Cover courtesy of @BarryVosloo
An action adventure pirate tale with all the expected elements. The ship carrying the governor's daughter is attacked at sea and she is kidnapped by Tortuga's most notorious pirate, Terrance Hollick. Spirited away to t...
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Four days later, after sailing close to the coast and rowing when there was no breeze, the pirates arrived in Mole St. Nicolas. The mission was welcoming and for the first time since leaving the cavern they all shared a good meal. The news from Port-au-Prince about the disastrous attempt to catch the pirates was dire. The entire island was put on alert and anyone aiding the fugitives would be thrown in jail. Captain Woodcuffe had survived a partial amputation of his left arm and the Dark Sea had to be towed back to port, needing a total overhaul. Thirty six Marines were lost in the assault on the cavern as well as several crew and the first officer of the Dark Sea.
"You have put your mission in jeopardy, my friend." Hollick addressed the leader.
"We have no fear of the Governor. We are here with the King's blessing. Besides, if no one tells, he'll never know."
"You are a trusting soul, sir. In my dealings with he and his cronies, it's what you know not who."
"Well, one cannot change fate. Your people are welcome to stay if they wish. We can find suitable accommodation and they can begin to be productive and support themselves."
"You are very generous. They will be a credit to your community, sir."
"And you?"
"I intend to get back to sea... as soon as I get a ship."
"I see. And by, get a ship, you mean...?"
"Thank you for all your help and kindness, sir." Hollick grinned and shook the man's hand. He put an arm around Alicia and the two of them left for the longboat.
Hollick hoisted the sail and headed south down the end of the island back toward the port city of Port-au-Prince.
"Is this wise, Hollick?"
"It's the only place I have a chance of getting a ship; I can't attack one at sea in this with just you and I."
They stayed silent, enjoying the relatively calm sea and the warm breeze. A few blossoms of white cloud dotted the sky and the terns dipped and banked on their endless search for food. The sun began to drop below the horizon and Alicia was stunned when Hollick pointed out the green flash that was seen on rare occasions.
"That was beautiful! How does it happen?"
"Just an event in nature, like Saint Elmo's Fire. Not to be explained but enjoyed."
The darkness came on quickly once the sun disappeared and Hollick dropped anchor nearer the shore. They ate from some of the provisions the mission had donated and then settled back and stared up a jewel dotted sky.
"This is so beautiful, Hollick. Was it like this aboard the Bright Star all the time?"
"No. Sometimes, not all the time. And there was never a beautiful woman to enjoy it with either." He turned toward her and felt her arm encircle his neck. They kissed and pressed against one another, hungering to get closer and closer. In the pitch black of a moonless night, the longboat rocked rhythmically on the soft swells of the sea.
