"We missed our golden opportunity in Tortuga. There's no use in dwelling on my mistakes, so let's focus on correcting them," Edward said. He turned to Victoria, who still had the book she was reading in hand. "We go back to the original plan and dismantle Calico Jack's empire. Where was Silver Eyes located, Victoria?"
Victoria opened her mouth to respond, but Christina interrupted her. "We're not to talk of what happened?" she said, her hand half-raised in the air, emphasizing her incredulity. "Are we living in some fantasy where you expect us to ignore that we're talking about your father?"
Edward clenched his teeth. "What of it?" he seethed. "Does it change what he's done to us all? Does it change the undeniable fact that he wants us dead?"
"It changes you. Doesn't it?" Christina asked, her tone of anger shifting to concern. "We all know that part of the reason you went to sea was to find your father. It may not have been the focus, but it was always there. And now you find out that the person who's been pulling your strings, who abused and nearly killed everyone in this room, including your wife, and more, is your father, alive and well? Which also means he truly did abandon you as a child." The room was silent, and even the sound outside the cabin couldn't penetrate the tension left by Christina's plain levelling of the facts. "You mean to say you're still willing to kill him, despite knowing he's your father?" She glanced at the others in the cabin. "Come now," she called. "I cannot be the only one who has doubts."
After another moment of silence, Herbert looked up at Edward. His expression had changed, but Edward still couldn't read him. "I also have questions," he said first, "but, Edward, if you say you're still going to see this through, then I won't doubt you. You've taken us this far, and I'm sure that this only makes you want to confront him even more."
"You can't expect him to kill his own father, can you?" Christina shouted. "Are you mad?"
Herbert turned in his wheelchair to face his sister directly. "Christina, shut it. This is bigger than you or me now." He turned back around, considering the matter done.
Edward stared at Herbert for a moment, trying to read him, but gained nothing. "I plan on seeing this through to the end, as promised."
Herbert paused for a few seconds and then nodded. "That's good enough for me," he said.
Christina clenched her jaw tight enough to bite her tongue, and then stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
Herbert's expression didn't change from before, and he didn't even glance over his shoulder when the door crashed against the frame. "Shall we move on then?"
Edward began the discussion and proposed again that they should move back to the original plan and go after either Silver Eyes or Copper Legs. The only one they had reliable information on was Silver Eyes, so they decided to go after him.
Copper Legs was always on the move, so it was hard to pinpoint her location at any given moment. From their information, she was never too far behind where Calico Jack was, but everyone agreed that it was too dangerous to go back to Tortuga.
After making the decision, they gathered the crew, and Anne proposed a vote. With a few deft words and Edward's reassuring presence, the crew seemed placated and didn't bring up the recent revelations. Edward was happy to not have to broach the subject in further detail over and over and hoped this would be the end of it.
With the vote cast, the crew slept, awaiting tomorrow when they would set sail. Edward, however, was restless.
He tossed and turned in his bed as the gentle rocking of the ship did its best to lull him to sleep, but a nagging feeling pricked the back of his mind. Warning chills travelled down his spine as though he saw a subtle grey cloud out of thousands.
Herbert had acted strange, and Edward had to check on him to alleviate at least one of his worries.
He stepped out of bed and donned some basic clothes. Anne roused with the rustling, her hand reaching out to the empty space where Edward was supposed to be, and she was instantly awake and alert. Her eyes soon found him in the dim light of the moon filtering through the windows in their cabin.
"Edward, are you well?"
Edward smiled, though he wasn't sure if she could see. "All is well, I simply feel I need some of the night air," he said, walking back to the bed and leaning over to give his wife a kiss. "I will be by your side again soon, worry not."
Anne said nothing, and Edward didn't wait for a reply. He rose again and went to open the cabin doors. Before he was through, Anne finally called to him again. "Edward?" she said in a near whisper. Edward stopped and looked her way. "You know I love you, right?"
To Edward, her wording conveyed a message of support as well as a declaration. "Of course," he replied simply. "You know that I, too, love you?"
Anne grinned, reassured by his words. "Of course," she mimicked.
Edward smiled again and closed the door behind him, heading into the gun deck.
On the gun deck, the thirty twenty-two-pound cannons remained secured in place with heavy lines attached to the back of them and to the side of the ship. Nary a crewmate was in sight, save a few men keeping watch and having a lively but quiet conversation about which mate's wife cooked the best pie.
Edward passed by them with a nod of his head when they looked his way. The lot returned his gesture with a "Captain," before returning to the debate over spices and pie preparations.
In the infirmary, Alexandre and Victoria were still awake, speaking in French while preparing what Edward thought was medicine. He steered away from the open door, not wishing to turn into a subject of whatever concoction they were making.
He headed down the ladder into the orlop deck to the crew's quarters, brig, and various other parts of the ship just above the waterline.
No matter where Edward looked, he couldn't find Herbert, nor his wheelchair. He wasn't sleeping, he wasn't conversing with the crewmates awake in the communal area, and none awake were able to give a hint of where he was either.
His worry deepened when he noticed Christina sound asleep. The two were never far apart, and even their sleep patterns often matched each other. Only in times of distress would Edward sometimes find Herbert on the weather deck, unable to sleep, as Edward often was.
Edward rushed up the ladders to the gun deck and then to the weather deck, grabbing one of his coats hanging on a hook before heading into the frigid air above.
On the weather deck, several crewmates were milling about, talking with each other and keeping their eyes open for any suspect activity around the port. They were also in charge of ensuring the ship was ready to leave at dawn before switching with the other crewmates sleeping below.
Edward couldn't see Herbert anywhere, and even a quick glance in the quarterdeck cabin proved fruitless.
"What'cha lookin' for, Cap'n?" one of the crewmates on watch asked.
"I'm looking for Herbert," he replied. "I need to talk with him about something, but he's not on the ship as far as I can tell."
"Aye. He went inta town not an hour ago, I'd wager. Said he was tryna gather some last-minute supplies. Had a big pack with him as well."
Edward's face must have contorted into a look of massive shock, as the crewmates around began to ask if he was well. Herbert was planning on leaving on his own, Edward was sure of it. Leaving the ship in the middle of the night just before he was to helm it, and with a large pack full of supplies, no less. It was so unlike his usual activities, there could be no other explanation.
"I am well, gentlemen, return to your duties," he said after a moment to regain his composure. "I think I'll find our man Herbert and bring him back. The hour is late, and he needs to be fit and fresh for tomorrow."
With a few final words to the crew on board, Edward stalked towards the town of Puerto Plata with purpose. There were only two places Herbert could be: either somewhere in the port, talking with ship's crews to seek passage, or in an inn for the same purpose. He didn't have much time before they lost Herbert, so he had to work fast.
Edward started by going
ship to ship himself, asking the crew still awake if they had seen or talked with a man in a wheelchair. Many affirmed they had spoken with such a man who had been seeking passage to Tortuga, and even offered a fair bit of coin for it too, but was turned away because Tortuga was a lawless pirate haven.
Dammit, Herbert. What are you thinking?
Tracing each ship's account of where Herbert went next, Edward found a man who pointed towards town. One ship's mate said he directed Herbert to a local inn to talk with his captain about passage, as they would be sailing close to Tortuga at dawn.
Edward thanked the crew of the ship and rushed to the inn in question. Thankfully it wasn't far from the port, and he was there in a matter of minutes.
Inside, the inn was a typical, ordinary establishment with a large interior parlour in which guests could eat and drink. At this time of night, there were scant men in the room, with only a few at a table and another couple in the corner, as well as a man Edward assumed was the owner's son tending to them.
Edward quickly found the familiar back of Herbert's wheelchair, a large pack, stuffed to the brim, slung over the back. He was conversing with the sailors at the table, a jovial discussion to be sure, and one in which Edward was sure Herbert had already secured passage, going by the tone.
Edward took a breath to calm himself and take stock of just what he was going to do. He could force Herbert back to the ship, but to what end? If Edward thought about it for but a moment, it was clear Herbert was trying to save him the pain of facing his father, as well as secure revenge. However foolish the plan was, stopping him needed tact.
Wait… What exactly is his plan? Infiltrate Jack's crew to get close to him and assassinate him? Jack never saw his face in Tortuga. He could do it… and then die in the process. But everyone else would be safe…
Edward's thoughts turned to his beloved Anne and the rest of his crew. His father was the cause of many of their miseries, and by asking them to fight, they would be putting their lives on the line to solve his family problems.
Maybe Herbert has it right, Edward thought, a plan forming in his mind.
He walked towards the table, grabbing a chair along the way, and went up beside Herbert to sit down with the rest of the men.
"So," Edward said as he sat down, and all eyes turned towards him, "have you secured us passage to Tortuga, my friend?" Edward looked at Herbert directly for a moment, and after the shock left Herbert's eyes, Edward gave him a single nod, hoping to convey his plan with that subtle gesture and his open question.
After another moment, and a grin, Herbert nodded back. "Ah, yes, gentlemen, I owe you my most sincere apologies. My friend here, Edward Teach, was also seeking passage, if you would have us both. He could help in sailing as well. You will find no more skilled a sailor than he, I can assure you."
Herbert repaid Edward's hope tenfold—the years they had spent together, the talks they had had, the promises they had made to each other. They had built a relationship of trust and awareness of the other. Edward had known there was something off about Herbert's earlier words, and Herbert knew what Edward had wanted to do at that moment.
"As long as he can pay the price, then your friend is more than welcome," the captain replied. "We've no fear of where we've gone before. We hunt whales, and those beasts have nothing on those prancing rogues in Tortuga."
Edward found out the price of passage, paid it, and after some introductions, he did his best to make a good impression on his new host. Though, with the price of passage, Edward doubted it would matter what kind of man he was.
Another hour passed, and the captain and his men finished drinking and eating and left for the ship to prepare.
"And, Captain, as discussed, and as was included in the price we paid, your crew's discretion is most appreciated," Herbert said.
"You've no need to have your boots quivering, young master Blackstad. I'll be sure to let my crew know that we've no stowaways or new crewmates aboard today. Only old mates that've been with us for years," the captain replied with a wink.
Outside the inn, the captain, his crew, and Edward and Herbert all made their way to the harbour. Herbert was slowing down in wheeling himself forward, prompting the captain to turn around and check on him.
"You and your men go on ahead, we'll catch up," Herbert said. After a moment to give them some room, Herbert shot Edward a nasty look. "I was doing this for you, you bastard. What are you doing?"
"Tch," Edward spat. "I know what you're doing, and you're getting yourself killed, that's what. I'm here to save you from yourself."
Herbert's face softened. "From what just happened, I know that means you won't be taking me back to the Queen Anne's Revenge."
"No," Edward affirmed.
"So," Herbert began, then stopped wheeling himself forward for a moment. "Are you sure you can do this? I know I said I before that I wouldn't doubt you, but my sister was right. This changes things."
"It means that I need to do this more than before. My father has done so many wrongs, killed so many of my men. I can't put this burden on the crew any longer."
Herbert had a stern look on his face. "If Roberts were here, he would tell you that your father's sins are not your responsibility and share some scripture to prove his point. You are not your father's keeper."
"That is a nice sentiment, but not practical. If I allow my father to continue what he's doing unimpeded, then that would be a greater sin."
Herbert nodded. "I guess I have no more objections," he said. "We should catch up if we're going to make it. The price I paid was to leave well before dawn."
Edward and Herbert began hurrying towards the harbour. "Just as a curiosity, how do you plan on masking yourself from Calico Jack and his men? They know your face now."
Edward smiled. "I have a plan for that," he replied.
…
Edward stepped out of the barber-surgeon's room aboard their temporary ship as it was sailing towards Tortuga. His face no longer held the mass of black hair with which he had become known. He was clean-shaven, aside from the nicks here and there left by the barber's blade.
Herbert sized up his captain without his beard and appeared unimpressed. "I don't know if I can get used to this," he said. "You look but a boy now."
"Then that means it'll work," Edward replied.
"I suppose." Herbert stared at the blank canvas that was Edward's chin for a moment more before looking him in the eyes. "Ready?"
Edward nodded. "Ready."
3. Course Correction
Unease forced Anne awake. The pre-dawn air and a feeling of unease chilled her to the bone, needling her with her every movement. Edward was not next to her in bed still, and some of his last words echoed in her mind.
"I will be by your side again soon, worry not."
Soon had come and gone as far as Anne was concerned, and something had felt off about the way he was acting. He was more restless these days, but a different kind of restless. Frequently it was one of cold sweats and gasps for air. This had been an inquisitive restlessness. A search for answers.
But what was the question? Anne pondered.
She sat up, cleared her mind, and let the rocking waves guide her breathing. Meditation was an early lesson in mindfulness she had been taught when learning to fight. A healthy mind and a healthy body went hand in hand, but meditation had other uses as well. She reflected on the day's events, tumultuous as they were, to find out what was plaguing her husband so she could trace his steps.
It didn't take her long to come to an answer. "Herbert," she said aloud.
Anne rose from the bed and donned her clothes, and it was then that she noticed Edward's cutlass hanging from a chair, firmly in its scabbard. Its presence wormed more worry into Anne's mind. It meant, if Anne was right, that Edward was confident he was going to be coming back and forgotten it, or that the golden blade was too conspicuous and he couldn't be seen with it.
Anne swore under her breath and rushed to the weather deck.
There, the crewmates on the night watch were talking amongst themselves. Their shift would end with the earliest rays of the morning light, which were quickly approaching.
"The captain has gone ashore, has he not?" Anne asked as she approached the men.
The men dropped what they were doing for their quartermaster. "Aye, ma'am, he went not two hours a'fore."
"And Herbert before him, I imagine?" she said, annoyance evident in her tone.
"A… Aye," the crewmate replied, fear breeding hesitation.
"Dad dammit!" she cursed. "Drop everything you're doing and search the harbour for them. Ask every ship if they took notice of a man in a wheelchair and a fearsome man with a black beard."
"Ma'am?" the crewmate asked.
Anne folded her arms. "Herbert and the captain are about to abscond to pursue Calico Jack on their own. We haven't much time if we mean to stop the fools before they leave the harbour," she explained. "Now go!"
The crewmates on deck hopped to their feet and rushed off the gangplank to the harbour. They quickly split up and began asking the men milling about preparing to leave for their captain and helmsman.
Anne gazed upon the harbour to both sides of the Queen Anne's Revenge. Ships dotted the angled harbour, each with crews preparing to leave, each of them a merchant or trading vessel and each, unlike a pirate ship, needing to be on the move early to ensure they met their predetermined shipping times and made the money they were promised.
Anne's faculty of memory was a work in progress. She didn't have perfect clarity that Alexandre seemed to possess or the recall that Christina had built up over time, but she was close. After a few minutes, she was confident that at least two ships had already left the harbour. She scanned the horizon but couldn't see any others. If Edward and Herbert had been on one of those ships, there was no chance of finding exactly where they were going.
Blackbeard's Family Page 3