?"
"NO! The men come first. How many times do I have to repeat this?"

She poured a generous amount of whiskey and held his head up so he could drink it.
He laid back against the pillow and said, "You need to insert the cotton in the wound as far as you can. I-it's called packing the wound."
She bit her lip and inserted it in with the blade and then continued until Jack said, "Enough. That should do the trick." He had passed out again.

It was then that she noticed the bombardment had stopped and she could hear the ship as it cut rapidly through the sea. She looked out the hole that used to be the windows and could see the full moon shining on the waters. The acrid smell of spent gunpowder still filled the air.
Honour washed his face and covered him up with a blanket. He was still ashen but his breathing had become slow and steady.

She walked slowly out to the companionway as Briggs was coming towards her. "How is Captain Wolfe? Is--is he....?"
Honour said shakily, "He's asleep and the bullet is out and..."
Honour then made a dash to the rail and promptly got sick.
Briggs stayed a respectable distance behind until she turned and said, "I--I'm sorry. I don't usually get sick."
She then leaned with her face to the wall, her arm covering her eyes and she sobbed as if her heart would break.
"It's all my fault. If I had stayed where I was told, he would have seen the sniper and he wouldn't be wounded. He just about told me I wasn't cut out to be his wife."

Briggs, moved with pity for the young lass, took her in his arms and gently rocked her and awkwardly stroked her hair.
She sobbed as if her heart would break.

"Time and unforeseen circumstance, no more than that. Ye saved the Captain, Missus, and fer that the crew of El Lobo thanks ye."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 27, 2012, 08:17:01 PM
Honour stayed at Jack's side as he slept until exhaustion finally overcame her. She couldn't rid herself of the image of her husband falling to the deck. She'd gone through what seemed like a thousand "what if" scenarios in her mind. What if she'd stayed put? What if she hadn't distracted him? Was it really her fault that he was hit? Sleep took her at last, and gave her a bit of peace.

Honour curled up in the chair, wrapped in a blanket. Her sleep was disturbed by a soft knock and then the gentle rattle of the latch being opened. She turned in the chair, facing the wall.
"Mr. Briggs, really. No need to keep checking on Jack. I'm here and if you try to bring in any more food for me or rum for Jack, I shall barricade the door and be quiet and then you can just imagine we died in here. So in answer to your unspoken questions, 'No, Jack is not dead. Yes, he is sleeping. No, he can't have any more spirits. No, I don't want any food. And yes, you can let the cat back in here.' "
"Let me see if I got all that," came a genteel voice. "Not dead, no more spirits, no food, and cats are welcome. Did I miss anything?"
She bolted upright and stared at the stranger.
"I'm sorry for startling you," the stranger said in a cultured voice out of character with a pirate ship. "I'm the ship's surgeon, Doctor Gander. But you can call me Drake."

Honour jumped up and threw the blanket down.
"It's about time you got here. He could have died, you know!' Her voice took on a hysterical edge.

The doctor smiled to himself a little. "Yes, I suppose he could, but you already told me he hasn't. So I'll take hope from that."
He walked past Honour and sat on the bed next to Jack.
"His colour is good, and his breathing even. I've seen him in worse shape. And I do believe I missed your name?"
"Honour Br....Wolfe. Honour Wolfe." She shook her head and said mostly to herself, "I still have a hard time getting used to my name."
"Most married women do."
Honour looked out the port window. How could he possibly know that it was the Honour part and not Wolfe?
She pulled her chair closer and sat down. "I'm sorry. My lack of manners is showing."
"Quite alright. It has been a stressful day for all."
He leaned close to Jack and examined the wound and dressing.
"I wish we could have met under better circumstances, Honour," he said in his even, refined manner. "But your husband seems to have made that quite impossible. Now then, Master Briggs told me you're the one who treat him? I'm impressed. If you don't mind, where is the bullet?"

She went to the dresser and pulled out a linen handkerchief.
"Here it is. I thought maybe Jack would want to see it. It's bigger than I thought it would be."
She unwrapped the linen and showed it to the doctor.
His brow furrowed. "Those Spanish devils. They're entirely too good at the craft of maiming and killing, and fashioning the instruments thereof. Thank you, that confirmed my suspicion."
He gently eased the dressing free from the wound. Honour covered her mouth as blood seeped from the hole in her husband's shoulder.

"You may not want to see this, Honour," he said quietly. Deftly, he opened a small satchel and pulled from it some cotton wadding, which he saturated with a thick, pungent ointment.
"A healing remedy I learnt from the local tribes of Cumana." He fed slowly it into the wound. "It acts as a coagulant and it speeds the healing process by days, if you can believe that. There. That should do him for an hour or so."
Honour peered over his shoulder. "that is making my eyes water! Won't that sting him?"
The surgeon leaned back and crossed his arms.
"Except for his grey complexion, I've seen him prone and passed out before. But it's usually from one of his tom-catting wild times in ports from Havana to Hispanola."
He suddenly remembered that Jack was now married and supposedly taken a whim of fidelity oath.
"But that's a story for another time," he quickly added. "Tavern yarns, you can never believe them."
"Oh, I've heard a few," said Honour. With a blush on her face, she murmured, "And probably contributed to a few of them."
"Yes, well... The fresh dressing will be fine for an hour or so, and we'll change it out every four hours after that."
The surgeon scowled and tapped his foot on the deck.
"What aren't you telling me?" Honour asked.
"What? Oh, no, no. It's nothing like that. He'll be fine. He's always fine, no matter the circumstances."
"Forgive me for prying, but you seem... angry?"
"Angry? Well. Yes. I am angry. Quite frankly, I'm angry with Jack. This isn't the first time he's gotten us into some insane battle, but is it him who's left to pick up the pieces?" Drake took a deep breath and exhaled noisily. "I am sorry. I shouldn't have vented that way."
Honour could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, a combination of fatigue, adrenalin and the lack of food.
She could barely nod her head as she whispered, "I'm so sorry."
She felt light-headed and sat down quickly.
Drake gently took her by the back of her head and pushed her head down towards her knees.
"You look about to faint. When was the last time you had something to eat or drink?"
She shrugged which was hard to do in that position.
"I---I guess I really don't remember. It was some time yesterday. I haven't been very hungry. Nothing really appeals to my appetite."
"You, young lady, are going to eat something."
She shook her head. "I don't feel like it."
He raised her to a sitting position.
"A person can be wounded in more ways than the physical. You've endured and survived things today that no lady should ever have to. Aside from refusing food, how are you?"
"I am exhausted," she admitted reluctantly.
"As well you should be! I'll leave you something to help you sleep once I'm done here."

"I almost got him killed." she whispered.
"How do you figure that?"
"He told me to stay here. I couldn't, and when he saw me up on deck, he turned away from the Spanish ship. That's when he was shot. If it weren't for me, he'd have seen the musketeer and avoided the fire."
Duckie stepped closer and took her hands in his. "Honour, listen to me. It's obvious by gaping hole in the corner that you weren't safe here. And you say that Jack turned away from the ship when he saw you?"
"Yes. It all happened so fast..."
"Honour, if he hadn't turned when he did, that ball could easily have buried itself in his chest or his head. Thank God you were there when you were. Looks like you saved your husband's life twice today." He reached into the box and retrieved a small vial of laudanum. "This is to help you sleep. No more than two drops under your tongue. Now dry those tears and try to get some rest. We'll talk more later."
As he picked up his satchel to leave, Honour's curiosity got the better of her. "Doctor, exactly why to they call you 'Duckie'? It doesn't quite make sense, especially given your last name."

Duckie smiled. "This is a pirate ship, Honour. Not a lot of what goes on makes any particular sense. Some things take hold, and some go by the boards, and no one really knows for certain. Now, get some rest. I'll have some food sent down for you. You don't have to eat it, mind you. But staring at a full plate seems a bit silly, don't you think?"
She nodded. "I'll do my best"
Duckie paused with his hand on the doorknob.
"As far as 'Duckie', that will be a story for another time."
He winked as he left the cabin.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 27, 2012, 08:28:08 PM
Honour set about sweeping the glass and splinters out of the cabin. She looked around. Jack's collection of books was untouched. The only thing the cannonball seemed to hit was the wall next to the bed where the galley windows were. It was a miracle she and the animals were not hit.

She looked under the bed. Muir was sleeping soundly. There was a scratching at the armoire door. She opened it and Puddin' hopped out and went his merry way. There was a knock at the door and one of the men stood there with a tray.
"Doc said to send this down to ye, ma'am. He said t' be sure t' eat some of the fruit t'keep yer strength up. Somethin' about blood sugar. Whate'er that be."
She took the tray out of his hands.
"Thank you."
The crewman looked over her shoulder. "How be th' Cap'n? Heard ye fixed him up."
She said, "He will be fine. Please tell the crew that until the Captain is functional, that Mr. Briggs will be in charge."
"Aye. Give our best t' Cap'n Jack, ma'am."
"I shall."

She took a bite of an apple and just couldn't face the thoughts of food. She shook out the blanket and covered Jack up with it. The men had nailed a few boards over the hole to keep the wind out.
Jack continued to sleep but his colouring was better. He moaned occasionally when he moved his shoulder.
Honour walked over to look out. She could see the sky filled with stars.
How could the heavens look so peaceful after the conflagration on the high seas? She rubbed her temples, the start of a headache from the day's stress.
She washed her face and slipped into a fresh chemise. Checking Jack's breathing once more, she closed the door and made her way to the upper deck.

The ship was eerily quiet. Just the groaning of the riggings. Splinters of wood were everywhere and the sails were tattered, their strips fluttering in the night breeze. Honour glanced up and was surprised to see a startling sight.
It was a huge carving of a beautiful woman. Or it had been at one time. The carving had a haughty face with flowing black hair.
And something else.
An overabundance of red paint applied to its cheeks and lips.
That face looked garish under the the light of the full moon. Almost as if it were sneering.
Honour's attention was riveted to it.
A voice behind her said quietly, "Lovely woman, wasn't she?"
She turned to face Josiah Briggs.

"Briggs, what is the meaning of this--this thing?"
Briggs lit his pipe and took a deep draw on it. Pointing with the stem, he said, "That be Mercedes de Castille y Mendoza. Wife of Diego."
Honour stared. "Wh--why is she painted up like that?"
Briggs chuckled. "It were Jack's idea. Somethin' to twist the knife into Mendoza."
"Good God," she whispered.
Briggs leaned over the rail. "Aye. He knew that would provoke Mendoza to no end. Bad enough that Jack stole his flagship. Carved her up almost unrecognizable and then gave her the Spanish name of The Sea Wolf. But to desecrate his beloved was the final insult. And that is what provoked the fury of this attack."
"What happened to the Mercedes, Briggs?"
"Right after the last volley, before Jack got hit, we did damage and they limped away."
"Do you think Mendoza is dead?"
Briggs shrugged. "Don't know for sure. Maybe some day we will find out. But I didn't feel the tremors of the sea when Hell spat him back so I can't rightly say."
Honour sighed. "I'd best get back to my husband."
Briggs touched her shoulder and said awkwardly, "Ye done right good, young missy. Better'n I expected. Ye'll be a true pirate's wife yet."
Honour felt her eyes well up with tears. "That is what I am afraid of."

She walked back into the great cabin. Carefully so as not to disturb Jack, she pulled the covers back and slipped into bed next to him. Suddenly she began to shake as a reaction to all that had happened. She drew herself closer to Jack and felt the warmth of his body next to hers.
All of a sudden, an irrational fear surged through her. The sensation startled her.
It was the fear of losing him.
She laid her head against Jack's chest and whispered, 'Forgive me.'
But it was not to Jack she whispered it.

It was to the memory of Rhys Morgan.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 03, 2012, 07:28:53 PM
Jack awoke in the dawn's breaking light. He looked over at the small form of his wife curled up next to him, her arm around his waist and her head on his chest. Her blonde hair spilled into her face and lent her the air of an angel fallen to earth. Jack tried to move, his shoulder throbbing. He tried to stifle a moan. Honour's head jerked up.
In her sleep-laden voice, she said, "Jack? You're awake."
He groaned, "I was hoping it was just a bad dream. But the pain is a sharp reminder I can scarcely remember what happened. So...what happened?"
"You don't remember anything?"
He said quietly, "I remember seeing you look out from under the canvas on the longboat. Then excruciating pain. Now here I lie with a bandage, dressing and a pain that is out of this world."
Honour said, "You were felled by a Spanish sniper in the riggings. Davis picked him off."
Jack closed his eyes. "Remind me to give him an extra portion of booty next time we pre-emptively salvage a vessel."
Honour looked up puzzled. "But you aren't doing that anymore. Remember? We are going to buy Monsieur Picou's sugar plantation. Five hundred acres with a house and cabins for the hired help."
"Slaves."
"Hired help."
"Whatever."

Jack got up and immediately sat down. "I guess I am a bit dizzy."
Honour reached over for her dressing gown. "It's because you haven't eaten for twenty-four hours. You had all that whiskey and rum on an empty stomach."
"Not to mention blood loss."
He tried to peek under the bandage and Honour smacked his hand. "Leave it alone."
She handed him some fruit and a biscuit.
"I need to find out how the ship fared."
"No, you don't."
"Excuse me?"
Honour replied, "You need your rest."
Jack said crossly, "My crew needs to see their captain up and about. Good Lord, Honour! It's a flesh wound."
"A flesh wound? A FLESH WOUND? It was a flesh wound that I had to dig for the bullet. Do you think that was fun for ME?"
"And do you think that was a rollicking good time for ME? I swear, the next time I run into the Mercedes, I'll send that bastard to hell where he belongs!"
"There won't be a next time. Jack, we planned on starting a new life together in Barbados. With a house and a pigeonnaire and a veranda and big windows and babies and...."
She was suddenly silent.
So was Jack.
She said sadly, "Was it all a lie, Jack? Something to pacify me with in Castara?"
Jack said nothing.
She said softly, "I see. A man will say anything to get a woman flat on her back. Even 'I do.' Well, go. Go and play pirate with your friends."
Jack said briskly, "I need to see what damage and loss of life we have sustained. We'll talk about this later."
She said determinedly, "No, we will talk about it now."
"Later. I have a ship to run."
He opened the door and made his way to the quarterdeck.

But not before he heard the sound of a nice piece of porcelain thrown against the door.
Ah, too bad. It was from the Ming dynasty....
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 10, 2012, 08:45:03 PM
Cade stowed the last of his belongings in what could only euphemistically be called his ship's great cabin and gave an expansive sigh.
"Fine. I'll just keep taking ships until I find one I'm not too tall for," he thought aloud.
He sat at the table going over the charts and manifests for the upcoming voyage, but his mind kept wandering back to those incredible blue eyes that danced when she laughed. Honour's eyes. The eyes of the woman who, as fate would have it, was married to his friend and mentor. He tried to push her out of his mind, but to no avail. Why on earth had a woman of such grace and beauty cast her lot with Jack confounded him. Everyone knew that no sooner had a bit of gold crossed his hand that it would be pissed away in the taverns or stews before the next sunrise.

He picked up a sheaf of papers and rummaged through them; bills of lading (some false, some not), a list of repairs to be made whilst under weigh, a fresh commission from Governor Culley (blank, as usual), and a letter. If the scrawling on the envelope didn't reveal enough about the sender, the wax seal of a wolf's head removed all doubt.

"My Dearest Cade,

By the time you find this Note, Honour and I shall have safely Completed our Passage to Barbadoes, with the Full and earnest Intent of building a New and happy Life in this place. Doubtless this comes as a complete Surprise to you. I myself am only now beginning to grasp the Enormity of it all.

I am, my Friend, truly Happier and Content than I have ever Known, more than I can possibly Express with the written Word. And as you are the closest Soul I should ever consider claiming as my own Blood as a Son, it is Imperative that you hear this from Me, as tavern-Stories are scarcely more Reliable than those of the most Trustworthy politician.

When You have made ready your Ship and Crewe, you must Join us for a while in Bridgtowne as soon as possible. There are Certain legal Instruments requiring your Attentions, for the Purpose of  Substantially reducing my Stake in the Castara Co. to no more than 15%, with the Balance and Full Control of said company to be transferred to Yourself, effective Immediately.

We expect to Receive you within the next two Weeks.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Capt. Jennings.

Capt. J. Wolfe
Mrs. H. Wolfe"


Cade stared at the letter in disbelief. Jack Wolfe, the man who, he was certain, never had a waking thought that wasn't part of a scheme to relieve someone else of their wealth, was walking away from a successful life of piracy? For a woman?

'Women serve a great many delightful purposes,' he remembered his mentor saying on many occasions. 'The least of which is their maddening talent for relieving you of your money, no matter how delightful the distraction.' But Cade could understand how this time, things were different. He tried to ignore the pang of envy he felt at Jack's having found that one woman who could change his mind. Luck would have it that's she'd be the one Cade couldn't stop thinking of.

He read the letter over again, and found himself increasingly bothered by its tone; relaxed, with no sense of foreboding, and certainly none of the panic he'd seen in the man's eyes only a few days ago. Had someone discovered Jack's plan? Or had Bonita filled his head with tales of another one of her visions? It wouldn't be the first time he'd thrown meticulously detailed plans to the winds because of "fresh information." Bonita was always the source, though Jack played it off as his own uncanny intuition.

He was going to find out what was afoot, and he knew the perfect person to ask.

Jennings left his ship in search of of Jack's dreadlocked oracle. After over an hour's search, he found her kneeling in the sand of a sheltered beach. She was gathering shallow clay dishes from near the water, scraping the salt left there by the evaporated sea water into a jar. Cade set his jaw and walked purposefully toward her, the letter clutched in his hand.

"An what bring young Captain Jennings looking for Bonita, when him supposed to be making him ship fit to sail?" she asked without looking up from her task, in a knowing tone that completely unnerved him. "Cade know how anxious Jack get when him have to wait for anyone."

So she seemed to know where Cade was headed and why. "Been going through my quarters, have you?" he demanded, slapping the papers in his hand.
Bonita looked up at him with hardened eyes. "Dere be nothing aboard Cade Jenning's ship day Bonita need or want. Dis island, she have eyes and ears, and she tell Bonita everyt'ing Bonita need to know."
"Then you know of Jack's decision to give up the sea for Honour?"
"Dat little piece of paper tell you such a t'ing?"
"In his own hand."
She gave a derisive snort. "Jack Wolfe is a pirate by choice, and by him nature. Him little wife, she turn him head and maybe, maybe even him heart. But him soul... dat always belong to de sea."
Cade's face clouded over for a moment.
"Ahhhhhh, dere it is!" she chortled. "De golden-haired one, she turn a head other t'an Jack's, just as I t'ought"

"Nonsense!" he protested. "She's my best friend's wife, after all. I'm concerned for both of them."
"De heart, it be treacherous. It want what it want," she said, her damnable knowing smile never fading.
Cade felt like she was reaching right into his mind, groping in all the dark corners. "In his letter," he said, hoping to change the subject, "Jack said he expects me to meet him in two weeks. But as he was leaving-"
"He were frightened, an' told you Cade hurry so as to meet him in two days, no?"
"Did you have a hand in his state of mind?" Cade shot back.
Bonita took a deep breath before speaking. "Every time Jack embark on a new journey, him ask Bonita to read for him," she answered, her demeanour becoming evasive. "It were our way of t'ings."
"Tell me, then. I've never seen him in such a state. What did you tell him? What did you see?"
She turned to face him, and fixed him with her dark eyes. "People t'ink dat Fate be somet'ing dey can run from. Dey are mistaken. No matter how hard dey run, dey are running toward dey fate, defenceless as a newborn babe."
Cade swallowed hard. "You mean, he's thrown himself and Honour straight into..."
"It have already happened. If Cade care for dem, as him say, den him are needed. Go. Now."

He gave Bonita a bewildered look, then ran for the docks as fast as his legs would carry him.

Bonita watched the young man charge off in hopes of helping his friends. A smile slowly spread across her face.
"Dat's right, young Cade," she said softly. "Run to play your part in dey fate."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 17, 2012, 08:11:11 PM
El Lobo may have carried the day, but she had been battered and bloodied in doing so. The weather deck fared scarcely better than Jack's own cabin. A large section of the port side gunwale had been patched with a network of lumber and rope. The two guns that should have been there were missing. A quick scan of the masts showed that they were carrying scarcely half the canvas they should be.

His ship was now a wounded, crippled thing, easy prey for a lesser foe with a mind to make a name for himself.

"As serious as his wound is, I was sure it would take him another day at least before he'd wander up here," a voice came from behind him on the quarterdeck. "Master Briggs, here's your money. I should have known better than to wager against his stubbornness."
Jack turned to see Dr. Gander drop some coins into Briggs waiting hand.
"Ain't nary more bullheaded, Doc. Just like I said. Good to see ye up and about, Jack."
"I'm sure you mean that from the bottom of your purse, Mister Briggs," Jack replied sarcastically. "What be the state of my ship?"
"We handed that black-hearted bastard a right proper pastin', we did..." Briggs began.
"I was there for most of it, remember? And I'd assumed the rest went relatively well, given that none of us is in chains. Get to it, Josiah."
Briggs drew a heavy breath. "Right, then. We took our own share of shellin', that much is true. The carpenter's got the hull patched well enough. But I'm keepin' two men on the pumps just to be sure. All masts save the mizzen took heavy damage. I can't see us addin' any more sail without losin' the main or the fore. God help us if we have to make a run for it."
"Could we make a fight of it if we had to?" asked Jack raggedly. Pain and fatigue were taking their toll on him. By this time, he was only half-listening to his comrade.
"Aye, if we convince 'em to sit still and throw flowers at us, we might have a chance. We lost seven guns total. I'll have the lads remount one on the gun deck. That's the best we can do until we make port for proper repairs."
"I'll take it," answered Jack. "Any more news for me, good or bad?"
Duckie gave Briggs a warning look.
"None ye'd care to hear, no," he half-lied.
"I'll take your word for it. If the carpenter has any spare planks, please have him report to my quarters. We seem to have acquired a draft."

Jack was getting weaker by the second, but he was bound and determined to know the state of his vessel and crew. "What about casualties, Doctor?"

"Nine dead and seventeen wounded, Jack. One of the more grievously injured men refuses to accept medical treatment or advice. I'm concerned that he'll quickly become a liability and danger to his shipmates.
"Unacceptable," Jack winced. "Chain him to one of the surgery beds if you have to, on my orders. What is the man's name?"
"Captain John Michael Wolf," Duckie responded, not missing a beat.
Jack looked at him in surprise. "All right, doctor. You've had your fun at my expense."
"Oh, I assure you, Jack, the past two days could hardly be considered entertaining by anyone aboard," Duckie replied with no small amount of sarcasm in his voice. "I, for one, take no joy watching you bleed through your bandages." The doctor hooked him by the arm. "Back to bed with you. Your wife did too fine a job saving your life for you to go mucking about and ruin her handiwork."
"The Lobo will be fine, Jack," Briggs reassured him. "Another couple of days or so, and we'll be safely in port."
Jack tried to make his eyes focus on the Quartermaster, to no avail. "Two days. I'll hold you to it. Best speed, Josiah."
"Aye, Jack, best speed." He gave Duckie a worried look.
The doctor nodded reassuringly, but his expression belied his exasperation with his roaming patient.
"Now, come along, Jack. Time to get you back into your nice comfy bed where you belong. And I need to refresh your dressing."
"Is... is there a free bed in the surgery?" Jack asked hesitantly.
"What's the matter with your bed? It's better than anything I can provide."
Jack paused a moment. "It's ... complicated."
"Complicated? How complicated?"
"Very complicated."

"Oh, dear," Duckie sighed. "You have been a busy boy. All right then, to the surgery with you. But you will stay out of my cognac!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 17, 2012, 08:14:10 PM
Honour picked the pieces up from the crashed vase. 'Good! I didn't like it anyways, ' she thought.
She picked up the largest piece and hurled it against the door.
"DAMN YOU!"
Just then the door opened and Dr. Drake Gander ducked down.
"Whoa there, Mrs. Wolfe! Are you a one-man destroyer or will anyone do?"
She felt her face flame red and stammered, "I'm sorry, Dr. Gander. I seem to have let my..fatigue get the best of me."
Duckie soberly surveyed the 'situation'. "Let's see...it looks like Jack is now missing a priceless Ming vase from a pillage he did in '66. Spring, I believe it was. It was a ship heading towards Bonaire..."
"I'm sorry, Duckie. I don't think I can do this anymore," she said softly.
He took her hands and said, "What, Mrs. Wolfe? Cleaning up the shards? Changing the bandage on Jack? Putting up with a stubborn man who won't let himself rest and heal?"
She felt a tear trickle down her face and Duckie handed her a handkerchief.
"The life. Piracy. I am beginning to think that Bonita was right. She told Jack I wasn't one of them. That I didn' t have what it takes to be a pirate's wife. And I am beginning to wonder if she is right."

Duckie sighed. "I was afraid it would come to this. Honour, I am hoping you will take Jack away from all of this. As good a pirate as he is, like all pirates I fear he will some day be on borrowed time if he isn't already."
"Borrowed time?"
Duckie nodded. "Did you know your husband attended Oxford, majoring in philosophy?"
Honour was shocked. "No! Jack? Why, he is the most fearsome pirate in all the Caribbean!"
Duckie nodded soberly, "Jack Wolfe is bloody brilliant. Anything he puts his mind to, he's successful. He left in his last year of school. Jack could have been a professor at any university in England."
"But why didn't he finish school?"
"His father died and the money ran out. His father was a shipwright. His brother is in the King's Navy and when Charles Wolfe--that's Jack's father--died, so did the business. Jack signed on with a merchantship and then was pressed into service upon a pirate's ship. He liked the ready cash and it was a way to support his mother."

Honour sat down, astounded at the news her husband had been in Oxford. She knew he was smart but didn't know about this secret he kept hidden. He was also educated. It made sense. The books. The telescope he kept. The artwork on the walls of the cabin.

Duckie sat on the bed next to her. "I think that you were heaven-sent, Honour. To try to redeem Jack from this life. You were meant for him. And he was meant for you."
Honour walked over to the cabin window, looking to the sea. She murmured, "Duckie, if I tell you something, would you swear never to reveal it on pain of death? Promise on your hypocritic oath?"
"Hippocratic oath, Honour."
"Whatever. Do you promise?"
Duckie raised his right hand and repeated, " 'What I may see or hear in the course of the treatment or even outside of the treatment in regard to the life of men, which on no account one must spread abroad, I will keep to myself, holding such things shameful to be spoken about.' "
Honour looked at him and he replied, "It's part of the oath. It means doctor-patient confidentiality. It means I won't snitch. I can't. I'm not allowed."

She stared at a space above the bookcase as if the answers to life were written there. Slowly she turned to face Dr. Gander.
"Have you ever heard of Rhys Morgan?"
Duckie nodded slowly, "I met him through Jack. A good man. A good pirate. Maybe even a bit better than Jack was, but Jack has now equaled him."
She walked over to the window once more and stared out.
"Duckie, how did Rhys Morgan die?"
Duckie sighed. "He was having an affair with a married woman. From those that saw them together--I think it was only once in Cardiff for a week--she was a beautiful woman. From all accounts, Rhys was in love with her. And she was in love with him. She was married to an older man. Very unhappily. But one night the husband came home while Rhys was there. The husband ran Rhys through and the husband was found with a bodice dagger in his heart. The safe and all the jewelry--vanished! As did the woman herself.
The sons of the husband vow they will not rest until they find Rhiannon Castlemaine."

Duckie paused, although he had a suspicion.
"Honour, why do you ask?"
She lifted her head up to look into Duckie's tired eyes and whispered, "I am the woman to blame."
Duckie hesitated and then quietly said, "I see."
Honour looked at him with pain in her eyes. "I had to tell someone. What if I died and no one knew who I really was?"
"Shouldn't it be Jack you should be telling this to?"
She shook her head vehemently. "I can't. How do you think he would feel if he found out his friend died because of his own wife?"
"He would understand." Duckie asked, "How did you meet Rhys?"
"I would go up to the bluffs and write poetry. One afternoon, Rhys was up there sketching," she smiled at the memory. "It seems I am drawn to educated pirates. A pirate that sketches and paints doesn't depict a very fearsome pirate, does he?"

She continued. "I was only seventeen. I was too young to be stuck playing Lady of the Manor. Madoc--my husband, Lord Madoc Castlemaine--was supposed to be sitting on the House of Lords in London. Rhys and I were about run away. I was packing and he had a carriage waiting. But Madoc's absence was a ruse. He had his spies. Madoc never was in London. He was nearby. Waiting like a spider. He ran Rhys through and then charged for me. I barely got out of the way and threw my bodice dagger. My aim was true. It was self-defense, Duckie--I swear it. I held Rhys as his life-force ebbed away. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I emptied the safe and then fled from Beaumaris. I took a ship to St Lawrence and assumed an alias."
"Honour Bright. Unusual name."

She laughed bitterly, "Isn't it, though? I think it was a private joke to myself. Honour Bright. A reminder to be true to myself. As 'honour bright' is a sworn oath of fidelity."
She felt her eyes beginning to tear up.
"Duckie, am I being unfaithful to Rhys' memory?"
"How so, Honour?"
"I loved Rhys Morgan with all my heart. I swore there would never be anyone else I would feel that way about. "
She took a deep breath. "\But something went terribly wrong when I married Jack Wolfe. Something that wasn't supposed to ever happen."
"What is that, my dear?"
"I fell in love with him."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 17, 2012, 08:15:53 PM
"Jack? Jack! Are ye sleepin'?"
He slowly opened his eyes, unsure of where he was or even what day it might be. Finally, through the thick morphia fog he made out Briggs' worried face. "Josiah! What- what day is it?"
"It's only been a couple hours or so since you were up on deck. Askin' about the ship, remember? Then the Doc walked you down here to change your bandages. Looks like he dosed you up pretty good to boot."
"That was considerate of him," Jack slurred. "Why are you here? Are you hurt?"
"No, no, I'm fine," Briggs sighed. "The men have been askin' about ye. They're worried, seein' as how ye looked like death walkin'. The missus must be beside herself, you wanderin' the decks in your state."

Jack blinked hard, trying to clear his mind enough to at least halfway follow Briggs. Nothing. Duckie had meant for him to stay put this time. "Oh, that. Not much help with morale, was it?"
"They'll be fine, once I tell 'em I talked to ye. It was quite the stroke of good fortune, weren't it?"
"What was?"
"Honour. Her knowing somethin' about medicine, enough to save your sorry hide like she done. Did ye have any idea she has doctorin' skills?"
"No. No, I didn't," Jack said slowly. He couldn't remember her saying anything about medical training. He knew they taught women such thing in convents and such, but she was hardly the nun type. What else hadn't she told him?
"Well, no matter. A bit of Providence it was, in any case. What with Duckie hands full of wounded. But I have to ask ye, Jack. Why aren't ye resting in your own quarters?" asked Josiah.
Jack sighed. "We had a bit of an argument before I came topside. She'd much rather I gave up the roving life, especially after our run in with Mendoza." His head was starting to swim from the combination of fatigue and the doctor's sedative cocktail.

"What in the world would she have ye do? Rovin's what ye do best. Hell, better'n most all of 'em," Briggs said.
"We'd talked about buying a sugar plantation."
"Ha! That's a fine one! You, a gentleman farmer? Landed gentry? I've seen ye get land sick after six or seven days from the sea! Ye'd find yer way back on the deck of a ship before very long, and ye know it."
Josiah's ribbing was good natured, but it gnawed at Jack. He had made a promise to her, and the battle might very well be a sign his luck had run out. Getting out sounded so inviting. But was Briggs right? Had he made a promise to Honour that he couldn't keep?
"Besides," continued Josiah, "this ship's as much a part of ye as yer own bones."
"Maybe you're right," said Jack. "Can we talk about this some other time, Josiah? I'm so tired..."
"Aye, Jack. Rest up and get yer strength back. We'll mind the ship for ye." With that, the quartermaster slipped quietly out of the surgery.

Jack thought about Briggs' words, and the promises he'd made Honour. Guilt and conflict dogged him as he slipped into a dark, fitful sleep.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 24, 2012, 08:12:45 PM
"Land Ho!" the watch in the crow's nest called out.
Captain Cade Jennings leaned against the main mast, his eyes scanning the horizon. The ship he had engaged was nearing Bridgetown. He was following Jack's instructions to meet him.

Cade sighed. It wasn't Jack that he was anxious to see. It was Honour.
"Almost to Bridgetown, Captain Jennings," the quartermaster Robert Verro announced. "You are to meet Captain Wolfe?"
Cade nodded. "Aye. He wants to go over some business concerning the Castara Company. Seems he is going to go into the sugar industry."
"Sugar. A good commodity. He can export the rum he makes while in his various ports."
"You don't understand. He intends to settle down in Barbados."
Verro stared at Cade in amazement. "Settle down. As in give up the account?"
"Hard to believe, I know."
"Heard he also got married. She must have some sort of bewitchin' over him to get him to be settlin' down. What's next? Babies? Maybe even a dog?"
Cade shrugged. "They've only been married for a few weeks, Verro. But yes, she convinced him that raising sugarcane and becoming Lord of the Manor would better suit his interests."
Verro exclaimed, "Ne'er thought it would be that way with ol' Mad Jack. Thought he would die with his boots on and not under some tart's bed!"
Cade's jaw set. "She's not a tart."
Verro looked at his captain and a look of concern crossed his face.
"Aye..well, um....I'll be gettin' the ship ready to dock, Captain."
Cade looked back over the waters and said quietly, "Thank you, Verro."
Robert Verro looked back again at Cade and shook his head to himself. "I don't like the feel of this. Not one bit. Looks like trouble brewing..."

By mid-morning the ship had docked. The crew was given shore leave save a few that drew the watch. Cade headed towards The Bull and Bear tavern. Entering, his eyes adjusted to the light. Cade walked up and said, "O'Brien! Been a while!"
O'Brien turned and squinted his eyes. "Do my eyes deceive me? Can that possibly be you, Cade?"
Cade grinned, "Sure as I am standing here!"
The tavern keeper clapped him on the shoulder and exclaimed, "Praise be! Ye have grown since I last saw ye a few years ago. Not so much in height but in face. Ye became a man!"
Cade laughed, "Well, I've been a man for quite a while."
O'Brien winked, "And I bet the ladies be glad of it! Any special one ye courtin' now, Cade?"
Thoughts of Honour crossed his mind and he felt his face getting red.
"No. No one in particular. So....where's Jack?"
The tavern keeper drew his brows together. "Jack? Mad Jack Wolfe? Ain't seen him. But I heard tell he took the vows. And I don't mean as a priest, either. Rumour has it he went to Castara on a little honeymoon trip."

Cade's heart skipped a beat. "Not here? But..but he left four days before me. And it was smooth sailing and calm seas! Are you sure? No word of them?"
O'Brien shook his head. "Nary a one. An' ye know this is the first place ol' Jack heads when he is in port."
He winked and added, "Well, maybe it will be now that he is married and..Cade! Where are you going?"
But Cade never heard the question.

He went outside, trying to catch his breath. His head was swimming. 'They left four days ahead of me. FOUR DAYS!'
All of a sudden, Bonita's words came back to him.
"It have already happened. If you care for dem, as you say, den you are needed. Go. Now."

All afternoon, Cade made a few inquiries but no one had seen anything or any reports on El Lobo del Mar. It was if it had vanished from the face of the earth. But Cade continued in his efforts to find out anything he could. If they had been attacked, it would only be a matter of time--and soon--before some crew came in bragging how they had taken down the ship and its infamous captain.
He tried to stem the rising tide of panic.
Jack.
Honour.
Where WERE they?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun was setting when El Lobo del Mar limped into the port of Bridgetown. Honour stood on the deck, wrapped in a cloak and watched as the ship drew near the port. She took a deep breath and thanked all above that she would be able to step on land once again.
Her mind drifted back to the last few days.....

"Duckie? Where is my husband?"
Dr. Gander was coming out of the infirmary, closing the door behind him. He put his finger to his lips and said quietly, "Jack is in there. He was wandering the deck, checking on this and that and making a general nuisance of himself. I didn't fancy having him fall overboard so Briggs and I led him down here. I changed his dressing and then dosed him pretty well with morphine."
"Was that necessary, Duckie?"
He nodded. "You know how stubborn he is. This was the only place I could keep an continuous eye on him. I couldn't very well keep coming into your cabin, could I?"
"But I could have taken care of him."
He patted her shoulder and said, "I'm sure you could, Honour. But you need rest yourself. You've been looking extremely tired the last few days. It's better this way. Jack will heal faster and I can continue to put the salve in the wound and stop any infection before it starts and--now, don't look at me that way! I know you have only been married for three weeks but you and Jack have a lifetime ahead of you. Let me tend to him and I swear, you can have him when we get to Bridgetown."
Duckie didn't have the heart to tell her that Jack requested a bed elsewhere. He knew how determined Jack could be.
Honour reluctantly nodded in agreement.
"May I see him?"
"He's sleeping."
"I just want to see for myself that he is alright."
Duckie sighed and opened the door. She peeked in and saw Jack sleeping on a cot.
"He doesn't look comfortable. If he was back in our room..."
"Honour, please. Get some rest. You've been through things no gentlewoman should go through. Do you need any more laudanum?"
"No. I prefer not to take anything, Duckie. But thank you."
"I give you my word I shall keep you informed. But right now, Briggs is acting captain and Jack needs his rest to replenish his blood."
He cupped Honour's chin in his hand. "You look tired and pale. Go. Get some rest."
She nodded. "I will. But promise me you will take good care of him."
"Upon my life I swear. And I shall report back to you. But right now you both need time to recuperate."
"Thank you, Duckie."
"Honour?"
"Yes?"
"Are you telling me everything?"
"Why would you ask me that?"
"It's just that you look like you don't feel well."
"I'll be fine, Duckie.  I just want to throw the covers over my head and forget that this ever happened."

For the next four days, the ship limped along. Briggs did a magnificent job of keeping her from falling to pieces. The course was slow and steady. Fate looked out for them as they passed no marauders to prey on a vessel so damaged.
Jack was kept in the infirmary. Honour only briefly saw him as Duckie didn't want any undue stress on Jack. Or on Honour. He felt there was a strain between the two but nothing he could put his finger on. They were polite with one another. But...something was wrong.
Something was missing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
The cry 'Land ho!' went out while Honour sat at Jack's bedside. Duckie had let her stay about five minutes with Jack. When the cry went out, she rushed over to the porthole and looked out.
"Jack, I see land! Oh, I see land!"
The joy in her face was unmitigated. But Jack's eyes reflected something...something Honour couldn't quite discern. A....reluctance?
He sat up when Duckie came in the room.
"Jack, what are you doing?"
He said, "I have a ship to dock."
"Briggs has it well in hand. Give the man his due."
Honour turned to Jack, excitement on her face.
"Once we dock, we can go to Monsieur Picou's plantation and I know you will love it and then we can get a bank draft and--"
"Good God, girl! Don't I have enough on my mind with the ship being a floating disaster? I need to see a shipwright as soon as we dock. I don't have time to worry about a plantation so I can fill it with whiny babies."
Honour looked like someone had thrown cold water on her as her shoulders sagged.
Duckie hurriedly said, "Jack, I'll stop the morphine now. You've been sedated long enough. Honour, would you please tell Briggs I need to see him as soon as he can?"
She nodded without a word and walked dejectedly out of the room.

Duckie whirled on Jack. "Are you out of your mind? Why did you treat her like that?"
Jack replied, "It's just a small argument. She'll get over it."
Duckie looked at his friend and then spat, "Jackass!"
He turned and walked out of the room.


On deck, he saw Honour standing there, her cloak swirling in the wind as the crew worked to get the ship ready for port. Duckie put his hand on her shoulder and said, "Honour, he didn't mean that."
She said nothing but continued to stare at the land coming into view.
He sighed. "Yes. Well. I'll see to other matters."
He gave her shoulder a squeeze and walked back down the stairs.

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

Cade looked over the port of Bridgetown, his despair rising by the hour when he saw a familiar sight. Well, not familiar as the damage was considerable. But the figurehead of a snarling wolf was unmistakable.
'Thank God!' he breathed. 'They are home!'

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 01, 2012, 07:04:25 PM
Honour slammed the door to the cabin.
"BASTARD!" she yelled out loud.
To no one.

She wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand and said to herself, 'Get a grip on yourself. Are you going to let a man see how much he hurt you? How much you care?'
Honour looked out the window and saw Bridgetown get closer. Within a half hour, they would be docked.
Almost mechanically, she started to clear the dresser drawer of her things and dump them into her trunks. The ship was so heavily damaged that it would be quite a while--if ever, if she had anything to do with it--before she would ever set foot back on El Lobo.

She opened the armoire and Li'l Puddin' was laying on the shelf. She picked him up and gave him a gentle hug.
"I think I'm going to miss you, Puddin'."
He batted her nose as she felt the tears welling up in her eyes again as she laid him in her arms and cuddled him.

"We're almost to port."
She turned around and Jack stood there in the doorway. She continued to pack, not saying a word to him.
"The ship is going right to dock and staying there. Everyone has been given shore leave. So I've arranged for us to take rooms at the White Hart."
"Rooms? More than one?"
"Not just for us. Cade Jennings is in port. I see his ship. It's been a standing arrangement that we stay there. I'll probably be in conference with Cade for the better part of the day. I have a few things to do before I leave the ship so you go on."
"In Bridgetown? Without an escort?"
"Take one of the crew if you don't feel safe. But as you are a former tavern wench, I should think you would feel comfortable walking through a port."
His reply stung and she felt the tears come unbidden to her eyes. She willed them away. She'd be damned if she let Jack Wolfe see her cry. No matter how much he hurt her, she would never let him see her cry ever again.
He turned to leave, his hand on the doorknob.
"Honour?"
"Yes?"
He hesitated. "Never mind. I'll see you at the White Hart."
She continued to fold her clothes.
"As you wish."

Bascomb, a crewmember, stuck his head in the cabin.
"Mrs. Wolfe, ma'am, we be sent by the captain to fetch yer trunks."
She closed the lid and locked it.
"That's everything, Bascomb."
"Lots of trunks, Mrs. Wolfe. You want to leave some on board?"
"No." Her answer came a bit too swiftly. "I'll take it all, thank you."
Bascomb nodded and motioned to the other two crew members to take her trunks.

Honour brushed her hair out and wrapped her cloak around her. For some reason, the breeze was exceptionally cool for June. Almost as if it were a sign. An omen sent from...Bonita?
She shook her head and said in a quiet undertone, 'Impossible.'

Walking along the deck, she saw her husband directing his crew right and left, giving commands. He was almost back to the Captain Jack Wolfe she fell in love with. But something had changed. A slight change in his demeanor? But a change none the less.
For a brief second, she caught his glance. Or so she thought. Maybe not. He kept giving instructions. Then she saw him walk over to Briggs and the two of them disappeared to the quarterdeck.
Seh tightened the cloak around her and tilted her chin defiantly as she walked down the gangplank and towards the port.

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

"Room for Captain and Mrs. Jack Wolfe."
The innkeeper stared. "Ma'am? You just said MRS. Jack Wolfe?"
She nodded. The innkeeper said under his breath, "Well, I'll be! Ol' Jack done taken the vows."
He handed her the keys and then grinned. "Up the stairs, second door on the left."

"Honour...um, Mrs. Wolfe? Thank God you are alright!"
She turned to look into the face of Cade Jennings.
His pleasure at seeing her reflected in his grey-green eyes and something else...relief? Concern?
"Mr. Jennings!"
"I was worried sick about you and the Captain. You were delayed over four days."
""We ran into a bit of trouble."
"A BIT? I'd say El Lobo sustained extensive damage. What the hell happened, did you battle a Kraken?"
"Just about. It was a Spanish ship named The Mecedes."
"Mother of God! Captain Mendoza! Is Jack alright?"
"Yes. It's a long story and I need to get to my room, Cade."
"Then you can tell me over an ale in the tavern. Why don't you freshen up and I'll meet you down here in a half hour?"
"I think Jack can tell it better than I could."
Cade shook his head. "Jack would just candy-coat it. I want the unvarnished truth."
He took her hands. "Please say you will meet me."
She gave him a slight smile and said, "A half hour. I'll be here."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 08, 2012, 07:35:56 PM
Honour gazed around the room. It was simply furnished with a brass bed and a chest of drawers. A writing table stood in the corner with a candlestick and holder. Very sparse. She sighed. 'Not exactly the room we had in Castara Bay....I guess Jack forgot a woman is used to some of the niceties of life.'

Bascomb and his men had delivered the trunks and Honour shook out a dress of rose pink. She stepped out of the dress she had on and filled a basin of water from the pitcher. As she looked in the mirror, she was startled at the face reflected back. Her face was drawn and there were shadows under her eyes.
'Just a rough week', she thought. 'I'm exhausted.'
She thought how nice it would be to get into a decent dress and sit down to a table that wasn't rocking. Brushing her hair and letting it loose, she stepped into the dress and laced up a pair of boots. She looked in the trunk and saw something buried deep but the corner was peeking out.
It was a lavender lace shawl.
The gift left behind for her from Cade Jennings.

She descended the stairs and walked into the tavern. Cade Jennings was sitting in a table in the back. He quickly rose when she walked into the room.
Pulling the chair out, he said, "I'm so pleased you could join me, Honour."
She gave him a smile. "It feels so good to be on dry land."
"I see you found my present to you before you left."
She touched it and said softly, "It is beautiful."
"As is the woman that wears it."
She could feel the colour rising in her cheeks.
"What would you like?" Cade asked.
"If you don't mind, I'll forego the ale and have a small glass of wine."
Cade signalled for the barkeep and gave him their order.
"Now...what happened?"

Honour related how Jack was quite agitated before they left the port of Castara Bay. How he seemed to relax once the port was behind them.
Relaxed...until the Mercedes came into the spy glass and all hell broke loose.
The maneuvering of El Lobo.
The battle.
The sniper and Jack falling to the deck.

She caught her breath as she related how she had to dig the musketball out of Jack's shoulder.
"Cade, I was never so nervous in my life. Dr. Gander said I did an excellent job and that I saved his life with my make-shift medical skills. Jack guided me through it until he became unconscious."
Cade took her hand and said solemnly, "Honour, you are quite a woman. Most wives would fold up at seeing her husband felled right in front of them."
She blushed slightly and looked down.
"I did what I had to do to keep my husband alive."
Cade felt his heart drop a little at the words 'my husband'. How much easier it was to think of them as 'Honour' and 'Jack' instead of husband and wife.
He cleared his throat.
"And how is Jack recuperating?"
Honour grew quiet and then picked her words carefully.
"Dr. Gander kept him in the infirmary and dosed him with morphine because Jack was still in shock. He was trying to run the ship yet he was as weak as a kitten. Duckie said he needed to rest and replenish his blood loss."
"Makes sense. Jack has always thought himself invincible as long as I have known him."
She shook her head. "It--it's something else. I almost think that he wanted to be there. Like he didn't want to be near me. He's been curt and irritated with me and we haven't...we haven't.... my God ,Cade, we have only been married for three weeks!" she blurted out.
She didn't need to finish the thought.
No boots under her bed there, Cade thought.
Cade took her hand in his.
Don't worry, Honour. I'll be here for you. And for Jack."

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

Bascomb and a crewmate named Teague entered the tavern of the White Hart. As was the habit of pyrates, they quickly scanned the tavern and tallied numbers mentally.
Teague nodded in the direction towards the back. "Look'ee there!"
Bascomb looked to see Honour and Cade in earnest conversation, holding hands. Bascomb narrowed his eyes. "Dinna waste any time, did she?"
"You gonna tell the Captain?"
"Not me. You know how he is. He'll string up the bearer of bad news."
Teague shrugged, "T'will all come out eventually anyways...."

Cade pulled the chair out for Honour.
"Thank you, Cade. The stew and bread were delicious."
He took her shawl and wrapped it around her, like a mother would her child.
"Can't have you out in the breeze. For June it is a bit windy."
She felt her face get a bit warm at the concern that Cade was showing her. Jack never really did. Jack was all enthusiasm.
"Would you care to go for a bit of a stroll, Honour?"
She thought for a moment and then broke out in a smile. "I'd love to. I lived in St Lawrence but never did get over to Bridgetown."
He offered her his arm and she gently placed her hand on his arm.
As they passed by, Cade nodded to Bascomb and Teague.

Teague shook his head, "T'ain't right. T'ain't right at all."
Bascomb lit his pipe. "Not much ye can do 'bout it. Everyone knows ye dinna mess wit' what belong to th' captain."
"When he sees Jennings, his life ain't worth the powder to blow him away. Where you suspect Mad Jack be anyways?"
Bascomb took the pipe out of his mouth and pointed it towards the town.
"Cap'n always pays a visit to 'is Bridgetown lady."
"Cap'n got a lady in town?"
Bascomb chuckled. "Well, not a lady per se."
"But Cap'n is a married man now. Got a right bonnie bride now. An' young."
Bascomb shrugged. "Ol' habits die hard."
They both looked at each other and burst out laughing.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 16, 2012, 07:37:39 AM
Jack emerged from the shipyard after a gruelling marathon of haggling over repairs needed to make his ship whole again. The heavy sky matched his mood, knowing now that he would be shackled to dry land for nearly a full month. Longer still, should Honour have her way. He decided to avoid the bustle of Broad Street and opted for the more circuitous route through side streets and alleyways back to the inn. The grey overcast muted everything into a monotone palette and seemed to blur everything together in his preoccupied mind. He paused at the end of an alley as a carriage rolled past, when he saw a familiar house just down the lane. It was painted gaily, in colours that made it stand out a bit from the surrounding houses. A smile managed to find its way into his face. Jack knew the house well. It belonged to Renée de Bertrand, or Madame Renée as she was known to the women who resided at her "boarding house". He couldn't see any harm in dropping by to visit an old friend long as he was in the neighbourhood. She was bound to find out about his marriage from some wag. Might as well be him, he decided. 

There were two doors on the front of the house; one unpainted, with a plain brass handle, and another trimmed with red paint, with an ornate brass knocker and no exterior handle. He went to the second door and rapped three times, paused, once, paused again, then twice more. After a few moments the door opened just a little, preventing him from seeing who was on the other side. It was Renée's custom to keep a couple of burly lads on hand to manage unruly clientèle and nosey outsiders. 

"Yes, hallo? Is Madame de Bertrand about? Tell her there's a Jack Wolfe at her door-"
He had barely finished the pun when the door swung open. Two hands grabbed him by the collar of his waistcoat and puled him inside. He found himself pinned against the wall of a narrow hallway. Before he could protest the rough treatment, his assailant pressed her warm, soft lips hungrily against his. Ordinarily he would have gladly gone wherever such a cordial greeting led, but the pain in his shoulder and an uncharacteristic flash of conscience conspired to leave him more startled than enthused.??
"Owwww..." he managed to say around her insistent kiss.??The raven-haired girl broke their embrace, her brilliant blue eyes were still full of fire.
"I'm sorry. Did I bite you?" she asked in a heavy whisper.??
"No, my shoulder," Jack began,??"Silly man. I was nowhere near your shoulder... yet," she cooed.
??"Angelique, darling, I'm here strictly on a social call. Now, where's Renée?"

The pretty girl gave him an exaggerated pout. "Oh, fine then. But you owe me!" She grabbed two great handfuls of skirt and stomped off down the hall, Jack following in her wake. He stopped at the main parlour and helped himself to the house's fine selection of liquor while he waited. He'd settled comfortably onto a velvet covered Roman couch when Renée appeared at the doorway.

She was a striking woman with long auburn hair and a disarming smile. She wore a heavily embroidered purple dress, and a necklace of pearls adorned her neck.
"Jackie Wolfe, as I live and breathe!" she said happily. "I thought you'd still be down in Castara..." Her voice trailed off when she noticed his drawn and dishevelled state. "Oh, dear God. What happened to you? You're a bloody wreck!"
"Mendoza," said Jack. "Among other things."
She fetched a glass and set it down on the table in from of him. "Pour and talk. I hope you finally bagged that sodding bastard."
"I do, too."
"What?! You didn't hang about and finish him?"

Jack finished off his glass and poured another. "He was crippled and burning when we broke off. We had troubles enough of our own to even think of risking a boarding action."
"Trouble," Renée said thoughtfully. If I had a penny for every time I've heard a man use that word when his wife is involved." 
Jack nearly choked on his drink. "Who told you?"
"Oh, please, Jackie," she laughed. "A whisper's as good as a shout on this island. And getting married in the street isn't exactly low profile. Bound to get tongues wagging, even if you weren't the great Captain Wolfe. I take it that bit of news was the reason for this social call, not just to tell me you nearly got your precious ship shot out from under you? Or are you going to tell me what's really got you lower than a well digger's arse?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 16, 2012, 07:38:58 AM

He stared into his glass as he swirled the dark liquid around and around. "The Lobo will be in the yards for nearly a full month."
"So what?" she asked bluntly. "Keep yourself busy. It's not the first time you've been landlocked for a spell. At least this time you've got that pretty young bride to take your mind off things. Her belly will be swelled up in no time, knowing you. Daddy." She capped her friendly jab with a sly wink, but Jack wasn't laughing.
"Yes, well..." he said haltingly. "Honour- that's her name- has her mind..."
"'Honour'?"
"Yeah. Honour Bright."
"What the hell kind of name is 'Honour Bright'?"
"Welsh?"
"I rather doubt it," she scoffed. "Sounds like an alias to me. You can't be too careful of anyone going under an alias."

"This, coming from Pip Woolston of Cornwall? Sage advice," he quipped.
Renée stuck her tongue out. "Your bright idea, don't forget. Mister 'You can't run a proper whorehouse with a farm girl's name'. Go on, finish your thought."
Jack sighed heavily. "We've talked about buying a plantation here on Barbados. He paused to drain his glass. "About me quitting the Trade once and for all."
"Oooh, landed gentry! Jack Wolfe, gentleman farmer and pillar of the community. It's got a ring to it, it does."
"I thought you'd be a bit more surprised as all that," he said glumly.
Renée laughed. "Rubbish! It's not anything you haven't daydreamed about for the past two years. Although this has to be the most sober you've been talking about it. So where's the problem? The daydream's about to come true, and you can't seem to get the salt water out of your veins?"
"If you're intent on engaging in gross oversimplification, yes. Something like that, I suppose."
"Oh, Jackie. Stop and think things through, would you, you silly git? What if all this is the opportunity you've been waiting for? No more looking over your shoulder. No more running. You've settled your score with Mendoza, and narrowly escaped with your ship and sorry hide largely intact. You've got a wife and the means for a fresh start. Do you realize the number of folk who'd give their right arm for the chance you've been handed?"

Jack shifted uneasily in his seat. "That's your advice, then? Chuck it all, trade in my ship for sugar cane fields and my crew for a house full of mewling children?" He took the bottle to pour more liquor for himself, but this time Renée put her hand over his glass.
"I'm saying it's time for you to grow up and do right by... what's her name again?"
"Honour."
"I'll never get used to that one. Anyway, you've got responsibilities and obligations now. Ones that mean something. Most of all, you've got a real chance, Jackie! Call in your favours with that preening windbag Culley for a full pardon and be done with it."

Jack sat back and thought for a few moments. Once again, Renée was right. It didn't make accepting the truth of it any easier, but he couldn't argue her logic. Such decisions weren't just about him any more. Honour had equal shares and equal stakes in the enterprise.
"You have a damnably annoying habit of pointing out my shortcomings, love," he finally admitted.
"Thank goodness none of them are physical," she said with a wink. "As your friend, I want to see you happy. As your business partner, I need you to have a clear head about you. Speaking of partners, where's Ducks? Usually he's the one stuck pounding some sense into your thick skull."

"We had a falling out, I'm afraid," he said sheepishly.
"That's my Jackie," she said with a roll of her emerald eyes. "Why burn one bridge where two or three are just as easy? Go. Go back the White Hart, heal up that shoulder, and start mending fences. That alone should keep you busy for the next month. Oh, and before I forget again, I came across something you might be interested in."
She crossed to a small writing desk and retrieved a folded, wax-sealed piece of paper. She looked at it for a moment, then handed it to Jack.
"What's this?" he asked.
"A bit of information you've been looking for. Go on, open it up! You're lucky enough I found it, I'll be damned if I'll read it to you as well," she said slyly.
He broke open the seal and read the words on the page.

Prof. Armand LaFourche
43 Rue Bacas
St. Pierre, Île Martinique

He stared at the page in disbelief. "How did you find him? I've been trying for nearly a year!"
"A dealer in antiquities stopped in about two weeks ago. The girls knew you've been after this professor bloke, and Annie managed to get him chatting after a few well placed, um, questions. I hope it turns out useful for you. Seems LaFourche's search for whatever it is that piqued your interest drove him right off his nut. He's under the care of his young daughter, Ceily. If he's really gone all loony, you two should get along famously."
"I'd imagine the good fellow's not using his journal any more," mused Jack. "Someone really should take up his research, all in the name of science of course."
Renée chuckled. "The science of filling your purse, more like it. And what a grand cause it is."

He folded the paper and tucked it into his pocket. "Much obliged, Renée. I'll be holding onto this for a rainy day. After I mend those fences."
"Well, I'll be damned," she said. "You really do love her! The Jackie I know would be out the door and on his way without a second thought."
"Keep it between us, love. I've got a reputation to think of." He rose from the couch and put on his hat. "Thanks for setting me straight, Renée. You've lifted my spirits yet again."
"A swift kick is what you needed," she laughed. "I'd be lifting more that your spirits, darling, but you're a married man now. Now get out of here and convince that wife of yours that you haven't really turned into some horrid troll."

They exchanged smiles and he turned to leave. "Oh, Jackie? I'm curious," she said hesitantly. "How did our Bonita take meeting the lovely missus?"
He cocked an eyebrow. "As well as one might expect, I suppose." With that, he patted his pocket and with a wink, departed.

The colour drained from Renée's face. "Oh, that's not good."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 22, 2012, 07:04:11 PM
"And over there is the Governor's house." Cade pointed to a large colonial house. "I've heard he has a very well-kept library."
Honour looked over at the house. "And so near the center of town, too."
She looked down the lane. "And what house is that with the two doors?"
Cade shifted a bit, his face taking on a bit of a blush. "That's Madame Renee's. She runs a 'boarding house'. She's a good sort and contributes alot to the local economy."
"Why the two doors?"
"Well, one is for the townsfolk and respectable business and the red one is for...visitors."
"Oh." She said quietly. "St Lawrence had them too over by the dock but they didn't mind if you used the same door."
"Well, one of her business partners suggested it. Would you like to stop for a light refreshment? I know a place over on Broad Street."

Cade was busy telling her about the goldsmiths and jewelry-makers in port to notice Honour's gaze back at the house of Madame Renee's.
It was then that she saw a familiar tricorn hat at the red door. With an even more familiar face under it. She watched as a beautiful woman with long auburn hair touch the man's face and give him a kiss. The man patted his pocket and took the woman's hand and kissed it.
Then he ran down the steps and leaped over the gate, a jaunty step to his walk.
Yes, she'd know that tricorn anywhere.
Because under it was her husband.

She felt light-headed and Cade turned his attention to her.
"...and they specialize in Brittania silver with gems as big as..HONOUR! Are you alright?"
For a brief second, Cade thought he saw despair in her eyes but as quickly as he thought it was there, her blue eyes reflected a steely look.
"I'm sorry, Cade. I think it was just a momentary feeling of light-headedness. It comes and goes."
"Shall we sit down?"
She glanced back to the retreating form of Jack.
She drew the lavender shawl closer to her and took Cade's arm in hers. "I'd like that. And a cup of tea would be wonderful."

Cade and Honour spent the afternoon in the bazaar where Cade showed her the merchants. They watched a goldsmith melt down ore and they stopped to observe a glassblower fashion a vase. There was merchandise from all over the world. Before they knew it, the sun was starting to dip down in the sky.
"I'm sorry to have monopolized your time, Honour. The afternoon just slipped away."
She leaned on his arm, looking up at him with her blue eyes and tossed her blonde hair.
"I'm not sorry, Cade. I can't remember when I have enjoyed the afternoon so much."

She had put her arm through his and for all appearances, they were a couple.
He felt a warmth flood through him, totally ignoring the voice inside him that was saying, 'You stupid lout! That is your best friend's wife....'

He walked her to the tavern door. "Best allow me to walk you to your room, Honour."
She shook her head. "No, it won't do for you to be seen in my hallway. I am sure Jack is up there by now. I'll perhaps see you on the morrow?"
Cade tipped his hat to her. "You can count on it."
Honour drew him close to her in the shadows and reached up, drawing his face towards her. For a brief moment, they looked into each other's eyes. Cade couldn't be sure but did he see a glimmer of hurt in her eyes?
She closed her eyes and parted her lips. Cade was drawn like a moth to a flame. He touched her hair as he drew her face closer to him. The kiss was like a spark catching fire. When they parted, he saw a touch of a blush on her face as she whispered, "Goodnight, Cade."
And she turned towards the stairs.
Cade stood there watching her ascend and then went out the tavern door.

Teague turned to Bascomb and said in a hushed voice, "If I dinna see it wi' me own eyes, I'da not believed it."
Bascomb shook his head. "The new Missus Wolfe an' Cade Jennings? Lord ha' mercy, Mad Jack will kill 'em both!"
Teague replied, " 'e ain't gonna hear it from me. Whatcha goin' ter do, Bascomb?'
Bascomb's eyes turned flinty. "Take it to Briggs and let him deal with it."
They went back to their ales.

Honour stopped at the top of the stairs and counted two doors down. She fumbled in her purse for the key when she heard a strange noise from the room. It sounded like someone playing a..violin? And not just any tune. But a gypsy tune. It can't be Jack..he doesn't know how to play a violin.
As she put the key in the lock, she heard the music stop. Opening up the door, she saw her husband sitting there on the bed taking his boots off.
"Ah, there you are! I was about to start searching the vendors for you. Where were you?"
She hung up her lavender shawl, touching the fringe and not daring to look him in the face.
"I was out seeing the sites. And yes, visiting the merchants."
"By yourself?"
"Yes. By myself." She hid her face to conceal the blush.
"Jack, I heard music from this room."
Jack shrugged, "Must be from the tavern across the street."
"But...it came from here."
"You're mistaken, Honour. What would I be doing with a violin?"
"Who said it was a violin?"
Jack grew quiet. "I just assumed it was. Guess I heard it too and never paid heed to it."

He put his arms around her and kissed her. She felt herself holding herself at a distance. How could she confront him on where he had been? He would just lie to her...
He unlaced her and her dress fell in a silken puddle on the floor.

That night, as he laid next to her sleeping, she fought back tears. It seemed the tenderness was gone when they made love. Made love? More like Jack had used her. She vowed she would never let Jack Wolfe know how he hurt her. Married three weeks and he was already up to his old habits. She never denied him before. Why would he have to turn to another woman?
Somehow...some way, Jack Wolfe...you'll be sorry.
She sat up and wiped a tear away from her face. 'You'll be sorry you ever used me like a common strumpet, Jack. Just you wait....'
She fought the sick feeling that came over her. She slipped out of bed and as she did, her foot bumped against something peeking out from under the bed. She bent down and pulled it out.
It was a violin.

Honour ran her hand over the instrument, it being well-worn and used. Like it had been in someone's family for a long time or had been lovingly played. She looked over at Jack sleeping soundly.
'You lied to me, Jack Wolfe. How many other lies have you told me?'
She quietly slid the violin back under the bed and laid back against the pillows.
Her stomach lurched at the fact that the man whose bed she slept in and made love with was a complete stranger to her. Was she just a commodity, someone for Jack to use? Suddenly she felt worthless.

'Some wives would just turn a blind eye to it, Jack,' she whispered. 'But not me..oh, not me. No one uses Rhiannon Conaway. Not in this lifetime or any other.'

With that, she rolled over, taking most of the covers.
'Deal with it, Jack. Just...deal with it.'
And she fell asleep.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 30, 2012, 06:57:32 PM
Jack awoke to the chill of a morning breeze wafting over his skin. The sun had broken the horizon, bathing the room with a soft orange-rose glow. Unwilling to rise or, more to the point, leave his bride's side just yet, he reached to pull up the covers. He quickly discovered the reason for his chilly awakening; Honour had wrapped herself in the majority of the bed covers like a caterpillar in its cocoon. He smiled and and gently stroked her long golden hair, then tenderly kissed the nape of her neck.

Honour was already awake. She had been off and on throughout the night, her sleep plagued by suspicions of the man she called husband but now saw as a stranger. She willed herself not to shrink from his touch, the same touch that only days before could ignite her passions like summer lightning, by imagining for the most fleeting of moments that it was Cade who caressed her. Just as she had the night before.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Jack whispered. Honour pretended to stir from slumber, but did not turn to face him.
"Good morning," she replied, trying to infuse her voice with something resembling warmth.
"How on earth am I supposed to show my appreciation for your beauty when you're wrapped up like a mummy?"
"I'm sorry, Jack," she replied. "I've woken up with a headache."
"Should I send Duckie round to check on you?"
"No, I'll be fine. I just want to sleep."

He kissed her head gently and got up from the bed.
"I have some ship's business to attend to. Shouldn't be more than a couple of hours at most."
He splashed his face with water, then set about getting dressed.
"If you're not feeling any better by the time I get back, I'm sending for Duckie. Wouldn't do to have you fall ill, now would it?"
"Oh, all right," she sighed. "But I'll be better after I rest. Don't worry yourself."
"Of course I'll worry about you!" he said cheerily. "I'm your husband. It's my job to worry about you." He gave his boots a final tug and retrieved his hat from the bedpost. "Sleep tight, darling. I'll be back soon."

So I'm a job to him, not just a commodity, Honour thought as Jack closed the door. She'd had enough. She was going to find out what he was up to once and for all. She silently counted out a full minute, then sprung from the bed and dressed hurriedly to follow him, hopefully to the truth. No matter what the result, she had to know. She quickly brushed out her hair and pulled it back into a simple braid. The last time she'd thrown herself together this quickly, she was rushing to meet Rhys after being waylaid by a talkative novitiate. If only this was as happy an occasion.

She watched out the window for Jack to emerge so she could being her pursuit. Finally, he did.

Jack strolled out of the White Hart's front door, whistling a cheerful tune. For the first time since the battle with Mendoza, his heart was light. It had felt so good to make love with Honour once again. He felt like a fool for pushing her away, but he was now bound and determined to make up for his mistakes. Today's business was that of atonement.

As he approached the alleyway next to the inn, he could hear a raucous conversation going on, most likely men gaming at dice. What he heard during a pause in their laughter, however, soured his mood in an instant.

"Seen it wif' they own eyes, they did! That Jennings didn't waste no time getting' 'is hooks into ol' Jack's wife! Stole a kiss on the stairs what was more'n just friendly, what after paradin' 'er about town big as you please, 'e did! An' she weren't upset by it none neither, if ye get me meanin'! Looked right 'appy on 'is arm she did, like they's th' married ones!"
"Ha! That Jack gone an' taught Cade a littl' too well, didn' 'e?"
"You're daft is what you are, the both of ya's! Jack Wolfe, a cuckold after less than a month? Never 'appen. Not an' they live t' enjoy it."
"God's own trufe, mate. Ask 'em yerself an' they'll tell ye same as I 'bout Jennings an' that little trollop..."

"Who will tell us?" a voice boomed from the end of the alley. The three men turned to see a silhouetted figured walking slowly toward them. They grouped together and backed away from the advancing man. He drew his sword and quickened his pace. "Answer me, damn you!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 30, 2012, 07:00:28 PM
The men broke ranks and ran. One man became tangled in an old crate and fell to the ground. Before he could get back up, he felt the cold edge of a cutlass against his throat. Jack stared down at the prone man, his eyes like flames. "I'll have names, or your blood. I'm not inclined to be choosy."

"I- I don' know! 'e tol' us, but I don' remember, I swear it on me Mum's life! Please don' kill me, Cap'n Wolfe! I'm beggin' ye!" the man pleaded.
"Then take this back to your friends, you miserable, feculent tosspot!" Jack growled. "The next man who so much as thinks about uttering such scandalous lies about my wife, I'll cut their heart out and feed it to them."
He stared into the sailor's eyes with burning hatred until he could see that the message had taken hold. Then he stepped back from the man, turned on his heel, and returned his blade to its scabbard as he stalked back down the alley.

Honour stepped through the inn's doorway and into the brilliant sunlight. She shielded her eyes and looked down the street in the direction she'd seen Jack walk, but he was nowhere in sight. As she began walking, she heard the heavy sound of boot heels striking the cobblestones of the alley just ahead. She knew that sound anywhere. It was Jack! Panic took her for a moment, and she turned back the way she'd come just as her husband turned the corner. A silent prayer was on her lips that he wouldn't discover her. Thanks to his preoccupation with the rumours he'd just heard and the simple manner in which Honour had dressed that day, he never noticed her as she backtracked toward the inn. She sighed with relief as the sound of his footsteps faded down the lane. When she was confident he was far enough away, she turned around to follow. She paid little attention at first to the dishevelled soul who came from the alley as she walked past, but there was something familiar about him that made her look back. He was a crewman from the Lobo. The expression on his face left her shaken to the core. It was the look of disgust a pious man gives a common harlot.

Guilt about the time she'd shared with Cade yesterday gnawed at her as she followed Jack through the streets of Bridgetown. She knew it was wrong of her to kiss Cade, but he'd been so kind and attentive to her. He'd shown her the respect and tenderness Jack seemed to have forgotten. Her mind returned again and again to that one sweet, stolen moment. And if that kiss was so wrong, why did it feel so sensually wonderful? Why did it feel right? Besides, she asked herself, since when did Jack Wolfe give a damn about right and wrong? If he could live his life in shades of grey, so could she.

Honour quickened her pace to close the gap between them as they approached the street where Renee's "boarding house" was. She was confident he was headed back to that nest of strumpets. Her heart pounded and ached as she waited for him to turn down her street and walk up to that horrible red door. To her astonishment, he kept walking. He never so much as looked in the direction of the house. Where was he going? She'd been so certain she would catch him in an act of betrayal. Now thoroughly confused as to her husband's attention, she followed on.

After two more blocks, they entered the city's warehouse district. Low, wide buildings with only a few windows mounted well above street level lined the carriageway. Jack finally stopped at the entrance to one of the nondescript buildings, where he was joined by none other than Josiah Briggs. Honour ducked around a corner to avoid being seen, then gingerly peeked back out to continue her spying. Doubt began to cloud her thoughts as she watched the two men talk. It didn't change the fact she'd seen him waltzing out of a whorehouse the previous day. But maybe this time he'd actually told her the truth.

Finally, Jack and Briggs went into the warehouse, allowing her to creep closer so as to listen in on their conversation. She had to know if there was a shred of truth left in anything he said. The two tall,wide doors of the warehouse were left standing open. She slipped up to the entrance and flattened herself against one of them. The men's voices echoed in the cavernous building, making her goal of listening in that much easier to attain. She could hear them walking around, their conversation little more than friendly chit chat. Now and again she'd steal a glimpse of the warehouse's interior. Boxes, bundles, and barrels were stacked haphazardly in no discernible order, much like the hold of the Lobo had been. At long last, their discussion turned to something of interest to her.

"And the guilders, where are they at?" asked Jack.
"Right over here," answered Briggs. He pulled a tarpaulin off the several large crates marked "PRINT WORKS" in Dutch. "All twenty-seven chests, just as they were when we left for Castara."
"Good. I need them re-crated. All but five. The rest are to be moved to the private storehouse on St. Michael Street. The remaining five are to be put under lock and key here."
"Aye, it'll be done. To number 11 it is. I'm guessin' you'll want their whereabouts kept secret, as usual?"
"Absolutely. We'll be using the money from here to buy that plantation Honour and I talked about."

She could scarcely believe her ears. He wants the plantation now? Maybe he's really had a change of heart. Maybe he was only telling Renee about their marriage, and it wasn't what it looked like...

"You're goin' through with it? Turnin' from corsair to cane farmer?"
Jack laughed. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Josiah. It's a good investment no matter how you look at it."
"I take it ye'll be lettin' the missus know about chests we're movin' as well? A little butter and egg money, as it were?"
"No," said Jack. "You and I are the only ones to know where they are. Honour doesn't need to know."

Honour clamped her hand over her mouth to smother a gasp. He was hiding the money from the Dutch ship from her? The ones he's boasted about when they met? She wondered what elaborate lie he'd concoct to cover their whereabouts. Damn him! So he didn't trust her after all. Her mind offered up a myriad of reasons why he'd hide so much money from her. He'll probably use it to keep that damnable doxy in satins and lace, the bastard!

"Fair enough," Briggs said. "It'll stay a secret. Not sayin' I agree, but I'll keep it mum."

'At least Briggs tries to be a voice of reason, for what good it did,' she thought

"That'll do, Josiah. How are repairs going on the ship?"

That damned ship of his. I wish he'd get rid of it!

"Comin' along well. Seems the structural damage weren't near as bad as we'd thought. Should be ready to sail a week early!"

No...

"Excellent. I want her made as good as new, with all her teeth! Ready to sail and fight."

Tears welled in Honour's eyes. He was going to leave her there on that island and sail off, the son of a b*tch! Probably get himself killed and leave her alone to fend for herself. She'd heard enough. Choking back tears, she fled from the warehouse district. She needed someone to talk to, someone she could trust. Why was Kate so far away when she needed her? Then it dawned on her. Duckie! He'd been quick to defend her when Jack had been so awful to her on the ship. She could trust him. She already had with her secret, and he hadn't let her down.
"Damn you, Jack Wolfe!" she sobbed. "I'm never going to let you hurt me again!"

"So you're goin' ahead with the sale?" Briggs asked.
"That's why I want her shining like a new penny, my friend. If I have to sell her, I want top price!"
"Have ye' told Honour about all this yet?"
"I want it to be a surprise for her. The sale of the Lobo, purchase of the plantation, and those chests we're moving will comprise the nest egg for the next generation of the Wolfe family," Jack said proudly.
Briggs laughed heartily. "Hell, Jack, I never dreamed I'd see the day, but it does this old salt's heart good! You, a pappy? God help us all!"
Jack smiled, but the events of the morning were still weighing on his mind. "Josiah, I have a question, and I need you to be honest with me."
"Aye, ye know I usually am. Unless you're bein' a roarin' pain in the arse. No point in talkin' to ye then.
"When am I like that?"
"Most days what end in a 'y'," Briggs joked.
"Remind me to send you flowers next time. Seriously, though. Have you heard any troubling rumours from the men?" asked Jack.
"Ye mean outside the usual scuttlebutt?"
"Yes. Anything about myself or... or any other parties?"
"No, I haven't. Why? Have you?" Briggs asked with concern.
"I'm not certain. It was probably nothing more than idle gossip."
"Jack," said Briggs, "You and I know half these men yap just to hear their fool heads rattle. It was about Honour, wasn't it? Otherwise ye wouldn't be askin'."
Jack's jaw clenched as he remembered the slurs against his wife. "Yes. It was."

The quartermaster shook his head slowly. "She's a beautiful woman, my friend. Everyone can see the effect she's had on ye, and there are those who'll begrudge you that bit of fortune." He put a reassuring hand on Jack's shoulder. "Whatever was said, there ain't a shred of truth to it. Pay it no never mind. Come tomorrow, they'll be on to some other foolishness."
"Thank you, Josiah. I'll take your advice. My skin is usually thicker than this."
"It's worse when it's about those ye love, mate. It'll pass, believe me. Now, didn't ye say ye had some other business to tend to? You're slowin' me down with all your chatter! Turn yer rudder and shove off!"

Jack smiled at his friend, and walked off toward the shipyards.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 05, 2012, 07:52:48 PM
Honour walked quickly away from the warehouse district heading back to the inn. Her thoughts were lost in a jumble as she remembered bits and pieces of overheard conversation. The plantation...the sale of El Lobo del Mar..guilders....secrets...secrets..more secrets...
"Ooof!"
She ran into a man who caught her by the arms.
"Honour!"
"Duckie!"
"You alright?"
She looked down at the ground and shook her head. When she lifted it up, Duckie saw nothing but distress in her eyes.
"You look like you need to talk. Tell you what...I haven't had lunch and I bet you haven't either. So what do you say I pick up some bread and cheese and a bottle of wine and we go over to the grassy area over by the dock and spread a blanket down and just have a nice visit. Will that help?"
She nodded. "I'd like that."

Within a half hour, they were sitting on the ground. Duckie had his shirt sleeves rolled up and he was pouring a small glass of sherry for her.
"Now..what is on your mind, Mrs. Wolfe?"
"That is the problem."
"The sherry?"
"No. The 'Mrs. Wolfe' part."
"I don't understand."
"The more I find out about Jack, the more I realize I don't know who he is."
"Well, you DID get married in a fever, as it were."
"May I ask you a question?"
"You can ask. Don't know if I will answer."

She took a deep breath. "I heard music. Gypsy music. And it was coming from our room. I asked Jack about it and he denied hearing it. Later that night, I went to get out of bed and my foot hit something. It was a violin, old and worn, under the bed. Duckie, why would he lie to me? And what else hasn't he told me?"

Duckie sighed. "Honour, Jack Wolfe has taken alot of blows in his life. He's done things and had things done to him the average man would fold up and crumble."
"Where did he learn to play the violin?"
He cut a piece of cheese off a wheel and handed her a piece along with some fruit. "In Lorient."
"Lorient....France?"
Duckie nodded. "Before he took the Mercedes as his own and renamed her El Lobo del Mar, he was sailing under a Captain Will Harkness. Their ship was dry-docked in Lorient for two months while it underwent extensive repairs. Jack, being the scholar he is, ended up talking to a gypsy..his name was Reuben--and he was the chieftain. He invited Jack back to the camp and they immediately took a liking to him. So much so that he would go to their camp every night and sit around the campfire and even eat dinner with them. Reuben taught him to play the violin.. Jack learned old gypsy tunes at the feet of Reuben. Now, Jack was only about twenty-one at this time and he was a quick learner. When it was time for Jack to ship out, Reuben--being the emotional people they are--gifted Jack with a violin that was his grandfather's. Jack has cherished it ever since."

Honour bit into an apple. "But why did he lie to me, Duckie? I would love to hear him play."
Duckie cut off a slice of bread.
"Because Jack is a private person. Ever since I have known him, he has a vulnerable side he won't show to the world. Jack IS a wolf. A wolf without a pack. He'd gnaw his foot off before he would show his hurt. And he always found solace in music. Says it helps him relax and think."

Honour stood up and brushed the crumbs from her skirt.
"Thank you, Duckie. And I'll keep this to myself."
"I'd appreciate it, my dear. I am sure in due time more of Jack will be revealed to you. He finds it hard to trust. He's been dealt a few bad hands in life."
Honour gathered her shawl and said, "I'm heading back to the inn. The last week has taken its toll on me and I'm tired. I'll see you later."

As she walked off, Duckie looked at her retreating form. If there were anyone who was the opposite of Rose, it was Honour Bright.
'Honour, don't do it. Don't break his heart. I don't know if it can take another blow...'


~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Honour made her way to the inn where she and Jack had a room, she entered through the tavern door. Cade Jennings was having an ale with a few of his friends from El Lobo.
He caught sight of her and rushed over to her, the pleasure of seeing her undeniable on his face.
"Honour! How grand to see you! I thought you might be with--" he couldn't quite bring himself to say 'your husband'--"or shopping. Would you care for something to eat? Something to drink?"
She shook her head no. "I'm a bit tired, Cade. I'm afraid that the crossing to Barbados took more out of me than I expected it would. I'm usually of sturdier stock but the battle and all that..."

Cade touched her shawl and pulled it up around her shoulders. He said softly, "It wouldn't do for you to catch a chill, would it now?"
Her hand accidentally brushed against his. She said softly, "I'll be alright."
He brushed her hair back from her shoulder and said, "You always are a bit of alright, milady."
"Cade?"
"Yes?"
"N--never mind. I shall see you around later, perhaps?"
"I shall be here."

She started up the stairs and turned back for a second. Cade was looking at her with a look of tenderness that Honour hadn't seen on a man's face in a while. She hurried back up the stairs.

Hennessey and Dolan, the two crewmates that Cade had been sitting with, watched the exchange. Dolan nudged his mate and whispered, "Looks like maybe Bascomb and Teague weren't too far off the mark. Cade looks downright smitten."
Hennessey nodded. "Just hopin' ol' Jack gets his ship ready to sail and takes 'er out o' here and away from Jennings. I like Cade. Don't want to see him run through."
"Then let's be hopin' that it don't look like what it be lookin' to us."
Cade came back and sat down. "Did I miss anything?"
Dolan said, "Just the bleedin' obvious."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothin', Cade. Just...nothin'."

Honour closed the door to the room she shared with Jack. The bed had been made and fresh water had been filled in the pitcher.
She hung up her shawl and unlaced her bodice. She loosened the drawstring on her skirt and stepped out of it.
Filling the basin, she splashed water on her face and then laid down on the bed. Her mind was in confusion.
So many things about her husband that she didn't know.

He knew how to play the violin. Expertly. He was a student at Oxford until he had to leave as the money for education had run out. What really happened between him and Mendoza to make them mortal enemies?
She flung her arm over her eyes.
Jack planned on buying the plantation. At least he was investing something from his plunder. As his wife, she would have a roof over her head, no matter what Jack was up to.
Was he expecting her to be a patient little wife and walk the widow's walk with a spyglass waiting for her wayward husband to wander home?

Jack was an enigma wrapped in a riddle. Whatever happened in his life shaped the way he is today. She wasn't ignorant of the fact that Jack was a very sensuous man. He proved that to her. Perhaps he just went to the bordello to tell a friend that he won't be coming back.

She sighed. Duckie knew Jack in their youth. If he said Jack has a vulnerable side, then it was up to Honour to find it.
To see if she could tap into it and salvage something of their life together.
Because if she didn't...there was no hope for them.
No hope at all.

She rose from the bed and looked out over the torches that were beginning to illuminate the lanes. Jack would be back any time now.
And Honour was determined to try once more.
To salvage their life together.

But Cade Jennings' tender look came unbidden to her mind.
She quickly dismissed the thought.
Her place was with Jack.
And Jack alone.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 12, 2012, 06:52:15 PM
The portly merchant picked up some coins from the table and looked at them suspiciously.
"Dutch guilders, Captain Wolfe? You'll forgive me, but I prefer to be paid in the currency of the Commonwealth."
"You're new to the Caribbean, aren't you, Mister Archer?" asked Jack. "Money is money. It all melts down the same. If you decide to be picky, you'll find yourself starving, not that it could hurt. A handsome payment for a few days passage to Martinique is what that is, mate! Do we have a bargain?"
Archer looked down at the coins, then back to Jack.
"We cast off early tomorrow afternoon, Captain. I'll have some men come round to the White Hart for your things. She's the Aphrodite Merchant, don't forget!"
"Who could forget the goddess of beauty?" Jack replied.
He glanced out the window as Archer pocketed his money and noticed the firefly glow of lanterns beginning to dot the lane. He'd promised Honour he would be gone only a few hours, and here the day was nearly gone. He breathed a silent curse for being neglectful once again, and wondered if she was feeling any better.
"Speaking of beauties, my wife will have my head for allowing business to keep me this late!"
"We'll walk out together then," Archer offered.
"No need, mate. In for a penny, in for a pound. I'll finish my drink before I go to face the music."
Archer smiled cordially. "Good evening to you, Captain Wolfe. I shall see you tomorrow."

Jack raised his glass as the merchant gave a slight bow before walking away. He settled back and thought about the day. The money that would secure his and Honour's future together was safely tucked away. The ship was scheduled for auction two weeks after the completion of her repairs. Now he stood to procure the notebook of Armand LaFourche, and try his hand at unravelling a mystery that men had been trying to decode for over 100 years. It had been an immensely satisfying day. For the first time in days, he felt like things were going his way once again.

A sailor took his drink from the bar and walked over to a table where his friends sat waiting. He had a smug look on his face, and his mates look expectantly for what he seemed to know.
"Well, spill it! You said you knew somethin' 'bout what Wolfe's been up to, talkin' to the auction house an' the like!" the first one asked.
The smug man sipped his drink and smiled.
"Captain Wolfe is goin' to Martinique. In a right hurry, from the sounds of it. Been talkin' to merchants most of the day, he has."
"What's 'e up to? Takin' a packet like some lubber don't make sense!" said another.
"Don't know what why he's goin', but I do know this," the smug one said with a conspiratorial air, "It's just the chance Cade Jennings would kill for right about now. And Jack Wolfe is handin' it to him."
One of the men was so deep in his cups that he seemed likely to fall over. But one of the names roused him from his drunken stupor.
"Cade Jennings!" he exclaimed. "That bloke what's been cattin' about wif ol' Wolfe's pretty-pretty?"
His friends tried to hush him, but it was too late. Jack had overheard, but he made no outward sign that he had. A tavern girl came by with a bottle for another table, but Jack grabbed it and tossed a few coins at her. The rumours had surfaced again, and this time he was going to find out just what was being said. He pulled out a sheaf of papers and slouched down in his chair, pretending he had heard nothing.

"Nah, nah, nah! Wai' a minute! Lemme talk!" the drunken wag continued. "What I was told, that Cade's been moonin' over that, wha's her name! Yeah! Honour! Been actin' like a lovesick puppy since Castara. I hear tell they got right cozy a bit there, I did."
"So did I! Spent every second Jack was away with her, he did! Poor stupid blighter, his own student stealin' his women out from underneath him like that!
"And I'll tell you another! With the stallion out of the barn, Jennings'll tend to that filly right an' proper if you get my meanin'! And it wouldn't be the first time, you can be sure of that!"

Jack sat listening to the men laugh and jeer at his expense, talking on and on about how everyone knew Cade was lying with his wife behind his back and had been since he had been foolish enough to introduce them. For the next half of an hour, Jack drank heavily while he brooded and listened as they laughed at him. Laughed at the blind, stupid cuckold. He'd seen how Cade looked at her. How the boy watched her every move. He'd ignored it, and why shouldn't he have? Honour was a beautiful young woman. Heads turned wherever she went.

He had taught Cade everything he knew. How to be ruthless and calculating, how to be cold and merciless in the pursuit of the prize. And now his own apprentice - his own heir! - had betrayed him. And so had his wife. Her head was turned the moment she met a younger man. Bonita was right. Honour was nothing more than a treacherous child. But what of Bonita's other accusations? Had that tavern wench truly used him for what he could lead her to, only to discard him at the first opportunity?

Anger and despair boiled in his veins. The next thing he heard pushed him to the breaking point.

"... but I never thought in all my days I'd see Jack Wolfe become a cuckold and a has been! He can't control his right hand nor his own woman!"

Jack exploded into rage. He jumped to his feet and whirled to face the men who were so gleefully slandering him and his bride, the bottle held like a club in his hand. The men fell silent at the sight of him.
"How long have you people known this?! Answer me, damn you all!!" he roared like a wounded lion. He smashed the bottle against the table and began to advance on the gossips. "Start talking, you sorry sons of whores, before I cut it out of you!!"
The men tried to back away as Jack came towards them, bumping and stumbling over furniture as they retreated from the bellowing fury. One of the men fell backwards against a table, and in moments Jack was on him. He grabbed the sailor by the throat and held the broken bottle just inches from the terrified man's face.
"How long have you known?!! Tell me while you can still speak!!" he spat.

The sailor's mouth moved, but no words came out. The hold on his throat was too tight. Out of control with rage, Jack drew back the jagged weapon to strike. But at the last moment, the bottle was knocked from his hand. The tavern keeper grabbed him in a choke hold and pulled him off the man. Jack kicked and fought like a demon, shouting obscenities and spitting death oaths as he was dragged out the door and thrown into the street like a common beggar.

He got back to his feet, his mind still churning with rage.
"You're a dead man, Jennings," he growled, and lurched off toward the White Hart Inn.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 19, 2012, 07:41:17 PM
The door of the inn flew open with the percussive force of a cannon shot. All conversation abruptly halted as the stunned patrons turned to find Jack Wolfe standing in the doorway. He strode purposefully to the center of the room, looking each person there dead in the eyes. Cade Jennings was not among them. No matter. Revenge would be exacted in time. He became increasingly aware that everyone was staring at him as he swayed drunkenly like a reed in the wind. Forcing a smile, he doffed his hat and gave a theatrical bow.
"Gentlemen, please! As you were!"

The tension was broken, and conversations resumed. With a stiffly measured gait, he strode up the stairs. He was not about to show them the jealous husband who had lost control back at the tavern. The practiced façade he wore into battle would serve him well once again. The people below hardly noticed the creak of a door as it opened, but the window rattling slam that followed could not be mistaken.
Dolan gave a low whistle. "Oh, this ain't lookin' good."

Honour sat bolt upright in the bed, the covers clutched up around her neck.
"Jack! What on earth is the matter? You scared me half to death coming in here like that!"
She looked out the window and saw that the sun had set.
"And where have you been? You said you'd only be gone a few hours."
Her hand was still trembling from the slamming of the door as she brushed her hair back from her face.

Jack couldn't bring himself to look at her, so he stared at the windows as he pulled off his frock coat. He tossed it on the bed and removed his baldric and sword. Honour noticed the dirt on the coat's sleeve, along with a tear near the elbow.
"Jack, your favourite coat is torn. Hadn't you noticed it?"
Her questions continued to be met with silence.
"Why won't you talk to me?" she asked in frustration.
He looked askance at her. "Why do you care if I came back at all?" he slurred. "I thought you'd be happier the longer I stay away."
"Jack, you're not making any sense. You're drunk, aren't you? Please, get undressed and come to bed..."
"I AM DRUNK!" he erupted. "Tell me, oh wife of mine, why I should share a bed with you tonight? I can practically smell him on you."
"Smell... what? What is wrong with you? Why are saying such terrible things?"
"Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out? The whole town's talking about Jack Wolfe, the cuckold pirate!" He turned to face her, his anger boiling to the top once again. "Parading around on his arm in front of the entire town, the two young lovers! More like the backstabbing cur and his little slut!"
"No, no, Jack! No, you were busy, and... and Cade offered to show me the sites until you returned... It's not what you think!!"

Even she could hear the note of guilt that slipped into her voice. Yes, she had thought Cade attractive and charming. Yes, she had stolen a kiss with him. And yes, she had imagined making love with him. She could feel her face turning red as hot tears welled in her eyes.

"Oh, I can imagine the things he showed you!" he went on, pacing back and forth at the foot of the bed. "How long have you two been together? Since Castara? How could you betray me like this, Honour? Why?"
The hurt in Jack's voice tore at her.
"I haven't! Jack, I love you! I would never betray you, never! You have to believe me! Please!" she begged, tears streaming down her face. "I've been far truer to you than you have to me!!"
Her last words stopped Jack in his tracks. "Now how can that be possible?" he mocked.
Honour fought to regain her composure. Her body trembled with distress, but a wave of anger began to build within her.
"I saw you. I was on the corner when you came out of that... house," she said, her voice becoming more and more forceful. "You didn't have the decency to accompany me to the inn before you ran off to lay with some whore! Another of your many 'friends'? Friends with benefits is more like it!" she spat sarcastically.
Honour had found her voice at last. All the frustration and mistrust, all the hurt and anger she'd so dutifully stifled over the past month came roaring forth like a spring flood.

He laughed derisively. "How dare you accuse me?"
"And how dare you, my husband?" she retorted. "My hands are clean! But you... all your promises and solemn oaths that conveniently change with the wind! I gave myself to you, body and soul! I saved your life when you were shot, and this is how you repay me? With accusations and infidelity?"
"You've humiliated me!! I've treated you with generosity and kindness up 'til now..!"
"You've treated me like rubbish!! Everything's roses when times are good, but when I need you, when I need my husband with me, you're never there! If I have done the awful things you say, who could blame me?"
Jack's eyes went wide with rage. He stepped menacingly toward her and drew back his hand to strike, but Honour found the courage to face him defiantly and not cower. She stared him straight in the eyes though her face was streaked with anguished tears.
"Damn you, Jack Wolfe!" she said with steely resolve, "Go ahead. Hit me. But if you do, I will walk out that door and NEVER come back!"
His hand flew up once more, but her only reaction was an almost indiscernible flinch, her eyes never leaving his. He stared at her, his face a mask of anger and heartache. Suddenly he turned and went to the writing desk. She followed him a few steps, relieved that he had not followed through with his threat. Maybe she could reason with him now, and make him understand she'd done nothing wrong...

She gasped in horror when Jack whirled and pointed his pistol at her. The combination of alcohol and adrenalin had him so unsteady that his aim wavered as if he were on the deck of a pitching ship.
"Jack, please, no! Put the gun away. This is all a terrible mistake!" she pleaded.
"The mistake was in marrying a deceitful little trollop like you! A mistake I intend to remedy here and now."
He pulled the hammer back slowly.
"Your precious Cade will be along to join you in Hell shortly."

Terror gripped Honour's very core. Instinctively, she lashed out with a sweeping kick that caught Jack's arm. The pistol flew from his hand and landed harmlessly on the floor. Enraged, he lunged at her, but she quickly sidestepped and watched as he lost his footing and stumbled head first into the wall. Her breath came in ragged, panicked gasps as she waited for him to get back to his feet. But he didn't move. Carefully, she knelt down beside him and put her small trembling hand near his face. A small wave of relief washed over her when she felt his breath across her fingers. He wasn't dead. But she knew it wasn't safe to stay there. The familiar urge to flee overwhelmed her. She hurriedly dressed and left the inn, and ran down the street as fast as she could to The Horse, Hunter, and Stag.

She knew she would find safety there.

Cade would protect her.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 26, 2012, 07:27:18 PM
Honour pulled the hood of her cloak closer to her face as she approached the innkeeper of The Horse, Hunter and Stag. In a soft, halting voice she said, "I-I'd like to see Mr. Cade Jennings, if you please."
The innkeeper hesitated and said, "Don't rightly know if I should give you his room number, Missy..."
She tried to smile and said, "I'll be sure to knock first. Sir, I am not his wife or a jealous female trying to catch him with another woman."
The tavern keep saw the emerald ring on her finger and said quietly, "First door on the left at the top of the staircase."
She nodded, drew her cloak tighter around her and ascended the stairway.

Cade opened the door to her timid knock.
"Honour! What are you doing out this time of night?"
"May I come in, please?"
He looked at the tearstained face and said quickly, "By all means."

He took her cloak and saw that she was dressed in a chemise and skirt. No bodice, no corset, no stays.
She shivered. He sat her down and opened a bottle of brandy and poured a glass for her.
She drank a bit and started coughing.
"Careful, Honour."
"I'm sorry. I've been feeling a bit under the weather."
He sat down on the bed next to her and said quietly, "It has to be a problem for you to come here alone and at night too."

Honour nodded miserably. "It's all falling apart, Cade. I'm married almost a month and it's all falling to pieces."
He brushed her hair back and said soothingly, "Do you want to talk about it?"
She felt the tears well up.
"Jack accused me--us--of some vile things. He called me names. I confronted him on the fact that I saw him come out of a brothel the first day he--"
"Brothel? You saw him? When?"
"When we were walking the first day in port. He came out of that house with the two doors."
"Madame Renee's?"
"You know her?"
"Everyone knows Madame Renee."
"Cade, Jack went there for....for....."
She felt the tears coming again. He put his arm comfortingly around her. "You don't know that for a fact, Honour. He could have been visiting an old friend. He and Renee go way back."
She wiped the tears from her face. "I'm young but I am not a fool, Cade. I know what I saw."
"Honour, I can understand why you are upset but--"
"There's more. He accused me and you of...well...he accused me of infidelity."
"He WHAT?"
Honour nodded. "It gets worse, Cade. He..."

She leaned against him and began to cry.
"He pulled a gun on me and yelled, 'The mistake was in marrying a deceitful little trollop like you! A mistake I intend to remedy here and now.'
"Oh...Honour."
She could hardly talk.
"He pulled the hammer back on the pistol and then said in a deadly calm voice, " 'Your precious Cade will be along to join you in Hell shortly.' "
"Was he drunk?"
"Yes," she said as she felt the tears welling up in her eyes again.
"Cade, I kicked the gun out of his hand. He lunged for me but I moved and he ran headlong into the wall and was knocked out. I--I checked and he was still breathing when I left. Oh, Cade, I can't go back! He will kill me! And you!"
He held her and rocked her a bit as she cried, "No, he won't kill us. He's crazy with rum, Honour. Or whiskey. Or both."
"I can't go back. I--I can get a room here for the night or sleep in the common room here."
"Honour, all the rooms here are booked. The Ebony Heart just docked and all the crew have shore leave. A pretty little thing like you in the common room with a port full of drunken pirates who haven't seen a woman in three months? Not even an option."
"But I can't go back."
"Stay here. I can sleep in the chair."
"I can't ask that of you, Cade."
"I insist. No arguments."
She stood up and looked him in the eyes. "I can't thank you enough, Cade. For all you have done."

Cade put his hands on his shoulders and said, "Anything for you, Honour."
She looked up into his eyes. Their bodies were touching and Cade softly brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. "Anything..."

Before she knew it, their eyes closed and their lips met in a kiss that was anything but casual. They broke apart, each not knowing what the other would do.

Honour whispered, "I've been accused, judged and condemned. I may as well be guilty of the crime as well."
Cade tilted her face up to meet his and whispered back, "Then we shall pay the price together."


~~~~~~~

With a start, Honour woke up. The moonlight streamed onto the bed, illuminating Cade's face as he slept next to her. His arm was flung around her as he spooned against her. She quietly slid from his arms, placing a pillow in her place.
She wrapped her cloak around her body, her chemise and skirt laying on the floor giving clues as to what had taken place. As if the man in the bed wasn't testimony enough to damn them both.

Honour stood there, a feeling of despair washing over her. Messing up once in her life was enough. The main attraction was the same, only the key players had changed.
Would Cade have the same fate as Rhys?
And what of Jack? While he was not Madoc, his fury was unmatched. Twice in one lifetime was too much for a woman to be threatened with death, this time for a crime she hadn't committed.
Until after the accusations.

She walked over to the window and looked out. A few pirates straggled out of the taverns, spilling onto the lane. So far the only one who knew she was here was the innkeeper. And he didn't even know her name.
She leaned her forehead against the mullion of the window and began to cry quietly.
Bitterly.
To herself, she whispered, 'Rhiannon...how many times are you going to mess up? How many places can you run to?'

Honour wondering how she was going to face Cade in the morning.
But much more importantly was this--how was she going to face Jack?
If he was ready to kill her and Cade over an imagined infidelity, how would he react if he ever knew that his suppositions became actualities?

'Rhiannon', she thought, 'you sure do know how arrange things. Those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. When will you?....When will you learn?....when will you learn?....
Will I ever learn?'
She closed her eyes, knowing she would use all her wits to pull herself out of the funeral pyre.
Because Jack was holding the match.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 26, 2012, 07:29:49 PM
In a tavern in Castara Bay, the solitary figure drew her shawl around her. The moon shone through the palmettos as she closed the door behind her. She walked towards the beach, the soft sand cushioning her footfall.

In a clearing overlooking the bay, she laid her shawl down on the ground and sat upon it. In her leather bag she withdrew what she needed. An urn filled with sea salt, a few bones and a leather box.
She very carefully laid what she needed on the flat boulder she used so many times before. Clouds raced across the moon, lending an eerie feel as if shadowy fingers embraced the orb.

She stood and sprinkled a circle of the salt around herself and the boulder. Facing east, she took the bones out of the bag and cast them on the boulder. Three bones scattered. Three touching, one touching and then rolling away from the breast bone. She inhaled sharply, a small smile coming to her face.
Three times.
Three results the same.

Withdrawing her cards, she drew three out.
The Lovers.
The Tower.
The Devil.

'It already happen,' she whispered. 'Dey run to de Fate dat be cast for dem. No turning back. De great Jack Wolfe find out how it feel to hurt. Him pretty little bride and he dat he treat like a son. Him have destruction around him head.'

She reached once more into her bag and withdrew two small dolls. A male and a female. The one had a ribbon, the other had a lanyard. The poppets were back to back, bound with a black ribbon. Touching but not facing.

She held it up to the moonlight and whispered a few words. 'Wit' dese cords, I bind toget'er dey spirits, and hold apart dey hearts. Dey lives, dey be forever entwine, forever connected, but never share as man and woman.'
The very words she chanted when she first bound them together.

A chuckle escaped her lips which grew into a laugh.
'Sail away, Jack Wolfe! Sail away! Two already betray you. Two, so dear to your dark heart. Dey already cut you to de quick, and cause you such joy and pain. Your heart will break three times."

She put her charms back into her bag, still chuckling.
She stood and faced the horizon, the dark waves lapping the shore in the moonlight.
Softly she said, 'Bones no lie, Jack Wolfe. Bones no lie. Neither do Bonita.'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 02, 2012, 08:08:35 PM
Jack's eyes fluttered open, but screwed shut almost immediately from the pounding throb in his head. He made a tacit vow to himself not to overindulge like he obviously had again, just as he'd vowed a thousand other mornings before. Smiling in the solace of at least knowing for certain who it was he'd find lying beside him, he stretch drowsily and reached toward the other side of the bed... and found it cold and empty.

"Honour?" he called quietly. When no answer came, he sat up and looked around their room. She was nowhere to be seen, and her cloak was missing. He was still in the shirt and breeches he'd worn the previous day. As he struggled to remember the events of last night, he noticed the pistol lying on the floor, its hammer still cocked.

"Oh, God, no. No, no, no, what did I do?!" he wondered desperately.
Bits of memories came drifting back: the tavern, the awful rumours, the argument with Honour and the terrible things he'd said to her, the hurtful accusations. Remorse hit him in a sickening wave. Why did he not trust that she was telling the truth? Why didn't he explain his friendship with Renee?
"Damn you and your pride, Jack," he said aloud. She had endured hardship and peril, never once wavering from his side. How did he repay her love and fidelity? By judging her guilty on hollow charges and no evidence, because HE felt humiliated by the idle chatter. Instead of standing beside her, he had thrown her to the wolves over wounded pride.

He went to the window and looked down on the street below. The sun had just risen, and people were beginning to go about their morning routines. He caught a glimpse of a woman's cloak near the inn's entrance. It was the same colour and style as Honour's. The woman seemed to hesitate at the door before entering. If it was Honour as he hoped, he could not blame her for being apprehensive about returning. Curiosity about where she may have been was drowned out by his relief that she was safe, and had found it within herself to come back. Jack hurriedly straightened the room, being sure to safe the pistol and hide it out of sight. He splashed some water on his face and tried to do something with his unruly mane, to no avail. Finally, he rummaged around in a small wooden chest, retrieved a green velvet pouch, and stuffed it into his pocket. His heart pounded with hope and dread as the door handle rattled, then slowly turned.

Honour stepped gingerly into the room, her heart beating so hard she could feel it in her ears. The guilt she had felt upon awakening in Cade's arms was nothing compared to what wracked her being now. She could not bear to even look at her husband, so she kept her face hidden by her hood as she turned and closed the door. At that moment, she longed to once again be that carefree girl sitting at the cliffs near her childhood home watching the ships come and go, far away from this place in a far simpler time. But she would not run this time. No, she would face her husband and accept whatever came next.

Strangely, the angry tirade she'd expected was not there. An eerie silence, almost claustrophobic to her, hung in the air. Why didn't he say anything? Where were the now well founded accusations she was certain he'd hurl? Unpredictable to the last, she thought. No small wonder his foes found him so maddening. Honour sighed heavily, resigned to the fact that Jack was going to force her into facing him, the adulteress before the humiliated cuckold. She pulled her hood back and began to remove her cloak. To her amazement, she felt it lifted from her shoulders with incredible delicacy. Fighting against her own shame, she turned, head bowed, to discover what judgement awaited her. Astonishingly, what she found was nothing like what she expected. And her heart broke.

Jack Wolfe, the most feared pirate in the entire Caribbean, stood before her as the epitome of contrition.
"Honour," he said softly and slowly, his gaze directed at the floor in front of her, " I am so terribly sorry for the way I mistreated you last night. I have been a poor husband to you. I see that now. When you needed me, I was not there. When I should have offered explanations, I didn't. When I should have trusted you, I didn't. Though I do not expect you to, can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 02, 2012, 08:09:26 PM
Her mind reeled. He was begging forgiveness, when it was she who had broken their marriage vows? She knew in her heart that there was no way he could know yet of her sin- committed with the man who Jack loved like a son!- but that only seemed to make her feel worse.
"No, Jack," she said, her voice nearly cracking with shame. "I'm the one who should be asking forgiveness. Not you."

"Nonsense!" he interrupted. He stepped towards her and drew her into his arms. It felt to Honour as if he was holding on to her for dear life.
"No, my love. This has all been a terrible misunderstanding, and it is my fault. All I ask is a chance to make things right."
He pulled the velvet pouch from his pocket and opened it. She gasped when she saw the intricate diamond and emerald necklace as he drew it out into the light.
"I was holding this for a happier occasion, but I want you to have this now as a token of apology."

"It's beautiful," she whispered.
So overwhelmed was she by what was happening, it all began to take on a dreamlike quality. Jack held up the necklace, and she turned around to let him put it on her. She swept her long blond hair away from her neck. The glimmering stones were cool upon her skin. He gently kissed the back of her neck as he put his arms around her. Honour leaned back into his embrace and turned her head to look at him. Their lips met, and at that moment the flood gates that had been restraining their emotions burst open at once. Their kisses became hungry, almost desperate. She moved her body against his as he caressed her. His fingers loosened the ties of her chemise and deftly pulled it free from her shoulders. The garment slipped down over her body onto the floor as she turned and began undressing him. They held and touched each other, losing themselves in their sensual tempest. Finally, Jack swept Honour up in his arms and laid her gently upon the bed. She insistently drew him down on to the bed and over her, guiding him to her. As they made love, she kept her eyes closed tightly so he would not see the pain in them, and a single tear ran down her cheek.

Honour lay in Jack's arms, her back to him, their bodies and emotions spent. She wondered what would happen next. How long before Jack found out she betrayed him with Cade? And what revenge would he exact once he knew the truth? Would he kill them both as he had threatened last night? She was thankful Jack couldn't see the haunted look in her eyes. There was no way to run from her terrible mistake, no way to hide it, no way to undo the wrong. She was trapped. The chill of hopelessness began to creep into her heart, so she snuggled back against her husband. He gently stroked her hair the way he always had after they made love, but this time it brought her no joy.

Jack sighed heavily. "Honour," he said quietly, "I have something to tell you, darling. I wish now that I didn't, and I hope you won't be too angry with me."

How could he possibly make her angry after what she'd done to him, Honour wondered.
"Please, just tell me, Jack. All our breakables are in storage, so you have nothing to worry about," she feebly tried to joke.
"All right. You remember the notebook I told you I was trying to find? The one that belongs to a French naturalist?"
"I think so. Why?"
"I know where he is. Martinique. It's practically in my grasp, love!" he enthused.
"How so?" she asked. "Is someone bringing it to you?"
"This is the part I fear will upset you," he said cautiously. "I'm going to Martinique to buy it. Today."

Honour turned over quickly to face him. "You're leaving? Today?!"
Her voice was full of hurt. Damn him! He hasn't changed one bit, and never will. Leaving her behind while to go chasing after treasure?
"But we were supposed to look at the plantation tomorrow! What if someone buys it before you decide to come back? Have you considered that?"
"In fact, I have. I've set more than enough money aside to buy the plantation, at your disposal. Briggs will make sure you have it in hand first thing before you go to the property."
"What, I'm supposed to negotiate the contract?" she asked incredulously.
Jack smiled at her. "Of course! What better way to prove how much I trust you than to let you buy your dream home? You'll do a fine job, I know it."

The news hit her like a kick in the stomach. Was this to be her destiny, to live the solitary existence of a seaman's wife and pace the widow's walk every day, hoping to see his sails on the horizon?
"Jack, no!" she pleaded. "This is too important, and I need you there with me!"
"I promise, Honour, I'll only be gone a few days. You'll be fine! When I return, we'll start moving in to our new home."
He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "Now I really should get my things in order. I sail in just a few hours, and they'll be by shortly for my baggage." He smiled happily at her, then rose from the bed to get dressed.

Honour pulled the covers up around her, her heart bursting with despair. In the space of less than a day, the marriage that had brought her so much joy had come crashing down around her. She rolled over again, her back to him.

"Do what you feel you have to, Jack. You always do."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 09, 2012, 07:47:10 PM
St. Pierre, Île Martinique

There it was. 43 Rue Bacas. The home of the mad naturalist and linguist Armand LaFourche. For years he had been renowned for his abilities to understand dead languages and their equally dead practitioners. But if the stories were true, his attempts at understanding a forgotten people known only as the Ancients had gotten the better of him. Instead of unravelling their secrets, their secrets had unravelled his mind.
Jack stepped up to the door and knocked. It was answered by a young woman, Honour's age or close to it. She was a frail thing, tall and pale, with eyes that belonged to someone much older.

"Mademoiselle LaFourche?" he inquired politely.
"Oui."
"My name is Cap... is Jack Wolfe. Please forgive me for dropping by unannounced. I am a great admirer of your father's work. Might it be possible for me to meet him?"
She sighed heavily. "Monsieur Wolfe, my father is a very sick man." Her heavy accent lent her voice a far more authoritative ring than one might have expected. "I am afraid it is out of the question. Au revoir, monsieur." She began to close the door.
"Please hear me out!" Jack insisted, and the woman paused. "This is more than just a social call, mademoiselle. I have a business proposition that I believe you would be interested in."
She mulled his words over for a moment, then opened the door wide. "Please, Monsieur Wolfe. Éntrer."

The interior of the house was cramped. Not from an ill-conceived floor plan, but rather every available bit of wall space had been converted into bookshelves. The air was heavy with the stale smell of leather, cloth, and vellum. The young woman led Jack through the winding maze of texts. He decided it was as good a time as any to try and break the ice.
"Forgive me, but I don't believe I caught your name."
"Cecile," she replied pleasantly. "But you may call me Ceily. Everyone does. You are here to buy my father's journal about Les Anciens, oui?"
"Oui! I mean, yes, that I am. How did you know?"
"You are not the first, monsieur."
"You'll find I am prepared to pay handsomely..."
Ceily cut him off with a wave of her hand.
"I would happily give you the journal, Monsieur Wolfe. But I think you should see what the knowledge contained within it has done to my poor father before you accept. The price is far steeper than you think," she said ominously.

She brought Jack to a small sunny room. Armand LaFourche was there, sitting in a simple straight backed chair. He was looking out at a small garden Ceily no doubt maintained for him in an attempt to soothe his tortured mind. Jack watched as the disturbed man rocked gently back and forth, quietly chanting something inaudible. Ceily motioned Jack into the room and pointed to a chair for him to sit in next to her father. As he sat, he found the man wasn't chanting, but was instead singing a children's song.

Sur le pont d'Avignon
L'on y danse, l'on y danse
Sur le pont d'Avignon
L'on y danse tous en rond
Les bell' dames font comm' çà
Et puis encore comm' çà...


Ceily kneeled down beside Armand and gently touched his shoulder. He stopped his song to smile at her.
"Papa?" she said softly. "Papa, Monsieur Wolfe voudrais vous parler."
She nodded toward Jack. Armand looked at his visitor, his strange smile never fading.
"Je ne sais pas vous," he said warily.
"Monsieur LaFourche, my name is Jack Wolfe. I've come to ask you some questions about the Ancients."
The man's eyes went wide. "Les Anciens! Oui! Oui, but of course! I can tell you everything about them!"
His voice was suddenly infused with life, the confused fog lifted from his eyes. Such a radical change in his demeanour helped to ease Jack's mind. Perhaps the quest for knowledge about these people had nothing to do with LaFourche's madness after all.

"Did you ever find out where the Ancients lived, for certain?" Jack asked carefully.
"Non. No, I never did. But I learned things far more important." Armand's expression turned gravely serious. "Things I will tell you, only if you swear to me you will never tell another soul."
"Believe me, I'll keep anything you tell me a secret. Just between us." Jack was gambling that even though he seemed lucid enough, Armand might still be soft enough in the head to give up something useful.
"The Moon and Sun in endless chase, must come together in one place." the man said. Jack blinked and looked to Ceily, who could only offer a shrug.
"That's very interesting, monsieur. Could you be more specific? Do you mean an eclipse?"
The crazed look was creeping back into Armand's eyes.
"In the Chamber of Tomorrows, the Keeper of Kings will awaken. Do you see it?"
He smiled as if Jack should have understood his riddles clearly.
"I'm afraid I'm not following," said Jack. "Perhaps if we back up a bit..."
"Three Kings will hide before your eyes, their scattered way brought together. Yes, yes, they will hide... until she finds them..."

The enigmatic smile was back, and Armand LaFourche was lost once more. Jack leaned back in his chair, utterly perplexed. Ceily nodded toward the doorway, and the two retreated from the room to the hall.

"So, monsieur. You see what his quest has done to his mind. Do you still want the journal?" she asked, certain Jack would decline like everyone before him.
"You know, I think he actually gave me something to go on. Yes, please. I'll take it off your hands," he replied without hesitation.
Ceily shook her head sadly, and retrieved a worn book from its place on the shelf. She touched the stained cover, which read 'Un Journal de Conclusions sur la Race perdu connu seulement comme Les Anciens, comme compilées par Armand LaFourche', then quickly handed it over to Jack.
"Here. Take the accursed thing. And may God take pity on you, Capitaine Jacques Wolfe."

Jack smiled gratefully. "Why should He start now?" He paused, then handed a purse full of coins to her. "For his upkeep, and your kindness. Adieu, mademoiselle."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on September 16, 2012, 11:09:12 AM
Honour stayed in their room after Jack had left. Her stomach was tied in knots from the events of the past few days. She had a tray sent up to her room but only picked at the food. The goodbyes were awkward. Jack apologizing for leaving her but the enthusiasm on his face showed that his mind was elsewhere. He hardly noticed the stilted way in which Honour said goodbye.

Staying in the room afforded her the opportunity to avoid Cade. She knew he would be in the tavern. And she didn't feel up to facing him or the awkwardness that would follow. She looked down and touched the diamond and emerald necklace that Jack had given her. Just like a man to think that a gift would make things right. The name-calling. The aborted strikes he almost laid on her. And finally pulling a gun on her.
She shuddered to think what would happen if she hadn't kicked the gun out of his hand.

And she was beginning to realize there was more at stake than just her own life. She pulled the covers back and hugged her pillow. She cried until there were no more tears left and she fell into an exhausted sleep.

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

The next morning the sun shone through her curtains. Something was knocking...and a whining.
'Muir..stop that scratching...'
Then she realized that Muir was still on the ship with Briggs.
She sat up suddenly and realized someone was knocking at the door. Hurriedly she put on her dressing gown and opened the door slightly.
"Mrs. Wolfe...Honour, ma'am..it's me. Briggs."
She opened it fully and a ball of fur came hurtling towards her. She laughed for the first time in days and said, "Muir!"
Briggs shifted uneasily from side to side and said, "Yes, well...he was beginning to chew various boots on the ship so we all took a vote and decided instead of becoming chum, the pooch would be better off with you."
Muir licked her face as she laughed. "Quite allright. Muir, you are just what I need right now!"
Muir ran and got Jack's shirt and dropped it at her feet.
"I'm sorry, Muir. He--he went away."
Briggs also handed her an envelope. "Captain left this bank draft for ye to purchase the land ye talked about. Made out to ye, Mrs. Wolfe. Just put it over at the moneyhouse and they can handle the transfer for ye. Should be plenty there, Ma'am."
She took it and said quietly, "Thank you, Briggs."
She hesitated, "Oh, Briggs?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Briggs...would you..would you please give Puddin' a hug for me?"
He tipped his hat and said. "Ma'am..."
And with that he left.

Honour walked out the front door and as she did, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She jumped a mile.
"Cade!"
He looked at her softly and said, "You were gone when I woke up."
She looked down and said, "About last night..."
"We need to tell him."
"Tell...who?"
"Tell Jack. About us."
"Cade..."
"It's only right, love. We need to tell him so we can make our plans."
"Plans...?"
"Honour, look over at the harbor. What do you see?"
"Ships."
"See the one second from the right? Next to the Dark Vexation?"
"Dark Vexation? Is Captain James Blake in port?"
"Yes, but that is besides the point. The ship next to her is the Gryphon. She was on auction and she is now mine. I'm telling Jack I'm going on my own account now. No more being under Jack's thumb, Honour. We can be free to do what we want. Jack will just have to understand. Now that I am a captain of my own ship, Mad Jack Wolfe and I are equals."
She murmured, "He certainly taught you well, Cade. In all respects."
He took her hands. "Where is Jack?"
She cautiously removed her hands from his. "He's gone."
"Gone? Gone where?"
"To Martinique. To find someone named Armand LaFork."
"Armand LaFourche?"
"Yes..I guess that is the name."
Cade whistled low. "He's really going to do it He's really going to look for the Ancients' chest."
"You know about it?"
"He's talked about it long since I can remember. He's going as loony as LaFourche."
"He'll be back in four day's time. Cade...."
"Darling, I have to go. I have to close the deal on the ship and take care of some business in St Lucia. I'll be back in a week and then we can tell Jack."
"But Cade....."
He kissed her and said, "Don't worry. It will all work out."

And with that he walked down towards the docks.
Honour sat down suddenly trying to fight the rising tide of nausea. 'This just keeps escalating.'
She touched her silver chain and whispered, 'Mother..please. Help me! Which way am I to go?'
She was beginning to suspect her life was about to undergo some changes. But deal with the present now and worry about the future later....
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on September 23, 2012, 07:24:41 PM
"Monsieur Picou?"
"Oui?"
"I'm here to meet you regarding the sale of your plantation."

Monsieur Picou looked her up and down and said, "I was expecting both you and your husband, Mrs. Wolfe. Has he been detained?"
Honour laughed a bit self-consciously. "Oh, I'm not Mrs. Wolfe! I apologize for not introducing myself. My name is Mrs. Castlemaine. Captain Wolfe was called away and Mrs. Wolfe changed her mind and joined him. But their circumstances have changed. She persuaded him to migrate to the New World. Boston, specifically. She inherited money from her father and convinced the good captain to settle there. I am her cousin twice removed. She told me of the land she was interested in and I decided I may want to invest in Barbadian property so I decided to keep her appointment."
He looked doubtful. "You are so young. You have money?"
Honour nodded. "My late husband--may he rest in peace--left me well off. We were emigrating to Barbados and he drank the water and died. Typhoid."
Monsieur Picou expressed his sympathy. "I'm so sorry."
Honour affected an air of resigned grief.
"Yes. I was devastated. We were only married a short while. But I know Byron would want me to carry on. And he had dreams of investing in sugar cane. I really would love to fulfill his dying wish."
Monsieur Picou wiped a tear from his eye for the young 'widow'.
"Then let us go in to see the house."

Honour gazed at the grandeur of the manor house. A verandah wrapped around three sides of the house. A second balcony was supported by six Grecian columns. The stairs of brick led to a massive front door in oak. The red brick shone in the sunlight.
"Monsieur Picou! This is beautiful!"
He beamed with pride. "Oui! But since my wife died, I want to go back to France. That is where I want to spend my last days."
He opened the front door. A marble staircase greeted them. It ascended up the middle and then split into two staircases. He led her into the parlor which was furnished with lovely furniture. A piano stood in one corner.
"Do you play, Madame?"
She ran her finger lightly over the keys. It had been so long since she sat down to play.
"A bit."

The French doors looked out over a brick patio and onto the ocean. The sheer curtains blew in the breeze.
He led her to the formal dining room. A solid mahogany table with sixteen chairs and a glass chandelier hung from a carved plaster ceiling. A cabinet of crystal stood in the corner and a sideboard for platters was against the opposite wall.

She peeked out the door and there was a detached kitchen with a pergola covered with grapevines and a brick walkway. Forethought to keep the kitchen separate as fires were not unheard of.
Exotic flowers made up the garden. Their perfume filled the air. For a moment, Honour thought of her honeymoon in Castara Bay. It brought up all sorts of feelings but she pushed that thought far away.
Jack messed up their relationship. Chasing after a dream and leaving her alone to deal with this.
So it was his fault.
Whatever happened, it was Jack's fault.
Even Cade.
That was Jack's fault too.

"Let's go upstairs to see the rooms. Take your time and enjoy yourself. I shall be in the office on the left looking at the final accounting my overseer left for me."

They mounted the marble staircase and Honour explored the rooms. The master bedroom also had French doors with a balcony that overlooked the ocean. She sat on the four-poster rice bed and bounced on it a bit, her fingers running over the down comforter. An armoire and chest of drawers completed the set along with oil paintings of scenic countryside. She looked into the alcove and there was a small handcarved cradle. Her heart melted a bit at the sight of the nursery.
The rest of the rooms were tastefully appointed with furnishings that bespoke of opulence.

"What do you think of it, Madame?"
"It is beautiful. How much did you say?"
He named his price and Honour replied, "That is quite pricey and a bit more than I was willing to pay."
"You must remember, Madame, that it is over 500 acres."
"I'm prepared to offer you this sum if you reduce it by 15%."
She passed him a paper that she had written an amount.
Mr. Picou mulled it over. "Since you love it and will take care of it....Deal."

The money draft was presented and the new deed was filed.
But not under the name of Honour Wolfe.
It was deeded to R. C. Castlemaine.

Jack would never know that his wife was the legal owner.
The sole legal owner.
Honour was five hundred acres richer.
Jack was 5,000 guilders poorer.
And that was Jack's fault, too.
It was enough to secure her future and her independence.

Never would Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine be dependent on anyone again.
Especially a man.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 30, 2012, 07:40:54 PM
"Conscripted?!" Jack roared at the master of the merchant ship Fidelity.

They were supposed to weigh anchor that day, bound for Barbados, but the captain had been served a decree stating that his ship was no longer a private freighter, but a supply ship in England's Navy. Ships of all types were being pressed into the service of the Commonwealth now that Cromwell had launched his Western Design, meaning that England's tempestuous relationship with Spain had finally escalated into all out war even in the Caribbean. Since the French had nothing but contempt for the Spanish, they were more than happy to host English troops on their soil for a nominal fee. As usual, war was good for business.

"I'm sorry, Mister Wolfe, but I have no say in this," explained the captain. "There's a whole slew of Marines aboard her right now, offloading every last bit of cargo to make room for guns and men. The owners won't be happy, not one bit. But what can I do?"
Jack tried his best to rein in his temper. He knew it wasn't the captain's fault, but he desperately wanted to yell at someone for this incredible inconvenience.
"You have my sympathies, Captain Sumner," Jack said testily. "But you'll excuse me. I have to find someone with a ship that's NOT BLOODY CONSCRIPTED INTO SOME STUPID BLOODY STUPID WAR!! Good day, sir!"

He straightened his hat and stalked to the door of the harbour master's offices, where he was pleasantly surprised to find them still open for business. Two deep calming breaths later, he stepped inside. There were some irate merchants venting their frustrations to an English officer, who offered in return little more than a stony expression as he stared at nothing in particular. Jack bypassed the group and went to the clerk's counter. There was nervous man behind it who was trying desperately to ignore everyone and everything around him. Jack gave him his best cheery smile, and the man seemed to relax a bit.
"Excuse me, but I'd like to speak with the harbour master, please," he said calmly.
The man looked around, and said quietly and quickly, "Ce serait à moi, monsieur. Eh, that is, I am the harbour master."
"Ah, good! I'm in need of a ship bound for Barbados, the sooner the better. Heard of any?"
"Je suis très désolé..." the harbour master began.
"My ship will be making for Barbados," said another man who was signing some documents. He was a grizzled old salt, but clean and well dressed. "We'll not be much for taking cargo, but we can carry a passenger if you stay out of the way. Who wants to know?"
Jack extended his hand. "Jack Wolfe," he said quietly. "And you are?"
"Captain Stephen Mathwig, at your service. Your name has a familiar ring, Mister Wolfe. Have a ship of your own, do you?"
"Me? A ship? No," Jack lied. "If I had a ship, why would I be here begging passage home?"
Mathwig nodded. "Fair point, that. Anyway, if you're in a hurry like it sounds you are, I'm afraid I can't be of much help to you. We just made port today, and won't leave for another four."
"Four days?" Jack said, crestfallen. He looked to the harbour master. "Are there any other ships for Barbados leaving sooner?"
The man nodded no.

"Looks like I'm your best bet, Mister Wolfe," said Mathwig. "Interested?"
"Where shall we discuss terms?" asked Jack.
"Meet me in an hour, just down the street at Le Cheval Rouge. You can't miss it. The sign has a brightly painted--"
"Red horse, yes, I gathered from the name," interrupted Jack.
"Of course," smiled the older captain. "You look like a well travelled man. It shows in the eyes. I'll meet you there, and we'll sort things out to make certain you have a berth on the Homecoming."
"I do have a question, Captain Mathwig."
"And what would that be, Mister Wolfe?"
"Every other English ship larger than a dinghy is getting conscripted into Cromwell's madness. How is it yours isn't among them?"
Captain Mathwig gave a sly smile. "Let's just say my vessel doesn't appear on any merchant's ledgers, Mister Wolfe. I'm sure a man like yourself can appreciate my meaning."
"That I do, Captain. I'll see you in an hour."

Jack tipped his hat  and walked out to the street. At least he had found a fellow pirate for his passage home. Nevertheless, his return was now delayed. His absence would be almost ten days away from Honour instead of the promised four. He hoped she would understand. He pictured her standing on the widow's walk of the manor house on their new plantation, watching every sail that approached from the north and hoping that it was the one carrying her husband home to her.
"This is the one and only time she'll ever feel the need to do that," he vowed. "Never again."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 07, 2012, 07:06:58 PM
Leaving the magistrate's office with the new deed, Honour wondered if she were doing the right thing. Jack had been so tender and loving yesterday. And then he casually told her he would be gone and back in four days. No discussion. No...nothing.
He just expected her to make a major purchase.
And why?

'So he would have a place to stow me. A convenient place to put me so he wouldn't have me getting in the way of his fun. Like the necklace. Try to kill me one day and placate me with jewelry so I would forget all about it. Now he wants a place to hang his hat when he's in port.'

She had a feeling that her life was about to change. She had begun to suspect it ever since she came back to Jack from her one-night mistake with Cade.
But did Cade want her for himself? Or was it because she was Jack's wife?
She felt light-headed and sat down. Too many questions, not enough answers...

"Honour?"
Her head jerked up.
"James Blake!"
The privateer grinned at her. "Or should I be formal?"
He swept his tricorn from his head and gave her a deep mock bow. "Why, Mrs. Wolfe! What a pleasure to run into you. May I inquire as to your health? And how fares Mr. Wolfe?"
She grimaced. "Making fun of me are you, James?"
He sat down next to her.
"Not at all, Honour. How are you?"
She shrugged. "I've been better."
"Ah. The life of a pirate's wife not agree with you?"
"It's not that...it's just...James, do you believe in Fate?"
He looked off to the harbour. "I think we all have a destiny we follow. Things happen for a reason, Honour. Why do you ask?"

She looked down and said, "Things have gone terribly wrong. And I wonder if I am being punished for past sins."
"That will need some explaining."
She looked up at him and tears were beginning to form in her eyes. "Something I did once ended up terribly wrong. I am wondering now if I am paying the price. Is it my destiny to have happiness elude me? It's like trying to hold onto water in your hand. You scoop it up only to have it run through your fingers."
He took her hand and said "You are too hard on yourself, Honour. There is no guarantee of happiness in this life. Just...life. We live it the best we can."

She finally got up the nerve. "James...where are you going and when are you leaving?"
"I'm headed for Port Royal and I'm leaving first thing tomorrow. Why?"
Honour became almost desperate in her request. "I need to leave, James. Don't ask me why. Please. Just know that this will save a few lives if I do. I want to book passage with you to Port Royal. I'll give you another name and no one will know it was you who took me out of here."
"Honour, I don't know..."
"PLEASE, James! I'm begging you! I--I have a few chests in storage I need to take. Only a few. If you have a few of your men meet me at St Michael's Number Eleven..if they can meet me this afternoon, I can be ready to leave at dawn. Take me to Port Royal and I'll book passage out of there to somewhere else."
"Honour, I need to know what has happened."
"James, I can't tell you. I can't! The less people know the better. Trust me on this."

Her voice took an almost hysterical edge to it.
"Alright. On two conditions."
She nodded.
"First, Jack Wolfe must never--NEVER!--know I was the one who spirited you out of here. Second---that you tell me the real reason you are leaving. And I want the truth."
"I swear Jack won't know. And I'll tell you the reason as soon as we clear the harbour. I promise."
James nodded solemnly. "I know I have your word. I'll send two men to meet you at that warehouse at four bells."
She couldn't stop the tears from falling as she took his hand. "Thank you, James. Thank you with all my heart."
He sighed."It had better be a good reason, Honour. A damn good reason."
She whispered, "It is. It really is."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 07, 2012, 07:07:39 PM
She packed her things quickly and quietly. There was a knock on her door. She heard a voice say, "Honour? It's me...Cade. Honour? Are you in there?"
She held her breath and didn't answer. After a few minutes she heard his footsteps down the hall.
'It's for your own good, Cade. Godspeed.'

Muir sat there watching his mistress empty drawers into a few duffel bags. The necklace Jack bought her was still in the pouch. She held it up to the window and watched the light refract through the diamonds. It was valuable to be sure. She touched it gently and slipped it into her pocket. The last of the drawers was empty. Honour stood up and arched her back. "Packing is hard, Muir."
He ran under the bed and came back out with a shirt of Jack's, laying it at her feet and looking expectantly up at her, his tail wagging. This brought a fresh round of tears.
She hugged Muir and cried. "Oh, Muir! I wish it didn't end this way. But it has to. I can't think of just myself any longer. And we aren't running away...we are running TO something."

She closed the drawer but it caught on something. Something shiny. Reaching in, she pulled out the obstruction. It was the hideous piece of gold that Jack had given her instead of a wedding ring that night they
married. She held it up to the candle and said, 'It really was ugly. I should just pitch it....'
She threw it into her duffel bag and tied the drawstring.
She looked down at her hand and sadly transferred her gold wedding ring with the emeralds from her left hand to her right.
To Muir she said, "I'm doing the right thing, Muir. For all of us. But especially for...."
She didn't finish her thought. It was too new a notion yet.

~~~~

Dawn saw Honour down at the dock. Captain James Blake was directing his crew when he caught sight of her. He took her hands and said, "Walk with me for a minute."
When they were out of earshot of everyone, he said, "I booked your passage under the name of Mary Carter. You can sleep in my cabin. There is room and you will be in comfort there. The crew will think you are my woman and you will be untouchable."
She drew her hood closer to her face. "James, I can't thank you enough."
"Remember our bargain."
"As soon as we clear the harbour."

Within the hour, the wind filled the sails of the Dark Vexation. The sun was beginning to rise as Bridgetown was to their rudder. Blake took her by the hand and said, "Time for our little parlay, Mrs. Wolfe. Follow me to the quarterdeck. We shall have privacy there."

The two of them stood side by side at the gunwale. The silence was palpable. Finally Blake said, "Alright, Honour. Time to fulfill your promise."
She looked over the horizon and began to relate the story she had for James. It was an edited version of what really happened.
"James, it has been a very confusing month for me."
He smiled slightly and said, "Running into you in Castara was startling enough. But to have you presented as Mrs. Jack Wolfe..well, I couldn't quite believe it. Does Jack know about...us?"
She shook her head. "There was no need to tell him. It was before I even met Jack. We were but a moment."
James Blake smiled wistfully. "Two weeks, Honour. A very wonderful two weeks. And a memory I shall always treasure."
"I told you if you are ever in port again..."
"Yes, but I never counted on the infamous Mad Jack Wolfe as being in the picture. Startled the hell out of me."
She nodded. "It startled me, too. There I was laying whiskey down at the Varlet and Vixen and in a few hours I was standing before the magistrate exchanging vows. With practically a total stranger."
"Were you happy, Honour?"
She looked over the horizon and said softly. "For a while, I was happy. Blissfully so. It all started to unravel when we encountered the Mercedes."
James nodded. "I heard all the tavern talk. And then some."
"What did you hear?"
"The usual talk when a ship takes a hit. Who did what and where they went wrong."
James didn't have the heart to tell Honour of the malicious talk about Jack and the unsavory speculation about her and Cade.

James turned to her and turned his face to his.
"Honour, you're peaked and tired. You aren't sick, are you?
She shook her head no. "James? You asked me for the truth on why I am leaving. So I am keeping my end of the bargain. But you can never breathe a word of it to anyone. ANYONE! Promise me first."
James nodded solemnly. "Honour, you can always trust me. I hope you know that."

"I do. James, I am leaving because... because I need to protect myself. And someone else. Jack has such a temper and I don't know if he could ever accept what I am about to tell you."
"You are leaving Jack for Cade?"
Honour looked shocked. James shrugged and said, "Idle tavern talk."
Honour felt sick. She should have known that the loose tongues of the pirates in port would wag.
She continued, "At first I didn't think it to be true. But the signs are all there, James. I'm having a hard time grasping it myself."
"Jack has another woman?"
She shook her head. "No. James, I can scarcely believe this myself. Something wonderful came out of all this chaos. Something very unexpected."
"And that is...?"

She looked up at James Blake, tears in her eyes but they weren't tears of sadness.
A smile trembled on her lips as she said quietly, "I'm going to have a baby."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 14, 2012, 07:10:00 PM
From the deck of the aptly named sloop Homecoming, Jack watched the twinkling lights of Bridgetown.  They had arrived too late for the pilot to bring them into port, so the vessel rode quietly at anchor near the harbour's mouth.  To be so tantalizingly close to hearth and home was maddening for him.  Four days had turned to nearly ten, and the only thought on his mind was how sweet it would be to hold Honour in his arms once again.  With the plantation in their name and the Lobo to be auctioned in four days time, Jack Wolfe was finally ready to settle down and make a real home with his wife, and one day soon, their children.  He swore to himself that he would never be away from Honour's side ever again.

The trip to Martinique had gone far better than he'd hoped.  Armand LaFourche's daughter Ceily had practically thrown her insane father's journal at Jack, believing it was the cause of poor Armand's madness.  Now it was his turn to try his hand at decode the mystery of the long dead Ancients and, more importantly, their fabled treasures.  If there was even a shred of truth to the stories, it could mean a delightful little adventure he and Honour could share together.  At the very worst, it would be an interesting intellectual diversion.

Jack had sent two brief letters ashore with the ship's jollyboat, one to Briggs and another to Honour, informing them he would be ashore not long after first light.  Though he was restless with anticipation, he managed to quiet his mind enough to try and sleep.  He had no intention of being exhausted and bedraggled when he was reunited with his bride.  He had come to miss Honour terribly, even more so when he was forced to stay in Martinique a few extra days waiting for passage home.  That was all behind him now.  He drifted off to sleep, content in the knowledge that in a few hours he would be with his beloved Honour, and home.

The harbour pilot came aboard as the sun rose like the Phoenix over the island, and within the hour the Homecoming was nearly into her slip.  Lines were thrown, hauled, and tied off with practised efficiency.  Jack stood at the gunwale, searching the faces gathering there at the dock.  He spied Briggs and waved to his friend.  The quartermaster waved back, but his expression was anything but cheery.  Honour was nowhere to be seen.
Jack was the first one down the gangplank, and he immediately searched out his friend. 
"Josiah!  It's good to see you!  Where the devil is Honour?  Is she ill?"
Briggs set his jaw and sighed.  "I figured from your happy mood ye didn't get the letter I sent.  Damn.  I didn't want ye to find out this way.  Let's walk a bit."

The two men walked along the dock toward the carriage Briggs had hired. 
"What the hell is going on?!  Where is my wife?"  Jack demanded.
Briggs stopped and face him.  "Honour's gone, Jack.  She packed up and cleared out a couple days after you left for Martinique.  I'm so sorry."
Jack felt suddenly sick.  An awful light-headedness swept over him, making his legs feel like rubber.  Briggs reached out and steadied his stricken comrade.  After a minute or so, Jack found his voice again.  His words came slowly and deliberately, as if it took all his strength to form them. 
"Did she... did she leave with Cade?" he asked through clenched teeth.  A terrible dread gripped his soul.  The answer he feared would destroy him.
"Cade?  No, not with him.  Nobody's quite sure who gave her passage, but it weren't Cade Jennings."  Briggs paused for a moment.  "But ye ain't goin' to like the news about him, neither."
Jack looked around and found a short barrel to lean against.  He crossed his arms and looked at the planks of the dock, totally unsure what to think or feel.  She hadn't left with Cade.  That meant the rumours were untrue.  But why did she leave at all? 
"Josiah, you've just told me my wife has left me, God only knows why.  And you tell me there's even more bad news?"
"I'm sorry, Jack, I really am," Briggs said softly.  "Ye know you're the last man I'd ever kick when he's down.  Things went to hell in a right hurry after ye left.  The very next day, Cade bought himself a ship, the Gryphon I think she's called.  He's broke company with ye, Jack.  Left port that day to go rovin' on his own account.  Seems he'd been plannin' it for a while now."

It felt to Jack like he was being hollowed out, one devastating stroke at a time. 
"I knew it would happen one day," he said, his voice barely audible.  "Why didn't he tell me, instead of accepting the run of the Castara operation?  I would have understood!" 
The chill of suspicion crept back in to his heart.  First Cade leaves, then Honour.  Did they plan it that way, to throw Jack off the scent?  Did they think he wouldn't suspect they might be meeting up elsewhere?
"I ain't goin' to pretend I know what goes on in the head of a boy like Cade.  Impulsive to a fault, that one.  Probably why ye took a shine to him.  But I'll wager anything that pup will bite off more than he can chew sooner than not!"
"I want him watched."
"Eh?"
"I want Cade Jennings watched,"  Jack repeated, punctuating each syllable.  His voice was like ice.  "I want to know where he goes, what he does, what his plans are, and especially who he's with at all times.  The same applies to Honour.  If she's in the Caribbean, I want her found.  See that the word gets out."

The single most effective weapon in his arsenal was an extensive information gathering network that stretched to every nook and cranny of the Caribbean.  Everyone knew that Jack Wolfe had eyes and ears everywhere, and they never rested.  Those who betrayed him found out very quickly that there was no place to hide.  He would find them.  And they would pay dearly for their treachery.
"Aye, I'll see to it," said Briggs.  He knew better than to ask questions when his captain's voice went cold.
Jack looked up at him, looking for all the world a beaten man.  "Please tell me that's all the news you have, Josiah."
Briggs shrugged sheepishly.  "Sorry, Jack.  There is one more bit of insult to injury, and it ties right back to that wife of your'n."
"Don't tell me.  She took the cat?"
"I wish to hell she had.  No, a carriage she hired was at one of the storehouses on St. Michael street early the day she went missing."
"Number Eleven."
"Aye," said Briggs.  "All told, between the money for the plantation and the withdrawal she made from the First Bank of Jack Wolfe, ten full chests are missing."

Jack stared blankly out across the waves, as if by some miracle he would catch a final glimpse of Honour. 
"Ten chests..."  he echoed.  Why didn't she take all of them?  One more indecipherable riddle added to the mix.  But the driving force was all too clear to him.  "She used me, Josiah.  This entire time, all she wanted was the money.  How could I have been so blind?"
"She had us all fooled, Jack.  Every last one of us."
"Not everyone," Jack shot back.  "Bonita tried to warn me, but I was too lovestruck to listen."
"With that witch's riddles, how can ye be certain?  No, that Honour is a cagey one.  If that's even her real name.  I guess we'll never know now."
"I don't even know what's real any more, Josiah.  Do you know if she actually bought the plantation, or was that just another of her charades?" asked Jack.
"Beats me.  I trusted her, too, remember."
Jack stood up and straightened his waistcoat.  "We're going to the magistrate's," he said, walking full speed for the carriage.  "I want to know just how much that woman swindled me for."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 21, 2012, 07:17:33 PM
The carriage splashed through mud left by a passing morning shower and came to a stop outside the offices of the magistrate.  Jack exited quickly, leaving Briggs to deal with the coachman.  He opened the office door with enough force for it to band sharply against the wall, startling the magistrate's clerk and causing him to drop a stack of papers to the floor.

"Hello there!" the clerk said with annoyance, "You can't come barging in here like that!  Have a bit of civility about you!"
Jack gave a mocking half bow.  "I beg your pardon, but I'm on a matter of some urgency."
"It will wait whilst I collect these papers, if you don't mind," replied the clerk.
Unable to contain his temper any longer, Jack reached for his pistol.   It wasn't there.  He'd left it at the White Hart because he was travelling as a common gentleman.  One more blow to his ego for the day.  He was helpless to intimidate a snotty office clerk.  Finally the man moved the stack of documents to it's new resting place and returned to the counter. 
"May I help you, sir?"
"I need to see all the records of land transactions for the past fortnight," said Jack.
"I'm sorry," the clerk said smugly.  "You'll need a letter of- WAIT!"  Jack grabbed two fistfuls of the man's waistcoat and dragged him halfway over the counter.
"The records.  Now," he growled, and released the clerk, who was suddenly all to happy to comply.  Within moments, Jack was thumbing through the pages of a large ledger.
"What did she say his name was?  Picard, Picou... That's it!  Picou!"  He checked every entry to be certain not to overlook the name if it were there.  Finally, he found it.  The record of sale for a plantation.  The seller, Monsieur Henri Picou.  The buyer...

R. C. Castlemaine.

He stared in disbelief at the page.  She'd lied about the plantation.  She'd lied about everything.  Everything...

He angrily shoved the massive book off the counter and stormed from the office, his face burning with humiliation. Briggs had stayed behind, waiting at the carriage so Jack could conduct his search of the records in private. The look on his friend's face told the quartermaster everything he needed to know.
"The White Hart," he told the driver. "Take your time."

Briggs climbed into the carriage across from his captain. In all the years he'd known Jack, he'd never seen him like this. Lost. Crushed. The wild fire in his eyes all but extinguished. There were no words to cajole or comfort this time. The two men sat in silence as the carriage rolled on.

Jack paused at the door to their... to his room.  The terrible emptiness he felt seemed to grow a thousandfold as his hand touched the door handle.  He knew what he would find, but what the mind understands and the heart feels seldom ever reconcile.  He took a deep breath and turned the handle.

What was once the temporary home of Jack and Honour Wolfe was now a room at an inn, like any other.  Nondescript, void of the feminine presence that had given it warmth.  Empty, save for a single shirt left upon the bed.  He picked it up and held it to his face, thinking back to the many times Honour had worn his shirts instead of her dressing or night gowns so he could catch her subtle scent of jasmine when he wore them next.  All that was gone now.  He  dropped the shirt on the bed and turned to the dresser, expecting to find there a letter explaining why she'd left with no word or warning to anyone.  But there was no letter.  He searched the dresser drawers and the writing desk.  Everything that belonged to her had been removed, even the ugly golden piece he'd given her for their wedding.  No explanation, no clues.  Honour Bright, his wife of nearly one month, the woman he was only now realizing how much he loved, was gone from his life.

Sadly and silently, Jack Wolfe unpacked his sea bag, and began to restore some small semblance of order to his world.

That night, Jack sat alone in his room.  The plate of food and bottle of brandy he'd sent for were still on the dresser, barely touched.  He poured over the journal of Armand LaFourche once again, this time for the distraction its riddles and strange pagan imagery offered more than anything else.  It would take months if not longer to gain a basic grasp of the concepts the madman had tried to communicate in his writings.

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

Candlelight played over the stained and yellowed pages, lending an almost otherworldly quality to the meticulous renderings of bizarre creatures and nightmarish gods.  He took a sip of brandy as he studied a drawing of a chest labelled "The Keeper of Kings," just like LaFourche had spoken of in one of his riddles.  There was no mention of what it might hold, only that it was roughly a yard in length and to unlock it required two keys.  Jack remembered a cryptic partial entry he'd read previously that seemed somehow connected.  He flipped back to near the front of the book.  As he located the passage, he noticed that one of the pages seemed thicker than the others.  Closer examination revealed  that two pages had indeed become stuck together over time.  He set his brandy aside and ever so gently pried the leafs of parchment from one another.  The drawings they had hidden from him left Jack staring in wide-eyed astonishment.

He knew them.

He owned them.

Or, he had until recently.

There before his eyes were exquisitely detailed images of the two keys that would open the Keeper of Kings.  The first was a silver disk, with some sort of grinning face engraved upon it.  Short blunt spikes of varying lengths protruded from the disk's outer edge in all directions.  The second was a disk of gold, with a hideous snarling face and long, slender arms reaching out from its perimeter.

Two critical pieces needed for solving the riddle of the Ancients, and he'd given one of them away to a woman who had vanished as if taken by the wind.

"The Moon and Sun in endless chase," Jack quoted aloud, and sat back in his chair with a self deprecating laugh that soon took on a bitter edge.  "How fittingly ironic, my love.  I don't know where you've gone, Honour Bright, but I will find you, if it takes the rest of my life!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 28, 2012, 09:37:23 AM
Three days later---aboard the Dark Vexation

Honour found it hard to sleep. It wasn't that James Blake's bed was uncomfortable. Her mind wouldn't shut off and drifted back to the last few days.
Under the name of Mary Carter, the crew of the Dark Vexation was under the impression that Honour was his woman.
And under the rules of the unwritten code, she was untouchable. The only protection she wasn't afforded would be during a mutiny.
But Blake's crew thought the world of him so she knew she was safe.
So many things had gone wrong. Honour had never felt so alone.
So vulnerable.
And now she was responsible for another life.
Her unborn baby.

The enormity of everything came crashing down on her.
The familiar sense of panic was rising in her. She buried her face in the pillows, her body wracked with sobs.
"Honour?"
A quiet voice said from the other side of the room.
She lifted her tear-stained face and looked into the deep brown eyes of James Blake.
"Oh, James," she sobbed.
He sat on the edge of the bed and gathered her into his arms.
"Hush, darling. Everything will be alright."
"No, it won't. It never will be, James. I am as good as an unwed mother. I'm having mixed feelings about going home to Wales."
"Do you want me to send you back to Barbados?"
"No, I can't. I have to go home. Megan will take care of me. She always promised she would be there for me."
She gently laid her head against James's chest.
Blake gently stroked her hair and kissed her gently on the top of her head.
"Thank you, James."
"For what?"
"For....everything. I feel guilty taking your bed while you are sleeping on a pallet."
"No problem. I've slept on harder surfaces."
"You can at least share this bed. It's not like we haven't shared a bed before."
"But for different reasons, Honour. As long as you are Jack Wolfe's wife, I won't do anything to intrude on that relationship. The waters are muddied as it is."
She raised her head to him. "It doesn't matter anymore. When I get to Wales I will petition for a divorce on the grounds of abandonment."
"But you left him."
"Immaterial. He ran off to Martinique and left me to buy a plantation on my own. "
"And did you?"
"No," she lied. "It was already sold by the time I got there. I won't get an annulment. I won't have aspersions of bastardy thrust upon this child. I will wait till the child is born and then start the legal process. I am sure I can get a divorce with Jack being in absentia."
"And for that reason, I will not touch you."
"I don't understand."
"As long as you are carrying Jack's child, I won't have any shadow of a doubt that the paternity of the child is questioned."
She felt a catch in her voice.
"I am afraid there may be questions if it ever gets out."
Blake raised her chin to meet his eyes.
"There is more to this than you are telling me."
"Jack listened to rumours when Cade was escorting me around town. My husband was being neglectful to me and Cade offered a shoulder to cry on."
Blake grimaced, "And he offered you more than a shoulder."
"I swear, James, it only happened once. And when it did, I already had a feeling this child was on the way. And there is no doubt in my mind that the baby is Jack's. I began to get queasy on the way back from Castara. And...I had other clues."

Blake laughed softly in the dark. "No need to paint the picture, Honour. I understand."
She ran her finger down his chest and he caught her hand.
"As much as it is tempting, I am afraid I shall have to decline, Honour. And for another reason. Jack Wolfe is my friend. If and when you are free being known as Mrs. Jack Wolfe, we will revisit the situation. But there is one thing you should know."
"What is that?"
His voice took on a faraway tone. "I am not the marrying kind, Honour. All I can offer is the carnal comforts. If there is an implied promise or notion of anything more.....I am sorry. I cannot oblige."
Honour turned away, embarrassed by the rebuff from James.
"I--I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
He turned her face towards his.
"Honour, it's not that I don't find you attractive. Lord knows, I do. I had a hard time getting you out of my mind. Sometimes I wonder...."
"Wonder what, James?"
"How our lives would have changed if you had been back in the tavern that night."
"You said you are not the marrying kind."
"And I am not. But as I told you in Castara, I would have taken you around the world."
Honour gently touched his cheek as she put her arms around his neck.
"Just get me to Wales, James. Right now that is all I ask."

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 04, 2012, 08:20:50 PM
Three days later, in Bridgetown, Barbados

Mimi knocked on the door.
"Yes? What is it?"
"You'd better come downstairs, Madame Renee. We have a bit of a situation."
Renee opened the door.
"Don't tell me the Ferguson twins are back in town."
"No, Ma'am. The situation is in the drawing room. And I think your help is needed."
"Oh, bother. Very well. You sure Enoch can't handle it?"
"No, Ma'am. More of a... well, you'd best come."
Renee hastened downstairs, fastening the belt on her dressing gown.
"Oh, Lord."
Jack looked up at her with bleary, bloodshot eyes.

"She's gone."
"Gone?"
"Disappeared is more like it. Not a trace. Not even a bootlace left."
Renee crossed over to Jack.
"I'll get the brandy. Not that you need any more of it."
"Don't worry, Pip. I brought my own."
Jack held aloft a bottle. A disappointed frown came across his face when he slowly realised it was empty.
"Damn," he sighed. "Bloody awful day."
"Don't you dare throw that bottle, Jack Wolfe!" Renee said sharply.
"Do you talk like this to all your customers?"
"You're not a customer. You're a friend. Now sit your drunk arse down and tell me what happened."
She took the empty bottle from him and replaced it with a glass of brandy.

"I came back from Martinique... was it two days ago? No, three days," he said sadly. "Got the journal from that loony Frenchman, LaFork."
"LaFourche."
"You know him?"
"Oh dear. Just... keep going. You arrived in port here, and?"
"Anyway, I expected to see Honour at the docks. Husband comes home from a voyage, the wife is there to meet him. I mean, that's the way it works, right?"
"Yes, I expect so."
"Well, she wasn't there," said Jack, his voice cracking. "Turns out she wasn't anywhere."
He slugged back the brandy and wiped his eyes.
"There was Briggs. Oh, dutiful, ever faithful Briggs. He gave me the news, that Honour... that she was... Oh God, Renee, she was gone! I even stopped by the registrar's office, to find out if she'd bought that plantation she had her eye on. The one she talked about in Castara. But some bloke's name was on the papers."
"Someone bought it before she could?"
"I expect so. Maybe that was the last straw, I don't know. When I got home..." he laughed bitterly. "Home. Bollocks. Anyway, everything was gone. All her clothes, all her possessions. Everything. Like she'd never been there."
"What about a note? Surely she--"
"NOTHING! I had to find out from Josiah. I knew something was wrong when I stepped off the ship and he was there. He had that look, you know? That... pity look. I hate that look. Oh God, how I hate that look."
Jack produced a shirt and threw it on the floor.
"That. That is all I have to remember her by."
Renee picked up the shirt.
"Your shirt?"
"Smell it."
Renee took a whiff.
"Jasmine."
"And like her, it will be taken by the wind. First ocean breeze and... gone."

Renee sat next to Jack, not knowing what to say.
"You know what the kicker is, Renee? She stole from me."
"Stole? But... what..?"
Jack ran his fingers through his dishevelled hair. "Just... some cash. A lot of it. Kind of rolled me." He laughed derisively. "Rolled. Odd choice of words, isn't it? Maybe that's all we were. A hellluva good roll."
"She stole more than that, Jack"
"What do you mean?"
"She stole your heart."
He shook his head. "You have to have a heart to have it stolen."
"Now don't you go trying to deny that, John Michael Wolfe. This is Pip Woolston you are talking to. Probably the one woman who understands you more than any woman alive. Even more than your dearly disappearing wife."
"What am I going to do, Pip?"
"You will go on. You will get out of bed every morning... breathe in and out all day long. Then, after a while you won't have to remind yourself to get out of bed every morning and breathe. The memory of her will fade. I doubt you will think of this kindly. But think of it as a lesson learned."
"You always did look at the practical side of things."
"Maybe next time you will think with your head and not your heart. Or any other important part of you. You were so eager to bed her that all reason was cast aside and she was shrewd. Oh, so shrewd! Blame it on the whiskey, blame it on the moonlight. But whatever it was, she played her hand and won. And you know what else?"
"No, but I think you're gonna tell me anyway."
"Jack, I'm only saying this because it's true, and I know you won't remember even half of it tomorrow. You never do."
He looked at her and made an honest attempt to focus his eyes. "All right then, what?"

"How can you be so bloody thick when it comes to women and so brilliant with everything else?" she said, the frustration in her voice evident. " You were thick then, and you're thick now. Maddening as hell, it is."
Jack gave her a bleary look. "What are you on about? Thick back when? What about?"
Renee shook her head sadly as she searched his bloodshot eyes. "You really don't know, do you? You never could tell? Not even a little?"
"Tell what?"
"That for all these years, ever since you brought me that first book. And you quizzed me on it after I'd read it, remember? We talked about it for hours that night. You opened my eyes to so very many things. And I suppose that from that night, all this time I've... I've been in---"
Her voice caught and cracked at that moment of confession, and her courage with it. She took her hands in his and tried to put on a genial smile.
"--- in your debt, that's what I've been. And now, you need a friend. Yes, that's just what you need. A good friend. Good old Pip, picking up the pieces like always. I'll start with refilling your brandy."
Renee got up quickly and went to the ornate wooden stand that held the fine spirits. She kept her back to Jack so he couldn't see the tears that would have surely betrayed the feelings she could not bring herself to say aloud.
"You know what, Pip?" he asked.
Hastily she wiped her eyes. "What- what is it, dove?"
"Besides Josiah, you're my very best friend."
She winced. Why did she let herself hope, for even a moment, that he might say those three words? Even with him drunk, it would have been preferable to hear it from his own lips and not in some foolish daydream. She gulped down the brandy and poured more in the glass.

"Hey, that was mine!" he protested.
"So a girl can't drink? I've half a mind to cut you off." Renee downed the glass and gave him a defiant look. It was a rare thing for her to drink hard liquor. But the quicker she could make herself numb, the less her heart would hurt. She wanted to be angry with him. But she simply couldn't bring herself to be.
Jack pouted. "Well, aren't you just the big tease?"
"Big tease, eh?" She poured another half glass and knocked it back. "Get up."
"You throwing me out?"
"Just get up off your arse and on your feet, if you can."
He gave her a confused look, and carefully got to his feet.
Renee walked over to him and held out her hand. "Take it."
"Where are we going?" he said as he took her hand in his.
She led him to the stairs. "I'm putting you to bed."
"I get to sleep it off here?"
"Eventually," she said as ascended the staircase with Jack in tow. 'I may never have your heart, I can sure as hell enjoy your body for a while. Like always,' she said to herself.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 18, 2012, 09:51:37 PM
Jack made his way down the stairs gingerly. His very heartbeat seemed to pound in his skull, and every footfall added to the drumming. Everything seemed too loud, too bright. It didn't help that his mouth was so dust dry every attempt to swallow was a chore. He could scarcely make out the shape of Monique as she met him coming up the stairs.
"Bonjour!" she said in what ordinarily would have been a cheery sing-song.
But to Jack's ears, it was like nails on a chalkboard. He managed a grunt as he brushed past her.

Finally, he found his way to the kitchen at the back of the house. Sun was streaming in through the windows, and for a moment Jack felt he was staring into a blast furnace.
"Blimey, it lives!" laughed Renee.
Jack made a face in her general direction, as his eyes were still screwed shut against the onslaught of sunlight.
"You're cheery this morning," he croaked.
"It's half past two, dove. Another hour and I would have been up there checking for a pulse."
"I'm alive, barely. Is there anything to drink?"
"The coffee is fresh."
"I meant real drink. I'm not up to facing sobriety just yet."
"Coffee. No backtalk. You had your fill last night at least three times over. Not that it slowed you down any."
"That's me, constitution of an ox."
"More like an overgrown rabbit."
"I thought you were getting me coffee?"
"I'll see if I can find a bucket. Something tells me you're better off soaking that aching head of yours in it rather than drinking it. Just mind where you sit if you're not going to open your eyes."
"Why? Do we have company? Which one of the girls is here?"
"It ain't Monique," said Briggs.

Briggs came in from around the corner.
"Are these the scones ye were talkin; about, Renee?" He held a basket covered with a cloth.
She took them from his hands. "The very ones.Although more suited for breakfast."
She tightened the sash to her dressing gown.
Jack squinted at Briggs.
"Since when did you have a twin, Josiah?"
"What do ye mean?"
"There are two of you."
"Has anyone told ye that you look like hell, Jack?"
"Not yet, but it is early in the day."
Renee poured the coffee and handed Jack a cup. He reached into his pocket to pull out his flask to add a splash of brandy and came up empty.
"Renee, darling, would you be so kind as to...."
"No. You had enough. Time to give the liver a break, Jack."
He ran his fingers through his hair. "Ow. That hurts."
Briggs looked at him with his mother hen look. "I've been looking for ye all night, Jack. Tavern by tavern..."
"Brothel by brothel?"
"Don't be a wise-arse. I was worried."
"What, you are afraid I would go and get myself married again? I assure you, Quartermaster Briggs, that once was enough for me."

Jack eased into a chair at the kitchen table and took a sip of coffee. He grimaced.
"Gah!"
"What's the matter?" asked Renee.
"There's far too much coffee in this coffee."
"Shut up and drinking it, you big baby," she replied as she went back to buttering one of the scones.
Briggs sat down next to Jack, the wooden legs of the chair barking against the floorboards.
"Ssshhh!" said Jack "Sit quietly or not at all."
Briggs sighed. "I figured I'd find ye in this state. And no, I was fairly sure ye learnt your lesson about getting' married."
"Rest assured, that will never happen again. Once was enough."
"The faster ye forget about that woman, the better."
"Oh, no. There will be no forgetting or forgiving where Honour Bright is concerned. Not after stealing from me."
"Don't ye have more money than ye know what to do with as it stands?" asked Briggs.
"I don't give a damn about the money. She took something even more valuable. One of the keys to the chest."
"That gold relic chest? How the devil did she get her paws on that??"
"I... I gave it to her."
"You just gave it to her? Just like that?"
"Well, I didn't exactly know what it was at the time."
"If you gave it to her, she didn't steal it from you," added Renee. "I think you should call it a lesson hard learnt and get on with your life."
"No!" Jack said sharply. "No, I need it. I have to have it, or all the effort I put into finding the chest in the first place is wasted."
"What do ye plan on doin'?" asked Briggs.
"Josiah, if I have to tear the Caribbean apart grain of sand by grain of sand, I'm going to find her."
Jack and Briggs both jumped at the sound of a china plate smashing against the floor.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 18, 2012, 09:52:59 PM
"Sorry, that was just stupid of me," apologised Renee as she stooped to pick up the broken plate and ruined scones. "I must have had some butter on my fingers."
Her face burned and she felt tears well up in her eyes. She turned her head so she could wipe them hastily away.
She stood up and faced Jack.
"Just why is it so all -important that you find this key? For God's sake, Jack! Hasn't the woman done enough to you? Have you no pride?"
Jack picked up his cup and hurled it against the wall, shattering it and putting a dent in the plaster.
Both Briggs and Renee jumped.
He said tightly, "Don't underestimate me. I'll burn her to the point she wishes she never had met Jack Wolfe."
With that, he stalked out of the room.

A heavy silence hung in the air. Renee stared at the door Jack had left through. After several long moments, Briggs decided to break that silence.
"Um, Renee," he said clumsily, "I'm sorry for Jack losin' his temper like he did. Ye know how many years he spent lookin' for that infernal chest, then to find he up and gave away one of the keys to it... Ye might say he has a right to feel foolish."
Renee looked at him and shook her head. "Men. You lot just can't see what's in front of you when it's big as day, can you?"
Briggs fidgeted with his cup. "I guess you're gonna have to tell me what I missed."
"It's not about any damned key, Josie. It's about her. Honour."
"I still don't follow."
Renee put the broken shards of plate into the basin and wiped her hands. "The key is just an excuse, dove. That's not why he's so all fired anxious to find her. It's because he still loves her."
Her eyes began to well with tears again as she looked at the doorway.
"A man doesn't get that mad over a lost key, even if it unlocked the Crown Jewels. No, Josie. He's still madly in love with her, and I suspect he always will be."
"I guess I'm missin' one more thing," Briggs said quietly.
"Probably. What is it this time?" she said, self-consciously wiping her eyes.
"That ye wish he'd never met Honour in the first place? 'Cause things might have been different 'tween the two of ye?"
Renee stared at Briggs, then swallowed hard as the tears forced their way back to the surface.
"Just go back to being a stupid man, would you?" she blurted, and hastily left the room.
Briggs looked down at his coffee cup. "Yes, ma'am," he said quietly. "I suppose that's best."

Jack came back in the room.
"Where's Renee?"
"Said she had some mendin' to do."
"Renee doesn't sew."
Briggs just shrugged.
"How long before El Lobo will be ready to sail?"
"The main mast is on order and the sails will be ready in about two weeks. The wood for the hull is bein' steamed and shaped. That's what ye get for havin' that custom-made hull. All in all, I expect three to four weeks and..."
"Not good enough."
"WHAT? Jack, as a shipwright, ye know these things take time and can't be rushed."
"Five days."
"What do ye mean, 'five days?'"
"I want her seaworthy and ready to clear the port in five days."
"Impossible."
"Sweeten the pot then. Give them a bonus.But I want to leave by Friday latest. Before she gets any further away from me."
"Obession isn't healthy, ye know. Just sayin'...."
Jack shot him a look.
"I should say goodbye to Renee."
"I say let her be. You can leave her a note."
He picked up his frock coat and put his hat on.
"I guess so. Let's go down to the docks and put a fire under Samuelson. Like it or not, we will sail by Friday.
Come hell or high water."
Briggs sighed and followed him out.
"Or both."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 25, 2012, 07:40:57 PM
Two weeks later--Port Royal

The Dark Vexation pulled into port two weeks later in Port Royal.
"Are you packed yet, Honour?"
"Yes, everything is in those three chests."
"You have enough funds to get to Wales?"
She ignored the one chest that was half full of Jack's guilders buried under her petticoats.
"Yes, I do. You know I am like a cat. I always land on my feet."
James put is arms around her, drawing her close.
"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, James."
She laid her head against his chest and absent-mindedly played with the drawstring's lacings.
"I'll always be in your debt."
"I wish circumstances could be different, Honour."
"So do I, James. So do I."
"You will let me know how you are and that the baby is well?"
"I will. I will send word to you through Kate at the Varlet and Vixen."
She hesitated, "If...If things don't go the way they should...I mean, if I should...you know...what I mean is childbirth is natural but so is dying....well, I will make sure Megan writes to you."
James said sternly, "Let's not speak that way. You are young and healthy and before you know it, you will be a mama."
She smiled up at him.
"I can't thank you enough."
"Your passage is arranged on the Bonnie Glenn. Captain Underhill is my friend and he will make sure you arrive safely and are handed over to Megan.
"I'm sorry to be such a bother."
"No bother at all. As I said, maybe when this situation is behind you, we will talk about that trip around the world."
"I would like that."
But both of them knew it was an empty promise.
I'll get some crewmen and have your trunks delivered to the Bonnie Glenn."

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

"Captain Underhill? May I present Mary Carter--my cousin."
Captain Underhill bowed to her.
"A pleasure, ma'am. I have arranged for a cabin next to mine. We will tell the crew that you are my cousin so then you will be protected and no one will think the less of your reputation. Blake? A pleasure as always. Don't worry. She will be in good hands."
"That is why I asked you, Edmund. I am a friend in your debt."
They shook hands.

James turned to Honour.
"Well, this is it, darling. You take care of yourself and let me know when you become a mama."
She nodded. "James, I can't find the words....."
"I know."
Suddenly they were in each other's arms. He held her close and kissed her neck.
"I wish things had been different, Honour. I really do. As I said, I am not the marrying kind. But you came close. Oh, so close!"
She looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears.
"I love you, James."
"I love you too, Honour."
He broke away from her.
"Mary Carter is now in your care and keeping, Edmund."
Underhill tipped his cap.
James gave her hand a squeeze, then turned to go.
Honour watched him leave, her heart heavy.
"Are you ready, Miss Carter?"
"Yes. Yes, I am."

Wales never seemed so lonely.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 25, 2012, 07:43:49 PM
Mid-August--Beaumaris, Wales

Megan anxiously scanned the gangplank of the ship the Bonnie Glenn.
"I don't see her, Daffyd. What if something happened? What if she died at sea? What if..."

Daffyd clutched his wife's hand.
"Stop thinking the worst. There has to be a logical explanation as to why she hasn't left yet and....LOOK!"
Megan's hand flew to her mouth and her eyes filled with tears.
"Thank you, God!"

Rhiannon descended the gangplank on the arm of Captain Edmund Underhill.
Megan and Daffyd rushed to embrace her.
"My God, Rhiannon, I couldn't believe the letter we got that said you were coming home. Cryptic note that it was and now..."
Rhiannon clung to her sister for dear life as she began to cry.
Captain Underhill smiled as he said, "To be sure, I promised Captain Blake I would return her to her family. But as a formality, I must ask your names."
Daffyd shook his hand and said, "I am her brother in law Daffyd Llewellyn. This is my wife and her sister Megan."
To Rhiannon, Captain Underhill said, "You can verify their identities, Miss Carter?"
She nodded.
The captain tipped his hat and said, "That is good enough for me. I'll come around in a few days to call and make sure you are settled in. After all, I promised Captain Blake."

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

Megan and Rhiannon were seated in the garden at Bancroft Hall. The leaves were starting to turn but the air was warm to the breeze from summer's last gasp.
Megan poured the tea as she asked Rhiannon, "So....I don't know where to begin to ask you anything. Daffyd took the children to the park so we can have some privacy. All they know is that Aunt Rhiannon is here to stay for a while."
"They have grown so much in the two years I have been away, Megan."
"And no more dancing around the subject. Where have you been? My God, we were beside ourselves when we got that note from Father Simon telling us you decided to relocate to Barbados. Daffyd went down to the docks right away and no one would tell us anything. We were frantic! Dilys threatened to tear the dock master's office apart. Gwyneth tried to be the voice of reason and James took over and tried to find out what he could. Still nothing.
Rhiannon, do you have ANY idea what you did to us?"

Rhiannon hung her head and tried not to cry.
"I'm so sorry. Megan, I was so scared. I was afraid Henry would find me and have me tried for Madoc's murder."
She handed her sister a handkerchief. "Even Father's bullying and blustering got him nowhere. It was as if you were taken by the wind. Not a trace. But now you are home!"

Rhiannon found it hard to meet Megan's eyes. But her sister cupped her chin so she had to face her.
"Rhiannon, I think you owe it to me to tell me what you have been up to these past two years."
She nodded.
Softly, Megan said, "There is more to this than homesickness."
Rhiannon said quietly, "Megan...I--I'm going to have a baby."

Megan dropped her hand and put it to her mouth.
"Sweet Mother!"
Hastily, Rhiannon said, "It's not what you think, Megan. I---I'm married."
"Thank God! " she crossed herself. "But where is your husband then? Oh Lord, Rhiannon..I am so sorry!""
Rhiannon looked puzzled at her sister. "You....you think I am a widow?"
Her sister looked bewilderedly at her.
"But....where is he?"
Rhiannon sighed and said, "I guess I should tell you the whole story from the beginning."

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

"...and then I booked passage back to have the baby here in Wales."
"I must say, Captain Wolfe sounds like a right proper bastard. I am sure we can get the certificate of divorce or annulment here on the grounds of abadonment. Even though technically you abandoned him."

Rhiannon's eyes took on a faraway look.
"He had his heroic, shining moments, Megan. It wasn't....all bad. Just....never mind. I'd like to stay here until the baby is born and then go back to Barbados. I've secured a future for the baby and me. But it won't be for a couple years. Will Daffyd mind?"
"Of course he won't! And the children will be delighted with a little one here."

Honour hugged Megan and felt the tears of gratitude well up in her eyes.
"Megan, I'm so scared."
Megan held her sister close and said softly, "I know you are, sweetheart. But I'm here for you."
The sisters stood there with a bond known only to sisters.
"It's so good to have you home, Rhiannon."
She felt the tears slip down her face."It's so good to be home, Megan.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on December 09, 2012, 07:37:31 PM
September, 1654--Beaumaris, Wales

Honour looked out the window and sighed.
"It looks like the leaves are changing a bit early this year."
Megan looked up from her mending.
"It is the same time as it was last year, sweetheart. You have been away a while."
Honour let the drapes fall back in place.
"Yes, I know. I'll be twenty in April, Megan, and I feel like I have lived five lifetimes."
"Just think of the stories you can tell your children."
"Children. More than one. Megan, this may very well be my one and only child."
"Nonsense. You will get yourself free from that scoundrel. You should pass yourself off as a widow. Having a dissolved marriage--well, that is just unheard of in Beaumaris. Anywhere in the civilized world, as a matter of fact."
Honour sighed. "I suppose so. I feel like I am  living one lie on top of another. If I ever am foolish enough to get married, I want a clean slate between my husband and me. I want financial security. I know what to d do, after being married to Madoc."
"No passion, Rhiannon? it sounds like a very lonely life."
Honour's eyes took on a faraway look as she gazed into the fireplace.
"I had the best," she said softly. "He never failed to make me glow. It wasn't even like that with.....never mind."
"Rhys?"

Rhiannon nodded miserably.
Megan put her mending aside. "You miss him."
"Yes, I do."
"I wish I could say his memory will fade but I am afraid every time you look at your child, you will think of him. Maybe even thank him for the parting 'gift' he left you with."
Well, when he is born, I hope I can think of only the happy times."
" 'He?' "
Honour looked puzzled, "Well, of course! I mean....this is the child of Mad Jack Wolfe. There is no doubt in my mind that this baby is a boy."
Megan laughed. "If you insist. I notice you seem to be wearing your clothes a bit looser."
"Only because they must have shrunk a bit."
Megan shook her head. "No, my precious. Babies take up a bit of room. Stand in profile."

Honour turned to the side. Megan walked around her and nodded,
"Yes, you are getting a bit of a baby bump."
She looked down. "You think so?"
"You were married in June. The baby got his start then. So..."
Megan counted on her fingers. "June...July...August...September...."
She wiggled four fingers. "Four months. That's about right."
Honour looked down. "Do you think I should get a few new dresses?"
"It won't do much good, Rhiannon. A woman who is enceinte will not have any social engagements. I just wore a dressing gown or my chemise alot."

Honour sighed. "I suppose you are right. When you have your little dinner parties, I will stay upstairs. Like the crazy relative you don't bring down for guests. As long as you don't ensconce me in the garret, Megan, I will stay in my room."
Megan gave her a hug.

"I will be glad when this is.....oooh! OH!"
Megan looked up at her, alarmed.
"What is it? A twinge of pain? Oh, please don't say that!"
Honour shook her head. "It's not that...it...it feels weird. Like I swallowed a butterfly or there are some champagne bubbles here."
She rubbed her stomach.
"There it goes again!"

Megan held her at arm's length and grinned.
"That, my darling, is your baby making its presence known!'
"You---you think?"
"The fluttering is the first little kicks the baby is making. "
Honour looked at her sister and felt tears well up in her eyes and a wistful smile on her face.
"I can't believe it! It makes me...." her voice trailed off.
"Makes you what, dear?" Megan said softly.

Honour wiped the tear that trickled down her cheek.
"It makes me almost wish Jack was here to share it. Oh, Megan! What if I made a huge mistake?"
Megan held her close and said, "Rhiannon, this child is a gift Jack Wolfe gave you. Hold on to that thought and it will get you through this."
"I will. I'll cherish this baby and be grateful that for a little while I knew contentment and love."

Megan blew her nose on her handkerchief.
"Megan, you are so found out!"
She laughed through her tears.
"Alright, so I am a fool for a silver lining in a thundercloud. Now let's go upstairs and get the Conaway cradle out of the attic!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 16, 2012, 07:34:46 PM
Late September, 1654 -- Castara Bay

Jack looked back at El Lobo del Mar.
"She's anchored safe and sound, Jack. Don't worry."
He sighed. "I know. Funny when things go wrong, you just expect the worst."
"Well, she's goin' nowhere. What has you so jumpy and nervous anyhow?"
"The unknown. The last time I was in Castara...."
Josiah nodded. "Pleasant memories turnin' unpleasant?"
Jack shrugged. "Something like that. I hate the thoughts of facing you-know-who."
"Everyone hates the thoughts of facing you-know-who."

Jack chuckled ruefully and then looked over the horizon.
"I want to thank you, Josiah."
"For what?"
"For helping me through this time. And for kicking me in the arse out of my self-pity."
"Wasn't me what did that. It was Renee. I was just along for the ride. She gave you a month to indulge and then told ye enough is enough."
"I can't deny it still hurts like hell, Josiah."
"I know."
"It wasn't all bad, you know...the memories. There for a brief, shining moment I knew..." he sighed.
Josiah nodded. "Don't forget that I loved and lost too, Jack. And lost a son in the process."
"I know. Listen to us. Pontificating on love won and lost. Not what is expected out of pirates, is it?"
"We do have our moments. But your secret be safe with me."
"The hard part of mine is wondering if it was all an act, Josiah. Did she love me? Or was it all an act to get what she could out of me? Is she out there laughing at my expense?"
Josiah shook his head. "I saw how frantic she was when she thought ye were dyin' from the sniper. That's the puzzlin' part. Why she ran off with the chests."
"And why only a portion? I guess the only way I will get answers is to find her."
"Don't make it your life's ambition, Jack. If we come across her, we'll find out. But don't make it the uppermost thing on your mind."
Jack sighed as he put the key into the warehouse.
"I know. Shall we see what is left of the swag?"
The heavy lock clacked open. Jack lifted it from the iron hasp and let it fall to the ground. He took a breath and swung the large doors open. They groaned on their hinges. As the men's eyes adjusted to the darkness, Josiah let out a low whistle that fairly echoed in the space. Jack's shoulders fell.

It was empty. Completely empty. Every last silver cup, every last stick of mahogany furniture had been removed. All that was left were the cobwebs in the rafters above and the sandy floor below.

And a note. Tacked to the first support was a piece of paper folded double, with the word "Thanks" scrawled on the outside. Jack pulled the paper free and began to read it aloud.
"'To Who It May Concern...' That would be me, I'm guessing," he said with a rueful laugh. "'Being as there is no one about to lead the smuggling operation as created by one Capt. J. Wolfe, we, the ship masters who signed on to said Company, hereby claim the contents of this warehouse as compensation for our loyalty and efforts. Loyalty that was not shown in return. We remain your faithful servants...' Oh, look at that, Josiah. They even signed their names. How bloody thoughtful!"
Jack wadded up the paper and hurled it at the back of the warehouse.
"That.... dog. That worthless mongrel I took and raised as my own flesh. Not only does he try and steal my wife, he stabs me in the back by abandoning the work I trusted him with!"

"Jack, ye knew walkin' into this Cade weren't worth trustin' nor expectin' much of. Don't go getting' all worked up over that pup."
Jack exhaled loudly and looked up at the roof of the warehouse. "You know, Josiah, you have a maddening way of ruining a good rant."
"Duckie told me to keep an eye one ye, so ye don't get your blood up too much. Ye spent over a month on one hell of a bender, and that ain't good for anyone, no matter how stout."
"I'll be sure to tell the good physician you made an excellent nurse." Jack kicked at the sand. "Well, I guess it's time to move on to the fun part of this journey. Talking to Bonita."
"I still don't know what ye expect that witch woman to tell ye," said Briggs. "Exceptin' that 'she told ye so' and what not."
"Oh, I fully expect her to throw recriminations at me, hot and heavy. But you know what you can get when you get a woman really, really angry?"
"Missin' teeth?"
Jack chuckled and shook his head. "No, my friend. You can get the truth."

The men trudged up the winding lane that ran parallel to the ocean, leading to the tavern only a few blocks from the harbour.
The tavern sign Le Loup swung in the breeze.
"At least it is still hanging," Jack noticed.
Josiah looked up.
"Yeah, remarkable for what it's been through." He pointed up and it was then that Jack noticed it was riddled with bullet holes.
"Looks like someone took their frustration out on it. Hope it wasn't an effigy for me."
"Maybe it was Bonita."
"No, she has more...unusual ways of revenge. And the time I spent with that little Spanish senorita proved that Bonita hadn't cut any vital organs off her poppet. Renee had no cause for complaints, either."
Josiah put his hand on the door latch.
"Are ye ready to go in and face whatever is waitin' on the other side of the door?"
"As ready as I ever will be."
"Then after you, Jack."
"Chicken."
"I'm glad you're with me, Josiah, so I don't have to face that woman alone."
"Oi! Did ye hear that?"
"Hear what? The angels in the firmament, perhaps?"
"The ship's bell! Must be somethin' urgent. I'll take care of it whilst ye talk with Bonita."
"You bloody coward!" laughed Jack as Briggs scurried down the path. "Fine! Run off then. I'll deal with her myself."

The door swung open, and Jack stepped out of the bright island sunlight into the dim confines of tavern. A few rays of light shone through the windows, illuminating the dust that hung in the air. No one was visible inside. He closed the door and walked toward the bar, pausing to drag a finger along one of the table tops. He looked disapprovingly at the layer of dust on his finger. While everything appeared to be in its place, it was obvious no one had been using the tavern, much less keeping it tidy.

"Bonita!" he called out loudly. "It's me, Jack."
He paused before calling again.
"Bonita! Where the hell are you? You'd better not have abandoned this island, too!" he yelled impatiently.

Just then, a woman came bustling out of the back room with a handful of rags. She wore a dress similar to the style Bonita wore, but in bright, mismatched colours. Her hair was haphazardly piled up on her hair, tied in place with a battered red ribbon that really should have been in with the rags.
"Who be yellin' dey head off? Can't him see Drusilla is busy?" she answered.
"Jack Wolfe, owner of this place. And just who are you?"
"Drusilla. Didn't him hear me say dat just a second ago?"
Jack sighed. What was already a bad day was taking an annoying turn. "Yes, I heard you. But that doesn't tell me who you are or why you're here. And where is Bonita?"
"Ooh, him got lots of questions! Bonita left de island weeks ago. She leave Drusilla in charge of everyt'ing. She trust Drusilla 'cause we be cousins. We like dis, all our lives." She held up her hand and crossed her fingers.
"All right, then," said Jack as he walked to the bar. He took one of Drusilla's rags and wiped the counter before leaning on it. "When is she due back? I have questions for her."
"Oh, Bonita not comin' back. Not never. Bonita made Drusilla de boss of dis whole island."
"Did she now? Funny, it's not her island to give away."
"Well, listen to him, actin' like him own de place!"
"That's because I do, dear."
Drusilla's eyes went wide. "Oh. Him dat Jack Wolfe."
"Yes, I'm that Jack Wolfe. And you'll forgive me if I don't believe you."
"Drusilla don't tell no lies!"
"But she does tell lies. Big ones." He pointed to a reddish satin bag that sat atop a low box that was pushed up against the wall behind the bar. Embroidered on it was a large cursive letter B.

"That," he continued, "is Bonita's. And I know what's in there. Something she would never, ever leave behind. Not even for a day."
"Whatever him t'ink it is, him wrong," Drusilla said uneasily.
"No, I'm not wrong. That's Bonita's most cherished possession. Her bones. The ones her tia gave her. The ones she uses to see with."
"Bonita gave dem to Drusilla. Bonita not de only one with de Sight!"
Jack waved his hand dismissively. "Now what I want to know is, why is Bonita hiding from me?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 30, 2012, 07:25:03 PM
"Bonita not hiding! She gone from de island. Family t'ings to take care of!"
"Family? Aside from her sainted aunt, she's never mentioned family. Not even you," said Jack, making sure those last words came across pointedly.
Drusilla's face fell. "Not... not even Drusilla? But, we cousins. Blood relations!"
"Well, that's Bonita for you, Drusilla," he said loudly, almost as if he were addressing a courtroom. "You're only as important to her as what you can provide at the moment."
"Dat not true!"
"Isn't it, though? Bonita is guilty as anyone when it comes to using people. Manipulating them. As long as you've got something she needs, she'll tolerate you. Let me ask you a question; why would Bonita need your help now? Why not when this was a bustling port with a constant stream of sailors coming through that door? I mean, look around! There's no one here. She hasn't even bothered to dust the tables in weeks, nor have you. So she's up to something. And whatever it is, you can bet she'll brush you aside the moment you're no longer useful to her."
Jack paused and looked Drusilla squarely in the eyes.
"I should know," he said in earnest tones. "That's what she did to me."

"LIAR!!!" a voice shrieked from the curtained storage area just behind the bar. Bonita nearly tore the curtain down as she emerged to confront her accuser.
"Bonita!" smiled Jack. "Back so soon from your little trip?"
"How dare Jack Wolfe say dem t'ings about Bonita, after all her done for him d'ese many years?" she spat.
"And sweet nothings would have lured you out of hiding? I doubt that."
"Bonita, him wouldn't believe nothing Drusilla say. Drusilla tried to make him go away, just like Bonita wanted!"
Drusilla was very animated as she tried to apologise to her cousin. As she spoke, her piled-up hairdo bobbed this way and that, making the tattered red bow holding it all together flutter like a pennant in a storm. Jack found it nearly impossible to tear his eyes from it.
"Drusilla need to shut up," growled Bonita. "Her not a help den, her not a help now!"
"So what Jack Wolfe say about Bonita were de trut'! Her do use people up and t'row dem away!" The bow continued its dizzying flutter.
Bonita's mouth fell open at her cousin's accusation. "Drusilla getting t'ings twisted up inside her head again! Her know what Bonita be like. And her know what Bonita be like when Bonita get angry."

Drusilla's mouth practically snapped closed. She swallowed hard and nodded her head vigorously in the affirmative, the bow valiantly keeping up with this change in direction. Silently, she backed away a respectful distance from her cousin.
"So that's what seasickness feels like," Jack said as he pinched the bridge of his nose and blinked.
"Now for de great Jack Wolfe," Bonita continued, her tone cold as ice.
"Oh, don't start with me, Bonita," he countered. "You know I'm not here on a social call. Otherwise you wouldn't have been hiding in the cupboard like a guilty scullery maid."
"Den why him here? It can't be because him want to listen to Bonita, since him don't need Bonita now dat him have de golden-haired girl." A cruel smile curled her lips. "Or had her, til she run away."
"Fine, let's get the gloating out of the way," Jack grumbled. "So you know about Honour. Good for you. But right now I'm more interested in the whereabouts of Cade."
"Because maybe, if him find Cade Jennings, him find de girl too?"
"Nice try. I expected you to goad me, but it's not going to work. Not this time. I have it on good authority that Cade was still in port at least a day after Honour vanished. So you'll have to do better than that."
"Den what is it Jack Wolfe need from Bonita?"
"Information."
"Bonita don't know what t'ings go on all de way up in Barbados..."
"The kind of information that only you can provide, Bonita."

The dark woman grinned at him. "Him need Bonita's Sight again? Maybe her read de cards, like old times?"
Jack nodded contritely.
"Dis going to cost Jack Wolfe. Him get not'ing for free from Bonita. Not anyt'ing. Not any more."
"Fine." He unhitched a leather pouch from his belt and tossed it onto the bar. It made a solid thud as it landed, and the sound of coins - lots of them - could be heard as they clinked against one another.
Bonita picked up the pouch and hefted it in her hand.
"Dat will do, for dis time," she pronounced as she tucked the pouch away under the bar. She brought up another pouch, this one made of green velvet, and pulled from it her deck of tarot cards. She gazed at Jack as she shuffled the cards and gave a slight smile. The situation had changed, and she held the advantage. And she enjoyed the feeling.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 06, 2013, 10:03:21 PM
Jack shifted uncomfortably as he watched Bonita shuffle the cards. He didn't trust her, but he'd benefited from the uncanny accuracy of her second sight too many times to disregard one of her special readings. Her last card reading certainly came to pass. Perhaps, since she had foreseen the current situation, she could divine the conclusion and his certain success?

Bonita dealt out five cards, all face down. Each one was laid down with a loud slap of the card against the wooden countertop.
"Him sure him want Bonita to read what dese cards have to say about him life, him future?"
"I'm not doubling the payment, if that's what you're hinting at."
"Dere be no shame in second t'oughts, cher. Bonita just making sure him serious."
"Just read the cards, please," he said wearily. "I've had enough melodrama as it is."
"As him wish," she said with an oily smile. She flipped the first card and laid it down with a slap.
"De Seven of Swords," she announced. "Someone have stolen much from Jack Wolfe. Valuable t'ings."
"I see you brought out the 'state the bleeding obvious' deck instead of the fortune telling one."
"Were him robbed from or were him not?" she demanded.
"Yes, damn it, I was robbed. The whole Caribbean knows Honour stole a small ransom from me!"
"Bonita not talking about de golden-haired child. She talking about young Cade Jennings."
"Well, I suppose you could say he's stolen from me as well. Stolen time, effort, trust, and a large portion of my credibility."
"Cade take more from Jack Wolfe t'an him realize. Let us see what de next card say."
She flipped the next card. It showed a man hanging from a tree by his ankle. "De Hanged Man," she intoned.
"If that's supposed to be Cade, the rope would be better suited around his neck," said Jack.
"Dis card represent Jack Wolfe, not Cade."
Jack gave a disgusted sigh. "Of course it does. What does it mean?"
"It mean him will gain much knowledge, but only after great sacrifice."
"I'll take my chances. I always do." He rapped his knuckles impatiently on the countertop. "Next card. What's this one mean?"
"Dis be what him searches for, or what him should be searching for..."
She turned the card and fought the urge to smile.
"Oh, no. No, it can't be," said Jack as the blood drained from his face.

"De Lovers," intoned Bonita. scarcely hiding the satisfaction in her voice.
"But, that's not possible. She left port at least a full day before Cade did. They are not together. She wouldn't do that to me."
"Dat not be what de cards reveal."
Jack sat silently, his jaw clenched tight in frustration. "Then God help them should I ever find them," he finally growled.
"De next card will show what him should do, what action him must take."
"Show me, then."
She turned the card over and tapped it with a long fingernail. "De Nine of Wands."
"What, I'm supposed to go and gather sticks now?"
"Dis card show dat Jack Wolfe will face much difficulty, much strife in him search for de two what have stolen so much from him. De ones what broke him heart. De task will seem impossible, but him must never give up, no matter de cost. Because only him success in finding dem will bring to fruition de last card to be read."
Jack watched intently as she turned over the last card. "Judgement," she intoned.
"Mine, or theirs?"
"Dis be de judgement Jack Wolfe bring upon de two what have brought him so much pain and humiliation. When him find dem at last, him enemies will fall and Jack Wolfe will be restored."
"So, all I have to do is find them? That's it?"
"It will not be easy. Dere will be much searching, much opposition. And him can never give up, if him want de justice him desire."
A cold fire seemed to blaze in Jack's eyes. "Fine. Opposition and I are old friends. But I will find them if I have to tear the Caribbean apart in the process. Now if I only knew where to start looking. Your cards can't tell me that, though. Or can they?"
"De cards reveal much, but not where him should search. But de bones can."
"How much more will that cost?"
"Bonita see how much pain Jack Wolfe in. She read de bones as a favour to an old friend."

She picked up the bag and dumped the chicken bones into her palm. Then she closed her eyes, and with the bones enclosed by her hands, she muttered something softly, words that Jack had never been able to understand. Bonita then cast the bones on the countertop. Her eyes flew open, and she began to scrutinise the bones and their positions.
"Bonita cannot say for certain where de be exactly," she said, with a note of frustration in her voice. "But it be to de nort'. De islands of de nort'ern Caribbean."
"That narrows it down a bit," replied Jack. "Bonita, I thank you for the help. I'd love to stay and chat, but as you said I have a lot of work ahead of me. So there's no time like the present to get started. Good day, ladies!"

Bonita smiled as Jack quickly left the tavern, headed back to the docks. As she picked up the chicken bones, she began to chuckle.
"Why Bonita laugh after the mean trick she just pull on him?" asked Drusilla. "Her not very nice at all!"
"Drusilla not know what she talking about, again."
"Drusilla know enough the her see Bonita put cards on de bottom of de desk after she finish shuffling, den her deal from de bottom!"
"So?" countered Bonita. "Jack Wolfe got what him looking for. It not matter to Bonita if it real or not. Him has it coming, anyway."
"And what about de bones? Were dat de trut'? Because Bonita always say de bones no lie."
Bonita gave her cousin a defiant glare. "De bones no lie. Not ever. But Bonita do."

Jack was walking as fast as his boots would carry him as he arrived back at the pier. Briggs was enjoying his pipe when he caught sight of his friend and captain.
"Blimey," he muttered. "I've seen that look before."
"Prepare to cast off!" shouted Jack at the ship. He stopped next to Briggs and sighed. "Please don't give me that look, Josiah."
"And which look would that be?"
"That 'Jack's got that wild-eyed look about him again' look you just gave me."
"And would I be wrong?"
Jack looked out at the open water. "They're out there, Josiah. Together. Bonita saw it."
"Bloody hell. I was prayin' that wouldn't be the case. Are ye sure?"
"Bonita is never wrong with these things. You know that."
"So what plan have ye got?"
"Plan? My plan is to tear the entire Caribbean apart if I have to in order to find them."
"Jack, I know ye have plenty of reasons to want to settle the score, but to try and hunt them down like this? Based on what? More of Bonita's 'impressions'?"
"I'm fine with chasing after her impressions, Josiah. After all, a footprint doesn't look like a boot!" With that, Jack turned on his heel and walked toward the ship.
"And just what do ye plan to do after ye find them, Jack?" Briggs called after him.
"You can guess what I'll do to Cade. As for Honour, I'll tie her to the mast until I get that key from her."
"Aye, that sounds about right."
Jack turned and began walking up the gangway. "And then, I'll make love to her one last time," he said quietly.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 13, 2013, 09:59:30 AM
February 28, 1655--Beaumaris Wales

"Rhiannon, you have been staring out that window for the last hour."
"Hmm? Oh....well, I just was looking at the sky. With the clouds rolling in, it looks like a storm is brewing."
Megan joined her sister at the window. "It looks like it is blowing in from the sea. Once in a while we get a bad storm but don't worry. Bancroft Hall is solidly built."

Honour sighed and sat down. "I'm so tired of being cooped up in this room."
"Darling, I'm sorry. But you are due to have your baby pretty soon and...well, it just isn't really proper for women in your condition to engage in social situations."
Honour looked down at her stomach. "I never thought skin could stretch so much. I haven't seen my feet all month."
Megan laughed and touched her sister's abdomen.
"You aren't that big, Rhiannon. But I do believe the baby has dropped."
"Dropped? Oh no!"
"Oh, it's not a bad thing. It just means the baby is getting into a position to be born. The little head is upside down and ready to make its entrance into the world."

Honour was quiet.
"Megan, does...does it hurt much?" she said in a small voice.
Megan walked over and hugged her sister.
"I won't lie to you, Rhiannon. There is pain involved. But in the end, when you hold that little life in your arms, it makes it so worth it."
Honour bit her lip. "And Daffyd was there?"
"Well, not...here. But he was pacing downstairs in the parlour. I swear, I never saw a man so proud when Dylan was born. And Morwenna just melted his heart."

Honour went back to looking out the window.
"I have no one special waiting for the news of my baby. Poor child," she murmured.
She laid her head against the window and looked out towards the sea.
"Megan? If...If I don't make it, would you please send a letter to James Blake? In care of Amos at the Varlet and Vixen? Also to my friend Kate. She...she would want to know."

"Now, Rhiannon, stop that! Stop it right now! You are young and healthy. Nesta has plenty of experience. You will come through this just fine."
"I know....I just kind of wish..."
"That Jack would be down in the parlour waiting for news of his child being born?"
She nodded.
"Do you think he would be interested, Rhiannon? I mean, from what you have told me, he doesn't seem like the kind of man that would want to be tied down to hearth and home. These men--the ones that get the sea in their blood--well, babies and family life are not a priority."
"I just feel in a way I cheated him of the knowledge that he has a child. A pirate's life could end at any time and maybe it would be...I don't know....a little something for him to know that a part of him continues on....oh, what am I saying? This is Mad Jack Wolfe! If he hadn't acknowledged a child by now, maybe he wouldn't care."
"Rhiannon, these 'could have-should have-would have' thoughts are doing you no good. My best advice is to forget him. Concentrate on having this baby, get your divorce quickly and silently and pass yourself off as a widow. Find love again with a man who will respect and love you."
"I can't think of that right now. And look at the time. You had better get ready for your dinner party."
Megan gave her a hug. "I'll be in to say goodnight if you are still awake."
"I think I will be in bed by then. I have heard how your dinner parties go. People don't want to leave."
"Well, if there is anything, don't hesitate to send Maeve for me. I can use an excuse to leave. Sometimes these people give me a headache."
Honour laughed. "Go! Enjoy your party! Nothing is going to happen. I'll read a book and then turn in early."

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

Honour put the book down she was reading. She padded over to the window and peered out. The storm was picking up. Glancing at the clock on the mantel, she saw that it was close to midnight. Sleep eluded her.
She opened the top drawer of the chest and pulled out a piece of paper. It had been crumpled and torn. Well, crumpled and smoothed out and then eventually torn. She smoothed it out once more.
Hastily scrawled on the paper was the date of June 3rd, 1654. Their names--Honour Bright and John Michael Wolfe.
All legal.
Honour traced their names across the paper with her finger and tried hard not to weep.
'I can't understand why I feel so melancholy over this. Jack Wolfe is out of my life. I won't ever see him again....'

She folded up the paper and a pain suddenly gripped her.
"Oh! OH!"
She clung to the dresser and it subsided. She made her way to the bed when another pain came.
"Nesta! NESTA!"

The midwife hurried into the room and took one look at Honour. She placed her hand on her abdomen.
"It's time, Rhiannon."
"But...but it can't be. I'm not ready."
As soon as she said it, she felt a trickle of water down her leg. Nesta looked at her and said firmly, "It doesn't matter whether you are ready or not, Rhiannon. The baby is in charge now.
Your water is breaking and your contractions are coming. Like it or not, this babe will be born sometime in the wee hours. I'll get Miss Megan."
"Oh, please don't. Let her enjoy her dinner party. Please don't tell her for a while yet."

A clap of thunder echoed and the heavens opened up to a torrential rain.
Nesta shook her head. "A bad storm. And a baby on the way. It's going to be a long night."

She helped Rhiannon to the bed. As she laid back on the pillows, pain gripped her and she began to realize she would have this baby by herself and Jack would never know if she died giving birth to his child.
Regrets filled her thoughts.
'Forgive me, Jack. But I did what I had to do.'
Another pain, more intense.
Yes, a long, long night.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 20, 2013, 07:35:20 PM
March 1, 1655--Bancroft Hall, Beaumaris Wales

"...and then Lady Waterford said to me.....excuse me."
Megan looked up from her water glass and said, "Yes, Maeve?"
The serving girl leaned over and whispered in Megan's ear. Her eyes grew wide and she stood up. Turning to her guests, she said with a bright smile, " A family emergency upstairs. Please, go on with your dinner and evening. Daffyd? Please see to our guests' needs."
Daffyd quickly stood up and said, "Pardon me for a moment."
He followed Megan to the staircase.
"Is it what I think it is?"
Megan gathered her skirts and said, "Yes. Nesta knows. I'm afraid I won't be here to bid our guests goodbye, dear. Please make my excuses. Tell them...oh, tell them one of the children has the sniffles and is calling for me. And whatever you do, stay away from the east wing and keep the children away too."

Megan quickly ran up the stairs, knocked quietly on the door and then opened it.
The girl from the bed murmured, "Megan?"
"Yes, dear. It's me."
"Megan, I am sorry to interrupt your dinner party."
"Hush! It is only a few of the local gentry. I was getting a headache anyways and this will be a welcome diversion."
To Nesta she asked, "So...what is going on?"

Nesta washed her hands in a basin of soapy water and said, "It started yesterday morning but she begged me not to say anything to you. I've been monitoring her."
"Rhiannon, you didn't say a word to me! Why not?"
The girl said quietly, "You were having a dinner party and I didn't want to interrupt."
"Not interrupt? Darling, this is your first baby. You should have told me!"
To the midwife, she asked, "How is she?"
Nesta dried her hands. "The pains are coming quickly, stronger and closer together. I think within the next two  hours, you will be an aunt."

There was a knock on the door.
"Megan? How are things going?"
Megan cracked the door open and then slipped out.
"Daffyd, I told you not to come into the east wing! Birthing is NO place for husbands."
"But Dylan and Morwenna are asking for their mum and then Aunt Rhiannon. They are worried."
"Well, please tell them Mummy will be in to see them for breakfast."
"It will be tonight?"
"Yes, Daffyd. It will be tonight. The children will have a nice surprise. Now go."

Megan closed the door and walked over to her sister. Rhiannon was lying in bed, her face pale and sweaty.
"Megan, I'm not going to make it! If I die, take care of the baby."
"Hush, darling, you aren't going to die. I won't let you."
She started to cry. "I can't do this. I give up. I changed my mind. Ohhhhhh! I want Jack here."
Meagan soothed her. "Honey, I'm all you have."
The pains kept coming closer together. Honour moaned, "I just want him here so I can tell the bloody bastard what I think of what he did to me!"
Megan stroked her brow with a cloth dipped in lavender. "Dear, we all say that. It is always their fault but once it is over, we forget and do it all over again."
Rhiannon tried to stop the flow of tears but was unsuccessful as they slid down her face and saturated her pillow.
"It's al his fault. It's all Jack Wolfe's fault. If he wasn't so devastatingly charming with his sweet talk and his merlot, I wouldn't be in this situation. And I hate him for it. HATE HIM! Where is he when all this is going on? I have to pay the price for his...lust. He's moved on. And if I have my way, he will never EVER know about this child."
Megan held her hand.
"Why, Rhiannon? Why so much hate and resentment for a man that is the father of your child?"
Rhiannon turned her face into her pillow and sobbed.
"Because....because he left me no choice. Megan, he was a absolute bastard to me in Bridgetown. Do you hear me? A BASTARD!"
"Hush, dear. This isn't doing you any good. Just focus on getting through delivering this child and then you can speculate on your husband's pedigree."
Rhiannon looked up from the pillow and said cynically. "It's only fitting that this child is born by candlelight. She probably got her start on Jack's legendary candlelight wine-dinner-seduction nights. Oh, how I hate him. HATE HIM!"
Megan washed her face and said quietly, "Yes, darling. You have already said that. But this is something that started nine months ago. Now we have a situation that we have to see through to the end. No sense pinpointing blame. Between Nesta and me, we will bring this child into the world and then you can tell me how much you hate Jack Wolfe. But until then, you have to buck up and get this child birthed. Can you do this for me like the Conaway I know you are?"
Rhiannon gritted her teeth and said, "Yes, I can.....OHHHH!"

Megan looked out the turret windows. "The storm is getting fierce. You can hear the rain pound on the window. And that branch...it keeps raking the window."
Rhiannon let out a loud moan.
Nesta put her hand on Rhiannon's abdomen and nodded to Megan.
"It's time."
Megan got behind Rhiannon and pushed her up to a semi-sitting position. Gently, Nesta said, "Rhiannon, I delivered all the babies in this family. I delivered you and together we are going to deliver this babe. Don't stress about the father, just get this little baby OUT. Now....PUSH!"
Nesta looked up at Megan and said quietly, "I can see the head."
Rhiannon grasped her sister's hand and let out another moan. She pushed.
"Once more, dear, and...NOW!"
Nesta and Megan both looked up startled as a crack of thunder and flash of lightning flashed outside the window.
"Dear God!' breathed Nesta as she suddenly felt Rhiannon's child deliver into her hands.
Rhiannon laid back on the pillows in exhaustion as the midwife held the child.
"Oh my God," said Nesta.
Rhiannon could barely catch her breath.
"Please, God, I take it all back," she prayed through her tears. Something is wrong. The baby is not crying...something is wrong...
The midwife slapped the baby's bottom and Rhiannon heard a wail.
She looked at Megan in astonishment..
Her sister had tears in his eyes.
"Darling, you have a fine healthy daughter!"

Rhiannon felt the tears well up in her eyes. She reached out and touched the baby's hand. "Is--is she alright? Has she all her parts?" she whispered.
Megan said softly, "Two eyes, a nose, a tiny little mouth, ten fingers, ten toes. And her eyes are the bluest eyes this side of heaven."
"Thank you, God." Honour whispered.

Nesta put the baby in Honour's arms. Her tears fell on the baby's downy head.
She softly touched the baby's fingers as she marveled at how small her hands were as the baby curled her fingers around her mother's.
She said in wonderment, "I can't believe it. She--she's a GIRL!"
Megan laughed through her tears, "Rhiannon, they come in both flavors! Did you not entertain the thought that you just might have a girl?"
"Not from him. I can't believe that the great Mad Jack Wolfe has produced a GIRL!"
She looked at Megan and the tears were shining in her eyes. "A daughter!"
Megan washed her sister's face with a warm cloth.
"And what are you to name this child? Margaret? Elizabeth? Or are you going to name her after Mother?"
Honour shook her head and said, "I have the perfect name."
"And that is...?"
"Zara."
"Rhiannon! Are you...sure? I mean, it is not approved by the Church!"
She tilted her head up defiantly. "The Church has done nothing for me except condemn. This is a unique child and she deserves a unique name. 'Zara' is exotic. And this child shall follow in the footsteps of no one! Like her father."


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

March 1, 1655--Somewhere in the northern Caribbean

"Jack, for the love of God, drop anchor and ride it out!"
"Never! NEVER! You think a little wind is going to keep me down?"
"Jack, it's a monsoon!" The sea water and wind splashed into Briggs's face, so he could barely stand without holding onto the gunwale.
"The rest of the crew are below. Thinking you lost your mind!"
Jack stood at the wheel, his face a mixture of madness and drunk with rum.
"I'LL SHOW THE WIND WHO IS BOSS!"
He raised his fist to the sky as a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning danced across the sky.
He muttered, "If I believed in portents, I swear she sent that just to taunt me...just to taunt me...."

He picked up his bottle of rum and smashed it against the gunwale. Shaking the broken bottle, he shouted, "Damn you, Honour Bright or whoever you are," he raged to the heavens.
"I swear, I will find you! You can't hide from me forever. Because that's how long I'll keep looking if I must!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 27, 2013, 07:32:46 PM
June 3, 1655--Leogane, Hispanola

"Jack? Jack! I've been looking all over this port for you."
Jack tried to focus his eyes on Briggs' face but unsuccessfully.
"Yeah, well, you found me, Josiah. Now what?"
Josiah sat down.
"Kind of ironic I find you at a tavern called The Lost Honour, isn't it?"
Jack shrugged. "Never made the connection, mate."
"And you are alone."
"What of it?"
"You usually end up with company."
Jack growled, "So for tonight I don't want any. Present company included."
"Jack-----"
"Josiah, leave. LEAVE. I want to be alone. No quartermasters, no doxies. Just LEAVE, alright?"
Jack slammed his glass down on the tavern table. Several people looked over.
Josiah stood up.
"Fine. But promise me you will get a room."
"Already have. Second from the left."

Jack stood up and swayed in his boots.
"You need help getting to bed, Jack?"
He shot Josiah a look.
"Not since...last night. Evita. That was her name. Sweetest little munequita this side of Havana."
"If you're sure...."
"Josiah, go mother someone else. Just....go."

Jack unsteadily made his way up the stairs, holding onto the railing to steady himself.
Josiah stayed downstairs until  he heard the door slam.
'Second from the left....at least he made it back to his room.'

Jack walked unsteadily to his room and leaned against the door. He pulled the cork out of a fresh bottle of rum and threw it across the room. He raised the bottle.
"Here's to you, Honour Bright. Wherever you are.....and by the way, happy anniversary. God, I hope you are as happy as I am tonight."
He staggered backwards to the bed and fell back into it.
For some reason he felt a sense of abandonment. He covered his eyes with his forearm and tried to forget that he actually was happy--and in love---for that one month of June.

The heavens opened up to a torrential downpour.
'Damn it!' Jack exploded as the shutters banged open, slamming repeatedly into the wall. The rain was coming in sideways and saturating the room. He rolled over and ambled over to the window, grabbing the shutter and locking it down.
'Damn storm. Why do I always think of.....her....during a monsoon?'
He wiped the rainwater from his face.
He tried to focus his eyes on the dark form sitting at the table.
"YOU!" He blurted.
"Yeah. Me. Now pour me a drink. You and I have alot to chat about, don't you agree?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 03, 2013, 07:03:20 PM
Jack rubbed his eyes. He had to be seeing things. That was the only explanation. Because there, sitting at the table like nothing at all was amiss, was Jack's father.
"This isn't possible," said Jack. "You're dead. You've been dead nearly twenty years."
"Yet here I am. Are you going to pour, or spend the rest of the night stating the obvious?"
Jack wobbled over to the table, set up two glasses, and poured them both full. After a few moments, he sat down opposite his father.
"Just look at you," said Charles. "What a mess you've become!"
"I rather like the look," protested Jack. "It serves me well."
"Ah yes, the foul, dissolute pirate captain, feared by all! I raised you better than this, Jack."
Jack picked up his glass and drained half of it. "Fat lot of good that did me. Where were you when I really needed you? Mouldering in the grave, that's where. You buggered off into the great beyond, and left the rest of us to take care of Mum. You know how sick she was. The only one of us with any sort of steady income was Thomas, and he was over a year behind in collecting wages. So I quit university and sent back what money I could. Then, like it or not, I ended up a pirate. So don't go climbing on your high spectral horse with me, Dad. So much of this is your fault."

Charles tapped the side of his glass. "I can accept a portion of that, I suppose. But I didn't mean to die, Jack. No one ever does. It just happens, you know? It comes on you, slow and fast at the same time. And there's nothing you can do about it. It just claims you. I wish I could make you understand, and at the same time I never want you to know what it feels like. Not ever. But I know I can't protect you from it. No one is safe. It just is."
"How is Mum, by the way?" asked Jack. He tried to ignore his father's words about death, but to no avail.
"I wouldn't know."
"What? No tandem harp lessons, or dancing on streets of gold?"
"It doesn't work like that."
"Really? How does it, then?"
"There's nothing to it. Literally."
"Then how are you here, as a ghost in my room?"
"Who said I am? Here's a better question; where's your wife?"
"Oh, no. No, you don't get the change the subject."
"But I'm not changing the subject, Jack. All of this is about you. You, and your wife. 'That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.' Genesis 2:24. I taught you that."
Jack shook his head. "Yeah, well, to borrow a phrase from you, it doesn't work like that. Sadly."

"And that's why you're so angry?" asked Charles.
"You think it's that simple? All my life, people have left me. Chucked me aside, like I'm nothing. You. Mum. Rose. Cade. Now Honour. How am I supposed to feel, eh? Cheerfully accepting? Bollocks! I feel bloody well shat on, from all sides! Anyone I've ever made an emotional investment in, anyone at all, they've left me! So yeah, I'm angry!"
Charles shifted the glass on the table slightly. "So that's what this is all about? How everyone has failed Jack Wolfe? How people have so callously left huge holes in his life?"
"Now you're getting the picture."
"What about the holes you've gouged in other's lives?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Oh, yes you do. How many, Jack? How many widows, how many orphans have you made over the years? Dozens? Hundreds? I can't blame you for not wanting to face something like that. Your hands are so soaked in blood, it's no wonder people fear your name."

Jack's own blood turned to ice in his veins. "Now, wait a moment. Yes, there have been some actions where resistance had to be put down. But that's the price of doing business."
"Business?! Oh, that's rich. Your stock and trade is death. Maybe not every time, but it's there. But that's not the point I'm trying to make. Jack, you are not the victim here. You never have been."
Jack drained the rest of his glass. "I'm not? Well, it sure feels that way."
"I didn't raise you to be such a selfish bastard. Yes, your mum and I died unexpectedly. And yes, Rose was horrible to you. But look at the way you kept Cade under your thumb. And Honour? Where were you when she needed you most? Nowhere to be found. Off doing what you wanted to do, her needs be damned. Looking at things that way, who's been doing the abandoning, Jack?"
Jack rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Isn't there some astral moratorium to your time spent here lecturing me, Dad?"
Charles shook his head. "If I were a ghost, I suppose there might be."
"You're not a ghost? Then what are you?"
"That's for you to decide, Jack. I don't care what you think I am. All I want is for you to listen, and to think about what I said."

Jack pushed back from the table and wobbled over to the bed. "Well, I hope you don't mind, but it's been a taxing day. I need some sleep. I trust you can find your way out." He laid down face first, not even bothering to take off his boots.
"Yes, yes, I can," said Charles sadly. "Just... just know that I love you, Jack. I always have."
Jack lay there for several moments before answering, "I love you too, Dad. And I miss you so much." A single tear escaped the corner of his eye, hung there for a moment, and dashed itself against his pillow as he drifted off to sleep.

Sunlight struck Jack's face, and the mere act of slightly opening his eyes brought forth a crushing headache. He rolled onto his back and threw his arm over his face.
"What an awful night," he moaned. "I don't know what was in that rum, but it was more like absinthe..."
He lay there a few moments more, then sat up. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he looked over at the table where he had surely dreamt of talking with his father the night before. And sure enough, there were two glasses, just as he remembered.

And they were both empty.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 10, 2013, 08:46:44 PM
October, 1655--Beaumaris, Wales

"I've been thinking, Megan....."
"About what, dear?"
"How having Zara has changed my perspective on alot of things. I need a clean start. Both for her sake and mine. I have no ties to Barbados and for a woman alone, it can be a dangerous place. As much as I don't want to, I am going to sell the plantation and settle back here."
"I think that is an excellent idea, Rhiannon. But how can you do that when you are here in Beaumaris?"
"That's the problem. I have no agent so I have to handle this myself. I'll take Zara and go down there and---"
"You will do no such thing!  A ship and a raucous place is no place for a precious baby! If you insist upon this, then I will insist you keep her with me. Is there more to this than just selling the plantation?"

Honour got up and looked out the window at the falling leaves.
"I want to put this all behind me. When I am in Bridgetown, I will visit the magistrate and quietly get a divorce. With the stipulation that Jack Wolfe will receive the papers six months after it has been final. I will be back in Wales when he finds out and he will think I have been in the Caribbean all that time.  I can't go for an annulment. It gets stricken off the record, Zara becomes illegitimate. And I won't have that. I have grounds on abandonment. Jack abandoned me when he went to Martinique."
"But he was coming back."
"Immaterial. At least to me. He virtually abandoned me that day he left our bed to sleep in Duckie's quarters on the cot. That was the beginning of our end."

She turned to Megan.
"It wouldn't have worked out, Megan. I see that now. We wanted different things. I wanted a home and stability and Jack wanted the sea and adventure. We didn't think that far ahead."
"When do you want to go?"
"I want to leave by next week."
"Next week? Why so soon?"
She sighed.
"I talked to Captain Underhill. The Bonnie Glenn is in port. And I didn't mention Zara because I was hoping you would keep her for me. Captain Underhill took a liking to me. We talked alot in the evenings about astronomy and places I want to go and where he has been and gardening and history...all sorts of things. And don't look at me like that!"
"Like what?"
"I have no interest in Captain Underhill or he with me. He's old enough to be my father. And he thought of me as a little sister. To him I was still James Blake's cousin Mary Carter."
"And you kept up the deception?"
"I see no reason to change it."

"I know you better than this, Rhiannon, and why the rush---aha! A man is involved!"
Rhiannon felt her face blush. "Certainly not. Although Lord Neville did ask if he could call on me. I told him I wasn't ready for that, being newly widowed and all."
"And the lack of black mourning garb didn't throw him off? Or the fact that you were at a ball?"
"He didn't ask, I didn't tell. Megan, I have no interests in a man...yet. But yes, I want stability for Zara and security for us. The fact that Neville asked made it clear to me that I need to plan for our future. I would like to find love again. I had one man who truly loved me and one that I thought loved me. Maybe I will find it again. But if not,  I can settle for companionship."
"It sounds like a cold compromise, Honour."
"It is the least I can hope for. By the time the new year comes, I will be ready to start my life over again. And there is another thing I want to discuss with you."
"What is it?"

"I'd like to move from Wales."
"Rhiannon, no!'
"Oh, I won't go too far. I would like to settle in Scotland."
"Scotland? Why Scotland?"
"I don't know. I like the sound of it. Did I tell you that Zara is one-quarter Scot?"
"What? NO!"
"Jack told me about his Scottish grandparents. From his mother's side. I kind of like the idea of Zara reconnecting with her roots. And Wales isn't so far that I can't come to visit."
"Oh, Rhiannon, don't talk like that. Maybe you will change your mind."
"Maybe. But think of it this way, Megan--Scotland is alot closer than Barbados!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 17, 2013, 10:59:27 PM
November, 1655--Antigua

Josiah looked up at the delapidated tavern sign swinging in the sultry breeze that blew  through the Port St John.
'Yep, bet he is in this one.'
He opened the door to John's Folly.
There standing by the stairway was his captain.

Jack Wolfe stood there, dishevelled and very full of rum. His arm was around the shoulder of a Spanish senorita. She  may have been pretty at one time. Hell, she may still be pretty if she had taken the trouble to sober up.
But there Jack was, up to his usual routine.
Find the lowliest dive in port.
Get stinking drunk.
Find a willing woman of the Spanish persuasion.
Get her stinking drunk.
Go upstairs.

Josiah didn't need to fill in the blanks.
He stood there with his fists planted on his hips, shaking his head.

"Ahoy, there, my quartermaster! Looking for me?" 
Josiah nodded. "Just checking to see where you are."
Jack whispered to the woman, "I'll be right back. It seems Mother wants to see me."
He walked over to Josiah and patted him on the cheek, trying to focus his eyes.
"Well, it seems you found me."
Josiah took him by the arm and hauled him off to a corner.
"How many times do I have to tell you be careful? For all you know, that woman could be working for Mendoza."
Jack looked over at her and then back to Josiah.
"Naw. Not Dolores.  She's as uninteresting as they come when it comes to conversation but I don't feel like talking."

Josiah grabbed his arm.
"You can't keep drowning yourself in rum and every woman that crosses your path. Now let's face it. Honour--or whatever her name is---is GONE. And so are the chests and the money. It's time you forget her. And become the captain you once were."
Jack's eyes grew flinty. "I'm not going to stop looking for her. Not till I get the key back. And some answers."
Josiah said softly, "I just worry about you, Jack."
Jack shrugged off Josiah's grasp and walked away.
"You know, Josiah, some day you are going to make someone a fine mother."
"Too narrow in the pelvis," Briggs muttered.
He watched as Jack climbed the stairs to one of the rooms with his senorita flavor of the moment.

 
"Rum, please." Josiah slid his coin down to the end of the bar and a minute later, a rum slid back.
He had just taken a drink when a captain he had known in the past had ambled in and sat beside him.
"Well, if it isn't the quartermaster of El Lobo del Mar!"
Briggs took a drink and nodded.
"Haven't seen you in a while, Corwin. Last time I believe your ship was sailing into St Lawrence as we were sailing out. How's it been?"
Corwin grimaced. "Yeah. St Lawrence. What a hell of a layover THAT was."
He yelled to the barkeep, "Rum!"
Briggs nodded to the barkeep, "First one on me."
"Well, thank ye kindly, Briggs. And where is your esteemed captain?"
Briggs nodded to the stairs.
"Occupied with...business."
Corwin smirked, "Hope it ends up better for him."
Corwin grabbed the drink as it slid by. It was then that Briggs noticed his hands.
They were both disfigured and contorted.
"Holy Mother of the Sea....what happened to you?"
Corwin took a deep drink.
"Ready for a story you probably never heard and will never hear the likes of again?"
Briggs nodded to an empty table and Corwin followed. 

"It was in St Lawrence. What was it, about a year ago that I saw you last?"
"Thereabouts."
"Alright, so we had a good haul and the crew was feeling a bit riled. Just good harmless fun, ya know? Well, there was this little tavern wench. Good looking piece. Big on top, small on bottom. Just the way I like 'em. She seemed friendly enough. Went the extra mile in bringing me ale and I repaid in kind. As the night wore on, the friendlier she got. She had a thing for captains, I heard. So I figured, it had been a few months since I was in port and I was due. Ya know what I mean?"
Briggs smiled. "Yeah, I know what you mean. We find ourselves in port more and more often. Except Wolfe is searching for---"
"So I make an offer, and paid off her night's wages. May as well make a long night of it, ya know? That barkeep was pretty pissed off but she talked him out of it.
Anyways, we go back to her room. All of a sudden, she gets shy, like she isn't quite sure about it."
Corwin chuckled and then continued. "So I had to teach her that once a frigate is heading for port, you don't stand in the way, ya know what I mean?"
Corwin took a deep drink of his rum.
"Yep, she came around to an understanding real quick. Showed her a few things she didn't know. Guess she didn't like the way it turned out. You know what happened?"
Briggs shook his head. He had always known Corwin to be ruthless on the high seas but didn't know it extended to port courtesies.
Corwin slammed his drink down on the counter. The other patrons jumped and looked over.
He focused his eyes on Briggs. "The little b***h took my clothes and threw them out the window where a beggar took off with them. Rolled me out of all the coin I had in my pockets and left me with nothing but my sword and boots."

He grimaced in recollection.
"Yeah, she made me walk to the dock wrapped in a frilly, lacy, flowery coverlet."
Briggs tried to hide his smile behind his rum. "Well, that doesn't explain the---"
"I'm not finished. Later that night, as I went back in port to see if I could find her--you know, as long as she rolled me for my money, I intended to take that out in trade. I had something more in mind for the little trick she pulled on the apparel--well, find her I did. She was taking in the night air on a stroll by that stone ballustrade that overlooks the port where the harbor juts out. I drew my sword and kept it at her throat. You know, to make her more....compliant? Damn doxy had a sword of her own! And damn if she didn't know how to use it. But I was taking my marks on her. Then I stepped on a wharf cat and she had the advantage. She kicked me and that was the last I remember. My crew found me under some canvas on the dock. And my hands......"
He grew a bit misty and cleared his throat.
"She knew what she was doing. She knew how important a seaman's hands are. And she got even. Hell, Briggs--alright, so I got a bit rough that night. She knew what she was getting into when she took me upstairs. Is that just punishment for ruining my hands?"
Briggs stood up. "Yeah, it does seem a bit harsh. Here...have another on me."
"Thanks. I swear to God, I will find Honour Bright if it takes me the rest of my life."

Briggs felt his heart plunge to his stomach but he acted casually.
"Unusual name. Any leads?"
"I went back to the tavern--think it was the Varlet and Vixen--and her friend said she married a Spaniard and was living in Cadiz."
"Oh, well, then..."
"She was lying. I checked it out. She is somewhere. And when I find her, she becomes the crew's property and hell, she thought it was bad with me?"
He laughed to himself. "Yeah. Fitting justice."
Briggs barely got a goodbye out and walked into the night air.

"Oh Lord, Honour. What have you done? Jack, you had better find her first. And fast."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 25, 2013, 08:48:24 AM
Late November, 1655---Bridgetown, Barbados


Honour sat in the small tavern next to an open window. A sea breeze drifted through the window. She inhaled deeply the scent of the salted air, remembering how much she missed it.
She was about to take a bite of her stew when a voice said behind her, "Well, I don't believe it. I finally caught up with you!"

Startled, she looked up to see Cade Jennings grinning at her.
"Cade! What are you doing here?"
He sat down.
"I might ask the same question of you. You left without a word to anyone. So where have you been?"
Honour thought quickly.
"I was visiting my aunt in Barcelona. She married a Spaniard. I needed to put some distance between me and the Caribbean. Find out what I wanted and where I wanted to go."
"When did you get back?"
"Oh...a few months ago."
"Have you made any decisions yet?"
She crossed her fingers, weaving her lie.
"I think I will settle in St Maarten."
"Seems you can go pretty far on ol' Jack's money. Rumour has it quite a bit of his money disappeared around the time you did."
"I don't know what you are talking about. I had money saved and it seemed like it was time for me to go since Jack left me no choice since he pulled that gun on me. But enough about me. What have you been up to?"
"Oh..this and that...a bit of plundering, a lot of piracy."
"The Gryphon."
"She's a fine ship. I have a good crew."
He took Honour's hand, kissing it.
"And I have missed you."

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

Honour laid in Cade's arms, snuggling closer to him. She had forgotten how much she loved being held after.....and how much she missed making love. She hadn't been with a man since Jack had given her the diamond and emerald necklace. The day he left for Martinique.
"Honour?"
"Hmmm?" she whispered contentedly.
"You don't mind if I stay the night in your room?"
She looked up at him.
"Of course not."
"Good. Because I told the tavern keeper I would be canceling my room," he laughed.
She looked up at  him."Pretty sure of yourself, weren't you, Cade Jennings?"
He held her closer.
"Very sure."
"What if I had said no?"
"I made sure you wouldn't, didn't  I?"

His lips traveled down her shoulders.
"I could get used to this when I am in port."
She raised her head up to protest but Cade covered her mouth with a kiss. Not having the attentions of a man since Zara was born, she found herself being swept into the moment.
"Oh, Cade...." she whispered. And thoughts of Jack Wolfe momentarily vanished from her mind.

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

The moonlight shone through the windows. Honour laid her head on Cade's chest, both of them in silence as they recovered from their lovemaking.
Cade idly played with one of Honour's blonde curls as her fingers delicately stroked Cade's chest.
"Honour?"
"Mm hmm?"
"I was thinking....you may not have to get that divorce."
"What are you talking about? Of course I have to get that divorce."
He looked down at her.
"I don't think Jack will live that long."
She raised herself up. "Wh--what do you mean?"
"I mean I've heard from quite a few people that have seen him. Jack Wolfe is in bad shape. He's reckless on the seas and when in port, all he does is wenching and drinking. Almost as if he doesn't care anymore."
Honour felt a knot in her stomach.
"Are you sure? It may just be tavern talk."
He shook his head. "His drinking as escalated to the point that even Briggs can't seem to reach him. Jack won't listen to him. I heard that even Duckie is ready to part company with him. Said he wasn't going to watch him die."

Honour felt sick to her stomach. No matter what had gone down between the two of them, he was still the father of her little girl.
"But here is the advantage to not getting a divorce. Do you realize that as Jack Wolfe's widow, you can claim all that he owns?"
"What?"
"Jack Wolfe is not the kind of man who would write a will. He fancies himself as invincible. But as his widow, you would inherit his properties. Any money he has hidden. And one other thing....."
She looked at him questionably.
"You would inherit El Lobo del Mar."

Honour sat up quickly, the sheet wrapped around her. Cade stroked her back as she ran her fingers through her hair.
"Now wouldn't that be a reversal of fortune? You marry me. Together we would have the Gryphon and El Lobo del Mar. The start of our own fleet."
Honour tried to process all that Cade had suggested. To be the owner of El Lobo del Mar...it was just too absurd.
"And Briggs would be working for us. Can you imagine? Good ol' Josiah, having to take orders from me."
Cade laughed and then pulled Honour to him.
"But enough of that in due time," he said as he kissed her neck.

Jack Wolfe....fearless, bold and courageous Jack Wolfe. To die like a common drunk?
Once again, Jack Wolfe was breaking her heart.
Cade never saw the solitary tear that trailed silently down her cheek as he made love to her.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on March 03, 2013, 08:09:55 PM
 
Honour slipped quietly out of the bed. She shivered even though there was a fire in the small fireplace. She reached to the end of the bed and put her dressing gown on.
She glanced over at Cade but he never stirred.
Pulling back the curtain, she looked out the window to the port of Bridgetown. It seemed so different from the first time she sailed into it. She laid her head against the frame, watching the ships go in and out of the harbour.
Things with Cade were different. Before he was tender and caring. Now it was almost as if he made love like he was getting even with someone.
Was it really true what he said about Jack? Was he really destroying his health with women and whiskey?
In spite of everything, the thought of it made her sick to her stomach. Was she responsible or at the very least, did she contribute to it? Guilt intruded into her thoughts.
Her eyes filled with tears. Cade was the first man she had made love with since Zara was born but it just wasn't the same.
"Honour? Come back to bed, sweetheart." Cade said drowsily from the bed.
She dropped her dressing gown and slipped back between the covers.
"What time is it?" he said.
"It will be light in a few hours."

Cade gave a long sigh as Honour snuggled up against him.
"I'll need to be aboard the ship at first light. There are so many things to attend to when getting ready to put out to sea, and the captain needs to be there make sure it all gets done. You understand, I'm sure."
Honour's body stiffened. She didn't know if it was because of him using much the same words Jack did when ship's business took him away at the crack of dawn, or his casual assumption she would 'understand'. Either way, she was left in the familiar position of playing second-fiddle to a ship. And she didn't care for it.
"That's fine," she replied nonchalantly. "I have business of my own to see to."
"Really?" he asked, as he toyed with her blonde locks. "What kind of business?"
"My business."
"That's awfully coy of you. Haven't I earned the right to know?"
She shook her head. "No, not yet. But you can keep trying."
"I think I can manage that," he replied, and began to kiss her.
"Ah-ah, not so fast. It's going to be a busy day for us both, and I want to be rested. There will be plenty of time for that tonight."
Cade was silent for a moment. He never expected to be rebuffed by Honour. "Well, if you insist..."
"I do. Now, get some sleep."

Honour turned away from him and pulled the covers close to her. Yes, she had established a little more control over her situation. But things still wrong somehow. She closed her eyes, hopeful that the coming day would bring the closure she hoped for.

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

Honour settled back in the carriage. Cade said he would meet her back in the room and he would have dinner sent up for them. With a bottle of madeira. He didn't remember she was partial to merlot.
Jack remembered.
Jack always remembered details.
The meeting with the agent went well. He thought there would be no problem getting her asking price for the plantation what with so many English settlers in Barbados.
Then she had the carriage take her out to the plantation.
She felt the need to explain to the Averys that she had a change of plan. The widow Castlemaine would not be moving to Barbados. Mrs. Avery shed a few tears but felt heartened that Honour was giving them two years' wages. With that they could buy their own cottage. She would give them good references. It was hard to let go of the house that Honour and Jack would have settled in. She sat down at the piano and tinkered a bit on the keys. She had pictured Zara sitting there taking her piano lessons.
Another little dream shattered.
No view from the balcony of the master bedroom. Instead the highlands of Scotland would be hers and Zara's view from their home.
Such a different life she had planned.

The carriage pulled up into the side street next to the market.
Honour handed the driver a few coins over his fare.
"Thank ye, Ma'am. Now ye be careful in this here part of town."
Honour smiled. "I'll be fine. I'm used to shopping and I can handle myself amongst the clientele here."
She almost said, 'I used to be married to one." But bit back on the words.
The morning flew by as Honour did her shopping, picking up silks and fabrics for dresses. The merchants tried to overcharge but Honour was able to get them to agree on the prices she wanted to pay. After a morning of haggling, she felt she deserved a break and looked up at a swinging sign.
The Bilge Pump Pub.

"Can I get you something, miss?"
"An ale, please," she said to the barkeep.
The barkeep put the ale down and she slid her coin to him. The tankard was cold and she pressed it to her cheek to take down the heat in her face. Although it was autumn, the humidity was breaking records.
She took a deep drink and sighed.
Yes, in a few months this will all be settled and I can get on with my life, she thought.
Thoughts of Zara filled her mind and she began to get homesick for her little girl. A new life in Scotland where no one knew who she was or what had happened would give her the fresh start she wanted. So engrossed was she in her future plans, she didn't notice the figure who strolled in through the tavern door.

He paused a moment to let his eyes grow accustomed to the dark and dingy tavern, but quickly gave up. It's not as if he would stop seeing double any time soon, anyway. Drinking the last tavern dry of rum had seen to that. His fingertips danced on the hilt of his cutlass as he quickly surveyed the room. Spying an empty table that gave him a clear view of the room, he quickly occupied it before anyone else could.
As she finished her ale, a pirate sidled up beside her.
"Well, well....we don't often see a woman of your caliber in here. Can I buy you another ale?"
She turned and looked at him, trying not to show the derision she felt.
"No, thank you. I was on my way out. I have to meet my husband."
Alright so it was a lie....
She slid out of the chair and headed for the door. But what she saw froze her heart.
There, seated by the window was the one person she thought she would never see again.

Captain Mad Jack Wolfe.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 10, 2013, 07:50:20 PM
The only trouble was to get out the door without him seeing her.

'Oh please, God, just let me clear the door....'
But no matter how she tried, she would have to walk past him.
"Hey, Barkeep! Another rum and... oh, hell, just bring the whole damn bottle, there's a good man!"
The barkeep ambled over and as he was setting the bottle down and Jack was fishing coins out of his pocket, Honour saw her opportunity.
She dropped down to her hands and knees and attempted to crawl out of the bar via the tables that would protect her from his sight.
Almost there... almost there...
She hit the threshold with her knee and stifled her cry of pain.
Scurrying faster on her hand and knees, she had almost cleared the door when she felt someone grab her ankles and yank her backwards. When she felt the pressure release, she tried to scramble to her feet but was unceremoniously set on her feet and as she struggled to run, the arms drew her in a tight embrace against his body.

"I know the shape of that leg and the curve of that bottom anywhere, love," the boozy voice slurred. "And that scent of jasmine. Always did do something for me, " he whispered huskily.

She tried to elbow him in the gut.
"Now, now....no need to be elbowing ol' Jack, love."
"That had better be a pistol that is jamming into my leg."
"One of them," he replied smugly. "I'll leave it to you to guess which. Now is this any way for you to say hello to your long lost husband?"

He spun her around and grinned sardonically at her."Well, well...if it isn't the absentee wife! Hello, darling--fancy meeting you here. But then we met in a tavern and old habits die hard, yeah?"

Honour struggled against his arms and made a noise that was equal parts frustration and disgust. "The only thing I want to say to you is, go to hell!"
"Oh, I've been there, my pet. Thanks to you, I've been there a good long time."
"Jack, let me go!"
"Say please."
"What?!"
"I said, say please. Would it kill you to be civil?"
She took a deep breath and said between clenched teeth, "Please."
"No, too insincere," he said with a chuckle. "Besides, I rather enjoy having you in my arms again."

Honour drove the heel of her boot into the toe of his.
"YOW!! Damn, woman, that hurt!" he yelped, but did not release his grip on her.
She tried again to stomp his other foot, but he was ready and moved it out of her way. Growing angrier by the second, she began stomping repeatedly, trying to injure him again. But even in his drunken state, he managed to evade her.
"I believe we've invented a new dance, love!" he laughed.
His laughter came to an abrupt stop as her elbow dug hard into his ribs.
"OW! dangnubbit! STOP!"
He loosened his grip on her and she took a swing at him, narrowly missing his face. He grasped her by the wrist and she gasped for breath.
Jack chuckled, "I always did enjoy watching you try to catch your breath but for a different reason. The soft glow of sweat-sheen and a heaving bosom..."
"You're disgusting!"
"You didn't always think so."
"And you are drunk!"
"Am I? Well, your powers of observation deserve the bleedin' obvious award."

He pulled her close to him, still not letting go of her wrist.
"It's a smaller world than they'd have you imagine, love. Smaller than I had ever imagined though you could have fooled me for the amount of time I spent scouring the Caribbean for you, that's for sure. But I always knew some day you would come walking through my door again. And here we are."
Jack caressed her cheek with his fingertips. "And we can still catch up on old times, yeah? Did you honestly think I had quit burning for you?"
"I would have thought you had put that fire out a long time ago. I know I did."
"Some fires never die, love. No matter how much we'd like them to."
Jack chuckled ruefully, "No matter how far and wide I've sailed, you always manage to find your way into my dreams. And what fine dreams they be! Short of what we've known of each other, but fine dreams nonetheless. A poor substitute for your exquisite touch, I'll grant that."

Honour's eyes softened. "You know, Jack, we could... restart that fire you spoke of."
"Now you're talking, love! I knew you'd come round--"
"And use it to burn those clothes of yours! Did you stop bathing when I left, too?"
Jack gave a chuckle at her barb. "Walked into that one, didn't I? That lightning wit of yours. I've missed that, too. See how much we have to catch up on?"
"We have NOTHING. Nothing to catch up on, nothing to reminisce, nothing to look forward to with each other, save our goodbyes."

"What's this about goodbye? We haven't had a proper hello yet."
He nodded toward his table. "Let's sit and talk, like normal people."
Honour couldn't contain a sharp, derisive laugh. "Normal people? Do you even know what normal means?"
"Enough to fake it in front of this lot," he shrugged. "Just fifteen minutes. That's all I ask. Then we can part ways peacefully."
"Five."
"Twelve."
"Seven."
"Ten. Final offer."
"All right, fine. Ten minutes, and not a second more."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 24, 2013, 08:21:31 PM
Jack took her by the elbow and propelled her towards his table. Unceremoniously he gave her a push and she landed hard in the seat. Just as quick, he took his seat and placed a booted foot on each side of her, successfully blocking any exit until he said so. He crossed his arms and smiled disarmingly at her.
"Now, isn't this better? Can I get you a whiskey?"
She laughed bitterly, "No thank you. I haven't been able to stomach it since that night I became your bride."
"Well, this is hardly the greeting I would have expected."
"What did you expect? That I would throw myself in your arms and beg you to take me back?"
'Something like that. Yeah, that and a dose of humility on the side would be a nice touch."
She leaned back and smiled. "What makes you think you haven't been replaced, Jack? In all aspects of my life. After all, we have been separated for quite a while."
Jack smirked at his beloved and leaned towards her.
"Ah....replaced. Not quite the word I was thinking of."
He tapped his chin, deep in thought. Then he snapped his fingers. "Substituted! That's the word! Substituted. A much better word. And so have you, but that is neither here nor there. Never replaced. Yes, we have been apart a long time. Far too long. But do you remember the time we spent in Castara? That poor tree? And those words of love we whispered to one another? Do they keep you warm on cold winter nights? You can't forget them, no matter how hard you try. I  know it keeps me hot....WARM! I meant warm."

"You're like Muir with a bone, only worse," she said with an exasperated roll of her brilliant blue eyes.
"Do you intend to waste all ten minutes staggering down memory lane?  Let me help you out here, Jack. All those words we spoke, all the... everything else..."
She paused to shudder. "It all became meaningless when you drew that pistol and threatened to kill me in your drunken fit of jealous rage. I didn't do that. You did. Now, I've put all that behind me and moved on. That's what you need to do. Get over it and move on. I'm out of your life and you're out of mine, and I prefer it that way."

Jack gave a resigned sigh. "I suppose you're right. I've been holding a candle for you all this time, and it's one more flame that should be extinguished."

"Now you're talking some sense, Jack. We had our brief day in the sun, but that ended. Life goes on, and so should we."
"I agree. But before we part ways for good, I have a question. More a request, actually."

"And what is that?" Honour asked warily.
"Since our marriage is over, as you've so clearly impressed upon me, then I suspect the sentimental keepsake we exchanged hold no value for you?"
"What?"
"Say, a certain brassy disc with all manner of spindly arms sticking out from its leering face? Remember it?"
  Honour's eyes narrowed. "I remember it. That was your sorry excuse for a wedding ring."
"The hour was late and I had to improvise."
"The hour was late, and you wanted in my bed."
"Pot-a-to, po-tah-to. Do you still have it?"

Honour looked steadily at Jack. "My, my...for a piece of jewelry that wasn't impressive in the first place, you seem to want it pretty badly.
What makes you think I even have it? And if I did, why would I, in a fit of generosity, turn it back to you? I certainly wish I could remember what happened to it. It was so long ago. Why, it could be anywhere. In my room. At the bottom of the ocean. On the bosom of a noblewoman in England. Of course, it would have to be a very large woman. And kind of homely too..."

Jack feigned a defeated posture for a moment, then smiled sardonically. "Well, good for you, love. You've bested ol' Jack at his own game. Nicely played."

She sighed. "If you REALLY must know what happened to it, I gave it to a captain. He in turn sold it for me and gave me the profit.
Didn't ask a percentage, either. Just did it as a favor to a friend. Well, if you want to find it, I daresay it could be on the chest of any high-classed noblewoman. I'd start looking in the Caribbean. Failing that, I'd start in Cornwall and work my way across the continent."

She gave Jack a stern look. "Are we done here? I have shopping to do."
Jack shook his head slowly and used his feet to pull her chair a little closer to the table. "I don't believe you. See, I remember how you get when you're cornered. You throw up all manner of possibilities and distractions in hopes you can confuse the other person with twisty-turny logic. Well, sunshine, it's not going to work this time. I want the trinket."
"Read my lips. I don't HAVE it! But what if I told you I have something to offer that's far more impressive than that horrid bit of shine you're so fixated on?"
"And what could that possibly be, my pet?"
"This table."
"What? What are you---"
Honour grabbed hold of the table, gave it a quick twist so one of the legs was lined up with her estranged husband's crotch, and shoved hard.
But Jack was quicker.
"Darling you know how particular I am about the family jewels," his eyes glittered hard into hers. "I was rather hoping for a playful game of footsie, but I can see that's out of the question now. So back to the matter at hand..."

"Jack, I don't have it, how many ways do I have to say it?"
"Sweetness, the one thing I've come to learn about you is that the more you protest, the less believable you are. I'll admit, we both felt the thunder. But that bit of gold I gave you is far too large and ornate for you to have merely pawned off somewhere. What I'm offering is that there are two keys to a chest in my possession. I have one of them. I, in a moment of indiscretion, gave the other to you. Now, if you'd kindly accompany me aboard my ship, I'll tell you how I came upon the chest after our matrimony."

"Jack, how stupid do you think I am? I board your ship, what is to stop you from pulling up anchor and I will be your bounded prisoner? Let's say I have the Sun pendant and I hand it over to you.  What would stop you from pitching me overboard? I unloaded that amulet as soon as I could. I'll tell you the truth. If you really want it, it is in the coffers of St. Armand's Church. In exchange for a confession well-done. Can't remember the name of the town but it is between Barbados and Havana. THAT should give you something to occupy your time. Think of it as a treasure hunt! I know how you loved them!"

She crossed her arms and gave him that look of defiance he had come to know all too well during their brief one-month encounter.
"So you see--I am of no further use to you. I suggest we both go see the magistrate and end this travesty of a marriage. Then you can buy me that ale AT THE TAVERN and regale me with your little fairytale of how you came in possession of this so-called chest. IF you even have it!"

Jack smirked, "You know what, love? I almost believed you for a moment. But knowing how your mind works, you're hoping I'll divulge more. Well, my sweet, I've learned a lesson or two since our last pairing. Foremost, I should never tell you too much. Secondly, you're better off not thinking that every single word out of my mouth is a lie. Only every other word. Every third word on a Sunday.  So, when I tell you I have the chest in question, and the Moon key, I'm actually being honest with you.  I only wish I'd known about the nature of the chest before I gave you that key. I need that key. It's a fair offer, love. Half the contents of the chest and your freedom to sweeten the deal."

Honour leaned against the wall  and ran her fingers through her hair, twisting the ends as was her manner when she was deep in thought. Jack knew this in their brief month together that this was a tell-tale sign that the wheels were turning in her mind.
He grinned and leaned  closer to her. She quickly whipped out her bodice dagger.

He deftly took the dagger out her hand and flipped it over his shoulder. It clattered on the tile floor behind him.
"Now let us say for the sake of argument I DO have that hideous key. Well, since you once promised me the moon...I prefer to deal with you for the moment on the grounds of mutual respect. But I have no assurance you won't pull that pistol on me once you have what you want.  So....what assurance DO I have that I will be alive once the chest is opened? And make it fast because I have plans tonight."
Jack smiled. "Yes, I promised you the Moon. But the Sun was all I had to give at the moment, much to my later dismay. Thank you for confirming that you still have it! I was beginning to get worried.  You need assurances that I'll keep you alive? I'm willing to share half the contents of the chest and even if it is empty, you go on about doing whatever it is you do. You'll never hear from me again."

"You have no assurances. I would need to think this over. I am not that foolish girl you married. I'm twenty-one now! And I have a new..."
Jack raised his eyebrow.
She continued, "Never mind. I'd have to see this chest before I make any decisions. Grant you, I am NOT saying I have the key. Or even know where it is.  Now---a gentleman would retrieve my bodice dagger for me."
"Retrieve your dagger? But of course!" Jack bowed , swept, and produced Honour's blade. "I see you've kept it as sharp as I taught you to. Well done."
He gently returned the dagger to its scabbard, slipping it between her ample breasts into its sheath. "Now about that breast...I mean CHEST! " Meeting her eye to eye, he continued. "So, you wish to see the chest? It's in my cabin. Twelve hours. I'll meet you on the docks, and you bring the Sun. We open the chest together, in my cabin. And we share whatever wealth is contained within."
Jack smiled broadly, and stole a kiss from her. "Twelve hours, love! And all this will be behind us! You know where to find me. And I'll be waiting for you."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on March 31, 2013, 08:24:23 PM
Honour waited a half hour to give Jack Wolfe enough time to go...wherever he went.
'Probably to that house with the red door and into the arms of the first doxy that answered it.'
She shrugged. 'What do I care what he does anymore? It doesn't concern me....'
But  that annoying small voice inside her said, 'Like hell it doesn't.'
She ran her fingers through her hair and muttered, 'Shut up.'

Honour sighed and looked cautiously out the tavern window. No sign of him. She opened the door. The gloam of a November evening cast shadows on the buildings, giving Honour a sense of foreboding. She couldn't help but cast her eyes right and left.
No, no familiar tricorn.  Still glancing left and right, she headed towards the Castle and Ball inn where she had taken a room with Cade. But it didn't stop her from looking behind her all the way to her room.

As she opened the door, there was Cade setting food on the small table. A bottle of madeira was decanting.
'Still no merlot.....he still doesn't remember I like merlot. Jack always...stop it, Honour! Just stop it. It doesn't matter anymore.....'

"So there you are! I thought you would have been back before this."
She hung her cloak up.
"Oh...you know how distracted I get by a great pair of boots. I mean, when I see boots that are in the cobbler's window."
"And did you buy any?"
"Hmm?"
"Boots. Did you buy any boots?"
"Oh....no, he didn't have them in white which is what I wanted."
"Too bad. So let's sit down and eat before this stew gets cold. I'll set the dishes outside the door so we won't be disturbed."
She sat at the edge of the bed and dropped her skirt and bodice, removing her boots. Taking the ribbon out of her hair she shook her braid loose.
He grinned. "Now that is the way I like you. Barefoot and at a disadvantage in your chemise."
She gave him a small smile and sat down at the table.
"Let's just eat and see what the night brings, shall we?"

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

With the 5:00 AM meeting on the dock in the subconscience of her mind, Honour raised her head and looked at the old clock on the mantle.
'Uhh....time for me to get up, I suppose. I should just forget it. That chest probably holds nothing but a bunch of baubles. Why would whoever have the keys not have unlocked it by now? I should just stay here....'
She snuggled closer to her Cade, his arms around her. The only problem was when they were making love it wasn't Cade but Jack Wolfe she fantasized about. Every touch, every kiss, every caress....no matter how much she tried to dispel it, memories of their intimate times together would not go away.

The nagging thought of the chest and its possibilities kept her from sleeping.
She sighed. 'May as well get this over with. IF I decide to hand over the Sun key.'
She extricated herself slowly from Cade. Carefully she took her pillow and placed it where she was. No sense waking him up and having to explain this crazy stunt.
She quietly got dressed, putting on breeches instead of a skirt. 'Never know when I may have to make a break for it. I don't need a skirt in the way.'

She looked over to where her rapier was, hesitation on her face. 'If the thought even crossed my mind to take it, then take it I shall.'
She scabbarded it and put it on. Reaching over to where she had dropped her clothes the night before, she picked up her bodice dagger and put it in place.
Lastly she slipped the Sun Key in her bodice.
'What am I doing? That is the first place Captain Jack Wolfe would look. '
She put it in her boot and then inserted her sgian dubh. That should camouflage it. Wrapping herself in her cloak, she started out the door.
"Honour? Where the hell are you going, love?" Cade's sleepy voice came from the bed.
Oh dear, the Inquisition begins....
"Nowhere, darling. Just go back to sleep. I have to run an errand and I'll be right back."
"It's barely daylight, for God's sake."
She thought fast. "Well, if you want to get the freshest bread and fruit, you have to hit the docks early. Don't worry. I'll be back within the hour."
Before he could give her the third degree, she let herself out, locking the door behind her.

The sun was just starting to come up over the town. With a bravado she did not feel, she headed towards the docks. Her fingers nervously tapped the hilt of her rapier.
'What am I doing? I should be back in a nice warm bed. Instead I am meeting the Devil himself.'
Within ten minutes she reached the docks. Shading her eyes, she gave a sigh of relief.
'Looks like I have been stood up...'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 07, 2013, 06:53:07 PM
The sun rose over the sea like the Phoenix. Jack watched from the quarterdeck over his morning cup, and smiled at the promise of Honour bringing the Sun key.
A lookout called from his post.
"Cap'n! She's at the docks, but she's stopped! "
"That figures. She always was a big tease," said Jack.
Josiah snorted sharply.
"Just take the key and be done with it!"
Jack grabbed a rum bottle from behind the binnacle and took a deep tug. He walked down the steps to the gun deck and called out to the small form of his bride through the speaking trumpet. "Oi! You! The pretty blonde! Yeah, you, love! Don't be so shy, for you know I don't bite... too roughly! That's it! Come this way, or I shall voice more personal matters for all the good people of this town to hear!"
Jack smiled as Honour grudgingly walked down the pier.

"You said to meet you on the docks. Well, this is the docks and this is where I am standing. So get your arse down here, Captain Jack Wolfe. I'll not venture any further. This is neutral ground. You should be glad I made it down here at all, having met you here at this ungodly hour."

"As you wish!" Jack called, and he laughed as he handed the speaking trumpet off to Josiah. Jack hung his justacorp on the binnacle, and strode down the deck to the gangplank, then to the dock. "How poetic is it, my lovely Honour, that you greet me with the Sun? I hope in more ways than one!"
He took five casual steps forward. "Now, what is that on your lovely hip... a blade? I hoped we were over all that, darling."

She took five steps back.
"You think I have what you need and after you have it, you shall be done with me. How typical of you. I hand over the key and what assurance do I have that my back will be to your rudder in the next hour? And I don't mean floating face down. How can I trust you that I will still be alive an hour from now?"

Jack took a step towards her and she made a motion to unsheath her rapier. "You know I can wield this with the best of them. After all, who taught me the finer points of thrust and parry?"
"I remember those days love," he said, with an almost feral smile. "Quite the student you were. And how exciting the lessons! I wonder... how much do you remember?  But I have no desire to search your lovely body for the Sun key. I take it you indeed have the item you so mightly protested not to have."
Jack assumed a relaxed stance. "You can quit fondling that blade, love. We have business to attend to. I swear, upon pain of death, that you shall return to this very dock. You're more a liability to me dead than alive, love. And upon the completion of our business, you'll get that divorce you're so hot after."

"I knew you could be reasonable in the end, Jack. You always were impressed by a woman with a blade even if you wouldn't admit it. It always got your blood hot. So let us negotiate and get this taken care of so I can go back to bed. IF--and this is a big IF--I decide to hand over the Sun Key, we split the treasure 50/50 and I regain my freedom from you. You promise to go right to the magistrate's and sign the papers and we part. If those are the terms, then yes. We have an accord."

She extended her hand to Jack.
Jack took her hand and rubbed the back of it gently. She withdrew her hand.
"What do you think you are doing?"
"Doing? Doing what?"
She gave him a withering look. "I said I would look at this chest and then decide if it is worth my time and effort. I'll give you an hour. No more, no less."
"Fair enough," he grinned. "Remember how much we could accomplish in an hour? Of course you were unclothed then...."
"Shut it, Jack. Ancient history. Like the pyramids."

  She turned on her heel and walked resolutely down the dock. Tilting her head up towards El Lobo del Mar, she called out, "I'm not asking permission to come aboard, Briggs. I am telling you I am coming aboard. And not because I want to. It's because your captain requests the honour of my presence."

Briggs stood at the gunwale as Honour climbed the gangway, Jack following closely behind.
"Don't ye be concerned none about formalities, Honour," started Briggs. "If it were up to me--"
He broke off when Jack began making quick gestures for him to be quiet.
Honour paused and looked back at Jack, who gave her a suspiciously pleasant smile. She continued on the last few feet and stepped on to the deck.
"You were saying, Josiah?" she asked.
"It's been a long time, Honour. Welcome aboard."
"I promise to make it brief, I assure you."
"Aye, that much I figured. Ye remember the way to the captain's quarters?"
Honour ignored the heat she felt in her cheeks. "I believe I do. And I'm sure my escort will make sure I don't get lost."
"At your service," smiled Jack. "Shall we?"
She stared for a moment at the door to the companionway and gave a resigned sigh.
"I've come this far. Why not?"

"Care to go all the way, love?"
She whirled on him and he gave her an innocent look.
"I meant all the way to my cabin. For Pete's sake, Honour, get your mind out of the gutter."
Briggs stifled a laugh.
"Jerk. I'll find my way."
Jack reached over to the binnacle and took a swig of rum and watched appreciatively as Honour walked down the companionway.
"What is in your mind, Jack? Let's just get the key and get her off this ship!"
Jack framed his fingers and positioned them onto a picture of Honour's backside walking away.
"Ah...she still has it! Hasn't gotten too broad in the beam!"
He picked up a bottle of merlot from the binnacle and headed down following her.
"If I am not out in an hour, Briggs, just don't come looking for me till around...oh, tomorrow morning."
"Aye, Jack. A touching farewell to the lass or is that a thank you for the gift of a key?"
Jack shrugged. "It remains to be seen but hell, I have to get some retribution. Oh...let's say....twenty-four chests of guilder's worth?"
"Take more than twenty-four hours to make that up."
Jack winked, "Not if you know how to use it right!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 14, 2013, 08:55:34 AM
Honour reached the door to the great cabin and paused. She had half expected Jack to make a lunge for the door to make sure she went inside. As she turned, she saw him walking briskly toward her.
"There you are!" she said. "What happened, did you get lost again?"
"Miss me, dear?"
"Hardly. But I knew something was amiss when I felt neither your breath on my neck or your eyes undressing me."
"Really? I can make up for it, I promise."
"Save if for someone who's interested," she replied. "The chest, remember? And not mine, in case you're confused at all."
Jack reached past her to the doorknob, making the most of the confined space they were sharing. Honour rolled her eyes.
The door opened with a satisfying clack. "There you are, my darling. More or less as you remember it."

She stepped into the great cabin and looked around. Clothes were tossed haphazardly on the deck and on furniture, books and charts strewn and stacked on the desk and the large table. And in the middle of the mess on the bed lay the ship's cat, Puddin'.
"It looked better after the fight with Mendoza," she answered.

Jack closed the door behind him. At the sound of the latch, Honour turned back to him abruptly.
"Don't you dare lock that, Jack. I'm warning you!"
Jack opened the door again to show her it was indeed unlocked, and shut it again quietly. "Satisfied?"
She shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry. Trusting you isn't something I find easy anymore."
"You and the rest of the world," he said ruefully.

"What does that mean?" His eyes took on a faraway look. "Oh....nothing. Nothing at all."
But his mind drifted back to the days when he tried to salvage the smuggling operation in Tobago and how it all fell apart. How everything fell apart.
Honour stretched out over the bed.
"And there is my little man! Have you been a good kitty?"
Puddin' rolled over and batted her hand. She petted him under the chin, the grey ship's cat lifting his head up and closing his eyes.
Jack poured a glass of merlot and handed it to her.
"Never thought I would see you in my bed again, Honour." He handed her the glass.
She got up quickly. "I was not IN your bed. I was ON your bed. Get your mind off that, because it won't happen again."
He poured himself a glass and took a deep drink.
"I stand grammatically corrected. But I do remember how you love merlot. Especially before we---"
"Let's get down to business, shall we? Then we can finish this. You get what you want. The key. I get what I want. A divorce."
Jack sighed. "Very well." He walked over to a crate marked Print Werks.
"There it is. In there."
He went to the crate and pulled the lid free. Honour stifled a gasp as filtered sunlight danced on the surface of the golden chest that lay within. Jack lifted the chest free and placed it gently on the deck beside the bed.
"Either you've gotten a lot stronger, or that's not solid gold," she observed.
"My guess is, it's wood covered in a heavy layer of gold. A bit like the Ark of the Covenant, and every bit as impervious. I've tried everything to get it open, and nothing works."
"Except the keys?" asked Honour.
"Exactly! The keys." He patted the pockets of his waistcoat. ""The... keys. I could have sworn I put the moon key in my pocket...."

"You're kidding me. You put me through all this, and you misplaced your key??"
"Not misplaced, mislaid."
"They mean the same thing, Oxford boy."
"Just... let me concentrate! Ah! I know where it is. Stay here, drink some wine, and play with the cat. I'll be back in a flash."
Jack exited the cabin, leaving an astonished Honour there by herself.
"At least there's one man aboard this godforsaken ship I've missed. And how is mama's little man, eh?"
Puddin' purred loudly and rolled onto his back.



Jack walked briskly down the companionway towards the weather deck, trying hard not to let his boot heels make too much noise against the deck planks. The last thing he wanted was for Honour to figure out he was up to something, even though he wasn't quite sure himself what that something was. As he emerged onto the weather deck, he saw Briggs standing next to the main mast, enjoying his pipe. Briggs turned at the sound of Jack's approach.
"I didn't expect to see ye up here so soon. Where be the wife mate?"
"She's still in my cabin," said Jack. "I told her I needed to check on something."
"What about the chest? Did it open like ye hoped?"
"We, um, haven't exactly tried to open it quite yet."
Briggs took a long pull on his pipe, the smoke swirling about his head like gathering storm clouds.

"Why have I got a bad feelin' about this?" he asked rhetorically.
"I promise, I'll explain later. But for now, I need you to do something, and very quietly."
"And what might that be, even though I'm afraid to ask?"
"I know this will sound... unusual..."
"That's nothin' new with you."
"I want you to cast off."
Briggs nearly choked on his pipe.
"You WHAT??"
"Shhhh! You heard me, Josiah! Cast off. QUIETLY. Like we did when we slipped out of Tortuga with that French battleship tied up next to us."
"You're kidnappin' her? Seriously? What are ye thinkin', Jack? She made your life hell when she left. Do ye really think things will be any better when she figures out ye shanghaied her? Ye might as well rub yer arse in bacon grease and call up the Kraken!"
"Note for future reference, Josiah: no more metaphors. Now, just do as I ask."
Briggs shook his head slowly. "Ye haven't thought this through one bit, have ye?"
"Not exactly, no," admitted Jack reluctantly. "But I know this is what needs to be done."
"I'd be a bigger fool than you if I agree."
"You've made it clear that's impossible. Just do it."
With a heavy and resigned sigh, Briggs relented. "Fine, we'll cast off, just as ye want. But have ye given a though how to keep her distracted whilst we make for open water? There's a fair chop near the mouth of the bay, remember. I can make the ship run quiet, but I can't make her ride smooth."
"I'll come up with a plan, Josiah. No worries." Jack began walking back to the companionway. "Thank you, my friend. This will work, trust me!"

Briggs chewed on the end of his pipe as he watched his friend and captain disappear below decks.
"It'll work, all right. It'll work to make her madder than the devil himself!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 21, 2013, 07:39:04 PM
  Honour looked out the door and saw no sign of Jack. 'Alright, Jackie, my love, let me do a bit of snooping to see what you have been up to while I have been away.'
She opened up the bottom drawer.
Nothing of significance except....
She pulled out a pair of pantalets in white silk. 'Hey, these aren't mine!' Her face burned red. 'What do you care? It's over. Long over. And in a few days, this won't concern you ever again.'
She flung the armoire open. 'My gowns! The yellow one...the red one....the blue one from Paris....
She held it up to her nose. 'This isn't jasmine...it's roses. And cheap ones at that! The blue one....gardenias?'
Each gown had a distinct perfumed odor. She held the blue dress up. Under the arm was a big rip. The yellow gown had a stain on the front. Merlot? And some sort of sauce was on the sleeve.

Just at that moment Jack came in. He quietly locked the door behind him, slipping the key into his pocket.
She yelled at Jack, "You let your cut-rate whores wear my clothes?"
Honour threw down the gowns and raised her hand to slap Jack. He caught her hand just in time. She whispered vehemently, "You bloody bastard! These gowns were from Paris!"

"Let me start by saying those 'whores' you referred to were rather expensive. And why should you be so upset, given that you've been out of the picture for some time, love? I never expected to see you again."
"I don't care if you paid them in Aztec gold and you swung on chandeliers! What makes me mad is the fact that they squeezed their sausage bodies into my clothes!The blue one looks like it can't be fixed. What did she have, arms like an ox? To split a dress like that! And she must have had a hand-eye coordination problem because it looks like merlot cascading down the front of my yellow one!"
She threw the dress in Jack's face.
"If it can't be cleaned, you owe me one yellow dress! From Paris! Buy yourself as many strumpets as you want! I haven't exactly been sitting around a widow's walk knitting and waiting for you to come home! And whatever trinkets you have that you THINK I may be mildly curious about, well, I suggest you pitch any of them into the sea. Because like the Sun key, guaranteed in six months you will want it back!"

All of a sudden, she got a curious look on her face. "Wait...what? This ship...it--it's MOVING!"
She ran over to the port window, the port of Bridgetown getting smaller in the distance.
"We're moving! Oh no you don't, you bastard!"
She rushed to the door, shouldering Jack aside in the process. Furiously, she twisted the door knob and tried to rattle the door open. But nothing she did worked.
"OPEN THIS DOOR!" she shouted.
Jack leaned casually against the large wooden table, pretending to pick dirt from under his nails.
"Say please," he said casually.
"Go to hell," she replied.
"Impolite, but heartfelt. I can respect that. But I'm not opening the door."
"Why the hell not? How dare you kidnap me, Jack Wolfe! This wasn't part of our agreement!"
"Agreed, this wasn't what we agreed on. But I knew you'd never cooperate if I told you WHERE the chest has to be opened."
"Let me guess," said Honour sarcastically. "Somewhere in the middle of the ocean, under a full moon with both of us naked?"
"Close," said Jack flatly.
"WHAT?! Oh, hell no. Over my dead body!"
"How melodramatic of you. There will be no dead bodies, at least not yours or mine. That wouldn't be much fun for either of us. Not to mention certain ethical considerations."
"Fine," she fumed. "Just where does this damned thing have to be opened?"
"It has to be placed inside an altar, in the middle of a temple on a remote island."
"That's a feeble lie, even for you, Jack. You expect me to believe you would kidnap me just to drag me to some island to open a stupid chest? All right, exactly where is this mythical island? What is it near? Show me on a map."
"Um, well..."
"Well, what?" Her face fell suddenly. "Oh, God, please no. You don't know where it is, do you?"
"Not exactly. But I have a pretty good idea...."
"Then the island IS real."
"Yes, it is. What made you suddenly believe me?"
"Because, Jack, only you would come up with some half-baked plan to kidnap me and haul me off to some island you don't know the location of, because you're just that crazy!"
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"Whatever. I'll take it."

Jack sat down in one of the chairs.
"Honour, you're right. I didn't plan this. Running into you in that tavern was a complete stroke of luck."
"Bad luck, if you ask me."
"Let me finish, all right? We can split hairs later. I need that key to open the chest, and I knew you'd never just hand it over. That would be too easy, and easy is the last thing I'd call our relationship."
"You're right about that," she replied. "I'd call it nonexistent."
"Which brings me to why you're my guest aboard El Lobo. That's the only way I could see getting the second key to the island. So let me sweeten the deal."
"This I have to hear."
"As per our original deal, you get half of whatever is in the chest. But to guarantee your safety, you get to retain possession of the key until we unlock the chest."
"And if I decide to say to hell with your deal and chuck the key overboard? What then?"
Jack made a pained expression. "That's where the new deal isn't so sweet. You throw the key overboard, and you get to join it."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 28, 2013, 07:20:52 PM
"You wouldn't dare," she said defiantly.
"Maybe. Maybe not. I might show mercy on you, for old time's sake. We'll pass close to an island used by an old... I wouldn't call him a friend, but a colleague. I could drop you off there and see if he'll eventually take you back to Barbados. But I have to warn you, he's not terribly fond of blondes. Not after one crippled his hands."
Honour's face blanched. "That won't be necessary. I shall play by the rules as long as you live up to your end of the bargain."
"You have my word."
"As a pirate? HA!"
"How about as someone who used to be your husband."
"Not much better, Jack. But seeing as how I am a prisoner here, I have no choice."

Jack leaned over. He took her chemise neckline and pulled her close to him. He slowly ran his finger across the swell of her dress. She felt her heart skip a beat. He leaned in close and she unconsciously closed her eyes and started to part her lips. He whispered, "I'll be taking this."
He reached in and deftly removed her bodice dagger.
Her eyes flew open.
"And I'll be taking this too." He unsheathed her rapier.
"Such lovely, shiny cutlery. Off to the armoury with it! You will get it back when this is all over. I prefer you vulnerable. In more ways than one."
Jack took a step forward as she took one back. Back. Forward. Back. Forward. Until there was no more backing up since she hit the wall.
He leaned forward.
"Feeling a bit naked, love? No weapons to protect yourself with?"
She found she couldn't tear her eyes away from his. Just like it was months ago.
"And...and where am I to sleep? Certainly...oh, no. No! You intend to ravish me!"
Jack opened his mouth to offer some pithy reply, but found he was beginning to lose himself in her ever so blue eyes, just as he had so many times before. He swallowed hard and put his hand up in between them as he collected his thoughts and figuratively established some space between himself and his wife.
"As... tempting as that sounds, love, no. No, I promised you this would be a business transaction. For the sake of what good faith remains, I'll respect that. But for the time being, I'm going to put your toys in a safe place. You can have them back once we get to the island."
He turned to walk to the door, but stopped and looked back at her.
"That is, unless you really had your heart set on getting ravished, in which case I'd be more than happy..."
His voiced trailed off as she began to glower at him.
"I'll take that as a no. In that case, You can have Briggs' quarters. I suppose I should have asked him first, but I can take his yelling over yours."
"Of course if you do find yourself all...bothered, I'll leave my door unlocked.
"Besides, I'd rather you get used to being around me again. Nothing deflates a man's....ego more than you yelling out another captain's name when he's tupping you."

He turned and walked out the door without so much as a backward glance at her. Inexplicably, she felt a solitary tear trail down her cheek. She wiped it with the back of her hand. She felt degraded. How dare Jack turn what wonderful thing that happens between a man and a woman into something cheap and shameful.
She sat there, her fingers idly twisting the fringe on the coverlet. A feeling of worthlessness swept over her. But suddenly she felt an anger overtaking her humiliation.
How dare he...how DARE he?
If anyone knew about tawdry relationships, it was Jack Wolfe, equal opportunity debaucher.She reached into her boot and stood up. He's no better than me and to equate it to.....sheep. Sheep!
Resolutely she strode over to the door, her hurt fueling every step.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack took out his keys and opened the small door where weapons were kept. He unceremoniously dumped her weaponry where the rest was and locked it.
Suddenly a  sense of shame overcame him for using his barbs to humiliate Honour.
He momentarily thought about going back to the cabin and apologising- in a roundabout way, of course- for his cutting remarks. But just then he heard the cabin door swing open and the sound of boot heels striking the deck. Angrily.
'No point in going back to offer an apology when she's on the way to demand one,' he thought.
He locked the armoury door and quickly made his way to the weather deck. The more witnesses, the less likely she would be to make a big scene, he reasoned.

Jack squinted as he stepped into the sunlight.
"I didn't expect to see ye for at least another four hours," Briggs called from the quarterdeck.
"Not bloody likely," laughed Jack. "Things are under control. We can leave it at that."
"No crockery thrown this time?"
"She's cooperating peaceably enough---"

"BASTARD!!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 05, 2013, 07:50:45 PM
Startled by the outburst, Jack looked over to where Honour stood at the door to the companionway.
"Ah! Honour! There you are!" he said as he backed away gingerly. "I, ah, was about to come and talk to you."
She continued to stare daggers at him. "Were you, now?"
"Yes! I, you see, I was thinking about what I said--" His words broke off when he backed into the mainmast. "-- about what I said earlier."
"Really? When I'm cooperating so peaceably? Well, how's THIS for peaceable?!"
In a flash, she launched the sgian dubh she had pulled from her boot. It whistled through the air as it flew at Jack. He flinched, and the blade caught the material of his shirt, pinning him to the mast.
"ARE YOU INSANE??!! You could have killed me!"
"Nonsense. I was aiming at your head."
He grabbed the hilt of the short knife. It refused to come free from the mast.
"You nearly hit my good shoulder, woman! I don't need a hole in that one too!"
Honour put her hands on her hips and struck a pose that prominently showcased her ample cleavage.
"Really? I know how fond you are of symmetry."
Jack still struggled with the knife as she sauntered over to him. She whispered in his ear, 'I guess this is the closest you will get to being nailed.'
By this time, Jack's crew gathered around but stayed at a respectable distance.
'just wait till I get my hands free....damn...this is  silk....uh....'

Amusing as it was to watch Jack's shirt impaled on the mainmast with him in it, she decided it would be best to retire to a place untill he cooled off.
Preferably Tortuga.
She scampered quickly down the companionway but not before she yelled her parting thoughts.
'Tup you and the ship you sailed in on!'

Briggs put the pipe in his mouth to hide the smirk on his face as he went over to help Jack free himself.
"Embedded too deep right now, Jack. 'fraid the shirt has to...'RIIIIPPPP!

As the force of the shirt gave way, Jack found himself on the deck looking up at the crow's nest and a sky of blue. His head rebounded off the teak. He scrambled to his feet. "What are you looking at, you scabrous dogs?! All of you, to your posts! Don't make me say it twice!"
Josiah's back was turned, his shoulders shaking with laughter. Holding his aching head, Jack looked at Briggs' smirking face. "Josiah, do not make me kill you today..."

Jack began to notice something other than the sea breeze on his back. It was the sound of his men chuckling. His face began to burn hot with embarrassment.
"That's it, the show is over. Back to your posts, the lot of you! Unless you're willing to spend the next two weeks without a drop of rum!"
The men dispersed, returning to their duties. Jack watched them for a moment before turning to talk to Briggs.

However, Briggs was in no state to talk. He stood there looking at his captain, with his hand over his mouth. Jack couldn't tell if he was hiding a smile or stifling an outburst of laughter.
"Not you too," grumbled Jack.
"I'll say this for Honour, she ain't lost a bit of fire."
"No, no she hasn't," said Jack. In spite of the humiliation he'd just experienced, he couldn't help but feel a certain admiration for her. Once again, she proved herself his equal. No wonder he could never get over her.
"I take it ye'll be findin' another shirt, Jack? Or is this a new fashion statement?"
"Wise-arse. The ship is yours til I get back. With a new shirt."
Briggs offered him Honour's knife. "Souvenir of your busy day?"
"Keep the damned thing. I've quite done with it," muttered Jack as he stalked off.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 19, 2013, 09:03:16 PM
Honour walked quickly down the hall to Jack's quarters to pick up a few of the less destroyed garments. The door reverberated as she slammed it shut. She caught several books as they started to fall from the shelf. What boring books! Oh, what have we here? She pulled a book out and could scarcely contain a giggle. Japanese prints, huh?
She hastily put the book back and picked up another one.
'Kama.....Kama Sutra. Kama Sutra? What is this?'
She opened it and quickly closed it. Curious, she opened it again. 'I didn't know that was physically possible...I guess if you don't mind the blood rushing to your head...'

Putting the books back on the shelf, Honour picked up a few of the dresses with the lesser amounts of stains. 'Perhaps a day in the fresh air from the crossbeam will get Eau de 'Ho out of my dresses.'

As she headed out, she turned back to the cabin and picked up the Kama Sutra. Thumbing through it, she began to look closely. Quite a few pages were dog-eared and there were checkmarks next to the graphic pictures. Once in a while a name was scrawled on the bottom. Her face began to burn when she realized she had stumbled across the equivalent of Jack's little black book.  She hastily looked for her name on any of them but the pictures didn't seem familiar and her name was nowhere to be found.
'You bloody bastard!' she hissed. 'You've been keeping score. Well, let's see Jack Wolfe try it without a manual. I mean...with someone else.'
She shoved the book under her armful of clothes and headed back towards Briggs' quarters.

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

"Did you hear that?" asked Jack. He collapsed the spyglass he was using to survey the horizon and turned to Briggs at the ship's wheel.
"Felt it, too," answered Briggs. "I figured we brushed over some debris."
"No, that was right below our feet." Jack thought for a moment. "I'm going below to check things out. It would serve me right, leaving Honour alone-- I mean, unguarded."
Briggs nodded slowly. "Aye, I'm sure ye did."
Jack shook his head and made his way back to his quarters. Everything seemed quiet. He paused at the closed door to Briggs' cabin and raised his hand to knock. But he reconsidered, letting his hand drop to his side.

He went on to his cabin, and paused as he turned the doorknob. It seemed oddly loose. When the door swung open, it was missing its distinctive groaning squeak. Looking around the cabin, he saw only a couple of the dresses Honour had thrown a conniption over earlier. Jack smiled to himself.

Jack went to his desk and sat down, taking a moment to mark the ship's current position on the map. The island had to be on this course, he just knew it. Or was trying mightily to convince himself it was. He tapped a ruler absentmindedly on the desk. Whether he was right or not, it would be another two days, maybe more, before he knew for sure. If he was wrong, then kidnapping Honour had been a terrible mistake.

Or maybe it wasn't. Maybe, now that some time had passed, they could talk things out...
He shook his head and laughed at the notion. Pure silly thought, that's all it was. Still, he felt a twinge of... guilt? Guilt for dragging her off on some wild expedition? Maybe if he'd taken her along on the trip to Martinique...

"Martinique!" he said with a slap of the ruler on the desktop.
He went quickly to a large sea chest that had been shoved in the corner. He opened the heavy lid and smiled with satisfaction. There, still on top and undamaged, was a large box. Undamaged save for the bow, which had seen better days. It contained a red dress, lovely and lacy, that he had bought as a coming home gift for Honour.
The dress was still in pristine condition.
"Just her style, and my favourite colour," he said as he closed the box and headed to her cabin door.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 19, 2013, 09:05:21 PM
He knocked three times and waited.
"Who is it?" came Honour's voice through the door.
"Take a guess, dear," he said cheerily.
"Hmmm. Satan?"
Jack's expression soured a bit. "Hardly. Care to try again?"
"What do you want, Jack?"
"I have something for you, love. Are you decent?"
"Don't get your hopes up, Don Juan. Yes, I am."
"Then open the door."
"Why should I?"
"Because I have something nice for you. A gift."
"What is it?"
"It wouldn't be much of a gift if I told you what it was."
There was a long pause.
"You're determined to make me open this door, aren't you?
"That's the general idea, yes. It won't fit underneath."

She hastily shoved the book under the pillow.
Jack could hear the latch slide back, and Honour opened the door.
"This had better be some gift," she said with distrust.
He held out the box and smiled.
"Pour vous."
She looked at the box with the bedraggled ribbon and the look of pride and hopefulness on Jack's face and her heart melted a little.
"Oh....Jack."
She gently touched the ribbon.
"Well, it has seen better days. After all, it has been all over the Caribbean and it got a bit squashed in my chest."
She sat down on the bed with the package on her lap. "I picked it out with you in mind. I mean, it was a gift of a man to his wife. Except wifey wasn't there."
She felt a blush on her cheeks.

"Jack, you really didn't have to...."
"I wanted to. I guess I kept it in hopes that someday I could give it to you. No matter what happened between us."
She opened up the box and held up the contents.
"Oh....my! This is just beautiful!"
She stood up and held it up to her. "How does it look?"
"Can't tell a thing with it up to your shoulders and one leg sticking out. Go ahead and try it on."
She frowned.
"I don't know...."

Jack reclined on the bed and said, "Honour, there is nothing there that I haven't seen. Alright, so I haven't seen it in eighteen months.... oh don't get so pouty on me. I just want to....hello! What have we here?"
He lifted the pillow.
"Well, well, Miss Honour Bright! Doing a little research, are we? And you are already up to number.....69, is it?"
She felt her face burn. "It looks like you are the one who did quite a bit of research. Let's see...Monique...Isabelle....Simone..."
"You forgot Molly and Polly. I do believe they were number 34 and 35 respectively. Would you care to try for number 74?"
She retorted, "With or without the red dress?"
"There's no dress in there and you know it. Besides, I had no idea you were interested in a manual. If you want, I have a few other books and we can study them together."
She stood up. "You haven't changed. Not one bit."
"I haven't exactly had a reason to, darling. Being a pirate and living like a monk don't exactly go together."
"And I haven't lived like a nun. What do you say to that?"
He shrugged. "Off-setting sins. The scales are balanced. Now, how about those books..."
"You're impossible! I've never known anyone who can rationalise even the most outrageous circumstances!"
"Thank you, dear. I try."
"Get out," she said tersely.
"Oh, Honour, I'm sorry. I was just having a bit of fun..."
"Get out!"
"I said I was sorry!"
"And I said GET OUT! Take your damned dress with you!"

Jack got off the bed and backed toward the door. "I'm going to leave the dress with you. I meant it as a sincere gift."

"I don't care! I don't want to see it, or you!"
"Think it over.  I'll be round later- much later- and you can give me a private showing. Of the dress."
Honour shot him a look that Jack knew well. A look that told him it was time to duck.

He moved quickly into the companionway, only to run right into a tall crewman named Davis.
"Sorry, cap'n! I didn't see you!" he said quickly.
"No worries, Davis. My clumsiness..."
"I said take this with you!" shouted Honour. She came out of the cabin with the dress wadded in her hands, and threw it as hard as she could at Jack. Reflexively, he ducked, and Davis got a face full of red French lace.
Honour didn't wait to see where the dress landed. She was too angry with Jack and his flippant attitude to even care. Not even the resounding slam of the door made her feel any better.

Jack looked up at Davis, who was still too confused by what has just happened to even move.
"Cap'n, what...?"
"Not your best look, mate," said Jack as he peeled the dress off Davis' head. "I'd go with blue or green next time. Presentation is everything, remember that."
"Um, all right..."
Jack draped the dress over his shoulder and walked back to his cabin.
He laid it on the bed and stared at it.
"Nicely done, Jack," he said to himself. "Why did I do that? Why do I let myself get so out of control with her?"
He sat down and stared dejectedly at the deck.
"Because you still love her, you fool," he admitted quietly.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 26, 2013, 11:04:14 PM
Honour felt  herself tremble with indignation and anger. How dare he...how DARE he? Thinking he can buy me off with a dress and everything will be forgotten between us?
She felt hot tears well up in her eyes and hastily she wiped them away with her hand.

Crossing the room, she opened up the port window to catch a sea breeze. Anything to cool down the heat she felt.
Her mind was in such turmoil. She remembered how good it was with Jack. Since she had gone home to Wales and had Zara, she hadn't been with a man until she ran into Cade in town.
And she forgot how lonely she was and how much she missed it.
The lovemaking.
The whispered words of love. Being held afterwards.

While Cade was a terrific lover, there was something missing.
A connection that came with someone who was your soul mate.
But all Jack was interested was the Sun Key and he would use any means possible to ensure that he got it.
Even if it meant leading her on.
Empty promises. Or half-empty at best. She had seen that look in his eyes. The look that made her knees weak and her heart race...
"You're imagining things," she said to herself. Needing some mental distraction, she looked back at the book that lay on the table.


She picked up the book and thumbed through it. She felt a sense of jealousy and abandonment.
'Here while I was carrying his child and having the baby alone, he was sleeping with any doxy that crossed his wake. And I will wager I never crossed his mind. How much did the crew know? Did Jack bring his strumpets back to what used to be their bed? Or did he take his nocturnal activities off-ship?'
The condition of her dresses led her to believe otherwise.
'I'll bet Josiah had a good laugh at my expense. He was glad to be rid of me.'
She occasionally saw a look of--what was it? Pity? Or contempt?
Pity was one thing she couldn't bear.
The crew had changed since Honour was last on the ship. 'It seems to be a rougher group. Especially the man with the Cornish accent.' She caught him staring at her several times in a way that made her very uncomfortable.

All of a sudden, a wave of homesickness came over her. She crossed her arms over her chest to stop the heartache. Honour was overwhelmed with feelings of separation from the most important person in her life.
Her daughter.
And now Jack Wolfe was delaying her from returning to her child.
Once again, he was interfering with her life.
She picked up the book, the scribbled names almost taunting her from the dog-eared pages.

Honour threw the book with all her might at the wall.
"Bastard!"
She burst into tears and sobbed.
Finally when she was spent and her tears subsided, she crossed over to pick up the book. She slid the Sun Key into the pages of number 44 and 45. Those were the two that weren't dog-eared.
'Probably threw your back out with that one, Jack,' she thought bitterly.
She put the book back on the book shelf that was the headboard.
Propping a chair under the doorknob, to keep out any intruders, she hastily stripped off her dress and slid under the blanket, asleep before her head hit the pillow.


Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 02, 2013, 07:34:15 PM
The morning sun broke over the horizon to the forward quarter of El Lobo as the ship knifed through the sea. Jack took a reading of the sun's position, compared it with the vessel's present heading, and made a slight course adjustment. As he lashed the wheel in place, he saw Josiah emerge on the weather deck. Jack smiled as he saw that the quartermaster was bringing more strong coffee.

"Your timing is excellent, Josiah. Thank you." He took the coffee and felt renewed at it's very aroma.
"Ahh...this is just what I needed."
Jack added a healthy dose of rum.
"Didn't sleep well last night."
Josiah held back his remark but the smirk plastered on his face told Jack what he was thinking.
"What was that look?"
"What look?"
"Uh huh," replied Jack. "It's not what you're thinking. I had a lot on my mind and little energy or desire to sort it out. So I thought, what better way to get a fresh start on things than to do a bit of reading in the fresh air?"
"All the books in that library ye call a cabin, and that's what ye chose? That infernal journal? I'm surprised ye ain't read the ink off the pages yet."
"This 'infernal book' is the reason we're out here, Josiah. You know that." Jack turned to a page he had marked with a strip of cloth. "I've been comparing these entries against the measurements I just took. I'd say we're about a day out from the island. give or take. The winds are following and we've no unwanted company, so I say we reef sail and save the strain on the masts."
Josiah gave him a skeptical look. "A day or so out from an island ye don't even know the name of, much less the location?"
"Must we go through this every time? No, I don't know the actual name of the island. No one does. As for its location, I'm reasonably certain I know approximately where it may be. Relatively speaking."
Briggs held up his coffee cup. "I'll be needin' a bit of rum if ye expect me to make sense of that this early."
"I'll pour the rum, you go tell the men to take in sail by one quarter," said Jack. "Oh, and while you're at it, do me the favour of rousting my ever-so-mild bride from her slumber and bring her on deck? I'd hate for her to miss such a delightful sunrise."
Briggs gave him an incredulous look. "What the hell did I do to warrant such?"
"Now, now, Josiah, you know I love you like a brother."
With a resigned sigh, Briggs trudged down the stairs to the weather deck. "Aye, now I know how Abel felt..." he grumbled.

Briggs went down to what was temporarily formerly his quarters. He knocked gently. No answer. He knocked harder. Then he pounded on the door. Honour finally heard it.
"Go away!" she mumbled, snuggling deeper into her blankets.
Briggs said through the door, "Cap'n requests your presence on the deck as of now."
She rolled over onto her back, throwing her covers off her face and looking up at the ceiling.
"Would you kindly tell the Devil of the Seven Seas that I am not home?"
Briggs chuckled, "He knows better, Honour."
"Then tell him I am disinclined to acquiesce to his request. Being an Oxford boy, he will understand that."
She snuggled back down and threw the blankets back over her head.

Briggs knocked again. "You know eventually you will have to come out, Mrs. Wolfe. The sun is ever so beautiful this time of morning and..."
"What time IS it?"
"Oh....I would say about fifteen minutes to sun-up. You can just see it break over---"
"Break over his head? Oh, what a lovely thought! But you see, Dear Mr Briggs, that would prevent me from sleeping and we wouldn't want that, would we? So take my regrets, wrap it up in that red dress and tell my demanding husband that I will get up when I am good and ready. And not a minute before."

Josiah climbed the stairs back to the quarterdeck.
"Well...where is she? Taking her sweet time? Usually it is worth the wait."
"Her reply was in the negative, Jack. She's harder to move than a fouled anchor."
Jack sighed and stood up from the railing he had been sitting on.
"Josiah, you've known me for at least sixteen years now, and I still haven't been able to teach you how to handle a woman."
"If ye didn't find every woman what Hell's spat back out, I'd pay more attention."
"Now, you just have to know how to tame the pussycat! With the right application of petting and a little catnip--or wine--a woman can be putty in your hands."

Jack descended the seven steps from the quarterdeck to the weather deck. "Well, at least she's awake. That's a start. The ship is yours."
He walked over to the barrel by the mainmast. "I think this will do."
He hefted a boarding pike in his hands.
"Good Lord, Jack! Skewering her won't solve anything!"
"Don't be redundant, Josiah. I just need this for a little...leverage. Now....watch and learn."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 09, 2013, 08:31:40 PM
Arriving at Honour's cabin, Jack placed the steaming bowl of brew at the base of the door so it's odour would seep into her quarters. He waited a couple minutes, then rapped on the door with the boarding pike.
"Honour! Wake up, darling! We've been boarded by mad Turks, and I know how you love to kill things early in the morning."
He sidestepped to the hinge side of the door, and rested the pike where the door met the frame, just above the doorknob.
She moaned, "Won't any of you let me SLEEP??"
The smell from the coffee wafted from under the door.

*Sniff* *Sniff*
'What was it he said about angry turkeys? Who cares? And where are you going to put turkeys on a ship deck anyhow?'
She pulled the blankets ever closer to her. Still...the smell of coffee first thing in the morning...
'I suppose he's back on the quarterdeck enjoying his rum-laced java and exchanging jokes with Briggs about how he pulled one over me.'
She sighed and tightened a dressing gown around her. She listened at the door to make sure there wasn't a sound or heavy breathing.

A broad, victorious grin spread over Jack's face as he heard turn the knob.
'That's it, love, open the door just a bit for Ol' Jack,' he thought. He adjusted his grip on the pike, ready to thrust it into the opening and catch the door chain. As the knob turned, the door opened, and Jack struck. He thrust forward to break the chain before she knew what was happening... except for the simple fact Honour had already unchained the door. The coffee lure had worked too well.

The momentum of Jack's thrust carried him stumbling through the door, sending Honour sprawling backward against the bed. The pike wedged itself in the foreward bulkhead of the cabin, and Jack's head rebounded off the wall with a resounding thud, landing him in a precarious position on top of Honour. He shook off the impact and looked up to see his wife staring at him from underneath him.
"Um....I seem to remember you preferred to be on top, darling."

Honour's mouth worked soundlessly as she tried to process what had just happened. She turned her head to look at the weapon with its business end jammed into the wall planks.
"Hey, hey, never mind that little thing," Jack said quickly.
"Little? LITTLE? What the hell did you bring a harpoon after me for?"
"Honour, I can explain, I promise. First, that's not a harpoon, it's a boarding pike..."
His voice trailed off under her withering glare.
"... a distinction you clearly don't care about. Anyway, I was carrying it back to the armoury and decided to bring you some coffee. When you wouldn't come to the door, I decided to leave. But when I heard you opening the door, I ran back to greet you. That's when I tripped and fell through the door, and the rest is lodged in the woodwork."

"You're lying."
"How can you- I mean, what makes you say that?"
"Your lips a moving. Now GET OFF ME!"

"So soon? I thought we were getting along quite well."
Honour put her hands against his chest and shoved as hard as she could, rolling Jack off the bed.
"Get out," she said quietly. But clearly she was getting angrier by the moment.
"Quite right," replied Jack, trying to play the whole incident off like a housecat that had made a spectacular, public blunder, then sashays off with an air of 'I meant to do that.'

"I'll send someone round later to remove the pike from your wall, and -- All right, I'm going!" he yelped as she gave him another shove that propelled him out of the door. He stopped short to try to say something else, only to have the door slam before he could turn around.
"Well, that was a disaster,' he muttered as he leaned against Honour's closed door. Dejectedly, he started walking back to the quarterdeck.
At least he tried to. His first step was stopped short, and he stumbled back against the door. The tail end of his shirt was caught in the door. He tugged, but apparently Honour had wedged something against the door as a barricade. There was no room to pull the fabric through. Tentatively, he knocked on the door.
"Um, Honour?"
"Go away, Jack. I meant it!"
"I'd love to, dear, but it seems I'm caught by your door. My shirttail is caught and won't pull free. Would you be a love and open the door so I can get loose?"
There was a long pause. "Give me a moment," she answered finally.
"Thank you, Honour! I appreciate your trusting this isn't another admitted stupid ploy to---"
RIIIIIP!

Jack leaned forward, and the shirt, or what was left of it, pulled free from the door jamb with ease. Honour had solved the problem by slicing off the trapped fabric.

"Um, that works too, I suppose. Though it was silk, and rather expensive."
"You're welcome, Jack!" she called back through the closed door.
Jack waited for a moment to see if she would say anything else, but only heard a muffled giggle.

'One more thing Josiah will never let me live down,' muttered Jack. But as he passed the companionway, he heard a chuckle.
"She does this to you every time, Captain. Have ye learned naught about women?"

"Josiah?"
"Yeah, Jack?"
Jack gave Briggs a gesture for which there were no words exchanged.
None were needed.

Briggs said softly, "Honour one. Jack zero."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 16, 2013, 09:42:47 AM
Honour looked out the porthole to the view of the setting sun. She had not seen any trace of Jack since she did a slice and dice on that lovely silk shirt of his.
She ran her fingers through her hair, the salt spray from earlier in the day caked and dried a layer of salt on her tresses. Looking through Briggs' chest of drawers, she found a comb.
'Ow! Ow! Ow!"
Her hair was tangled and still crusted.
She sighed. 'I don't know how anyone can stand this. It wasn't this bad when I...' Her thoughts drifted off. '....when I sailed here before.'

She looked in the pitcher and there seemed to be some fresh water. Pouring it into the basin, she took a bit of the lavender soap from Jack's cabin. 'At least that was mine,' she thought.
Washing her hair, she finally managed to get the grime out of it. She used the rest of the water to bathe with.
'I certainly don't feel like putting these clothes back on.'
She reached in the pile and brought out a dressing gown she had left behind.
'This is at least comfortable and I won't need to wear stays with it.'
She dabbed a bit of jasmine oil behind her ears and on her cleavage.
'May as well smell a bit more like myself,' as she combed her wet hair.

She perused through a few books that Briggs had on his shelf.
'1001 ways to tie a knot.....' She put the book back. Similar books on navigation filled the meager shelf.
'I seem to remember Jack had infinitely better reading material.'
She opened the door to the cabin.
She looked right. She looked left.
The coast looked clear.

Cautiously Honour tiptoed down the hall way and quietly opened Jack's door, backing her way in so she could make sure the hallway was still unoccupied.
"Looking for someone?"
Honour jumped  a mile and put her hand over her heart.

There sat Jack, his small table spread out with what was his dinner. Roasted lamb, boiled potatoes, fresh bread, fried apples and assorted fruit.
"Lord, you almost gave me a heart attack, Jack!"

"Did the cook not bring you anything to eat?"
"I wasn't...hungry," her voice trailed off.
She looked longingly at the fried apples...where on earth did he find them?
He carved another slice of lamb and put it on his plate.
'I'll just bet there is mint jelly to go with that lamb.....'
She tried not to look at the food.
"I thought I might have left my hairbrush in here......'" Mmmm....boiled potatoes. And is that butter with chives over there? She tried to focus on the porthole to avoid looking at the food.
"I see you still have the Connemara marble dishes."
"Oh, nothing but the best! I do believe we took that off an Irish ship a year or two before I met you. It holds up so nicely."

He took a biscuit and buttered it lavishly.
"So...you are here because of a hairbrush?"
"Well...that and I was looking to see if you may have a book I could read..."
She finished lamely.

Jack raised an eyebrow. "I do believe you got the most interesting one I own. Although there is a book over there...illustrations are marvelous."
She stood up and said frostily, "Never mind. I see you are busy dining and I won't take up any more of your valuable time."

Jack pushed a plate towards her.
"Oh, go on. Help yourself."
She sighed and finally looked at the marble plates and Spanish cutlery.
"Oh, alright. Please pass me some fruit. But nothing more...oh!  And maybe some of that lamb....and a slice of bread...and for goodness sake, don't be stingy with that rum!"

"I have something better." He reached under his table and brought out a bottle of merlot."
She looked at all the food, the wine, the candles that were lit....
"Jack Wolfe, this is one of your little seduction dinners."
"Is not! I dine like this all the time."
"Oh, you do not! The merlot was a dead giveaway!"

She turned to go. As she reached the doorknob to turn it, she heard him say, "Wait. I---apologize. For what, I don't know. But if I upset you in any shape or form, then I am sorry. I was out of line saying whatever I said. I don't quite know what it was...but I know you are hungry and frankly, I would like the company."

She tried not to smile at his obvious discomfiture at apologizing.
"Well...." She sat down and in a calmer voice she said, "I do believe I shall have a piece of the lamb. But please go easy on the mint sauce. And maybe some bread. But that is all. Oh! And a bit of that merlot as long as you don't expect anything..thank you," she said as Jack handed her a plate.
She glanced at  him. He still looked really good even after their last argument eighteen months ago when he sailed to Martinique. Hell, he still looked good when he was drunk in the Bilge Pump Pub.'
She shook her head out of her reverie.
'Don't fall for the dinner-candlelight-merlot ploy. Remember how it always ends...'

A small voice inside her said, 'You know you want to...'
She answered aloud, "Certainly not!"
Jack looked up.
"Did you say something?"
"Umm...no."

He could almost hear the deep voice of his father,.
'Aye, Jackie boy! What be in yer head, lad? Woo her again? Have ye naught enough woe and heartache over this lass? She bewitched ye, took all yer money and worst of all, she made ye fall in love with her. I raised ye better than that...'
He banished the memory. Some ghosts are better left in the past, not carried around like a rude monkey.'
He swallowed his ale, and it suddenly tasted bitter. Jack scowled and put it down to the mischief of his long-passed father. He put his cup down and gazed out the window.

He felt a soft hand upon his shoulder, and when he turned around, he found Honour's face tantalizingly close to his.
She took a step back quickly.
"I--I want to thank you, Jack."
"For what?"
"For not killing me."
"For eighteen months I wanted to. Now...I'm not so sure if that is a good idea anymore."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 23, 2013, 07:54:18 PM
Jack looked at her and said softly, "I don't think I have ever seen you look so lovely, Honour. So...vulnerable. The dressing gown and the wet hair..."
"Well, you have me at a disadvantage, Oxford boy. So don't get any ideas."
She reached over and helped herself to an apple, the dressing gown affording him a view of what he once laid claim to.
He swallowed hard.

She polished the apple on her gown and said wistfully, "Was it really only eighteen months ago, Jack? It seems like another lifetime ago that you crossed my wake that night...."
She took a bite of the apple and offered it to him. Suddenly he felt off his footing in his own game. Or was it a game?

He looked at her as Adam must have looked at Eve. Temptation in her hand and in her eyes.

Jack stepped forward and took the apple from her hand. He regarded it thoughtfully, looking at the bite she had taken from it.
In a husky voice, he whispered, "Show me how it tasted," throwing the apple over his shoulder. He took her in his arms and kissed her deeply.

She felt herself giving in to those old feelings and emotions. She kissed him back and felt her knees go weak. As always when he kissed her.
She broke away and her breath came in short, ragged gasps.
"Damn you, Jack Wolfe! Just..damn you!"

She felt the sash on her dressing gown untied and Jack's hand around her waist, drawing her close to him. His other hand was caressing her.

Jack's head was spinning. Not from rum or ale or other spirits, but from the pent up passions he still held for Honour. It was all so overpowering; the scent of jasmine, the taste of her kiss, the softness of her curves which he could scarcely wait to explore once again. This wasn't mere conquest. This was something more. Much more.
"I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't, Honour," he replied between their increasingly passionate kisses.

Just then, the heavy latch of the cabin door announced the arrival of some unwanted visitor with a loud clack. The door swung open and in walked Josiah Briggs, still looking at whatever was on the paper in his hand.
"Jack, I was lookin' over these calculations ye made, and I---"
He stopped cold when he saw Jack and Honour in their lover's embrace.
"--- I really wish I was drunk right now," he finished.
Honour quickly clutched her dressing gown around her, the moment between her and her estranged husband shattered.
"Don't you ever knock?!" fumed Jack.
"Nay, but I sure wish I had now," said Briggs, still in shock.
"I'll leave now," said Honour as she turned for the door.
"No, please stay," said Jack. "Briggs, go!"
"No, Josiah, stay," replied Honour. "I''m going. Good night, Jack."
Honour brushed past Briggs and hurried down the companionway, back to her quarters.
"I was startin' to feel like the ship's dog for a minute," the quartermaster quipped, trying to diffuse the situation between himself and his friend.
"Right now, consider yourself in the doghouse until further notice."

"I'm sorry for bargin' in that way, Jack. I had no way of knowin' the two of ye would be..."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Dining together?"
"Call it what ye will. And I didn't see nothin', I swear!"
"Liar. Your face is still red as a beet."
Briggs scowled uncomfortably and pulled at his collar . "Well, 'tis a might warm in here."
"Considerably more so before you arrived.
Jack plopped down in a chair and poured himself some rum punch. "Fine then, O Destroyer of Moods, what's on your mind?"

Briggs walked to the table and handed over the page he'd been reading. "It's these numbers. I double checked against what ye'd wrote this mornin'. See here, and here?"
Jack looked at the entries, then quickly opened the journal. He compared them, and sagged back in his seat. "I transposed the heading numbers? Bloody hell. I never make mistakes like that!"
"I'm guessin' ye had somethin' on your mind," said Briggs, as he nodded toward Honour's cabin.
"Damned sloppy of me. Well, the damage is done. How far off are we?"
Briggs smiled broadly. "Only half a day, if we clap on full sail again."
"Half a day? That's all? Master Briggs, give the order!"
"I took the liberty of doin' it already. Somethin' told me ye'd want it done."
"Consider yourself out of the doghouse, Josiah. And thank you."

Briggs walked to the table and handed over the page he'd been reading. "It's these numbers. I double checked against what ye'd wrote this mornin'. See here, and here?"
Jack looked at the entries, then quickly opened the journal. He compared them, and sagged back in his seat. "I transposed the heading numbers? Bloody hell. I never make mistakes like that!"
"I'm guessin' ye had somethin' on your mind," said Briggs, as he nodded toward Honour's cabin.
"Damned sloppy of me. Well, the damage is done. How far off are we?"
Briggs smiled broadly. "Only half a day, if we clap on full sail again."
"Half a day? That's all? Master Briggs, give the order!"
"I took the liberty of doin' it already. Somethin' told me ye'd want it done."
"Consider yourself out of the doghouse, Josiah. And thank you."
"Just doin' me job," said Briggs as he walked to the door. "And next time, do me a favour and hang a stocking on the door handle? I'm goin' to need me a drink or two after that."
"I'll take it under advisement, if there's another time. You know where the rum is."
"Aye. G'night, Jack."
"Good night, Josiah."

Jack watched as the door closed behind Briggs, and he gave a heavy sigh. He looked down at the floor and found the apple he and Honour had shared in their own intimate way. He picked it up and regarded it.
"So close. So very, very, close..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 30, 2013, 09:18:16 PM
Honour felt the heat of shame rising in her cheeks. She pounded the wall with her fist.
"Damn him! Damn him!" But she couldn't tell who she was damning more--Jack or Briggs?
Jack for making her feel things she thought were long gone. Or Briggs for interrupting what would maybe have gotten Jack out of her system once and for all. Because after all that time apart, could it still be that wonderful?

But for some reason she couldn't get the thought of the way he kissed her out of her mind...and unfortunately the way she responded to him.
As always.
She moved the dresser in front of the door and then propped a chair under the ch
She looked out the port window at the sea. Another night and day and this will all be over, she thought. Then I can get on with my life. I can arrange it so I never have to run into Jack Wolfe again. Returning to the existence of Rhiannon Conaway would be the perfect cover-up. Honour Bright Wolfe would cease to exist.

Dragging the dresser, she placed it against the door and then propped a chair under the chest knobs.
Dusting off her hands, she thought with satisfaction, 'That will keep you out, Jack Wolfe, in case you get any notions.'

She turned down the coverlet and let her dressing gown drop to the floor. Sliding into bed, she felt how cool the sheets were against her skin. But that brought her no comfort.
No, not at all.
She didn't want to be alone.
She wanted to be snuggled up next to Jack, the aftermath of the tempest that was their love-making.
But her pride wouldn't let her leave her cabin. She frustratingly blew out the candle and was asleep before she knew it.

Jack lay in the dark, staring up at the canopy of the bed. The scant illumination was provided by soft, cloud-filtered moonlight coming in through some open windows on the back wall of the cabin. The same pale moonlight  that always allowed him to lay awake and watch Honour sleep so peacefully.

He sighed heavily in frustration and tried to close his eyes. Usually, the rolling of the sea and the familiar creaks and murmurs of the ship would quiet his mind and lull him to sleep. But not so this time. He could not get Honour off his mind. Closing his eyes only made it worse. With his eyes closed, he could see her face. Her stormy blue eyes, her passionate, inviting lips, every intoxicating curve of her body.

Jack fidgeted with the bed sheet, trying to find whatever comfortable position that would help him finally fall asleep. But he found himself chuckling. All this time, the only thing he could think about was getting that key back and discovering the secret of the Ancients' treasure. Now, with the key just down the hall from him and the enigmatic island less that two days away, his only thoughts were of Honour.

'I'll deal with this tomorrow, whenever tomorrow is,' he thought to himself. It was then he realised that he hadn't even been paying attention to the watch bells that were struck every half hour. He lay there in the dark, waiting for the next set, and his eyes began to grow heavy as he waited...
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 07, 2013, 09:18:46 PM
Finally, the sound of the bells came. One, two, three, four.
'Still the middle of the night,' he thought. But as his eyes began to open, he could see that the cabin was illuminated with sunlight. He sat bolt upright in bed.
"Bollocks! It's the middle of the morning!" he exclaimed. Hastily he pulled on his trousers, a fresh shirt, and boots and headed up on deck. It wasn't like him to sleep away the morning while at sea. Soon he was on the quarterdeck, still squinting in the bright morning sun.

"Mornin', Jack! I was beginnin' to wonder if ye'd forgotten about us," joked Briggs.
The young seaman at the wheel, Ned Tomlinson, stifled a chuckle.
"I must have stayed up too late reading," lied Jack. "Tomlinson, how fare we today?" he asked quickly.
"On course, Captain," the young man replied. "Master Briggs reckons we'll make landfall by evening next. I'm guessing you'll want to lay by until the next morning before we make our approach?"
"You guess right, Ned," smiled Jack. "With no charts to guide us, I'll not risk the ship by getting her too close."
Jack turned to speak with Briggs, but just then the lookout's voice rang out.
"A sail, a sail! To port side, a sail!" he cried.
Jack took the spyglass from beside the wheel and examined the unknown ship. She was an East Indiaman, riding fairly low in the water. Her sails were being trimmed as she attempted to attempted to catch more wind. She had spotted the pirate ship and was starting to run.
He lowered the glass and looked down to the weather deck, and the expectant faces of the crew looking back at him.

Jack paused for a moment and turned to Briggs. The quartermaster knew that gleam in his friend's eyes. He took a deep breath and, in spite of his feelings to the contrary, nodded in agreement.
Stepping to the railing, Jack addressed his crew. "We have the advantage of the wind, and speed as well! That merchantman is riding low, which means there's cargo aboard. But she's already turned her heels to us. Shall we pass on, or make her a prize today? What say you all?"
The crew replied with a resounding "Aye!!"
Nodding his approval, Jack began barking orders.
"Stations, then! Gunners, load with chain and grapeshot only, in case we need to make a point! The rest of you, lay on canvas! I want that distance between us closed and quickly!"

He turned to Josiah and gave a flinty smile. "The island has waited this long. Another few hours won't make a difference."
"Jack, are ye sure ye want to do this? What if they make a fight of it? Ye've got Honour to think of."
"Josiah, they won't fight! This will all be over in an hour or two. There's nothing to worry about."
"For your sake, and hers, I hope ye be right, Jack."

Honour heard his boots pounding on the deck as he came down the hall. She held her breath as she waited and exhaled as she heard them pass by.
A little voice inside her said, 'Disappointed, Honour? You know you wanted him to break the door down and....'
"Nonsense!" She said to herself.
She listened to the sounds of commotion and Jack giving orders to load the guns.
Quickly she jumped up and threw her chemise over her head, hastily running to the port window.
A ship was in the distance but it appeared to be getting closer.
'Oh no...NO! Does he really intend.....?'
She felt herself get faint and bent over to get the blood back to her head. She found it hard to catch her breath.
Memories of that fateful day came flooding back to her. Memories of a Spanish ship with the Norman Cross....memories of cannonballs in the great cabin and the sounds of men begging for her help. The smell of gunpowder...and the sight of Jack being spun to the deck.
She held her hands out in front of her and whispered, 'The blood...oh, the blood....' She couldn't control the trembling of her hands.
'I can't....I WON'T!' I can't do this. Not again....not ever. This time it stops. This time it ends.'
She fought down the rising wave of nausea that was beginning to overcome her. No, I won't do it! I'm not a coward. But enough is enough!'
She ran down to Jack's cabin, frantically searching for the only thing she could think of to stop him.
'Where did he keep it? Did he move it? It has to be here somewhere....'
She rummaged around in the chest of drawers.
Nothing.
She checked the armoire.
Not there.
She reached under the mattress. Her hand curved around something. Could that be it?
She pulled it out and there it was.
The flintlock.

'I have to stop him before he kills me or himself!'
She opened the door and walked with a determined stride to the deck. But her bravado was fading from her.
Walking up behind Jack, she pointed the flintlock. He turned around.
The weapon began to shake in her hand and she said in a trembling voice, "Don't make me shoot you, Jack. It stops. And it stops now."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 14, 2013, 08:32:06 PM
Jack turned around from helping one of the men pull a cannon into the gun port.
"What the HELL are you doing?" he shouted.
Her hand was shaking as she wrapped both hands around the grip.
"I--I'll shoot. I swear I will. I will shoot you if you don't stop this right now. I won't have it, Jack. I won't." Her voice was almost on the edge of hysteria.
"Honour....Honour, sweetheart. Hand me the gun. Nice and slow...."
"NO!" Tears were streaming down her face. "We won't do this again. Not now. Not EVER! Do you HEAR me?"

Jack advanced slowly and cautiously towards her, his hand outstretched.
"Please, darling....hand it over. Hand it over nice and slow...."
She closed her eyes, the gun wavering. He knew that look. He saw it once before in Castara. Only she wasn't holding a pistol. She was holding a sword and the victim was a palmetto.
Jack knew he had to make a move.
He leaped towards her and gripped her arms with his hands.
The gun pointed up in the split second before a bullet ricocheted off the mainsail, nicking the mast.

They both looked up, startled. He held her tight and whispered, "Just calm down...calm down...take a deep breath..."
Tears were streaming down her face but he didn't know if he was reaching her. She was in a place and time he couldn't seem to reach.
Gently, he slipped the pistol out of her hand and tossed it to the deck. Honour didn't react except to bury her face in his chest and sob.
"It's all right, love. Just settle down. Let me help you go somewhere safe..."
"No!" she cried. "There's nowhere safe! Not on this ship, not anywhere!" She feebly pounded on his chest with her fist as sobs wracked her body.
"That's enough," he replied sternly. "Come on, I've got to get you below."
Honour put up only token resistance as he led her off the deck and into the companionway.

"There, that's it. We're almost there," he said in the most comforting tones he could muster. He steered her through the doorway of her room.
"See? Here's your cabin. I promise, you'll be safe inside here. I'll come get you as soon--"
"NO!!" she shouted, and she shoved him away with all the strength she could find. "You said that before, and everything went to hell! You can't do this to me again, Jack! I can't watch you die!"
She collapsed onto the bed, her tears coming harder than ever.
"Honour, I can't take the time for this right now. I promise, it will all be over very quickly, no shots fired, no bloodshed. I swear it."
"Stop the chase, and I'll believe you!"
"I'm sorry, but I can't. I'll lose all respect of the men if I tell them to break off now, just because you want it."
"To hell with them, and to hell with you!" she spat.
"I don't doubt that for a moment, love. But for now I have to go back topside and take care of business. Please, stay here where you'll be safe. Nothing will go wrong, I swear it!"

No sooner were the words out of his mouth, that the ship suddenly lurched then listed hard to its port side. Jack was knocked from his feet and went sprawling to the deck beside Honour's bed.
"What in blazes...?!" He pulled himself back up and made his way to the door. The ship was starting to right herself, but he could hear the frantic shouts of the men on deck.
"You said nothing would happen!" Honour said accusingly.
"Well, the ship has other ideas!" he snapped.
With that, he slammed the door and locked it.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 22, 2013, 08:09:45 PM
An hour later.....

Jack sighed as he walked down the companionway toward the cabin where he had unceremoniously thrown Honour and locked the door. He wondered how many projectiles were in there and how much crockery may be left.
"Honour? I'm opening the door now. So put anything breakable down and let's talk about this like the two civilized people that we are."
He cautiously opened the door. Honour sat on the bed, her face a mixture of relief and contrition when she saw him.

"Jack...Jack!" She sprang off the bed and then suddenly stopped.
"I--I'm so glad you aren't dead....I mean..."
Jack gave her a bemused look. "No one is dead, not even me. Or anyone on the other ship, for that matter. They got away."
"They outran you? I didn't think that was possible."
"It's not, ordinarily. When the ship listed so badly, it's because we had hit... something. A submerged shoal, a reef, hell, it could have been a whale for all I know. But everything is over. I ordered the men to break off and continue to the island instead. You got your wish."

"MY wish? My wish is to get off this God-forsaken vessel and get on with my life. But you saw fit to drag me back down to your world. I was doing just fine before you kidnapped me. I was happy, damn you! And you had to go mucking up my life!"
"Oh, happy, were you? And I wonder....does this happiness include a back-stabbing cur that I used to know?"
"What---what are you talking about?"
"You know damn well what I am talking about. You...and him. Tell me, did you run off together or did you happen to just conveniently meet up? Was it in Martinique? Or in Aruba?"
"Neither! I was in...."
"Where, Honour? Where were you?"
"That is none of your concern. Not anymore. And as soon as we open that chest, I fully expect a divorce."

She walked past him, her head held high.
He grabbed her arm roughly and spun her around.
"A divorce. So you can go back to him?"
"What do you care, Jack?"
Jack's eyes searched hers. "You don't know. You don't have any idea, do you?"
"About what? I'm not in any mood for riddles."
"How I tore the Caribbean apart looking for you? The number of favours I used up trying to find out where you'd gone?"
"And exactly what was at the top of your list? The key, or revenge? Both? Because it sure as hell wasn't me."
"All right, fine. I'll admit it. Yes, I wanted revenge. What man wouldn't? And of course I want the key. Without it, years of chasing down the treasure of a lifetime would be all for naught."

Her eyes narrowed.
"Just as I thought. The great Jack Wolfe's pride was wounded, so off he charged to settle the score."
"Oh, that's rich," Jack laughed bitterly. "And speaking of rich, just how much of my money did you throw at your darling Cade? Enough for another ship, maybe? That worthless mongrel has always found ways to get a woman to fund his enterprises. But I never figured on you being fool enough to try to buy his affections..."

Honour's eyes went wide at his accusation.
"You son of a--" she spat through clenched teeth, and her fist flew at Jack's face.
He caught her wrist before the blow could land. The two stared at each other, their eyes locked. Every bit of anger, every bit of hurt could be clearly read. No words were necessary.
Almost in unison, the two seemed about to launch into a fresh hail of insults and accusations. But instead, they found themselves instead locked in a deep, searching kiss.
The anger that burned within them had exploded into a fire of a very different kind.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 22, 2013, 08:10:20 PM

Hungrily, they lost themselves in each other's embrace. Unlike their all too brief encounter the night before, this was different, something far more intense. There was no hesitancy between them. Honour's breath caught as Jack's hands explored her body, and at how good his kiss felt on her neck. She barely noticed as her chemise slipped from her shoulders and cascaded to the floor. All she knew was that her blood burned, the flames fanned by Jack's skilled and perfect touch.
Honour had always marveled at how he could make her feel. No other man had instinctively known just how she liked to be touched. No prompting, no coaching, he just... knew, somehow.

Moving in unison, as if they'd never been apart, they made their way to the bed. Jack continued the expert application of kisses as Honour began to unfasten his belt.
And that's when something from the corner of his eye caught his attention.

Jack looked up and saw his copy of the Kama Sutra on the shelf above the headboard. But what really caught his attention was what was used as a bookmark.
The key.
His Sun key.
His hand left Honour's body as he reached over to covertly lift it from the pages. As his hand tried to grasp it, he felt it slip and land with a clatter behind the headboard.

Honour's eyes flew open from the passion she had let herself be carried away.
"Jack....what was that?"
"What was what?"
"That...noise. Sounded like metal clanging...."
"That? Oh...well, the brass headboard banging against the wall, I would think. No matter, no one will hear it...."
He took his hands to her face and kissed her passionately.
"No...it was a one time noise and..."
"You don't hear it anymore, do you? Please, darling...."
She rolled over to look behind the headboard.
"Oh....OK, so we go for #45...."
"YOU BASTARD!"

She rolled back pushed Jack with her might as he landed on the floor.
She grabbed the coverlet and wrapped it around her. Her breath was coming in gasps as she tried to recover from the unspent passion.
"All this time, all this concern....and all you were after was that damn key?"
"Not true!"
"GET OUT! GET OUT THIS INSTANT!"

Jack struggled to his feet. She picked up a candleholder. The problem was, a candle was still burning in it. With hot wax.
Honour was standing there with it in her hands. The wax was beginning to puddle on the bottom. Jack quickly did a mental projectory of where that wax would be landing.
He backed up quickly. She took her hands and pushed on his chest with all her might. He flew out the door and hit the opposite wall in the companionway.
She slammed the door shut and locked it.

"Hey, my boots are still in there under the bed!"
He turned around to see Josiah standing at the end of the companionway.

Josiah had a bemused smile as he said, "Well, someone's been a busy boy!"
"Oh! Josiah, I wasn't expecting to see you there."
"I kind of figured as much."
"I was, ah, just getting dressed out here so as not to wake Honour. She always sleeps like a baby after, well, you know."
"Does she, now? Awfully considerate of ye to make sure she rests peaceful enough. I'm guessin' this means I'll be getting' my cabin back, since the two of ye mended fences, so to speak?"
"Ah, well, um, we didn't actually discuss the particulars, you see. We were a bit too involved with other things. We'll talk it out when she wakes up. And believe me, after what we just did, she'll be asleep for hours--"

Honour opened the door and hurled his boots out, hitting him in the back
"AND STAY OUT, YOU BLOODY BASTARD!"

Briggs stood there, a smirk on his face.
"Jack, you keep telling me you will teach me about women. But I still don't see the benefit in it. And by the way....you  missed a button on your shirt."
Jack looked down and then at Josiah's retreating back.
"You know, Renee isn't any easier, pal."
"You say something, Jack?"
"Who, me? No. Not me. Not ever."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 28, 2013, 09:27:33 PM
As Jack and Honour sparred below decks, life aboard ship went on as usual. The men busied themselves with their duties, unconcerned about what their eccentric captain might be up to.

Every man, save one.

Samuel Burgess was at his station on the forward deck, but his attention was focussed on the quarterdeck and the actions of the men who occupied it. His face was fixed in a judgemental scowl as he watched Jack and Briggs leave the ship's holy ground and go below. He put down one of the crates he had been moving and slowly walked over to a young man who was sitting on a barrel by the gunwale, measuring out lengths of rope.

"Six months aboard this stinkin' ship and how many times have we chased down any prey. Eli?" asked Burgess. "Three, maybe four times? And then it was more to appease the crew than honest piracy. I'm not a dog to be let out for a run every now and again. Wolfe, he's got his head twisted round by that woman so, he's forgotten what it means to be a pirate! I'll bet twenty-five shillings her being aboard is why he broke chase with that freighter. To protect his little dove. Well, I've had enough of this rubbish. Wolfe needs to learn what happens to captains who quit actin' like a proper captain."

Eli held his silence, busying himself with repairing a hemp cable with a marlinspike and the rope he had just cut. He understood what Burgess getting at, but he wanted no part in it if he could avoid the matter. The last thing Eli Meredith wanted next to his name was the title "mutineer".

"You ain't talkin' much," said Burgess.
"Ain't got much to say. You're talking enough for us both. I need to concentrate."
"What, you don't mind bein' a pirate aboard a pirate ship what don't do any piratin'?"
"I suppose so. The work is fair and the pay is good. I've got no quarrel with the captain or Master Briggs."
Burgess eyed the younger man with contempt. "No quarrels, eh? What if I was to hang you along with Wolfe and Briggs when I take this ship? Would you be content with that, too?"
Eli swallowed hard and slowly shook his head.
"Didn't think so. Just remember that when the time comes. You're either with me or you're with them, and those not with me in the end will swing, I swear to god they will."

Burgess went back to rearranging crates while Eli sat there, unable to concentrate on his work thanks to the sound of his heart beating in his ears.

Finally, Eli cleared his throat. "And, ah, just when were you thinking of... teaching the captain this lesson you're talking about?" He couldn't bring himself to say the word "mutiny". It felt like he was trapped in a bad dream, one he knew would get worse. Asking  when it would finally happen seemed like a safe precaution.
Burgess stopped and smiled at him. "Aye, I knew you'd come round to my way of thinking!"
"Well, actually---"
"Tonight. We move tonight. I'll let you know exactly when. Just be ready."
Eli's jaw worked wordlessly for a moment. "Um, all right. Just how many of... us will there be?" He was praying there would be a large number of men involved so he could discreetly fade into the background when all hell broke loose.
"Nah, mate. That's for me to know, just in case you turn yellow and spill your guts. Then the only one they could nick is me, and the other can settle the score. You just be ready, understand?" Burgess gave him a wink as he shouldered another crate and walked away.

Eli nodded. His stomach felt like it had turned to stone, and he silently cursed the day he stepped from dry land into this watery nightmare.

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

Jack and Honour spent the rest of the day in their respective cabins, neither one willing to take one conciliatory step out their door. Briggs checked in on them from time to time, offering each of them food and friendly conversation. Both refused the conversation, but Honour eventually agreed to a small evening meal. Jack was too busy brooding to even think of eating. Finally, Josiah tired of trying to play the intermediary and retired to his own quarters for the night. He silently resolved that if the quarrelling couple weren't making any progress by midday, he would force them into the same room and lock them in, and let nature take its course. Either they would kill one another, or they would spend the rest of the voyage in bed together. At this point, the beleaguered quartermaster didn't favour an outcome.

Jack looked up from the book he had been reading and noticed that night had fallen. He rubbed his eyes and tossed the book onto the large table, where it landed amid a tangle of charts and mapping instruments. He poured himself a cup of rum and walked to the window. The stars glistened overhead, and he could make out the wispy glow of the Milky Way. Whatever time it was, he knew it was late into the night.

"Why?" he asked himself aloud. "Why do I do such ridiculous things when I'm around her? I can outwit pirate hunters and naval blockades without once losing my head, but not with her. Not with Honour Bright. It seems like from the moment I met her, I've never been able to control myself."
He took another sip of rum and stared out at the sea.
"Why you? Why in the name of sanity did I have to fall in love with you?"
Just then, he heard an odd sound at his door. He turned, and saw its handle moving tentatively.
A broad grin broke out on Jack's face.
"Honour!" he whispered hopefully. Immediately, he knocked back the rest of the rum and stashed the cup in his desk. He raced to the bed and started tossing clothes and books onto the floor out of sight.
"Just a moment!" he called. He straightened his shirt and ran his fingers through his hair, then began rummaging under the bed for one of the bottles of merlot wine he kept hidden there for just such an occasion. If Honour wanted to talk, he wanted to make sure the conversation had a happy ending.

But as his hand closed on the neck of the bottle, he heard the cabin door slam open. He turned to see two of his crewmen, one brandishing a knife and the other a pistol, both with a murderous look in their eyes.
"Look at that, Dougie," one chuckled. "We's gonna be the heroes of this here mutiny!"

Jack's breath caught in his throat. Mutiny. The one word that made any sea captain's blood run cold. How many were against him? Was this just the start? Oh god, had they already gotten to Honour?
He stared at the the two mutineers, and found he could only think of one word to say through clenched teeth.

"Bollocks."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 12, 2013, 07:46:17 PM
"Now, stand up nice and slow, Wolfe," said the crewman with the pistol. "Sam'll give you plenty of time for prayin' on your knees when all this is over."

Jack hung his head in defeat. He could hear the men take a step into the room. Silently, he counted to three, then suddenly he lifted his head and hurled the wine bottle at the man with the gun. The bottle caught the man squarely in the forehead. Jack rolled to the side as the man staggered and fired blindly before falling to his knees.

His compatriot with the knife charged with his blade held high, ready to strike.
Jack stayed low and managed to dodge his attacker's wild slash. He grabbed hold of the mutineer's belt and pushed hard, causing the man to lose his balance. Momentum did the rest, and the man's head collided with the edge of the heavy oak table, knocking him unconscious.

Swiftly, Jack swept up the gun the first man had dropped, and used is as a club to incapacitate him as well.
"That's two," he said to himself as he retrieved a length of rope and began to tie the men up. "Can't have you lot getting back into the party too soon. A shame you didn't brag how many others are with you."

He picked up the knife his attacker had dropped and slipped it into his belt. Then he went to the trunk by his desk. He opened it and retrieved two pistols. One was ornate, with an ivory finial and gold inlay. A souvenir from one of his encounters with Mendoza. The other was plain, with a heavy hexagonal barrel. All business, no embellishments that didn't belong. Much like the man who originally owned it: Jack's father.
He checked to make sure both guns were loaded. After he primed them both, he tucked them into his belt at his back. Then he paused to collect his thoughts.
"Dad, just in case you're looking in on this, I could use your help. A well-timed warning, hell, even a calm heart and steady hand would be appreciated. It's just that... I don't want to die like this. I don't want her to die like this, either." He sighed as he slipped on his baldric. "Like you always said, standing around talking about a thing doesn't get it settled."

Jack cautiously went to the door and looked down the companionway. Faint light spilled into the space where Honour's door would be. Just then he heard scuffling, and muffled sound of her cry. He moved quickly and quietly until he was right outside her cabin. As he drew his knife, a man began backing out of the doorway, dragging a kicking and twisting Honour with him. But the man stopped in his tracks when he felt the blade of Jack's knife at his throat.
"You're making a really bad decision, mate," he said menacingly in the mutineer's ear. "She'll never forgive me for staining her dressing gown with your blood."
Honour managed to get her mouth free from the man's hand. "Jack, he's got a gun in my back!"
"Aye, she's right. So cut me throat if ye please. I'll take her with me, and we'll soak that gown in blood together."
After a moment, Jack slowly took the blade from the mutineer's neck. "All right, mate. We'll have it your way."
"What?!" Honour said incredulously.
"Now you're thinkin' straight," agreed the man.
"In fact, what to I care about her?" laughed Jack. "She's just another doxy to me. Here, mate, have some fun with her on me."

Jack shoved Honour free from her captor. She stumbled forward and caught herself at the foot of the bed. She turned to look back, her eyes full of confusion and anger.
Taken by surprise, the mutineer turned toward Jack, the pistol still pointed at Honour. But the man's expression swiftly became one of disbelief.
Honour look down to see her husband's hand holding the handle of a knife, the blade buried deep in the treacherous man's chest.
"Sorry, changed my mind," Jack said to the dying man. "Husband's prerogative."
Jack took the pistol from the man's hand and held it out for Honour to take as the man slumped to the deck.

"'Doxy'? You called me a doxy?!"
"I was improvising!"
"Are you sure it wasn't commentary?"
"Oh, so now you're a critic."
"What the hell is going on?" she demanded. "Has the crew gone mad?"
"Yeah, something like that. It's called mutiny. Here, take this and stop asking questions." He knelt down to search the dead man for any other weapons that could be useful.
Honour sat down on the deck, facing Jack and the open doorway. "Where the hell were you, anyway? You were supposed to protect me!"
He motioned angrily at the dead body in front of them. "What do you call this? Afternoon tea? Now shut up and let me---"

Jack fell silent as Honour raised the pistol, and he found himself looking right down its barrel.
"Honour, I know you're upset, but please..."
His eyes went wide as he saw her finger squeeze the trigger.

And they slammed shut as he heard the pistol fire.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 18, 2013, 09:30:14 PM
The air in Jack's lungs began to burn at this throat. He realised that he had quit breathing. But that was all that burned. The familiar searing sensation of metal piercing his flesh was not there.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. Honour was still holding the pistol. Despite her death grip on it, the trembling of her body kept the muzzle bobbing wildly. He turned to see the crumpled body of a man in the companionway. A cutlass lay beside him.

Honour had saved Jack's life.

He turned back to her, and gently took the pistol from her hands.
"There you are, love. That's it. It's all over. You did it! You saved me! Thank you!"
Finally, Honour was able to tear her eyes from the dead man. "Jack, he... he had a sword. He was going to kill you..."
"I know. I know, darling. And you stopped him."
Tears began to well in her eyes. "Why are they doing this? Why now?"
"I wish I knew. Not enough plunder, one weevil too many in the hardtack, who knows? But right now, I have to find Briggs and make sure he is all right. If he hasn't been harmed, then it's likely the ship is still mine. Either way, I need him to help put this mutiny down."
"You don't even know how many are involved, do you?"
Jack feigned a reassuring smile. "Thanks to you, four fewer than when they started. But Honour, I need you to promise me you will stay here. No heroics. You have to stay put."
"All right."
"Now, I mean it! No arguments! This is too serious..."
"Jack, I agreed with you. I'll stay right here, I promise."
He looked at her blankly. "So you did. Are you not feeling well?"
"Well enough for someone who just shot a man stone dead. Go put an end to this stupid mutiny, would you?"

He pulled the Spanish pistol from his belt and handed it to her. "Here, take this for your protection."
Honour shook her head. "I've had enough of pistols for one night."
"And I hope you don't have to use it. But just in case, I need you to take this. Keep it close. And when I leave the room, I want you to lock the door behind me. Don't open it for anyone but me or Josiah."

Jack kissed her, then dragged the stabbed man out into the companionway. Honour closed the door and threw the deadbolt lock as he instructed. She paused and said a brief prayer for his safety, then looked down at the ornate Spanish pistol in her hands. Ordinarily, she would have given in to her curiosity and gone scouting around the ship to see what was going on. But things were different now. She had more to consider than just her life this time.

On the other side of the door, Jack found himself pausing in prayer as well. While he asked for the strength of will to end this mutiny and save his ship, his most fervent desire was for Honour to stay safe in all this madness. Once again, he had managed to put her in harm's way. He knew that he had to make this right, or die trying. Quietly he began to move through the companionway toward Briggs' quarters.

Two men prowled the dark, empty weather deck. Normally there would be men stationed on watch, but this was no ordinary night. The bulk of the crew wanted no part in the mutiny, but chose instead to stay out of the way and see how events played out. If Jack prevailed, their hands were clean. If Burgess won, he could not easily retaliate against anyone for being loyal to the former captain. The sails had been trimmed and the wheel lashed in place, leaving these two mutineers to themselves.

"Ow!! Damn you, careful with that cutlass!" Ed Frail yelped at his compatriot, Allan Korman. "If you had half a brain, you'd carry a pistol like me. Now, keep back off me!"
"Careful you don't overwork that half brain of yours and shoot yourself in the foot," jeered Korman. "Besides, we're supposed to be capturing Briggs in his cabin, not skulking around up here."
"That's exactly why we're up here, where Briggs would never think to expect us! This way he has to come to us. See? I'm smarter than him, and you too for that matter."
"Yeah, you're a right wizard. Brilliant plan, making sure Briggs' sleeps through the mutiny by our knocking about on the other end of the ship so as not to disturb his slumber. Colour me dazzled."
"It is a plan, and a good one! Why do you think Burgess put me in charge and not you? But you'll spoil it all by running your yap. Now shut it and keep a sharp eye out for Briggs or anyone else not part of our company. Five shillings says I spot Briggs first."
Confident he had put Korman in his place, Frail turned and walked authoritatively into a stack of heavy crates.

Jack Wolfe watched the two men from the shadows. 'Good,' he thought to himself. 'They haven't gotten to Briggs yet. Things are looking up.'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 04, 2013, 05:39:28 AM
Jack remained cloaked in the shadows, unmoving as he watched the mutineers. The problem with this situation was the mutineers were not moving, either. They appeared to be quite comfortable bravely staying in the middle of the forward deck, well away from any close-quarter situations that might actually involve their using the weapons they brandished.
Jack could feel his patience waning by the moment. But he could not risk being seen at this distance and possibly on the receiving end of a wild shot. Somehow, he had to get to the other side of the deck where the door to Briggs' cabin was.
"Come on, you maggots! Leave, fall asleep, do something!" he muttered.

The rocking of the ship grew steadily pronounced as it moved through the water. He could see low clouds moving in under the moonlight. If the weather turned now, it could be a long night for everyone. As he contemplated making a dash for the door anyway, a loud noise came from just inside the forecastle. It was most likely crates that had not been stowed correctly, but it gave the two mutineers something to do rather than stare at one another.

"Go on," Frail ordered. "I'll be right behind you."
"You've got the gun, why don't you go first?"
"Because I'm in charge, remember? And those what lead do it from behind the ranks."
"Yeah, I'm sure that's how it gets done in your family..." chuckled Korman.
"Just shut your mouth and open the door, eh?"
"Right-o, Fearless One."

While their backs were turned, Jack silently darted across the deck and hid behind the steps leading to the quarterdeck. The door leading to where Briggs' cabin was stood only a couple of feet away, if those two would give him time to duck in and quietly close the door behind him.

Korman opened the door cautiously and peered inside. Frail stayed put, sticking to his strategy of leadership out of the line of fire.
"So? What do you see?" he asked in a loud, nervous whisper.
Korman sighed. "A busted crate of linen. I don't think it will put up much of a fight unless you want a go at it. My money's on the fabric."
"You're a funny man. Now quit mucking about and secure that door."
"Blimey! You're so quick with the orders!" complained Korman.
"What are you gonna do about it, then?"

Jack gritted his teeth as the two men bickered. Damn it! Why couldn't they have a longer attention span? But as they stood nose to nose squabbling, an idea for another sort of distraction came to Jack's mind. He smiled as he watched them argue, and pulled a large coin from his pocket. When he was certain they weren't looking his way, he pitched the coin up onto the quarterdeck.

The coin landed with a loud clatter, and the two mutineers' heads snapped around to look towards the source.
"Damn it!" growled Frail. "That wasn't a crate this time. I'll bet it's Briggs!"
"How do you know? Briggs wouldn't be up there hiding just to count his pocket money!"
"Him and Wolfe are rich! So of course they've got money on them all the time. Just goes to reason."
"Fine, I'll go up there and see, just to prove you wrong," grumbled Korman.
"Oh, no you won't! Not and steal my glory!"

Frail ran up the steps to the quarterdeck, with Korman close behind. But when they got to the deck, there was no one there.
Just a coin glinting in the moonlight.
"Ha!" laughed Korman. "I told you he wasn't up here."
Disgusted, Frail went and picked up the coin. "Well, I've got a shiny coin for my pocket at any rate..."

"And I'll be having it back, thanks. I seem to have dropped it," came a voice from behind them.

The mutineers turned and found Jack standing at the only way on or off the quarterdeck, with his sword drawn and ready.

"Think this over carefully, gents," he said deliberately. "You can die by my blade tonight, or hang from the yard tomorrow. I really don't care which."

Both Frail and Korman stood there, frozen. All their false bravado from earlier evaporated in the night air.

"At least fight men for once!" shouted Jack.
He swung his sword at Korman, who barely managed to deflect the blow.
"Shoot him!" yelped Korman.
"Get out of the way and I will!"
But Jack made sure keep Korman between himself and Frail, fouling any chance at a shot. As the men moved around the quarterdeck, the two mutineers became increasingly panicked.
"Do it, damn you!" yelled Korman.
"Move, now!" answered Frail.

Korman started to duck to Jack's left, but he was not able to escape the edge of Jack's sword. As the blade slashed across his chest, the man stumbled backward, dazed and in pain, just as his compatriot fired the bullet intended for the captain they had chosen to betray.

Frail fell to the deck with his dead crewmate on top of him. As he struggled to free himself, he felt the cold edge of a sword on his neck.
"Easy now. Get up nice and slow," said Jack. "You've spent your shot and you have nowhere to run."
Frail shoved Korman's lifeless body off of him, and the man slowly got to his feet. He turned to face Jack.
"I've seen men hang, Wolfe. I've seen what a horrible dance they do."
"So have I. Now your turn is coming. I hope you memorised the steps."
Frail shook his head. "I'll die on my own terms, not yours."
"My sword or my rope, it's still my terms, lad. You've got nothing to say in the matter."
"Oh, don't I, though?" With that, Frail turned and jumped overboard into the dark, chill waters below.

Jack shook his head and placed his sword back in its scabbard, then proceeded to heave Korman's body over the side.
"Don't forget your friend!" he called to Frail. "I'd hate for you to die all alone."

"Just what the hell is goin' on?!"
Jack turned to find Briggs jogging up the steps. He was barefoot, and was still stuffing a pistol into his belt.
"Glad you could join me, Josiah. Lovely night, isn't it?"
"Stow the joshin', eh? I hope this ain't what I think it is."
"A mutiny? Afraid so."
"Who's the devil behind it?"
"I keep hearing the name Burgess. Ring any bells?"
"Sam Burgess? Aye, he's a bit of a malcontent and on the lazy side. But I never figured him for leadin' a mutiny. Have ye a guess as to how many in his company?"
"Well, I've taken care of five, and Honour killed a sixth..."
"Savin' all the fun for yourself?"
"You were getting your beauty rest. I know how cross you can be without a solid forty winks."
"All heart, you are. So it's Burgess left for sure. And there's usually a skinny bloke hangin' about with him. I'll wager he's in on the scheme as well. So at least two..."

At that moment, a blood-curdling scream came from below deck. A scream that was quickly muffled.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 08, 2013, 09:30:39 PM
Honour paced about the small cabin, the Spanish pistol clutched tightly in her hand. It seemed like an eternity since the sound of what might have been a distant gunshot reached her ears. All she could do was worry, pace, and pray that her husband was still alive and safe.
"Don't worry yourself so," she said aloud. "Jack knows this ship better than anyone, and he knows what he's doing. How I wish this was all over..."
She heard the sound of boots outside her door. Her heart began to pound when the handle began to turn.
"Jack, is that you?"
"Yes!" came the muffled whisper. "Keep your voice down and open the door before someone sees me!"
Quickly, she laid her pistol on the bed and rushed to the door. Her hands trembled as she unlocked the heavy deadbolt.
"Thank goodness you're all right!" she said as she opened the door. But her breath caught in her throat as she found herself looking into the hardened face of Sam Burgess.
"Aye, darlin' lass," he leered. "I'd say I'm doing better than all right now."

"You? You're behind this!"
Honour's voice came in a whisper as she tried to calm the rising sense of panic that engulfed her.
He reached out to grab her by the hair.
"Damn right. I'm the brains behind this and if the crew under new management, shall we say, have done what they were supposed to do, I am now the captain of El Lobo del Mar."
Honour shook her head and said, "No. You'll never take Jack Wolfe. You can't. He's MAD Jack Wolfe. He's too crazy to be killed. He--he'd never allow that to happen."
Burgess thrust his face next to hers. "Aye, but do you hear him anywhere? You think he'd allow me to get near this sanctuary if he were still alive?"
"He's occupied elsewhere. You will never take this ship. NEVER, you hear me?"
Burgess sneered, "And you know what that means? As I am the captain, you now be the captain's wench. And you'll do as I say!"
His dirty hand trailed down her cheek. She shuddered as his hand wandered southwards and across her chest.
He smirked, "Just checking for weapons. Although I see you have no place to put them."
His hand glided over her hip as a leer crossed his face. As he skimmed down her leg, she took her booted foot and ground it into his instep. Burgess yelped in pain.
He struck her across the face and barked to the young man in the hallway, "Eli! Guard the door! It's about time this doxy learned who was in charge here!"
Eli looked in fright from Burgess to Honour. "NOW or I wet my dagger with your innards, whelp!"
Eli ran out of the room.

Burgess grabbed her again by her hair and pulled her close to him, his mouth on hers. She fought the instinct to get sick. She extended her hand, her nails raking down his face, five long scratches on his left cheek.
He let go and put his hand up to his face. She aimed for his eyes but he caught her hands and pushed her onto the bed.
"That's going to cost you, trollop!"
He grabbed her roughly and as his hand clamped over her mouth, she bit down hard. He screamed and she grabbed the candle holder with a puddle of hot wax swirling around the wick. She flung it into his face.
He yelled again and Honour used that to her advantage as she leaped off the bed and made a break for the door.
She flung it open and as she vaulted her body through the door frame, Burgess grabbed her by the hair and threw her backwards.
She let out a scream.

Meredith ran as if all the hounds from hell were after him. He saw Jack and Briggs rushing up the deck.
Gasping, he shouted, "Quick! In her cabin!"
Jack and Briggs pushed him aside and ran as if someone's life depended on it.
Because it did.
Honour's life.
And that meant Jack's life, too.

When Jack pushed Eli, the young man stumbled, lost balance, and his face hit the mast. He crumpled to the deck, trying to staunch the blood flowing from his broken nose.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 08, 2013, 09:35:43 PM
Jack and Briggs boot heels pounded on the deck planks as they ran down the companionway. They arrived at the door to Honour's cabin to find Burgess holding a long knife to her throat. His other hand was twisted tightly in her hair, holding her immobile.
The urge to kill displayed clearly on Jack's face, he levelled his gun at Burgess' head and cocked it. But a sudden, terrified gasp from Honour made him freeze.

"I wouldn't try it, Wolfe," Burgess said smugly. "So help me, I'll make her bleed before the bullet hits home."
"He means it, Jack. Please, be careful," added Honour. Her voice was clear and strong, but understandably quavered with fear.
"What do you want, Burgess?" Jack asked flatly.
The oily man kept his smug expression, but his eyes were transfixed on the muzzle of Jack's pistol. "Lower your weapon, then we talk."
"Drop your knife, and I'll fetch tea. We'll have a nice pleasant chat then."
"You know I can't do that."
"Then we move on to terms."
"Of your surrender?"
"Yours, you cheeky bastard. This is your only chance to leave this room alive."
Burgess shook his head. "No, that's where you just don't get it. You're the ones in danger, not me."
"What, from your band of mutineers?"
"They're everywhere, Wolfe. All over your ship. You never know when they will come round the corner and cut you down whilst you dally with me."
"How many, then?" asked Briggs.
Burgess' eyes shifted to Briggs, then back to the pistol muzzle. He licked his lips nervously. "Enough to take this ship."
"Let's do a count then, eh? There's you and the skinny lad what's scared out of his mind, that's two." He loudly tapped his ring against the lockplate of the pistol in his belt as he kept tally, making a pronounced metallic tap tap. "And how many did ye put overboard as I joined up with ye, Jack?"
"Two," replied Jack.
Tap tap.
A slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but his eyes stayed locked on Burgess'. "That makes four. Then there's the two tied up in my cabin..."
"Six," said Briggs.
Tap tap!
"... And the two Honour and I killed. Eight total."
Tap tap!
"Forty men aboard," said Briggs. "Ye'd think that if there were any other mutineers prowlin' about, one or two would've turned up by now. Ain't like we're hidin'. I'm thinkin' there ain't no more."
Jack nodded. "Or if there are, they're waiting to see how this little drama plays out before they throw in."

Sweat beaded on Burgess' brow and upper lip. His eyes jumped furtively again to Jack's and Briggs, then back to the pistol.
"Are you willing to take that gamble?" he said. The smugness had left his voice, replaced by a note of panic.
"Pretty much, yeah," answered Jack. "It's over. You've lost. Now, get the knife away from her, Burgess. I'm willing to offer marooning instead of the rope."
"Not until you put that pistol away," demanded Burgess. "How do I know you won't shoot me anyway if I do as you ask?"
"Because I already shot ye," replied Briggs, and flame erupted from the muzzle of his pistol. The last two taps had not been taps at all; they were the sound of a pistol lock being cocked.

The round hit the mutineer in the shoulder, and the knife flew from his hand to clatter on the deck. Honour broke away from the stricken man and ran to the safety of Jack's arms. Briggs was on him instantly, and suddenly he could feel the steel of his own knife against his neck.
"Quit yer squirmin', it ain't that bad," the quartermaster growled. "Shall I take him topside and finish the deed, Jack?"

Jack couldn't tear his eyes from Honour's. "No, my friend. We keep to ship's articles with these two. They put their marks to paper, and I intent to honour their pledge."

Briggs struggled to contain himself, but obeyed his friend and Captain. "Aye, sir. I know a length of rope that will suit our purpose nicely." Josiah took a half step back, but did not drop his blade. A small patch of crimson on the mutineer's chest showed just how close Briggs was to running him through.

Jack stroked Honour's hair. "Are you all right, darling? Are you hurt?"
Honour raised her hand to her cheek. A darkened splotch was forming across it where Burgess had struck her.
"I--I think I'm alright."
In the companionway they heard sobbing. It was Meredith, curled up and crying because he knew what fate awaited mutineers.

Honour broke herself reluctantly from Jack's embrace and knelt down next to the boy from Devonshire. She asked softly, "What is your name?"
He turned his head and almost inaudibly replied, "Eli Meredith, ma'am."  Almost as if she were speaking to a young child, she asked, "Eli, did you honestly think you could best Jack Wolfe?"
He covered his eyes with his forearm and shook his head. "I had no choice. Burgess threatened to throw me overboard if I didn't cast my lot in with his."
Jack said grimly, "You are a mutineer and you know what happens to them that do not meet their end at sword or pistol."
He nodded. "Aye. I do."
She couldn't help herself. Softly she said, "Jack--he's just a kid."

Briggs asked him, "How many of you were there?"
Eli shuddered, "I don't know."
Briggs said, "I'll take Davis and McGlynn to make sure we got them all. I'll be needing your cutlass and that Spanish pistol there."
Honour sat on the floor next to Eli. " I'll watch over him but please, Jack, get him out of here." She nodded towards Burgess.
"Are you out of your mind? I'm not leaving you here alone."
She said, "I would feel alot better if you imprisoned him. I will be fine. Please let me handle this one," she said in a low voice. "Really. It will be alright."
"Alright but keep this dirk close by."
He pointed his pistol at Burgess and said, "Let's go."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on September 15, 2013, 06:40:38 PM
Honour sat on the edge of the bed and scooted a chair out with her booted foot.
"Eli, have a seat. Let's parley."
Eli sat down, blood splattering the front of his shirt. He looked down and couldn't meet Honour's gaze.
"Look at me, Eli."
He raised his head. Tears welled in his eyes again.
"How old are you?"
"Nineteen."
'Almost two years younger than me', she thought. She took a cloth and dipped it in a basin of water and washed his face. "I don't want you to squirm. Take this like a man."

She took his nose and moved it a bit to straighten it out. He looked at her with gratitude.
"I guess I can have a straight nose when I swing."
She sat down in front of him. "Not necessarily. I heard you yell for Briggs and Jack Wolfe. If they hadn't found me when they did, heaven knows what would have happened. And for that I thank you."
Eli looked down and started to cry again. Almost inaudibly, he whispered, "I'm so sorry, Miss Bright."
She looked away, unable to meet the misery in his face. She said quietly, "It's Mrs. Wolfe."
He looked at her incredulously. She explained, "No one except Briggs and a a few others know but I married Jack under strange circumstances eighteen months ago. We've been...separated."
"You? And..and the captain?"

She nodded and laughed self-consciously. "Two souls that never should have been bound up with each other. But that is besides the point."
He wiped his eyes with his hands. She went to the armoire and gave him a shirt.
"Here. Jack may kill me for showing mercy to a mutineer. Eli, I can't promise anything. I really can't. I've seen Jack Wolfe in murderous rages before. And usually when I have, I've been the reason. He's not called 'Mad Jack' for nothing. But I am going to do my best to see you are spared. I am going to plead your case. I think setting you off in the next port and having you book passage back to Devonshire would be best for all concerned. Jack would never trust you and I don't think you are cut out for this life. I'll make sure you have enough coin and get a safe passage back to England."
He gave her a gratified smile. "Ye are an angel, Miss Bright."
She reached under the bed and withdrew a bottle of rum.
"I'll help you if you help me."
"How, Miss---Mrs. Wolfe?"
"Don't tell Jack I have this bottle!"


Jack knocked softly at Honour's cabin door. "I'm here for the boy, Honour. Please open up."
Honour rose up and opened the door.
Jack stepped into the room. Honour stood there in his shirt, her hair in a braid but coming down in tendrils around her face. She had on boots and the dirk in the shaft of the boot. Jack's shirt kept slipping off her shoulder. Self-consciously she hoisted it up. A dark bruise was on her left cheek.
"On your feet, Meredith."
Eli couldn't meet Jack's eyes. He kept his head down.
"Jack? May I speak to you in private?"
He nodded. He called up to the quarterdeck. "Briggs, I need you to watch the prisoner."
From above came, "All is clear here, Jack. We got them all. I'll be right down."

Jack led the way down to his cabin. He sat down in his chair and pushed the charts and maps aside. Reaching under the desk, he pulled a bottle of whiskey out.
"Can you use a drink, Honour?"
She said, "I've never needed one more than I do now, Jack."
He handed her a tankard and filled it generously. Jack looked tired and worn out after the evening's attempted mutiny.
"Sit down, Honour."
She sat down. "Jack, what do you intend to do with Eli Meredith? The poor boy is scared to death."
"I know, but he was a mutineer."
"He was coerced into it."
I had a feeling that was the way it was. I think I need to shackle him to the foremast until I decide what to do with him."
"Might I make a suggestion?"
"I'll listen to whatever you have to say. You proved your mettle when you shot Barton."
"He was about to kill you." She smiled slightly, "I wanted that privilege for myself."
He tried not to laugh. "Well, you scared me to death, I must admit. So what is your suggestion?"
"I think all of us could use a decent night's sleep. Could you shackle him to a bed in Briggs' room? That way Briggs can get some rest, Eli Meredith won't be out in the elements and I won't be worrying about if he's getting wet or if he's uncomfortable."
"You have a soft spot for him?"
"I see one frightened young man caught in a situation he didn't know what to do. When we get to a port, I say give him coin and let him book a passage back to England. I daresay Eli Meredith will never set foot off solid ground again."

Jack nodded. "You are as smart as you are beautiful, Mrs. Wolfe."
She coloured at that. If it was the compliment or the name change, she didn't know.
Honour stood up and headed towards the door.
He raised an eyebrow. "Do you realize this is the first time we have spoken civilly to each other?"
Her hand was on the doorknob as she said over her shoulder, "Let's not get too used to it."

Jack placed his hand over hers. "Honour, please, do not be so quick to leave."
Honour searched his eyes, and released the doorknob.
"You're forgetting your whiskey," Jack smiled. He topped it off and handed Honour her glass. "To be honest, I rather enjoy quiet conversation with you."
Honour blushed as she sipped her whiskey. "Jack, since when did you become a romantic? Even if I were inclined to believe you, and I don't, I'd always be the third woman in your life after the sea and your ship."

The whiskey combined with fatigue hit Jack harder than he'd expected. He could see the weariness in Honour's eyes, as well.
"Perhaps it's best if we both turn in, love. We've a busy day ahead of us tomorrow. There's a bit of nastiness to take care of at sunrise. You might want to stay below until I send someone for you. But before you go, let us have a final toast, darling. To our prosperity."

They clinked glasses, and drank deeply. Honour smiled as the whiskey began to warm her bones. "Very well. I'll wait for your word. Good night, Jack."
"Pleasant dream, Honour. Until tomorrow."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on September 22, 2013, 06:26:18 PM
The mutiny had taken everything out of Jack. He had sat on the edge of his bed while the days events whirled like a cyclone in his mind.
He took another deep drink from the bottle of whiskey, and the numbness he'd been looking for began to wash over him. He could finally relax. His wife and his ship were safe. His wife. How easy it had become to think of Honour as such, and not some necessary aggravation to endure and then abandon. As he relished the feel of more whiskey in his throat, he remembered when he first saw her that fateful day in Barbados. Wise beyond her years, and an untamable spitfire. Time had made her wiser, he thought, but her recklessness had become fiery determination and independence. He couldn't help but admire her, but at the same time, there was something more than that at play. He had finished off the last of the whiskey, and tried to carefully put the bottle down one of the two sea chests beside the bed. To his wonder, the bottle became two, and both of them past through one of the chests and bounced in perfect unison on the decking. He pulled at his clothes and nearly got hopelessly tangled in his shirt, but managed to free himself. The bed threatened to duplicate itself before his eyes as the bottle had, so he fell onto it before it could finish. In moments, he was sound asleep.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Full of rum and the whiskey that Jack had generously filled a tankard with, Honour was feeling her way back to her cabin by holding onto the wall.
'Last time I ever party with two different kinds of spirits, ' she muttered to herself.
She knocked on her own cabin door and Briggs let her in.
"Briggs, how did THAT happen?"
"Sorry, Honour. He laid down and next thing I knew, he was snoring."

Honour looked over at the sleeping form of Eli Meredith. He was curled up in her bed on top of her coverlet.
She gently brushed the hair off his face and covered him with an extra quilt.
'Such a young kid,' she thought. Poor Eli was blackmailed into mutiny. He hadn't a clue on what he had been in for.
She turned to Briggs. "You're exhausted too, Briggs. I'll tell you what--I don't have the heart to wake Eli up so why not let him sleep here. We can lock the door from the inside and he can't get out. Besides, if he escaped, where is he going to go? I think Jack has his scared to death and he wouldn't dare try to spring Burgess. Not that he would anyways."
"You think that wise?"
"I'll take full responsibility for him, Briggs. You go back to your quarters. I would suggest you 'steal' a bottle of rum from Jack's secret cache--which is not so secret--and numb yourself into oblivion."
Briggs laughed lightly, "Like ye did, Miss Bright?"
She drew herself up and said, "He's in no better shape than I am, Briggs."
"Aye. Jack no doubt pounded the bottle pretty heavily himself. But if Eli is sleeping here, then where do you intend to sleep?"
She turned to hide her blush.
"I'll find a place."

Briggs took his leave. Honour looked at the sleeping lad. She tucked the blanket around him. She blew out the candle and locked the door.
Walking quietly down the companionway, she took her chances.
'What are you doing, Honour? Are you out of your mind?' she thought. But it was either that or sleep on the floor. And it was cold.

In his inebriated state, he left the door unlocked. She quietly slipped into the room.
The candle was almost burned down to the wick. She blew it out and kicked the whiskey bottle out of her way.
Crossing the room, she paused.
The moonlight cast its beams through the porthole, affording her just enough light to make out the sleeping form of her husband.
'Funny', she thought. 'I never really thought of him as my husband. We were a whirlwind waiting to die out.'

Jack was sprawled all over the bed. She drew her chemise tighter around her, standing there trying to decide if it was worth it. The dampness from the floor was beginning to seep through to her bare feet.
She carefully drew the quilt back. 'Seems to be a very small space. If I can just lie quietly...I don't need to sleep. Just get some rest...'

She slipped very quietly into the bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. All of a sudden, Jack rolled over and his arm fell across her body. She tried to slide down but she was pinned. She tried to lift his arm gently up but he seemed to grip a little tighter.
She sighed.
'Oh, well.....may as well make the best of a bad situation. At least he is warm.'
She snuggled closer.
'After all, he's bound to roll over again...'
It was her last thought before her eyes closed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Honour woke up with a start. It was still dark but instinctively she knew dawn was breaking. She looked over to the sleeping face of her husband.
He looked worn out. Whether from the past night's mutiny or the hell she had put him through in the last eighteen months, it was hard to tell. She gently touched his hair. So like their daughter's. And the determined tilt of her chin. A wave of guilt washed over her. Was she wrong to deny him the knowledge of his child?
Possibly. If the worst had happened and she had died that night, would he go searching for his child? Would he rip Zara away from the only family she had known? To be raised by him aboard a pirate ship?

No, best to keep the knowledge to herself. Megan had always  said, 'I have never regretted keeping my mouth shut but have plenty of regrets from opening it.'
'The time isn't right,' she reasoned. 'I'll know. When the time is right, I'll know.'

Gently she lifted up Jack's arm from around her waist and quietly slipped out of bed. Jack frowned in his sleep. She walked over, kissed her fingertips and gently touched his face.
'Thank you, Jack. For the gift you never knew you gave me.'

As she took the key out of her pocket, she unlocked her cabin door. She was momentarily in a panic as there was no sign of Eli Meredith.
A note was pinned to the pillow.

                                              The kid is with me.
                                                 ~~Josiah Briggs


'Thank you, Briggs,' she said to herself. 'I owe you one.'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 30, 2013, 08:39:21 PM
The watch bell rung eight strokes, marking the start of the morning watch. Jack stirred from his sleep, knowing that his presence would soon be required on the deck to dole out justice. He threw the sheets over his head.
'Ten more minutes....that's all I ask...just ten more minutes....'
But then he caught a whiff of the sheets. It was the scent of jasmine and that something extra. That imperceptible scent of a woman. Something that Jack was well in tune with.  He should, he had his share of them.
His father's voice echoed in his mind.  'Jackie, boy, if you can't remember if a woman laid in your bed, then maybe it's time to lay off the spirits.'
He shook off the voice. 'Shut it, Da, I had a rough night.'
 
Was it a wishful memory? Or something he dreamed? Or maybe....
Still......he would remember, wouldn't he? A question to ask her at another time.

He sat up on the edge of the bed, his head aching from too much drink and the previous night's ordeal. Finally he rose and went to the basin to splash some water on his face. He paused as he looked into the mirror. The reflection he saw was haggard, tired, overburdened.
"God, I hate this," Jack muttered as he pulled on a fresh shift of clothes. Official ship's business demanded he don the standard captain's regalia, complete with coat and hat. He shouldered his baldric, and shoved a pistol into his belt. The weapon was not loaded. It didn't have to be. A good length of rope would be all that is needed to put an end to the life of a mutineer.

Jack left his cabin, the strike of his boot heels resonating through the companionway with every resolute stride. He paused at Honour's door with the intention of asking her to stay below deck until the hanging was over.
'Let her sleep,' he decided instead. 'Let her wake up to a world that no longer has that animal in it.'
He walked on from her door and into the light of the morning sun.

The crew were assembled on deck for the spectacle. A few men whispered among themselves as they placed wagers as to how long the condemned man would last once hauled into the air. Burgess stood beneath the foreyard, his ankles bound by shackles and his hands tied behind his back. Josiah Briggs stood beside him, the noose in one hand and a hood in the other. The island Jack had looked for all these years was the only bit of land visible in the vast ocean around them.
Jack slowly walked to where Burgess stood. He regarded the man coldly, struggling to keep his emotions out of the proceedings. Attempting mutiny and threatening Jack's life, as well as Briggs', was quite enough. But Burgess had dared to lay his filthy hands on Honour. Jack would have preferred to take care of Burgess personally, but the ship's articles were clear as to how this matter should be settled.

"Samuel Burgess, you are guilty of attempted mutiny," intoned Jack for all the crew to hear, "with the intent of murdering this ship's officers and their family. According to ship's articles, which we all signed and agreed to be bound by, there is only one resolution. You will hang by the neck until you are dead."
"I have something to say first," countered Burgess.
"This is not a court of admiralty, Burgess. You don't get last words here. You get a last breath. Spend it well. Mister Briggs, proceed."
Burgess opened his mouth to protest, but Briggs swiftly put the hood over the man's head, making sure that enough fabric caught in his mouth to act as a gag. The noose soon followed, and Briggs snugged it around Burgess' neck. With a nod from Jack, three men took hold of the end of the rope and carefully pulled the slack from it.
Jack took a deep breath, and turned his back to the condemned man. "Haul away," he said flatly.

Swiftly, Burgess was pulled into the air to hang some twenty feet above the deck. The three men held on to the rope as Burgess kicked and struggled his last.
"Tie that line off," ordered Jack. They secured the rope to keep Burgess' body aloft until they could be sure he was indeed dead.
Jack looked around at his crew. "Show's over, gentlemen. Dismissed." He glanced back up at the hung man, then began to walk toward the companionway.
"That's it?" asked Briggs. "Normally ye say a few words of warnin' to the men, and make an example of whoever got strung up."
"They get it. Josiah, I want Burgess cut down and buried as soon as possible. Can you do that for me?"
"Aye, that I can do. But what's the rush?"
"I don't want Honour to see this. She's been through enough. And once he's gone, take us in to the island as close as we can get. We've got a mystery to finally solve."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 06, 2013, 07:35:54 PM

He looked out to the shoreline of the island in the distance and smiled.
"Oi! Drop anchor here! Ready the longboat! I'll bring up the chest to be loaded. Master Briggs, you have command. I have business with my wife."
"Monkey business, no doubt," Briggs smirked.
Jack gave him a sour look. "No, this falls under 'mind your own business, smart arse. But if you are hell-bent on knowing, I am going to invite her to breakfast."

He knocked softly on the door.
"Honour? May I see you for a minute?"
She cautiously opened the door halfway.
"One minute or do I need to flip over an hour glass?" She stood there dressed casually in a simple blouse, skirt and waist cincher. Her feet were bare and her hair was in a braid over her shoulder.
"We're almost arriving at our destination, love. But before we go to our business end of this, I'd like to invite you in my quarters for breakfast."
She looked at him warily. "I'm not sure...."
She remembered the turn of events dinner the night before had taken and wasn't sure she was ready for another repeat of last night's performance.
"Not sure? About breakfast or being in my cabin?" he smiled.
She tossed the braid to her back.
"I'm not afraid of having a light spot of food with you, Captain Wolfe. I'll be there in a few minutes."
He rubbed his hand idly on the door post. "I look forward to it."

She closed the door. As he walked down the companionway, she opened the door and said, "I like my eggs scrambled, my bacon crisp and my coffee hot."
As he continued walking he said,"Right. Scrambled, crisp and hot. Just like your men."
The door opened with, "Shut it, Jack. I had a rough night!"  and Jack laughed. "Same old Honour."

She huffed to herself, "Same old Jack." But she found herself smiling.
She walked over to the bookcase and removed the book of Japanese prints, removing the key from its hiding place. She turned it over a few times. It was spindly and of dark gold. She held it up to the light and examined it. 'Still ugly,' she thought. But it just might be the key to answer alot of loose ends in her life. 

As Jack approached the great cabin, he noticed that the door was ajar. He silently cursed himself for not locking it before going topside. He drew the dagger from his belt, took a deep breath, and shoved the door open to confront the intruder.
There was his opponent, sitting leisurely in the middle of the room... taking a sunbath. The ship's cat, Puddin', looked at the ship's master for a moment, and yawned. Jack laughed, enjoying the momentary respite from the previous night's burdens.
He fetched the golden chest from its resting place and set it on the table. While it wasn't too heavy to lift and move, carrying it through the jungle unaided was out of the question. He retrieved Lafourche's journal from the writing desk, then rummaged around in his sea chest until he found a tarry cloth pouch. Inside it was the Moon key.
When Jack turned back to the table, he found that Little Puddin' had abandoned his ray of sunlight for a perch on the ornate chest. The sleek gray cat pawed playfully at the pouch, his jade eyes glittering at the prospect of a new toy. Jack smiled and stroked Little Puddin's neck,
"Well, we did it, Puddin'. We found her. Now if we play our cards right, she just might stick around." He gently lifted the cat off the chest and put it on the floor next to his bed, covering it with a blanket.

He heard a knock on his door and opening it, he found Honour standing there, a bit shyly.
"Am I too early?"

"Not at all, darling," said Jack happily. "I was just going over exploration strategy with my top advisor."
"The cat is your top exploration advisor? Next you'll be telling me Henry Morgan's navigator was a parrot."
"Actually, it was a monkey with a fascination for magnets. Are you going to stand there all day? Come in and sit. We don't bite."
"I've heard that one before," replied Honour as she stepped into the cabin. Puddin' greeted her at the edge of the table and purred loudly as she scratched his neck.
"You're safe for now. You know how I hate cold eggs. Though I'd be careful of that brute. He might viciously shed on you."

They both chuckled as they became a bit more at ease around one another. Jack watched as she rubbed the cat, paying close attention to the thoughtful, faraway smile she had. He wanted to ask her if he put that smile on her face but he dared not spoil the moment. This was the most relaxed they had been around each other since the voyage began. That is, unless they had been even more comfortable together the night before...

"I want to thank you, Jack."
"Whatever for, love?"
She turned and gave him a puzzled look. "For saving my life. Twice. That must be some sort of record."
"Well, thank you for saving mine. Again." He paused, a wistful smile playing at his lips. "Seems that no matter what, we're always there for one another."
"I never stopped to think about it, but I suppose you're right."
"Um, speaking of being there for one another... how was last night?"
Honour's face clouded over. "A living hell, remember? Don't tell me you enjoyed a moment of it."
"No! Oh, no, of course not. Not one moment." Befuddled, he paused and scratched his head. "A 'living hell', eh? I've never had it called that before..."
"Just how many mutinies have you put down, for heaven's sake? Was that sport for you, like David being hunted by Saul?"
"Oh, the mutiny!"
"Yes, the mutiny. What did you think I was talking about?"
"Well, actually... I.... oh, blimey..." he finally sighed in frustration.
"Eloquently put."
"Afterwards," he blurted. "Later, after the mutiny was over. You... you came back here after we talked."
"And?"
"What do you mean, and? And you got in bed with me, that's the 'and' I'm talking about."

Honour stifled a laugh. "Oh, that 'and'! What of it?"
He stared at her, lost for words. "It had been a while, you know... since we'd shared a bed together. That sort of thing."
"Oh, did I snore?"
"No, you didn't snore."
"Did you want to know if you snored?"
"Not really---"
"Because you did, just a little. I think it was the rum."
"Honour, I.... Oh, bollocks. Never mind."
"Wait, you wanted to know about... the other thing?"
Jack perked up a little. "I was driving at that, yes..."
She smirked and shook her head. "You quash a mutiny and save the lives of your wife and first mate, and you're still worried about that? My, someone's ego has gotten fragile!  What are you looking for, Jack? Affirmation that the earth moved? I saw shooting stars?"
"Well....."
Honour buttered a biscuit casually.
"Maybe I would have."
"What do you mean, MAYBE? I've never once not put a smile on your face."
She reached for the marmalade and spooned it on the biscuit.
"Well, you can't get a coconut every time, Jack. Maybe if you didn't....."
"What? Maybe if I didn't WHAT?"
"Never mind."
"Never mind WHAT?"
"It's not important."
"Like hell it isn't."
"I guess you were extremely tired and when men get tired....oh, forget it."
"Forget WHAT?"
She popped a piece of biscuit in her mouth.
"Well, maybe you don't find me attractive anymore. But on the other hand, Jack, I seem to recall all you need is a place. It really doesn't matter. Really, it doesn't."
She looked at him and casually asked, "Have you made Bonita mad lately?"
"Bonita? What does Bonita have to do with any of...oh, no! No, no, no! Impossible!"

Honour raised an eyebrow. "It happens to the best of men, Jack. Even those in such good shape as you. I mean, age catches up with them and before they know it..."
He ran his fingers through his hair and looked stricken.
"....they fall asleep."



Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 13, 2013, 08:20:17 PM
"What?" He wadded up his napkin and threw it at Honour's face and it landed on her head. She giggled, "You were asleep. Eli Meredith stayed in my room. Briggs was guarding him while you and I were putting the hurts to that whiskey bottle. When I got back, Eli had fallen asleep on my bed. I didn't have the heart to wake him so I let him stay there. I locked the door from the outside and told Josiah to get some well-deserved sleep. I...I guessed you would be passed out and...."
"You could have woken me up."

Honour shrugged, "You needed your sleep more than you needed....you know."

An awkward silence.
Honour asked, "Is the problem...Burgess...is he gone?"
Jack sighed, "You won't be seeing him."
She leaned forward, "What of Eli's fate, Jack?"
"Before the...removal....I had a talk with him. You were right. He was forced into the mutiny. He's a scared kid. I think it would be best for him to book passage back to England. I'll supply the fare and some coins. He got this far, he can get himself back."
She looked thoughtful. "He was always so polite. Once I dropped my shawl and he hurried over and picked it up for me."
"Maybe he worshiped you from afar."
"No, he's a gentleman. Whoever his parents are, they taught him manners."

Jack pushed away from the table. "The island is in sight. I suppose I should see to the supplies and the longboat. In an hour, shall we say?"
"An hour will be fine."
He gently touched the tip of her nose with his finger.
"See you then."

She shut the door. Her heart was divided. While a part of her longed for the freedom and adventure Jack Wolfe could provide, she knew her heart was in Wales.
To a little girl with her mother's eyes and her father's dark curls.
A little bundle named Zara Wolfe.

Honour opened up the top chest drawer and pulled out a black velvet pouch. Reaching in, she pulled the small white box out and opened it.
Inside was a lock of chestnut brown hair tied with a pink ribbon. She tenderly stroked the curls.
And burst into tears.

This was a crossroad she was dreading, one she hoped she would never have to cross. She knew she would have to decide if she would let Jack Wolfe back into her life or if she was strong enough to cut the ties forever. She knew she could never give Zara up and she didn't know if Jack could accept the fact that he was a father.
'By the end of the week, ' she thought. 'By the end of the week I will make my decision.'
Zara was starting to crawl when she sailed off.  'So much lost time, little one. Mama will make up for it when I come home and we will never be parted again. Even if it means....even if it means giving up the one man I truly love with all my heart.'

"Honour? The longboat is almost ready. Twenty minutes tops."
Honour snapped out of her reverie. She hastily wiped the tears from her face and through the door, her muffled reply was heard.
"I'll be on deck in ten minutes, Jack."
"Alright. We are loading the chest now."

She blew her nose and washed her face. Changing into a pair of breeches and tall boots, she slipped a light shirt over her and picked up her scabbard, attaching it to her belt. She ran her finger lightly over the blade of her rapier, making sure it was sharp.
'You never know how many vicious palmettos you may run into.'
Palmettos being her euphemism for anything else sinister they may run into.
As she put her cavalier hat on her head, she thought, 'One last adventure, Jack Wolfe. One last adventure before I go back to being someone's mama. You'd better make this a memory to keep me warm on cold nights.'

She squared her shoulders, held her head high and climbed the steps onto a new adventure.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 20, 2013, 08:11:34 PM
The weather deck was abuzz with activity as final preparations of the longboat were being made.  The chest, wrapped in a tarpaulin to disguise its true nature, was already secured for the secretive expedition, along with provisions and shelter for two in a large pack.  Men traded speculation as to what might be afoot with the captain and his bride.  All agreed upon one thing--no one could be certain when Jack Wolfe played his cards this close to the vest.

"We're almost done fittin' her out, Jack," announced Briggs.  "Can I be havin' a word with ye, private like?"
The two men stepped away for the core of activity.
"What's on your mind, Josiah?"
"I know what ye said, but it don't sit right with me, not one bit," said the quartermaster grimly.  "You and the lady, traipsin' through the jungle, just yerselves, and no hands to help stand watch?  It's a hell of a risk."

Jack gave his best reassuring smile.
"She's better with a blade than most of the men, and level-headed in a fight.  Last night proved it. You and Honour are the only other souls that know about the chest, but she holds one of the keys and I need you here to keep order.  One mutiny is quite enough.  Besides, there's nothing but jungle out there. What could possibly happen?"

"A chest what belongs to a lost race, the knowledge of which already drove one man crazy and I'm none too sure about ye either, a map what tells ye where to look but naught as to what ye'll find, and there's ye two. Mischief and devilment in the makin'. I see yer point. What's to worry?"
"We'll be fine," laughed Jack.  "It's not like we'll be converting your quarters into a nursery on our return!"
"Like I said, mischief and devilment!" winked Briggs as he turned his attention to the boat crew.
"All right lads, ye've got her all fit and gussied, time to put her in!  Hands to the lines, and heave on three!"

Jack turned to find Honour standing by the doorway, keeping well out of the way of the crew as they went about their tasks.  Any commotion on deck made her uneasy, a lingering after effect of the ill-fated encounter with Mendoza.  Though at times it felt like a lifetime ago, there were still nights she'd wake up in a full sweat with the din of the ship's guns ringing in her ears and the memory of her husband lying on the deck in his own blood...

She jumped, startled out of her thoughts by the touch of a gentle hand on her arm.  There before her was Jack, healthy and whole, his expression a mixture of happiness and concern. 
"Easy there!  Are you all right, Honour?  You seemed a thousand miles away."
She blinked to get her bearings again, and returned his smile.  "Yes, I'm fine.  Just lost in thought."
"Well, aren't you a vision!  The hat's a nice touch. You always did look good in feathers. And what's this?"  He pulled her rapier a few inches out of its scabbard, then let it drop back. 
"For once it's an appropriate blade. I pity those trees already," he teased.

Honour cocked her head and smiled at Jack from under the brim of her hat.  "I have the Sun key with me as well. I take it you remembered the Moon key for my chest?"
"Your chest?" he laughed.  "When did this happen, I wonder?"
"Community property," she replied, playfully brushing him aside.  "You do know the way to the beach, don't you?"
"Of course I do, my queen," said Jack.  "Your royal barge awaits!"
He jogged ahead of her and tossed a rope ladder over the side.
"I trust you can manage, or would you rather I go first and help you?"

Honour threw a leg over the rail and took the ladder, stopping long enough to stick her tongue out before climbing down.  Jack looked back at Briggs, who simply shook his head and laughed.
"Yep, I see your point. Mischief and devilment, indeed!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 27, 2013, 06:06:38 PM
Jack steadily rowed the longboat through the gentle swells toward their destination. With every successive pull, his ship became a little smaller from his perspective. He shifted his view to Honour, who was quietly gazing at the mysterious island that lay before them. But then her eyes shifted to the horizon, and a hint of sadness seemed to come over her.

"That's a pensive look if I've ever seen one," said Jack.
"What? Oh, I'm sorry," replied Honour. "Were you saying something?"
"No. Just curious."
"What about?"
"What you were thinking about," he said with a smile.
She looked at him for a moment, then back to whatever faraway spot on the horizon she had been looking toward. "Just... missing someone," she said softly. "That's all."

Jack decided not to press the matter. He was afraid he knew who that someone was, and he did not want to hear that name spoken if he was right. Besides, he was on the verge of a major conquest. If this forgotten island truly was the one in Lafourche's journal, the treasure of inestimable value would be his.
Then, why didn't it feel that way?
He began thinking back to all the people who had doubted him, doubted his sanity in pursuing this quest, that tried to talk him out of trying at all. Harkness, Jennings, Lafourche's daughter, even Bonita. As a matter of fact, Bonita offered the most opposition to his resuming the search. He thought back to that day he left Castara...

Jack had told Bonita time and again over the years about his desire to obtain Armand LaFourche's journal and, ultimately, the treasures of the Ancients.  She had shown more than a passing interest in these lost people, almost a familiarity with them.  She sensed something had changed when Jack returned to Castara, but the opportunity to find out more never presented itself.  One day, after the final remaining issues with the smuggling operation had been closed and El Lobo was being made ready to sail, she found her chance. 
The island was nearly deserted, and everyone was out of the tavern tending to the needs of the few remaining ships.  Bonita slipped upstairs and into Jack's room like a wraith.  None of his belongings had been transferred to the ship yet, just as she had hoped. The first thing she noticed what that all his belonging had been packed up, as if he did not intend to return. That was a concern for later, she decided. She went work rummaging through the boxes and chests in hopes that Jack had indeed gotten his hands on the fabled journal. 
"Dat man, him such a pig!" she groused as she went though the disorganized containers. Her hand fell upon an article of clothing, too soft, too feminine to be one of his. She held it up, and knew at once who it belonged to.

Honour. The wife of the man she was not ready to let go of.

An odd dizziness came over Bonita, the same mild spinning sensation that always overtook her when "the Sight" began its work. She slowed her breathing and let the images come. But her breath stopped for a moment when Honour's face appeared in her mind. She was close, perhaps as close as Barbados or one of the other nearby islands. If Jack were to go looking for her again, it was almost certain he would find her. But there was someone else, someone attached to Honour yet very far away...

Bonita shoved the chemise back into the trunk she had found it in and spat on the floor, then resumed her hunt for the book. Finally, amidst a jumble of books in various languages about ancient civilizations, she found the the item she sought. She held the book up before her and ran her fingers over its cover, tracing the words "Un Journal des Conclusions concernant la Civilisation Perdue connu seulement comme les Anciens" with her fingertips.  Greedily, she undid the ties holding the book shut and went to the window for more light to read its contents. 

Her eyes were wide with wonder as she drank in the images. They were so familiar to her, though she was seeing them for the very first time.  The strange writings made sense, and the relationships of the objects to one another and their significance were all so crystal clear!
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 27, 2013, 06:07:37 PM
"Who said you could go through my things?"
Like a cat disturbed in the midst of a kill, Bonita's head snapped around at the sound of the intrusive voice.  Jack stood in the doorway, displeasure clearly registered on his face.  She quickly recovered her composure, her bared-teeth snarl melting into a disarming smile.
"Jack," she purred, "Why him not tell Bonita him found Armand LaFourche and de book?"
"It wasn't any of your business."
"How this not be any of Bonita's business?" she said testily. "All dese years Bonita work to bring de great Jack Wolfe closer to dis book and it secrets!"
"Nice try. You're forgetting that I am the one who tracked Lafourche down and negotiated for the journal. You were too busy pouting and being a general pain in the arse over my ill-fated marriage. Now, hand the book over."
She casually fanned herself with the journal, her smile returning as she tried to charm him.  "What if Bonita tell him she knows t'ings. T'ings dat can help him find de Ancients.  Bonita can help him find dey island.  And him precious Honour."

Jack stepped forward and snatched the book from her hand, drawing an angry look from the dark woman. 
"You steal into my room, dig through my belongings and catch a glimpse of some drawings, now you're a bloody expert on the Ancients? That's slightly less preposterous than some insincere offer to help me find my wife, Bonita!  You hated her from the first.  Why should I think you would honestly change your mind?"
"Because dat golden haired child hold de t'ing him need, no?  Bonita knew her would break Jack Wolfe's heart," she hissed.  "Did him listen to reason?  No!  Him were too much in love."
"You were only half right. You missed the swindling bit."
"Do him want to know, or do him want to quibble?"
"Just like that, you'll tell me? Fine. Where is she?"
"Only if him promise to take Bonita wit' him."
"Blimey. And they call me mad! You, my dear, are cracked. Barmy in the head. Full stop loony. No way am I taking you with me."
Bonita scowled at him. "And what him do again, eh? Barbados, den Martinique, Antigua, Petit Goave, Tortuga, all de way round de Caribbean and de colonies of de Dutch and Spanish, again and again like some dog chasing him tail? No wonder dey all laugh behind him back at Jack Wolfe, de great fool! Him not a pirate any more. Him a lovesick cuckold."

It took Jack a few deep breaths to calm himself after Bonita's insults. She wanted him angry, but he was not about to give her the satisfaction of losing his cool.
"You're wasting your time trying to wound my pride, Bonita," he said quietly. "I don't have any left. If you'll excuse me, I have a few things here to tidy up before I leave for Barbados and chase my tail again."
"No!" she blurted. "No, him need to go to Aruba dis time. Dat where de golden-haired girl be. Bonita has seen dis, so clearly. Go dere, and him will find him bride."
"I don't believe you."
"Believe it! Bonita only want to help Jack, to see him happy again."
Jack laughed bitterly. "You want to see me happy? Bollocks! I don't know what your game is, but I'm bloody sick and tired of playing it."
"Jack, listen to Bonita!"
"Get out! Get out of my sight, woman! I will be leaving very soon, and I don't want to see your face again before that happens. Now, for God's sake, GO!"

Bonita glared angrily at him for a moment, then thought better of arguing further and left the room quickly.  Upon reaching her quarters, she flung the door open and stormed inside. 
"Damn that Jack Wolfe, and damn the woman him love!" she swore. In her rage, she kicked a wooden stool.  The stool slammed into the wall just beneath a set of shelves, dislodging them and knocking their contents to the floor.  Inside the largest of the boxes, amid various trinkets and charms, were two poppets bound back to back with twine.  The shock of the box's tumbling was enough to loosen the twine around them.

When the container finally came to rest under Bonita's bed, the dolls were nearly face to face.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 03, 2013, 07:48:05 PM
"Jack?"
He looked up to see Honour looking at him.
"Yes, Honour?"
"No-nothing. It's a nice day for a boat ride."
He smiled back and said, "Yes, it is."
Honour's face broke out in a wistful smile.
Jack looked away and continued to row.

Within fifteen minutes they landed on the shore. He pushed the longboat  and turned to her.
"We're here. Ready for an adventure?"
She gave him a warm smile and said, "As ready as I will ever be!"
"Then let's do it!"
"WHAT?"
"Let's get this loaded and our provisions together."
"Oh! That!" Her face blushed.
Jack turned his back to her and smiled broadly.
'Yes, this is certainly going to be interesting.....' he thought. 'Interesting indeed!'

The pair left their boat tied to a tree by a length of heavy rope and carried their provisions and precious cargo up near the tree line.  Honour was surprised to find the chest remarkably light for its size and apparent construction.  What surprised her even more was that instead of thinking she might have been dragged off on a wild goose chase, she was worried that Jack might have been duped.
"Jack, I thought you said this chest was made of solid gold," she said tentatively.  "It seems rather... light."
"I had the same reaction, love," he chuckled.  "But then I realised there was little reason for anyone to build a fake of such an obscure relic.  LaFourche never published his research on it, so few know what it's supposed to look like in the first place." 

He tipped the chest up to show her the underside.  A small portion of the gold had been chipped away to reveal what appeared to be dark wood.  "It's made of a dense wood, acacia or something like it.  Then they heavily gilt the whole thing, thick enough for them to make all these intricate engravings."
"Like the Ark of the Covenant in the Bible!  If it's made of wood, why didn't you simply cut it open instead of going to all this bother?  Don't tell me it didn't cross your mind."
"I gave it serious thought, believe me.  The last thing I want to be doing is stomping through the jungle, even with you as my company," he said with a wink. 
Honour smiled, finding herself once again drawn in by his flirtatious charm. 
"But LaFourche was very emphatic in his notes that the Ancients were mechanical geniuses," he continued "The same mechanism that locks the chest also serves as a booby trap to destroy the contents unless it is unlocked in the prescribed manner. Fortunately no one made the attempt before I acquired it.  What's more, the keys can't be put into the lock unless it's on the correct altar."

"So we really do have to carry it to a specific location to unlock it, then? I thought this was some elaborate ruse to keep the treasure hidden from the crew," Honour said with a note of worry in her voice.
"No such luck, darling.  But cheer up!  It's not a very big island, and I have the only map.  All we have to do is find a clearing to get our bearings, and we can start on our way."
"Let me see the map."
"What for?  Don't you trust me?"
She cocked her hip and held out her hand.  An arched eyebrow gave him his answer.

Jack smiled uneasily as he pulled the map from his haversack and handed it to Honour.  She carefully unfolded it and began to read.  It described a circuitous route through the jungle that terminated at an irregular square marking. 
"I was expecting an X to mark the spot.  Isn't that the accepted way of marking treasure on maps?" she smirked.
"Nah, those maps are for the tourists," he said, returning her smirk.  Fortunately she had failed to notice the lack of detail one would expect from a land map.  "Besides, we've already got the treasure in hand.  We're looking for the place to open it.  No sense marking the place with an X unless they left more treasure there.  Ooh, there's a thought!"
"Jack Wolfe, stop that!  You're making fun of me!" she pouted.
"Only a little," he smiled gently.  "Come on, let's get our things organised."

In spite of the chest's relatively small size, it had a set of four rings affixed to it, two on either of the long sides, no doubt so it could be carried in a ceremonial procession.  Jack slid two long wooden poles through the rings, to which he tied on a set of leather straps to fit around the chest and keep the poles from slipping free.  He then added a plank of wood, longer and wider than the chest itself with ropes attached to one end to the configuration, and slid the plank underneath the chest.  A wide belt with leather straps would serve as a harness for the improvised sledge.

"No sense for the two of us trying to carry this thing through the brush like a couple of Ancient priests," he said.  "This will allow me to pull it along and leave me free to clear a path.  You've said yourself I'm strong as a mule."
"No. I said you were mule-headed."
"That's not very nice! You know I'm sensitive about the size of my ears."
"You'll survive," she said with a laugh. "Now harness up. You've got hauling to do."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 10, 2013, 09:23:23 AM
Jack unfurled the map and looked up at the sun, taking his compass out.
"Are you looking to follow north?"
"No, I'm looking to see what the best direction to get a suntan would be."
She made a face at him. "I have NO idea why I let you talk me into this."
He rolled the map back up and said, "Because you find me charming?  When this is all over, Honour, we need to have a long talk. About us. You and me. And where we go from here. We either stay together or we end it. I can't go on like this anymore."
She stood there silently, a million thoughts and a thousand regrets going through her mind.
Hesitantly, she started, "Jack, there's something..."
She stopped.
"Yes, Honour?"
"There's--there's no snakes here, are there?"
"Honour, this is the jungle. What do YOU think?"
"I think you'd better keep that cutlass handy. If you get bit, there is no way I am going to suck the poison out of you."

Jack slipped the harness around his arms and said, "I'd keep that rapier at the ready, love."
"Why? Are there natives around here?"
He laughed. "No, this island is deserted. The Carib residents deem this island as dedicated to the Ancients. Too much mystical voodoo and all that."
She hesitated and then plunged in. She and Jack had been estranged for over eighteen months. They were almost at the 'getting to know you' stage again.
"Have you seen Bonita?"
"I surely did."
"And how is the voodoo queen of Castara Bay? Still tossing bones around and chanting fire and damnation at the mention of my name?"

Jack's thoughts turned to Bonita's words.

"Because dat golden haired child hold de t'ing you need!  Bonita knew she would break Jack Wolfe's heart. Did him listen to reason?  No!  Him were too much in love....Dere is somet'ing not of dis world about her, or wit' her!  Believe it!"

He looked over at Honour. She did hold the very thing he needed but it wasn't the key. It was her love. He realized in the last few days how much he missed her. How he had built a shell around himself and it cracked when he saw her crawling on her hands and knees out the tavern door to avoid him. How typically....Honour.

He shrugged. "Aside from the 'I tole you so' she didn't mention you. No, not at all."
Honour laughed at his imitation of Bonita's accent. "She hated me from the start. She was in love with you, you know."
He said, "I guess she was."
"You guess? Why do you think she hated me and called me a witch?"

"Dere are forces around dat girl even she do not understand!"

Jack looked into Honour's blue eyes, looking for anything that showed anything extraordinary. No, nothing there but the merriment that danced in her eyes that he fell in love with that night they stood before the magistrate and exchanged their vows. Both scarcely believing what they both had done in the morning's light and still they could not keep themselves apart.

"Jack? Jack?"
He drew himself back to the present and gave her his charming smile. "I always said you bewitched me, darling. Let's let it go at that."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 10, 2013, 09:24:48 AM
After an hour of following Jack with her rapier held at the ready, she looked over and saw the largest thickest snake she ever saw. She jumped straight on Jack's shoulders, her knees wrapped around his ears. She grabbed his hat to hold on, smashing it down over his eyes as she was screaming and blindly hacking away.
"HON-HONOUR, STOP! STOP! I CAN'T SEE!"
"AAHHH! TAKE THAT! GET AWAY! WE AREN'T LUNCH!"
Jack finally flipped her over his head and she landed on her back.
"Are you out of your mind?"
She stood up, catching her breath. "I have no intention of becoming an anaconda's lunch!"
He pushed his hat back from his face and pointed to a large root wrapped around a trunk. It had slash marks all over it.
"For the love of God, woman! It's my palmetto tree all over again!"
Her rapier was stuck in the tree. She felt her face flaming in embarrassment.
"Well, it could have been a snake! He slithered off. That was it! He slithered off!"
Jack rolled his eyes and yanked her rapier out of the tree.
"Here. Sheath this before you lop my head off."

"Jack? Do you really know where you are going?"
"What, you think I can't find my way around land?"
She held out her hand. "Give me the map."
"No."
"Yes. We have passed that same 'snake' three times now."
"Oh, alright. I'll show you the map but let's eat first. And keep your hands off it till after lunch. I don't want you dropping mustard on X marks the spot."

He handed her some cheese and bread and a few pieces of fruit.
"Wine?"
"You do think of everything, Jack Wolfe."
As they sat there eating their lunch, he spread the map out over a large flat rock.
"See here...it is nothing but jungle."
She looked at it. "I wonder....."
"You wonder...what?"
"It looks a little squiggly there."
"Of course it is squiggly. It's a bunch of leaves. What else did you expect to find in a jungle? An oasis with sand all around it?"
"Here, have some more wine. You are getting cranky, Jack. You always hated to stop and ask for directions."
"That was only a rumour. And how did you hear about that?"
"Tavern talk in St Lawrence."
"Oh."

She reached for it and Jack grabbed it back. "Ah-ah-ah!  It's mine!"
"Community property until death do us part. Hand it over. Oh, I'm not going to hurt your precious parchment!"
He sighed and handed it over. "Be careful of the creases."
" 'Be careful of the creases', he says. Of course I'll be careful of the creases!"
She held it sideways and then gave it back to him.
"Jack, I think you were looking at it sideways."
"Was not!"
"Was too!"
"Not!"
"Too!"

He stood there looking at it and Honour then gasped.
"Don't tell me you see hairy tarantulas now!"
"NO! I just saw something...wait a minute!"

She climbed up a tree.
"Honour, are you out of your mind? Get down right now!"
She shook her head. "Jack, I know what is wrong! Hold the map up in front of you!"
He held it up and she shouted excitedly. "It is just as I thought!"
"What?"
"Jack, it isn't a jungle....IT'S A MAZE!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 17, 2013, 08:56:49 PM
"Honour, think about what you're saying! This is a bloody island in the middle of the bloody Caribbean sea. Now there has to be some explanation for the roundabout path on the map. Can you see anything that would stop us from trying to go straight across instead of the scenic route? A lake or volcanic crater, anything like that?"

"No, there's nothing!" she answered. "It's all jungle as far as I can see. Jack, you have to believe me! You can see a pattern to it!"
She climbed down from the tree and took the map from him. "You need to see it for yourself! It's remarkable! What, do you need a leg up? Go have a look yourself. Unless you're afraid of heights."

It was Jack's turn to make a face, followed by a wink that made her smile like a schoolgirl. He climbed the tree to the point she had reached and took in the landscape laid out before him. He was immediately struck by the utter lack of geographic landmarks. No hills, no valleys, no ridges, nothing. The jungle canopy was almost completely uniform in height and coverage. And just as Honour had said, his eye began to pick up regular patterns in the trees and brush that couldn't possibly be the construct of Nature.

"It's impossible!" he thought aloud. "They built a jungle!"
"What? Do you see it? The patterns?"

It took him a few seconds to snap out his awe and amazement. "Yes... Yes! I see it! It's incredible!"
He reached into his satchel and retrieved a small spyglass, extended it to full length and began to survey the farther reaches of the jungle.
"Funny, I remember it being bigger!" she called up to him.
"Excuse me?!"
"Your spyglass, I remembered it being bigger than that, is all."
"My spyglass," he answered, clearly annoyed by her tangent, "is the same size it's always been! This is a spare. Easier to carry around."
"Oh, thank heaven! I thought it had shrunk."
"Honour, may I please have a moment to concentrate?"
"Sor-ry! Honestly, you show a little concern about his spyglass, and he gets all touchy!" she huffed.

Jack resumed his survey of the island, working to re-establish their position relative to the beach where they had landed. 
"Honour, would you hold the map up again, the way I held it?", he called down.
"You mean sideways?"
His mouth worked to form then stifle the beginnings of several choice retorts.  "Fine!  Yes, sideways please!" 
Honour held the map up at arm's length in front of her face to hide her satisfied grin.  After checking the map against his instruments and the terrain, he climbed down to rejoin his wife.  Ignoring her expectant smirk, he took the map from her and turned it the way she'd insisted was correct all along.
"I was right, wasn't I?" she asked.
He gave a resigned sigh.  "Yes, mi querida muñequita, you were right.  Whoever made the map took some artistic license, probably to make it useless to anyone but himself.  Those squiggles you noticed match up with something I saw over that direction.  It's no small wonder we went round in circles."
"Oh, it wasn't just the squiggles.  Look here," Honour said, pointing to a small mark in one of the margins.  It was roughly drawn, resembling a backward 'Z' turned on its side and stretched vertically.  "I assumed it was there to mark north."
"You know... I wonder... no, impossible.... but it make sense..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 17, 2013, 09:00:31 PM
"What makes sense?"
"See what looks like a backward Z laying on its side?"
"Yes, but I thought it was someone with atrocious penmanship."
"When I was a young lad--don't give me that look, I was young once--my granddad Ian would take us hiking. Northern Scotland was full of old relics. And who settled in Scotland first?"
Honour shrugged. "I'm Welsh. What do we know about it?"
"The Romans came around the first century but didn't get as far as northern Scotland. However, the Vikings came from the north.  In 793 A.D. the monastery at Lidnisfarne was sacked with Iona and the Isle of Skye  being attacked the following year. Isle of Skye is where my grandparents live. I could go on and on about the history--it's the professor in me."

Honour stood there with her hands on her hips. "So you most likely have Viking blood in you?"
"I guess so."
"You mean to tell me some tall, blond-haired Viking ravished some sweet Pict girl and you are the end result of it?"
"I love the delicate way you phrase things, darling."
"Well, that explains the pillaging and the plundering and the forceful way you have of courting."
"So I come by this naturally. Alright, back to the history of this. Which has a point, I swear."
"Go ahead. As long as there won't be a quiz on it later."
"Grandad Ian pointed out the runes and taught Thomas and me the rune alphabet. It was called the Elder Futhark and the letter S looked like a backwards Z and was vertical."
She looked over his shoulder. "And we thought that was an S. For South."
"You see where I could make a mistake then."
She nodded.
He continued. "Now in Latin, the word for north is septentrio. I think someone took a rune letter and used the Latin word for north and abbreviated it. He made a riddle of it."
"Cheeky bastard!"
"Oh, and such language coming from a convent-bred girl!"
She smacked him on the head.
"So this whole thing is a mishmash of Nordic runes and Latin thrown in?"
He smoothed the map out. "Probably someone educated and well-versed in languages. Someone who traveled extensively."

He stared at the map, slowly shaking his head as the significance of what he saw from the treetop sank in.  "It's incredible, Honour.  The Ancients completely transformed this island into a gigantic maze!  Imagine the effort it must have taken to do all this!"  An unsettling gleam came into his eyes that Honour didn't care for.  "If they went to all this trouble, the wealth this chest contains must be enormous!"
"It was terribly important to them, whatever it is," she said as she looked over her shoulder at the gleaming gilt chest.  'All this, to protect whatever is in there?' she pondered.  No, the maze had to be protecting much more, some larger secret.  But what?  "I'm starting to understand why LaFork..."
"LaFourche."
"Whatever-- was going on about what mechanical geniuses they were." 

She hesitated a moment and hugged herself as if taken by a sudden chill. 
"Jack, should we be doing this?  It feels like... grave robbing."
He left his seat on the rock and gently took her by the shoulders.  "No, Honour, it's nothing like that at all," he said reassuringly.  "If we were truly grave robbing, we'd be here to pull the rings off dead Ancients' fingers.  We are solving a riddle no one else has managed to crack.  Nothing sinister, I promise."
"But we are here to take their treasure."
"Tut, tut!  We're here to open a chest that I own, by the most prudent means possible.  I'm merely protecting my investment."
"I knew you'd find a way to rationalize this," she chuckled.  "And don't you mean our investment?"
He couldn't help but smile at the the impish look she gave him.  "There's my girl!  Now, according to the map, there's fresh water less than two hour's walk from here.  That's where we'll stop and make camp.  Ready?"
"Lead the way, captain!" she said cheerily. "But you get to take care of any more snakes!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 25, 2013, 10:02:29 AM
Honour emerged from the treeline carrying another armload of firewood.  Just as the map had promised, they found a clearing with a stream of fresh water on one side and a small lagoon on the other.  The lagoon was a surprise not mentioned on the map.  Rather, it had been created by a breach in the outer "walls" of the maze, most likely made by a storm.  Jack was making a final check of the tent stakes as she approached their camp.  The light of day was fading quickly, and a cozy fire crackled away invitingly.  She placed the wood on a pile beside the tent.  He turned and gave her a satisfied smile. 

"Home sweet home.  What do you think?" he asked.
The tent was made from a broad piece of sailcloth, staked close to the ground at the back and staked taught over a three-foot long pole at the entrance.  Palm fronds had been spread in a thick mat on the ground to form a mattress of sorts, and two bedrolls sat ready for use.
"Very nice," said Honour.  "Where's mine?"
"What do you mean, 'yours'?  This is it!  Our tent.  You didn't expect me to drag a lot of extra amenities along with us, did you?"
"Well, really... I didn't know what to expect," she admitted sheepishly.  "I've never done anything like this before."
"You've never slept out under the stars?  It's really quite easy.  I admit, it's not as comfy as our room in Castara, but it will do for the night."
She was grateful for the glow of the fire to mask the gentle blush that found its way onto her cheeks at the memory. 
"All right, then.  But you stay on your side, understand?"
Jack gave her a teasing bow.  "My lady, I swear upon pain of death to stay on my side of the tent.  But I will not place the same restriction on you.  I'd be remiss in my duties as host if I weren't welcoming in every possible way." 

Then, there it was.  That smile.  The smile that never failed to make her knees feel suddenly weak.  She took a  deep breath as he went into the tent first and laid out the bedrolls side by side, nearly touching.  He extended his hand to help her inside.  As she took it, she could see that damnable smile was still there.  As she lay down beside her husband, she thought back to the previous night when she'd stolen into his bed and the comfort of his presence, even if he never knew she'd been there.  But she pushed those thoughts aside, and rolled over with her back to him.

"Good night, Jack," she said quietly.
"Good night, Honour," he replied.  "Honour?"
"Yes?"  She'd caught the odd note in his voice.
"I... sweet dreams, love."
She smiled to herself.  "Sweet dreams."

The jungle became a symphony of subtle noises as soon as the sun went down. Honour listened to various insects, a cawing of a bird she had never heard before and even the croaking of frogs. In a way it was comforting to know that life goes on.
As long as they let her alone.
And didn't have six to eight legs and spewed venom.

She found it hard to sleep. Thank heavens that Jack wasn't a snorer. At least he wasn't in that month they were together.
A month.
Four weeks.
Thirty days since it was June that they met, married and parted ways. She felt a twinge of guilt and regret. A twinge? An enormous amount.
And in one night, her life changed forever.

In all this time Jack had never once asked her about the chests of guilders. Honour laid there wide awake, unable to turn her mind off. In the past eighteen months, she had been able to. But not any more. Her fingers trailed over the palm frond peeking out from under the bedroll as she thought about the time she had been separated from Jack.

Honour rolled over and faced her husband. He was sound asleep still. She gently touched his hair. So like Zara's.....
'I'm sorry, Jack. I'm sorry you weren't there for it. When the time is right, I'll tell you about her.'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 01, 2013, 08:15:41 PM
She tossed and turned but sleep eluded her. Honour looked out of the tent to see the moonbeams dancing on the water. She thought how nice it would be to take a refreshing dip. Just for a few minutes....enough to make me a bit sleepy.
Honour looked over at Jack. If he hadn't changed his sleeping habits in the last eighteen months, he could probably sleep through a monsoon.

She quietly slipped out of the tent and walked fifty feet down to the lagoon. All that she heard were the chirping of the crickets and the croaking of the frogs. Carefully she took off her breeches and her shirt and hung them on the branches and then quietly slipped into the cool water, diving under and emerging, the water droplets clinging to her wet skin.
Just like that day in Castara, she thought. Castara was so long ago. The beach and the grotto where they made love....

She shivered but not from the cool water.
Regret for what she lost.
And anticipation for what lay ahead.

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

White smoke billowed and swirled, momentarily obscuring Jack's vision.  He stepped forward, smiling in satisfaction as he looked upon the crippled, burning Mercedes.
"Continue fire!!" he ordered. 
An unexpected movement in the periphery caught his attention.  To his horror, he realized his beloved wife had taken refuge in the ship's boat!  She was directly in the of the field of fire, virtually unprotected.
"Honour, what are you doing?!"
Sudden, searing agony overwhelmed him as a Spanish sniper's musket ball buried itself deep in his shoulder.  The world reeled in slow motion...
"JACK!!!"

Jack sat bolt upright in the darkness, his breath coming in ragged gasps.  The panic subsided as the quiet chorus of the jungle worked its soothing magic, and he began to realize where he was.  He was safe.  More importantly, so was Honour.  It was only that accursed dream again.  Rubbing the dull phantom ache in his shoulder, he looked to make sure he hadn't disturbed her sleep.
But she wasn't there.

Surely she hadn't wandered off.  Even in their relatively civilized compound at Castara, she had been content to stay indoors after sunset.  "Honour?  Honour!" he called.  No answer.  He left the tent to begin the search, and grabbed a piece of firewood to fashion a torch. 

That's when he caught sight of her.

Honour stood nearly waist deep in the placid waters of the lagoon, her exquisite form silhouetted by the moonlight.  Beads of water glistened on her skin like precious gems.   Jack watched in silence as she moved with fluid grace, cupping handfuls of water and letting it run in rivulets over her body.  If it had been Venus herself bathing under that silvery moon, he could not have been more dumbstruck by her beauty nor more filled with desire.    As he looked on, he never noticed the piece of wood slip from his fingers.  One end hit the ground, and the other went into the fire, sending a shower of sparks heavenward.

The unexpected display caught her attention.  She looked back toward the camp to see if anything was amiss.  Instead, she saw Jack standing by the fire, watching her.  A momentary flash of modesty washed over her.  But the urge to cover herself was swiftly replaced by other, stronger urges.  She would not deny she was still taken with him.  Ever since the night she had let him into her bed only to discover he was after the Sun key, the memories of how good it felt to make love with him had been impossible to shake from her mind.

'He is your husband, Rhiannon!' she thought.  'He already knows what you look like out of your chemise.  What can it hurt?  It was always so much fun to tease him, and he deserves it...'

Smiling wickedly to herself, she dipped her head in the water and flung her long hair back, sending a glittering arc of water through the night air.  Once more she brought up handfuls of water to cascade down her skin, but this time she did so more deliberately, seductively arching and stretching her body in an almost catlike fashion.  She imagined Jack there with her in the water, his hands lovingly caressing her as she leaned back against him.  She could almost feel the warmth of his lips on her neck, delivering kiss after tender kiss...

Honour knew her seductive display would have Jack aroused to the point of frustration, and she laughed quietly to herself.  What she hadn't counted on was the feelings it awakened in her.  Her mind touched on the many times they had made love together, each memory stirring her longings for his touch into a delicious ache.  But not tonight. Not just yet.  Despite the hunger she felt, it was worth it to know Jack would be thrown off his game.  He wasn't the only one who knew how to beguile.

A small part of her nagged, trying to stir up some bit of shame at what she was doing, but it was drowned out by the sense of freedom she had at that moment. No pang of guilt, no feeling that she was betraying the memory of her first great love.  She would always feel a measure of guilt for his death.  Rhys' memory occupied a special corner of her heart, and that would never change.  But he was just that- a memory.  Little Zara filled her heart to bursting now, yet there was still room for one more great love.  It was clear to her now who that love would be.

Once again she dove into the water, then emerged with a sigh as she sought to shake off her own heightened desire.  She turned and walked toward the shore, and had to stifle a laugh as Jack broke free of her spell and realized she was coming back to the camp.  His awkward attempt to retreat unnoticed into the tent was both comical and sweet.  Once she had pulled her clothes back on, she made her way quietly to the tent and slipped inside.  He was lying with his back to her, pretending to sleep.  She sat on her bedroll for a while and watched him with a bemused smile on her lips. 

"Too bad you didn't join me, Jack.  It would have been fun!" she whispered.

His sigh, the sigh of a man who was certain he had watched a golden opportunity pass him by, told her everything she wanted to know.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on December 08, 2013, 08:13:04 PM
The sun broke through the trees, replacing the moonlight. The cawing and chirping of the birds took the musical interlude of the night symphony to a new height.
Honour stretched out and reached out for Jack but he wasn't there. She sat upright and a wave of relief swept over her as she saw him coming up out of the lagoon, his hair wet. He shook it and sent droplets spattering into the air.
"Cooling off, Jack?"
He looked a bit guilty to her delight as he said, "Not at all. I just wanted to wash yesterday's dust off."
"It's wonderful in the water. I decided to go for a swim last night. The moon was beautiful. It was almost as if heaven was holding a crystal sphere in her hands."
He started, "I kn--I can imagine."
She hid her smile behind her hand.

Jack cleared out the campfire and opened up one of the knapsacks that carried the food provisions.
"What did the cook pack?" Honour asked.
"Oh, the usual. Biscuits. Some smoked meats. Cheese."
"What, no fruit?"
'Honour, we needed things that would last."
"Jack, we aren't going to be out here forever. You said overnight. So we find the altar, open the chest and then head back. Two overnights."

He offered her some cheese. She looked around and a smile broke out over her face.
"Wait right here."
"Honour, it isn't good for you to be wandering around out here. Remember there are snakes."
She held her finger up. "I'll be back in a minute. Count to sixty."
As he did so, she appeared when he was at fifty-nine. Her chest was misshapen and lumpy.
"What the HELL? Did you get an allergic reaction to a bee sting?"
She shifted her shirt out of her breeches and a half-dozen apples came tumbling out to the ground.
"Not only that, I found a beehive where there was some honey.  I happened to have a container so I put it in there. Now we can sweeten the biscuits."

Jack handed her a biscuit.
"I don't have a spoon, Jack. But here..my fingers are clean!"
She dipped her finger into the jar and brought it out, drizzling the honey over the biscuit.
She slowly sucked the honey off her fingers.
"Mmmm! This is delicious! You know what I heard?"
"That it is fattening?"
"On the contrary. It reminded me of the tradition of the honeymoon.  Did you know, Jack, in ancient times it was traditional to present the newlyweds with honey to help them enjoy their first sexual encounters and aid to procreate a child?  The use of honey as an aphrodisiac is also mentioned in the Kama Sutra. Where it is said that honey spiced with nutmeg is said to heighten a...oh, look! A butterfly!"
Jack said, "Yeah, yeah, a butterfly. So...how do you know about the Kama Sutra?"
"Hmmm? Well, it is some sort of book,  I guess. I've never even seen it."
"What part did you like best? The part where the monkey gets loose?"
"Don't be silly, Jack! There is no monkey in the book!"
"AHA!  But how did you know?"
"I didn't. I mean, there wasn't a picture of a monkey in the..."
She found herself turning red.
"Well, I might have glanced at it."
"You never were much of a manual person, Honour.  More of a hands-on type."
"Jack?"
"Yes?"
"Shut up." 

Jack watched as she licked the biscuit crumbs off her lips.
"Mmm...that was so good!"
Jack just stared at her method of cleaning up. She caught his gaze.
"What? Did I forget a spot?"
She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and then sucked the crumbs off.
"Honour?"
"Yes, Jack?"
"Don't do that."
"I don't want to be a mess when we get to the altar.  You never know what ancient gods you may run into and I want to look my best!"
She reached over and picked up an apple. She took a bite and said, "Oh my goodness! This is delicious!"
Jack grimaced. "And so goes the fall of man, Eve!"
She looked at him quizzically and then laughed.
"Oh! That wasn't what I was thinking. Remember the story of Paris and Helen of Troy?"
Jack laughed. "You forget, dear heart, that I was an Oxford scholar."   
She sighed. "I always loved your bedtime stories, Jack!"

Jack rolled up the bedrolls and took down the canvas sailcloth as Honour gathered up the food and put it in the knapsack.
"How much longer till we get to the altar, Jack?"
He looked at the map and said, "Due west. About three hours."
She looked up at the sun. "Looks to be about eight hours so we had best be on our way. Maybe we can set up camp near here tonight. That lagoon was so refreshing and....AH! Jack! Get it off me!"
Jack reached over and plucked an emerald green beetle out of Honour's hair.
He crushed it in his hand and tasted it very quickly with his tongue.
"I've seen these before."
"What is it?"
"Some fly. From Spain."
"Oh. Well, isn't it out of its jurisdiction?"
"I think they can fly anywhere."
Jack scraped the beetle's little carcass into a piece of paper and slid it into his pocket.
"Why don't you just throw it out, Jack?"
"Oh....I don't know. A souvenir?"
Honour shook her head. "You save the strangest things...."

The provisions were packed and Jack and Honour headed towards the west.
"Oh, look, Jack! What lovely little flowers!"
Jack stopped and grinned. "Damiana. The Mayans and the Aztecs used it to make a tea."
"Was it good?"
"Oh...very good! Really good! It relaxes a person so they never want to get out of bed."
"Really! I should try that on nights I can't sleep."
Jack picked a few.
"I'll make a special tea for you tonight."
"Oh, Jack, sometimes you are so sweet!"
"Honour, you have no idea how accommodating I can be."

She squeezed his arm and said, "Isn't this all exciting?"
"Yes, love. And the best is yet to come!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 16, 2013, 12:36:39 PM
The farther they pushed into the jungle maze, the thicker the undergrowth became.  Honour kept track of their position with the map and compass, while Jack hacked away at the jungle's foliage to clear their way.  After more than an hour of slow progress and seemingly endless swinging of his cutlass, Jack was ready for a break.
"Why are you stopping?" she asked.
He turned to her with an incredulous look on his face, the tip of his sword dragging in the dirt beside him.  "In case you hadn't noticed, my beloved pet, I've been making a path through the jungle.  Without assistance, I might add!"
"I helped for a bit!"
"What, fifteen minutes, if that?"
"My arm got tired."
"More's the pity.  The trees quake with fear when you lift a blade."
She stuck her tongue out at him.  "You don't intend to let me live that down, do you?"
"Let me think," he said thoughtfully.  "Not a chance."

She put her hands on her hips and glared at Jack as if she were about to give him the tongue lashing of a lifetime.  Instead, the pair dissolved into laughter.
"I really did hack that poor palmetto to shreds, didn't I?" she giggled.
"Yes, you did!  Like a whirling Dervish, you where.  Very impressive.  Where did you learn to handle a sword like that?  You never did tell me."
Honour retrieved a skin of water and gave it to her husband.  "In school," she answered vaguely.
He drank deeply from the skin and handed it back for her to drink.  "Interesting school.  I'm not familiar with any academies for young women that include swordsmanship.  None within the financial reach of a stablehand or housemaid at any rate."
'Damn him!  Doesn't he forget anything?' she thought as she finished a mouthful of water.  "The lord of the manor was a generous man.  He did all he could to help my sister and me get an education."  It wasn't one of her better lies, but it was plausible.

Jack cocked his head and frowned.  "I thought you were an only child, Honour."
She froze for a moment, knowing full well she'd been caught.  Indeed, she had told him she had no siblings that night they entertained each other with their life stories.    Fortunately she hadn't made a bigger gaffe and let slip she had three sisters total.  "Really?  I was certain I told you about her."
"I'm certain you didn't," he countered, making sure to keep any accusatory tone out of his voice.  "Then again, communication never was our strong suit."
"We're talking now.  That has to count for something."  She sat down on the ground next to him.  "Since we're on the topic of children... did you ever want any?  With me, I mean?"
Jack chuckled.  "Honour, the thought never crossed my mind."  Her face fell slightly in disappointment.  "Until I met you, that is.  My whole world changed then.  Suddenly, a real life seemed possible.  A fine home, a beautiful wife, a yard full of children-- just like our parents told us it would be if we sat up straight and finished our peas and carrots.  Why do you ask?"
"I was just curious.  This place reminds me so much of Castara, and I was reminiscing.  Besides, what makes you think you don't already have children?" she asked coyly.
"Excuse me?" he sputtered.
"Your reputation precedes you, remember?  I'd heard lots of stories about you before we met, and not all of them had to do with prize ships and sacked towns."
He smiled at her rakishly.  "And still you married me, in spite of what you heard."
"Maybe I married you because of certain stories?  A girl gets curious, you know," she smiled in return.
Their faces drew closer to each other.  "Did I, um, measure up to what you were expecting?"
"Exceedingly so," she whispered.  A wicked gleam came into Honour's eyes.  In a flash, she brought Jack's cutlass straight up in between them.  He flinched, and gave her a puzzled look.  "You need your strength for the jungle, lover boy.  We have a temple to plunder, remember?"
"Cutlass tease," he laughed as he took his blade and returned his attention to clearing the path.  "'We have a temple to plunder'... I'd rather plunder you!" he muttered.
"I heard that!"  Honour watched as he resumed slashing away the jungle growth, secretly thankful that he was busy and couldn't see the happy grin on her face.

She looked around at the surrounding jungle as the moved along, trying to remind herself that though this wild place reminded her of Castara, the similarities were merely superficial.  Even after seeing the artificial arrangement of everything with her own eyes, it was easy to forget the island had been completely reshaped by human hands long ago.  At least she hoped they were human.  She found it easy to push such worries aside, however, knowing Jack was there with her.  He had a way of making her feel safe, despite their rocky past.  It also help that Bonita wasn't lurking around every dark corner like some terrible snake, waiting to strike...
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 22, 2013, 08:13:42 PM
A sharp clang jarred her from her thoughts.  Jack stood rubbing his sword hand, looking with disgust at yet another enigmatic seven-foot tall column.
"Damn it!" he swore.  "These blasted things are everywhere!  Not as close together as the ones we found near the start of this overgrown maze, thank Heaven."
"Maybe they never expected outsiders to get this far.  Or they changed the spacing to throw us off," Honour mused.  "Did it break your sword?"
"No, thanks for asking.  My hand's fine, too."
"You'll live," she teased.  "Dear Lord, this air is stifling!  It's like breathing water!"  She loosened the neck of her chemise, revealing a considerable amount of cleavage in the process.  "Now, according to the map...  what do you think you're doing?"
Jack had stepped close to her, pretending interest in their map.  The look on his face showed that his real interest lay with an entirely different landscape.  She quickly covered herself with the parchment and gave him an exasperated look.  "You have a one rut mind, Jack Wolfe!"
"And you have two of the most amazing--"  He paused as her eyes widened in warning.  "-- blue eyes I've ever seen.  Really.  They're spectacular."  He took a respectful step back when Honour gave him a dismissive brushing wave of her hand.
"As I was saying before your eyes nearly fell out of your head, we'll need to cut back to our right, and then bear off to the left in a wide arc."
"At this pace, we should be there in just over an hour," he said.  "I'm sure we'll find plenty of these damned pillars to guide us.  Hopefully I'll see them before I hit them."
"Do watch your blade, my husband.  I'd hate for it to get dull," she said with a saucy wink.
"For you, love, my blade is always at the ready."
"Promises, promises..."

Over the course of the next hour, Jack and Honour carried on much as they had when they were first married; talking and laughing about everything and nothing, each careful not to touch on their collapse or the intervening eighteen months.  It was easier than either imagined.  Any awkward silences were deftly filled by flirtatious banter or pleasant remembrances.  For Jack, it was a happy reminder as to why he had been so taken with her from the start, and moreover, why he fell in love with her.  In truth, the contents of the chest were no longer that important to him.  It could be empty, and it wouldn't matter that much.  He understood that the real treasure was right there beside him.

He felt the tip of his sword graze stone.  This time he was determined to proceed cautiously.  "Honour, may I have your rapier, please?  I think I found another column, but not where we're expecting one to be."
"What do you mean?  We should be on top of the temple site by now.  And I will not have you beating stone pillars with my sword!  I just had it sharpened."
"I need your sword because it's longer than mine, dear."
"It takes quite a man to make that admission," she giggled.
"Now who's got the one rut mind?" he asked in mock exasperation.  "I'm going to use it to poke around..."
Honour's giggles burst into full laughter.  Jack walked to her and pulled the rapier from its sheath.  "Hey!" she protested.
"Don't worry.  I'll be gentle."
"You've told me that one before..."
"And you never complained.  Not once.  Now, let's see what's in here."  He slowly slipped the blade in amongst the vines and branches that formed a forbidding wall in their path.  Halfway in, the blade hit stone.  Further probing showed that it was another pillar, but much larger than the ones they had already encountered.  He handed the rapier back to Honour and carefully cleared away the foliage with his own sword.  What he revealed left both of them staring in wonder.

The massive column was at least four feet wide, and taller than Jack could reach with his sword.  Carved into the face of the monolith was the figure of a man in ceremonial dress, facing to their right with his hands raised in front of him, palms out.  The pose was not threatening, but somehow reverent.  Jack took his cutlass and continued probing the undergrowth.  Some ten feet to the right of the first monolith, he found a second.  Upon its face was carved the mirror image of the first.

"Jack?  It's a gateway.  I'm sure of it," she said in a voice barely above a whisper.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 29, 2013, 08:16:39 PM
"Aye," Jack said with a satisfied smile.  "The gateway to our destination.  Excellent navigation skills, darling!  Wherever did you learn to read a map like that?"
"Some unscrupulous pirate I met a while back," she smirked as she put the map away.
"You were an excellent student as I recall."
"You were a passable instructor."  She drew her rapier and smiled broadly.  "Now that we're here, shall we see what's on the other side?"
"I was beginning to think you'd never ask!"

The couple worked together with a renewed sense of purpose to penetrate the curtain of wild growth that stood between them and the temple site.  It was easier than they expected.  Within minutes they were through, and before them lay the temple complex of the Ancients.  They stood together and surveyed where that mysterious race gathered to worship their gods. 

"Well, that's just disappointing," sighed Jack.
Honour unconsciously wrinkled her nose.  "What a mess..."

The area had been laid out like a grand courtyard, with a large central structure flanked by a handful of smaller ones.  It must have been impressive to behold during the heyday of the Ancients, but time had been a cruelly neglectful steward.  The small buildings had completely collapsed, making it impossible to divine their original shape or purpose.  Fortunately, the main temple had fared somewhat better.  One could still see the roughly pyramid shape of it, but its adornments lay crumbled at its base, the watchful statues of their gods dashed to rubble.

"There must have been an earthquake, if not several," observed Jack.  "I'm sure the yearly storms that plague this region haven't helped matters."
Honour shuddered.  "I hate hurricanes.  What do we do next?"
"LaFourche's journal said we need to find a chamber with an altar.  I'm assuming it's in there since there's only one temple," he said, motioning to the ruins.
"'Assuming'?  You mean he doesn't say for certain?"
"Forgive me.  I didn't think to ask if the chamber is in Temple Number One, Two, or Three.  We've got one temple-"
"That we can see..." she interrupted.
"What say we try the obvious solution first before getting all picky, shall we?"
"Fine," replied Honour.  "But which door do we use?"
Jack turned and took a long look at the temple.  It had three black openings in its face that seemed to lead within. 
"Oh," he said quietly.
"Not in the journal either, was it?"

Jack opened the haversack and pulled from it the journal, a small copper box of gun cloth, and a striker.  He handed Honour the journal and retrieved one of the torches he had fashioned back at their camp.  She leafed through the book as he worked to get the torch lit in the humid air.
"Hardly Botticelli, but interesting," she said as she looked at the drawings.
Jack slung the bag around his neck and held it open for her to return the book.  "Grab an end, love, and we'll go see which door is our winner!"
"Did you mean the chest, or you?"
"If you grab my end, sweetheart, I'll have to douse this torch in favour of the one you'll have lit.  Shall we?"

They carefully carried the chest up the debris strewn steps to a landing at the middle of the temple's face.  Once there, they set the chest down on the mottled grey stone.
"Stay right her, Honour.  I want to check these side doorways just in case they decided to be sneaky."
Quick as a flash, she snatched the torch out of his hand.  "I'm just as capable of exploring as you are, Jack!  I'll check this side door first."
"Honour, wait!  You don't know what might be in there!"
Jack watched as she walked to the doorway at the left side of the landing.  She turned and gave him a mischievous smile before ducking inside.

His heart nearly stopped when he heard her scream.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 05, 2014, 07:51:27 PM
When Jack reached Honour, she was standing in an enclosed room with her back to the door, trembling.  Her hair was tangled with thick cobwebs.  She never noticed when Jack brushed away a large spider that was about to crawl up underneath her golden mane.  As he picked up the torch she had dropped, he looked to see what had her so transfixed with fear.

On three of the walls,  from floor to ceiling and from corner to corner, were carved human faces, their eyes closed as if sleeping. Each one was unique, and to Jack's surprise there were women's faces along with those of men. The stone they were carved from seemed polished smooth. And quite unlike other ancient cultures, the faces were disquietingly realistic, not stylised or abstracted. There was nothing else carved on the walls. No writing, no deity figures. Just row upon row of slumbering faces.

"Well," said Jack. "You don't see that every day. Are you all right?"
Honour swallowed hard. "They... they were awake."
"Awake? As in...?"
"As in staring at me."
"Honour, they are just stone carvings," he said in reassuring tones. "Coming into this dark room from outside, your eyes played tricks on you. See?"
He passed the torch close to some of the faces. The torchlight glimmered off the polished stone.
"I swear, their eyes were open. I'm sure of it! Jack, there is something very, very wrong with this place."
"Sweetheart, we've all heard fantastic stories about ancient ruins in the New World. Claims that they're cursed or haunted, but none of it is true. There aren't such things as ghosts or curses. It's easy for your imagination to get the better of you, especially with something as strange as this room is. But we are fine. It's just an abandoned old temple. Just stones and paint. And I really, really want to get those cobwebs out of your hair. They do nothing for you."
"You're sure we're safe?" she asked, giving a wary glance at the walls around them.
"Safe as houses, I promise. Now, let's get back out in the sunlight and back to what we came here for. We can appreciate the artwork later. Just promise you won't strike out on your own again? There haven't exactly been groundskeepers about to patch up crumbling walls or broken floors."
"Trust me, after finding this awful gallery, I'll stay close." She quickly stepped back out into the sunlight.

Jack chuckled at Honour's flight of fancy. He had never seen anything like this strange chamber before, and the craftsmanship was on par with some of the European masters. It was understandable how she could have imagined the faces were something other than stone. He paused at the doorway to look back and admire them one last time.

He thought better of his decision to loiter when, just at the moment he turned, he was certain he saw the eyes of several of the faces quickly shut.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 12, 2014, 09:25:16 PM
Jack emerged, blinking, into the sunlight. He tried to convince himself that he was merely seeing things, prompted by what Honour imagined she had seen. The power of suggestion. That had to be it. They were just carved stone faces. Incredibly, impossibly realistic stone faces. They couldn't be anything more than that.
Could they?

Honour stood before him, trying to get the cobwebs out of her hair.
"I've never dealt with anything so sticky in all my life," she complained. "I'll never get rid of this awful stuff." She looked at Jack as she continued to pull at the stubborn strands of silk. "You saw it, didn't you?"
"Saw what?"
"The faces. You caught them looking."
"What makes you say that?"
"First, the look on your face. The one you always get when you find a puzzle you can't solve or something you can't explain."
"And the second?"
"All your replies are questions."
"I really do that?"
"Stop it. And yes, you do." Satisfied she had removed most of the spider's handiwork from her hair, she dusted her hands off on her breeches. "But we've come too far to let a little thing like a haunted temple stop us. That's what you're thinking, isn't it?"
Jack crossed his arms. "Fine, Madame Mind Reader. If you're so certain what's on my mind, what am I thinking now?" He cocked his eyebrow and smirked.
Honour sighed. "What you're always thinking about between every other thought in your head. And forget about it." She pointed at the chest. "That's the only chest you're getting your hands on today."
"Ah, but there's always tomorrow. You know what an optimist I am."
"Insufferable is more like it. Now, Captain, two doors left to try. Which one?"

Jack walked back out into the courtyard area in front of the temple and regarded the structure.
"Based strictly on the symmetry, I'd say the middle door is our way in. But just to be thorough..."
He jogged up the other set of narrow steps and briefly looked into the doorway. Moments later he was descending the steps again.
"Same decorator," he announced. "You'd think they would enjoy a little variety. You could teach them a thing or two about wallpaper."
"What colour were their eyes?"
Jack shook his head. "You know I usually order drinks before I get that personal."
"You noticed mine before any drinks were poured."
"You've always been the exception, my dear. Right from the start." He slung his end of the chest's harness over his shoulder. "Ready?"
Honour reluctantly picked up her end, but stopped short of shouldering it. She looked up at Jack worriedly.
"I'm scared, Jack. This place, this temple, those ghastly faces... all of it really frightens me."
"I know. And I know how very brave you can be."
"Aren't you scared, even the least little bit?"
He paused, then looked up at the sky. "It really is a beautiful day, don't you think?"
She shook her head, then shouldered her end of their golden burden.
"Yeah. Just perfect."

The entered the central doorway of the temple and paused in a foyer-like space to let their eyes adjust. Jack held his torch aloft. The light flickered and danced on the intricate carvings in the walls. Before them was another doorway and a flight of stairs descending into the heart of the temple.
"I hope these are the only snakes we see for the rest of the day," remarked Jack.
"Snakes?! You didn't say anything about snakes!"
"I'm sorry, I thought it was common knowledge that traipsing through a jungle implies the possibility of snakes. My fault for not being specific. I'll revise the travel brochures."
"You know I hate snakes, Jack."
"Don't worry, they won't be any too pleased to see you either. Call it a draw."
"I should have stayed on the ship and sent Briggs along with you."
"You've seen him and Puddin' together. I wouldn't call Josiah a friend of the animals."
"Exactly why I should have sent him instead."
"You know you want to see what's in this chest as much as I do."
"At the moment, not really."
Jack held his torch higher and looked through the inner doorway.
"I can't see a landing yet, but it can't be too far down. Ready to press on?"
"Might as well, as long as we're here."
"That's more like it. We'll go slowly, and mind your step."

Slowly they descended the long stairway, being careful to place their feet carefully on each sand-covered step.
"These carvings are incredible," whispered Honour.
"Why are you whispering?" Jack whispered back.
"Because we're in a temple?"
"It's not like we're nipping off to the church basement to see what's under each other's choir robes. You can speak up."
"Oh, right. Why do I feel I just got a disturbing glimpse into your childhood?"
"One has to start somewhere. You were saying about the artwork?"
"The detail is amazing! I don't know what a tenth of it means, but it's strangely beautiful."
"The Ancients were ahead of their time in so many ways, love. I can't even see seams between the stones. But they can't have plastered over the walls, because you can't carve plaster with much detail at all."
"And plaster would have crumbled by now. Jack, are the walls getting... rounder?"

Jack stopped and looked behind then, then ahead again. Indeed, the shaft of the stairway was far less angular that it had been near the surface.
"Well, that's just damned odd. I've never seen anything like this before. Amazing technology."
"Jack, I've got an idea. Just hear me out..."
"Honour, no. We are not going to use these carvings as inspiration for new wallpaper for the captain's quarters."
"Oh."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 27, 2014, 07:55:08 PM
Finally, they reached the bottom of the long staircase. The passageway had gone from being fairly narrow with high, straight walls, to a much wider space with walls that were smoothly curved. Apart from the steps, there was not a straight line to be seen. Jack and Honour found themselves in another anteroom, with round doorway before them. The doorway itself was rimmed with strange, evenly spaced ridges. The wall carvings had taken a similar organic turn in style. Even the colour of the stone seemed to have changed, from a nearly coral pink to a sickly translucent grey.

"I never thought we would see the end of this staircase," said Honour. "I wonder why they put everything so far underground? Wouldn't it make more sense to build up?"
"They transformed an entire island into a maze, love," replied Jack as he inspected the doorway's ridges. "I imagine building an underground complex would have been child's play for them. We couldn't even see the temple when we climbed those trees. I have a feeling that was by design. This was a special place only to be visited by specific people, not a general place of worship or commerce."
"Invitation only? All others shall be shot?"
"I'll slip the doorman a few coins if he makes a fuss. Shall we see what lies beyond?"
"We've come this far. At least we're out of that jungle heat. Is that a cool breeze I'm feeling?"
"That it is. And notice the echo? There must be a cave of some sort. Let's find out."

They stepped through the doorway and into a huge, open space. The light from Jack's torch barely illuminated the walls to either side, and revealed nothing them and only stone floor reaching ahead. They set down the chest as they tried to get their bearings.
"Oh my," said Jack quietly. "This wasn't in the journal."
"Not in the journal? How could this not be in the journal? How do you not notice something this big?"
"I'm guessing certain details were left out in case the book fell into the wrong hands." He held the torch up as high as he could as he looked at the walls. "Hints a clues only. Things that take sharp observation to sort out--- damn!"
He recovered clumsily from stumbling over a ridge in the floor.
"Sharper than than, I'm guessing," chuckled Honour. "We'll need a lot more torches at this rate."
"You may just get your wish. Here, hold the torch."

Jack retrieved a long pole that was stored in a socket in the floor near the doorway. On one end was a tarry ball of pitch. He held it to the torch until it ignited. As he held the long torch near one of the walls, he found a large bowl like protrusion with what appeared to be a wick about six feet off the floor. He touched the flame to it, and wick began to burn with a bright, steady flame.
"I'll be damned," he laughed. "The oil is still good!"
He went from one side of the huge chamber to the other, lighting the large lamps as he found them. Finally, eighteen lamps were shining brightly, their light reflecting off polished crystalline facets in the ceiling and illuminating the entire area.

Honour stared in wonder at the architecture of the expansive chamber. In many ways, it rivalled the most opulent cathedrals of Europe in its grandeur. But she could not help be feel unsettled by the look and feel of the place. Arches in the ceiling had the appearance of protruding ribs, and even the bowls for the lamps looked as if they were being held by long, bony fingers. Six doorways, three to each side, had the same strange ridging as the chamber entrance, but on a larger scale. She felt almost as if they had wandered into the belly of some enormous stone beast rather than something made by human hands.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 02, 2014, 08:22:55 PM
Jack looked around the chamber in awe.
"Honour, isn't this magnificent?" he called out as he turned in circles, trying to take in all that the lamps had revealed. He was in front of what appeared to be a large altar flanked by two massive stone columns. The columns and the wall behind the altar had more of the same strange carvings inlaid into them; strange symbols, and intricate vine-like designs that wove together to form elaborate designs that reminded Honour of Celtic knotwork she had seen in the Welsh countryside. The vine carvings that climbed up each of the two columns ended in the same way - at a slumbering stone face.
"Have you ever seen the like?" he asked.
Honour swallowed, fighting the urge to run back up the stairs and escape this bizarre place. "Not in the last week or so, no. I've got a nutty aunt who would be positively giddy over the décor, though."
"Maybe we'll find the artist's signature. If we every figure out how to read their writing." Jack walked to her and took her gently by the shoulders. "Are you still with me, love? You've got that look on your face."
"Which look is that? The 'I really want to scream' or the 'I really want to run' look?"
"Squarely between the two."
"Oh, you are good."
"Nice of you to remember," he smiled. "Wait, is that a blush I see in your cheeks?"
She gave him a gentle push. "Not that I'll ever admit to you. And quit smiling at me like that!"
He caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. "I'll get you out of here as quickly as I can, right after we get the chest opened. I promise."
"Don't promise me. Just make it happen."

"As much as I would love to explore this place top to bottom, I suppose that can wait. We're the only ones who know how to get here. I can always come back."
"You would consider coming back here, even after you find the treasure?"
"Knowledge is treasure, too, love. And there's a whacking great load of it here to be recorded. But first things first." He picked up one end of the chest. "Let's get this opened, since they were kind enough to make things so easy for us. Take the other end, and help me get it up on that altar."
Honour did as he asked, and together they carried the chest to the altar. As they set the chest upon the altar, she looked up furtively to see if either of the stone faces had decided to watch them. A sigh of relief escaped her lips when she saw they had taken no notice.

"Right," said Jack quietly. "Here we go."
He pulled two small pouches from a small cartridge box on his belt. From the first pouch he produced the silvery moon key and placed it on the altar. Then he opened the second pouch and retrieved the sun key with its spiny protruding rays. He held it out for Honour to take.
"Don't get any wise ideas about swallowing it," he teased. Honour replied by sticking out her tongue.
He picked up the moon key and took a deep breath. "We'll place the keys in their respective sockets at the same time. You ready?"
Honour held her key over the sun emblem on the lid of the chest and nodded.
"On three, then." He held his key over the moon emblem and began to count. "One, two... three."
Together they placed their keys firmly into the carved sockets on the chest's lid and watched intently.

Nothing happened.

"Bloody hell," Jack grumbled. He pulled out the journal and quickly flipped through its pages.
"What's wrong? Did we miss something?" asked Honour.
He found the entry that explained how to open the chest and stabbed his finger at it. "There! Look, it says to place the chest on an altar, then put the keys in their proper spots in the lid. That's what we did! How can this not work, when we're so close?"
Honour took the book from him.
"What are you doing?" he demanded.
"Putting a fresh pair of eyes on the problem. You go over there somewhere to stomp and rant, I'll see what I can figure out."
Jack shook his head in frustration and gave her the space she asked for. He could not believe the horrible turn things had taken. How could he come all this way, just to fail?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 09, 2014, 05:47:15 PM
"The ink's all smudged," said Honour.
"What? Yeah, why? The cat knocked over my cup one night and the pages got soaked."
She brought the book to him and pointed at one particular sentence. "Look here. Right here, where it says 'Placez la' - I'm guessing that's 'poitrine' - something 'l'autel'."
"Yes, what about it?"
"Did you read this before or after Puddin' spilt rum all over it?"
"After."
"What if you've got it wrong, then? What if instead of  "Placez la poitrine sur l'autel", it's really "Placez la poitrine dans l'autel"? In, rather than on?"
"But you see the altar, Honour. There's no place to put the chest in. On is our only option."
"What if this isn't the altar? What if there's another altar, one purpose built for this chest?"
Understanding dawned on Jack's face. "We haven't investigated any of the rooms yet."
"We'd best get to nosing about, don't you think?"
"Oh, yes!! Honour, you are positively brilliant!"
"I know," she said with a wink.

Jack plucked the keys from the chest and put them back into the box on his belt. Then he gave Honour the small torch they had brought into the temple with them, and he took the large torch for lighting the lamps for himself. The pair split up, each taking the three rooms on their respective side of the grand chamber.

The first room Honour entered was sparsely arranged. Just a few chairs, but an incredible amount of detailed carvings on the walls. Unlike the interlaced vine things depicted in the main chamber, these carvings depicted people. Honour assumed they must be the Ancients, as they bore a strong resemblance to the sleeping faces that seemed to be scattered all through the temple. As she followed the carvings around the room, she slowly realised what was going on in the mural. She put her hand to her mouth and giggled. That one looked an awful lot like page 38, and this other one... she had to stop and count arms and legs to try and figure out how many people were involved.
"Have you found anything yet?" called Jack.
"Uh, no, nothing important!"
"Me neither. Just farming scenes, lots of planting and harvesting. What about yours?"
"Oh... lots of planting. Lots and lots of planting."
"Boring stuff, isn't it? I'm heading to the next room."
"So will I then."
"But don't be surprised when--"
Honour yelped in surprise when she turned towards the door.
"-- when you see the stone face over the door. I'm guessing they're in every room."
"Thanks for the warning! A little earlier next time, please?"

Jack chuckled as he entered the next room. But his mirth was quickly replaced by wonder at what he saw.
It was not the altar he was seeking, but something uniquely spectacular.
Displayed before him was a gigantic model, some twelve feet long and ten feet wide, of a fantastic city. Everything was represented, down to the smallest detail. What appeared to be housing for the general populace ringed the outer portion. There was a massive market square, with buildings for permanent shops, areas for food vendors, even stalls for animals. A complex of  what looked to be ornate governmental buildings filled a large portion of the map. And at the centre of it all a stood colossal temple, complete with a huge courtyard flanked with stone seating that resembled a Roman amphitheatre. If this model represented an actual city, quite possibly the capital city of the Ancient's civilisation, Jack Wolfe may well have stumbled upon the greatest find since the discovery of the Ican and Mayan empires.
"Honour! Honour, come quickly! You have to see this!" he cried.
"No, Jack, you had better come here. And fast."
"Did you find the altar?"
"No. Something I wish I hadn't found at all."

There was something about Honour's tone of voice that told him something was seriously wrong. He hurried back to the main chamber to find her standing there, grim faced and tense. She was looking in the direction of the big stone altar where they had left the chest. He turned to see what had her attention, and nearly dropped his torch when he saw what it was.

"You!" he gasped.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 19, 2014, 09:13:46 PM
"Dat not any way for him to greet Bonita, after all dis time."

She stood before the large altar, between Jack and the chest. Held aloft in one hand was a torch, while her other hand stayed near a leather pouch that hung from her belt. No weapons could be seen, but Jack was well aware of the lethal surprises that could be concealed in the folds of the dark woman's calico dress.
"You'll forgive me for not being happy to see you," said Jack. "Unless you've come all this way to lend a hand, then I'll be the first to welcome you to our little expedition."
He motioned for Honour to come to his side, which she did without hesitation. Bonita's eyes narrowed at this. She knew someone was with Jack. But she hadn't counted on it being his wife. Something had gone wrong with her curse. Something she would surely remedy in due time..
"Bonita tell Jack her know how to find de temple of de Ancients! But would him listen? Would him ever listen?"
"Fine, fine," he said testily. "Jump right to the I told you so's. But tell me- how long have you been here?"
"Longer dan him t'ink."
Jack shook his head. "No, that's not an answer. I believe the real answer is that you followed us in."
"What make him so sure?" she asked defiantly.
"We had to cut a trail. Thick underbrush, damned difficult to get through."
"Bonita cut her own trail--"
"And did I mention the whole island is a maze? The whole bloody thing, one massive maze. My lovely bride here made that discovery. And we have the only known map. One way in, and lots of very dead ends. Like any good maze. Ergo, you followed us."
"Thanks much for letting us do all the work," added Honour. "Heaven forbid you break a nail."
Bonita glared at them in angry silence.
"Just as I thought. Thanks again for dropping in like this, Bonita, but we're terribly busy," said Jack. "It was delightful catching up. I trust you can find your way out."

"Bonita not going anywhere," she said with cold sternness. "Not wit'out what Bonita come here for."
Jack could feel Honour's grip tighten on his shirt.  She didn't like where this was going any more than he did. 
"Let me guess," he said, making no attempt to hide his displeasure.  "The contents of the chest?  When did you get into the business of highway robbery?"
"What is in de chest be much, much more dan de shiny swag him took from so many ships.  It is wort' all de patience Bonita could find wit'in herself, waiting for Jack Wolfe to finally gat'er all de pieces and bring dem to dis sacred place.  Dere were a reason him and Bonita were brought toget'er so many years ago when him first start looking for de chest.  It were Fate's hand."
"'Fate's hand'?" he echoed incredulously. "Oh, that's rich! You've known about the keys and the chest for years, yet you said nothing about their origin. You contributed nothing to my efforts to locate the journal. But now you show up at just the right time to try and  steal the treasure I've worked so hard to find, and you call it fate?  My wife and I have risked life and limb to discover and retrieve what is contained in that vessel.  If you think I'm going to hand over it's contents to you, you've really gone round the bend.  No, I won't let you stroll in here and lay claim to my prize."
"Jack Wolfe's precious prize be damned!" Bonita retorted in a commanding voice Jack had never heard her use before. "Bonita claim her birt'right!"

Jack and Honour stared at her in disbelief.
"All right," he said after a few moments. "This I have to hear."
"Bonita tell de trut'!" she continued. "Her Tia Elena, she tell stories of dese people him call de Ancients.  How untol' years ago dey abandon dey empire to go amongst de people of ot'er lands to spread dey knowledge so it would not be lost.  Tia Elena teach Bonita everyt'ing she know of dem.  She say one day dey secrets would be revealed, and Bonita would stand witness to it.  De bones tell her dis, and de bones no lie!"

Jack began to slowly clap in mocking applause. "A lovely story, Bonita. Really, it's quite the imaginative yarn. A pity you didn't bother to mention any of this beforehand. It would have been awfully helpful, not to mention a damn sight more believable!"
"It were not wort' mentioning before because Bonita not see de connection until you, Jack Wolfe, found de one t'ing dat link dem all toget'er."
She pointed at the book in his hand.
"The journal!" Honour gasped.  "Jack, you showed it to her?"
"Not intentionally. She ransacked my room to find it," he said. "I've had quite enough of this, Bonita. No more of your lies, no more fairy stories. Either leave on your own, or I'll tie you up and toss you in a corner somewhere, but you'll not interfere with us any longer!"
Bonita met his gaze.  Slowly, a wicked smile spread across her face.
"What are you grinning at?" he said angrily. "You think I'm joking? That I won't do it?"
"Bonita not smiling at Jack Wolfe."  She nodded in the direction of the doorway behind him.  "Bonita smiling at him."

Honour tugged at Jack's sleeve. "Jack, turn around. You had better see this."
"I'm beginning to hate when you say things like that. Am I going to like what I see?"
"Not really."
"Didn't think so. It's become that kind of day..."
He turned to find a mountain of a man just outside the main doorway.
"Oh, bollocks," muttered Jack.
The ebony giant ducked down in order to enter the grand chamber.  Once inside, he drew himself up to full height as he strode towards them.  He was easily six and one half feet tall, clad in breeches, boots, and a waistcoat.  Tucked into his belt were two extremely long, no doubt extremely sharp bone-handled knives.  He stood looking down impassively on the trio with his hands on his hips, his massive hands much too close to the knife handles for Jack's comfort. Jack knew he could not hope to draw a weapon fast enough before the colossus would be upon him.

Bonita's chuckle broke the silence. 
"Him are Bonita's cousin, Isaiah," she said smugly. "Now dat everyone are acquainted, please, Jack. Open de chest."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 02, 2014, 07:44:44 PM
"We already tried," said Honour. "Jack put the keys in place, and nothing happened. So either the keys are fakes, the information is wrong, or the mechanism is just too old to work anymore. Regardless, the chest isn't opening today. You and your cousin should go back to wherever you came from, and we'll go on our way as well."
Bonita shook her head. "No. Even if de chest not open on de first try, it will open. Jack Wolfe been too long trying to get at what it holds to give up so easy. Him have not tried everyt'ing yet."
"What makes you so sure?" replied Honour.
"Because him a resourceful man! Jack will find a way. Him always find a way to get what him wants. Or do Bonita know de Golden Child's husband better dan her do?"

Honour's fist and jaw clenched simultaneously, but Jack spoke before she could do anything rash.
"Honour, don't. It's all right. Don't let her goad you. It's not worth you getting hurt."
"Like I couldn't take her? I'm lots younger than she is."
Jack nodded towards Isaiah. "It's not her I'm worried about."
Honour looked over at the towering man and found him glaring back at her.
"Fine," she sighed.
"Now, as Bonita were saying before de unruly child speak out of place, where else did Jack plan to try? If de chest not open here, den it must need somet'ing else."
"We were working on that when you and your pet oak tree showed up," said Jack. "There are two smaller chambers we haven't explored yet. I don't suppose you would care to pitch in and help?"
"Bonita and Isaiah will stay here to keep watch over de chest," said Bonita, keeping up her haughty air. "Jack and de girl child will keep looking for what dey seek."

Jack reluctantly accepted her orders. Bonita had many shortcomings, but her intelligence wasn't one of them. She knew to keep Jack and Honour separated, to prevent them from scheming together against her.
"Honour, don't hesitate to call out if you find anything, anything at all that might help us," he said, trying to muster as much of a reassuring tone as he could.
"I can't believe you're going to let her get away with this," muttered Honour.
"At the moment, I'm short on alternatives that would work and keep you safe. Just keep your eyes open. I'll get you out this. I promise."
Honour looked at him for several seconds, then a confident smile began to appear on her face. "I know you'll get us out of this."
The couple parted ways, each going to the last chamber on their respective side of the grand chamber. Bonita and Isaiah watched intently as Jack and Honour disappeared through the doorways.

Jack held his torch up high enough to illuminate the entire room he had entered. The carvings on the walls were similar to the other chambers, but the motif seemed to be more of a celestial nature. The sun, moon, and stars made up a sort of stone tapestry that encompassed the space. There was no altar present, but four wide waist-high pedestals stood arranged near the centre of the room. Set into the top of each pedestal were two dozen large, clear gemstones of varying colours and shapes. He knew he was staring at a king's fortune in precious stones. Or Bonita's fortune, as things were turning out. But he had to see if the stones were permanently set in their stone consoles or not. The only other observer there was the sleeping stone face over the doorway. Slowly, carefully, he reached down to lift a large ruby from its resting place...

"JACK!"
He jumped, startled so badly that he nearly dropped his torch.
"Honour, is everything all right?"
"I think I found it," she replied. "You really need to come see this yourself."
"The last two times you said that, I wish I hadn't seen what you'd found."
"Just hush and get in here, would you?"
He paused at the doorway of the gem chamber, then cursed under his breath as he continued on to see what Honour had found.

Bonita and Isaiah were still guarding the chest as Jack walked quickly past them.
"What is it?" asked Bonita. "What did her find?"
"You're the bloody fortune teller, you tell me! But if you're in a betting mood, have Goliath there bring the chest."
"Isaiah," rumbled the giant.
"Whatever. Same book, right? That's got to count. Now, come on."

Jack continued on, followed by Bonita. Isaiah put down his torch and lifted the gilded chest like it was a small sack of flour. When they got to the chamber, Honour was standing in the middle of the room with her torch held high over an ornate stone altar. In it's top surface was a large rectangular socket. It looked to be the perfect size to receive the chest.
"Dans instead of sur, just as I thought!" beamed Honour.
Jack hurried to the altar and looked down into the opening. Its sides were smooth and even, and on the bottom were a number of short upward-facing projections smaller in circumference than a man's little finger. He recognised their pattern as the mirror image of the one made by small holes on the bottom of the chest.
"As brilliant as you are beautiful, my love," he grinned.
"I'm just sorry the circumstances took such a sour turn."
"We solved it together, that's the important thing. You're a far finer treasure any day."
"Enough lover's talk," interrupted Bonita. "Isaiah, put de chest in it rightful place."
"Hold on," said Jack. "It has to go in a certain way, or he'll ruin the mechanism and any chance of getting the chest open."
Bonita frowned, but nodded her agreement.

"All right, mate," said Jack to Isaiah. "Hold the chest up higher... Nice sarcasm. A bit lower, please... there. I can see the pattern clearly. Now, take it round to Honour's side of the altar and slowly lower it in."
Honour stepped out of the way as Isaiah brought the chest over the altar and began to lower it inside.
"There," coached Jack. "Slowly, slowly, that's it... perfect!"
The chest was seated fully into the altar, with only its lid protruding above the altar's surface. And audible click echoed in the chamber, followed by muffled whirring. The four people looked at one another as the strange sounds seemed to slow and die away.
"That's it?" asked Honour.
Suddenly, the lid's central disk, where Jack had originally tried to place the keys, disengaged and sprang up a full two inches above the rest of the lid. They watched in stunned surprised as the engraved receptacles for the keys rotated away from one another.

"Oh, no," smiled Jack. "We're just getting started!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 23, 2014, 07:47:01 PM
He fumbled for the pouch containing the two keys. Honour looked on as he produced the moon key, his hand trembling as he moved it toward its receptacle. Gently, she steadied his hand with hers. Jack gave her a smile of gratitude in return.
"Together?" he asked.
"Together."
They carefully put the key in place and pressed until it clicked snugly into the mechanism. Jack exhaled, then began to reach for the pouch again.

"Why is de key not working?" demanded Bonita.
"Because it's a dual-key lock, or haven't you been paying attention? Do try to keep up." Jack said tersely. He nodded to the stone face above the doorway. "If you need a refresher, ask him. We're trying to concentrate."
"Oh, my God!" Honour gasped. She had looked up at the face as well, and was aghast to find its eyes were open and watching them.
"You were right, Honour," said Jack. "The twin of the room you found, it had walls of faces as well. And I saw their eyes, too."
"Why didn't you say so before we came down here?"
"Would you have entered the temple if I had told you the truth?"
"Of course not!"
"Well, then." He pulled the sun key from the pouch. "Since we have their attention, shall we continue?"
Honour glared at him and plucked the key from his hand. "Anything else you haven't been honest with me about?"
"Not in the past thirty seconds, no."
She rolled her eyes and pointed at the chest. "Let's put this in the lock before I feed it to you."

Together they grasped the sun key, as they had with the moon. Honour looked at Jack's face, and saw there a mix of manic excitement and the glee of a child receiving a gift pony. She found herself hoping that all his years of searching were about to finally pay off. If only they could find a way to keep Bonita from stealing it away from him. Jack's excitement was infectious, and her heart began to race as they placed the key on its receptacle.
"Are you ready," he asked.
"Just one question."
"What's that?"
"Well... when we fix the key in place, what happens next?"
"I assume it unlocks the chest."
"I mean, what will it do? How do we know it's unlocked?"
Jack shrugged. "I have no idea."
"The journal doesn't say?"
"No. No one has gotten this far. We're the first." His eyes gleamed as he spoke. "No one has seen what we are about to see for countless ages. Isn't that exciting?"
Honour nodded in agreement. "It is. And I hope it's everything you've imagined."
"Here we go, then. On three. One, two... three."

The sun key snapped into place, and a muffled click came from somewhere inside the chest.

And nothing happened.

"Damn it," said Honour under her breath.
Jack leaned close to examine the lock mechanism. "Maybe, just maybe..." he muttered. Finally, he used his index finger and gave it a sharp tap.
"Gotcha!" he exclaimed triumphantly.
The keys and their receptacles rotated back into the lock. The entire cylindrical mechanism then began to turn slowly and retract into the chest. Whirring and clicking could be heard emanating from within as ancient clockwork performed its hidden dance.

Jack shook his head in admiration. "There's not a clock maker alive who wouldn't give his firstborn to see this."
The top of the cylinder became flush with the rest of the chest's lid. It's rotation sped up slightly as it completed another half turn before coming to a complete halt. The sounds of clockwork could still be heard within the chest. Suddenly, there was a rapid succession of eight louder clicks, and the lid slowly rose from the chest by roughly half an inch.

The ancient seal had been broken.

The chest, for the first time in generations, was finally unlocked.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 06, 2014, 04:41:13 PM
Honour, Jack, and Bonita stepped toward the chest in breathless silence. Honour had expected Bonita to throw herself on the chest in a fit of greed, but the dark woman kept a respectful distance.
Jack reached forward and grasped the lid. The look of manic eagerness Honour had seen in his eyes had been replaced with one of cautious hope. He took a deep breath and lifted the lid away from the chest.
All three leaned in to see what treasures the gilded box contained.

Honour's expression turned to one of bewilderment.

Bonita's went from astonishment to angry confusion.

And Jack simply began to laugh.

"Oh, that's beautiful. Just beautiful!" He looked up at the stone face that continued to observe them. "You cheeky, cheeky bastards. How completely brilliant of you!"
"I don't understand," said Honour. "What are they?"
Jack reached into the chest and picked up one of the items. It was a wooden plank, approximately one foot in length, five inches wide, and nearly an inch thick. It was covered in some sort of fine cloth with what appeared to be some sort of writing and strange drawings on both sides.
"Look around you, Honour. Would you say that in order to build something as incredible as this temple, and to have created such an ingenious way of watching over it with the stone faces, wouldn't that take a lot of knowledge?"
"Of course it would. Why?"
"In order to preserve that knowledge, you write it down for future generations."

He gently pulled at the edge of the cloth covered plank, and it began to open up. In fact, it wasn't a plank at all. It was a stack of very thin wooden slats, covered in fabric and written upon, and bound into a single fan-folded piece. Every section was filled with the same cryptic writing, from top to bottom and side to side, on front and on back.
"Books!" he said gleefully. "That's the treasure of the Ancients. Their knowledge, written down and preserved. Not gold or silver. Books, locked away in a portable archive. There's probably twenty volumes here. Surely not everything, but a nice chunk of it."
"The chest seemed heavier than holding just books," said Honour.
"You heard the lock mechanisms. All that clockwork has to weigh something."
"I suppose so. And only you would be this excited over finding a cache of books. How can you be sure it's the lost knowledge of the Ancients anyway? They could just as well be cookbooks or the king's favourite dirty jokes for we know."
"Who would go to all the trouble to lock up cookbooks?"
"You'd be surprised. The manor's cook kept hers in a locked cupboard and the sharpest knives close by. "
"Well, this is the only place the chest can be opened, and I don't see a cookstove about. Safe to rule out a library of recipes." He paused for a moment, his smile broadening. "What's the matter, Bonita? You don't look happy. Not happy at all. Are you not liking this little lesson in the old adage about all that glitters?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 06, 2014, 04:41:42 PM
"Dis not make any sense," she fumed. "Jack Wolfe only concern himself wit' gold and silver. Dey are de only t'ings that make him truly happy. Why him so happy over books?"
"I'll admit, you're right," he shrugged. "I was expecting - hoping - for lots of shiny valuables. But it would seem the Ancients were far more pragmatic than their descendents."
He offered Bonita the book in his hand. "Here you go. Your birthright. Read us a story, eh? I'm all ears."
Bonita glared at him and did not take the book.
"Ah, that's because you can't read this writing, isn't it? What you learned was all oral tradition. Stories handed down the generations by word of mouth, changing and diverging all along the way until they don't even resemble the original writings." He tapped the book for emphasis. "This may be your birthright, but your ancestors unintentionally cut you off from that inheritance long ago. Still, they would look lovely on your bookshelf back in Castara. If you had a bookshelf. Maybe these tell you how to build a bookshelf?"
"Bonita have no need for dese useless t'ings. Bonita have all de knowledge she need, right here!" she said as she tapped her forehead. "Him can add de books to him library."
"Why?" asked Honour. "Wasn't the point of all this so you could steal the contents of the chest away from him?"
"Dere is no gold to steal, and dat all him care about. So let him have a chest full of books him cannot even read. All dose years of him life chasing after not'ing. Justice have been served."
"What can I say?" replied Jack. "You won. After years of searching, all I got was a pile of old smelly books writen in a dead language. I still may take a few with me for starting campfires. Saves foraging for tinder."

"It were a pleasure seeing you again, Jack Wolfe," said Bonita through an oily smile. After shooting Honour a disdainful look, she turned to her cousin. "Isaiah, we go now. Bonita have all she came for."
"Bonita, wait," said Honour. "You and I have some unfinished business."
The dark woman turned to face Honour, a look of cold defiance in her eyes.
Honour stepped closer as she began to speak. "I know we've never been on good terms. You hated me from the start, and I can't get within fifty feet of you without my skin crawling. But there were things you said about me to Jack, and I want to set the record straight."
Bonita sighed impatiently. "Go on."
"You told him I had an agenda. And agenda to steal his money and leave him at the first opportunity. You were wrong."
"Actually, that is what happened, darling," interrupted Jack.
She shot him a look over her shoulder. "You're not helping."
"Sorry. I'll just stand here and not help."
"Anyway," Honour continued, "You were right about me having an agenda, though. It was to help my husband on his search to discover the secrets of this chest. I'm glad you were here to see that achieved. And despite what you think of me, I would never stoop to the levels that you think I would, or the depths that you have. You will never frighten me, and I won't be provoked by the likes of you."
She turned to walk back to Jack's side when Bonita said condescendingly, "De golden haired child, her such a pretty little liar."
Honour stopped, took a deep breath, and said, "So I was wrong."

With that, she whirled and landed a hard right hook to Bonita's jaw. The force of the punch spun Bonita to the ground, where she lay unconscious.
Honour looked down at her handiwork and nodded in satisfaction.
Jack reached for his sword to defend Honour from Isaiah. But to his surprise, Isaiah put away his weapons and stooped to pick up his cousin.
"When de women fight," rumbled the giant man, "De men folk stay out of it. Women, dey fight too dirty."
"Wise choice. I'll remember that," said Jack.
Isaiah nodded, and carried Bonita from the chamber toward the long stairway that lead back to the sunlight.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 20, 2014, 07:29:53 PM
Honour walked back around the altar to where Jack stood, rubbing the reddened knuckles of her right hand.
"So much for Bonita's gift of second sight," she said with a wry smile.
"That was a pretty mean punch you threw. I was only slightly less surprised than Bonita by it."
"She's lucky my bodice dagger is still lodged in the mainmast."
"I'll never underestimate your resourcefulness," chuckled Jack. "She certainly deserved it."
"I've wanted to do that since the day I met that awful woman."
He took her right hand and gently kissed it. "It took me back to an earlier time. The night we met."
Honour giggled at the memory. "That loudmouthed drunk with the shoe problem?"
"You're still the feisty streetfighter who managed to captivate me so."
"Jack Wolfe, you are a sentimental fool."

Her eyes met his, and they found themselves being drawn into a kiss. But Honour remembered that they weren't exactly alone, and turned her face away.
"Jack, can we... I just want out of this place. I can't stand that thing staring at us a moment longer."
He kissed her head, pausing briefly to take in the scent of her hair. "You're right, love. We'll pack up and get out of here straight away."
"Pack up?" she asked. "Pack up what?"
"The books," he replied. He retrieved two oiled canvas bags from the haversack he used to carry the journal and light provisions. He tossed one of them to her. "Here. I think half of them will fit easily."
"We're taking the books? I thought you said they were worthless."
"No, Bonita said they were worthless. I pretended to go along with her."
"So what you said about using them for kindling..."
"I lied."
"Of course you lied," she said. "Your lips were moving. Have you ever, even for a moment, considered telling the truth? Just for the sake of variety?"
"Honour, if I started telling the truth now, what would be left for my deathbed confession? Think it through. Bedsides, Bonita would have taken then out of spite. Probably to destroy them or dump them in the jungle."
"What will you do with them, then?"
"Oh, I don't know. Read them, perhaps?"
"Do you know how?"
"Of course not. There's the challenge. Now, help me pack."

They carefully loaded the sacks with the ancient books. Honour noticed that they varied somewhat in thickness but not in height or width. Jack seemed more preoccupied with getting them packed away as quickly as possible. She guessed it was a holdover from his days spent in less savoury pursuits. Finally, the last book was secured and the sacks tied shut.
"That's the last of it," said Jack with satisfaction. "Ready to see the sunlight again?"
"Lead the way out, mon capitan. Just one thing, though."
"What's that?"
"The next time you want to take me to an island, make it Martinique or Saint Thomas. Some place with shopping and decent tea."
"I promise."

He looked up at the stone face, which continued to watch them impassively.
"It doesn't seem angry about our taking the books."
"It's made of stone," said Honour. "Can it change expression if it wanted to?"
"I'd rather not find out. Still..." He cleared his voice and spoke to the watcher. "I don't know if you can understand me, or even hear me. But I promise to treat these books with care and respect. We will leave now and let you go back to sleep if that is all right with you."
The stone face continued to look at him. Then it seemed to shift its gaze back to the empty chest still nestled in the altar, and its eyes slowly closed.
"Does that mean 'bon voyage and don't forget to write'?" asked Honour.
"I'm taking it as such. Come on, let's get out of here."
They walked toward the door of the chamber, but stopped in their tracks when they heard the sound of stone scraping on stone behind them.

They turned warily to see what was moving in the chamber. To their astonishment, they found the chest was rising slowly out of the altar.
"Did we cause that?" asked Honour.
"I have a feeling our stoic friend is behind this. But why?"
The chest continued to rise until it was completely free of the stone altar. Jack and Honour watched and waited in silent anticipation for what might happen next.

But nothing did.

"Is that it?" asked Honour.
"Looks that way. Do you need a box for Muir's toys?"
"It would make a nice planter..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 27, 2014, 04:55:09 PM
Clockwork noises emanated anew from somewhere within the chest. As the couple looked on, a set of panels on the lower third of the chest's side pushed outward, then rotated before retracting into the chest itself. Jack and Honour's eyes went wide at that the Ancient's latest display of mechanical wizardry revealed.
"Gold," they whispered in unison.
Cautiously they approached the chest. They could see what appeared to be the bases of three small statues. Jack lifted one of them free from its hiding place. The figure was of a fierce looking man with an ornate headdress, seated in a throne. Its eyes were two of the most radiant rubies either of them had ever seen. Honour picked up another. The face of this one was impassive, like the stone faces they had encountered throughout the temple. Its eyes were flawless emeralds. The third's face was strange, almost a mask of fear or dread. Its eyes were sparkling diamonds, clear and brilliant. All three of the statues had a set of rods protruding from the bottom, each one in a different pattern.
"This is incredible," said Jack in hushed awe. "Whatever these are for, it has to be contained in the books."
"Do you think these are part of something else? Another of the Ancients' puzzles?"
"It stands to reason, what with these strange rods sticking out of the underside of all three statues."
"More keys?"
"That's my guess as well. But to what?"
"Thank goodness they aren't as hideous as the last two keys," said Honour. "Can we please go now? This was a good surprise, but I'm scared that if we overstay our welcome the next one won't be as pleasant."
Jack placed the statues into the haversack and gave it a pat. "Right you are. I have no desire for us to become permanent fixtures here." He took the torch from the wall and pointed toward the doorway. "Let's go find that sunlight."
"And fresh air! I'll take jungle flowers over a musty ancient temple any day."

As they left the chamber, Jack glanced up at the stone face and was relieved to find its eyes still closed.

They made their way back through the main cathedral-like chamber to the stairway leading out. Jack paused to look back.
"You want to come back here, don't you," asked Honour.
"Maybe one day. There might be more secrets here, more parts to the mystery of these strange folk still hidden away. Who knows what the books will reveal? Maybe even the location of that grand city."
"Something tells me you'll find out. But do me a favour, please?"
"And what's that?"
"Don't become obsessed and lose your mind like LaFourche."
"You mean LaFork, don't you? Don't confuse me like that."
Honour rolled her eyes. "Does everything have to be a joke with you?"
He cocked his head and smiled at her. "No. Not everything."
She started to say something, but no words were to be found. The look in his eyes caught her completely off guard. She remembered that look. It made her heart skip a beat, and the sensation of butterflies fluttering inside.

They proceeded up the stairway toward the sunlight in silence, both of them lost in thought. Jack was caught up in the mystery of the Ancients, and Honour was caught up in the mystery of this man she was married to. And if she would stay to any answers.

As they neared the top of the stairs, a deep rumbling could be heard from deep within the temple. The sound of stone scraping on stone could be heard, but this time it was something massive.
"Oh, no, no, no! Bollocks!" exclaimed Jack. He laid down his sacks and ran back down the stairway as fast as his legs would carry him. Honour called after him, but he ignored her pleas to come back.
The torchlight finally reached the source of the noise: a huge stone door was closing, sealing the inner temple off from the outside world. He stopped and watched as the door closed with a resounding boom.

Honour watched as Jack walked dejectedly up the stairway. When he finally reached her, she put her arms around him and laid her head on his shoulder.
"It's all right," she said softly.
"Is it really? That door over a foot thick. I'll never be able to raise it."
"I don't think you have to. Whatever the answer to the next part of the puzzle is, it is not here."
He looked at her quizzically.
"Why would they let you have the books and the keys, then wall you off from where they would be used? Don't you see? The answer is somewhere else. Not here, not on this island. The Ancients are telling you to keep looking."

Jack thought about her words, and his face brightened. "That makes sense. That actually does make perfect sense! When did you learn to think like them?"
"I didn't have to. I'm a woman. Discerning that there is a deeper meaning to some things comes naturally."
"I'm grateful to have you here, Honour. Intuition and all."
"And my right hook?"
"Especially your right hook!"

They walked out into the sunlight, breathing in the warm jungle air as they crossed the temple's expansive courtyard. Jack kept thinking about Honour's logic, and was confident she was right. The sealing of the temple wasn't the end of this adventure. It was only the beginning.

He looked at her and noticed the almost gleeful expression she wore.
"What has you so happy?" he asked.
"Oh, you know."
"Finally getting to belt Bonita in that smug face of hers?"
"And knowing that she is out of our lives. I feel like singing!"
"I'm sure the birds would gladly join in. What on earth is that you're playing with?"
She showed him what she had been turning over in her hand since they had left the temple. "One of Bonita's poppets. It fell out of her pouch when she landed on the floor. I though Puddin' would like a new toy."
"He'll love it! And I'm sure Briggs will appreciate finding it in his bed."
They laughed together, and Honour locked up her arm in his as they walked into the jungle.

And in that moment, golden statues and grand adventures were the furthest things from his mind. Only a treasure named Honour Bright.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 04, 2014, 08:10:24 PM
Meanwhile in Castara Bay on the island of Tobago---

"Bonita? Bonita!"
"Her not here!"
The dusky woman looked up from wiping down the bar.
"Who you be?"
"Cade Jennings. Who YOU be?"
"Bonita's cousin Drusilla. State your business."
"Heard Mad Jack sold out the smuggling operations so I figure he wouldn't be here. Did he sell out the tavern as well?"
A voice behind him said, "Cade Jennings! As I live and breathe!"
Cade turned around slowly, his fingers dancing on the hilt of his rapier. His face split into a grin.
"James Blake! You are just the man I want to see!"

Drusilla brought the friends two tankards of ale and a couple bowls of stew along with some brownbread.
As they ate, they engaged in companionable conversation.
"I heard Mad Jack dumped the smuggling operation. You take much of a loss?"
Blake shrugged.
"A bit. But I recouped it on the next ship we took. I gave the Crown her due. Spaniards! They do love their gold. What about you?"
"Walked away without a cent. Guess Jack felt I didn't deserve anything since I left him high and dry."
"I heard you bought a ship. That one docked on the far end. The Gryphon?"
"How'd you hear?"
"A Mrs. Jack Wolfe told me. You do remember her, don't you?"
Cade raised an eyebrow. "Do I detect a note of malice in your voice, James?"
James shrugged. "Honour was a friend of mine before she ever knew you or Jack. I met her in a tavern in Glen Livet a few years ago."
"Are you claiming proprietary rights, Blake?"
He shook his head.
"Honour and I were long over by the time she married Jack."
"Did you love her?"
"Did you?"
"Of course I did. I still do. I came back to Bridgetown to find her gone. Jack was gone too. Tavern talk was that she left suddenly. Tavern talk also has it you left the same time. And all before Mad Jack got back from St Maartin."
James took a deep drink of ale.
"So what?"
"So did she leave with you?"
"Cade, if she sailed with me, wouldn't she be with me? Think I would let her go?"
"Do you know where she went?"
"Heard from someone who knows someone she gave up the pirate's life and settled where her family is. Somewhere in Wales, I guess."
"Any clue as to why she left Jack without a word?"
"Cade, you ask too many questions. If she left, it was for a very good reason, I would think. She truly loved Jack."

Cade gave a derisive laugh.
"Really! Did she tell you he pulled a gun on her and she ended up in my room at the inn?"
"Why would I be privy to that?"
"Because you sure know where she went."
"As I said, Cade--tavern talk."
"I heard in various ports--seems I always pulled in after Jack--that he has been looking for a small blonde wench. He won't admit it, but Briggs told someone she lightened his purse by a few chests."
"If he is looking for her in the Caribbean, then maybe he is looking for her in the wrong place. Maybe."
"Ever hear of Jonas Corwin?"
"Captain of the Golden Phoenix? Yeah. Ruthless. Crippled hands now. Broke them in a tavern fight."
Cade shook his head.
"No. Seems a small blonde wench rolled him. Took his purse and left him with naught but his boots, his sword and a blanket."
"So?"
"He's been looking for her ever since too. Seems she has a heart-shaped freckle on her lower back. Sound like someone we know? Someone we both had? In the Biblical sense?"
James stood up and threw a few coins on the table.
"You, Cade Jennings, are no gentleman."

Just then the earth shook beneath their feet. Cade and James both dove under the table as the room shook and plaster fell where they had been sitting. It went on for the better part of a minute and when they crawled out, there sat Drusilla, shaking the plaster out of her hair.
"De Earth Goddess, she not be happy! Bonita tol' me dis happen."
James stood up brushing the dust from his breeches.
"Where is Bonita anyways?"
"Her got a notion to look for somet'ing dat belong to her. After Captain Jack left, she throw bones alot. Dey tell her where to go. I stay till she come back."

James and Cade looked out to see only minor damage.
"Earthquake, no less, Cade. Guess I'll be getting back to my ship. We loaded up supplies two days ago and I stopped by the see if Jack had been around and share a pint with him."
"He ever mention me?"
"Nothing you'd want to hear."
"He mention her?"
"Not a word. But he's a changed man."
"How so?"
"Hardened glint in his eye. Whatever softness and civility she brought into his life is gone. Take some incredibly sage advice, Cade. You see El Lobo in port, you had best keep going."

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

Drusilla made her way up to the upstairs room.
"Bonita tell me 'bout earth moving. Dat not part of my job!"
She opened the door to Bonita's room.
"What a mess!"
Boxes were strewn across the floor from the closet door being bumped open. One box in particular was crushed a bit when another box had landed on it. A piece of red fabric caught Drusilla's eye.
She opened the box and drew out two dolls. They were almost facing but tied together with a leather lanyard and a red ribbon.
Drusilla shook her head.
"Poppets! Oh, Bonita! You still believe in the power of curse!"
She unfastened the lanyard and ribbon, separating the dolls.
"Satin ribbon is pretty and do no good on poppets! Look much better on me!"
Drusilla tied the ribbon to her hair, stopping to admire herself in the mirror.
"Dere! Dat much better! Ribbon not go to waste!"
She threw the poppets back in the box and then tossed it in the closet, shutting the door.
In the box, in the dark, they tumbled and tumbled.
Until they were facing and touching.

Finally, at long last, no ties could ever bind the poppets again save one.
Love.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 11, 2014, 09:11:56 PM
Back on the island of the Ancients...

Jack and Honour spent the next hour carefully retracing their path back through the enormous jungle maze, neither one of them having yet come to terms with the gravity of their discovery or the surreal circumstances in which it happened.  Getting to safe location well away from the temple before nightfall was the most important thing on their minds.  The books and idols had been waiting for hundreds of years, if not longer.  A couple more hours wouldn't matter.

As they laughed and talked, Honour reflected on how Jack's demeanour toward her had changed since the attempted mutiny.  Gone were the rude, almost hostile outbursts and dismissive behaviour.  He had become solicitous, protective, and genuinely warm.  There was a tenderness in his eyes when he looked at her that made her insides flutter, just as it had when they were first married.  The old feelings stirred strongly within her, but with them came a terrible uncertainty.  So much had happened between them, how could they possibly regain even a portion of they had lost?  She pushed the thoughts aside for the time being, knowing that a firm decision would have to be made sooner than later.  But not now.

Honour could see that much of Jack's reckless swagger was gone.  His actions now were deliberate in comparison, but still driven by his indomitable, forceful will.  She began to wonder if her leaving had anything to do with the change, and she found herself growing intensely curious about what happened to him after she and their unborn daughter left Barbados.  Finally, she found the courage to try and find out.

"How do you think she did it?  Found the temple, I mean," Honour asked tentatively.
Jack gave a chuckle.  "How does Bonita do anything?  Damned sneaky, she is.  I can't believe she managed to follow us.  You'd think we would have seen her ship, or at least a sign that someone was here with us.  Perhaps the maze has more than one entrance to the path to the temple.  As you've witnessed," he patted the haversack carrying the three golden idols, "the Ancients didn't believe in doing anything halfway."
"You didn't seem overly surprised that she found us."
"There's very little Bonita can do any more that would surprise me, darling."
"I suppose, as long as you've known her, you've seen nearly everything she can do."  Try as she might to hide it, a note of jealousy rang in her voice like a ship's watch bell.  "When was the last time you saw her before all this?"
Jack gave her a bemused look before answering.  "Nearly three months ago.  I was leaving on my latest, and ultimately successful, voyage to search for you."

Her face flushed at his words, but she pressed on.  "You went back Castara, then?"
"There was nothing left for me in Barbados.  You were gone.  Someone snapped up the plantation by the time I returned from Martinique, would you believe it?"  He sighed heavily.  "It was just as well.  That scheming cockerel Jennings abandoned the Castara operation when he went his own way, and I had to go back to negotiate the dissolution of the company.  It cost me a fair bit of coin, but less than I feared.  The only one who didn't put up a fuss was that tight-fisted James Blake.  He seemed almost... sympathetic. It's the closest I've ever seen him come to pity.  Who knows with him, though?  The man carries secrets as easily as the rest of us carry our skin.  But I digress."  He helped her step over a small fallen tree before continuing.  "After that, I spent my time searching for the pieces of this grand puzzle we just solved a part of.  And searching for you.  How fitting that you should hold the one thing I need most."

Honour smiled and thought to herself just how intertwined their lives had been almost from the very start.  She knew full well he wasn't talking about just the Sun key any more.  The feeling was still there within her, too, but she kept a tight rein.  Nagging doubts still plagued her, and she had to be certain.  Certain of him, and of herself most of all.
"A few days ago, I would have never believed I would be saying this to you.  I'm glad you found me, Jack."
"You didn't make it easy," he laughed.  "I practically tore the New World apart looking for you."
"I went home," she said quietly.  "To Wales."
He gave her a suprised look. "That explains the where.  But what I don't understand, at least not completely, is... why?"
She looked up at him, and in his eyes she could see the pain he still carried.  Her own eyes began to well with tears.
"Jack, so much happened so fast," she said, trying to keep her voice from wavering.  "I didn't want to leave, but everything... wait!  Jack, do you hear that?  A hissing sound?  It's getting louder!"

The pair had been so intent on their conversation that they hadn't noticed the heavy black storm clouds that had been gathering ever since they reentered the jungle.
"I know that sound," he replied.  "Rain, and a lot of it.  Bloody hell!  We're in for a downpour!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 25, 2014, 08:17:23 PM
 
Honour giggled, "For a minute, you sounded just like a captain I knew! Name of Bacardi, used to come into the tavern and order a rum runner. Had the cutest parrot on his shoulder. I think his name was Aquamarine...no! Blue! His name was Blue. And he loved to look down bosoms and cleavages for any flasks that may be uncorked. Sometimes we tavern wenches would put opened flasks down there just to make Blue happy!"
Jack frowned. "Uh huh....I'm sure he was delirious!"
Honour smiled in remembrance. "Oh...he was! And the feathers tickled. What's wrong, Jack? Jealous of a parrot?"
"Don't be daft! Of course not! Now if we don't get moving, we are going to be caught in a....DAMN!"
The skies opened up to a monsoon. Thunder roared and the heavens lit up with lightning.
Jack yelled over the thunderstorm, "I see a cave over by that big outcrop of rock. Run for it!"

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

"I don't think I've ever been so wet in my life!"
Honour stood in the cave and shook the rivulets of water off her hands. Jack took off his hat and the rain ran out of it. Honour's feathers drooped.
He threw the supplies in the corner. "Good thing I wrapped the flints in oilcloth and a blanket or two. Take your clothes off."
"I BEG YOUR PARDON!"
"Honour, this is not a proposition. If you stay in those wet clothes, you'll catch pneumonia."
He looked at her slightly crestfallen look.
"What? Are you disappointed?"
She recovered quickly. "Of course I'm not!  Relieved. That is what I am. Relieved. I don't expect anything from you, Jack Wolfe. No, not me. Not at all."
He tried to hide the mirthful look on his face.
"Alright then, love. Strip!"
"Turn your back and hand me the blanket."
He turned and flipped it over his shoulder.
When he turned back around, he caught Honour wrapping it around her body.
"Now you, " she said a bit too breathlessly.
"I thought you'd never ask, love."
She snapped, "It's for health reasons. It is so you don't get ill either."
Jack reached his hand into the sack and yelled, "OW!"
"What, forgot to sheath your dagger again? You were always doing that."
He looked at his hand in the light of the torch.
"No..but I think we are in trouble. A snake found its way into the sack."
He looked as something slithered off.

Honour took his hand in hers and looked closely. "You've been bit, Jack."
He watched as his hand started to redden.
"Honour, that was a coral snake. Very poisonous. I think this may be a problem."
His face reflected concern.
"Jack, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying we are in the jungle and no help around. Do you know the way back?"
"Why? What are you saying?"
His voice reflected a touch of fear. "In case this ends badly."

A wave of fear rushed over her.
"Jack, what are you trying to tell me?"
He looked at her and for once Honour saw the worry in his eyes. But the worry wasn't for himself. It was for her.
And then and there Honour realized something.
She loved Jack Wolfe with all her being.
And it was possible she could lose him.

"No, Jack! I won't let this happen. You aren't leaving me here by myself to find my way back to El Lobo."
She looked out into the deluge and said, "I have to find it. I saw some."
"Some....what?"
"Some herbs that will help."
His hand was flaming red.
"You can't go out in that storm, Honour."
She hastily shed the blanket and put her clothes back on, wet that they were.
"It's your only hope. I learned about it a long time ago. From my..my grandmother."

Within fifteen minutes, Honour came back. Jack was lying on the floor of the cave, his face turning pale and his skin clammy, his body wracked with chills.
He said slowly, "You came back."
She was trying to keep the despair out of her voice.
"Of course. But Jack, we haven't any time to waste."
He took her hand. Honour could feel that his skin was clammy and he was sweating profusely. The rapid pulse gave her cause for alarm.
"Jack, I need you to remain calm. We need to slow your pulse to keep the venom from reaching your vital organs.
She took a deep breath. It was the Mercedes sea battle all over again. Jack was depending on her to save his life.

Quickly, Honour put a few leaves on a large rock and took out her bodice dagger. She scored them and crushed them so the plant was pulpy.
She laid them on his hand. The sap from the leaves oozed into his bite.
She held his hand. "We change the leaves every ten minutes. And from then it is a waiting game."
He reached up and stroked her cheek.
"Honour, I always thought I would die at sea. Going down with my ship. Not from something as idiotic as a snakebite."
"Hush, Jack. You are going to be fine," she said with a bravado she did not feel. She wrapped him in the only dry blanket and put her arms around him to keep him warm.
He whispered, "I know it's fatal, my love."
He reached up and touched her cheek. "I love you, Honour."

A chill swept over her and she felt a sense of déjà vu.
Those were the very words Rhys Morgan uttered to her in his last breath.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 01, 2014, 09:44:10 PM
Honour continued to cut the leaves and plaster them over Jack's hand. What was only ten minute increments seemed like hours. She wrapped blankets around him to keep him from going into shock.
She kept watching his breathing as he dozed off and on, touching his skin to denote any kind of change.
Finally it happened. His breathing became less shallow and his skin regained its colour.
She breathed a sigh of relief and sent up a prayer of thanks.
"Honour?"
She could fill the tears of relief fill her eyes. Quickly she wiped them away so Jack wouldnt see them.
"Yes, Jack?"
Jack looked over at her and asked, "I'm not dead, am I?"
She shook her head and said, "Why would you ask that?"
"You are here with me and I am alive. Feels like heaven on earth."

She took his hand in hers and said, "Let me see how it is looks."
She looked down at his hand and took the leaves off. There was no redness.
No swelling.
No fever.

She could hardly keep the joy out of her voice as she tried casually to say, "I am here to inform you, Captain Wolfe, that it looks like your time on earth has been extended!"
"So I am cured?"
She laughed and said, "If you were a fish, I would throw you back!"

Jack started to sit up but he fell back weakly.
"Guess I am not as cured as I thought."
Honour shook her head. "That is not it. You are just exhausted. Your body drew on its own strength to get you through."
She rummaged through the haversack.
"For God's sake, Honour! Be careful!"
She retorted, "I know to jiggle the bag first, thank you very much! Now...here's an apple and some pears. And cheese and bread. You need to clear out the toxins in your body."

After a light meal, Jack laid back on the bed rolls that Honour had rolled out.
"So...tired."
She pushed the hair back from his face and he caught her hand.
Quietly he said, "Thank you, Honour."
She smiled softly and asked, "For what?"
"For saving my life."
"Well, I couldn't very well let the fa---"
"The what?"
"The fates have their way with you."
Honour yawned. "The rain has let up but it is still steady. Are you warm enough?"
"I'd feel better if I could hold you in my arms."
She laughed and said, "I think that could be arranged."
She moved her bedroll next to his and he put his arms around her as she spooned up next to him.
From the dark, she said, "You do know this is for medicinal purposes only."
"Oh, of course!"
"Because staying warm is of utmost importance."
"I realize that."
"So I am just doing what I should."
"I can't ask for anything more, can I?"
"No, you can't."

After a minute, his voice whispered in the darkness, "But I can sure try!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 08, 2014, 09:21:37 PM
Men began emerging from below decks once the fury of the storm had passed.  Briggs, ever vigilant, had kept his station on the quarterdeck to ensure the ship's safety even as the heavens raged above him.  He also had kept close watch on the beach where Jack and Honour had landed, in case they came back early.  Now he shifted his attention from the island's shore to the crew going about putting anything dislodged by the storm back in its proper place.  Two anxious looking men approached the quarterdeck and respectfully stopped halfway up the steps.

"Mister Briggs!" the first one called.  "We want ta volunteer wot as ta go searchin' for th' Cap'n an' the missus.  We figure they might be in trouble after that 'ellacious storm an' all.  Me an' Marley, that is."
"That'd be me," Marley said meekly.
"'E knows it's you, ye daft..."
"Belay yerself, Bidwell," Briggs interrupted.  "Nobody's goin' anywhere.  I'd wager my boots they found shelter and are safe as houses.  Besides, Jack has the only map.  I'll not send you nor anyone else to stumble about aimless in a haunted jungle."

"H-haunted?" gulped Marley.
"Nobody said nuffin' 'bout a 'aunted jungle," Bidwell said quietly, the sudden fear in his voice all too evident.

The truth was Briggs didn't trust anyone aboard save Duckie and the cat after the previous night's mutiny, and he wanted to keep an eye on everyone.  He continued to weave his yarn. 
"Aye, haunted!  Jack held back that bit of information so as to keep the crew from worryin' needless-like."  He leaned close and pointed at the men in warning.  "Now, I've already said too much about it to ye lot.  Ye'll not breathe a word of this to a soul, or I'll have ye both over a barrel, understand?"
"Not a word ta no one, aye," said Bidwell.  "C'mon, Marley.  We got work ta do."
He turned and started down the steps, but his shipmate was rooted to the spot.
"... haunted?" was all Marley could manage.

Bidwell grabbed Marley by the collar and practically dragged the fear struck man behind him.

Briggs let out a sigh and shook his head.  "Well, Jack, ye always said a good crewman is soft in the head and strong of back.  Those two are prime specimens, they are!"

He walked back to the rail and peered out at the beach.  "Don't make a liar out of me, Jack.  Ye'd best be safe.  Honour, too."

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

Moonlight poured in through the cave's entrance, bathing the couple in its pale radiance.  Jack awoke from his sleep, and for a moment he was certain he must still be dreaming.  For there in his arms lay the woman he loved with all his heart and soul.  He regarded how angelic she looked as she slept, and he brought his face close to her hair.  Slowly he breathed in, drinking in her delicate scent.  It wasn't the jasmine she usually wore on her neck just behind her ears.  It was simply... Honour.  Without thinking, he reached up and caressed her golden moonlit tresses.

Honour stirred at his touch and snuggled back against him in her sleep.  He smiled, remembering all the times he held her this very way after they made love.  He closed his eyes at the treasured memory and gently kissed her head.

"Jack?  Are you all right?" she asked in almost a whisper.
"I'm fine, darling," her answered, his voice low and soft.  "I just woke up is all.  Nothing's wrong.  In fact, everything feels right."
She yawned and stretched a little, just as she always did upon waking.  Jack chuckled softly as he felt the sleepy little tremor go through her when she arched her back.  She rolled over to face him, a curious smile teasing the corners of her mouth.

"What's so funny?" she asked.
He smiled and shook his head slowly.  "Not a thing.  I was just thinking back to a time when I didn't have to get bitten by a snake to hold you."
Honour could feel the heat rise in her cheeks.  Lying in his arms reminded her of how good things with Jack could be.  How complete she felt making love with him.  The nagging doubts would not go away, however. 
"I remember those times, too.  But Jack, that was a long time ago..."
"Not really, when you think about it.  I've missed you terribly, Honour.  Please, don't make me gather up a sack full of snakes to take back with us.  Briggs has a hard enough time with the cat."

She burst into giggles at the thought of the curmudgeonly quartermaster running a gauntlet of poisonous serpents just to get to his cabin, only to find a stubborn cat curled up on his bed.    Jack never failed to find a way to make her laugh.  In honesty, she missed his off the wall sense of humour, and so many other things.

"No," she laughed.  "No snakes.  This is the second time I've saved your life, and I must say it's getting a little boring."
"Boring!  And just as you were getting good at it.  You're a hard woman to please Honour Bright."
"Not really," she said, the mirth fading somewhat from her voice.  "But I refuse to let you die in front of me, Jack Wolfe."  She poked him in the shoulder where he had been shot during the battle with Mendoza.  "It would please me most if you managed to stay alive, in spite of yourself."
"I shall do my very best, my lady!"  he laughed.

Honour looked down at nothing in particular, absentmindedly playing with the front of his shirt.  "You had quite a fever from the poison.  Are you really feeling better?"
"Thanks to you, I feel wonderful.  Why do you ask?"
"It's just that... when you were feverish, you said... things.  I doubt you even remember them."
Jack gently took her hand and pressed his lips against her skin.  "I meant it, Honour.  I do love you.  I never stopped.  I never will."

She could feel her heart swell in her chest, so full that it felt close to bursting.  All her doubts fled like wraiths from the morning sunlight.  She looked at how the moonbeams glimmered in his eyes, knowing full well that the light there shone for her and her alone.  Her hand squeezed his, and she swallowed hard.

"There is one other thing that would please me, Jack," she said quietly.
"Name it, my love.  Anything at all."
Honour took a deep breath, looked deep in her husband's eyes, and spoke her wish.

"Make love to me."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 15, 2014, 08:13:59 PM
Jack wasn't sure he heard her right.
"Honour? Are you sure?"
"Very sure."
She loosened the drawstring of her chemise, drawing it off her shoulders.
His breath quickened with every inch exposed to his eyes.

He reached over to touch her cheek, his finger tracing down to her chin, sweeping her air away from her neck.
He continued to trace a fine line down her neck and across the swelling of what lay beneath the fine cotton of her chemise. Her eyes closed as she dew in her breath. He could feel the rapid beat of her heart. Jack reached up and wound her hair in his left hand, drawing her face close to his. She entwined her hands around his neck, and her lips parted.

"Honour, I always imagined our reunion would be in a soft bed with a bottle of merlot and moonlight and--"
She put her finger to his lips. "Jack, you talk too much. Just don't say anything at all."

Honour shrugged to let the chemise slip farther. Jack's eyes grew wide as he beheld her pale, delicate skin. He helped her free of the gauzy garment that had concealed the curves of her body that he so longed for. They joined in a deep, searching kiss as his hands traced those curves, caressing, cupping, stroking. A soft moan escaped her lips as his kisses began to trace down her neck to her shoulders as he laid her back on the bedroll. Within moments, the chemise was free of her and on the floor beside them.

She drew him near, her hands eagerly pulling his shirt free. She longed for the sensation of his flesh against hers. Her fingers played over his back, the tips of her fingernails softly digging in here and there. That as all the encouragement Jack needed, if any more was necessary. Honour's message was crystal clear.
She wanted him.
Then and there.

Their smouldering desire had sparked into an overwhelming need, a fire that nothing else would quench until only smoke and ashes remained. He slid his hand slowly, teasingly down her body. His practiced touch had not lost its spell on her. Jack knew just how she wanted to be touched, and which touches drove her wild.

Her caresses were not lost on him, either. She had already loosened his breeches, knowing full well how to drive his desires onward. They both knew where they were headed and would be satisfied with nothing less. No words were needed. It was as if the time spent apart had never existed, so in tune were they to each others needs.

"Honour..?" Jack paused and whispered.
She could barely catch her breath to reply, "No, no talking, Jack..."
"But, I need to know--"
She took him by the chin and looked into his eyes.
"There's only one thing you need to know, Jack Wolfe. That I will never forgive you if you don't shut up and finish what you started."

And that was all Jack needed to hear.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 24, 2014, 08:43:51 AM
Honour lay in Jack's arms with her head resting on his chest.  She could hear his heart beating, it's pace still quickened from the passion they had just shared.  A contented smile played upon her lips as she made lazy circles on his stomach with her fingertip.  She could feel Jack gently run his fingers through her hair, then caress her shoulder.  The peaceful murmur of the jungle enveloped the lovers, adding to their bliss.

"Do you hear that?" he asked softly.
She lifted her head and looked up at him.  "No.  It's not an animal, is it?"
"No.  It's just so peaceful.  Do you realize this is the first time we've made love and not been within a stone's throw of another person?"
She smiled and snuggled up against him.  "Now that you mention it, I do enjoy not hearing footsteps above us."
"Or having to be quiet?

Honour looked up at him again and gave a shocked look, then playfully slapped his belly.  "You are a devil, Jack!  You'll make me blush."
He moved his face close to hers.  "Isn't that part of it, my love?  To make you glow?"
Their lips met in a tenderly passionate kiss.  She sighed and put her head back on his chest.
"Your kisses alone can do that, my husband."
"Don't think you'll get away that easy, darling.  Not while I draw a breath!"
"Good!" she giggled.

Jack stroked her silken hair again.
"Um, any regrets?" he asked.  Honour couldn't help but hear the mixture of hope and dread in his voice.
"About...?"
"About this.  Us."
"Why would I regret something that I freely wanted?" she answered gently.  "Something we both wanted?"  Another giggle escaped her lips.  "And something you obviously still want!  You won't let a girl rest, will you?"
"Shades of our wedding night, eh?"
"And the next day, and the next, and the next," she laughed.
Jack had always found Honour's laughter infectious, and this time was no different.  "We made a bit of history together, didn't we?  But I can't help but wonder what the next day will bring this time?"
"I'm pretty sure you're thinking about something else," she teased.

He gently caressed her neck, and she breathed in deeply at his touch.  Then, without warning, he quickly moved his hand down her body and began tickling her ribs.  Honour yelped and attempted to mount a counter attack.  Before long, the lovers where back in each other's arms, laughing like youngsters.  Jack looked into Honour's eyes and marvelled at the joyous playfulness he found there.  Once again they kissed, only to have the both of them dissolve into a giggling fit.

"Honour, please stay with me," he blurted.
Honour's laugh faded, and a strange mixture of emotions competed to control her expression.  She wanted so much to tell Jack everything; about their infant daughter, the plantation, and what was in her heart.  But the words would not come.  She had woven such a complex tapestry of secrets, half-truths, and lies that there was no simple way to unravel it all.  It would take time for her to find the right words.  When she did, those words would change Jack Wolfe's world forever.

"Jack, please, not now."
"Why not?  Honour, if not now, when?"
"I promise, soon.  When we're back aboard the ship."
He began to protest, and she put her finger against his lips.
"Please, Jack.  Let's just enjoy what we have right here, right now.  We'll talk about everything when we're off this island.  I swear."

Her words were of little comfort to him.  He knew that Honour's definition of 'everything' ran the gamut from full disclosure to a thumbnail sketch depending on the circumstances.
"You know I'm going to hold you to that," he said sternly.
"Jack?"
"Yes, Honour?"
"You're talking too much again."
Jack tilted his head and smiled slyly.  "I suppose you're going to have to find a way to shut me up, then."

Honour snaked her arms around his neck and pulled him into a slow, smouldering, sensual kiss.  Every nerve in his body felt as if they were on the verge of bursting into flame at any moment.  She slowly broke away and looked into his eyes, knowing full well she had his absolute and undivided attention as she moved her body over his.
"Feeling less talkative?" she asked with a devilish smirk.
Jack returned her wicked look and nodded his head enthusiastically.  Once more they kissed, and their lover's dance began anew.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 06, 2014, 07:53:50 PM
Honour's eyes fluttered open.  It took her a few moments to get her bearings.  They were still in the cave, and she was curled up in her husband's arms.  She looked up to find Jack smiling at her.
"Good morning," he softly said.  The look on his face reminded her of those idyllic mornings at Castara.
"Good morning," she said dreamily.  "Have you been awake long?"
"About half an hour.  I was watching you dream.  You had the sweetest smile on your face.  What was it about?"
Indeed she had been dreaming, of little Zara.  She touched one of his loose brown curls, so like their daughter's.
"Wales, and family," she replied, and yawned.  "I guess we should pack up and leave our private little Eden?"
"You'll forgive me if I leave the serpent behind!" Jack laughed.  "You know, it's funny you should mention Eden.  I think I understand how Adam must have felt, having the most beautiful woman in the world all to himself."
"Eve was the only woman in the world, silly!"
"That's why I'm luckier than he ever was.  You're the only woman in my world, Honour."

She beamed at him, then in a teasing voice asked, "Are you sure about that?"
"Positive!  I can't imagine there being a woman capable of bewitching me the way you have."
"I can," she chuckled under her breath.
"I'm sorry?"
"Nothing!"  She took him by the chin.  "I'll keep you to that, you know."
Jack smiled tenderly.  "You have my word, darling."
"Ha!  The word of a pirate?" she teased.  "You'll have to do better than that."
"Would the word of your husband suit you better?"
"Yes," she answered softly.  "Yes, that would suit me just fine."

Jack began to draw her close for a kiss, but Honour patted him sharply on the chest.
"Save some for later!  Even Adam took a day off every now and again.  Besides, we should get you back and have Duckie check your hand."
"But you healed me!" he protested.
She retrieved her chemise and got up.  "I'd like a second opinion, just to be on the safe side."
"You're gorgeous, too," Jack quipped.
Honour stuck her tongue out at him.  She went about getting dressed while Jack did the same.

"I'm so hungry!" he said.
"I don't doubt it," she said with a little laugh.  "I'm starved, too.  Should I go find some fruit?"
"This is where the apple comes in, isn't it?  I knew it was too good to be true!"
"Oh, fine then.  Out of respect to your tender sensibilities, I'll bring back oranges or something."
"My sensibilities and I thank you," he said with a sweeping mock bow.  "I'll get the meat and cheese whilst you're away."
"Be sure to shake that sack first!  I swear, I only save your life once a voyage.  Any more than that and I shall think you're doing it for attention," she admonished.
"Listen to you!" laughed Jack.  "You'll make a fine mother!"
"And who said anything about children?"
He gave her a lusty smile.  "Come over here, and we'll discuss the matter..."
Honour gave a girlish squeal and ran from the cave.  Her laughter came drifting back to him like chimes on the wind.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 13, 2014, 08:10:29 PM
After a breakfast of the last of their provisions and assorted fruits Honour had harvested, the couple resumed their trek back to the beach where they had landed.  Jack had made such a comic production of eating a pomegranate that she still wasn't sure whether to laugh or blush.  It made her happy to see him so light hearted.  She had rediscovered the Jack Wolfe she had fallen in love with.

Still, Honour was worried how he would react to the news about Zara.  Would he be happy they had a child, that he was the father of a beautiful baby girl?  Would he even want to be part of Zara's life?  Would the thought of having the real responsibility of a child change his mind about starting over with Honour?  Or would he be angry about being kept in the dark this whole time?  After all, if things had gone as planned in Glenlivet, she wouldn't have had to deal with telling Jack anything at all.  But life seldom cooperates with one's plans.

As she mulled the possibilities over in her mind, another came to the fore.  A small yet insidious voice within her said 'So don't tell him.  Play it safe.  Go back to Glenlivet and hire passage to Wales.  He doesn't need to know.  Why risk it?'  She recognised that voice immediately.  It was the horrid little voice that had piped up at every major juncture of her life with the same message: 'Run!'  Honour shook her head to clear her thoughts.  If there was anything she was tired of, it was running.  She looked over to find Jack smiling at her.

"You're a million miles away again, love.  A guilder for your thoughts?" he said with a wink.
"A guilder!  My, what a high price you put on my daydreams!"
"I'm a pirate, darling.  Bribing my way in is what I do."
"So that's how it's done?  Not charging in, guns blazing?"
"That tactic is for amateurs.  It's good for the first few times, but it's easy to counter once they suss out your game.  No, I rather prefer the subtle approach these days.  More sincere, and certainly more satisfying."
Honour turned her face away to hide the blush that came to her cheeks.  "You needn't bribe me, Jack.  But what happened to the unpredictable ways that made you a legend?"
"Oh, don't worry my pet.  They're still alive and well."  He tossed his sword that he had been using as a machete over his shoulder.  Honour turned to watch it arc though the air and spear the ground behind them.  Before she knew what was happening, Jack swept her up in his arms and gave her a deep, loving kiss.
"Unpredictable enough for you?  I have plenty more where that came from," he said with a saucy smile.
She looked back at him, her eyes still wide in surprise.  "I can see that!  Forgive me.  I should have known you still have plenty of tricks up your sleeve!"

Jack set her gently back on her feet.  "Didn't want you thinking I'd gone soft.  Just wizened."
"After last night, I'm the last to suggest you've gone soft, my husband," she said demurely.
It was Jack's turn to give a shocked look.  "My dear, I think you made me blush!"
Honour plucked his sword from the ground and, with a twirl, presented the weapon to him.
"I believe this is yours?  You should take better care where it's displayed.  I should hate to think of just anyone coming around to fondle it."
He accepted the sword from her.  "I'll take that under advisement.  You're the only one allowed that close to my blade, I'll have you know."
"See that it stays that way, mon capitan," she said with a flirtatious glance.

Jack had kept his sword drawn more out of habit than need.  The path was still clear enough, even after the storm.  He sheathed the cutlass as they continued on, all the while keeping his eyes on his bride.  Even in such a harsh jungle, she cut an elegant figure.  It was so easy for him to fall in love with her all over again with the changing of the day's light.  But uncertainty nagged at him.  Why was she so reluctant to talk about staying with him?  He had laid his soul bare to her, and as usual, Honour had played her cards close to the vest.  What was she hiding?  Was there someone else?  His stomach tied itself into a knot thinking that Cade Jennings might be out there waiting for her.  If there was one person Jack wanted to exact retribution from, it was that treacherous whelp he had so foolishly trusted like his own son.  He remembered how Cade looked at Honour, and he had always resented it.  Yes, Honour had told him that there was nothing between the two of them, but he couldn't shake the suspicion no matter how hard he tried.  If she evaded his questions once they were back aboard El Lobo, he would have his answer.

Suddenly, Honour took off at a run.
"Jack, the beach!  Here it is!  And the boat made it though the storm!  We can go home now!"
Home.  What a wonderful word to come from her lips!
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 20, 2014, 09:29:44 PM
"Well, it's about time ye made it back here, Jack! I was about to send a search party out for ye two!"
Briggs extended his hand out to Jack. As he swung his leg over, he clapped Briggs on the back.
"Damn, it's good to have the wood of the deck under my feet again!"
"Ahem!" came a familiar voice from the ladder.
"I seem to have forgotten the anchor and chain!" chuckled Jack with a wink to Briggs.
"Oi! I heard that!" the voice responded from the other side of the gunwale.
Jack leaned over and laughed, "Oi! I meant for you to hear that!"
Briggs could scarcely contain himself. "So... did ye find it?"
Jack played innocent. "Find what?"
"You know... what was inside!"
Honour's head popped up by the gunwale. "Do you intend, Jack Wolfe, to set sail with me hanging onto the side for dear life?"
"No, love. Although you would make a fine masthead, I'd hate to have to scrape the waterbugs out of your hair!"
He reached over and took both of her hands.
Honour threw her legs over the gunwale and hopped onto the deck. She gave Briggs a warm smile.
"So nice to see you, Josiah!"
He grinned, "And ye as well, Honour!"
She dusted off her clothes and said, "The one thing I really want is a hot bath!"
She headed towards Jack's quarters.
Briggs said quizzically, "Um... ain't yer quarters over that way?"
She winked at Jack and said, "Aye. That they are, Master Briggs!" She proceeded on towards the great cabin, closing the door behind her.

Briggs whirled towards Jack. "Ah.... ye... and Honour... are... um..."
"Assuming there is a question beneath your suddenly atrocious grammar," said Jack as he lit his pipe, "we've come to a mutual accord, Josiah."
"Meaning.....?"
"She knows where I keep the hot water!"

Briggs sighed and raised an eyebrow. "I suppose it was inevitable. But on to business. Are ye going to tell me, or not?"
"I suppose I shall have to quit toying with you, but not quite yet. We did have unexpected company though. As long as Honour is submerging herself and there are parts of her I don't want you to see, let's go down to her quarters and I'll fill you in on what we found. And who."

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

Briggs and Jack settled back with a brandy, Jack indulging in the pipeweed he knew Honour hated.
"So... tell me! What did ye find?"
Jack opened the haversack and carefully stacked handfuls of the precious books upon the table.
"That's it? THAT'S IT? I've seen ye risk yer neck over many an odd thing, but BOOKS?!"
Jack grinned, "There were a few things that caught my eye, now you mention it..."
He took out one of the statues and set it on the table.
Briggs let out a low whistle. "Jack... any idea what it is?"
Jack put his feet up on the desk and folded his arms across his chest.
"LaFourche mentioned additional keys. I believe this is one of them. The chest was way of securing them and transporting them. And these--" he patted one of the stacks of books "----may be the instruction manual on how to use them. Another puzzle, another set of secrets to unravel. Just think, Josiah; if these are keys, what do you supposed the treasure they unlock might look like?"

Just then Honour came in, dressed in fresh clothes, her wet hair hanging down her back.
"Please, go on with whatever you were discussing, which I am sure was our discovery. I just came in to get a few things."
She opened her chest drawers, humming a tune. She took a few chemises and a few of her cosmetics, then left the room.
Briggs raised his eyebrow and Jack gave him a smile.
"We're working on our accord."

"Before I tell you the whole story, let me get Duckie. I got bit by a snake and this way I don't have to repeat the story twice and it will be easier...."
The door opened again, and this time she ship's doctor came strolling through.
"There you are! Davis told me you were back. I was taking stock of the drug inventory."
Jack held out his hand "Just the man I want to see!  Duckie, take a look at this, will you?"
Duckie looked and said, "That's your hand. So what?"
"Any sign of poison of a snakebite?"
"Snakebite! What the hell were you two up to? I would have expected it to be on your rump!"
Jack laughed and said, "Honour once again saved my life. For some reason, she knew which herbs to use to draw the poison out. And as long as I have the medical go-ahead, pour yourself a brandy. I am about ready to tell Briggs the story of the last few days!"

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

"..and that is the whole story."
Duckie poured himself another brandy. "Why am I not surprised by all this? Jack, I swear, you and Puddin' have nine lives. By rights, you should have been dead long ago!"
Briggs shook his head. "Bonita. Thought that witch-woman would still be in Castara. Claiming to be one o' the Ancients? I never heard such bilge."
Jack shrugged. "Funny thing, Josiah, is that I can't completely discount her claim. It's too preposterous not to be completely false. She certainly believes it."

He finished his drink and said, "Look at the time. Gentlemen! I declare this meeting over. The cook is having a dinner sent to my quarters. Mrs. Wolfe and I have some discussing to do."
As Jack left the cabin, Briggs turned to Duckie and said, "Don't like the sound of that discussin', Duckie."
Duckie poured another brandy and said, "If they are quiet, you won't have to hear it, Josiah!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 27, 2014, 07:51:50 PM
 
Jack lit the candles as Honour came out of the dressing area.
"Jack! How lovely!"
She stood there in a dress of emerald green silk, her hair swept up and away from her face.
He found himself staring at her. "I don't know what is more attractive, Honour. You wrapped in silk, all brushed and scented, or in the jungle in a wet, dirty chemise with dirt streaked on your face."
She laughed and said, "Jack, you say the most unusual things. But I guess I'll take that as 'sweet talk' coming from a pirate!"

They each took helpings of the food, making small talk, talking about everything and nothing. And avoiding what seemed to be the question hanging between them.
What do they do now?

Jack poured the merlot.
"We never did discuss what you were doing in Bridgetown, Honour."
"I was heading back to Wales."
"Wales. And what is in Wales?"
"My family."
"I did alot of thinking last night after we...got close. And it all comes down to one thing, Honour. We belong together. There hasn't been a day that's gone by that I didn't think of you. When I saw you on your hands and knees trying to crawl out of the tavern, I almost couldn't breathe. I believe fate has brought us back together. And who are we to laugh in the face of the goddesses?"

Honour took a sip of her wine and looked down.
"Jack, I don't know. So much has happened. Last night we were caught in a moment."
"A moment. Is that all it was to you? A moment?"
She shook her head. "Of course not. It meant so much more. It was just like the last time we were together. Only better."
Jack took her hand and looked into her eyes. "I want you back. Is there any reason why you can't come back to me?"
She felt her breath stop and she consciously willed it to resume.
"When we made our way back to Bridgetown, after you had been shot, you rejected me. You changed. We both said alot of hurtful things. But Jack, I never meant to hurt you."
"What are you trying to say?"
"That we are not the same people we were eighteen months ago. Alot has changed. And right now, my place is to go to Wales."
"Why?"
"I can't tell you."

Jack's eyes hardened.
"Since when can't you tell me? Lord help me, Honour. I'm your husband! I have been your husband for the last eighteen months. Alright, so we had a bit of a separation. Alot of marriages have rocky spots."
"Rocky spots? Try Gibraltar, Jack. You pulled a gun on me and I had to kick it out of your hand in order to stay alive. A wife doesn't forget a little thing like that. I couldn't trust that it wouldn't happen again. If I didn't leave, there was a chance I never would have had..."
She stopped short.
"You never told me where you went that night, Honour. But I found out. A friend of mine who happened to know you from the tavern days told me he saw you coming out of the very same inn where Cade Jennings was staying. No use denying it. Turns out that Cade happened to brag about it to someone and he was overheard."

She shook her head. "I don't expect you to understand. Or even forgive me for the way I left."
"You left without a trace. Not even a note. What was I supposed to think?"
Honour knew from the change in his tone that the Wolfe temper was about to be engaged. She braced herself for it.
"I was confused. I had alot going on just then."
"You mean you had Cade going on just then."
"Leave Cade Jennings out of it."
"I would if I could."
"Cade has nothing to do with my decision to go back to Wales, Jack."
"Then why are you going?"
"I told you. Family."
Jack stood up and slammed his fist on the table.
"You know what I think?"
She stood up and met his anger. "I'm sure you are about to tell me, Jack. You always do."

"The plantation you were sent out to purchase had been sold to another person. Someone named R. C. Castlemaine. I tried to find out who this man was but no one ever heard of him. Ten chests of my guilders were missing the day you disappeared. Cade then purchases a ship. The Gryphon. He then leaves the smuggling operation and I am left picking up the pieces. I think you arranged to meet him, gave him my money to buy his ship and then you two sailed off to Wales together. And I think you still have plans. I heard from the captain of the Scarlet Fox that Cade was due in Bridgetown any day. And strange that I should find you there too. What were you doing, keeping the bed warm for him?"
"IT'S NOT TRUE! I had a good reason for that money. And it wasn't for me!"
"Right. It was for Cade. Or was it for another lover?"
"I can't believe you said that. I should have trusted my first instincts. I should have given you the key right away and kept walking! You haven't changed. You will never change!"
Jack looked at her intensely and said in a measured tone, "Where are the chests of guilders, Honour? WHERE ARE THEY?"

She felt her eyes welling up with tears.
"They are for a little girl."
"WHAT?"
She looked up at him defiantly, "A little girl who is waiting for her mama to come back for her."
Jack stared at her in disbelief.
She could barely whisper, "A little girl named Zara Wolfe."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 03, 2014, 08:48:47 PM
Jack stared at Honour in disbelief.  He blinked a few times before he finally found his voice.
"Honour, are... are you sure?"
"Yes, Jack, I'm quite certain that what popped out of me wasn't a salamander," she retorted.  "It was a baby. Your child. There certainly were enough opportunities to conceive a child and you were always impetuous. I only wish you had been there to share in the pain!  It was like trying to shove Briggs through a porthole.  Good God, Jack!  Didn't your parents explain any of this to you?"
"They did, after a fashion. The chalk drawings left a lot to the imagination, and I never could figure out how the stork fit in.  What makes you so certain the child is mine?"

A shocked look crossed her face.
"Damn you! Damn you for asking me that question!" Fury painted every word.
"What would you make of her? She has beautiful bright blue eyes, delicate features, skin the colour of almond butter, and thick, curling brown hair, almost long enough to braid when she was born. Sound like a couple of people you know?"
He put his elbows on the table, steepling his index fingers as he pressed them against his lips in thought. He stared somewhere in the middle of the table for a while as Honour waited for his response.
When none was forthcoming, she said furiously, "Don't just sit there like the Spanish Armada was coming and you are caught with your pants down."
"Well, you aren't exactly Spain."
"But I got the pants down part right, didn't I?"
"If you only had some proof...."

Honour's face burned with fury.
"You want proof. You want PROOF? Well, I will show you PROOF!"
She marched over to the top drawer of the dresser and pulled out a silver box.
Angrily she threw it at Jack, hitting him squarely on the nose. The box tumbled to the table.
"This is your proof, you bastard!"

Jack picked the box up and hesitantly opened it. He knew whatever the box contained, it had the probability to change his life forever.
He reached in and carefully picked up the contents. It was a pink ribbon which held a lock of auburn hair, curling around his finger.
He held it up and knew right away. It was the same hair colour and curl of the hair he had been dealing with most of his life.
"Honour....I...I don't know what to say."
"That you are an idiot? A bastard for ever doubting me?"
"It...it's just that the possibility of a child...well, I never gave it much thought. I mean, no one has ever appeared on the docks waiting for me and calling me Daddy."

"Maybe because you didn't stick around long enough to find out. Maybe the Caribbean is filled with Wolfes. Maybe you should check that establishment with the red door. There may be a regular nursery wing filled with little urchins with your face stamped on them."
Jack took a step towards Honour but she took a step back.
Her voice rose in defiance and despair.
"I was unloved as a child. I had no one. So I was going to make damn well sure my child would always know love. I had no idea how you were going to react. Well, I must say I am not surprised. But how dare--HOW DARE!--you ever try to doubt that you fathered a child by me!"

He brought his hands to her shoulders but she angrily shrugged him off. Her voice took on an edge of hysteria.
"I even have a baptismal certificate to prove it. I made sure she would never bear the label of bastard child. Her legal name is Zara Jane Wolfe. Her father's name is listed as John Michael Wolfe. She's legitimate in both the eyes of the church and the laws of the land. So like it or not, you are the father both legally and divinely. I was going to tell you in my own way tonight, Jack. Quietly and ease you into it. But you ruined it....you ruined it..."

With that, Honour put her hands over her face and dissolved into weeping.
Jack took her in his arms. She put her arms around his neck and sobbed. He held her close and whispered, "I'm sorry, Honour. I  am so very, very sorry."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 10, 2014, 11:07:37 AM

Jack knew it was a matter of time before Honour's tears were spent and it was futile to rush the process. All he could do was hold her.
As she started to cease her tears and replace it with hiccups, he gently wiped the tears off her face with a napkin. He led her over to the bed and sat her down.

"So, Honour....I think we need to have a real heart-to-heart talk. No more skirting issues and blurting news out."
He handed her a glass of merlot. With shaking hands, she took the glass and took a sip.
"Alright," she said quietly.
"So this is the family you were going back to Wales for? Our child?"
She nodded yes as she looked down at the floor, suddenly afraid to look him in the face.
"In the middle of a civil war?"
"Which one--England or ours?"
"England will have peace eventually. Ours? It remains to be seen. So you were going to raise our daughter in a country of complete unrest? Why did you come back to Barbados then?"

"I wanted to clear up any loose ends. I wanted to get a divorce from you and get on with my life. I was going to make a life in Scotland. I thought it would be a nice place for a fresh start."
"But why a divorce? Why not just an annulment?"
She looked up at him. "So she would not be illegitimate. An annulment makes that so but by rights a divorce means we were married when she was born. I couldn't do that to her. So I came down here to clear up all legal matters."
"You thought I wouldn't find out about a divorce? I have eyes and ears all over this port. The ink wouldn't be dry before I would find out."
"I---I planned on paying off the magistrate so that you would get your copy when I was out of port and safely out of reach. I--oh, I don't know what I was thinking anymore."

"When did you plan on telling me about our child, Honour?"
There it was. The question she knew was coming and she dreaded the answer because she had none. None that he wanted to hear.
"I was waiting for the right moment."
He got up and walked over to the ship's window, looking out of the harbor.
"The right moment? We've been together on this ship for four day now and another two by ourselves in the jungle. You managed to talk about everything BUT our daughter. I could have died from that bloody snake and never known I was a father Were you waiting for the death rattle before telling me? For God's sake, Honour, you could have died in the mutiny. I would be none the wiser and there would be an orphaned little girl in Wales who never knew her mummy or daddy."

Honour was used to Jack's temper but the quiet way he talked had her unnerved. She took a deep breath.
"Jack, please, you aren't being fair."
He turned to her and looked at her sadly.
Softly he said, "You never had any intention of telling me about her, did you? You were content to disappear again and deny me the knowledge of my own flesh and blood. Just like you vanished from Barbados all those months ago. You were going to leave again and take the knowledge of the child. You were cutting me out of her life."

She felt her face redden with shame and she willed her voice to stop shaking. "I wasn't cutting you out of her life. You were never there to begin with. Jack, you pushed me away after your little grudge match with Mendoza. Everything fell apart and you took it all out on me. When we had the chance to set things right, you had to run off to Martinique to get your journal."
"That journal netted us a find of a lifetime. Who knows what other treasures are out there, Honour?"
She felt the tear starting up again and willed them away.
"You had a treasure right here, Jack. Right here! But I guess I didn't glitter enough to hold your attention."
"That's not true, Honour."
"Isn't it? You had a strange way of showing it," she said sadly. "By the time I left Barbados, I knew I was pregnant. I had suspicions of it on the crossing from Tobago. I was queasy and dizzy on the return trip. When I dug that bullet out of your shoulder, I got sick. I now know why. But you went off to Martinique and left me in port for over ten days. I couldn't trust you anymore, Jack. I couldn't trust you would be around when I needed you and I certainly couldn't trust your temper."
"Now you are the one not being fair, Honour."
"Am I? Jack, if you had fired your pistol that night, you would have killed me and our unborn child. Think about that."
Jack looked stricken as she continued.
"How was I supposed to trust you after that, Jack? I knew then that I had to leave, to protect the baby and myself. I'm sorry but it is true. I didn't want to, but you left me no choice."

A wave of guilt washed over Jack in the face of his temper being brought to light. Honour was right, of course., no matter how it stung to acknowledge the fact. It was clear his selfishness had cost him dearly. Not only had he driven away the woman he loved, but he missed out on the birth of his daughter. Ever since Honour had mentioned wanting children on their honeymoon in Castara, he had it in the back of his mind children and a family life would be what he needed. Faced with the knowledge he had a child with her, if felt surreal.
But one thing was certain.
This was his last chance.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 18, 2014, 07:22:30 PM
 
"I wanted to tell you so many times, Jack, I swear.  I didn't know how."
"We really should find a middle ground between silence and blurting."
"We do spend too much time either keeping our thoughts to ourselves or saying too much, and all at the wrong times," she agreed.
He gave her a wan smile and shook his head.  "It seems to be what we're best at."  He took a swallow of wine and sighed heavily.  "Where do we go from here, Honour?"

Usually, Jack was an easy man for her to read.  Not this time.  Why wasn't he asking questions about Zara?  Maybe he's still in shock, she thought.  She bit her lip and looked toward the windows.  "You know my place is in Wales now."
Jack's body stiffened and he took a deep breath.  "You're place is in Wales, and by my side.  I want to see my daughter, Honour.  So I'll take you home myself."
"Jack, I..."
"Now, don't waste your breath trying to talk me out of it!" he interrupted.  "I know what you said before about not being able to trust me, and you were right.  But I'm a different man now.  To be honest, I can't bear the thought of having you walk out of my life again.  Even more so now that I know about Zara."
"Jack!"
"I know what you're going to say, and it just won't do!  I love you, Honour.  I need you.  And Zara needs us.  Her mother and father, together.  And that's how we'll be going to Wales.  Together.  So don't go making me kidnap you again.  I'm getting pretty good at it, you know..."
Honour stamped her heel hard on the deck.  "Jack, would you SHUT UP?!  Of course you're going to take me to Wales!  Thanks to you kidnapping me, I've missed my ship!  It's only reasonable that you provide me the transportation I need as compensation.  Besides, this ship is half mine."  She put her fists on her hips and gave him an exasperated look.  "Did you really think I wasn't going to let you see your daughter after telling you about her?"

Jack looked back at her incredulously.  "I... you... what?"
"I said, I want you to take me back to Wales so we can fetch our little girl."
"But, you were just saying you didn't feel you could trust me."
She sighed and shook her head.  "And as you said, you're a different man now.  I could see it in your eyes the night of the mutiny when you showed compassion for Eli, and so many more times whilst we were in the jungle."  A tender smile came to her lips.  "Deep down, you've changed.  For the better."
He continued to look at her as a broad smile broke out on his face.  "You're serious, aren't you?"
"Yes, Jack.  I'm serious."
"Then why the hell did you let me go on like that and make a fool of myself?!"
Honour laughed gently.  "I tried to stop you, but you were on a roll.  Besides, it was adorable watching you try to be all noble."

He went back to his chair and sat heavily, and drained his glass of wine.
"Dear Lord... a baby girl?  You're sure about that?  I mean, they dress babies up so that you can't tell what the devil they are.  Boy, girl, ferret- it's tough to say some times."
"Yes, Jack.  I checked, more than once.  No stem on the apple," she said with a wink.
"There's a cruel twist of fate, don't you think?" he asked as he refilled their glasses.
"How so?"
"Jack Wolfe, the father of a little girl?"  Suddenly, his eyes went wide in horror.  "Oh, no..."
Honour held her breath.  "What's wrong?  Don't tell me you're having second thoughts."  She took a sip of wine to ready her nerves.
"No, no, not that," he said quietly.  Turning to her with a look of worry and concern, he explained, "Honour, I'm going to have to protect her from... men like ME!"
She was barely able to swallow her wine before dissolving into laughter.  "You've got a few years before you have to worry about that!"

After a few moments, she cocked her head and gave her husband a puzzled look.
"Are you all right?  I know this is a lot for you to take in, but I can't remember ever seeing you quite like this."
"Am I all right?" he chuckled.  "I'm overjoyed and terrified, all at the same time.  Even more than when I realised we were married.  I mean, I had no idea you might be... you know..."
"Pregnant?  It's all right to say the word, Jack.  We are married after all.  I wasn't certain myself until you left for Martinique.  There was no way for you to tell as I was only a month along."
"A month?  That means--"
"Yes.  Zara came into being on our wedding night.  Or very soon after.  There were lots of opportunities," she said with a slight blush.
Jack's smiled wistfully.  "From the way you described her, she's beautiful."
"She is," Honour smiled proudly.  "Positively the most beautiful baby ever born.  And very much your daughter.  Every time she got upset, it reminded me of you.  She's got your lungs."
"A hallmark of the Wolfe line," he pronounced with mock braggadocio.  "We're not always right, but we are always LOUD!"

They enjoyed a hearty laugh together, and Honour lifted her glass.
"To our daughter, Zara.  Congratulations, Captain Wolfe.  It's a girl!"
"Another jewel in the family fortune, Mrs. Wolfe!" he replied.
"Ah!  Just a moment, Jack," she scolded.  "She's your child, not some pretty bit of swag in your collection."
Jack nodded and clinked glasses with her.  "I stand corrected, my love.  But I do have one question."
"And what's that?"
"What do you mean, half your ship?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 24, 2014, 08:32:25 PM
"What was it like, Honour?"
"What?"
"Having a baby. I mean, I wasn't there for the grand event.  Hell, I wasn't there for any of it."
"It was a pain and scary and wonderful and a joy. The only way I can describe it is like a mongoose trying to get out of a haversack! Without untying the sack."
"I wish I had been there for you."
"It's probably better you weren't."
"Why not?"
"Because I am sure the whole countryside of Wales heard me scream that your parents weren't married!"
He chuckled. "That bad?"
"That bad."
"What day was she born?"
"March 1st. During one of those dark, stormy nights. I swear, the loudest clap of thunder and the biggest flash of lightning occurred just as she made her debut."
"Did it take long to kick her out?"
Honour poured herself another glass of wine.
"I would say about twenty hours."
"That long?"
"Your daughter didn't want to be born on a leap year day so she held on tightly. Poor Megan was beside herself."
"Megan? That was the midwife?"
"No, Nesta was the midwife. She birthed me. And my sister. Megan is my sister. She's five years older than I. She's married to Daffyd.  A fine man and I like him very much. He and Megan were very good to me."
"So you went to stay with Megan?"
"I suppose I owe you the whole story on the last eighteen months, don't I?"
Jack opened a fresh bottle of wine. "I think you owe me that much."
She sighed, "I guess it is the least I could do."

"Jack, it was after we had the encounter with The Mercedes. You turned away from me and when we were in port, you practically left me on my own. 

"That was when you decided to leave me."
"No, it was when you pulled the pistol on me. With your temper, I had no idea what would set you off again."
"So you went to Wales. How did you get there?"
"I booked passage as soon as you left."
"With whom?"
She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Jack. On pain of death I promised this individual I would never reveal his name. But he was respectful and didn't lay a hand on me. And he didn't know I was pregnant. If he did, he probably would have made me stay in Bridgetown and made me work it out with you."
"He's that noble?"
"He's that noble. He made sure I got to a transfer spot and then booked passage for me to Wales."
"Where you went to be with Megan."
"I told her the entire story and I stayed with her."
"One question, Honour. Does Megan have our child?"

"Yes, I left her with Megan and Daffyd. She is as safe as can be there. Megan has two children of her own.  And they are well to do so Megan has servants to help her."
Jack ran his finger along the rim of his wine glass. Quietly, he said, "I have missed so much, Honour. I missed her first smile. Her first laugh. Her first tooth. Her first step. I wish I could blame it all on you. But I can't.  It was my foolishness and my pride that drove you away. "

"Is there any story you can give me to hold on to, Honour? Something to make Zara a bit more real to me? Because as of right now, she is just a name and a notion. A beautiful notion, but I'd like a bit more."
Honour smiled in remembrance. "She has a habit of when she rolls over, she takes the entire blanket with her."
"Like her mother."
"I do not! Oh, and her laugh is something to hear! I can't really describe it.  But to me, it is a laugh of sheer joy. She is truly a child in love with life. She chews on her fist when she is teething and I can tell when she is sleepy because she twists her hair around her finger."
"Again, like her mother. "
"What?"
"You're doing it now."
Honour stopped in mid-twirl.
She laughed, "I guess I do."

"Are you tired?"
"I guess so. The whole day is catching up to me."
"Well, at least you didn't have the news you have a child sprung on you."
"No. I'm sorry, Jack. I intended to tell you when we got back to the ship and there was a peaceful minute. I--I wanted to do it right."
"Honour, there WAS no right way. I'm sure in the next few weeks, bits and pieces will surface. And by the time we get to Wales, I will know so much about my daughter that it will be like I already met her."
Honour's face glowed. "I can just picture her reaching out and tweaking your nose."
Jack rose and held his hand out to her. "You have had a long day, love. Shall we?"
"Shall we....what?"
"WhatEVER!"
Honour laughed. "That's my line."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 31, 2014, 08:26:54 PM
"So what do you make of it, Josiah?"
Briggs leaned over the gunwale, his pipe sending curls of smoke in the air.
"Make of what?"
"The missus. Think she is here to stay?"
"For the moment. Until those two get to bickering and squabbling. Then it is anyone's guess."
"How long you give it?"
Briggs shrugged. "Can't rightly say. It's anyone's guess as to what Mad Jack has planned now. Me, I'm looking to do a fair bit o' pyracy. You don't use it, you lose it. I'd hate to see mildew get on that flag of ours."
Davis took out his flask. "Maybe he will set her up in a house in Bridgetown and visit her when he is in port. He'd at least save some money."
Briggs looked over at the closed door of the captain's quarters. "Don't let him hear you say that. Honour may be many things but she's no doxy. You weren't around when he married her. He changed."
"How so?"
"He was....happy. Like a part of him was where it should be. It was as if that part died after she was gone. Jack had gone into a few taverns to see what information he could pick up on Cade Jennings or Honour Bright. Duckie and I were in a tavern--think it was Aruba--and we got rip-roarin' drunk. We got to talkin' about the way Honour did Jack.
Duckie said only one other woman did Jack that way. What was her name?---Rhonda? Rose? Rose!--that was it. I asked Duckie who she was but then Duckie passed out and I had to half-drag his arse to the ship.
Next day I asked him about it and he denied it.  Said he never said anything of the sort. I let it go. Figured it was Jack's business and it was before we made acquaintance. But still..."
"Still waters run deep?"
"NO! I was going to say that still after that, Jack Wolfe fell for a piece of fluff named Honour Bright. 'Cept one thing."
"What is that?"
"Honour is no piece of fluff. There in that captain's cabin perhaps lies the one woman who if she had breeches and what goes in them could very well rival Jack Wolfe. She can't tame him. But she taught him."
"Taught him what?"
"To feel again. He was happiest when he was with her. And there's one thing."
"That is..?"
"I don't think Jack can stand the heartache of losing her again. One thing that I AM grateful for."
"What's that, Josiah?"
"The two of them never had a wee bairn."
"May keep her on land with the homefire burning."
"Aye but there may be one other thing."
"What?"
Briggs took a deep draw on his pipe and then tapped it on the gunwale. The ash flew up and landed on the whitecaps.
"Pray we don't end up putting a cradle on the crows nest!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 07, 2014, 08:07:09 PM
Briggs lit his pipe and watched as a pair of playful dolphins frolicked in the ship's wake with the morning sun glistening off their sleek bodies.  The sound of boots on the deck behind him made him turn to find Jack wearing a positively blissful grin.
"Good morning, Josiah!   And how are we this fine morning?"
Briggs cocked an eyebrow.  "We are doin' fine.  You look like ye're over the moon.  I take it that since we didn't see hide nor hair of ye or the missus last night, your discussion went well?"
"Better than well," replied Jack.  "We cleared the air about a great many things.  And we arrived at some important decisions."
"One of which bein' that she's stayin' on, yeah?"
Jack's grin got bigger, if that was possible.  "It's that obvious?"
"If she weren't, I'd have heard ye before I seen ye.  We all would have.  A man like you don't pine for a woman like her and take rejection easy."
"I do wish you'd learn to speak your mind, Josiah.  Being cryptic doesn't suit you.  I know you don't care for her."
Briggs chuckled and leaned on the gunwale.  "I like Honour just fine, Jack.  She's a fine woman, and I know she makes ye happy.  But I'll admit I like her best when she ain't got ye all turned around and inside out."  He sighed and looked thoughtfully at his pipe before poking it back in his mouth.  "I sure hope ye know what ye're doin'."
"You think she'll run off again, don't you?"
"Don't matter much what I think.  There ain't a hope of swayin' ye with sense and facts on this one, I can tell."

Jack leaned on the gunwale beside his friend.  "I realise now she had every reason to leave, and I was the one who gave her those reasons.  But it turns out that there is one very important reason to put all that behind us."
Briggs rolled his eyes.  "Let me guess.  True love?"
"All right, make that two reasons," Jack laughed.  He turned to look at the quartermaster.  "Josiah, I have a child."
Briggs' mouth dropped open when Jack delivered the happy news, and his pipe went tumbling into the sea.  Immediately he began choking on the smoke he'd inhaled.
"Hang me for a lubberly Dutchman!" he gasped.  Dropping his voice to a quiet rasp, he asked, "How is that good?  I mean, what if Honour finds out?!"
Jack screwed his eyes shut in exasperation.  "Josiah, the child IS mine and Honour's!"
Briggs lurched over to the binnacle and retrieved the bottle of rum.  He took three or four full swallows before looking back at Jack.
"Tell me ye're havin' me on!"
Jack shook his head.  "I'm not.  Believe me, I was surprised too.  But it's wonderful, Josiah!  Honour says she's a beautiful little girl..."
The bottle was back at Briggs' lips, and he downed a few more swallows.
"Honestly, Josiah.  I thought you'd be happy for us," said Jack, clearly becoming annoyed at Briggs' carrying on.
"Just tryin' to get used to the idea of you bein' a pappy," answered Briggs.  "Of a girl?  That one I can't say as I'll ever get used to."  He started to bring the bottle up again when Jack snatched it out of his hand, corked it, and put it back in the binnacle with a slam.

Still wearing an incredulous look on his face, Briggs asked, "I guess we'll be makin' for Barbados and home, then?"
"Actually, we have another stop before we make anchor at Bridgetown again."
"Where?  Martinique?  St. Kitts?"
Jack shook his head.  "Further north."
"Anguilla?  We had us a hell of a good time there..."
"Wales."

Briggs' eyes grew wide, and he went for the binnacle again.  The sound of Jack clearing his throat stopped him cold.
"Why the devil are we goin' there of all places?!" he fumed.
"To fetch little Zara, and bring her back to Barbados.  Honour's sister is taking care of her until we arrive."  Jack looked out over the ocean.  "I can hardly believe, Josiah.  I'm a father!  A family man!"
Briggs turned his attention to the men on the deck below them.
"'Zara'.  Honour picked a right pretty name for the wee one.  Aye, that ye have a family now a fine thing, I suppose," he said solemnly as he reached for his pipe, then remembered it was well on its way to the Locker.  "But what plans have ye for this family, Jack?  Your crew?  Given them any thought?  With Honour aboard, I know there'll be not a bit of piratin'.  With a baby to boot?"  He turned and looked at his friend.  "Your days on the Account are over, aren't they?"

Jack gave a heavy sigh.  "When we make port in Glenlivet, we'll give the men a choice of staying on as salaried crew, or they may part company with some extra coins in their pocket.  I know many of them have no desire to venture anywhere near the Commonwealth again.  And many don't dare."
"Ye know ye'll be lucky to keep half of 'em.  A fair number of skilled men are goin' to walk off this ship and ne'er look back," warned Briggs.
"I know, Josiah.  But this is how it has to be.  Honour has been in enough danger because of me.  No more.  I'll move heaven and earth to keep her and Zara safe."
"Is that offer bein' extended to the entire crew, as per the Articles?"
"Of course it-- Josiah, no.  Please don't do this."
The quartermaster gave his captain a weary look.  "You're lookin' out for what's right by you, Jack.  I hope ye don't expect me to do different.  You're the master of this ship, and thy will be done.  But as a man I admire greatly once said, I need to know my options."
He paused for a moment, but Jack was too stunned to speak.  Over the years, Briggs had followed his friend's wild hunches and crazy schemes with little question.  This time he wasn't so sure he could go along.  Change was one thing Briggs did not take well.  What Jack had told him amounted to a new way of life. 
After several long, uncomfortable moments, he quietly said, "I'll be with the men should ye need me.  Don't ye worry none.  I won't say a word about your plans until we're in port and safely docked.  One mutiny this week is enough."
With that, Briggs left the quarterdeck and began inspecting the work of the crew as they went about their duties. 

The words of his long time friend and confidant left Jack stinging.  He had always been able to rely on Briggs' full support, however reluctantly given.  What he never anticipated was outright opposition.  The ship's articles were clear on the matter.  When in port, any man may leave the ship to seek his own fortunes once any outstanding debts to the Company were settled.  Usually that was sufficient to keep the average tar aboard.  Sailors were notorious for being perpetually broke and in debt.  Jack's plan was to soften the surprise change in plans by offering a small quantity of gold to any man who chose to leave.  That would make the squaring of debts easier for everyone.  While he wanted to keep as many experienced men as possible, those who stayed reluctantly were of little use to him.  Jack needed a crew he could trust, as much as anyone could trust a collection of pirates.  He was gambling his family's future on his ability to inspire loyalty in cutthroats and criminals.  Once again, what Jack called a plan would be called insanity by anyone else.

Jack could see Briggs' point of view, however reluctantly.  While it was a personal decision for him, it affected the lives of everyone aboard.  But Jack's concern wasn't about maintaining the cohesive crew of a pirate ship.  His focus was getting himself and his bride to Wales as swiftly as possible.  Nothing would sway him from that goal.  There was far too much at stake.

He did his best to shake off Briggs' chilly reaction to the news about Zara.  There was one person who he was certain would be happy for him and Honour.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 14, 2014, 07:58:24 PM
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 both our lives were 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?"
"That's 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, good physician? 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."
"Don't push it. 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!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 21, 2014, 07:50:57 PM
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 for a change. 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?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on September 28, 2014, 07:49:55 PM
Honour stretched out in the bed in the captain's quarters, the sunlight streaming through the blinds. She woke up with a smile on her face. Tenderly she reached over to hug the pillow next to her, a feeling of contentment coming over her. Contentment? More like a feeling she was finally home after a long journey.

Jack had covered her with the comforter before he left to tend to business. The night had been a long one, filled with accusations and declarations, confessions and confirmations. She was relieved to finally tell Jack about Zara. It was as if a burden had been lifted from her. She smiled as she remembered the look of pride on Jack's face. And the abject terror when he realized the child was of the feminine persuasion.

Honour was anxious to get back to Beaumaris. She had been away from Zara for six weeks now and every week brought about a change in her little girl that Honour could never get back. When Honour left Wales to arrange for the sale of the plantation, Zara was just starting to pull herself up on the furniture. She smiled as she thought of her tiny daughter with the dark curls and delicate features.  And the set of lung she inherited from her father and her willful ways from her mother.
'Jack, I hope you are up to the challenge of dealing with a little girl.'
But Honour knew that even before he had seen her, Zara would twist him around her little finger.

Honour crawled out of bed and wrapped a dressing gown around her. It was the sky blue silk she had left on the ship when they had crossed from Tobago. Fortunately she had left quite a few clothes on the ship. She crossed over to the chest of drawers and looked through the drawers for a change of clothes and there she saw it.
A black velvet drawstring bag.
And a gold ring.

She took it out very carefully and looked inside. It was a band of gold inscribed with a promise.


WAIT FOR ME

A dozen thoughts and a half a dozen conflicting emotions surged through her. She inexplicably teared up as she remembered the day she was given it.
A brisk autumn day in a cave in Beaumaris.
It was the ring that Rhys Morgan had given her before he left with the promise he would return in six months' time and marry her.
But one factor worked against them.
Mother Superior had her spies.

She thought back to the day that Mother Superior called her into her study. There was no reasoning. She was to be sent home. What was the phrase Mother Superior had used?
Oh yes....'pleasures of the flesh'.
Honour was sent packing the very next day.

She held the ring close to her heart as a tear trickled down her face. In her mind's eye she saw Rhys as vibrant and alive as he had been in all the times she had known him. Her mind drifted back to the first time she saw him.
She had taken a skiff that was beached by the cliffs. She rowed it out to look at a ship that was docked a ways out in the bay. A seagull had swooped down on her and as she screamed and batted it away, Muir decided to leap after it.
Rhys was the one to fish her out of the water.

Six years later, Rhys Morgan had shown up in her life again, as a pirate captain in his own right.
The Neptune Rising had become his.
And so had a girl named Rhiannon Conaway.

She slipped the ring on her finger. It still fit.
'Was it really that long ago that I last saw Rhys Morgan?' she wondered.
Four years.
He reentered her life when she was seventeen. But there were the...complications.
And Rhys paid for it with his life.

Honour hastily wiped the tears from her face.  She took a shuddering breath. The guilt would always be there.  But if not for the turn of events that had followed, she never would have met Jack.
And Zara would never have come into existence.
Softly she whispered, 'I'll never forget your, Rhys. Or your love. But it is time I moved on. I have a man who loves me and a daughter born of that love.'
She felt the tears well up again and she pushed the feelings down like she had done for the past four years.
Once and for all times.

'Good-bye Rhys. I do love you. But my life is with Jack and Zara now.'
She looked at the ring one last time and put it back in the velvet bag, pushing it to the back of the drawer.

She washed her face and brushed her hair, changing her clothes, heading up to the deck to greet another day.
And the man who was her life now.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 05, 2014, 08:19:55 PM
Briggs was directing the men on deck.
"Good morning, Josiah. Where is Jack?"
Briggs jerked his thumb towards the infirmary.
"In there with Duckie."
He barely said anything else.

Honour took a deep breath and said, quietly, "He told you, didn't he?"
Briggs nodded.
"That he did. Told me the plans to go to Wales. And when we make port in Bridgetown, any crew member who didn't want to go was free to leave the Company."
"Josiah, I don't want to disturb any arrangements that Jack may have made with any of you.  I know that you and Jack have been friends for years."
"If you were expecting a wee one, why didn't you have the good sense to stay and hash it out with Jack? Didn't he have the right to know and be there for the birthing?"
She looked down. "I wasn't thinking clearly, Josiah.  And lest you think I am a thief, I still have the ten chests of guilders. I only took them to secure the baby's future."
"And what of the land you were supposed to buy?"
"I did use the money that Jack had given me to buy a plantation."
"In whose name? Certainly not that of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wolfe. He did a title search, you know."
She hedged a bit. "I put it in a name that made it safe and secure for Zara."

Josiah shook his head.
"Honour, I delivered the news to Jack when you weren't there to come home to.  The man had his guts torn out of him. I don't think I could stand to see him hurt like that again."
She nodded solemnly. "I can't say I blame you, Josiah. But I was young and afraid. I never had a baby before and with things the way they had been between Jack and me, I had no way of knowing how he would react. I couldn't afford to be deserted."
Josiah grew indignant. "When have you ever known Jack Wolfe to not be a man of his word?"
"Josiah, I am telling you something I never told anyone before. Not even Jack. But I took a risk going back to Wales. Things....had happened there in another lifetime. Please don't ask as I won't say. But I needed my family. Good Lord, you didn't want me to have a baby on a pirate ship, did you? So I did what was best. I see now how wrong I was. And I'll spend a lifetime making it up to Jack."
"And how do you plan on doing that?"
"By not making him sorry he married me."
"So far, so good, Honour. "
"And one other thing I need to do and I need to do it tonight."
"You aren't going to tell him you have another kid stashed somewhere, are you?"
She shook her head.
"No. I need to tell him one thing."
"And that would be?"
"That I love him."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 12, 2014, 10:30:52 PM
Honour gazed over the shoreline of Bridgetown 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 Bridgetown 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?"
Honour gave Jack's arm a quick squeeze. "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 Bridgetown?"
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.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 19, 2014, 08:18:50 PM
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 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 three o'clock. 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 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."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 26, 2014, 08:16:39 PM
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.

"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."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 02, 2014, 07:11:46 PM
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 minx, 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.

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

"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 books are about."
She sighed. "Was it all for naught?

He brushed her hair back. "No, Honour. The journal and the secrets of the chest 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 one of the books and said with exapsertaion, "Look here! All I see are squiggly lines and symbols that make no sense."
"Just as they would no doubt view our written language."
"But there has to be a key to translating them. Maybe one of them is a primer for learning their language?"

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 dear? Cade Jennings?"
Rhys Morgan's face came unbidden to her memory. But 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."
"And I had no idea that Cade hated me so much."
"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."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 09, 2014, 09:16:49 PM
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!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 16, 2014, 07:44:17 AM
 
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 something 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 is rolled up and tied with a ribbon and seems to consist of paper. Honour, is this a prenuptual agreement after the fact?"
"Damn it, Jack! Open up your bloody eyes!" she said in mock exasperation.
"Ah, yes, that would help!" He opened up his eyes and looked at what appeared to be a scroll tied with pink ribbon.
"Damn. You're still dressed."
She gave him an 'I'm about to slap you into next week' look. He grinned sheepishly and untied the ribbon, then unrolled the paper.

Jack's eyes went wide.
"Honour? Is this who I think it is?"
She laughed gaily. "Of course it is!"
"This is really her? Mine? I mean...ours?" he asked in a voice halting.
She nodded. "Yes, Jack, it's Zara."

The paper revealed a detailed sketch of a baby's face.
"When did you do this?"
"Oh...over the last two days. It isn't quite finished but the face is. And a damn good likeness if I do say so myself. Of course, I was sketching from memory. But a mother remembers every single detail of her child's face."
"I had no idea you were so talented."
She raised an eyebrow. "My talents do extend past these four walls, I'll have you know. I used to spend alot of times up on the bluffs sketching and writing poetry. Somehow I have been....distracted by other things."

Jack traced the drawing with his finger.
"My God, she is just beautiful."
Honour laughed softly and said, "Well, I made her myself!"
"What you do mean, yourself? I think I had a hand in it too."
"You may have provided an ingredient but I did the baking and took it out of the oven all by myself!"
"Her eyes are just like yours. And her nose too."
"But the hair and that determined little chin are all Wolfe."
"And she is a princess. And with looks like that, she can rule the world!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 23, 2014, 08:23:39 PM
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!"

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.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 30, 2014, 08:13:45 AM
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."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 07, 2014, 08:29:19 PM
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 Bridgetown?"
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 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. "Gentlemen! 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.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on December 14, 2014, 12:24:27 PM
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!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on December 21, 2014, 08:00:46 PM
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."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 29, 2014, 12:49:41 PM
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 told me so very little 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."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 11, 2015, 08:13:08 PM
Honour hesitated. The moment that she was dreading was here. It was time to lay her cards on the table and be honest---almost--with her husband.
Quietly, she said, "I suppose I owe you the truth since half of what is yours in that cradle is also half of me.  Jack, I am so tired. Let's send down for some cheese and bread and a bottle of merlot and settle in for the night. Then we can have the talk I have been dreading to tell you."
Jack nodded. "I think that is a good idea."
"I'll be back in a few minutes."
"But what if the baby wakes up?"
"Pick her up."
"But..but...."
"Jack, I can guarantee you she won't break."

She opened up the door to the parlor where Megan had been sitting with her needlework.
"Rhiannon, I can't begin to tell you how nice it is to have you back. And you know, I even like your choice in husbands! He's just as I pictured him. Well, he didn't have the horns and forked tail like you described. And I am guessing he left his pitchfork out by the door."
Honour laughed. "It's hard to get used to that name, Megan. I know it will take Jack a while.  Did Daffyd get back yet?"
"No. But he's probably talking to the magistrate. Once those two get talking about horse-breeding, I may not see him for hours. He did tell me he'd probably have dinner with Magistrate Allison so not to hold up anything."
"Megan, do you mind greatly if Jack and I get some food and take it to our rooms?"
"Not at all, sweetheart. I trust the rooms are sufficient?"
Honour laughed. "I see you gave me my old room.  The sitting parlor is ideal. Are you sure we are not putting you out, showing up here unexpectantly?"
"Darling, I did expect you.  I just didn't know when. I sent a note off to Gwyneth and Dilys that you are back. I imagine they will be coming over in the next day or two."
Honour bit her lip.
"And...him? Does he know?"
Megan concentrated on her needlework. "He's still in London sitting in the House of Lords."
"Thank God!"
She put her needlework down. "But you know they won't be in session forever."
Honour hesitated with her hand on the doorknob.
"I'll deal with it when the time comes. Unless I can manage to leave before he returns."
Megan gave her a sad smile. "From your lips to God's ear, Rhiannon.
How is Jack enjoying Zara?"
Honour smiled broadly. "He's smitten. Of course, Zara is still asleep. But I can honestly say, I have never seen Jack Wolfe afraid of a little bundle from heaven! And now I'm off to the kitchen to get a small meal for us. All that time on the ship, it will be good to sleep in a bed that's not rocking."
Megan looked at Honour and she looked at Megan.  They both burst out laughing.
"Just...don't say it, Megan. Don't say it."
Megan waved her on. "Go! Enjoy your evening and Daffyd and I will see you in the morning."

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

Honour bumped the door open with her hip.
"Let me take that!" Jack took the tray from her.
"Thank you, darling. It's just some cheese and flatbread and Mrs. Ferguson--that is Megan's cook--sent some cookies and fruit with me."
She reached under her tucked arm.
"And a bottle of merlot that Daffyd himself bottled from the vineyard here."

Honour disappeared behind the screen and threw her chemise over it.
Jack said casually, "Megan did quite well for herself. Marrying landed gentry. That in itself has to be an interesting story."
Honour came out wrapped in her dressing gown. Jack had stoked the fire while she was gone and had now laid out the food on the table.
"Did Zara stir?"
He shook his head. "Not a peep out of her. I put my finger under her nose to make sure she was still breathing."
Honour laughed. "Jack, she is alright. She has been known to sleep for a few hours.  We call it a nap."
Jack uncorked the bottle of merlot and poured two glasses.
"And now it is your turn, my love."
She looked down and said quietly, "Alright. But remember you said you would love me no matter what."
"And I will. I mean, it's not like you murdered anyone, is it?"
Her head jerked up sharply. "Of--of course not."
"Good. Now tell me your secrets. I've told you most of mine."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 18, 2015, 12:24:56 PM
Honour took a long drink of her wine as Jack sat back in the chair, warming his feet to the fire. His boots were under the bed, as usual. His shirt was out of his breeches and he leaned back, reveling in the warmth.
She gazed into the fire and said, "I lied to you on my past, Jack. I am not the offspring of a scullery maid and a stablegroom. I am one of four daughters of Lord Rhodri Conaway."
He nodded. "That clears up something that always bewildered me. I knew you had quality and breeding from the first day I saw you. And now it all makes sense.  So you too are landed gentry. It explains why Megan is lady of this manor. Money marries money. And who might the other sisters be?"
"Gwyneth is the oldest. Ten years older than me. She is married to James Hamilton and Dilys--she is the true rebel in the family--she married a Scotsman. His name is Angus McFarland.  Both very nice men. Although I can't understand Angus when he rolls his 'r's."
"Where is your mother?"
Honour looked down and said softly, "I am to blame for that."
"What?"
She looked up at him and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"I caused my mother's death."

Jack took her hand and said, "Honour, it is not your fault she died in childbirth."
She shook her head and gazed into the fire. "So long....it was so long ago. I don't even remember it. I was three. My mother took me down to the pond. I broke loose from her hand and decided to chase a butterfly. Or so I was told."
She rubbed her temples. "My mother called for me and I got close to the edge. She slipped on the mud and hit her head on a rock. She was unconscious and drowned. The governess found me a few minutes later. Playing on the edge of the pond and my mother was....dead."
Jack reached over and held her hand. "It was not your fault, darling."
She said almost inaudibly, "I know. It took me years to realize it wasn't my fault. But Father saw it otherwise."
"Your father?"
"He ignored me pretty much after that. Any love he had for me, he shut off. And when I turned six, he did what was right. For him."
She took a deep breath and continued, "He sent me away to the Order of St Brigid."
"A convent?"
She nodded. "I was there for eleven years. Until I was dismissed."
"Did you forget to fill the candles for Vespers? Let the holy water run dry?"
Jack tried to make light of it even though he feared he already knew why she was returned home.
She shook her head. " 'Unseemly behaviour ' was the nice way of putting it. I was sent home in disgrace. My father didn't want me around still so I did what I do best."
"You ran."
She nodded. "You once asked me about my silver chain."
She took it out from around her neck and gently touched it.
"Megan made sure I had something of my mother's. She was wearing it the day she...."
Jack nodded. "I understand."
Honour found her voice again. "It keeps her real to me. Close. And whenever I don't know what to do, I look up at the stars and ask her for her advice. Or at least for her to watch over me. She's not with me but I feel oddly comforted."
"And where is this poor excuse for a father now? Dead?"
She shook her head. "He's in London."
"Do I want to meet him?"
She gave a brittle laugh. "No, I don't think so."
"And you ended up in St Lawrence waiting on tavern tables."
"I had a small amount of money and I booked passage on the first ship going out of port. It was to Barbados. Amos took pity on me and that is how I ended up at the Varlet and Vixen."
Jack drew her into his arms and kissed her.
"Is this all?"
She felt her heart lurch. Memories of Madoc Castlemaine and Rhys Morgan rose up in her but she pushed them far down.
Honour nodded.
"That is all, Jack. Now you know the truth."

He took her hand and pulled her up.
"And how long is Zara due to sleep?"
She recognized the gleam in Jack's eye.
"Oh, I am sure she will be a while yet. Do you have anything in mind? A good book? Maybe a game of cards?"
He smiled wickedly as he drew the sash loose on her dressing gown.
"You can keep the silver necklace on."
He drew her down to him on the bed.
"Lord, Honour, do you think we can manage in a bed that isn't swaying?"
She kissed him deeply and loosened his shirt.
"We managed in St Lawrence and we managed in Castara and we even managed it in Barbados. So I think we shall do just fine here in---"
He silenced her with a kiss.
As their lovemaking commenced, she reasoned with that annoying inner voice of hers, 'Really, Madoc and Rhys are just a closed chapter. I have a new life with Jack and a fresh start.'
Their passions were rising to new heights when the inevitable happened.

"WAAAAAH!"
Jack stopped and looked with dismay at Honour.
She sighed and threw his shirt at him.
"I'd suggest you put on your trousers!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on January 25, 2015, 07:17:12 PM
Jack looked at Honour in a mixture of astonishment and dismay. "Don't... don't you think she can wait a few minutes more?"
"WAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
"You tell me," said Honour. "Can you concentrate through that din?"
"WAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
He screwed his eyes shut, but it was obvious he couldn't ignore the wailing of his little girl. He rolled over and pulled on his shirt, then his trousers. Honour hadn't bothered to pull up the sheet. Jack paused to look at her exquisite form.
"Bollocks!" he muttered, and he went quickly to the nursery.

With Zara in full voice, Jack hastily lit a lamp. He turned to the cradle where his daughter lay, and froze.
"What do I do? Pick her up?" he asked himself. "Leave her alone? Rock her? Sing to her? Why can I only think of 'The Good Ship Venus'? No good! Bollocks! All right, here we go..."
Jack carefully slid his hands around Zara and picked her up. "Your mum promised me you wouldn't break, and I'm going to hold you to that bargain," he said softly. He held his daughter at arm's length, trying to decide what to do next. For some reason, Zara fell silent.
"This isn't so bad," Jack smiled. "Piece of cake, ain't it, Zara?"
Little Zara's eyes opened slowly, and met her father's. Suddenly, they grew wide. Jack's did too. Her lower lip trembled, and she drew in several halting breaths.
"Oh, no, no, no, non, nein, nyet..." stammered Jack. But nothing would hold back Zara's bloodcurdling scream. Wincing against the sound, Jack held her close to him, in hopes that holding her would bring her comfort enough to quit crying. No such luck. Instead, Zara grabbed two handfuls of her father's hair and pulled for everything she was worth.
"Ow! OWW!!" exclaimed Jack. "Let go! Damn it! Ouch!!"

At that moment, Honour opened the nursery door. Before her was her husband, the most feared pirate in the Caribbean, holding his infant daughter while she cried and yanked his long brown hair with surprising strength.
"Get her off me!" cried Jack.
Honour looked at him, and doubled over in laughter.
"What the hell are you laughing at? A little help, please?" he pleaded.
Completely unable to contain herself, Honour leaned against the door and continued laughing. "Oh, dear Lord, if only Briggs could see you now! Here! Let me show you what to do, you big fearsome man!"
She gently took hold of Zara, and the child slowly released her grip on Jack's hair. Within moments, Zara was quietly resting against her mother.
"You set me up," said Jack.
Honour smiled. "Maybe just a little." She bounced Zara gently and patted her back, while Zara kept a wary eye on her father.

"Why on earth did she react like that?" asked Jack. Honour couldn't help but hear the note of hurt in his voice.
"Because she's frightened, Jack," she explained as gently as she could. "You're a strange face to her."
"But... I'm her father. That should count for something."
"It does. It counts for everything. But right now, she doesn't know who you are. That will change."
Jack sighed. "I hadn't stopped to think about it like that. The whole world must be one big scary place for her, then." He smiled sweetly at Zara and began to bring his face close to her. Immediately, her lower lip began to tremble, her tiny hands clutching Honour's nightgown. He backed off and gave a defeated look.
"It will take a few days, darling," Honour said as she rocked their daughter.
"Do you really think she'll warm up to me? I mean, it took you no time at all..."
Honour held Zara up in front of her and grinned. "That's because you are so much smarter than Mummy was! Aren't you? Yes you are!" Zara giggled and playfully grabbed her nose.
"Oh, and aren't you the cheeky one!" said Jack in mock exasperation. "She seems happy enough now. Can I try again to hold her?"
Honour pursed her lips. "You're rushing things, Jack. Go slow, please?"
"You're right, as usual. I've just been so excited to finally see her, and... I suppose I was expecting things to go differently."
"What were you expecting? For her to greet you in the drawing room with tea and biscuits?"
"Don't be silly, Honour. Even I know babies don't drink tea!" He shook his head slowly. "I really didn't know what to expect. Except for the eyes. I knew she'd have your beautiful eyes. And her hair. It really is just like mine..."
He reached to touch Zara's curls, but she let out a small fearful cry and buried her face in Honour's shoulder.

Honour stroked Zara's back to calm her. "It's all right, Zara. Bad man go away..." she cooed, and gave Jack a wink.
"You know, I could have stayed on the ship with Briggs and not gotten this much abuse," groused Jack teasingly.
"I told you to take it slow, darling. She's your daughter, not something to master." She kissed Zara's head and smiled at her husband. "We may have been a magnificent whirlwind, but she needs and deserves time."
"You have a maddening talent for being right," smiled Jack.

At that moment, Zara pushed back from Honour and gave a tremendous yawn, then softly collapsed back against her mother's shoulder. She kept her eyes on Jack, but they were somehow softer now, and heavy with sleepiness. Jack took some heart in this, but stayed put. Honour was right. There was no need for a desperate rush to connect with his daughter. He had retired from the Account, rich beyond his wildest dreams. Even more so now that his wife and daughter we back in his life. He had all the time in the world to get to know his little precious baby girl.
"I think she's ready to go back down and sleep," Honour said quietly. "Where is the toy you bought for her?"
"Toy? Oh, the rabbit! I'd almost forgotten!"
"More like completely forgotten," she laughed. "No wonder, in all the excitement! Why don't you go fetch it?"
Without a word, Jack hustled out of the nursery and into their room. Six nearly identical trunks were lined up against the wall with the windows. Which one of all those was his? He started examining them, and remembered his had the heaviest lock. He hauled the trunk onto the bed and retrieved the key from the dresser. Once the trunk was opened, he rummaged about and found the little toy rabbit he has bought in the Azores, right next to the clothes that were still in need of laundering. Honour had suggested he keep the toy there so it would smell like him, and help Zara make an association to him. Jack laughed to himself that if that actually worked, Zara would have a VERY strong association to him in a short time. With toy rabbit in hand, he hurried back to the nursery.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 02, 2015, 08:25:17 AM
Honour had just put Zara back in the crib, and was pulling the little pink blanket back up over the baby. She smiled when she saw Jack standing in the doorway holding the toy rabbit proudly.
"Oh, good! You found it! Here, give it to me and I'll tuck it in beside her."
"Not so fast!" said Jack. You said this would help her make a link between something pleasant and me, yeah?"
Honour's brow furrowed. "Well, yes, but if it smells like you, that ought to be enough."
"Despite all the tavern tales to the contrary, how many risks have you known me to take?"
"None that weren't thoroughly calculated."
"Well, this is another one."
"Please, Jack, she'll just start crying again."
"Trust me Honour. Please? If she starts crying, I'll take you to town and buy you a new red dress."
"I thought you liked the red dress I already have."
"Consider it a spare. You don't know how many times I've wanted to tear that dress off you."
Honour blushed a little, and stepped away from the crib. "When you put it that way, how could I refuse?"
Jack stepped toward the crib. Honour touched his shoulder gently.
"And what if you're right? What do you get?" she asked.
"That's up to you, my love. And you'll still get that red dress."
Honour bit her lip and smiled. "Do go slow, please?"
"I promise," said Jack.

He turned toward the crib, and looked down on the very sleepy Zara Wolfe. He leaned down, but paused when her expression turned worried.
"No, no, precious. It's all right," he said in his deepest, most soothing tones. "I know we haven't been properly introduced, and I made a mess of things before."
Zara's expression slowly changed from distressed to one of curiosity.
"I'm your daddy," continued Jack. "And I love you very, very much."
Honour stood at the doorway and watched her husband work his magic on their daughter. Tears of happiness welled in her eyes as she witnessed Jack Wolfe transform from feared pirate to doting father. She felt guilty for keeping Zara from him, but she took consolation in how wonderfully everything was working out.
"I've got something for you," Jack said to Zara. He produced the toy rabbit from behind his back. Zara's eyes grew wide at the bright colours. "Ah, see? That's my little girl! You recognise swag when you see it!"
He gently gave the toy bunny to Zara, who took it without taking her eyes from Jack's face.
"Are you going to help your Da prove your Mum wrong? Come on, give us a smile."
Zara took the rabbit and looked at it, then gave it a shake. The little bells sewn into the tips of its ears jingled, and her eyes lit up. She gave a noise that sounded like a laugh and looked at Jack, and then back to the bunny. Jack looked at Honour and smiled. She returned the smile, and nodded toward their room. Jack rose and gave Zara one more glance, then extinguished the lamp and joined Honour in the hall.

"You charmed her after all, didn't you?" she laughed softly.
Jack beamed. "Yeah, I guess I did! But I think the rabbit was what really won her over."
"Well, you proved me wrong. I thought she would cry, and instead we have this..." The faint tinkle of little bells could be heard as Zara played with her new toy.
"You know what this means, don't you?" asked Jack.
"I wouldn't know," said Honour, with a hint of a wicked smile.
"Don't try and weasel out of this one, darling. I won the bet." He gently brushed her hair away from her face. "So, what's my prize?"
Honour smiled. "I still get my red dress?"
"Of course you do! A promise is a promise."
She took his hand and led him to their room. "I'd much rather show you than tell you."
"Now you're talking," said Jack as he closed the bedroom door with his heel.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 08, 2015, 07:11:47 PM
Several days later.....


Honour rested her forehead against the window and looked out.
"It's snowing even harder, Jack.  I do hope Briggs was able to leave as planned."
Jack looked up from bouncing Zara on his knee.
"He did."
"How do you know?"
Jack grinned sheepishly, "When you and Megan went into town to talk to the dressmaker, I borrowed a horse from Daffyd and rode down to the docks. El Lobo is ported out, right on schedule according to the dockmaster. I wanted to check to make sure the ship sailed off before the snow started."
She sighed. "You just can't seem to get the saltwater out of your veins, can you?"

Honour looked over to see Jack covering his face with his hands and when he opened them, Zara kept trying to tweak his nose.  Her squeals of delight filled the room.  Honour felt a pang of guilt.  She had kept the pregnancy to herself, effectively shutting Jack out of what was perhaps the most important event in their lives. But the sheer joy that Jack found playing with his daughter was a salve to it.
Jack was now down on the floor with Zara making her stuffed bunny hop and land on her head. Zara kept grabbing for it and Jack would make it bounce away.
"Best piastres I ever spent!"

His wife smiled broadly. There was a knock on the door.
"Miss Rhiannon, a few packages arrived for Mr. Wolfe."
The servant girl handed Honour a few large packages.
"Thank you, Jane."
She raised an eyebrow to Jack. "Did you buy me something?"
He got up gingerly from the floor. "I don't know how much longer I can keep playing on the floor. It's hard on the knees."
He took the packages from Honour. "Well, not exactly for you but kind of."
She placed her hands on her hips. "I hate it when you speak in riddles, Jack Wolfe."

Jack opened the packages and drew out some new clothes.
"I took an afternoon and went to a tailor. This is for the ball that Megan is having in a few weeks."
"Ah, yes! Her annual winter ball! I missed last year's and I regretted it."
"You missed it? Why?"
"Jack, I was about a month away from delivering the baby. It wouldn't be right for me to be seen in social situations with a belly out to here!"
"Good point."
"And what is this?"

Jack took the package and hid it behind his back.
"Oh..this?"
"Yes! THAT! Is it for me?"
He smiled wickedly and said, "Possibly. Have you been a good little girl?"
"I don't know. Have I?"
He chuckled, "Have I ever complained before?"
She tried to get the package and he held it over his head.  She jumped, trying to reach it. Jack laughed, "I love when you beg!"
Honour pouted. "Alright, be that way."
Jack put his finger under her chin and lifted her face. "I love that little pout you do. Seems that is another thing Zara has inherited from you. And when the two of you do that, I am helpless. So, yes, you have been a good little girl and deserve a reward."
He gave her the package and she gave him a brilliant smile in return.
Putting it on the bed, she opened the package and gasped.
"Oh, Jack, it is just beautiful!"

She lifted out a melee of red lace and silk.
"But...but it's not a dress!"
He looked up from sorting through his new clothes and said, "Hmm? Oh..well, I thought it was something that could be for a private party of one."
She looked at the crimson silk as it swirled. "A new dressing gown.  And just who is this really for? Me....or did you buy it for me for YOU?"
He laughed, "Well....I thought it would be nice. You can show me tonight how it fits."

Just then, a cry came from the floor. Zara's lower lip trembled and she held her arms out.
"Da! Da!"
Jack turned to Honour in amazement. "Did you hear that? Did she actually say 'Da'?"
Honour laughed. "What did you expect her to call you? Captain Daddy?"
He bent down and scooped his little girl up.
"What's the matter, precious? You were feeling neglected?"
Zara buried her face in Jack's shoulder and he could feel her settling down.

Honour looked at the two of them. She exclaimed, "I never thought I would see the day when the most feared pirate of the Caribbean would be cowed by a little baby."
"She's not just any baby, Honour. She's mine."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on February 15, 2015, 10:50:57 PM
 
Jack sat in the rocking chair and gently stroked his daughter's back while she laid her head on his chest, rocking her gently.
Honour looked over at the two of them and a feeling of contentment came over her.
'This is what I was running to all my life. This is where I belong.' She turned back again to look at the snow coming down. The fire crackled in the fireplace and when Honour turned around again, Zara was asleep in Jack's arms.
But then, so was Jack.
'If I accomplished anything in this life, it was giving Jack what he always wanted even if he didn't know it. A child of his own. And a chance at happiness.'

Honour carefully scraped a bit of frost from the window. She looked out at the snow coming down in silence, blanketing the earth with an eerie calmness, shrouded in white. Almost as if to whitewash her sins that were buried along with the man Honour had loved with her whole being.  Her mind drifted back to another place, another time.
Another lifetime ago.

He whispered, "I know it's fatal, my love."
"Rhys. Rhys, please. Don't leave me. I love you."
"I love you too, Rhiannon."


And then he was gone. She felt a tear escape and trail down her cheek.
Hastily she wiped it away with the back of her hand and whispered, 'Please, Rhys. Please don't let your memory keep me from enjoying true happiness. Please go and stay buried deep down in my heart. If you ever loved me, let me go.'
She closed her eyes and tried to calm herself.


What would her life be like now? Would they constantly be on the run? Would they be sailing the seven seas?  Would they have settled down?

She looked over at her husband sleeping in the rocking chair, their child curled up resting against his chest. At that moment Honour felt she couldn't love Jack any more than she did. She quietly walked over and covered the two of them with a quilt. Jack stirred and opened his eyes.
"She's asleep."
"Yes, she is, darling."
"I did good, didn't I?"
Honour looked at him lovingly and smiled.
"Yes, my darling. You did good."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 23, 2015, 08:07:35 AM
"Dear Lord, man!  How much farther?" huffed Duckie.
"Nearly there, sir," replied the manservant, maintaining what Duckie considered far too brisk a pace.  They reached the end of the long hallway at last.  The man opened the tall double doors with measured precision.  He took three steps into the room and gave a stiff half bow.
"Mister Drake Gander, Countess," he announced.

Duckie, already resentful for being taken on what he felt was a forced march, sidestepped the manservant and entered the west sitting room.  But a sitting room at Tyneforthe Hall would have been a library anywhere else.  It was much like the rest of the manor; grandiose almost to the point of absurdity.  Every yard of fabric, every stick of furniture spoke of wretched excess.  His sister Rose had married into old money, and she was determined to rub everyone's face in it. 

The high walls were done in rich, polished rosewood.  Two enormous bookcases flanked a large fireplace, which crackled and popped with a perfectly stoked fire.  Above the marble fireplace hung a larger-than-life portrait of his sister, replete with an ornate gilt frame.  He wondered for a moment about the two magnificent greyhounds in the painting.  Rose hated animals, dogs particularly.  No doubt the artist added them later in an attempt to bring some measure of warmth to the subject.

"There you are, Drake!  I've been waiting forever for you to get here!  Please, come and sit.  We have so much to talk about!" said Rose.  She was standing near the centre of the room beside two high-backed leather chairs and a marble inlaid rosewood tea table.  Rose Carlisle, the Countess of Shrewsbury, was a tall, slender woman.  She was wearing a gown of the finest silk brocade.  True to the vain habit she developed a child, the dress was varying shades of pale rose.  Her long brown hair was piled and coiffed perfectly upon her head almost like a crown.  She gave her brother her best mistress of the manor smile, a smile so practised and automatic that it never touched her icy blue eyes.

"Do forgive me, my dear," said Duckie as he walked to his sister and embraced her.  "I'm afraid I got turned around in your spacious home.  I was over in the east sitting room when your man came to fetch me.  You'd think that in a week's time I would have discovered everything."
"An honest mistake, I'm sure.  This is a rather large house," said Rose.  "Hudgins?  This tea is unsuitably cold by now.  Bring us a fresh pot.  Fresh scones as well.  I'll not serve these stale things to an honoured guest."
"As you wish, Countess," answered Hudgins with another half bow.
Duckie tried not to show incredulity at Rose's orders.  He had checked the clock on the mantle when he came in the room.  It was only ten past four.
"There's no need, Rose.  I'm sure it's fine.  I don't stand on formalities."
"But I do," she shot back icily.  The too easy smile reappeared instantly.  "I suppose life aboard a ship is a more rugged existence than what the average person would be used to.  But there are standards in this house."
He quirked an eyebrow.  "Yes, I'm sure there are."

"Please, sit!  We have so much to catch up on!"
They sat, and Rose took up her position as ruler of the manor.  "What has it been, Drake?  Five years since I saw you last?"
"Seven, to be exact," said Duckie, eyeing his empty tea cup.  "You weren't married then."
"Ah, that's right!  You were back from a cruise aboard that merchant ship, whatever its name was."
"El Lobo Del Mar."
"Yes, that's the one!  Such a fearsome name for a gentle vessel!  Does the captain treat you well?"
Duckie laughed softly.  "We get along just fine.  As a matter of fact, you know him.  Well."
"Really?" asked Rose, incredulously.  "I'm sure you're mistaken, Drake.  Sea captains don't travel in the same circles I do."
"Oh, this one did, back in the day," he smirked.
She gave him a pained look.  "All right, then.  Enough of the riddles.  Who is this captain you presume I know?"
Duckie smiled broadly.  "Jack Wolfe."
Rose's eyes went wide.  "My Jack Wolfe?"
"Well, suffice to say it's the Jack Wolfe you knew.  Though he's quite a different man now."
Rose shifted in her seat.  "Different, how?  Bolder?  Wealthier?"
"Yes, on both counts.  And a few others."
"More riddles?  And why didn't you tell me before that Jack was a captain?"
Duckie rose from his chair and went to the bookcase, where on one shelf was a bottle of brandy and some glasses.  He poured a tall glass and sighed.  "I did, Rose.  The last time we talked, and in several of my letters.  But it wasn't important to you.  You were too wrapped up with being courted by Lord Edwin Carlisle.  My condolences on his passing, by the way.  I'm sure it was devastating for you."

"Yes, well, it was most unexpected.  But he was an older man.  He left me well provided for, and that's what's most important."
Duckie swirled the brandy around his glass and took a deep drink.  "Yes, I'm sure it is for you."
Rose ignored his comment and tilted her head quizzically.  "You said Jack is different in other ways.  How so?"
"He's happily married, for one," said Duckie as he returned to his seat.  "And he has a beautiful baby daughter, only a few months old."
Rose's face fell.  "Married?  Does he love her?"
"Love her?  He nearly tore the entire Caribbean apart trying to find her at one point.  Yes, he loves her.  Desperately.  And she him."  Duckie was enjoying twisting the knife on his painfully self-impressed sister.
"My, my.  A wealthy captain.  Jack certainly has done well for himself," mused Rose.
"A wealthy, happily married captain, Rose." 
"Yes, yes.  As you said..."

Duckie could see the wheels turning in her head, and it was beginning to sadden him.  His sister had always been a scheming social climber.  But now that she had achieved the status she had so desperately wanted all these years, she seemed to only crave it more.  It gave him some comfort that Jack and Honour were in Beaumaris, with no chance of crossing paths with Rose.  Duckie loved his sister very much, but he pitied her for what she had become.

A status seeker, titled and wealthy.

And so terribly lonely.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on March 01, 2015, 08:07:56 PM
Honour came into the conservatory where Megan had been sitting at her desk, surrounded by stationary, envelopes, inkpots and pens.
Zara was snuggled against her mother and reached out for Aunt Megan when she saw her.
Megan extended her arms and Zara went willingly.
"Megan, don't tell me you haven't finished with the invitations to your winter ball yet!"
Megan sighed. "I got delayed. My hand kept cramping up. But I am almost through."
Honour sat down and picked up the pen. "My handwriting is still good. Do you want me to finish up?"
Her sister bounced Zara on her knee and exclaimed, "I would love it!"
"Where are Dylan and Morwenna?"
"Upstairs with Nanny. She is going over their lessons with them. So I have a few hours of quiet to get this done."

Honour picked up the list and surveyed it.
"I take it the check marks are the ones already done?"
"Yes.  I am a little over halfway through it."
"Good Lord, Megan! Have you invited all of Wales and half of northern England, too?"
"Well, you know that Daffyd has his hands in alot of different enterprises. And this IS the 'event of the season'."
Honour dipped the pen in the inkwell and started writing. She smiled as she wrote. "Do I need to make one out to Captain and Mrs. Jack Wolfe?"
Megan smiled back. "I am so happy you and Jack will be here for this."
Honour sat back and stretched. "I can't believe it will be the first social engagement that Jack and I will have that doesn't involve a tavern and someone getting a bottle broken over their head!"
Megan shook her head. "From the manor born and convent-bred, you certainly took a turn Father hadn't expected."
"Did anyone bother to tell him I got married? Again?"
Megan shook her head. "He won't hear a word from me, Rhiannon. Although I must say Jack cleans up well."
Honour laughed.
"Clean shaven and in clothes that aren't made out of the same fabric as the sails! Who would have thought?"
Megan said, "I suppose it is like sleeping with a different man!"
Honour and Megan looked at each other and burst out laughing.
Megan said, "You know what I mean!"

Honour resumed her writing.  She affected a snobby voice and said, "Oooh, would you look at this? A countess, no less!"
Megan was playing pattycake with Zara and looked over. "Oh, well, actually her husband is--was--an earl. And you know there is no such title as Earl-ess."
Honour sighed and continued. A little over an hour went by and she finally stood up and stretched her arms above her head.
"Finished!"
Megan glanced up and said, "Wonderful! And your little one is asleep."
Zara was laying on a blanket by the fire, Muir curled up next to her.
"That dog just loves her, doesn't he?"
Honour laughed, "Since the day Zara was born, she has had Muir's undying love!"

Honour sat before the fire and gazed into it.  Megan handed her a cup of tea.
"A shilling for your thoughts, love."
Honour gave her a small smile.
"You always knew when something was on my mind, didn't you?"
She nodded. "When you were born, Mother said you were my present. And I was to watch over you."
Honour took a sip of her tea and said softly, "She never knew how right she would be."
Megan reached over and touched her hand.
"He still crosses your mind, doesn't he?"
Honour nodded, still gazing at the fire.
Megan sighed. "I thought so. Sometimes when you look out the window, I would catch you glancing in that direction."
"It doesn't help that Castlemaine is two miles away."
"We always seem to skirt around what happened, Rhiannon.  Would it help to talk?"
"Maybe." She felt the tears come unbidden to her eyes. "I just wondered if he got a decent burial, Megan. I felt awful---I just ran. I felt like I abandoned Rhys."
Megan shook her head sadly. "I never told  you because it was such a sensitive subject. A crewman of his stopped here, thinking this was Castlemaine. He said he was looking for his captain. Captain Rhys Morgan, he said. Fortunately Daffyd was not home. I directed him to Castlemaine. I knew he must have been with you. And if Rhys Morgan brought you a few hours of happiness, it wasn't for me to judge or even stand in the way. Everyone knew what a cruel bastard Madoc Castlemaine was. Everyone except Father. He thought you needed a firm hand. And that Madoc would be the right husband to whip you into shape."
Honour gave a bitter laugh. "Whip he hardly did. At least not to where it showed. His abuse was more psychological."
Megan continued, "I sent the crewman on the way to Castlemaine. He had told me he was to meet Rhys at 8:00 PM. With a carriage."
"We were to leave that night."
"I am guessing that the crewman found Rhys. And took his body with him. No one said. And he would see that Rhys had a proper burial."

Honour's hand started to shake and her teacup tottered. Megan took it out of her hand and laid her hand on her sister's.
"What is it, Rhiannon?"
Honour turned to her with bewildered eyes. She said quietly, "What if Rhys is still alive?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on March 08, 2015, 07:44:46 PM
Now it was Megan's turn to rattle her teacup. She set it down gently and then turned to her sister.
Honour shook her head and said more to herself than Megan, "But he can't be. I held him as he took his last breath. The blood...so much blood.... "
Megan reached over and held her sister by the shoulders, forcing her to look at her.
In slow, measured tones, she asked, "Rhiannon, what makes you think he may be alive?"
Honour looked at her with troubled eyes. She barely whispered, "I saw him. Megan, I swear, I saw him!"
"Where? Where did you see Rhys Morgan?"
"In the Azores. Jack and I met at a tavern and I saw him walk by."
"Did you see his face?"
"N-no."
"Then how do you know it was him?"
"The same boots."
"Rhiannon, think about it.  A pair of boots?"
"And his coat. And his rapier. And he walked just like Rhys."
"Darling, every pirate walks the same," Megan said quietly.
Honour laughed shakily, "You're right. Of course you are right. It was just my mind playing tricks on me, wasn't it?"
Megan nodded. "Yes, Rhiannon."
Rhiannon laughed again, a bit too brightly. "Yes. Just my mind."
Megan patted her sister's hand. "And now you put it behind you. Rhys Morgan is no longer a part of your life."
Honour wiped the tear away from her eyes.
"And God willing, Jack will never know."
"You never told him that part of your past, did you?"
She shook her head. "How do you tell your husband you killed his best friend?"
Megan said sternly, "You didn't kill Rhys Morgan. He was a full-grown man, and he chose to see you that night, knowing he was with another man's wife. I'm sorry, Rhiannon, for the way it turned out. But don't blame yourself."

Zara stirred and Honour covered her up again with the blanket.
"I don't. And the fact that I have Zara is proof enough that I am meant to be happy. And I will be. As soon as I get back to Barbados."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 16, 2015, 06:45:15 AM
It had been two weeks since Duckie arrived at Tyneforthe Hall.  He had the run of the estate for almost all of the first week, as Rose was in London on another of her famous spending sprees.  In a way, he wished she hadn't returned.  Rose had always been materialistic, almost to the exclusion of all else.  Her choice of suitors was never gauged by emotional compatibility, but by their societal ranking.  Obviously she had hit the jackpot in Lord Edwin Carlisle.  But what had she gained, really?  An impossibly huge estate, no children, and a dead husband.  He doubted that even all her money and status could keep Rose warm on lonely nights. Not that it seemed to matter to her.

They had retired to Rose's sanctuary after a rich meal of game hens, assorted greens, and fresh bread.  Rose was in an unusually cheery mood as she poured them each a glass of aged cognac.  She brought Duckie his glass, then sank into her leather chair to enjoy the fire.
"It seems like forever since I've entertained a guest," she sighed.
"Really?" asked Duckie.  "I should think you have all manner of gatherings and balls here."
"I do, I do.  But they don't mean anything, really.  Most of those who come are merely hangers-on and poseurs, hoping to mingle with the rest of us.  I mean those of us with social stature.  Breeding.  You understand."
"Yes, breeding," echoed Duckie dubiously.  "I've heard of it.  They do that with horses and cattle, don't they?"
"Oh, Drake, don't be droll."  She took a sip of cognac and set her glass on the table.  Duckie's eyebrow went up when he noticed her sip had drained nearly half the glass.  "We have a fine family history, certainly nothing to be ashamed of.  Some of these people, I mean, they're immigrants.  Can you imagine?"
"Scandalous," he replied with a roll of his eyes.
"What I'm trying to say is that it is a delight to have you here, after all these years.  How long has it been?  Four?"
"Seven, actually.  Before you married Lord Edwin.  As a matter of fact, you've told me almost nothing of your dear departed.  What was he like?"

Rose shifted in her chair.  "He was a good man," she said quietly as she retrieved her glass.  "Very generous, from a good family."
"I presumed he had good breeding, being a lord and all," said Duckie.  "But what was he like?"
"As I said, he was a generous man.  Quite indulgent, even."
"Yes, yes, but what was he like, as a person?  Was he a sportsman?  Musically inclined?  Bookish?"
Rose cleared her throat and drank some more cognac.  "Edwin and I had different interests."
"Such as?  Come now, Rose, you were married to the man five years.  Surely there's more you can tell me about him."
She thought some more, seeming to struggle to recall any detail of her husband's life.  "Horses!  Yes, Edwin loved his horses."
"Now there's something!  Did he ride or hunt?"
"Hunt... I think.  I know he had a saddle."
Duckie eyed his sister.  "You never rode out with him?"
"Oh, no.  Never.  Riding is more of a man's sport, you know."
"Funny, that's not how you felt when we were younger.  Remember when we'd go to Uncle Henry's farm?  Father would yell himself hoarse trying to get you to quit riding and come in for the evening."
A smile briefly played across Rose's face, but vanished just as quickly.  "That was a long time ago.  Things change."
"I suppose they do," said Duckie, the disappointment all too clear in his voice.  In the pursuit of her ambitions, Rose had compromised everything positive about herself.  In the end, what had she really gained?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 22, 2015, 08:22:51 PM
"But he was an influential member of the House of Lords," she said proudly.  "Very powerful and respected.  Everyone sought his approval and influence."
And there it is, thought Duckie.  Rose couldn't tell him much about who her husband was, but she had a firm grasp on what being married to him meant.
"Would you look at that?" she said with a smile as she examined her empty glass.  "More cognac, Drake?"
His glass was still over half full.  "No, thank you.  I'm fine."
"Suit yourself."  She went to the bookcase and poured another glass, a little fuller than the last one.  "For a man of the sea, you drink like you're taking communion."
"I'm a physician first.  I spend far too much time treating those who overindulge to do it myself."
"Always the pragmatist," Rose said with a laugh.  "But let's talk of happier things.  You must have seen extraordinary things in the New World!"
Duckie smiled.  "It really is a whole new world, Rose.  The islands are as diverse as the people who inhabit them.  The cultures, the music, the food...  extraordinary barely scratches the surface."
"Still, it has to be a relief to return to the civilized world.  From everything I've read in the broadsheets, it's a savage, uncouth place."
"Compared to Hampton Court, perhaps.  But I've heard that too can be a most inhospitable and uncouth place.  Don't believe everything you read, Rose.  Just because it's different or outside your experience doesn't make it bad."

Rose regarded her brother.  "You've changed, Drake.  Worldlier, but somehow world-weary.  You sound more philosopher than physician."
Duckie smiled into his drink.  "In my line of work, you get a lot of time to think.  Perhaps too much."
Rose nestled back into her leather chair.  "Now," she said with a calculated smile, "tell me more about Jack."
Duckie sighed hard.  "We're back to this, are we?"
"Oh, Drake," she implored, "it's a simple question.  I want to hear about your heroic captain."
Involuntarily, Duckie laughed.  "Heroic?  Well, I suppose that fits Jack to a point, given what we've been through.  He's certainly not the philosopher you knew."  He paused and looked at his glass.  "What are you up to, Rose?  Why the sudden intense curiosity about your old flame?"
"Can't I ask a few innocent questions?  He is an old friend, after all.  You have such a suspicious mind!"
"I know you when you set your mind to something.  You're like a dog with a bone.  And I hardly think Jack regards you as a friend, after the way you jilted him."
Rose rolled her eyes.  "We were children!  After all these years, I doubt he even remembers it."
"Oh, he remembers, Rose.  It took him a long time to get over you."
"You sound like you haven't entirely forgiven me, either, Drake."
"Jack was my best friend at the time.  You were callous and cruel to him."
"I was being realistic!  Jack was still at university, with his heart set on becoming a professor.  There was no way he would have been able provide for me in a proper fashion.  He was sweet, but a poor prospect."
Duckie motioned at the room around them.  "I suppose this is what you call being properly provided for?"
"It's comfortable enough."
"Comfortable?  It's more like a museum!  Are you honestly happy rattling around in this gargantuan manor?"
Rose pursed her lips.  "What does that have to do with anything?"
Duckie shook his head slowly.  "Rose, happiness is everything.  You can have the whole world, but it doesn't mean much if you aren't happy."
"Spare me the lecture, Drake," she said testily.
"I'm merely concerned about you.  It has to be terribly lonely..."
"Drake Gander, I'll have you know that I am very satisfied with my life, and I'm perfectly happy with how things are!  I have close acquaintances and a busy social schedule.  I hardly consider myself lonely."  She set her glass down on the table and crossed her arms in front of her.  "Perhaps you're right.  I seem to have lost all interest in talking any more tonight."
"Rose, I'm sorry.  I wasn't trying to insult you.  I only meant...  Rose?"
Rose sat there in silence, staring the fire and doing a slow burn.
Duckie sighed.  He knew that when Rose clammed up like this, there was no talking to her until she got over her snit.  He stood up and paused to kiss her on top of the head as he passed her chair.  "I do love you, sister.  Even when you're being impossible."

He left the sitting room, and found himself face to face with Hudgins.
"Hudgins!" Duckie exclaimed.  "How fortunate you should be here.  May I ask you a few questions as we walk?"
"Yes, governor.  What would you like to know?"
"Does the countess host many events?"
"Aye, sir.  Though not nearly as many since Lord Edwin died."
"So she does have guests from time to time?" asked Dukie.
Hudgins shrugged.  "Every now and again.  But mostly she's travelling here, there, and yonder attending balls and shopping.  She does an awful lot of shopping.  She's rarely ever here any more.  Like she can't stand to be here by herself.  She and the Earl were never what you'd call close, see, but I think she misses having him around.  Ah, here we are at your room, governor.  Can I bring you anything?"
"No, Hudgins, you've been too kind.  I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good enough, sir.   Have a pleasant night!"  Hudgins quietly closed the door.
Duckie looked around the room and sighed again.  "I wish I knew what you were up to, Rose.  Why the interest in Jack?" 

Rose poured herself yet another glass of cognac.  She leaned back in her overstuffed leather chair and regarded the fire, and thought back across the years to when Jack Wolfe tried to win her heart...
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 29, 2015, 08:31:31 PM
"Do you know what today is, Rose?"  asked Jack.
"Oh Jack, you know I don't enjoy riddles," said Rose with a coy smile.
Jack tenderly took her hand and looked into her eyes.  "It's a year to the day that we first met."
"Has it been that long?  I hadn't realised."
"Now you're just toying with me," he replied in mock exasperation.

Indeed, it had been a full year since Jack's best friend Drake "Duckie" Gander introduced Jack to his sister, Rose.  She was a strikingly beautiful young woman four years Jack's senior, with a porcelain complexion and long, sable hair that never seemed to be out of place.  She had a stately, regal air about her that only accentuated her beauty.  Ordinarily she would have never considered taking anyone Jack's age or social standing as a suitor.  Not that she considered him serious marriage material.  But he was so smitten with her from the start, and she did enjoy his attentions.  Jack was indulgent of her every whim, as much within his meagre means as possible, even taking odd jobs in the midsts of his studies to do so.  He was always the perfect gentleman, knowing just what to say and how to act despite his humble station.

"Is something bothering you, Jack?  You seem anxious," she asked.
Jack licked his dry lips and took a deep breath.  "Over the past year, I've become very fond of you, Rose.  Very fond indeed."
Rose patted his hand and smiled.  "As I have of you, Jack."
"So fond," he continued with a slight quaver in his voice, "that I find myself dreading being apart from you, even for an hour."
Rose searched his eyes.  "Jack, what are you trying to say?"

Jack fumbled with his vest pocket and produced a small black box.  It promptly slipped from his fingers and tumbled to the floor at her feet.  Awkwardly, he scooped up the box and knelt before Rose on one knee.
"I love you, Rose.  I've loved you from the moment I first saw you."  His voice grew stronger as his words of adoration tumbled out of his mouth.  "I can't imagine a life without you, my love."
With trembling hands, he offered up the box to her.  His voice full of expectation and hope, he asked, "Rose Gander, would you be my wife?"
Astonished, Rose took the box and opened it.  Inside was a gold ring with a tiny diamond set into it.  Jack had scrimped and saved for months to buy it for her.  She stared at the ring, then looked at Jack in open-mouthed surprise... and laughed.

"Oh, Jack, you are so precious!"  She looked again at the ring, and covered her mouth to stifle her giggles.
"Does... does that mean you will?" he asked nervously.
Rose's expression changed from one of mirthful surprise to incredulity.  "You mean-- you're serious, aren't you?"
"Yes, Rose," Jack said quietly.  "I want to spend my life with you."
"Jack, this is so very sweet of you.  I had no idea you felt this way about me.  But, honestly," she said, hushing her voice slightly, "you're the son of a shipwright!  Not to mention that, at best, you'll become an non-tenured professor.  I couldn't possibly marry you!  You could never provide for me in the manner I deserve."

Jack's face fell, and he looked around the room as if something that might help him make sense of what just happened might be lurking in a corner.
"I see," he said quietly. 
He gently retrieved the ring and slipped it back into his vest pocket.  Without another word, he got to his feet and gave Rose a polite kiss on the cheek.  He hesitated for a moment as he looked at her, then he turned and went to the drawing room door. 
As he put his hand on the knob, Rose said, "You'll come round this Sunday after services, won't you?  I'm in the mood for a picnic!  Doesn't that sound lovely?"
Jack simply sighed and left the room.

Rose laughed softly to herself, feeling flattered by Jack's proposal.  She went to the bookcase and poured herself a small glass of cognac, and enjoyed the feeling as the alcohol warmed her from within.
"Rose!!"
She turned and found her brother Drake in the doorway, red faced and fuming.
"Drake!  What is the matter?  You look positively beside yourself."

Duckie pushed the door closed and stalked into the room.  "What in God's name is the matter with you, Rose?!  Jack just came into the study, completely devastated!  He muttered something asking you to marry him, and you laughed in his face?"
Rose rolled her eyes and sat down with a flounce.  "I had no idea he was serious!  I mean, even you can see how absurd the whole thing was!  Really, he has no prospects, no breeding, no family money...  There's no way I could possibly marry him."
Duckie stared at his sister in disbelief.  "That was cruel, Rose.  Even for you.  Jack loved you!  That's more important than anyone's breeding or money will ever be.  The man adored you, and you humiliated him!"
Rose's face clouded.  "I suppose I might have hurt his feelings a bit.  Honestly, Drake, I thought he was having me on."
"No, he wasn't.  He's been working up the nerve to ask for your hand over a month now.  For a solid year, he's worshipped the ground you walk on.  That's a wasted year he'll never get back.  A heartbreak he never should have endured."
Rose exhaled in exasperation.  "You make me sound like such a monster!  Jack is resilient.  In a few days, he'll have forgotten all about this nonsense.  You'll see."

Duckie set his jaw as he watched his sister arrange her skirts as if she were about to sit for a portrait. 
"Rose, you've crossed a line this time.  Jack Wolfe is my best friend.  Now I have the regret of ever introducing you to him."  He shook his head.  "I shan't forgive you for this.  Not for a long time.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have a heartbroken friend to console." 
He turned from his sister and quickly left the room, leaving her alone with her vanity and her cognac.


~~~~~~

The older, infinitely shrewder Rose stared into the fire, smiling smugly to herself.  "Yes, but he's rich now.  A pity about his being married.  I should like to see him again, for old time's sake."  She started to take another sip of cognac, and gave the glass a puzzled look.  "Hmm.  Empty.  Oh, well."
She shrugged and gave a resigned smile, and went to the bookcase to fill her glass yet again.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 05, 2015, 08:17:42 PM
"Have you heard from Josiah yet?" Honour asked.
Jack looked up from the book he was reading. "Funny you should mention that. I got a letter today. They reached Amsterdam safely and with no incidents."
"When will he be back?"
"About two weeks. Homesick?"
She leaned over Jack's shoulder and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Yes, I think I am. It was grand to see Megan and Dilys and Gwyneth but I miss the sun."
Jack laughed. "It was funny to see you with your sisters. I swear, the more you talked, the thicker your Welsh accent got. And when you and your sisters lapsed into Welsh, I couldn't keep up."
She laughed. "And you don't realize it, but when you talked with Angus, you kept right up with his Scottish brogue. I never heard you roll your 'r's that way!"
He reached over and patted her cheek.
"You can thank my maternal grandmother for that.  She lives in Scotland and I used to visit her during the summer. But we will be home soon enough. I can't wait to see the plantation you bought. It sounds like everything you ever wanted. Even better than Mr. Picou's property."
"About the plantation, Jack---"

"Da-da!" Zara held onto the edge of a small table and let go.
"Come on! That's my girl! Put one foot in front of the other and--"
WHOMP!
Zara sat down on her bottom. Jack sighed. "So close..."
Honour picked her up.
"And now it is time that Zara went to bed. And then I think Mummy needs to get some sleep too. Say night-night to Da."
Zara yawned as she laid her head on Honour's chest. She gave Jack a baby-wave and Jack blew her a kiss as Honour put their daughter to bed.

As they laid in bed, Jack said, "Honour, I think I would like to have your portrait done."
"Mmm hmm....."
"Honour?"
Silence.
He laughed softly and said, "You haven't heard a word I said. Sleep tight, love."
He leaned over and kissed his wife's cheek, then snuffed out the candle.

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

"I think this dress is very becoming, don't you?"
Rhiannon looked at Madoc and sighed. "It's alright. But the colour is so awful! I would look like an old woman in that dress."
Madoc's mouth drew into a tight line. "It is very fitting as to your station as Lady Castlemaine."

Rhiannon flung herself backwards on the bed and stared at the ceiling. "But I would look about forty in that dress, Madoc."
He held the dress up. "It is what you will wear."
She took the dress and made a face. "It smells funny. Like it has been in a closet for a long time."
He ignored the remark. "And here are some pearls. Three strands and a rosary attached. To show your piety."
"PIETY?" she laughed.
"Piety. You were, after all, brought up in a convent. Surely piety is not an unknown quality to you."
"Why do I have to sit for a portrait?"
"Because it is a tradition in the Castlemaine legacy."
"So what did you do with the former lovely Lady Castlemaine captured for eternity on canvas?"
Madoc looked out the window and said quietly, "Margaret's portrait is now over at Henry's house."
"Well, I am sure he is happy to have his mother back with him again. Can't we just do this another time? Like when I am an old lady? I mean, by the time I am thirty, the character will be there and I will be a much more interesting subject."

Madoc's hand touched her arm and it made her shiver. But not the way Rhys' touch had made her shiver.  Madoc's was cold. As cold as ice. It matched his heart. 'Old Vinegar Veins', Rhiannon had called him under her breath and behind his back.
She held the dress up and said, "I think this dress is hideous."
Madoc grabbed her by the arm and said in his deadly calm voice, "You will wear it if I have to dress you in it myself."
His face was close to her and she could see the coldness in his eyes. She tried to match it but her gaze faltered.
"As  you wish, Milord."

He gave a self-satisfied smile. "That is more like it, Madame. The painter is due here at 1:00. The light in the library will be perfect till late afternoon."
"The library? Madoc, why not the gardens? It's so nice out and the library is musty and---"
"The library."

He let her arm go and Rhiannon rubbed it where it hurt.
"Alright. I'll change into this....gown."
Madoc left and she stepped out of her chemise. Another bruise to add to the other ones on her arms and shoulders. Madoc's control was not only over her mind, but her body as well.
She rubbed the spot, hoping that it wouldn't be seen by anyone. Most of all by her sisters. Dilys would make a scene and at the most inconvenient time. And then Rhiannon would pay for it later.

Rhoslyn, her maid, came into the room.
"Lord Castlemaine sent me to help you lace, Milady."
She could see Rhoslyn glance at Rhiannon's arm and bite her lip.
"Oh..this. Silly me. I ran into the casement window latch."
"Ye do that quite a bit, Milady. Always bumping into what you ought not. Ye be careful, Milady. I like you."
Rhoslyn met her eyes and Rhiannon nodded slowly. "Thank you, Rhoslyn. I shall. Now would  you help me into this dress?"
Rhoslyn blurted out, "That one?"
Rhiannon looked puzzled. "Yes. I don't like it much myself...."
"But--but that dress be HERS!"
Rhoslyn's eyes darted nervously to the window.
The window that overlooked the cemetery.

Rhiannon dropped the dress as if it were on fire.
"You--you mean it was HERS?"
"Aye, milady. Lord Castlemaine bought it for her. She was wearing it the night she fell down the stairs. Broke her neck clean, it did."
Rhiannon gathered the dress up. "I refuse to wear the dress of a dead woman. Especially one who was wearing it when the incident that helped her shed this mortal coil  occurred.  And I don't care if I get....never mind. I know what to do."

With determination, Rhiannon took the dress and held it oh, so carefully to the fire.
Rhoslyn's eyes grew round.
"Milady..don't..."
Rhiannon took the dress with the singed front.
"Oh, dear. Look what happened. I guess I warmed myself in front of the fire too closely. It appears to be ruined. Now, if Lord Vinegar---if Lord Madoc wants my portrait, he will have to settle for the deep purple one. Oh, and lace me tight. VERY tight. I may as well show my best side to the painter. Lord Castlemaine doesn't want to see the portrait until it is done. A nice surprise for the lord, don't you think?"

She knew she would pay dearly for her rebellion but she didn't care. All she knew was that she was in a hopeless situation and this was one small amount of control she had over her own life.

If only you had taken me with you, Rhys.....

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

"NO!!  PLEASE NO! DON'T!"

The scream from his wife woke Jack out of a sound sleep.
"Honour? Honour! Shhh....my darling, it is just a nightmare. Hush...I'm here."
He gently rocked her as she sobbed in her twilight sleep.
"I--I'm sorry, " she could barely whisper.
He made soothing sounds but it didn't help the worried look on his face.
"Honour," he said gently, "perhaps you should talk to someone about these nightmares. A priest, if you have one handy. Or maybe Megan and you can get to the root of them. Or you could talk to me..."

From the nursery, Zara began to cry.
Honour started to get up.
"No, don't, Honour. I'll tend to her."
She laid back against the pillow and tried to get herself under control. Within a few minutes, Jack came back to bed, holding Zara.
"I guess she woke up when you screamed. But Mummy is alright now, isn't she, precious?"
Jack handed Zara to her and then got back into bed.
"This bed seems to be big enough for all of us, wouldn't you say? Just this once?"

Honour held her baby close to her, trying not to cry. She kissed the top of her head and tucked her in between the both of them. Jack looked over at Zara and put his finger up to where she could clutch it.  Sleepily, Zara took his finger and held tight.
Jack smiled gently at Honour and said, "Are you alright now, love?"
She managed a smile. "Jack, I will be fine. I just had an intense dream."
Jack stroked her cheek. "Want to tell me about it?"
She sighed. "It was kind of jumbled. I --I was just in a trap and couldn't escape. But I am alright now."
"Is it always the same dream?"
"Pretty much. I'm like a wounded animal and my way out is suddenly taken away from me and I feel so...helpless."
"Honour, talk to a priest if it will help. Or even me."
She shook her head.
"There is nothing to talk about. Jack, it is just something that I have had since I was a child."
"Is it about your mother?" he said gently.
Honour shrugged and yawned. "Can we talk about this in the morning?"
He kissed the top of her head and said, "Yes, my dear. Now get some sleep."
But she didn't reply.
She was already sound asleep.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 13, 2015, 12:46:35 PM
Hudgins knocked three times on the study door and entered to find Rose contemplating a book and her usual cognac.  He waited dutifully for her to acknowledge his presence before clearing his throat.  Finally she looked up.
"Yes, Hudgins?  What is it?"
"A letter arrived for you, Countess."
Rose's eyes lit up.  Letters usually meant a solicitation for patronage or an invitation to a ball.  She hoped it was the latter.  She put down her book and took  the envelope from him.
"Thank you, Hudgins.  That will be all."
Hudgins bowed slightly at the waist and left the study.  Rose examined the envelope.  It was simply addressed.

The Countess Carlisle
Tyneforthe Hall
Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England


The only clue as to who it might be from was the wax seal on the back with its single letter "L".

She went to a small writing bureau and fetched a letter opener with which she broke the seal.  Hurriedly, Rose opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.  Just as she had hoped, it was an invitation to Bancroft Hall in Wales.  Lord and Lady Llewellyn's annual Winter ball, the premier gala of the season.  Megan and Daffyd always threw the most delightful soirées.  Anyone who was anyone would be there.  Rose had missed the previous year's ball due to a lingering illness, but she would not miss this year's event.  Besides, there was always the chance  of some new revelation about that nasty little scandal involving Megan's younger sister a few years ago.  While Rose had never cared much for the impetuous  young woman, there was a begrudging respect for her spirit.  Her eyes lit up as she read the invitation.  Beaumaris!  She had almost forgotten that's where the Llewellyn's lived.  That's where Drake had told her his ship was docked.  Where Jack's ship was docked.  Perhaps she could kill two birds with one stone; attend the ball, and see an old flame?

Rose gave an urgent tug on the bell ribbon, and within a minute Hudgins was at the door of the study.
"Yes, madame?  What may I get for you?"
"Hudgins, have you seen my brother about?"
"Yes, madame.  I left him in the west library.  Shall I fetch him?"
"No, that's quite all right," she said as she brushed past him.  "I'll see him myself."
"Is there a problem, madame?" Hudgins called after her.
"Not at all!" replied Rose, never breaking stride.  "In fact, things couldn't be better!"

She quietly pushed open the door to the library.  There was her brother, seated before the fireplace with a large stack of books and a tray of tea.  Rose cleared her throat to catch his attention.
"Pardon me, Drake.  Am I interrupting?" she asked sweetly.
Duckie looked up from his book and smiled.  "Rose!  I'm sorry, I didn't hear you come in!  I was lost in thought.  You never told me Edwin had an interest in botany!  He has a fantastic collection of books on the subject, and his notes are exhaustive..."
"Yes, yes," she interrupted.  "Take any of them you want for your library.  They're just gathering dust here."
"Rose, I couldn't---"
"Drake, you'll be doing me a favour.  But enough about the silly books.  I have an important question to ask you."
Duckie put down the book he had been reading and gave her his full attention.  "All right then.  What has you so excited?"
Rose quickly sat down in the chair next to his.  "When do you need to be back in to your ship?"
He gave her a puzzled look.  "Just over two weeks from now.  Why?  Are you in a hurry to get rid of me?"
"Not at all!  You're a positively delightful guest, in spite of being my brother."  She held up the invitation.  "I've just received an invitation to a ball in two weeks that I simply cannot and will not miss.  Care to guess where it takes place?"
Duckie could feel a knot begin to form in his stomach.  "Beaumaris?"
"Yes!" she chirped excitedly.  "Isn't that a wonderful coincidence?"
"That's one way of looking at it."
"You simply must be my escort, Drake!  I won't have it any other way."
"Of course you wouldn't."
"I'm sorry?"
"I mean, of course I'll be your escort," he recovered.  "But I'm afraid I didn't bring proper clothing for a social engagement..."
"Never you worry!  I know a marvellous tailor in London.  I'll send for him straight away.  I insist!"
"That's very generous of you Rose, but you needn't go to such lengths for me."
"Nonsense, Drake!  You'll be accompanying a countess.  I wouldn't do for you to be dressed in anything but the finest."
"No, I suppose it wouldn't," he said with a hint of resignation.  Duckie couldn't help but wonder when the other shoe was going to drop.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 20, 2015, 08:49:34 PM
Three days later~~

Honour, it's so cold out. Are you sure you want to go?"
"Jack, Taffy Farmington sent me an invitation to tea. And I already accepted. In this neck of the woods, a change of heart is considered a kiss of death."
"Then I'll take you in the carriage. You will stay warmer."
"No, darling. I will be fine. I've been riding since I was three. And I have my cloak and a muff to keep my hands warm. Goodness, Megan's mare knows the way by heart. And I need you to watch Zara. Megan has too much to do with the ball. The nanny is busy with Morwenna and Dylan and Zara is asleep. So find something to amuse yourself and I will be back in a few hours."
Jack looked at the chest in the corner.
"I suppose I could look at the scrolls."
She gave him a quick kiss and said, "Now you are talking! Put the quiet time to good use. I should be back by five o'clock."
He drew her cloak up around her neck and tied it securely.
"Be careful then."

Honour had the mare saddled and ready in fifteen minutes.
"Thank you, Harrison. I'll take good care of her."
Harrison tipped his cap. "I know ye will, Ma'am."
She patted Domino and whispered, "Change of plans, Domino. Let's go."
She cleared the barn door and kicked the mare's flanks gently. She galloped across the pasture.

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

There it stood, its imposing dark turrets grasping towards the heavens in a sinister reach. Honour sat there on the mare, a chill running down her spine that had nothing to do with the temperature. She gazed at it, trying to look at it with an objective eye. The mare stood still, not moving a muscle. Almost as if she sensed the foreboding of the castle.
Rhiannon stared at the cold grey stones and took a deep breath.
'If I am ever to put this behind me--a stop to the nightmares---I need to confront this now.'

She thought back to the night before. She and Megan had finally talked about that fateful night. Megan had tactfully never brought it up. In fact, she referred to it as 'that unfortunate incident' as if it were a glass of spilled claret on a snowy white tablecloth.
Honour and Jack had spent a delightful evening in their rooms by themselves after dinner. Jack had played on the floor with Zara, watching as she tried to pull herself up on the furniture but always plopping down before she was able to stand.

"Give her time, Jack. She will be standing by herself inside of a fortnight."
"I know you are right. But she's a Wolfe. Isn't she brilliant?"
Honour had to agree. After Zara had been put to bed, she and Jack sat before the fire, sipping on brandy and warming themselves before the fire.
The night ended like it usually did, and they fell asleep in each other's arms.
And then it happened.
The nightmares began again.

She bit her lip as she thought back to the terror of the night. It was always the same. Details were still hazy but it always ended with her screaming. Jack always held her and gently rocked her as he would Zara after she had come out of it. He had been most understanding but he thought it had to do with the death of her mother. And she couldn't tell him what was the cause.
Not now.
Not ever.

Honour dismounted the mare and tied her to the tree to the right of the gate, its gnarled and twisted trunk almost a reflection of what had dwelled there.
She patted the horse on the nose and said softly, "I won't be long, Domino.'
She looked up at the house, almost as if she could feel the evil that had emanated within.
Taking a deep breath she walked over to the massive gate of the estate. The latch was rusted, the wrought iron hung on its hinges. She pushed with all her might with her shoulder and was able to budge it enough to squeeze her slim  body through.
But she wasn't quite prepared for what she saw out back.
The cemetery.

Having come over from France with William the Conqueror, the Castlemaines were a force to be reckoned with in the shire. So much so that the church's consecrated ground was not even good enough for them.
Honour willed herself to walk forward even though her first instinct was to run.
The wrought iron gate surrounded the stones that looked like mushrooms that had sprung up through the snow. There were maybe fifty of them.

Madoc's first wife was buried there. Honour had always found it disconcerting, knowing that their chamber window faced the graveyard and Madoc's wife was there, as if watching Honour take her place at Madoc's side.
And in his bed.

Honour's boots crunched on the hard packed snow underneath the layers of softly dusted powder. A light snow was coming down, falling softly as if to muffle the whispers and uttered judgements of the deceased. Steadily she walked forward, glancing at the mare to make sure she was still there. Domino's breath came in white puffs as her warm breath condensed in the cold air.
Honour put her hand on the gate. It hung loosely and she pushed, a soft groan of metal on metal, as if it protested the intrusion of the living.
She looked at the dates on the stones, the history of the family written for all time in slate and marble. Castlemaines whose lives were played out only through their epitaphs, giving no clue as to what they were like. Who they loved. Or who they hated.

And then she saw it.

It was of marble and perhaps eight feet tall. On it was carved the name.

 
Lord Madoc Castlemaine

As if he was Lord of the dead.
She felt as if he were watching, knowing she was there but not to pay her respects. Honour self-consciously stepped away from the grave, almost as if afraid he would reach up from the dark earth and grab her, dragging her to his hellish grave.
'So you did get a decent burial after all. You bastard. I hope you are roasting where I know you are.' She felt her hands clamp in fisted rage as she confronted the monument to the man who sought to lay her in the ground instead of himself.

She turned quickly, forcing herself to walk slowly and deliberately out of the graveyard, the trees swaying in the winter wind, howling as if in mourning.
She knew there was only one more step to do for closure.
She had to go inside the castle.

Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 26, 2015, 06:56:08 PM
 
She practically tore the iron gate from its hinges in her haste to leave the cemetery.
Her breath came in ragged gasps as the cold air hit her air passages, leaving her with a feeling of suffocation. She willed herself to slow her breathing and gained control of it.

Domino patiently pawed the ground, the snow making shallow trenches. Honour looked up at the sky. She had forgotten that the gloam of twilight on a Welsh night came earlier than the pink and orange hues of a Caribbean sunset and suddenly she was wishing she was back to the place that had felt like home to her.
But she had to see this through.

Honour carefully walked up the massive stone steps that led to a heavy English oak door. She lifted the latch on the front door. To her surprise, it was not rusted yet it creaked in protest as if it were disturbed from a one-hundred year sleep.
The light barely streamed through the narrow windows but still the shadows played on the wall, as if fingers could reach out and close around your throat. Honour felt around the lintel and her hand found what it was looking for.
A candle and a box of flints. She struck one on the cold stone wall and sparked it, then held the flame to the wick. She blew it out and put the candle in the holder that was always on the library table next to the door. She held it aloft to better see the room where she had been forced to play Lady of the Manor and was expected to greet Madoc's guests.
'How was I supposed to act, Madoc? I was only seventeen years old.'

Cobwebs covered the furniture. She shuddered as her eyes wandered over to the wingback chair that Madoc had always sat in. A book lay by the table, face down and open as if waiting patiently for the reader to resume his place.
A place that the reader would never come back to.

The fireplace had the burnt embers of a fire spent. Her eyes followed upwards and what she saw next, she gasped in disbelief.

It wasn't so much viewing the portrait of her that Madoc had commissioned to have painted that frightened her. It was what had been done to it.
It had been rent from top to bottom and slashed crosswise and diagonally, till its canvas lay in tattered strips. A dagger lay embedded where her heart would have been.

Honour reluctantly drew her eyes away from the defaced painting. The shadow the furniture cast upon the walls gave the room an eerie feeling. She couldn't help but look at the grand staircase that split into two directions midway. As she did, she could almost hear Rhys's voice and smell the fresh sea with a touch of horse and leather that was Rhys.  A scent that never failed to make her blood race.

Her feet felt like lead but she willed them to lead her to confronting her past, once and for all times. Her footsteps echoed in the hollowness of the room as she climbed the steps slowly, the candle dripping wax from the wick. She breathed deeply and as she came to the bedchamber, she rested her hand on the door post.
Cautiously she opened the door.

The room stood almost exactly as she had left it that night. The dresser drawers were left open where she had emptied them in her haste to flee. The armoire door was open and a few pieces of finery were still scattered on the floor.  She held the candle aloft and her eyes followed the glow.
To the featherbed.
But with one change.
The sheets were gone.

Her eyes roamed over the room, cobwebs draping from the corners and the furniture like spun out of the remnants of despair that hung in the room. She cried out loud when she saw something against the wall.
Bloodstains.

Her aim was true that night, driven out of self-preservation. Madoc stared at her in disbelief for what seemed like a minute but was in actuality only seconds. His hand touched her bodice dagger as if he couldn't believe it. He was thrown back against the wall, his lifeblood seeping quickly, taking his life force with it. He reached out to her in supplication, the blood bubbling forth from his lips. He tried to form her name with his lips. He slid down the wall and then fell forward on the stone floor. She sat there on the bed, her eyes were wide with horror.

She tore her gaze away from the stains and her eye caught something near the baseboard. She reached over and picked it up. Turning it over in her hands, she recognized it.
It was the ring that Rhys had always worn, the crest of the Morgan family engraved on it. Her eyes filled with tears.

He whispered, "I know it's fatal, my love."
"Rhys. Rhys, please. Don't leave me. I love you."
"I love you too, Rhiannon."


The ghosts of the past were proving too much for Honour. She stood up and hurried across the room. As she walked by, a screeching noise was heard from inside the chimney.
She screamed and ran out as fast as she could, not stopping for anything. She ran down the stairs at breakneck speed and flung the door open.
Mounting Domino in one quick motion, she kicked the horse in the flanks and fled from Castlemaine as fast as the mare would take her.

The castle stood in the gloam of the evening, never giving up its secrets save one.
The cat climbed out of the chimney and hurried off in search of mice.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 03, 2015, 07:47:43 PM
Harrison finished filling a feeding manger with hay and gave the young gelding a pat on the neck as the horse enjoyed its afternoon meal.  The stable master had just latched the stall door when he spied Honour and Domino charging up the manor's lane toward the stable, the snow kicked into a white cloud around the mare's legs as they flew.  The scene played out before him just as his mentor, Parry, had described as happening a hundred times or more when Honour was a young girl, and he wasn't surprised to see it happening again.  Harrison could only wonder what manner of devilment she had gotten herself into this time.

"Tommy, get that door open wide!  She's coming in fast!" Harrison ordered the stable hand.  The younger man dropped his water bucket and shoved the stable door open as wide as it would go.  Honour had to pull back hard on the reins with all her might to get Domino slowed to a trot as they came into the stable.  Harrison was there to help calm the horse, just as Parry had done after one of Honour's exploits.
"Is everything all right, ma'am?" he asked, knowing full well from the look on her face it wasn't.  "I don't know who's puffing harder, you or Domino!  You were riding as if the devil himself was hot on your heels."
"Maybe he was," answered Honour quietly.
"Pardon, ma'am?  I don't hear nearly as good as I used to."
Honour shook her head and feigned a smile.  "Not this time, Harrison," she said a little louder.  "I'm sorry for riding her so hard.  Please take care of her?  I need to find my daughter." With that, she dismounted and hurried off to the main house.
"Aye, ma'am, it'll be done," Harrison answered after her.  He shook his head and stroked the mare's neck.  Even now, Lord Conaway's rebellious daughter was full of mysteries.

Honour hurried into the house, shedding her coat and gloves as she went.  She guessed that Jack would be in the library, his second favourite place in the manor after their bedroom.  All she wanted at that moment was to be in the comforting arms of her husband, for she knew his touch would banish the nightmare she'd just relived.  Her guess was right.  She paused at the doorway, and felt the ancient knot in her stomach begin to unravel as she took in the sight of her husband and child playing on the floor.  Jack was sitting crossed-legged on the oriental rug.  Zara was standing unsteadily in front of him, holding on to Jack's upraised fingers for support.  Jack was beaming at his precious daughter, and Zara was watching her father's face intently as he spoke and cooed to her.  Jack caught sight of Honour at the door, and he gently helped Zara sit down.  He gave Zara her favourite toy, the stuffed bunny, and quickly crossed the room to embrace his wife.

"There you are!" he said happily.  "I was beginning to worry!  What's wrong?  You're shaking like a leaf!"
Honour rested her head against Jack's shoulder and watched Zara.  "I'm fine.  Just a little shaken is all.  Domino spooked at something on the road, and it's been a while since I've ridden..."
Jack stroked her hair and looked at her with concern.  "Are you you sure you're all right?  She didn't throw you, did she?"
Honour shook her head and gave a nervous smile.  "I'm fine, Jack.  Honestly fine.  Just.. hold me."
He wrapped his arms around her, and after a few moments he could feel Honour relax.  As he held her, Jack drank in the subtle scent of jasmine she always wore.  "I'm going to do you one better," he said with a gleam in his eye.
He broke gently away from Honour and scooped Zara and her bunny up in his arms.  "There's my girl!  Mummy had a little scare.  Let's both make her feel better, shall we?"  Jack carried Zara in one arm, and he slipped the other around Honour's waist and drew her close.  Zara chewed on the bunny's ear, then held the toy out to her mother with a giggle.  Honour laughed and kissed the rabbit on the nose, eliciting a happy squeal from their daughter.

Honour sighed and gazed upon her little family.  Already, the frightening events of the afternoon were fading like ghosts.  This was her life now, not the  miserable existence she had known with Madoc or the unrealised dreams with Rhys.  This was real.  This was what she had been running toward all her life.  A loving husband and a beautiful child.  The past happened to someone else, someone named Rhiannon who had run away a long time ago.  Honour Wolfe had the whole world before her.
"Feeling better?" Jack asked.
Honour nodded and kissed Jack tenderly.  "I'm perfect now," she said with a contented smile.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 10, 2015, 08:04:10 PM
"Do you think the silver candlesticks or the crystal ones would look better, Daffyd?"
"My dear, are you ever going to stop fretting over the Winter Ball?"
Daffyd lit his pipe and smiled indulgently at his wife.
Megan frowned, "I just want it to be the ball that everyone will take about, that's all."
"Megan, they already are talking about it."
"Did you and Jack have a nice time at the horse breeder's?"
Daffyd nodded. "We did. Lord, I like that man. Very knowledgeable. Oxford-educated, you know. Had the makings of a fine professor."
"So what happened?"
"He's not saying much about it. Guess it was maybe just a case of wanderlust and trying to find himself."

Daffyd picked up the list.  "Countess Carlisle?  Edwin died, do you still keep in contact with his wife?"
"I owe her a social obligation, Daffyd."
He groaned, "When will it ever end?"
"Probably never. Do we have enough wine in the cellar?"
"For who, Countess Carlisle? But yes, we do. There is enough sherry and claret to service the entire fleet of ships parked in the harbor. Most are waiting in the harbor for the ice floes to melt so they can sail off to warmer weather.  The storm a few weeks ago caught them all by surprise."
"I'll miss Rhiannon when she leaves. Jack and especially Zara."
"We still have them till Jack's friend comes back from Amsterdam with the ship."

Daffyd sat down in front of the fire and took off his shoes, warming his feet.
"Aaaah! And were is the happy little family now?"
"Jack took Rhiannon to town to look at fabric for a dress and also some new clothes for Zara. The child is growing so fast she will be out of her clothes in a month."
"Do you feel good about Zara and Rhiannon being on a pirate ship, dear?"
Megan sighed. "Daffyd, Rhiannon has gone through so much. I haven't seen her this happy since...."
"I know. But that happiness was tainted with good old-fashioned St Brigid guilt and then there was..,.you know...adultery."
Megan replied, "Adultery is such a harsh word. And I am of the opinion that it doesn't apply in this case. Rhiannon was practically forced into marriage to Madoc. Imagine a seventeen-year-old girl married to an old man of forty-seven!"
Daffyd chuckled, "I am surprised she didn't kill him!"
Megan slapped his arm in mock outrage. "That is my sister you are talking about! Madoc kept Rhiannon isolated. I think the only time I saw her in the six months she was married to the monster was at a few balls. Madoc wouldn't let any of us near her.  Except that Dilys went ahead and literally shoved Madoic aside to talk to Rhiannon."
Daffyd laughed, "I remember that! Madoc about turned purple with apoplexy!"
Megan continued, "We were never able to find out how she was, how Madoc was treating her or if she needed anything."
Daffyd took a draw on his pipe. "Except for the ball where he unveiled her portrait.  Lord, I swear I will never forget the look on Madoc's face when finally saw it!"
Megan sniffed, "Serves him right for not looking at it before he threw his big soiree."
Daffyd shrugged, "Yes but you know the mighty Lord Castlemaine always had to do things in a grand way. And Rhiannon was just something to wave under the noses of the shire. He had a young--very young---beautiful wife to beget heirs on.
"Wasn't the three he had with the first Lady Castlemaine enough for him?"
"Apparently not. I'm just pleased as can be that Rhiannon never had children by him. Little sour pusses, they would be. Even with Rhiannon as their mother."

Daffyd got up to put a few more logs on the fire.
"She's happy. Jack is good for her. And they love each other. It's a damn shame Jack Wolfe didn't come into her life instead of Rhys Morgan."
Megan took up her needlepoint.
"From what Rhiannon has said, Rhys was good and kind and gentle. He loved her, Daffyd. And the guilt is still with her.  I don't know if it will ever leave her entirely. She was even able to talk about it now."
"What did she say?"
"She was convinced she saw Rhys Morgan when they were in the Azores."

They were both quiet. Daffyd broke the silence. 
"Do you think you should tell her the truth about what really happened that night?"
Megan looked up and said in a steely voice, "No. She is truly happy for the first time in her life. Let sleeping dogs lie."
He poured himself another brandy. "I agree. No good can come of it. Why should the happiness of Rhiannon and Jack--and especially Zara's future--be compromised? You're right, darling. We let the dead bury the dead."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 17, 2015, 08:09:45 PM
"Come on, darling! You can do it!"
Honour was standing behind Zara holding her hands. Jack sat about five feet away with his arms outstretched. Zara looked up at her mother's face bending over her, a tentative look on her face.
"Come on, sweetheart--come to Da!"
Zara looked at her father, a look of determination crossing her delicate features. Honour had to stifle a giggle as she whispered, "I've seen that look before! You can't deny her as your daughter, Jack Wolfe!"

Zara put one foot out and then wobbled. Honour tightened her grip on her little daughter's hand until she regained her balance.
Jack sat there and gave her an encouraging look and wiggled his fingers towards her. She put one foot in front of the other and Honour gently slid her fingers out from Zara's fists.
Zara took three steps and fell forward just as Jack caught her.
"Oh, my little girl! Did you see that? Did you see how brave she was?"
Honour laughed. "She had to do it eventually, Jack. But at least her daddy was there to catch her!"
He hugged her close and she patted his face.
"Do you think she will do it again?"
"I have no doubt, dear. Now that she knows she can do it,  she won't be afraid."
"She never was afraid. After all, she's a Wolfe!"
"I think for that she deserves a cookie!" Honour laughed.
"Good thinking! A thin mint cookie would be an incentive to keep trying."
"Jack, she's done it once and knows she can do it again. She will continue to walk now."

Just then there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Jack called.
Megan came in, a few boxes in her arms.
"Rhiannon, these were just delivered from Madame Doucet. I do believe it is the dress you ordered for the winter ball."
Honour jumped up. "Oh, my goodness! And in record time, too!"
"She always was your favorite seamstress when you were ma----when you were masquerading at the balls in London."
Honour shot her a look and hurriedly took the box from Megan.
"I'm sorry!" Megan whispered.
"What are you two whispering about?" Jack looked up from holding his little girl.
"Nothing you need to know about, Mr. Wolfe!" Megan laughed a bit too quickly.
"I can't wait to try it on!"
"I'll help you."
"Jack, could you please watch Zara for about fifteen minutes and then bring her upstairs?"
Jack was already on the floor playing with his daughter.
"No problem. And don't I get to see you in that dress?"
"No! Not until the ball. You can wait another week."

Megan shut the door behind them.
"Rhiannon, I'm sorry. I almost let it slip out."
"I know. That was really close."
"I don't agree with you keeping your marriage to Madoc a secret from Jack."
"Megan, I HAVE to. It would lead to more questions."
"The more you try to keep a secret, the more it wants to get out, Rhiannon."
"I know. I'll worry about that later and....oh! Look at this!"

Honour opened the box and drew out a dress of burgundy peau de soie with a fitted bodice and a skirt that dropped and flared.
"Oh, Rhiannon! How gorgeous!"
She lifted it and held it against her. "Jack will love this!" she breathed. Megan rolled her eyes. "Rhiannon, I swear, the two of you---"
"---are enjoying our time together without the crew. I can't wait to get back to Barbados and raise Zara there."
"And what about little wolfes? Any plans for a pack?"
Rhiannon laughed. "You never know, Megan. "
Megan wrinkled her nose. "I wouldn't be surprised to see you have a litter!"
"A litter of what?"
Jack had opened the door, his arms full of baby.
Megan hastily shoved the dress in the box and Rhiannon sat quickly on it, the lid bouncing up and hitting her in the arse.
"A litter of kittens. Megan thinks that Mittens is expecting. May I have one?"
Jack sighed. "Honour, we won't be here that long. We leave the day after the ball. Briggs is scheduled to come back then. I got a letter from him."
Honour sighed. "Alright. But when we get back to Barbados, I want a kitten. For Zara."
"Uh huh. For Zara. And what would Puddin' think?"
"Well, we just don't tell him!"

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

Honour laid Zara down in her crib and covered her up gently. Jack leaned against the doorframe.
"I don't think I have ever seen such a beautiful sight."
"She's getting so big now. Not a baby anymore. A toddler."

"Do you want to try for another child, Honour?"
She smiled. "Let's take it slower, Captain. After all, we have only been reunited for about six weeks now!"
He sighed. "I just missed so much that I don't want to miss anymore. I'm not getting any younger."
"She's not even a year old, Jack. Let's enjoy her. And each other."
"How old was your father when you were born, Honour?"
"I don't know....I guess he was around thirty-four."
"Thirty-four and he had four daughters. I'm thirty-six and have only one."
"Let's get settled in Barbados first."
"You never talk about your father. What is he like?"
"Bold. Arrogant. Stubborn. Lord of the Manor."
"When was the last time you saw him? When you left St Brigid's?"
"Jack, why all the questions?"
"I just want to know what he is like. Would I like him?"
"No," she said curtly.
"Why not?"
"Because I don't."
"But, Honour, it's your father."
She turned on Jack and said, "I don't want to talk about him."
"What are the chances of me meeting him someday?"
"Don't bet the ship on it. Jack, let's just get back to Barbados."
He kissed her and held her close. "I understand. I miss the Caribbean. And I can't wait to get into that plantation you bought. It may not be Monsieur Picou's, but I bet it comes close."
"Very close, darling. VERY close!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 24, 2015, 04:11:19 PM

Jack knocked quietly at the door to Daffyd's study.  Daffyd was sitting at his desk.  He was slouched a bit in his chair as he looked over a handful of papers, deep in thought.  The desk itself was littered with even more documents, along with a few map-reading instruments.  A glass of brandy was at his elbow.  Jack started to knock again, but felt himself involuntarily laugh.  Daffyd looked up from his papers and smiled.
"Was I doing something funny, Jack?"
"No, no.  Not at all.  When I saw you there, and the state of your desk – not at all unlike mine – I think I got a pretty good impression of how my quartermaster feels on entering my cabin.  Though Briggs is much noisier."
Daffyd chuckled as he sat up.  "Megan is constantly at me to organise myself better.  But I work more comfortably this way.  Brandy?"
"Always," he said cheerily.  He came into the room and took the seat across from his brother-in-law.
Daffyd offered Jack the glass.  "I suppose you get the same helpful hints from Rhiannon?"
That made Jack blink as he reconciled his wife's 'real' name in his head.  Though he had been immersed for weeks in a world where everyone knew her as Rhiannon, she would always be Honour to him.  "Always!" he laughed.  "Would she be a Conaway sister if she didn't?"
Lifting his glass, Daffyd toasted, "To being property of the Sisters Conaway!  A most delightful state to be in."
"Here, here!  I have to admit a certain gratification that my approach to paperwork isn't much different from that of a lord."
"And why should it be different?  You're lord of your ship and master of what goes on aboard her.  Fundamentally, Jack, we're not that different, you and I.  We're both men of responsibility and position.  With all the joys and tribulations that go long with the rank."
Jack smiled ruefully.  "Good point.  But many people take a dim view of my position in this world."
"Don't forget, a certain amount of political power goes along with my birthright.  People take an even dimmer view of that, especially these days."

"Daffyd, I want to thank you again for showing me such kindness and hospitality.  And for taking care of Zara whilst Hon-- Rhiannon and I were... going through our difficulties."
"When are you going to stop thanking Megan and me for that?  Jack, you're family.  You're married to my sister-in-law, and that means something in this house.  To be sure, it was a surprise to find you at her side when she returned to us.  But I'm a pretty good judge of character.  Megan even more so.  From what we've seen, you're a fine man, a loving husband and father.  Rhiannon is happy.  That speaks the loudest truth."
Jack sipped his brandy and thought a moment.  "You know, I think that's one of the finest compliments I've ever been given.  Now if I can continue to live up to it."
"Oh, you will.  A disappointed Conaway sister is nothing to trifle with."
"How well I know," said Jack over another sip.

"So, what is on your mind?  You're too forthright a man to engage in chitchat for a spot of brandy."
"That's what I like about you, Daffyd.  To the point," laughed Jack.  "Our conversation the other day about your horse breeding philosophy got me thinking."
"How so?  Are you thinking of giving up the sea and becoming a horse breeder?"
Jack smiled and shook his head.  "No, not bloody likely!  Far too much salt in these veins.  But you said something that really hit home with me.  'Form to function'.  That's a principle my father preached about the design of ships."
"I can see how the mindset would be similar.  Ships are built for specific tasks, just as horses are bred for certain roles, right?  Only in my case, every attempt at a new, improved model is a roll of the dice.  There's more art than science behind the business of horseflesh."
"No more than in the world of shipbuilding, my friend.  There are a great many exciting ideas that end up useless failures once they've been built and put to the test.  But that's neither here nor there.  You've been so kind as to show me your world of horses, I'd like to return the favour."
Daffyd took some brandy.  "I'm not sure I follow."
"I have to go down to the port tomorrow and pay El Lobo's fees in advance so she can dock properly instead of having to ride at anchor out in the harbour like some common barge.  I was wondering if you'd like to join me on a small foray into my world?"

Daffyd's eyes lit up.  "Of course I would!  When do we leave?"
"Right after breakfast.  I figure with the ladies wrapped up in preparations for the ball, a gentlemen's day away is in order."
"Ah, but there's that one little lady I never thought you'd tear yourself away from."
Jack smiled proudly.  "That's one of the reasons we'll be back tomorrow evening.  The other will be tired of party plans."
"You've really taken to fatherhood quite handily, Jack.  Better than most, I dare say."
"I never imagined I would.  When Honour-- there I go again..."
"No," chuckled Daffyd.  "I'm sure that when she came back into your life, it's been nonstop adjustments.
"Truer words were never spoken.  When she told me we have Zara, I have to admit, I was scared to death."
"And how do you feel now that you've actually held her?"
"On top of the world," said Jack.  "And still scared to death."
"Get used to it.  That is a feeling that will never quite go away.  I dread the day suitors start coming round."
"I don't even want to think about that!"
"You've got a few years before you have to add that worry!  I hear she took her first step a day or so ago?"
Jack beamed with pride.  "She did!  She was absolutely brilliant, Daffyd."
"Did she get that incredibly determined look on her face?"
"That's the one!  I'm so glad I could be here to see it."  Jack took another sip of brandy.  "I've missed so much.  Her birth, her first tooth..."
"She's got a lifetime of firsts ahead of her.  And you're here to witness them," said Daffyd gently.  "Help her through those, safe and happy as you can.  That's all that really matters."

"You make it sound so easy."
Daffyd shook his head.  "It is the hardest job imaginable.  And the most rewarding.  Have you and Rhiannon talked about having any more?"
"We did last night, as a matter of fact.  But really, we're just getting reacquainted.  That's where our attention needs to be.  There, and with little Zara."
Jack gave a quizzical look as Daffyd chuckled.
"What?" asked Jack.  "Did I say something funny?"
"You really can't say Zara's name without smiling!  Megan mentioned it to me yesterday, and she's right!  It's the grandest thing."
"'Zara'," said Jack, and he paid attention to muscles in his face as he did so.  The discovery made him laughed softly.  "No, I guess I can't!"
"Well, no matter.  Rhiannon is young.  You'll have plenty of time for more when the Lord decides to bless you again."
"I think that deserves a toast."
"Right you are!" said Daffyd as he filled their glasses.  "To the Wolfes among us," he intoned.   "May the pack continue to grow and prosper!"

The following morning, Jack was in his and Honour's room collecting the funds he would need to pay the port authority.  As he counted out the fee, plus a bit more just in case, he heard the door quietly open behind him.  Honour stepped into the room with a bright-eyed Zara on her hip.
"There's my girls!" said Jack merrily.
Honour smiled.  "Are you sure you're taking enough?" she asked.
"Don't worry, love.  I'm taking along some extra.  You know how port towns can be."
"There's always that one wheel that wants some grease, I know," she sighed.  "Daffyd is excited to be going along.  How long do you think you'll be?"
Jack stroked her hair and looked lovingly into her eyes.  "We'll be home before supper.  I can't bear the thought of being apart from either of you longer than that."
Honour returned her husband's gaze.  "I thought last night would have tided you over."
"Not a chance," he said, and kissed her lips tenderly, then with a little more insistence.

"Da!" interjected Zara.  She waved her free arm at her side as if to further ensure she had her amorous parent's attention.
"You know," said Jack, "I think she's beginning to get wise to us!"  He tickled Zara's ribs, making her giggle and squeal.
"I think she has, too!  Somebody likes being the centre of attention, doesn't she?" Honour cooed.  "All right, no brothers or sisters for you..."  She gave Jack a wink.  "Not yet, anyway."
"Now darling, you know what they say about practice making perfect."
"And you, Captain Wolfe, have ship's business to attend!  Now GO!  Shoo!  Daffyd and the carriage are waiting.  Practice will have to wait."
"I'm going to hold you to that, sweetheart."
"You'd better!"  She gave Jack a quick kiss and took a step back.  "Now be careful."
Jack broke into a broad smile.  "I promise.  See you this evening!"  He paused before stepping into the hall.  "I love you, Honour."
"I love you, too, Jack."
Jack waved his hand goodbye at Zara, and she did her best to mimic the gesture.  As the door closed, Honour gently swayed too and fro, as if dancing with her small daughter.
"This is all so wonderful, Zara," she said to her giggling child.  "It's better than I could have dreamed.  I don't think I've ever been happier in my entire life!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 01, 2015, 07:56:32 AM
Honour came downstairs as Megan was sorting through candles and decor for the ball. She had boxes and crates opened and packing materials strewn everywhere.
"Megan, what on earth hit this room? A cyclone?"
Megan puffed her breath up and her hair fluffed away from her red face.
"I think I bit off more than I can chew with this, Rhiannon."
"You said that last year, Megan."
"This year I mean it."
"Said that last year, too."
"I'm glad the menfolk are away for the day. I can get the lion's share done without Daffyd telling me not to make a fuss."

She shifted Zara to her shoulder. The baby yawned and Rhiannon rocked her.
"Let me put Zara to sleep and then I wil help you sort through this mess. Maybe we can get most of it done and put aside for the servants to hang the decorations."
Megan sat on the floor. "If only I had made the winter ball for summer, I could open up the veranda and the guests could spill out there."
"But then it wouldn't be the winter ball, Megan."
She laughed, "Oh, yes. That's right!"

Honour rocked Zara and sang gently to her.


Gee, geffyl bach, yn cario ni'n dau
Dros y mynydd i hela cnau;
Dŵr yn yr afon a'r cerrig yn slic,
Cwympo ni'n dau. Wel dyna i chi dric!

Cwyd Robin bach a saf ar dy draed,
Sych dy lygad, anghofio'r gwaed;
Neidiwn ein dau ar ein ceffyl bach gwyn,
Dros y mynydd, ac i lawr y glyn.

Gee, geffyl bach dros frigau y coed,
Fel y Tylwyth Teg mor ysgafn dy droed,
Carlam ar garlam ar y cwmwl gwyn;
Naid dros y lleuad, ac i lawr at y llyn.

Megan looked over at her and said quietly, "Do you know what you are singing, Rhiannon?"
"Hmm? Just a lullaby."
Megan looked down. "It was a lullaby Mother used to sing to you. To me. To all of us."
Honour could feel a lump in her throat.
"Do you blame me, Megan? For Mother's death?"
Megan clasped her sister's free hand and said quickly, "Most certainly not! It was an accident pure and simple."
"Father never saw it that way."
"Father never got over losing her."
Honour looked towards the fire, gazing into it as if she coud read the past. "He sent me away, Megan. Six years old and he sent me away."
Megan's eyes met her sisters and Honour could see the love Megan had for her reflected in them.
"Thank you. Thank you for coming to visit me when you could."
She squeezed her sister's hand. "I did what I could."
Honour touched the silver chain around her neck. "You most certainly did."

Zara stirred gently as her eyes shut. Honour gave Megan the blanket and she spread it by the fireplace. Gently the baby was laid down.
"I think she will sleep for a few hours. Now...shall we get down to the business of getting the ball plans under way before Jack and Daffyd come home?"
"I think that would be best. Let's get to it!"

"...and the crystal bowls with silver and gold balls can go on each end of the serving table."
"Why not surround it with laurel branches and a few sprigs of holly?"
"That is a wonderful idea!'
"What is a wonderful idea?" an authoritative voice said from the doorway.
The bowl slipped from Honour's hands and crashed on the floor.
Megan looked up and said one word.

"FATHER!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 07, 2015, 08:13:50 PM
 
Lord Rhodri Conaway stood in the doorway, larger than life.
He was not really a large man but his presence made him seem so. But somehow he seemed not as tall as Honour had remembered him. Maybe it had been the two years since she had seen him. She had been under a great deal of stress when she had returned home. Her presumed desertion by Rhys Morgan when he didn't return for her when he promised. And her subsequent curt dismissal from the Order of St Brigid.

At fifty-five, he still had the stern, patrician features, the strong jaw that marked the Conaway lords that had come before him. His steel-blue eyes took in the sight of his two daughters in the midst of their decorating plans.
He held his arms out.
"Is this any kind of greeting for your father?"
Megan dutifully went to her father and embraced him.
"Welcome home, Father. How was London?"
"In an upheaval with the change from the Crown to Cromwell. Our sort is having a hard time, what with the politics. Rhiannon? No embrace for your father?"
She ignored him and said stiffly, "Hello, Father. I'm sorry about the crystal, Megan."
She picked up the broken pieces. Her fingers trembled, a shard cutting her.  She quickly wrapped her finger in the kerchief she kept in her waistband for Zara's needs.
Megan hurriedly said, "No problem, Rhiannon. It was an extra bowl from a set we received from Daffyd's grandmother. Daffyd broke one last year and it has been an odd number ever since. Now they all match once again."

"And what have we here?"
Lord Conaway looked down and reached for Zara. Honour was quicker and picked Zara up. The baby stirred, frowning in her sleep.
"She's mine."
He reached out to touch her curls. Honour turned her away from him.
"So you have a child. Do you have a wedding ring to go with her?"
Megan cried indignantly, "Father!"
"Well, Madoc has been dead longer than the required time to have a child this age and knowing the way your sister is..."
"I beg your pardon, Father!"
He turned to Honour and said, "Well, have you found yourself a husband or is this child the product of a chance encounter?"
Honour held Zara close to her and said through clenched teeth, "She's legitimate and yes, to answer your unspoken question, she is baptized and I can produce the papers to prove it, if you so desire."
He waved his hand dismissively, "That won't be necessary. She is a bonny lass, isn't she? And her name is....?"
"Zara."
He looked expectantly at her.
"Zara Wolfe."
"Ah, so your husband would be Mr. Wolfe. And does this Mr. Wolfe have a first name?"
"Of course."
"Then since he has chosen to mingle his blood with that of the Conaway blood, might I have his first name?"
"John. John Wolfe."
"And what does Mr. John Wolfe do for a livelihood?"
"We own a plantation in Barbados."
"What kind of plantation?"
"Sugar. We purchased five hundred acres outside of Bridgetown. Why all the questions?"
"I want to make sure my little girl is well cared for."

Honour gave a derisive laugh.  "Since when did you care?"
His jaw tightened. "I see all these months have not tempered your defiance, Rhiannon. Your wild ways are what got you into trouble to begin with. First with the Mother Superior and then the unfortunate...incident regarding your husband."
"Incident?" Megan exclaimed. "Madoc tried to kill her, Father."
"And what did she do? She ran away. She made matters worse."
Honour could barely control her rage. "Did you expect me to swing from the gallows for the crime of self-defense?"
"I expected you to come to me for help."
"Help? HELP? The last time I came to you for help, you married me off to a cruel monster! I was afraid of whatever other tricks you had. Or did you have another old fart in mind to marry me off to?"
Lord Conaway said coldly, "And did you have another young stallion in the barn, pawing at the ground after the death of the one you were dallying with? I can only hope you learned your lesson after all I have gone through to clean up this mess you made."
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"I mean no Conaway is ever going to swing for murder. EVER. Not only have I been sitting in Parliament in London, I have been clearing your--OUR--name."
He reached into his greatcoat and produced a paper.
"This just came through. It is a full absolution for Lady Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine in the implication of the murder of Lord Madoc Castlemaine. Your dearly departed husband."

"But how...why?..."
"How? Coins showered into the waiting palms of a few Judas Iscariots who care more for sovereigns than justice."
"You mean....?"
"You can walk out of this mess without any retribution and not look over your shoulder. But there is one thing. You will waive all rights to your inheritance. Madoc's sons, who were out to avenge their father, seems to be mollified with the 'donation' of the meadowland that is between our two estates. The land that was to be yours in my will. You will not receive a farthing from me anymore, Rhiannon. All rights are to be given up. Is that understood?"

Honour stood there with her mouth open. Lord Rhodri Conaway took the baby out of her arms.
"Now, this is the newest addition to the Conaway women."
In her shock, Honour stood there as her father looked at Zara. The baby woke up and stared at Rhodri with her blue eyes, not even daring to cry.
He looked at Zara and murmured, "She has her mother's--and her grandmother's--blue eyes. Yes, a fine bonny lass to the Conaway name!  And when will I meet the venerable Mr. Wolfe?"
Rhiannon found her voice. "He and Daffyd had some business and they shall be back by dinnertime."

Megan spoke up, "A word in private, Father, if you please?"
Lord Conaway handed Zara back to Honour and followed Megan to an anteroom.
"Father, I have a request to make."
"And that would be...?"
"John Wolfe does not know of Rhiannon's past."
"What?"
Megan gently explained, "Rhiannon met John Wolfe when she ran to Barbados. From what I understand, it was a love-at-first-sight-let's-get-married situation. She was afraid to tell him and as time went on, she saw no need to mention it to John."
"When she came to Wales, did she not think that he might find out, what with the scandal it caused? Townspeople talk, you know. They still talk. And your sister gave them a plethora to gossip about."

Megan thought quickly. "John had some business here and he surprised Rhiannon when they were on board. He thought it would be a nice surprise for her to see her family. She was hoping that it would never be brought to light."

Lord Conaway shook his head. "Such a foolish girl."
Megan's anger blazed in spite of herself.
"This 'foolish girl' as you call her was able to sail to Barbados by herself, make a living and marry a man she loves. She has a beautiful daughter and from what I understand, John Wolfe is wealthy in his own right. So leave her alone, Father. Try to make peace with her for the short while she is here. She's leaving a few days after the ball."
Lord Conaway sighed. "You do have a valid point, Megan. Agreed. No good can come of keeping ill feelings fueled. So, yes, I will for the sake of the Conaway name, put this aside."

Honour stood by the fire, holding her daughter desperately close to her. Trembling, she wiped the tear from her eye before it landed on Zara.
"Why now, Zara? Why did he have to come home NOW?'

Lord Conaway and Megan had no sooner entered the room when the sound of male laughter and noisy footsteps were heard in the mud room.

Megan was relieved. Honour was filled with trepidation.
"I do believe the gentlemen of this house have arrived home."

Lord Conaway gave a slight smile. "And I would say it is time I met my son-in-law."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 14, 2015, 07:03:52 PM
Jack's voice could be heard clearly as he and Daffyd came down the hall, and it gave Honour a bit of comfort.  He was in his element, in the midst of telling Daffyd a story.
"... and when I finally managed to pull her sword free, that poor tree hung there as best it could until it finally fell over!"
"She did all that?" laughed Daffyd.
"Believe me, I was just as surprised!  She's a force to be reckoned with when she puts her mind to it."
"But of course!  She's a Conaway, after all!"
Megan gave her sister a bemused look, and Honour could feel her face colour a bit.  Rhodri stood impassively, a look Honour knew all too well.  He was  waiting to pass judgement.  First impressions were everything with her father, and second chances, if there were any to be had, came with a price.  Honour couldn't help but think how he would react if Jack were to appear dressed in is customary shift, replete with high boots, breeches, a roomy silk shirt in the style that seasoned swordsmen preferred, a waistcoat, and his long brown hair free and wild.  Not that she disliked the way he dressed since they came to Wales, though she often teased him about looking so prim and respectable.  Beneath that polished, gentlemanly exterior was the untameable man she loved. 

"Rhodri!  What an unexpected surprise!" exclaimed Daffyd.  "We had no idea were coming home.  How are things in London?"
Jack paused at the doorway and looked first at Lord Conaway, then to Honour still standing by the fireplace.  He could see she was upset, clutching Zara to her as if the Devil himself was in the room.
"Frustrating, thanks to the Lord Protector.  Mark my words, Daffyd, that man is dangerous.  I wouldn't be surprised if he disbands both Houses, he's that mad," said Lord Conaway.
"But as you say, what's bad for England is good for Wales," chuckled Daffyd.
"And who do we have here?" asked Rhodri.
"Oh!  Pardon my manners," said Daffyd.  "This is Rhiannon's husband, Cap--"
"JOHN Wolfe," interjected Megan.  Jack quirked an eyebrow, and she gave him a wide-eyed nod.  He looked over at Honour.  Her eyes told him everything he needed to know.
"That's right, John Wolfe," Jack said glibly.  He stepped forward and shook Lord Conaway's hand firmly.  "I've heard so much about you."
"All good, I should think."
"Yes, there's that.  You'll pardon me, your Lordship.  I've been missing my wife and child all day."

Jack went to Honour and searched her eyes. 
"Are you all right?" he asked quietly. 
She looked into his eyes and feigned a pleasant expression.  "No," she whispered.
Jack set his jaw, and gave Honour a slight nod.  "You look tired, darling.  I know Zara can be a handful to look after.  Why don't you have a bit of a lie down before supper?"
Honour smiled tiredly at him and said, "I think that would be a good idea.  Here.  She's been asleep only a short while."  She gently bundled Zara off into Jack's waiting arms.  The sleeping child stirred a little, then took a handful of her father's waistcoat lapel and relaxed against him.
"There we are.  Safe as houses."  Jack kissed Honour on the cheek and smiled reassuringly.  "I'll come get you when it's time to eat, love."
Honour looked at Jack, then to her father, then back again.  "You'll pardon me, please," she said as she brushed past her father and went up the stairs.

"Daffyd, do call for the nanny," said Rhodri.  "There's no reason for John to be saddled with the child whilst we chat."
"No need, thank you," Jack said quickly.  "I prefer to spend every moment with my daughter that I can."
"Well, it's your choice, of course," Rhodri demurred.
"That it is.  And she's happy right here.  Who am I to disturb such peace?" smiled Jack.
"How old is she now?" asked Rhodri.
"Oh, almost ten months now.  She took her very first step only a couple days ago.  Destined for great things, this one is."
"Forgive me saying this, John, but you dote on that child as if you've only just seen her.  I daresay you're going to spoil her."
"Then spoil her I shall, Lord Conaway," Jack declared, with more than a little defiance in his voice.  "My choice, remember?"
The older man took the hint.  "Please, we're family now.  Call me Rhodri.  After all, that is my grandchild you're holding."
"Fair enough, Rhodri," smiled Jack.  "But you'll forgive me for thinking of her as my daughter first, and your granddaughter second.  Seeing as we've just met, and all." 

Jack knew that Rhodri's presence was what has upset Honour so terribly, and he could read the lord's haughtiness as if it were emblazoned on the very walls of the room.  It had been a long time since he had verbally sparred with someone other than Honour.  This was going to be a treat.  Though the rewards of such discourse with Honour were sweet, indeed.
"Shall we retire to the study?" asked Daffyd uneasily.
He led them into his office cum retreat.  Jack settled into a high-backed leather chair and smoothed Zara's curls.  Rhodri took the chair opposite him, striking a regal, if relaxed, pose.  Daffyd busied himself pouring brandies for them all.
"I understand you've bought a sugar plantation in Barbados," began Rhodri.  "A lucrative, if far flung operation.  How many acres?"
Jack thought for a moment.  "I'm not quite sure, to be honest.  Hon-- Rhiannon would know that better than I."
"You don't know the size of your own plantation?  That's a bit odd, don't you think?"
"Just because I'm fuzzy on a particular figure doesn't mean I'm not keen on making the enterprise a success, Rhodri."
"All the same, leaving such details in the hands of a woman..."
"I'm sorry, your lordship.  Is there something lacking in the mental faculties of the Conaway women I should know about?  A genetic deficiency, perhaps?"
"Of course not!  The Conaway line is strong!  How dare you insinuate..."
"Actually, you insinuated, Rhodri.  Rhiannon is by far one of the most brilliant, insightful people I've met in all my travels.  You do her a disservice, suggesting I shouldn't trust her with details."

Daffyd knocked back his brandy and poured another.
Rhodri smiled to himself.  "Touché, John.  Perhaps I am old and set in my ways.  I forget that there is a brave new world out there, far from the decorum of the motherland."
"New lands, new ideas.  It pays to be flexible," said Jack.
"Yes, quite.  Megan tells me you were a wealthy man before becoming a sugar farmer."
Daffyd tried hard not to choke on his drink.  Honour had told him and Megan of the Dutch ship Jack had plundered and the subsequent riches he had come away with; the entire year's profits of the Dutch East India Company.
"Oh, a few well placed investments here, some useful information there.  It all adds up over time," Jack answered coyly.
"So, you weren't always of means, then."
"I'm going to check on supper.  Please, continue," said Daffyd, and he hastily left the room.
Jack looked down at Zara and smiled.  "No, I wasn't.  The son of a shipwright.  My father scrimped and saved to send me to university.  Took nearly every penny he had."
"And your course of study?"
"Philosophy and literature."
Rhodri snickered.  "The liberal arts?  That hardly prepares one for the world of finance and business."
"And yet, I've done all right.  Well enough that both Rhiannon and Zara need never worry about money as long as they live."
"Really!  And may I ask, as Rhiannon's father and Zara's grandfather, exactly how much are you worth?"
Jack smiled enigmatically.  "You may ask..."
Lord Conaway stared at him expectantly.
Jack cleared his throat and took a sip of brandy.  "That was a little joke."
"Very little," answered Rhodri sternly.

"Supper will be ready in fifteen minutes," said Daffyd as he entered the room.
"Ah!  Then I should wake Rhiannon so she can make herself ready," said Jack hastily.  He rose from the chair, careful not to disturb the sleeping Zara, and headed for the door.
"We'll continue this conversation later, John," Rhodri declared.
"Looking forward to it," replied Jack, and he quickly left the study.

He quietly shut the door to his and Honour's room.  Honour was lying on the bed, staring at the wall.
"Honour?  Almost time to eat, darling.  Zara and I came for you, just as I promised."
"I'm not asleep," she said softly.
Jack laid Zara on the bed, and went around to Honour's side and knelt beside her.
"He's upset you that much?"
Honour's eyes welled with tears.  "Jack, he's such a horrid man!   I could never be good enough in his eyes..."
Jack smiled sympathetically and stroked her hair.  "I believe you, darling.  After the interrogation I just went through, I can believe him capable of a lot of things."
A tear escaped her eye and tumbled down her cheek.  "I'm so sorry, Jack.  I had no idea he'd show up.  I hope he wasn't to harsh with you."
He gently wiped the tear away.  "Hey, you know me!  I can hold my own in any situation.  Though he's plenty sharp.  I've been in sword fights less dicey.  I can see now where you get your sharp tongue."
She laughed a little.  "It's a Conaway trait."
"Same with the Wolfes."  He looked over at Zara.  "We're in for quite a time with her, aren't we?"
"Any regrets, Captain Wolfe?"
Jack smiled and shook his head.  "Not ever, my love.  Now, let's get ready for supper.  This is going to be interesting..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 21, 2015, 09:04:26 PM
Megan, Daffyd, and Lord Conaway were seated at the table in the formal dining room.  The room was appointed much like the rest of the Llewellyn home; understated elegance.  Flickering lamp light illuminated family portraits hung on richly panelled walls.  One of the servants was busy collecting dinner plates from the large open hutch opposite the fireplace. Rhodri, of course, had claimed the high-backed chair at the head of the long, narrow cherry table.  Megan sat to his left, with Daffyd beside her.  They chatted pleasantly while the kitchen staff filled their waiting wine glasses and completed the final preparations for the meal.  A heavy tureen sat at the centre of the table, brimming with pheasant stew.  Along with it were several loaves of fresh caraway seed bread.

Jack and Honour paused outside the entrance of the dining room.  Honour's brow was furrowed in worry.  Why, of all times, did her father have to be there?  It didn't help that things had already gotten contentious between him and Jack.  Would he abide by Megan's request?  Honour could feel her stomach tighten with dread.
"I know that look, darling," Jack said quietly.  "I can handle him, don't you worry.  At the end of this evening, the only thing of substance he'll have learned about me is that I won't be trifled with.  And I won't let him torment you.  I have no time nor respect for any man who would turn out his own child for no good reason the way he did you."
"Why, Mister Wolfe!  Are you my knight in shining armour this night?" she teased.
Jack grinned at her.  "There's a lot of rust here, but yes, Mrs. Wolfe.  I shall defend you against the dragon.  Tonight, and always."
He drew Honour to him and tenderly kissed her lips.  As they parted, she looked into his eyes.
"Jack, he can be so very cruel."
Jack gave her a wink.  "Of that I have little doubt.  But when is the last time he tangled with a pirate?"
"Um... never, that I know of."
"Well, then it's him you ought to be worried about, darling.  Shall we?  The food smells wonderful, and for once I'm hungry for something other than you."
Honour giggled.  "You're making me blush!  I can't go in with red cheeks!"
"Sure you can!  Let them wonder.  Besides, we're married.  We're entitled to a little hallway passion now and then.  Oh, look at those cheeks now!"
Honour playfully slapped Jack on the chest, then took his arm.  With her head held high, she and her husband made their entrance.  But despite his show of bravado to boost Honour's confidence, one worry nagged at Jack.
"Rhiannon.  Her name is Rhiannon, not Honour.  Don't mess this, or you'll be explaining more than you ever wanted to..."

"Ah, there's the happy couple!" chimed Megan.  "Please, do join us!"  She caught Honour's eye, and with a smirk she made a brief motion to her cheeks.  Honour rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out quickly.
Jack held Honour's chair as she sat down across from Daffyd, and Jack took the seat between her and her father.  He fully expected Rhodri to start in with pointed questions at some point, and he didn't want Honour caught in the crossfire.
"The food smells so good, and I am famished!" said Jack cheerily.
"It's pheasant stew, from birds taken here on the property," said Daffyd.  "I make sure grain is put out through the winter to keep them close and plump.  Shall we dig in?"
"Perhaps Father would like to make a toast to start things off?" Megan suggested.
Rhodri cleared his throat and thought for a moment before raising his wine glass.  Oratory was his stock and trade in the House of Lords, and Jack silently prayed that the food would still be warm by the time the toast was completed.
"This occasion has brought many surprises with it.  Many surprises, indeed.  The least of which being that my youngest daughter is wed to an intelligent if not somewhat mysterious man who obviously loves her.  And together they have brought a beautiful daughter into the ranks of the Conaway family.  So on this night, I wish to express my thanks to you, John, and to Daffyd as well.  It is gratifying to know my daughters, and grandchildren, are so well taken care of.  God bless us all."

"Here, here!" said Daffyd.
They all took the customary sip of wine, and one of the servants began filling the bowls full of hot stew and placing them in front of the diners.  The dinner conversation was light, but Lord Conaway remained oddly quiet.  Finally, he broke his silence.
"Megan tells me you and Daffyd were off on business today, John.  Another one of your investments, I take it?"
Jack gave a small smile.  It had taken Rhodri a while to make his move, and there it was.  "In a way, yes.  I wanted to make sure our passage to Barbados was in still order, and finalise the arrangements.  Port fees, and such.  The usual."
"Do you always oversee such arrangements so closely?  I'd call that a bit unusual.  I thought the ship's owner was responsible for such things."
"I don't like leaving things to chance.  It's not in my nature."
"More stew, anyone?  Or bread?" Daffyd interrupted.
"Please," Jack answered quickly.  "I was hungrier than I thought."
"You must be anxious to return to the New World and your latest endeavour, then," Rhodri continued.  He was determined to find out more about his new son-in-law.  There was a shadiness about the younger man that didn't sit well with him.  "Has Rhiannon refreshed your memory as to your acreage?"
Jack smiled politely.  "The subject never came up.  Too busy doting over my wife and child to think about it, really."
"Five hundred," Honour said with a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Rhodri chuckled scoffingly.  "Five hundred acres?  That's hardly what I would call an estate!"
Jack took a deep breath.  "Lord Conaway, do you have any idea how much larger Wales is in comparison to Barbados?"
"Not exactly," Rhodri hedged.  "I do know it's one of the largest islands England has colonised in the New World."
"I thought as much.  But it's an easy enough mistake for someone to make.  Wales is over seventy-five times the size of Barbados.  So you see, our five hundred acres for sugar cane is easily worth more per square foot than any turnip fields here." 
Honour had to bite her lip to keep from giggling at Jack putting the grand Lord Conaway in his place.  Megan was having similar problems, while Daffyd managed to empty his wine glass.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 29, 2015, 03:13:58 PM
Rhodri cleared his throat.  "Well, thank you for enlightening me, John.  Another of your well-played investments.  Nicely done."
"I can't take the credit for this one, Rhodri," Jack smiled.  "Congratulate your daughter!  It was, um, Rhiannon's desire to buy the plantation.  And buy it, she did."
Honour gave Jack a surprised look.  "Um, well, yes, I did," she stammered.  "I positively fell in love with Barbados, and wanted to raise Zara there."
"I must say, I'm impressed," said Rhodri as he regarded his youngest daughter with new eyes.  "I never thought you had a mind for business, the way your head was always in the clouds."
Honour sat up a little straighter, trying to keep the defiant edge out of her voice.  "It was the right decision, and I made it."
"Conaways have always had a good eye for land," pronounced Rhodri.  "It's in the blood."
"In the blood, my arse," Honour muttered.
"I'm sorry?  I didn't catch that," said Rhodri.
Honour took a quick sip of wine.  "I said, we've made it into an art."
Lord Conaway puffed up with pride.  "Quite right!  We have at that."

Honour gave Megan a wide-eyed look, and Megan pretended to dab her mouth with her napkin to cover her smile.  It was a game the Conaway girls had played time and again at the supper table since they were little, wordlessly expressing their boredom or exasperation and trying to make the others laugh as their father droned on about politics and whatnot.
Jack held his composure and said, "Blood or not, it was a brilliant move on her part, for which I am proud and grateful.  And we'll make it the perfect home for Zara."
"Provided the sugar market holds," added Rhodri.  "How many years until the note is paid off?"
"What note?" asked Jack flatly.
"Why, the note on the property, of course.  Surely they have banks in Barbados," laughed Rhodri.
"The plantation is paid for, Father," said Rhiannon coolly.  "It was a cash transaction."
Rhodri stared at Honour, then gave Jack a suspicious look.  "It would seem you have indeed managed to do well for yourself.  But doing what, I would still like to know?"
Jack's coy smile returned.  "As you said, well-played investments.  Shipping, warehousing, trade...  I'm quite industrious."
"And more than a little evasive," Rhodri said with growing impatience.
"Anyone for dessert?  I'm starving for something sweet!" interrupted Megan.
"Oh, me!" said Honour quickly.  "You always have the most delicious sweets, Megan."
"It's nothing extravagant, really.  Apples with egg custard and cream."  Megan motioned to one of the kitchen staff.  "Enydd, please bring out the desserts, would you?"

The sisters had jumped to another game they had become practiced at; derailing their father's inquiries.
"It's a shame it's still winter," continued Megan.  "We could have had your very favourite."
Honour's face broke into a grin.  "Blueberries?"
"Yes, of course!  Blueberries!  Oh, John, you should have seen Rhiannon when she was a little girl," laughed Megan.  "She would slip outside and head right for the blueberry patches, with Muir in tow.  Then she'd stuff her pockets full of blueberries and take off on one of her adventures.  When she and Muir finally came home, her fingers, lips and dress would be stained from the juice!"
"It was impossible to keep her in nice clothes," sighed Rhodri.
Jack turned and grinned at his giggling wife.  "Now this I have to hear about.  What adventures?"
"Just childish things," Honour laughed demurely.  "Nothing special..."
"Her favourite thing to do," said Megan, "was to go down to the docks and look at the tall ships.  In love with the sea, that one has always been!  Bold, too.  She'd even strike up conversations with sailors!"
Rhodri looked up at the ceiling and shook his head.
Honour was blushing fiercely.  "Oh, I did not!"
"Well, that's what you told us!" countered Megan.
"I'm sorry, darling, but it's entirely believable!" Jack laughed.  "I can practically see you, all mussed from playing in the berry patch, with Muir by your side.  I'll bet you had squashed blueberries in your pockets..." 

His laughter trailed off, and he gave his wife a strangely quizzical look.  His mind went back to that day on the docks of Beaumaris when the precocious little blueberry stained girl with her wolf-dog talked him into taking her aboard the Laura Anne for a tour.  A precocious little girl named Rhiannon, and her dog Muir.
Honour's laughter trailed off, too, as she searched her husband's face.  "What?  What is it?"
Jack chuckled and shook his head.  "I'll tell you later, my love.  But when we land in Barbados, remind me to plant a blueberry patch or two.  I'd hate for Zara to miss out."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 05, 2015, 09:37:23 PM
Dessert was brought to the table and everyone quietly ate. Honour slipped her hand under the table and ran her hand up and down Jack's leg. The table jumped.
"Something the matter with your leg, John? A cramp?" Lord Conaway said.
Jack tried to keep his mind on his dessert. "Just something that comes up now and then."
Honour mouthed to Megan, "More now than then."
She then put on a very innocent face, continuing to run her fingers up and down. Jack concentrated on his dessert even more. Honour continued to eat her dessert and then picked up an apple slice and sucked the juices off it.
Megan coughed and choked. Daffyd pounded her on the back as Megan tried to regain her composure.
Lord Conaway raised his eyebrow. "Are you alright, Megan?"
Her eyes watered as she tried to stop coughing. "No, I'm fine."
Daffyd and Jack rolled their eyes and shook their heads, both thinking the same thing.
'Those Conaway sisters....'

Honour and Megan continued to give each other looks and mouthed comments that made each other giggle. Jack was beginning to see a side of his wife that he never knew---and he liked. 
Lord Rhodri Conaway looked from one to the other with disapproval.
"I suggest we take our brandy into the study, gentlemen. I would like to get to know my son-in-law more."

Jack stood up, grabbing Honour's hand. "Another time, perhaps, Lord Conaway. I think it is time my wife gets to bed. She's had a long day and Zara does keep her going."
"So does Jack," Megan whispered to Daffyd. Unfortunately as he took a sip of brandy and it went down the wrong pipe."
Lord Conaway frowned. "What is WRONG with this family? Did we not learn the proper way to eat and drink?"
Daffyd reached for his water. "I'm sorry, Rhodri. The brandy went down the wrong way."
Jack put his arm around Honour and said, "Then we shall bid you goodnight."
Honour said, "We can finish up the decorating tomorrow, Megan. After all, we only have two days left."
Megan smiled at her sister lovingly. "Thank you for all your help, Rhiannon. Please enjoy your evening."
Honour returned with a twinkle in her eye, "That I certainly shall."

Daffyd said, "Thank you for a tour of the port, John. I can't wait to see your ship once she's made berth!"
To this Lord Conaway said, "You have a ship, John?"
Jack said modestly, "Well, yes, I do. She's a variation on a Spanish-built frigate. Thirty-six guns, and swift as the wind. She's a ship that I've invested heavily in. As I hinted, I do have a hand in commerce."
"Really! But she sounds more like a war ship than a freighter." Lord Conaway was clearly impressed, but dubious.
"One can never be too careful, Rhodri. Not with the proliferation of pirates these days. But if you don't mind, Lord Conaway, I am looking forward to spending time with my lovely wife. After all, I haven't seen her since this morning."

Honour gave Jack a radiant smile and the two walked out of the dining room arm-in-arm. The sound of whispering and Honour's soft laugh was heard in the dining room.

"Are they always like that?" Lord Conaway said sourly.
"Pretty much. Daffyd, dear, would you please pass me the cream?"
"Why, certainly, my darling. And then perhaps we should retire early as well?"
Megan gave him a teasing smile. "I do think that is a good idea."
Lord Conaway rolled his eyes and shook his head.
Those Conaway girls.....
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 13, 2015, 08:12:53 AM
Honour had thrown her clothes over the screen.
"So, what is this story about blueberries you said you would tell me later?"
Jack stretched out on the bed, his hands folded behind his head.
"Do you believe that people are destined to be together, Honour?"
Her head peeked out over the screen.
"I hadn't really thought about it."
Her head disappeared again as her skirt was flung over the screen, landing on the floor.
"I need to tell you something that just came to my mind. Ready for a bed-time story?"
Her laughter was heard from behind the screen. "In a minute. Just having a hard time getting out of these lacings."
"I would be more than happy to oblige, you know."
"I'll be out in a moment. Meanwhile, would you check on Zara?"

Jack opened the door to Zara's nursery. The child was wrapped up in her pink blanket, the bunny Jack had given her she had under her arm, her head resting on its ears. Jack smiled and brushed her hair back, then gently took her thumb out of her mouth. Zara frowned a bit in her sleep but then relaxed and continued to sleep.

Honour came out from behind the screen, wrapped in a silk dressing gown and brushing her hair. She sat down on the bed, Jack taking the brush out of her hand and he started to brush her hair.
"Mmmm....that feels wonderful. Now tell me the bedtime story!"

Jack intoned, "Once upon a time...."
She groaned. "I thought this was a for real story."
"It is. Alright, I'll start over again. The first ship I sailed on was docked in a coastal town in Wales. And I met someone."
Honour felt a twinge of jealousy. "And this someone....did she become important in your life?"
Jack nodded soberly, "Yes, she did. In fact, she was all I could ever hope for."
"And why are you telling me this?" she asked tightly.
"Because it is something I feel I need to confess to you."
"You fell in love with her."
"Yes, I did. But not right away. Will you stop asking so many questions? I need to get this off my chest, darling."
"And this is the bedtime story that I am supposed to wrap myself in? I'm sorry if I don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling about it, Jack."
Jack sighed and brushed her hair gently.
"She was the most fascinating creature I had ever seen. Long blonde hair and big blue eyes."
"Following a pattern here, Jack?"
He shrugged. "Maybe. The ship was the Laura Ann."
Honour sat there quietly. "Mmm hmmm...."
And the lovely girl had a dog with her---"
"I'll bet he was nothing like Muir."
"---and I'll never forget what she said to me."
"I love you?"
Jack chuckled, "No. She kept emphasizing that she was old enough."
"And you were worried she was underaged. Jack, why do you feel the need to ruin this evening with your true confessions of your past infidelities?"
He laughed, "Hardly can be called an infidelity when it all happened before I met you. In a matter of speaking. And you know what she was eating?"
"Curds and whey...how would I know?"
"She was eating blueberries."
"Lots of blueberry patches up here."
"Ah, but there is one thing she said that stopped me from pursuing the relationship further. She was six years old."
Honour stopped suddenly.
Jack continued, "Her last words to me were, 'I'm not allowed to talk to strangers let alone tell them my name. But my name is Rhiannon.'

She turned to look at him, her mouth a perfect O.
"Oddly enough, her dog was named Muir."
Honour finally found her words. "You mean...you mean...."
Jack couldn't stop laughing. "I was the sailor who showed you the Laura Ann."
She murmured, "It was the night before I was shipped off to the Order of St Brigid."
"You were charming and precocious as can be."
She started to laugh. "And you remembered me after all that time?"
Jack nodded. "You were such a sight. Hair tangled and blueberry stains all over your dress and hands. You told me you took your father's stallion out and were being sent away. And meeting your father, it becomes all too clear to me now. But you were positively adorable!"

She shook her head. "After all those years.....I guess you could say we found each other again."
"Again? My darling, we were never lost to each other. Just parted by circumstances."
"Did you ever think about me?"
"Honour! You were six years old! I only remembered the story when Megan mentioned you used to hang around the docks and talk to sailors. Why Muir never connected me to the events, I'll never know."
"Muir never forgets anyone. That was why he was so accomodating when we got married."
"And so it solves one more piece of the puzzle."
"And that is....?"
"I wondered why Muir never bit me in the arse!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 19, 2015, 08:34:34 PM
Jack laid the hairbrush down and moved to massage Honour's shoulders.
"Mmmm..Jack, that feels wonderful. I never realized how hard carrying Zara around could be on a person's back."
"No, this isn't muscle strain, love. This is good old fashioned stress. Stress in the form of Lord Rhodri Conaway."
"I can't disagree with  you.  When do you expect El Lobo to be back in port?"
"Briggs is due back next week with the swag unloaded in Amsterdam and then we shall be heading back. One stop in the Canary Islands and then we are homeward bound. Wherever that may be."
"To our plantation, of course."
"Honour, you never did tell me what it is like."

He leaned to kiss her ear and whispered, "The land. I want to know what you spent my money on."
She held her finger up. "OUR money!"
"Alright, OUR money. Tell me about it."

"Jack, you will love it! The house has a verandah wrapped around it and the entrance has six Grecian columns. There is an upstairs balcony. And the stairs are red brick. A huge massive oak door."
"Sounds impressive!"
"Oh, it is. I saw this house and fell in love with it. There is a marble staircase that splits in two.  And French doors that open out to a brick patio and a view of the ocean. The owner left his mahogany table and sixteen matching chairs. And a beautiful cut-glass chandelier from Murano. The kitchen is detached from the house, of course. There is a brick walkway with a pergola covered with grapevines so we can make our own wine, too.  And the gardens are covered with exotic flowers. The perfume in the air at night is divine!"

He kissed her shoulder and she leaned back into him, closing her eyes.
"What is the bedroom like?" he whispered.
Her eyes flew open and she smacked his hand on her shoulder.
"Jack, you are so bad! There is a massive four poster bed with mosquito netting that was left behind. I gave the owner a bit extra for some furnishings. The coverlet is down-filled and the curtains are lace. The balcony looks out over the ocean too."
He murmured, "Just like our room in Castara," as he kissed her neck. "And how many bedrooms?"
"Hmmm? Oh...oh, six, I think. The overseer and his wife have been taking care of it for me."
"You, madame?"
"Well, at the time it was ME. Now it is US."
"And Zara's room?"
"There is an antique cradle there in the alcove. But she can have her own room."
'There really is five hundred acres?"
"Give or take a few."
"Outbuildings?"
"Sugar mill right there and storage buildings.Two barns and a ten-stall stable. Some slave cabins that I want to refinish and rent them out inexpensively to the laborers. No slaves, Jack. That is non-negotiable. I won't have it."
"Agreed."
He moved his hands around her waist and reached up to untie the gown.
It fell away with one soft swish.
She touched his hand gently and said softly, "Jack Wolfe, sometimes I think you take my breath away."
He kissed her neck in that one spot.
"And the rest of the time, I know you do."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 26, 2015, 05:57:43 PM
The two lovers looked at one another lovingly as they caught their breath.
"I don't care how much you dress as the gentleman, Jack," Honour smiled, her face aglow as her golden hair spilled across her pillow.  "You still make love like a pirate."
Jack caressed her cheek.  "Would you have it any other way?"
"No!" she giggled as she ran her finger across his chest.  "Never.  I hope it's always like this with us."
"As long as I draw a breath, it will be," vowed Jack.  "Fair warning, I intend to keep breathing a very, very long time."
"I should hope so!  You've spoiled me for other men."
"Ah!  My master plan is a success!"
They laughed together, and Jack gave her lips a lingering kiss.  "But I'm afraid I neglected to foresee one thing; you've spoiled me for any other woman."
Honour smiled wickedly.  "You're not the only one with a master plan, Jack Wolfe.  Though I'm sure half the Caribbean will lament my victory!"
"Only half?  Give me some credit, darling!" he teased.  "Hold on.  I have an idea."
She giggled again, this time gently raking her nails against his skin.  "You're not going to let me get any rest this night, are you?"
"No fair reading my mind!" he protested.
"It's not your mind I was reading..."
Jack moved to kiss her again, but when Honour closed her eyes, he kissed the tip of her nose.  Her eyes popped open in surprise.

"First, we need to celebrate," he said with a devilish wink.  He reached under the bed and produced a bottle of merlot and two glasses.  Honour took one glass, then he pulled the cork from the bottle with his teeth and poured the wine.  Honour playfully took the cork from her husband's teeth and returned it to the bottle.
Jack raised his glass.  "To our master plans!"
"To our shared brilliance!  We managed to snare each other forever," she said as they clinked their glasses.  "How little you knew I had set my sights on you that day, all those years ago."
"What I want to know is how you knew I have a weakness for blueberries."
"Women's intuition."
"I bow to your superior cunning and wiles."
"You'll have to do more than that."
"Any hints?" he winked.
"I trust your imagination."
"I can imagine a lot."
"And that's one reason I love you," she smiled over the rim of her glass.  She took a sip of wine and sighed.  "Do you hear that sound?"
"What sound?  I don't hear anything."
"That's just it.  I can't believe Zara is still sleeping!"
"I am, too, with all that racket we just made."

Honour gave a look of mock indignation and slapped Jack's arm.  She set her glass down on the bedside table and got out of bed.  Jack watched approvingly as she retrieved her dressing gown from the floor and wrapped it around herself.  Quietly, she padded over to the door to Zara's room and opened it.  Candlelight fell upon the child's cradle to reveal a peacefully sleeping little girl, still clutching her favourite toy rabbit.  Honour smiled and closed the door with a soft click of the latch.  As she walked back to the bed, she noticed Jack seemed lost in thought.  She could see small furrows in his brow, and he was frowning slightly.  Not wanting to lose the light mood of the night, she gave a low whistle to catch his attention.
"Oh, sailor..."
Jack blinked and looked up just as Honour let the gown slip from around her and fall to the floor.
"And there is another reason I love you!" laughed Jack, and he patted the bed.  "Get back in here where you belong."
She gave him a coy smile as she picked up her wine glass and slipped in between the warm covers beside her husband.  "You know I have to ask."
"About?"
Honour took Jack's hand.  "I saw the start of it.  The frowny face.  The face that tells me your are thinking about something serious."
"You know me so well," he said.  "Honour, this has all been so perfect.  Well, except for your father.  A sour grape, that one."
"Father has always been that way.  What hurts the most is how he never fails to put the Conaway family name before the needs of the family itself.  But I do enjoy the way you handle him."
Jack smiled.  "He's not that difficult to manage.  Too puffed up with protocol and decorum to really come after me.  But I'll tell you what-- part of me would love, really love, to tell him the truth about me.  Just to see the steam come out of his ears like a kettle."
Honour laughed a little, but part of her worried a little that Jack might actually follow through on that whim.  Lord Rhodri Conaway was an expert at getting under people's skin.  "You never really would tell him, would you?"
"What?  Oh, no, darling," Jack reassured her.  "He's being cordial enough toward you, and I don't want to upset that balance.  Besides, he strikes me as someone who wouldn't think twice about handing me over to the authorities to protect the family honour," he said, finishing with affected snobbery.  "Nor will I have him lock me up just to teach you a lesson.  I mean, think of it!  After everything I've seen and been through, only to end up in a prison?  In Cardiff?  How unglamorous is that?"
"Hey, I happen to like Cardiff, thank you very much!" Honour laughed.
"There's a bit of good news.  I'd be assured you'd find a reason to come visit, if only for the chance to shop," he teased.
Honour sipped her wine casually, and with a toss of her hair replied, "There's a fabulous leather-works near the prison.  They make the most divine boots.  It will give me an excuse to drop by to see you."
"And Zara?"
"She's a little young for boots, don't you think?"

Jack clamped a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing too loudly.  "She is your daughter, Honour.  I was surprised to see knit booties on her feet, not leather ones."
The lovers laughed together and exchanged affectionate glances.  But Honour could still see that hint of trepidation in his eyes.
"You're really going to miss this place?" she asked, knowing there was more to it.
Jack nodded.  "This place, this time together, the warmth and generosity of Megan and Daffyd... yes.  I will miss it.  Darling, this is the first time since those first few weeks we were married that I've been able to let my guard down and enjoy the moment.  No cares, no responsibilities outside of you and Zara.  I like it, Honour.  I like the peace.  It's a warm cocoon I'd rather not leave.  But I know we must.  And I'm dreading it."
Honour brushed a long lock of hair away from his face.  "But we'll have that again, once we're back in Barbados."
"I know, and I want that more than anything in the world.  A safe, peaceful haven where we can raise Zara and live out our lived together."  He sighed, and gave a melancholy look.  "Yet, before we can begin that life, we have to sail to the end of the New World aboard a pirate ship with a pirate crew, and I, their pirate captain.  Once there, I have to find a way to walk away from it all forever.  The Account, the crew, the ship... all of it."
Honour shook her head.  "I can't see you giving up the Lobo.  Maybe you could sell off the guns and refit her?  There has to be something we can do.  You love that ship."
Jack looked deep into her eyes.  "I love you more."
Honour could feel the tears begin to well.  "You told me once, a long time ago, that you could never be without that ship.  It's too much a part of you."
"I know better now," he smiled tenderly. 
"How do you do it?" Honour asked.
"Do what?  I mean, yeah, I know a thing or two about female anatomy, and what works.  Like that little thing I do that make you..."
"NOT THAT!!  I mean, you've seen so much.  So many terrible things, yet you manage to stay optimistic.  How do you carry on?"
Jack affected a haughty air.  "I am English! It's what we do."
She giggled and poked him playfully in the ribs.  "I'm serious, silly!  It's as if nothing can hold you down."
"Honour, I had no future before you.  That made it easy to endure anything and everything.  When one has nothing to look forward to, anything is imaginable, and tolerable.  But now, I have you and Zara.  I can step away from that old life and forge a new future.  You have made that possible for me.  And for that, I'm ever in your debt.  With you, I can imagine anything."

Honour finished her wine and set the glass aside on the bedside table.  She snuggled down in the bed and laid her head on Jack's chest, and thought for a moment about the many things she had endured over the years.  No matter what, she found a way, as Jack put it, to carry on.  But instead of the usual bitterness that come with those memories, Honour found comfort.  Just as Jack found boundless hope in her and Zara, she found the same in him and their daughter as well.  Honour realised just how she and Jack were kindred spirits.  More than that.  They were, in every sense, soul mates.
Jack stroked her hair.  "You're quiet all of a sudden.  Did I upset you?"
"No," replied Honour softly.  "No, I'm happy."
"Did I answer your question?  I know it probably doesn't make sense..."
"Jack, it makes all the sense in the world.  Because you do the same for me."
"I'm glad I make you happy, Honour.  Even when we're not talking about that little thing I do that..." He paused, waiting for her reaction.
"Yes?" she asked coyly.
"Usually you interrupt me when I start talking bawdy."
Honour looked up at her husband with a gleam in her eye.  "Why do you think I didn't bother putting my nightgown back on?"
"Why, you little temptress!" smiled Jack.  "How deliciously lewd of you!"
"Jack, are you going to talk for the rest of the night?"
"I guess you're going to have to find a way to shut me up."
She snaked her hand behind his neck and drew him to her.
"Shut up, Jack."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 02, 2015, 07:08:37 PM
"Good morning, Megan!"
"Well, good morning to you, too!"
"Have we lots to do today? The ball is tomorrow night."
Megan looked around. "Any cleaner and this place could be Westminster Abbey. No, dear, we just need the last minute decorations and the candles placed around the room. And the dais over there is where the musicians will play."
"You think of everything."
Megan smiled, "Well, this winter ball is a tradition started by Daffyd's grandmother so who am I to break tradition?"
Honour hummed while she placed candles in the candleholders.
"And what has you in such a fine mood, sister dear?"

Honour stopped and said, "What? Oh..well..I got a good night's sleep."
"Oh, is that what we are calling it now?"
Honour retorted, "I tend to see a glow on YOUR face too, Megan."
She laughed, "Well, I dare say even with Father under the roof, we both managed to have a bit of romance, didn't we?"
Honour looked in the mirror. "I didn't think it showed. I mean, I had heard it but never really looked."
"Where is Jack now?"
"He is up in the room gathering some nautical charts and maps to show Daffyd. Zara is with Nanny Greyson."
"So it is time for the sisters to garner a bit of time for themselves. Let's put our feet up and enjoy our tea and scones before we undertake the final touches on the room."

Honour dipped her scone into the clotted cream.
"I must say, Megan, that this is what I really miss in Barbados. Fresh cream from the contented cows of the English countryside!"
Megan hesitated. "Rhiannon, have you ever considered telling Jack about...you know...Madoc and the whole unfortunate incident?"
Honour put her teacup down and shook her head. "What purpose would it serve, Megan? I can't tell Jack about Madoc. And that 'unfortunate incident' you refer to happened to be one of Jack's best friends."
Megan's jaw dropped. Honour said quietly, "Yes, well....I don't know the whole story. But when we were in Castara he told me how Rhys died. Run through by a jealous husband. Megan, how could I possibly tell him the truth after that?"
Megan hesitated. "Did Jack ever wonder about...you know..the other men in your life? Surely he must have know that you had a lover before he came along."

She carefully placed  her teacup back in the saucer. "We never discussed it. We respect each other's privacy on our past....encounters. Jack was not a choirboy, Megan. Not by a long shot. It's what he does now that concerns me, not his past."
"I understand."

Megan hesitated. "Have the nightmares stopped, Rhiannon?"
"For the most part."
"Have you had any since you have been here?"
She nodded. "Twice now. Jack doesn't quite know what to think. He suggested I talk to a priest or someone."
"There is always that Father Simon you told me about. The one you met in Caernarvon. Do you want to see him?"
"No. Megan, I--I didn't go see Taffy Farmington that day. I went to Castlemaine."
"You---WHAT?"
"I went to the manor. I had to confront what happened that night. I needed closure, Megan. I had to confront what happened there and put the ghosts of the past to rest. It is the only way I can move forward."
"Did it help?"
"I think so. Megan, last night I had never been closer to Jack. I don't mean in the physical sense...obviously Zara proves THAT!"
Megan laughed. "I figured as much."
Honour smiled. "Jack makes me happy. For the first time in a long time, I am happy. Complete."
"Didn't Rhys make you happy?"
Honour took a sip of her tea and her face became thoughtful.
"Yes. But not in the way Jack makes me feel. And not because of Zara. Rhys belonged to another girl. One with youthful and dreamy ideals. But that girl 'died' when she was palmed off with a handshake and a fare-thee-well to Madoc Castlemaine. That old Vinegar-Veins never understood. All he was about was control."
"Did he ever--strike you, Rhiannon?"
She drew a deep breath.
"Once. Once he beat me within an inch of my life. Madoc was cruel. I had bruises to prove it. A grab here, a pinch there..."
"And he tried to keep you from us."
Honour nodded. "But he never counted on a young girl who decided she wanted more out of life."
"Do you think of Rhys much?"
"How could I not, Megan? I was a party to what happened to him. But I can't undo the past. Did I love Rhys? Yes, I did. Rhiannon Conaway loved Rhys Morgan."
"And now?"

"Megan, do you remember the story Parry used to tell us? The one about the Phoenix?"
"Vaguely. You were always more interested in his stories than I was."
"Only so I could trick him and run off with a horse to pick blueberries. But the phoenix was a legendary bird that would set itself on fire and rise from the ashes every five hundred years."
"And?"
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I was like that bird. When Rhys was murdered and died in my arms, Rhiannon Conaway died too. And from those ashes, a new person arose."
"Honour Bright."

"Yes. Honour Bright became the woman you see today. Megan, I don't quite know how to explain it. It wasn't like an epiphany, It was a slow, painful rise."
"And you found it in Barbados when you married Jack Wolfe."
Honour shook her head. "No, it came later. I think it was when Jack and I put down the mutiny when we were out to sea in December. We both saw a side of each other we didn't know was there. Lord knows I tried to fight it. And I think Jack did too. But love conquered all."
She put down her teacup again.
"This is getting way too sentimental for me, Megan."
"The trait of the Welsh, my dear. You can't fight it."
"I'll always think of Rhys, Megan. How could I not? But I deserve happiness. And I found it."

Megan walked over to her front window and gazed out at the new-fallen snow. A part of her longed to tell her sister what the rumours in the shire were. But as Rhiannon had said, she deserved happiness. Daffyd had said, 'Let sleeping dogs lie.'
The annoying little voice that seemed to belong to the Conaways whispered in Megan's ear, 'But doesn't she deserve a guilt-free life too?'
To the little voice, Megan said, 'Shut up!"
"I beg your pardon, Megan?"
She smiled at her sister and said brightly, "Nothing. Now....shall we put the finishing touches on the ballroom?"
"Let's do! I can't wait till the ball!"
Megan gave her sister a hug. "And you can come down the stairs on the arm of your husband.  The undead one."
"The one that makes me happy."
Megan gave her a hug. "And I am happy they are the same person! Now, shall we put the silver trays here...or there?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 09, 2015, 09:20:47 PM
A gentle snow fell silently on the hamlet of Llanfaes, just outside Beaumaris.  Drake Gander watched the drifting flakes settle on the sleeping farmlands from the window of the cottage he and his sister, Rose, were staying for the next few days.  He sighed wistfully.  As beautiful as the snow-covered hills were, he longed for the lush green islands and warming sun of the Caribbean.  As a boy, he loved the wintertime.  But now it felt almost claustrophobic.  He was used to taking a book with him to sit upon the open deck and enjoy the fresh air.  A seat indoors by the fire would have to suffice for now.
"One more day until this silly ball, then another four or five until the ship is in port," Duckie said to himself.  "You can hold on that long."
It wasn't that he didn't love his sister.  Rose could be trying, to say the least.  A month under the same roof with her was proving to be his limit.

To call the house a cottage was an exercise in understatement.  It would have easily served as a proper home for a family of six, with everyone having their own comfortable bedroom.  The only thing preventing that was the lack of a kitchen.  Meals were taken at the manor house, which belonged to Kiran Stapleton, a wealthy land baron and friend of Rose's departed husband, Edwin.  The food was rich and plentiful, as was Kiran himself.  He was a most accommodating host, as generous as he was rotund.  His wife, Ffanci, made sure their every need was seen to.  But for Duckie, it felt more like a gilded cage.  He longed for the simplicity of life aboard ship again.  His quarters, his surgery, his domain.  The upcoming week couldn't pass fast enough.

Duckie took a sip of brandy, and turned as he heard the latch on the front door close.  Rose stood at the entryway, shaking the snow from her cloak.
"Taking a stroll in the fresh air, sister of mine?" he asked.
Rose gave him a bemused look.  "And why would I do such a thing in this beastly cold, brother of mine?   I was dispatching the driver on an errand."
"You did?  I wish you had told me you were going to do that.  I had a favour to ask of Mister Pertwee."
"Who?"
"The driver.  Silas Pertwee.  Honestly, Rose, do you not even know the names of the people you employ?"
Rose waved her hand dismissively.  "I have four drivers, Drake.  You can't expect me to remember all their names."  She walked to the cabinet and poured herself a glass of cognac.
"No, I suppose not.  That would take effort."
She rolled her eyes as she sipped the honey-coloured liquor.  "Oh, don't start.  You really should learn to relax and enjoy the finer things."
"Not when it means denying others simple respect, such as knowing their names."
"You missed your calling, Drake," she sighed.  "The way you preach, the ministry would have been a good vocation choice.  I'll have you know, I was doing you a favour."
"How so?"
"I sent Mister Pertwee to the port, to enquire if your ship had arrived yet."
Duckie gave her a dubious look.  "And what name did you tell him to ask about?"
"El Londo de Par, of course!"
Duckie laughed and shook his head.  "Close, but so very wrong.  You told him nothing of the sort."
"And how can you be so sure, Doctor Gander?"
"It's El Lobo del Mar.  The Sea Wolf, in Spanish."
"A trifling mistake.  I never claimed to be conversant in Spanish.  They'll correct him at the port," she shot back, obviously flustered.  She polished off her drink and poured another.
"You sent him to enquire about one Captain Jack Wolfe.  Didn't you?"

"Drake, you see conspiracies where none exist," she answered with a wounded tone.  "Must you interrogate me over every kindness I try to give?"
Duckie sighed.  "I'm sorry, Rose.  I do appreciate what you're trying to do, but it was unnecessary.  El Loboisn't due back in port for another six days, and Mister Briggs is a very punctual man."
"Even so," replied Rose, "He may have come back early.  Either way it's a bit more coin in Mister Pertwee's pocket.  If it will make you feel any better, I shall pay him double what I promised for his bother."
"There's no need for that, now..."
"No, I insist!  If I sent him on a wild goose chase, then I must make amends.  End of discussion."
"All right, then," Duckie smiled resignedly.  "I'm sure he'll appreciate your generosity."
"He had better!  I'm doing this to soothe your sensibilities.  Honestly, Drake, your moral compass will drain me dry at this rate," she teased.

Duckie smiled at his sister.  There was the sense of humour he remembered Rose having.  Perhaps he had misjudged her after all.

Meanwhile, a heavy black coach came to a stop outside the office of the Beaumaris harbour master.  Silas Pertwee secured the reins and hopped down from driver's bench.  A small bell attached to the door announced his arrival to the harbour master, Mister Wickliff, who looked up from his ledger in annoyance at the young man.
"Aye, lad?  What can I help you with?" he asked.
"I've got an urgent message for Captain Jack Wolfe," Silas said, just as Rose had instructed him.  "Is his ship here?  It's very important that I find him."
"Oh, all right," Wickliff scowled.  "Wolfe, did you say?  Do you have the name of his ship?"
"Yes, sir. El Lobo del Mar."
Wickliff opened another heavy ledger and began leafing through it.  "I'm certain there's no ship in port of that name, but let me look for this captain..."  He turned to the most recent entries and ran his finger down the page, reciting names as he went.  "Walters, Wembly, Whitting, ah!  Here it is!  Jack Wolfe.  Nice penmanship.  And just as I thought, his ship isn't due back in port for a week yet."
"Oh," Silas said with obvious disappointment.  "Did he leave word as to where he would be staying?"
"I'm afraid I'll have to know the nature of your business to give you that, my young friend."
Silas dug in his pocket and retrieved the envelope Rose had given him in case of this very situation.  He handed it over to Wickliff, who opened it immediately.  The harbour master's eyes grew wide as he read the bank promissory note for 20 pounds sterling.
"Well, this is urgent, indeed!" exclaimed Wickliff.  "Says here your Captain Wolfe is staying at Bancroft Hall, right here near Beaumaris.  I'm sorry, but I don't have directions for you."
Silas Pertwee smiled broadly.  "No worries, sir.  I shall ask around and find my way.  Thank you for your time."

The young driver left the harbour master's office with a spring in his step, knowing his mistress would be very happy with the information he'd gained, and that he would be collecting the handsome reward she offered.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 16, 2015, 08:20:06 PM
Honour looked through boxes that were strewn over the floor.
"Now where did I put the slipper?...Ah! There it is. And now where is the other one..MUIR!"
Her wolfdog sat there with her peau de soie slipper delicately in his mouth. She said firmly, "Drop it!"
Jack chuckled, "You always did leave your boots anywhere you happened to take them off."
She reached into another box and retrieved a corset and bloomers.
Sitting back on her heels, she sighed. "I will be so glad when this fou-fou stuff is over with. As much as I enjoy being a woman---"
"And as much as I enjoy having you be a woman---"
"I feel so much more relaxed when I am just in a chemise or even a pair of breeches."
Jack fussed with his cravat, tying and untying it.
"I just can't seem to get it right. No matter how I try, it always ends up in a monkey's fist!"
Honour stood up.
"Here. Let me try."
She deftly tied it and put a stickpin in it.  Standing back, she admired her work.
"I love that silk shirt on you."
He fastened cufflinks into the French cuffs. "Well, you won't catch me wearing any lace at the throat or cuffs."
She kissed him quickly, "I wouldn't have it any other way.  Now let me try to get dressed."

She slipped behind the screen and five minutes later she emerged. Dressed in her bloomers and a very light chemise, she had a corset around her waist. "I think I need to ask Derwena to help me."
Jack shook his head.
"Why, Mrs Wolfe--how many times have we been over this? I can lace as quickly as I can 'un'."
She laughed, "Yes, but that usually involved a dagger and you made short work of those laces. Just a flick of the blade and moving upwards and it serves your purpose. Quick and tidy. I'm surprised I didn't get a chest cold!"
"Hey, you were kept plenty warm."
He turned her around.
"Now hold on to the bedpost and suck in. Not that you need this corset."
She held on tightly and Jack pulled the laces tight. He finally planted his foot gently on her bottom and pulled back.
"Whoa, Nelly!"
She reached behind her to smack him. "I am NOT a mare, Jack."
"Tight enough?"
"I can still breathe but yes, that is tight enough."
She disappeared behind the screen again.

When she emerged, she was wearing a burgundy peau de soie gown. The dress was off-shoulder, the sleeves fitted, ending into a point above the middle finger. The bodice was fitted and dropped to the waist, black lace overlaid on top of the burgundy. The waist was form-fitted to her body and then flared out at the hips so that the slightest movement sent it into motion all its own.
Jack stared at her.
"Too much?" she asked.
"My Lord, no! It's just--"
"What?"
"Honour, you take my breath away. Just when I thought you couldn't be more beautiful, you surprise me.  I don't know if it is because we are on land, there is candlelight, or you are the mother of my child."
She looked up at him hopefully. "Then you approve?"
"Wholeheartedly."
She rummaged in her jewelry box and pulled out a ruby necklace.
"I think this will be perfect. Would you fasten it for me?"
She swept her hair up and felt warm breath on her neck.
She giggled, "Not fair, Jack! You know just the right place..."
He whispered, "I should. I've visited this spot enough times."
Honour turned around and took his face in her hands. "As much as I would love to, we are due to make out debut in half an hour. And Father is already giving us the fisheye."
Jack burst out laughing. "The fisheye?"
She nodded. "You know--like this."
She squinted one eye and looked down, all the time screwing her mouth up like she was sucking on a pickle.
Jack roared with laughter. "Where did you ever learn to make that face?"
She laughed with him. "When Megan and I were younger--I must have only been about five--I made that face at Megan when Father was pontificating at one of his Sunday dinners. I looked over at her and I remembered it all too well--Megan snorted milk out of her nose!"
"NO!"
"Yes, and ever since then, she hasn't been able to drink milk!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on August 23, 2015, 08:52:48 PM
Jack stretched out on the bed and patted the spot next to him.
"A half hour, you say?"
She held her hand up. "Oh, no, you don't, John Michael Wolfe!"
"What, you don't trust me?"
"Trust you? Um...no. You know I have a low threshold of resistance as far as you are concerned and I----"
"Da-da!"

Jack and Honour looked up to see their little girl standing in the doorway.
Honour looked over and laughed, "My willpower just got a boost from my own daughter!"
Honour scooped the little girl up in her arms and deposited her in the place that Jack had previously tried to coax Honour to take.
"Well, hello, Miss Zara!"
Zara reached over to touch Jack's face and he let out a growl and pretended to nip her fingers. She squealed and tried it again.
Honour put her hand to her mouth to hold back her laughter. "I must say, Captain Wolfe, that you have charmed her."
He hugged his daughter and said, "Like I did her mother?"

Just then Nanny Greyson came in.
"And so like her mother she be! This one will be the one into the horse-stealing and the blueberries!"
Jack burst out laughing. Honour raised her eyebrow. "Not so funny, Jack Wolfe!"
He shook his head. "I just had a vision of Zara in one of the cannons, her little feet sticking out and kicking!"
Honour sighed. "Then I guess you will need to baby-proof the guns."
"WHAT?"
"With some sort of mesh."
"Honour, you DON'T baby-proof weapons."
Nanny Greyson picked Zara up and said over her shoulder, "You do with this one!"
Zara's mouth went into a trembling baby-pout as she reached for Jack over Nanny's shoulder. Her arms outstretched as she started to wail, "Da-da!"
Jack started after her and Honour stopped him. "There is such a thing as spoiling a child, Jack."
"I know, but she's my little girl."
"Jack, let's just have a nice time tonight. Just the two of us."
He sighed. "I suppose.  Maybe we should enjoy it while we can. After all, I am sure this is not the end of the Wolfe pack."
She ran her finger up and down his arm. "I thought we were going to wait a while."
"Honour, I really would like another child. But this time I want to be in on the beginning."
"You were. At least for the important part. You just didn't know it."
She picked up a hand mirror to check the back of her hair in the tall mirror.
"I'd like a son."
"Jack, ALL men want sons. I'll see what I can come up with. But one thing I want to remind you of. I am NOT a broodmare. I don't intend to be standing behind a baby every nine months."
"How about a baker's dozen?"
"How about I see the stablemaster who happens to have a nice dagger?  One snip and it's all over. Well, the part about you acting like a stallion."
Jack winced as Honour laughed. "OK you can act like a stallion with the equipment of a gelding. The factory will be shut down but  we still have the playground."
He made a face at her. "You are a cruel, cruel woman, Honour Bright! You have these thoughts often?"
She laughed, "I did when I had my lying-in with Zara. But yes, Jack, when we get to Barbados, I don't see why we can't plan for future wolfes."
He looked a bit pensive. "I know what I would like to name our first born son."
"Jack, all men want to name their firstborn after themselves. But naming a chid 'junior' doesn't impart immortality on you."
Jack shook his head. "No, this is for a man that gave me my life."
"You want to name your son Charles after your father?"
"No."
"Darling, I am running out of options here."
"I want to name him Rhys. After the man who rescued me from Mendoza. Rhys Morgan Wolfe. How does that sound?"
*CRASH!!*

Honour stooped to pick up the pieces of the shattered mirror with her trembling fingers.
"OW!"
She sucked on her finger.
Jack bent over to look at her finger.
"Just a surface cut. Here's a cloth to wrap around it. I'll pick this mess up. What happened? It just slip from your hand?"
She nodded. "Yes."
Jack smiled, "Guess the thought of more children has you rattled, love. But never fear--I shall be gentle! Times like this I wish we could just stay in our room and shut the whole world out."

"We don't have to stay till the end if you don't want to."
"Promise?"
"No."
"What?"
"I want to dance and have every woman there envying me my handsome husband, the commercial investor of exports and imports!"
He laughed as he put on his new frock coat of black and silver brocade.
"You like?"
She put her hands on his collar and drew him to her. In a small voice, she said, "Jack, hold me like you never want to let me go."
He wrapped his arms around her. "Like this?"
She nodded. "I do love you, Jack Wolfe."
Touching foreheads, he whispered, "I'll hold you to that."
She gave him a beguiling smile and whispered, "Rabbit!"

Honour took one last look in the mirror and pinched her cheeks to redden them. She dabbed a bit of scented water behind her ears as Jack waited impatiently at the door.
"Mrs. Wolfe, if you don't get your behind over here tout suite...."
She gathered up her skirt and said, "I'm coming....I'm coming..."

At the top of the staircase, Honour hesitated. "Now, remember, Jack...just for tonight your wife's name is Rhiannon. Tomorrow I go back to being 'Honour'."
"I've done alright so far, haven't I?"
"Yes, you have. And I love you for it."

The two descended the staircase, Honour's hand resting on Jack's arm. Partway down, they both stopped. There was someone looking up at them from the bottom of the staircase that neither of them thought they would ever see.
"DUCKIE?"
"Jack? Honour?
And then Jack froze.
"Hello, Jack."
"ROSE?"

A look of astonishment crossed Rose's face. Her eyes met the woman's on Jack's arm and a look of recognition registered on her face.

"Lady Castlemaine!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 31, 2015, 06:24:34 PM
Jack and Honour looked at each other in surprise.
"You know her?" they asked simultaneously.
"An... old acquaintance, from years ago," Jack said, regarding Rose coldly.  "When I was still at university.  How do you know her?  She got your name wrong."
"Like you said, and old acquaintance.  A friend of my father's.  Poor thing, she's must be in her cups already if she's forgotten my name," replied Honour quickly. 
Her mind was racing.  Why that vindictive shrew Rose Carlisle, of all people?  Everyone knew what a chatty gossip the Countess was, especially once she had started drinking.  The fact she knew Jack made things even worse.  The haughty older woman had looked down her nose at Honour from the moment they met.  It had taken every bit of self control Honour had to trade polite nothings with Rose at official functions, chalking up the snide and condescending comments she endured to jealousy on the countess' part.  Why did Rose have to show up now, and why did she have to blurt that name?  Honour had to keep Jack away from her before she could say anything else.

The couple continued together down the stairs toward their friend and his inebriated companion.  All eyes were on them as they did.  Jack felt uncomfortable being the centre of attention.  Commanding the attention of a rowdy tavern crowd was one thing.  This felt more like being on display.  Honour was taking it all in stride with grace and charm.  This was a special night for the Welsh social elite.  And here was Jack Wolfe, pirate and smuggler, in attendance as a member of the esteemed Conaway family.  He smiled at the absurdity of this cosmic joke, and resolved then and there to enjoy every moment of rubbing elbows with the monied blue-bloods.  All right, so he was technically a former pirate, now a wealthy plantation owner.  That didn't detract from the sweetness of the situation.
"Are you all right, Jack?" Honour asked.  "You had a strange look on your face for a moment."
"No, darling," he smiled.  "Everything is fine.  And why wouldn't it be?  I have the most beautiful woman in all of Wales on my arm.  The most beautiful woman in all the world."
Why, Captain Wolfe!  You make me blush."
"I'll do more than that once this party is over, Mrs. Wolfe," he said with a wink.
"I'm counting on it," she giggled as they reached the foot of the stairs, and Honour gave her husband a smile that could only belong to a woman in love.
They crossed the marble tiled floor over to where the perplexed Duckie and a smirking Rose stood waiting.

"Ducks!" beamed Jack.  "Rose," he said, with far less enthusiasm before turning back to his friend.  "What an unexpected surprise!  I didn't expect to see you here!"
"That makes two of us, Jack!" laughed Duckie.  "Dear God, I barely recognised you!  I haven't seen you dressed like this, well... ever!  And Honour!  Look at you!  My dear, aren't you beautiful!"
Honour smiled and kissed his cheek.  "It's so good to see you, Duckie!  We didn't expect to see you until the ship was back in port."
"Yes, well, it would seem Fate had different plans for us all," he chuckled.
"'Honour'," interrupted Rose.  "Have you quit going by Rhiannon, Lady Cas--"
Honour cut her off fast.  "Mrs. WOLFE will suffice, Rose.  Mrs. Rhiannon Wolfe.  'Honour' is a nickname I picked up in my travels."
Jack had no idea what had transpired between Honour and Rose to cause such palpable tension between them, but he did not care for his wife being spoken to in such a patronising manner.  He'd heard that particular tone in Rose's voice too often.
"Hello, Rose," he said as cordially as his temper would allow.  "Seeing you here is an unexpected surprise as well.  Who here are you the guest of this evening?"
Rose's mouth popped open in a look of complete indignation.  "Why, I'll have you know..."
"I'm Rose's guest, Jack," said Duckie before his sister could make a scene.  Still scowling, she took a large sip of her drink.  "Rose was married to the late Lord Edwin Carlisle, Earl of Shrewsbury."
"Your sister is a Countess?" asked Jack.  "Well, you managed to follow your ambitions, Rose.  Congratulations."
"Rose is your sister?" Honour asked incredulously.
"Yes, Jack, I am the Countess of Shrewsbury, Lady Rose Carlisle," Rose answered hotly.  "And yes, Rhiannon, or whatever you call yourself now, I am Drake's sister.  But look at you!  You managed to get yourself a brand new husband.  I'd like to know how you managed that, but I have an idea.  Did Jack tell you he courted me once?"
"Let me think," said Honour, seeming to search her memory.  "No!  Not once.  Ever."
"I'll bet there's lot you haven't told him, either--"
"Rose!" said Duckie sharply.  "Would you please give me a moment with my friends?  I have some business to discuss with them.  I'll only be a few moments."
"Fine," Rose answered curtly.  With a defiant jut of her chin, she turned and unsteadily made her way across the room to the punchbowl.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 07, 2015, 08:16:46 PM
Once the countess was out of hearing, Jack broke the trio's silence.
"What the hell was all that about?"
Duckie shook his head.  "I am so sorry.  Rose has once again... overindulged.  A habit she was good at hiding when I last visited, but now... now it seems to be the largest part of her life."
"She hasn't changed a bit from the last time I saw her," said Honour.
"And she really has it in for you!" said Jack.  "I thought you said she was a friend of the family."
"Of my father.  Rose focuses on where the money is.  Otherwise, you're useless to her."  Honour looked at Duckie and felt her face colour.  "I'm sorry, Duckie.  I shouldn't have said that."
"No, no, you're quite right, Honour," Duckie said wearily.  "Rose has always been a social climber.  But she never understood that status is a vehicle, not a destination.  She got everything she ever wanted, and a few things she never expected.  Loneliness, for one."  He slowly shook his head.  "It's terrible to say, but I pity her.  I have to say, though, I thought she'd be happier to see you, Jack.  You've been a topic of conversation almost from the moment I arrived at her home, even more so the past couple of days.  It's almost as if she knew you'd be here."

"Me?  Why on earth would she be talking about me, after all these years?"
"I, well...  I made the mistake of mentioning that you've become something of a success in your field," began Duckie.
Jack's mouth fell open.  "Please tell me you didn't tell her..."
"Oh, no!  I told her you've done well for yourself as a ship's captain.  Nothing beyond that.  I also told her you are happily married, with a darling baby daughter."
"Forgive me, Ducks.  I know how well you keep confidences," said Jack.
"Quite all right, Jack.  I think we're all a bit off balance this evening.  But it's early yet!  I think we can still rally and enjoy the party," Duckie said.  "I'll tend to Rose unless she's already trapped some poor bloke in a conversation."
Strains of music could be heard starting in the great hall as the musicians took up their instruments.
"Ah, see?" smiled Duckie.  "Why don't you lovebirds run along enjoy the dance?"
Jack held out his arm.  "A dance, Mrs Wolfe?"
"I thought you would never ask, Captain Wolfe," she said with a smile as she took his arm.
The couple started toward the great hall when Honour paused after a few steps.
"Just a moment, Jack.  I need to thank Duckie."
"All right, love."
Honour hurried back to their friend and kissed his cheek.
"Please keep Rose away from Jack, Duckie," she whispered.
Duckie could see the dread in her eyes.  "This is about what you told me on the ship, yes?"
She bit her lip and nodded.
"I will.  I promise," he said with a squeeze of her hands.
"Thank you."  Honour smiled, then hurried back to her husband's side.

The great hall was alive with light, music, people dancing, and people watching others dance.    Jack led Honour inside the circle of spectators and bowed deeply before her with just a hint of a mock flourish, a muted version of the foppish bow he would tease her with on board ship.  She covered her mouth as she giggled and returned his bow with an exaggerated curtsy.  Jack grinned as he took her into his arms, and they began the dance.
"So," Honour began, "you and the countess..."
"Yes, me and the countess."
"You actually courted her?"
"I did.  Though she wasn't a countess then, of course.  Just an aspiring social climber who had no time for an aspiring professor."
"I hope you never proposed to her."
Jack looked at her, and after a couple seconds, cocked an eyebrow.
"Oh, you did not!" she said, aghast.  "Seriously?  No!"
"What can I say?  I was young and foolish.  I made a lot of stupid mistakes."
"To hear Briggs tell it, you never stopped making those."
"Why should I stop?  I got very good at it."
Honour laughed merrily.  "All right, then.  What about me?"
"I would say you've made stupid mistakes, but there have been a couple that get right up there..."
She playfully slapped his chest.  "That's not what I was asking, and you know it!  I mean, what about me?  Was I a stupid mistake?"
Jack gazed lovingly into her eyes as the corners of his mouth drew softly into a smile.
"No, Honour.  You are by far the most brilliant mistake I've ever made," he said with a wink.  "And I shall love you forever."
She touched his cheek as they moved in time to the music.  "You'd better, mister.  Because I'll love you just as long, and more."
"Then we'd better pick out a really nice china pattern.  Forever is a very long time to eat off boring plates."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 14, 2015, 08:30:38 PM
Honour eventually relaxed as the evening went along without incident.  Duckie kept his word, ensuring Rose was occupied and distracted.  It seemed that whenever the countess' eyes began to scan the room for Jack, her brother found some interesting looking person or couple he wanted to be introduced to, and proceeded to converse with them what she felt was an inordinate amount of time.  Damn him for being so charming and well-read, she thought.  He never failed to find a topic to banter on engagingly, always sure that she was included in the discussion.  Rose had wanted nothing more than to talk to Jack alone for a few minutes and unmask that scheming girl who she was certain had tricked him into marriage.  But as the hour grew later and the cognac numbed her senses further, revealing the Conaway's dirty little secret seemed less and less important.

Meanwhile, Jack and Honour enjoyed themselves and the party.  They would take occasional breaks from dancing to chat with Megan and Daffyd.  Honour's oldest sister, Gwyneth, was there with her husband James Hamilton.  Her ever-feisty sister Dilys was in attendance as well with her husband, Angus McFarland.  Dilys' frank and witty comments kept everyone in stitches, as usual.
"Would you look at Mrs Havershire?  Doesn't she look lovely?" she asked.  "All right, lovely for having crawled out of a three-hour bath.  We should call her Prunella!"
"Oh, Dilys!" laughed Gwyneth.  "You're so wicked!"
"You've been talking to Angus again, haven't you?" quipped Dilys.
Megan and Daffyd made certain to introduce the Wolfes to the most important people at the ball, taking impish delight in how the guests listened with rapt attention to this rather mysterious but charming gentleman who, they were certain, was of the most impeccable breeding and social stature.  It wasn't the first time Jack had been in this situation, but this time it felt very different.  Now, he wasn't passing himself off as a member of legitimate society.  He really was now, or at least moving rapidly in that direction.  Husband, father, plantation and ship owner.  It was a life Jack found very appealing.

Standing off to the side, well out of the merry making, stood the stoic form of Lord Rhodri Conaway.  He watched Jack with analytical coldness.  Something was terribly wrong about this man, this surprise son-in-law, who was at once mannered and wild.   Jack Wolfe was a walking contradiction in his eyes, and Rhodri disliked contradictions.  Especially when the Conaway name was involved.  Between Jack's evasiveness and Rhiannon's wilfulness, he had his suspicions, but no evidence.  Perhaps one day he would get his answers.

After finishing a delightful conversation with a wealthy exporter of furniture and other durable goods to the New World, Jack was surprised to find Honour was leading him back to the dance floor.
"Why, Mrs Wolfe!  I thought you were still resting after our last dance?"
"Not hardly, Mr Wolfe!" she answered with a coquettish smile.  "I still have plenty of energy.  Dance with me."
Jack took his wife in his arms, perhaps holding her closer than politeness dictated, but they were married after all.  Together, they began to move across the dance floor.
"Plenty of energy, eh?" he smiled.  "I know a much better way to expend it than dancing."
"No, that's still dancing.  The way you prefer to dance.  But the night is still young."
"You do love to tempt me, don't you, my love?"
Honour felt herself blush.  "And why should you have all the fun?" she giggled.  "You're the handsomest man here, and more than one woman has had her eye on you this evening.  I intend to keep them all jealous."
"There have been a great many eyes on you, too," smiled Jack.  "I do enjoy being the envy of the men around me."
"They may envy you, but the information still comes pouring out.  It's incredible how easily you get people to tell you things."
Jack gave her a puzzled look.  "What on earth do you mean?"
Honour searched his eyes.  "You really don't know?  In that short space of time we talked to Mr Griffith and his wife, he told you the nature of his business, how many ships he uses and from which ports they sail, the kinds of goods and typical size of each shipment,  how frequently they sail and where to."
"You're joking."
She shook her head, her golden tresses swaying as she did.  "Think about it.  Every bit of information a pirate would want to know.  What to strike, where, and when, and the kind of  cargo to expect."
"Why, my dear, you sound just like a villainous pirate!"
"I was taught by the very best of the best.  You honestly didn't realise that's how the conversation had turned?"
Jack thought about it, then laughed out loud in surprise.  "I guess I didn't!  That wasn't my intention, Honour.  What it terribly obvious?"
"Only to me," she replied tenderly.  "I know you're done with that life."
"Yes, I am.  And happily so."
"Old habits die hard?"
He gave her a sly smile and leaned in close as they continued to dance.  "Let me tell you about one old habit that will never die..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 21, 2015, 08:24:00 PM
As Jack was about to whisper in Honour's ear, the sound of someone nervously clearing her throat interrupted the moment.  They turned to find Enydd, the girl who worked in the kitchen as a server, standing there looking anxious and uncomfortably out of place. She gave a clumsy curtsy.
"Beggin' your pardon, Mrs Wolfe, but Nanny Grayson needs you right away," she said.
"Is something the matter with Zara?" asked Honour worriedly.
"Nanny Grayson says the wee one won't stop cryin', mum."
"Have Nanny Grayson give Zara her toy rabbit.  That always quiets her," instructed Jack.
"That's the problem, sir," said Enydd.  "She can't find the babe's rabbit nowhere."
"Oh, she's tossed it out of her crib again," said Honour.  "I know where it usually lands.  Please tell Nanny Grayson I'll be up in a moment, would you?"
Enydd gave another clumsy curtsy.  "Yes, mum," said the girl, and she hurried away.
Honour looked around the room quickly and was relieved to see no sign of Rose.  "I'll only be a couple of minutes, I promise," she assured Jack.  "Why don't you get us something to drink?  All the dancing has made me thirsty."
Jack smiled and stroked her cheek.  "All right, love.  I can bear to have you away for that long, if it's our daughter taking you from me."
Honour smiled and kissed him quickly.  "I promise!  Oh, and could you find brandy or something?  The punch is terribly sweet.  Even rum would do."
"For you, anything," he smiled back.  "I know just where to look."

Jack watched as Honour hurried to the stairs and started up to their daughter's room.  He never tired of looking at Honour or having her near.  Every day, he found himself giving thanks that they had been given a second chance together to build a happy life, and he was determined to get it right this time.  And Zara!  What a blessing that little angel was.  For all his years of avoiding commitments, much less fatherhood, Jack couldn't imagine returning to what he now knew was a hollow, empty existence.  Finally, he could say he had found happiness and contentment.

Jack made his way through the revellers, trading nods and smiles and the occasional brief pleasantry as he went.  It really wasn't that much different than a busy port tavern, except this time he didn't have to keep a watchful eye for a drawn knife or pistol, even though he found himself checking for them.  Honour was right, old habits die hard.  Finally, he reached the hallway and followed it to Daffyd's study.  A low fire had been left in the fireplace to keep the chill off.  Jack took a slender stick of kindling and held one end of it in the coals until it caught flame.  Using the improvised match, he lit one of the lamps and tossed the stick into the fireplace where it popped and crackled.  Light from the lamp played dimly on the walls, providing just enough illumination for him to find the bottles of liquor Daffyd kept on one shelf of an enormous bookcase.  Jack reached for the cut crystal decanter he knew contained a most excellent brandy when a smaller amber bottle caught his eye.  It was squat and onion-shaped.  A knowing smile spread across his lips as he picked it up and removed the cork.  One sniff confirmed it: West Indies rum.  With a practised eye, he held the bottle up to the light.  Just enough for two healthy glasses, he judged.
"Bad luck to empty a man's bottle when he's not there to enjoy it," he said aloud.  But Jack knew just how to counteract it.  He had plenty of fine Barbados rum to replace it with once El Lobo was back in port.  He filled two glasses with the dark liquid, then turned to put out the lamp and return to the party and his beloved.
"Hello, Jack."

"Rose!" he said, surprised.  "I didn't hear you come in.  I was just headed back to the party."
"I don't suppose one of those is for me?"
"Hardly."
"Oh, don't be so cold, Jack.  You were fond of me at one time.  Remember?"
"And you made it clear what a waste of time that was," he said impatiently.  "Look, I have no interest in rehashing dead history with you.  You'll excuse me.  I need to find my wife."
Rose gave him an oily smile.  "It's her history I want to rehash with you."
"It's obvious you don't like her, Rose.  Why, I don't particularly care.  But I won't sit by and listen to slander."
Rose took a couple more wobbly steps into the room and leaned against the desk more for support than effect.  "The truth isn't slander."
"You're drunk."
"Maybe I am.  That doesn't change the value of what I know.  What you need to know about your sweet, young bride."
Jack rolled his eyes in disdain.  "I know everything there is to know about Rhiannon.  We keep no secrets. Now, good night," he said as he walked past her toward the door.
"Everything?" Rose asked loudly.  "Even about her poor, dead, murdered husband?"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 27, 2015, 06:01:36 PM
He froze at the doorway and turned back to her with an incredulous look on his face.
"WHAT??"
"Oh, she didn't tell you that bit?  I thought you knew everything about the former Lady Castlemaine.  For your sake, I certainly hope you sleep with your back to the wall."
Seething, Jack set the glasses down on the desk as carefully as he could and stood glaring at Rose.  "Rose, I'm being calm, very calm about all this, in spite of your ridiculous claims!  How dare you?"
"Dare?  Dare to tell the truth and help an old friend?" she said with an innocent shrug.  "Jack, really.  I only have your best interest at heart.  I'd hate for you to end up like poor, dear Madoc.  At least he was able to kill his attacker.  Her lover."
Jack shook his head in disbelief.  "This is beyond the pale, even for you."
"You want to know my theory?" she pressed on.  "I think she put her lover up to it.  Kill her husband, and they both run off with his fortune.  Madoc Castlemaine was an expert with a sword.  Everyone knew it.  Except for her accomplice, that is.  To his credit, the scoundrel was able to strike Madoc down.  Not before Madoc ran him through, though."
"Rose, that's enough!  Rhiannon would never be part of such a scheme!"
"Then Rhiannon took all the jewels and money in the house and was never seen again.  Until now, that is.  Don't take my word for it, Jack.  Everyone knows.  Just ask.  Frankly, I'm shocked she dared to show her face.  Poor Madoc.  He never deserved what she did to him."
Jack's mind reeled.  He knew that name.  Madoc.  Honour would scream it in her nightmares, night after night.  'No, Madoc!  Please, don't!  NO!!'  It physically sickened him to consider what Rose was telling him, but how could he ignore the words out of Honour's own mouth?
"When?" he asked, barely above a whisper.
"I'm sorry?"
"WHEN?"
"Oh, let me see," pondered Rose, clearly enjoying the turn of events.  "A little over two years ago, I believe."
"Two years..." he echoed hollowly.  The timeline matched.  She would have been in the Caribbean about six months before they met.  Six months after the murder of her husband, and she willing to remarry on a whim?  And that name!  Castlemaine.  Why was it so familiar?  Suddenly, the pieces came together in his mind.  Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine.  R.C. Castlemaine!  It wasn't some mysterious party that had purchased the plantation in Barbados.  It had been Honour herself!  The realisation felt like a knife through Jack's heart.  More secrets.  More deception.  How could she have kept this from him?

He was startled by the touch of a hand on his arm.  It was Rose, attempting to comfort him.  She wore a doe-eyed look of sympathy that would have been laughable under any other circumstances.
"Oh, Jack.  My poor, sweet Jack.  I'm so sorry to be the one to tell you the truth about her.  This must be terrible for you.  Here," she said, offering one of the glasses, "Have some of this to settle your nerves."
"Dear God, Rose.  What have you done?" came a voice from the doorway.

Duckie stood at the entrance to the room, with a look of anger and shame on his face.  Anger at his sister for her twisted games, and shame for failing his friends.
Rose looked at her brother in exasperation.  "Drake, how rude of you!  We're having an important conversation.  I'm sure whatever it is will wait."
"No," Jack said quietly, "I've heard all I need to."  He turned on his heel to leave, but Duckie stopped him.
"Jack, wait.  You're not... You only have half the story.  The wrong half.  Please, don't believe what Rose has told you," he implored.
"How do you know what she...?"  Jack's eyes went flinty.  "You knew."
Duckie nodded regretfully.  "Honour told me.  After you were shot."
"The whole world knew about this, except for me?!" Jack asked hotly.  But he stopped and stared when he looked over at Rose.
She was laughing.
"'Honour'," she snickered.  "There's a joke of a name!  I have to give it to her, though, she's an exceptional liar!"
Jack gritted his teeth in anger and humiliation and stalked from the room.
"Jack, she had no choice! Jack!" Duckie called after his friend.  Finally, he turned back to glare at his sister.  "You had no right to tell him."
Rose rolled her eyes.  "Obviously somebody had to tell him.  His closest friends couldn't be bothered."
"Damn you, Rose!" was the only reply Duckie could muster.
She walked past her brother, casually sipping her rum.  "Too late. I've been there a long time," she answered as she strolled from the room.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 06, 2015, 10:47:45 AM
"Aha!  There it is!" said Honour triumphantly as she produced the toy rabbit from its hiding place.  Zara had managed to fling the little bunny farther than ever before, and it had landed between a trunk and the wall.  "Our little girl is getting so strong!  Here you are, sweetheart.  Safe and sound."
She gave the toy back to Zara, and the little girl's cries faded almost immediately into happier coos as she pulled its ears and squeezed its nose.
"She'll be a strong one," said Nanny Greyson.  "Just like her mother."
Honour smiled at the woman who had done more  to raise her than her father ever had then looked back at her own daughter.  Zara's eyes were growing heavier by the second.
"And probably just as strong-willed, I'll be bound," the nanny continued with a teasing note in her voice.  "She's a beautiful little girl, Rhiannon.  Your mother would have been proud to have such a grandchild."
"I'd like to think she would be," said Honour softly.  It was in times like this she wished most that her mother was still alive, to ask advice and share in the joy.  "Oh!  What am I doing?  Jack will be wondering where I am by now.  I told him I'd only be a few minutes."
Nanny Grayson gently patted Honour's hand.  "She'll be fine now, Rhiannon.  And so will your husband.  Sometimes you need to keep the men waiting.  Keeps them on their toes.   Now, back to the party with you!"

Honour hugged the older woman, and stopped at the mirror to adjust her hair and smooth her dress out after crawling about on the floor.  Satisfied she was presentable for the party, she quietly closed the door to Zara's room and hurried to the stairs.  When she reached the top of the staircase, she could see Jack just starting up.  She quickly made her way down to meet him.
"Jack!" Honour called.  "Here I am!  Everything is fine now.  I'm sorry it took so long." 
She met him at the midpoint of the stairs and immediately noticed his cravat was askew.
"Here, let me fix this for you." She went about straightening it as she continued telling him about Zara.  "You wouldn't believe it!  Zara found a new place to throw the rabbit.  Nanny Grayson agrees she's going to be a strong little girl... Jack, what... what's wrong?  Why are you looking at me that way?"
Jack's brow was furrowed like a storm cloud, his eyes cold and accusing.  She'd seen that look before.  In Barbados.  Slowly and deliberately, he took her hands and removed them from his necktie.

"The party is over, Lady Castlemaine," he said icily. 
He brushed past her and continued up the stairs to their room.  A stunned Honour watched his back as he climbed the steps, then disappeared around the corner.  A few seconds later she heard the door close solidly.  Not slammed, but near enough.  Bewildered, Honour began to look around the grand foyer, as if someone had the answers she needed.  All she saw were the faces of the curious, politely averting their gaze while still taking in the spectacle.  All except one, however.

Rose Carlisle stood at the entrance to the foyer, drink in hand.  Smiling like an assassin.

She could feel her blood run suddenly ice cold.  Rose had told him.  The gossip-laden, lie-encrusted version of the events, but now he knew.  Honour swallowed hard, fighting the back the tears that threatened to flow, and with legs that felt like lead she climbed the stairs again.  As she did, she prayed that she could find the words that would make her husband understand.  And forgive.

As Honour rounded the corner to the hall that led to their room, she nearly ran into Nanny Grayson.  The older woman's eyes were full of worry.
"Mister Wolfe asked me to leave the room.  He seems in a dark, terrible mood.  Is something the matter, Rhiannon?"
Honour looked the governess in the eyes and nodded her head slowly.  "Yes.  Everything.  And it's my fault.  I don't know how I'll ever make it right."
Nanny Grayson touched Honour's cheek and gave her a look of sympathy.
"God will show you how, little one.  Listen, and He will."
Honour blinked back tears, took a ragged breath, and went to the door.  To her surprise, it wasn't locked.  She took heart in that Jack hadn't completely shut her out.  Not yet, anyway.  She turned the knob the rest of the way and opened the door.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on October 11, 2015, 08:27:46 PM
Jack's coat was flung on the bed, with his cravat on the floor beside it.  Jack himself was leaning against the open door to Zara's room, looking at their daughter's crib.  Honour closed the bedroom door quietly and stood there watching him, desperately trying to find her voice.  The fear that all her lies, all her mistakes, all her bad decisions, had finally ruined everything gripped her heart.
"Jack, I'm sorry.  I'm so very sorry," she began haltingly.  But suddenly, the words came tumbling forth, and her tears with them.  "I wanted to tell you, God knows I did.  So many times, the words were right there, but I was too afraid!"
Without turning toward her, Jack shut the door to Zara's room.  "I can't even bear to look at you right now," he said heavily.
"I can explain, I swear!  Just give me a chance..."
"Explain??  I'm sure you can, now that you have no choice."  He turned and looked at her after all.  The anger she expected was there, yes, but joined with hurt, confusion, and worst of all, distrust.  "I don't want to believe Rose, Honour.  I want to write her off as a drunk, spiteful woman.  But...  I can't ignore the things you've said and done.  Like the plantation?  All this time I thought it was bought out from under us by the mysterious R.C. Castlemaine.  Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine.  You bought it, and never told me the truth!  Were you too afraid to tell me that, too?"
"Yes."
"You could have told me.  I would have understood.  That night on the ship, when we reconciled, you agreed we needed complete truth between us.  Yet, here are more surprises.  More secrets.  Honour, I can't go on like this."
Honour gasped.  "No, you're not leaving.  Please say you're not!"
"Then help me understand!  Rose says you're the reason this Madoc was killed.  Hell, she believes you arranged it!  Between her story and your own words, I don't know who to believe."
"My... my words?"
"Your nightmares, remember?  Crying out Madoc's name, begging him not to do something-- it was when he died, isn't it?  It wasn't a nightmare at all, it was a memory!"
"Jack, Madoc was such a horrible, cruel man who loved his power and money more than anything else.  I hated him, I wanted to get away from him, but I never wanted it to happen the way it did!"
"Didn't you know the man's disposition before you married him?  Or did you do it for the money?"
"No! It wasn't like that at all!  My father forced me into marrying Madoc.  I didn't want to.  I hated him from the moment I laid eyes on him.  But I had no choice."
Jack shook his head.  "I don't understand.  You're a beautiful woman!  I can't believe there weren't any prospective suitors."
She swallowed hard and let out a shaking sigh.  "There was.  And we loved each other.  But he had to go away.  I waited for him, but something happened and he didn't come back.  Not until it was too late."
"If he loved you so much, why did he leave?"
"On business.  He was a... a man of the sea.  Besides, my father never would have approved of him."
"I'm beginning to see a pattern."
"Please, Jack, don't joke.  Not now."
"Then what happened?"
Honour sat down on the edge of the bed, her eyes downcast.  She picked up his cravat and began wringing it nervously.  "He came back and found out I was married to that monster.  I had thought he was dead, or worse found someone else.  But he vowed he would take me away from Madoc.  No matter what, he would rescue me from that awful existence.  When he tried, it all went wrong.  And he and Madoc died.  So I ran."

Jack shook his head as he tried to grasp her explanation.  "You fell in love with a man your father disapproved of, he left and didn't return as promised, you were forced into marriage with a wealthy old fossil, your love returned and tried to take you away.  And died in the process.  Am I following so far?"
"Yes."
"I've heard this story before.  Most of it, anyway."
"Jack, I swear, I'm not making this up!  I couldn't!"
"No.  I know you couldn't.  But I have heard part of this before.  From a young man."
Honour's eyes grew wide.  "You... you did?"
"Tell me his name, Honour," Jack demanded.
"Jack, please..."
"Tell me!  Because I already know it."
"Please, don't make me..."
"Rhys Morgan!  My God, it was Rhys!  You're the Rhiannon he talked about endlessly.  He told me his plan to spirit you off.  And that's the last I ever saw of him.  Months later I learned he was dead, just as I'd warned him.  All because of you."
"No, Jack!  Please, you're not being fair!" Honour sobbed.
"I can't.  I can't do this.  It's all too much..." Jack's voice trailed off as he struggled to make sense of the night's revelations.  Without another word, he took a pillow and blanket from the bed and walked toward the door.
"Where are you going?" cried Honour.
"Somewhere else.  To think, to sleep.  I can't do that here.  Not with you."
"Please, Jack, stay!  I love you!"
He opened the door and turned back to his sobbing wife.  "I love you, too, Honour.  So very, very much.  That's the problem."  With a saddened look, he closed the door and left Honour to her own bitter tears.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 18, 2015, 07:41:01 PM
The door to Daffyd's den opened slowly. The light from a single candle cast shadows on the wall.
"Jack? Are you asleep?"
He turned from facing the wall, his pillow punched up and his blankets a tumble. He had been curled up on the overstuffed chair. His shirt was hanging out and wrinkled. Boots were kicked across the room.
"Megan. I'm sorry. I dozed off."
"No, you weren't. You are brooding. And you are sleeping here purposely."
He didn't say anything.
"I talked to Rhiannon."
Jack stared straight ahead. Megan sighed and put her candle down.
"I can see this is going to be a long night."
"Then perhaps you should get to bed, Megan. You had one hell of a party."
"I'm too keyed up to go to bed. Daffyd fetched me when he saw what was going on but I couldn't break away. I had to wait till the last guest left."
"I understand. After all, you and Daffyd were the hosts. You can't keep dropping your life every time Rhiannon has a crisis in her life."
Well, I just came down from seeing Rhiannon."
Jack said nothing.
"Rhiannon is a wreck. I gave her some laudanum and sat with her till she fell asleep."
"Megan, you must be exhausted. Go to bed."
She shook her head. "I think you and I need a serious chat. You aren't planning on walking out on her, are you?"
Jack reached for a bottle of brandy and poured himself a drink. "I'll pay Daffyd back double in spirits I have on the El Lobo."
"That isn't a problem. But I think you need to listen to the story."
"I know enough. I can fill in the blanks. She was the woman to blame. My best friend was killed and she is the reason."

Megan poured herself a drink. "I am trying very hard to keep my temper, Mr. Jack Wolfe. Do you have any idea what Rhys Morgan did to my sister? To her life? What her life ended up? Or where she even started?"
"I know that her mother slipped and hit her head on a rock and drowned and she was raised in a convent."
Megan took a healthy sip of her brandy. "This always calms me down. And I need it.  Because if I don't, I just may punch you in the face, Jack Wolfe!"
"ME? What did I do?"
"That little sister of mine has been to hell and back in her life. Our father shipped her off as soon as he was able to. Never showed her an ounce of love after our mother died. He blamed her and couldn't get past that. Good Lord, Jack! You met him. Have you ever seen a more unfeeling man in your life?"
Jack started, "Well, not really but--"
"So Rhiannon is shipped off to a convent where the Mother Superior used to beat her. BEAT her, Jack! And why? Because she and Muir used to love to go to the docks and watch the ships. Rhiannon put up with them because to her, the few hours she had to escape that convent were worth the beatings. She lacked for love all her life. And when she found it, the man was Rhys Morgan."

"But how did she meet him if she was in a convent?"
She poured another glass of brandy for Jack and one for herself.
"This seems to calm me. Rhys was on the bluffs to sketch when Rhiannon was up there writing poetry."
"I never knew that she---"
"Wrote poetry? She stopped writing. She stopped when Rhys was killed. She had met Rhys when she was ten years old and he was twenty. She rowed out on a skiff to look at a ship--which happened to be the Neptune Rising. It capsized and Rhys fished her and Muir out of the sea.  They met again six years later. Only this time, Rhiannon was on the verge of womanhood. Rhys pushed her over the edge. If you get my meaning."

Jack grimaced. "So, my friend Rhys was my wife's first lover. Somehow this isn't making me feel any better, Megan."
"Do you want to hear the story or don't you? Because I am giving it to you without the emotional factors you would get from Rhiannon. You are getting the plain facts."
He drank his brandy quickly.
"I have no choice, do I?"
She smiled wryly. "Not when you are sleeping in my husband's study."
"Then you have a captive audience."
"Alright then. Be quiet. Rhys had planned on quitting the life of a privateer and coming back to respectfully ask for Rhiannon's hand. If he couldn't have it, then they were going to run off to the Caribbean. A captain by the name of Fox was going to help Rhys."
"Wolfe."
Jack broke out in derisive laughter. "Fox was Wolfe. I was the man to help Rhys and his darling if things went awry."
Megan poured herself another drink. "Lord, I need this now! This has all the makings of a Greek tragedy. Rhiannon said he had to go back and sell his share of a venture to his friend. But when Rhys got there, his friend needed help. He had been taken captive by some Spanish monster and the quartermaster, whose heart was in the right place but wasn't much of a tactician, was hell-bent on rescuing his captain. Rhys knew that if he didn't help, not only would his friend be dead but also the quartermaster. So, honour bound, he had to put his plans with Rhiannon aside to save his friend. He thought Rhiannon would wait and she would understand once he got back."
"So why didn't she wait?"
"She was found out by a novitiate who told a priest who told the Mother Superior. She used that as a reason to humiliate Rhiannon and send her packing in disgrace."
"And you wonder why I have no use for the Church?"
"Rhiannon came back home. Try to put yourself in her mindset, Jack. To her, the man she loved with her heart and soul deserted her. Add my father chiding her on it and then he got the name of the man. The man who incidentally used the Conaway caves for storing his ill-gotten gains. He ended up giving her an ultimatum. Marriage to Lord Madoc Castlemaine in exchange for Rhys Morgan--if he was still alive--in exchange for his life."
"She loved Rhys that much?"
"She loved him that much."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on October 25, 2015, 10:57:08 AM
"Alright, so she married. She moved on with her life."
"Not exactly."
"What do you mean?"
"When she agreed to marry Madoc, Dilys went wild. She chewed Father up and down and poor Gwyneth was trying to convince Rhiannon she was doing the right thing. To make her feel better. I had all I could do to keep Rhiannon from going out of her mind."
"He must have loved her though."
"Oh, Jack, wake up to reason! Lord Madoc Castlemaine was in the market for a fresh young bride. And the land between the two estates. Father struck a devil's bargain. With the devil himself. Madoc was thirty years older than Rhiannon. She was only seventeen. And she was mourning the love of her life."

Jack was uncomfortable hearing Rhys referred as that. He knew there were other men in his wife's life before they met but they had always been nameless and faceless.
"So, what made Madoc Castlemaine so bad? Did he have a wart on his face and a hook nose? Did he drool? Was he gluttonous?"
Megan shook her head. "If you must know, Madoc Castlemaine was a handsome man. But he had a streak of cruelty. As soon as Madoc married her, he shut her up behind those cold, stone grey walls and whenever Dilys or Gwyneth tried to see her, some excuse was given. 'She is indisposed,' was the most common one. Even I was never allowed near her."
"Couldn't you insist?"
"Jack, we may be Welsh but we do have a code of social understanding. You don't burst in unannounced on a couple who are newly married. Now to get back to the story--Madoc shut her away from us. Cut her off from the family. We found out later that Madoc was to be given the meadowland when Rhiannon produced an heir. And when she did, she would receive an allowance of one hundred pounds a year."
"I'm almost afraid to ask with all the revelations here tonight...but did Rhiannon ever give him a child?"
"JACK!"
"Megan, I don't know what to think anymore. Does Rhiannon have any children hidden away? I don't want one showing up on the doorstep and claim to be looking for their mother."
"No, Jack, I can assure you this--Zara is her first and only child. Can you make the same claim? Do you have any chance of a young man or woman coming to call, wanting to meet Daddy?"
"Not that I know of."
"Alright then. Back to what happened. Rhys and Rhiannon had made arrangements for Rhys to get word to her friend Athena to let her know when Rhys was back. Rhiannon would be ready to go that night. Can you imagine her anguish when she had her bags packed since December and waited day after day, night after night for a man who didn't come back? She gave him a two month leeway. When he didn't show, that was when her world fell apart."
"But I am sure Madoc must have loved her. Who wouldn't?"

Megan snorted in derision. "Jack, Madoc Castlemaine was a possessor. He surrounded himself with opulent furniture, the finest velvets and silks, brocades, Scottish wool. His estate was vast and his horses were the best this side of England. Rhiannon was one more possession. But he lacked something. It was what Rhiannon needed most."
Jack nodded slowly, "She needed love."
"Damn right she needed love! Jack, excuse me. I don't swear often. But whenever I think about it, it makes my blood boil. Madoc Castlemaine was the counterpart of Mother Superior."
"He used to beat her?"
"Not per se. But he was controlling and cruel. He used mental manipulations. Don't forget that we are dealing with a heartbroken seventeen year old who only wanted to be loved."
"And have a happy ever after."

Megan began to feel her eyes fill with tears as she remembered it all.
"I saw Rhiannon once. Just once! And when I did, she had lost weight. Her eyes were lackluster. And there were bruises on her arms. But the cruelest thing he did...he wouldn't let her keep Muir."
"Oh God."
"Muir had to live in the barn. She used to slip out whenever she could and see him. That hurt her most of all."
"So...how does this all get to where she ends up with a dead husband?"
"Patience, grasshopper. I am getting to that."
Jack felt a slight smile as he had heard Megan use that phrase with her children.

"Madoc had Rhiannon's portrait painted. He wanted her to wear a dress that belonged to his first wife. But a bit of the old Rhiannon surfaced. She wore a deep purple dress laced tight to show her assets. She managed to bring a defiance back to her face long enough for the artist to capture it. And Madoc beat her for it."
Jack felt his hands clench. "I thought he never really laid a hand on her?"
"He did that night. Madoc arranged a ball to unveil it. Only it wasn't the demure subservient wife. It was a young woman who wore a questionable dress and a look of rebellion on her face."
"So how did she meet Rhys again?"
"Now what did I say about patience?"
"Alright. I am listening."
"Rhys Morgan not only stored his booty on Conaway land but also in Lord Castlemaine's caves. But for a price."
"WHAT?"
"Yes. Madoc had a few skeletons in his own closet. Rhys Morgan was at that ball. He and Rhiannon were reunited. They began meeting in secret. And they had made arrangements to run off together. Madoc was supposed to be in London sitting on the House of Lords. But it was all a ruse."
"He knew?"
"He suspected. Rhys and Rhiannon had spent a week in Cardiff and then Rhys sailed away once more to meet with his friend. This time it was nearby. Otherwise Rhiannon wouldn't have let him go. If only they had left a half hour earlier! Madoc caught them and ran Rhys through."
"And he killed Madoc?"
Megan shook her head no.
Jack raised his eyes towards the stairs."You mean...?"
Megan said quietly, "Rhiannon killed her husband."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 01, 2015, 08:32:00 PM
 
Jack exhaled a breath he didn't even know he was holding.
"Are you--are you sure it wasn't Rhys that killed Madoc defending Rhiannon?"
Megan shook her head. "If only it were that simple. Then the dead would bury the dead. This is the guilt that Rhiannon has been carrying around with her the past two years."
Jack sat there, a look of bewilderment on his face. If anyone but Megan had explained this to him, he would have scoffed and called them a liar.
Megan got up and looked out the window.
"The snow is coming down harder. Just like it did that night."
She turned back to Jack and handed him a poker.
"It's cold in here. I'll let you tend to the fire. You look like you could use something to do with your hands."
He took the poker and stirred the embers, throwing some kindling on the dying flames. The fire roared to life. Megan took a blanket and wrapped it around her.
"Will Daffyd not be wondering where you are?"
Megan shook her head.
"Daffyd is very understanding. He is one of the most loving men I know. And he immediately took to Rhiannon. He knows I am down here. And he urged me to tell you the whole story."
"Does my wife know you are down here?"
At that Megan shook her head.
"No, she was too distraught. The laudanum will make her sleep till the evening.  Nanny Greyson took Zara to her room so if she wakes up, she is cared for. Rhiannon needs to sleep. This has been preying on her mind for the last two years. The nightmares are proof of that. Lady Carlisle's brother---Drake, I believe his name is--had a talk with Daffyd. I found out she was the witch that couldn't wait to tell you. She took an instant dislike to Rhiannon the minute she met her."
"I guess it is because of Rhiannon's looks and youth."
"And also because it was known that Lady Carlisle was unable to give the Earl a child. The Earl had a couple children by his first wife. She envied Rhiannon all that. And the fact that Rhiannon had it and didn't want it."
"Sounds like Rose. Not the fact that Rose wanted children. But the fact that it would have cemented her place as Lady Carlisle."

"Back to what happened--and we only had a supposition on it until Rhiannon came back to us."
Megan took a deep breath before she continued. "When Rhys came to fetch her, Rhiannon wanted to leave right away. But Rhys had arranged with his friend--"
"Dolan. Must have been Dolan."
"He arranged for his friend to arrive with a carriage and take them to Rhys' ship. They were to sail the next day for Barbados. But Rhys, being a man, well, he knew they had time and he HAD been away from her for a bit..."
Her voice trailed off before she cleared her throat and resumed her story.

"To make a long story short, Madoc had a suspicion that something was going on. Whether it was a servant....or maybe someone had seen them on holiday in Cardiff, we will never know. But Madoc came home and caught them. Rhiannon implored him to please let Rhys live. But Madoc was simply either out of his mind or just plain cruel like we always knew him to be. He ran Rhys through in front of Rhiannon. As he pulled his sword from Rhys' body, he raised it again. His intention was to do to her as he had done to Rhys."

Jack's mouth set.
"Two lovers. Dead. Madoc defended his honour and they got what they deserved is the way it would be gossiped by the populace."
Megan nodded. "English and Welsh society can be so judgmental."
"And then she killed him. In self-defense."
"Yes. Her bodice dagger was next to her on the floor. In one movement, she grabbed it and hurled it. Just as Madoc was about to come down with the sword to run her through too, the dagger caught him right where his heart was. If he had one, that is."
Jack ran his fingers through his hair. "She was so close....so close to dying. Why didn't she tell me any of this?"
"Because she was afraid. Don't forget, Jack--she was only seventeen. Madoc was hurled back against the wall and died. Rhiannon's concern was for Rhys. She held him as he was bleeding out. His last words were that he loved her."
"God. I had no idea..."
"So here she is. Seventeen, cut off from her family and two dead men in her bedroom. One of them by her own hand. She had no idea what to do so she did what she does best."
"She ran."
"She panicked. She took the jewels and any money that was in the safe. There was nothing she could do for Rhys. And she was afraid that Madoc's sons would try to exact vengeance from her. All she could think of was swinging from the gallows."
"And she ended up in Barbados."
"She ended up that night at a church. A priest who heard her confession gave her sanctuary that night. He helped her book passage.
"To the one place she knew to go. Barbados."
"Yes. When she arrived, she kept asking at taverns if anyone knew the whereabouts of a Captain Fox. Of course, no one did. A tavern keeper took a liking to her and gave her a job."
"That must have been Amos at the Varlet and Vixen."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 08, 2015, 07:43:03 PM
 
"By now I imagine you can fill in the blanks. She met you and that story is the one you lived. Then when it all fell apart, she decided to---"
"Run. Again. Why couldn't she just TALK to me, Megan?"
"Because running was always her survival instinct, Jack. And if she didn't run, where would she be today? I have no idea what Madoc's sons had planned. Lord, we were worried sick about her! No news, nothing. For all we knew, she could have been kidnapped by robbers. The safe was empty. But she came back to us."
"And she ran from me. Back to you."
"Yes. And it took alot for her to go. But she was having a baby and with the way you had been acting--don't look so surprised, that last month--"
"I was a right bastard to her."
"You will get no argument from me there. Yes, you were. Pulling a gun on her. She ran. But this time she ran to keep her child alive. She booked passage and came back to us. We didn't know until a note had been sent from the ship. I dropped everything and hurried to meet her. She told me everything that happened."
"And when she needed me most, I let her down. Like Rhys did. If it weren't for me, Rhys may still be alive. He would have met Rhiannon and married her."
A mask of sheer misery enveloped Jack's face.
Megan reached out and touched his hand. "Don't think of it that way, Jack. What is meant to be will be."
"But why couldn't she tell me about Rhys?"
"She didn't know Rhys was your best friend until you inadvertently let her know he was your best friend. She was afraid that you wouldn't love her anymore. And she couldn't bear that."
"She also didn't tell me about the plantation. Under the name of R. C.  Castlemaine."
"She bought that when you left her for Martinique. She purchased it that afternoon from Henri Picou. It was the one she wanted. And she only put it in her name because it was a home for her baby. She only took those chests to provide for your child. I know she intended to surprised you with it when you arrived in Barbados. It was not an intentional withholding of information at this point now. It was to be a surprise. That she bought the one you both talked about."

Megan stood up and yawned.
"I can't believe it is three o'clock in the morning. I do believe I shall sleep till noon. Jack, I don't know if you have it in your head to leave Rhiannon or not. But don't. My advice. Don't."
"But the secrets..."
"She has no more. I have told you the complete unvarnished truth. Rhiannon could have told you but the emotions would get in the way of the bare facts. Now you know it all."

Jack gathered up the pillow and blanket.
"Where are you going?"
"Back to my room. Things may not be perfect. But I think Rhiannon needs me right now."
Megan smiled and whispered, "Then I shall see you in the morning."
"Noon. Let's give ourselves all the time to rest. And thank you, Megan. My wife and I have alot to talk about."
She gave him a hug and picked up her candle. "Good night, brother!"
Jack smiled slightly. It was the first time Megan had acknowledged without thinking that Jack was indeed her brother in law.
Things were far from perfect but at last things were beginning to add up.
And finally making sense.

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

Megan closed the door behind her and went to her room. As she slid into bed, Daffyd was half-asleep when she snuggled next to him.
"Things better, Megan?"
"I think so. We will know for sure in the morning."
"Did you tell him all?"
"As much as he needed to know."
Daffyd yawned, "That's good."
He kissed her and rolled over, sound asleep before Megan knew it.
She stared at the ceiling.
'Was I wrong to not tell Jack that yes, two bodies were found. One was Madoc Castlemaine.
But the other one....'
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on November 22, 2015, 07:30:17 PM

Honour could feel her eyes starting to close as Megan pulled the door shut. She remembered in bits and pieces now what had happened when she met Jack on the stairs.
The fury.
The bewilderment.
The hurt.
Most of all, the hurt.

The disjointed way she tried to explain why she never told him about Madoc or Rhys. But it came out wrong. Oh, so wrong!
She tried to sit up but her body felt like lead. She vaguely recalled Nanny Greyson and Megan talking in soft whispers and Nanny taking Zara out of her crib.
Honour tried to protest weakly but the words just wouldn't come.
The only thing that she was sure of was that Jack was gone.
It was her last thoughts as a laudanum haze took over her consciousness.

All through the night, tossed thoughts went through her mind like jumbled pieces of a puzzle where the pieces would never fit.
The heartbreak of the supposed desertion by Rhys.
The terrible, torturous marriage to Madoc Castlemaine.
The disastrous failed escape plan and the nightmare that followed.
Father Simon.....Kate....Amos....even the highwayman that had attempted to rape her.
The search in tavern after tavern for Captain Fox.
All floated in and out of her subconsciousness, exhausting her.

By dawn the effects of the laudanum were starting to wear off.  Honour felt as if she were underwater and was swimming to the surface. Slowly her consciousness was returning. She sat bolt upright in bed and blurted out, 'It wasn't Fox! It never was Fox! It--it was...WOLFE!'

From next to her, a sleepy voice said, "Wolfe....with an 'e' no less...'
She looked over to see Jack looking at her with bleary eyes.
"I've had about three hours of sleep, Honour. I could use about twenty more."
She looked at him, hardly daring to believe that Jack had come back to her.
"Jack..." she whispered.
Jack shook his head and put his arm around her.
"Later, munequita. We can talk later....' as he fell asleep with Honour in his arms once again.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 29, 2015, 08:26:25 PM
Jack stirred, and he could smell the gentle scent of Honour's perfume.  It brought a smile to his lips as it always did.  He opened his eyes and blinked the sleep away from them.  He found himself looking into Honour's deeply puzzled eyes.
"Oh, please tell me you haven't been looking at me like that all night," he smiled.
"No, I've only been awake a few minutes."
He cocked an eyebrow.  "Really?"
"Well... closer to an hour."
"That's what I thought."
Honour touched his face.  "Why?  Why did you come back?"
"Why not?  As I said at the door before I so foolishly left, I love you."
She gave him a sceptical look.  "Really?  You're not known for sudden changes of heart, Jack Wolfe."
"All right, you've caught me.  But it is true that I love you."
"Are you going to be honest with me?"
"I honestly love you."
"I mean completely honest, you pirate!" she said, looking hard into his eyes.
"Oh, that!" he tried to laugh, but quickly sobered.  "Megan and I had a very long talk in the wee hours."
Honour's eyes grew wide and then became resigned.  "What did she tell you?"
"Everything she knows."
"Oh, God," she said, he eyes welling with tears.  "Jack, I'm sorry!  I'm so, so sorry!  I should have been the one to tell you, but I didn't know how..."
"Honour, sweetheart!  It's all right!  I understand, I honestly do!"
"You... what?"
Jack brushed her hair away from her face, dabbing away a tear as he did so.  "I understand why you didn't tell me.  And more importantly, I know it wasn't your fault."
Honour shook her head.  "Jack, I don't understand."
"Megan explained the whole series of events.  She told me that Rhys was delayed in returning to Wales.  If he had returned when he promised, your father never would have had the chance to marry you off to that tyrant.  You and Rhys would have run off together, and you would be living your happily ever after.  Did he ever tell you why it took so long for him to get back?"
"Yes.  He said that some mad Spaniard had taken a friend prisoner, and he had to stay and lead the rescue.  I don't remember the friend's name, though.  Were you with him on that adventure?"
"Honour, think about it.  Does any of this sound familiar with what you know about a certain crazed colonel and me?"
Realisation dawned in Honour's eyes.  She put her hand to her mouth and gasped.  "It was you!  And the Spaniard was that horrible Mendoza!  Briggs told me that Mendoza had kidnapped you, but I never made the connection."
"I haven't exactly been talkative about that part of my life.  If I could forget it, I gladly would."
"Is... is that where some of the scars came from?" she asked tentatively.
"Most of them, in fact.  I'm surprised you never asked."
"You don't quite live the life of a gardener, Jack.  I assumed they were from some of your more harrowing exploits.  There are a lot of tavern stories about you."
"Well, now you know, and that one was real.  But the reason I brought all this up is to explain why I know what happened couldn't possibly be your fault."  He looked into her brilliant blue eyes and sighed.
"It's mine.  I'm the reason Rhys is dead."

Honour shook her head.  "Why would you say that?  You weren't there.  You didn't put the sword in Madoc's hand. You didn't make him..."  Her voice caught, and she let the sentence hang in the air.
"If I hadn't been a damned fool and fallen for Mendoza's trap, there would have been no reason to come after me.  Briggs was in a panic when Rhys showed up in St. Lawrence.  It was obvious to him Josiah was out of his depth.  So Rhys..."
"Rhys was a Morgan," she said with a note of pride in her voice.  "He stepped in and took charge."
"Yes, he did.  If it weren't for him, I'd be dead."  Jack's mouth became a grim line.  "And if it weren't for me, he'd still be alive."
Honour thought about his words for a few moments, and to his surprise, she began to smile.  He searched her eyes, confused.
"What?"
"You really don't see it, do you?" she asked. 
Jack shook his head.  "You've lost me."
"If Rhys hadn't saved you, we never would have met.  We wouldn't have Zara.  Jack, think about it!  Rhys rescued us both.  We were prisoners; you literally, me figuratively.  But bound equally nonetheless."  Honour's eyes practically shone with the epiphany.  "If Rhys hadn't freed both of us, Zara would never have been born.  Maybe that was Rhys' role in all of this.  To bring us together!"
Jack's brow furrowed as he thought about what she said.  "Honour, that sounds an awful lot like destiny.  You know destiny and I have never gotten along well."
"That's because you're a stubborn Englishman."
"Oh, and the Welsh have a lock on destiny and its workings?"
She looked her husband in the eye with a cocky smile.  "As a matter of fact, yes.  We do.  So you'd best listen to an expert."
Jack made a face as he mulled it over.  "Well, when you put it that way...  And it does make a certain poetic sense."
"I think it makes perfect sense.  Rhys brought us together, just as we were meant to be.  We have Zara to prove it."
"Who am I to argue with an expert?" he said with a smile and gently kissed her.  "I don't feel like getting out of bed just yet.  Do you?"
Honour returned his kiss.  "No, not yet.  Not for a while," she murmured.
"In that case..."
"I'm still exhausted from that accursed laudanum Megan gave me."
"Oh," he winced.  "So, no..."
"No," she said with a giggle.  "But tonight... who knows?"
"What does destiny have to say about it, ye Oracle of the Welsh?"
She closed her eyes and pretended to concentrate.  Finally, she opened her eyes again.  "Ask again later," she said with a wink.
"Believe me, I shall," he said and wrapped his arms around his wife.

Honour snuggled against him, and her eyes slowly closed.  She felt safe, loved, and blissfully free.  Finally, truly free of her past and the demons that had kept her running for so long.  Everything made sense to her now, with crystal clarity.  As she drifted off to sleep, she thought one more time of Rhys.  Her heart was still filled with pain for the loss of her first love. But she began to realise that with the revelation of what had happened those few years ago, she was finally able to let Rhys go.  She knew that as much as she loved Jack with all her heart, a piece of it would always belong to Rhys Morgan.

Rhys Morgan... the man who had rescued her from Lord Madoc Castlemaine but paid the ultimate price with his life.
He did love her. As she loved him.
But with the catharsis of this confession, she now knew that Rhys was finally letting her go.
She would always feel the pain of his death. But Father Simon's words came back to her.

Never forget, Rhiannon, that which was shed. But what has now been absolved.

"Thank you, Rhys.  Thank you for everything.  I'll never forget you.  But my place is with Jack and Zara.  May you rest in peace."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on December 06, 2015, 04:00:32 AM
Honour carefully folded her new clothes in the new trunks that Jack had bought.
He held Zara as she started to fall asleep, her rabbit clutched in her hands. Finally her eyes shut and Jack quietly put her in her cradle.
"Anything I can help you with, darling?"
Honour shook her head. "No. I think I can fit all these things in the trunks. I had no idea how much I really had."
"It was very thoughtful of Megan to have retrieved the things out of your room before you married...um, before you left."
She sat down on the bed and took Jack's hand, holding it in hers.
"Jack, I still don't know if I can ever make up to you for not telling you.  It was just a chance for a clean start. I never meant to hurt you. I love you."
He brushed the hair back from her face and nodded solemnly. "I know, Honour. We both did wrong things, made bad choices. But if you hadn't crawled out on your hands and knees in that tavern--what was the name of it again?--"
"The Bilge Pump Pub."
"Right. If you hadn't crawled out and I hadn't seen you--rather hear the swish of your skirt on the floor. And if I hadn't been so full of rum...."
She put her fingers to his lips. "Enough of that. It's more proof that we were meant to be together. And Jack, wait till you see Henri Picou's plantation. It is just beautiful!"
"I am sure it is everything you say it is. A new start. For both of us. And Zara now has both her mother and her father with her. Do you think she will be traumatized in later years over the separation?"
"She won't even remember. Can you remember anything from your childhood?"
"Well, yes, I can remember alot. But not from Zara's age."
"So she will be fine."

Just then a knock was at the door. Jack crossed over and opened it.
Megan stood there looking a bit distressed.
Alarmed, Honour asked, "Megan! Is everything alright?"
"Yes. And no. Oh, Rhiannon, I don't want you to leave! Jack either! And the baby! The children are upset because Zara is leaving here. Especially Morwenna. She always looked at Zara as if she were her baby doll. And now you are taking her away!"
Megan was on the verge of tears.
Honour gave Jack a look.
"Why don't I go down and see what needs to be done? I'd like to say goodbye to Dafydd. Share a brandy..."
He looked at Megan and put his hand on her shoulder as he went out the door.
It was then that Megan gave way to tears.

Honour felt herself misting up.
Megan sniffled, "I don't see why the two of you can't just settle down here? Father squared away that little....incident. And there is no need for Jack to worry about making a living. He could always go in the horsebreeding business with Dafydd."
Rhiannon looked down at her hands.
"I can't do that, Megan. I don't belong here anymore."
"But it is your home! Your daughter was even born here!"
She reached over to touch her sister's hand.
"Megan, let me see if I can explain how I feel. Wales is Zara, it's true. And my sisters. Wales was also Rhys. It was his and my dream to settle down here. Now Rhys is dead. If I stayed here, I would be seeing Rhys around every corner. Megan, he is finally letting me go."
"I don't understand...."
"Megan, by Jack finally finding out the truth---the truth about me, about Rhys, about Madoc--it was almost as if Rhys was giving me his blessing to live again. To love again. It was almost his way of saying, 'if I can't be with you, then I am sending you Jack to love you.' "
She looked down and said softly, "I know. It sounds far-fetched."
Megan blew her nose delicately, "No, it doesn't. It makes perfect sense."
Honour continued, "Except for you and Dafydd, Gwyneth and James, Dilys and Angus, I have nothing to hold me to Wales. Jack has no ties here. But don't you see, Megan? Barbados is US. Jack and I. And we can make a life there. Oh, Megan, you should see it! How blue the water is!"
"But what if I never see you again, Rhiannon?"
She hugged her sister. "We shall! I promise! I am not saying I won't come back for a visit. And you will come see me too."

Megan nodded. "You have a fine man there, Rhiannon. He loves you."
Honour sighed happily. "I do, don't I? And sometimes I ask myself what did I finally do right to deserve it?"
"You always deserved it, my dear. More so than anyone. Jack is exactly what I pictured him as. I'm sure I would have liked Rhys Morgan too. But I didn't like the way it ended up. You having to take the guilt over it all. Madoc was a bastard. We all knew that. And he deserved what he got. But yes, if you are to move on, then you need to put Wales behind you and go where your heart is. To Barbados."

Honour was quiet for a minute and then she asked Megan a question she dreaded asking but she had to know the answer.
"Megan, did you ever hear what happened...after?"
The words stuck in her throat a bit. "What I mean is, did Rhys get...taken away by someone? Did he ever get a proper burial?"
Megan picked her way carefully through her thoughts and what she knew for a fact.
"After you ran, Madoc's sons---Henry and Oliver---well, Henry found his father. The initial thought was that it was a robbery and you were kidnapped since there was no trace of you. But someone who saw you in Cardiff with Rhys deduced that you had a lover and the word spread. You know how stablehands love to talk to milkmaids and they talk to the cook and it works its way up the system.  But there was talk then of you having a lover and the search was on from one of seeking to rescue to seeking to bring you to an inquest."
"And that was the little mess that Father spent all that time cleaning up."
"Yes. You now have a self-defense excuse."
"And how can it be self-defense when it was evident that Rhys was my.....guest?"
"I guess Father covered that over too, dear. Why question it too deeply? Just accept it. You are a free woman"
"But what of Rhys? Who...took him away? When it was all over? His family?"
Megan hesitated, then picked her words carefully.
"I am pretty sure it was his quartermaster who...arranged everything."
"Dolan."
"Tall man, sandy hair, broad shouldered, good looking?"
"Thomas Dolan. He was like a brother to Rhys. Megan, where is Rhys buried?"
Megan answered slowly and carefully. "No one knows, dear. I am sure he was returned to his family but they kept it quiet. I never heard. You were our only concern at that point."
"I'd like to make sure. As closure."
Megan shook her head. "Rhiannon, let it be. And let Rhys rest in peace. He wouldn't want you fretting. Go and be happy for the rest of your life."

Honour hugged her sister. Megan blew her nose and through her tears, she laughed a bit.
"One favor?"
"Anything!"
"Leave Zara here with me and we will call it even!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 13, 2015, 07:46:30 PM
Jack stood at the doorway of Daffyd's study and rapped on the frame.  Daffyd looked up from the papers he had scattered across his desk and smiled broadly.
"Jack!  Do come in!  How many times do I have to tell you, you never need knock?  Sit down, and I'll pour us some brandy."
"I know, it's perfectly reprehensible of me to show such respect," Jack laughed as he settled into one of the high-backed leather chairs by the fire.  "Believe me, it's a consideration I believe I'll be insisting on from my quartermaster.  He has a habit of barging in.  Not so much anymore now that Honour-- I mean, Rhiannon, has been on board.  Embarrassment is a very good teacher."
Daffyd had to quickly swallow his brandy to avoid spraying it all over the study in laughter.  "I'm sure having a woman aboard is something the men aren't used to."
"Certainly whilst not at sea."
This time, Daffyd was able to laugh readily without fear for his brandy.  "Sounds like you led quite the bachelor's life, Jack!"
"It had its moments.  But I can't imagine going back to it, nor would I care to.  Rhiannon and Zara complete me in ways I never knew I was lacking."
"The right woman will do that to a man.  Children even more so.  I know Rhiannon loves you with all her heart."
"As I love her, Daffyd.  More than I could ever put into words.  Life is misery without her.  I've tasted it once.  Never again."
"It's a shame you have to leave us.  Are you certain you can't stay on a while longer?"
Jack took a sip of brandy and shook his head.  "As much as I'd like to, we can't.  I have a ship and crew that depend on me, for one final voyage together at least."

"Are you looking forward to getting back out on the open sea?"
"Part of me is, and I imagine always will.  But I've made peace with it.  I'm truly ready to settle down to a life on dry land."
"You know," said Daffyd, "Now that the... unpleasantness from her past is finally put to rest, you and Rhiannon could make a life here.  You'd be close to family, and Zara would have her cousins to play with."
"Megan put you up to this, didn't she?" smiled Jack.
"Well, yes, she did.  But it's a sentiment I share.  We love having you as part of our lives here.  We could even go into business together.  You have a wonderful eye for horseflesh, Jack.  I'd dare say you're a natural."
"You're too kind, Daffyd.  I admit, it's an enticing offer.  We've even talked seriously about whether or not to stay.  Who knows, perhaps one day we will make Wales our home.  But we have too much unfinished business in Barbados.  A life interrupted, you could say."  Jack paused, then looked his brother-in-law in the eye.  "We've been given a second chance, Rhiannon and I.  A chance to get it right this time.  We've managed to get this far in spite of ourselves.  Imagine what she and I can do together?"
"She was right to take you back.  And you were right to hunt her down."
"If only my goals had been so noble at the time.  All I wanted was that damned relic.  Here I thought it would bring me the riches of the Ancients.  Instead, it brought me greater riddles, but the greatest treasure I've ever known.  I've frittered away more in my life than I care to account for.  But I will not squander this."

Daffyd shook his head and smiled.  "Jack, I was certain no man could be more in love than I am with Megan.  Today, I've met that man.  Rhiannon is a very lucky woman.  And Zara is one very lucky little girl!"
"I'm the lucky one, mate.  It took losing it all for me to finally understand just how much.  I'll spend the rest of my life doing whatever it takes to keep it."
"I genuinely admire your intensity, Jack.  You have such clarity of what is important in life, and all the rest is burned away.  Such a quality is something I wish I had more of.  I suppose it's a necessity when commanding a ship and crew, especially one comprised of, um, rough individuals."
Jack chuckled.  "You mean pirates?  Daffyd, it's perfectly fine to use that word around me.  Yes, I suppose that's part of it.  But I never felt the need to apply that to the long term until now.  When you know your next encounter may be your last, planning isn't a priority.  Hopes and dreams are just that, nothing more.  Now, they're everything."
"If the way you handled Rhodri is any indication, I can imagine how masterfully you manage a crew!" Daffyd laughed.
"Him?  He's easy.  Rhodri is so used to having everyone bend a knee without thinking, he's forgotten how to deal with anyone who dares think himself an equal.  You'd think with four strong-willed daughters, he'd be a bit more on his game."
"I believe he's come to expect a certain amount of unwavering wilfulness from them."
"Lord knows as their husbands, we have!  And what a glorious thing it is!" laughed Jack.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 20, 2015, 08:48:02 PM
"Well, I know you've said before that a life at sea is anything but the glamorous adventure books and broadsheets would have us believe.  But I'll tell you one thing that makes me envious about you lighting out for the Caribbean," said Daffyd, almost conspiratorially.  "Never having to endure another evening in the company of the Countess of Shrewsbury!  Or as we've been known to call her... no, I shouldn't."
"Ah, no, you've started it!  Come on, give it up!"
"The Shrew of Shrewsbury."
Jack laughed loudly.  "Truer words were never spoken!  She's certainly earned that title in my eyes."
"You could have knocked me over with a feather when I found out you knew her!"
"That was a long time ago.  If anything, she's gotten worse.  God, I can't believe I asked her to marry me..."
This time, Daffyd's drink didn't get swallowed.  He had to spit it back into the glass to keep from choking.  "You... you did WHAT??"
"Oh, it was years and years ago.  I was still at university.  Young, idealistic, and stupid."
"Well, she had to have had some redeeming qualities if you fancied her so."
"Whatever I thought they were, they evaporated when she turned me down.  And after the other night, I'm very glad she did.  Fair play to her, though, she got her money and title.  That's what she wanted most out of life."
"Now it's a solitary life with only shopping sprees and the occasional party to break things up.  Megan has already decreed that Rose Carlisle and all her thorniness will never be welcome in this home again."
Jack held up his glass.  "To Megan!  And to the fierceness of the Conaway women!"
"Hear, hear!" chuckled Daffyd.

"I do wish I'd gotten a chance to talk with her brother after all that foolishness," said Jack.
"Oh, yes.  Poor chap.  He was positively mortified by it all.  Rose wanted to stay a while longer – there was still plenty of spirits left in the house – but he wouldn't have it.  Saved Megan the trouble of throwing her out on her ear.  He seems a nice enough fellow.  Your ship's surgeon, yes?"
"Yes, and a dear friend.  Drake and I were at Oxford together.  No matter, we'll have plenty of time to talk on the way back to Barbados.  The main thing is we'll never have to lay eyes on Rose again."
"To small blessings," smiled Daffyd.
Jack thought for a moment and took a sip of brandy.  "Well, I wasn't going to ask, but curiosity is getting the best of me."
"About what?"
"Rhys Morgan.  I'm sure Megan told you he was my friend."
Daffyd nodded grimly.  "I was bowled over to hear that revelation.  Amazing what a small world it is.  I can only imagine how you felt."
"Bowled over doesn't scratch the surface, let me tell you."
"What is it you want to know?"
Jack sighed heavily.  "Whatever happened to him?  His body, I mean?"
Daffyd fought the urge to polish off the rest of his drink.  There had been so much wild conjecture surrounding the deaths and Rhiannon's disappearance that the only thing anyone could be sure of was that the two men were dead and that Rhodri had done everything necessary to sanitise the Conaway name.  But he and Megan had thought it best for everyone that Rhys' memory be truly put to rest once and for all, to ensure Rhiannon could truly move one with her life with no questions, no regrets.
"It's all a bit muddy to be honest.  From what I understand, someone from Morgan's ship claimed his body."
"That would have been Dolan, his quartermaster and first," Jack said thoughtfully.  "Good.  Then Rhys got the burial at sea he deserves."
"God rest his soul," Daffyd said quietly.
"He was a good man and a good friend.  I owed him my life.  Loving and caring for Rhiannon is how I shall honour him and repay that debt."  Jack gazed into the fire and began to smile.  "You know, I recall a time where Rhys and I were in a tavern, in the Azores I believe it was.  He was on his way back here to Wales, to quit life on the sea and marry Rhiannon."
Daffyd's eyes went wide.  "Marry her?  Rhodri would have never allowed it!"
"Well, elope was more like it.  The plan was he'd fetch her, and they'd come to Barbados.  I was going to make sure they had a place to get started, a wedding gift of sorts.  He was going to completely abandon his world to live in hers, which was something I simply couldn't square with no matter how much he tried to convince me it was the right thing for him to do.  And once he got started talking about her, you couldn't shut him up!  But this one time, he told me that if I ever met Rhiannon, I'd understand how he could love her so much and be willing to risk everything just to be with her."  He paused and smiled at the irony of it all.  "And you know what?  He was absolutely right.  In fact, he's probably up there getting a great bloody laugh at proving me wrong!"
Daffyd lifted his glass and entreated Jack to do the same.  "Another toast.  To Rhys Morgan."
"Aye!" replied Jack.  "To Rhys."
He looked up and nodded slowly.  "Godspeed, my friend.  And thank you.  For everything.  I promise to take good care of her."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on December 28, 2015, 10:28:45 AM
Megan carried Zara down the stairs as Honour held the last of the boxes to be sent on the ship.
"It's hard to believe Zara will be gone, Rhiannon. This house will seem so quiet without her."
Honour laughed, "Then maybe it is high time you and Daffyd got busy and filled that cradle with the next Llewellyn baby."
Zara played with her aunt Megan's curl as Megan laughed. "You never know. It may be something we need to dis.....Father!"

Honour almost dropped the box she was carrying. At the foot of the stairs stood Lord Rhodri Conaway, proud as always.
"It looks like I arrived just in time. Am I to assume you are leaving us, Rhiannon?"
She said stiffly, "You assume correctly."
"And you are going through with this hare-brained scheme to leave your homeland and raise my granddaughter in a tropical jungle?"

Rhiannon's chin tilted in a defiant gesture. Megan hastily said, "Why don't I take Zara to the kitchen so the cook can spoil her one last time? I think Mrs. Quigley will never be the same after this little one goes. She always made her shortbread. Come, sweetheart, let's see if there is a cookie for you."
She glanced back worriedly at Rhiannon but thought it best to remove the baby from what could be a bit of unpleasantness. Honour imperceptibly nodded to her sister.
"Shall we go in the study, daughter, to chat?"
Honour returned her father's stare with a steely gaze of her own.
"Nothing would give me more pleasure, Father."

Rhodri led the way to the study and closed the door. He poured himself a brandy.
Honour looked at him expectantly and when no offer was coming her way, she said sarcastically, " 'May I get  you a brandy, my darling daughter?' 'Oh, don't mind if I do, dear Father.' "
Rhodri nodded stiffly, "I keep forgetting you are not a child anymore."
Honour walked over and poured herself a snifter. "Funny---I used to serve this and other spirits to men of lower station than you, Father. And they paid me well."
"No doubt," he said dryly.
She took a deep sip and flippantly remarked, 'It's not what you think, Father. In fact, in view of my overall life, I would have to say that laying whisky down for the dregs of humanity was far more fun that the scant time I spent with you. Lord knows it was more fun that the time I spent getting my thrashings from that misanthropist who passed herself off as a bride of Christ. Lord.  If his bride is the Mother Superior, then he is probably wishing he stayed single."
"Rhiannon! Such blasphemy!"
"And then you married me off to that monster Madoc. Did you ever come to see me? To inquire as to my well-being? No, you did not."
He said coldly, "So you found adultery to be the answer?"
Honour stood there, pretending to be deep in thought.
"Why, yes. Yes, I did."

Rhiannon walked over to her father and stood in front of him. She placed her hands on her hips and looked up at him, her gaze never wavering.
"For years I had tried for your approval. Sought it. Craved it. I tried to find a morsel--just a shred--of familial love. But sadly, it was lacking. I always sought  your approval, Father. Did I get it? No. I was the recipient of all your resentment. Dare I say hatred? No, that is too cruel. You wanted me out of the way. Why didn't you ever remarry?"
Lord Conaway sat there, stonefaced, trying for once to find words. "There was no one to fill your mother's place...."
"Oh, cut the bid for sympathy, Father. You were too selfish to find someone else."
'WHAT?"
'You would rather wallow in the pity. 'Oh, poor Lord Conaway! Grieving all these years after the tragic death of his wife.' You used it as a license to run roughshod over people. You turned your heart to stone. If you had no feelings then you weren't accountable for what you inflicted on others. Therefore, you had no conscience."
"That's not true!"
"No? Did you ever try to understand me? I suppose you loved me once. Maybe until I was three. And then you got rid of me so you could nurse your broken heart. Nurture it and cultivate it.  And in the end, you turned it to stone and pushed everyone away."

So taken aback by Honour's stinging words, Lord Conaway opened his mouth to speak but the words wouldn't come.
Honour continued, "I was fortunate that Rhys Morgan came into my life when he did. Three times he entered my life. When I was ten. When I was sixteen. And when I was seventeen. It helped keep me sane. Otherwise, I may have turned into the wreck of human nature knew as Mother Superior or a hard-hearted bitter woman, a female counterpart of YOU."

He sat there silently, shocked that his younger daughter, who had always sought his love and approval, had finally unburdened herself.
"When I ran away to Barbados, I found a strength in myself I didn't know I had. I ran away. I found a way to make a living. And I found a man who loves me. ME, father. He fell in love with me as Honour Bright, tavern wench. Not the daughter of the esteemed Lord Conaway, landed gentry. And in return, what did Captain John Wolfe get? He got a woman who loves him. And a fine daughter. And God willing, he will find a houseful of children and a life of contentment. I am prepared to be the best wife I can be and all I ask in return is a man who loves me. And I found it."
She paused to catch her breath. "Fortunately, you taught me about love. You didn't know it. Oddly, I had to be deprived of it to know what I want. My Zara will never know what it is like not to be loved. And if I have my way, you will never lay eyes on her again. Or me."
She turned to her father and shook her head.
"I feel sorry for you. What a waste of a life. And now you can die old and lonely in your bed."
She turned to go.
"Yes, I feel sorry for you. Goodbye, Father."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 03, 2016, 07:45:27 PM

The carriage from Bancroft Hall pulled up on the docks. Jack's breath quickened as he gazed towards the harbor.
And there she stood, proud as can be.
El Lobo del Mar.

"Look, Zara! Look! Big boat!"
He held Zara up so she could look out the window of the carriage. Zara's eyes grew wide and her lower lip trembled.
"What is wrong, sweetheart?"
Zara pointed and said one word. "Doggie! Doggie!"
Honour could barely stifle her giggles.
"What is she talking about, Honour?"
She still dissolved in laughter.
"She means the wolf figurehead. She thinks the wolf is a doggy. You know, it does resemble Megan's Irish wolfhounds."
Jack laughed. "I guess it does look like a doggy to you, sweetheart."

Honour looked back at Beaumaris.
"In a way I am glad to be leaving but I will be missing my sisters."
"Darling, they all said they would be down next year to visit. But will we have room?"
She put her arm through Jack's.
"Yes, we do. Jack, the Picou plantation is just gorgeous! Mr. and Mrs. Avery have been doing a marvelous job of running it for me--US!"
"Then I can't wait to see it. Lord, I wish Thomas could see me! He would never believe it."
"Where is your brother?"
"Somewhere patrolling the waters of the Mediterranean, I would daresay. Making the high seas of Mother England safe and protected."
"And you haven't seen him?"
"Oh...I did see him once in port. Morocco to be exact. Of course, I wasn't exactly presentable."
"Jack, you always are presentable!"
"No, it would be hard for an admiral in the King's Navy to introduce his brother, Captain Mad Jack Wolfe. Pirate extraordinaire."
She frowned. "I see your point. Did he snub you?"
"Not at all. I met him in a little tavern on the outskirts of Casablanca and we got rip-roarin' drunk together!"
"So how long ago?"
"Oh, I'd say fifteen years ago. And...Zara, no touch! NO TOUCH!"
Zara had bent over to pet a wharf cat. Honour reached down and scooped her up.
"No, Zara. Bad kitty!"
The wharf cat glared and ambled off.

"Where do you want these chests, Captain?"
Jack motioned to the dock near one of El Lobo's mooring lines. "Right there will be fine."
Honour turned to Jack. "How long has El Lobo been in port?"
"Briggs sent word four days ago they had ported. I sent him a note back for him and the crew to enjoy theirselves in port and we would be down here Friday morning."
"So he is expecting us."
"See for yourself! The gangplank is down. Are you ready to leave Wales and all it has to offer you for a life in paradise?"
She leaned over and kissed hs cheek. "I am so ready. To finally be in a place we can call home."
Zara pointed and started to cry. "Kee! Kee!"
Honour took out a handkerchief and dabbed the tears on Zara's cheeks.
"No, darling. You can't have that 'kee'."
Jack looked quizzically at his wife. "Kee?"
"She means kitty. She wants to bring it with us."
"I wish she had come with sub-titles or a translator."
Honour laughed.
"It won't be long before the baby talk gets clearer."
"Well, at least she isn't speaking Arabic!"

One of the men who was unloading the chests opened up the carriage door. Bounding out was Honour's beloved Muir. Zara laughed.
"Doggie!"
Muir jumped up on Jack and he grabbed the wolf-dog's leash.
"Come, boy! I just know that Briggs will be happy to see you!"

As the newly formed family walked up the gangplank, the first person standing there waiting their arrival was none other than Eli Meredith.
"Captain! Mrs. Wolfe!"
Honour raised up her finger in warning. He quickly corrrected himself. "I mean...Honour. And this is the little lassie!"
Eli reached out and gently laid his finger on her hand.
"Welcome aboard El Lobo, young lassie!"
Zara rewarded him with a small smile.
To Jack, Honour whispered, "Zara knows gentleness when she sees it. I told you Eli had redeeming qualities."
Jack affected a scowl. "Alright, so you were right....will you ever let me live it down?"
She thought for a moment. "Um...probably not!"
Jack nodded to Eli, "You are looking well, son! How were things in Amsterdam?"
Eli spoke, "It went very---"
"Shouldn't it be ME you are asking?"
There stood Josiah Briggs in all his glory.

"You old sod, you are looking better than I ever saw you look before in your life, Briggs! Acting--and emphasis on ACTING--Captain has agreed with you!"
Jack and Briggs clasped each other.
"And ye can have it back, Captain Wolfe! T'is fun to play captain for a few weeks but after that, it gets tiresome."
In an affected loud voice, Briggs said, " 'Captain, he did this to me!' 'Captain, he ain't doing his job!' 'Captain, can I have some apple dumplings?' And I swear the worst one was, 'Captain, are we there yet? Are we there yet?' "
Briggs looked over at Honour. "And if ye ain't a sight for sore eyes! I swear, Honour, ye get prettier and prettier each time I see you! Oh....and well, here is the one me and the crew have been dyin' to meet!"
He looked at the little toddler that Honour had in her arms.
To Jack, he said, "Can't be denyin' that one, Jackie me boy! It ain't the hair--although them curls are a dead giveaway--but it is something else. That look in her eyes. That chin I just bet juts out in defiance when she ain't gettin' her way. Am I right?"
Jack laughed. "Pretty much so."

Josiah broke out in a grin. "A real chip off the old block, Jack, she is. Here...come to Uncle Briggs...'
As he held his arms out, Zara reached back.
And bonked Briggs on the nose with her rattle.
He covered his nose, looking for blood, his eyes watering.
"Aye, she be your daughter alright, Jack."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 13, 2016, 07:38:28 PM
Honour gently smacked Zara's hand.
"No! No! We don't do that!"
Briggs turned to Eli, "Is my nose broken?"
Eli looked closely. "If it moves to the left, is it broken?"
"Hell yes!"
"Then it's not broken! It ain't movin'!"
Briggs glared at Eli who burst out laughing.
Jack laughed too. "He got you there, Josiah! I sense there was a bit of bonding between the two of you while you were in Amsterdam."
Briggs grumbled, "The kid ain't so bad."

Honour shifted Zara in her arms. "Why don't I get settled in? I'm sure you have alot of business to catch up on."
Jack leaned over and Zara gave him a kiss.
"Doggie!"
Muir got up and followed them to the captain's cabin.
Briggs looked at the two as they walked down the companionway.
"Feisty!"
"You always knew Honour was."
"Not her--the youngun. She's gonna have you in knots, Jack. I just know it!"
Jack sighed. "I know. The rest had better be boys.  Don't think I can fathom having another girl."
"She's as pretty as I thought she would be. Except for that powerful right hook!"
"Sorry about that, Josiah. She's a bit wary of strangers. You should have seen her with me."
"She clobber you one?"
"No, on our first introduction, she tried to scalp me! Bare-handed. Two fistfuls of hair and she was screaming with those Wolfe lungs! But she came around."
"Smacked her bum, eh?"
No, I bought her off with a stuffed rabbit. That and my charming ways with her mother. I guess she figured if Mama liked me, I must be a bit of alright. Anyways, she won't go to sleep without that rabbit."

Just then, Puddin came up to Jack and rubbed against Jack's leg. He scooped the cat up and Briggs pointed at him.
"That one---he's been a right royal pain in the arse since you've been gone."
"What did he do, throw up a hairball on your bed?"
"Yeah, well, that's a given. He just had an attitude, that's all."
Jack put the cat down.
"Alright, let's go down to your quarters and talk a bit of business before we get shipped out. Duckie been around?"
"He sent word he would be here later this afternoon. Some baggage he had to get rid of."
"I'll bet." Jack muttered.
"Come again?"
"Never mind. I have a plan that I want to run by you."

Jack came into the cabin as Honour was folding a few things and putting them away. Zara was bouncing on the bed. Puddin had found his way into the room and as Zara bounced up, the ship's cat bounced down with a scowl on his face.
"I'm just getting a bit of brandy for Josiah and myself. I wanted to run a few things by him and wanted to find out about the Amsterdam transactions."
Honour offered her cheek and Jack kissed her as he headed out the door.
"When do we sail, Jack?"
"Mid-afternoon with the tide."
From the bed came, "Squee!"
"Rawr!"
"Squee!"
"Rawr!"
Jack shook his head. 'Poor Puddin has met his match in that one....'

Josiah had his ledgers and notes open. Jack poured each of them a snifter and they raise their glasses.
"To El Lobo!"
"Long may she sail!"
They both became quiet as they both knew that Jack was going off account. Josiah cleared his throat.
"Yes, well, it's all in the ledger. De Witt tried to drive a hard bargain, as you told me he would but we held out for the price we wanted. I swear, it was a fine haul! Tobacco, coffee, textiles and spices. Came back with some cheeses and delftware, glassware and some artworks. More textiles and even some of those bulbs that you put in the ground and they give you those flowers that are red, yellow, pink..even a few that look almost black!"

"How did the kid work out?"
Josiah chuckled and shook his head.
"That one! Should have seen his eyes as we pulled into port! If his eyes got any wider, I could have used them for dinner plates! T'was a real eye-opener for the lad!"
Jack laughed, "I'll bet! Remember the first time we took Davis there?"
"We had to comb every brothel in town! Took two days and he was as poor as a churchmouse but we couldn't pry the smile from his face for nigh on a month!"

Jack took the ledger.
"Nice, Josiah! Very nice! This will give you a very nice commission for your retirement plans!"
"What retirement? Jack, I suppose with El Lobo being sold, I'll have to sign on with another ship. I hate to do that, probably will be just another tar. Hard to deal with when you've been second in command and actually acting captain sometimes."
"Which brings me to what I wanted to talk to you about. I've thought long and hard about this, Josiah. This crew is top of the line. I would hate to lose them. Most have been together for a long time. McGlynn, for example. He helped you and Rhys rescue me. If it weren't for Cade finding that doxy, what took me in..."
Jack's face became a mask of sadness.
"dangnubbit, sometimes I find myself missing Cade fierce!"
Josiah nodded. "But the whelp turned traitor on you."
Jack shrugged, "In retrospect, he didn't set out to. He fell in love. And in a strange way, I can't blame him. Oh, sure, I find it hard to forgive but in a way I understand. Rhiannon has a way of undoing men. Cade...me...Rhys...."
"Rhiannon? Wait a minute! You found the woman who got Rhys killed?"
Jack sighed. "I keep forgetting that you've been out of the loop, Josiah. We were right all along. The woman who shares my bed and gave me a child is none other than the Lady Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine. She was the 'Rhiannon' that Rhys was so anxious to get back to. And if I hadn't been taken prisoner by Mendoza, he would have been with her."
"Jack, ye lost me."
Jack poured another snifter of brandy for each of them.
"It's a long story, Josiah. Better tuck in for this one...."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 13, 2016, 07:40:37 PM

"I just can't believe it, Jack! What are the chances? And the way you found out. Who would have guessed? Duckie..Rose...Rhys...."
"And now it is all out in the open. No more secrets, Josiah."
"Now we know what really happened to Rhys. And not that he was set up. The man was in love."
"And I believe that Rhys sent her to me for safekeeping. For someone to look out for her and love her like she deserves to be loved."
"Just hard to believe."
"Well, we are moving forward. She will always be 'Honour' to me. As she said, Rhiannon belongs in the past. When she stepped on the ship for Barbados, Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine died and Honour Bright was born. But enough of that! Let me fill you in on the plans. How would you like to be captain of El Lobo del Mar?"
Josiah choked on his brandy.
"WHAT?"
"When I saw El Lobo in port, I realized that I could never let her go. So let's do this--I retain ownership. You are the acting captain. Become a legitimate merchant ship if you want. Occasionally plunder if the spirit moves you. I'll make sure you have your letters of marque. Whatever you take or import-export, I take ten percent. And I reserve the right to take back being a captain any time I want. Josiah, I can't foresee letting El Lobo go to someone who wouldn't love her as we do. And I can't separate this crew. The man the crew and I respect is sitting right in front of me. In reality, it will be like Amsterdam but on a very long, extended plan. Do we have an accord?"
Josiah broke out in a grin.
"Aye! Jack, this is the answer for all concerned!"
They spit on their hands and shook on it. Lifting their tankards high, they toasted each other.
Jack wasn't sure--but he thought he saw a tear in Josiah's eye.
Josiah had the crew and ship.
Jack didn't have to give up El Lobo del Mar. He had the best of both worlds.
His ship and the woman he loved and the promise of a new family.
Life was, indeed, good.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 17, 2016, 10:13:52 AM
Honour held Zara's hand as they walked around the ship. Mostly it was Honour doing the walking with Zara toddling. She picked Zara up so she could feel the wind in her hair.
"See, Zara? It's not so bad. And now take a deep breath."
Honour inhaled deeply and Zara imitated her, then sneezed.
"Ooops! But see? Don't you feel better?"

Jack came up behind them and put his hands over Zara's eyes.
"Guess who?"
She pulled his hands away and said, "Da! Da!"
Briggs, standing behind Jack, shook his head. "I swear, Jack, I never thought I would see the day when some tyke would call you that. And ye be liking it!"
Jack took Zara from Honour and pointed out the crow's nest. "See? Maybe we should put Zara's crib up there? What do you think, Zara?"
Her eyes grew wide. Honour laughed.
"I don't think so, Zara. Don't worry."
"I'm going to show her the helm. Maybe let her steer it."
"Jack! We aren't even out of port yet."
"It's alright. She can just play."

As Jack walked off with his little girl in his arms, Josiah and  Honour looked after him.
"Aye, Honour, it really does do my heart good to see Jack with a young'un."
She gave his arm an affectionate squeeze.
"I'm so happy you feel that way, Josiah."
"He needed something to be grounded with. And you gave it to him."
She looked off to the harbour of Beaumaris.
"Jack gave me something too, Josiah. He gave me a second chance at life."
Honour turned to look at Josiah.
"He told you, didn't he?"
"Yes, he did."
"Can you ever forgive me for what happened to Rhys?"
"Not my place to forgive, Honour."
"I know. But when I met you and Jack that night in the tavern, I was a real mess. I never told Jack--and I don't intend to--but I had reached the lowest point in my life."
"Then I guess ye saved each other, girl. Maybe Rhys Morgan did have something to do with it."
"He was a wonderful man, too. And he rescued me too. He taught me what love is. And Jack perfected it. I don't know what would have become of me if Jack hadn't come into my life."
Josiah patted her on the shoulder. "And now ye have the little lassie."
"She's the best thing that ever happened to me. Besides Jack. "
Josiah looked over at the dock.
"Best I be getting things rolling. Looks like Jack won't be any use for a bit."
They both looked up and there was Zara with her hands on the helm pretending to steer it and Jack giving her a few pointers.
They both laughed.
"Yep. Looks like I will be hearing, 'Mr. Briggs? The ship is yours' alot more often."

Honour watched as Briggs went to join his captain and his little girl on the quarterdeck.
She ran her fingers through her hair and breathed deep the scent of the seawater.
'Jack, you have no idea how you really did rescue me...'

"Mama! Mama! Kee! Kee!"
Honour broke away from her reverie to see Jack and Zara walking towards her. Jack was laughing and Zara had a proud look on her face.
Except her quarry didn't feel the same way.

There, clutched in her hand, was a tail.
And that tail was attached to Puddin. His claws left scratches in the deck. The very deck that Jack was so meticulous about.

Honour laughed and shook her head.
Oh yes, this one will have Captain Mad Jack Wolfe twisted around her finger. No doubt about that.

Puddin glared at Honour as if to say, 'you had to go and have her'.  Honour gently pried Zara's clutches from Puddin.
"No, no, sweetheart. 'Kee' doesn't like to be dragged by his tail through the ship."
The cat looked relieved and tried to resume a measure of dignity as his position as the ship's master ratter. He ambled off casually, but bumped into the mizzen mast.
Honour turned to Jack. "You really shouldn't let her get away with things like that, Jack. Allow Puddin some pride."
"But, Honour, she kept reaching for him and exclaiming, 'Kee! Kee!'  What else could I do?"
Honour put her hands on her hips and said, "You could have said 'No.' "
"And what fun would that be?"
"Puddn would have kept his pride. I think he deserves an extra ration of rum tonight. And now I think Zara and I will head back to the cabin. She needs her nap and I need to put a few things away."
Reluctantly, Jack handed her back to her mother. "I suppose. She has been rubbing her eyes."
He kissed the tip of Zara's nose and then kissed his wife's cheek.
"I'll be on the quarterdeck playing captain. Briggs is only pretending to let me be in charge."

Jack met Josiah up on the quarterdeck. He opened the binnacle and took out his pouch of pipeweed and his pipe.
Lighting it, he inhaled deeply.
"Ahhh! I've been waiting for that!"
Josiah chuckled. "Glad to see you haven't totally gone soft on me! Seeing you with the little one is jarring. I can't quite get the 'Mad' Jack out of my mind.
Jack stood looking out over the port.
"As much as it was nice to spend time in Beaumaris, I'll be glad to get back to Barbados."
"Family treat you right?"
"Megan and Daffyd and the other two sisters--Dilys and Gwyneth--were wonderful! The father was something else."
"Not accepting of you?"
"Not accepting of his daughter although he did look on my daughter as a leaf in the family tree. Not realizing that her name was Zara Wolfe and not Lady Zara Conaway."

The men gazed over the harbor. "Hear anything on what happened? You know....the aftermath?"
"I'm guessing Dolan was the one to see that Rhys...you know...."
"It's not really the kind of thing you want to find out or talk about."
"I don't suppose you have heard where Johnny Dolan is, have you?"
Briggs shook his head. "After Rhys left the account, I heard he was talking about Boston in the Colonies.  I am guessing that is where he ended up."
"Good guy. You all are. Were."

The two men were silent.
Briggs asked, "You think about him often?"
Jack nodded. "I do. Lately I have been playing the 'what if' game. What if I never went into that tavern...what if I never heard of Mercedes...what if you didn't get to me in time."
Josiah clapped him on the shoulder in a brotherly fashion.
"Stop torturning yourself like that, Jack. Things turned out good."
"For me. Not for Rhys."
"Rhys was a grown man who got involved with a girl. A married girl. Not a woman. No sense in wondering what would have been if you hadn't been kidnapped. You were. You were saved. And if you weren't then that little lass would not have been."
"I know, Josiah. The best I can do is take care of her for Rhys. And I will."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 24, 2016, 09:25:51 AM
Josiah reached in the binnacle and got the bottle of rum out. He put a splash in his coffee and added some to Jack's.
"Heard a really interesting story."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. We had stopped in Aberdeen for a day or two. We saved some of that swag to trade off the rum for some Scots whisky and ran into an old acquaintance."
"Who?"
Briggs took a deep drink. "Remember Jonas Corwin of the Golden Phoenix?"
"Yeah, I remember him. Calculating SOB who always ended up with the prettiest tavern wench but he used to rough them up. I remember him and that one tavern wench in Marigot. What brought Corwin to mind?"
Briggs chuckled. "Guess he met his match in one of the ports."
"Oh, really? What did she do? Turn him into a eunuch?"
"No, not quite that bad. Jonas came into port in Aberdeen. His hands were like this---"
Briggs curled each of his hands up in a contortion.
"--it seems he picked up the wrong wench. At least this one was more creative. She threw his clothes out the window. Left him with nothing but his boots and sword. Then it seems he tracked her down and they mixed into it a bit. She kicked him where he wishes he had been a eunuch and then clocked him on the chin. He goes unconscious and she ties him up and then steps on his hands."
"Wow, that is harsh!"
"Corwin says that if he ever lays a hand--" and here Josiah demonstrated again the crippled hands--"he will wring her neck."
"Is he able to function?"
"Aye. Just looks kind of freakish. You know how he prided himself on his looks. Now he really is ticked off."
"Wonder where it was?"
"Didn't say. Just said somewhere in the Caribbean. But I think he's been searching for her when he gets into each port. Barkeep told him she ran off somewhere."
Jack chuckled. "I'd like to meet her and buy her a drink! Pretty creative what she did."
Briggs laughed. "Some of these women get wild ideas. Look at what Honour has done to you. Remember when you kidnapped her to get that Sun key?"
Jack threw his head back and laughed. "Yeah. She took that sgian dubh out of her boot and nailed my shirt--with me in it--against the mast."
"Or when she threw you out of the cabin in what God gave ye and I had to get ye a blanket to wrap in--"
"You would have to bring that one up."
"And when she almost dumped the hot candle wax on your--"
"Alright,  Briggs. That's enough," as Jack winced.
Josiah laughed. "Glad she and that tavern wench never got together and compared notes."
Jack drew deeply on his pipe before he dumped out the remains. He knew how Honour hated it and he didn't want her creative side to kick in.
All of a sudden he had a notion on that tavern wench.
"Naw...couldn't be. No. Not Honour."
"What did you say, Jack?"
"Oh..nothing."

"Wonder what is taking Duckie so long?" Jack said. "We should sail as soon as the evening tide. Old Ducks had better be here or he can swim after us!"

Briggs took out his spyglass and scanned the docks. "Well, speak of the devil! I see him over by those barrels. And he ain't alone. Got a woman with him."
Jack grabbed the spyglass out of Josiah's hand.
He put it to his eye and shouted, "Bollocks!"
There, following close behind Duckie was none other than the next to the last person Jack wanted to see.
First place would always go to Colonel Mendoza.
But now there was a new contender for second place.

Rose Gander, widow on a mission.
Or the prowl.
Made no difference, it was all the same to Jack.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 31, 2016, 09:38:17 AM
Meanwhile in Castara Bay.....


The door to the tavern opened, its bright morning light streaming in behind the tall figure sillouetted in it.
"Bonita? You around?"
A head popped up from behind the tavern bar.
"Her not here. Her went to shore to collect her purification salt and her geckos. What you want?"

Cade Jennings looked over at the woman with the bright red ribbon in her hair,  the dreadlocks swirling around her shoulders.
"Ah, I see you are still here!"
Drusilla broke out in a grin. "I know you! You be de man dat been here when de earth do a shake!"
Cade laughed. "You remembered me."
Drusilla nodded. "You be havin' de face of an angel, dat I remember. And you give lots of coin."
He sat down. "So let me have an ale."
She poured and he handed her the coins.
"Still de same man!"
"And can you give me any information?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. Depend."
"Depends on how much?"
"No. Depend on what I know."
"Has El Lobo del Mar been ported here since I was here last?"
Drusilla wiped the bar down. "Not dat I know. You look for anyone special?"
"Just trying to avoid the captain. And a blonde woman who used to come here with said captain. I seem to have....misplaced her."
Drusilla snorted, "You not be de-placing a person. You not be dat careless, man."
"The woman I am looking for is Honour Bright. Seen her?"
He slid another coin across the bar top.

"I see her. Her on Little Muelle Cay."
Cade turned around to see Bonita standing there, her arms holding four jars filled with salt. She dropped a bag that squirmed and she kicked it under a chair.
"Little Muelle Cay? What the hell? I was with her in Bridgetown. How did she get there?"
"How you t'ink?"
"I have no idea. She was in my bed and said she had to run an errand but she knew I was leaving that morning. When she didn't come back I thought she had been delayed with whatever it was she was doing."
'What she doing was being wit' de great Jack Wolfe. Dey be t'gether."
"He tracked her down? He ported in GlenLIvet as I was planning to leave. I expected Honour to come back quickly and I was planning on taking her with me but I had to leave. I left her a note I'd catch up with her in a week or so but her landlady Mrs Washburn said she never came for her things. I didn't know what to think. Thought maybe she went to Wales to see family. She talked about arranging passage ahd she had planned to go back to Barbardos. So I figured that is what she did and I would catch up with her through Amos."

"Amos not know where de child be but Bonita do. I see wit' my own eyes."
"And what were they up to?"
Bonita took a deep breath. "Dey were looking for de treasure of de Ancients. Dey find it."
"WHAT?"
She nodded. "It not go too well. But dis I  promise you, young Cade. Bonita get de trreasure. It be wit' dem and dey do not know how to read. It useless to dem."
"So you can have the treasure, Bonita. I just want one thing."
"And you t'ink Bonita not know what dat is? Dat be what dance t'rough you mind, Cade Jennings and get you in de trouble to begin wit'."

She opened up the box she kept beneath the tavern counter and withdrew her tools of the trade.
"Bones. Bones no lie."
She shook them, spit on them and cast them on the table top.
Cade peered over her shoulder.  She looked closely at them.
"De two bones touch. Dis bone off to de side. You pushed to de side. But look! De bone chip. Dat mean somet'ing little come into de lives of dem."

Cade laughed. "Impossible. I know Honour. If she is with Jack then it is to get the annulment and they got sidetracked by a business deal. She loves me, Bonita. ME!  Jack Wolfe treated her like dirt the last few weeks they were together. I know. She told me the whole story."

Bonita shook her head.
"I see somet'ing else. I see two faces. De faces of Jack Wolfe and dat golden child. Dey overlap. Bonita not sure yet what dat mean...but dis I know. Whatever it be, it be serious."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 08, 2016, 03:40:44 PM
"Bollocks," Jack exhaled.
"What's the matter?" asked Briggs.  "The father-in-law droppin' in for an unexpected visit?"
"Oh, I wish.  I'd rather see Rhodri than what's walking this way."
"Well, are ye gonna keep it a secret 'til they set foot on deck?"
Jack looked over at Josiah and stole his coffee cup.  He downed the brew in two gulps and handed the cup back.  "It's Rose."
Briggs' eyes went wide.  "Well, don't that beat all.  For a woman, she sure has a pair of brass ones to be showin' up here after the shenanigans she pulled."
"And what's in Duckie's head, bringing her here?  I swear, Josiah, it will be a contest to see what happens to her first; me strangling her, or Honour scratching her eyes out."
"My money's on Honour.  Hell hath no fury like a woman settin' out after another one what has designs on her man."
Jack sighed as Duckie and his sister began to climb the gangway.  "I'll have to get her off the ship fast.  Hopefully it's early enough, and she hasn't been..."
Rose grabbed Duckie's jacket and steadied herself as she almost lost her footing.
"... never mind.  Too late.  Hand me that rum.  No use arguing with a drunk whilst stone cold sober.  It's annoying."
Briggs fetched the rum and filled Jack's cup half way.  "Ye really think she's been tippin' at this hour?"
"Um, did it stop us?"
"Good point."  Josiah refilled his cup and took a healthy swig.  "On that note, I'll be leavin' ye to receive special dignitaries, captain sir!"
"Bloody coward."
"Damned straight.  Now, be charmin' and evasive.  Like usual."
"You're going to pay for abandoning your captain, Mister Briggs."
Briggs grinned, then pretended to smell something.  "Oi!  Smells like smoke!  I need to investigate.  Just doin' me job, captain!"
Jack laughed and slapped the taffrail as Briggs jogged down the steps.  The quartermaster greeted Rose and Duckie, and pointed up to the quarterdeck and Jack in response to something Rose asked.  Rose then patted her brother on the shoulder and walked toward the stairs.  Duckie looked up at Jack and shrugged helplessly, then beat a hasty retreat to the surgery.

Rose stopped at the bottom of the stairs.
"Permission to come aboard, Captain Wolfe!" she said cheerily.
"Rose, you're already aboard.  You should have asked that question way over there when you were still on the dock, and I had an opportunity to say no."
"Oh, Jack!" she laughed as she climbed the steps to the quarterdeck.  "You're not serious!"
"Don't count on it."
Rose paused and sighed in mock exasperation.  "You're still upset about the party."
"And I shouldn't be?  Rose, you tried to destroy my marriage."
"I think that's a bit of an exaggeration."
Jack crossed his arms and stared at her.  "You dragged out a secret that would have torn apart a lesser couple.  But that's where you miscalculated, Rose.  It's been tried before.  And like your attempt, it failed.  So I'm not quite sure what you hope to accomplish by showing up here this morning.  But I'll tell you what – if Honour sees you aboard, I won't stop her from trying to take your head off."
Rose gave him a petulant look.  "I'll have you know, I wanted to see my brother off properly before you take him gallivanting for God knows how long again.  And my, don't you look handsome in your captain's outfit!  What is the nautical term for it?"
"Clothes."
"Well, no matter.  It suits you.  But it is a bit threadbare in places.  I thought for certain you'd be more fastidious about your appearance, being a captain and all.  You cut such a dashing figure the other night..."
"Everything looks different in the daylight," he said flatly.
Rose sighed heavily, and Jack could faintly smell the cognac on her breath.  "You're set on being cold towards me, aren't you?"
Jack nodded.  "Pretty much, yeah."
"If you'd give me a chance, you'd find that I'm trying to apologise to you."
"Really?" he laughed.  "And was part of your plan to apologise to Honour as well?  Because she's the one who was hurt the worst by your foolishness.  I was collateral damage."
"Well, I hadn't...  I mean, I should, but..." Rose stammered.
"In other words, no."
"If you'd just give me a chance to explain!"
Jack shook his head.  "No.  I don't give second chances.  Not anymore.  You were crystal clear the other night what your intention was.  To humiliate my wife.  And you accomplished that.  So I can't imagine what kind of 'explanation' you might have to offer.  Frankly, I don't care."
"You will not shut me out, Jack Wolfe!  I'll invite you to remember your place in polite society!"

Jack gave Rose a bemused look.  She was trembling with indignant anger.
"You're the one forgetting their place, Countess.  When you stepped aboard my ship, you left your world and entered mine.  Your title is worthless here.  Mine is the only one that matters.  Now put a sock in it and listen to me."
Rose stared back at him in stunned silence.  No one ever dared to speak to her as Jack just had, and she had no idea how to react.  This was not the Jack Wolfe she remembered.  This was something new, and quite frankly, it frightened her.
"I used to have so much patience, Rose," he continued.  "So much mercy.  But not anymore.  I'm older, and a fair amount of wisdom has come with that.  I can't excuse what you did, or what you tried to do.  I won't.  So I'm going to tell you this one time; leave my ship."
"Jack, you're just being cruel now."
"No, cruel is me telling how I can't stand the sight of you.  But you brought it up."
Rose swallowed hard.  She had underestimated just how much Jack could have changed, how much she had hurt him by her actions at the party, and how far he would go to support his wife.
"Jack, please.  What do you want from me?  Do you want me to beg forgiveness?  Here, in front of your crew?"
"Rose, get this through your head.  I want nothing from you, except to see you off my ship."
"Not until you forgive me," she said stubbornly.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 14, 2016, 07:24:06 PM
"Right, then!  Since you don't want to leave, I'll personally let Honour know you're here.  How's that?  Makes no never mind to me.  And I have to tell you, there are a lot of sharp, pointy things aboard a ship like this, all in easy reach.  You know yourself just how talented she is with a blade.  Still want to risk it?"
Rose stared at him in astonishment.  "You wouldn't do that.  Not to me."
Jack locked her arm up in his and started to march her toward the stairs.  "Here we go!  Oh, she's going to love seeing you!  Well, not love.  More like grab the nearest heavy thing she can find and swing it at you.  Then we're right back to that whole her taking your head off thing again.  But if that's what you want, far be it from me to be a poor host..."
She quickly pulled herself free and stepped back from him.  "Fine!  I can see that I can't reason with you."
"Really?  You were being persistent?  I thought you were just being thick.  Doing a fine job of it, too."
"I'm sorry it's come to this, Jack," she said, trying to regain some of her dignity.  "I'll leave.  But I'd like to say goodbye to my brother first.  Would you escort me?"
Jack looked at her impassively.  "Down the stairs, walk toward the gangway.  You'll see a door to your left.  Go in, follow the hallway, second door on the right.  Mind you don't get lost."

Rose took a deep breath, and walked past Jack and descended the stairs.  She could feel his eyes on her back.  While she hadn't really expected him to listen, she certainly never thought he would be so cold.  She stepped through the doorway and paused as her eyes adjusted to the largely unlit hallway.
"Second door on the right," she reminded herself. 
Taking a flask from her clutch, she took several long swallows of the amber liquid to help steady her nerves.  She put the flask back in its hiding place and started down the hall to tell her brother goodbye.  A familiar warm feeling began to spread inside her as the cognac started to work its magic, and she could feel her tension slowly fade.  She continued on until she reached the door of the surgery, which was slightly ajar.  Rose took a moment to smooth her clothes, then knocked on the door.

"Yes?  Do come in, the door's open."
Rose opened the surgery door to find her brother restocking a low cabinet with medicines.  Duckie looked up when he heard the creak of the door hinges to see her there, and went back to restocking.
"I was expecting to see you right about now," he said.
"Jack was... less than receptive," said Rose, obviously embarrassed by what had happened.  "In fact, he ordered me off the ship."
"And what exactly did you expect, Rose?"  Duckie closed the cabinet and stood to face his sister.  "Far be it from me to say I told you so, but there it is."
"Yes, you were right, Drake.  I hope you're happy."
"Far from it.  It's not pleasant watching you embarrass yourself not once, but twice.  Are you all right?"
"A bit shaken.  He was terribly angry with me."
Duckie sighed, then went to his desk and poured her some brandy.  "Here.  This usually settles your nerves.  But this is all you get.  I'm surprised Jack let you come down here after ordering you off.  He's being more generous that I would have."
"I think he did it more for your sake than mine."  She quickly drank the brandy and set the glass on the desk.  "But he's right.  I have no business here.  I suppose I should take my leave before he tells Rhiannon – or whatever her name is – that I'm here."
Duckie smiled at her.  "Her name is Honour now.  And that's the best idea you've had all day.  Still, it was good to see you, Rose.  I promise I'll try to get back to England on a more regular basis."  He hugged her, then held her by the shoulders and looked into her eyes.  "Promise me you'll take better care of yourself?  You worry me."
"I'll be fine, I promise.  Honestly, Drake, you worry too much."  She kissed his cheek.  "I had better go."
"I'll write you when I get to Barbados to let you know everything's fine."
Rose forced a sunny smile.  "I shall look forward to it!  Safe travels, Drake."
"Safe travels, Rose."

She quietly left the surgery and closed the door behind her.  Her head was beginning to buzz from the cognac and brandy, and she found herself unable to remember which direction she had come.  The hall was even darker thanks to someone having closed the door at the end of the hallway.  Rose found herself feeling flustered, so she took another drink from her trusty flask.  Everything was turned around for her.  She tried to settle down and remember the instructions Jack had given her.
"He said the second door on the right," she whispered to herself.
Unsteadily, she made her way down the hall, keeping one hand on the bulkhead to make sure she didn't miss the door.  When she reached it, she pulled up on the latch and opened it.  To her surprise, it revealed a set of steps leading down.  A lamp hung from the overhead, casting a pale, flickering light on the surroundings.  Rose gingerly made her way down the steps.
"Why on earth would he send me this way?" she asked herself.  "This doesn't look right!"
She found herself surrounded by crates and bales and barrels, all stacked and held in place by ropes and nets.  Panic started to rise in her throat.  But she caught herself and stifled the urge to cry out for help.
"Steady, Rose.  Don't go losing your head."  She found a clean looking crate and sat down on it.  "Screaming is undignified and not for the aristocracy.  I shall wait for someone to find me.  Yes, that's what I'll do.  Surely someone will be along soon."
Besides, she was afraid that her shouts would catch the attention of Jack's vengeful wife, and that prospect was far more frightening to her than being lost.

Rose Carlisle sat there in the ship's hold, waiting more or less patiently for someone to come round and discover her.  But she found her eyes getting heavier by the moment, and it was becoming difficult to focus on her surroundings.  She leaned back against the crates, and let her eyes slowly close.  After all, what could a little nap hurt?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 21, 2016, 09:11:51 PM
El Lobo del Mar swept out of Beaumaris' harbour on gentle and following winds.  Her course was southerly, plying the cold waters of the Atlantic en route to her home port in Barbados.  Jack had never considered any particular port as "home" until now.  But he could scarcely wait to get back there with his wife and child, and to begin their new life together there... at home.

"Studying those charts won't have us to Barbados any faster," Honour said with a smile in her voice.  She was busy looking at some of the scrolls they had recovered from the Ancient's temple as she enjoyed some tea.
"Oh, I don't know," said Jack.  "Never count out a little Wolfe willpower.  Add a bit of Conaway to the mix and we'll be home in a week!  Maybe I should let Zara steer?"
"And throw poor Josiah into fits?  I feel guilty enough that he's taking most of your duties so you can have more time with Zara."
"So do I, but he insisted.  You know how stubborn he can be.  Besides, he is for all intents and purposes the captain now.  I'm just the owner."
"The men still look at you as the captain, and probably always will."
Jack shrugged.  "That will all change once we make port in Bridgetown again.  Some of the crew will move on, new men will join-- eventually, they'll forget all about Captain Jack Wolfe.    I'll be just another faceless ship owner to them."
Honour shook her head, her long golden tresses glinting in the lamplight.  "You know that's not true.  No one will forget about 'Mad Jack' Wolfe."
"I don't know... there are a few I'd like to have forget about me.  For all our sakes."
Honour got up from her chair and went to Jack's side, and put her arms lovingly around his neck.  "I doubt we'll even encounter those people ever again.  They're ghosts now as far as I care."  She paused and ran her fingers through his hair.  "You're not having regrets again about leaving the account, are you?"

Jack looked up at her and smiled.  "No.  Not a one.  I won't miss it, not one moment."  He looked over at Zara sleeping quietly in her bassinet.  "With her around, I think I'll have my fill of adventure for years to come."
"And her little brother or sister..."
Jack's eyes went wide.  "You mean-- you're not-- are you?  Again?"
"Oh, heaven's no!" she laughed.  "But maybe one day.  And you shall be there with me when the time comes, hearing every name I dream up for you!"
"Mrs Wolfe, it would be my honour to have you creatively conjecture about my family's history."
Jack gently kissed her and drew her to him.  They kissed again, deeply, and Honour looked into his eyes.
"You're not planning on trying to make another little Wolfe just this moment, are you?" she asked.  "We haven't even had dinner yet, and Zara's just gone to sleep..."
"You're ever so practical," he chuckled.  "In fact, I'm glad you brought up dinner because any minute--"

A soft knock came from the door.
Jack gave Honour another kiss then answered the door.  Three crewmen came into the cabin, carrying trays filled with roasted meat, warm bread, plates and utensils, and wine.  Wordlessly, they set places at the large table, laid out the food, and filled two pewter goblets with deep red claret.  Jack thanked them, and as quickly as they had appeared, they departed.
"But... what's all this for?" she asked, dumbfounded.
"To celebrate the start of our journey home, my love."
"You didn't have to do this!"
"Of course, I didn't.  But I do enjoy spoiling you."  Jack pulled out her chair for her.  Honour sat down, taking in the elegant meal arrayed before her.
"Might as well enjoy this now," said Jack, "because we'll both be tired of ship's food over the next month."
Honour took a sip of wine and chuckled.  "Remember the last time you surprised me with a meal aboard ship like this?"
"Oh, do I ever," he said, his face colouring a bit.  "I'm sorry for that.  I should never have behaved..."
She put her hand on his.  "Forgiven and forgotten," she said with a smile.  Jack nodded in agreement.
"But this time, we have an even more precious treasure in our midst," she continued.
"Ask Puddin' if he agrees.  He'll get quite good at hiding whenever Zara is toddling about, just you watch."
"Poor thing.  And poor Zara!  She's just learning to walk; now she has to get her sea legs as well?"
Jack smiled proudly.  "She's a Wolfe.  She'll find a way."

Another knock came at the door.
"That can't be dessert, not yet," said Jack.  "Come in!"
The door opened, and Briggs stepped into the cabin.
"Beggin' yer pardon and all, but, um," he said looking like he would rather be anywhere else at the moment.  "We got us a bit of a problem."
"What kind?" asked Jack.  "Are we taking on water?  Is something wrong with the crew?"  The last thing he wanted was another mutiny.
"I'm afraid we got us a stowaway," Briggs answered slowly.
Jack rolled his eyes.  "Oh, lovely.  Fine.  Give them some blankets and let them bunk with the crew.  Once we make Madeira, off they go."
"I think ye want to see this one for yerself, Jack."  He motioned behind him for someone to approach.  "We found her sound asleep in the hold."
A crewman stepped into the room, bringing with him the stowaway.

A dishevelled, unhappy, and very hung-over Rose Gander.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on February 28, 2016, 08:00:04 PM
Honour called out, "Jack, is there a--what the HELL?"
Jack deftly stepped between his wife and the misplaced Countess of Shrewsbury.
"Now, Honour..."
"How did she end up here?"
Jack said to the crewman, "Thanks, Boswell, for bringing this... problem to my attention."
Rose drew herself up, "Problem? You think this is a problem for YOU? I have house staff who will worry about me! And the annual ball at the Duke of Argyle's next week and--"
Honour cut in with, "I can arrange it so you can get there on time, Countess."
"You can?"
Honour took a step forward. "How are you at swimming?"
Rose took a step back and Jack held up his hand.
"Alright, cooler heads need to prevail. There has to be a way around this."
Honour folded her arms across her chest. "I have a dozen ways to get rid of the problem."
"Honour, I'll handle this."
"Excuse me? She tries to ruin my--our--lives and you won't put her off in a tender with enough liquor for a week?"
Rose looked imploringly at Jack, hoping her doe eyes would win him over. Or at least, buy her some time.
"Jack, you can understand how easy it is to take a wrong turn on your ship. I said goodbye to my brother and well, the next thing I knew, I was in that dark place with all those barrels. You really should get them better organised. And that lamp needs cleaning. Don't you have servants here to do that for you?"
Honour put her hands on her hips and looked at Rose. "This isn't the Good Ship Lollipop, sister. It's a merchant ship."
Honour looked at Jack. "Well, what do you intend to do?"
Jack sat down. "Rose, here. Have something to eat."
Rose sat down and smiled, fanning a napkin out to put on her lap. "Why, don't mind if I do."
Honour took the napkin off Rose's lap and turned to Jack.
"I will NOT share my dinner with that.. that... that..." she pointed to Rose.
He motioned for Honour to be quiet.
"I'll handle this."
Honour shut her mouth but Jack could see the thunderclouds behind her blue eyes.
He sighed. "Rose, yes, have something to eat. Honour, darling? May I see you in the other room?"
He took Honour gently by the elbow.
Rose looked over and said, "Oooh, Jack, is that your baby?"
She rose to take a look at Zara.
Honour broke away from Jack and laid her hand on Rose's wrist. "Touch MY child and you will never lift a flask again. You will have to pay someone to do it for you because your hand will be like this--"
Honour contorted her hand. Rose blanched.
Jack sighed. "Josiah? Keep an eye on Rose for her own health, all right? Honour? Please?"
She looked at Jack and then walked to the next room.

As soon as the door was shut, Honour whirled on Jack.
"John Michael Wolfe, I will not-- I repeat NOT-- sail to Barbados for the next month with that barracuda!"
Jack put his hands out in supplication. "What do you want me to do, Honour? Set her adrift to the elements and certain death?"
She raised an eyebrow and said nothing.
Jack exclaimed, "You can't be serious!"
"Try me. Does Duckie know she is here?"
"Doubtful. Otherwise, he would be here apologising all over the place."
"So what are you going to do, Jack?"
He put his arms on Honour's shoulders.
"I don't rightly know yet. I guess Briggs can share his quarters with Duckie. And Rose can take his room."
Honour said sarcastically, "Oooh, deluxe accommodations for the Countess yet!"
"I don't have much choice, do I?"
"I suggest she bunk with the crew. Give her a hammock and let her sit there for a month thinking about the wrongs she has committed.
He sighed. "You have a better suggestion?"
"Yes, but you won't like it. Sharks will, though."
"Honour, darling, be reasonable."
"Oh, I'll show you how reasonable I can be."
She headed towards the door with a candleholder.
"You-- you wouldn't! Not in the face!"
She retorted, "Nonsense. I just needed more light. But the dear Countess needs to realise the world is NOT her oyster."
Jack rubbed his chin. "We're about ten days from Madeira. She can book passage from there."
"Jack, are you going to make me tolerate her presence for the next ten days?"
"What real choice is there? Besides, I have a bigger problem than our mutual distaste for her presence."
"Oh?" said Honour. "And what that might be?"
"Securing all the alcohol on board. Round-the-clock guards with pistols should do."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on March 06, 2016, 08:03:46 PM
Honour stood there and gazed at an imaginary spot on the wall. Jack groaned, "Uh oh, I know that look, Honour. Your wheels are turning."
She turned back to Jack and smiled sweetly, "You are absolutely right, Jack."
He narrowed his eyes, "I don't like the sound of that, Honour."
She patted his face. "We certainly can't have a guest--however unwelcome--be cheated out of our hospitality, can we?"
Before Jack could stop Honour, she breezed back into the room. Briggs was chatting quietly with Rose, as she gave him a dimpled smile.

Honour gave Rose a welcoming smile. "Countess, my manners were a bit out of line. Please chalk it up to the surprise of seeing you so soon after the ball. I would like to extend a warm welcome to you as befitting the Captain's wife."
She let the word hang there.
"Jack, would you please give the Countess a glass of claret and then please leave us to have a little girl-chat?"
Jack and Briggs exchanged looks.
"Honour, I don't know about this...."
"Oh, fiddle faddle! It will be just fine. Frankly, it may be nice to have another woman to chat with for the next week."
Briggs handed Rose a glass of wine which she took readily. Jack looked skeptically at his wife. "Honour..."
She gave him a smile and pushed him out the door. "Please, Jack!"
He whispered, "Don't forget. I know where you live if she disappears and we have shark for dinner...."
Honour closed the door in his face.

Honour poured herself a glass of wine and raised it to Rose. "I want to propose a toast, Countess."
Rose looked quizzically at her. "A toast?"
"Yes. To you. If you hadn't opened up your big mouth, this would have always been between Jack and me. It made our love even more stronger."
"But--"
"Oh, Countess, no need to thank me! It is I who should be thanking YOU! And while you are staying with us, I want to make you feel comfortable."
Honour flung open the armoire.
"Now there should be some in--ah ha! Here!"
She pulled out a armful of clothes and shoved them in Rose's arms
"These should fit you. I hope you don't mind that they belonged to some of Jack's strumpets. After all, we WERE separated. But then I was no saint, as you have already told him."
Honour walked over to the basin. "Oh, and here's some soap. I'm sorry it is what I use for washing the basin but I am sure your creamy skin can take it. And here's a towel."
Honour piled a rough cloth on top of it all.
"I must say---"
"No need to thank me, Rose. After all, this is the LEAST I can do for you."
She spun Rose around and propelled her to the door. Shoving her gently outside the door, Honour said as the door closed, "Enjoy your stay. And please watch out for Puddin'. Sometimes he likes to show off his latest catch when you are sleeping!"

As Rose stood there with her cast-offs, Jack nodded and said, "Duckie's quarters are down the hall and to the right. The RIGHT. And please tell him he will bunk with Briggs."

As they watched her walk down the hall, Briggs smiled at Jack and said, "Ye keep tellin' me ye will teach me about women, Jack. But I think ye be the wrong gender for it."
Jack smiled. "I don't know what happened...but I think I like it!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on March 19, 2016, 07:23:23 PM
Jack tentatively opened the cabin door.
"Umm....Honour? Sweetheart?"
She poured herself another glass of claret.
"Yes, darling?"
He looked around. "Where did that other Honour go? The one with the morbid ideas?"
Honour waved him off. "Oh...that. That was just a momentary hissy fit. I've calmed down now."
Jack looked at his wife skeptically. "Oh, you have, have you? It's when you get that angel-pie look that I REALLY worry!"

Honour sat down and put her bare feet up on the chair opposite her. She gently nudged it away from her and gave Jack an innocent look. He sat down opposite her and gently began rubbing her feet. She giggled.
"You aren't playing fair, Jack Wolfe!"
He gave her a grin and said, "Take what you can..."
She raised her eyebrow. "..give nothing back?"
He leaned forward and whispered, "You know that isn't how it works around here.!"
She leaned forward and whispered too, "I know."

He kissed the tip of her nose and asked, "I want to know why the sudden change of attitude. You are up to something, Honour Wolfe. And I don't know whether to be proud of you or worried!"
She pulled her foot back. "Are you impugning my hospitality?"
He sighed. "Not at all."
She stared back at him. He relented, "Alright, maybe just a little...A LITTLE!"
Honour took a sip of her claret and ran her finger idly around the rim. "The countess is about to learn a lesson in humility."
"Humility? Or humiliation?"
Honour flared up. "Are you protective of your former sweetheart?"
He sighed. "I wish to God she never set foot on this ship. Ducks is second only to Briggs as my best friend."
Honour stood up. "And it is because of Duckie that I don't rip her to shreds. She can spend her time with her brother and sitting in his quarters. I don't want to see or hear her."
"You won't."
Jack put his arms around his wife and kissed her. She gently took his hands at the wrist and disentangled him from her.
"No."
"What do you mean, 'no'?"
She drew the sheets back.
"You can thank your countess for this."
"For what?"
"She ruined the mood. Now extinguish the candle, please. I am going to SLEEP!"

Jack sighed and from the dark, he said, "You sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Damn Rose."
From the other side of the bed, she sighed, "You can say that again."

Rose struggled down the hallway under the burden of the clothes Honour had thrust upon her.
"Whoa now, Rose! What do you have here?" Duckie looked up from his medical book.
Rose peeked over the load of garments she was carrying.
"It seems the esteemed Mrs. Jack Wolfe decided I should wear what is available."
Duckie took the clothes out of Rose's arms.
"Here. Let me take that for you."
"And I am to take your quarters and you are to bunk with Mr. Briggs."
"Oh, I am, am I? Well, if it is alright with Josiah, it's alright with me."

He kicked the door to his quarters open.
"It isn't much, Rose, but I guess it will have to do."
She looked around. "My butler lives in quarters bigger than this, Drake."
"Well, I am not your butler. You should be glad that Honour didn't push you overboard as soon as she saw you."
"Oh, if she had her way, she would have. Jack's gallantry rescued me."
Duckie held up his hand. "Hold it right there! Jack is NOT being gallant. He is NOT your knight in shining armor to rescue you, princess. He's trying to protect his wife from any undue aggravation."

She sat down and crossed her arms over her chest. "I was only trying to protect Jack. I knew Lady Castlemaine. Why Madoc married her is beyond me. He was a well-respected and courtly man. Why, he even was involved with the political machinations to restore the House of Lords!"
Duckie sat down opposite her. "And what did Lady Castlemaine ever do to you?"
Rose said hotly, "She was all wrong for him. Everyone knew about Lord Conaway's wayward daughter. She was in a convent and was turned out for...well, for unseemly conduct. It wasn't hard to figure out. News travels fast in my social circle...."
"...with you being the herald of rumours..."
"..and no one was invited to the wedding. Just family. And it was within a month after she returned home that she was now an....equal!"
"Is that what bothers you?"
"What?"
"The fact that she was so young and was now your peer. Maybe even the fact that Lord Castlemaine was a rung up on the social ladder than Edward?"
She glared. "It is NOT! She played Madoc for a fool!"
"And what did he get out of it?"

Rose's mouth went into a thin line and she said nothing.
Duckie started laughing.
"You were jealous!"
"Jealous? Of HER?"
"Yes. Because she was young and beautiful and Madoc Castlemaine was rogering her roundly!"
Rose stood up and put her hands on her hips, her face flaming red.  "You never would have talked to me like that before, Drake! Mother would be appalled!"

"You have a bigger problem than that, as far as I can see."
"And what is that?"
"The blue dress on top is Desdemona's dress."
"Desdemona?"
"Yes. One of Jack's....close friends. Jack and Honour were separated for a time. And the man does have an insatiable appetite."
"You mean...this dress....?"
"I wouldn't worry about it. After all, who is going to know if it is last year's fashion. Goodnight, Rose!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on March 28, 2016, 03:14:38 PM
Honour's eyes slowly opened.  It was morning.  Sunlight shone through the gallery windows, helping to warm the large cabin.  While it had been wonderful to see snow again, she longed for the warmth of the Caribbean sun.  She raised her head and looked over to see Zara playing quietly with her little toy rabbit.  It must still be early, Honour reasoned, because Zara wasn't hungry enough to want food yet.  She smiled, then rolled over to see if Jack was still sleeping.

He was gone.

She stroked the bed where he had been.  It was cool to the touch.  He had been gone for a while.  Honour hated when Jack got out of bed early.  She could understand it when he was responsible for the ship, but now?
Maybe it was old habits.  Yes, that had to be it.  He couldn't possibly be that upset over her not wanting to make love the night before.

Could he?

It was true that Rose's presence had ruined the mood for her.  That shrew from Shrewsbury had invaded Honour's world yet again.  Damn that woman!  It figures she would get "confused" and need a bit of a lie down to sleep it off.  Now she was their guest for the next ten days.  If Honour had her way, it would be the worst ten days of Countess Rose Carlisle's life.

Honour got out of bed and pulled on a heavy dressing gown.  She went to Zara's where the little girl was still pulling the toy rabbit's ears.  She picked Zara up and brushed the little girl's locks out of her face.
"Does Zara want to see how silly mean old Rose looks all tarted up in that stinky dress?"
Zara gave a little laugh and playfully grabbed Honour's nose.
"That's right!  That's my little girl!  Smelly, smelly Rose!"  She looked toward the door, and a sly smile played on her lips.
"I think it's a fine day for your mummy to look especially good, don't you agree?"

Jack looked out over the main deck.  If there was any time he wished he could will El Lobo to move faster, this would be it.  This was supposed to be a pleasant voyage back to Barbados and a new life.  Instead, an aggravating bit of his and Honour's pasts had managed to stow away.  Now Honour was out of sorts in more ways than one.  It was going to be a very long ten days.
"Keep starin' like that, and them waters may just part," said Briggs from behind him.  "Only one man I know of pulled that off, and he had help.  What has you up here when ye should be playing with that wee bairn?"
"Oh!  Good morning, Josiah.  I was lost in thought."
"Broodin' is more like it.  Still upset about the stowaway?"
"Annoyed.  Honour's more upset about it, though."
"How upset?  I know she hates that uppity countess somethin' fierce."
Jack looked at him.  "VERY upset.  To to point of... distraction."
"Distraction?"  Briggs thought about it for a moment, and his eyes grew wide.  "Oh, THAT distraction!"
"Yes, exactly."
"Hmph.  This is goin to be a long stretch for all of us, then."
"Excuse me?"
"If Jack Wolfe ain't happy, ain't nobody happy aboard this ship, and ye know it.  Ten days of no... diversion, ye'll be wound up tighter than a capstan holdin' two anchors.  Not that anyone could blame ye."
Jack laughed.  "I'm that bad?"
"Jack, everyone knows how much you and Honour love each other.  Ye both be... um, passionate people, as it were.  So it stands to reason that if ye ain't able to, um, express them passions, if ye follow, ye'd get a little keyed up after a while.  It's, y'know, normal."
"Very nicely put, Josiah."
"Thank ye."
"That settles it.  YOU get to tell Zara about the birds and the bees."
Briggs nearly spit out his 'coffee'.  "Like hell!  That job goes to the man what sired her!"
"Coward!" Jack laughed.
"Damn straight!  And proud of it!" smirked Briggs.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 03, 2016, 08:38:39 PM
"It's good to see you laughing this morning!  May I join you?" called a voice from the weather deck.  Jack looked down to find a sheepish Duckie looking up at him.
"Of course, Doctor!  Since when have you felt the need to ask?"
Duckie jogged up the steps.  "After yesterday, I wasn't sure you'd want to see me."
Jack waved his hand.  "I know it's not your fault, Ducks.  Rose's stowing away was her own doing."
"Yes, well, if I'd known she'd been drinking before I let her have some brandy..."  He shook his head.  "Oh, who am I kidding?  She's a slave to the drink.  Would you believe I found TWO flasks in her clutch?  And both nearly empty?"
Briggs gave Jack a worried look.
"I'll have the men secure the rum stores.  And the wine, and the brandy, and that stuff you're so fond of from Russia," he said as he quickly departed the quarterdeck.

"I've already put a lock on my brandies," said Duckie.  "But honestly, Jack, I feel awful about this.  I know it upset Honour terribly.  I should have escorted her off the ship."
"She's a big girl, Duckie.  One would think even a countess could find her way down a hallway."
"To be fair, it's been years since she was on a ship.  And you had her quite rattled.  Unfortunately, drinking is her way of dealing with stress."
Jack raised an eyebrow.  "Drinking is her way of dealing with her eyes opening in the morning, from what I've seen.  Look, I know she's your sister.  But after what she tried to do, I was in no mood to listen to her half-hearted 'apology'.  I should have let Honour toss her off the ship back in port.  Then we wouldn't have this mess."
"You don't mean that."
"Oh, don't I?  I can't believe you're defending her."
"I'm not defending her, Jack.  I'm just trying to make the best of a bad situation.  Events conspired to create this mess, as you put it.  We have to cope with it together until Madeira."
"You're right," said Jack with a sigh.
"I'll take responsibility for watching over her."
"Damned right, you will.  I've got two women to look after.  I don't need a third!"
Duckie managed to laugh a little at that.  "Especially two at each other's throats.  I hope Honour wasn't as upset as Rose portrayed?"
"Did she tell you Honour wanted to watch the sharks eat her alive?"
"No, she left that part out."
"Between you and me, Duckie, I don't think my wife is quite done with your sister yet.  Best we keep them out of each other's way."
"That will be some trick, Jack.  The ship isn't that big.  Though the clothes Honour gave her to wear should help to keep her in the surgery and out of sight..."
A piercing whistle followed by catcalls from the crew interrupted the conversation.  Jack and Duckie looked down to see what was going on.
"Oh, dear," said Duckie.  "So much for that theory."

Storming toward the quarterdeck stairs with fistfuls of royal blue skirt clenched tightly was Rose.  She tried to ignore the catcalls of "Hey, it's Desi's sister!" and the like as her cheeks flamed red.  Without breaking stride, she climbed the stairs and stood on the quarterdeck facing Jack and her brother.  Jack leaned against the gunwale with his arms crossed, wearing the expression of a man trying hard not to double over in laughter.  Duckie fared only slightly better.
"It's considered polite to ask permission before coming to the quarterdeck, Rose," he said with a barely disguised snicker.
Rose shot her brother a withering glare.
"Not to be a critic, Rose," said Jack, "but blue simply isn't your colour."
"This is what your wife gave me to wear!" she fumed.  "Castoffs from your... your trollops!"
"Well, Desdemona was a lot of things, but she wasn't..."
Duckie gave him a look that said: "Oh?"
"All right, I guess she was."
"Jack, I insist you find me more suitable clothes to wear!  Surely you have something amongst your cargo?"
"Hmm, let me think...  No!  Sorry.  Can't recall dealing with any French ships in the past several months.  Which is just as well, since they'd be out of fashion by now anyway.  I'll tell you what, I can see if some of the younger crew have a clean shift they're willing to donate."
"I will NOT wear pants!" she exclaimed in outrage.
"Them I'm afraid you're stuck wearing the same clothes for the next ten days, or what's been provided you by my wife.  No point of you asking for any of hers, because, well, you wouldn't fill them out as nicely."
The colour of Rose's face matched her name.  "I think you're enjoying making sport of me."
Jack thought about it for a moment.  "As a matter of fact, I am.  Sorry about that.  Consider it penance for the other night."
"Honestly, Jack," said Duckie.  "Things are bad enough."
"Oh, all right.  For your sake, Duckie, I'll stop."

"Can anyone join this party?" came a voice from the stairs.  Honour appeared, dressed in a beautiful seafoam green silk dress with intricate lace work in off white.  Her hair was done up in a matching satin ribbon.  Zara was bundled up in a little off white dress that matched her mother's lace, complete with matching bonnet.  When she saw her father, she began enthusiastically waving her little toy rabbit.
"Da!  Da!" she cried and reached for him.  Jack took her gently from Honour and gave his wife a kiss.
"Well, aren't we the lovely pair!" said Jack.
Honour gave a pirouette.  "Remember this dress?  You bought it for me when we were first married.  It still fits perfectly!"
Rose's jaw clenched tight.  She began to say something, thought better of it, and hastily departed the quarterdeck.
Honour watched Rose leave and turned back the two men with a feigned look of surprise.
"Was it something I said?" she asked with a wink.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 10, 2016, 04:18:09 PM
"See the moon, Zara?"
The little toddler looked up in the night sky. Her father had her on his shoulders and brought her down to his chest.
"Now look up and say, 'Moon, come closer!' See it? See it come to Zara?"
Her eyes grew wide and she reached her hand out.
Jack laughed. "And now you can hold the moon in your hands, sweetheart!"

"Jack, what are you telling her?"
He turned around to see his bemused wife standing there, her hands on her hips.
"Just showing her that if she wants something, nothing is out of her grasp!"
"But the moon?"
"Why not? She already holds the world in the palm of her hand."
"Yes. YOUR world!"
He leaned towards his wife and as she brought her face near his, a little face stuck hers between the two of them. Zara patted both their faces and laughed.
Jack sighed. "I think she is on to us!"
"Well, I came outside for two reasons. One--please get the baby out of the night air. I don't need her coming down with the sniffles."
Jack protested, "Oh, come on, Honour. I have her bundled up. What is the second reason?"
"Cook brought dinner. Grady caught some fresh fish and we still have some field greens. So come in before the fish gets cold."
Jack put his arm around his wife's waist and whispered, "And you are now over your snit-fit regarding you know who?"
She gave him that smile he loved to see. "I figured why should I punish myself along with you?"
Zara pouted, "Da-da!"
Jack shook her head. "She can't possibly be jealous of her own mother, can she?"
"Certainly not! But you keep spoiling her and she will be the diva of Barbados!"
"Well, why not? I like spoiling my girls!"
He bounced Zara up and down gently as the little toddler laid her head against her father's chest.
Honour leaned over and kissed Jack's cheek. "And we like being spoiled! Now, come in so we can have a nice, quiet dinner."
'"And later?"
"Dessert?"
"And after dessert?"
"Let's just see what transpires," Honour laughed.
Jack laughed and opened up the door to their cabin.
"After you, munequita!"
As their door shut, her voice was heard to giggle, "No, Jack! Not until after I have my dessert!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on April 18, 2016, 08:30:35 PM
The door to Duckie's quarters slammed shut.
"You break Jack's door and it won't sit too well with him."
Rose sat down on the chair.
"I am so bored I could just scream!"
Duckie leaned back and sighed. "Rose, it is only a week left---"
"NINE DAYS!"
"---until we port in Madeira. Jack and I will make sure you are booked for passage on a reputable ship and under the captain's protection. With any luck, you will be back in your own bed by the first of March."

Rose tried to smooth down the dress she had on. It was a satin dress in purple. Too short for a woman of Rose's stature. The waist hit her under her bust and the sleeves pulled every time she reached.
"These clothes---they are hideous! What kind of woman would wear a dress like this?"
Duckie looked up from the ledger where he was taking a few notes.
"That? Oh....I can't really recall her name. Buxom girl with brown hair."
Rose stretched her arm and the sleeve ripped in the armhole.
"She must have been a dwarf! Was there ANY kind of woman that Jack did not consort with?"
Duckie put his pen down and thought. "Um....no. If they were female, they qualified."
"So Jack Wolfe had no morals."
Duckie thought for a moment. "I wouldn't say that. He never bothered Bonita again."
"Who's Bonita?"
Duckie waved his hand. "Just someone...spooky."
She crossed her arms in front of her. "I was up on deck a few minutes ago."
"Taking in the night air?"
"Yes. Is it a crime?"
"Not at all. If that was really your reason for being there."
Rose hesitated. "I saw...them."
"Them who?"
"Rhiannon and her child. With Jack. They looked like a..."
"Family?"
Rose looked away. "It could have been me.." her voice trailed off.
Duckie shook his head. "No. It couldn't have been. You two weren't right for each other."
"But Jack has matured."
"The Jack you see now has. It wasn't even Honour--Rhiannon--that changed him as much as it was that little girl he holds in his arms. Honour tamed him. Zara refined him."
"And you are saying I couldn't?"
"Jack was wild, Rose. He endured situations no one should have. When Honour got him, he was coming to terms with alot things. He talked to a friend about his dream of quitting the account."
"And so that little tart was his key to freedom."

Duckie rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Please don't call her a tart, Rose. She's not."
"Carrying on like she did behind Madoc's back? And what makes you think she wouldn't do the same to Jack? Once a cheating wife, always a cheating wife. Madoc was good to her. He gave her the world. And did she appreciate it? No! She was more like his pampered pet. And from what I can see, Jack is treating her the same way."
Duckie burst out laughing. "I know what is bothering you! The same thing that bothered you about her and Madoc! She's warming Jack's bed!"
Rose retorted hotly, "Of course not! I was just mentioning that a woman like that falls backwards into money and position. Everyone knows that she was sent home in disgrace from the abbey. And the next thing we hear, Lord Madoc Castlemaine takes a wife. And that child-bride was barely seventeen!"
"Rose, from what I understand, Madoc Castlemaine wore two masks. The one he kept for the nobility of the land and the one he wore behind closed doors. Honour and I talked one evening when Jack was recuperating from a bullet wound. She painted a portrait of a controlling, cruel man. He used to pinch her and grab her for any slight breach of etiquette or any conduct that he felt didn't reflect well on the House of Castlemaine."

Rose sniffed, "Regardless, she took a lover. Who would have thought it? It was so...so common."
"What is, Rose?"
Her words were biting. "Cuckolding your husband with the help."
"The help?"
She laughed derisively, "And who would have thought Mortimer capable of doing that to Madoc?"
"Rose, I'm not following."
Rose took another deep drink. "Of course. Who do you think was found dead there? Madoc and his wife's lover. Edmund Mortimer. His very own valet."

Duckie dropped his wine glass.
Rose looked down. "Drake, you made a mess." She handed him her napkin. As Duckie picked up the shards, he found his voice. "You--you mean she was having an affair with her husband's valet?"
Crossly, Rose said, "Isn't that what cuckolding is all about? Madoc's son Henry came home and found two dead bodies in the bedroom. Madoc Castlemaine and his servant Edmund Mortimer. Edmund was sprawled across the bed. And the girl was gone. No one knew where she went. But Henry said the jewels were missing. Also gold coins and family heirlooms. And then the truth came out. She had a lover. And Madoc struck the blow that felled him before he himself died."

Duckie's head was swimming.
Two bodies.
Madoc Castlemaine and his valet.
But then...what happened to Rhys Morgan's body?
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on April 24, 2016, 08:49:44 PM
Duckie lay awake, staring up at the overhead.  Briggs was nearby, snoring quietly.  It was well into the wee hours of the morning, but he couldn't find sleep.  Not after the things Rose had said over dinner.
He thought back to the day after Mendoza's sniper had shot Jack.  Honour asked if he had known Rhys Morgan and how he had met his end.  Finding out that she was the woman Rhys risked everything for and lost was the last thing he'd expected. 
Honour had made him promise not to breathe a word of it to Jack, and he lived up to his end of the agreement.  Thanks to Rose, Jack found out Honour's secret anyway.  As much as he deplored Rose's actions that night, Duckie was relieved to be free of that particular burden.  The truth about Rhys Morgan's death was out, the need for secrecy over and done with.

Or was it?

Honour claimed that Rhys died in her arms.  Her description of the scene and those moments could not have been fabricated, in Duckie's opinion.  It was too vivid, too detailed to be anything but the truth.

Now Rose had introduced a new version of the events that night.  Instead of Rhys, Honour had been cuckolding her husband with the help!  At least that is what popular gossip assumed, given that it was not Rhys' body that had been discovered with Madoc's but that of the manservant.  It was just the sort of tawdry, salacious grist the gossip mill loved to churn through.  But it made no sense.  Not with what Duckie knew of Honour Wolfe, née Rhiannon Conaway.

Duckie tried to make sense of it all.  There were always two or more sides to every story, with the truth falling somewhere in the middle.  Despite the intricate web of falsehoods Honour had hidden behind from everyone else, she had been for whatever reason honest to a fault with him.  She confessed her love for Rhys, and he knew first hand how much in love Rhys was with her.  Enough to give up a successful life as a pirate and smuggler.

Therefore, Rose's statement that Honour had been carrying on with the help could not possibly be true.

Honour claimed that Rhys died in her arms.  But what of Rose saying the second body was that of the servant, and not Rhys?  As much as Rhys must have visited that area over the years, he had to have been known by more than few people there.  And knowing human nature, the story of a nobleman and a pirate killing each other over a woman was far more entertaining for the masses than the one currently accepted as truth.  If the second body was indeed the manservant, how did he die at that scene, and why had Honour never mentioned him?

And what of Rhys' body?

Honour and Rhys were to have made their escape that fateful night, only to be discovered by her husband.  Had one of Rhys' crew been waiting with their transport back to the ship, and come looking for them when they were overdue?  And if so, did they retrieve Rhys' body, killing the servant in the process?

No, thought Duckie.  It was too far-fetched.  But the question remained-- what happened to the body of Rhys Morgan?  If the servant had been positively identified, then Rhys' corpse must have been spirited away somehow.

A terrible thought gripped Duckie like icy fingers around his heart.  Honour was in a state of shock and panic that night, having killed her husband and seen her lover mortally wounded.  She assumed Rhys died in her arms.

What if he hadn't?

He knew from his own experience that shock from profound blood loss could cause a man to appear dead, only to recover later if help comes soon enough.  Perhaps, if someone had gotten to Rhys in time....

Duckie shook his head.
"No.  He can't be.  The odds are too outrageous," he said aloud.
"Hmph... Huh?  What?  What's that ye said?" asked Briggs blearily.
"I'm sorry, Josiah.  It was nothing.  Just thinking out loud.  Sorry to wake you."
"No, 's all right... g'night..."  In moments, Briggs was snoring softly again.

Duckie went back to staring into space.  Could it be that Rhys Morgan, by whatever miracle, was still alive?  Or were his remains spirited away to some unknown fate?  Either way, Honour could never know.  He would not see her and Jack's happiness jeopardised by this possibility.  Closing his eyes, he tried to will himself to sleep and forget this new burden that had been thrust upon him.

Another secret to keep from seeing the light of day.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 01, 2016, 08:15:19 PM
Honour wrapped her dressing gown around her and tied the sash. "I swear, the water never felt so....and what is this?"
"What is...what?"
"That."
She pointed to Puddin who was sitting on the bed with a scowl on his face. Zara was attempting to pick him up. But that was not what Honour was perturbed about.
It was the way Puddin was dressed.

"Who's idea was it to put a ribbon on his neck and drape him in beads?"
"Um...Zara's?"
"I think not. Guess again."
Zara tentatively reached her hand towards Puddin to touch one of the beads. His answer was a hiss.
"No, Zara! NO!" She drew her hand back.
"And just WHY is Puddin wearing beads?"
"Um....well, it's in honour of Shrove Tuesday."
"Jack, get those beads off that poor cat. I don't care if it is Shove--"
"--Shrove."
"--Tuesday or Michaelmas. This cat had a wonderful existence before you started using him as a fashion plate for the amusement of your little daughter."
Puddin scratched his head and the beads slipped over his eyes.
Zara clapped her hands and laughed.
"Kee! Kee!"
Honour sighed and took the beads and ribbon off the cat. With a backward glare and an angry swish of his tail, he fled the scene of the crime.

Honour picked Zara up and said, "It's time for bedtime, sweetheart. Kiss Daddy good night!"
"Good night, precious!' Zara leaned over and they gave each other an Eskimo kiss.
As Honour pulled the curtain shut in the small alcove that was sectioned off for Zara to sleep, Jack reached over and opened a bottle of merlot for the two of them.
Ten minute later, Honour emerged.
"It took a few minutes but she finally settled down. Of course, Muir is sleeping at the foot of her bed."
Jack laughed and handed a glass of wine to Honour.
"And shall we drink to our detente?"
She took the glass and clinked it with his. "Is that what we are calling it now?"
Jack smiled, "I guess what is behind that curtain is a joint communique."

Honour sat on the bed cross-legged, looking at the scrolls.
"Jack, I really don't know what to make of these. Just when I think I am close, something curtains off the thought process."
"Darling, you only started to look at them when we were on our return to Wales. You haven't looked at them since."
He took them out of her hands and put them back in the alabaster and ivory chest.
"Lets put them aside. Then when we get to Barbados, we can spread them out and look at them carefully. We will be settled in and can take all the time in the world we want."
She raised her eyebrow. "Jack Wolfe, why do I think you are trying to distract me?"
"Is it working?"
"You, Captain, are an incredible distraction!"
He stood behind her chair and whispered in her ear, "Then close your eyes."

Honour closed her eyes as Jack massaged her neck.
"You're very tense."
She sighed. "You can feel that?"
"Honey, if you were any harder, you would be a brick wall. Let's see if I can turn you into plaster!"
She bit back the clever wenchmouth that threatened to escape her lips.
"Now just stretch out and let me see if I can unknot your muscles."

She closed her eyes and enjoyed the massage. "I think alot of it comes from you-know-who down the hall. I swear, Jack, that woman is a raw nerve."
"You're tensing up again...."
"Sorry. And I've been thinking about the scrolls. The wavy lines bother me. Are they a long-forgotten road? Is it water? And if so, is it a river?"
She felt his hands releasing the tension in her back as she continued thinking out loud.
"And those little pointed signs in the corner. The ones that look like inverted 'v's. Are they mountains? Or a direction?"
"Mmm hmmm.."
"And if they are.....mmm...what are you doing?"
"What do you think I am doing?"
"You know I melt when you do that. Don't...not when I am trying to concentrate. Now the...arrows...point....and..and the writing....at the...bottom.....oh, hell!"

She rolled over and locked her hands behind Jack's neck, pulling him towards her.
"I guess you found a way to shut me up."
He smiled down at her with that look she loved to see, knowing what it would lead to.
He whispered, "Dios mio, te amo, mi querido...."
She kissed him deeply and whispered, "You know I can't resist you when you speak Spanish to me..."
He laughed softly and said, "Pirate!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on May 22, 2016, 05:03:14 PM
Jack walked onto the weather deck, smiling contentedly as the morning sun warmed his face.  The crew were becoming accustomed to seeing him arrive on deck a little later each day, just as he was learning to savour that extra time in bed cuddling with Honour or playing with Zara.  He drank in the morning air and gazed around the deck.  The men were going about their usual duties.  Everywhere there was movement, save one figure leaning on the gunwale near the waist of the ship.  It was Duckie.  He stood there motionless, gazing out over the water.  Jack walked over beside his friend and leant against the gunwale.
"Doing a bit of whale spotting?" he asked.
Duckie smiled a little but didn't take his gaze off the sea.
"Good morning, Jack.  No, no whales.  No answers, either.  Just that damnable horizon we're endlessly chasing."
"Answers?  What's the question?  Maybe I can help."
"I'd be happy if I could figure out the right questions to ask."
"Can't help you there.  I've quit asking questions and simply try to enjoy the moment."
"You're lucky you can do that.  Speaking of bliss, how is Honour today?"
Jack chuckled.  "In a surprisingly good mood.  She's seemed happier with every day we're closer to Madeira.  I'm guessing that when we make port in two days, she'll be dancing jigs on the forecastle!  Why?  How is Rose?"
"Not surprisingly, she's equally ready for us to make port.  For very different reasons.  She's more miserable by the day.  It seems that someone has been playing pranks on her."
"Oh, no," sighed Jack.  "Like what?  I can guess the who."
"It started with little things, like her bed being short-sheeted and the like.  Then the day before yesterday, someone let the cat into her quarters.  With three fish.  He ate them under the bed, and left a horrid, smelly mess for Rose to find that night."
Jack tried to stifle a snicker and failed.
"Then came last night.  Remember dinner?"
"Yes.  The cook made up salmagundi.  Did a fine job, too.  Even Honour thought it was delicious."
"I'm sure hers was.  Rose's, on the other hand, managed to contain a ship's hold worth of curry.  It took her the better part of an hour to get her mouth to cool off!  I've never seen her so drenched in sweat."
"And here I thought Honour was in a good mood because of all the-- well, never mind," said Jack.
"No," said Duckie, "I'd wager it had more to do with her tormenting Rose than any romantic goings on, though that couldn't hurt."
"Believe me; it didn't hurt a bit."

Duckie looked at Jack in exasperation but quickly burst into laughter, as did Jack.
"Look, Ducks, I'm sorry Honour has been picking on Rose."  The apology would have sounded a bit more sincere had he not been chuckling over the thought of Rose eating from a bowl of molten fire.
"Oh, no you're not," laughed Duckie.  "I think it's funny, too.  Lord knows Rose had it coming, and I hope she's learnt her lesson.  But if you could talk to Honour and ask her to ease off for these last couple days, I'd be grateful."
"I'll see if I can negotiate a cease-fire, my friend.  Though it may cost me dearly, like a shopping spree in the boutiques of Martinique."
"The lady of the manor needs to dress the part, no?  You could do with an updated wardrobe, yourself."
"You're beginning to sound like Honour."
"She's right!  You'll need to dress like a man about town, not a notorious pirate come to lay siege."
"I suppose you're right," said Jack.  He looked down at his favourite frock coat, with its cracked buttons and threadbare edges.  "Something a little less broken in is in order."
"You're a wealthy man, Jack.  You should dress the part now."
Jack looked out over the waves.  "How things have changed, eh?  It all could have been so different, any number of times."
"That's just what I was thinking about when you came up here," said Duckie quietly.
"Come on," said Jack, seeing that the faraway look had returned to his friend's face.  "Let's go to the quarterdeck and talk."

Duckie gave a wan smile and nodded agreement.  Together the men ascended the steps to the empty quarterdeck.  Since the weather was good and they were far from shore, the wheel had been tied off to keep the ship on course.  This allowed a crewman who would normally man the helm the opportunity to do something productive, rather than needlessly hold the wheel in place.  Jack double checked the ships heading.  There was no reason to make any adjustments, so he put away the compass and pulled out the bottle of rum.  He poured himself a cup, then held up an empty cup for Duckie.
"Care for any, doctor?"
Duckie looked at the cup and frowned.  "Yes, please.  I'd like some."
"Oh my," said Jack.  "This is serious.  Ordinarily you'd never touch the stuff."  He filled the cup and handed it to Duckie.  "What has me in the role of tavern keeper this lovely morning?"
Duckie took a swallow of the dark liquid and winced as it burned its way down his throat.
"You'll probably think it's foolish..."
Jack shook his head.  "Bollocks.  If it's got you to the point you'll drink rum, there's nothing foolish about it.  So spill it, doctor.  Enquiring rum enthusiasts want to know."
Duckie gave a heavy sigh and took another sip of rum.  "This whole thing with Rhys.  It's set me to thinking, what with his tale being so tragic and all."
Jack nodded in agreement.  "Glad to know I'm not the only one."
"I can't help but wonder, what would things have been like if he hadn't died?"
"Easy.  He would have gotten the girl, and I really would be occupying that grave in Rio de la Hacha instead of that turncoat monk."
"And Zara would never be.  In a way, his death made her possible."
"There's something you're forgetting, Duckie."
"What's that?"
"Mine wasn't the only life he saved.  If he hadn't rescued me, then our paths wouldn't have crossed again.  As I recall, it was your pulling me back from the brink that got you to quit drinking yourself to death."
"You were pretty determined to die, and I wasn't about to let that happen.  I spent every waking hour for nearly a month tending to you."
"Which kept you too busy to drink."  Jack finished off his cup.  "So you see, Ducks, his sacrifice saved us all.  We wouldn't be having this conversation, Honour and I wouldn't be married, and Zara wouldn't be stealing hearts and terrorising the ship's cat.  Rhys Morgan was a hero in that regard, and I'll always be grateful to him.  God rest his soul."

Duckie looked on his old friend and reflected on the changes he could see in Jack Wolfe.  Gone was the self-destructive, morally conflicted man he'd known for so long.  He thought about the way Jack's eyes lit up whenever Honour came near and the way he would smile with pride and joy when holding his little daughter.  It was then he decided that even if there was a grain of truth to Rose's story that the second body discovered at the Castlemaine house wasn't that of Rhys Morgan, it was best for all involved that the memory of Rhys remains just that.  A memory.
He raised his cup in the air.  "Yes, quite right.  Bless and rest his soul.  Here's to looking forward!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 29, 2016, 08:01:57 PM
Somewhere in the Caribbean.....

The captain stood on the quarterdeck, his dark green frock coat spattered with sea salt. His hands never left the wheel, his eyes never moving from the sea ahead.
"POUR MORE CANVAS ON!" he shouted.
"Captain, this mast will only take so much!"
"DAMN YOU, I DON'T CARE! YOU SLAP IT ON OR YOU'LL BE IN THE BRINE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT!"
The boatswain turned to the quartermaster. "What the HELL is his problem?"
The quartermaster grimaced, "He's sensing a storm. Seems to have a sixth sense about it. Best heed it and do as he says. Captain never let us down before."

The captain held the course, noting the winds had started to pick up. He held his side and winced.
"Still giving ye problems, Captain?"
The captain nodded. "How do you think I know a storm is coming up? A divining rod?"
The quartermaster looked to the left of him.
"Wind is picking up. Ye be right again, Captain. Clouds are building in the east."
The captain stared out with grey-green eyes.
"We head for Madeira. Run before the wind, I always say."
"Ye know best, Captain."
"Take the wheel. I'll be back in a few minutes."

The captain went down to his cabin and checked the charts briefly, holding his side. The pain always grew sharp during weather changes. It was something that he had come to accept over the last three years.
Along with a few other realizations in life.

He took a bottle of Jamaican rum and put it into his frock coat pocket, then joined his quartermaster on the deck. He took out his compass.
"Take us five points to the east."
"But, Captain, that puts us right with the storm."
The captain took a deep pull on the rum and handed the bottle to his quartermaster.
"Precisely. We are going to let the storm push us right to Ponta del Sol's front door."
"You're crazy, you know."
"Crazy doesn't begin to cover it."
"Wound hurt?"
"As it always does."

The quartermaster took a deep breath.
"Heard he got married."
"Yeah...so what?"
The quartermaster shrugged. "Just making idle conversation, that's all."
"So now he gets to live the life I should have had. Damn Jack Wolfe. DAMN HIM!"
He slammed his fist down on the ship's wheel.
"Never could trust an Oxford."
The quartermaster knew better than to say anything at this point.
The captain took out his bottle of rum. He took a deep drink and turned to his friend.
"She ran."
The quartermaster nodded. "Door was wide open, safe was empty."
"Dog gone?"
He nodded.
"Figures. Where she went, he went also."
"Sounds like she planned it."
"She was scared."
"Think you will ever find her?"
The captain shrugged. "I have no idea. She could be anywhere in this wide world."
The men were silent as the quartermaster angled the ship.
The captain said quietly, "I never did thank you."
"For what?"
"For....everything."
The quartermaster looked at his captain and gently touched his cap with his two fingers.
"I did what I had to do for ye. No thanks needed."
The captain nodded and looked out towards the horizon.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 12, 2016, 07:51:10 PM
"Well, here you are!"
Honour climbed up to the quarterdeck. She had Zara by the hand as the little girl was tottering on her steps aboard a rolling ship deck. Her chestnut curls, so like her father's, was blowing in the wind and she scrunched her little face up to feel the ocean breeze, a smile on her face.
"I do believe Zara loves the sea air. What do we do when we smell the ocean air, Zara?"
Mother and daughter both took an exaggerated sniff of the air.
Jack burst out laughing. "She scrunches up her nose just like you do!"
Duckie patted Jack on the back. "Got your work cut out for you with those two, Jack. Better pray the next one is a boy!"
He finished off his drink and nodded to Honour. "I never did tell you, Honour. But you did good!"
He touched Zara's curls as he walked by.

Honour watched Duckie as he climbed down the stairs.
"I always wondered what Duckie's life was like before you met up with him again."
"Scattered. Not grounded. But he, like the rest of us, survived it."
Zara tugged on her father's pants leg.
"Kee? Kee?"
Jack scooped her up. "Kee is probably looking for mice, sweetheart."
Zara peered over Jack's shoulder, her eyes wide. Honour laughed. "And if she is like me, she is petrified of them."
Jack kissed her daughter's head. "I didn't know that."
"We had them at Conaway Manor and once day, the cat left one on my pillow. I've been afraid of them ever since."
"Well, we will have to make sure that Puddin doesn't get near Zara's crib."

Zara snuggled herself against Jack's chest and idly played with one of his curls.
Honour laughed. "Most children like security blankets. I remember your first introduction to your daughter."
"Well, she seems to have gotten over it."
"Yes, but will you?"
Jack kissed the top of Zara's head.
"Oh, I think all is forgiven. And now I am going to take Zara to the cabin. I think there are cookies there."
"You mean YOU want a cookie. Or three."
"Nothing wrong with thin mint cookies. Come on, Zara, let's see what Dada has stored away. Coming, Honour?"
"In a minute. I want to just stand here and feel the sun on my face. A month in Wales was long enough. When do we make port in Madeira?"
"I'd say by Thursday. We port in Ponta del Sol."
"And how is the shopping?"
"Um...grand, I would say. Especially if the brethren have had an exceptionally good pillaging last summer."
"Then, my love, I shall drain your coffers dry. Zara needs new boots, don't you sweetheart? Of course you do!"
Honour tickled Zara's feet and she giggled, burying her face in Jack's hair.
"Come on, Zara...maybe we can find 'Kee' while we are at it. Muir? You coming?"
Muir's tail wagged his body because he knew where Zara went, there was food. And crumbs.

Honour breathed deeply the scent of the ocean breeze. It always invigorated her. She thought, 'And a home near the seashore where I can open the windows and...'
"Honour?"
She turned around and there was Rose Gander, Lady Carlisle standing on the steps.
"May I speak with you?"
Honour looked over and then looked back to the sea.  "Do I have a choice?"
Rose climbed the steps. "I guess you do but I would prefer to say what I have to."
Honour shrugged. "Then I'll listen."

Rose took a deep breath before she started to speak.
"This past ten days...I just wanted you to know that I have watched Jack Wolfe."
Honour opened her mouth to speak and Rose held her hand up.
"It's not what you think. I've watched Jack with his crew. With his child. And with you. And--I can't believe I am saying this--but I am happy for him."
Rose stood next to Honour at the rail.
"When I met Jack, he was a charming, idealistic young man. Head full of books and knowledge. And he was my brother's best friend. He was too innocent. Too...perfect."
"And you think otherwise now."
"There's an edge to Jack Wolfe. He's been through some hard times. It shows on his face. And his soul."
"I hadn't noticed."
"Of course not. You got the finished product. He has layers and layers of what he is. And I think each layer tells a story."
"And you are in the mood for a bedtime story?"
Rose held her hand up. "I'm not here to start trouble. This is so awkward...but please let me finish. When I told Jack about your past--yes, a part of me wanted him to thank me and see me again as the young woman I was twenty years ago. But there was one thing I didn't count on. His love for you. And his daughter. And...in a strange way, I am happy for him."
"This surprises me, Lady Carlisle."
"Please...after all the tricks you have played on me, at least call me 'Rose'. I have to admit, it surprised me too.  I know we will never be friends, Honour. But I wanted to say one thing---I respect you. From what Drake has told me, you tamed him. And you saved his life a few times. The mutiny...the snakebite...and that business with that horrid Spaniard. I think the world would be a less bright place without Jack Wolfe in it."

Rose walked down the stairs but turned to Honour.
"I'll be gone when we get to Madeira. Drake and Jack will arrange passage on a safe ship and I will be back in merry old England inside of a month. But I wanted to tell you this."
She walked down the steps and Honour said softly, "Thank you, Rose."
From the companionway was heard, 'You are welcome....Rhiannon."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on June 19, 2016, 08:20:32 PM
Duckie and Rose stood at the waist of the ship waiting for the gangway to be secured in place.  Rose was in the dress she'd worn when she boarded in Beaumaris, though she appeared much soberer than she was that fateful day.  Jack strolled up to them, smiling happily.  He looked out over the town and breathed in the fresh island air.
"Ah, Ponta del Sol.  'Port of the Sun.'  Grand name for a grand place, don't you think?"
"Yes, well, I don't intend on staying here long," said Rose.  "Drake is going to help me book passage back to England.  I think the faster I am on my way home, the better it is for all parties."
"I wish I could say it's been fun, Rose, but I'm not much on lying these days," said Jack.  "Though I am glad you and Honour managed to come to terms."
"She's a strong woman and a good person.  I see that now."
"Isn't she, though?  Absolutely brilliant.  The best thing that ever happened to me.  Except for Zara, of course.  I don't know where I'd be without them.  Dead, I suppose.  Certainly a lot less happy."
"Honour has been a good influence on you, from everything Drake has told me.  It would be a lie to say I don't envy the happiness you have together."  She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.  "Jack, I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused.  Not just on your ship, but Wales, too.  I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me one day."
Jack looked at her, and slowly he began to smile.
"Done," he said.  "I know you felt you had your reasons, but that's water under the bridge now."
"I don't know what to say..."
"'Thank you' is usually the customary response to a kindness given," offered Duckie.
Rose felt her face colour.  "Yes, of course.  Thank you, Jack."  She looked down for a moment, then met Jack's eyes.  "I do wish you and Honour, and little Zara too, all the happiness in the world.  You deserve it."
"Thank you," he said.  Then he stepped forward and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead.  "Do find yourself some happiness, Rose.  You deserve it, too."
"I'll try, I promise," she smiled.  "Farewell, Jack."
"Goodbye, Rose.  Safe travels."
She nodded, then began to make her way down to the dock.  Duckie stepped onto the gangway behind her.
"I'll be back as soon as I get Rose settled," he murmured.
"No rush, my friend," said Jack.  "There's plenty of time.  Besides, Honour has shopping to do.  I'd never think of rushing her along.  Ah!  And speaking of my lovely bride, there she is!"

Honour walked across the deck toward the two men, dressed in the finery of a lady about town.  In her hands was bundle wrapped in brown burlap and tied with string.
"Oh good, Duckie!  I caught you before you left!" she chirped.  "Where's Rose?"
"Good morning, Honour!  She's already down to the dock.  She is anxious to get back home, as you might imagine."
Honour peered down the gangway and saw Rose with her back to the ship, waiting more or less patiently for her brother.  Honour stepped back so she couldn't be seen, and motioned Duckie to come with her.
"I want you to give this to Rose," she said as she handed the parcel to the doctor.  "I couldn't bear the thought of her travelling back to England with only one dress.  It's the most tasteful of the 'surplus' dresses on board.  The rest will be burned once we make Barbados, but I digress.  She can have this on the condition that she'll not know it came from me.  Can you arrange that?"
Duckie looked at the parcel in his hands and smiled at Honour.  "This is terribly generous of you, after all she's put you through!  Yes, I can tell her I'm sending it to a friend in New Providence or some such, then have it waiting for her in her cabin the day she sails."
Honour smiled happily. "I knew I could count on you!"
"Of course you can, my dear.  Always."  He looked at her, and he couldn't help thinking about what Rose had told him about the rumours surrounding the deaths of her first husband and her lover.
"Duckie, is something the matter?"  she asked.
He shook his head as if to clear a fog.  "What?  Oh, no, nothing.  I was just thinking about all the things that have happened over the past few months.  So many changes and all of them wonderful!"  He hefted the package in his hands.  "I'd best be getting along.  Rose is no doubt running out of patience with me.  Thank you for doing this for her."
He turned and nodded to Jack, then went down the gangway to meet up with his sister.

"And just what are you smiling at, Jack Wolfe?" Honour asked.
"Only the most beautiful woman in the world, Honour Wolfe!  Just look at you!  Someone is dressed for serious shopping."
She twirled in place to show off her dress, giggling as she did so.  "Are you sure you don't mind watching Zara while I shop?"
"The ship is safely moored, we're in a friendly port, the weather is glorious, and I haven't a care in the world.  Besides, Briggs has all the hard work now.  I'm just the owner, on a pleasure cruise with his family.  Watching Zara is a responsibility I welcome."
"Whilst I brave the sharp-eyed shopkeepers intent on getting every last penny out of me."
"Oh, they don't stand a chance against you, love.  In fact, I pity them a little.  Very little."  Jack held out his hands.  Honour took them, and he drew her into a warm lingering kiss.
"Jack!" she exclaimed with a little gasp.  "I often wonder what the men think!"
"That I'm a lucky man," he said proudly.  "And they'd be right."
"We'll discuss just how lucky later," she said with a wink.  "Right now, I have shopkeepers to plunder!"
"Spoken like a true pirate!  Do be careful, though."
"You worry like a mother hen, Jack.  I'll only be gone a couple of hours.  I promise to stay safe."
He kissed her cheek softly.  "I'll hold you to that."
Honour playfully tugged his goatee.  "I insist you do!  Now out of my way, pirate boy!  Ponta del Sol awaits!"
Jack laughed and gave her a sweeping bow as she stepped onto the gangway and began her excursion to the sunny Portuguese town.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 27, 2016, 08:01:35 PM
Honour walked along the streets of Ponta del Sol, her boot heels clicking on the cobblestones as she perused the shop windows.  As accustomed as she had become to life aboard ship, there was something satisfying about the feel of solid ground beneath her feet.  She loved the sea because it was Jack's world and the stuff of her childhood dreams, but she would always be a child of the land.  Secretly she wondered how Jack would make the transition to life on dry land in Barbados.  Their first attempt was a spectacular failure, but she reminded herself that everything was different this time.  He had torn the entire Caribbean apart looking for her.  Even though he had originally meant only to recover that hideous gold key, they both discovered their love burned as hot as ever, and that their place was at each other's side.  And of course there was little Zara, the most valuable jewel in all their treasure.  Jack had taken to fatherhood as easily as he had taken ships in the past, to everyone's surprise.  Most of all, there were no secrets between Jack and Honour any more.  They'd all been chased out into the light and dealt with.  No more ghosts.  The skeletons were buried.  This time everything will be different, she told herself without one twinge of doubt in her mind or her heart.  Their happily ever after was close enough to taste, and it made her heart sing.

Honour's steps slowed as she enjoyed the warmth of the sun on her face.  It was good to be away from the chill of Wales.  It would always mean home and family to her, but she was anxious to make the plantation in Barbados into a real home for herself, Jack, and Zara.  It felt good to be running to something for a change.  She took a deep breath, and the smell of fresh bread sparked her senses.  A glance down the street revealed the bakery's sign, and she made a mental note to pick up fresh loaves to go with that night's supper.  But that would wait. 

Honour pulled the shopping list from her reticule and looked to see what was next to find.  She had already bought several new dresses for Zara, most of which she would have to grow into.  Another shop had bolts of silk she wanted to have made into shirts for Jack.  He may be adding "Retired" to his title of captain, but she could never resist the way he looked in a fine silk shirt.  It took some persistence and walking out of the shop twice only to be called back by the owner, but she got the price she wanted.  Now she had her eye on table linens.  The dressmaker recommended a shop to look at.  Honour had a feeling it belonged to a relative of the dressmaker, so she hoped this person was as easy to negotiate with.  She took one more sniff of the bread-scented air, and went inside.

An hour later, Honour was on her way back to the ship, with three long loaves of bread in a cloth sack tucked securely against her.  The linen shop keeper had been a pushover, refusing to call her "Honour" or even "Mrs. Wolfe," opting instead for "Pretty Lady."  She took the flattery in stride, and managed to talk him down to less than half price for a year's worth of tablecloths, charges, napkins, and tea towels.  It felt so good to be buying things for the plantation house.  Each step toward the security of a hearth and home that was truly hers was a welcome one, and they were coming faster every day.

As she approached the docks, her pace slowed as she beheld the spectacle before her.  A dozen or more tents had sprung up, deliberately arranged to choke foot traffic between the ships and town.  Vendors noisily hawked their wares to sailors and townsfolk alike.  Honour smiled as she thought back to the seasonal faires she remembered from her childhood.  Since she still had money in her purse and no pressing need to get back to the ship just yet, she decided to see what was being offered for sale.  She tore off a hunk of bread and nibbled it happily as she mixed in with the crowd.

After Honour worked her way through several of the tents, each brimming with baskets and blankets and somewhat interesting nicknacks, she found herself at the far end of the docks from El Lobo.  She cursed under her breath, because now she would have to go back through the crowd to get back to the ship.  With a sigh, she tore off another hunk of bread and waded back into the sea of people.  But before Honour could take a bite of bread, she saw something that made her stop as if rooted to the ground.
"Not again," she whispered.

There, not more than fifty feet ahead of her, making his way toward the docks, was a man in a weatherbeaten green frock coat.  The same green coat she'd seen during the stopover in the Azores, she was sure of it.  His hair was mostly pulled back in a ponytail, but the wind blew tendrils of hair around his face, making it difficult to get a good look at his face as he looked from side to side.  The swagger was the same.  More than the usual sailor's gait, it was something all its own.  And it belonged to only one man.

Rhys Morgan.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 04, 2016, 06:11:04 PM
"No, it can't be," Honour said aloud.  She went to put the piece of bread back in the sack, but it had fallen from her hand when she spotted the man.  No matter, she thought.  He might have eluded her in the Azores fog, but she was not about to let him get away this time.  Honour had to know once and for all if this ghost was indeed Rhys, or her overactive imagination.  She pressed on, trying to wedge her way in between the shoppers that suddenly seemed to be moving at a snail's pace.
"Pardon me," she said as she forced her way around one person, then another.  "I said, pardon me....  damn it, MOVE!"
The gap was closing between her and the green-coated man.  He seemed to be looking for a specific tent, but was not slowing his pace.  So typical of him when he had his mind set on something, she thought.  She tried to skirt close to some tents without many patrons in order to head him off.  A nervously determined smile curled her lips as she began to close in.

Suddenly, a mountain of a man blocked her way.  Honour yelped in surprise.
"Hello, pretty lady!" he said in an impossibly deep baritone.  He grinned down at her at her with all six of his teeth.  In his hand were bars of soap.  Honour found herself wishing he'd use more of his own wares.
"Excuse me, but I'm trying to catch up to someone," she explained, and tried to circumnavigate the huge man.  He sidestepped and continued to block her path.
"You're very pretty!  You like Flavio's soap?"
"Thank you, but no, I... yes, it's very nice.  Please, I need to go."
"I make it myself.  Here, smell!"  He held the bars up to Honour's face, and she took a step back from the overpowering melange of scents.
"It smells like a garden run amok," she coughed.
"That is good, no?"
"No.  I mean, yes!  Very good.  Please, I need to find my friend!"
"You like, you buy?"
"I'll tell you what, Flavio.  My friend LOVES soap.  Let me fetch her, and she'll buy lots of your soap!  Deal?"
The giant stepped aside with a smile and bowed deeply.  "Thank you, pretty lady!  See you soon!"

Honour rushed past Flavio, trying desperately to get a glimpse of the green-coated man again.
"Damn that overgrown soap maker," she grumbled as she walked.  "I should go back and give him a boot full of 'pretty lady' right in the bum!  Now I'll never... wait!"
She caught sight of the frock coat again, and she swallowed hard.  He was standing at a tent, trying on a hat.  It was a black Cavalier-style chapeau, with a long burgundy feather that gave the wearer a rakish quality.  Honour bit her lip, and walked up behind the man.  She had to remind herself to keep breathing.  Her heart pounded like a hammer in her ears.  Part of her didn't want to go through with this, but the other part needed to know once and for all if this living ghost was indeed her first love.

She tried to raise her hand to touch him on the shoulder, but her arm felt like it was made of solid lead.  Finally, she found the courage to speak.
"R-Rhys?  Rhys, is that you?" she asked, her voice quaking.
The man stood up straight and hesitated a moment.  Then he reached up and took off the hat as he turned.  As he lowered the hat, she could finally see the face of the mystery man.

It wasn't Rhys.

The man bore a passing resemblance to Rhys, but he was too old.  His eyes were brown, his teeth a mess.  The coat wasn't right.  A similar cut, but the embroidery was all wrong.  Even his boots weren't the right colour.
"No, ma'am," the sailor said with a smile that made her skin crawl.  "But if it suits ye, I can be Rhys.  That'd suit me just fine, it would."
Honour took a large step backward.  "I'm sorry!  I thought you were someone else.  Please forgive the intrusion."  Her face flaming with embarrassment, she turned to walk away.  But the sailor caught her arm.
"That ain't very fair of ye, ma'am.  Ye gave me name, but ye never told me yours."
Her embarrassment quickly turned to anger.  "You may call me Mrs. Wolfe."
"Mrs. Wolfe, is it?" he laughed.  "Well, Mrs. Wolfe, how's about I give ye a reason to howl?"
Honour managed to pull herself free and glared at the man.  "Have you heard of the ship El Lobo del Mar, by any chance?"
The man's grin disappeared.  "Aye.  Everyone has, I reckon."
"And her captain?"
"That'd be ol' Mad Jack.  Mad Jack..."  His eyes went wide.  "... Wolfe."
"My husband."
"Ma'am, I'm sorry, I am!  I was just havin' a bit of fun with ye, is all..."
"I'm sure my husband will see the joke when he finds out you were pawing his wife."
The man started to say something, couldn't seem to find the words, then broke and ran off through the crowd.

Honour stood there shaking.  Partly with relief that it wasn't Rhys, and partly from having to face down a potential molester or worse.
"God, I'm out of practice," she exhaled.
"Hey!  He was gonna buy that hat!"
She looked over at the tent, where the hat seller was glaring at her.  "Excuse me?"
"That man you chase off!  I lose a sale because of you!"
Honour picked up the hat the man dropped when he ran and looked at it.
"Do you have this in a size larger?" she asked as she handed it back to the seller.
"You buy it if I do?" he asked.
"I'll buy it.  But only if you add more feathers!"
"Deal, pretty lady!"
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 11, 2016, 08:09:11 PM
"Why is it that everytime you go somewhere, I miss you?"

Jack stood there on the gangway with an armful of Zara and a grin on his face. And here is where Honour's heart lie. With the two that made her the most happy.
"And just where are your parcels? Don't tell me you couldn't charm the vendors into giving you the price you wanted?"
"Hmm? Oh...I left them with a vendor that will arrange delivery for all the purchases I made. I have some silk for your shirts and you---"
Honour held her arms out and Zara went willingly into them. "---you will have a few new clothes when we get to home, Missy!"

Suddenly her reticule, which she had dropped, began to squirm.
"What the hell...?" Jack said.
Honour handed Zara back to Jack and sighed.
"You'll hate me for this."
"No, I won't."
Honour reached in the bag and brought out a little black kitten. She began to talk very fast.
"You see, there was this vendor on the end of the street and he had one kitten left. He wanted to go home and he didn't want to take the kitten with him. There was a man there who had a snake and he was going to...going to....well, I threw a few coins at him and shoved the kitten in my bag. And if you say we can't keep him then you can tell your daughter why she can't have the----"
"Kee! Kee!"
"--too late."

Zara held out her hands to the little kitten that was wrapped around Honour's hands. Her eyes were wide. '
"Gently, sweetheart. And if your Da says so, you may keep the 'kee'. What say you, Da?"
Both Zara and Honour looked hopeful at Jack. He laughed.
"I guess Puddin' can put up with a kitten."
"I figured that Puddin would stay with the ship and this way, we are saving another kitten's life. She curled right up in my bag and slept the whole way here. I did buy her some milk when I stopped for tea."
Jack sighed. "Honour, the next one better damn well be a boy. I can't be outnumbered!"
"Well, the next kitten we get will be a boy then."

That night, over a meal of fresh beef and potatoes with the bread that Honour had bought, Jack totaled up the sums that Honour had spent.
She looked at him hopefully.
He sighed and then smiled.
"Well done! You drive a hard bargain, Mrs. Wolfe. The shops are a little richer but poorer on their merchandise. And I do love the silk that you bought."
She wrapped her arms around him from the back.
"I am so pleased."
"You seemed a bit preoccupied at dinner. Did Ponta del Sol live up to its name?"
"Oh yes! It was very crowded though and a few ships must have ported."
She yawned and Jack drew her onto his lap. She rested her head against his chest and said in a small voice, "Jack?"
He kissed the top of her head.
"Yes, love?"
"Jack....did they ever find out what happened to Neptune Rising after...?"
Jack gently stroked her hair. He knew it was a painful subject for both of them but he also understood Honour's need to verbalize things that were on her mind.
Softly he said, "I think the quartermaster took her over."
"Dolan?"
"Yeah, someone said Johnny outfitted her to suit himself and changed the name. Could just be tavern talk."
She sighed and absentmindedly twirled one of Jack's curls on her finger.
"I--I'm glad. She was a fine ship and deserved someone who loved her almost as much as..as much as...."
And Honour burst out crying.

Jack held her closely and let her cry.
She broke away and then dabbed her eyes. "I--I'm so sorry, Jack. I don't know where that came from. I guess I was just feeling a bit...I don't know.  A new port and all."
He gently wiped the tears off her face and then cupped her face.
"Darling, I don't want you to ever feel you can't talk to me about Rhys. He was a part of your---both--our lives and if not for him, I wouldn't be alive."
She held Jack close and tried not to start crying again. "I just wondered if--if he is at peace now."
Jack picked his words carefully. "I think things happen for a reason, Honour. And if Rhys couldn't be with you, then I think circumstances were maneuvered to make sure you were taken care of. And I think the privilege fell to me."
He hesitated.
"Did something happen today to bring Rhys up?"

The image of a salt-spattered green frock coat and a swagger that belonged to one man flashed through her mind.
"No. Like I said, a new port....just a new adventure. And I am very tired."
He set Honour on her feet and rubbed her shoulders. Looking into her eyes, he said, "I don't ever want you to be afraid to talk to me about Rhys, sweetheart. He was my friend too. And I miss him."
She nodded and yawned.
"And now it is high time you got some sleep. You had a busy day."

As Honour slipped under the covers, Jack emerged from the curtained area where Zara was sleeping.
"You have to see this."
Jack led her to the cradle. Zara was curled up with the kitten resting on her pillow. Honour laid her head on Jack's shoulder as she looked at her little daughter.
Yes, this is where her future lay.
And her heart.
~~~~~~~~~~

Jack laid there staring at the ceiling. Honour slept in his arms, curled up as if clinging to him for protection. Absent-mindedly he stroked her hair. It was on quiet nights like this that he fought his demons.
The memory of Colonel Diego y Castille Mendoza.
Having Honour with him helped him keep his sanity and his need for revenge throttled.
He looked down on her sleeping face with tenderness. She was his epicenter, the thing that kept him on track and gave him a new lease on life. The eighteen months she had been gone was like hell on earth but after tearing the Caribbean apart, tavern by tavern--and brothel by brothel, convent by convent--good fortune had smiled on him once again.
And in the bargain, he got a dividend.
Zara.

Carefully he disentangled himself from her and walked over to the porthole, the moonlight shining through onto their bed.
He looked up at the stars and said quietly, 'Thank you, Da--talking with you while I was Mendoza's house guest was my lifeline to sanity. I don't know why, but I think you had a hand in helping me get her back. And laughing your arse off at the same time. I'll do you proud, Da. I promise. I'll always do right by her.'

He lowered the blinds on the window and climbed back into bed.
"Jack? Are you alright?" Honour murmured sleepily.
"Just thinking about family. Hush and go back to sleep, love. I'm fine."
She snuggled closer to him and her reply was soft breathing.
Jack chuckled to himself, 'You always said women would be the death of me, Da. But I think you just proved yourself a liar. But I don't think you mind that. Because this one saved me.'
He snuffed the candle out and before long, Jack too was asleep, the deep sleep of security.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 20, 2016, 07:33:02 PM
Sixteen days later, El Lobo reached the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa, a significant waypoint on the journey to the New World, her progress slowed by unfavourable winds cast from an unseasonably early storm.  But the weather was clear now, and the vessel turned toward the west and the Caribbean, carried along by the warm and friendly trade winds.  In less than two weeks time by Jack's estimation, they would be safely in port at Barbados.  More importantly, they would be home.

"That's it, Zara!  That's my girl!  Come to Da!" said Jack as he clapped his hands together.  He was sitting on the deck of the great cabin with his arms outstretched.  Zara clung to her mother's skirts, coyly peeking from around them at her father as she chewed on the ear of her toy rabbit.
"I don't think you're going to win this one," Honour teased.
"She gets it from you," replied Jack with a wink.  He got to his feet, then crouched a little and clapped his hands once more.  This time, Zara ran across the short expanse of gently swaying deck and into Jack's arms.  The little girl giggled and squealed as he swept her up.
"Ha!  I knew it!" he laughed.  "She wanted to be picked up!  Even at this tender age, she's a shrewd negotiator."
"She got that from me, too!"
Jack gave his wife a smile.  "Don't I know it!  I'm gonna have to watch my back with the two of you around."
Honour watched as Jack held Zara in his arms and smiled at the joy on his face.  It was at times like this she could scarcely remember the fierce, wild-eyed pirate he had been.  She knew that part of him was still there beneath the surface, but also that if it ever did reappear it would be in defence of his family.  Jack was a different man from when they had met, just as Honour was a different woman.  They had transformed one another through their love, embodied in little Zara.

"Da!" said Zara, pointing to the rafters.  "Kee!  Kee!"
Jack looked up to see Puddin' lounging contentedly on a beam.  The cat pretended not to pay any attention but gave a dismissive flick of an ear.
"Yes, sweetheart, you found Puddin'!" said Jack  He began to look around the cabin.  "But where is...  Honour, have you seen the kitten?"
"Evie?  She's around here somewhere.  I'm surprised Puddin' let her out of his sight.  He spends every waking moment watching after her and Zara.  The role of big brother suits him."
"I never would have figured him for the guardian angel sort.  But there he is, picking Evie up by the scruff of the neck before she can get into trouble."
"Or distracting Zara when she's nosing about where she shouldn't," added Honour.  "I hope he's not staying with the ship. He's made my life so much easier!"  Suddenly she clamped her hand over her mouth to stifle a loud laugh and pointed at the table.  Jack turned to look at what his wife found so funny.  There, curled up and sleeping atop a wooden bowl full of apples, was the little black kitten.
Jack chuckled and shook his head.  "But of course!  Where else would you expect to find Eve?  First, she was in trouble with a snake; now she's piled in with the apples!"

Zara made a grunting noise and began to squirm.  While Jack and Honour had been looking for the kitten, her rabbit had slipped from her hands and fallen to the deck.  Jack leant down to pick it up, but Zara had other ideas.
"Me!" she exclaimed, and stretched out her arm toward the toy.
"All right then, Miss Independent!" said Jack as he set her down on her feet.
Zara leant over and picked up the rabbit.  She looked up at her father with a self-satisfied smirk and toddled off toward Honour.  As she did, the ship pitched just enough to cause her to lose her balance and fall backwards onto her bottom.
"Bolx!" she said with a loud huff.  Immediately Zara began working to get back on her feet.
Jack laughed at the nonsensical epithet.  "What a funny thing for her to say!"
Honour wasn't laughing.  Rather, she was giving Jack a look of disapproval.
"What?" he asked.  "It's not like she swore or anything."
"Didn't she?  What did you hear her say?"
He thought for a moment.  "'Box', I think.  Where would Zara get something like that to say?"
Honour shook her head.  "She didn't say 'box', Jack.  Think about it.  What would you say if you fell on your rump?"
Jack's face began to colour.  "Most likely, I'd say 'boll'--"
"Bolx!" chirped Zara loudly.
"- 'ocks'.  Oh, my.  She learns fast, doesn't she?"
"Yes, she does.  What did you expect out of our daughter?  And she's going to start repeating everything she hears, more and more.  So please, watch your language around her?"
"Mea culpa, my love," he said with a smile.  "I promise to think before I speak, which will be something new for me.  But we are on a crewed ship.  She may have quite the vocabulary by the time we make port!"
Honour chuckled a little.  "I'm hoping you'll lead by example.  They're still your men, Jack.  Even Briggs won't let the men call him captain yet.  Not while you're still aboard."
"I'm still used to providing a perfect example of how not to behave.  And me, behave myself?  People will talk."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 26, 2016, 08:44:46 PM
Honour walked to him and straightened the collar of his shirt.  "That was the old Jack Wolfe.  The new one is a respectable businessman.  A pillar of the community, and a loving husband and father."
"Ugh!  You make me sound so dull."
"You?  Dull?  Impossible.  What business is it you'll be excelling in?  Have you given it any thought?"
"You mean, what do I want to be when I grow up?"
"Something like that."
Jack took a deep breath, and his brow furrowed as he exhaled.  "I still don't know yet.  Daffyd and I talked about a number of things, like horse breeding and land sales.  Of course, there's always the merchant trade.  Let's face it, if any merchant would be prepared effectively to repel any pirate attacks, it's me.  Wouldn't that be a bit of irony?"
He laughed, but he couldn't help but wonder how he would successfully rejoin the 'legitimate' world of business with his past.  People's memories were short, but how quickly would they forget about Mad Jack Wolfe, the pirate?  And how soon would Governor Culley be willing to forget about the regular under-the-table payments Jack paid to freely use the ports of Barbados?  Those were worries for another day, he resolved.  Somehow he couldn't bring himself to fret about such matters while looking into Honour's beautiful blue eyes.  She made him feel like anything was possible. 
He hoped she was right.
"Something will come to you," she reassured lovingly.  "I know you too well.  That mind of yours is always working."
Jack slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her close.  "Indeed it is.  Guess what I'm thinking right now?"
Honour pressed her hands against his chest.  "Are you forgetting we have a tiny chaperon?"
He looked past her to see Zara sitting on the deck, holding her rabbit by the back legs and shaking it to make its ears flop against the wooden planks.
"I guess you're right.  She doesn't seem the least bit tired, either."
"She will be later.  Any chance those thoughts will still be fresh in your mind?"
"Honour, those thoughts are always in my mind where you're concerned."
"Just checking.  I wouldn't want you to become bored with me."
Jack smiled and stroked her cheek.  "Never.  That's a promise."

At that moment, the door to the cabin swung open, barely missing Zara.  Eli Meredith stood there in the open doorway staring down at the little girl, looking completely flustered.
"Eli!" Jack roared.  "Since when don't you knock before coming in here?!"
Eli looked at Jack and Honour with a start, then took a step backwards.  The young man's eyes were panicky, and he wrung his knit cap nervously in his hands.
"Cap'n!  Sir, I'm sorry, sir.  And mum.  But it's awful urgent!  Mister Briggs said I should come get you right away!"
"What on earth for?  There's nothing Briggs can't handle on his own."
"Aye sir, there is," said Eli gravely.  "Three warships, with English flags.  They're on an intercept course, Cap'n.  We need you."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 31, 2016, 08:08:09 PM
Jack's expression went hard as stone.  The last time Honour had seen that look was on their first disastrous crossing to Barbados.  She could feel her stomach tighten involuntarily.
"Are you sure they're interested in us?" asked Jack.
Eli nodded.  "Mister Briggs changed our course twice, he did.  So did they, matchin' us turn for turn each time.  Then they clapped on more sail."
"Has he raised the flag of England?"
"No, sir.  Waitin' for your word on it, he is."
Damn, thought Jack.  If they weren't suspicious before, they are now.  "Thank you, Eli.  Please tell Briggs I'll be up presently, and that he's not to do anything else until I get there."
The young man nodded hesitantly before closing the door.  Jack turned to Honour and gently touched her hair.
"Everything will be fine, Honour.  But I need you and Zara--"
"To stay here.  Keep down and stay away from the windows.  I- I remember." 
Her face was pale, and Jack could see she was struggling to hold back tears.  He placed his hands gently on her shoulders and gave Honour a smile he hoped was reassuring.
"Yes, my love.  For safety's sake.  But I promise you; I'll do everything I possibly can to resolve this situation peacefully.  Nothing is more important that keeping you and Zara safe."
He looked into her eyes, hoping if she saw he was calm, her fear would fade.
"This isn't Mendoza, Honour.  My dealings with the Navy have shown them to be reasonable men.  Or at least easy to bribe.  Maybe they're lost and need directions to Barbados?  Or they're all out of sugar?  Briggs' sweet tooth will suffer, but it's for the greater good."
Honour found herself laughing a little at the joke even though she was still scared.  She knew Jack needed her to put on a brave face, just as he was doing for her.
"You men are so terrible with maps!" she said, her voice wavering more than she had hoped it would.  "Go and be the captain.  Your men need you."
"I swear, Honour, this is the last time I'll ever have to do this.  I wish to God I didn't, but..."
"But you're the captain, and if anyone can see all of us through this, it's you.  Now, go and take your rightful place on the quarterdeck, Captain Wolfe.  Go and be brilliant."
Jack kissed her tenderly.  "I'll send word when it's safe."
He picked up Zara and held her close.  "Here, sweetheart.  You be a good girl, and keep your mum safe for me, all right?"  He kissed his daughter's head, then handed her over to Honour.  Zara went willingly into her mother's arms.
"Da!" she said as she held her rabbit up so it could get a kiss, too.  Jack obliged before going to the door.  He opened it, and lingered a moment.
"I love you, Honour."
She forced herself to smile nonchalantly.  "I love you too, Jack."
The door closed with a loud clack of the latch.  Honour hugged her precious daughter and quietly began to cry.

Jack strode onto the weather deck just as he had done thousands of times before.  But this time felt different.  There was a terrible finality that gnawed at him.  This would most likely be his last official act as captain of El Lobo del Mar.  The next time she sailed, he would be her owner, not her master.  He pushed the feeling aside for the moment.
"Now's not the time for introspection, Jack," he muttered to himself.  "Think more about not getting your arse blown off."
The men at their stations traded nods and confident smiles when they saw him walking toward the quarterdeck.  The mood and tempo of the crew seemed to lift in his presence, knowing he would be there to see them through this latest trial.

Jack hoped their confidence wasn't misplaced.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 22, 2016, 01:35:28 PM
"Mister Briggs!" he called out as he jogged up the steps to the quarterdeck.  "Permission to approach, Captain sir!"
Briggs made a sour face and motioned him on.  "Quit arsin' about and get up here.  Since when do you ask permission for anythin'?"
"Just trying it on for size."
"What do ye think of it?"
"Not much."
Briggs handed Jack the spyglass and waited for him to get a look at the approaching ships.
"Three of the buggers; two heavy frigates and a corvette.  I changed course twice to see if they were followin' or just goin' our way."
"And they matched us turn for turn.  Eli told me."  Jack examined the three vessels carefully.  "Damn.  They're serious, and I know why.  The frigate with all the flags?  One of those is the pennant of a commodore or admiral." 
He snapped the spyglass shut.
"What's that got to do with us?" asked Briggs.
"We're a lone ship, and we're not flying a flag.  Ordinarily, they couldn't be bothered.  With a flag officer in their midst, though, they're going by the book.  All the same, we've nothing to hide.  Mister Meredith!" 
Eli stepped forward, immediately pulling off his cap and twisting it in his hands.
"Aye, Cap'n Wolfe?"
"Run up the flag of England, mainmast and stern.  Let them know we're good citizens of the Commonwealth."
"Aye, sir!  Right away!"
"Oh, and Eli?"
The young man turned back with a puzzled look on his face.
"Yes, cap'n?"
"Stop wringing your cap like it's laundry day, please?  Mrs Wolfe isn't going to buy you a new one every other port."  Jack softened his remark with a smile. 
Eli laughed self-consciously and pulled the cap back on his head before going to retrieve the two flags.

"He's a good kid, isn't he, Josiah?"
Briggs watched Eli hitch the larger of the two flags to the flag line and haul it aloft.
"Aye, he turned out to be a bit of all right.  It's a good thing Honour saw somethin' in him we didn't."
"He was a scared boy, and Burgess took advantage of that.  Not every young sailor is lucky enough to fall in with a good teacher and a better friend."
"Ye just needed to get yer bearin's, is all," Briggs demurred.  "I didn't always steer ye right, remember.  Like that time in Martinique..."
"Not one of our finer moments!" laughed Jack.  "I'm glad I waited a few years before showing my face there again."
"Ye think the governor would have remembered?"
"It wasn't the governor I was worried about."
"Ah, right.  His daughter."
Jack paused for a few moments.  "Both of them."
Briggs burst into laughter.  "Damn, but that was some fun!"

Eli bounded up the steps with a flag in hand but came to a stop when he got to the quarterdeck and saw the two men laughing.
"What, did I do something wrong?"
"Not at all, Eli!" said Jack as he caught his breath.  "We were just reminiscing.  Please continue.  You're doing fine!"
Eli gave them an odd look, then went about affixing the flag to the stern flagstaff.  He watched the trailing ships for several seconds before turning away.
"Cap'n, how long you figure before they catch us?" he asked worriedly.
Jack cast his gaze back across the water to the warships.  His eyes narrowed as he thought.
"I hate waiting," he said finally.  "Waiting makes me edgy.  I hate being edgy even more than waiting.  Time to play this out."
He turned toward the weather deck and went to the taffrail.
"Heave to!" Jack shouted.  "Take in all sail!  Step lively, lads!"
The crew stopped what they were doing, and quickly began climbing the ratlines to gather in the sails.
Briggs stepped to his side.  "I hope ye know what ye're doin', Jack."
"That's just it, Josiah.  I don't."
"What?"
"I don't know if that patrol have us figured as pirates and intend on blasting us out of the water, or if they want directions to the nearest good tavern.  I'm hoping, and it's just a hope mind you, that this will throw them off whatever their game is.  It's hard to justify firing on a drifting ship, no matter your suspicions.  Even harder with a high-ranking officer watching."
"Unless he's the one what ordered it," said Briggs grimly.
"When did you become such a wet blanket?"
"Always have been.  This be the first time ye've taken a notice."
"I won't make that mistake again," Jack quipped.  "All the same, I won't have us as sitting ducks.  Mister Meredith!  Another errand for you, good man."
Eli stepped quickly to his side.  "Aye!"
"Eli," said Jack quietly, "I need you to go below to the gun deck.  Tell them to make the lower guns, and only the lower guns ready.  But they must not run them out.  Not until so ordered.  I want all the gun ports left shut and shut tight.  If as much as one opens for any reason, I'll flay alive the man responsible.  Can you do that for me?"
Eli nodded, and his expression became stern as if in preparation for the task.  "Aye, sir!  I'll make it as clear as cut glass to them!"
"Good man.  Off you go."
Briggs waited until Eli had left the deck to deliver the orders before drawing a deep breath.
"An insurance policy?" he asked.
Jack stared across the weather deck and rapped his knuckles on the railing.  "Let's hope we don't have to use it."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 22, 2016, 06:46:19 PM
Less than two hours later, the three English warships approached to within a quarter of a mile of El Lobo and held their station there.  The corvette and the smaller of the two frigates had taken up flanking positions, leaving the larger frigate directly aft of the former pirate ship.  None of the Navy vessels made aggressive actions, choosing to keep their gun ports closed just as Jack had ordered his own gun crews.  The four ships bobbed in the ocean in unison, waiting.
"What the hell are they waitin' for?" groused Briggs.  "An engraved invitation?"
"They'll be waiting a long time," said Jack.  "We're here, and we aren't running.  That's as much as they get.  If they want more, they can come ask."
"I wish to hell they'd get on with it."
"Probably looking up in the book what to do next, because I don't think they expected us to stop.  In that case, my gambit worked, and they're off their game.  Now they have to figure out their next move, and we've given them nothing to work with.  That's my guess, at any rate.  These are Navy men, doing things the Navy way on the Navy schedule.  No real point trying to make sense of it."
Briggs snorted and took a drink of rum.  "I prefer dealin' with pirates, thank ye very much.  Ye know where ye stand with them, leastways.  No committees and none of this damn fool muckin' about."

"Oh dear," said a voice behind them.  "Honour wasn't exaggerating when she said we had company."
Jack and Briggs turned to find Duckie standing on the quarterdeck with them, looking out at the silent warships.
"Come to help us stare back at them, Doctor?" said Jack.
Duckie joined them at the gunwale.  "I was working in my journal when I realised the ship felt different.  So I went your cabin, Jack, to see what the matter was.  That's when Honour told me about our pursuers."
"I think we're in a waiting game," sighed Jack.
"Waiting for what?  Who'll blink first?" asked Duckie.  He leant close to Jack and whispered, "Josiah is perfectly capable of watching three ships do nothing at all.  Honour is scared, Jack.  She needs to see you.  Now."
"But, she seemed fine before I came up here."
Duckie cocked an eyebrow and slowly shook his head no.
"The brave face.  I should have known."  Jack clapped Briggs on the shoulder.  "Josiah, keep an eye on these lads for me, would you?  There's something I need to attend to below.  Let me know if and when they finally make their move."
"Aye, Jack," replied Briggs.  "If'n I don't fall asleep from all the excitement."
"I'll keep you company, Mister Briggs!" said Duckie cheerfully.  "See you in a while, Jack.  Take your time."

Jack left the quarterdeck and walked briskly back to the great cabin.  It wasn't easy for him to walk away from his station of command, but he knew Honour needed him and the reassurances that only he could bring.  He couldn't help but notice, however, that his crew already seemed used to not relying on him for everything.  In some ways, it was a relief to know they would be able to carry on without him.  Conversely, though, it made him feel something else, something that left him a little empty inside – that he was dispensable after all.

He shoved that feeling aside and focused on the task at hand: reassuring Honour that everything was just fine and under control.  Never mind that three warships were bracketing them like silent, hungry lions, and Jack had no idea why or what it was they wanted.  He took a deep breath, put on what he hoped was a cheerful face, and opened the door.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 22, 2016, 06:52:19 PM
Honour was sitting on the deck in the middle of the cabin just as he had instructed, with Zara sleeping peacefully in her lap.  Honour looked up as Jack came through the door, her face hopeful that the ordeal was over.
"And how are my girls," Jack asked.
"Are they gone?  Did they sail past us?  Oh, please say they did!"
He shook his head.  "No, love.  They're still with us.  Just sitting there, in fact.  No signal, no movement.  No guns, which is encouraging."
Her face fell in disappointment.  "What are you doing here then?  Aren't you supposed to be on the quarterdeck, reassuring your men?"
Jack walked to her and sat down on the deck facing her.  "The men are just fine.  Briggs is doing an expert job of staring those Navy ships down.  I felt it was more important to come check on you while I had a chance."
"We're fine, really," she lied.  Her eyes were still puffy from crying earlier.
"Yes, you are.  We all are."  Jack took her hand and got her to meet his eyes.  "Everything is going to be fine, I promise."
"How can you be so sure, Jack?  You said yourself; they haven't done anything yet.  They must want something of us, or they would go away!"
"Sweetheart, it's my experience that the Navy tend to shoot first and think about asking questions later.  They haven't fired a shot, so that's a good sign, yes?"
Honour thought about his words for a moment and nodded her agreement.

"But what do they want?" she finally asked.
Jack shrugged.  "No idea.  Not even a hint of one.  But this is better than dodging and running any day.  But we'll find a way out of this, I promise.  There's always a way out."
"Now you sound like the old Jack Wolfe."
He pulled her hand to his chest.  "He's still in here.  And I guess he always will be.  He just knows his place now."
Honour smiled a little.  "All right then, Captain Wolfe, do you have a plan?"
"We're going to wait them out.  That's the plan.  If they're looking for a reason to shoot at us, well, they're not going to get it."
"What's left then?  Talking?"
"I admit it's old-fashioned, but it's a fairly effective way of communicating intentions and wishes nonetheless.  And it's up to them to come over and talk to us.  This was all their bright idea anyway.  They chased us, so we stopped.  They sit like stones; we wait for them to move.  I want to play this on our terms as long as possible."
Honour shook her head.  "You're always so sure of yourself!  How do you do it?"
"Beats going through life afraid of my own shadow, don't you think?"

A knock came at the door.  It was Briggs.
"Ye said to come get ye when they make a move.  Well, they've gone and done it."
"What is it?  What have they done?" asked Jack.
"The big frigate just put their longboat in the water," replied Briggs.  "Four men, two all dandied up like officers.  They're comin' this way, flyin' a white flag of parlay."
Jack looked at Honour and sighed.  "Well then.  I guess it's time to talk."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on August 30, 2016, 07:38:57 PM
Honour's eyes went wide with worry.  Unconsciously she clutched Zara to herself a little more.
"Jack, I'm frightened.  Strange men coming aboard our ship..."
"Don't worry, love," he said with a reassuring smile.  "It's just a formality.  If they wanted to harm us, they would have done it already.  It's probably just their commander's errand boy wondering if we've any spare tea."
"You're certain?"
"Well, not about the tea.  But he's an errand boy, no matter how much braid he's wearing.  He's coming to talk, and talk is good.  Much better than shooting."
Honour tried to force herself to relax.  This was supposed to be a simple cruise home.  Home, to a new life.  Not this.  Anything but this.  In spite of her best efforts, tears began to well in her eyes again.
"Go do what you have to do, my love," she said quietly.
Then Jack did something she never expected.
He held out his hand.
"I-- I don't understand," she said.
"I want you with me, Honour.  I need you with me."
"But, why?"
"You're half owner of this vessel, and you have the most precious of all our cargo right there in your arms.  I want the Navy to know they're taking on the whole Wolfe family this day.  If that doesn't make them take pause, I don't know what will."
Honour's eyes hardened a little.  "You want them to see there's a woman and a child aboard, knowing that will stop them doing any rough stuff.  Or have I suddenly begun misreading you?"
Jack gave a resigned sigh.  "No, darling, you haven't.  But if I just tell them you're on board, they may decide I'm bluffing and do something stupid.  If they see you with their own eyes, whatever plans they may have will be out the window."
He took her hand and squeezed it gently.
"Please, Honour.  I wouldn't even entertain this idea if I thought you and Zara would be in any danger."
"You could have asked me straight out, Jack, instead of trying – poorly – to sugar coat things.  I would have said yes."
"I'm sorry.  I should have given you more credit," he said.
"You'll make it up to me later," said Honour with a slight smile.  "I've got lots of ideas on remodelling."
"Extravagant, I'd imagine?"
"Yet very tasteful."  She turned her attention to Zara, who was busy tugging at one of the button eyes of her toy rabbit.  The little girl's face was focused determination as her dainty fingers twisted and pulled.  Suddenly, the button came off in her hand.  Zara looked at the shiny green bauble in surprise.
"Bolx!" she exclaimed.
Honour arched an eyebrow at Jack, who shrugged innocently.
"First, we deal with the Navy," she said stiffly.  "Then we deal with this."
She turned and walked toward the door.  Briggs leant close to his friend and muttered, "I'd rather take me chances with the Navy!"
Jack didn't say a word.  But he nodded in agreement.

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

"Ahoy, the ship!  We wish to come aboard!" called Lieutenant Ethan Kensington from the longboat that rode along side El Lobo.  He was a young man in his mid-twenties, with an officious bearing that well suited the bright red dress uniform he proudly wore in his station as first officer of the Commonwealth ship Reliance.  Kensington watched patiently as a tethering line snaked through the air and landed across the longboat.  One of the sailors took the rope and quickly tied it to the front of the boat.
"We are secured!" he announced as his men pulled the boat closer to the ship, and presently a rope ladder with wooden steps unfurled along El Lobo's side.  Kensington checked his pistol and made a slight adjustment to the way his sabre hung at his hip, then took hold of the ladder.
"Hold there!" said the other officer on the boat.  James Marlowe, a freshly minted lieutenant junior grade, stepped over one of the sailors and placed a hand on the ladder.
"Regulations clearly state, sir, that crewmen of lower rank precede the ranking officer when boarding another, possibly hostile, vessel."
Kensington looked down his nose at Marlowe.  "Regulations be damned, Mister Marlowe," he sniffed.  "Jack Wolfe is my prize, and I'll deal with him myself.  You will remain here with the boat."
"I must protest!" Marlowe countered.  "This is highly irregular."
"Your concerns are duly noted, Mister Marlowe," said Kensington flatly.  "Now you will follow orders and remain in the boat.  Or do you crave the lash in reward for your insubordination?"
Marlowe glared at Kensington, but he knew trying to press the matter further was futile.  Kensington was as ambitious as he was reckless, and he was the ranking officer.  The best he could do is note the incident in his report, and hope for the best.  He clenched his teeth, then sat down.
"Good man," Kensington said in his best patronising tone.  He adjusted his coat smugly and began climbing the ladder.

When Kensington got to the top of the ladder, he found two rough looking sailors waiting for him.  They took him by the arms and helped him climb over the gunwale.  Once his feet were on the deck, he made a point of brushing off the sleeves of his coat where the men had touched him.  When he looked up from inspecting his sleeves for tar stains, he found there was a tall, gangly young man smiling cordially at him.
"Welcome aboard!  My name's Eli Meredith.  I'll be escortin' you to see th' captain."
Eli continued to smile and held out his hand in greeting.  Kensington glanced down at the young man's extended hand, cocked an eyebrow, and looked back to Eli's face.
"Yes.  You shall take me to see your captain.  Now."
Somewhat puzzled by the Navy man's abruptness, Eli's smile faded as he let his hand drop.  "I don't think I caught your name, mister..."
"My name is of no concern to you.  Only to your captain."
"Right.  Follow me, then," he said.  As he walked toward the quarterdeck, he muttered to himself, "Poppin'-jay son of a..."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 04, 2016, 07:48:29 PM
Kensington followed closely behind Eli as they climbed the steps to the quarterdeck.  Waiting there were Briggs, Jack, and Honour with Zara in her arms.  Briggs was near the steps with his hands behind his back, while Jack and Honour stood toward the stern.
Eli turned and motioned to Briggs.  "This here's the captain, like you wanted."
Briggs eyed the Navy man with disapproval.  "Josiah Briggs, captain and master of this vessel, at yer service.  And ye'd be...?"
"Lieutenant Ethan Kensington, of the Commonwealth warship Reliance."  He looked suspiciously at Jack, then back to Briggs.  "This is a poor bit of deception, Mister Briggs.  You're the quartermaster, not the captain."  He pointed at Jack.  "You are Jack Wolfe, are you not?"
Jack gave a curt half bow.  "That I am, lieutenant.  This is my wife, Honour Wolfe.  And Mister Briggs is indeed the captain of this ship now.  I am merely the owner."
"And just when, pray tell, did this happen?"
"Roughly a month ago," said Jack.  "You'll forgive us that no paperwork was filed.  We don't exactly stand on formality.  Gets in the way."
Kensington's eyes narrowed.  "No, I suppose you wouldn't.  But not to worry.  The Admiralty has extensive files on you already."
"Do they now?"
"You're very well known, Mister Wolfe.  Or would you prefer I address you as Mad Jack?"
Honour shifted uneasily and moved closer to her husband.
"Mister Wolfe suits me fine," Jack replied tersely.
"It makes no difference to me what you call yourself," said Kensington as he looked with casual boredom at his fingernails.  "You will accompany me back to the Reliance."
"For what reason?"
"To meet with my commanding officer, of course.  He's very keen to talk with you."
"Please extend my regrets to your superior, Lieutenant," said Jack.  "However, he is more than welcome to dine aboard my ship.  We can talk then."
Kensington shook his head.  "That's not the way it's done, Wolfe.  Don't make me arrest you in front of your pretty wife."  He pulled back his frock coat just enough to reveal his pistol.
"You're playing a dangerous game, lad."  Jack took a step forward, placing himself between Honour and Kensington.  "Draw that weapon, and no matter what happens, you'd never make it off this ship alive."

Kensington gave him an oily smile.  "All eyes aboard those three warships are watching us.  If I am attacked, they are under orders to open fire on this ship.  That would not bode well for your wife and child.  Check and mate, Mister Wolfe.  Now, come with me."
Jack glared at the pompous officer.  There was a good chance Kensington was bluffing, but he couldn't risk Honour and Zara's lives.
"All right, lieutenant.  I'll come with you, peacefully."
"Good man," said Kensington with a self-satisfied smile.  "Say your goodbyes.  It may be a while before you see them again."
Jack turned immediately to Honour.  Her eyes were wide with fright, and tears were already starting to roll down her cheeks.
"Jack, you can't go with that horrible man!  You can't leave us!"
He took her gently by the shoulders and kissed her forehead.  "It will be all right, Honour.  I promise," he said quietly.  "I'll find a way to make this work.  His commander has to be more reasonable than he is.  I'll... negotiate with him."  Jack leant close and kissed Zara's head, then Honour's cheek.  "Every man has his price, and I'll find this one's, I swear.  Don't be afraid.  I'll make this work.  You trust me?"
He looked into Honour's eyes, and she nodded.
"Time to go, Mister Wolfe," announced Kensington.
"I love you," said Jack, and he kissed her and Zara once more.  He then turned to Kensington, no longer willing to hide the contempt he felt.  "What are we waiting for?"

Jack sat silently in the boat as the sailors rowed toward the Reliance.  He watched as the distance between him and his ship – and his family – grew steadily.  Honour was still on the quarterdeck watching, and Jack found himself regretting the choices he had made in this life that now threatened to separate him from the dearest things in his life; his wife and child.
"She's really quite lovely," said Kensington.  "It's a pity you won't see her for a very long time.  Hopefully, her looks won't fade too much before you see her again.  Then, of course, there's your child..."
Jack looked over at the arrogant lieutenant, his face impassive.  "Kensington, keep in mind that we're away from my ship," he said quietly and calmly.  "If anything were to happen now, your men have no reason to fire on her, only this boat.  Now, if you keep talking, I'm going to find out if your blood matches the red of your uniform."
Kensington's eyes went wide, and he swallowed hard.
The remainder of the trip to the Reliance passed in silence save for the creak of the oars as they pulled through the water.

Once aboard the Reliance, Jack was led below deck through the companionway to a heavy oak door near the ship's stern.  "Right to the big dog," he thought.  "At least they're not wasting time."
Kensington knocked three times on the door, and a voice within replied: "Come!"
The lieutenant opened the door and stepped inside.  Jack could see the commanding officer.  He was looking out one of the gallery windows, his back to the rest of the room.  He was a little taller than Jack and wore a red uniform with gold braids at the shoulders.  His hair was pulled back in a pigtail and tied with a black ribbon.
Kensington turned beside the door and snapped to attention.
"Sir!" he said loudly.  "I present to you the right honourable Admiral Wolfe!"
Jack stepped inside and began laughing.  "I did rattle you back there, didn't I?  It's Captain Wolfe, sonny.  But I appreciate the promotion all the same."
The figure at the window cleared his throat.  "He wasn't announcing your arrival, Captain Wolfe.  He was introducing you to me."
The man turned from the window, and Jack's mouth fell open in shock.
"Thomas?  It's you??" he gasped.
"Hello, Jack," Admiral Thomas Wolfe said with a smile.  "It's been a long time, my dear, wayward brother.  Please, have a seat.  There're a few things we need to catch up on."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 25, 2016, 07:56:27 PM
A grin of joy and relief quickly spread across Jack's face.  He rushed past a dumbstruck Kensington and into his brother's arms.  As the two men laughed and embraced, Kensington struggled to make sense of what he was seeing.
"You're... brothers??" said the slackjawed lieutenant.
"Oh dear," said Thomas.  "Mister Kensington, you've put one and one together and come up with eleven again, haven't you?  Surely someone of even your overwrought pedigree should have noticed the uncanny similarity in our family names.  Go ahead, think about it.  And..."
Kensington's face began to colour when he realised the mistakes he'd made that day, all in the name of reaping personal glory for apprehending a renowned pirate.  He had unwittingly bullied and threatened members of his superior's family, most likely destroying his prospects for advancement in the process, all because he had been too full of himself to notice a crucial detail.  The admiral's patronising tone was salt in that fresh wound.
"... there it is," said Thomas with a snap of his fingers.  "I trust you treated my brother with all due respect, Kensington?"
"Um... well, you see...  I...  ah..." 
He waited as the lieutenant squirmed, then he looked to Jack, who slowly shook his head no.
Thomas began writing a note to himself on a scrap of paper.  "Mister Kensington, you're relieved of duty until I get this sorted out."
"But, Admiral!  You're going to take the... head waggle of a-- dare I say it--"
"A pirate?  Yes, because he's a good deal smarter than you," said Thomas, his tone becoming increasingly impatient.  "This is not a debate.  Shall I confine you to quarters as well?"
Kensington snapped to attention.  Everyone knew it was a bad idea to earn the admiral's anger, and he knew he'd done just that.  One more mistake added to a very, very bad day.
"No, sir!  My apologies, to you and your brother, sir!"
"You are dismissed, Mister Kensington," said Thomas in quiet, even tones.  "I'll deal with you later."
The young man beat a hasty retreat, almost slamming the door behind him.  Not out of anger, but of humiliation.

Jack looked at his older brother in surprise, not quite sure what to say about Thomas' dressing down of the lieutenant or his amazing turn of luck.  Thomas slipped off his frock coat, folded it neatly lengthwise, and draped it over the back of his chair.  Then he burst out in laughter.
"You always got that look on your face when Father scolded one of us instead of you!  I nicked that bit from him!  Still works, doesn't it?"
"I was waiting for you to send him out back to the woodshed to find a switch!" laughed Jack.  "Thomas, I must admit I'm at a loss for words.  To hear Kensington tell it, I was bound for Newgate prison for the rest of my days, if my ship wasn't blown out of the water first.  But there has to be a reason for you and your lads chasing me down this way."
"He threatened all that, did he?  Well, well.  That's going to make overlooking him for promotion so much easier."  Thomas paused for a moment before motioning to the seat in front of his desk.  His demeanour became unsettlingly businesslike.  "Sit down, Jack.  There is a very good reason why we were following you."
"Do I want to hear it?"
"You don't have a choice."
"I already don't like it."

Jack took the seat and folded his arms across his chest while he waited for Thomas to sit as well.
"Something to drink?" offered Thomas.
"You didn't chase me down for brandy, Thomas.  Let's cut to it."
Thomas' eyebrows went up at Jack's directness.  He went ahead and poured two glasses, and pushed one of them in front of his brother.  After taking a sip of his drink, he held up a piece of paper.
"My orders," he said, slowly fanning the page in the air.  "To pursue and arrest one John Michael Wolfe, known also as Mad Jack Wolfe, captain and master of El Lobo del Mar, on charges of piracy and half a dozen other related crimes against the Commonwealth."
Jack took a long drink, then stared into his glass.  "This is very good brandy."
"That's it?  I tell you there's a warrant for capital crimes sworn out against you, and all you have to say is 'good brandy'?"
"What would you have me say, Thomas?  Beg for leniency?  That's not going to happen.  We both know I'm guilty." 
Jack put down his glass and looked Thomas in the eyes.
"You want to know where my ship was headed, dear brother?"
Thomas shrugged.  "Barbados, I assumed.  That was where you'd made a home of sorts."
"Funny you should put it that way.  That's exactly where I was headed.  Home.  A new home, and a new life.  You want to know who else is on the ship with me?"
"Do tell."
"My wife and child."
Thomas blinked.  "Your wife?  And a child?  You remarried, then?"
Jack shook his head.  "No.  Our paths finally crossed again, thank God."
"I thought you were only interested in that relic she stole.  A key, wasn't it?"
"A key I gave her.  Honour kept it out of spite.  But I found she was the treasure I'd been looking for all this time."

Thomas sat back, trying to absorb what Jack was telling him.  His face was a mask of confusion as he tried to sort it all out.
"Let me see if I understand this," he said finally.  "The woman you swore you hated came back into your life..."
"Yes."
"... with a child in tow..."
"No, she was still in Wales.  That's where we're returning from."
"She??  You, with a daughter??"  Thomas began to laugh so hard he could scarcely catch his breath.
"Go ahead and get it out of your system.  Believe me; I was shocked to death when Honour told me we had a little girl."
"And you're certain she's yours?"
"No question.  Wait until you see her.  She's definitely a Wolfe."
Thomas was finally catching his breath from laughing.  "So the three of you are headed back to Barbados to start a new life?  At least I hope that's the intent?"
Jack sighed.  "That was the plan.  We have a plantation outside of Bridgetown.  I thought I'd try my hand at being landed gentry.  See how the other half lives, you know?  That is until you showed up with that damnable piece of paper."  He gave his brother a quizzical look.  "What the devil are you smiling about?"

"I'm happy for you, Jack.  Happier than words can describe."
"Happy that I almost got that life mum and dad wanted for me?  Your sense of humour has taken a cruel turn, Thomas."
Thomas shook his head and refilled their glasses.  "No, I'm happy you said the magic words.  Most of them, anyway.  There's only one more I need to hear."
"You have me at a disadvantage," said Jack.  "What magic words did I say?"
Thomas opened a drawer to his desk and produced another piece of parchment.
"This enterprise cost me calling in quite a few favours, Jack.  Nearly all of them.  I knew anyone else would have executed the warrant and washed their hands of the matter.  Just another pirate put away, and hopefully a promotion if the stars align properly.  But I knew that if I were the one to find you, I could help.  That's where the favours came in.  So I could offer you something no one else could."
He put the piece of paper in front of Jack and smiled proudly.  Jack picked it up, and his mouth fell open.
"I.... I can't believe it...." he stammered.
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on September 27, 2016, 06:33:13 PM
"Believe it, Jack," said Thomas.  "It's just what it looks like.  A full, immediate pardon, signed by Oliver Cromwell himself.  The only condition is that you give up piracy and never commit another act of it again.  Those were the magic words you said earlier.  You've already made the decision to quit the life and rejoin society.  Take your time and read it over."

Jack took another sip of brandy and began to read the words printed on the parchment:

An Ordinance of Pardon and Grace to One John Michael Wolfe, also Known as Mad Jack Wolfe, Master and Owner of the Ship El Lobo del Mare.
[10 November 1654]

His Highness the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging, being desirous that the Mercies which it hath pleased God to give to this Nation, should be improved for the good and advantage of all Parties, Doth Ordain and Declare, and be it Ordained and Declared by his Highness the Lord Protector, with the Consent of his Council, That John Michael Wolfe, also Known as Mad Jack Wolfe, and any other Aliases thereof, and the Crewe of the Ship El Lobo del Mare, of what degree or quality soever they or any of them are (except the persons hereafter in this Ordinance particularly excepted) shall be, and are hereby, and from and after the first day of December in the year, One thousand six hundred fifty four, freed, acquitted and discharged from all Forfeitures, Pains, Penalties, Mulcts, corporal or pecuniary, Restraints, Imprisonment or Imprisonments, Punishment or Punishments whatsoever for any matter or thing by them or any of them, committed or done by Sea or Land; And that for the matters aforesaid, there shall be from and after the said First day of December aforesaid, no Sequestration, Confiscation, Fine, Penalty, Forfeiture or Punishment, imposed or continued upon them or any of them, (otherwise then as is hereafter in this Ordinance expressed) but the same shall be put in perpetual Oblivion.

And also that the Estates real and personal of all persons of shall be, and are hereby and from thenceforth freed, discharged and acquitted from all Sequestrations, Confiscations, Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures whatsoever, for any matter or thing by them or any of them committed or done, in relation to any aforesaid Crimes committed against the Commonwealth and Her Peoples.

Except and always reserved out of this present Ordinance, and all benefit thereof, are any Member of the Crewe beneath the Rank of Mate, to include all Ordinary Sailors, and all the Honours, Manors, Castles, Houses, Messuages, Forests, Chases, Parks and Lands and all Tenements and Hereditaments, Royalties, Priviledges, Franchises, Immunities, Rents and Appurtenances to them, belonging or appertaining, or heretofore lawfully used or enjoyed by them, or any of them, as part or parcel thereof, and also all the Goods and Chattels, and all the Estates, both real and personal...

Jack's eyes began to glaze over at the verbose legalese, but it was not lost on him that a few of his men would be forfeit in this pardon.  The most prominent being the young Eli Meredith, whom Jack had come to look upon as a son.  "Nothing a clever lie and a quick promotion can't fix," he thought.

Provided always, and be it further Ordained, That this Ordinance, or any thing therein contained, shall not extend, nor be construed to extend, to the freeing or discharging of any Prisoner or Prisoners arrested for their several Crimes, from their respective Imprisonments; or to the Cancelling or Discharging of any Surety, Bond, Parol, or Engagement, of, or for any Prisoner of War, without the special Order of His Highness the Lord Protector, or whom he shall appoint.

"So much for the jailbirds," thought Jack.  "Serves them right for getting caught."

Signed this Day, the Tenth of November in the Year of Our Lord, One Thousand Six Hundred fifty-four.

Oliver P

A slowly exhaled breath escaped Jack's lips as he considered the terms of the pardon.
"I never thought I'd give half a damn to see anything with Ollie's signature on it," he said quietly.  "I know, politics go out the window when it's your neck on the block, but..."
"The beautiful thing is," said Thomas as he picked up the warrant again, "that document, because of the who's signature is on it, nullifies this one.  If you sign it, of course.  Please, Jack.  I want to tear this one up.  Hell, I want to burn it!"
"They got the name of my ship wrong.  What about the Laws of Admiralty?"
"Jack, I am an admiral," said Thomas.  "I'll write an attachment that will cover the misspelling.  You're lucky they spelt your name right."
"All right.  I can live with that.  But I need to know; is Honour covered by this?"
"Was she aboard during any act of piracy?"
"No, she wasn't."
"Does she hold any rank?  Beside Captain's Woman, that is?"
Jack couldn't help but laugh.  "No, besides the unofficial rank of Master and Commander of me, she doesn't."
"Then everyone that matters is covered."
"Everyone but Eli, but I'll fix that myself," Jack said to himself.

"All right, Thomas.  I take it 'yes' is the magic word you're looking for?"
Thomas nodded in the affirmative, with an expectant smile.
"Give me a pen.  The word is given.  Yes.  I accept the pardon.  Effective this date, the term 'pirate' is no longer applicable to Jack Wolfe."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 14, 2016, 04:01:26 PM
Honour stood on the quarterdeck, continuing to stare at the English command ship as if she could will them to release her husband back to her.  It had been nearly two hours since Jack was taken aboard the other ship.  She could only imagine what Jack must be going through, and she tried hard not to.  Instead, she focused on a prayer.  A prayer that he would be back soon and they'd soon be on their way homeward.  Also, she thought of little Zara sleeping peacefully in her crib, oblivious to the drama playing out with her father...

A gentle hand on her shoulder startled Honour out of her thoughts.

"Oh!  For goodness sake, Duckie, you scared me half to death!"
"I spoke your name three times, my dear," said the doctor.  "You were too lost in thought to notice."
"I'm sorry.  I was... preoccupied."
"Of course you were.  Anyone in their right mind would be."  Duckie paused a moment as he looked off at the English ships.  "Josiah stopped by to tell me what happened with the Navy lieutenant.  Damned infuriation, their timing."
"The fates themselves seem determined to keep Jack and me from any sort of peaceful, happy life," she said softly.  "I'm beginning to wonder if it really is too much to ask for?"
Duckie sighed as he continued looking at the warships.  He couldn't help but hear the undercurrent of despair in her voice.
"I can't think of anyone more deserving of a quiet, peaceful life than you, Jack, and Zara," he said, trying his best to reassure her.  "With as much as you've gone through, the struggles, the obstacles....  No, Honour.  Something good has to come out of this.  You deserve that 'happily ever after' you've been dreaming of."
"Then why does it feel like everything is slipping away?" Honour asked, her voice cracking as she blinked back tears.
Duckie turned toward her.  "Is it now?  Is it really?"
Honour gave him a puzzled look.
"All we know is that an impolite, ambitious young man in a uniform came to fetch Jack to talk with his superior.  Yes?"
"Yes, but he threatened to arrest Jack..."
"Did he?"
"No.  Jack agreed to go peacefully."
"The man Josiah described to me was self-important, imperious, and arrogant.  If he actually had the authority to arrest Jack, to humiliate him in front of his wife and crew, do you think he would have hesitated?"
Honour thought about Duckie's words, then shook her head.  "No, I think he would have jumped at the chance."
"Well, then," smiled Duckie.  "Things aren't so bleak after all, eh?"
"But what about the commander?" she asked.
Duckie took her hand and clasped it in his.  "Honour, Jack Wolfe is the most infuriatingly lucky man I've ever known.  Defying the odds is what he does best.  You've seen it yourself.  You've helped him beat the odds more than once.  And when he found you again, it was through..."
"A twist of fate," Honour said, and she began to smile.  "More of his dumb luck."
"I know why you worry so about losing him," he said gently.  "But when you think about it, our Jack is not an easy man to get rid of."
Honour's eyes went wide at his remark, and she couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"No, he really isn't!" she giggled, and for a few moments she was able to relax.  "You really believe everything will be all right?"
"Yes, but what I believe isn't important.  Do you believe everything will work out right?"
Honour looked out at the command ship once more.  "Yes," she said with quiet confidence.  "I know it will.  Jack is coming back to us.  He just has to.  I won't accept anything less."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on November 20, 2016, 08:09:31 PM
Thomas shook his head in disbelief.  "If it were anyone else telling me these fantastical things, I'd think them mad."
"Which part?" asked Jack.  "The maze island, the books, the stone faces?  I know it's hard to believe, but every last bit of it is true."
"That Honour took you back, and you're a father of a little girl.  The island adventure is peanuts in comparison.  Even the voodoo woman can't hold a candle, pardon the pun."
"When did you get so cheeky?" said Jack.  He picked up the brandy bottle to pour them each another drink, but only a dribble came out.  "Bad news, Admiral!  We sank this one too!"
"Not to worry," laughed Thomas.  He reached into a cabinet behind his desk and produced another bottle of rum.  "Plenty more where that came from."
"I know what you mean, though, about Honour," said Jack while he waited for his brother to finish pouring.  "Her coming back into my life was the best thing that ever happened.  Well, almost the best thing.  Zara's the best thing."
"Mum would have loved her name.  But the offspring of you and the woman who could gentle you..."
"Thank you very much for not saying 'tamed'."
"Don't mention it.  You'll be domesticated soon enough."
"You had to remind me."
"You're welcome.  Anyway, I'll bet a month's wages she'll be a handful."
"Are you kidding?  She already is," Jack laughed.  "Just ask the ship's cat.  And the quartermaster."
"Off to an early start.  Not unlike her father."
"I was never that bad."
"Oh, weren't you?  I'm sure Prissy would beg to differ."
"What did I know?" protested Jack.  "I was four.  I was trying to make her tail longer."
"Terrier's aren't supposed to have long tails.  Poor thing ran around with hers curled up like a corkscrew the rest of her days!" laughed Thomas.
"Da was furious; I remember that.   I stuck to stretching the truth rather than dog's tails after that.  Safer for everyone."
"You were excellent at it, too."
"Still am.  It's served me well over the years."

Thomas took another drink, then reached for the first parchment he'd read Jack.  He looked at it a moment and smiled, then pushed it across the desk.
"What's this?" asked Jack.
"That warrant I told you about.  I thought that while we're on the subject, you'd like to know just how long I've been holding onto this scrap of paper."
Jack picked it up and read the date in the upper left margin.  He looked at his brother in surprise.
"A year and a half?"
Thomas nodded.
"Then you had this when we met last year in Madeira!"
"And I would have told you about it.  If you hadn't drunk me under the table, that is.  When I had my men look for you the next morning, you were already out to sea."
"I hate long goodbyes."
"Rubbish.  You suspected."
Jack gave a noncommittal shrug.  "You were asking an awful lot of questions."
"I had to see if the charges were true.  And you didn't disappoint.  Hell, you practically bragged!"
"Of course I bragged!  A lot of work went into all that."  He swirled his glass, then set it down on the desk.  "Would you have arrested me?"
"Do you think I had a choice in the matter?"
"No.  That's why I drank you under the table."

Thomas gave Jack an exasperated look, then began to laugh.  "Well, I'm glad you did.  The last thing I wanted was to haul off my own brother in irons."
"Awkward for you, bloody miserable for me.  Not only am I grateful now for the pardon, but I'm grateful that you were such a lightweight back then.  I owe you."
"Yes, you do. There's only one thing I ask as repayment."
"What's that?"
"That you abide by the provisions of the pardon.  That the pirate Mad Jack Wolfe is laid to rest, never to be seen again."
Jack smiled and raised his glass.  "Done!"
Thomas clinked his glass against Jack's, and the two men downed their drinks.
"I still owe you, too," said Thomas.
"You do?  For what?"
"For drinking me under the table in Madeira.  It took me months to live that down with my men."
Jack smiled and picked up the bottle.  "This is a celebration, I reckon.  Care for a rematch?" he asked as he held the mouth of the bottle over Thomas' glass.
"Pour," said Thomas.  "And keep pouring.  I'm winning this time."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on December 06, 2016, 07:58:04 PM
But the old one, she is still awake, when something else was said
You can say what you want, you silly old fool, there's a man in my daughter's bed
No rest, no peace could the old one get till she got up to see
But her foot gave a shot to the chamber pot, and into the creel fell she
Into the creel fell she...


The brothers burst into drunken laughter as they sang the last line.  Jack managed to get down another swallow of rum, and Thomas was ready to refill the glass the moment it hit the tabletop.
"Do you remember when Granddad Ian taught us that silly little song?" asked Jack.
"Of course I do!" said Thomas.  "It was the first time we'd ever tasted alcohol!  Remember when Mum came down to the mill house and found the three of us there, blind drunk and singing?"
Jack laughed and nodded.  "I'd never seen her so cross with anyone, much less her own father!  At least she was more angry with him than with us.  Though not by much."
"Granddad Ian had a talent for getting in trouble."
"That's what I admired most about him."
Thomas began laughing again.  "Da was no help to her mood, was he?"
"He tried so hard to act all angry and disappointed with us!  We stood there giggling like fools.  But I thought Mum would take the rolling pin to his head after he started laughing too!"
"She never let him live that down, either," chuckled Thomas.  He finished his glass and poured another.  "Come on, you!  Get to drinking!  I'll not have you do all the talking whilst I drink.  That's what got me in trouble last time."
Jack picked up his glass.  "Ah, you've got me sussed!  Damn!  I'm no match for the admiral."
"Bloody right, and don't you forget it!"

A crisp knock came at the door, and Thomas rolled his eyes.
"All right, what is it?" he shouted.
The door opened, and a man on officer's dress stepped smartly into the cabin.
"Here to report the change of watch, sah!"
"Yes, yes, very good, Master Griffin," said Thomas dismissively.  "Oh, Master Griffin, this is my brother, Captain Jack Wolfe.  Jack, this is Griffin, my boatswain."
"Cheers, mate," slurred Jack.
Griffin gave a polite nod.  "How do, sah.  Can I get the admiral anything?"
"No, no, Griff.  We're good here.  You're dismissed."
Griffin gave a quick salute, turned on his heel, and left the cabin.

"Nice of them to tell you when the watch changes," said Jack.  Suddenly, his expression changed.  "Wait a minute!  He said the watch changed?"
"Yeah, what of it?"
"Bloody hell!" Jack cried.  "We've been at this at least four hours??  Honour must be beside herself with worry!  We've got to get back to El Lobo!"
"Wait, what do you mean, we?"
"I'm not doing all the explanation on this one, brother mine.  If I have to face the music, so do you.  Besides, it will get you aboard my ship, and we'll have dinner there.  One big happy family.  If Honour is still talking to me after this."
Thomas shrugged.  "It's only fair, I suppose.  Now quit panicking.  We'll finish our drinks first."
"Thomas, did you hold any hope to make a good impression when you met Honour?"
"Of course I do!  She's part of the family now, such as it is."
"Well, you're starting from a deficit," said Jack.
"Hold on now, you're as much to blame as I am!"
"She'll be angriest with me, but you're the older brother and should have known better.  Don't bother sorting her reasons, she comes from a family of sisters that watch out for one another.  We'd best put down the shovels and start climbing out of this hole."
"Mum would have liked her.  She's got your number, this one," laughed Thomas.
"Moreover, she's got my heart.  That's why damage control matters.  Let's go."

Jack tried to stand, but dizziness overtook him and he plopped back into his chair.
"Oof, my head!  I guess I'm out of practice."
"If you hadn't told me about Honour and Zara before we started drinking, I'd say you were trying to weasel out of the contest.  But I suppose you're right, we shouldn't keep her waiting."  Thomas gave his brother a wary look.  "She'll be that upset with us?  Really?"
"Thomas, think about it.  She believes her husband has been taken into custody by the Royal... sorry, Commonwealth's navy, probably to get hauled off to prison in England, and nothing has happened in over four hours to show her any different.  While she's been worrying, we've been reminiscing and drinking far past our fill.  Do you think she'll be terribly happy seeing us in this shape?  A Spanish armada would be far more forgiving, and rightly so."
Jack and Thomas traded worried looks for a few moments as Thomas thought about what his brother had said.  Simultaneously, the two men grabbed their glasses and downed the contents in only a couple gulps.
"There, just the courage I needed," said Thomas.  He sat up straight, tugged on his waistcoat to smooth the wrinkles, and unceremoniously slid from his chair onto the deck.
"Merde," sighed Jack as he looked under the desk at his soused brother, who lay there giggling.  "Round two goes to me.  Now let's get you up and sorted.  They won't let me off this ship without your say so, and I'm not facing Honour without you as an alibi."
"You mean a scapegoat," said Thomas, his statement punctuated with a hiccup.
"Fine, split hairs if you must."
"Jack?"
"Yes?"
"I lost again, didn't I?"
"Yes.  But not by much.  Can you stand?"
"Maybe.  Are you going to help me if I try?"
"Of course!  Give me your hand."

Jack took hold of Thomas' hand and helped the admiral to his feet.
"Now no fair dropping me," slurred Thomas.
"I promise, I won't drop you.  Now, one foot in front of the other... that's it!  I'll grab your justacorps.  Well done!  Almost to the door...  let me open it so we can both get out."
Jack took his hand off Thomas to open the cabin door.  The moment the door swung open, Thomas collapsed in a heap, face down on the deck.
"LIAR!" he yelled.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to let you fall!  Are you all right?" asked Jack.
"God, this deck needs a good scrubbing."
Jack looked heavenward and shook his head.  "A navy officer who can't hold his rum.  This is going to be harder than I thought."
Title: Re: PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR
Post by: Welsh Wench on January 14, 2017, 08:11:39 PM
Meanwhile, aboard El Lob del Mar...

Honour finished off the last bit of brandy in her glass, and wiped a tear from her eye as she set the glass down.
"Feeling a little better?" asked Duckie.
Honour sniffled.  "Yes, a bit.  I feel so foolish for crying like that up on deck.  I should be stronger."
"Nonsense," said Duckie.  "This is a stressful situation.  No one is expecting you to sit on your emotions.  Stoicism is overrated."
"May I have some more brandy, please?"
Duckie poured another half glass for her, and she took a sip.
"It was so sweet of Eli, offering to watch after Zara for a bit," she continued.  "I never knew he came from such a large family."
"He's really is a good lad, even for a Catholic," he said with a chuckle.  Honour had to  hold back laughing until she could swallow her brandy.  "And he's worked hard to redeem himself in Jack's eyes."
"Very hard," she agreed.  "I know Jack hasn't said anything, but he really does think the world of Eli.  So does Briggs."
"In his own gruff way, of course.  But it does my heart good to see it."  Duckie looked on as Honour finished her glass.
"Do go easy, my dear," he admonished.
Honour picked up the decanter and refilled her glass.  "Oh, I'm fine.  Please don't worry.  It just tastes so good, and it's helping calm my nerves.  Remember, I've been able to drink Jack under the table more than once."
"Yes, before you had Zara.  Things change..."
"I promise to be careful, Duckie.  You worry so!"

Duckie started to say something else, but reconsidered.  Honour was probably right, he thought.  Perhaps he was being overly sensitive because of Rose.  And Jack wasn't the only man she'd been able to out-drink in her day.  In retrospect, even Rose wouldn't stand a chance.  He smiled, and refilled his own glass.
"I'd be less than a gentleman if I let you drink alone," he said.
"The company is welcome," she said.  "Duckie, do you really think everything will be all right?  I mean, nearly six hours and no word...  No idea whether or not Jack is safe..."
"Now, now, Honour.  Don't get yourself worked up again.  Keep in mind, there is one thing above all else the Navy is ruthlessly efficient at."
She hesitated for a moment, then with a hint of worry in her voice asked, "And that is?"
"Protocol."
Honour giggled at the joke, appreciative of his attempt to help allay her fears.  Smiling, she had another sip.
"If it's not signed, notarised, delegated, and properly saluted," he continued, "they won't act on it.  I think that's what most attracted Jack to piracy.  The almost Utopian lack of paperwork."
"Dreams of wealth had little to do with it?" she joked.
"It certainly didn't hurt.  Nor did his success.  As happy as he was a a pirate, I can tell you he's much happier now."  Duckie raised his glass.  "Testament to the positive things the love of a good woman can bring."

Honour blushed a little.  "Duckie, you're such a kind and gentle man.  You always know just what to say and how to sayoit.  How is it you're not married?"
A melancholy smile came over his face, and her breath caught for a moment.
"I'm sorry!" she said quickly.  "That wasn't my place to ask."
"No, that's quite all right," he said softly.  "Heaven knows you've told me, shall we say, uncomfortable things about your past.  Quid pro quo is only appropriate.  But you'll forgive me if I have a bit more brandy first."
Honour took his glass and refilled it, and topped hers off as well.  She still felt embarrassed about asking him such a personal question.  But she couldn't help being intrigued.
Duckie took a long sip, then gave a heavy sigh. "Emily.  Emily Parker.  She was the love of my life.  We met my last year at university, at a Christmas party.  I courted her three years before managing to work up enough nerve to ask her to marry me."  He chuckled and shook his head."
"And... what did she say?"
"I'll never forget.  She said, "Please pardon my French, Drake Gander, but it's about damned time!'  You can imagine my shock.  I'd never heard her swear before!"
Honour laughed appreciatively.  "But she said yes?"
"Oh yes!" laughed Duckie.  "I'm surprised she didn't drag me off to the magistrate's that night."
"Well, it's been known to happen!" giggled Honour.
"I would have done it, too," said Duckie wistfully.  "I was so in love with her."  He paused to take a drink.
"You still are," thought Honour.  The tone of his voice said it all.  Her heart went out to him.  Though lessened now, it was a pain she knew too well.
"Anyway, our parents made sure we had the requisite big church wedding.  Six months later, I was made the offer of starting a practice in the burgeoning colony of Barbados.  The opportunity was good and the money even better.  It was to be our big adventure, building our life together in the New World.  So we made the journey, I started my practice, and we got a little flat that would be our first home.  But it didn't turn out the way we'd hoped."

Honour's brow furrowed with concern.  "What happened?  What went wrong?"
Duckie sighed again and took another drink of brandy.  "Emily became homesick.  Terribly so.  She was depressed and miserable, and I was under contract to practice in Barbados for at minimum of two years.  If I broke the contract, I would have been thrown in gaol for up to five years.  So my choice was lose Emily, or lose Emily and my freedom.  I stayed on in Barbados, and Emily went back home to England.  Two months later, I received a divorce decree."
"I'm so sorry, Duckie.  That had to have been awful!"
"It was!"  He looked into his glass as he swirled the amber liquid around.  "So like any proper Englishman, I crawled into a bottle and vowed never to come out.  We're very good at slowly destroying ourselves."
"You're here now, though.  And this is the first I've heard to speak of her.  What changed?"
Duckie laughed and pointed up.  "That husband of yours.  That's what happened.  Him, and another gentleman you knew."
Honour's face began to go pale.  "No..."
"Yes, Honour.  None other than Rhys Morgan."
As she sat there speechless, Duckie refilled his glass.
"Did Jack ever tell you about what happened between him and that devil, Colonel Mendoza?"
Honour shook her head.  "Not really, and I didn't press.  Briggs told me Jack had been held captive and tortured.  Rhys told me a little more, but he made it sound like he helped in a simple jailbreak.  But I knew there had to be more to it than that."
"Then let me tell you a story, my dear, of some incredibly heroic men lead by the brave Welshman, Rhys Morgan.  Amazing people, you Welsh.  Never underestimate a Celt, I say!  Now here's what really happened..."