pp2-the-ancient-brotherhood-t5159.html

The thunderous roar of the heavy ship guns barked twice more before Captain Erskine McTammany signaled the master gunner to cease fire. The royal marines stood ready, their weapons trained on the deck of the damaged and burning pirate ship. Raising his telescope to his honey-colored eye, Captain McTammany observed the dead and dying pirates strewn across the deck.

A thin, cruel smile crossed his lips as he raised his hand, “ Lieutenant Colonel, prepare to fire.” The marine officer prepped his men, and waited. The Rising Dawn drifted closer to the pink. The masts had been cut down by the powerful guns of the naval vessel. They had come upon the pink hiding in a bay, believing they had eluded the ship that was hunting them.

Seeing the disgusting wreck of a man that waved at him, Erskine focused on him, a scurvy beast indeed. By appearances he was the first mate, the captain probably dead. A single voice carried on the breeze. Lowering his hand slowly he strained to hear what was said.

“We surrender! We throw ourselves on the mercy of the crown!” came the lisping, mocking sound. Lowering his telescope, Captain McTammany looked at the assembled officers with him on the helm deck. His voice steady and grim, “Gentlemen, our piratical friend there has asked to surrender to us. Do we have room for them in the hold?” After a few seconds, the reply came, “We do not Captain, nor do we have a prize crew to sail that damaged ship. From here it appears we’d have to spend several weeks repairing the pink for proper sail.” Several of the officers voiced agreement of the assessment made.

Nodding the captain turned back to the floating wreck, just off his starboard, the poor pirate standing there. Waiting, hoping.

Captain McTammany raised his hand and said aloud, “Fire at will. Prepare to sink the pirate ship. Send them all to hell.” As his hand descended the ripple of musket fire filled the morning air. Screams and shouts, a few pops of return fire, then silence. Collapsing his telescope he commanded absently as he descended the wide plank steps, “Sink it.”
As the door to his quarters closed, the sounds of the guns commenced again, shouting rage and steel twice more before they silenced, and a command was given.

“Hoist the sails and let her run before the wind.”

Out of the murky soup of fog, a swift black vessel slipped into the small English cove. The vessel's outline could barely be picked out of the darkness, not a souls could be seen moving on the vessel, save one man standing tall on the maincastle. The man peered through a spyglass at the sleeping town, as shouts, laughter, and the occasional gunfire echoed across the water from the local tavern. Below on the main deck the crew awaited orders, every fiber in their body tensed in excitement. Their skin blackened by smoke, tar, and soot, they could barely be picked out save for a flash of teeth or eyes.

Closing his spy glass the man made his way down a small flight of stairs to the main deck. As his feet touched down, a squat burly man appeared. "All guns ready sir, shall we fire?", the man asked hoping to get a yes. "Hold your fire till I give the command Master Gunner", the tall figure replied tersely. "Aye", the gunner threw a sloppy salute and drifted back into the darkness. This tall figure was a man of command, of power, he was a captain.

As the captain shifted towards the railing the gunners began pulling out their smoldering ropes ready to light the powder that would fire off the balls of destruction an death. Each rope smoldered slowly, the orange tips flaring out like little beacons through the bleak night, lighting the faces of the gunners. The Captain sighed and turned his attention back to the port.

They were withing fifty yards now, the captain took one last look at the creaking vessels ported at the ramshackle docks. The small fort high on the hill above, the glowing lights from the tavern, and the sleeping town. Sadness glazed over his eyes as his mouth cracked open ready for use. "Fire", that one simple word destroyed the silence, destroyed the darkness, ripped apart the peace that had once been there. All was replaced now with the roar of cannons, the explosion of the shot, and the screams and shouting of the desperate townfolk, and soldiers in the port.

The man turned away from the railing as the town was torn apart, the fort desecrated, and the vessels docked were sunk one by one. Soon the pounding of the vessels gun ended, and was replaced by the sound of smoldering buildings, sinking ships, screaming women, and the cries of the dying. The black vessel glided up to the now almost non-existent dock and halted as the sails were dragged in, and the anchor weighed out. Above the vessel a flag was raised, its fabric so dark it could not be picked out. Yet on the cloth a evil glowing smile glowed out through the mist, the skull and crossbones grinned down maniacally at the destruction wreaked by the vessel it rode over.

The Rising Dawn had been authorized as an independent cruiser, on board were the best of the 32nd foot marines, and a crack crew. The ship had been stocked and supplied for sailing the Western Indies, to hunt and burn any ships of the Ancient Brotherhood they were to come across. There were also another reason the Rising Dawn had so many highly regarded crew. The Rising Dawn was to escort another ship from Port Royal to England.

That ship would carry a special prize, the third niece of the King, and her retinue. They would met at Port Royal, and then depart shortly afterward. The King's niece and her ladies would be disguised as normal travelers to avoid attention, they would mingle in with the other travelers headed to England.

The crew of the Rising Dawn would be told the reason of their mission during evening meal.

'Flintlock' Kelly sat moodily flicking a large golden amulet up and down with his thumb. Chiseled into the amulet was the rough outline of a skull and cross bones, above the pirate symbol a crown hovered. Around the edge of the medallion ancient scrolling was chisled in neatly. Few could read it anymore, Kelly had had to get an old witch to read it for him. "A ship as black as night, a prize of pure gold, the one who holds the gold, shall sail the fair vessel", it was this medallion that had given Kelly his command over the 'Drakonian'.

Kelly yawned as the first rays of morning peaked through the port side window. The rays of light feebly played across the room, lighting the various pieces of furniture, in the room. There was a shelf filled with various charts, navigational items, books, and two ornate boxes incasing Kelly's double brace of gold pistols. Kelly only brought the weapons out during battle, or when he needed to impress someone.

Stowing the amulet Kelly began looking over a chart pinned down by a dagger on his desk. He had sailed to the town on the rumor that a military supply train was going to be coming through. The Drakonian's gunpowder and ammo supply had been running low, and Kelly had hoped to re-supply, as well as obtain new arms for the crew. the rumor had been false and now Kelly was left with even less gunpowder then when he had come. Pulling an apple from a drawer Kelly munched on it, as he planned.

The Rising Dawn had made good time, the large bustling English naval base, Port Royal was in sight. The dawn crested on the far horizon, the pinking of the sky framed the frigate as it sliced through the sea, silently into the harbor.

Captain McTammany stood on deck, his uniform clean and crisp, his honey-colored eyes stared non-plussed at the town. There were a few merchant men at berth, and several local pinks of the privateers that frequented the port. Turning to the helm, "Gently lad, gently I want us in one piece." He flashed a wicked smile to the youngster, who promptly nodded and redoubled his efforts to steer properly.

Exhaling, Capitan McTammany knew he had to carry a woman back to England, however he was unaware that the King's niece, Myriam in her impatience, had already left on another frigate only two days before they arrived. He would look for a Myriam and take her and what ever retinue she had aboard and make way for England in all haste.

Kelly paced the floorboards of his room, his apple long discarded out a port window. His tricorn sat idly upon his desk, his wild red hair let loose like a mad beast. Pausing he stared out the starboard side porthole, behind him the door opened slowly emitting a low creak. Kelly had never oiled the door so he could hear people coming in, he had also had the hinges put on the inside. Kelly's hand shot beneath his broad belt, fondling the small stock of a derringer as he waited to see who had entered. It was his first mate, Jimmy.

"Aye Jimmy, 'ave we finished looting the town?", Kelly asked a smile on his face, as his hand slipped out of his belt. "Aye sir, there wasn't much sir. A few trinkets, a couple barrels of water, a barrel of apples, some ale, five barrels of gunpowder, and a few muskets. The fort was mostly abandoned, only a small guard of about ten men to keep the 'peace'." Kelly nodded as the tall stringbean of a man finished. "Aye I figured as much, 'ows the crew?" Jimmy shook his head, "Spirits are low sir, the men are hungry for a fight."

"Aye", Kelly nodded his head slowly and turned to the porthole as he spoke. "Leave me Jimmy I 'ave ta think." Jimmy turned to the door, "Aye sir, shall I make preperations to sail?" Kelly turned his head from the window for a moment, "I'll give ye orders when I figure ou' wha' we need ta do Jimmy." Jimmy left, and Kelly turned back to the window. Moral was low, food and ammunition as well. Kelly new he needed to do something big, and soon. But what?

As the Rising Dawn docked, Captain McTammany looked to his officers, "We have twenty-four hours liberty, I want a detachment of Marines to find this...Myriam." Looking at the port city that was awaken and starting to come to life, Captain McTammany snorted as the sour smell of the fish that was piled on the decks filled the air. Eying the Governor's manor on the hill overlooking the city, Erskine shook his head. He wouldn't pay the poppinjay of a man any visits.

As his eyes scanned the dock, he spotted a petite woman standing in modest clothes watching them arrive. Looking around he spotted a small marine, "You! Come here..." Pointing to the woman the Captain said, "Find out her name, if it is Myriam, tell her we will be leaving tomorrow at this time."

Captain dismissed the marine and turned to his officers, "Gentleman I want to be out of here before the Ancient Brotherhood gets wind of what we are doing."

Kelly's fist slammed onto the rough hewn top of his desk, the force of the blow shaking the old piece of furniture. What was he to do? He was low on gunpowder, having only enough for one battle, if that. His crews morale was low, they craved for battle and prizes. His food supply was low, he only had enough for a few weeks at sea. He needed to do something drastic. He knew he would have to give the crew what they wanted, nothing was more important then keeping your crew happy on pirate ship.

Standing Kelly pulled on his old faded blue mariner's coat, doffed his beaten tricorn, and reverantly pulled his dual brace of pistols and secured them in his belt. Then he strode to the door and slammed it open. "Full sail me buckos we sail to action!", Kelly yelled out heartily. A brisk wind was blowing, and the sun shining as he stood smiling broadly at the crew. His beard and hair were tossed about in the wind, his golden pistols sparkling gaily.

"Well don't just stand there gaping mates hop to! For to many years we have been hunted by the privateers, wanted for our merciless crimes. Did they ever stop to examine the privateers mercy? Nay! Well now we will deal out our own mercy, we are going to turn the tables on the privateers and give them a taste of their own medicine! It's time to hunt me boys!!"

Kelly swept up to the main castle as the crew cheered at his grand speech. Heartily they set to their work, and soon the 'Drakonian' was ripping across the smooth tide. As the vessel sailed, and the wind blew Kelly took a deep breath a grin breaking across his face. His hand strayed down to his beloved pistols, fondling them gently as an old pirate ditty began to eminate in a deep baritone from his throat. Soon the whole crew joined in singing at the top of their lungs. This was the life of a pirate, and Kelly loved every moment of it.

"The wickedest city in the World" was the phrase that flashed through Aslin's mind. She grinned at that, a smile that was hidden underneath her wide brimmed hat. She pulled the old white clothe tighter about her body. Her every step was a practiced move- she was hunchbacked and old- or so she was acting. As she got closer to her destination, she could not help but 'limp' faster. She entered the safe haven- The old Church. She walked further into the building, candles flickering about her casting a soft glow about the place. Dawn was slowly arriving and the interior was also bathed in a pinkish light.

"Aslin. Is that you?" a voice gently called from the depths of the building.
"Maddie!" Aslin exclaimed in joy. She shrugged off her white clothe revealing the woman underneath. She pulled off her hat and moved forward.

"Tis you! Oh how worried I've been." the man moved out of the darkness and into the light. He was an old pudgy man, the best friend of her father. It was so€ wonderful to see him- had it been 6 years since she had last seen him. He hugged her and looked at her with concerned eyes. "How have ye been young one? The sea seems to be treating you rather well." Aslin could not help but just smile at him. He was the closest thing she had to remind her of her father. Maddie had been the quartermate of Poseidon when her father had been Captain. 10 years ago, Maddie had decided to leave the crew and with her father's blessing, he had left to start anew at Port Royal. To the astonishment of the entire crew, he had found a place at the Governor's Mansion.
"I've been fine Maddie. The crew's doin great as well. We miss ya Maddie." she told the man.
"I miss ya'll too little one but my place is here as ya know. Little one I called ya to meet me for I have good news and bad news. Good news is I'm a proud father of a fine young boy. " At that, Aslin hit the man on his back, congratulating Maddie. But his face quickly sobered as he revealed the bad news.

"Ya have to give up pirating little one. There's trouble looming ahead for the Ancient Brotherhood. Come and live with me and my wife. We'll find you a nice husband. Ya can get settled down. No one will now you were the Captain of Poseidon. Everyone thinks that the Poseidon's captain is a man, Captain Garak. You can escape unharmed." Aslin moved away from Maddie's grasp. "Are you askin me to leave my crew? Maddie I would never do that and you know it. What's all this about trouble loomin ahead?" She demanded to know.

"There is a ship, the Rising Dawn. Its mission- to destroy the Ancient Brotherhood." he said in sadness.
"Oh Maddie. There have been countless of ships that have attempted to bring down the Brotherhood. We've always eluded them." She laughed at the man's worries.
"Aslin this time its different, the captain is Erskine McTammany. I've heard alot about him and he's not to be messed with. He's docked at Port Royal right now" Maddie practically yelled. Aslin knew he was serious now. He had never called her Aslin before- always little one, a pet name.
"I've got to go Maddie...and ya take care alright." with a sweep of her white clothe, she moved out of the church away from Maddie. She had to go check things out. She had to go see if there really was a Captain McTammany and if his mission was real.

Aslin's eyes widened under her hat. It was true- it was all true. There at the port infront of the Old Church was the Rising Dawn. That meant they were really sending a crew out to destroy the Ancient Brotherhood. As Aslin stared at the ship, she noticed an officer of the ship talking to a lady who had a petite figure. They seemed to be discussing something. At the back of her mind, she formulated a plan. She had to get her ship and crew out of Port Royal fast and she had to go warn the other Captains of the Ancient Brotherhood.

As she spun around to move to her Sloop, the white clothe she used to wrap about her body got caught at the edge of the barrels outside the Watering House. The white clothe fell away to reveal that it was not an old man underneath the clothe. Aslin winced hoping no one cared but she knew it was expecting too much.

"Oy! Isn't that the Captain of Poseidon, Captain Garak!" a burly man growled. He cracked his knucles.
"Aye it is him! Capt'in Garak we have some unfinished business."
The burly man's name was Faran. The last time Poseidon had docked at Port Royal, nearly 6 months ago, one of Aslin's crew had been very drunk and had questioned Faran's sexuality. Everyone present laughed at Faran and Faran grew angry and he and his men attacked her crew. Aslin ha been outside the watering house when she heard the commotion. Let's just say the night ended with Faran's ego being bruised as he was beaten by Captain Garak.
Aslin just thanked god that they her hat was still protecting the fact that she was a female. If Faran knew that Captain Garak was a female and not a male, he would be even more angry. She turned to face Faran. She knew she had to get away from the situation before anybody noticed the tension. The Rising Dawn was right there with one of the men just a little distance away. If they saw her they might try to kill her.
Using her deepest voice, Aslin spoke like a man, "Why its Faran, my brawlin' mate. So nice to see you. Well I know we have a lot to catch up on but I have to go. The sea is waiting." she bowed and attempted to move behind but came across a solid wall of a man.
"Where do you think you're goin Captin'." The man said threateningly. Aslin breathed out. It was obvious she had to fight her way out but she was going to try and avoid it any way. Just as Faran unsheathed his sword and ran towards her, Aslin ducked and jumped onto the barrels and pulled herself onto the roof of the Silvermoon Watering house. "Well you have to catch me first." she grinned mockingly. At that, she ran on the roof in the direction of her Sloop, Faran's men hot on a heels. Everyone began to shout and point at the Captain Garak running on the roofs.