Overboard!
Page 33
There was also the small problem of Captain Jenkins and what was left of his crew, which although it only numbered half a dozen pirates gave great difficulty to them in deciding what to do with them. Eventually stakes were sunk into a less sandy patch of the beach and Jenkins and his crew were tied up there, under heavy guard. Daisy had ignored Jenkins, who although obviously beaten, was nonetheless not cowed in any way at all, given to shouting insults and commands to his captors, despite his more than tenuous position. The only time he shut up at all Neep noticed was when one of the guards threatened to go and fetch Daisy.
Neep watched in silence as words were said over the now buried bodies of the cave occupants, the area now lit by torches as night had fallen nearly an hour before, the final toil of burying the corpses having been completed by torchlight. Once the words were said the pirates drifted wearily away to find food or sleep. Neep wandered under the stars back to the camp, the torches from that direction of the camp guiding his way. By now several small tents had been set up and the centre of the camp displayed a large cooking pot about which were gathered many members of Daisy’s crew lining up for food. Neep took his place and eventually a small bowl of stew was placed in his hands. He looked across the clearing and saw Bones, Daisy and Boom sitting by one of the palm trees and as he looked Daisy waved him across.
“I was wondering where you had got to.” said Daisy as Neep sat down by her.
“I decided to help with the burial.” said Neep, dipping into his stew warily. To his surprise it was actually quite tasty.
“Nasty business.” Said Bones, staring out into the darkness. Over by the fire Capability Jones suddenly caught Neep’s eye as he queued up for some stew, which was surprising considering the condition of his face after Daisy had knocked him out. The old inventor quickly looked away, but Daisy had already spotted him.
“Keep a close eye on our friend Mister Jones.” Said Daisy to nobody in particular. “He can be quite resourceful when in a scrape, and isn’t quite as innocent and helpless as he makes himself out to be.”
“I think so.” Said Mister Boom, “I think whatever treasure he has inside that volcano then it is not going to be as straightforward as just wandering into the tunnel and grabbing it.” Boom continued to look up at the volcano, the belching lava covered apex of which was illuminating the night with a deep crimson glow. Neep noticed that Boom’s gaze never seemed to stray far away from it for very long at all.
“He does seem to be quite evasive about what we are going to find inside there.” Muttered Bones, whom as per usual was the only one gathered there not eating.
“Evasive is putting it mildly.” Laughed Boom. “Every time anyone mentions it he visibly pales.”
“Keep a very close eye on him.” Said Daisy, “He killed all of those islanders. I think we are just as expendable to him as they were.”
“Well he did a good job with the ship latrines.” Smiled Neep. He looked up from his bowl just in time to see Daisy raising an eyebrow at this.
“Can anyone else feel it?” Said Bones suddenly.
“Feel what?” Asked Neep, looking around him as if he had somehow missed something.
“The humming in the air.” Said Bones, the robe around him not moving at all as if he was listening intently for the source of something.
“Nothing.” Laughed Daisy, “Have you been on the rum Mister Bones?”
“I fail to see how I actually could be “on the rum” as you put it, captain.” Said Bones unexpectedly bitterly, “There is a sound almost like a humming sound or a vibration but it is so low I can only just make it out. Yet it is there all of the time.”
“I can’t hear anything.” said Neep.
“Nor I.” said Boom. Bones continued to stay very still.
“It is more a feeling.” Whispered Bones and rising he made his way out of the camp heading towards the beach and into the night. Daisy watched him go and Neep stood up to follow him.
“Let him go, Neep.” said Daisy, tugging at his arm. “He will be fine. Just a long day.” Neep sat down just as Boom stood up.
“I’ll just go and check on Jenkins before I turn in.” Said the bombardier, “I like a little taunting and a few insults before sleep.” Daisy smiled.
“Good night Mister Boom.” She said.
“Good night captain.” Said Boom who was already heading out into the night away from the camp.
“So how are you, Mister Neep?” Asked Daisy, “Feeling a little better now?”
“I think I am.” said Neep, reflecting on the past twenty-four hours, “Though I think I would prefer it if you just call me Neep.”
“I see.” said Daisy. “And the subsequent lack of discipline and descent into lawless anarchy would also be favourable to you?” she asked sweetly.
“Well… I…” Stammered Neep and his confusion increased as his stammering became potentially worse.
“Neep.” said Daisy, placing a hand on his shoulder, “I was only joking.”
“Oh.” Said Neep, feeling even more confused than ever now. “I see.”
“Clearly you don’t, Neep.” Smiled Daisy, pushing a strand of her long black hair behind her ear and looking at him intently. She leaned in close and whispered in his ear. “Lighten up a little.” She said and Neep felt himself colouring. “We shall soon have the treasure and be on our way.”
“What then?” said Neep quietly.
“Well we will be rich.” smiled Daisy. Neep noticed she looked a lot less stern than he had ever seen her and considered sniffing her breath for a scent of rum or the like if he had not known her better.
“You don’t even know what is down there.” said Neep carefully. To his surprise she just smiled.
“If it wasn’t valuable then it wouldn’t be so well hidden now, would it?” Daisy raised an eyebrow, watching Neep smile.
“Well whatever it is we shall soon know.”
“So you will be rich.” asked Neep and Daisy nodded in agreement. “But I thought you were rich anyway.” Daisy looked at Neep as if confused. “You said that you were the daughter of a wealthy merchant.” he said, “Yet you ran away and left it all behind.”
“So did you.” said Daisy, poking him playfully in the chest.
“But I wasn’t rich.” laughed Neep, “Fish mongers rarely are, never mind sons of fish mongers.”
“Yet still you ran.” said Daisy. She pulled a face at him. “Riches and adventure and more riches with no doubt a buxom wench or two as well.” Neep turned an even deeper shade of crimson.
“I would be the first to admit the SOPE manual isn’t all it should be.” Sighed Neep, “I found that out pretty quickly in the Black Tooth.”
“Indeed.” said Daisy, “And yet still we run. Perhaps we are just itinerant travellers you and I, Neep.”
“In search of adventure.”
“Treasure.” added Daisy.
“Maybe Mister Jones is the same.” said Neep, gazing in the direction of the old man who was eating his food across the clearing.
“Oh I think not.” Sneered Daisy, “His methods are at best reprehensible.”
“Says the woman who slew over ninety people during the siege of Ka-Thune.” smiled Neep.
“A number that is greatly exaggerated.” said Daisy sternly, wagging a finger in Neep’s face, “As they quite frequently are I think you will find.”
“Nevertheless.” said Neep, “You are a woman to fear I think.”
To Neep’s great surprise Daisy’s face fell, a look of confusion rushing across her features.
“Do you think so?” she said quietly.
“Lots of people do.” said Neep brightly, “I think it half of the glamour - the mystique that surrounds you.”
“Are you scared of me, Neep?” she said suddenly, holding his eyes; waiting for an answer.
“I don’t think so.” said Neep, returning her stare. “Not now anyway.”
“Good.” said Daisy, “I wouldn’t like to think that you were.”
“I don’t think that.” said Neep and they settled into a comfortable silence, the sounds of the camp slowly becoming quieter around them as the crew settled down for the night.
“I shall turn in now.” said Daisy, breaking the spell by standing suddenly. Neep remained sprawled on the ground as she made to move to her tent. “Get some sleep, Neep.” she said. “It will be a busy day tomorrow and we may need all of our wits about us.”
“Aye captain.” He said but she had already strode out into the night heading presumably for her tent. It was only after he had lain down under a blanket some ten minutes later that he realised that she hadn’t used the word “Mister” when she said goodnight. With that thought in mind he fell into a deep sleep.
***
Neep woke late, the sun climbing into the sky as he stumbled to his feet. He looked at it in confusion but breathed a sigh of relief as he realised he had only over slept by half of an hour or so. The camp however was a hive of activity. Jenkins and his six men had been brought nearer to the entrance to the caves, but they were still manacled to a fresh set of stakes. Having completed his ablutions and washing himself quickly in the sea he made his way towards the cliff where he could see Daisy, Bones and Boom ushering people to and fro. As Neep approached Daisy saw him making his way towards her and waved him across.
“Glad you could make it.” She smiled and he found himself blushing again. “Neep you are with me. You can keep an eye on Mister Jones here.” Neep looked to one side of Daisy and saw Capability Jones standing nearby. He looked a little apprehensive and seemed to be trying his best to stay out of arm’s reach of Daisy.
“Aye captain.” said Neep.
“I am sure you will find me no trouble at all.” said Jones, “You do not need to assign anyone to watch over me, I can assure you.”
“Nevertheless I will.” said Daisy, casting a glance to Jones that suggested silence was the best policy. Jones shrugged as Bones joined the group.
“Mister Boom I require you to stay here and keep an eye on Mister Jenkins here, as well as supervise the repair of the Magpie.”
“Captain.” said Boom, looking at Jenkins who sat manacled to a stake nearby with a clear look of disdain on his face,
“Mottle cooted coxswain’s mop rag!” he yelled at the top of his voice, “I hope the bloody volcano falls on the caps of the lot of you!”
“Thank you, Jenkins.” said Daisy, putting a finger to her lips, “Now shhh.” Jenkins turned a deeper shade of crimson and began muttering under his breath.
Neep saw ten pirates fall in line behind them, Daisy and Bones leading the way, followed by Neep and Jones and the ten men behind them. Two abreast, Neep saw they were all fully armed; pistols and swords bristling from their belts and bandoliers.
Boom held a set of pistols out to Neep and Neep shook his head. He never wanted to handle one again, though he did accept a small sword from the bombardier and tucked it into his belt.
“Eyes fully open as we go.” shouted Daisy. “Perhaps Mister Jones you would care to advise us of what lies in wait? Concealed traps and devices aplenty I would imagine?” Jones threw himself at Daisy’s feet.
“Please captain! Do not do this! Let the volcano lie in peace.” Daisy merely snorted at him.
“I thought you would be no help.” She sighed as Neep dragged the inventor to his feet, “Never mind.” She paused, looking up at the volcano and then raised her sword into the air.
“Gentlemen!” she shouted, and they were off, striding briskly towards the now open door of the cliff before them. Torches had been lit and they marched briskly towards the tunnel.
As they made their way inside Neep looked up at the sky, the apex of the volcano overhead smoking darkly like some angry god watching them approach and smiling. He looked back over his shoulder and saw Boom staring up at the volcano too, a look of pure fascination on his face. Then Neep turned his attention to the cliff and in they went, into darkness and torchlight and the tunnel that led under the volcano itself.
Chapter 31
~Moths to the Flame~
“It looks like a rhinoceros with a banana up its arse.” said Daisy, holding her torch up to reveal the painting on the side of the cave wall.
“I don’t think it’s a banana.” Laughed Bones.
“Very funny.” said Daisy as the troop of pirates began to giggle and snort amongst themselves. One quick glimpse in their direction from Daisy brought that to an abrupt halt however.
They had made good progress but none of them were prepared just how far down the tunnel would lead them. Now that the bodies of the islanders had been cleared the tunnel had been revealed to be large and round, though seemingly without purpose as it was now completely empty. At the north end however a round arch revealed another tunnel sloping steeply downwards. It was however a very wide tunnel.
“Necessary for the movement of materials.” Jones had muttered under his breath as Neep had marvelled at just how tall and wide the tunnel was. It did lead steadily and steeply downwards however, though Neep did not consider it to be claustrophobic as there was plenty of room for them to walk two abreast, Daisy leading the pirates deeper and deeper below the volcano.
After an hour or so of walking Neep began to slowly become aware of a low rumbling noise that was faint; barely perceptible, yet was always there nonetheless. He also found the tunnel to be unusually warm. Soon the entire group of pirates were sheened with perspiration and Neep had to tie a cloth around his forehead to prevent the sweat from running into his eyes.
It had been a long journey through the twisting and winding tunnels before they had reached the small cavern in which they now stood, and by the time they had reached what looked like a cave designed for rest they were all glad to have the chance to do so.
“We will rest here for an hour.” Daisy had announced as the pirates had more or less slumped to the floor. “Prepare some food and take the weight off your feet. The constant downward slope is wearisome, I know.”
There had been several sighs of relief as Daisy had announced this, and all had taken the opportunity to rest and eat, the food being passed around by one of the larger pirates who was carrying rough supplies in a large backpack which now lay by his side. Eventually the food was eaten and Neep had noticed Bones holding a torch up to one of the walls as if examining it.
“Here Daisy.” he had shouted, “Looks like cave paintings. Probably made by the natives.” All had gathered around to look and Neep followed the wall along, looking at the crudely painted stick figures and animals that were adorned on the cave walls.
“So not a banana then.” sighed Daisy. Neep continued to wave his torch about the wall. There were symbols and lines painted there that were beyond any real chance of interpretation. Though Neep supposed that the waves could be the sea.
“These figures here are obviously meant to be some sort of god. See how this figure here is much higher on the wall than the others? Almost as if looking down on the other figures here.” Neep looked further along the wall. “This drawing here is obviously a volcano, and this figure here shows a man with wings I think.” said Neep, getting closer to the cave wall to examine the small stick insect. Everyone came closer to look. “Could be a bird though I suppose.” he concluded, and Daisy nodded.
“I imagine these are like some sort of storytelling archive.” she said, staring at the bird like figures.
“Like a library?” asked Neep and the captain nodded.
“I have heard about them before but I have never seen them before.” She looked across at the old man munching eagerly in the centre of the cave. “What about you, Mister Jones?” She asked, to which the old man just looked at her as if unable to interpret what she meant. “These paintings familiar to you at all?”
“Witchcraft!” spat the old man suddenly and pulled his robe closely about him, staring at the floor. Daisy saw Neep raise an eyebrow but it was obvious from his posture that the old man had nothing else to say.
“Just
being your usual helpful self.” Sighed Neep as he dragged the old man to his feet as the group began to make signs of moving out. The old inventor did not make any objection at all, just standing still, waiting to move off.
After backpacks were re-shouldered and they had formed the same ranks as before they were off again. The tunnel continued to slope downwards, making progress tiring, and the heat increased seemingly with every step. Neep also noticed that the low rumbling sound was slowly starting to get louder. He looked back on their journey so far. The surprising thing really was just how straight the tunnel ran. It moved steadily downwards of course, some of it steeper in some places than others, but it was a complete straight line down to wherever it was going to lead them.
After what seemed like another hour but was in reality impossible to tell they reached another small opening up of the tunnel inside which what looked like scores of large wooden barrels that were stacked against the far wall on what looked to be a very shaky looking four wheeled cart. Neep waved his torch and went to investigate but Bones held him back.
“Wait, Neep.” He hissed, his arm on Neep’s shoulder, “Let me look.” He handed his torch to Neep and strode across the cave to examine the barrels. “Gunpowder.” he announced eventually, and every pirate carrying a torch took a subconscious step backwards. The device was made of wood and looked to be in very poor condition. Nevertheless, the flatbed of the truck held what must have been at least thirty barrels of gunpowder, or so Neep reckoned, peering at the vehicle across the cavern, keeping one eye on the torch he held tenuously in his hand.
“We used it to widen the tunnels downward.” said Jones suddenly, “The rock is quite thick there. Never used all of it of course. This is the residual store.”