He raced towards the helm, jumping over the more injured crew.
“James, head towards the island.”
“Sorry, sir?” the Lieutenant asked.
“Cut them off. We need to cut off those pirates on the island.”
“But then the Nemesis can escape, sir!”
“You fool, James. The crew they have left on that island must be important. Why else would they stay anchored and wait for them. We need those men. Hopefully the other two man of wars will be coming around soon.” The Admiral was agitated, “And get the portholes open. We are almost in range for the cannons.”
“Yes, sir.”
...
Farren and Aeolus slowly got to their feet after the devastating impact. The guard lay at the bottom of the stairs with a broken neck and a forest of shrapnel in his back. They cautiously started to make their way up the stairs, only to be stopped by Cookie.
“Where you going lads?”
“We want to help fight the Nemesis.” Farren’s eyes glistened.
The cook eyed them suspiciously. “Well, we’re quite a few men down. I can’t see that it’d hurt. Aye, alright. Just stick with me.”
He walked them to the end of the corridor and opened a door.
Farren and Aeolus glanced into a room stocked to the brim with weapons.
Cookie grabbed two swords and handed them to the boys.
“Do you have any crossbows?” Farren asked.
“Crossbows? We’re not game hunting you know. We have rifles.”
“Yeh, but I’m faster with the bow,” Farren insisted.
Cookie rummaged through the weapons and emerged with a dusty crossbow and a handful of bolts.
“Best I can do, lad,” he said.
He grabbed twelve knives and tucked them into his apron.
The three men made their way onto the deck.
...
Although Renard was pleased to see the man of war destroyed, he knew that they were not out of it yet. The row boat was being paddled furiously towards Chad and the other pirates still on the island. But the Navy flagship was clearly only minutes from firing its cannons. Not only that, he could just make out the other two ships slowly coming around the other end of the island.
“Captain, what do you want to do?”
“Let’s attack the flagship.”
“Quoi? What are you talking about?” Renard was clearly shocked.
“We need to give Chad more time. They will not suspect a quick attack and we can then try and grab Chad and escape. If we sail at them head on and then turn at the last moment, we’ll have our best chance of avoiding their cannons.”
“Hmm. It’s dangerous, but ‘ey, why not?” Renard grinned.
...
Farren and Aeolus stood for a while on the deck, open mouthed. As they were below deck during the explosion, they did not fully understand the extent of the destruction, until now. The crew were busy arming themselves and the boys could see the Admiral at the helm looking out at the Nemesis which was rapidly closing in. The deck was awash with blood and bodies. Shards of wood were embedded in everything, and everyone. Several of the large sails had tears through them, and they noted that a number of the crew were carrying injuries. The boys looked at each other. This was not looking good.
“Climb,” said Aeolus.
“What?”
“We need to get on the Nemesis, right?”
“Well, yeah,” Farren replied hesitantly.
“So we need to climb up there,” Aeolus pointed up at one of the sails, “and swing across on the rope when they attack. Hopefully in the confusion we can find what we are looking for.”
The boys started to climb.
...
James turned to the Admiral.
“Sir, they are sailing right for us.”
“James I can see that ol’ boy. I’m not an idiot.”
“I wasn’t sayi ..”
“Their obviously planning to attack. Fire the cannons anyway. Ready the men for battle. And James …”
“Sir?” the Lieutenant replied.
“… leave the captain for me.”
...
The pirate captain’s cloak billowed in the breeze, one hand on the rope and both eyes staring at the Admiral.
The crew stood, weapons poised.
The Nemesis drew closer.
BOOM!
BOOM!
The Navy cannons spurted out their deadly cargo which whizzed past the Nemesis, as it continued to bear down on the man of war.
“Ready!” yelled the captain.
“RRAAARR!” yelled the pirates.
“Attack!”
The pirates grabbed their ropes and leapt into the void between the two ships.
Chapter 10
Discovery
Sam had always believed in what the Navy stood for, until he joined up that is. It was not the fine, moral bastion of all that was right and good in the world, as he had once thought. It was cruel, corrupt, and every bit as immoral as the causes it fought against. Yet Sam had stayed. He wasn’t sure if it was through a sense of honour, or a misguided belief that things would improve, or if it was just too much of an effort to change. He was regretting that decision though, as he saw the Nemesis draw closer and closer and heard the blood curdling cry of the pirates. He turned to the sailor next to him.
“This is really it then? The Nemesis, I mean?” he gulped.
“Oh it’s the Nemesis alright.” He looked at Sam, “Look don’t worry, they’re only human. Well, most of them…”
...
PMP!
PMP!
PMP!
The pirates flew through the air as the navy crew unloaded their muskets. Several pirates dropped into the sea and a watery grave.
Farren and Aeolus took their chance and leapt across the chasm.
The Nemesis loomed closer and closer.
“Now!” yelled Farren and they let go of the ropes and, for one agonising moment Farren though they would hit the side of the ship, before they scraped over the side and crashed onto the deck of the Nemesis.
...
BMMP
The pirates landed on the deck. The Navy crew took a step back. The Admiral walked down onto the deck. Renard unsheathed his sword. There was a moment’s silence, both sides waiting… waiting, as if assessing each other. The pirate captain stepped forward, and slowly removed the hood.
The Navy crew gasped. Admiral Douglas Fairclough smiled.
The pirate captain was … a woman!
Her blonde hair was tied back and a livid scar was gouged across the side of her face. Her eyes were fiery and glared at the Admiral. The cloak she was wearing was open now, revealing her tunic, which she had tied around her waist. The crew could see a large gaping, jagged hole that had been gouged out of her left side. A round metal object jutted up in the hole, out of her hip, like a column that was preventing her body from leaning over.
“What the devil …,” said Sam.
The sailor next to him whispered, “That must be Mara, the pirate queen.”
“But ..,” Sam was lost for words.
“She was attacked by a shark. Rumour has it that it took not only her flesh, but her heart and soul on that day.”
Sam had no more time to take in the horror of the situation as they all quickly discarded their muskets, grabbed their swords and charged.
The pirates thrust and hacked with their swords. Renard calmly dispatched the already injured crew, with an expressionless face. The Admiral and the Pirate Queen walked through the melee oblivious to everything but each other.
Cookie saw the Pirate Queen advancing on the Admiral and grabbed one of his knives and threw it.
It whistled as it spun through the air towards the Captain’s neck.
She ducked instinctively and it flew harmlessly out to sea.
Soon they were face to face.
The Admiral was the first to speak, “It’s been a while, Mara.” He looked her up and down. �
��You look well … considering.”
She looked at him coldly. “Douglas, it was never a pleasure. You don’t seem surprised that I survived your betrayal.”
The Admiral shrugged, “You weren’t the one I was trying to kill. Unlike now, of course, where I will derive great pleasure in slaughtering you and your crew. “Or,” he paused, “I might let you live … as my pet.”
Mara drew out her two swords and the Admiral raised his.
This was personal.
...
Farren and Aeolus got to their feet. There was only a skeleton crew on board the Nemesis, but they raised their weapons anyway. They glanced back at the man of war and saw the furious fighting on the deck.
Farren stopped. “The pirate captain’s a woman!” he said incredulously.
Aeolus dragged him towards the stairs in the middle of the deck. “I know. Let’s go, we don’t have much time.”
Farren stood his ground. “What do you mean, you know?”
“Look I suspected. Everyone’s heard the rumours that the captain of the Nemesis was a woman. Now unless you want to talk to her yourself, let’s go!”
Two pirates emerged from the stairs and were startled to see the youths beginning their descent. Farren fired his crossbow and the bolt embedded itself in the forehead of the nearest man. Aeolus threw his sword and the other pirate fell to the ground with it sticking out of his chest. Both young men were breathing hard. Farren loaded another bolt and Aeolus retrieved his sword.
They cautiously continued down the stairs, stepping over the bodies of the two men. The corridor stretched in two directions.
“Let’s split up,” suggested Aeolus, “We don’t have much time to find what we are looking for. Just don’t be long. The crew will return soon.”
Farren agreed and went left down the corridor.
Aeolus watched him go and then rushed purposefully down the right hand corridor. He passed several doors until he came to a large oak door.
“Hey, you!”
Aeolus turned to see a pirate rushing towards him, drawing his sword. He quickly threw his sword … and missed.
The pirate advanced on him and swung. Aeolus ducked and dropped to the ground. He thrust his foot up and kicked the pirate between the legs. He cried out in pain and dropped his sword. Aeolus retrieved it and promptly stabbed the stricken man in the chest.
He turned back to the door and opened it. Inside were the captain’s quarters. Aeolus moved about frantically. He needed to find the other half of the map. But he couldn’t see any sign of it. Where would she keep it? He clenched his fists in frustration.
...
The Admiral was surprised at the ferocity of Mara’s attacks. He was sweating profusely with the effort of combating two swords, let alone her cloak, which kept swirling around and concealing her attacks.
He thrust.
She parried.
The Admiral slowly felt himself being forced back in the onslaught.
...
Farren kept walking down the narrow corridors, his bow raised. He was thankful that his quick reactions had already allowed him the first shot against the last two pirates he had encountered since leaving Aeolus.
“Nanna,” he whispered as loud as he dared.
Another pirate opened the door behind him.
He swivelled and fired, hitting the man in the arm.
Farren rushed and punched him in the jaw.
The man fell to the ground.
Farren shook his fist. That really hurt!
He was about to go when he heard a low groan from a nearby room. He quickly reloaded his bow. Farren cautiously approached the door and then quickly opened it, bow at the ready.
He gasped at the sight before him.
...
Renard watched the swords whirling in Mara’s practised hands. She had learned quickly, he’d give her that. He glanced back at the Nemesis and saw that the other two man of wars were sailing quickly down the beach. They would be in firing range very soon. Too soon. He ducked a clumsy sword swing and sliced off the man’s arm.
“Captain,” he yelled, “We ‘ave no time!”
Mara did not stop her assault. The Admiral leaned back as the sword whistled past his nose. He grimaced as the second sword emerged from the swirling cloak and nicked his side. He yelled, “Now! Shoot!” and from the upper deck two sailors stood up and aimed their muskets.
PMP!
PMP!
One pirate dived in front of Mara and caught the bullet square in the chest and fell to the ground. The second bullet hit her in the arm. Her sword clattered to the deck. The Admiral saw his chance and raised his sword.
Renard heard the shots and saw the danger his captain was in. As the Admiral raised his sword, Renard threw his dagger.
WHW
It flew through the air…
The Admiral’s sword came down.
...
Farren blanched at the smell of the rotting corpse in the corner of the room. Chains connected the congealed flesh to the wall and three rats obscured its face. In the other corner, was Nanna.
She too was manacled to the wall and was slumped to one side, groaning quietly. Farren rushed over to her. She was a pale shadow of the lively woman who had raised him. Her face was sunken and hollow and her matted hair hung over her face. Her soulless eyes looked up at him.
Tears streamed down his face, “Oh Nanna.”
“Farren,” she croaked. Her shaking hand caressed his face. “Farren, the captain, she ....”
“Shh Nanna, it’s ok. I know about the captain. We have to get you out of here.” He attempted to lift her but then remembered the shackles that held her.
“No, the captain’s …”
But just then two pirates came in the door. Their initial shock gave Farren enough time to recover and fire his crossbow. The bolt lodged in the pirate’s neck and he fell to the floor gurgling. The other pirate fired his flintlock as Farren rushed him. He jumped at the sailor and was a whirling dervish of fists and rage. Despite his initial surprise, the superior strength of the pirate allowed him to begin to gain the upper hand. Soon, Farren was lying on the ground, the man’s knees on his chest. The pirate grabbed the dagger from inside his boot and raised it above his head …
...
Renard watched the dagger as it flew right at Mara … and through the hole in her side.
The Admiral grunted as the dagger sliced into him.
His sword clattered on deck as he clutched the wound.
BOOM!!
BOOM!!
The two man of wars were closing in on the Nemesis and had started to fire their cannons.
Renard rushed over and grabbed Mara.
They started to run towards the edge of the man of war. The remaining pirates turned, grabbed their ropes, and began to leap back.
...
The pirate stared at Farren, with his sword raised.
A trickle of blood came out of his mouth. He fell forward, a sword protruding from his back. Aeolus stood behind him. “C’mon,” he said.
Farren turned to his Nanna, but she was still, the pirate’s bullet having done its work.
Sobs wracked Farren’s body. Aeolus half dragged him from the room.
“We have to go. Those cannons mean the navy is almost here which means the pirates will be back any moment.”
They ran up the stairs, just as the pirates started to swing back. Aeolus pushed Farren over the edge and then jumped in himself.
...
Admiral Douglas Fairclough roughly pushed the sailor who was trying to tend his wound away.
“Just a scratch, boy. Why are we not firing on that blasted ship?!” he yelled, “James!”
The Admiral surveyed the ragtag crew that had survived. His casualties had been horrendous. Bodies littered the deck. “If it wasn’t for that shrapnel …” he fumed.
...
Captain Mara was also furious.
“Captain, we must leave ‘im,” Renard insisted.
BOOM!!
The deck shook as the cannonball hit the Nemesis.
Mara could see the rowboat containing Chad and the remaining crew battling furiously to get to the Nemesis, but she knew they could wait no longer.
“Let’s go,” she said.
The sails unfurled and the Nemesis began to move out of the deadly crossfire.
Mara watched forlorn, as Chad began to draw further away.
The three remaining men of wars had neither the turning capacity nor the speed to match the Nemesis and it soon increased its distance from the island. However Mara did not feel victorious as she stood on the deck, her cloak unfurling in the light breeze.
Chapter 11
Where to go?
Peter’s eyes flickered. He groaned. His whole body throbbed with a dull ache. Everything felt stiff and his face was tight and puffy. Peter struggled to open his inflamed eyes and blinked furiously, unaccustomed to even the faint light from the candle. The pain was excruciating. As his eyes adjusted, he surveyed the room. There was blood on the walls, everywhere. People were groaning and screaming. He saw bits of wood sticking out of some men, stab wounds, and missing limbs. The stench of decay permeated the room. Peter saw the doctor sawing a leg off a screaming sailor. He struggled to take it all in. But shortly a smile crossed his face. “I’m alive,” he thought, “I’m in a living nightmare, but I’m alive!”
...
Farren and Aeolus watched the Nemesis sail off swiftly into the distance. They continued to tread water in the large shadows of the three man of wars.
“We should turn ourselves in,” suggested Aeolus.
“What?” Farren was flabbergasted, “We’re finally free – let’s just swim for the island and make the best of it.”
“Farren, it’s not going to work,” sighed Aeolus, “to start with, the Navy will see us swimming for the island and are bound to kill us. Even if we somehow get past three man of wars – who’s to say how long we could last on that island before help may or may not come. Besides, I have a plan.”
“Frankly, Aeolus, I don’t care.”
Treasure Lost Page 8
