The Scourge - Pirates & Privateers

Chapter 5 - New Providence Island

After three long days of silence, the call finally sounded from the crow's nest.

'Land ho!'

Like rats escaping a burning barn, all hands dashed for the weatherdeck to peer over the bowside railing. Before the prow of the ship lay a low-lying island, black against the white sparkle of the sea's surface. From a distance, shielding his eyes with his hand, Martin could make out the tall masts of anchored ships in the cove, huddled like a blockade in the shallows.

'It's Nassau!' the Gunner's mate cried.

'We're home at last, boys!' the Bosun roared. The crew cheered, drumming their feet and beating the sky with their fists. They all dispersed to their bunks, preparing to go ashore. Port was something that came about as often as a religious holiday, though to sailors, it may as well have been the one.

Only two among the crew didn't join in the festivities; Emily and Black Hal. As Martin stepped towards the main hatch to retrieve his last silver peso in case of emergency, he caught a glimpse of the pair of them standing on the quarterdeck, squared up to each other like gladiators. He stopped to watch them spar.

'The deal was you'd take me to Barbados, Captain,' Emily said, the sun igniting her flaming hair, her eyes blazing, as she jabbed an accusing finger in Black Hal's face. 'We don't have time to be stopping at New Providence. The Queen is counting on me, and every second is crucial.'

'Miss Morton,' Black Hal raised his voice. He gestured over the ship. 'What do you see?'

Emily looked around, and Martin followed her gaze. The topmen were reefing the sails and binding them up to the yards, the deckhands were preparing to mount the capstan bars with cautious optimism, and the Quartermaster was busy listing down cargo and muttering to himself as he paced to and fro.

'What am I supposed to be looking for?' Emily rested her fists on her hips. 'I see a crew, and I see a ship not pointing in the right direction.'

'You see despair,' the Captain grumbled. 'You see a crew worked to the bone for a few drops of fresh water and a string of meat. You see a ship battered by waves, weather and cannon-fire. You see men stripped of all luxury until they've naught to defend themselves from the Devil but their own dry courage. The only thing keeping them from falling into insanity is a single thread of hope that this will all be worth it; when that thread snaps, bad things happen. These men need water, food and rest. This ship needs timber to keep her seaworthy. We aren't going to find any of that on the journey between here and Barbados, Miss Morton. Seeing as Nassau is the nearest friendly port, Nassau is where we shall put in to make ready.'

'Captain, time is of the essence,' Emily insisted. 'The Queen hangs on every second I-.'

'So you've said already. When we struck a bargain, it were my understanding that I was not to interfere with your business. Likewise, I expect you not to interfere with mine. You've pointed out a heading; it's my job to get you there, which I will in good time. No less time than is necessary.' Emily bit her tongue again.

The Captain's expression didn't change. Without another word, he turned on his heel and continued his rounds of the ship, the Quartermaster joining him at the steps of the quarterdeck.

'Damn the man,' Emily muttered as she clutched at her arm. Her eyes turned towards the weatherdeck and Martin ducked his head to avoid meeting her gaze. He decided it was best to leave her to her thoughts; she probably had a lot on her mind.

As he disappeared into the hold, he tried to put it all out of his mind, but as he fumbled in the dark for his silver coin, he couldn't help but ruminate on the expression Emily had worn on her face. She wasn't defeated; she was determined, but Martin tried to put it out of his head.