Rough Seas Ahead

Chapter 4

It's been two years since Richard took his own life. Things have been going a lot better since then. I was able to get a good job, and have saved up enough money to finally start my dream.

Two months ago, I purchased a fine trade ship from a merchant looking to retire. She was a fine vessel. She wasn't exactly a royal galleon, but she was as good as one in my eyes. She was a Brigantine. 110 feet long, with a mast 28 feet high, and a depth of 16 feet. She painted a dark brown with white trimmings, and was flying an English flag. She was equipped with 13 guns, and could easily hold a crew of 120 men. My crew wasn't that big, but it was big enough. I had 87 men on my side, all of which I trust, and know very well. 

I had already signed the paperwork for her, and she was now under my name. I even had my official papers to be qualified as a trader. I even had a contract with some officials both here in Boston, and in Havana. The ship was already loaded up with all of the cargo. Tabacco, rum, tea, and coffee. We were set to leave at the break of dawn, but tonight, I'll be enjoying my time.

It was a nice day. Not a cloud in the sky. I just hope this good weather lasts. Wouldn't want my first voyage to be my last.

I made my way down to the local pub. The Sailor's Rest. My 'father' favors this place for it's cheap selection. I just hope I don't run into him.

When I entered the pub, no one really noticed. Good. Everyone was chatting with friends and just having a good time. I looked into the crowd, mostly in the corners of the pub, for my first mate, John. Once I spotted him in a far off corner, I realized he hadn't even noticed anything. He was just staring off into a corner. Probably lost in thought.

"You ready for your first voyage, boy?" he asked as I sat next to him.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I'm just glad you'll be there to help sail the ship."

"Why become a trader when you have no idea how to even sail?"

"It's been my life long dream. My father was a trader for Boston as well. He was the captain of The Mermaid."

"That was a fine ship. It's was a shame she went down the way she did."

"My only hope is that I don't fall to the same fate."

John took another sip of whiskey. "You and me both."

About an hour passed. John and I laughed and had a good time. If this was the last time we see land, we might as well enjoy it. More and more people started to show. Most of them being sailors. So as you could expect, there were a lot of stories being passed from person to person. One in particular stayed in my head.

Two sailors were at a table not far from ours. They didn't say their names anywhere in the conversation.

Sailor 1: "Have you heard the rumors?"

Sailor 2: "What rumors?"

Sailor 1: "You know, the ones 'bout Black Jack?"

Sailor 2: "Shh! Don't say his name that loud! You never know who could be listening!"

Sailor 1: "Alright, alright, but have you heard?"

Sailor 2: "No. What happened?"

Sailor 1: "Black Jack's makin' a comeback. He's been attackin' everyone who crosses his path. Sailors, traders, the navy, and even other pirates!"

Sailor 2: "But why other pirates?"

Sailor 1: "Guess he's clearing the competition. But they've been sayin' he took down a whole navy fleet! Three Man of Wars, and several other ships were in the fleet."

Sailor 2: "Imagine how badly officials must want him! Where's all this happening?"

Sailor 1: "Down in the Caribbean."

Sailor 2: "What part of the Caribbean?"

Sailor 1: "Down and around by Havana."

Sailor 2: "I just hope we don't looses any more good people to that horrible man."

Just my luck. The pirate who possible destroyed my father's fleet is down where I have to be. Great!

"Don't listen to those old fools, Simon. They're only rumors! Those two are probably drunk anyways." John must have noticed I'd been watching and listening to them.

"But what if they aren't just rumors? What if Black Jack is actually rampaging down by Havana?" I whispered with my head between my hands.

"Your ship is a Brigantine, right?" 

"Why?"

"Brigantines are know for being quite fast ships. We could possible outrun him."

"But to take out Naval Man of Wars? He would need a lot of speed and gun power to do that."

"Just don't worry about it, Simon. What are the chances of us running into Black Jack himself anyways?"

I could only sigh.

"Just try to get some sleep, alright? I'm going back to my bunk at the inn." 

I don't think I could even sleep, let alone have a good night's sleep tonight. But what if John is right? What really are the chances of running into Black Jack?

I could only hope.