Barracuda tfa-3

by Michael Aye

  a naval presence. The meeting had hit a sour note but then Anthony reminded the governor any storm that created peril for his ships would do the same for privateers. This seemed to pacify Tonyn. The slamming of a shutter as the wind picked up, bending the palms outside Tonyn's office window added finality to the situation. A driving rain had started by the time Anthony made it to the harbour and his waiting barge.

  He was tempted to have the coach take him back to the governor's house until the weather moderated but knew in the long run he'd be more comfortable aboard Warrior and away from politicians. Stepping down from the coach Anthony turned a shoulder to the wind and rain. He cocked his head to one side but still had to use his hand to keep his hat from blowing off his head. Out of nowhere Bart seemed to materialize with Dagan at his side. The two had likely made a trip to the Mermaid while he had been at the governor's. It was just as likely they had brought a bottle back to be shared by the barges crew.

  As Anthony settled in the barge Bart handed him a boat cloak then adjusted his old tarpaulin.

  "Winds sharper than a whore's tongue," Bart said to Anthony. Then turning his attention to the barge's crew ordered, "Stir your stumps mates; unlimber your timbers and pull."

  The dripping sailors went about Bart's bidding confident a "tot" of rum waited them at the flagship.

  The bowman pushed off and the two banks of oars came down in perfect unison. Seemingly oblivious to the wind and rain, Anthony's mind was on the report Gabe and Markham had delivered upon their return the previous day.

  They would have to spend more time patrolling that area for privateers. This was now obvious and it pleased Tonyn to hear they'd destroyed the privateer. Finch's 1

  report had also sounded promising. However, the more he thought about it Anthony was sure Bart had been right. The Spaniards were involved, but who and how?

  Too many questions and not enough answers.

  Well, I'll keep the Carolina coast guessing as to when we might make an appearance, Anthony decided, but I am going to focus on the south… the Keys and Havana.

  It was what Lord Anthony missed most of all when at sea. With nothing but open sky on the horizon and the deck lively beneath his feet, he would stand at the weather side of the quarterdeck and enjoy the peace of the early morn. Now Captain Earl leaned on the weather rail, as was his place. Merlin was his ship.

  Anthony had already deprived the captain of his quarters by shifting his flag to the Merlin. The loss of a cabin compared to the honour of flying the admiral's flag was an inconvenience most captains would gladly endure. Earl was no different.

  Anthony had felt the desire… nay, the need to go on this patrol. He needed the feel of the sea vibrating through his body. He felt that if he could get back to the open sea he could get his mind in tune with the mission.

  He felt dry-docked at the Saint Augustine anchorage so he had shifted his flag to Merlin in spite of Captain Buck's protest.

  Now they were almost to the Florida Keys. SeaWolf was in sight ahead and Audacity was off the weather side almost a beam. The sun was an hour above the horizon and already bearing down like a torch. The sky was a light blue and the sea a deep aqua. Under full sail Merlin ploughed her way through the rolling sea.

  Bart approached with a mug in his hand. "A bit o'

  lime juice brought by Cap'n Earl's man, who said it were Barracuda 1

  better than coffee when the sun was already hotter 'n whore's drawers."

  Anthony took the glass and found the lime juice cool and sweetened. Not the usual sour taste he was used too.

  Seeing Anthony peer at his glass Bart volunteered,

  "'e put a bit sugar into hit."

  Anthony had left Silas aboard Warrior trying not to overcrowd Merlin's already close quarters. Earl's servant, an ole topman named Lamb, had done his best to please the admiral.

  "Deck there!" The lookout called down, "Signal from Audacity, flotsam in the water." Captain Earl turned to Lord Anthony, "Heave to?"

  "Aye," Anthony replied, "and signal SeaWolf our intentions."

  "Aye, aye, my lord. Mr. Scott, let's be getting the signals bent on."

  Then before the midshipman could respond the lookout called down, "Deck there! Signal from SeaWolf, strange sail in sight."

  Anthony could feel his adrenalin rise as his heart began to race. "Captain Earl, please disregard my last order to heave to and make all sail to yonder sighting.

  Signal SeaWolf to investigate strange sail, and then advise Audacity to follow after a look at the flotsam."

  "Aye, my lord," Earl replied. He could feel a sense of excitement at the sighting of the sail.

  "Deck there! Signal from SeaWolf, strange sail 'as went about and 'as headed back toward the east." Bart looked at Lord Anthony, "To the Keys, do you think?"

  "Aye, that's my thinking. Like a fox looking for a hole with the hounds at his heels."

  Earl approached Anthony and said, "With the wind almost astern we could sail another point or two to starboard. Then maybe we can overhaul the chase.

  1

  From her present position she'll have to tack before she closes with the nearest Key and by that time it's possible we'll be in position to cut off her escape." Nodding his agreement Anthony said, "She's your ship, captain, sail her as you think best." Then as an afterthought he added, "Signal SeaWolf your intention."

  "Aye, my lord," Earl answered then went about ordering the change.

  Within the turn of the glass it was obvious they were vastly overhauling the strange ship.

  The lookout had called down, "She's 'as the cut of a Dago, zur."

  Bart had also been eyeing the ship and turned to Anthony, "She's a big un. I bet she wuz a merchantman turned privateer and I'll bet she's loaded to the gills."

  "Aye, Bart, my thoughts as well."

  With SeaWolf and Merlin converging on the chase they'd soon be upon her. Captain Earl approached Anthony again, "Beat to quarters, my lord?"

  "I think that would be appropriate."

  Then to punctuate the order the lookout called down, "The chase 'as fired on SeaWolf, zur. No 'it as I can tell."

  "Captain Earl?"

  "Aye, my lord!"

  "As soon as convenient and we are in range have the bow chasers put into action."

  "Yes, my lord."

  Bart had gone below and now he returned. "Your weapons, sir. I figured yew's be wanting us-uns to help out today."

  "Not ready to leave the fighting to the younger tars," Anthony taunted his cox'n.

  "Nay, my lord, maybe the exercise will do us-uns some good. Silas's cooking 'as turned us fat. Lady Barracuda 1

  Deborah won't 'ardly recognize yew wid yews girth

  'spanding such."

  "My girth," Anthony exclaimed, sucking in his stomach. "Damme Bart but you've taken on a portly appearance yourself."

  "Well, maybe I 'as but it's a wise man wot builds a shed over 'is tools."

  "What tools is that?" Anthony asked sarcastically.

  "Me wedding tackle, that's wot tools."

  "Humph!" Anthony snorted, "They're probably rusted off from lack of use by now."

  Bart cocked his head and very stoically replied,

  "Nay, I use 'em regular like. Back in Saint Augustine they's this little mulatto who can't 'ardly wait till old Bart is there to dip 'is wick. She be a delightfully naughty little wench if they ever was one."

  Not believing his ear, Anthony suddenly became serious. "Why Bart, I didn't know you had a steady woman. Is this more than just a fling with a trollop?"

  "I ain't sure yet," Bart replied. "'Er daddy be Portuguese and 'er mother's Spanish, English and mulatto mixed. But even if it's just a touch, she still 'as a bit o' black in her. 'Eer daddy paid one hundred pounds for 'er mother. After seeing 'er I believes 'e got a bargain and Esmeralda is more beautiful than 'er mother."

  "Is she for sale?" Anthony queried.

  "I'm not sure," Bart replied, "I ain't got round to deciding iffen I wanta as
k. It could be I could buy 'er, then it's possible 'er father would give 'er 'and in marriage. I just ain't decided if I's ready for a full time woman, 'specially with this war. She do make a good little bed warmer howsum ever."

  The roar of the bowchaser sounded and broke up the conversation. The acrid smell of the smoke drifted aft as another shot was let loose from the bowchaser.

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  "Went through 'er mainsail," the lookout called down.

  Taking his glass and resting it on a ratline Anthony looked at the distant ship. Gabe had ordered SeaWolf to let loose with her forward guns and now the chase was under fire from both ships.

  "Captain Earl!"

  "Yes, my lord."

  "As soon as convenient I want you to load with grape. I'd like to board yonder ship if possible without having to face great odds."

  "Aye, my lord," Earl replied, and then went about the admiral's order. He knew privateers tended to carry lots of extra men so his lordship was being prudent. It was not unheard of where a larger ship boarded a smaller vessel only to be swamped by all the extra men on board. Then it was the privateers who gained a prize and not the other way around.

  The wind had veered somewhat and after three broadsides in less than two minutes Merlin was completely engulfed in smoke from her larboard cannons. However the chase was now firing back. A portion of the taffrail was hit and a sailor screamed as splinters flew through the air. Another ball hit amidships dismembering a man as it put a great gouge in Merlin's gun deck. A shout from forward caused Anthony to peer over the bulwark in time to see the chase's mainmast go tumbling over the side with a great crack not unlike a cannon firing.

  However, the ship's captain was a stubborn if not wise man and he continued to fight for his ship. Only his forward guns could bear on Merlin; and SeaWolf had now crossed the ship's stern firing as she crossed.

  Anthony could hear Bart saying, "That's me boy.

  Gabe put a ball up 'er arse and blowed out 'er innards.

  That'll slow ' em down I'm bettin'."

  Barracuda 1

  Slow the return fire it did, but still the captain of the chase showed no signs of surrendering.

  Seeing Earl, Anthony ordered, "We'll grapple and board to starboard, signal SeaWolf to do the same to larboard."

  "Aye, my lord," Earl replied then shouted out the orders.

  Another broadside from Merlin sent grape buzzing through the chase like a wad of hornets.

  Seeing SeaWolf close with the chase, Anthony then ordered Earl, "Have the gunners cease firing Captain.

  We don't want grape cutting down on SeaWolf's crew as they board."

  "Aye, my lord. Mr. Campbell," Earl called to his first lieutenant, "have the cannons cease fire then prepare to board yonder ship."

  The ships were coming together now and as the hulls ground together a shudder went through Merlin causing Anthony to stumble.

  Bart caught a hold of him smiling and said, "No lying back now; it be time for that exercise yews been talking bout."

  Then, with a pistol in one hand and a sword in the other, off the two went to join the melee. The sound of muskets filled Anthony's ears. Shots rang out as marine sharpshooters fired down on the men in the chase while a hand full of privateers fired back at the marines. A sergeant fell next to Anthony then struggled to his feet, blood pouring from a useless left arm.

  One of the rogues on the chase lunged at Bart with a bayonet he'd picked up from a dead marine. The attack was clumsy and Bart easily parried the blade then slashed down with his cutlass, splitting the man's chest.

  The fight became very close as screams, curses and words of encouragement all filled the air. Anthony knew the fight couldn't last long as the enemy ship had been

  boarded from both quarters and British sailors now had flooded the deck.

  Another rascal had just attacked Anthony who deflected the blow but was thrown off balance in doing so. His attacker then thrust his blade forward, the tip of which stung as it pierced flesh entering Anthony's abdomen. Anthony twisted and avoided most of the man's attack, then raised his pistol and fired into the man's chest. Dropping the pistol to the deck, Anthony shifted his cutlass to his right hand and with his left pulled the blade from his flesh. Hot, warm blood flowed over his hand as he did so.

  Seeing the admiral wounded, another foe attacked him only to have Bart step between the two. Surprise filled the man's face as an enraged Bart now in a killing mood smashed the hilt of his cutlass into the man's face; dazing his opponent who never saw the backward swing of Bart's blade that severed his head which toppled to the deck before the rest of the body slumped.

  Standing over Anthony, Bart called, "Merlin's, to me, to the admiral."

  The British sailors quickly gathered in a knot around their admiral to protect him, but the fight was over.

  Gabe was quickly there. After seeing to his brother, Gabe sent Dagan to fetch Caleb while he tried to make him comfortable. Anthony was carried to Earl's quarters on Merlin protesting that he could walk. Caleb quickly removed Anthony's coat and shirt. He gently probed the wound with a cloth soaked in rum. Then taking a clean rag Caleb ran it through the wound leaving a wick of sorts.

  "Twisting as you did," Caleb explained, "the man's blade penetrated the fleshy part of the abdomen but did not enter the viscera. Therefore, the internal organs were not disturbed. I have ordered an anodyne… a nostrum composed of extraction Thebaicum and wine. It will Barracuda

  induce sleep and prevent pain. A dose of which I think will be most needed once the adrenalin of the battle has waned. The only concern would be if the evil humours create a putrid fistula in the wound. If necessary a balm of sulfur, glycerin and hogs lard can be impregnated into a dressing and applied."

  As the group left, Anthony gave Earl instructions about the captured ship. His words slurred from Caleb's concoction before he could complete his orders. The last words he heard before sleep overtook him was Bart saying, "I's didn't mean for you to loose yews belly that way."

  Damn him, Anthony thought, always has to have the last word.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Damme, but I don't know what's worse, Lord Anthony thought. This pain from the wound, nausea from Caleb's concoction or the headache from the hammering on deck.

  Earl had just come down to visit along with Gabe and the masters from each ship as ordered by Anthony.

  "Repairs on Merlin and SeaWolf are about finished so we can soon be underway," Earl had said.

  "We were lucky," Gabe had said.

  Neither Merlin nor SeaWolf had anything other than superficial damage. The captured ship had at one time been a merchant vessel that had been converted into a privateer. She had been armed much like a forty gun frigate. She was old but still seaworthy. At the time of battle she only carried a crew of some two hundred.

  However, even from the poor attempt at recordkeeping by her captain, it appeared she had started her cruise with some three hundred and seventy five men. Some of these men were recorded D.D. or discharged dead while others were noted to have been used as prize crews on captured ships. From the initials D.D., Anthony could only assume whoever had tried their hand at recordkeeping had spent some time in the British Navy.

  The remaining privateer's crew appeared to be a mixture of Colonials, French, Spanish and even a few blacks. The records also showed an alarmingly large list of ships and cargos taken.

  "Damned busy fellow if you ask me," Earl had said.

  The name on the ship's stern was the Argus but the ship was definitely Spanish built. Dagan had talked to a few of her crew and they all seemed aware of a "Ghost ship" that deliberately destroyed rather than take its foe.

  "She's called a ghost ship because all the captain leaves behind is the spirits of the dead souls he's sent to the deep. One of the men we questioned said once he's blasted away at the ships protecting the convoy, he'll send a boat to various ships. If a cargo strikes his fancy he'll take it but just as often he'll just stand off and fire into a
ship until she's sunk, with no apparent rhyme or reason. Usually it's a ship what be under British colors." All heads turned as Bart spoke. He generally didn't say much during a conference but when he did it paid to listen.

  Lord Anthony looked at his cox'n and queried,

  "Where did you get this information?"

  "From a rogue what 'ad run and signed on with the freebooters," Bart replied, "I see'd this man wot had tattoos on his arm and 'ad a Kentish accent. So I's sided up to 'em wid a wet and says we looking for good tars. I told 'em iffen he'd mind 'is manners like and was helpful in giving us-uns some useful 'telegence, life would go better for 'em. Utterwise 'ed be dancing the newgate jig for desertin'."

  Bart's use of "newgate jig" to threaten a hanging caused a chuckle from the officers. "'Pears' he seed things me way," Bart continued, "'Cause after a taste of me wet his tongue loosened up quicker than a whore's drawers."Did the scoundrel say where the ship's homeport is?" Anthony asked.

  "He's not sure," Bart continued, "They've seen ' em at Isla de Tesoros and at Cayo Hueso."

  "Where are these places?" Anthony asked directing his question to the two masters.

  "I know more about Cayo Hueso than Isla de Tesoros," Gunnells replied.

  "What about you, Quinn?" he asked Earl's master.

  "I've been to Isla de Tesoros," Quinn replied. "Its name means Treasure Island after all the loot what's been cached there over the years. It's a small island that lies under Havana 's belly. There's several smaller islands scattered about. There's no way to get close without being spotted except for a night passage. Something I'd be leery of. My charts are sketchy at best, but the passage from either the eastern or western side is narrow with reefs and small islands that could ground or worse rip the bottom clean out of a vessel. I'd not try without a pilot. If that's his lair I'd blockade the area."

  "We can't," Earl interrupted, "That would create a national incident."