Thirty-Four - NEW RECRUITS
December 1716
On the top deck, Hornigold’s men separated the prisoners into two groups: wounded and
healthy. They threw the dead overboard. It was mid-day and sweltering hot. Sam looked around at
all the prisoners who seemed to melt in the sun. Lingering gun smoke mixed with the faint aroma of
blood soaked wood.
The Captain stood in front of the prisoners in full regalia. He stood with one hand on his
sword, and one on his hip, a mirror image of the man who first welcomed Sam aboard the Mary
Anne. Edward stood by the Captains side, still a powerful presence. Sam and Paulgrave stood in the
periphery.
“I am Commodore Benjamin Hornigold, and this ship now belongs to me. Cooperation is
the key to your survival.” The Commodore paced now in front of his officers. His boots made a
terrific noise against the absolute silence. “I need able bodied men, and I don’t care much how I get
them, only that I get them. However, today you find me in a generous mood; all who volunteer will
be free men earning a full share of any treasure we take.”
A skinny older man among the prisoners struggled to his feet. “And what of those who do
not volunteer?”
The commodore stared at the man coldly. “Their experience on this ship will be quite
different.”
Hornigold stepped back in line with his men. “So, who among you choose to be free?”
A tall man with massive shoulders stood up from the group, and walked over to Commodore
Hornigold. “Would a Dutchman, even one with African ancestors, be as free as the next man?”
An evil grin stretched across Sam’s face as he watched Hornigold cower under the sheer size
of the Dutch African.
Clutching his sword a little tighter Hornigold almost stuttered. “Of course you will.”
The big man’s white teeth gleamed as he took Hornigold’s hand and shook his whole body.
“I’m Hendrick Quintor, Commodore.”
“Welcome, Hendrick.” Hornigold turned to the rest of the captives. “Who else would live
free?”
One by one, the prisoners stood until eight of their crew accepted the commodores offer.
Sam called out for the giant to come to him. “Hendrick, I’m Samuel Bellamy and this is
Paulgrave Williams.”
“Good to meet you both.” As Hendrick shook their hands, the muscles in his massive arm
bulged. Whether it was comfort, or pride that drove him to wear a sleeveless shirt Sam understood. If
it were he with those arms, there would be no question. Sam leaned in closer. “Is there a doctor
YOU ARE READING
Black Sam - Prince of Pirates
Historical FictionThe War of Spanish Succession is over, many sailors are out of work, and the thriving American colonies are quickly becoming the place of opportunity. For Sam Bellamy, it was the opportunity of becoming the captain of his own ship. When he falls in...
