by N. Y. Weaver
main port of Japan in Yokohama. Great passenger ships and enormous steamers carrying freight where scattered across the docks, the result of Japan recently ending its three century long period of isolation from the rest of the world. Musashi paid the driver generously while Lan stepped out of the carriage, her silk red kimono shining in the sunlight and together they set off towards the nearest passenger ship about a half-mile away.
“I’m sorry that you have to leave Himeji Castle because of me. I know how much that place means to you.” Lan said sadly.
“It’s not your fault. And don’t forget that you saved my life. For that I will forever be in debt to you. Besides, after talking to Gog and learning his story, I have no doubt he will keep his word and look after the castle.”
“He has a good heart, he was just manipulated by General Sun. All of us were.”
Reaching the docks Musashi enquired about when the passenger ship was leaving, however it was not taking passengers, only refuelling on its way to San Francisco. The next ship was fully booked, as was the one after. Out the corner of his eye Musashi spotted an unusual looking sea captain standing in front of a huge Navy ship. The captain had golden hair flowing over an eye patch on his left eye and a large blue overcoat concealing a hook on his right hand.
Musashi approached the captain with a determined air about him.
“We’re looking for a ship that will take us out of Japan. We are willing to cook, clean or whatever else you need for no pay.” Musashi stated firmly.
“I’d love to help you and your lovely lady out, but I don’t think this is the type of ship you’re looking for. I’m a pirate, and unless you can fight, steal and kill and I doubt you can, and you’re willing to die for this ship, I’m afraid I can’t help.”
“I’m up for an adventure, how about you Lan?” Musashi smiled.
“Couldn’t be more dangerous than staying in Japan.” Lan replied as she walked behind Captain Gold admiring the ship.
“I’m all for having more crew-members, I lost almost all my men in the winter, but unless you can prove you’re skilfulness, I can’t take you aboard”.
With a quick burst Musashi withdrew his great sword that was sheathed at his hip and pointed it at Captain Gold’s throat. The captain withdrew his own sword but it was swiftly yet effortlessly hammered into the ground by Musashi’s blade.
“It is clear I can fight. Lan stole your compass from your coat pocket a few seconds ago,” Musashi said as Gold glanced at a smiling Lan “Would you also like to see me kill?”
“No that’s proof enough for me,” Gold smiled “Hop on board, we leave at noon.”
The captain let his first mate Peter know that there were two new arrivals and he took the liberty of introducing them to the rest of the crew. After overseeing a few large crates carrying supplies carried in by the Roger twins, the Napoléon set sail once again. Initially wary of Musashi and Lan, the crew grew to admire and respect the two once they showed the crew their skilfulness with their chosen weapons.
Seated at the large circular oak table in the mess hall at dinner it occurred to Musashi that by getting so caught up in proving his worthiness to the crew he did not even stop to ask where the ship was headed.
“Captain, do we happen to be going anywhere in particular?” he asked.
“We’re going somewhere alright, make no mistake there’s always a purpose to what we do. But before we get to that, we’re going to Mexico.” Gold grinned.
“Mexico?” Lan repeated.
“Cheap guns, cheap booze and cheap crewmembers what’s not to like?” Peter butt in, “And if we’re lucky, the legendary gunslinger Dean James will be joining us on this ship”.
“Never heard of him.” Musashi responded.
“He’s a hero to some people on this ship. Stories of his adventures have made many a long journey short.” one of the Roger Twins explained.
Over the next week the crew ate plentifully, drank heartily, played cards, scuffled playfully and slept peacefully. Captain Gold and Peter would often disappear for long periods of time in the captain’s quarters. They had much to prepare and plan for. Musashi took a liking to a few of the crew members who begged him to teach them his way of sword fighting. He taught them to think openly and how to strike rationally. He taught them how to be a mountain when the opponent was a sea and how to be a sea when the opponent was a mountain.
On one particular night Musashi and Lan decided to get away from the noise of the pirates from their drinking and shouting by going up onto the empty deck. Looking out into the rolling seas Musashi pulled Lan closer to his body.
“Wherever this journey goes, I will always be there to protect you. I promise.” Musashi said, looking deep into her eyes before she turned her head to look into the sea.
“I don’t think I’ve ever told you. But I love you.” Musashi said slowly.
“Mumu I’m sorry. I like you, but I’m… I’m not… like that.” Lan said carefully.
Musashi lowered his arms and she disappearing down back to her cabin.
Due to the favourable tide and winds they saw the land of Mexico within three weeks. Reaching land and anchoring the ship, the crew split into groups and went in search of their assigned objectives. Johnny and a few of his friends enquired at the closest bar where cheap booze could be supplied. The Roger twins, Musashi and Lan were in charge of the buying weapons from various arms shops and Peter and a few others were in charge of recruiting young new crew-members from the local towns. Captain Gold asked various townspeople if anyone had seen a lone stranger in town and was directed by an attractive young lady to the neighbouring town. Borrowing a horse Gold reached the next town and was then directed by a man in a black suit to a town across the river where he was heard to be residing.
By coincidence or fate Captain Gold laid eyes on a tall, rugged figure dressed in a poncho and sombrero and resting with his back against an enormous dark tree on the outskirts of the town. The menacing yet wise-looking tree had branches stretching in every direction, shading the gun-slinger and his sleek black stallion from the heat.
“Ain’t you hot in that overcoat?” the seated figure asked as Captain Gold dismounted from his horse and drew near to him.
“I feel perfect now that I’ve found you, your Dean James aren’t you?”
“Who’s asking?”
“Tom Gold, Captain of the Napoléon, slayer of Redbeard and destroyer of the Flying Dutchman. And believe it or not we want you to help us.”
“Help you do what?” Dean questioned.
“What else do pirates do? Find treasure! And I have in my personal possession the location of possibly the largest collection of treasure in the world.” Captain Gold said excitedly.
“And what makes you think I’d help you?”
“We’ll give you ten percent.”
“Make it twenty.”
“Eleven.”
“I’m in.”
Dean stood up and they shook hands, both feeling elated at their good fortune. Dean followed on his stallion as Captain Gold led them through the towns and back to the Napoléon. Dean left his horse to short brown-haired girl with whom he exchanged a few words. Once onboard he was introduced to the jubilant crew and once everyone had returned successfully from their trips the next day they set sail once more. The crew-members who formerly idolized Musashi now followed Dean everywhere he went, asking him about his adventures that they had traded amongst themselves for the past few years.
At the round table that night they feasted heavily on potatoes, bread, salted beef and cheap wine.
“So Captain, where is this magical place that holds the largest collection of treasure in the world?” Dean asked.
“It is told that there is a small island which exists in the Pacific Ocean by the name of “La isla de oro” or the Island of Gold in English. Centuries of forgotten riches are said to be buried by long-dead pirates in the island’s heart. Our crew, as have countless others, have spent many years searching for it.” Gol
d said.
“And what makes you think we’ll find it now?” Dean asked, slightly annoyed.
Gold cleared the plates in front of him, reached into his coat pocket and triumphantly placed a tattered map of the Pacific Ocean with a golden speck drawn in its centre.
“Then what do you need my help for?” Dean asked.
“Because as the myth goes, the island is said guarded by a merciless tribe of cannibal murderers. But that part’s probably made up, don’t worry.”
Life on the ship during the day continued as usual, however there was a peculiar mix of both dread and joy in the mind of every person on board as the fateful day when they reached the island neared. Captain Gold tended to sleep latest on the ship, staying up at the ship’s helm steering the ship through the night. Musashi would wake the earliest to mediate and he would often talk to Gold, contemplating the nature of the earth and its people and how there fates came to be intertwined. Dean James spelt erratically, a consequence of the way he moved through his life, and as a result he too would sometimes join their night time conversations at the ship’s helm.
“It’s funny isn’t it?” Gold said one of the night when all three were awake.
“I’m a pirate, you’re a samurai,” Gold said pointing at Musashi “And you’re a outlaw from the Wild West,” he said motioning towards Dean, “Feels like I’m in someone’s dream sometimes.”
After a pause Musashi spoke, “Do you think it is wrong to kill a person? Does it make you