A Hidden Queen

Chapter 21

John pulls himself up onto the railing, his hand gripping the ratlines upon the quarterdeck. He leans out over the water, taking in the stern of The Governor. It has taken The Wicked Mary almost a full day to catch up to the first-rate ship. And that was only by the grace of Neptune himself. During the night, a strong wind has begun to gust upon The Mary, bellowing out her sails and allowing the galley-rigged ship to pick up speed. This allowed the smaller and more nimble ship to gain on her prey.

John's eyes scan over the aft section of the ship. He could not make out many details without a spy glass, but her could make out the three people standing against the railing. He watches as the taller one raises his arms to bring his spy glass up to rest against his eye. He watches curiously as the man raises it up to the top of his middle mast right where his black flag fluttered in the wind. John smirks devilishly as he thinks about the panic that is running through them. Good. It will make catching her that much simpler.

John pulls himself back within the confines of his ship. He jumps down from the railing; his eyes gaze out over the crew. They had all come to congregate on the upper gundeck. They stare up at John, various weapons in their hands, as they wait for further instruction. John could feel the excitement that builds that only a raid could bring about amongst the men. It was invigorating and brought about a sense of pride within John's chest. He approaches the rail near the wheelhouse. Burnt steps to the side, allowing the captain to lean out over it and address his crew properly.

"I know you men are anxious to get some action and gain a prize." John starts off earning laughter from the men. "But I need you to focus on the task at hand. That first-rate out there has a prize that is far more precious than silver and gold. You have been informed that there is a woman upon that vessel that we need to retrieve. That is your main goal gentlemen. You've been given a description of her and should not be that hard to locate her as she seems to be the only woman present. You may take some of the cargo if it is manageable, but do not get sidetracked in looking for her." He pauses gazing out over the crowd. "Now a warning gentleman, most of you know who she is and how she is, to those who do not. . . Be prepared to fight and manhandle her. She is mean spirited and if she feels threatened, she will not go willing without fight. But!" John stresses turning his voice stern. "You lay an abusive mark on her, and you will not see the light the day. Do I make myself clear?" Many of the men in the crowd snicker and nod their heads. "Good. Now let us make this interesting. I'll throw in a little award money for whoever brings her back first. You land feet on the deck with her, you get a handsome reward simple as that."

The men roar in response, each ready to get on with their raiding. They raise their weapons high above their heads, hollering at him in joy battlement. John grins, rushing down the stairs and into the crowd. He weaves through the men as they became more excited. John stops at the portside guns, easily resting a foot upon the gunwale. He grabs a hold of a sailing line, steadying himself as the ship bounces off the waves. The Governor was within their grasps now, there was no way that the bulky first-rate would outrun the galley-rigged vessel. John's grin broadens as his crew encircle him, yelling threats and curses towards The Governor while shaking their weapons at them.

He gazes out over the waters, watching as men aboard the bigger ship scurry about in frantic movements. Marines start to climb the ratlines with their guns slung over their backs. John whistles at Barlow and his gang of sharpshooters. He jerks his head heavenwards. Barlow knuckles his hat once, ushering the men to start their own climb into the rigging. John turns the vibrant green eyes to the men as their battle cries grow in volume.

"Come on boys! I know you can do better than that! Let's strike the fear of God into these land-lovers! Let us show them what the crew of Demon Jonny can do!" He shouts, working the men up even more. "You bring me that girl men!"

The men increase in volume as the first-rate began to come closer. John jumps down from the gunwale, pushing back through the men. He comes upon the quarterdeck, standing tall at the taffrail. He grins broadly, his chest puffing out with pride. Burnt positions himself beside John, resting his ax comfortably on his shoulder.

"Let us bring back our queen." Burnt mutters lowly.

"Yes. Let us do such."

John leans forward, gripping the railing. He watches as The Wicked Mary hastily approaches her prey. Yes, it was time to bring back their queen indeed. John thinks in determination.