The Reaper

Dagan and Bart were at the jetty waiting when Gabe arrived. “I passed!” Gabe shouted jubilantly.

“He don’t look like no ‘ossifer to me,” joked Bart.

“Iffen he is, he’s poorly dressed,” Dagan added then asked, ‘‘Did they dunk you boy? You look fairly drenched.’’ Gabe ignored the two and made his way into the boat.

Bart then turned to the boatmen. “Look alive, we got us a new officer.”

Several of the men smiled and a few snickered goodnaturedly as the boat cast off from the jetty.

“Have ‘is own ship soon, like as not,” volunteered Dawkins, the old seaman who Gabe had saved from having his leg crushed in a gun drill those months ago. “I’d serve ‘im, I would,” he said, and all agreed with he old salt’s sentiment.

As the ship’s boat approached Drakkar, the sentry called out, “Boat ahoy!’’

“Aye, aye.” Bart’s repy to the challenge said it all. An officer had returned to come aboard his ship.

Anthony and Buck were waiting for Gabe at the quarterdeck. After congratulations were given, Anthony looked at his brother and was proud of what he saw.

“Let’s go down to my cabin for a refreshment,” Anthony said, putting his arm across his brother’s shoulder as they went down to his quarters.

Upon entering the cabin, Anthony called to Silas, “Fetch us a bottle of hock then be off with you.” When Silas left, Anthony looked at Gabe and said, “Father would have been proud of you, as I am. Now tell me about it.”

Markham returned an hour or so later in a jubilant mood. He too had passed and was heartily congratulated as Gabe had been. Anthony planned a dinner that evening to celebrate Gabe and Markham’s passing the lieutenant’s exam. All the officers in Anthony’s squadron were invited. Gabe and Markham were both very pleased that the commodore was honoring them. However, the celebration was for passing the exam only. That was only the first part. They still had to receive their commissions. Until that time they were still midshipmen. Buck called to the two as Gabe and Markham were heading to change into their work uniforms.

“I hear that of the thirteen mids who went before the hoard only six were passed.” This was news to the young gentlemen.

“Less than half,” Markham stated.

“Aye,” Gabe answered but added, “That means less competition for any available commissions.”

As the two departed Drakkar for LeFoxxe and LeCroix, Gabe recalled Captain Swift’s remarks about special consideration being given due to who his relatives were. The good captain could say publicly what was politically correct. In Gabe’s mind he was sure connection played a big part in promotions. He hoped a deserving candidate was not passed over just so somebody’s lackey could be promoted. Gabe was sure of his own abilities, but couldn’t help but think of Witzenfeld. Witz should never have been made lieutenant. Witzenfelds’s promotion was proof he had patronage and special interest at some high level. Would his past difficulties with “Witz” come to haunt him at some point in the future? “I shall keep a weather eye,” Gabe promised himself.

Suddenly, Gabe felt a swat to the back of his head. Turning quickly, he faced Markham-who had his hat in his hand.

“You ain’t been listening to a word I have said, have you?” Markham asked.

Realizing he’d tuned Markham out, but not wanting to be rude to his friend, Gabe replied. ‘‘I’m sorry. I was lost in thought.”

“Huh,’’ snorted Markham. ‘‘I was saying, I bet that snot-nosed, carrot-headed shit on Commodore Gardner’s staff is sure to get a commission while his betters have to wait.”

Gabe had to laugh. Markham was never one to hide his feelings. His particular dislike of the of the young gentleman in question had more to do with his being more readily available to entertain a certain young lady. Carrot-head’s assignment to the dockyard meant most nights free, while Markham was frequently at sea for days on end.

***

The dinner that night was a feast. Plenty of good-natured ribbing went on and toasts were made. As the evening drew to a close, Anthony stood and tapped on a wine glass to quiet the officers before him. Once he had their attention, he called to the first lieutenant. ‘‘Mr. Buck, did you not tell me we had some important news arrive this evening that will certainly affect the daily operation of Drakkar?”

“Aye sir, that’s true, it is,” replied Buck. ‘‘The guard boat has brought us these two letters I hold in my hand. One is addressed to Lieutenant Gabriel Anthony, Esquire; and the other is to Lieutenant Frances Markham, Esquire. Now unless I’m mistaken, I’d bet these official-looking packets are commissions.” When Buck handed the “Lieutenants” their commissions Anthony stood again.

“Gentlemen, a toast to our two new lieutenants.” This started the merriment all over again.

Dagan, Bart, and the bosun were all standing aft enjoying their pipes and a wee touch of rum themselves.

“Sounds like a proper wetting down, don’t it?” the bosun said, commenting on the noise coming through the open transom windows and the skylight.

“Aye,” Dagan responded. “Think of all the

pounding heads tomorrow.”

“Sure nuff,” Bart agreed. “Likely we’ll have to see

things are done proper till noon. I can’t see any of them

being clear-headed before then.”

“Aye,” they all agreed, then turned their attention

to the rum at hand.

***

With the holidays ending, the pirates started

attacking more frequently. Ships were looted and then

destroyed with only a rare survivor to tell the tale. More

often it was a piece of wreckage or flotsam that told the

story. Thus far there had been no captives held for

ransom. This lone fact made Anthony suspicious.

Typically, pirates would be more than willing to hold a

captive for ransom if there were any money to be had.

There had to be political connections, else why turn

down sure money? The pirates were not fools. There

had to be a reason why no one had been offered up for

ransom. And, if not political subterfuge, then what?

One night when he and Lady Deborah were having

a quiet meal with Commodore Gardner, he broached

the subject. He had waited until the ladies had excused

themselves. As the two men lit up their pipes and

enjoyed a snifter of brandy, Anthony casually asked,

“Ever hear of any ransom demands?”

“Why no, I haven’t,” answered Gardner. “And

there’s plenty been taken who could and would have

paid a handsome sum for their freedom.”

Anthony nodded, “That’s what I’ve been thinking.

So, do you think someone is giving the pirates ‘head

money’ to make up for lost ransom? If head money is

being given, it would take deep pockets.”

“Aye,” Gardner replied. “Such as a national treasury.”

That night as lady Deborah drew Anthony to her she stated, “I heard part of your conversation with Commodore Gardner.”