Winds of Fury

by Peter Duysings

  Heinrich, Otto, and the captain made their way to the schooner’s navigation room, next to the captain’s quarters. The ship’s log matched the metal stamped date of the vessel’s launch – 1793. The ship was only four years old and for having a pirate crew at the helm; it was in immaculate condition. Besides the damage, the only real need was a thorough scrubbing, as the last owners were not in the practice of good housekeeping. The cannon fire caused plenty of destruction; masts, sails, rigging, rudder, and a myriad of structural damage all needed attention. Other than that, the ship was otherwise a superb prize.

  Stationing weapon-armed sailors topside, Fischer, Heinrich, and Otto went to the last hold to be explored, which was at the stern of the ship. Holding cocked pistols in their hands as they went down the stairs, they found a large room used for a weapon’s armory and workbenches with tools. There was one door at the far end that was secured with a lock. Otto went over to the workbench and found a hammer. He swung down hard on the lock, and it snapped open. The three men went inside where they found seven large wooden chests. All three men were astounded with what was inside. One was filled with silver and gold chalices and a variety of other precious metal wares. Another held an assortment of jewelry, diamonds, and other precious gems. The last ones were filled with gold and silver ingots and bags of gold doubloons. All three men stared at each other with their mouths agape in astonishment.

  “Herren,” Captain Fischer stated. “Can I trust you both not to mention this incredible discovery to any of the crewmembers? We must keep this confidential between us. We need to secure this find and bring it back to Herr Weber to decide what to do with this booty.”

  “This treasure must be worth much more than the ship’s value – many times over,” Otto said in awe.

  Heinrich was so impressed he stood thunderstruck and didn’t know what to say. His mind whirled around in a dream at the sight of such wealth. He and Otto handled some of the gems with gentle hands as if they beheld thin pieces of glass that would easily break. The captain watched his first mates with fascination as they touched various items, but he also found the find stupefying.

  Heinrich finally found his tongue and said, “No wonder the crew was so desperate to hold on to the ship. It was both the vessel and the treasure contained within.”

  “Imagine how furious they must be right now rowing away from all this loot,” commented Otto.

  “Herr Kleist and Herr Drope,” Fischer said in a serious tone, “May I have your utmost attention? We must be cautious about this. I have no idea what Spanish pirates are doing in waters this far north, and I am not going to even try to figure that out; it would simply be a stab in the dark. The crucial matter at hand is what we have uncovered.”

  “Ja, Kapitän. We must keep this secret from all the men and bring it back to port,” Heinrich said. “We will let Herr Weber decide what must be done. You have our solemn pledge, right Otto?”

  “As much as I am only human and am inclined to dive headfirst into these chests in wild excitement, I am but a humble and content sailor under the generosity of a fine man I have always found Herr Weber to be. Ja, of course, I will do my duty as you order, captain,” Otto stated with a firm confirmation of his loyalty.

  “Thank you, Herren, for your pledge of trust. This crew has served me well for many years, but over something this significant, I am afraid what notions could take hold of any man’s mind. This lucrative find could play the devil’s hand, and I don’t intend to swing that type of carrot in front of them. We must secure this hold as well as the captain’s quarters so that nothing will be tampered with.”

  Otto spoke, “Kapitän, we have several locking devices back on the ship, and I will personally secure the door to this hold as well as the captain’s quarters.”

  “Very well. I will leave this in your hands. Please see to it that it is done immediately.”

  “Ja, Kapitän.” and Otto went on his way to do just that, while Fischer and Heinrich closed the door behind them and began to inspect the weapons. The armory was a large room. Many of the muskets, pistols, swords, and daggers had been cleared out of the racks and were in the hands of the pirates, but a large cache of weapons remained. Many stacked crates were filled with more of these same weapons, along with longbows. There were also older type weapons on hand, such as halberds, battle axes, maces, and crossbows. All of them in excellent condition. Although these types were active in medieval times, someone with intimate handling knowledge could utilize them effectively in combat today. They also found several cabinets filled with more fancy looking swords. Sword hilts held gold inlaid and gem decorated guards, grips and pommels. These were weapons only the wealthy could afford. Heinrich remembered a few of these displayed on the wall of his father’s personal study.

  The two men returned topside and waited for Otto’s return to place a lock on this outer door. Otto returned shortly, secured the hold and the captain’s quarters, positioned sailors as guards, and then returned to the Baltic Swan.

  Thick ropes were attached to the bow of the schooner, and by nightfall, the two ships were on their way home. The going was rather slow as the smaller ship towed the much larger schooner in its wake. The next morning the winds had picked up considerably, and it was a short journey back to their homeport.

  CHAPTER SIX

  BRINGING HOME, the PRIZE

  “Land! – Land ahead!” Came the shout from a sailor perched high atop the foremast. His message was met with cries of jubilation from the crewmen. Otto scurried to port and stood among a crowd of sailors scanning the horizon for the familiar spit of land that jutted out from the Bremerhaven harbor. The shore was obscured due to a thick haze, not yet breached by the sunlight. But, the crew knew it was only a matter of minutes before they could see the actual harbor.

  For many a sailor, the homecoming held its share of bitter irony. While at sea they pined for home life, looking forward to the embrace of their lover’s comforting arms and the family’s warm hearth. While at home the lure of the sea was a piercing bit between their teeth; they yearned to feel the clasp of the expansive sea once again and taste the salty spittle on their face. Such was a sailor’s preference in life.

  The Baltic Swan soon made landfall and maneuvered into its berth. Ropes were tossed over the sides to the waiting arms of dockworkers who securely tied off the vessel. Smiles and good-hearted laughter enveloped the ship as the crew prepared to rendezvous with their loved ones. After docking, they still had lots of work to accomplish before they could make their way home. Soon men, women, and children stood along the wharf waving at the crew who shook back as the ship settled into its mooring as a suckling child into its mother’s breasts.

  On the dock, much ado was made about the magnificent schooner towed by the smaller vessel. The ship had its name painted in English in striking gold letters on the bow – ‘Flying Hawk.’ No flags were in sight atop her sail. People paced the dock taking in the majestic ship.

  Then the time came when the majority of the crew proceeded to disembark lugging their canvas bags over their shoulders. The officers, section heads and a skeleton crew stayed on board to finish last-minute tasks before they made their way off the ship. Captain Fischer, Heinrich, and Otto stayed even longer knowing Herr Weber, the company proprietor, and Herr Becker would soon be arriving and requesting to come aboard.

  When they arrived together, the two men stood in stark astonishment on the dock at the sight of the massive ship alongside the Baltic Swan. Both men were gripped with great curiosity over the presence of the schooner; its grandeur far exceeding the damage incurred.

  By the time the last sailors had left, and most of the crowd had departed, Fischer finally appeared on the top of the gangplank. He beckoned Weber and Becker to come aboard. Both could not bear waiting; they rushed up the gangplank, and hastily shook Fischer’s hand. Words were not required; Weber’s questioning gaze said it all. Fischer smiled and nodded in understanding and led the two men to his quarters. Inside, they w
ere met by Heinrich and Otto who quickly came to their feet to formally greet them.

  “Please be seated, Herren,” Fischer wasted no time and provided the report of the cargo shipment voyage. He was strictly business-like. Both Weber and Becker nodded their heads up and down the entire time Fischer was outlining the details while glancing back and forth at notes from his log book. Fischer knew fully well the men’s curiosity had to do with the ship they had in tow and not the Baltic Swan’s voyage. While Weber and Becker acted out their part as professional businessmen, Fischer knew better. They were itching to hear the part about the schooner. He knew these two men intimately through their long association, having worked together for more years than he cared to remember. He figured they probably had heard less than half of what he was saying regarding the cargo shipment for their thoughts was fixated on the mystery ship, but business came first and foremost at Weber Maritime when the boss led any meetings. And Fischer was having a bit of fun holding back the information regarding the schooner from Weber just to see the man’s impatience. He noticed that Heinrich and Otto were fidgeting as much as the other two.

  “Alright then, I think that will about cover the cargo voyage. It’s late, and I don’t want to keep anyone needlessly,” Fischer said in closing and began to rise from his chair to leave.

  “Now wait just a moment there, Kapitän Fischer,” Herr Weber blurted as he slid to the edge of his chair. “You think we don’t know when you are having fun at our expense? Don’t be so preposterous, Bernhard. We have known each other much too long to think you can fool us. Tell us about the schooner. Now, out with it, man. We cannot wait another minute.”

  Fischer sat back down and tendered a despondent expression.

  “My dear Kameraden, how can you think I would -”

  “No more fun and games, Bernhard. We insist you tell us now.”

  Fischer broke into a smile.

  “Oh, you must mean the damaged ship we towed to port for its lumber?”

  Weber exchanged looks with Becker and then leveled a scowl at Fischer that said to stop the charade altogether.

  “Alright, Herren, you want to know about the schooner. It is a fascinating tale, and I must say I have never in my long sailing career experienced such an episode as the one I am about to share with you. I will make it as brief as I can to satisfy your wild curiosity and can fill in the details at your bidding.”

  He dove into the story as Weber and Becker shifted as far forward in their seats as they could without falling off in anticipation. Heinrich and Otto were wondering what Herr Weber would do with the captured prize. In any case, they were both beaming inside, proud to have been participants in the capture of the ship.

  * * *

  “Well Herren, that pretty much is the version of the incident. I must reiterate to you that most of the credit in gaining control of the vessel has been the fabulous on-the-spot tactical decisions of Herr Drope and the support of Herr Kleist. I am most impressed not only with their excellent seamanship, but also their ability to think quickly on their feet, deal efficiently with the pirate crew, and capture their ship. I will also always be in debt to Herr Drope for having saved my life; he swiftly took down the pirate leader who would surely have killed me. I must say, he has an uncanny knack of being able to make the proper decisions during the most difficult of situations. His leadership ability under extreme duress is way beyond his years. But in my estimation, it is more than that. The more I have considered his actions in the capture of the schooner, the more I tend to believe his talent in such hazardous situations is not a skill one attains by training, but only by natural instinct. His competent ability to take control in dire circumstances is second to none.”

  Heinrich was uncomfortable with the praise. Although his bravery was a prominent part of his character, he was not fond of such attention being thrown his way. Fischer’s words had utterly taken him by surprise. Fischer saw Heinrich’s distress and strove to avert his discomfort.

  “In addition, Herr Kleist has shown skill that has impressed me throughout the entire voyage as well, specifically as a leader that intrinsically knows the crew and how the sailors think and how they will respond; an essential ability in commanding a vessel. The men listen to him. He is to be commended for his exemplary service.”

  Weber and Becker glanced at both Heinrich and Otto with new-found respect. Captain Fischer’s no-nonsense attitude and humbleness in the way he reported the story providing the younger men the admiration for the victory. He was a fine old gentleman who lauded them instead of himself; he could have very easily taken full credit and would not have been questioned by Weber and Becker in the least.

  “Would you like to go to the schooner, Herren, and take a look at her?” Fischer asked.

  “Ja, most definitely,” exclaimed Herr Weber as they rose from their chairs with excitement.

  “Very well then, we will go at once,” Fischer stated as he stood up and escorted them to the sleek ship with Heinrich and Otto in tow.

  They inspected the entire vessel. Fischer kept the treasure chests as the last items to show them. Weber’s and Becker’s eyes bulged when they saw the rich contents; hardly knowing what to say.

  “This is most … aah, astounding,” Herr Weber exclaimed at seeing the treasure. “As you stated before, Kapitän Fischer, we must keep this under strict confidentiality. I will have Herr Becker post a handful of armed guards on board.”

  “Consider it done,” Becker said emphatically.

  “Herren,” Weber said, “It is obvious what you have done is superb. We will discuss the matter of how to deal with this in the coming week. I am proud of you. Now, let us go our separate ways for I have kept you here long enough. All of you have to attend to personal needs. We will meet tomorrow at first light and begin discussing how to go forward with the business at hand. For now, I bid you all a good day.”

  Weber and Becker disembarked the schooner and went their ways with imaginative ideas spinning through their heads on just how to handle the magnificent windfall.

  * * *

  The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the nostrils of the four men seated around Herr Weber’s desk. There was a large plate filled with tasty pastries that Otto could not keep from plundering during the deliberations. He had an irresistible desire for the sweet delights, but he could rarely afford such exquisite morsels, and he made sure he got his fill, especially, since they were in easy reach. Heinrich was sure his friend would not be hungry at the noonday meal. Heinrich had already helped himself to the pastries and had gulped them down with several cups of coffee; he felt gorged. Otto was still working away at them.

  “Well, Herren how do you feel about the plan so far,” Herr Weber asked.

  A week had gone by after daily meetings to discuss what to do with the schooner and the spoils. All the items aboard the ship along with the contents in the chests had been audited by Herr Becker, and he had made a complete list, which sat on Weber’s desk. The value of the chests alone was a staggering amount. They had decided how much would be apportioned to each employee of the company as a bonus. To Weber, it was only right to include all employed at the company, which the five men readily agreed to. A more substantial portion was allocated to the crew of the Baltic Swan. A sizable amount was placed in the company’s coffers for business-related matters. That left the schooner to be considered.

  “Besides the remaining loot, what do you have in mind for the schooner, Herr Weber,” Captain Fischer asked.

  “Herr Becker and I have discussed that matter, and we both agree that we do not want to keep the pirate ship in case the old crew or the previous owners spot it in the employment of the company. We believe it to be a dangerous liability. So, our thought was to sell the vessel outright.”

  Fischer thoughtfully nodded and said, “I understand. That seems sensible. None of us want to run into that same bunch of Spanish scoundrels again; they were a sour lot. One could only imagine what sort of revenge they would want to exact
after losing a lifetime of riches.”

  “That is a concern I would like to discuss with you at another meeting, Kapitän. I am extremely worried about our other ships having the ability to protect themselves from incursions such as what just happened. We will talk that over soon.”

  “Of course, Herr Weber. By all means, that is an excellent idea,” Fischer agreed.

  Heinrich had patiently waited for an opening in the conversation to voice a personal request. He had first thought about this a few days ago when he was walking home. He wasn’t entirely sure if he should even bring up his request, especially in his lowly position. But the more he thought, or rather longed for it, the more the intense desire burned within him. It lay heavy on his heart as he wrestled with the idea. He would never have thought of requesting it from Herr Weber if the dear older man had not treated him as a family member. Not long after Weber had hired him, the man’s kindness toward him was evident in including him in family events and making sure he received an education. He decided on the spot to present it – what could he lose? The only fear, and it was indeed a fear, was the possibility of his request being ludicrous and perhaps an affront to his benefactor, Herr Weber. He felt he owed the man much in taking the chance of hiring him years ago as a green youngster and he had been treated with benevolence ever since. But his conscience was screaming inside of him to bring the subject up for he feared there would never be another chance.

  “Herr Weber …?” Heinrich said in a hesitant and feeble tone; one that the others were not accustomed to hearing from this confident young man. The last few years he had developed into a fully-grown man; he was not only an astute seaman but had transformed from a tall, slender youth into a robust, muscular man. He had come into his own as a formidable sailor and now a proven leader.