I found meself staring at these men, agog. Always a winning strategy, if you means to draw attention to yourself. Not too smart! Even the nearsighted–given this much time to study the matter–might discern that I was not a shining example of a regimental regular. To worsen me lot, those two "barristers" were likely to recognize me from Kingston, and set the hounds on me. I turned away and moved away.
Looking out on the water, I saw several ships of the fleet, with sails unfurled, riding at anchor. And there was our beloved vessel: no sails, no masts, just a ruined hulk. I won't even attempt to express to you the emotions caused me by that sight. There was nothing left for me there, and no good I could do, save garner information.
Eavesdropping on any and every conversation as I milled about–attempting to appear consumed in some duty–I gained more insight into this operation. 'Twould seem they'd long sought us out. Furthermore, that operation had as much to do with that man, Pankhurst, as it did with the king's business. Was all this done to "rescue" Annalea? The expense of these doings had greatly to exceed the modest ransom requested. And the cost in blood? It made no sense this way. But if it was true, if this was a rescue mission, then there was strong reason for hope that Annalea was alive and unharmed–and a glimmer of hope that anyone attending her would be likewise unharmed.
I also discovered that they'd become awares of our own use of spies and intelligence to track the movements of royal patrols; that had prevented them from combining and moving on us in force, 'til the last possible moment. So, they'd not dared enter our waters, prematurely. They'd not wanted to take us on with less than full force, nor tip their hand, allowing our possible evacuation and escape. They meant to destroy us!
But 'til they landed, they had no idea how vast Nemusmar was–how many natural features they must contend with; nor did they realize how great were our numbers–and ferocious our warriors. Word was, their approach to the settlement was stalled. Something else caught me interest; they were offloading animals. And onshore, these fine horses were being assembled and decked out with saddles and bridles. I overheard some blokes saying as how the cavalry should be able to break the stalemate and overrun the "pirates." That was interesting. Mayhaps–I thought–I should discover more of their plans, afore slipping away to join me people. As best I could–ass-end-to, as to avoid recognition–I sidled closer to those officers, that captain and that Pankhurst.
The captain had been joined by an army officer of senior rank, who was giving orders to several officers in attendance. He told them there was to be no quarter given; there were to be no prisoners–and no survivors, save the black slaves who could be dropped and sold at Kingston. "The rest, regardless of sex or age, we've made no provisions for, and we've no use for–other than 'ballast' for the gallows. And I'll not nursemaid the scum back across the ocean to England, just for the formalities of a trial. Make certain that every last one of them is dead, and then torch everything that will burn."
The British captain added, "Remember what we said earlier. Any man who brings back the body of a young, blonde-haired woman, gets the bounty of a guinea. And if it is the right woman, the bounty shall be two guineas."
One of the officers asked, "Should we try to bring her back to you alive?"
Quite loudly and emphatically, Pankhurst hisself answered the question, "NO!"
Enough! I heard enough! I knew all I had to know. Now I must act! Sprinting to where the horses stood ready, I leaped into the first available saddle, drove both me heels into the beast's hide, and charged headlong through the multitude, making good and prompt me escape. I did not look back to see–nor did I care–what those scoundrels made of this bizarre departure. I heard some shouting–but no shooting. I knew I'd get clear of the bastards!
Admittedly, it had been awhile since I'd been ahorse, but when you've a knack for something, you never lose it. And we cut trail, swiftly, as if that horse had winged hooves! As I approached ever nearer the settlement, I moved through numerous companies of British regulars–too bruised and shaken by battle to notice or care what I was about. As I cleared the last rise, and first glimpsed the settlement, I was heartened to see 'twas not ablaze. That meant me lads still held sway.
At the base of that rise, I pulled fast the reins and shouted that horse to a halt. Thankfully, I'd thought to undo and discard that soldier's coat and cap; 'twould not do, to be mistaken–and shot–by me own, as some crazy, "lobster-back," one-man menace on the charge! As the uniform fell to meet the dust of the trail, I was already at the outskirts of the settlement. I slowed me mount to a trot. Now, I was again disheartened. Strewn all about me, on the ground, were familiar faces–beloved faces of compatriots. Dead, stone-cold faces–some with eyes fixed wide open–staring at me, or past me, as if to petition succor from the Lord, hisself!
The crack from a volley of musket-shot brought me back to earth! And the sudden crumpling of me steed from under me sent me tumbling into the earth head-over-heels-over-head-over-heels! I came right back up, bruised and smothered in dust–and fighting mad! I gathered me cutlass and waved it like a maniac, jumping and screaming curses at those in the settlement!
Back came a loud voice. "That can only be Crockett! Hold your fire! Is that you, Crockett?"
Could be only the captain's voice–and as sweet to me ears as the voice of Gabriel.
"'Tis indeed me, Cap'n!" I shouted me response. "And I do so humbly apologize for arriving tardy to your affair! By-the-by, under the present circumstances, is it economical to be shooting at your own best man?"
"Me best man? How the cock does crow!" was the captain's reply.
Me mind moved directly to me most important question; but afore I could ask it, came the answer. "Papa! Papa!"
Me Annalea was safe! For now.
Curiosity had brung several "lobster-backs" to the top of the rise. Beaten back and disoriented 'though they were, they'd not miss out on such an easy, lone target as me–right out in the open, and within range of their muskets. Did I mention what poor marksmen these regulars were, as individuals? I took their first few shots to be notification of intent.
Looking quickly about for the nearest available cover, I dove behind the carcass of the dead horse! The next few shots penetrated his hide. Me mates in the settlement now let go an explosive volley in the general direction of the enemy. I'd've guessed those "lobster-backs" were out of musket range from the settlement, but they were too shook to consider distance; they scrambled behind that rise.
Then came a crashing sound as if the heavens opened up to loose a deluge! I could hear the cannon ball whizzing overhead! It landed just aft of the rise and returned a spray of red material–some bits of uniform, some bits of flesh and bone. Me lads had cannon! No wonder those "lobster-backs" were so skittish ('though their discretion was to no avail–being, as it was, retarded).
I stood up from behind that poor horse and leisurely dusted meself off and strolled into the settlement. When me eyes spied Annalea, come out to greet me, me stroll became a trot and then a gallop! A broad smile was on her face and tears were in her eyes, and her arms were outstretched, wide. I caught her up in me arms and swung her 'round and 'round and 'round and 'round. Her golden hair danced and splayed through the air like a gossamer halo surrounding and crowning the Lord's own favourite angel! And when her feet touched back down to earth, that "angel" resumed (without changing) to be a "princess!" I'd've liked to express to her, at that moment, all me fears and emotions, and tender her me love and devotion; but I could not stop bawling like a baby!
Then all was pandemonium as me mates rushed out to greet me, and swamped us in the process. They literally carried Annalea and me back behind the barricades. I was just overwhelmed with joy to see all those haggard–but beloved—faces. And the smiles on those faces brought hope back to me heart–as the first sight of Annalea had brought me happiness and deliverance.
Orke swung me down and around and placed me right afore
the captain. "Ha, ha! Well, Mr. Crockett, better late than never! I'd thought I would have to win this war without your able assistance. Did you oversleep this morn?"
I reached out and embraced the man, kissing him on the cheek: and then the same with Orke, and then Estaban–who was standing by Annalea. I could have kissed them all! But then I spied Mam' Tiére seated on a stool, cradling a wounded arm just recently bandaged–and showing the crimson of fresh blood through the bandage.
I moved right to her. "Those bastards!"
I knelt aside her and she laid her head upon me shoulder. Always preferring to be the comforter, not the comforted, she said, "It go'n be alright. Yo's heah, safe'n sound, an' da family am t'gethah, agin. Das all dat mattah. Now, doncha go fret none."
Annalea came over to join us in this embrace, and for a few moments, our spirits combined as one peaceful, unperturbable soul. We broke off, reluctantly, when I heard the captain's voice, "Mr. Crockett! A word, if you would."
I returned to the captain.
"Crockett, we've much to speak of."
"Aye, sir, and mayhaps a great deal more than you realize."
I'd pricked his interest–and his concern.
"How so, Crockett? Is there a more urgent matter than that which envelopes us, and of which I am unawares?"
"That of which I speak is a crisis of considerable proportion, Cap'n, but not a more imminent threat. It is more a matter of relevance."
"Crockett! You seem to deliberately avoid saying more than you tell!"
"Aye, Cap'n, it is deliberate. What I've need to tell you, is not pressing but it best be private–for now."
"Well enough, Crockett. I've urgent rounds to make in preparation for the next onslaught. I doubt we've much time. Try to rest a-spell. We'll meet alone, when I return."
He turned on his heels and made for the door. I shouted after him. "One immediate concern, Cap'n! They've horses! Their next attack shall be fronted by cavalry!"
I moved to a quiet, secluded, corner table (much as we are at, now) to sit alone and rest and recuperate. Within moments, I was joined by Annalea, which was nice. And then I was joined by Mam' Tiére, which was fine. And then came Orke–quickly followed by at least a score more! Obviously, I'd have as much opportunity to remain unmolested as a boisterous Protestant ambling through the Vatican! And each and every "visitor" had a story of recent peril and valour which demanded telling, at that moment. And all at the same moment!
And they all were thrilling tales, well-worth the telling. But I was most eager to hear from Annalea and Mam' Tiére. And I was most curious as to why I'd not noticed them in that flood of émigrés escaping from the "lobster-back" menace, as I fought me way "upstream," against that tidal wave of humanity. Discovering them was me object. And they could sail right past without me notice?
I shushed and shushed the rest, that I might hear just Annalea speak. Then I begged her pause her own narrative which had been lost to me in the confusion. "Start again, me love, and tell us of your night."
"Since you were not home, Papa, we had a most enjoyable eve. I... I mean, since you were not there, we set out to enjoy the eve. I mean... I...."
"Wha' da po' girl mean," Mam' could endure this prattle no longer, "be dat wit' no man under foot–needin' reg'lar, unendin' carin' foh–womanfolks kin enjoy dey own comp'ny, an' dey own ways."
"Aye, Papa," Annalea returned, restored, "'twas just Mam' and me. We went out under the stars and had a wonderful gab: most to do with women's particulars."
"And where was your 'shadow' all this time?" For I was surprised that they could bear to part company.
Ignoring me facetiousness, she answered, "Don Estaban and Gaspar were invited to dine with the captain. As you know, he's much avoided them since their initial meeting. And he's been particularly cool toward Estaban since they bandied words and philosophies, on that memorable day. The captain decided 'twas time to take the measure of these men. What other motives, or intentions he had for them, I don't know; but I was glad for the meeting, and hopeful of the outcome.
"Having dear Mam' to meself, and trusting in a rapprochement between the captain and Estaban, I was in a serene state, and of an optimistic disposition. That was all I meant–and what I was trying to express–when I said 'twas an enjoyable eve, without you there, Papa. I know not how many hours passed, sitting under the stars, basking in the luminous glow of that perfect moon. Mam' and I prepared to retire, within, when we heard such a thunderous rumble as seemed to cause the ground 'neath our feet to quake. Mam' noticed the sky out over the harbour seemed afflicted by vacillating daylight. In an instant, that part of the sky came as bright as noontime–and the stars disappeared from the sky! Then–gradually–it darkened, again. And as the starlight began to flicker through the darkness, again came the dawn–instantly and brilliantly!
"Sheer fright drove us indoors, where we huddled together in the dark for several moments, listening to the booming 'thunder,' beyond. We stayed absolutely silent–listening, waiting for the world to end, and half expecting to hear the voice of God. What we heard, instead, were human voices: muffled–a bit distant–obviously speaking English, but sounding unfamiliar. Mam' said we were letting our imaginations carry us away. It must be you, or Estaban, or both, come to explain that strange display of light and noise, and put our minds to ease. We unlatched the door and peered outside. But what was presented was not you, but strange men in uniform, prowling about. And one headed direct to our doorway!
"We slammed-fast, threw back the latch and bolted that door. Mam' scrambled for your loaded musket hung over the mantelpiece. And I retrieved your pistol and a cutlass kept by your bed. The banging outside the door–and against the shuttered windows–became ever more intense. 'Twas obvious they were hammering with more than fists and gun butts. That sturdy, hardwood door began to crack–and then splinter! The shutters off the windows came flying 'cross the room in pieces!
"A tall soldier with a sword in his hand attempted to hoist hisself through the window. Mam' shot his face away! A man who'd been attempting the same at the other window took heed and shrunk fast-down, releasing his grip from the sill. But our relief was short-lived. The door burst apart, splinters flying everywhere and hinges fell to the floor, as the large log that'd battered it finally broke through!
"The first soldier that dared cross that threshold, pistol in hand, I shot with your pistol, Papa. Would that the ball had gone through a dozen more! But it did not, and they kept coming! We sought to retreat, as the next one came at us with drawn sword. I raised your cutlass to deflect the blow, the strength of which snapped the cutlass from me grip. I prepared meself to meet the Lord, as that soldier swung back his blade to deliver the fatal thrust! Yet the Lord was with us, acting through the strong arm and brave heart of Mam'. In less than a heartbeat, she'd retrieved your cutlass and–leaping at the man–drove it hard-down on the man's skull, halving it and spilling brain matter all over us!
"Now the room was filled with angry soldiers. The first that could reach us slashed Mam's arm, causing the loss of that cutlass and leaving that horrible wound you've seen. It appeared to be Mam's time to join the Lord. But the Lord was our Saviour, and his instrument was Gaspar, who came running through that shattered doorway like an avenging angel, wielding a long, sharp pike which he ran clear through Mam's assailant!"
"HA! The old skulker finally served!" I blurted out. "It's about time that Spaniard earned his keep! Where is the old bastard? Let me compliment...."
"Papa! Gaspar is dead!"
"Oh, pet, I am so sorry. Estaban, I meant no disrespect. He was obviously a good and courageous warrior."
Annalea continued. "Those ungodly soldiers fell upon him afore he could even remove his pike from the carcass–stabbing and hacking at him–venting their hatred, and fear. Through the tears that had formed, I glimpsed Estaban, and me heart leapt! First he, then the captain, then Orke, set upon th
e scoundrels and disembowelled them! Relieved and exhausted, we all embraced, standing in a river of blood.
"As I discovered from Estaban, they'd been delayed by the necessity of hacking away and clearing out several of the king's own, trespassing on our grounds. Being the closest to our quarters, Gaspar–when he heard me scream–charged through the doorway to our rescue–and his doom. Oh, Papa, if we'd only the time to do him a Christian burial–or, at least, pray over him. But the captain was insistent we not tarry, so we had to leave that brave soul there, smothered in the carcasses of those devils."
"Don' worry, chile," Mam' interjected, "da Lawd knows his own!"
"So the place was still standing when you left?" I asked.
"Aye, Papa. Is it no longer?"
"I'll explain to you later, sweet. Tell me what ensued, when you left home."
"Well, the captain insisted we leave without hesitation–and without time to gather anything. But Mam' and I delayed; we would know your whereabouts–and your condition. When you did not appear with the others, we feared for your safety. None had seen you since the day before, but the captain tried to assure us of your well being–and the urgent need for departure. I insisted that we must be here when you come for us (as I knew you would, Papa), and Mam' was adamant that we would not leave 'til you arrived. Whereupon, Orke dragged off Mam', and the captain and Estaban picked me up and carried me away! When the captain convinced us 'twould be smarter to search for you than to wait for you, we ceased to struggle and were allowed to walk–or run–on our own.
"I wondered out loud if we were making for the captain's quarters, for protection from these roving bands of soldiers. Estaban tried to explain to me the magnitude of our peril: that we had more to contend with than a few isolated bands of marauding mercenaries. I should've realized that, meself, for the deafening boom of cannon and the bright blazes of so many fires, raging all about us. As to seeking shelter at the captain's quarters, I saw for meself the hopelessness of that prospect. Oh, Papa, the devastation!"
"I know, pet, I was there."
"Papa, we had to hold our breath and quietly skirt 'round the property to reach water's edge. Looking at those ruins and the corpses strewn all about, I could hardly imagine how Estaban and the others escaped being massacred. And I broke down, sobbing when I reflected on how many happy hours of childhood I'd spent in those surrounds with you and the captain and cook. Afore me bawling could attract a regiment, Orke clamped his hand tight over me face and hefting me over his hip, gently and silently carried me through the brush. The last few hundred yards were the most fearful: literally inching our way towards the water's edge–fearing detection at any moment. Soldiers were swarmed like locusts within and without that compound. Discovery must mean our end. No matter how valiant our little band, we'd soon be torn asunder.
"Finally–mercifully–we reached journey's end. The captain brushed away the scrub that cleverly concealed our salvation: a longboat with oars at the ready! Orke stepped into the water and lifted away the rocks from the line that moored that boat. And Estaban assisted Mam' and me in boarding. Within seconds, we'd shoved off. We crept gradually along the shoreline until we'd rounded the isle and come into the cove, just nigh of the 'tomb.'"
The captain burst through the door of the common house. With no hesitation in his stride, he moved immediately 'cross the room and cut rudely through the crowd there gathered. "We shall talk now, Crockett!"
"Aye, certainly, Cap'n," I responded, sitting up in me chair, "but first I must co–"
"Now, Crockett!"
"Aye, certainly, Cap'n!" I was on me feet.
"Come with me, quickly, Crockett!" He'd as better said, "Follow me, if you can;" for it was as much as I could do to give chase as he dashed back through the door and out into the light.
With some considerable effort, I finally caught up to him on the far side of the settlement, departing the outskirts, heading down the path toward the "tomb" and the cove, beyond. Already exhausted from the past night's adventures, this spontaneous sprint left me too winded to speak intelligibly, "Cap'n! I... we must... we speak... you stop! ...must talk!"
"Not yet!" he yelled, without breaking stride. We came upon the "tomb" and he stopped, short.
I damned near ran over him. I'd full expected we were running into the ocean!
"I apologize, Cap'n."
"'Tis alright, Crockett. I should apologize for putting you through this; but time is not our ally. Now, quick-to, inside!"
I stepped into the "tomb" with the captain right behind me.
"Here we can speak," he said.
I'd wished to talk privately; but I'd not've thought it necessary to be "entombed" to do so!
The captain continued, "In short order, I must lay out our future to you. But first I must know about this 'crisis of considerable proportion' of which you spake."
'Twas obvious to me the captain was gravely concerned, as he'd remembered me exact words. In abbreviated format–but with exaggerated gestures, as was me way–I presented to him the long in short of me expedition from the settlement to the harbour and back again. And I provided him the intelligence I'd gathered on the way. Saving the best (or worst) for last–with full dramatic effect, I revealed the presence of the "barristers" and the identification of Pankhurst.
This revelation stunned the captain, same as it had me, originally. He found need to sit down, suddenly. Then he looked up to me, still standing. "Our poor, dear Annalea. What could this mean? Well, if she is the prize they seek, they shall be grievously disappointed! I guarantee that, Crockett!"
I sat aside him. "I know what you feels, Cap'n: how it boils the blood! But where it concerns Annalea, I must be realistic. We can guarantee nothing. I see our cause as hopeless. Aye, we could hold out awhile longer–and we shall: mayhaps another day, mayhaps two. But our finish is inevitable. I've told you in detail of their overwhelming strength and their irrefutable determination. Ultimately, they'll take the day."
I took note, by the way his eyes widened and his breaths quickened, that the captain was about to interrupt me–no doubt, with some blustering pomposity about how we'd vanquish the foe. But I'd not be done so, this time. I rose to me feet and, looking to him harshly, I said, "Afore you utter a word, hear me through! I've no comprehension of why they'd want me sweet angel dead–or what they might do to her if taken alive. But I'll not find out! And no one shall benefit from her death! I've made me decision. I know what I must do!
"No matter how hard or bloody the fighting, today, we must each take the time to spend a few, last, cherishable moments with Annalea. Tomorrow, afore dawn, I'll ask her to walk out with me–one final walk. We'll walk to the edge of the settlement, where firewood and kindling are stacked. And there–then–with her eyes to heaven, I'll send her soul home. I'll shoot me own, beloved child, and then burn her body–so that no bastard shall ever find her, or know of her!"
All that said, I fell back to sitting and cried into me hands.
"Crockett, dear Crockett," I heard the captain seeming to console me. "If I believed–for the briefest moment–you were capable of such a deed, I'd slit your throat, right now!"
"But Captain...." I blubbered.
He slapped me on the knee and bewildered me with his grin. "Annalea shall not perish! Nor Crockett! Nor I! Nor as many souls as I can save! Crockett, I have a plan!"
Well, to be honest, I was not immediately enthused. 'Twould be easier, and quicker, to count every ant on every ant hill on Nemusmar, then to recollect how many times he'd uttered those words, "I have a plan!"
But I thought to meself, "Take stock of your wits. You are drowning, and the man is throwing you a line. Grab onto it!"
After all, this was the captain, and–for true–he was a marvel! I'd witnessed him–time and again–guide us through the worst storms and the fiercest battles. And it always was as if he'd foreseen the outcome. 'Course this was the worst anything ev
er was–or could be. Was he capable of meeting this challenge? Of course he was, he was the captain!
"I know," he continued, "'twould seem we've failed to properly conduct our master plan, but no plan we could conceive would have prevented an invasion of such massive proportions–so cunningly contrived and concealed. And, while I honestly did not imagine we'd be confronted with Armageddon, itself, I was always a bit suspect of our capability to execute that plan as intended. Therefore, I've long considered other alternatives and–with the knowledge and aid of Orke, alone–made other arrangements."
"Orke? Alone?" The hurt shown on me face must've been evident to the captain.
"Crockett, you are too close to Annalea. And you and she, too close to Mam' Tiére. And Mam' feels responsible to her people. Me secret preparations would have not remained secret for a week. It had to be Orke! Now, it is too dark in here to see what I've to show you. Take down that torch and light those lanterns."
Having done so, he beckoned me to help him push aside the stone slab on which we'd sat. For a second, I feared he was exposing some rotted corpse. Or mayhaps he was raising Lazarus to help us scare the "lobster-backs." As he swung a lantern over the opening, me eyes squinted from the dazzling reflection of golden objects. I'd been sitting–and crying–over the Spanish gold!
I cried out, "Blimey! 'Tis here! 'Tis all here!"
"Shut yourself, Crockett! We've no need of the town crier! Anyway, 'tis not all: but nearly half. We'd never be able to take it all, without the ship; and at that, with all our people–as originally planned–'twould have meant several trips over considerable time. All that is past now. We'll take all we can, and blast this structure with powder when we've finished. Hopefully the rubble will bury the rest, safe, 'til we return."
"Take it? Take it where, Cap'n? How?"
"We're leaving Nemusmar, this day, Crockett. And we're not leaving as paupers. What there caught your eye is just the spillover of trinkets. The rest–underneath–is snugly stashed in small chests, easy to transport. I'd also had various provisions, from our preparations, moved and stored here and beneath the common house. I've lads assigned, as we speak, transporting stocks to the cove, loading and making ready."
"Loading? Onto what, Cap'n?"
"I've had every longboat and skiff and workboat–and every raft which can be lashed to a boat–assembled at the cove. And they're being prepared for our departure."
I was aghast. "You mean to take them into open water and across the high seas?"
"Do you have a plan?" he snapped back.
"No, sir!" I admitted.
"Now, all that remains to be done," the captain spake over me response (doubtless, knowing I had no plan worth considering), "must be done in the quick-to. We are near out of time. Meself, and those I've sent to reconnoiter, have spied the enemy's ships edging cautiously down the shoreline. As you reported, 'tis obvious they knew not the breadth and scope of this island. And the resistance, thus far encountered, has caused their expected lightning advance to become stagnant. In their ignorance, they may have concern about the possibility of yet another–unknown–harbour, with one or more other ships, now lying in wait for 'em. This is our moment; our enemy is disoriented and disorganized. And, for the moment, he procrastinates. And, be it only for a moment, the tide turns in our favour. This is our moment; and in this moment, you and I shall save the day!"
It appeared as if there were fires in the captain's eyes as he divulged the details of his strategy. As so oft' happened, I was spellbound by his eloquence and enthusiastic presentation. But I absorbed the details, fully, and understood me responsibilities, completely.
As we prepared to return to the common house, the captain finished with, "To set all of this in motion, I need only one thing more: a 'goat!'"
I smiled. "That should be easily acquired, Cap'n."