Forbidden Shadow: Thanks! I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for the advice. I tried to keep it down in this chapter, but you know me. I get them all chatting away. Hahaha! They were on top of things! Hope you enjoy

Constantine01: Yes, it does. I think I have one more before this in me, but I count it as the beginning. Yeah, there isn’t much cause for me to in the other stories, but I enjoy it. I lots more characters to come forward, so there’ll be fun. Thanks for the tips and I hope you enjoy!

On with the show!

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Chapter one: The Glory

Spain, April second, 1600

The waves in the distance and the wind through the grass were the only sounds within range and that’s what made me wary. We had cheated those pirates and they should have been upon us by now. I looked over at Regales who seemed as relaxed as he always was. I did not understand how he could show no emotion at a time like this; beyond the devilish smile he always bore. He glanced at the sky from time to time and I wondered what he saw. In these past two years I had failed to decipher this cunning man and something told me it was better to be this way. He met my eyes and stood up from the tall grass. No shot was fired at him and I followed suit.

“Something tells me they are waiting,” Regales said crossing his arms

“If they are, they will not find us unready,” I said looking around

I could see the men were all on their stomachs, as silent as the grave, just as they had been instructed to be. They were a good bunch of sailors. I let my eyes scan the tree line and still nothing.

“Where are they?” I muttered, knowing they should have shown by now

“I don’t like the looks of things, Captain,” Stone spoke

“Neither do I. Take Regales and fan out to the right. Tippin, Wit, Cole and I will make our way to the left,” I directed, “But be discreet. I want none of what happened in Kingston.”

Regales smiled wolfishly and nodded. Stone merely nodded and indicated Hess to join them. They fanned out and I directed Tippin, Witt and Cole to follow me. Tippin stood stiff backed and I knew he wanted to say something in protest.

“Sir?” He asked

“If it is about Regales, hold your tongue,” I said before he could start

“I still do not see why you trust him,” Tippin was never one to lower his tone

I could have answered him but I didn’t. It was difficult to explain the bond I had with Thomas Regales without sounding like I had been out to sea for too long. I trusted him with my life and I had no right to. He had proven a loyal sailor and even friend over the last few years, though I still wonder about that night.

“It is not for you to wonder, Tippin,” I said, tired of the same old argument

“Captain.”

I looked over at Cole who was gesturing to the far trees. There was movement along them and I could vaguely make out the outlines of five men. I motioned us to go to ground and they obeyed. I balanced on the balls of my feet and watched the men move slowly, as if they were waiting on something. I knew they were looking for the crew. I doubted they would find them before they came upon us.

“There are only five,” Wit pointed out

“Five to our four,” I said watching them still

“Wit and I will come from the far side. You and Cole should come at them from this side,” Tippin directed

“If we’re going to do this, we are not doing it the military way,” I said looking him right in the eye “We are not aboard a ship. On land, one must use his head and his wits.”

“What do you suggest?” He had much distain in his voice

“Give us time to get behind them, then I want you to show yourselves.”

“That is a foolish idea!” Tippin whispered

“How did you plan to out flank them when you would be exposed in their range of sight?” I questioned, “This is not the sea. There are no ports or rocks, only ground and a spattering of trees to hide your presence. Listen to me for once, Tip.”

He nodded and I waved Cole to follow me. We slowly got behind them and it seemed to take forever. I was never a patient man. I had learned the art of war as a child, sitting by the fire with my Father. He told me I would never aspire to be a general, for I was too impatient. I do believe he was right.

I watched Tippin and Wit stand slowly and then watched the pirates jump in surprise and scramble around. It was than that Cole and I stood, cutlasses drawn. It was only a matter of moments before they noticed us as well and realized they had been out flanked on both sides. I drew my pistol and Tippin his own. Cole and Wit followed our leads while all five pirates paused and turned in step, uncertain of which way to go.

“Gentlemen, before you do anything rash, I suggest you take into full consideration the situation before you,” I let my voice ring in the silence and they watched me with suspicious eyes “If we open fire, four of you will perish in this lonely place and perhaps the fifth. It is un to you our next course of action.”

Four of them looked to the fifth and I had the impression he was the leader. He was a tall man, out sizing the others and myself, with a flaxen beard and glaring eyes. I knew enough to keep my guard up around men I had no liking for. He finally threw his sword down with disgust and the others followed suit.

“Mr. Wit, these donations, if you’d please,” I directed and he gathered them up as he was told “Now, gentlemen. Explain your business on the coast of such a beautiful country.”

“That be non ‘er your mind, boy,” the leader spoke contemptuously

Tippin took a step forward and I raised a hand for him to stop. I was perfectly contained to his comment.

“Tip, how packed is the hold?” I asked casually

“If you are thinking of guests, we have naught the room,” Tippin answered

“Well, then. A line of rope and shovels will have to suffice.”

They seemed wary then and I held my cool the best I could. A smile was threatening to escape my lips and I knew that would clearly give my bluff away.

“Lupin,” Tippin asked, not knowing what I had in mind

“’tis a beautiful day and I believe our friends would enjoy a bit of time in the sand by the water,” I suggested

“You wouldn’t dare, boy,” the leader was glaring at me, hoping to ware down my resolve

I merely smiled and turned my back on them.

“To the sand it is,” I said lightly

“You heard the Captain,” Cole snapped and I heard them falling in behind me

When we reached the shore there was no sail in sight, nor had I expected there to be. Our new companions looked downhearted at this and shot us contemptuous glances. Cole, Wit, Tippin and myself stood under the over hang of trees that lined the beach while they felt the sun beat down on them. Wit handed his pistol to Cole and sprinted towards where the men had been lying in wait. Moments later they were seen, arising as if they had sprouted from the ground. I marveled at how surprising that may have been if we had found more pirates. As they became closer, I noticed they had accumulated in numbers. At least four of them were not my crew.

“I see you did not come away empty handed, Stone,” I acknowledged his take

“Aye. They thought they had Regales and myself out numbered,” Stone said

“I have sent Cole to the ship for a line and shovels for our guests,” I informed him

Stone looked at me, curiously, but he was always one to put two and two together.

“Have a heart, Captain,” he said, back turned to our guests

“I have naught for them,” I said, envious that he could smile and I could not

“Aye,” Stone tried to sound glum

Moments later, Cole could be seen running along the sand, void of shoes. He had never cared for them. He showed me the line and shovels and I nodded, approvingly. He passed me the shovels and I tossed them at the pirates’ feet. He stared back at me, defiantly and I held my ground.

“Well, You’d best get your men to it, before the sun gets any higher in the sky,” I suggested “’tis hot now, it will be blistering later.”

They glared at me and picked up their shovels. Before long they each had a hole up to their shoulders and I smiled. Wit, Cole and Hess had them stand in their holes as they roped their hands together. Then Cole, Wit, Hess and Regales began to fill them and I am sure that is when their panic rose to a peak.

“What death would you put us to, man?” the leader yelled when he could not longer move freely

“I doubt very much that death will come to you, my good sir,” Tippin stated

“No, but it may come to you! Sail-ho!” The leader yelled, glimpsing the ship that was coming closer to where we were

“Ah, I see The Glory has finally caught up with us. Uncover the long boat,” I directed and Tippin disappeared into the brush with Hess and a few others.

Moments passed until they came from the green brush, carrying our sturdy boat. The leader of the pirates looked shocked and I knelt by where he was buried in the sand, up to his chin. He looked at me now, angered.

“Good luck to you,” I said, congenially

“I’ll have you head! Mark my words, if I do live to fight another day, I will not let you rest!”

I stood and walked towards where Regales was leaning against a tree. He looked at where the prisoners were still making a commotion and fingered his blade.

“That one needs killing,” he said, still watching the leader

“Perhaps, but I will not be the one to do it,” I agreed

“I was not speaking of your involvement,” he said heading for the boats

A moment later, I joined the crew and we pulled along side The Glory. A Newfoundlander, by the name of Luka, threw down the rope and we climbed aboard. Flint was standing at the rail and the boat looked pretty ship shape. He smiled when he saw me and offered his hand. I took it and then offered mine to Tippin. It had always been so upon this ship and so it should always be.

“Glad to have you back aboard, Captain,” he greeted

“Pleased to be aboard,” I assured him

“What be it where you doing on the shore?” he asked, curiously

“Ervin’s men came to collect their possessions. Since we had naught to offer, we have treated them to a day of sun and sand on the beach. That reminds me, did you retrieve the trade goods?” I inquired

“Yes’ir, Captain. No problems at all,” he said, grinning slyly

“Spanish?” I asked

“No, sir, we were stealthily enough to avoid them,” he assured me

“As it should be. We have naught the time for holes in The Glory.”

I smiled, liking the feel of her beneath my feet. Being upon land for a few days can have one missing one’s ship almost desperately, especially such a fine ship. The Dutch had built her and the Dutch know their way to building a good ship, The Glory being no exception. From top to bottom, she was one of the finest ships on the water, not in the command of the Spanish or British armada.

“Tip? Turn her to the wind,” I directed

He nodded and went to the helm. I had to wonder how he could walk with his back so straight, yet that was Tippin. Years in the English Navy had turned him into an officer and years as the son of a gentleman had turned him stiff. I shook my head and retreated to my cabin.

Charts were strewn all over the room and the bed had not been made since before I took to shore four days before. T’was not anything fancy, but it was home. I picked up my quill and paused, holding it over the paper. My thoughts drifted far from the ship, to the main land and to a dark haired girl in Spain who promised she would wait for me, defying her father and her name. The longer I wondered, the more I missed her and the weaker my resolve became.

“Captain?” Stone was at my door

“Yes?” I did not look up

“Tippin requests to know if we are changing course, or if you wish to proceed to England.”

If any chance I was to be given, it would have been now. Yet, as much as my heart ached, my mind knew better. First to England, then to Madrid and if all went well, Isabella would be my wife in the new land. It was spoken of that Sir Walter Raleigh was planning a colony there. I had seen the land and planned to go over the mountains, were people would be scarce, perhaps others would join me.

“No, I think we will keep to our course,” I said evenly

“Madrid is nay out of our way, sir,” Stone was always a knowing man

“I thank you, Stone. However, I will not risk the lives of my crew for a woman who would undoubtedly been happily married to a Spanish Don by now had I not run through her bed room,” I said strongly

“Aye, what a fortnight that was,” Stone spoke, nostalgic

I nodded. Marooned upon Spanish soil, I had been pursued by the King’s men; right through Isabella’s bed room. She’d helped me get to France and then I got myself to The Glory. That was nearly a year ago now.

“Yes it was. Go and tell Tippin. Then have Lao and Harper meet me below so we may go through our take,” I ordered

“Aye, sir!” he answered

He closed the door tightly behind him and I was left alone with my thoughts, yet again. I had the distinct feeling it was going to be a long sail to England, more so than usual. I sighed and put my Quill away. The logs could wait.

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See ya in the funny papers!!! Sonah