Blackbeard's Revenge (Voyages Of Queen Anne's Revenge Book 2)

by Jeremy McLean

  Edward stared at the ground. "Yes I know, but there is so much blood on this trail now, I fear we will find Christina's corpse soon."

  "Your fears are unfounded. Look, we are at the opening now." Pukuh pointed forward to the entrance of the forest.

  The floundering light of the sun was on the horizon, giving a golden glow to the trees and understory. When the pair passed the threshold of the forest they could see the Freedom, with much of the crew on the main deck walking and talking and waiting. When one of the crewmen saw their captain and the Mayan warrior on the beach, he informed the crew. The crew yelled and waved at the returning men.

  On the way to the ship, Edward noticed two spots of sand dyed red with blood, but whatever caused the blood stains were gone now. Christina and the wolf?

  The crew threw down a rope ladder for Edward and Pukuh to climb back to the top deck. The two were surrounded by the crew and bombarded by questions about what happened.

  "Enough, enough! Where is Christina? How is Anne? I will answer your questions later, but right now mine are more important."

  The crew cleared the way to the stairs of the berth deck. Edward entered the crew cabin where Anne was still lying down in bed with Alexandre in a chair next to her. Anne's fever hadn't broken yet, but her bandage was fresh with a green tint underneath, and a cup stood beside her bed.

  Alexandre turned to greet Edward. "Welcome back, Captain. I applied the medicine to Anne's bandage and also made her drink some. The rest is up to her now."

  "Good, job Alexandre. I'm sure she'll pull through. You are literally a life-saver."

  "I try."

  "Where is Christina?"

  "In a bed over there," Alexandre replied whilst pointing to the stern of the crew cabin. "She and her wolf are resting. Their injuries were severe, but they will recover."

  Edward kissed Anne on the cheek and checked on Christina. She was in the middle of the ship on a bed. Sitting next to her was Herbert on one side and the wolf on the other. Herbert was distraught and weary.

  "Captain! What happened out there?"

  "I'm sorry, Herbert. She was supposed to gather the medicine and then head back to the ship as quickly as possible. Some treasure hunters took over Pukuh's village, but Christina should have been able to escape without harm. On the way back, we saw the corpse of a bear on the trail. Christina could have killed the bear, with help."

  "A bear?" Tears welled up in his eyes. "How could this happen? First Nassir's son, and now my sister. When will this end, Edward? At what point will you stop pointlessly endangering others?"

  Before Edward could defend himself, Christina's slender fingers touched Herbert's. "Stop," she said softly.

  "Christina!" Herbert exclaimed as he pulled her hand close.

  "I am glad I went," she stated slowly. "I saved Anne, which was worth all the pain. Don't blame Edward for a decision I made and would make again if I had the choice. Now, let me sleep," Christina commanded before closing her eyes once more and drifting into sleep.

  Herbert was silent for a moment. "I'm sorry, Captain. I was upset. My sister is the only family I have left. I can't lose her."

  "Christina is strong, probably stronger than you think. She will not die so easily. And don't forget, she is our family too. I will protect her when she needs me just as she will protect us when we need her."

  Herbert nodded and continued to watch over his sister.

  Edward examined the wolf. She was also very injured, but with bandages covering the wounds and cleaned fur. Edward petted the wolf, but she remained asleep. You did well to protect Christina. I hope you are alright with being on a ship for a while, as we cannot stay for you to recover.

  Edward left the crew cabin and returned to the main deck. He saw Pukuh telling the tale of what had happened to them at his village, much to the delight of the crew. Jack was providing music for the story, changing the tempo depending on what was happening.

  Henry advanced to Edward. "Once again, you somehow turned something simple into an exercise in risking lives."

  "Oh, and how did I cause treasure hunters to find Pukuh's village? Do you even care I'm still alive?"

  Henry pursed his lips. "I'm glad you're safe, but there was no reason Christina should have been put in danger. She walked an untold length with a broken leg and severe loss of blood. Even Alexandre was shocked at the sight of her."

  "I was quite worried for her, I'll have you know. She insisted on gathering the herb while we liberated Pukuh's town. Afterwards, she was to leave immediately. How was I to know a bear would be waiting on the trail?"

  Henry rubbed his temples. "You could have ordered her to return to the ship, to stay put, any number of things, but you let her out of your sight when she was your responsibility. You talk of wanting to be stronger so you can protect them, then when they're hurt it's not your fault. Do not try and shirk your mistake off on a sixteen-year-old!" Henry stepped close to Edward and whispered with rage in his voice. "If you care so much for your so-called family, take better care of them." Henry left before Edward could formulate a response.

  Edward watched as the crew talked and celebrated well into the night, thinking over what Henry said.

  15. The Brothers Bodden

  At Edward's behest, the Freedom returned to Bodden Town. During the week and few days it took to arrive there, Anne's fever broke and she regained her strength day by day. She was able to talk, eat properly and walk around.

  "Christina fought a bear?" Anne questioned skeptically.

  "Yes, no jest, she fought a bear and killed it to bring you this medicine," Edward replied as he grabbed one of the dried leaves and began chewing on it. He frowned from the bitterness, but didn't stop chewing.

  "I will be sure to thank her. And I owe you thanks as well. I faintly remember you by my side as I dipped in and out of wakefulness."

  Edward's cheeks reddened, though the colour was obscured by his beard. "Yes, well, I was worried."

  "How are your's and Pukuh's injuries? I notice you have a bandage on your thigh." Anne said, pointing to Edward's leg.

  "Just a flesh wound," Edward assured. "I can barely feel it."

  Anne looked unconvinced, but didn't press the issue. "Help me up, I wish to see Christina."

  Anne extended her hand, which Edward took and pulled as Anne shifted and rose to shaky legs. She used Edward's shoulder as a crutch as she made her way through the crew cabin, past all the swaying hammocks, and to the bed hosting Christina and Tala.

  Tala was lying on top of Christina and was roused out of light slumber by the noise of Edward and Anne approaching. The animal panted, wanting to be petted. For a wolf, she became rather docile around Edward and Christina. Tala moving around woke Christina, so she sat up for Anne and Edward.

  Christina's wounds were still healing, but the worst was behind her. She had deep gashes on her back, arms, and legs covered by cloth, and her broken leg, set now thanks to Alexandre, would take a long time to fully heal.

  "Anne, I'm so glad you are awake and well," Christina said while petting Tala.

  Anne laughed. "I have you to thank. I was informed you were through a fairly traumatic experience, and by your appearance you were in as bad a shape as myself."

  "I would have fared much worse if you hadn't trained me."

  Edward stayed for a bit, watching the two young women talk with beaming smiles, before heading up to the top deck. According to Herbert, they would land at Bodden Town soon, and Edward had business there now that Anne wasn't in danger.

  The first time Edward landed in Bodden Town, the town was being run by the Bodden Brothers, Malcolm and Neil, Scottish twins also known as Bodden Town Bandits. Edward muscled his way through taking over the town and became a shareholder in the settlement. He also wanted the brothers to make the town safer for the townsfolk, and turn it into a pirate hub. Edward's direction had seemingly opposed goals, but he knew the brothers were up to task.

  Edward hadn't seen the brothers in over a year
, and felt he needed to make an impression in case his influence had slipped away over time. He took Sam, John, Henry, and Pukuh with him to see the brothers.

  The port of Bodden Town was bustling in the afternoon, with ships constantly docking and weighing anchor. The town had doubled in size since Edward was imprisoned, and the harbour market was teeming with merchants and buyers.

  Edward and company entered the overly active market, passed by the people walking to and fro along the harbour, and up the main street. The main street went up a slight incline all the way to the Bodden Brothers' mansion.

  The streets were more active than Edward recalled as well. More people were sitting outside the local businesses and engaged in their daily routine. The town had no shortage of regular townsfolk, but Edward also passed taverns and inns occupied by rogues and pirates alike.

  Edward also noticed people he assumed were in the Boddens' employ walking about the town, acting as guards. They wore white outfits with black pants to distinguish themselves from the rabble. Edward appreciated seeing the guards.

  At the top of the small incline, Edward and company reached an elegant two-storey white mansion with a high wall around the perimeter. An iron gate in the middle faced the main street and two guards stood in front. At Edward and his group's approach, the guards hefted their weapons and stepped up to him.

  "No entrance for guests without appointments," one guard asserted.

  "The brothers will make an exception for me," Edward declared, not stopping.

  The guards planted their hands on Edward's chest, forcing him to stop. He glanced at the hands and then back at the guards. Edward stared daggers at them.

  "I am Edward Thatch, the one known as Blackbeard. The brothers work for me, and thus you work for me. Remove your hands, or I will remove them from your body."

  The guards' faces turned pale and they immediately moved away. "We are terribly sorry, sir, we did not know. The brothers have been expecting you for some time, ever since word of your escape reached here months ago." The guard opened the gate for Edward. "The brothers are in their study. I trust you know the way?"

  "Yes, that will be all, gentlemen." Edward waved them off as he passed the gate.

  Edward's friends followed him to the mansion, past two large columns and through the white door to the interior. The expansive mansion was opulent, with a large ballroom at the entrance, chandelier on the ceiling, alcoves in the walls, chairs for reading, and servants at beck and call.

  Edward strode up one of the curved staircases in the ballroom and through a set of large wooden double doors into the brothers' study. Along both sides of the walls, more alcoves held different relics, weapons, and books.

  The brothers themselves were at a table on the far end of the long room, perusing some documents. When the brothers noticed Edward enter, they dropped what they were doing.

  "Mr Thatch." Malcolm, short but stout and muscular due to his Scottish heritage, wore a suit of red silk. He was not attractive, but not ugly in any sort of way, simply average.

  "We've been expecting you," Malcolm's brother Neil continued. He had the same appearance as his brother, what with them being twins, but wore a blue suit.

  "I heard, and can I expect you understand the reason I am here?"

  Malcolm started: "We suspected you would be inclined to claim some of the moneys we accumulated over your year's absence," And Neil continued: "That you need more men on your crew is also within our powers of insight." Malcolm took over once more: "We also believe you are here to make an unnecessary show of power, what with your muscle behind you." Malcolm pointed to Edward's company. "Though, as stated, completely unnecessary." Neil and Malcolm, together since birth, were able to finish each other's thoughts. "We kept the bargain struck many moons ago, and you are free to see and reap the benefits, which are substantial." "Given the untouched accumulation."

  Edward approached the table at the brothers' behest. They produced a ledger showing the values of his and their stock over the year. Several pages were filled with notes from various debits and credits, but the brothers skipped to the final page, showing the most recent balance.

  Edward glanced at the figure and his eyes widened in shock. He had never seen such a sum before, nor did he know what he could do with all that money. For a simple whaler's son, the amount was too great to think about. Over six thousand pounds filled Edward's reserves over the past year alone. The prospect delighted him, and from past notations, the rate of propagation would only increase in the future.

  "John, would you inspect this, please? I want to make sure everything is in order."

  "Yes, Captain."

  John examined the contents of the large ledger month by month. As he examined the different deposits and adjustments, Edward and the brothers discussed what had happened over the year he was gone. Bodden Town continued expanding with low-cost housing to build the population along with creating and maintaining a local militia. The brothers ensured the men were trained, obedient, and organised so the militia could function autonomously from the brothers or Edward if need be. The militia made sure pirates and thieves understood the townspeople were off limits, and in exchange their goods received fair trade. Bodden Town was slowly turning into a more respectable Tortuga.

  John finished his assessment. "The numbers are sound, Captain."

  "Good work, John, and you too, brothers."

  "Thank you, Edward." "Your praise is much appreciated."

  "Our ship needs re-stocking, so, working with John on supplies and new crew members for us would also be appreciated. I would also take five hundred pounds of my stock for personal use, and one to three thousand can be redistributed as you please. Consider it an investment, and with it I want an equal share in this venture. I want thirty-three percent of the shares, to be exact, as opposed to the previous agreement of twenty five."

  "Consider it all done," Malcolm confirmed.

  "I'll await you back on the ship, John," Edward said, leaving the work to be done by John and the brothers, in many ways better suited to the task than he.

  "Brother, you forgot," Neil chided. "Oh, yes I suppose I did. Edward, a moment please?"

  Edward turned back around to the Boddens. "Yes?"

  Malcolm began. "Two things: Firstly, not long ago, a man dressed in black was here asking about you. He never provided his name, and, so far, our sources have not been able to find any information on who he is, but you should be on alert."

  "Why?" Edward asked, his curiosity piqued.

  "Something about the man felt off, as if sickness and death followed in his wake. He's dangerous, and you should avoid him. Yes, even you Edward, Blackbeard. We managed to point him to Tortuga, so you should have nothing to fear for the moment."

  Normally I would laugh at such a notion, but with the way the brothers are talking, maybe I should heed their advice. "And the other matter?"

  Neil picked up for his brother. "We were wondering if you could take care of some local toughs. We would have the militia handle the brigands, but they are attending to other matters at the moment. One of the pirate gangs is growing bolder, and their villainy is affecting the townsfolk. If the famous Blackbeard were to make an example of them, others would be deterred from such actions. Here is their captain's name and where he is staying." Neil scrawled a name on a piece of paper and handed it to Edward.

  Edward raised his brow. "I would be glad to help, but didn't you say someone dangerous was searching for me? Isn't throwing my name around asking for trouble?"

  "This action is no more than you have already done," Malcolm surmised.

  "And besides, you will be doing this to pirates, who themselves don't want their names spread," Neil added.

  "And, were you not leaving soon after this? This is not your home, so the town is not in danger. The Freedom is your home."

  Edward nodded. "True. Alright, we'll take care of those pirates then. John and you two can figure out supplies."

  "Re-supplying won't take
long, Captain," John reassured him as he and the brothers began working on a list.

  Now, down to business.

  …

  "You see, I'm talking about an unwritten rule this town has, one I've helped establish. You aren't understanding the rule, thus why I'm here," Edward said, sitting down in a comfy chair and holding a glass of rum.

  Edward and crew were on the second floor in a reserved room for Miles Miller, also known as Miles the Murderer, the murderer-turned-pirate who was causing trouble for the Bodden Brothers. The room was large and long, with a nice bed, hardwood table and chairs, billiards table, and a massive picture window overlooking the street below.

  Miles was on the ground, blood spilling from his mouth. Sam had taken pleasure in beating him into submission. Miles was known for his murders and ruthlessness, but on his own he was nothing special.

  "You broke those rules, and now you must be punished."

  Sam kicked Miles in the chest, causing him to flip and fall on his back. Henry and Pukuh had subdued two other crewmates Miles had with him.

  Miles coughed up blood, and tears filled his eyes. "What did I do?"

  Edward laughed. "Well, your moniker is Miles the Murderer. You tell us."

  "They wus whores, why's it matter?"

  Sam kicked Miles' chest again, producing a scream of pain and a distinct crack of his ribs breaking. "Who they are or what their profession is doesn't matter, Miles. You broke the agreement each outlaw has when in Bodden Town. Don't make trouble, and trouble won't be brought to you."

  "What will you do to me?" Miles asked through ragged breaths.

  "Get him up," Edward commanded Sam, who picked up the bloody and weak body of the pirate Captain Miles. Edward took Miles from Sam, lifting him off the ground by the chest. "We will make an example of you, so no one does what you did. Don't worry, you should survive." Edward grinned devilishly, causing Miles' eyes to fill with fear.

  Edward pulled the ragged body of Miles back and threw him at the large picture window. Miles crashed through the thick glass and fell down the two storeys to the street below. Townsfolk glanced at the body, then up to the broken window of the inn.