Peregrine

by Aye, Michael

  Gabe couldn’t help but wince at the words, true though they be. “Damn scoundrel,” he hissed, and then looked down at the chart once more. “We’ll land the shore party closer in this time; it will save the men some rowing. Hopefully our attack will be a complete surprise.”

  “When do you plan to start the attack?” Lieutenant Davy asked.

  Gabe thought for a moment then looked at Jepson. “As soon as you are in position, send up a flare. I will be lying to, outside the southern entrance. When you set off the flare, we will enter with guns roaring.”

  “Hell of a wake up call I’d say,” Davy volunteered.

  “Aye, but a wake up call they’ll not likely forget,” Jepson added.

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Cooper White stood close to Lieutenant Davy. Since the day he’d been cast over the side of the Tidewater Witch at Norfolk, he’d come to like the young lieutenant. He had been friendly and was willing to offer guidance and instruction without being overbearing or condescending. He had proven to be an officer the men respected and gave that extra effort for. However, now just before the break of dawn, the lieutenant seemed preoccupied. He refrained from all attempts of small talk, something that usually made the watch go faster. Was he concerned about the upcoming battle? White didn’t think so. The men in Lieutenant Davy’s division had said he was a fierce warrior. Little did the midshipman know that Lieutenant Davy’s mind was on Witzenfeld, his previous lieutenant.

  Davy had contemplated suicide back in his early days as a young midshipman. Suicide…after committing murder. Had Dagan not intervened in his mystical way, Davy would have killed the evil Lieutenant Witzenfeld without remorse. Was this, the brother, as cruel and evil a man? Did he find satisfaction in hurting others? He’d overheard the captain and admiral speak about his treacherous ways, his being a turncoat and, worse yet, a man without honour. Would he be the last Witzenfeld he’d have to face? He hoped so. Lieutenant Witzenfeld and his brother were about as much as any family deserved. It was said the family had suffered due to the dishonour this latest Witzenfeld had brought on the family by his gambling and being a traitor.

  I pray God you let me…us, put an end to it this day. He was starting to think about a family himself and didn’t want to constantly look over his shoulders for old enemies or adversaries. That would be no way to start off a new life; a new life in which he could picture Ariel playing an important role. He had money. He’d saved more than most since he’d been basically dumped on the deck of Drakkar by a man who didn’t want some snot-nose lad interfering with his relationship with the mother. He’d been hurt…hurt and resentful then, but not anymore. He’d found a home in the Navy. Men like the captain, who’d been a senior midshipman at the time, trusted him. He’d grown and matured since those early days and now hopefully he’d put to rest the name that meant torment and fear to a young lad. Today would end it. It’d have to.

  A seaman clearing his throat brought Davy out of his reverie. The captain and Dagan were coming on deck. They had gone down for a cup of coffee an hour ago, as did Lieutenant Lavery and Gunnells. The ship had been at quarters for an hour now or near to it. Peregrine had been lying to, rising and falling with each lazy swell. The occasional slap against the hull by a small wave was the only sound in the pre-dawn hour.

  “The lookouts have reported no signs from either Pegasus or the shore party,” Davy reported without being asked.

  Gabe looked at the sky. “It won’t be long, David. Send young White for a cup of coffee or go down yourself for a quick cup.”

  “I’ll send White, sir. Give ’im a chance to snitch a swallow for himself.”

  Gabe grinned. “You never did such a thing as a snotty, did you sir?”

  Now it was Davy who smiled. “Not until I was trained on the sly by the senior midshipman. His last name was Anthony, I recall.”

  “Damme sir,” Gabe replied, feigning dismay. “Surely you’re not insinuating that I would have subscribed to such practices.”

  “Well sir, one does change as he ascends the lofty ladder to command.”

  “Humph! Send your snotty for a cup before duty calls.”

  As Davy turned away, Dagan whispered, “That one has changed. Our wee little David Davy is now a fine naval officer.”

  “Aye,” Gabe answered. “I can easily see him walking his own quarterdeck.”

  Gunnells and Lavery now made their way toward Gabe. “Wind has freshened a mite, should help our cause.”

  Nodding, Gabe turned to the first lieutenant, “I want grape on top of ball for the first round. Load the swivels with canister.”

  “Aye, Captain, that will cut down a few if they are stirring.”

  Glancing again toward the sky, Gabe said, “We’ll have them stirring soon I’m thinking.”

  “I hope Witzenfeld is here and not on the privateer that wasn’t accounted for.”

  All heads turned and glared. “Damnation Nathan,” Gabe cursed, “why’d you think such a thing, let alone voice it.”

  “Sorry sir,” the lieutenant replied sheepishly.

  “No worries, he’s there.”

  Gabe thought Dagan had spoken but it had been Hex.

  “Are you a sorcerer, sir?” Gabe snorted.

  “No sir, but I don’t know any smuggler, pirate, or rogue alive what’s gonna sail off leaving all that loot there, in someone else’s trust.” Hex emphasized his statement by pointing his hanger toward the mouth of the inlet.

  “Experience speaking again?” Gabe asked.

  Now it was Hex’s turn to look sheepish. “Aye Captain, you know my background.”

  “That I do, Hex, and it has provided valuable insight.”

  “Flare!” Dagan called before the lookout could even call down.

  “Let’s get underway, Mr. Lavery. Mr. Gunnells, set a course to bring us inside the channel.”

  Two Aye Captains rang out in unison.

  Gabe then turned to Dagan. “Uncle, have a care.”

  “And you as well, Gabe. This will be a good day. I have a feeling…but it never hurts to keep your head down.”

  Hex listened to the interchange but didn’t speak. More than once he’d heard Lieutenant Davy or Lieutenant Lavery speak of Dagan having a gift. A couple of the older hands even whispered such stories. None of which had he believed…until now. It was like cold steel running down his neck and back; a phantom that went deep and touched his very soul, something indescribable. There was definitely something special about Dagan. Was he mystical as some said? He didn’t know. He’d heard of certain ones among the American Indians who had the gift. The power to see what no one else could. He wasn’t sure about any redskin Indian. But Dagan had it. He’d bet his life on that.

  Looking out toward the horizon, the first rays of sun were starting to show themselves, streaks of light penetrating the gray sky. The entrance into the channel lay just ahead. Amelia Island was to larboard and Pelican Banks to starboard. The gunner was forward with his mates. He’d be firing the carronades. Lieutenant Davy was stationing himself as the gunnery officer and gun crews were tying rags around their heads. It all seemed to be a dream, a dream in slow motion.

  Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Hex had one more thought come to mind. By noon I’ll be rich from my share of prize money or dead in a noble cause.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  The leadsman called out his soundings from his platform in the chains. The findings were repeated and passed along by seaman to the quarterdeck. Thus far the charts had been accurate as to depth and width. Peregrine seemed to be flying through the channel. The wind blowing Gabe’s hat off caused his hair to stand out not unlike the pennant flying overhead.

  “Here’s your hat, sir,” Hex said. “You may wish to tie it on or I could take it below.”

  “I’ll not be hampered with a string,” Gabe replied harshly.

  Without another word, Hex took the hat below.

  “Permission to take in the mainsail, sir.” This from Gunnell
s.

  Realizing the speed was too great to accurately access the anchorage and attack, Gabe gave permission.

  “Deck thar,” the forward lookout called down. “Anchorage and ships sighted, sir. No sails being set.”

  “We have them!” Gabe roared, pounding his fist into the palm of his other hand. Excited, he grabbed a glass from its bracket and bounded up the shrouds. The ships at anchor appeared to be unmanned with no activity aboard, as the lookout had reported. Sweeping the anchorage with his glass, he could make out activity ashore. Something or somebody had alarmed them. It was too late now, he said to himself. Climbing down the shrouds, a thought came to him suddenly. Jumping to the deck he called for Lieutenant Lavery, Davy, and the gunner.

  When the three had assembled, Gabe spelled out his sudden change in plan. “The first ship we pass is the Drake. We will fire all our swivels at the ship. Then you, Lieutenant Lavery, will take a boarding party, take the ship, and use her larboard guns to assist in taking the other ships. I’ll lay Peregrine close by for your party to board. See the bosun for the boarding party and take a squad of marines.”

  Before Lavery could reply Gabe added, “Hurry now, time is short. Lieutenant Davy, you are to take over the first lieutenant’s duties. Mr. Hawks, you will take charge of the guns. Mr. Druett, after the first round I want the smashers loaded with canister. I don’t think the rascals will have time for much action with round shot, so we’ll cut down the rogues and not destroy the ships if we can help it.”

  “Aye Captain,” the smiling gunner replied, already estimating his share of prize money.

  “We’re ready, Captain.” This coming from Lieutenant Lavery.

  That didn’t take long, Gabe thought but replied, “I’m glad to hear it, sir. I thought you’d decided on a nap before reporting.”

  This brought a chuckle from the men and a smile to Lavery, understanding the captain’s ploy to set the men at ease.

  “Mr. Gunnells.”

  “Aye Captain.”

  “Reduce more sail and pass as close astern to Drake as possible without buggering her.”

  This brought more smiles and chuckles. They were close now…almost ready and nothing but a few musket shots had been fired and those were from ashore.

  “Activity on yonder ship,” the lookout called down.

  Well, somebody is finally awake, Gabe thought. Watching as the distance between the two ships closed, Gabe took his speaking trumpet and held it close to his lips.

  “Just a bit closer…just a bit more.”

  A musket ball hit the deck with a thud, causing a splinter to impale itself in Gabe’s hand. Feeling the sting, he ignored the wound, his eye and mind on the closing ship.

  “Now!” he yelled. “Fire, fire as you bear.”

  The roar of the smashers was but a split second before the cannons fired. The sounds were deafening as the deck gave a shudder as pure hell was belched forth, the might of Peregrine’s guns destroying all in its path.

  No sooner had the guns fired when Lavery’s voice could be heard, “Boarders away.”

  “No resistance, Captain,” Hex offered.

  Indeed, Gabe thought. Who could have lived through that to offer resistance? The pop of musket and pistol shot could be heard ashore but it was sporadic.

  “Mr. Druett, yonder lies your next target,” Gabe shouted pointing at the Tidewater Witch. “Fire when ready.”

  Boom!...Boom! Again tiny balls filled the air with a buzz, followed by cries of pain as men fell wounded and dying. Before another round could be fired into the Witch, a white flag was quickly raised in surrender.

  “Deck thar, one of the brigs be getting underway.”

  “Which direction?” Gabe asked, his speaking trumpet at his lips.

  “The utter one sir.”

  “Gawd,” Gunnells growled. He ought to flog the London lubber.

  Another crash and Gabe could feel the vibration in the planks beneath his feet. This last brought quick action and now white flags were raised over the remaining ships except for the beached guineaman.

  Looking back toward Drake, Gabe could see Lavery standing on the poop deck as a British flag was being raised.

  “Mr. White.”

  “Aye sir.”

  “Signal Drake welcome back to fleet. Mr. Davy.”

  “Aye Captain.”

  “Take a party of marines to yonder ship under a flag of truce. Explain that as they appear to be defenseless we will not fire on them if they lay down their weapons and march down to the beach, hands high in the air.”

  “Aye sir.”

  “Mr. Davy.”

  “Sir.”

  “Do not enter the ship. We don’t know what lurks within its confines.”

  “Aye sir.”

  “Mr. Gunnells, if you will bring us around, I intend to board the Tidewater Witch.”

  “Aye Captain.”

  “Dagan.”

  “Aye.”

  “Gather a boarding party.”

  “Hex, break out my gig.”

  “Aye Captain.”

  “Mr. Gunnells, anchor so we can keep an eye on those three merchant brigs. Mr. Hawks, please assist the master as needed. Mr. Druett, if there’s any belligerent activity aboard any of the vessels I will be obliged if you would quieten it with a load of canister from one of your smashers.”

  “Aye Captain. We’s loaded and ready.”

  Nodding Gabe turned and almost ran into a surgeon’s mate.

  “What’s the bill?” Gabe asked.

  “A few splinters like the one in your hand, Captain; otherwise nothing to report.”

  Good, Gabe thought. “I suppose Dagan told you about the splinter,” he said.

  “No sir. It was your cox’n, Hex.”

  “Humm. Well, let’s get it taken care of quickly. I’ve a ship to board.”

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  A mulatto stood at the end of Witzenfeld’s cot. She either was or had been a slave at some point; shackle scars still pointed out the obvious. She was slim and very beautiful. Her hair had a reddish brown hue and her flashing eyes were a soft brown. She was completely naked. Her breasts were proud but not overly large. She gave Gabe, Dagan, and Hex a look they would never forget. Though she must have been frightened by the sounds of battle she stood defiant, and contemptuous. She was the only thing of beauty in the cabin. The air was stale and reeked of alcohol and something Gabe couldn’t make out.

  Picking a pipe up off of the cluttered desk Hex volunteered, “Opium. No wonder the lout is in a stupor.”

  Witzenfeld lay crossways under a sheet on his cot. An empty bottle lay on the deck near a hand that was hanging off. He didn’t stir. Gabe was aware of Dagan’s eyes searching the cabin. Was it for some hidden rogue, a weapon, or more likely loot? Hex picked up a soft white linen gown and gave it to the girl. It didn’t completely hide all the girl’s nakedness but it made Gabe feel better. A knock on the outer door got Gabe’s attention.

  It was a bosun’s mate. “Sir, we’ve done a quick look see and other than the dead men on deck the ship is deserted.”

  “Did you find anything of value?” Gabe asked.

  “Nothing to speak of, sir. Course we ain’t searched the hold.” The bosun’s mate’s reply was such Gabe was sure the party had come upon something and it had already been hidden or divided.

  “I see,” Gabe said. “The nothing to speak of…has it been shared?”

  “Aye,” the sailor replied sheepishly.

  “Very well, but mind you, I’ll flog any man that tries to bring alcohol on board.”

  “Oh no sir, we’ll not let that happen. We’ll keep our peepers open for such contraband, Cap’n, and that’s no error.”

  “I believe you will,” Gabe replied, dismissing the man.

  With so much to be taken, it would be a dumb sailor indeed to risk it over a bottle of rum. Seeing a length of rope lying across a chair Gabe took it and tied a slip knot at one end. He threw it over Witzenfeld’s head pu
lling the knot tight around the man’s neck.

  “Is there any water in that pitcher?” Gabe asked pointing to the desk the dress had been on.

  “There’s water in the bowl but the pitcher is dry,” Hex replied.

  “Hand me the bowl then.” Taking the bowl, Gabe poured the water over Witzenfeld’s head. This brought forth a moan but little else. “Fetch me a bucket of water,” Gabe ordered.

  “Sea water, Captain.”

  “I don’t care if it’s bilge water, Hex, just fetch me a bucketful.”

  “Aye, Captain.” When Hex returned he had two buckets. Seeing Gabe’s look, Hex offered, “Case one wasn’t enough, sir.”

  Gabe couldn’t help but smile at his cox’n. “Well, Jacob, since you brought them down, you may have the pleasure of dousing our comatose pirate.”

  “Aye,” Hex replied. That’s the second time he has used my given name, the cox’n thought, which took away the sting of the captain’s harsh reply from a few minutes ago. Also, the captain referred to the man as a pirate. This did not bode well for the fellow’s chance of survival.

  Dashing the first bucket of water over Witzenfeld caused him to rise, spitting and sputtering.

  “I’ll keelhaul the whoreson who just tried to drown me!” he roared.

  Eyeing his captain, Hex waited for further instructions. He followed Gabe’s eyes to the other bucket. Picking it up, without speaking, Hex tilted his head toward Witzenfeld as if to say again? Gabe’s reply was an affirmative nod. This time Hex slowly poured the entire contents over Witzenfeld’s head.

  The rogue tried to avoid the water but the rope around his neck held him firmly in place. By this time, Witzenfeld had sobered enough to realize he’d been taken.

  Seeing the man had his wits back, Gabe spoke. “In the name of the king, I arrest you for piracy.”

  Pulling the man to his feet, Gabe saw he had on slops. Handing the rope to Hex, he ordered, “Take the pirate to the master-at-arms and have him put in chains. No one is to see him until I give further orders.”