Barracuda tfa-3

by Michael Aye

"Aye, captain."

  "You may run out the guns."

  "Aye, aye sir."

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  The salt air had corroded the hinges on the gun ports so that they squeaked loudly as they were opened. A groaning sound emerged as men pulled on the ropes and tackles till the cannons were trundled into position and the word was passed by Lieutenant Lavery, "Guns run out, sir."

  Gabe had ordered the guns be double shotted so the first broadside would be devastating. Not like SeaWolf's popguns, Merlin spoke with force.

  Lieutenant Ferguson, the new lieutenant who had been one of Neptune 's officers was forward by the bow chasers. He had an apprehensive look but Gabe thought who wouldn't after having been mauled as they had.

  This was his first action since that terrible day and if he didn't break today he'd be a fine officer.

  Gabe forced himself to stand still while Lum handed him weapons, two pistols and his sword. Lum had a boarding pike and an axe while Dagan, true as always, had a blade the size of a claymore.

  Gabe watched and as the bend was made shouted,

  "Fire, fire as you bear."

  The hull seemed to jerk and shudder as gun by gun the double shotted cannons spit forth a flame of murderous hell. The charges ripped over the channel and into the unsuspecting enemy. As the guns were being reloaded Gabe could hear SeaWolf's guns going off as she concentrated her fire on the clearing beyond the Barracuda.

  Gabe recognized the unmistakable sounds of grapeshot being fired from swivel guns. Then Merlin jerked again as her cannons slung the twelve balls crashing into the Barracuda. Hit after hit was scored as evidenced by debris flying through the air.

  On shore screams and curses were heard. A few men and several half-naked women ran into the trees while others ran for their ship.

  "No doubt about those whoresons having headaches now," Hazard said jubilantly.

  Dagan was then at Gabe's side, "The look is calling down. There's another ship."

  So there was cause for Gil's concern, Gabe thought.

  Looking beyond Barracuda's taller sides, sails could be seen as the smaller ship appeared to be headed out of the anchorage toward the Gulf. The ship had been sheltered from the onslaught by the bigger Barracuda.

  Gabe had ordered all sails reduced before entering the channel but Merlin seemed to be gliding along faster than he wanted. He was about to reduce more sails when a hurrying Jackson skidded to a halt almost touching Gabe.

  Shouting to make himself heard he said, "Barracuda's slipped her anchor cable and her bow is coming around."

  How? Gabe thought. Then it suddenly came to him.

  While de Lavago may have been surprised he'd kept his wits about him. Now with a glass Gabe could see Barracuda turning. They had passed a towline and the smaller ship was towing the larger ship down the channel.

  Still looking through his glass, Gabe saw Barracuda's gunports open as she was pulled so that her guns came to bear.

  "Down," Gabe cried. "Everyone down."

  No sooner had the words been shouted than the air was rent with a flaming hell. It was like a volcano erupted as cries and screams mixed with the sound of shattered rails and torn planking emerged in to one.

  Thank God SeaWolf was astern, Gabe thought, as he lifted himself up from the torn deck. Damn that cunning bastard, de Lavago, he thought. He'd one chance and he'd taken full advantage of it. Thank God, bow's on as they had only had a third or so of the cannons found their mark. That was bad enough, Gabe thought, as some men were being carried down to the surgeon while others, no longer recognizable as a man were being unceremoniously dumped over the side.

  Seeing the bow chasers were still intact Gabe called,

  "Lieutenant Ferguson."

  "'E's done fer, sir," A gun captain said. "The 'Cuda's done got 'em."

  I didn't even know the man, Gabe thought, but he seemed to know the… how did the gun captain say it… the 'Cuda. The 'Cuda had his number.

  Turning his attention to the gun captains of the bow chasers, Gabe said, "An extra tot to the first crew to put a ball up… ' Cuda's arse."

  This brought a cheer as the two crews raced to get off the first shot. Just before the guns went off Gabe heard a crashing sound as Merlin gave a shudder.

  "Damme," he shouted. "Where'd that come from?"

  "They've a battery ashore," Lieutenant Davy volunteered. "I saw the smoke from the mangroves yonder."

  "Get this wreckage cleared," Gabe ordered.

  Another crashing sound and Gabe raised his glass to see if there was enough smoke to pinpoint the battery.

  "Mr. Lavery."

  "Aye, captain,"

  "I want you to lay a barrage on yonder mangroves.

  There's at least two guns in there. Twenty-four pounders at least from the sound of them."

  "Aye, aye captain."

  Men were running in confusion as another ball scored a hit on one of the gun crews.

  "God be merciful," Gabe whispered in a swift prayer. He was suddenly pushed backwards as a falling spar impacted with the deck creating a jolt throughout his body. Men were all about hacking away at the ropes and lines attached to the spar then when cut free dumped over the side.

  A loud bang from forward attracted Gabe's attention as a cheer went up from the larboard bow chaser.

  "Up 'is arse it be," the gun captain cried.

  Then a loud boom ashore, Merlin's gunners must have hit the powder store for the shore battery as flames gushed into the air.

  "That'll do them buggers," Gunnells declared.

  There was no longer any fire from ashore so Gabe ordered, "Cease fire, cease fire. Mr. Lavery."

  "Aye, captain."

  "Mr. Druett."

  "Aye, captain," the gunner replied.

  "Keep a steady fire going with the bow chasers.

  Maybe we'll get lucky and give the ' Cuda a taste o' what we gave the rogues ashore."

  Lord Anthony walked the deck of Warrior unable to relax. It was already 'hot' in his cabin and only slightly better topside where a zephyr teased, disappeared then returned. It was now past dawn and impatiently he waited.

  Warrior and Defiant had been at anchor for over an hour now. Glancing at Buck, the flag captain shook his head, "Nothing to report, my lord."

  Bart appeared to be just as miserable himself only he'd had the good sense to remove his coat, so at least the heat was more bearable. Anthony had refused to remove his, citing the need to be recognized by the crew.

  Bart had snorted, "'Em wot don't recognize yew now never will no matter wot yews wear." As the dawn broke Anthony could smell the aroma of pipe tobacco drifting across the deck. Bart had waited till the glow of the match wouldn't be seen ashore then lit up. His way of dealing with the stress of waiting. Silas had just brought him a glass of lime juice when he heard a distant rumble, not unlike thunder just over the horizon.

  He walked to the lee rail and was met by Bart and Buck who drawled, "Gunfire by Gawd. Gabe has come to grips with the cutthroats."

  Now the sound had become distinctive as the deep percussion of Merlin's cannons was followed by the bangs from SeaWolf's six pounders.

  "Damme, if they ain't pouring it on," Buck said proudly.

  "Hopefully they are giving and not receiving," Anthony said with a concerned voice.

  The sound of gunfire continued almost in a rhythm when suddenly the unmistakable sound of a heavy broadside filled the air.

  "That wasn't Gabe," Buck exclaimed.

  Biting off a bitter retort Anthony tried to control his emotions as he felt his chest heave and a sickening wave of nausea swept over him. He gripped the bulwark trying not to be sick when Bart got his attention.

  "Merlin be firing again, Gabe's giving the sodomite wot for again."

  Anthony's ears now picked up what Bart's keen hearing already had. Thank God, he thought.

  "Deck there," a cry from the lookout, "Two ships coming out the channel. One be a sloop hit be.

  Tothers a fri
gate."

  "'Bout time the bastard taste some real metal," Buck declared.

  "I agree," Anthony said. "You may fire when convenient, Captain Buck, and pass the word to Defiant to do likewise."

  "Aye, my lord."

  "Rupert."

  "Aye, sir."

  "Concentrate on Barracuda. No prizes today. I want her sunk."

  Buck was taken aback by the vehemence in Anthony's words but understood. They'd lost too much to this ship. "Sunk she'll be, my Lord, she'll never taste wind in her sail again."

  Warrior had cleared for action at dawn and men rested beside the guns. "Now," Buck ordered, "open gun ports, run out, fire, fire as you bear." The combined broadsides of Warrior and Defiant struck the unsuspecting ship a devastating blow.

  "It was like she had ran aground when the first balls hit," Bart said, "She'll not last… she be sunk and jus don't know it… yet."

  Yet defiantly the Barracuda turned directly toward the Anthony's two anchored ships. A shout from above as the lookout called down, "Merlin's clearing the channel." A sense of relief came over Anthony. "Captain Buck."

  "Aye, my lord."

  "Signal Merlin to give chase to the sloop."

  "Aye, my lord."

  "Look yonder, sir," this from Herrod, Buck's first lieutenant. Fire was amidship of the Barracuda.

  "He's turned her into a fire ship by Gawd," Buck swore.

  However it was obvious the ship was well down in the water and with the next broadside she broke in half and sunk immediately. There had been a steady stream of sailors jumping clear as Barracuda was being pounded by Anthony's ships.

  Buck turned to Lamb, his second lieutenant, and said, "Put someone in the boats and pick up any survivors." Then as an afterthought he looked toward Anthony, who nodded his consent.

  "Deck there," the lookout called again. "SeaWolf 'as cleared the channel."

  Anthony breathed another sigh of relief. "Captain Buck, signal SeaWolf to assist in giving chase to yonder sloop."

  "Aye, my lord, but I doubt Gabe will need any assistance."

  Turning their attention to Merlin, Anthony could see Gabe had just fired a warning shot across the ship's bow.

  When the warning was ignored Gabe fired a broadside.

  This took down the forward mast which half hung over the side creating the effect of a sea anchor. This did it. As the ship carried no flag, the captain had the bow put into the wind and the sails hauled down.

  "'E struck," Bart declared.

  Gabe, Dagan, and Gabe's new cox'n Paco filled the captain's gig with a crew while Lieutenant Davy and a squad of marines under Sergeant Schniedermire pulled toward the sloop.

  "Look," Gabe called to Dagan. "No wonder she got away so easy. She's been pierced for sweeps."

  "Aye," Dagan replied. "They pulled themselves around without us being any wiser and only set sail when they were ready."

  Hearing the conversation Davy couldn't help but feel a bit of guilt. He'd wanted a better look but hadn't insisted. If Warrior hadn't been lying in wait Barracuda would have gotten away.

  "Lieutenant Davy."

  "Aye, captain."

  "Have the marines board from the starboard while we board from the larboard side."

  "Aye, captain."

  "Mr. Davy."

  "Aye, sir."

  "Keep a sharp lookout. I don't trust these rogues."

  "Aye, aye sir."

  One of the sailors forward used a boathook to grab onto the chains. As per custom Gabe stood up in the stern sheets only to be surprised when Dagan climbed up the tumblehome and through the port. This had taken the crew totally off guard but all eyes remained forward and nobody spoke. With a quick breath Gabe reached out and hauled himself out of the boat and through the entry port.

  Once on deck, Gabe could see the marines were formed up and ready to fire. Behind him the gig's crew boarded and fanned out. The sloop's crew was gathered between the main mast and the quarterdeck.

  Dagan was there and as Gabe drew abreast he whispered, "Careful now, I've a feeling." This explained his actions in departing the gig. Gabe quickly noted the flushed deck and sixteen twelve pounders and it reminded him of SeaWolf but more like a small frigate.

  This will make a nice prize, he thought. Taking a few steps toward the sloop's crew he said, "I'm Captain Gabriel Anthony of HMS Merlin. You have been taken and are now my prisoners. May I ask which of you is in command?"

  The sailors before him were a mixed lot, Spanish, Negro's and a few British. They were dressed in slops, most were barefoot and all looked defeated.

  "I ask you again," Gabe said, his voice now raised.

  "Which of you is in command?"

  When no one spoke Gabe called, "Lieutenant Davy."

  "Aye, sir."

  "Line the prisoners up into two columns and have each man searched. Then have the ship searched." Then turning to the marines he said, "Sergeant Schniedermire, shoot the first man who makes a false move."

  "Aye, captain. Marines take aim and if a man so much as moves a hair sideways pluck it for him." The harsh brogue voice of the marine sergeant seemed to leave little doubt in his willingness to cut a man down.

  Turning aft Gabe called to Dagan and Paco to assist him as he searched the captain's cabin. At that time a scream pierced the air and a dark figure jumped from the companionway, a sword in one hand and a pistol in the other. He charged screaming curses toward Gabe, his gaunt face emblazed in hate and fury.

  Gabe knew he was dead but suddenly Dagan shouted, "de Lavago halt."

  Almost like magic the man slid to a halt not three paces from Gabe. So Dagan was right, Gabe thought. The rogue hadn't gone down with his ship. He'd bet we would let the sloop go to capture Barracuda only he hadn't counted on Warrior and Defiant lying in wait.

  Again Dagan spoke firmly, "It's over."

  The half-crazed man took a deep breath and seemed to sigh. The contorted face seemed to relax and tears poured from his eyes and down his face. Then very deliberately he cocked his pistol and stuck the barrel to his chin and pulled the trigger. A sudden silence followed the bang.

  All stood in awe at what they had just witnessed. No one was able to speak as they stared at the man slumped in a pile on the deck. Without understanding why, Gabe removed his coat and placed it over the fallen man.

  Hearing steps across the deck Gabe saw Dagan headed toward the entry port and the gig below. Once again Dagan… his uncle… his protector had saved his life.

  Gabe still felt numb as he said, "Lieutenant Davy, the prize is yours. I'll send a prize crew over. When you are ready to get underway make a signal and take station on Merlin."

  Lieutenant Davy was also dumbfounded at the scene which had just taken place. Even more so when Gabe… the captain had said the prize was his. Well he'd make the captain proud. There'd be no more errors if Lieutenant David Davy could help it.

  As the crew pulled back to Merlin the rhythm of the oars was almost hypnotic. Gabe couldn't help but wonder if things had been different; if Spain had kept Florida and England had kept Havana. Would he be here today?

  Would Don Luis de Lavago be lying on a ship's deck dead from his own hand or would he be sitting on the veranda of his plantation drinking a glass of wine and smoking a cigar. What about de Lavago's family? Did England or Spain care what their actions had set forth? The destruction of a man. The destruction of his family. Damn all politicians, Gabe thought.

  Epilogue

  Lord Howe's flagship was at anchor when Lord Anthony's squadron returned with the sloop, Ram, as a prize. Lord Howe was ashore but a messenger from the Governor arrived on board almost before Warrior's anchor was dropped. Governor Tonyn was having a reception for Lord Howe and Lord Anthony and his captains were invited.

  The reception that evening proved to be more spectacular than Anthony would have imagined based on previous events. He was shocked when a Negro footman with a white powdered wig took his hat and announced Admiral Lord Gilbert Anthony. The ballroo
m seemed to be teeming with people, all smiles and politeness. A momentary pause as Anthony was announced then the conversations renewed.

  What a farce, Anthony thought. The Army's scarlet coats were everywhere and Anthony quickly spotted Provost in conversation with Governor Tonyn and Lord Howe. A few marine officers were present as was one or two of Browne's ranger officers. Anthony was amazed there were so many civilians. They'd not been many at other receptions.

  Bare shouldered ladies flashed their fans and Anthony was amazed at the amount of bosoms being

  paraded. He then recalled Lady Deborah's words, "look, don't ogle." Well he'd have to pass the word to Buck who was definitely ogling. I wonder if she's the one who Buck's been keeping company with?

  Feeling a hand on his shoulder Anthony turned to be greeted by Colonel Browne. Seeing where Anthony's gaze had been, Browne said, "With all these beautiful ladies it makes you wonder why a man would leave his home and bed to go fight a war."

  "Aye," Anthony replied. He couldn't disagree.

  Anthony waited until Provost had made his way toward a servant to get a glass of wine then approached Howe, "My Lord."

  "Ah… Lord Anthony. My flag captain tells me a celebration is in order. I understand you've sank the privateers who's been reeking havoc on our convoys and got a nice little prize to boot."

  "Aye, my lord," Anthony replied. "Good fortune was with us."

  "Good," Lord Howe said. "We will talk later, on the morrow after I've read your reports. Now Governor Tonyn tells me it's time to dine."

  Taking their places at the huge table Anthony saw no expense had been spared for Lord Howe's reception.

  He could almost imagine the tables groaning under the weight of so much food. Footmen and servants were everywhere, pouring wine; removing dishes as delicacies of every kind were being served; various tempting fruits and pies, meats, potatoes, carrots and breads. How could so much food be consumed in one evening? Anthony wondered.

  There was enough here to feed his squadron for a week.

  There were silver punch bowls filled with Tonyn's favorite wine, Sangria, and even that had slices of oranges floating on top along with small remnants of ice used to cool the wine. Recalling Bart's words that he'd taken on a portly appearance, Anthony vowed he'd eat