FictionPress.com - let the words flow| FictionPress.com - let the words flow |
| Home Just In Communities Forums Beta Readers Dictionary Search | Login Register Extras |
Boston
Massachusetts
1732
Lord Julian Birmingham sat in his study, double checking the trading route for his newest ship. He had the largest merchant ship business in the colonies, and it was almost as powerful as the East India Trading Company itself. Son of a Lord, he was born extremely rich in London. When he was 20 he decided to amass a wealth of his own (along with his family fortune), and decided becoming a merchant was the best way. He was not wrong. Using some of his fathers money, he bought a ship and some supplies, and began trading around the world.
He soon found that the colonies of America were desperate for supplies, and since the E. was the main supplier, they would buy from him in half a heartbeat. Once again, he was not wrong. He soon set up shop in all the major ports, such as Boston, Charleston, New York, and Williamsburg. He had recently moved to Charleston to get involved in another trade- the triangle trade. He never liked it that much, and didn’t actually have slaves of his own. But the profit he got off it was extraordinary and he would keep it up for as long as he could.
Sadly, his father had recently died, and the title of Lord had been passed down to him. He didn’t mind one bit. A ship he had commissioned, The Serenity, had finally been finished, and he was forced to go to Boston to make sure it was built properly. It not only would be carrying his precious cargo, but the daughters of his personal friend- Admiral George Walker- and Mr. Edward Stapleton, his most trusted advisor.
He had examined it that day, and everything was perfect. The ship would cast off the next week. He got up and poured himself a glass of brandy. It was a long day, and his head was throbbing.
“Good evening, Lord Birmingham,” a voice whispered in the shadows. Birmingham jumped and dropped his glass. He slowly turned around, trembling.
“Good evening yourself, Evanwood. What may I ask brings you here?” he greeted weakly. Captain Lyman Evanwood was always bad news, and was made even worse by the surprise entrance.
“I understand that you are launching a new ship in a week. The Serenity, if I am not mistaken. I am here to make a deal with you. As you know, my ventures with most merchants do not always end well for the merchant’s ships- or the merchants themselves. Now I am a fair man, Julian. I mean you know harm. You have a very good business, and I commend you for it. However, I am afraid you have made a serious mistake in the hiring of the crew and officers,” Evanwood began humbly.
“Mistake? I do not see how I could have. The crew is respected sailors from around the empire, and most of the officers are the pride of the navy,” Birmingham asked, completely confused.
“Yes, that is true. Unfortunately for you though, you have hired a captain and first mate who just happen to be… how do I put it?… my unworthiest adversaries, if you will. Now, as I have said, your business is wonderful, and I have no wish to harm it. Matters must be taken about it however. This is my proposition: I will give you two ships from my fleet, and will not harm any of your other ships so long as I live. I will protect you ships from other pirates as well. I just want The Serenity.” Evanwood finished, pouring himself a glass of brandy himself.
“You want me to give you my ship?” Birmingham asked, not quite understanding the captains meaning.
“Not exactly. Let me put it this way… I want you to fire some of the sailors and install some of my own. I want you to send it out and begin its course to Fiji. Let it go as planned. About halfway through, I wish to destroy it. I want that damn Captain Fairbanks and that petty excuse for a sailor Hamilton to crash and burn, my dear Lord. I believe it is a fair trade.” Evanwood began to laugh and sat down in a chair a few feet away.
“Never! That ship is the best in my company, and what’s more- I do not make deals with pirates!!” He shouted furiously.
“I will attack that ship either way Lord. Do you want me to destroy all your other vessels as well? I am guaranteeing you the protection of your fleet in exchange for one ship. Do not be stupid.”
“What of the Admiral’s daughters?”
“Should you not be able to convince them to stay here, I will give them safe passage to the nearest civilized island. I told you, sir. I want Fairbanks and Hamilton. The best way to get them is to destroy their ship. No more, no less. I have no reason to harm the girls. Take my deal, Birmingham. I am a man of my word, and I swear, on my honor, I will not go back on it should you agree.”
“I have no other choice. I can’t win either way, but siding with you at least gives me some good out of it. What do you have against Fairbanks, anyway?” Birmingham asked, giving a deep sigh and sitting down.
“That is my concern only. Good evening, Birmingham. You have my word, I swear it. It was a pleasure doing business with you,” he said, standing up. They shook hands to seal the deal, and Evanwood walked out.
Birmingham looked out the window and saw his ship on the harbor. It was a beautiful ship, and he regretted the thought of loosing it. He also regretted the loss of Captain Fairbanks and Lieutenant Hamilton. They were amazing sailors, the best a person could get. Sighing again, he slowly walked to the table and poured himself one more glass of brandy. He downed it in one sip and blew out the candle. Slightly intoxicated, he stumbled to his room and was in a deep sleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.
