HMS Seawolf tfa-2

by Michael Aye

  "His niece, incestuous bastard is he not?" Moffett exclaimed.

  "Aye, sir. It was this Hindley who became so besotted with Faith's beauty he risked sure death by Montique when he attempted to rape the girl. It was then Lum kill ed the man that made it necessary for me to bring him with me, for his protection. It was then Dagan showed up with his group and we escaped, taking the other captive girls with us. It's in the report, sir," Gabe said as he ended his story.

  "Enlightened me if you will sir," Captain Moffett spoke again. "You've explained how Montique was an informer to the pirates and a slaver but how has he been a traitor to the Colonials?"

  "Well, sir," Gabe began again, "the Admiral can tell you that the pirates attacked al ships of means; it didn't matter if it was British, Colonial or what nation. It was a rich cargo he was after…whose made no difference.

  Even Commodore Gardner remarked on how a lot of those taken could have paid a large ransom. Well, Montique had the pirates kill the men, take pleasure in the…ah, older women, but the young girls and the

  younger the better, he sold into the Dey's harems. The goods from those ships he sold to the highest bidder, and then often had the ship waylaid carrying the cargo he'd just sold. Then he'd sale it again. His warehouse was full of contraband. There was enough in one warehouse to keep an entire Army going through a whole winter."

  "I see," Moffett said.

  After a brief pause, while Silas recharged everyone's wine glass, the report continued. This time both Gabe and Markham explained how the privateer had engaged the merchant vessel and how when they arrived the privateer was taken.

  "Here's a list of cargo I thought would interest you, my Lord," Markham said as he proudly handed Lord Anthony an inventory list.

  Taking a moment to go over the list the admiral raised his eyebrows. Then addressing the flag captain, he spoke. "Damme, Dutch, would you listen to this?

  After a one and a quarter hour engagement the privateer, Le Frelon…what's that…the wasp?

  "Hornet, sir," Markham corrected his senior, "Le Frelon means the Hornet."

  "Yes well," the Admiral continued, "Upon boarding her we found in cargo eight carriage guns, twelve swivel guns, twenty small arms, sixteen pistols, twenty cutlasses, some twenty cases of cartridges, boxes and belts for bayonets, nineteen barrels of powder and nine half-barrels of powder. In addition, there were bales of blankets, crates of boots in assorted sizes, twelve

  kegs of rum, seven casks of naval wine, and a miscellany of shot and ball. We also captured a Colonial captain, a sergeant and about twenty privates. Among the Army stores, we further found six three-pound cannons but no shot or bal. The captured vessel is a French built twenty-gun corvette in good repair. Her commander is a prisoner. We lost ten men kill ed, seven wounded, one of which is in a bad way."

  "It is also my privilege," Markham spoke after the Admiral had finished reading the inventory, "to present this set of papers." Then handing an official document on parchment paper to Lord Anthony, Markham sat back and watched for the expression on the admiral's face to appear.

  "My God, sirs," an excited and surprised Lord Anthony exclaimed, "do you know what you have here…if…if mind you this document is real. Your discovery may have saved Nova Scotia." Looking somewhat awed by his Lordship's words, Captain Moffett inquired as he reached out, "May I, sir?"

  "Oh, forgive me, Dutch. Look at this." As Moffett read the heading of the document his jaw dropped, "The Plans for the Invasion and Occupation of Nova Scotia to be undertaken by a Consortium of Free Enterprise Ships and Vessels." As Moffett read on he looked up, "Did you see the date, my Lord?"

  "Aye, Dutch that I did."

  "That doesn't give us much time to prepare a defense, sir."

  "No, it doesn't. Are our patrol ships back in port, Dutch?"

  "Aye, sir, al but Merlin and she was due today."

  "Make a signal for al captains to repair on board at 0800 on the morrow."

  "Aye, sir, and sir have you decided about Mr. Earl?"

  "Yes, send for him immediately while I have my clerk draw up the orders." Then Lord Anthony stood.

  The formal interview was over. "We have a lot of preparation, gentlemen." Looking at Gabe and Markham he said, "Your find was a Godsend. Have the privateer sent over to the flagship for further questioning."

  "Do you think, sir," Markham asked, "that since we captured Le Frelon, they'll cal it off?"

  "I doubt it," Lord Anthony responded. "I doubt they know we've taken the ship yet and when they find out they will most likely figure the captain's papers were thrown overboard."

  As the group made to leave, Lord Anthony put aside his admiral's demeanor as he spoke, "Gabe, would you do me the honor of dining with me tonight? Silas will have something to soothe the palate or I'll have him keel-hauled."

  "Aye, sir, I would take pleasure in it."

  "Good, now if you will give Earl time to gather his chest and report to me before you go aboard SeaWolf. "

  "Aye, sir, I'd not want to do anything to displeasure Mr. Earl. We've been friends to long." Smiling Lord Anthony said, "And I imagine that friendship will continue for sometime since you're the one who helped capture the ship which will be his." Gabe almost forgot himself, "Real y Gil…'ere sir, that's great. I'll spend some time with Bart and introduce him to Lum if Dagan's not already done so."

  "Very well," Lord Anthony explained, "I'd like to meet this Lum fellow soon myself."

  As soon as Gabe had left, Lord Anthony cal ed to Dagan…"You still in the pantry?"

  "Aye, sir, I'm still here."

  "Good, let me draft Earl's orders then we'll sit down and have a glass."

  "Aye, my Lord, I do think I've something that will surprise you."

  Looking at Dagan for a moment Lord Anthony replied, "I doubt it…I heard his voice when he mentioned her name."

  ***

  Boarding SeaWolf again was exhilarating even if it did hold some foolish apprehensions. Apprehensions such as how had things gone since he'd been absent:

  had Earl changed any of his standing orders or protocols? How was discipline and morale? Had the bosun sewed any red baize bags in his absence? Gabe couldn't recall SeaWolf’s last flogging. Earl had spent time under Lord Anthony long enough to know his Lordship believed in flogging only as a last resort.

  "You ruin more good men than you know," he'd always say when he gathered his officers just prior to a commission. Why so many use it as intimidation was more than he could fathom.

  Bart had used the admiral's barge again to row Gabe over to SeaWolf. That Hazard had been forewarned was obvious, probably by Earl, who had been summoned to the flagship. The entire crew had turned out in their best.

  "Boat ahoy! SeaWolf!" The challenge and the reply, a bosun's pipe shrilled loudly filling the air as did cheers, then a firm "silence on deck." Gabe recognized the voice of Nathan Lavery.

  As Gabe grabbed hold of the manropes and stepped out of the barge onto the batten a small swell leapt up between the two hull s and soaked his boat. Damme, thought Gabe, what a way to board my own ship, leaving a wet footprint across the deck.

  As Gabe climbed through the entry port the cheers started again. Huzza, Huzza…Huzza for the cap'n.

  Hazard, the first lieutenant, Blake, the master; the second lieutenant, Lavery, the bosun, Carpenter; gunner and even the purser were al turned out.

  Marine Lieutenant Baugean had the marines turned

  out as bright and shiny as if they were on parade. A grinning Sergeant Schniedermirer looked like he had two mouths. His grinning smile was upturned but age old chew'bacy stains left a permanent downward appearance. Taking a step forward, Gabe took off his hat and gave a slight bow to the crew which set the men to howling al over again.

  "Flattery men, flattery, do you scallywags think such a welcome will get you any favors? Well, I'm sure none of you deserve it, but today…up spirits…for tomorrow there's work to be done."

  The cheers broke out again and was
almost deafening. Gabe had to almost shout to make himself heard, "Give me a few minutes, Mr. Hazard, then I'd be pleased if you, the master, and Mr. Lavery would report to my cabin."

  "Aye, captain."

  "Damme," thought Gabe, "That sounded good, to once again be addressed as captain."

  ***

  Gabe entered his cabin and felt a peace within him.

  Compared to his brother's great cabin it would be insignificant to many, but it was his private space. He recall ed the first day he'd entered it. The deck above had been raised to give head-room. A hatch with a sliding cover had been fixed to give extra daylight when the weather was permissive. His cabin was divided into three sections. To larboard, a section was set aside by a

  mahogany divider; his bed was a chest of four drawers not unlike a square box with a rim around the top to hold a feather mattress in place. His bed was suspended from the overhead by four one-inch ropes. This allowed the cot to swing as the ship rolled when in a heavy sea.

  To the starboard side was his desk and chair. The starboard side was also divided off but the dividers were not near as elaborate as those on the flagship. Above the desk, sideboards had been built. Without realizing it, Gabe ran his hands over the desk feeling the smooth well -oiled wood. The dark metal fasteners look aged and worn. There on the desk were the captain's standing orders. He'd spent hours preparing it only to throw half of it away after a conversation with his brother, who not only advised, but gave him two copies of his orders book. His first and a second much smaller one.

  "The first was from my first command. The second was for Drakkar, " Lord Anthony had explained. "Some captains make the mistake of putting too much in the orders and are forever being summoned. Others don't put enough and the consequence is the same because the men aren't sure what to do. Read these and adjust the orders to fit your ship and your needs. A half dozen absolute do's and don'ts are a good starting point."

  "No doubt father had given Gil the same advice," Gabe thought.

  ***

  "A glass for you sir."

  Gabe turned and Dawkins was standing by the divider. "Aye," Gabe replied, "And get yourself a glass.

  We have some things to talk over, you and I."

  "I thought we might," the old seaman replied. He'd already seen the black man under Dagan's tow.

  Dawkins got his glass and set in the armchair beside Gabe's desk. He listened as Gabe explained his commitment to Lum.

  "What I thought we'd do," Gabe said, "is this. Lum was at one time a house servant. He's still in good health but like someone else I know probably not fit for daily shipboard work."

  "Aye, sir," Dawkins replied, "He's like me in that respect and I ain't ’shamed to say it. ’E's done seen the day he could splice and reef in al manner of seas."

  "Right," Gabe answered, "Now what I envisioned is this. You will teach Lum your job, and then since you're an educated man, you will become my secretary."

  "Aye, sir, I reckon it's time I used me learning so's it won't go to waste."

  "Good," Gabe said, "It's settled." He had been concerned that Dawkins being a territorial old salt might not be as agreeable as he had. However, captain's secretary was somewhat more of a status symbol than captain's servant so to Dawkins' way of thinking, he'd just got a promotion.

  ***

  Thinking of the arrangement made Gabe think of Faith. Where was she? Did she go to Savannah as she said she would? Was she safe? Did she love him as he loved her? Did she real y think of him as the enemy?

  He clutched the empty bag. Did she have the ruby?

  Was it next to her heart as she said it would be? The heart that had beat against his heart. The feel of her breast on his chest as they embraced. The feel of her breath against his face. The smell of her fresh washed body. Her hair in his hand as his arms went around her. That kiss, those burning lips that caused flames of desire to rage through his body. "My God," Gabe thought, "she has seized my very soul." Little did Gabe know some seventeen hundred miles south, a blonde-haired girl sat in the porch swing of a three-story mansion looking out at the giant oak trees fill ed with low hanging moss. A gentle breeze blew and a slight chill was in the air. Inside, with al the candles lit it was to warm, outside it was a bit cool but the cool air cut down on swarming mosquitoes.

  However, the girl was oblivious to al of this. Her mind was on a tall, dark, British naval officer. "Oh Gabe," Faith thought, "In a moment of impudent pride I've ruined it. I never meant to hurt you," Faith thought recalling the look of disbelief and shock on Gabe's face as she cal ed him ’the enemy'. Had he made his escape she wondered.

  She had made her way to Savannah as she had told Gabe she'd do. She was given sanctuary in the home of her father's friend and business partner. Gavin Lacy and his wife, Caroline, had been very kind to her. Faith

  had told them about her suspicions of Uncle Adam's activities which had been rumored for some time. It was not much later that word had made its way to Faith that Colonel Francis Marion and General Gates had gone south to Port Royal and confiscated al the supplies her uncle had stored in his warehouse. Some of Montique's men had gotten wind of the impending arrest and warned him that a warrant had been issued for treason and white slavery. Upon hearing the news from his men, Montigue loaded al he could aboard one of his ships and fled just prior to General Gates men's arrival.

  One of the slaves got word to Nanny that Montique had vowed to do worse than murder to Faith and the British bastard she'd taken up with. Even with the ever constant protection offered by Mr. Lacy and his men Faith had woken several times from a nightmare where she was being raped repeatedly while her uncle looked on laughing. Nanny had slept in her room for weeks until Faith refused for her to do so another night.

  "Just look at you," Faith scolded Nanny, "Sleeping in that chair has got your lumbago so flared up you're worthless to anyone. I'll not be the cause of al your ailments flaring up. From now on you sleep in your bed."

  Seeing the truth in Faith's words Nanny agreed,

  "You's right child, I's gona sleep in my bed from now on ’wid dis heah hatchet under my pillow, and if a bad man messes ’wid you chile, I's gona chop off his head." still before Nanny went to sleep she prayed, "Lawd, keep yo hands on the missy, dem good-fur-nuthin' men

  of ours, and if some left over keep me in mind too Lawd. Amen."

  ***

  Gabe had met with his officers and caught up on what had happen during his absence.

  "The ship is in good repair, we need a few things but are ready for sea now if need be," Hazard had assured Gabe.

  Nathan Lavery brought up the subject of Mr. Davy.

  "Is Mr. Davy gone for good, sir?" the lieutenant asked.

  "If so, we have an opening for another mid." Gabe made a note to check on this when he dined with his brother that evening. He didn't go into specifics but before dismissing his officers, Gabe said, "I have every belief we will be putting to sea very soon to engage a fair size force. When I told the men, tomorrow we work, I meant it. Starting tomorrow I want the crew put through al the drill s. They know sailing and gunnery but I want them to be put through fire drill.

  Drill them on what to do if the tiller cable parts and we lose steerage. I want to see who steps forward if al the officers are kill ed."

  Looking at the captain, Blake spoke what the others were thinking, "You think we're in for a substantial battle with a sizable force, don't you sir?" Gabe would not lie to his officers, "I have no way of knowing exactly what we're to face, Mr. Blake, but I do

  expect the worse. If we prepare for it and there's less…well we can al be thankful."

  ***

  The officers had gone back topside and Gabe could hear the men padding around on the deck overhead going through their daily activities. Gabe had just finished writing in his journal, crew employed A.T.S.R, the abbreviation for ’as the service requires' when he heard the challenge, "boat ahoy?" Le Frelon!

  That could only be Earl, Gabe thought as he gra
bbed his hat and headed topside. It appeared Lord Anthony had given the corvette to Earl. "It was past time he had his own ship," Gabe thought, "In reality he should have had a command before me." Before he left the cabin, Gabe cal ed out, "Dawkins?"

  "Aye, cap'n."

  "I'm thinking we're about to have a small celebration. Some glasses and a bit of something tasty if you will."

  "Aye, cap'n, right away."

  "Lum?"

  "Yes suh…aye, sir."

  "Get your lotz, I want to show it to my friend." Looking at Dawkins, Lum replied, "Aye, aye sir." Then Lum looked pleased as Dawkins grinned and nodded his head.

  "We'll make a sailor outta you yet, Lum, and that's no error."

  "The two seemed to be getting along well, " Gabe thought.

  Then it occurred to him Dagan had made himself scarce of late and come to think of it so had Caleb, undoubtedly to give him time to clear his thoughts on the ordeal that he had been through…then thinking of Caleb, Gabe thought of Mr. Jewels.

  "Damme," Gabe said to himself, "How my mind wonders," as he climbed the companionway he couldn't help but wonder what if any mischief the ape had been up to.

  ***

  Dagan made his way into SeaWolf’s captain's cabin without the usual announcement by the marine sentry.

  He caught Gabe's eye then holding up his watch he alerted him to the time then disappeared into the pantry.

  After seeing Dagan, Gabe patted his friend on the shoulder and said, "Stephen, old salt, I hate to be a bad host but its time I sup with the Admiral." Earl then looked at his own watch, "Damme, Gabe where has the time gone? You'd best make headway to the flagship. You can't keep the Admiral waiting even if he is your brother."

  "Aye," Gabe answered, "Sometimes it's hard keeping the two separated."

  The two had shared more than enough wine, biscuit, fresh preserves and cheese in celebration of Earl's promotion to Master and Commander and being given command of Le Frelon. Now Gabe wondered if he'd be able to do justice to his meal at the flagship.