"Who are you? This is a private meeting!" Richardson yelled.
"I am Captain William Wilkinson of Her Majesty's ship, the Diamond. I have been tracking the Captain of the Freedom, Blackbeard, to here." William stood in full captain's attire, clean-shaven, black of hair, chiselled body and straight posture.
"You are late, Captain. We have captured your man, Blackbeard, but his crew has taken the mayor, along with several other prominent Bostonites, hostage."
"Such a shame. What are their demands?"
"They want their captain and crewmates back, along with the slaves of Daniel Richardson." One of the men motioned to Richardson.
"Then the answer is simple: we will give in to their demands," William confirmed, his hands folded behind his back.
"What?" Richardson yelled. "Those are my slaves we're talking about. You can't order me to surrender my slaves."
One of the Boston officials spoke up. "We've been over this, Richardson. We are willing to compensate you for the slaves."
"And let those pirates just get away with this? That is base cowardice and I will not be a part of it."
William raised his hand before the argument could continue. "I did not say we would be relinquishing them. My plan is thus: We will act the part of cooperating with their demands, then at their desired meeting spot, my crew will attack in the Diamond. You will gain your slaves back, and we will capture Blackbeard and his crew to execute."
Richardson was more amicable, but still wary. "But how do you know you will be able to stop him?"
"I know because it is my job to know. Ensure everything is in order when the crew of the Freedom arrive for their spoils. If anything is out of place, they will know. I imagine some of their crew are watching to confirm your compliance?" William asked.
"Yes, they are," Richardson answered.
"This is a common tactic of theirs. If the pirates are spooked, then this will be all for naught. As such, I will pose as one of the crewmates aboard the slave ship along with half of my crew. We can buy some time to allow the Diamond to sail over by fighting Blackbeard's crew on the slave ship."
Richardson sighed. "Hold a moment now. Who are you truly? You arrive as if from thin air, claiming to be a Captain of a Royal Navy ship, and you are telling us to comply with these pirates demands. How do we know you are not part of the pirate crew as well? Where are your credentials?"
"Hmph," William scoffed. "I assumed, judging from your character, you would be able to measure who you were dealing with on sight. I guess I was wrong. Tomorrow night, join me on the Diamond, and I will show you my credentials." Captain William turned to leave, but turned back after a moment. "Please do keep yourself hidden. We do not want these scoundrels finding out I am here."
Richardson gritted his teeth in anger over the gall of this William. He may be a Captain of the Royal Navy, but he has no right to issue orders in my town.
Richardson used his skills as a hunter to stalk through the town the next night, making his way to the pier. He had noticed marines in their uniforms manning and cleaning the ship in the afternoon, but something felt fishy.
Richardson sneaked silently through the alleys of the buildings in Boston, doubling back often to ensure he wasn't being followed. The cold night brought the noise of animals, vagrants, and late night drunkards to his ears, but none followed him.
When Richardson reached the pier, he still maintained his vigilance as he passed by the sleeping ships with dropped anchors and solitary guards. When he approached the Diamond, the name painted in white on the side, the crew pointed muskets at him.
"Who goes there?" one of them asked.
"I am Daniel Richardson. I was asked to appear by your captain, William Wilkinson."
"At ease, men," William ordered, appearing behind them. The crew lowered their weapons at his behest. "Come aboard, sir. You are welcome, and our credentials await your presence."
Richardson raised his brow, but he didn't ask any questions. He walked up the gangplank to the deck of the ship and followed William to the stern cabin.
"You will have to forgive me for the secrecy, but what you see next must be kept with the utmost confidence. I must have your word."
"And you have my word. On with it, man."
"Please, remain courteous as well."
William opened the door and entered first. Richardson followed closely behind. A woman sat in a high-backed chair behind an oval table. She had red hair falling in curls and beautiful green eyes. She appeared young, but at the same time very mature.
"Your… Your Majesty?" Richardson exclaimed.
Richardson had seen Queen Anne once many years ago in England, before she was Queen, and this woman in front of him looked exactly as he remembered.
William knelt down, and after Richardson recovered from his shock he knelt as well. "Your Majesty, Daniel Richardson is here as I explained."
"You may rise, both of you."
Daniel Richardson rose and his gaze met the Queen's. Her eyes held a force deep within them which hit him deeper than any lion's fangs. Richardson had heard rumours that the Queen could cut with a glance, and now he believed them.
Anne rose from her chair, assisted by a guard at her side, and strode to the front of the table where Richardson stood. She placed her hand in front of Richardson, and he knelt down again to kiss it. "We are sorry for our appearance, but practicality often trumps fashion, especially in battle."
"You look magnificent, my Queen, and, I must say, quite youthful."
Anne laughed daintily, placing her hand over her mouth. "We see the hunter strikes swiftly and charmingly."
Richardson noticed a ring on the Queen's finger, not altogether an abnormality, but the ring itself was what caught his attention. That ring was meant for the heir apparent or presumptive of Britain.
"I must express my deepest apologies for your loss, my Queen. You must be grieving and yet have to deal with such trivialities after such tragedy. It is inspiring to see you in such good health despite the rumours."
There was a slight pause before the Queen spoke again. "Yes, well, we must always set personal matters behind us in times of war. Though difficult, we are recovering. As for those nasty rumours, you should know better than to listen to everything you hear. Now to business. You have doubts about our Captain Commander William, yes?"
Richardson flushed. "I must admit, my doubts feel a bit foolish now, but when posing a venture one must make all certainties when one's livelihood is at stake."
"The necessity is not lost on us. We trust this meeting has proven evident truths about our sincerity in the capture of this villain, Blackbeard?"
"I have no more doubts, but there is one small matter…" Richardson said hesitantly.
"And what might that be? Speak."
"The reward for Blackbeard's capture. As your men are capturing him with my assistance, will I be claiming some of the fortune?"
Anne laughed. "That trifle? Why of course, your collaboration will be met with compensation in full."
"May I keep his ship as well?" Richardson asked.
Anne's demeanour changed. "That is a bit too much. The ship is a frigate as we understand, and could be used for the war effort."
"Then what if I do not take the reward? The ship is important to me, as it relates to the key the pirates want from me."
Anne considered the proposition. "You may keep the ship in exchange for none of the bounty from Blackbeard's head."
"Most excellent. In two days' time I will load a ship with my slaves and your men can be the crew. Together we will capture this villain."
Captain William stepped forward. "Forgive me, your majesty." William bowed and faced Richardson. "As our business is concluded, I wish to remind you, Richardson, to bring the real key with you, as the attack will only begin when this ship catches up to yours. We may need to buy time by letting the pirates test the key on their ship, including the slaves and their crewmates. All must appear in order so we do not scare them a
way."
Richardson's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "How did you know the key I mentioned worked on Blackbeard's ship?"
William paused for a half-second. "Not a few moments ago you mentioned your desire to take the ship, and how the ship related to the key Blackbeard wants. Assuming the key works on the ship is not a stretch. Do you disagree?" William raised his brow.
"No, you are correct, I did say as much, didn't I? You are most astute, William. I will bring the real key. A true hunter knows that to catch an animal the trap must be well disguised."
Anne went back around to the other side of the table and sat down in the ornate chair. "Now, our business is concluded, and you must excuse us, sir. We must discuss more details with our Captain William."
"Yes, of course. Thank you for this audience, your majesty." Richardson bowed low and then left the room and the ship.
After confirming Richardson had left the ship, William and Anne both let out a breath they seemed to have been holding in the whole time.
Anne looked to William. "Do you think he believed us?"
…
The next day, Richardson prepared his ship, a large cargo ship without cannons, with supplies and had his own men inspecting the rigging and making it seaworthy. The lowest deck was similar to the slaves' quarters at his mansion: row after row of stacked wooden planks meant to hold as many bodies as possible with no regard for comfort. Many had died during the trip due to those conditions, but it didn't matter to slavers and was a common design choice.
The day after Richardson loaded the ship with his slaves, William and half the crew from the Diamond functioned as the crew.
"You have everything prepared?" William asked. This time he was dressed in civilian clothes, akin to what a sailor might wear.
"Yes, the slaves are loaded, I have the key, and the ship was inspected yesterday. She is in fine shape. Is your crew ready?"
"Always," William stated. "Where is Blackbeard?"
"He and the other prisoner are arriving as we speak." Richardson pointed to a coach with barred windows pulling up to the harbour.
The Boston jailers brought Edward and Sam from the coach and aboard the slaver's ship in shackles. Richardson grinned when he saw Edward being brought aboard.
Edward and Sam had been told of the exchange before being brought to the ship, but not that marines were involved. The Diamond was in plain view next to the slave ship, and a marine captain, William, was standing next to Richardson. "So my crew is heading into a trap?"
Richardson laughed. "Yes, my boy. And after this is done, your ship will be mine, as I foretold."
Edward struggled, but couldn't do anything in his condition. "I'll make you pay for this, Richardson. Mark my words!"
"Yes, yes. Said the fly to the spider," Richardson replied as Edward was taken below with the slaves.
After the ship was double checked, the sails were unfurled and the ship left the harbour. The Diamond followed behind as they left Boston and headed east.
Richardson pointed at the marine ship. "Isn't your ship supposed to be farther behind us for the ambush?"
"The destination is a day away. My people will slow when we are closer," William replied.
The two ships kept moving east, however, and not north to the supposed destination. After a few hours Boston was completely out of sight, and they still hadn't changed course. William gave instructions to one of the crewmen, who ran below deck to carry them out.
Richardson was growing impatient. "Are we not to head north to Gloucester?" he asked.
William was about to answer, but Edward and Sam both appeared from the lower deck. The two were no longer wearing shackles and the crew were welcoming him as a friend. Edward smirked as he approached William and Richardson.
"What is the meaning of this? Why is he not in chains?"
"The same reason why we aren't heading to Gloucester," Edward said with a grin, "and why these men are not actually marines: we tricked you. William here is one of my crew members, as is the woman you spoke with posing as Queen Anne."
Richardson glanced left and right to the many crew members advancing on him. What once were sheep turned out to be wolves. The hunter was now caught in a snare, tightening like a noose. He began sweating with all the eyes on him.
"And what of the mayor and the magistrate?"
"They are currently at an inn in Boston, probably still unconscious thanks to Henry and Alexandre. Once they wake, I'm sure someone will help them. As for you, well, there are a few people who would enjoy seeing you dead, and I don't plan to disappoint."
Edward stepped closer to Richardson. The man kept backing up to the edge of the ship. When he bumped into the railing, he peered over the edge to the water below. Richardson gritted his teeth and reached into his pocket. He pulled out the key to the Freedom.
"You forget I still hold the ultimate bait," Richardson hissed as he dangled the key over the side of the ship. "Take me back to Boston or you can say goodbye to the key."
Edward's face turned grim, but he didn't move. "Think about the situation you are in. You cannot win here."
"Oh, I don't think so. You and I, we're birds of a feather. I saw the drive in your eyes that night. You won't let anything stand in your way to retrieving this key, and I won't let anything stand in my way to getting what I want. You would sacrifice everything for this, even your precious crewmate Nassir and his filthy, savage family."
"You're wrong," Edward said.
Richardson laughed with sincere joy. "We're alike, Blackbeard! We both know I'm right. This is the only way to achieve your goals. Turn the ship around, return my slaves, and the key is yours."
Edward couldn't see a way out of the situation without giving Richardson what he wanted. The entire crew watched the deadlock between the two, and no one dared move with the key poised to be lost to Davey Jones' Locker.
"This is all a big game of cat and mouse. Even if we did turn the ship around, you would throw the key into the ocean when we let you free."
Richardson sneered. "That is the game you must play."
William, noticing Richardson's attention focused solely on Edward, saw his chance. He moved in a flash and kicked Richardson in the temple. Richardson fell to the deck with a crack. The key flew up in the air. Edward ran, leaped off of the ship, and thrust out his hand to grab it. The key was inches away, twisting and turning in the air. Edward's fingers touched the tip of the metal but he could not grasp it. The key fell, Edward falling parallel to it, but still he could not reach.
The key fell into the water with a small plop. Edward made a splash as he followed into the drink. The murky water was impossible to see through. Edward scanned the waters, trying to see where the key went, but darkness invaded his vision. Edward swam deeper, searching harder for the dark metal through the murky water.
Edward had lost all hope and started to return to the surface when a splash came a few metres from him as another swimmer jumped into the drink. The crewman swam with ferocity and purpose, deeper and deeper until Edward couldn't even see him.
That's the fastest swimmer I've ever seen. Edward peered at the point where the person had disappeared. After another moment, Edward had to surface for air.
When Edward emerged, several of the crew members were at the side of the ship, including Nassir and some of the villagers, watching the water. When the crew noticed Edward they were relieved.
"Does anyone know who dove into the water?" Edward asked. The crew replied negatively.
Edward swam in the water waiting for the crew member who dove in. The slave ship furled their sails and stopped movement as best as possible, allowing the Freedom to sail up beside them. The crew was able to explain the situation to the crew of the Freedom in full, and the crewmate hadn't yet surfaced.
Something is wrong.
No sooner had Edward's thought passed than the surface broke and the body of the crewmate float on top. "Bring him aboard the Freedom!" Alexandre yelled over the side.
&
nbsp; Edward swam over to the crewmate and carried him back to the Freedom where a rope ladder awaited him. He climbed to the top post haste, with the crewmate slung over his shoulder.
When Edward rose to the edge of the ship, the crew helped the crewman off Edward's shoulder. The crewman's hand was clenched over something, but his hand opened when he was set onto the deck. The key fell out. The crewmate wasn't moving.
Alexandre leaned over and listened. "He isn't breathing."
23. The Third
Alexandre grabbed the key, then picked up the crewman, to the confusion of others.
"Alexandre, what are you doing?"
"Saving this one's life," he yelled as he carried the crewman to the gun deck. On the gun deck he set the key in the door at the bow end and it opened with a click. Alexandre kicked the door open and rushed inside. Those who followed caught a glimpse of a surgeon's room, with various medical devices and bottled liquids, but once Alexandre was inside, he closed the door and locked it behind him.
Edward knocked on the door. "Alexandre, let us in!"
"Non! I am performing surgery. Now leave me be!"
Edward turned to the crew behind him and shrugged. There was no dealing with the Frenchman when he was in one of his moods.
The crew, including Edward, Anne, and Henry, waited in silence in front of the room while listening intently for sounds beyond the door. For an hour, all that could be heard was a random click here or a metallic scraping there.
Edward pulled out a Mayan medicinal herb from his pocket and began chewing on it. The bitter taste hit his tongue and he became lost in thought as he chewed. "Wait a moment," Edward said after a few moments, his brow raised. "How did Alexandre know that this was a medical room?"
Anne, Henry, and the other crewmates peered at each other, as if asking the other people if they knew the answer.
"I noticed him pass a whole day once just sitting with his ear pressed against the door of each locked room," Anne stated. "Perhaps he was able to hear the rattling of the instruments and bottles?"
"Now that you mention it… I saw him with some apparatus up his nose and a tube through the bottom of the door. He was sniffing about with the device. Maybe he… smelled what was inside?" Henry postulated, unsure of himself.
Blackbeard's Revenge (Voyages Of Queen Anne's Revenge Book 2) Page 25