Forever Young The Beginning

Chapter 1

August 1767 Marseille, France

The area had many two-story buildings on both sides of the dark street. Ian heard a clatter from the direction of an alley. It sounded like a roof tile falling onto the pavement. They looked about and Ian again felt the warm prickly feeling on the back of his neck. He glanced back and could see no one so they kept walking south in the darkness.

Suddenly the warm prickly feeling changed to one of icy dread that extended down his spine. It chilled him to his core, and he exclaimed to his companion Li, something’s wrong! Drawing his dagger he whirled around just in time to barely see a black form leap from the roof of a two story building. He thought he heard a distant voice shout his name, even as the creature landed running at an unbelievable speed and was on him like a whirlwind. He stabbed straight into its belly as it hit, nearly knocking him breathless. While falling he felt a sharp bite on his neck even as he drove the long blade of his knife to its hilt in the creature, twisting and pulling it upwards. There was a scream from it as they hit the cobblestones together, Ian landing on his back under the thing.

The blade of his knife felt as if it was caught in some tough clothing because he was having trouble ripping and cutting flesh where it should have been easy. He smelled the foul, fetid odor of its breath as it screamed again while grabbing his knife hand in a grip of iron. Li had stepped forward and was stabbing the creature in its’ back repeatedly. It turned and half-rose in the blink of an eye to reach out and backhand Li, knocking him against the side of a building with such force that he slumped, dazed. Scarcely three seconds had elapsed, so quickly had everything happened.

Before the creature could renew its’ attack on Ian though, he had plunged his knife into its belly again and was ripping upwards. He was certain that his knife was once again stuck through heavy cloth since it still didn’t cut as it should. The creature screamed and like lightning, pinned both of his arms in its iron grip. Even as its’ head began to dart toward his throat a dark figure bowled into the creature, toppling it. Ian rolled to his feet and saw two figures fighting, the newest arrival wielding a large knife. Their movements were so fast as to be barely seen as a blur. Unearthly screams erupted again as he ran to the two and began to help the latecomer stab the creature. Ian stabbed it furiously with his now-diminishing strength, realizing that the newcomer was doing more damage than he, as a creeping numbness began to spread throughout his body. Li had recovered and had joined in stabbing it with his knife. The creature separated from the stranger, howling as it hurtled away in the blink of an eye.

Ian was tottering now, and was certain that it was circling back to attack again. He tried to speak, but a growing numbness seized him and he could suddenly no longer even hold the knife. As he sank to his knees he thought is this what it’s like to die? He thought then of his uncle and how he came to be in this land. As he collapsed his mind drifted back to a day at sea scarcely three weeks ago, just before dawn……

Chapter 2

July 1767, 70 miles east of Gibraltar, Mediterranean sea

Sail ho... astern! came the cry from the crow’s nest. The lookout’s cry electrified the entire crew of Elsie’s Cloud. Captain Angus McCloud, himself at the helm since midnight, gave over the helm to Ian McCloud, his nephew. He turned and quickly took a collapsible spyglass from his breast pocket and opened it, peering back into the pre-dawn misty air.

Only one, Uncle Angus?

Nah laddie, I see two. As if to confirm it a second cry from the crow’s nest Two sails astern!

To battle stations, Ian Ian repeated the command in a shout, repeating the command three times while ringing the ship’s bell to punctuate it each time.

Spanish?

Nah, laddie…..pirates, Moroccans likely. A short hesitation, then Two Xebets…. look to be riding high….full sails. Then after a few seconds, Belay that, Ian. One riding lower in the water than the other……mmmm both Xebets, close to the same size…both with two masts. What do ye make of that? he said, handing the glass to Ian.

Ian studied the pursuing vessels for a bit and then said Lower in the water to be sure. Has it taken on water, or is it carrying cargo? he asked as he handed the glass back to his uncle.

Cargo is my bet. Why chase us in a leaky ship?

Likely celebrating a kill late into the night and spied us before making it back home?

Could be. That second ship…her sails are ragged looking on the aft mast. Likely she is a prize they took recently. No matter though, we have to get ready to fight.

They had just traded scotch whiskey for ivory in West Africa near the equator, and heading homeward, had slipped through the Strait of Gibraltar overnight, heading due east. A fair westerly wind and no moon had seemed to be a good omen to Angus McCloud. Britain held Gibraltar and had a small fleet there to assure the safety of British merchant ships.

There was no current war with Spain, but there were some heightened political tensions between them and Britain, especially around Gibraltar. That was a rumor they had picked up from a Dutch trader while in Africa. It would be a lot less expensive to buy the wine he wanted at Marseille than if bought from the French along the Atlantic coast. The wine would top them off for the trip home, a truly rich cargo for their maiden voyage no less, when added to what they had brought back from China. Now though they had a life or death fight on their hands.

We have the sunrise in our favor, Uncle Angus.

McCloud eyed his nephew. Aye laddie, the sunrise will help us, and I have an idea. Tell Gunny to load port guns one, five, and ten with half charges. Get MacCarr and one other man stationed at the port side bow rudder. Ian raised both eyebrows at that. The bow rudder was simply unlatched and dropped into place. It caused the same effect as a giant oar being thrust into the water at one side or the other of the bow, causing a rapid turn. In all of their travel so far, they had not had occasion to use either of the pair. No other ship that he had ever seen even had a pair of them.

Aye-aye said Ian and leaped down from the high aft deck, sprinting towards old Leon McLamb. McLamb had been a gunner’s mate in the Scottish navy and had served in the British navy as well, where he had learned the science of maritime artillery warfare. He was a small, dour looking man, of few words, and was a master at aiming and hitting a target from a moving vessel. Upon hearing the commands, he raised his eyebrows, and then he gave his characteristic but rare crooked smile. The gunnery crew smartly loaded the guns as ordered even as MacCarr got his orders and ran to get a helper and both of them went to the port bow station.

Back at the helm Angus peered intently through his telescope at the approaching pirates. He gauged the wind in Elsie’s sails as the distance between the pursuers and pursued grew less by the minute.

Will they use bow cannon and try to knock out our rudder then?

Aye, they will if they have ‘em.

A universal naval warfare tactic of the time was to stay behind a ship and bombard it with cannon fire hoping to knock out the rudder so as to easily take it for a prize. To that end both war ships and pirate craft had bow cannon. Elsie only had two light 4 lb. swivel cannons fore and two aft, but she had ten guns on each side, all of them sixteen-pound cannon.

Gunny smiled just now when I gave him your orders.

Hah! He knows a trap when it is being laid………..a crafty one and a better shot with cannon never sailed either. Periodic practice with cannon while at sea was a part of the crew’s routine. Although the cannon weren’t fired, they were handled and readied at battle speed twice a week under Gunny’s watchful eyes. Live fire practice with muskets and reloading stressing speed was done once a week as well. This had come in handy in two skirmishes with pirates near China. No merchant’s ship could come close to the combat readiness of this crew.

Tell gunny to fire number 10 first. Order Macgregor to get men aloft and stand by to furl all top-gallants and the mizzens. Make sure MacCarr knows not to drop the bow rudder this time but to be ready to drop it the next time we turn.

After doing that, Ian rejoined his uncle at the helm.

Take the helm and stand ready. said Angus while watching MacGregor’s men move to their positions aloft and on the mizzen masts. Minutes dragged by as the pirates drew nearer. The lead ship had separated herself from her mate by a little distance now. Gauging the wind and the position of the pirates for yet another minute he suddenly shouted Furl all top-gallants and mizzens! Gunny, prepare to fire number ten! Then he handed the helm to Ian and said Hard aport lad.

Elsie’s Cloud tipped to the left and began her turn, appearing as if she was turning, dropping sails and slowing radically to engage, using her heavy cannon. The seconds ticked by, and then Fire number ten, gunny hollered Angus. The rearmost cannon fired, not even close to aiming correctly. A thick cloud of smoke obscured the view of the port side of Elsie. The two other cannon fired maybe nearly 30 seconds later. The lead ship had already dropped some sail by then and started to also turn to port. They were maneuvering to avoid a broadside from Elsie. The combination of gunpowder smoke and the blinding sunrise behind Elsie served to hide armaments and size of crew from the pirates. The three shots had just made it a little over halfway to the lead craft, badly off target. This made it appear that Elsie was simply a fat merchant ship, poorly commanded, and manned by sailors who were terrified and poor gunners to boot. The true number of cannon was concealed by the smoke from the first shot fired as well. The bait was on the hook.

Resume course Ian, and unfurl all sails! Unfurl flank sails on all cargo booms now! Elsie tilted to her starboard and began to pick up speed, then straightened up as she resumed her easterly course, under full sail, looking as if she was running away. The three rounds falling short had done the trick. Ian saw that the lead ship had again unfurled all sails to pursue. Soon Elsie had four added sails, two on each flank mounted to the cargo booms. She looked like she was running for all she was worth. Taking the helm, Angus said Tell Gunny all guns full charges and stand by. Station two more men on the foredeck for the swivel guns there, and have him send two more for these two behind us as well. Ian, be sure MacCarr is ready with that port bow rudder. I want light fireball loads in the bow guns and grapeshot in these two. And tell Gunny to ready the grapple mortars.

The fireballs were a specialty that Gunny had devised strictly for starting a fire on an enemy ship. He made them while in port somewhere from time to time. After finding the proper kind of clay he would make a thickish round clay bottle of sorts with no neck. He would score each one deeply with a knife before baking it to make it easier to burst on contact. Lamp oil, phosphorous, and an additive which he kept secret were contained in each one. They would burst into flame on contact as long as the vessel was broken.

Aye-aye Ian said over his shoulder as he leapt from the stern deck to relay the orders. Shortly Angus handed over the helm to Ian again as he rejoined him, and watched through his glass as the lead pirate craft closed the gap once more.

She’s got bow cannon, Ian! Handing his spyglass to Ian he said Keep an eye on that as they get in range! Ian looked back at their pursuers, watching them as several minutes passed. Suddenly he saw a flash of light from her bow. All hands take cover! shouted Ian. In less than four seconds a cannon round whistled past, narrowly missing the stern rail, and followed by a distant booming sound.

Hah! A lucky shot, but too close! She’s in range now for sure! Now again Ian, hard aport! Then he shouted Furl top-gallants and mizzen and trim to half mainsails! Drop port bow rudder, drop port bow rudder! The commands were punctuated by the ship’s bell. Again Elsie’s Cloud tilted to port and slowed in a turn so sharp that even the lighter, shorter Xebets couldn’t hope to match. Her deadly cannon were being brought to bear far faster than seemed possible. The lead pursuer this time was within range, and only then began to drop sail and turn to port. The bait had been taken and hook set. The lead craft continued, well within cannon range of Elsie.

In maybe eight unbelievable seconds Elsie was broadside to the pursuers, thanks to the combination of her oversized rudder and Ian’s bow-rudder device. The lead pursuer was closing, and continuing to turn to her port, presenting a broader target. Her turn to port was yet another fatal mistake as it turned out, ensuring that the two ships would converge. The captain on the lead craft was in a panic as he looked through his glass. He saw the broadside of Elsie coming to bear on them before they could hope to return fire. Gunny’s crew had already adjusted the guns to fire at a low target at a shorter range. Here Angus deferred to Gunny again, shouting Fire at will! Fire at will and reload! Hoist bow rudder! Hoist bow rudder. MacCarr and his man cranked the winch furiously to raise the bow rudder from the sea. In some ten seconds then the roar of Elsie’s cannon shook the deck beneath Ian’s feet and he felt a surge of energy course through his body.

One round took out one of the two masts of the lead pirate craft. Another hit the stern deck squarely, obliterating the helm as it killed the helmsman. A great cheer erupted from the crew of Elsie. Angus hollered Furl flank sails! Ready starboard cannon and stand by! Gunny hastily called the command and two of his men ran to the starboard guns, already loaded when the pirates were still far away. They ran all ten of them out to fire position through their respective hatches. The remainder stayed on the port guns reloading them. For some reason the rearmost pursuer had added an extra oversize sail of sorts. Likely they thought to catch up and help to take the prize. From where they were there would only be a pall of smoke with a blinding sunrise behind it. They sailed closer, not realizing what had happened.

Elsie was going to sail between the two craft. They would then pass the first craft firing all of their port cannon for the second time and then engage the second craft with their starboard cannon. There was no stopping it now as the pursuers had the wind at their backs, being pushed to the battle full tilt by their sails and nearly blinded by the rising sun.

The second craft sailed full tilt into the fray which by now was well obscured by smoke, as the lead pursuer had fired all of her starboard cannon as well. Two rounds had struck Elsie’s Cloud on the port side, well above water line. One had made a hole, and MacCarr had dispatched a man below to look for any leaks. The wind had slackened somewhat so the smoke hung thickly over the scene as Elsie continued to tack across the light wind and close on the two craft.

The smoke was so thick and the sun behind it so blinding that not until the second ship saw the tops of Elsie’s masts above the smoke did they also realize how close to her they were, and worst of all, coming under her broadside starboard cannon. Aboard the second craft they began to panic, realizing too late that they were already within range of her deadly guns as Elsie moved between the two ships. They had no choice now but to try to help their fellow pirates.

Fire all swivel guns shouted Angus, then to Ian Here Ian, I’ll take her as he took the helm. He knew that Gunny would fire one more round from the port cannon as they passed the lead ship and would then move his crew to the starboard side cannon for the second ship. Fire had broken out on the lead pursuer’s remaining mast and sails. About the same time, the two swivel guns on the rear deck barked and grapeshot shredded sails and crew alike. Immediately after that Gunny gave command to fire cannon again on the port side and the first craft was devastated. She managed to send three rounds into Elsie, but again, well above water line. Musket fire crackled from the first craft, and musket balls flying past whined like angry bees. Several struck masts, but none hit a man. Not waiting for Angus, Ian hollered Take another look below for a breach or leak. Stay at that post and report!

They passed by that craft and in passing, Elsie’s stern guns again swept the pirates with grapeshot. A cheer erupted from Elsie’s crew as fire now began to spread rapidly on the lead ship.

She’s crippled and on fire Ian, now on to our prize, God willing.

Tack to rake her with our starboard guns then?

Aye laddie He thought Ian, you’re a born seaman. Ian leaped again from the stern deck to run again to Gunny who met him part way. Be sure to keep all shots high Gunny. We don’t want to burn or sink her. Mark, call all hands down from aloft!

Aye-aye, Ian.

Ready all hands available with muskets Gunny, and see to it that they stay down well below the side rail. Let the starboard cannon do the work for us. Fire only when we’re in range, and then shoot the grapples. The grappling hooks and ropes would be fired toward the second craft by means of hand held grapple mortars designed to fire those hooks further than a man could throw them. Looking like fat muskets, they were loaded and ready, lying on the deck behind the side rail, their ropes all secured to Elsie’s masts.

Elsie approached the second craft and raked her with grapeshot from the foredeck guns. Her advantage in height made the grapeshot even more devastating. As they drifted broadside to her, both ships let loose with all cannon. Ian felt another surge of energy as the deck shook again at the cannon’s roar. It was an elixir to his adventurous soul and he could feel the adrenalin surge through his body. Elsie took one at the water line and five more besides, but the broadside that she delivered to the second craft was devastating. One mast was broken, and the sails shredded. By now they were in musket range. Every available crewman positioned himself behind the side rail and took aim as Gunny’s men reloaded the starboard cannon. Their height advantage was coming into play even more now that they were within musket range.

Ian ran and grabbed a musket already loaded and joined Gunny. One volley Gunny, and then shoot the grapples. As soon as the volley was fired Ian shouted Grapples away! The grapple mortars fired and even through the smoke the devastation was easy to see. The pirates were able to fire back a ragged volley and one round caught a man trying to descend from the mainmast. He fell to the deck some ten feet and yelled as he grasped his leg. From their lower height the pirates couldn’t find another target to shoot at.

Five of the eight hooks took hold and the second pirate craft’s fate was sealed as Gunny’s marksmen fired yet another round at anything standing aboard her. Others of the crew drew in the grapple lines, drawing the pirates close. Ian was first over the side as the cargo booms were swung out and downward. He felt a surge of adrenalin again as he swung out over the lower craft, and then dropped some twelve feet to their deck. Pulling both pistols he shot a pirate point blank and snap-kicked a second one in the groin as he raised his saber to strike. He caught that man with a vicious knee to his face and followed by a front kick to his chest that sprawled him back on his shipmates. By then three of Ian’s shipmates had joined him and the bloody hand to hand fighting was in full swing. Elsie’s crew began to swarm over the two cargo booms to drop onto the deck of the stricken craft with a great cry.

Dispatching the fallen pirate in front of him with a thrust of his sabre, Ian leaped over him towards a knot of men who were advancing with cutlasses drawn and raised. He ducked as one of them leveled a pistol and fired a round that sang past his right ear. Aiming his second pistol he shot that one in the face and kicked his falling body back onto the others. Moving toward the last of the pirates he and his shipmates engaged them. The sounds changed from gunfire to those of ringing steel as the last pistols had been discharged. The last group of pirates was cut down, but not before inflicting a mortal pistol wound on one of Ian’s companions.

It was over. Ian and the others warily ran about, looking for anyone else who might be hiding with a loaded pistol or musket. No more combatants were found and after confirming that with the twenty seven men from Elsie now on board the pirate craft, Ian turned and shouted She’s ours!

A loud cheer erupted. Then someone shouted Three cheers for Cap’n McCloud! Then the whole crew shouted Hip-hip huzzah! Hip-hip-Huzzah! Hip-hip-Huzzah!

Angus McCloud shouted Silence! and rang the ship’s bell repeatedly until the cheering died down. Now listen, ye men! We’ve beaten the odds by God’s grace. Let’s not be congratulating ourselves on this victory. Let us instead offer up a prayer of thanksgiving to Almighty God for our deliverance! Bow your heads now, and we’ll pray.

Angus offered up a prayer of thanksgiving and all the crew echoed his Amen. Then he said I’m pleased with every one of you this day. We’ve lost one of our own and we will see to it that his family receives his share and a widow’s share when we return home. We only have six wounded, which is a miracle. When you tell this story to others, don’t forget God’s great blessing this day. Get all of our wounded aboard Elsie now and rig the prize for towing.

Chapter 3

After heaving the pirate dead overboard the crew assisted Ian in rounding up the remaining pirates, numbering eight. He then ordered four shipmates to bind them and set them to be hauled aboard Elsie with the two starboard cargo booms. Three of his crewmates who were wounded were lifted back on board Elsie first though, for the ship’s surgeon, shipwright, and carpenter Mark MacCarr to look after.

After reloading both of his pistols, Ian took two of his crew mates with him and began a search of the ship. Coming to the stern castle cabins, he stopped. Listening intently, he thought he heard a stifled sob. He gestured to the door on the left and then he kicked open the door on the right. A loud scream came from a woman who ran and hid behind another woman. Ian looked and made sure that no one else was in the room. First uncocking, and then sticking both pistols back in his sash, he smiled reassuringly at the two women and raised his right hand palm outward as a sign of peace.

I have two women in here, no arms. See to the other cabin now. There followed a sound of splintering wood as the door was kicked in and only a few seconds later No one in here, Ian

McCloud hadn’t taken his eyes off of the two since entering. The one in front was a beautiful young lady, appearing to be Spanish. Ian noticed her strikingly beautiful large hazel-green eyes, thinking Lord but they look like I could fall into them! He was stunned by her beauty. She shielded the other one who was about her age, but from her clothing, likely a handmaiden, also Spanish and quite lovely. Ian smiled again and using a crude blend of Spanish-Portuguese, he attempted to reassure the two that they would come to no harm. He stepped back and held up a hand with one finger and attempted to ask them to wait a short while and he would get someone who could speak their tongue. The lady noted the quiet gentleness of his voice, liking its low pitched timbre.

Looking at Ian she saw a tall lean man, deeply tanned with frosty blue eyes that sparkled merrily beneath heavy arched black eyebrows. The man had a shock of dark wavy hair with a slight widows’ peak, high cheekbones, and a slightly aquiline nose. A black closely cropped beard barely masked a strong jawline. His teeth appeared to be especially white whenever he flashed his bow-like smile and she couldn’t help but respond with an answering smile herself.

Speaking then she said Parlez vous Francais?

Ian smiled and shook his head, then said English…..er….uh….Anglo. The lady nodded and spoke again I speak….little…Anglo…no…much.

Ian said slowly, holding his hand to his chest Ian McCloud. Again, that voice! thought the lady. Ian hesitated to let that sink in, then I will find one who speaks your tongue. Please wait here. The lady touched her breast and said I… Alandra Vasquez…. this … Celita. Ian gave a slight but courtly bow and with a friendly smile said I am honored to meet you both. I will return shortly. Please do not be afraid. Turning he said to the two sailors gaping open-mouthed in the doorway, See to it no one comes in here. I’m going to fetch Armando.

He saw that preparations to tow their prize were well underway. Calling out for Armando he beckoned for him to come aboard. Soon Armando made his way to Ian and quickly learned of the situation below deck. Taking a moment to oversee the towing preparations, Ian called out Let ‘er drift to stern, straighten the rudder and tie down the helm. He joined Armando and led him below where he made a crude introduction to the two ladies with a slight bow and a smile.

Ian then stood aside as Armando courteously asked Alandra a series of questions. At one point he erupted in laughter, causing Alandra to blush. Ian asked What’s that all about? Armando said They thought you were a pirate when you kicked in the door until they saw your blue eyes. Ian tipped back his head and laughed, as Alandra’s blush deepened, even as she thought he’s even more handsome when he laughs.

He tried to courteously excuse himself, bowing slightly with a friendly smile. Turning, he left Armando and went back on deck to see to the repairs and also to begin a search for tools to repair the damage to the mast and sails of their prize. The first pirate craft was as good as lost as the fire burned out of control.

Elsie’s Cloud and her towed companion ship Tico made headway to the northeast, widening the distance between themselves and the burning ship as rapidly as they could. They all knew it was best to be well away from there before other pirates in the area might see the smoke and investigate.

Chapter 4

They had been making headway for some seven hours since getting underway. It was maybe three hours before sundown, and the afternoon sun sparkled off of the waves of the Mediterranean. The sea was an azure color, but the puffy cumulus clouds scattered from horizon to horizon had vanished, leaving an empty blue sky. Within minutes the seas calmed and the wind slackened to a whisper. They were becalmed, but were well away from the Moroccan coast, on course for Marseille. Angus ordered everyone aboard Elsie to attend a trial for the pirates. He stood on the aft deck overlooking the main deck, the two ladies and Armando beside him.

Evidence consisting of an engraved pistol and watch, gifts from Alandra’s father to her uncle were found in the possession of the captain of the prize ship. After hearing the pirate’s unbelievable version of the story that the two women were whores whom they had bought in Spain, Angus pronounced a sentence of death.

I find you guilty of the crimes of piracy and murder on the high seas. You are sentenced to death by hanging, and may God have mercy on your blighted souls.

The surviving crew of eight was taken to be hanged. Ian spoke and said Cap’n McCloud (using a more formal term of addressing his uncle in deference to his rank since this was a proceeding in law at sea with the whole crew witnessing.) I’ve noticed that one of these pirates is only a lad of twelve years. I think that Lady Alandra and Celita might have something to say about him. Alandra emphatically nodded her understanding. She attempted to speak in English, saying as she pointed, That Arab…boy…helps us. He…very…nice. Bring us water and food…fruits too…. at times. He… beaten…by others…treat him …bad. Then Alandra turned to Armando and gestured for him to speak.

Angus signed to Armando to speak, and he replied The boy was taken by force after his family was killed in a tribal feud. I fear that he may even have suffered buggery at the hands of these villains. At that, there arose an angry murmuring from the crew assembled on deck. Angus looked inquiringly at Ian who nodded assent. Then that settles the matter. The lad shall not be hung. Separate him from the others and take him to be fed now. He’ll work with Li Hong in the galley. Hang the rest of this scurvy lot now.

With that the remaining seven were hoisted and hanged while shouting curses. Their feet jerked and danced a macabre dance of death in the near-still Mediterranean air. Celita looked away, but Alandra watched in grim satisfaction. Ian joined Mustafa and gave him a manly hug and a warm smile, tousling his hair. Mustafa smiled back and hugged Ian as well. Alandra noted that and it had a profound effect on her regard for the tall Scot.

The ladies were invited by Angus to join him and the officers for supper. Captain McCloud then raised his voice and said We now have a funeral for our shipmate to attend to. Signaling to two crewmen he made his way to the starboard main deck where the body of the young man waited. MacGregor had already sewn it into sailcloth along with several ballast stones.

Angus signed for silence as the crew removed their hats. He read the 23rd Psalm and finished with Father may you receive this man, our faithful companion Rob Macrae, a member of your flock in this his final resting place. We commit his body to the deep in the knowledge of the sure and certain hope of the great resurrection day; when the seas shall give up their dead to be raised to eternal life, in the name of our sovereign Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. The assembled crew replied with an echoing Amen. Then the body was raised and poised on the rail, secured to a plank balanced there. Angus then said Guard of Honor step forward! Three sailors stepped forward and aiming muskets out to sea they fired them. The body was then allowed to slip into the sea.

There was silence for a bit, and then Angus ordered the crew excepting for Gunny’s and MacCarr’s men to take advantage of the calm seas and bathe as soon as the ladies were back aboard Tico.

Ian, take a detail of MacCarr and 12 men and see if that broken mast can be rigged to hold a sail of sorts. Use the cargo boom extensions.

Aye-aye, Cap’n.

"Leon, see to cleaning and securing the cannon on Tico. I want all muskets cleaned and secured as well. When that is done, you and your men will bathe as well. We might just as well make use of these calm seas."

The well trained crew went about their tasks and had completed most by dusk.

It took until evening using both starboard cargo booms to get the mast to where it would function in normal winds. The sun set as a giant red ball, and the water looked to be on fire.

Supper was delicious as Li Hong had caught a marlin and a grouper and had prepared them well. Fruit that they had taken aboard in Africa was served with steaming hot yams prepared with a special sauce of Li’s concoction. Angus asked a blessing and everyone ate ravenously as there had been little time for a proper meal during the hectic day and the anxious hours after separating from the burning pirate ship.

Conversation was mostly between Angus, Armando, and the two ladies as Ian and the others said little. Ian asked that full supplies be loaded aboard Tico as early as possible just in case they became separated, and MacCarr spoke concerning the current state of repairs.

Alandra noticed that although these men were a rugged group, nonetheless they were courteous Christian men, well-mannered, with whom she felt safe and secure. She had looked from time to time at Ian and had thought how handsome he was with his black waistcoat, red shirt, and white cotton trousers.

Alandra then piqued everyone’s interest with a suggestion that she and Celita be taken directly to Spain at the port of Barcelona. After some translation involving Armando, it was disclosed that Alandra’s father was an ambassador to King Louis court in Versailles, and that she had two uncles who were ministers of King Charles III’s government in Madrid.

Ian spoke then, saying Uncle Angus, the pirates took the flag of the ship they sunk in the battle as a souvenier. I found it in the captain’s cabin of the prize ship. We could fly it along with our own as we approach Spanish waters. With our cannon ports closed and these two fine ladies on deck next to you the Spaniards will surely not fire upon us.

By Heaven, we’ll try it. Lady Alandra, you and Celita are to be taken to Barcelona. After Armando translated, both ladies smiled and hugged one another.

Supper being ended and no further business to discuss, MacCarr then offered to give Ian the chance at becoming the arm-wrestling champion of Elsie. Ye did so well with those pirates that I thought to give ye a chance to beat me Ian. Ian shook his head laughing and accepted the challenge. Exclamations of Oho! echoed about the room even while wagers were made. Angus thought it a good thing to help relieve the tensions of the day, so he didn’t object.

The table was cleared and the two sat down opposite each other and began. Alandra and Celita watched, confused but interested. The chief boatswain was a big man weighing easily fifty pounds more than Ian. He had thick muscular arms by comparison to Ian’s muscular but lean arms. The two were locked arm to arm and neither budged. That only changed after three or four minutes when burly MacCarr began to press Ian’s arm down. Eventually he forced it to the table to an accompanying chorus of Ohhh!

Well laddie, too bad you had a bath already tonight, because you are getting another one. At that everyone laughed even including Ian who was shaking his head. The ladies were puzzled but followed the whole group on deck. The cargo net was lowered and four torches lit and brought over to the side. Ian took off his boots and coat. MacCarr picked him up then and threw him into the sea to accompanying laughter and cheers.

Alandra saw that Ian climbed up the cargo net laughing as hard as the others. The torches were extinguished immediately so she asked why. Armando explained to her that no lights were to be allowed due to their having a crippled prize ship in tow. Then he went on to explain that Ian was the only one who would challenge MacCarr for the title of arm-wrestling champion of Elsie’s Cloud, and that MacCarr had never been beaten. She and Celita had been laughing with the rest of the men but were puzzled by it all until then. They were favorably impressed by the unusual but good-natured behavior, sensing that this crew was a close-knit family as much as they were a ship’s crew.

Chapter 5

Sometime later aboard Tico, Ian stood at the helm and tried to explain to a crewman about navigation as he had been taught by Armando. He had been teaching both of the crewmen how to find some of the constellations. There was a slight noise below Ian and he stepped forward. Someone was coming up the stairs from the cabins below the stern deck. He strained to make out who it was, and then spoke.

Lady Alandra, are we too noisy?

No. I come….speak … you…Ian. She made the main deck then climbed the steps to the stern deck and made her way towards Ian and the two men. The two sailors with Ian took their leave and made their way to the foredeck at the opposite end of the vessel.

I am so…grateful....you…and uncle…yours….help us….so kind….You not speak much …table…supper...tonight.

You are welcome, Lady Alandra. I’m never in the company of ladies very much.

You…behave…as good…as any men I have … met. You are….what is word…sincere. That means much to me.

You are too kind, Lady Alandra.

Ian, please to….call me Alandra. Ian, tell me….battle today…how you win…hardly any crew… die….only one. He slowly tried to tell a simple version of it and offered to show her in daylight how Elsie had been able to turn so sharply, describing the deception as best he could. She was nodding her understanding in the dark. He couldn’t escape noticing how lovely she was, even by the limited light of the moon.

Tell me…your country….your family.

Very well. Ian slowly gave a simple description of his family.

Tell me more. He slowly described Scotland and gave a bit of family history.

Ian, tell me…places…you go….China? He slowly gave her a description of some of the places they had seen and of the two sea battles they had fought with pirates near Madagascar and China. She asked him about the four fake gun ports she had noticed that were painted on each side of Elsie.

After explaining that they were to deter attacks by making it seem like they had more cannons, he told her that she constantly surprised him with her thirst for knowledge about so many things. She replied that she had always been that way and had insisted on learning Latin and French, as well as mathematics and general science. She had worn her father down and had always gotten the teaching she desired.

Lady Alandra, I find that I can talk with you. I, um…I’m…amazed. I’m just a seaman and I’m surprised that you would want to talk with me at all. I am…humbled. She gave that delighted laugh again and Ian again laughed with her. Oh Ian, I very much…like…talk with you.

She spoke slowly in her halting English and told of her childhood and her family and about Spain in general and Barcelona in particular. She told Ian that she was being taken to meet the family of a man she was betrothed to. It was part of a very formal courtship that would take over a year to finish. Ian said "Are marriages always arranged so in Spain?

Yes, Ian, it…custom in my country. I am…old…now…for betrothed…promise…be wife. Ian laughed at that

"Ian, what…..funny….you laugh?

"Och, Lassie! You are but seventeen and you think you are old?

Ian, fifteen is age….betrothed…..to marry in Spain. What is ‘lass…lassie’?

Lass is the same as saying ‘senorita’. It is common to speak so in Scotland. And about my laughing, please don’t be offended. I did not know that you were betrothed so young in Spain. It does happen in Scotland some yet. Do you like this man, or is he a boy?

He is nineteen years old. I have known him since I was ten. He is very nice….kind…and trusting. He is….what….impulsive….hot….temper. I resist my father….he….wait….but now make me…to be promised. I…still….not really ready. Do ladies…Scotland…betrothed to another… by family?

Many are and but many are not. It seems to be a thing that is becoming less common than in the past.

Ian….you betrothed?

Nah, lassie, I’ve never found a woman that I wanted for a wife. I’ve sailed since I was four, and worked aboard ship since I was seven. My mother and father both insisted that I learn my letters, to read, write, mathematics, history and science.

To learn….that…common for…you…in Scotland?

"No. They pressed me on that and allowed me to sail on trading voyages in summertime. In those days, my father would sail with us as first mate.

"How old….you, Ian?

Twenty three. He didn’t add that his only acquaintance with women of his age were tavern wenches, whether in Amsterdam, Liverpool, Edinburg, or London. In fact since this trip that would also include Calcutta, Cape Town, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Passing the hours they talked about a number of things, and Ian grew to be greatly impressed by her intellect as well as her beauty. They continued until the midnight watch changed aboard Elsie. That was the signal to change the watch aboard the prize ship too, so Ian reluctantly escorted Alandra back to her cabin and softly bid her good night. He then woke the two crewmen in the adjacent cabin to start their watch. Thinking of Alandra, he took a few minutes to fall asleep, which was out of character for him, but then he drifted off to a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 6

The next day saw them becalmed still. Up at dawn, Ian went to see to the extra provisions, then to speak with MacGregor and MacCarr. He asked them to try to include Mustafa in some of their work. Then he went to the galley to seek Li Hong. Li was half Chinese and half English, and he had joined them while in Hong Kong. He was lean like Ian, but maybe four inches shorter. Nice looking, he had regular features and straight black hair. He was square-jawed with a European cast to his face, save for his oriental looking eyes. A hunted man by the Triads, he had killed four of them for murdering his mother, father, and two sisters. There had been nothing to hold him in China and he knew that the Triads would keep looking for him as long as he stayed there. He had learned English and to a lesser extent, Portuguese being that he lived in Hong Kong, a vibrant and busy trade center.

Ian had seen him the night he had killed two of the four Triads, and was singularly impressed that he had done it with no weapon whatsoever, whereas they had wielded knives. He had waded in and helped Li, simply because of the odds and had sliced one badly with his knife. By the time he had joined Li at his side again, two were dead and another had a broken arm.

One thing led to another and he persuaded Angus to take on the twenty-seven year old Li as a crewman, observing that they could use help in the galley; and that it would serve the interests of the whole crew to learn as much about the art of hand-to-hand combat that Li had demonstrated. Li was a fine cook, and they had never eaten so well before. So it was that he came to be a crewman on board Elsie’s Cloud.

Ian sought him in the galley and asked if he could instruct him in hand to hand combat that morning seeing as how breakfast had already been served. Li was enthusiastic, and was still complaining that he had not gotten to board the Tico with Ian for the final part of that battle.

Laughing merrily at his complaints Ian replied Li, if I’d taken you and you’d been killed, they would have hung me for losing the best cook we ever had!

They went to the low foredeck where they stretched their muscles for a good ten minutes in the still, humid air, perspiring freely. Facing each other they each placed their right fist in against their flattened left palm and bowed. Ian asked Li to go over how to quickly sweep the lead foot from under an opponent. Li showed him in slow motion several times and then had him try it. Speed and accuracy was stressed over power. Li was instructing Ian using Mandarin Chinese as was their custom. Ian had gotten to where he could speak it fairly well.

Alandra and Celita had appeared on the main deck. They were dressed more casually than they had been for dinner last night. Both were wearing outfits more appropriate for riding; pantaloons and boots, with only light cotton blouses and the hair of both of them tied back into a simple pony tail with black ribbons. They would never have gotten away with that if a proper chaperone had been with them.

Noticing a group of around nine men gathered on the main deck, near the foredeck they saw Ian and Li there, just as they bowed to each other. Alandra noticed that both men were stripped to their waist, with sweat bands tied around their heads. Ian was taller, darker skinned, and had curly black hair on his muscular chest, stomach, legs, and forearms, while Li was nearly hairless. Both men had highly defined musculature, being lean and fit looking. Rivulets of sweat ran freely down the contours of their glistening bodies in the still, humid air.

After climbing onto the top of the forward cargo hatch to see over the heads of the crewmen, they watched with great interest. Alandra couldn’t take her gaze from Ian. They noticed that Li spoke in an unknown tongue as did Ian. At times, without turning around, Ian explained to the crew there what Li was saying. Li again went over how to quickly step inside an opponent’s reach while sweeping a foot behind him for a take down. He did it several times at a very slow speed.

Finally Li did it at fighting speed and Ian went down on his back with a thump. Alandra and Celita both gasped, never having seen such a sight before. The sudden speed of the thing amazed them both. Ian laughed good-naturedly as Li helped him up and then gestured him to do likewise. Ian moved in like lightning and it was Li Hong who crashed to the deck, bringing another gasp from the two women, followed by giggling. At the sound of their giggling, Ian, Li, and the assembled crewmen all turned.

Seeing both ladies, Ian blushed, as the crew laughed uproariously. Alandra thought this was just marvelous and clapped her hands together while laughing. Ian fastened his gaze on Alandra and she gradually stopped laughing. Then a slow smile spread over the face of both of them, not unnoticed by Celita who giggled all the more. Two of the crew whistled and all applauded, causing Ian and Alandra both to blush even more and to break into laughter.

About then that magical moment evaporated as the ship’s sails ruffled in a breeze that had sprung from nowhere. Ian shouted Wind’s up. Stu, fetch Cap’n McCloud! Shortly they had a volunteer crew of eight men and were separated from Elsie. The ladies had elected to stay aboard Tico.

***

They had four good days of sailing. At dusk they would furl all sails on Tico and rig to be towed overnight by Elsie. They would all have supper aboard Elsie and then were able to sail all night long with no lights showing. Ian had persuaded Angus to allow Li to sail with him aboard Tico. They kept the same routine each morning with either Ian giving fencing lessons or Li giving Kung Fu lessons. The steady breeze was a welcome respite from the warm humid air they all experienced while becalmed. Ian also taught Li all manner of seaman’s knots. Alandra seemed interested in this and participated regularly. She talked with Ian every time there was an opportunity. They were getting to know each other very well. Celita seemed to smile a lot at Tom McBride.

The blue sky and sparking sea about them promised a fifth fair day of sailing. It was windier than any day since entering the Mediterranean, and Ian settled in for a four hour watch at the helm. As he stood at the helm, he reflected on the events that had transpired since Elsie had entered the Mediterranean. He thought of how they could have easily been sunk or overrun by the pirates. Another pirate craft or a pair of them could have joined in. Seeing smoke of a cannon fight at sea would attract them like a dead body would attract buzzards. Things could have gone badly for them.

Pondering the history of Elsie and her construction, he was still surprised that his emergency bow rudders had been used to save the day; and recalled the time they had first tested them on Elsie’s first day at sea near Amsterdam.

He had doubted that they would ever use one of them as time went on. How wrong that turned out to be! Ian let his mind wander and in due course his gaze met that of Alandra, who smiled sweetly at him. By Heaven she takes my breath away!

Two hours later, he called for a crewman to take the helm. He then climbed aloft on first one mast and then the other one rigged by MacCarr while carrying a skin of water to the lookout. He wanted to check a spar anchor on the rear mast.

Tico’s cargo was rich indeed. Ian had seen expensively made leather saddles furnished with silver buckles, cases of finely crafted sabers of Toledo steel and ornate sheaths. There were cases of pistols and muskets of superb quality as well of numerous items of fine silver and golden goblets, candelabras, fine crockery and china. They would give all of Alandra’s family belongings back but would keep the ship owner’s cargo to sell later, when they repaired and sold Tico.

Alandra came and joined him at the helm, bringing food and water. He asked her to take the helm while he ate. She was hesitant at first, and then took it as he stepped aside. They had a pleasant conversation, she asking for details about different places he had seen in his travels. Her English had improved markedly in just these few days.

She asked many questions in her halting English, which he was admittedly growing to love. He noticed that her hair which had looked black in the cabin the first time he had seen her, had reddish highlights. It blew carelessly across her neck and Ian was quite distracted by her presence.

They had drifted over one hundred feet to port, widening the gap between them and Elsie. Ian said Alandra, we’re too far from Elsie. Steer a wee bit to starboard. She turned to him impishly, and feigning a deep voice said Och lad, give…lassie…this one… a chance! punctuating that with a giggle. Ian’s mouth dropped open and he must have had a priceless look on his face because Alandra then burst forth with raucous laughter, as she threw her head back and shook her hair. Ian finally joined in. They laughed until they could hardly breathe, attracting some attention from others on board. Ian finally said Ah lass, we must find you a better English teacher.

Taking a final long pull at the water skin, Ian stepped close behind Alandra and reaching around her with both arms, corrected their course a bit. Alandra’s heart beat a bit faster as she felt his nearness and the warmth of his encircling arms. Once his right hand rested on hers for a moment, and Alandra felt something like electricity pass through her body.

You have a touch for this, Alandra. I think in time, you could sail a craft on your own with no help. She laughed at that, saying Ian…you make…joke? Laughing, Ian said "Nah, lassie, I meant it. You have a natural balance but Celita is a landlubber.

Celita…the….landbubber…bandlubber….landlubber. Another giggle followed and Ian couldn’t help himself but to laugh with her.

You climb …like…cat, Ian. You…same up ….in sails as on…. deck.

I have played in ships at home since I was a wee lad Alandra.

What is ‘wee’, Ian? With a low chuckle, he explained ‘wee’ to her. She then said You fight with Chinese man…..he teach you?

Aye, lass. He related the circumstances of their chance meeting and Li’s coming to be a seaman on Elsie. They stood like that for over a half hour and finally Ian stepped away, to Alandra’s regret. He called to a crewman to take the helm. After speaking briefly to him, Ian said Come with me Alandra, and I’ll show you something special.

Stooping, he picked up his jacket from the deck and they walked toward the bow of the ship side by side. Ian stopped to pull hard on several ropes holding the repaired mast and looked briefly at it to see if anything was loosening. Satisfied, he picked up a short coil of rope left over from the repairs and looped it over his shoulder. He gestured towards the bow and they climbed the steps to the low foredeck. Walking beside her he said Would you like to feel like you are the ship? She said yes to that, so he hopped catlike up to the bowsprit and walking out onto it, he sat down, facing out to sea.

If I keep my eyes on the horizon and just sit here like this, in a short while, I will begin to feel like I am the ship itself. It’s almost like flying. Would you like to try it?

I will try it if you help me. Afraid, but unwilling to show it, she waited as he sprang up from the bowsprit and spun around. He took the coil of rope and secured it to the jib and quickly fashioned a loop in it. He then slipped the loop over her and secured it under her arms and adjusted it from the back. He led her to where there was a step that he had ignored, and steadied her as she mounted it. Shortly she was sitting astride the bowsprit. Ian had folded his jacket to make a pad for her to sit on. He placed both of his arms around her waist, saying Now lass, look off to the horizon and keep your eyes there.

Alandra’s heart was hammering so within her that she wondered if he could hear it. She wondered if it was more to do with being in such a precarious place, or if it was because of being so near to him.

After several minutes he said You’re tense. You won’t feel it until you relax. He pulled her back gently a bit to recline against him. The sound of the wind and the waves as the bow parted them drowned out any sounds from behind them on the ship. The feel of her against his chest was exhilarating beyond anything he had ever felt in his life. He was mesmerized, as was she. His heart pounded as he felt the warmth of her seep into his chest and stomach. The smell of her hair was intoxicating. She sighed deeply and let her head sink back to his throat. Her fingers sought and entwined with his. They sat suspended in time in some magical world that neither had known existed anywhere. As the moments passed, Ian spoke tenderly to her, Ah, Alandra, please don’t be angry with me. I’ve never felt like this in my whole life. I could sit here with you forever.

Oh, Ian…..I….so content and…..warm….all over…..inside and out. Just do hold me, please, Ian…not let go…..please. Mmmmm She didn’t say it in fear, but with longing and passion. They sat that way, not speaking any more, only each drinking in the nearness of the other. It was a moment frozen in time; then…….Ian, I feel it, I am….like one…the ship….I and you and the ship are one, Ian. Oh, you are right, this….is …wonderful thing….feeling….I… never guess….ever! Time passed, yet seemed suspended in this tiny universe of only him, Alandra, and the shimmering azure sea and blue sky. He took one hand and gently laid her hair aside and kissed her tenderly on her neck. She shivered as a thrill unlike anything she had ever known ran through her body. They sat as one for an interminable time. He took more notice of the sky then, saying Alandra, look at the sky.

"What is it?

See those clouds? She looked and noticed the wispy curved clouds. Those are what we call ‘mares’ tails’. He explained how the clouds appearances mimicked a horse’s tail in appearance. Those mean we’ll get colder weather tomorrow or maybe tonight. See how fast they move to the east?

Is that a good thing?

I’ve never seen them move so fast before. It’s been so warm, that the weather could be stormy when that cold air meets this warm air. The colder that air is, the stormier it will be. You and Celita will need to sleep on Elsie tonight just in case of bad weather

"Why?

Elsie will take weather far better than this ship will. Uncle Angus is likely to signal me at any time to pull alongside. When he does, you and Celita must be ready to board her. We must be up and about. The winds had been getting