Black Stones

Moving On

The room is dimly lit, only a single candle keeps the blackness of night at bay. The air itself seems to radiate sadness, like a black cloud that hangs over the occupants. All my friends are there, Jonathan in his long blue coat, Simone habitually twisting his braided mustache, Amos running his finger around the lip of his cup, and Ann sitting in silence. It has been three months since my final battle, but it is only now that they are ready to address the loss they feel.
"Well, we all knew zat zis day would come eventually, one way or another," Simone says. Jonathan nods.
"It's a dangerous line of work, and you can't stay here forever," he agrees.
"But things won't ever be quite the same..." Amos trails off sadly. Then he suddenly stands up, and holds his glass in the air.
"To captain William Hartmann," he says, "the man who saved me from slavery, and gave me my life."
"To ze best friend I could 'ave asked for," Simone say, raising his own glass.
"To my little deck hand," Jonathan says, "who became the greatest pirate to have ever sailed the seas."
"To the man who owns my heart," Ann finishes. I smile at the touching moment.
"To the pirates of the Silver Reef," I say, raising my own glass despite the sharp pain it causes, "without whom I would be dead a thousand times over."
"Put that glass down Will!" Ann orders harshly, "or else you're going to pull out your stitches, again." I laugh, causing another shot of pain, and put the glass down.
"It's honestly a miracle you're still here," Amos says to me, "when I saw that knife, I wasn't to sure you were going to make it."
"Of course he was going to make it!" Ann laughs, "he's to stubborn to die."
"Amos is right though," Simone says with a sad smile, "it will not be ze same place with out you."
"Yes, but Jonathan's right too," I say, "you can only be in this line of work for so long. Next time, that knife might not be a near miss, and I can't risk leaving Ann alone, or anyone else that comes along." I finish, giving a meaningful look at her midriff. She smiles, and places a protective hand on her stomach. She had learned about the pregnancy only a week before, and it made me certain that I was making the right choice.
"I really don't see why you must come with us though Jonathan," I say, "you still have a lot of adventure ahead of you." He shakes his head.
"Nay, I figure that I've had enough of the pirates life," he says, "honestly, I've had enough adventure to last a life time. No, I'd rather return with you to England, and hang up the cutlass."
"Well, we will be glad for the company," I say with a smile. The door opens, and one of my crew members walk in.
"The Atlaintian is ready to sail captain," he says. I nod my thanks, and he exits. One by one, we all stand and walk to the docks. The Atlaintain bobs happily next to Dauntless, the two ships lanterns lighting up the night, and bathing the shore in a lovely glow.
"If you ever change your mind Will," Amos says as we approach the docks, "just remember, you will always be the captain of Dauntless." I smile fondly at him.
"No, she's yours now Amos," I say, "that beautiful ship belongs to you, and you alone. You're her captain now, and that's the way it should be."
"All the same," he replies with a grin, "if you ever come back, I'll let you have a turn at the wheel."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," I laugh. Picking up the large sack at my feet, I begin to walk up the gang plank.
"Wait captain, I almost forgot something!" Amos yells. I turn around, and he walks up to me, gift in hand.
"I finished it some time ago," he admits, handing me the object, "but it never seemed like the right time." I turn the little wooden model over in my hand. It's a ship, beautifully carved, with the name Dauntless printed in tiny letters on the bow. It looks so real, that for a moment I think Amos had shrunken down the real thing. Of course that isn't possible, but I am amazed at the skill and details that he had been able to put on this simple piece of wood. And on the bottom, carved in beautiful lettering a heartfelt message.
To my savior and friend; may you never loose that spark of madness, or the goodness in your heart.
"Thank you Amos," I say with a sad smile, "I won't ever forget you, or what you have done for me."
"Nor I Captain Will," Amos replies. I embrace him, the tears I had been fighting off finally break free, as I say goodbye to my friend. We part after a moment, and I join Ann at the railing. As the Atlantian sails away, I steal one last glance back at my home. The island shines beautifully underneath the moon, the water looking like a sea of silver. Dauntless stands proud at her dock, and an abnormally large wave hits her side. The ship rocks back and forth, her masts swaying wildly. I laugh to myself; Dauntless is waving goodbye.
"I'm going to miss this place," Ann says, tucking herself under my arm, "all the memories, the friends we have. We're losing a lot by leaving." I take in the salty sea air, the cool breeze that kisses my cheeks, the gentle rocking of the ship, the lapping of waves against the hull. I am going to miss this feeling no doubt about it, this air of freedom that surrounds me as we glide across the waves. It is addicting, and something that I never thought I could live without. But now, as I hold Ann in my arms, and place a hand on her slightly swollen stomach, I know that isn't true anymore.
"I will miss it," I say with a sad smile, "and we will lose a lot. But we are going to gain even more by moving on."

                    16 Years Later

I'm high in my perch, watching my prey intensely. It is my favorite spot, and I am quite frankly amazed that I hadn't yet been spotted. My quarry knows me well, very well, yet always falls into this simple trap. They had been smarter of late, hiding in the bushes, attempting to keep their meetings secret. But they couldn't avoid my gaze for long. The pair are by the river, talking in hushed tones, close to each other. Too close. Suddenly, I see them make their move, leaning into each other.
"Hey!" I shout, dropping my spyglass, "stop trying to snog my daughter!" The startled love birds stop what they're doing immediately, and stare up at the lone ship mast that adorns the lawn. It is strange and out of place in the English country side, which is of course why I had it installed in the first place. It also reminds me of another time, back when I was known by a very different name than I am now. Embarrassed and frightened, the young boy approaches the mast, where I wait with unforgiving eyes in the shade, tapping my foot impatiently.
"I'm sorry mister Hartmann," he says nervously, "I swear, I meant nothing indecent-"
"Quite your groveling," I say gruffly, "you're lucky that your father is still at sea, or else I would have him drag you home by your ear!"
"Yes sir, terribly sorry sir," he stutters out. Behind him, my daughter stares daggers at me. When I'm sure the boy isn't looking, I give her a wink, and she rolls her eyes.
"Further more," I continue, placing my hand threateningly on the hilt of my sabre, "if I ever catch you on this property again, I will give you an up close look at this here sword. You catch my meaning?"
"Uh yes sir," the boy says terrified.
"Just get out of here Charles," my daughter says gently. With a hurried nod he scampers away. I wait until he's well and gone, then break into a huge belly laugh.
"Did you see his face Rachel?" I laugh, nearly in tears, "I thought he was going to melt right in front of me!"
"You know father," Rachel says with a frown, "I might have a few more suitors if you didn't chase off every boy I bring home."
"Oh, he'll be back," I say, finally gaining control of myself, "He's quite taken with you, and who wouldn't be? You're every bit the enchantress your mother is."
"Did I hear someone call me?" Ann asks from behind me. I smile and turn around.
"Hello dear," I say smiling, "lovely day isn't it?"
"You chased off another one, didn't you?" Ann says. I stand agape, feigning insult.
"What? Me? Chase off a boy trying to court my precious little daughter? Never." I say with mock seriousness. At this point, Rachel can't hold her frown any longer, and she's over come in a fit of giggles. Ann however, is unmoved by my performance.
"Will, we have discussed this," she says sternly, "I have forbidden you from chasing boys away at sword point."
"You always were ruining my fun," I laugh, "besides, I know he'll be back. I actually like this one, Jonathan raised a good boy." Ann smiles then.
"Yes he did," she says, "and we've raised a good daughter. Now come along, we've got a guest." I suddenly notice a tall African standing near the house, and my smile grows larger. I am about to run to my old friend, but someone beats me to it.
"Uncle Amos!" Rachel shouts with glee, rushing over to the powerful man. Ann follows her, and I take in the sight. Maybe the sent of wood isn't quite as exiting as the sea, and the ground no longer rocks beneath my feet. But I had a family now, and a real home. I am happy where I am, and I know that wherever he is, Ben would be happy to. I did this for him, gone to live the life he never could. I still think of him almost daily, still habitually wear his sabre though now it was only good for looking fancy and scaring away boys. I have a future because of him, and I will always remember the man who made this all possible. I glance at the mast in the yard, and the small plaque beside it.

For the man who lost everything
Yet still gave me all I have
To the greatest pirate to have ever sailed,
And the best man I've ever met
Mad Ben Crowley