Black Sam - Prince of Pirates

Four - THE TAVERN

Four-THE TAVERN

 July 1716

 The Great Island Tavern, set deep inside a copse of trees, named after the land on which it sat. It was a place fit only for sailors, smugglers, and those with the guts to row to her shores. Blessed with all of these traits and more, Israel Cole was not only one of these sorts, but he was the proud owner of this self-proclaimed “fine establishment.”

 Over the steep pitched tavern rooftop and past the tips of evergreens, a ship sat in the Wellfleet harbor, positioned between the island and the mainland. From the ship, two small boats rowed to shore.

 Inside the dimly lit tavern, a short, scruffy man shaped like a barrel did his best to fill mugs at the bar. Hanna the bar maiden went from table to table keeping the men satisfied with strong ale and flirtatious conversation.

 Israel Cole was a tall, slender man with unkempt long brown hair. He carried three mugs in one hand and three in the other making his way to a table in the opposite corner of the tavern. Sam and their friend Paulgrave Williams sat waiting their libation.

 “It’s about time,” said Sam with a smack of his fist on the table.

 Paulgrave straightened up in his chair. “Six mugs for the three of us? Should we consider this special treatment?”

 Israel placed the mugs on the table and then sat down. “The extra mugs will keep me from getting up again when you two quickly down your first.” He raised his glass up. “To new beginnings.” He winked at Sam and took a drink.

 Sam gave him a nod and took a drink. It was strange; he did feel low after talking to Nathaniel, not for losing his commission, but because privateers took it from him. Privateers were merely pirates on commission from kings. Sam looked at his friends. “What is the difference between a privateer, and a pirate?”

 Paulgrave looked to Israel, who didn’t offer an answer. “Well, Privateers are sanctioned under legitimate authority from the crown, whereas pirates operate illegally under a flag of anarchy—”

 Sam fingered the handle of his mug. “Would you say then, that privateers working “legally” under authority of the Spanish monarchy have the right to take British ships?”

 Paulgrave took a drink and pondered the question. “I would think it is not a question of rights, but it is an evil necessity of war.”

 “So all pirates need to do is declare war, and they are considered privateers? Free to take what they will?”

 “They would have to be sanctioned Sam, you of all people know this.”

 “Yes of course, so the government can take their share of the plunder. Nathaniel’s ships were taken Paul, by privateers, sanctioned thievery by a government; which one I dare not guess.”

 “Yes, I’m sorry for Nathaniel, and you must know surely that I’m not supporting it, just answering your questions.”

 Sam looked at Paulgrave realizing the scowl he had emblazoned across his face. He smiled. “Yes, of course. Forgive me; I seem to linger in sensitivity over Nathaniel’s predicament.”

 Israel who hadn’t said a word about it slid Sam another mug. “Good then that I brought you an extra mug.”

 “Israel you are masterful in the art of thinking ahead.” Sam took a drink.

 Israel leaned forward and spoke to Sam. “Do not be troubled by things you cannot change. See around you that life, even within difficult times, has much happiness to give.”