“I am most sorry to bother you with this sir,” started Jonathan Pountney, “but I have been asked to transport Mr Minter here to see you and I thought the quickest way was to close on your Flagship.”
“That is fine Commander. Do not worry yourself.” What is the problem? Or can I assume it has something to do with that rather ornate brigantine that arrived yesterday?”
Minter spoke up. “Yes, Admiral, I am afraid it does. As you know that is the personal yacht of the King of Mondiana. He has sent with it a person whom I have indeed heard of, and who is their version of our Foreign Minister. He goes by the name of Solomon, and is known in Mondiana as The Wise One.”
Fenwick grunted and Trafford, lurking in his usual spot against a bulkhead, hid a smile as he said somewhat cuttingly, “No prizes for guessing where that one came from!”
Minter continued, after smiling briefly at the Flag-captain. “Perhaps. In any event, Solomon has been sent to deliver a message to King Khalfani that he is to require you and your squadron to keep away from his country. What he has said is that you have violated neutrality by attacking a ship that was enjoying the safety and comfort of his country. If any of your ships attempt to enter Mondiana, they will be fired upon. They do have a number of batteries sir as you know, with some large guns.”
“Where is this person Solomon now Mr Minter? I should like to speak with him.” said Courtenay slowly.
“He was arranging to leave as I was speaking with the King, and I would imagine that the Royal Yacht will shortly be passing out of the mouth of the Bimara. Ah, there she is now.” he indicated out of the sternlights and as everyone turned, they saw the gaudily decorated brigantine tacking to use the channel to the south. “Now sir, it falls on me to point out that King Khalfani does not wish to be at odds with his neighbours. He has enough problems with what has been happening, and….”
“Where is Spencer-White Mr Minter? Surely he should be here, delivering this message instead of your goodself? I am sure he would be only too pleased to deliver such a message!” said Courtenay.
“Perhaps so sir, but he was not available. He had gone on a mission to visit one of the mines to ensure all was in order. There is a large shipment to be made shortly. His Majesty has asked that you visit him as soon as possible sir.”
“Very well Mr Minter, I shall come with you now. Flags? You had best come as well, just in case you see I am about to commit some terrible breach of etiquette. Trafford? No need to call away the barge. We shall travel in Justify.”
“Aye aye sir.”
“It will be an honour to perform the service for you sir.” said Jonathan Pountney.
“Thank you Commander, but your Lieutenant may not feel quite the same way!”
H.M. brig Justify sat off Bimara, with the Palace clearly visible. Courtenay went ashore in Pountney’s gig, with Trafford at the tiller. When he and his party arrived at the Palace, they were shown not into the throne room, but into a smaller room with an excellent view of the anchorage and the brig. King Khalfani indicated some comfortable chairs and one of his servants poured some wine which was ice-cold in elegant cut-glass goblets. The King looked straight at Courtenay and smiled.
“Now then Admiral Courtenay, what have you been getting up to now? Your Mr Spencer-White warned me you were an unpredictable man and hinted you might be somewhat impetuous, but I am sure in my own mind there was more than a certain amount of jealousy there and that your Admiralty would not appoint such a person to the rank you hold. However, I have no wish to make enemies with Mondiana, and since you have been warned none of your ships are to enter the country, upon pain of being fired at, I would rather like to know what you have been doing?”
So Courtenay told him exactly what had happened. “At the end of the day your Majesty, the ship which was destroyed by Miranda was the very same one that attacked and killed almost all the people in that fishing village, the one which came and issued a very clear warning to you, and the one which fired unprovoked on my schooner. However, in any event, Mondiana can have no complaints. The action took place many miles off their coastline, in what are International waters. Further, before he died, du Mason told me that he was quitting the area to try something more lucrative and, ah, safer. Therefore, not only was the action not in Mondianian waters, but Majestie was no longer anything to do with whatever it is they hope to achieve.”
“You believe it is Mondiana who is behind all that has happened?”
“I cannot see anyone else who would be doing it. We know your cousin is there, so it seems very likely the country is working with Abdallah.”
Khalfani stood up and walked around the room. “You still feel my cousin is involved? I cannot say I am surprised. As you are aware, he has always maintained I am not the true King of Balathia, which of course is simply not true.”
“There is little evidence of anyone else, and that frigate is anchored in their bay. Of course, they may not know that Senora de Fuentes is not a Spanish Naval ship and is actually a mercenary.”
“May I ask what you plan now Admiral?”
“I have not as yet finalised my plans sir, but I hope to do so shortly.”
“And what about that other ship which has appeared? I understand she was caught as a slaver?”
“Your information is correct sir, she most certainly has been used for slavery. You will have also noticed the new schooner, which is from our anti-slavery patrols working out of Freetown. She was sent to warn me about that ship. The slaver will be returning to Freetown with the schooner to be placed under the care of the Commodore there. The men aboard her will go also.”
“As slavers, will they hang?”
“Undoubtedly your Majesty.”
“Can you not do that yourself Admiral? You must be vested with the appropriate authority to carry out such acts, surely?”
“Strictly speaking, they will be tried first. I do not have the facilities, and in any case, the Commodore has the means to authorise the buying in of the vessel so that she may be turned into a Royal Navy ship. She will be most useful to him, I am sure.”
“You will not receive anything from your Government for it?”
“Oh yes your Majesty, there will be prize money. The Captain and ship’s company of the Arrow will do well out of it, and I will have my share, as the squadron’s commander.”
The King smiled. “Even though you were not there?”
Courtenay nodded. “Yes. That is our system. Had the frigate not been part of a squadron or a fleet, the prize money would go entirely to her.”
The King smiled broadly. “I think I like that system Admiral!” The smile left his face. “Very well. We accept what you have said, naturally. You were of course right to destroy that blue ship, the one which has caused so much misery to my people, and for that we are most grateful. Please keep us informed of your future plans?”
Courtenay nodded. “Of course your Majesty.”
Not by even a quiver of his mouth or face did Justin Wetherby appear surprised at what his Admiral had said, because he knew very well that Giles Courtenay was not about to share anything with anyone! There was clearly a spy in the camp somewhere and security was all-important.
It was dark by the time Courtenay and his party returned to Justify and he instructed Pountney to anchor and snug down for the night. Pountney was only too happy to agree and offered his meagre resources for a meal in his cabin that evening, to which he also invited Edward Courtenay. The result was a welcome deviation from the problems facing Giles Courtenay and a chance to spend some time with his son.
Early the next morning, the brig up-anchored and made her way down the river whilst Giles Courtenay sat in his borrowed quarters and pondered over his next move.
It was of course obvious that he had to move in some way against Mondiana, because they were harbouring a ship which was known not to be part of the Spanish Navy, but a mercenary Clearly also they were providing a safe haven for King Khalfani’s cousin Abdallah, whom Khalfani had
said falsely claimed was the true King of Balathia. By the time the brig had reached the broad estuary, and after much pacing up and down in the small cabin that Jonathan Pountney called home, he had decided on what he should do. Once back aboard his Flagship, he opened the local chart and looked at Fenwick, seated in one of the comfortable armchairs that furnished the Cabin.
“I had plenty of time to think whilst Jonathan Pountney was returning me here James, and I believe I have come across the way to deal with the matter, and which hopefully will end the problems here.” He paused and poured himself a glass of claret, then sat back and rubbed the scar on his cheek, bringing forth a smile from his Flag-captain and a shake of the head from the ever-present Alex Trafford. “It will involve the ship that Captain Priestley took so well, the Mary Jane, his frigate, our schooner, provided that her new Commanding Officer is happy with everything, Arrow, and this ship.”
Fenwick smiled broadly. “And about time too. The lads could do with some exercise. What have you in mind?”
“This.” Courtenay went on to explain what he had in mind and then sat back to await his Flag-captain’s reaction. Fenwick was quiet for a short while then filled his glass and over the rim, looked his friend in the eye. “You are taking a chance Giles. If either that man Peron, or the Mondianian government get wind of what you are up to before you are ready to complete the plan of attack, you will be in serious trouble. Peter Minter might be a good diplomat, but even he might have a job on his hands extracting you. You are talking about effectively attacking a neutral country which is not at war with us.”
“Mondiana is harbouring someone we know is behind these attacks on a country within our Government’s protection, and that is all the authority I consider I need. If there is a diplomatic problem, that can be sorted later. “
“And if it does not work?”
“We will have to think again, but I feel it will.”
“You are the Admiral.” smiled Fenwick. “I am damned glad I do not have to make a decision like this!”
“One day, you might, have you ever thought of that? And if anything does go wrong, you will be in command.”
“Then I will sail Alexander into the bay and blast the town apart!”
Courtenay smiled. “I am sure it will not come to that my friend. Now then, when is Arrow next going to be in signalling distance?”
“Day after tomorrow.”
“Very well, signal her to close on the Flag to receive instructions. At the same time signal Dolphin, repeated Justify that she is also to close on the Flag. Then we will have a conference and I will tell the others what we are doing.”
“Martin is the senior frigate Captain Giles. Do you not feel his ship should be the one for what you have in mind?”
“I do not think that would be fair on Priestley, do you? It was his men who captured that brig and I think it only right it should be his men who I ask to assist me in this enterprise. He does not know us like Martin and Harry do. I do not wish him to think that I have taken away his prize to use for our own ends without allowing some of his men to take part. Only volunteers, mind. And I wish to make use of the schooner for her speed. She will be the link between where I intend to be and you.”
“Very well, I agree. I still think though that someone else ought to do what you are going to. You are the Admiral. You cannot keep doing everything yourself!”
“Neither can I keep asking people to do things I am not willing to where they might be placed in the position I might be.”
Two days later, and with the skylight to the Cabin shut, Courtenay was outlining his plan to Captain Priestley, his First-lieutenant Tom Hawkins, and Lieutenant Law, the new Commanding Officer of the schooner Dolphin. The chart of the area was open on the desk and as he explained what he intended to do, Courtenay paced the decking, every so often rubbing his scar.
“So you can see, Captain Priestley, that a lot depends on the accuracy of your gunners for what I intend.”
“I and my ship would be delighted to assist you in any way sir, but why in particular the Arrow?”
“You mean why did I not choose one of my other frigates? It was you and your men who captured the Mary Jane Captain, and I feel it would be wrong of me to involve her in something without offering you the opportunity to assist in my plan. Of course, if you would rather….”
Priestley smiled broadly. “Certainly not sir!”
“I did not think you would wish to miss this. What I suggest, if I may, is that Mr Hawkins here acts as First Mate of the brig, although for reasons which I cannot really explain even to myself at the moment, I intend to temporarily change her name to something else. Perhaps Pollyanna, or something similar since as I understand from the ship’s books she was built in Baltimore. We will also need sufficient men to man her, but I must insist Captain that these men be volunteers. I mean that, because if anything goes wrong, they will lose at the very least their liberty. I wish for men who can be trusted, but they must be volunteers. Is that clear?”
“Absolutely sir.” Priestley paused. “Who will be in command of the brig then sir?”
“I will. As Captain John Samuels.”
“Surely sir, that is far too dangerous!” Priestley was aghast at the idea, and looked at Fenwick as if for support.
Fenwick stepped into the conversation. “You might as well accept now, Captain, that the Admiral will not change his mind. Under no circumstances.”
Priestley looked from of them to the other, then sat back, shaking his head.
“When we part company Captain, we will be on this longitude, and I will require you to patrol along the same, between those latitudes. whilst you await my return.” Courtenay handed to him a slip of paper on which the information was written. Priestley nodded. “We will then proceed with the second part of the operation, and you will then need the services of your Gunner. When the second part begins, you, Lieutenant Law, will sail your fine schooner to this point here,” Courtenay indicated on the chart, “where you will find my Flagship waiting for you. By the time Captain Fenwick is ready for his part in the operation, hopefully the second part will have been completed. You will then return to Balathia and ask Mr Minter to board your ship and then you will sail for Mondiana’s roadstead where hopefully by that time all will be in our hands, but I need Mr Minter for a particular purpose. You are not to say anything to him about this until you are at sea, just that I have asked he accompany you. Your job will then be concluded, and I wish you to return here and resume your usual duties. In the event you receive a visit from Spencer-White, you will tell him nothing of what you have been doing. You can say I sent you off on an errand, whatever you like, but you will not say what we are about, is that understood?”
“Of course sir.”
“Very well. Tomorrow, before the light goes, Mary Jane will be seen sailing off to the north in company with Melody and Arrow. Once it is dark, the Commodore’s schooner will continue back to her patrol station, and we will proceed on our operation. Is everyone clear as to their part in all this? Good. Now then, once we are away from the land, I wish you Captain Priestley, to explain what we are doing to your men. In detail. “
“Aye aye sir.”
“Very well, gentlemen. Let us drink to what I sincerely hope will be a satisfactory conclusion to the problems affecting the good people of Balathia!”
The ex-slaver brig Mary Jane, now Pollyana, was bowling along on the starboard tack, heeling over to port under the pressure of the sails, a firm wake creaming back from her bows. Lieutenant Tom Hawkins, now ‘First Mate’ Smith walked the sloping deck, looking at the sails every so often and studying the wind-vane, whilst the Captain stood holding the ratlines on the port side, studying the dim line in the distance which was the shoreline of the country of Mondiana. Ahead of them was the frigate Arrow, with its Captain looking astern every few moments, and then pacing the deck. It would soon be time, according to his Sailing Master, for the two ships to part company. Pollyana, as the ex-slaver now w
as, would then sail towards the land. He had allowed his First-lieutenant to select the hands he wanted for the mission, because it was important he could trust the men he was taking. One slip by any of them, and it would be the end, and more importantly, the end for the Admiral. He was still trying to get used to the idea of a Flag-officer placing himself unnecessarily in a position of danger. He then allowed his thoughts to move to the extra space he had to find for the men who would be needed for the second part of the operation, since he now had an extra sixty seamen and thirty Royal Marines to think about. They really were crammed in, but hopefully they would not have to endure their conditions for too long.
On the ex-slaver, Hawkins saw the mainsail start to flap just slightly and automatically looked at the man on the wheel, although he need not have bothered. Alex Trafford had taken the position of helmsman, and he was also looking at the set of the sails and eased the helm a little. The flapping stopped. Hawkins had selected his men carefully, and had included the Bosun’s mate Fardon to be the temporary Bosun. If there were problems, the man would know what to do.
Hawkins turned as Courtenay crossed the deck. “I think it is about time Mr Smith, do you not?” Courtenay had insisted once aboard with the men who would make up the crew that they be known by their false names. just in case.
“Aye sir. Just about I reckon.”
“Very well. Make to Arrow, Time to part. Execute previous instructions.”
“Aye aye sir.” Hawkins looked at the small signals party and they hauled the pre-arranged signal to the gaff.
Courtenay stood next to Trafford. “Very well Alex, put the helm down.”
Fardon was already barking orders that sent the men to the braces, and the brig came round on her new course, which was going to take her straight into the harbour at Mondiana. Arrow pressed on, keeping to her course and which would keep her out of sight from the shore, but in handy reach for the second part. Courtenay raised his telescope, looked ahead, and saw Dolphin on station, some distance ahead of the frigate, ensuring there were no other ships in sight.
Courtenay and the Mercenaries Page 18