“Back off and wait at the boat, while I will take the girl to her village. Then we three will return to the ship as if nothing … absolutely nothing had happened. I will not say a thing and no one will be the wiser. The matter will be ours alone and stay that way between fellow sailors.”
The tall one snapped back, “An wad guarantees ya will not tell da captain wad happened? You an him ar like brothers; we all know dat.”
Klaus replied, “I give you my word as a fellow shipmate as you yourself have stated we are. This stays a secret between us. That is the way of brother sailors is it not?”
The two thought it over for a moment. The tall one remarked, “It is da way fo brother sailors ta act, but I am fraid ya ar too young an too close ta Heinrich ta believe ya won’t spill da story.”
The sailor shook his head as if he just realized now what a stupid mistake he and his mate had pulled and that they would undoubtedly be dearly punished for it. Klaus knew what the sailors were thinking now, and he quickly repeated the offer of silence between the three. In addition, he said, “The only other alternative for you both is to slip away from here and hope to make it to a settlement on the island. But my offer of pledging secrecy still stands. It is your choice, but I suggest you choose quickly for it is late.”
“Damn it, I offered them a way out, and it didn’t work,” Klaus said to himself.
The shorter one said roughly, “Iffen we decided ta flee across da island, we will first draw knives an kill ya so ya can’t talk.”
“That would be very foolish. The crew would only believe that you two did the killing, and you would be hunted men instead of only deserters who the captain would care less about because he wouldn’t want the likes of you onboard. Think about that. My offer stands.”
The two stood silent and motionless.
“Okay, time to face it; they’re not taking the offer, they’re going to make their move against us,” Klaus told himself as he felt more of the strange calmness within. He wasn’t scared. He was ready to take them on.
“You two are so sure of yourselves in being able to do me in so easily. I assure you I am much more of an opponent than you believe. The weapon’s training has been of great help. I will take at least one of you with me to the grave. Is that worth it to either of you?”
The two looked hard at Klaus trying to measure the lad’s words which they heard spoken in a calm, confident voice and saw the boy’s manner which showed no signs of quivering in fear. They exchanged questioning expressions.
The tall one said to the other, “We ar in a real fix, Helmut. I don’t know wad ta do. I am thinkin we really messed up here tanight.”
A thunderclap of a voice slammed into the ears of the four souls on the beach. It came from just inside the tree line less than thirty feet from where they stood. “I order you to stand down!”
A large solitary dark figure of the night emerged from out of the foliage with slow, determined steps. As the lone figure came forth it continued to speak, “You two poor excuses for sailors, get your arses into the boat at once before I run both of you through with the sword,” barked out the harsh voice. Klaus recognized who it was immediately, and so did the sailors – it was Heinrich himself in the flesh. The two sailors shuddered and then froze.
“I will not tell you again. If you desire to live, do as I say now!”
Heinrich came even closer and now confirmed to the sailors it was indeed the captain. Pure fear rumbled through their systems, and they glanced around for a way to escape. Now several other dark figures appeared out of nowhere blocking any escape route. Heinrich came to stand beside Klaus, and the giant Anton with sword in hand came trotting up from the right side stopping only a few feet from the sailors, while Fritz and Reiner also armed with swords came to stand to face them on the other side.
“We didin mean any harm, captain,” one of the two said quickly.
“We were only playin wid da lad, captain,” the other one added. “Jus ah bit ah funnin, that’s all.”
Heinrich ignored their words. “Toss your knives in the sand,” he ordered them. “My very own men behaving like common thugs. You will shortly regret your actions; I promise you that.”
Reiner and Fritz began to close in on the two sailors until they now stood only several paces from them. The two sailors saw Heinrich’s hand resting on his sword handle, the blade still in its sheath, but they knew he could put the weapon into action in a flash. Two knives dropped into the sand simultaneously.
“I said get in the boat,” Heinrich barked out. “Secure this rabble, men. I will be right with you.”
Anton motioned with the sword point for the two to get in the boat, while Fritz picked up their knives. Heinrich turned around to face Klaus, who had already sheathed his dagger and was holding the native girl in both arms, speaking softly trying to settle her fear down. Heinrich let them be for a moment.
“I presume you two had an enjoyable day together?” Heinrich said upbeat in an attempt to squash the foul atmosphere.
Klaus introduced them to each other.
“Heinrich, this is Liza; Liza, this is my cap –”
“His older brother. I am delighted to meet you, young lady. Klaus has spoken about you and thinks the world of you.”
His words brought a smile to Liza’s face as she clung onto Klaus’ arm. Heinrich gave Liza a slight head nod and smiled back.
“Thank you for interceding, Heinrich. I believed they were ready to pounce on me and then attempt to escape across the island.”
“I believe you are correct. That was my same assessment.”
“You were hidden in the brush the whole time, weren’t you?” Klaus asked, but knew already it to be true.
“Yes, we were and heard the entire dialogue of the encounter. We had returned to the ship from the village hours ago letting you two have time together. I had Otto have a couple of men row the boat to the island to wait for you, and take you back. Of course, I had no idea he would choose those two. It was getting late, and still, you weren’t back, and we decided to have a look. I may be wrong, but those two probably didn’t plan any assault until you showed up with this lovely young beauty and then their desire for her made them scheme their plan right on the spot. In any case, they will be dealt with. Our boat is stashed down the beach a bit further out of sight.”
“You stood out of sight and allowed me to deal with them by myself. Why?”
Heinrich grinned and said, “Let’s say I was curious to see how you would handle yourself. I think you did fine, Klaus. I was somewhat impressed actually. You are growing up in a rather short time.”
“They angered me fiercely. Part of me wanted them to try something. I was ready to do battle with them. Maybe that was foolish of me.”
“No, don’t think that. The only choice you had, lad, was to defend yourself and Liza. Your survival instincts took over. I am indeed proud of you. Now I need you to say goodnight to your sweetheart for we must be getting back.”
“Yes, sir, but I can’t just let her walk back to the village by herself.”
“She won’t be by herself. These young native men will escort her back.”
Klaus turned and saw at least four more shadowy figures just outside the tree line. Having acknowledged them, the villagers walked up. Liza recognized and greeted them. Klaus had hoped he could walk her back, but the circumstances had changed. He said goodnight to Liza and was ready to walk away when she quickly planted a quick kiss on his lips. Klaus felt somewhat embarrassed, and although he blushed, the darkness hid it. Liza waved at him, and she joined her friends. They soon disappeared into the darkness.
“I see you gave her the scarf,” Heinrich said. “Did she like that?”
“She loved it, Heinrich. Today has been the best day of my entire life having spent it with her.”
“Before we get too carried away, we must get back to the ship. Come with me to the other boat. I’ve got two sailors standing by waiting for us there.”
Hein
rich waved off the men, who pushed the boat into the surf and got on board. They had the two scoundrels rowing of course. Klaus could not stop talking about his day with Liza as they walked to the other rowboat. He was utterly smitten by her. Heinrich just listened and smiled.
CHAPTER THIRTY
PHYSICAL JUSTICE
When they were all top side, Heinrich had the two miscreants; Helmut and Leo locked up in the brig, a small confining cage-like room in one of the holds below. He had Klaus fetch something to eat and meet him in his cabin. A half hour later, Klaus was seated with Heinrich in the captain’s quarters.
“What, you haven’t eaten a thing,” stated Heinrich as he watched the lad sitting quietly with a faraway look and his plate of food had not been touched.
“Oh, sorry. I haven’t eaten since morning, but I’m not very hungry.”
“Are you daydreaming of young Liza?”
“Yes, but not pleasant thoughts. I can’t stop thinking about how close we got to fighting with blades tonight and the possible horrible outcome.”
“Oh, and what was the outcome?”
“I don’t know, Heinrich.
The thought of how the end would have played out is so bothersome. If you had not stepped in, nothing was there to prevent bloodshed. I really tried to talk them out of it, but I failed. It could have ended tragically. And if I had not won, what they would have done to Liza is … is ... I don’t want to even think on it; it’s too dreadful.”
“Try not to think of having lost. Don’t short yourself in the ability to have prevailed. I believe you would have given your all to protect her, and your all is much more than you may think. The fact is none of you were hurt, and so your future has not changed by anything that happened tonight.”
Klaus continued to brood.
“What of the two now, Heinrich? What will happen to them?”
“What do you what to happen?”
“Oh, please don’t ask me that. I have so much anger against them that if I were to judge their plight, I would decide on something cruel. It is best that you will do that instead.”
Heinrich saw how upset Klaus was and he frankly could not blame the lad. The two sailors had threatened the young couple with heinous acts; it was mentally disturbing. And although the fight had been averted, both Klaus and Liza were experiencing the mental strain of the assault. A certain line was crossed that demanded severe punishment. Yet right now, Klaus needed a reprieve from the agony before it would eat him up altogether.
“You do not worry about those matters. I will make those decisions. I can understand the perplexity of the situation can cause so much torment. Somehow you must find a way to not dwell on it, or the anger will overcome you and control you. That would be even more tragic.”
“Believe me; I don’t want to think about this constantly either.”
“All right then, let’s change the subject. Can you focus more on what you have with Liza? Are you still thinking about her?”
“I can’t stop thinking about her, Heinrich. I like her a lot. She makes me feel special. It gives me goosebumps. She takes such interest in me in sweet caring ways. I have never felt this way before.”
“That’s usually the way it is the first time with a female you take a liking to. It’s part of growing up. I hope you two don’t get carried away with all the emotional feelings running wild within each of you.”
“What do you mean by that, Heinrich? Are we doing something that is wrong?”
“I hope not. Feelings for the opposite sex are a natural thing, lad. All I am saying is that I hope you are not taking this new relationship too far by thinking that she is the entire world to you and that you place her above all other things in your life. It is very easy when two people, especially two very young people, let their feelings for each other get carried away and blind certain other aspects of their lives due to overwhelming emotions.”
Klaus was thinking over what Heinrich was saying still not entirely sure what it all meant. He wondered if Heinrich did not approve of him and Liza together. “How was it with you and girls … I mean women you have met and been with?”
Heinrich hesitated before he answered. It was a valid question, and he wondered just how to explain it in an understanding way that would provide Klaus with an answer he wanted to impart on the lad. He had never really ever had a steady relationship, one that lasted more than a month or two at best. He had known several young women that he felt strongly attracted to; Anne Dupree in Savannah was undoubtedly one on that list, even though they had just met. He desired to see her again soon. Most of the other women over the years were merely temporary feelings of endearment for some and fleeting pleasures for others? Even though there were a few women that had communicated to him that they wanted to court him seriously; getting to know each other much better, he had always treated each relationship with a mindset that was not interested in anything that would last a lifetime. He was too wrapped up in wanting to experience other aspects of life; things that required traveling the seas, seeing new places and meeting new people. As far back as he could remember, he had a sojourner’s heart, and the thought of settling down with a woman had not appealed to him as yet. No, he had too many places to see and things to do. He enjoyed their company and had enjoyed the pleasures, but all in all, women for him were all of passing interest; second only to making something of his life on the high seas.
“I have experienced the thrills and pleasures of female company over the years. At a younger age, I had felt the butterflies in my stomach in my encounters with them just as you are experiencing now. But I have to admit I have never yet been whisked away by a woman to the extent where I wanted to stay with a particular one permanently. There is so much in life I want to experience in sailing to new places instead.”
“You mean that you are not taken with that Ms. Dupree back in Savannah? I thought you really liked her,” Klaus said somewhat surprised.
“I do like her; like her a lot. But if it came down to having to decide between her and the travel by ship to new places, I have to say I would choose to sail off.”
“Maybe you and I are very different people in that regard, Heinrich.”
“Klaus, you must think wisely about this. I do not doubt that you and the girl had a very nice time together and that you like each other a lot. But does one or for that matter a whole week or perhaps a bit longer of enjoyable times together prove that you are meant for each other to spend the rest of your life together? That is not necessarily the case, lad. There is much more to a love relationship than butterflies in one’s stomach or the wanton desires one feels in his loins.”
Klaus blushed beet red at that remark and turned his focus away to keep from making eye contact with Heinrich.
“Do not allow yourself to be fooled by feelings alone, Klaus. There are many things to learn before you seriously consider spending the rest of his life with a woman for good. Herr Weber had given me lectures several times on this same subject matter when I was your age, and there were a couple of times when I told him of a girl I was so taken with when he outright scolded me real proper-like for having such far-fetched ideas. One of his favorite things he would tell me was for me to jump off the pier and let the freezing water settle my emotions down. He knew I was just thinking with a young boy’s mind and feeling the … what did he call it again? … Oh, yes, the wild oats within my loins. I do believe you are also feeling the wild oats at play within you.”
Klaus was now sweating with embarrassment at Heinrich’s use of such frankness with his words. He felt so terribly uneasy talking about this subject with him or anyone. The distinct memory of just the day before flashed across his mind when he and his mates were literally caught with their pants down at the waterfall pool; exposed.
Suddenly he felt fatigued. He asked himself if the strain of what happened was so mentally draining that it also affected him physically? In any case, he wanted to lie down.
“May I go to my bunk and rest? I feel so tir
ed.”
“Of course, lad. Go and rest. Tomorrow we will discuss it further and figure it all out.”
He never even realized that he had embarrassed Klaus to the extent that the lad had felt. Klaus had left leaving Heinrich feeling sad that such an ordeal had been forced upon the lad and at the same time hoping it would prove to instill a tougher determinant character within.
* * *
Heinrich went out and found Otto coming from checking the ship’s stores. The two men began discussing when they would get underway to their next port, San Juan, and finally closer to purchasing a load of product for the very first time.
Otto continued, “Of course I agree, but we can’t just keep in the shadows forever and expect to purchase sellable goods to start making a business profit.”
“Yes, you are right. We can’t keep playing hide and seek with the British navy forever and expect to get on with the business. But before we sail into San Juan, I want the men to be better prepared, so let’s get cracking and have the men continue with the simulated drills for the next few days. We will lay up here a bit longer before we sail off to Caye Puerto Rico.”
“Jawohl, I’ll get the crew on it right away. Right now, I feel as though we are just marking time and not making much progress in succeeding at getting our hold filled with product to sell at foreign markets. The men are starting to get antsy about that lately as we have sailed so far and long.”
Heinrich nodded in acknowledgment and replied, “We will get that chance in a few days. In the meantime, besides the drills, work it out that the crew gets enough time to get off the ship to relax a bit. They can use the break. Raise the drinking rations for the next few days, but only when they are off the ship. But make it absolutely clear that they do not disturb the villagers in any way. Make that a standing order.”
“Ja, sofort” – Aye, immediately. The crew will like the time off away from their menial chores. I will make sure our section heads are among the men ashore to keep them out of trouble. We don’t need another incident like last night with the village girl.”
Winds of Fury Page 40
