Castle of Fire

by Peter Greene

  Indeed this sent Harrison into high spirits, as it was well known by all aboard, even Holtz, that he fancied HMS Paladin, also called the Periwinkle, affectionately, due to its strange but colorful purple stripe painted the length of the sleek brig-rigged sloop. She was famous, of course, being both beautiful and known as the fastest ship in the fleet. With only eighteen guns, she was used primarily for delivering messages and a few important passengers from time to time, rarely for action. There had been a few instances where her guns were fired; however, the true weapon of the Paladin was her speed, and it could be used to great effect by a smart and able captain.

  “I assume, Mr. Harrison, that you would like to visit the Paladin and speak to her commander personally? Ask for his assistance in at least spreading the word? It would be foolish to add those guns to our battle, if there is one to be had. But the speed of the Paladin can alert many a ship.”

  So excited was Harrison that he stood without answering, grabbed Jonathan by the collar, and dragged him out of the Captain’s cabin, heading for the main deck.

  Walker, Holtz, and Koonts all laughed aloud, leaving Spears and Lane to wonder what was the attraction to the small ship.

  Harrison approached the portside rail amidships and was soon joined by Jonathan and Sean, who had just come down from aloft, as he and the others had expertly taken in sail to ease the Danielle into the small harbor.

  “Good mornin’ sir! G’day to ya, Jonny Boy!” Sean said as he stretched and yawned. “It is a pleasure to see land once again. I even heard Garvey say your girl is here, Mr. Harrison.”

  “Yes he did, Flagon. And this time I propose to see not only her beautiful, sleek lines from the outside, but I am going aboard and hopefully will see the inside as well! I have heard she is all teak on deck and in the cabin, and the finish shines like a mirror. More a pleasure boat on the inside than a naval vessel, but we will have to see.”

  “How was breakfast?” asked Sean. “Claise had no eggs, but he did make us salted pork sandwiches and a tasty lime tart with the last bit of sugar. His coffee is quite excellent, I must say.”

  “We had Steward’s scrapings from the bottom of the pan, it seems, but he can finally make coffee almost enjoyable,” said Harrison. “But Jonathan’s description of his adventure last night with the food thief was the most interesting part of the meal.”

  “You saw the thief? Who is it then?” Sean asked, shocked.

  Jonathan reluctantly recounted the tale once again, remembering to leave out the part about the knife.

  Inside the jolly boat, someone listened to this conversation and held a breath for what seemed to be close to ten minutes. Any noise might cause the three boys to investigate.

  The Danielle glided into port, and to greet her was none other than the Paladin. Harrison was speechless as he beheld her again. Even Jonathan and Sean could not take their eyes off the graceful ship with her striking raked masts. She was tied up tight, all neat and proper, seeming to sun herself like a beautiful mermaid, lying in the turquoise shallows, her deck glowing in the sun, like rays off her golden hair. She wove a spell over the boys and they were happy to be under it, each dreaming of the great speed at which she would carry them into adventure and fame.

  “Ahoy Doggard!” came a familiar voice. “Ahoy Lieutenant Harrison!”

  The boys all snapped out of their dreams and looked down upon the dock, now almost directly beneath them. As the Danielle daintily slid to a stop and hands tossed lines to secure the ship, the boys noticed a tall marine. He was dressed in his best uniform, red coat and gold sash, and removed his hat to expose his white wig as he bowed elegantly.

  “Captain Gorman!” they yelled. Undeniably it was their friend and compatriot.

  “So good to see you, sir!” called Harrison. “And I would stow that name. We are the Danielle, regardless of what the plaque says, and if you desire to test any other designation, you will witness the Captain’s wrath.”

  “Ah! I appreciate the warning,” Gorman said. “Then, ahem, ahoy Danielle!”

  “Are you available for breakfast?” called Harrison. “The Captain would love to entertain you, I am sure, though there are no cheesed anchovies, I am sorry to say.”

  “One can’t have all one desires, I fear,” said Gorman. “A cup of coffee and one of Steward’s hard rolls will have to please.”

  With that, the plank was lowered and Gorman marched aboard, being greeted by most of the nearby crew and of course, all the marines. Hicks and Hudson were extremely glad to see their former commander and snapped the best of salutes.

  Sean escorted him aft.

  “Before you sneak away again, Captain Gorman, could you find some time for me? I have been wondering if you could teach me a little more about the Royal Marines,” Sean said quietly.

  “Then I will make sure we spend a good amount of time together. I am unattached now, as it were. My sneaking is finished. It was a great joy to sail aboard the Periwinkle all the way from London. I had a feeling I could gain news of your whereabouts, and at last, some luck, as I have found you. Have you been reading, Sean?”

  “Yes, sir!” Sean said excitedly. “Jonathan and Steward have been teaching me and I have already finished half of King Arthur. It is quite thrilling!”

  “Excellent,” said Gorman as he patted the boy on the head. “Have you been keeping Hudson and Hicks in line?”

  “They are a caution, there is no denying that, but, well, I will let them tell you all we did after we had a midday desert of strawberries and stole a pirate ship!”

  Gorman laughed as they reached the jolly boat in the middle of the deck.

  “And I hear we are off to Africa,” added Sean. “That is exciting, don’t ya think?”

  “Africa? Whatever for? I assume I will know shortly,” Gorman said as they had now reached the Captain’s door. “It seems,” the marine said, “that there is mischief and adventure even when I am not around to orchestrate it all!”

  Even though the deck was alive with men now, running and calling out to each other, the someone beneath the tarp in the jolly boat ventured a quick glance out from underneath and saw the small island clearly.

  This must be Cape Verde, the islands I heard the crew speak of, the stowaway thought. And they said we are heading to Africa? How far is that? Will there be enough time to go ashore and get some real food? This salty pork and dried bread is not pleasing at all. As I remember from geography, Cape Verde is far from England—but usually filled with British ships! If I popped out now, I would be sent home aboard the next ship heading north! No, I will wait a while longer, when it is too late to turn back! Ah, to see the coast of Africa!

  Down in the brig, Kozak noticed the mooring of the Danielle, as he could hear the calls of the men and sense that all motion had stopped save the gentle lapping of waves against the side of his cell wall. He wondered where he was. Surely not back in England. He had counted the days as best as he could since they departed Nassau. He had made eleven marks on the wall of his cell with his fingernail, one for each day.

  “Too many days for the Canary Islands,” he whispered to himself. “And we are not far enough for Ascension. This must be Cape Verde! Not the best location for an escape, if one is to be had. But if careful, a boat could be stolen, maybe at night.”

  With that, the hatch above the ladder was opened and down came Midshipman Spears with a tray of food. But Kozak could not look at the fare. He was most interested in the outcome of the previous evening. Did Spears actually try to murder Moore? Was he successful? If so, then it was time to spin the next lie and slowly trick Spears into believing he had been seen and that the Captain had only a few more ends to tie together before he found out who had murdered Jonathan Moore. Once Spears was sufficiently petrified, Kozak would offer a solution. He would explain how they both could escape, ply their trade upon the seas together and become rich and respected in America. All Spears would have to do is release Kozak.

  “Ah, Wayne!” Kozak said. “A
nd how did you fare last night?”

  Spears set the tray down slowly by the opening beneath the bars and pushed it gently inside. He looked up to Kozak, tears now running down his face.

  “I failed,” Spears finally got out.

  “H-how? Did you follow my advice?”

  “Yes,” said Spears.

  “To the letter?” asked Kozak.

  “Yes!” yelled Spears. He settled down quickly. “To the letter. But Moore was lucky once again and struck me with a staff of some sort. I was so close! But I was rewarded once again by the boot of injustice!”

  “Did he see you? Could he recognize you?” asked Kozak, hoping that the answer was yes. Then it would be as good as having committed the actual crime and the pirate could continue his plot to scare Spears into helping him.

  “No,” said Spears. “I was disguised. A larger coat. I blackened my face with ash and water. Moore might have seen the small scar upon my wrist, but he can’t prove anything. Many of us have scars like this.”

  They remained in silence, both lost in their own thoughts.

  Spears was thinking about the unfairness of it all and the idea that Moore most assuredly knew it was him. What would Jonathan do with this knowledge? Whom would he tell?

  Kozak was feeling sorry as well, but not an ounce was wasted on Midshipman Spears. He felt sorry for himself. This latest failure spoiled his escape plan, and unless Spears could be sufficiently motivated, he would not assist. Not after this botched attempt.

  “Lord,” said Kozak, somewhat angrily. “Isn’t there anything you can do better than Jonathan Moore?”

  And that stopped Spears cold. Yes, he knew there was one thing he could do better than Moore. He had proved it time and again in front of the whole crew. And it could be turned into a deadly talent.

  “Of course,” said Spears, now standing. “I can out-fight him with a sword. I will challenge him again, ashore and away from prying eyes.”

  “How?” asked the pirate. “He will never agree! You said so yourself!”

  Spears just laughed.

  “No, I said it would never happen, because Lieutenant Harrison has gotten wind of it. The duel was actually Moore’s suggestion! If I can get him alone, ashore, he will accept. Especially if I goad him.”

  “And how will you accomplish the goading?” asked Kozak, now beginning to see that Spears may play into his hands once again.

  “I will tell him the truth about a great many things! About how I accosted his father and how my father called in a favor from a few friends in the Admiralty!”

  14

  The Duel

  Those many members of the crew who were given leave to go ashore in Ribeira Grande lined up in front of Mr. Koonts to receive their pay and be dismissed into the port city. They were reminded that the stay was for one night only and that anyone not reporting back at sunrise would be severely punished. But even this threat could not dampen their spirits. Santiago Island was a popular destination for ships of His Majesty’s Navy, and Ribeira Grande was the largest city of all the surrounding islands, thereby presenting the most entertainment. All knew it offered hearty food, beer and the like, and soft beds that didn’t sway from side to side throughout the night. The day was warm and the breeze pleasant. The small streets beckoned the sailors to explore and enjoy.

  Jonathan and Sean were given leave to go ashore and, with Garvey as their guide, they explored all the favorite places. He showed them, first, his favorite pub that had the most amazing goat sandwiches and suggested they each order one with a glass of tea.

  “Goat?” said Jonathan. “I don’t know. The meat is grey, isn’t it?”

  “Now Jonny,” Sean said. “We have gone over this before. You have had it!”

  “No, I have not,” Jonathan said quickly.

  “Yes, yes, in London on White Chapel Street, remember? There was that pub owner who offered us a bowl of goat stew for hauling coal! You loved it!”

  “It is tasty, Mr. Moore,” added Garvey with a smile.

  “I did not love it, Sean,” Jonathan said. “I had been smelling coal ash and sweat all day, and I hadn’t eaten in what seemed like a month. All I remember was looking at the empty bowl when I was done. I tasted nothing.”

  Garvey and Sean continued badgering him until Jonathan agreed to try just one bite. If he didn’t find it to his liking, they would pay for anything else he wanted. With substantial reluctance, Jonathan finally, cautiously and gingerly, took a bite.

  “Oh,” said Jonathan, tasting the meat and spices along with a sauce that could only have been olive oil and some kind of ground pea, “Dear me! It is wonderful!”

  “If it can’t kill you, you should try it, my da’ always says!” Sean added as the boys laughed.

  The remainder of the day was spent climbing the few small hills on the outskirts of town and doing a little shopping. Garvey led them to a small shop where they discovered a variety of cooking oils, spices, salts, and even a few herbal remedies that greatly interested Sean. Jonathan had picked a few bottles to assist in his cooking when his eyes fell on a bracelet, a silver affair with a small charm on it. A charm of a sea turtle.

  “Will you take a look at this!” he said, and Sean and Garvey came to see his treasure.

  “A turtle, I believe?” said Garvey.

  “It just happens to be Miss Delain Dowdeswell’s favorite animal,” said Sean. “And I would say that Miss Delain Dowdeswell is Mr. Moore’s favorite as well!”

  This sent Sean into fits of laughter and even Jonathan chuckled a bit.

  “Then I must have it!” he exclaimed, and collected all his goods and carried them to the counter. The shopwoman wrapped the turtle in some fine cloth and tied a ribbon around it, then placed the items in a sack. She collected a few small coins and smiled brightly at the boys. After thanking her, they walked out into the bright daylight, ready for their next adventure.

  Unfortunately, it was Midshipmen Lane and Spears who first caught their eye. The two miscreants walked from the other side of the street, directly towards them. They seemed to be nervous, looking from side to side. Jonathan was also nervous, so much so that Sean noticed he kept his hand at his hip near his sword, ready to fight if need be.

  “Gentlemen,” said Jonathan cautiously. “I hope you are having a pleasant day?”

  Spears ignored this and immediately bent in close to whisper.

  “Moore, it is nice to see you with only two bodyguards instead of the entire ship.”

  “How is your wrist? Still bleeding?” asked Jonathan with a twinge of venom in his voice.

  “Yes, it was me, Moore. I only wonder why you haven’t called on your personal Captain and told him all about it.”

  “I have my reasons and they are my own. Besides, I can deal with you myself. What is it you want?”

  Spears laughed and looked around again to make sure there were no officers about.

  “Send Garvey on. I want to speak to you and Flagon. Alone,” he said.

  With a nod from Jonathan, Garvey went on ahead, full of suspicion, turning back to look at the two midshipmen and wondering what was being discussed. He didn’t trust Spears, as he had seen him berate and bully Sean on several occasions—and a few other crewmembers besides. Most of the men despised him and the talk was always about the desire for him to be transferred or promoted off the Danielle.

  Strange, thought Garvey, the idea of Spears and Lane confronting Mr. Moore and Sean is disquieting! I think I should inform someone.

  Spears now waited a minute or two for Garvey to be out of earshot, then addressed Jonathan angrily.

  “Moore, can you stand for yourself, by yourself, or will you always have your handlers about you?”

  “I was alone when you tried to kill me on deck the other night,” answered Jonathan, “and that ended up with you on the wrong end of a knife—or did you forget that?”

  Sean could not stand by silently. He now realized that something had gone on between Jonathan and Spears that h
e was not privy to, and that angered him. A knife fight has taken place, and luckily his friend was not hurt; however, he felt it was his duty to watch and protect Jonathan. Now, his temper was near its limit. Sean boldly stepped in front of Spears and looked upward the few inches into his eyes.

  “If I were there on deck instead of Jonathan,” he said coldly, “that knife would have been planted more permanently, I can assure you. And I may do it just the same.”

  With that, Sean reached to his calf and retrieved his letter opener from the sheath around his ankle, bringing it up quickly. With a flash of sunlight glistening off the blade, he had the edge against Spears’ throat. The Midshipman quickly grabbed Sean’s hand, pushing the blade away just a few inches to protect himself.

  “As usual!” Spears cried out, laughing. “Your personal valet comes to your rescue, Moore!”

  “Sean,” said Jonathan coolly, “please calm down. And put that away.”

  Sean removed the blade and stepped back, his anger still at a dangerous point.

  “You Moores are all alike. Always collected and polite. Using your connections and favors to get ahead! Bringing your own protection, even if in the form of a pip-squeak like Flagon. Never standing on your own two feet! Being propped up by others!” continued Spears, getting more heated by the minute. Jonathan watched him closely.

  “I do believe you are insane, Spears,” Jonathan said. “Come on, Sean, let us find better company.”

  Spears reached out to stop Jonathan, grabbing him by the coat lapel.

  “And you should learn to tie down your deck guns! Yes, I was behind that as well!” laughed Spears.

  “As if I didn’t know? You are a fool, Spears. Now move your hand,” Jonathan said softly but firmly, “or I will move it for you.”

  “Ha! The last time you said that, you challenged me to a duel! And you ran off, afraid.”

  Jonathan slapped Spears’s hand away but stood his ground, eyes narrowing and anger rising.