Zealand

63. Onward

Barbados, Friday, 15th July 1667

During the following days, while repairs were made to the King's ships, Captain went often ashore to seek interest in the finer items aboard Volendam. He gained some small interest, but with so much of it to sell, he said it seemed a futile exercise.

As we sat supping one evening, he talked about how he had misjudged the affluence and discernment of the people here. "It is time to forego a larger gain and sell Volendam and her cargo by auction."

"Would we find a stronger demand for the exotic items in London, sir? Many sound similar to what you had in your home."

"Yes, a far better place to sell. But five thousand miles is too far to tow her, and to sail her there, our crews must stand one-in-two for five or six weeks, and that is untenable. Finding capable men to take on as a crew for her would be impossible here with the strong demand from the sugar plantations and manufactories."

"Might we take her finer cargo aboard Zealand and Delfe?"

He slapped the table. "Of course! Blind of me not to see it. Stuck in the idea of selling here. We can take the entire cargo between the two ships and sell Volendam empty. Several have expressed interest in her unladen."

"Would taking it aboard not wet us too much, sir?"

"We are ballasted with lead and iron ingots, and we can land as much as necessary. There should be a good market for it among the smiths and plumbers here.

"Will we then go hunting for more Dutch prizes, sir?"

"Nay, Boy. We have greatly curtailed their trading here, and with Admiral Harman heading south to retake Suriman and attack Cayenne, there will be even fewer ships to target. He suggested we consider pirate hunting in the approaches to Port Royal."

"Where is that, sir?"

"In Jamaica, five or six days to the west. Piracy has grown apace with its rapidly increasing prosperity." He paused and shrugged. "But that is for our next voyage. We near five months on this one, and our stores are greatly diminished."

"Oh! So we will return to London."

"Indeed, we have cargo to sell there and proceeds to distribute. And before venturing to capture pirates, both ships need renewing and re-stowing."

"Will the crew also be renewed?"

"Yes, with their share from the sale of prizes, some may choose to settle ashore. Also, those who have not performed well must be replaced."

Concerned by this, I asked, "Will I be replaced, sir?"

"Yes, you will be. I must seek a new cabin boy."

Oh! Set ashore as I always feared. But I will have a share of ...

His words interrupted my thoughts. "On our next voyage, you will sail as a midshipman."

... Nine years later 
Portsmouth – Thursday, 12th November 1676

"On our next voyage, you will sail as a midshipman."

While I assessed the new cabin boy, my mind flashed back to this and to all that had led to it. Meeting Captain Bryson. The way he guided me. How he served as my mentor. As a guardian. A father. A friend. I must now do the same.

But begin at a distance. Allow the friendship to grow, as he had done with me.

After a long reverie, I dismissed my thoughts to examine Camille again. Such an innocent-looking lad – much as I must have first appeared to William. Then, turning to my steward, I said, "James, show Boy to his quarters. Explain his duties and acquaint him with what is where and with how it all must be." [1]

Note:

[1] This is from the opening chapter of 'Zeelandia', when Charles decides to take Camille as his cabin boy.