Barracuda tfa-3

by Michael Aye

  Damme but this is not what SeaWolf was built for, thought Gabe.

  Two hours had passed when Dagan nudged Gabe.

  Without realizing it Gabe had drifted off to sleep in spite of the pesky mosquitoes. He had been dreaming of swimming in a warm pool of water with Faith… nude.

  Then Dagan woke him. Damme, he thought, this type of dream hadn't happened before and to be awakened before… ah.

  "I hear the boats coming," Dagan whispered.

  "They're pulling hard."

  Gabe peered over the side but could see absolutely nothing in the mist, then almost like magic the cutter appeared followed by the longboat.

  No sooner had the cutter ground to a halt than Lavery was through the entry port making his report,

  "Had it not been for the campfires we'd have rowed right into an ambush. One of the Colonel's Indians smelt the smoke so we went ashore. The Colonel had one of his scouts shimmy up a tree. The campfires were obvious from his advantage. I wanted to land the rangers there and head back," Lavery explained, "but the Colonel wanted to get closer and said it could be done more quickly and with less noise if we continued on the river.

  We pulled to a spot not more than twenty-five yards from where some of the rebels sat around their fires. I guess the Colonel could tell I was nervous about our

  being seen as close as we were. He told me not to worry.

  See the men staring into the fire? This has ruined their night vision. When they look away everything appears black. Let this be a lesson to you lad the Colonel said."

  "If you are on bivouac put your back to the fire otherwise someone like my scouts will slit your throat before you can blink your eye. He sent one of his men to look for sentries and while we were sitting there we could hear the men at the fires talking. They already have five hundred or so men already staged, sir, but they are expecting another five hundred tomorrow… ere, this morning, sir. They are to come by sea, and run up this river in boats to meet up with those who came overland."

  Hearing this disturbing news Gunnells spoke before the question was raised. "We are on the end of the ebb tide and the wind is outta the east, blowing directly against us. It'll be two hours is me guess before we can sail."

  "Damme, what I'd give for a set of sweeps right now," Gabe cursed.

  "Bit like a frog wishing for wings so 'e don't bump his arse," Gunnells said. Then seeing Gabe's look, apologized. "Sorry sir, didn't mean to be disrespectful."

  "No offense taken," Gabe assured his master, "but we are up a creek without a paddle and I've a bad feeling about the morrow."

  "I understand sir."

  As the master ambled off Gabe called to Jackson,

  "Roust out the cook and light the galley fires. I want the men to have a good meal in them, so they'll be ready to face whatever the sunrise brings."

  It could be they'd have to face the enemy on both fronts. Could Sir Raymond hold off the invasion force until they arrived to help?

  Lots of questions but no answers, Gabe thought

  Chapter Twenty

  Dawn was breaking as Sir Raymond Knight looked over the deck of Neptune. She was a fine ship with a fine crew. Knight glanced from one group of seamen to another. It hadn't been that long ago he'd been a first lieutenant and he would have been assigning duties to the warrants and petty officers.

  Now it was different. More so than he would have imagined as a first lieutenant. He'd expected the responsibility that went with command but the isolation.

  That was the hard part. The part he had not considered or expected. The much sought after privacy of the captain's cabin also meant loneliness. Being "the captain" certainly meant privilege but there was also the burden. He had still not gotten over the destruction of the ketch Pigeon and the loss of Lieutenant Kerry. Should he have denied permission for him to give chase to that lugger. No, his mission had been to gather information and so the order was correct but it was a lesson… a lesson he'd not soon forget. Not all was as it might appear.

  Knight thrust his hands behind his back grasping the waistband of his trousers as he paced the weather side of the deck.

  The air was already warm and humid and made his shirt stick to his chest. The wind teased his graying hair.

  As the sun rose further shadows disappeared and the coast began to take shape. How was Gabe getting along? he wondered. If all went well he should be sighted soon.

  They'd heard no commotion during the night to suggest otherwise.

  "Sail ho, dead astern," the lookout called down.

  "She be a big un zur."

  Then before Knight could think another cry from above, "Two ships astern, zur, in close company. The second appears to be the Barracuda." Hell's teeth, Knight thought, where's SeaWolf?… though precious little help she'd be.

  "Mr. Brooks."

  "Aye, captain."

  "Beat to quarters if you please. It's a hot time we're about to have I'm thinking."

  "Do we come about, sir?" Brooks asked.

  "Aye," Knight replied sarcastically, "it's a fight we're in for, but I'll not let the buggers sodomize us as well." This brought a chuckle from the second lieutenant until a glare from Knight cut it off.

  "Mr. Dey."

  "Aye," the second lieutenant answered solemnly after being silently rebuked.

  "Yonder ships would like to have us between them but I'm not giving them the pleasure. We may have to pass them consecutively but I'll not be double-teamed.

  Now depending on how they take station as we approach I will pass larboard or starboard so I want you to have the guns loaded on both sides but not run out. Once we have decided I want you to keep up a rapid rate of fire.

  You may have to augment the gun crews from the opposite side to maintain the fire."

  "Aye, captain," Dey replied. "We'll fire 'um till the barrels melt down." Neptune tilted and Knight grabbed a rail to keep from losing his footing as the ship quickly came about. Taking his glass for a better look Knight realized just how right the lookout had been. She was a big un. The lead ship appeared to be a converted Indiaman. Forty guns at least and damn the lookout's eyes, he was right. The far ship was the Barracuda. Well, Nancy, Knight thought, it could have been a wonderful life.

  BOOM! The forward ship, the Indiaman had fired.

  "It'll be a costly affair sir." This from the master.

  "Aye," Knight replied, "but you didn't expect to live forever did you?"

  "Well, sir," the master replied, "I can truly say I'm right wid me maker but still while I'm ready I can't say as I'm raring to go."

  Such wisdom, Knight thought.

  Then Lieutenant Brooks was there, "It appears, sir, like that Dago can't stand not getting the first shot in, and he's overtaking the Indiaman."

  Not believing his ears Knight picked up his glass to see for himself. Brooks was right. Barracuda was reaching on the lead ship and would pass to windward.

  "That's it," Knight said. "They've made the first mistake. Barracuda's arrogant captain couldn't stand to let the Indiaman draw first blood. Hopefully, it'll be his undoing." Then Knight called to his master, "Set a course straight toward the bow of the Indiaman, then when I tell you veer to larboard. If all works well maybe we'll only face twenty guns on the first pass instead of forty or more."

  "Aye," the master replied then ambled to the wheel.

  Knight then called to the signal midshipman, "Mr.

  Byne, run up the signal, enemy in sight, then after a spell haul it down and acknowledge."

  The mid looked dumbstruck at his captain, "Who are we signaling to, captain? The squadron is in Saint Augustine."

  Knight snapped at the youth, "Damme sir, I know that but yonder ships don't."

  Seeing the hurt look on the boy's face Knight relented, "My apology, sir. I'm in an ill mood and I've no right to take it out on you."

  "Thank you, sir," the youth replied not believing the captain would apologize to the likes of him. "I understand now sir," the mid continued. "The signal
is to keep 'em guessing."

  "Right you are lad, now off with you."

  BOOM!…BOOM!…

  Fire from both ships now. The Barracuda had gained firing position.

  "The next will be a hit if we maintain course, cap'n." This from the master, "If we loose our bowsprit we'll never be able to carry out your plan."

  Knight who had once again taken up his glass spoke softly, "Patience, sir, patience."

  Barracuda was to larboard but not yet along side the Indiaman.

  BOOM!…BOOM!…

  Both ships had fired again almost like they were in a contest. CRASH! A shudder went through Neptune as she took a hit forward. Almost like it was in slow motion.

  Knight could see bits and pieces of wood and splinters flying through the air. Looking forward the bowsprit and the bow chasers were intact.

  "We lost part of Neptune 's head, captain," Brooks volunteered speaking of the ship's figurehead.

  "I believe we are almost in range now, Mr. Brooks.

  Have the gunner man the bow chasers and let those rogues feel Neptune 's anger over being defaced."

  "Aye, cap'n, we'll give a good accounting." Barracuda

  "Mr. Brooks."

  "Sir."

  "Have a care, should I fall, you will be in command."

  "You'll not fall," Brooks replied as he went to carry out his captain's orders.

  I wish I felt as sure, Knight thought.

  BOOM!…BOOM!…

  Again the enemy was firing. This time they fired high, trying to bring down the mast and riggings.

  "Zur, zur," this was a petty officer. "Begging the cap'n pardon, zur, but the lookout 'as been calling to you, the Indiaman is full of sojars 'e says."

  "Damme," Knight exclaimed, outgunned and doubly outmanned. The sound of cannons continued, both the enemy's and Neptune's. The air was rent with the sounds of balls flying by. Then another crash forward and the hatch cover flew through the air.

  Seeing it Knight looked to see if he'd given the order for the ship's boats to be set adrift. No need for them to add to the danger of flying splinters. Seeing they were gone he took up his glass again. Had he waited too long?

  No, Barracuda was now directly along side of the Indiaman. She could never change course now without risking a collision. Then doubt came into Knight's mind.

  Was he falling into their plans? No… no… he'd not doubt himself.

  Looking one last time he called to the master, "Now, sir, alter course to larboard and we'll pass the Indiaman and give her what for."

  Then

  calling

  another

  midshipman,

  "My

  compliments to Mr. Dey, we will attack to starboard."

  "Aye, captain," the excited youth replied then hurried off to deliver the captain's message.

  It was too late now for Barracuda to change course.

  The broadside when it came seemed to vibrate the

  distance of Neptune 's hull as the cannons went off almost in unison. They'd gotten the first broadside in but the Indiaman was returning fire, not with the precision of Neptune, but just as deadly.

  Shudder after shudder as balls crashed into Neptune 's hull. But Dey was as good as his word. Neptune 's gunners were firing round after round. Neptune was fighting for her life and the gun crews knew it. Then they were past and the firing ceased, at least for the moment.

  As the ship sailed out of the smoke that only seconds before had engulfed both ships the lookout called down,

  "Barracuda 'as tried to come about but now she's in stays, zur."

  Hearing this, Knight ordered, "Put your helm down.

  Maybe we can get in a blow before she can recover from her confusion.

  BOOM!…BOOM!…BOOM!…

  Neptune let loose another broadside and Knight witnessed the accuracy of Neptune 's gunners as ball after ball hit the Barracuda. But now the Spaniard was recovering and returning the fire. A scream forward as a ball plowed through and overturned a gun. A small explosion and then a fire. They must have been reloading, Knight thought. The fire was quickly put out by the gun crews to either side

  Now Barracuda had completed coming about and was bearing down for the kill. Neptune 's stern guns were firing now.

  "Come about to larboard," Knight ordered. "Let's see if we can get the Indiaman between us again." Then a loud crash from the stern and a runner reported, "Both stern guns 'as been 'it sir, all dead."

  "Gunfire, sir, from out in the bay."Aye, Mr. Jackson, I heard it," Gabe answered. He too had heard the deep thud… and thunder of cannon fire.

  "Looks like Captain Knight has met up with the rebel ship," Dagan volunteered.

  "Ships, I'm thinking," Gabe replied, "I'm sure it's more than one from the sound of it."

  The wind had picked up and on a full ebb tide Gabe was moving down the mouth of the river quickly… too quickly for the master.

  "I know you want to help, sir," he said, "But if we run aground we'll be no good to anyone." The master was right Gabe knew, but he couldn't bring himself to reduce sail, not with Knight taking on two ships. From the sound of it, big ships. Dagan glancing at Gabe seemed to read his thoughts, "I'll go aloft."

  As Dagan ascended to the mainmast, Gunnells approached Gabe, "We're almost at the mouth of the river now."

  Nodding, Gabe then called to the first lieutenant,

  "Mr. Jackson, beat to quarters. I want the guns double shotted and a measure of grape. We have to make a statement with our first broadside before they know we are alone."

  "Aye, sir."

  After what seemed an eternity but were only a few minutes Dagan was back at Gabe's side. " Neptune looks about done for. There's an Indiaman that's also in a bad way… " Dagan then paused before he continued, "The other ship looks like the Barracuda. She's got damage, but not so's she can't fight."

  Jesus, Gabe thought, what can SeaWolf do against such odds.

  "I'll not see Knight perish without trying to help," Gabe said.

  "I never thought you would," Dagan replied as he put his hand on his nephew's shoulder, "but give a care, don't put yourself at risk." Then smiling he said, "Faith would never forgive me."

  The cannon fire continued but it was now more sporadic. The lookout called down, " Neptune be playing cat and mouse wid de ghost ship, mostly keeping 'at udder ship between 'em bes' 'e can."

  "Knight's a good captain," Jackson volunteered.

  "I just hope we can save him," Gabe answered.

  It was now less than two miles and Gabe could see the beating Neptune had taken. Even as he watched, Barracuda fired her cannons again and the proud Neptune gave a violent shudder.

  "I can see boats in the water alongside the Indiaman," Gunnells said. He had been looking at the privateer while Gabe's attention was on Neptune.

  "Well, maybe we won't have to fight both ships," Gabe said grimly. "Run up the flags if you will, Mr.

  Jackson. Mr. Lavery, I want every gun aimed and fired, I want every ball to hit home. Understand?"

  "Aye, captain."

  They were now in range and either they hadn't been seen or they were being ignored. Some would call it suicide, Gabe thought, but even so he'd not turn his back on Knight and Neptune. Not while he had breath.

  The planks vibrated beneath Gabe's feet as SeaWolf's gun ports were opened and the guns rolled into firing position. Lord, for what we are about to receive, Gabe thought.

  Then as an afterthought, he prayed, please be with Neptune 's crew.

  A bareback seaman running by broke Gabe's reverie. Focus he said to himself, they were in such a position they'd face the Barracuda first, then…The Indiaman was now obviously down in the water so unless her men boarded Neptune she should not be a factor.

  "All ready, sir," Jackson reported.

  "Very well, Mr. Gunnells. "We'll cross the Dago hawse and rake her as we go."

  The distance was falling fast. Should we take in another sail? Gabe thought. No, strike fast like Co
lonel Browne and his rangers are so apt to say. Even though he was expecting it, Gabe felt himself jump as SeaWolf's guns went off, one after another her cannons fired. He was transfixed by the sight before him. The double shotted balls fired from SeaWolf crashed into the Barracuda, scoring hit after hit.

  He could see shrouds slashed, sails tore apart, and bright wood splinters flying through the air.

  Lavery had the guns firing again as soon as they were loaded, reeking destruction with every ball. Smoke was now making it difficult to see but musket balls rained down from the larger ship and thudded into the deck.

  The whine of a ball made Gunnells wince as it flew past him striking the helmsman creating a third eye in the unlucky seaman's head.

  They're not ignoring us now, Gabe thought.

  Another man screamed as he was hurled to the deck by some unseen force, then blood gushed from his stomach spattering the man next to him.

  "Keep moving," Dagan encouraged Gabe.

  "Otherwise, some marksman will be a guinea richer." In spite of the battle, the comment caused Gabe to grin.

  The wind shifted and now the privateer was barely visible as it was engulfed in smoke. With visibility restricted on Barracuda, Gabe seized the opportunity.

  "We'll go about, Mr. Jackson. Lay her on the starboard tack."

  The wind was now steady from the south-southeast.

  "Put the helm down if you please."

  "Helm alee, sir," the new helmsman responded.

  Jackson had the men working like demons on the sails.

  "Man the braces. Heave… heave there you laggardly bugger," Graf shouted.

  Around came SeaWolf's bow, yards groaning as canvas flapped, and then the sails snapped loudly as the wind refilled them.

  Gabe then shouted, "Mr. Lavery, prepare to engage with the other battery, I want the guns firing no matter what. Fire as they bear."

  Then as SeaWolf's guns fired and the smoke began to clear Dagan was again at Gabe's side. "They're quitting, look Barracuda has broken off."

  "She's sailing away! David has once again defeated Goliath," Gunnells quipped. Relief was plain on his face.

  "Do we give chase, sir?" Jackson asked.

  "No," a relieved Gabe replied. "I don't know what we'd do if caught her. Unlike our master I don't believe we've defeated her. We've just wounded her and a wounded animal is frequently more dangerous." As SeaWolf came about again Gabe peered at the once proud Neptune. Her stern had been blown open by Barracuda's heavy cannons. Her forward mast was gone, the mizzen mast was leaning. The deck gouged and splintered. To say she was badly mauled was an understatement.