“And may I ask what is?”
“You will find out later.”
“And you will find out also that there are batteries on the headlands that sweep this anchorage. When it is seen your flag flies over this ship, it will be fired upon.”
“I doubt that. The batteries are in the hands of my men, and your flag, or I should say the Spanish flag, which you have no right to fly, will still be flying. All will be as it was before….for now.”
“I believe I am entitled to know what my men and myself are supposed to have done? You have accused us of being pirates. On what basis, may I ask?” said Peron, with one elegant eyebrow raised.
“I would have thought it obvious. You and Captain du Mason have been assisting in attacks on Balathia, which enjoys British protection. I have dealt with du Mason’s ship, and now you have been neutralised.”
“Ah yes, I heard about the Majestie The King here is not very happy that you attacked and sunk a ship enjoying his country’s protection.” He smirked and almost wagged an admonishing finger but there was a growl from Trafford and he stopped.
Courtenay smiled. “Yes, so I have heard. However, du Mason was leaving, and the fight was well outside the King’s waters.”
“He was an idiot, that one! He had the chance to be rich, but instead he took the cowardly way out. In any case, Admiral, what makes you believe I and my ship were involved in all this? What proof have you?”
“Information I have obtained and there is also, of course, the fact that your brother died leading an attack on one of Balathia’s diamond mines.” Courtenay watched as the other man’s eyes suddenly blazed with anger.
“Was it you who killed him?”
“No, I was not there. I am sorry for your loss, believe me.”
Peron almost slumped. “He insisted on leading the attack. I tried to stop him, but…”
“He would not be stopped. Then there was the fact that you tried to slip past my guardship when you knew my flagship was not there because you were supposed to be meeting the raiding party, but you knew it would not be there. Who told you what had happened?”
“I am not prepared to answer any more of your questions. I will tell my men to behave themselves and then I wish to be taken to wherever you intend to hold me.”
“Very well. So be it.” The man was led away, his shoulders still sagging.
As dawn was breaking, anyone awake in the town would have seen the odd sight of two red rockets streaking low across the entrance to the roadstead and anchorage, one from each side. This was the signal that both headland batteries had been taken. At the same time, the Spanish flag was lowered and replaced with the White Ensign for just a few moments, long enough for Lieutenant Irvine and Major Berisford to see that the frigate had been taken.
The plan now called for Courtenay to go ashore and seek to have an audience with the King, but he suspected he would not get past Solomon ‘The Wise One’. With all the frigate’s men battened down and Peron locked in a cabin with a double Marine guard, a boat was put over the side and Courtenay, Trafford, and a small crew tumbled down into it. Courtenay looked astern as the boat was rowed ashore, and hoped that with the wind where it was, the next part would be completed with no problems. He looked up at Trafford, standing at the tiller, and smiled briefly.
When the boat arrived at the jetty, the same officer was waiting to greet them. He smiled broadly, showing very white teeth. “Ah, Captain Seymour, Great pleasure to see you again so soon. Is all well with you? One of my men thought he heard some noises from our visiting Spanish frigate last night, and I see that is from where you and your men have come?”
Courtenay realised the man was not stupid and he had sensed something had been going on. “Nothing for you to worry about. High spirits from some of the men, that is all. I gather a lot of them were taking advantage of your town’s welcome last night?”
The man smiled again, knowing that Courtenay had seen through his enquiry. “So I understand. And what of the two rockets that one of my men saw this morning?”
“Rockets? Which rockets were they?” Courtenay asked innocently.
The man smiled again, even more broadly, and nodded. “How can I help you this wonderful morning Captain?”
“I would like an audience with your King if at all possible, on a matter of considerable importance to your country.”
“What importance is that?” The man had lost his smile.
“That is for me to discuss with your King.”
“I do not think that will be possible, but if you would follow me to the Palace, I will see what can be done. Just a friendly warning, Captain Seymour. My King does not like to be troubled with small matters. He is far too important for that.”
“This is not a small matter.”
“Very well.”
He and his party of soldiers led the way and the route took them through many small and narrow streets with various types of buildings on either side. Many of them were somewhat rickety shops and bars, and even at this time of the morning, there were men in evidence enjoying some of the local drinks. The route took them upward slightly and then they came to an area where the houses were more substantial and which had, in many cases, cultivated gardens, At last they came to an imposing building surrounded by a stout iron fence with large gates. There was a long driveway lined with palm trees and other tropical shrubs, many of which Courtenay knew from his many voyages to the Caribbean. Then there were steps up to large double doors, which opened inwards as if by magic at their approach. Courtenay was asked to wait inside the large tiled hallway, where there was a fan overheard trying vainly to provide some suggestion of a draught, without much success.
Alex, you come with me, the rest of you, stay here, but keep your wits about you. Do not take up any offers of refreshment, understand? Brooks, I am looking to you to make sure of that.” Brooks was a Petty Officer.
“Aye aye sir.”
The officer came back with a frown on his face. He shook his head. “It was as I expected Captain. His Majesty is not willing to speak with you, but I am pleased to say that Solomon will. He is the King’s Foreign Minister.”
That was exactly what Courtenay expected. “Yes, I have heard of him. I believe he is known as ‘The Wise One’?” The other man smiled and nodded. “Very well, but as I understand he does not speak English, could you translate for me?” The man smiled and nodded again.
Courtenay and Trafford were led along the hallway and ushered into a lovely room with a broad window looking out over the anchorage. Courtenay and Trafford automatically looked out of it, then looked at each other. Trafford had seen the mastheads of a ship approaching, but it was still a little way off. He looked again at Courtenay and gave a slight wink. A door on the inner side of the room opened and a tall distinguished figure entered. He smiled politely at Courtenay and Trafford, and then looked enquiringly at the Army officer.
He spoke to Solomon, for that was who the man was, then turned to Courtenay. “Captain Seymour, this is Solomon, His Majesty’s Foreign Minister. He wishes to know what it is that is so important to our country.”
“Thank you. Can you first of all apologise to Solomon and say that I am not Captain Seymour. My name is Courtenay. I am a Vice-admiral in His Britannic Majesty’s Royal Navy and in command of the squadron off Balathia.” There was a sharp intake of breath from the Army man, but no expression at all on Solomon’s face. Trafford glanced briefly through the window and smiled slowly. He gently nudged Courtenay, who nodded.
“In which case, Admiral Courtenay, you are guilty of an act of subterfuge, are you not?” The words came from Solomon himself. He had a deep bass voice, and he spoke slowly, as if measuring the impact his words would have.
Courtenay was not surprised at all. “Perhaps, but I had my reasons, and it was, perhaps, a ruse de guerre. You yourself are also guilty of subterfuge by pretending you do not speak English?”
Solomon smiled gently. “Perhaps, but I have my reasons. Sometimes i
t is as well to know what people are thinking whilst they are of the impression I do not know what it is they are saying. Have you not forgotten, Admiral Courtenay, that word was sent to the King of Balathia a while ago that any British ship entering Mondiana would be fired upon, having regard to the fact a ship under his Majesty’s protection was fired upon and sunk by one of your ships? Is there any reason why I should not have you and your men imprisoned now and tried as common pirates?”
“If you look out of the window sir, you will see that would not be a good idea at all.”
He turned and indicated the scene unfolding in the anchorage. Alexander was tacking into the anchorage, huge Union flags flying from each of her three masts, and close behind her, dwarfed by the 98-gunner, was the small schooner Dolphin. “That, sir, is my flagship, the Alexander. She carries 98 guns and in a moment her Captain will turn into the wind and anchor. He will then open the gunports on this side of the ship and present her artillery.”
Solomon smiled. “Have you not forgotten Admiral, the batteries on the two headlands and the ones below us that face out into the anchorage? They can cause a lot of damage to your ship.”
The smile faded as Courtenay said evenly, “The headland batteries have been taken by my men sir, with hopefully not a man hurt apart from the odd sore head. As to the other batteries, I have seen them, and I believe the very first broadside from my flagship will remove their threat.”
“You have a reason for coming here in such a way, Admiral, so kindly tell me what it is?” Solomon was no longer the smiling host.
“It is very simple sir. Balathia is a British Protectorate. To attack such a country is an attack on Britain itself. Your country has been aiding and abetting attacks on Balathia, and therefore upon Britain, through the services of Captain Peron of the frigate Senora de Fuentes, and Captain du Mason of the former French corvette Majestie. The former is in my hands, taken last night when many of its crew were drunk after a night in your hostelries. The latter, as you know, has been sunk.”
“Whilst under this country’s protection!” Solomon said angrily.
“No sir, not at all. That ship was well out to sea, and was leaving your country and not returning. In any case, its Captain was responsible for the murder of many innocent people. Men, women and even children. She also attacked one of my ships without showing any colours or being provoked in any way, shape or form. Du Mason was a pirate, although he and Captain Peron would say they are mercenaries and that is different.”
“And what happens, Admiral, if I decide in any event, despite the threat of your ship, to keep you and your men as my King’s prisoners to be dealt with in whichever way he decides? He may consider you as a pirate and have you executed.” asked Solomon.
“My Flag-captain has orders that if I am not back aboard my flagship by noon, he is to open fire on the town and in particular, this Palace. That is something both he and I will regret as there is no need for any of your people to be hurt. That is not my intention.”
“Very well Admiral. Pray tell me why you consider Mondiana is to blame for what has been happening in Balathia, because I do not see the connection? I am not known for my stupidity, but I confess I cannot see what this has to do with my country or my King.” said Solomon calmly, having accepted that Courtenay appeared to have everything under control. Of course, Giles Courtenay had given James Fenwick no such order, but he knew that if he was not back aboard the flagship by midday, the chances were high that Fenwick would make use of the resources he had and launch an attack against the town, which it would not be in much of a position to oppose.
Courtenay looked out of the window and saw that Alexander was turning into what wind there was, and as Solomon followed his gaze he saw the port side gunports open as by a single hand and the all the port batteries were run out. It was an impressive sight to Courtenay and Trafford, despite the fact they were well used to seeing such things, and a chilling one to the Army officer who had brought them to the Palace. Solomon’s face was inscrutable, but thoughtful. Courtenay turned to him.
“It is simple sir. You have here, in Mondiana, King Khalfani’s cousin, Abdallah. He lays claim to the throne of Balathia on the basis he is the rightful heir. You have been giving shelter to two ships which have been used to carry out attacks against Balathia.”
Solomon held up a hand. “Captain Peron told me that he was in the service of his Most Catholic Majesty, and his ship flies the Spanish flag. He wished to stay here for a while as he was conducting operations in the area. His credentials were in order, but now you tell me he is a mercenary?”
“That is so sir. He is not in the service of his King. He only serves himself. Are you telling me you were not aware of his true allegiance? What about Captain du Mason?”
“He said the Frenchman was assisting him and his ship, and he had posted him further along the coast to watch for the ship they were seeking.”
“Slavers?”
“So he led me to believe.”
“Captain du Mason was a slaver. That was what he intended to return to when I caught up with him. He considered it safer and more remunerative.”
“Sorry Admiral, that is one English word I do not understand?”
“He was going to make more money.”
“Ah, I see. So taking all this into account and the fact that King Khalfani’s cousin does indeed enjoy my country’s hospitality, you have come to the conclusion we are assisting him in attempting to regain the throne of Balathia?”
“Given the circumstances sir, wouldn’t you?”
Solomon smiled. “Yes, I suppose I would. Tell me Admiral, if I was able to offer you some proof that you have been mislead, would you consider it?”
“My orders are to discover what is happening in Balathia and to secure the safety of the country by putting a stop to it. If I am wrong in the conclusions I have drawn, then I would certainly listen to what you have to say, but I may not believe you.”
“And what, pray, would you do if you did not?”
“Since my orders are to put a stop to the problems Balathia is suffering, and all my intelligence points to the fact Mondiana is assisting those guilty, I am sure you can understand what I would have to do. A British Protectorate has been attacked. It is my duty to attack, in turn, those who have been the attackers.”
Solomon smiled slightly and shook his head. “I do not believe that will be necessary. It will take me a little time to obtain the proof you need. You may either remain here, and I will provide you with refreshment, or you may return to your ship and I will send word when I have what I require.”
“I will return to my ship and await your advice in that case sir.” said Courtenay.
“Very well. I shall send Jacob here with word when I am ready.”
Back aboard Alexander Courtenay changed into his proper uniform and poured himself a large mug of coffee as he listened to Fenwick’s report.
“All done to plan sir. Both batteries are in our hands and from the reports I have had from Mr Irvine and Major Berisford, not a man there has more than a bump on the head. They remain there for the time being for obvious reasons. More men have been sent to the frigate to guard the prisoners, and Captain Peron is aboard this ship. Without him on the frigate I am sure his men will be more submissive.”
Wetherby bustled in. He hated being left out, but knew that his Master was better off with the men he had taken. “There is a messenger at the jetty sir. Appears to be some sort of officer, judging by his uniform.”
“That will be Jacob, and he is an officer Justin. Would you take a boat and see what the message is for me?”
“Of course sir. At once. If it is for you to return to the Palace, I am going to be with you this time.” Courtenay smiled as the Flag-lieutenant left, because it had been a statement of fact, not a request.
James Fenwick smiled. “Fair concerned about you going off without him Giles. We were all worried, apart from me of course. I know what you are like.”
�
�I saw our schooner follow you in. Is Minter aboard?”
“He was, but he is here now. In the dark as to why you needed him, but pleased to be involved.”
“I thought I might have needed him to translate for me, but as it transpired, Solomon speaks excellent English. I have been wondering from whom he learnt. However I think I have a need for him, so have him lay aft, would you? And Captain Peron as well. I wish to speak to him, but I will have words with Minter first of all.”
THIRTEEN
Captain Rodriguez Peron sat in one of Courtenay’s armchairs, wrists manacled and with two Royal Marines at his back and looked enquiringly on as Courtenay walked around the side of his desk.
“I see you now wear your true colours Admiral?” he said smirking.
Wetherby, there to take notes jerked upright and glared at the man. “You will address him as ‘My lord’, Captain.”
Peron smiled slightly. “Really? You did not inform me of this when we, ah, met last night, although the meeting was of course in somewhat odd circumstances.”
Wetherby said stiffly. “The Admiral is Lord Courtenay of St Marychurch, which is…”
“I believe I may have heard of it.” said Peron. “I did visit Tor Bay once, in happier times, when I really was in the service of His Most Catholic Majesty.”
Courtenay sat down on the edge of the desk. “Now then Captain, I have every reason to believe that first of all you are in league with a certain person here in Mondiana who has the assistance of the King and his government, but what I am far more interested in is the fact that I am also aware there is a spy in Balathia who has been passing on information to you and the late Captain du Mason. I wish to know who has been your contact here, and in Bimera.”
Peron looked thoughtful for a moment. “I suppose it is useless to suggest that if I assist you, you would somehow save me from the fate which I am sure I will meet?”
“I cannot promise anything. You know that, but it might help if you were able to co-operate so that I may put a stop to the attacks on Balathia. I do not have a lot of time to play games Captain, since I have to revisit the Palace and speak to Solomon. Is he your contact?”
Courtenay and the Mercenaries Page 22