Wind in My Sails

Chapter 2

Captain William Schuester cleared his throat before muttering, "This is of the upmost importance. King Richard needs the map gone before there are any other attempts to take it."

First mate Finn Hudson looked around the crowded tavern before fixing his gaze back upon his captain. "Where should I tell Tinsley we're going?"

"Spain."

"Spain?!" Noah Puckerman sputtered. "We were just at war with them! Why would King Richard want anything of value to go to those mongrels?!"

Shue waved him quiet and looked around the crowd to make sure they weren't being overheard. "It would be safer. He did not explain his reasoning with me but I assume so. It's not my place to question my king."

Noah bowed his head. "Apologies, Captain."

Shue nodded. "We only have to get it there as soon as possible. We set sail soon. Tell the rest of the men that leave is over. All hands on deck. His Majesty's Royal Navy sets sail in three days time."

The men at the table nodded.

At a little table tucked away in a dark corner, someone smiled.

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"Are you sure that's what you heard?" Sly demanded.

"Yes, Captain." Her spy bowed.

"Get me Q, MC, MA, T, Satan and Bratt. Alert the rest of the crew to gather supplies. We'll be setting sail in three days time."

"Yes, Captain."

Sly smiled to herself as she sat back in her chair. The first attempt ended with her hands empty but she was sure that out at sea, she would emerge victorious.

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Michael Chang clapped his brother on the back. "I had to say goodbye to my paramour. How is it my fault you never leave anyone behind?"

Malcolm sneered. "You're a good person and a good sailor. Why do you leave so many women brokenhearted?"

"Hey! They always have smiles when I leave!"

"And tears in their eyes! From port to port, you go and break so many hearts." Malcolm shook his head.

"I am not a heart breaker." Michael was offended.

"Not purposely but you never stay with any one woman passed several days."

"At least I spend my leave with women. You just sit in your rooms awaiting orders to ship out again."

"These women don't interest me." Malcolm admitted. So far he'd only used women to slake his thirst when he had to but no woman held what he was looking for.

"What woman do you want? I admit British women aren't bred to appease all of a man's appetite but at least they take the edge off and they appreciate it oh so much."

"I'm looking for a woman that can think about something other than the weather and what other people are wearing. I don't care about fashion nor gossip. It's tedious."

"I understand. I admit I don't listen as well as I should."

Malcolm sighed. "Is the ship ready?"

"Aye. We're ready to set out."

The two brothers walked across the harbor to where two men were standing. "Puckermans."

Noah and his younger brother, Jacob turned. "Changs."

"Said goodbye to your many conquests?" Michael grinned.

Both brothers smiled rakishly. "Aye. Left so many!"