The Frenchman removed his hat and bowed gracefully before Season. "Such a rare jewel. Such loveliness. Can it be that The Raven has finally given his heart to a woman?" he asked in a soft voice, all the while looking Season over from head to toe.
Season clasped The Raven's hand tightly and felt his fingers close reassuringly around hers. "We are not here to discuss my heart, De Fores. I have just given you the money to ransom Captain Robert Wolf."
The Frenchman roared with laughter and sat down again. "What makes you think Captain Wolf is to be ransomed? I have grown very fond of him over the past few days. I may decide to keep him."
"You might do well to take the money before I lose interest in the man, De Fores. I might decide to lower the price ... or not pay it at all," The Raven said in a soft voice that had all the power of a whiplash.
Again De Fores laughed. "It is well known that The Raven and Captain Wolf are good friends, although I never could see why a man with your talents should be interested in a man from the English colonies."
Season became aware that several men were beginning to close in around her and The Raven. She recognized two of the men as the ones who had been sitting at the table with the Frenchman when they had first come in. Looking at The Raven, Season thought he couldn't be aware that they were being hemmed in by De Fores' men.
De Fores smiled and stroked his beard. "I would be less than honest with you, Raven, if I didn't point out the fact that I could get more gold for your head than I can for that of your friend, Robert Wolf. It is said that the British will pay a great price for you . . . dead or alive."
The Raven threw back his head and laughed deeply. "You aren't the first fool who has thought in that vein. The others have long since departed this life."
Season looked about her nervously. Did not The Raven know that he was surrounded by De Fores' men? He appeared to be so arrogantly unafraid that he was either unaware of the impending threat or the bravest man she had ever seen.
De Fores removed his hat and ran the feather through his fingers. "Ah, Raven, the others were not as clever as De Fores, no? At this moment you are surrounded by my men. A nod from me is all it would take to have your throat cut."
The Raven touched the hilt of his sword. "You have foolishly underestimated me, De Fores. Do you really think I would come into your den without benefit of friends? If you will look about you, you will see that you are surrounded, not I."
Season glanced up quickly and saw many familiar faces standing just behind De Fores' men. More than thirty men from the Andromeda, swords poised, stood ready to strike. They had come ashore after she and The Raven had left the ship.
The Frenchman hardly had time to react as The Raven smoothly removed his sword and sliced through the air, cutting the feather from De Fores' hat. "As I was asking before…where is Captain Robert Wolf?"
De Fores glanced from his men, who had already been disarmed, to the rapier that was being held at his own throat by The Raven. "Surely you recognize a jest when you hear one. I would never turn you over to the British. Do we not belong to the same brotherhood?"
With the point of his rapier, The Raven toyed with the brass buttons on De Fores' waistcoat. "I share no brotherhood with the likes of you, De Fores. I am losing my patience, and you wouldn't like to see that happen. I will ask you only once more…where is Captain Wolf?"
De Fores pushed the point of the sword away from his throat and lazily propped his boots on top of the table. "Sit down, Raven. We will drink rum and discuss Captain Wolf," he said as if nothing had happened. Season had to admit that the Frenchman had nerves of iron.
The Raven took Season's arm and seated her at the table; then he sat down himself. Picking up the bag of gold coins, he tossed it at De Fores once more. "I will not play your little game. Take the money and hand my friend over to me at once or I will spill your blood here and now!"
De Fores poured a glass of rum and glanced at Season, winking at her boldly before turning back to The Raven. "He is not with me here. I would be a fool to parade him about the streets of Tripoli, would I not?"
"Where is he?"
"On board my ship, of course. Where else would he be?"
"Send someone for him . . . NOW."
"I will send some of my men to get him, but that will take time. Surely you and the lady will share a drink with me while we wait."
"The lady does not wish to drink with you; however, I will have a mug of rum," The Raven said, reaching for the bottle and pouring a liberal amount into a cup.
"If you will excuse me for a moment, Raven, I will tell my men to bring Wolf here," De Fores said, rising slowly to his feet.
"Sit down, De Fores," The Raven warned. "My men will keep an eye on your crew, while I keep an eye on you. Choose one man of your choice and send him for Captain Wolf. You might tell the man if he tries any tricks, you will be the first to die."
De Fores raised his hands in a hopeless gesture. "Surely you can trust me."
"I do not trust you any more than you trust me. I tire of your little game," The Raven said, rising. Pointing his finger at one of De Fores* men, he motioned for him to come to the table. "Your captain has an errand he wishes you to run," he stated in a quiet voice.
The man stared at The Raven, a sour look on his face, but he said nothing.
Season watched as De Fores instructed his man to bring Captain Wolf to him at once. Obviously De Fores was unafraid of The Raven. A plan began to form in her mind. If she should be presented with the chance to speak to the Frenchman alone, she would tell him she was the Duke of Chatsworth's daughter and implore him to help her. Excitement began to rise in her. De Fores could well be the tool she could use to escape The Raven!
She felt the Frenchman's eyes upon her. She looked up at him and found he was assessing her closely. She smiled at him, thinking to enhance his interest.
"Mademoiselle, I have rarely, if ever, seen a woman with the kind of beauty you possess. De Fores is your most humble servant," he said caressingly.
"Thank you. You are most kind, Captain De Fores," Season said, smiling prettily.
The hooded head of The Raven turned to face her, and even though Season couldn't see his eyes, she could feel anger radiate from him.
"This lady is with me, De Fores. You would be well advised to make your pretty speeches elsewhere," he grated out in a tone of command.
"Surely you do not object if I admire the beauty of your lady. She is so like the pearl among the swine, is she not?" I would trade Robert Wolf for this woman and not quibble over the price."
Season could almost feel The Raven's eyes darken and narrow in on De Fores. "As I said before, the lady is with me, and she stays with me. Where is Captain Wolfs ship and crew?" The Raven demanded, abruptly changing the subject. "I am prepared to ransom the men and ship as well."
De Fores folded his hands together and shrugged his shoulders. "It is most unfortunate that neither the ship nor any of its crew survived. Alas they went to the bottom of the sea," he said regretfully.
"You black-hearted bastard!" The Raven hissed. "I could run you through for this. I know it is your habit to leave no one alive who can bear witness against you. One day you will feel the point of my blade enter your heart and rip it from your body!" The warning hung in the air, and De Fores looked uncomfortable for the first time.
"It is not a bad policy to leave no witnesses, Raven. Had you practiced more caution you would not now have a price on your head. In my view it is a foolish man who does not guard his back."
"A man must always watch his back when you are about, De Fores. More often than not, you will strike a man when he is not looking."
De Fores laughed. "You wound me, Raven. I am but a simple man, trying to make a living in the only way I know how. Surely you cannot condemn me for that?"
Suddenly Season's eyes were drawn to the front of the tavern where several men were being shoved aside by the biggest Nubian she had ever seen. She was amazed to see the man make his way t
oward their table. When he drew near, he stepped aside and a woman moved forward to stand behind The Raven. Season thought the woman was beautiful in spite of the way she was dressed. She wore black leather breeches and knee boots like a man! Over her white shirt she wore a black vest, and about her waist she wore a rapier and a brace of pistols.
"Raven it's true, you are here!" the woman cried out. "I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I saw the Andromeda riding at anchor!"
The Raven stood up and turned to face the newcomer. The woman threw herself into his outstretched arms. Season couldn't hear what they were saying to each other because they had lowered their voices, but it was certain they were glad to see one another. Season felt jealousy burn her heart at seeing the familiar way The Raven hugged the woman. Glancing at De Fores, she saw amusement playing in his eyes. She raised her chin and assumed a look of total indifference.
Now was her chance to talk to De Fores, she thought. Reaching across the table, she motioned for the Frenchman to lean closer to her, and he readily complied.
"You must help me," she whispered frantically. "My name is Lady Season Chatsworth, and I have been kidnapped by The Raven. My father is the Duke of Chatsworth, and if you will help me get back to England, he will reward you handsomely."
She couldn't tell what the Frenchman was thinking as his eyes rested on the neck of her low-cut gown. If only he would believe her she thought frantically.
"Please you must believe—"
"Shh," he whispered, as his eyes darted to The Raven. "Do not worry, mademoiselle, De Fores always stands ready to help a lady in distress."
Season looked back at The Raven and found that he was watching her. Her heart was beating so fast she could hardly breathe, and she knew her cheeks were flushed. Do I look guilty? she wondered. She prayed silently that he wouldn't guess that she had been trying to enlist De Fores' help.
The Raven motioned for his crew to escort De Fores' men back to their ship. As soon as they had departed, he returned to the table, leading the lady dressed in black. When he pulled the lady onto his lap, Season felt as if someone had just delivered a mortal blow to the pit of her stomach. No, that was foolishness; she couldn't be feeling jealous over a man who had kidnapped her and held her against her will! That was impossible.
"Who is this person?" The woman asked, nodding at Season. Her voice was unmistakably American.
"No one you need concern yourself with, Maude. She is merely a business venture of mine."
Stung by his insult, Season tossed her golden mane in defiance. She was further insulted when the woman called Maude stood up and walked around the table, assessing Season closely.
When Maude drew even with Season, she flicked the sleeve of her gown. "Such fancy packaging. I've never known you to take a woman on board the Andromeda before now." Season watched as jealousy leaped into the woman's eyes. "Where do you come from?" Maude asked her directly.
"It is none of your affair. I have nothing to say to you," Season said haughtily.
Before Season had time to think, Maude had unsheathed her sword and held the point against her breast. "You have a sharp tongue . . . shall I carve it out for you?" Maude asked in a menacing voice.
Never had Season felt so near death. She knew one wrong move from her, and she would breathe her last. Pride was the only weapon she had to use against the woman, so she raised her head and her icy green eyes locked with Maude's blue ones.
"Take yourself away from me. I am not afraid of you." Season pushed the blade away from her breasts, surprised at how calm her voice sounded.
Tense moments passed as the two women glared into each other's eyes. Then Season rose slowly to her feet and placed her hands on her hips. "Do you think I am afraid of a woman in men's breeches?" she asked in a clear voice.
Maude sliced her blade through the air and rested the point just above Season's heart. Season would never know what might have happened had The Raven not stepped between them. He casually reached up and pushed Maude's blade away from Season's chest.
"I'm afraid I cannot allow you to damage so valuable a cargo, Maude," he said in his raspy voice that Season knew was laced with humor.
"She tests me," Maude said in an angry voice.
"She tests me as well, Maude, but she is of no consequence. Come, have a cup of rum with me," The Raven drawled.
Season could feel the sting of his words in the very depth of her heart. He was treating her as if nothing had ever passed between the two of them. She could feel her anger mounting. How dare he flaunt his mistress in her face. How dare he treat her as if she were a nobody!
Season looked across the table at De Fores, and he gave her a guarded smile. It was as if he were telling her to bide her time. She was almost sure he was going to help her. She would find her satisfaction for today's insults by freeing herself from The Raven.
Maude sheathed her sword and straddled a chair. "I suppose you are right, Raven; this woman is of no consequence."
All at once the table was surrounded by several other sea captains, and they all seemed genuinely glad to see The Raven. Season had never seen so many people from so many different walks of life. There were sea captains with turbans wrapped about their heads. Some spoke Italian while others spoke Spanish and Portuguese. It gave Season pause to wonder how this pesthole could exist. Where were the authorities? Was there no one to bring law and order to this part of the world?
Season was receiving her share of curious glances, but no one dared to approach her. Suddenly she became weary. There were so many people pressed into such a small space, and the noise was deafening. She took a deep breath, wishing she could leave this filthy place.
At that moment, Season heard Briggs's voice, and she watched the little man approach the table. "We put Captain Wolf on board the Andromeda, sir." He was addressing The Raven.
"How is Robert's health?" The Raven asked, watching De Fores' face closely.
Briggs shot the Frenchman a disgusted glance. "He's been ill-treated, sir. He's got wounds that haven't been seen to, and it looks like he ain't had a decent meal in days. He's got dysentery."
The Raven stood up slowly. "We will meet again, De Fores. Next time you may not be so fortunate as to escape with your life."
De Fores smiled and looked at Season. "Yes, it is preordained that we shall meet again . . . never fear." It was almost as if he were telling Season he would see her again. She quickly glanced at The Raven, but he didn't seem to catch the hidden meaning behind De Fores' words.
Season was overcome with relief when The Raven took her arm and led her out of the tavern. Once outside, she took a deep breath of fresh air and let it out slowly. As they crossed the dusty streets, Season noticed that Maude and her Nubian were following them. Briggs and several of the Andromeda's crewmembers were just a few paces behind Maude.
When they rounded a corner, Maude came up beside them and slipped her arm through The Raven's. "Where do you go from here, Raven? I hope you will be here longer than you were last time," the woman said, giving Season a poisonous glance.
"I cannot tell you where we are going, Maude. My crew is now taking on stores and supplies. I fear we must sail in two days' time."
"So soon?" she asked regretfully. "I was hoping you would stay a few days with me." Season noticed that she smiled boldly up at the captain.
He laughed deeply. "Time and tide are always against us, Maude."
"I am surprised you allowed De Fores to live, Raven. You would have done the world a favor if you had cut his black heart out," the woman said, changing the subject.
"I am not finished with De Fores yet, Maude. He knows it, and I know it."
"I don't trust him, Raven. He's a devil. You made him look bad today; he will not forget it."
Season was not listening. She was lost in her own thoughts. Her heart seemed to burn with a need to escape The Raven. Today she had been humiliated and made to look the fool. Even now, The Raven paraded his mistress before her. What better way to stri
ke out at him than to escape with the help of his most-hated enemy. She hoped that De Fores would come to her rescue. Surely he had believed her story.
Suddenly The Raven's words penetrated Season's thoughts. "Maude, I wonder if you would mind keeping an eye on my ... prisoner for me."
Season would have voiced her objections, but Maude spoke up first. "You can't ask me to keep this fancy piece. I'd sooner cut her throat."
"She isn't so bad once you get to know her." The Raven laughed. "Do this for me, Maude. I have never asked a favor of you, but I'm asking now."
"Aye, 'tis true. You never have asked anything of me, but you have helped me often. How can I deny you this one thing? I will do it."
"I will not go with her," Season spoke up. "I don't like this woman."
The Raven took Season's arm. "You will do as you are told, because you have no choice." He glanced up at the other woman. "Keep a wary eye on her, Maude. I don't like all the attention she attracted at the tavern. Don't trust her for a moment; she is very clever."
The Raven moved over to Maude and they talked in hushed tones so Season couldn't hear what was being said, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw a shadow moving across the street, and she realized it was De Fores. The Raven was unaware that the Frenchman was following them. Perhaps it would be best to go with Maude, Season thought. If De Fores were going to help her escape, would it not be better for her to be with Maude than aboard the Andromeda?
Season hid her rising excitement. Soon she would be free of The Raven. Before long she would be on her way back to England!
15
Season looked out the bedroom window at the street below. The windows had bars on them, and they were much too high. She wouldn't be able to escape through them. The door was made of heavy oak, and it, too, seemed to be impregnable. She had been locked in by the huge Nubian hours ago. The Raven had escorted them to Maude's house and had left them at the door without a word to her.
Velvet Chains (Historical Romance) Page 18
