by Michael Aye
***
Gabe awoke with a start. In spite of the cool damp air he was sweating. He had been dreaming of the explosion on Turtle. The sudden blast that sent him cart-wheeling into the air as the vessel became a roaring inferno. High through the air Gabe had been hurled, still clutching the Turtle's captain. The air burned his lungs as sheets of flames seemed to reach out for him.
At some point he turned lose of the burning corpse that seconds before had been a man. Then down, down he plunged into the muddy darkness of the trough where the remains of Turtle fill ed the sky with fiery orange debris.
Gabe wiped his face with a grubby sleeve. He smell ed the marsh. He could not yet see about him so it
was still early but he knew his prison was close to the marsh. He could smell it and it brought back memories of his childhood. His father would take him hunting wildfowl on the marshes that lay along the Thames. It was one of the few times Father had seemed completely relaxed. He was just Father on the hunting trips, not Admiral Lord James Anthony. It had been the two of them…Dagan, and his father's servant.
Memories…A shackled prisoner…would he live long enough to have further memories? He would like to have a life full of memories built around Faith. He suddenly realized he was deeply in love. He'd like to share life with Faith. She could bare him a son and he could take his son hunting in the marshes as his own father had done.
***
"Shh…," Rud held his fingers to his lips. The group of men was in a thicket just off the main road.
Limbs from the great oaks hung low; some even touched the ground. Moss hung from the limbs and old acorns crunched under their feet as they made their way as silently as possible.
At Rud's warning, they had squatted down to be even less visible. A coach was approaching on the road.
The sound of the horses' hooves on the road was clearer and then rounding a slight bend, the coach was visible.
Two men sat on top, a driver and a servant both dressed in red livery. As the coach passed a great crest
was emblazoned on the door and with the window shade up a man could be seen.
"Montique," Dagan hissed, "I knew it would be him."
"That's the devil himself is it?" Rud asked.
"Aye, that's him. Well, maybe things will go better with him away."
***
Light flooded the room as the door was opened.
Two men stepped in, one with a musket and one with a plate of food and a cup of water.
"You's hungree?" the man carrying the food asked as he set it down on the floor. "I don't know why we bother to feed ye anyhow. You're a dead man soon as Mr. Montique returns."
"Mister Montique say' iffen he see's Captain Crawford he's gona tell him he's got the man what took
’is ship and got his young'n in a British jail. It could be Captain Crawford might pay to put his hand on ya.
Might use ya to barter foh his kid or he might jus kill you his ownself."
Then laughing the two turned to leave. Wanting to get a better look at his surroundings Gabe cal ed out, "I have to go."
"What?" the man with the musket cal ed.
"I have to go," Gabe repeated. "Nature cal s."
"Well shit in your pants then sit in it," the other man replied cruel y.
"If I do I'm sure it will be you who has to clean up after I'm dead."
The man holding the rifle snickered, his rotten teeth showing. "He's right, Luther. Smith will sure put you to cleaning up the mess."
"Ah right! Hold that gun on him and if he so much as flinches you part his hair with a bull et right where that gray streak be."
Outside Gabe could see he was being kept in a warehouse that indeed was almost at the river's edge.
He could see a boardwalk and what appeared to be a dock. That was probably where stolen goods were brought in and out. Attached to the side of the warehouse was a smaller building. Bars fill ed the windows and young ladies peered out as he passed.
Luther saw him looking and snatched on his chain causing Gabe to stumble.
Laughing at Gabe, Luther said, "Lookers ain't they?
To bad you can't have any but if you beg I'll ask Smith if he'll let you watch as we has our pleasure. That will be just afore Mr. Montique takes his pleasure in kill 'n you."
Look as he may Gabe could find nothing that would aid in his escape. He'd hoped to get a glimpse of Faith but that was not to be. Once back in the warehouse the sun was starting to shine through high windows and cracks between the wall boards. The warehouse was full. Barrels labelled rum were stacked
against the rear wall to one side and several cannons fill ed the other side.
Boxes labelled muskets were stacked as high as a man's head. There were also boxes labelled shoes, shirts, blankets, and britches. Powder kegs were stacked, more boxes labelled bullets, buckshot, nails and one small box labelled stockings. Sail canvas was stacked, and down the middle, ship's spars were stored.
Turning, Gabe focused on top of the barrel next to him, a lanthorn. Luther had been careless and left the lanthorn he'd used to see with when he unlocked Gabe's chain. It was sitting on a barrel. It was no longer lit but it was there. If he couldn't escape Gabe thought at least he might be able to light the lanthorn and destroy the warehouse. At least he'd die with the knowledge Montique wouldn't be able to use his ill -gotten goods.
Gabe slumped down against the wall feeling the rough wall scratch at his back as he did so. The pain suddenly made him feel desolate. In his despair he hung his head. Dagan, where are you? Gil, Faith, Dagan.
They al fill ed his mind and for the first time in a long time Gabe found himself reciting the Lord's Prayer.
***
Rud, Dagan, and the group arrived at the plantation just before dusk, skirting their way through an oak thicket trying to keep out of everyone's sight including the slaves. As they stopped at the last line of oaks before a large clearing they were able to take in
most of the plantation. A row of shotgun houses built close together were obviously the slave quarters.
The glow of candles was noted in a few open windows. It was easy to pick out the stables, a foundry indicated the blacksmith shop and another outbuilding looked like a sawmil. As darkness overtook the dusk the woods seem to come alive. Lightening bugs flashed their momentary glow, and mosquitoes buzzed about.
It seemed al the insects decided to sing at once.
Next to the slave quarters a loud shout sounded and then a dog howled mournful y, followed by half a dozen more dogs starting to howl. At this point, someone stamped hard on the porch and another shout, and then a sudden yelp and the dogs were quiet.
"Smell the marsh?" Jubal asked.
"Aye lad, you couldn't miss it," Dagan answered.
"Look there," Rud was pointing to a large building.
One man was holding a lanthorn in one hand and a gun in the other. Another man was unlocking a door.
Dagan suddenly rose from where he had been crouching and took a half step out of the shadows.
"Gabe is there," he spoke to no one in particular.
Kawliga moved up next to Dagan. "Man there, colonneh?"
"Aye," Dagan answered and turned back toward the thicket only to come to a dead stop as Kawliga whispered, "Women too."
"Women?" Dagan was surprised and turned back toward the buildings. Sure enough, after listening
closely voices were heard and then in the lamplight a woman appeared looking out between the bars of the jail. Then gazing further he could see a woman and a black man, probably a slave, coming down the steps of the plantation house. Stepping back into the thicket, he passed on his and Kawliga's findings.
"Rud, I gave my word to Colonel Marion not to spy and only protect myself as needed. Now it looks like it's time for a bit of action. I came to get Gabe, but it looks like Montique is more than a pirate. It appears he's a slaver as well, black and white. If you wish to go back now give my respects to the colonel. If you stay…well things coul
d get bloody."
Without hesitating Rud answered, "I'll stay. I don't like no white women being mistreated."
"Good enough," Dagan said but mental y decided to keep Caleb close by. He knew his metal. "Jubal!"
"Yes sir."
"I want you and Kawliga to go back and skirt around the edge of the clearing and see if those boards yonder by the big building lead to a dock or a boat. If there is a boat large enough for al of us and several women take control of it. If not work your way back and stop us before we head down the boardwalk. Don't take chances. Understand…don't take any chances." Looking at Kawliga, the Indian nodded then the two were off. Dagan then ask Caleb, "You ready?"
"As ever."
"The leg?"
"It's fine, lets be at it."
Turning to Rud, Dagan placed his hands on the man's shoulder. "You're the woodsman, lead on."
***
Gabe was not sure why, but he felt better. He'd drifted off to sleep after his prayer and awoke at the rattle of chains at the door. Luther and rotten teeth were back. "Eat your grub and in an hour or so you can listen as we has ourselves a shindig. Smith will have the women squealing like pigs. You can't have no cunny but you can listen."
Gabe ate the offered stew and biscuit and was quite surprised at how good it was. Whoever the cook was knew their way around a stove. About the time Gabe finished he heard voices outside arguing.
One was Luther's, the other a female…Faith, it was Faith. Then the arguing came to a halt and the door opened. Luther spoke once more, "Mr. Hindley's gone and you know it, but soon as he gets back we's gona fetch him. You know Mr. Montique don't allow you down here where the prisoners are." Then he pushed the door shut and left.
He had the keys to the chain locks so there was no chance in the man escaping. Therefore, he let Faith have her way. He knew it wasn't right but he wasn't about to physical y stop her, not yet he wasn't. Not that he hadn't dreamed of touching her, but unless Hindley
said to he wouldn't touch a hair on her head, no sir, nary a hair.
Once in the warehouse, Lum handed the lanthorn to Faith and sat down in the shadows of the opposite corner away from Gabe and Faith. They shouldn't be here at al but with him along maybe Hindley's white trash guards would think twice before touching the girl, Lum thought.
Faith lifted the lanthorn and as she did Gabe stood up. Seeing Gabe, Faith rushed to him setting the lanthorn on top of a barrel that was close by.
"Oh Gabe, I was so afraid they'd hurt you. My uncle, how could he do such evil things? Oh Gabe." Gabe could smell Faith's fresh washed hair, the faint scent of her perfume, the woman smell. After the damp musty odor of the warehouse it was like heaven. He reached for her and she came to him. This time she kissed him long and hard, not like the sudden fleeting pecks she'd given when he'd been laid up in Lum's cabin. She crushed her body into Gabes, kissing, hugging, and weeping al at the same time. He could feel her breast, her heartbeat, the smoothness of her skin.
After a long breath, she broke away and gasped, "I love you, God Gabe, I don't know when or how, but I love you. I've got to get you out of here. I'll confront Uncle Adam and if he doesn't turn you loose I'll go get help."
How naive, Gabe thought. How young, innocent and naive. Al his loneliness was forgotten with just her kiss.
"I love you too," he stammered, "I want you…I want you to be my wife."
"Gabe, oh Gabe, God yes, lets get you out of here now."
"Hold on to ya horse now missy."
"Hindley!"
"At your service, madam."
"Turn him loose."
"Afraid I can't missy. The master seems to have his sights set on a special death for that `n. A painful drawn out death, I'm bettin'. However, if you was to be kindly I could put it to him so as he'd die right away.
That way they'd be no suffering. Say he was trying to escape."
"Go to hell, Hindley."
"What! The she-cat is snarling a bit is she?" Then Hindley sneered, "Lets see if you can do anything but snarl."
Reaching out he grasped her top and fiercely ripped it away, exposing her breasts. Gabe lunged at the man but the chains brought him up short. Grabbing a length of trace chain, Hindley swung at Gabe. The chains cut a gash along his cheek. Faith kicked Hindley who whirled and grabbed Faith bodily and hurled her to the floor.
As Gabe reached out attempting to help again, Hindley kicked him savagely in the stomach before turning his attention back to Faith. The urge to jump
up on her feet and run was almost overpowering, but Faith couldn't leave Gabe. Hindley would surely kill him.
"Uncle Adam will have your back flayed for this you bastard," Faith spat at her tormentor.
"He will surely try she-cat so I better enjoy what I can before he returns." Hindley then took a step toward Faith and she slapped him. Enraged, he snatched her to him and gave a ringing slap to her face.
"What you need, little she-cat, is a taming, and I aim to give it to you starting now." Hindley then forced Faith back and down over a wooden table. His fingers dug into her soft breasts, bruising them as he did so. He tore at her skirt and pull ed it up over her knees, enjoying the feel of the soft flesh of her upper thighs.
"Get off me," Faith screamed as she loosened a hand and clawed at her attacker's face as he thrust toward her.
From the shadow a large black man arose. "Leave her be, Mr. Hindley."
"Get out," Hindley shouted.
"I said leave her be," Lum repeated and this time he grasped Hindley's shoulder.
Furious and half crazy over the whole affair, Hindley jumped up and hit Lum with a strong blow to the head. "I said get out nigger."
Turning his attention back to Faith, he slapped her again as he flung her back down on the table and thrust at her once again. Out of nowhere Hindley felt himself being snatched around as an axe was plunged deep into his skull. He never heard the scream he let out as he slumped to the floor, but Luther and Rotten Teeth did.
Lum was helping Faith to her feet and trying to cover her nakedness when the door burst open.
"Well looky heah…looks like the nigger done kill ed Mr. Hindley and is raping Miss Faith. What you thank?" Luther asked his partner.
"Kill us a nigger and taste a bit ’o sweet nectar al in one night. Course we'll have to kill missy too, but that's after we licked al the honey outta the pot."
"You're not killing anyone my friend." Dagan, Caleb and Rud had walked up on the two without being heard, so intent had they been staring at the partial y clad Faith.
"Who'er you?"
"Does it matter," Dagan asked.
"Sho `nuff does," Rotten Teeth spoke. "Luther, he ain't even got a gun."
"Then kill him," Luther cried.
As he did, Dagan stepped aside. Luther and Rotten Teeth saw Caleb and Rud too late. Caleb shot Luther in the chest with his pistol. Holding his musket casual y, without aiming Rud fired, his bal hitting Rotten Teeth in the stomach taking a button from his shirt and pushing it through his backbone.
Gabe tried to rise, Faith and Dagan both rushed to him. "Still getting yourself into a fix," Dagan said sarcastically, but feeling an immense sense of relief.
Gabe stood with help, tried to smile as he said,
"Aye, but she's worth it." Then directing his attention to Caleb, Gabe continued, "The man you shot keeps the keys to the locks in his coat pocket." Finding the keys, Gabe was soon released and Rud went to set the imprisoned girls free. Turning to Faith, Dagan asked, "How long before we have company?"
"I'm not sure," Faith replied. "My uncle went to meet some men in Charlestown this morning so I don't expect him back til tomorrow or the next day.
However, usual y when he returns from his trips he brings several men with him, but I think we're safe enough for now."
Looking at Faith, who was still not completely covered, an uncomfortable Dagan asked further, "And your uncle is?"
"Adam Montique."
"I knew it," Dagan said. "The m
an has been plotting against us from the start."
"Aye," Gabe replied. "He thought I was out after his man slugged me but I came to in time to hear him brag about how he was the brains behind the pirates we faced in the West Indies. He kill ed most of his captives, but the women, especial y the blond women; he sold to the Dey in Algiers. The others he took his pleasures with then turned them over to Hindley and his men."
Caleb, who had went to check on Jubal and Kawliga, returned and reported their findings. "There's a boat right enough. Kawliga surprised the man on board and he's trussed up properly now."
"How big is the boat?" Gabe asked.
"It ought to hold us al. The tide appears to be on the ebb though so we need to hurry."
"Well, get the women to the boat. Then look around and get us some weapons, food and water." When Caleb had departed, Gabe turned to Dagan,
"This place has enough supplies in it to keep an army going for months. we'll lay a charge and on our way out we'll light a fuse and finish the job we started." Gabe had his back to Faith and so he could not see her hand go to her mouth and the pal or that crept across her face.
"No!" Dagan said.
"Did you say no," Gabe asked, not believing his ears.
"I gave my word to Colonel Marion I'd fetch you and protect myself but I'd do no more mischief," Dagan explained.
"But these supplies, this man cared nothing for the war; he's filling his pockets at both countries expense."
"I gave my word, Gabe, same as you did to the smuggler that time."
Gabe gave a sigh and turned to Faith, "Lets get your things together."
"I…can't Gabe, I can't go with you."
"But we're to be married. You said you'd marry me."
"I can't Gabe."
"Don't you love me, Faith?"
"Yes, yes with al my heart."
"Then let's get some things and go."
"I told you I can't Gabe."
"Why?"
"Cause you're the enemy…our countries are at war…Maybe after the war Gabe, but not now. We believe in different causes."