The Sea's Rough Magic

by Alicia C Graybill

  James had to fight back the urge to strike Rogers. After a moment, he managed to speak, only the slightest tremor in his voice revealing his emotional state. “I know Dr. Hudson has told him that Aaron is in no condition to do this. What does he think will be gained?”

  “He said that if the Captain is as bad off as everyone says, he should be in an asylum, sir,” Rogers’s voice had dropped. “Otherwise, he says the Captain is faking and should be hanged with the others. If he had his way, he might even hang Ike Stern.”

  Or me, the thought sprang to James’ mind. Finally, Dunbar took the sheaf of paper from his subordinate. “Very well. Tell the Governor that his message was received. I will discuss the situation with Captain Johnson. You're dismissed, Lieutenant."

  "Sir," Rogers began but James gave him a grim smile as he shook his head.

  "It's all right, Michael. I understand. Thank you and I'll speak with you tomorrow, hmm?"

  For a moment, Rogers just stared at him, mortified. Finally, he nodded briefly and turned to leave. James closed the door and opened the missive. As he feared, one portion was a subpoena for Aaron's testimony. More unsettling was a letter that accompanied it.

  Captain Dunbar:

  Having discussed the matter with Dr. Hudson and Admiral Mercer, it is my considered opinion that Captain Johnson's testimony is crucial to the case against the Saucy Maid’s crew. The man is a criminal so I would understand if he was reluctant to testify against his former colleagues in illegalities. If he refuses to testify, I will have no choice but to determine that he is throwing his lot in with those pirates. He will therefore be subject to arrest, jail, and sentencing as any other pirate receives, including hanging.

  I expect to see Captain Johnson in the courtroom on the first day of the trial. If I do not, the Captain must face the consequences.

  Daniel Robbins, Esq.

  "James?"

  Dunbar turned quickly to see Aaron on the stairs. "Yes?"

  "What's wrong?"

  For a moment, James wasn't sure what to say. Finally, he approached Aaron and held the subpoena out to him. Aaron took the document in hand and read it, his eyes narrowing. After a few more seconds, he glanced up at James. "Well, that's it then, ain't it? I'll be needin' t' go t' court with you an' Ike. Jus' a small matter, o' course. Shouldn't take more'n a few hours--."

  James glanced up to see Aaron was staring at the paper but not seeing it. He had gone very pale and the subpoena made a soft rattling sound as it shook in Aaron's hands. Tenderly, James drew the paper from Aaron's grip and pulled him into an embrace. Aaron buried his face against James's shoulder. James helped him back up the stairs and reached for the door to Aaron's room.

  "Please, Jamie," Aaron managed to whisper. "I need t' be with ye tonight. Don't send me away."

  Without a thought, James escorted Aaron to his room. He closed the door behind them and locked it carefully. Neither saw Ike Stern standing in the doorway to his own room glowering at their retreat.

  )O(

  Chapter 21:

  Early Sunday, November 6, 1718

  The Eve of the Trial

  "Jamie?" Aaron's voice woke James from his sleep, "Are ye awake?"

  Dunbar smiled and slid his arm around Aaron's waist, nuzzling into the soft, black hair. "I am."

  "If I'm t' testify, might I ask a favor o' the court?"

  James frowned at the words. Something was bothering Aaron. "You can always ask. There's no guarantee the court will grant it but there's no harm in the asking. What is the favor?"

  "I-," Aaron paused, a slight choking sound followed, then he cleared his throat to speak again. His voice was a bit harsher. "One o' the Maid's crew--I'd like t' ask fer lenience fer him? He was a good lad jus' fell under a bad influence."

  "He'll still spend many years in prison," James answered then took Aaron's hand in his. "Who would this pirate be?"

  "Roth," Aaron managed. "Skinny fellow, nose like a hawk. Had a bad turn o' luck when he met that Gunny. He-He was good t' me-us."

  James had to swallow hard before he could answer. "It won't be necessary, Aaron. Your friend died last week. He took ill and there was nothing the doctor could do. I am sorry."

  "Oh," Aaron fell silent and James pulled him tighter into his embrace. He heard an audible sigh then felt Aaron's other hand clutch their clasped hands. "Guess it don't matter then, hmm?"

  James longed to say something to comfort Aaron but had no idea what that would be. Aaron began to shiver in his embrace but James fell asleep soon after, never knowing if Aaron needed more comfort or not.

  When Rodney knocked later that morning, James made every effort to let Aaron sleep. He knew without asking that Aaron had slept very little that night. He stepped out into the hall rather than allow Rodney access to the room. A glance at Ike Stern's door reassured him that the boy was not eavesdropping.

  "You'll be taking your breakfast in your study then, sir?" Rodney asked, somewhat nonplussed by the rarity of this greeting.

  "Yes. I have a task for you to complete today. Last night the Governor subpoenaed Captain Johnson to testify against the crew of the Saucy Maid," James began to descend the stairs with the manservant trailing behind him. "You have seen Ra-Aaron, his condition and his current mental state. Would you allow him to testify?"

  James turned to Rodney and met his eyes. For a moment, Rodney was taken aback. The very idea of forcing someone so broken into such a position of vulnerability appalled him. He shook his head negatively. "No, not at all. I--The Governor can't mean it, can he?"

  James sighed and handed Rodney the crumpled parchment that had been delivered. The servant shook his head again after reading the words for himself then dropped the sheet on the desk as if it burned. "He means it. There are very few options, I'm afraid. If Aaron refuses to testify, he will be tried and hanged with the rest of that lot--his last hours will be spent locked in a cell with them so you can imagine what kind of torture that would be. If I wish to pursue a dismissal of Aaron's testimony on the grounds of his mental health, he will be packed off to some mental asylum. Surely, you know the kind of treatment he would receive there."

  Rodney had to swallow hard to keep from whimpering. He'd had a cousin back in England confined to such a place. Ernest was kept naked and chained to a wall, living in his own filth and being fed next-to-nothing. The very idea of Aaron being confined to such a place was nauseating. "I do know."

  "The only way I see is for Aaron to die," James said softly and turned his gaze out the study window.

  "No!" Rodney cried then slapped a hand across his own mouth. "Pardon me."

  James gave him a bitter smile. "Pardoned. No, I believe there is a woman by the name of Alma who lives on the eastern end of Port Royal. Some call her a midwife, others a witch. She comes from Hispaniola and is often sought out by people in desperate straits. I believe, my good man, that we are in such a situation."

  Rodney looked confused. "Why? What can she do?"

  "She has in her possession, according to a reliable source of mine, a drug that can simulate death when given in the proper dosage. If we can convince everyone that Aaron has died, he may be able to assume a new identity," Dunbar sighed and extended a small pouch of coins to Rodney. "I trust that there is enough here to purchase what we need. Your discretion goes without saying, of course."

  "Of course," Rodney answered but took the purse reluctantly. After a moment, he spoke again. "Ike Stern should be told, sir. He needs to know."

  James nodded. "I will take care of it when the time comes. For now, I believe your mission takes precedence over your regular duties. Good luck."

  Rodney bowed slightly then shoved the pouch into his pocket. "I will return soon, sir."

  James watched him go then felt tears well in his eyes. He had just set in motion a plan that could potentially mean the loss of his career, his heart, even his life. It was all troubling but his most devastating loss would be his heart.

  )O(

  Aaron woke alone
and had to fight back the urge to call out for James. If he was ever to leave this place, whether with Ike or not, he had to learn to be alone. But that was the problem, wasn't it? Alone, he never knew if what he saw or heard was real or not. Sometimes, he swore he could hear McSwain calling his name, banging the door as he entered the cabin, and he could only hide his face. Other times, he caught a glimpse of golden eyes that smirked at him or he spotted a black flag on the horizon. He rested his head in his hands after he sat up, feeling ill.

  "Captain?" Roth's voice caused him to jolt upright. His breathing came much faster when he saw the pirate standing in the middle of James' room. "Ye're lookin' well."

  "Ye're dead, lad," Aaron managed.

  "Aye, that I am, Cap'n," Roth answered, tugging at his hands as if he could take the fingers off. Aaron cringed as he thought he saw something tear and give. "I appreciate the gesture, sir. Askin' fer mercy and all."

  Aaron shrugged, waving a hand as if it was the least he could do. "Why're ye here?"

  "Guess ye might say I'm here t' warn ye," Roth pulled on his fingers again and one popped off. "I’ll tuck that in me pocket, eh?"

  "Warn me?" Aaron felt the words leave him on a whimper.

  "Aye, warn ye," Roth paused to pocket his loose digit. "If ye don't pay back the debt ye owe, ye'll go t' hell when ye die. And McSwain is waitin' fer you, should that happen. He wants you back."

  Aaron's lungs constricted and he could barely squeak out the words. "What debt?"

  Roth gave him a sly smile and waggled his eyebrows. "Which one d' ye think? 'Til we meet again, Cap'n."

  "No, Ephraim, wait," Aaron cried out, reaching for the dead man as he struggled with the bedclothes. "Don't leave. Ye mus' tell me--."

  To his surprise, a hand took his and he was gazing up into James's worried face. A glance around revealed that he was still lying in bed, the room empty except for James. The worry in his lover's face made him look away, ashamed. He was mad, no doubt.

  "Raven? What's wrong?"

  The sound of James' voice made him cringe. He pulled away from Dunbar and curled into himself, burying his face into his hands. His chest ached so much that he could barely breathe. It was at that moment that he felt James join him in the bed to slide an arm around his waist and press his cheek against Aaron's hair. The sensation made Aaron realize he was trembling.

  "I have a plan, my Raven. There are some risks but it will be for the best," James' voice was calm and detached, frightening Aaron a bit. "If everything goes as it should, you won't have to testify though you may have to go to court. Can you do that for me?"

  "I can," Aaron managed to say though it made his heart race to even consider it. "I--Jamie, what will ye do should I go--I'm seein' things, love."

  "It was merely a nightmare. It would be passing strange if you didn't have them," James' voice warmed a bit and he intensified his embrace. "You need to trust me. I won't let any harm befall you anymore. Do you trust me?"

  For a moment, Aaron couldn't open his mouth as he was afraid he would be physically ill. Was James so blinded by a wayward heart that he couldn't tell Aaron was no one fit to love? The truth, though, was that James was the only one he trusted. Still unable to speak, he nodded. At his nod, Dunbar turned him so they could look into each other's eyes. The sight of the green eyes with such affection and honesty regarding him made tears spring to his own. Tenderly, James brushed them away as they began to drip down his cheeks.

  "I wish every day that I'd taken you with me when I escaped. I don't know how you can stand to look on me after I--."

  Shaking his head, Aaron reached up and placed his palm across James' mouth. "Don't. Stop. It hurts t' hear. Please."

  James' eyes reflected his confusion but he fell silent. Finally, Aaron moved his hand to the back of James' head and pulled him down for a hard, desperate kiss. When they parted, Aaron pressed his face against James' shoulder and breathed in the smell of him, clean linen and hot flesh. James was real and present. Nothing else mattered now.

  )O(

  Chapter 22:

  Later That Afternoon

  "You're sure this is the drug?" James asked, examining the packet that Rodney had just handed him. There was a dark powder inside that looked as though someone had placed bark in a mortar and pestle manned by a demon.

  "Alma assured me that, used carefully, it would accomplish what you wish," Rodney shivered slightly and James noticed it.

  "What's wrong?"

  Rodney's eyes grew dark with concern. "She was adamant that we be extremely cautious, sir. She said even the tiniest portion more than necessary could kill him. Worse, she said his physical condition could be a factor. This whole plan bothers me. I can only see disaster ahead."

  For a moment, James was silent. "We are taking a huge risk but it is certainly preferable to seeing Aaron hang, don't you think? Governor Robbins will hang him if he cannot testify and we both know that's impossible."

  "Yes, sir," Rodney muttered. "Have you spoken to Ike?"

  "Not yet," James answered. "What is the dosage?"

  Rodney reached into his pocket for a scrap of paper and handed it over. He watched as Dunbar read what he'd scribbled. "Does it make sense?"

  James thrust his jaw out and nodded. "Indeed. Thank you and off you go, on about your duties. I will speak with you later."

  Rodney bowed slightly and left the study. He found himself standing in the kitchen and watching Rosemarie as she bustled about preparing the evening meal. After a few minutes, she noticed him and started.

  "Bless me soul, Rodney, ye near scared me t' death. What's wrong?"

  Rodney hesitated but knew Rosemarie was as trustworthy as himself. The story poured forth from him. When he finished, having carefully omitted his suspicions that the Captains were lovers, he found himself feeling like a schoolboy who has tattled. Relief that he was able to unburden himself did not quite compensate for the guilt of having known the secret in the first place.

  "The poor, poor lad," Rosemarie said, her hands clasping unconsciously as if in prayer. "'Tis a wondrous thing the good Lord put him in Cap'n Dunbar's hands. Whatever is the Governor thinkin'?"

  "He's thinking of ending the threat of piracy," Rodney answered. "But hanging Captain Johnson won't do anything of the sort. He's no threat to anyone now--except maybe himself."

  Rosemarie sighed heavily and turned back to a pot of dumplings she was cooking. "Then the Lord shall provide. If He doesn't, then 'twill be His will. Can ye fetch me some firewood?"

  Rodney nodded and smiled at her. "Anything you wish."

  As he stepped out of the kitchen into the back garden, he was just grateful for something to take his mind off of Captain Dunbar's mad plan. Maybe if he didn't think about it, the plan would work. Besides, worrying took too much effort.

  )O(

  The next morning dawned with the perfection that only the Caribbean could afford. A light breeze caused the ship's sails to mutter, eager to be free of the tight constraints, to fill and pull the ship along on the open sea. Instead, James Dunbar was inspecting the standing in-port crew of the Venture, about 60 men or a tenth of her fighting complement. He'd mentioned his plan to Chambers, who was not at all happy about it.

  “Perfidy,” Chambers muttered under his breath and shot James a look.

  Dunbar ignored the comment and continued down the line of sailors on the deck of the Venture. As they reached the end—with only a few minor criticisms along the way—he finally responded.

  “Perhaps, but there is no other way. Robbins is determined that Aaron will testify. You saw Aaron’s reaction on the dock. Can you imagine him in a full courtroom with those-those animals so close?” James shook his head and swallowed hard, deliberately lowering his voice even farther. “I’m doing this for Aaron’s own good.”

  As he glanced up at Ellis, he saw an expression flash across his first officer’s face, to which he raised his eyebrows, inviting the comment. Chambers, never able to squelch his skepticism, responded. �
�That is a matter of opinion, Captain. Perhaps being hanged would be a better fate for the good Captain. Certainly it’s like caging a songbird—the heart dies with no freedom, you know. No matter how frightened he is, if you take all his choices away--.”

  The ship’s bell rang and James pulled out his watch. Speaking in a normal command voice, he said, “Dismiss the men to their duties, Lieutenant. I have an appearance to make in court.”

  Ellis nodded and made properly naval noises then faced the sixty-odd men who were assembled before him. “Return to your stations!”

  The men scattered like sparrows before a carriage. Chambers turned to watch James Dunbar striding up the wharf, his bearing so purposeful and proud that no one dared waylay him. Chambers feared for his commander’s safety—both physically and emotionally. He’d only known James Dunbar a short time and in that short time, he’d also come to know Aaron Johnson some. The pirate was far too beautiful for his own good, as they had discovered. Worse, Dunbar was far too obsessed with that pirate for his own good. Chambers could only pray for the best and hope that, should something happen to take Johnson from the Captain, he could, in some way, help James recover.

  It was still amazing to him that Dunbar felt he was trustworthy enough to confide in him. Yet, he had understood the moment he saw Johnson for the first time on the Saucy Maid that he was the reason James Dunbar was there. Without a word spoken, he knew what was going on when he’d walked into that wardroom. James’s attitude, the way he shielded Johnson from potential harm, the way his eyes followed the former pirate when they were together, and the way—despite all his stiff-mannered attempts otherwise—his eyes gleamed when he spoke of Aaron, revealed that the Captain was in love with the pirate. In a way, Chambers found himself envious. What he would give to be on either end of such passion. Yet, he also had seen the expression of doubt, dismay, and cold fear on Johnson’s face when confronted with the reality. He heaved a huge sigh and headed for the Venture’s great cabin. He had a report to finish. He only hoped it would keep his mind off what James had planned.