Hades's Revenge

by Tolles, T. Lynne

  Jessop stared at her smirking face for a moment until all he could do was laugh.

  “Maybe there’s hope for me *cough* after all,” he sniggered.

  “Do you have a cold?” she asked.

  “No. I just get this annoying hack from time to time.”

  “I might be able to help with that.”

  He scooted away from her as a jest and she smiled for a second. She pulled out a pipe and packed it with herbs.

  “I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t think smoking is a very good remedy for a cough.”

  “Give it a chance. I have a similar affliction—why else would I carry a pipe around?”

  She lit the pipe and handed it to him, which he hesitantly took. She urged him on with a scowl. He surrendered and took a couple of puffs. Within seconds his chest felt less constricted and he could inhale fully.

  “That’s astounding. What is it?”

  “It’s a mixture of herbs…rosemary, lavender, thyme, eyebright, and coltsfoot leaves.”

  “I’m very grateful. Thank you. I haven’t been able to breathe this deeply for a month or more.”

  “I’ll give you a pouch of it before you leave.”

  “That’s very generous of you.”

  The wind was starting to pick up on the water as the sun began its descent into the ocean. Its light glowed on her face and brought out an iridescent sheen upon her mahogany locks making them look almost on fire. Jessop had never seen anything so beautiful in his life and he started to lean in to kiss her when he stopped himself knowing how inappropriate it would be.

  What was he doing? Had William been right all along? Had he fallen in love with a girl he’d only meant once? But surely that couldn’t be for they’d known each other for months on the ship, and for God’s sake, she’s dressed as a man.

  But somehow none of that mattered. It was if now that the veil of secrets had been lifted, things seemed clearer. Or maybe it was just the blow to his head earlier.

  “You know that he…the captain, is getting worse,” she said having not noticed his moment of insanity.

  “Is he?”

  “Yes. He told me not to burden you with his condition, but he’s had two collapses on the ship and I’m quite certain his leg should have be taken. He just keeps putting it off as if another day will make all this madness be solved tomorrow. He’s dying, Mr. Andrew, I mean Mr. Aster…”

  “You can call me Jesse. I think we’re familiar enough with one another, don’t you?”

  “Yes. I guess we are.”

  “I’m sorry. It must be hard watching him deteriorate minute by minute.”

  “It’s awful.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “Truthfully, no, but I wish you could talk some sense into him. I’d rather be here where we’re not being watched and he can live out his days in a less stressful arrangement. I don’t know how much longer we can keep up this charade on the ship.”

  “If his leg needs to be taken, how will I explain that to the officers? Or what if he collapses again and dies? What will become of me?”

  “I can’t answer your questions, but I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I do think if I can inform William and Olaf of what is happening, they can help us cover all the possible scenarios that could arise. I, too, wish the captain would retire his duties. Do you know why he won’t?”

  “It’s the ship. Any money he ever had, has been invested into the Revenge. It was the only way he could have a ship without having to explain why he had no credentials after he left the navy.”

  “What about the money from selling the goods to the patriots?”

  “Each plunder is split up among the men as wage. He has a little money set aside, but most of it he sends to me for food and herbs for his illness.”

  “And the lighthouse? Does he own that?”

  “Massachusetts owns the lighthouse. Mother and I accepted the duties as lighthouse keepers and collect a modest stipend for the supplies and maintenance of it. She thought it was a way to be closer to father when he was away. When mother died, I applied for the position and since I already lived there and knew how to maintain it, they granted me acceptance. The problem is that with me away, I’ve had to delegate the work out and if I don’t come back for a more permanent stay, Massachusettes may revoke my tenancy.”

  “Makes for more complications, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes.”

  “I agree with you. Something needs to be done and soon.”

  She nodded as she contemplated, looking out over the ocean. “I suppose we should be getting back.”

  “Yes, and I should be heading to the inn before anyone gets suspicious.”

  They returned to the lighthouse, heavy in thought. Jessop talked a bit more with the captain about a possible alternative and tried to change his mind about going back to the ship, but the captain would not hear of it so he said his goodbyes and headed to the inn.

  At the inn, Jessop enjoyed the company of his friends, but his conversation with Patience about the captain’s health weighed on him. He needed back up and decided the only way to keep the captain and Patience safe was to bring William and Olaf in on the secret.

  They’d have to go somewhere that Fin’s followers would not over hear any of their conversation so he had the barmaid pack them a basket of food and another of blankets and made arrangements with the three to spend the evening elsewhere.

  They ventured down the path once more, Jessop looking back often to see if they were followed, which seemed to intrigue Olaf and William as to what was happening. They passed the rock where William had laid the stinky coat and he was thrilled to see it was still there.

  “Look…It’s still here.”

  “What is?” Olaf said.

  “The coat,” William said inspecting it.

  “Remember when we scrubbed down William in the shower because he stank so badly. This is the coat that gave him the lethal stench,” Jessop explained to Olaf.

  “It doesn’t seem to smell as you said,” Olaf said suspiciously sniffing the air near the coat.

  “A few months of rain, wind, and airing out will do that to a coat,” Jessop laughed.

  Once they spotted the old barn, Jessop again, looked around to make sure they had not been followed before entering the weathered structure and closing the door behind them.

  “You’re being very mysterious,” William said happily putting on the coat.

  “You might want to check that for critters, it having been in the wild for so long,” Olaf stated.

  “Naw. Any friend of the coat, is a friend of mine.”

  “Good thing there wasn’t a skunk living in it.” Jessop laughed.

  “Or a tarantula. Or viper curled up in the sleeve or pocket.”

  “Stop that,” William said, but then nervously checked the pocket.

  They all had a good laugh and with one more check out the door to see if anyone had followed, he sat on a bale in front of where Olaf was starting a fire.

  “I brought you both out here because I needed to tell you about some things that are brewing onboard.”

  “Does this have to do with the secret we talked about?” Olaf asked.

  “You told him a secret and didn’t tell me?” William said a bit disappointed.

  “I didn’t tell Olaf the secret we just talked about the difficulty in keeping a dangerous secret. And to answer your question, Olaf, yes.

  “Things are getting bigger than I can handle by myself and in order to ensure the safety of those in danger, I thought I’d recruit my most trusted friends.”

  “This is going to be good,” William said excitedly.

  “So, what is it?”

  Jessop educated them on the captain’s decline in health, as well as his former naval career and then told them of Patience’s true identity.

  “And you thought you’d never have any reason to see her again,” William laughed.

  Jessop gave him a reprimanding r
aise of an eyebrow. “The point is you know how Fin has been digging in my past, if he catches wind of a woman being on board or the captain’s health…”

  “Mutiny,” Olaf said.

  “Yes. And he’d kill Patience and turn over the captain to the British Navy for a bounty.”

  “Why doesn’t the captain just take off with his daughter and live out his life somewhere else.”

  “I think he would if he had the means, but everything he’s earned has gone back into the ship, her crew, and his daughter.”

  “What can we do about it?” William asked.

  “I’m not sure we can do much except protect them if the worst happens. The captain suggested possibly taking me on as the first mate.”

  “Now, there’s a way to make enemies with Fin.”

  “The captain feels that if by taking this position he’d gain the favor of the men that we’ve won with the inventions and what not. It might buy us some time for the captain.”

  “It doesn’t matter how much time you buy him, it’s not going to be enough to buy his retirement,” William said bluntly. “Let’s face it, he’s dying.”

  “I know. He’s just so worried about Patience and how she will fair without any inheritance. If either of you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.”

  The two men looked sullenly into the growing flames of the fire in silence.

  “I heard, too, that Fin had some ‘surprise’ for you when we get back to the ship,” Olaf said with regret.

  “That can’t be good,” William said.

  Jessop raked his fingers through his hair in frustration.

  “Do you have any idea what it is?” William asked Olaf.

  “I’d guess it has something to do with the journal he found when they ransacked the Victory.”

  “A journal?” Olaf asked.

  “Crock’s journal,” Jessop said directing it at William.

  “Oh. Even worse.”

  “Why?” Olaf asked.

  “That’s what Fin was threatening me with when you stepped in the other night,” Jessop said to Olaf.

  “Something about your name?” Olaf remembered.

  “Yes, and that my father is wealthy supporter of King George,” Jessop said.

  “There goes your supporters on the Revenge.”

  “No doubt.”

  “Remember what I told you about secrets, Jesse?” Olaf said.

  “That we all have them?”

  “Yes. I happened on Fin’s room and found the door ajar. Worried that something might be wrong…” Olaf said sarcastically, “I popped in to have a look.”

  “What did you find?” William asked.

  “Just two identical journals of bookkeeping and inventory.”

  “Why would he have two copies of the same thing?” William wondered.

  “Because one was far more depleted in cash and inventory giving the appearance that the captain has been taking a little extra for his pocket,” Olaf explained with a knowing smile.

  “Why would the captain say he has no money if he’s been taking the crew’s share?” William asked.

  “He’s not taking from the crew, William. Fin is framing the captain with a dummy set of books so he will gain the support for his take over. He has to have the majority vote or it can’t happen.”

  “Olaf, do you think this is part of the surprise tomorrow?”

  “If he plans on announcing your true identity AND the captain’s embezzling, yes. I’m guessing he’s planning on taking over.”

  “What can we do?” William asked.

  “You have to warn the captain,” Jessop said.

  “I have to? Why don’t you warn him? You’re the one who’s been dealing with him.”

  “Because I’m going to try and reason with Fin.”

  “There’s no reasoning with Fin,” William said.

  “Have a hankering to visit Vahalla?” Olaf asked.

  “No, but the captain says he’s respectable.”

  “Someone framing another person is not respectable,” William retorted.

  “I have to try.”

  “Then I’m coming with you,” Olaf insisted.

  “What? I have to see the captain alone?”

  “The captain is less likely to kill you, William,” Olaf said.

  “You don’t know that,” William said under his breath.

  “Fine, then let’s get on with it. The captain is just up the path a little further at the lighthouse.”

  “Hmph…” William grumbled. “But I’m taking the food.”

  Olaf and William chuckled at his adolescent demand.

  * * *

  Olaf and Jessop made good time getting back to town and made a beeline for the ship. It was dark and the stars shone very brightly through the faint passing clouds.

  Fin rarely left the ship—he had his little army to take care of trivial things on land. As they got close, cloaked by the darkness, Jessop could see someone aboard the ship looking very out of place with a white powdered wig that seemed to reflect in the lantern light like a golden moon.

  Jessop whispered to Olaf, “Do you have your eyepiece with you?”

  “Yes.” He yielded the telescope from his belt and handed it to Jessop. “What is it?”

  “There’s someone on board with Fin,” Jessop whispered.

  “There’s always someone onboard with Fin,” Olaf whispered back. Jessop spied what he could through the long brass cylinder and focused in on the coiffed gentleman onboard.

  “Yes, but this someone happens to be my father,” Jessop said troubled by his sight.

  “There’s a surprise,” Olaf said looking through the eyepiece as he did.

  “Indeed.”

  “What are you going to do now?”

  “I don’t know.”

  They watched them talk for a few minutes and then one of Fin’s men escorted the gentleman by dinghy to a ship anchored in the bay a hundred yards out.

  “Why do you suppose he’s here?”

  “I’m guessing to take me home. Surely Fin will be paid handsomely for returning me.”

  “Will you go?”

  “I couldn’t go back to the life I knew. I’m a changed man.”

  “Then you’ll stay a pirate?”

  “I’m not sure a pirate is what I am either.”

  “Sounds like whatever you decide to do, will be a life changing deal for you.”

  “Yes, and I think it’s about time,” Jessop said as he headed to the end of the dock where a small row boat jostled back and forth in the water.

  “I’ll meet up with you on the morrow,” he said as he sat on the cross slat and positioned the oars in their rowlocks and glided towards the tallship his father had boarded.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The morning came fast for Jessop who had a long and arduous evening to say the least, but if he were to help his friends and take control of his own life, this had to happen.

  He met up with Olaf and William in the snaking trail of men that headed for the Revenge. Their eyes met but there were no words spoken. When Jessop looked towards the back of the line, he could see the slightly limping barrel of a man heading up the rear with his slim cabin boy carrying his gear just behind. He wasn’t sure they saw him until his eyes locked with Patience and the grim look she bore on her face.

  William said, “Did you hear that a bunch of settlers formed their own semi-autonomous government called the Republic of Watauga a few months back. I’ll bet King George won’t like that. I also read that John Adams suggested a Committee of Correspondence to write a declaration of grievances. He wrote a paper he’s calling Rights of the Colonists and another gentleman named Warren has written a list of infringements and violations of rights. People are talking about it all over Massachusetts.”

  “Seems things are swiftly changing everywhere,” Jessop commented as they headed down the dock and onto the gangplank. There he spied his father shading his eyes from the sun and standing behind an uncharacteristic
ally smiling Fin.

  When all were gathered Fin started. “Thar be a few things we be needin’ to hash out before we weigh anchor. This gentleman here has come to collect his high falutin’ son for a wee bit of a fee for his safe return.” There was a murmur of surprised talk among the men as he continued.

  “Our own Mr. Andrews is none other than one Cornelius Aster.” Shock echoed through the crowd of pirates and there were a few sniggers about the name Cornelius.

  “While working the details of our lucrative trade, a much more disturbin’ bit of information met me dainty ears,” Fin met Jessop’s gaze with a smile and said, “Our captain is fishin’ to meet Davy Jones ’imself. He’s been pulling the wool o’er our eyes fer some time now, not to mention goin’ against the code an’ bringing a woman aboard the Revenge.”

  Outraged cries were heard from the men. “That’s right, men, Patrick is no cabin boy but the captain’s own daughter.”

  Hands from behind the captain and Patience grabbed them both, shoving them to the front of the crowd, while the men gasped and Jessop could see Stubby just about faint at the thought that a woman had been aboard all this time. Patience struggled and glared at Jessop, calling him a pig as they were placed next to Fin.

  “Now, now, boys. The captain’s been good to us. His mind has been addled by his illness and I wish ’im no harm, but a crew still has to eat, so we’ll be taking the Revenge as payment fer his sins against us.”

  The captain stood in silence, shifting his weight off his bad foot. Patience was struggling against Bloody Harry Cash and throwing insults at Fin, the crew, and Jessop that would have made even the fiercest cursing pirate blush.

  Fin said, “Well, looky here, boys, maybe we were wrong about the woman. With a mouth like that, she might indeed make a right proper pirate,” he continued, “To ease yer departure from us, I’ve taken the liberty to pack yer things fer y’all.”

  A hand full of Fin’s men came forward, one carrying an open air crate with Patience’s cat and Salty within. Three others had bags and smaller kegs and a closed crate of all the belongings of the captain and his daughter.

  The last man was dragging William by the arm, his hands tied behind his back and an old duffle bag Jessop could only assume was William’s and his belongings.