The Sea Maiden

by Mary Speer

  He was so deep in thought he missed Deidra and Henry’s comments to him. They were wasting his time he thought, he needed to get rid of them, however she had been instrumental in providing him with her valuable observations, and for that he was grateful. He thanked the couple for their visit and politely excused himself stating he had an urgent matter to attend to in town, but would be back in time for dinner and would love to have them join him. To his dismay, Deidra and Henry promptly accepted.

  Lord Harmon called for Clifton to get his carriage. Once outside, Lord Harmon remembered that on the night of the party, Lynnette disappeared a while, when asked where she had been, Lynnette claimed she was outside talking to Clifton and some of the guest informed him they had seen the young woman carry out a plate of food. He turned to Clifton.

  “Clifton on the night of the dinner party, what time did you arrive back from your sister’s?”

  “Sir I didn’t return that night I spent the night at her home.”

  This confirmed that Lynnette was lying, but she had been speaking to someone. Then he asked,

  “Lynnette’s suitor, did you meet him?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “I assume he also knows Karina.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Was he here visiting Lynnette on the night of the dinner party?”

  “I don’t know sir.” Clifton lied. “Where shall I drive you sir?”

  Eric must have hired a man to bring her back to his ship, he thought. After a long pause Gunther answered,

  “The harbor.”

  Clifton wondered if he had given too much information, but several people had seen Peter with the girls that Friday.

  Lord Harmon was about to pay one of his associates a visit, an old acquaintance whose ship had recently arrived into the harbor and was due to depart for the Caribbean soon. He wanted to discuss a proposition with him.

  Lord Harmon boarded the Raven in search of Captain Harold Tate. Harold Tate was a short, stocky man with a dark beard in his mid fifties. He had dwindled in piracy on more than one occasion, but had never been convicted of it. Lord Harmon asked him if he was familiar with the Sea Maiden and her captain. He said he was familiar with the Sea Maiden but not her captain but had recently hired a new crew member who was briefly employed aboard the Sea Maiden. He had been dismissed on account of a woman. Lord Harmon asked to speak to the man. Harold Tate had Remus Wilkes summoned. Remus was a bearded man with bad hygiene, matted black hair and an unfriendly nature.

  “Remus this is Lord Harmon he would like to ask you some questions about the Sea Maiden and her captain.”

  Not knowing what it was about Remus was suspicious.

  “What about it?”

  “Do you know Captain Eric Drake?”

  “Aye”

  “And you were on his ship?”

  “That be right.”

  “You were dismissed over a woman I hear?”

  “What business be that of yours if I was?”

  “Well friend, no need to be so defensive, they are simply matters of the heart important only to me but I’m willing to compensate you well for what I seek.”

  “How much?”

  “That depends on how cooperative you are.”

  Remus paused for a thoughtful moment than nodded.

  “There was a lass at The Red Dawn, a mighty pretty one, thinking she be a harlot I approached her unawares she was wi the cap’n. When e saw me reach for her he took offense and fired his pistol at me, then dismissed me.”

  “Was she a blond?”

  “I was drunk I can’t recall, she had a dark hood on.”

  “I take it you’re not in the best of terms with Captain Drake then?”

  “He could burn in front of me for all I care.”

  Lord Harmon smiled.

  “Then I have a rewarding proposition for you my friend and for Captain Tate.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Skull and Cross Bones

  Karina went to see Peter who was lying on his bunk with his back to her. He wore a bandage that wrapped around his back and chest. Peter mentally summarized the damage. He aided a stowaway, fought the Captain, was whipped for it and now more than likely would be dismissed from his position on the ship, his dreams of being Captain of his own ship someday where fading, all because he was persuaded by two beautiful girls, he was such an idiot.

  “Peter, can I talk to you?”

  “I’m not in a talking mood Karina but I’m happy that you and the Captain are becoming great pals, this may work out in your favor now you might not even need your brother after all.”

  Suddenly Peter’s words struck Karina as a possible solution to her dilemma but it was too early to make assumptions.

  “You sound mad, are you mad at me?”

  “Yes and no.”

  “Can you explain?”

  Peter sighed in frustration.

  “Yes because the whole thing was preposterous from the start. It’s true what they say that a woman aboard a ship is bad luck. I never should have let you talk me into it.”

  His words were stinging but she allowed him to vent.

  “And ‘no’?-”

  “No because…. It’s not your fault for being who you are or how you affect men, Captain Drake in particular. And if I had to do it all over again….I probably would.”

  Karina looked at him appreciatively and smiled warmly.

  “Peter I just want to let you know that I regret what you went through and that I am truly sorry. I will make it up to you and take care of you if the Captain dismisses you. I’m prepared to pay you well for your services. Once we are in New England I will still need you. With, my brother, Jonathan’s business experience and your knowledge of ships and sailing we could get my father’s business running again.”

  Peter suddenly remembered she was rich. He smiled and sat up, then his humorous side took over and he shared something that made her smile.

  “Look now you’re not the only one with a bandage around the back and chest.”

  She laughed, than stopped momentarily at a loss, she never told him about that.

  “How do you know about the wrap around my chest?”

  “I saw it when I was fighting with the Captain and you came out of the guest quarters and the wind blew your shirt open. Don’t worry I didn’t get a good view from the floor.” They laughed Karina shoved him playfully.

  “Ow!”

  “Sorry Peter, I forgot.”

  Captain Drake walked in.

  “I thought I would find you down here.” Eric said.

  Both Karina and Peter looked up.

  “Peter I think I owe you an apology, Karina explained everything to me.”

  Captain Drake extended his hand to him. Peter hesitated then said.

  “I owe you one too Captain, for jumping to conclusions.”

  Peter and the Captain shook hands in acceptance.

  “I think I’m having De Ja’ Vu.” Peter said. “I feel like Clifton now.”

  Karina and Peter exchanged smiles. Ignoring their comments, Captain Drake promptly took Karina’s hand and said,

  “I have to get you back to the guest quarters.”

  “Why?”

  “There’s a ship approaching and we don’t know if it’s friend or foe yet, but I’m not taking any chances. Peter, how do you feel?”

  “Like… I just got whipped.” Peter cringed

  Karina was unable to conceal her mirth Peter always managed to find humor in everything.

  “Well get ready we may be engaging in another fight tonight.” Eric warned.

  Eric pulled Karina to her feet to take her back to the guest quarters. Hand in hand they moved through the ship. The crew didn’t fail to notice the Captain’s possessive hold of the young woman. At the door to the guest quarters Eric gave Karina specific instructions,

  “Stay inside and lock it till I say you can come out.”

  Drawing her close with his arm around her waist, he gently kissed her one mo
re time, and ran a finger across her chin before leaving. Karina savored the sweet moment then Eric left and she did as instructed. She went under the bunk and retrieved the sword and holster Nate provided her with and put it on. Her nerves were rattled but tried to be calm, she didn’t want to be caught off guard if there was an attack.

  On the bridge James Caleb the 1st mate, and the officers were on standby prepared for a possible attack. The ship was closing in and had not identified itself. The day had grown dark except for the moonlight. They noted that the ship didn’t seem to be getting any closer. As the Captain arrived on the bridge the officers started giving him reports.

  “They might be waiting for better lighting.” Caleb said.

  “They have not identified themselves.” Said another officer.

  “Let’s move out of these waters, if they pursue they are not likely friendly.” Captain Drake ordered.

  The Sea Maiden started moving away, the crew remained watchful as the other ship followed at a distance. At daybreak the ship could be seen approaching them again and this time it was coming fast. The imminent sign of an impending attack; adrenalin started flowing among the men as they prepared for battle. The Captain gave the order to open the sweeps and run out their guns.

  As the pursuing ship came up along the side the Sea Maiden they dropped the trademark flag, Skull and Cross bones, identifying them as pirates and fired a warning shot across the Sea Maiden’s bow. They called out for them to submit and prepare to be boarded. The Sea Maiden responded by firing back their guns. The thundering sound of cannons was deafening then the Raven came up along side of the Sea Maiden, heavy with cargo, and bombarded it with smoke bombs and a rain of bullets, which quickly cleared the deck, followed by the loud shrieking and yelling of the pirates swinging on board. Fighting broke out throughout the ship, it was in complete chaos. The sound of metal hitting metal, shouting and the popping of pistols and muskets could be heard all around. The air became a thick cloud of smoke from the gunpowder and smoke bombs creating confusion.

  Karina stood terrified within the guest quarters. She remained locked in the small room not only fearing her own safety but that of the men outside, particularly the Captain and Peter. Meanwhile running and fighting took place at every end of the ship, when suddenly the door to the guest quarters was forcefully broken into. Karina screamed. A burly pirate broke through the door, breaking it off the hinges. Upon seeing her he thought to grab her, he came towards her but at the sound of a pop the man fell forward dead. Karina screamed then felt a hand grab her, she turned and saw Captain Drake trying to take her to safety but another man attacked him from behind. He turned to fight him off with his sword, a second later Karina was assaulted from behind by another man, she screamed, he grabbed her by the hair which was still in a braid and dragged her with him she tried to run from him but he wrapped his arm around her middle, her back to his chest, using her feet she leveraged herself and kicked the back of the man fighting Captain Drake, creating an opportunity for the Captain to thrust his sword into him. Karina pried her self-loose from the man and frantically drew her sword as the man came toward her slashing his sword at hers, she heard the sound of their swords clashing, but the man’s stronger swing knocked Karina’s sword from her hand. She quickly retrieved it. Then she heard a pirate shout,

  “KILL DA CAP’N WILKES! I’LL GET DA GIRL N’DA RING THEN WE BE RETREATIN!”

  Karina saw the man about to strike the Captain from behind while he fought another man she lunged at the man but the man she was fighting knocked her down. As her attacker grabbed her arm to drag her away she heard gunfire and the man dropped dead next to her, out of the corner of her eye she saw Peter holding a smoking pistol. From the ground she grabbed the dead man’s pistol and fired it at the Captain’s attacker, who fell dead at his feet. Upon hearing the pop of the pistol Captain Drake turned and saw it was Karina who fired the pistol and killed the man. Then he recognized the dead man as Remus Wilkes, the man he dismissed at The Red Dawn. He continued fighting and moved further and further out of Karina’s sight. Just then Karina heard a man say to her,

  “If you want to stop the bloodshed wench, get the ring an we be off. GET THE RING!”

  She looked at him in confusion then it dawned on her, they where here for the ring, in shock she realized Lord Harmon had sent cutthroats after it, could he also be responsible for the men who attacked her and Peter back on the road from Harmon Hall?

  “I SAID GET THE RING!” The man shouted Karina obeyed and went to the guest quarters, with the man close behind her, Karina walked over the broken door, got on her knees and reached under the bunk and lifted a small piece of wood. She retrieved the small cloth bag and took the ring out and handed it to the pirate. He smiled then with his pistol cocked at her head he threatened,

  “Alright missy, If you be liken ye mates to live to see another day, you best be cumin wi me. Aside from pretty ladies, the Captain takes no prisoners.”

  “What do you want with me?”

  “DO YE BE WANTING YE MATES TO LIVE WENCH? YES OR NO?” The pirate shouted.

  She submitted. He pushed her through the door opening and took her to the side of the ship, threw her over his shoulder and called for the men to retreat then he swung over the side with her. From over the man’s shoulder Karina could see the pirates retreat but with the cloud of smoke she could not recognize anyone on the Sea Maiden.

  Peter suddenly wondered why pirates were leaving a merchant vessel loaded with cargo, most of the men including the Captain were also confused then almost simultaneously Peter and Captain Drake started calling out for Karina. Without any response they feared the worst but then realized she was not on board. They had taken her.

  “WE’RE GOING AFTER THEM! SHIP ABOUT!” Eric ordered. “They’re likely headed to New Providence it’s the closest or Tortuga.”

  “NEW PROVIDENCE! TORTUGA! YOU’RE TAKING US INTO THE LION’S DEN! HAVE YOU GONE MAD?” James Caleb accused.

  “I’M NOT LEAVING HER IN THE HANDS OF PIRATES!”

  CHAPTER 25

  New Providence

  They docked and Karina was brought on shore blindfolded and taken to a tavern or bordello. She recognized the loud atmosphere; course jesting, cursing, men and women talking and laughing, and the strong smell of rum and spirits. She was taken to an upstairs room and upon entering the room her blindfold was removed and left alone. The room was small with no windows just a bed, a mirror and a changing panel. A young boy approximately 13 came in the room and brought her some fruit, a bowl of chicken soup, bread and tea. Karina was hungry, not having eaten in several hours, and ate.

  “Where am I?” Karina asked the boy.

  “New Providence.” The boy said and turned to leave.

  “Wait! Do you know why I’m here?”

  “You have been sold most likely.”

  “To who?”

  “I don’t know, but you will soon find out because they are coming for you.”

  “Who’s coming?”

  “The Captain.”

  “Captain Drake?”

  “No. Captain Tate. I have to go.”

  “Wait! Don’t leave! Please help me. I need to get out of here.”

  “Sorry miss I cannot help.”

  “Why?”

  “Because the last boy who helped a lady like you was found cut up in pieces.”

  Karina gasped. “Good Lord! Why do you work here?”

  “My mother supervises the girls that work here.”

  Karina was horrified.

  “Do you know where they are taking me?”

  “Not sure miss, sometimes its India, Baghdad or Singapore, just depends who paid for you.” The boy shrugged. “If they don’t pay for you then you stay and work here.”

  Fearing to ask, “And do what?”

  “Be a lady of the night.”

  Karina was horrified momentarily thinking she might never see anyone she cared for again. The boy left then came back a few minutes later with
a white lace dress with puffy sleeves and three different pairs of women’s shoes and said,

  “They want you to put this on, and here are some shoes to try.”

  Karina cringed not wanting to touch them.

  “What is your name?”

  “Damian.”

  The boy left. A few minutes later he came back in a hurry…you have to put that dress on they are coming for you now.” The boy warned and left. A second later a stocky man with a beard came in the room without knocking.

  “Well hello Miss I was hoping you be ready but I see that you are not. My name is Captain Harold Tate, you were purchased by a very wealthy client o’mine and it be me job to make sure my customers are pleased when I deliver their purchase and the male clothes you be wearing are not going to do. So it be best you put on the dress like you’re told!” He ordered. Karina hesitated. “Or I be forced to put it on ye me’self.”

  Karina grabbed the dress and went behind a small panel beside the mirror and changed into the dress. She came out from behind the panel; it was a low cut white lace dress with big puffy sleeves and a floor length skirt layered in ruffles.

  “Much better…now you need to fix your hair…Damian!” The boy came in the room.

  “Yes sir?”

  “Bring her a hair brush!”

  The boy nodded. Left the room and came back with a hair brush which he handed to Karina. Karina took the brush from the boy and undid the messy braid then brushed her hair out.

  “My you’re a beauty, I aught keep you for me’ self.” He tried to touch her face, but Karina slapped his hand away. “I was paid handsomely for you wench so I regret to inform you that we will not be getting better acquainted. I’m sure he’ll be very pleased. I’ll be delivering you soon.” He winked at her.

  Captain Tate left the room. A little while later another man came in the room and said.