Crossbone Children and the Orphans of Avalon

by Gregory Ellis

  Olingworth scooted his chair closer and whispered, "T'was Peck who took 'em off the ship when she docked. He pressed them poor devils into working on his plantation. And I hears it weren't no law what took them. It was a bribe! Them constables were paid by Peck to round up them children and ships 'em here to Port Royal. The government don't know noth'n about it, savvy? When I seed them poor ragged babies gett'n off that accursed ship, I knowd there be trouble a brew'n. Them little ones were taken strait away to the fields, some younger than ten and a few girls too; God help 'em!"

  A couple of men walked into the tavern and selected a table on the opposite wall. Cumberbatch remained calm and tried not to let his anger show, "A bribe says you?"

  "Aye, a bribe!" Olingworth pushed back from the table with disgust, "I done some terrible things in me day, but kidnapping and put'n children in chains ain't one of 'em!"

  "Some more terrible news Mate." Olingworth said. "They captured Edward Turnbuckle. He's in a cell up in Fort Charles. They gonna hang 'em in a day or two."

  Cumberbatch whistled, "Gawd, haven't seen Turnbuckle for years. We served in a few privateers during Queen Anne's War. Short little stub of a man, but a powerful temper! Didn't he berth alongside Blackbeard for a spell?"

  "Aye, but when they killed Blackbeard, Turnbuckle took one of Blackbeard's ships and escaped. It took a few years but they got him and his crew. Tried and condemned, now the'll hang the lot of 'em.!"

  Olingworth motioned Cumberbatch closer. "A wee little bird told me that after the war, Peck was pay'n Turnbuckle to continue to pirate these waters if'n he gave half his booty to him. In return, Peck was to protect him from the law. Someth'n must've gone afoul between 'em cause now Turnbuckle is gonna hang."

  "Not like in the old days when pirates ruled the Spanish Main." Cumberbatch sighed, "A bad end I say."

  "Aye, and don't you be forget'n it neither… just in case you decides to go back to pirating!"

  ————

  The next morning, Peck requested John accompany him out to the fields in order to survey the progress of the harvest and how the plantation was run. Peck supplied John with the appropriate clothes for touring the plantation but said nothing further about John's mother passing away.

  "Can you ride a horse John?" Peck asked. "Or would you prefer a carriage?"

  "A horse will do fine. Of course my father kept several horses on our estate and we rode quite often." John did not relish riding through the fields on this miserably hot day, but he was determined to learn the location of the other children.

  Duncan smiled, "Excellent, we can cover more ground that way." Two mounts were brought around to the house by a stable boy and they mounted and trotted off to the sugar cane fields.

  John kept mental notes of everything he saw. Where the house sat, the stables, the lay of the grounds and roughly how many servants were present. As they rode, Duncan took it upon himself to instruct John on the subject of running a sugar plantation. He explained the process of planting, harvesting and processing the cane to extract the sweet juice contained in the stock.

  Years ago, John's father explained the process to him so as they toured the fields, John did not ask many questions. He wanted Duncan to think he knew nothing about it and was rather disinterested in the whole affair. One thing he saw did disturb him. John saw many black slaves along with a few white adults and children laboring in the relentless sun.

  The fields were in different stages of the growing and harvesting process. Some were newly planted, some fields had stocks at various lengths because it took anywhere between eleven and eighteen months for crop to mature. The stocks could be as tall as 20 feet and two inches in diameter. A well run plantation had harvesting going on at all times. The slaves would burn the leaves off the stocks and then cut down them into different lengths. The stocks were thrown into big wagons and transported to the processing area. The sugary liquid would be extracted and with further processing, they created sugar, molasses and rum. These products were in high-demand in England and throughout Europe by those who were willing to pay whatever the cost. The key was slave labor which was mostly imported from Africa, but even slaves cost money. The children from London apparently cost nothing or very little for a well-place bribe.

  At length, they came to a field that was being cut down and the stocks loaded into wagons. It was here that John saw some of the young children being used. Peck paused as he explained the process. John listened intently and when he finished John asked, "And where did you find the children to work here?"

  "These children are orphans transported here by law from London. It seems they pinched their last purses from the good honest citizens of London so they were sent here, sort of an outside prison if you like. You happened to be on the second ship full of children. The first ship arrived nearly two months ago. Actually, these have settled in rather nicely, only lost a few so far."

  John made light of the situation and maintained his aristocratic air, "Good heavens, I should think they would have perished on the trip over here, what. The ones onboard my ship did not look as though they could last a few days, let alone a few months!"

  A rough looking character holding a long whip galloped up to them and stopped. There was something about this man that John instantly took a disliking to. The man was overweight, with greasy black hair protruding from under his round straw hat. His breaches and waist coat were filthy. He had a sinister look about him that left John cold.

  Duncan said quickly, "Ah… excuse me John, but I must have a word with Thaddeus, my head overseer. I won't be long, feel free to walk about if you need a rest from that saddle." The two men walked away talking in hushed tones.

  John sat in the saddle and watched the never-ending parade of children coming out of the field with bundles of stocks on their backs to be thrown into the wagons. He saw boys as young as eight and some as old as himself. The few girls were used to load and stack the stocks in the wagons. At the back of the second wagon, he saw an older girl with light brown hair tied in the back. She wore a coarse tan dress, covered in dirt, sweat and stains from the stocks.

  The girl stood up for a moment to stretch her back. The sun filled in the features of her face that had been hidden in the shadows of her broad-brimmed hat. He urged his horse toward the wagon. Within a few yards, he dismounted and walked the rest of the way. He was not used to riding and his knees and ankles ached from straddling the beast. He pretended to be interested in what was going on as he stood next to the wagon and watched. He glanced around to make sure Peck could not hear him.

  The girl glanced over at him, but paid no attention as she jumped down from the wagon, and the driver whipped the team into motion. The next wagon was coming down the road to be loaded. John took one step toward the girl and quietly whispered, "Is your name Ava?"

  The girl did not look up, but kept her eyes on the ground. He asked again, "If you are, I know your brother Buster Jack."

  She slowly looked up, the look of understanding washed over her face and almost shouted, but John held up his finger to his lips indicating to be quiet. "Don't let Sir Duncan see us talking."

  She lowered her head again but asked, "How do I know you're telling me the truth about my brother?"

  John smiled and whispered, "Because Jack told me how your mother would tell both of you stories of King Arthur and his knights. He said your mother taught both of you to read, but Jack did not take it seriously."

  A slight smile spread across her tanned face, "Stupid Jack… he could've learned. Just too lazy!"

  Smiling, John continued. "I was a passenger on his ship. I don't have time to explain how we became friends, but Jack is well and bids me to find out if you are well."

  As he spoke, he looked at her face. She appeared younger than him. Despite the dirt, the stains, the tattered dress, there was strength and resolve about her.

  She did not smile but quietly said, "As well as can be expected for a slave!" she said defiantly.

  John felt p
ity for her. "My name is John… John Henry and we are planning to get you out of her as soon as we can."

  She asked, "Where is Jack?"

  "He's in Port Royal." John whispered, "I promise I will get you out of here."

  She hesitated before replying, "As much as I want to leave this place, I cannot leave the others behind. They look to me. We've already lost seven of the younger ones and three of the older children." She hesitated then finished, "I don't go unless we all go!"

  John did not know what to say. Freeing the others was not something they had considered. He turned and stroked his horse's head as he said, "We will think of something, but it may take some time. I swear we will get you and the others out of here." He paused then thought of something, "Where do they quarter you at night?"

  "In a stockade over next to the base of that mountain." She nodded in the direction of the mountain she spoke of. "They put us in huts at night with the doors chained and guards patrol the compound."

  "Are there just the children or others as well?" He asked.

  "Just us, I think they want to keep us separated from the others.

  Ava turned away as she said, "Peck and Mister Bloody Thaddeus are coming and the next wagon is almost here."

  As Peck approached, John led his horse up the road as if he was just looking about. But as he walked away he heard her say, "Thank you." He did not reply.

  The rest of the afternoon Sir Duncan and John rode around the plantation. Peck was proud of the way the plantation was managed, and talked incessantly of the process from planting, cultivating and harvesting the sugar cane. "Your father invested wisely in my plantation and made your family quite a bit of money." he admitted. John did not really hear him. His thoughts were on the Ava and how he was going to free her and the others.

  At last, they turned their horses back to the mansion; none too soon as far as John was concerned. It had been too long since he was on a horse. When they reached the back of the house, a couple of stable boys took the horses. Sir Duncan led the way into the house and into a large room filled with books. They were met by a servant carrying a silver tray with two tall glasses of refreshment. Peck sat down heavily in a big leather chair which seemed to mold around his body. He removed his hat from his sweaty brow and breathed a great sigh of relief. "Plantation life is not for the weak my boy. It takes a strong man to run one of this size!"

  John sat down in a high backed chair and tried to appear relaxed. "Tis a dusty, dirty job from what I saw, but still… necessary I suppose."

  Over a lavish dinner that night, Peck told John more about his father and how he had set sail for Antigua to negotiate a business deal there. "The ship returned two weeks later and Captain Doddle reported that a sudden storm washed you father overboard without a sound. Doddle said they searched for him for quite a while, but of course, found nothing."

  John watched Peck's eyes as he explained the mishap. The story seemed rehearsed and polished as he told it. John felt anger building up inside him, but kept his eyes level as he listened to his lies. What kind of man keeps children and others as slaves to do his bidding?

  "I see… thank you for that, Sir Duncan."

  "He was a dear friend. With your mother and father gone, I suppose you will be returning to England to take up your family's estate. It's a shame that one so young must carry the burdens of such grown-up responsibilities."

  John looked down at his plate of food as he said, "Yes, quite a responsibility." He explained further, "While in the Navy, I made up my mind after four years it was not to my liking. I look forward to the life of a gentleman of position ashore. I suppose I will just have to bear it the best I can."

  Peck displayed no emotion as he slowly approached the next subject. "Why would you want to take on those responsibilities? You should turn over this burden to someone that has experience in such things."

  John could see Peck's mind churning with excitement and decided to play along. He mused, "Besides my family's lawyer, who could manage our holdings?" The net was cast.

  Peck leaned forward so that his chest almost touched his plate of untouched food. "If… I could be of any help in that department… I would certainly deem it an honor; in memory of your parents."

  John smiled. This fish was anxious to climb into the net. "I would be most grateful, Sir Duncan. Just thinking of having to be engaged in all this commerce, gives me a frightful headache, what."

  Duncan sat back in his chair, "Splendid! I will have a letter drafted for your signature, turning over the running of your holdings here in Jamaica, and all the other businesses in the Caribbean."

  With a gleam in his eye Duncan smiled to reassure this pompous boy that everything would be fine. "I will, of course, keep an accurate account of all proceeds, just like I did for your father. The funds will be transferred to your accounting firm in London, nothing will change. You are already well off, and will be even richer without the burden of management. You can go where you like… do what you like without a care for the future."

  John had to control his anger. He pushed back from the table. "If you will excuse me Sir Duncan, I'd like to retire to my room for the evening." He had to get away from Peck so he could think.

  Peck smiled as he said, "Of course, my Lad. I'll have the papers drawn up for you to sign in the morning. I'll also arrange for your transportation back to England at your earliest convenience." Then as an after-thought he announced, "In fact, Captain Doddle is sailing at noon tomorrow if you like."

  John stood up. "That would be most kind, Sir Duncan. Thank you for your help, and being a friend to my family. It shall not be forgotten." In deed it would not be forgotten for as long as he lived. John turned and made his way upstairs to his room. By the time he was alone, he was red in the face and seething with hatred for that man. Taking unwanted children in London and making them slaves was more than he could take.

  Chapter 14

  The Dark Princess Appears

  Tossing and turning in bed, sleep eluded John. It must be about 11 o'clock he thought. John decided to get dressed and go downstairs, and perhaps sit out on the terrace for some cooler, fresh air. He carried his shoes so as not to make noise on the highly polished wooden floors. He slowly opened his bedroom door and peered around it to make sure no one was there.

  He crept down the dimly lit hallway to the stairs. Once downstairs he silently walked through the main room and out onto the terrace. He sat in the same chair as he did the day he arrived unannounced and laid down his shoes and socks.

  The night was clear, the stars twinkled above and the full-moon painted the grounds in shadows. He unbuttoned his shirt and felt the cool offshore breeze across his naked chest and bare feet just like he used to do when not on duty in the Navy.

  From where he sat, he could see little of the fields, but thought of Ava and the other slave children and how he was going to keep his promise to her. His thoughts quickly vanished as he heard voices coming from within the house. He quietly stood and took a step toward the door and listened more intently. He could hear two voices, one was Peck's but the other voice was not known to him. It sounded like a woman. He saw shadows moving inside a room off of the main room. It must have been Duncan's office, he thought. Their voices were low and John could not quite hear what was being said. Curiosity got the better of him and he slowly made his way across the room towards the doorway. He crouched down just outside the room and tried to control his breathing so as not to be heard.

  John heard the woman say, "I am disappointed in you, Sir Duncan. I expected the gold to be paid already. My army cannot wait much longer!

  Peck replied, "Your Highness, if I may… the gold has been collected and is stored safely on an island. The payments to the others will be made shortly. Of that I can assure you."

  "I have been patient for hundreds of years Sir Duncan. Now… the time to act is upon us. If you expect to be rewarded when I take the throne, you had best do better than this!"

  "But Princess Morgana… Tu
rnbuckle betrayed me and upset our timetable!"

  John chanced a peek around the corner through the open door but could see only Peck. The woman named Morgana was hidden in shadow. Was she really a princess, he wondered.

  "You say he will hang?" she asked.

  "Yes, tomorrow afternoon. Turnbuckle will be silenced forever!"

  John heard the woman take a few steps before he heard, "Good! Then get the treasure and make the payments to our allies. Do not fail me!"

  "Begging your pardon, Highness, I must first dispatch the son of my late partner. I thought his ship went down in the last hurricane, but he suddenly showed up in Port Royal yesterday. We cannot allow him to return to England. "

  A moment passed before John heard her reply, "Be quick about it. We must make haste before we are discovered. The others have grown in strength."

  Peck replied humbly, "As you say, Princess."

  She was leaving the room. John scurried away from the door and hid under the tablecloth of a low table. He drew back the cloth just in time to see the woman leave the room and walk through the main room and out onto the terrace. She wore a dark hooded robe that completely covered her. John could dimly see she carried a black staff in her hand. She looked like some kind of wizard or something. His memory flashed to the encounter he had with the Lady of Lake. This woman was the complete opposite from what he could see.

  Without a word, she raised the staff and a thick black mist enveloped her and she disappeared from view!

  Before he could take another breath, someone came through the front door and went into the room where Peck was. John crept out from under the table and edged closer to the door again. Their voices were low but as he got closer he finally heard the newcomers voice say, "… it might be suspicious if he were to disappear aboard the Sugar Cane. The same ship his father disappeared from."

  Duncan replied, "No one knows he is here Captain Doddle. The Hopeful was reported missing and as far as anyone is concerned, he is already dead along with those street rats I paid for."