Port of Errors

by Steve V Cypert

  Captain Garrison was positioning Roger’s Jolly so as to fire upon Corazón del Mar at her keel’s front.

  Black-Hearted was now in a much better position to attack. Extending his machete above his head and dropping his arm, he exclaimed, “Fire!” All at once, a substantial roar rumbled across the hull. Corazón del Mar was shaken with the enormous eruption, as she took a damaging hit just above the base of the mainmast and the gunnel at several points. A shower of slivers exploded onto the main deck. The mainmast came down with such force, many of her crew jumped over the gunwale and into the sea. With nowhere else to go, Mr. Hall simply joined the men in the water. The mainmast slammed heavily against the bow, cracking the bowsprit, which gradually weighed down until a portion of it crashed to the sea, still barely holding to the ship by a thick splinter of wood. Soon everyone, including Don Reina, had abandoned ship.

  However, the unmanned ship, now burning in ruin, continued floating toward Roger’s Jolly at a slightly damaging speed. Luckily, Captain Garrison was still in position and fired at her deserted bow, cracking the upper end of her keel. Several more spontaneous blows to her weakened hull, a few flaming bottles of pitch and Corazón del Mar could take no more. The sky went dark with ash and smoke. Don Reina and Mr. Hall, followed by their men, quickly swam toward Widow’s Reef no more than a hundred yards to the south.

  If Black-Hearted’s plan to steel back Isabel did actually work, a massive battle was imminent. Knowing Captain Stirvin would be on Port Lorne over the next few days, Black-Hearted contemplated a risky excursion to Port Lorne to try and even his odds with Captain Stirvin. As Black-Hearted sailed alongside Roger’s Jolly, he committed to his contemplation, and deviated from his planned route and changed course for Port Lorne. Signaling to Captain Garrison, Black-Hearted directed him to stay the original course and await Scurvy at Raven Bridges.

  Over the next several hours, Don Reina and Robert Hall sat on Widow’s Reef. As a sign of their imminent demise, Fischer Todd’s half-decomposed and waterlogged body, wedged within a small crack, spanked the reef with each little movement of the sea. But emerging from the thick dark cloud of smoke, set against the yellow hue from the burning ship, the Blue Raven looked almost ghostlike as she pierced the blackness of it.

  “Well, he’s a little too late,” said Mr. Hall. “Don’t you think?”

  “At least we’re saved,” replied Royal. “But Black-Hearted better pay for this.”

  Once aboard the Blue Raven, Don Reina’s frustration and anger peaked. But Sir Fouste put his mind at ease. “Night is falling. Get some rest and we’ll discuss our options in the morning. Believe me, I know what to do.”

  Knowing Black-Hearted was in possession of the navy’s itinerary and might attempt an attack due to Isabel’s unwilling presence, Captain Stirvin was prepared with three other frigates docked at Port Lorne. The Sentry on which Admiral Flynn was still in direct command; The London, commanded by Captain ‘Mac’ Richards; and William’s Revenge, commanded by Captain Bradley Nokes were each battle ready. Close to five hundred English sailors stood ready for an assault that might never come to fruition. And many were skeptical that such a wanted pirate would show himself so boldly.

  In order to draw Black-Hearted in Captain Stirvin felt it was crucial that The Crimson Reef follow the itinerary over the next few months, aware that Black-Hearted knew Isabel was held captive there.

  As the sun gradually faded beneath the broad horizon, the sky slowly darkened to a beautiful deep blue. Night was falling fast as the wind swept softly through the masts and rigging.

  “Might I request a short leave,” asked Kenneth aboard the Crimson reef. “All I ask is a couple of hours, Sir.”

  “I cannot believe that you, of all people, are asking this of me. But even so, if you are asking, then there must be some importance behind it. Kenneth, if you can be back here within the hour you may go. But remember, you are first mate. You need to be on this ship more so than any other.”

  Ever since Captain Stirvin saved Mr. Black’s life in that storm, Mr. Black had been particularly protective of him. And he did not trust Kenneth following his many unscheduled visits to Isabel’s quarters. Backed by Second Mate Garland Davis, Mr. Black arranged for Gabriel and Edgardo, who were unfamiliar to Kenneth, to spy on him as he ventured into town.

  Finding Kenneth sitting at the Boar’s Milk by himself, Gabriel and Edgardo watched curiously from a short distance, at a table with a slightly more hidden view. Soon Kenneth was joined by a peculiar gentleman, who sat with his back toward the two spies.

  Witnessing some sort of exchange between Kenneth and this individual, Gabriel and Edgardo became all the more suspicious. It seemed to them that Kenneth was passing a purse of payment for what appeared to be a secret document of some sort. When the mysterious gentleman finally stood to leave, he turned to face Edgardo and Gabriel, who could then identify him. They were surprised and disappointed to know who he was. He was about forty five years of age and known very well amongst those in the pirate community.

  The two adventurers then slipped away without being seen and followed the gentleman to an inn, where he had been staying. When they felt they had all the information they needed, they found their way to the Crimson Reef, where they informed Captain Stirvin directly. Mr. Black’s and Garland’s involvement in spying on a senior officer was to be kept in confidentiality or payment to Edgardo and Gabriel would not be remitted.

  As Kenneth sat quietly at the same corner table with a pint of rum, he ripped open the secret document, which happened to be a private correspondence. Unable to take his eyes off the letter, he lost track of the hour. It wasn’t until he noticed, from the corner of his eye, Garland and Captain Stirvin approaching his table that he realized his sad position. Becoming flushed in the face, he quickly folded up his letter and stuffed it deep into his coat pocket.

  “You’re late, Kenneth,” said Captain Stirvin, standing there with Garland and a few other officers. “Is there some other reason you have neglected your post than sitting alone with a drink in a common brothel?”

  “So sorry captain, I’ll return at once,” replied Kenneth eager to return without explaining himself.

  “Is it true?” Captain Stirvin asked, as Kenneth neared the exit.

  Kenneth felt chill as he turned about to face Captain Stirvin. “Begging your pardon, Captain?”

  Getting right to the point without further hesitation, Captain Stirvin explained, “I was informed you were supplying information to someone in exchange for profit. Please tell me it is not true. I have had enough with such treachery!”

  “I was not exchanging any such information,” confirmed Kenneth wholeheartedly. “And I can assure you that I’ve received no such remittance!”

  Captain Stirvin called out to an awaiting guard, “Bring in Mr. Rubio!” The guard stepped into the tavern with Alfonso Rubio, who was now in shackles. “This man also denies receiving any such information,” said Captain Stirvin, “But he did not deny the fact that the two of you did meet. Is this not the man you spoke with in secret? Was there not an exchange of information; some sort of currency for documentation?” following complete silence, Captain Stirvin grabbed Alfonso by the collar and brought him close, jerking him about in front of Kenneth. “Alfonso Rubio is a wanted smuggler and thief. He will do anything for anyone for the right amount. He deals with pirates and other such filth every day.”

  Kenneth spoke up quickly. “I am no traitor, Captain!”

  “Mr. Davis,” ordered Captain Stirvin, “take this man,” referring to Alfonso, “back to the ship at once and lock him up. See to it that all the men are assembled and ready. No one is to leave the ship for the remainder of our stay!”

  “Aye, Sir!” replied Garland, without question as he turned and walked out as instructed.

  Captain Stirvin turned back to Kenneth, “If you received no money, you must have the document. Where is it?”

  “It is only a letter from a woman that I am courting. That
is all. I swear. That’s it.”

  “Let me see this letter for myself,” he demanded.

  “I can’t,” persisted Kenneth. “But I swear to you, I’ve done no wrong.”

  “Then if it is what you say, why do you appear so afraid? Do you not understand the consequences, Kenneth? I have no idea what kind of information you have been sharing and I must know!”

  Captain Stirvin ordered Kenneth to be searched. He found the letter and read it. It was just a letter of affection from his love, Marisa Delatori. Nonetheless, it was an unauthorized correspondence from Spain. But, it mattered not in the eyes of Captain Stirvin. Captain Stirvin then ordered his guards to place Kenneth under arrest.

  “I’ve done nothing wrong. Yet you hold a woman prisoner aboard your vessel when the articles clearly state it is a violation of the law. You, Sir, are nothing but a hypocrite! In kidnapping Isabel, you are just as guilty, but you can’t see that. You won’t see that!”

  Kenneth was quickly escorted back to the ship where he was locked up. In an adjacent cell sat Alfonso Rubio, the very man who manipulated the correspondence between Marisa and Kenneth.

  Alfonso laughed. “You should have been more careful, mi compañero.” said Alfonso, speaking through the bars between them. “But for all your running around in secret, you are indeed more naïve than I gave you credit for. There are more pirates aboard this ship than those hunted by Stirvin. At least amongst pirates, there is no more than one face per – eh, varón – per man. There is no pretend in any one character, no falseness. Even if they are liars or disloyal, the label is worn upon the sleeve and everyone knows it and accepted it. It is only when they are on the side of the government that they grow a second face and wear it where it cannot be seen.”

  “What do you mean by there are more pirates on this ship? I am not a pirate. I am not a traitor to my country.”

  “See what I mean by naïve?” replied Alfonso. “Señor Kenneth, it is not you of whom I speak.”

  “Then who are you talking about?” asked Kenneth, worried and confused.

  “Well, besides those six men who truly did turn on Stirvin…”

  The doors leading to the cells suddenly opened with authoritative force, cutting Alfonso off in his explanation. Captain Stirvin emerged from the small dark and claustrophobic path into the confinement area.

  “We will finish our little discussion later,” stated Alfonso to Kenneth at a whisper’s pitch as Captain Stirvin approached.

  Kenneth quickly stood at attention, still loyal to his unwavering and uncomprehending captain. Walking up to Kenneth’s cell in complete frustration and holding onto one of the many surrounding bars, Captain Stirvin looked shamefully upon him.

  “Why did you have to go and do this?” asked Captain Stirvin. “Why could you not wait? You could have called on me for direction. You should know have known better!”

  “What would you have said to me?” replied Kenneth. “Already, one war has kept us separated and yet another looms to keep us apart forever. I do not have the luxury of loving someone who lives within boundaries set by Kings and Queens. Love has no boundaries, Captain!”

  Alfonso just listened on, entertained by the conversation, smiling with indulgent satisfaction.

  “I am sick and tired of my highest-ranking officers disobeying my orders and setting examples to the rest of the men of such illegality – illegality of what appears to be of even treasonous proportions! What has happened to loyalty, Kenneth? I cannot lead a crew with officers upon which I cannot rely. You have gone behind my back and broken a major law!”

  “How can you stand there and accuse me when you, yourself, have broken a major law? You have placed a woman aboard a ship belonging to the Royal Navy? The law I have broken, fails in comparison. Does it not?”

  “The needs of the Royal Navy, Kenneth, far outweigh the laws of our lands. What I have broken can mend a nation. My actions were necessary and urgent to the security of Queen or Country. What I have done will eventually lead to the safety of our lands! To what great end have your actions been to the security of our nation? Other than treasonous, what have your actions done for our Queen? All for a woman?”

  “I love her and that is all, Captain. Do I not have the right, same as any, to love? Is there some great law against pursuing a happy ending? I am not consorting with the enemy!”

  “You have knowingly committed a crime against the crown in a time of war! Can love not wait the length?”

  “Captain, I was only following my heart. Where is the wrong in that?”

  “I cannot let such a thing as this go unpunished or I lose the respect of my entire crew; I lose the respect of my countrymen. If I am to one day assume the role of Admiral, I cannot have such a reputation. I am sorry, Kenneth, but my hands are tied. And I will not be disobeyed so blatantly!”

  “We have never spoken of it, but I have heard that you are very happily married. Is this true?” Captain Stirvin nodded in agreement, inciting Kenneth to follow up with an additional question. “Do you not love her this very moment?”

  “Of course I love my wife!” he replied sharply. “But that is not the point here.”

  “If you knew you would never see her again, would you not cross all obstacles and boundaries in your path to see her one last time, whether right or wrong?”

  “Yes I would, Kenneth. But I would also be willing to pay the consequences. I am angered that you felt the need to do such a thing, but I also have admiration for your courage to risk everything for this woman. However, I will not have that admiration blur my judgment and you will be tried for those actions and face the consequences.”

  “You are a lucky man to have a woman that you can love unreservedly and without complication. I’ve loved Marisa for a long time, yet I’ve never been able to hold her in my arms or look into her eyes with that kind of sentiment. We were only children when we met and became close friends. It was only after we grew to know each other over years of writing back and forth that we fell in love. The words she writes to me are amazing. But I would much rather hear them from her own lips.”

  Captain Stirvin, not knowing how to reply, departed the brig, leaving Kenneth with Alfonso once again. Alfonso smiled his disgusting smile and stated, “Love. What is love but an addiction that makes an individual do what he would otherwise never do? It blurs the boundaries of a man’s devotion to anything else. It is an irrational craving that produces no gain. The only sensible addiction is ganas de la joya, no? – desire for treasure.”

  “Mr. Rubio, Marisa is my treasure,” replied Kenneth. He then insisted, “But I will not speak to you of love. What were you saying about pirates aboard this ship? Are there traitors, other than Mr. Hall and William Guile that Captain Stirvin should know about?”

  “No, Mr. Lunt. It is your captain who hides a second face. How else do you think he managed to find the type of men, outside his precious navy, who would be callus and willing enough to take Isabel from her home and bring her aboard this ship?” Alfonso then laughed at the suggested hypocrisy and irony of the situation. “Stirvin has you locked up for dealing with a man like me when it was he who used my services to break the law – for, as he says, Queen and Country.”

  Chapter XIV

  The sun hadn’t yet risen, as the Weeping Lady sailed toward the London Harbor. Scurvy’s Letter of Marquee had brought him this far and he thought himself lucky to have so easily managed his way to England under the current conditions of law. But Captain Stirvin had seen fit to assure his safety as a legal privateer until Black-Hearted’s capture.

  “Down the anchor!” shouted Scurvy. Although the Weeping Lady was built to carry upwards of seventy men, she only carried thirty-five this day. Scurvy wasn’t willing to chance much attention. When the Weeping Lady finally docked, Scurvy hand-picked Bones, Edward, Gunner, Eric and Stephen; they were to accompany him in to London to help carry out his mission. “The rest of you maggots,” he addressed as usual, “stand ready for a very quick departure.” />
  “Who goes there?” shouted the harbor guard, “I say who goes there?”

  The reply came as he walked out into the dim light. “Scurvy Shaw, Lieutenant.”

  “I’m not a Lieutenant Mr. Shaw. What sort of business have you on my dock at this hour?” he said, continuing on with a snide snicker and sneer, “Have you Black-Hearted in your custody already?”

  “For your information, we’ve news that Black-Hearted is planning to take Lady Stirvin hostage – tonight. You must inform your commanding officer at once.”

  “And how did you come across this information, Mr. Shaw and not the captain himself?”

  “I happen to run in the sort of circles that would have a man such as yourself in cuffs and chains for the rest of your life. I hear many a thing that would otherwise not reach the captains ears but by my lips alone. I am no fool, mate. But the man I be lookin’ at would be the greater fool not to inform his commanding officer at once, but rather continue squabbling about.”

  “Right, I’ll inform the chief officer, but if you are wrong about this, I’ll have your head, Sir.”

  “Understood, Mate. Now get on with it, will you? Go and fetch the good chief.”

  The harbor guard returned to Scurvy’s ship with the commanding officer, who was in the company of about a dozen officers. Taking the matter seriously, the commanding officer probed Scurvy for more information. After relating all that he wished to divulge, Scurvy asked if he could supply them with a dozen more men. Scurvy’s men included those previously mentioned plus six more, who, in Scurvy’s mind, were expendable.

  “Keep a ready eye,” said Scurvy, keeping them nervous and anxiously stressed. “If this is to happen at all, it is to happen in the dark.” Since the sun hadn’t yet risen, everyone was over conscious and eager.