The Reaper

English Harbour was astir when Drakkar returned with her little flotilla. They were scarred, but victorious.

Much to everyone’s surprise, Scythe made the trip back. Drakkar’s carpenter and his mates had been able to staunch the flow of incoming seawater by fothering a doubled up tar soak topsail. Once the canvas patch was in place the prisoners were put on the pumps to keep the water level down. The majority of Scythe’s damage was between wind and water. The pumps were manned watch-and-watch at first. But by the time Antigua was sighted, the pumps only had to be manned one hour in four. Mr. Stokes had predicted Scythe could be completely repaired and declared seaworthy in no time at all.

Commodore Gardner was all nerves and apprehension. From the time Anthony’s ships had been sighted it seemed to have taken an eternity for them to beat into the harbor. However, Drakkar now stood bows onto the land. Unable to curb his impatience, Gardner had taken a guard boat out to meet Anthony, appearances be damned.

Now he sat silently, absently drinking a glass of claret, but never tasting it. He was totally engrossed in Anthony’s report.

The dialogue was eventually interrupted by a knock on the door. The sentry announced, “Midshipman Young, sir.” The lad entered the cabin and seemed to wilt from Commodore Gardner’s glare. His anger at having Anthony’s narrative interrupted was not lost on the boy.

“Well, don’t just stand there. Spit it out man.”

“Er-Mr. Buck’s compliments, sir. We’re about ready to drop anchor.” “Very well,” Anthony replied. “Tell Mr. Buck I’ll be on deck directly.” “Aye, sir.” The lad then scampered out of the cabin, glad to be out from under Gardner’s glare.

“Damn whelp,” Gardner remarked. “Well, duty calls, and I’ve kept you too long, Gil. But damme man, it sounds like you took care of the swines proper like. Here’s my hand and congratulations. The island is a buzz from here to St. Johns and back already. Every planter on the island will want to give you a reception to celebrate and share in your glory. Don’t know that I envy you there.”

***

Lady Deborah’s carriage was waiting at the jetty when Anthony finally made it ashore. He climbed in beside her and almost collapsed. She pulled him to her and listened attentively as Anthony summarized the events surrounding the battle.

He then told her if it were not for Dagan he’d be dead. “You would not believe the control he had over Jabot, till some damn rogue broke the trance. Then Dagan called down the raven. Where it had been lurking I don’t know. I do know I owe Dagan my life.” Turning and looking into his woman’s eyes Anthony said, “The only thing going through my mind when the blade was at my throat was that you were going to be widowed again, even before we married.”

“Oh, darling,” Deborah responded as she pulled Anthony to her breast and held him close. “What would I do without you?” Sensing her man’s needs, the carriage ride to the cottage had been made in silence with the two holding each other. Anthony could sense a renewal in his body and soul that seemed to come with the closeness of Deborah’s body next to his. He could feel her heartbeat as his head lay upon her breast, and he seemed to breathe the very air she breathed. The breath of life.

Just before they arrived at the cottage Deborah sat up. “We have company, dear.”

“Company?”

“Yes! And now that you’re back we’ll have to open up the big house. Our little love nest is too small for everyone.”

“Who’s here?” Anthony asked.

“Your family, you silly man. They arrived just as you left. Your sister has been helping with our wedding plans.”

“Oh,” groaned Anthony. He then said, “Our wedding’s still a month away and more.”

“And that’s no time at all for all the things a lady has to do to complete the arrangements,” Deborah replied. “Now straighten yourself up and see if that one area that’s too straight can be controlled before it causes embarrassment.”

Without realizing it, Anthony had become aroused with his head lying on Deborah’s breast. “See what you do to me?” Anthony exclaimed. “You prime my cannon then secure quarters without even allowing a ranging shot.”

Deborah giggled as he set to gather himself together to meet his family.

Chapter Twenty-One

Time had flown by since Drakkar had defeated Reaper. Reports had been sent to the admiralty with several recommendations having been made. Commodore Gardner had favorably endorsed each. It was time Buck and Pope were made captain. Both had held commands and were more than capable to command a frigate. Earl deserved a small command. Maybe he could be made first lieutenant if ever Buck or Pope were promoted.

And Gabe! It had been Gabe in the Shark that initiated the assault on the brig that was attacking Scythe’s stern. He had evaluated the situation, sensed the opportunity, and seized it. Otherwise, had the brig been left unopposed, Scythe would have been destroyed or at least overwhelmed right from the start. Gabe’s actions not only ensured the outcome of the battle but probably saved a lot of blood. English blood. What would be best for Gabe and Dagan? This was a question Anthony still pondered.

After returning to English Harbour, Anthony had summoned Dagan. In the privacy of his cabin to prevent embarrassment to Dagan, Anthony had thanked him for saving his life. He wanted Dagan to be assured of his status in the Anthony family. In a quiet moment the two men grasped each other’s hand. A knowing and understanding look passed between the two and then it was over. The incident had not and would not be mentioned again.

Two new lieutenants had arrived after Drakkar had sailed away toward her rendezvous with the Reaper. They would have been useful had they arrived earlier but at least they could be of help with so many wounded and killed.

Lieutenant Markham had been placed in command of LeCroix after Lieutenant Mainard’s death.

Anthony’s family had also arrived while Drakkar had been sailing toward her rendezvous with the Reaper. His sister Becky, her husband Hugh and little Gretchen (who had grown but was still a spoiled little snit) had all made the trip. Anthony’s mother had been too ill to travel, but Gabe’s mother Maria had made the voyage with Becky and her family. Maria seemed to fit in well enough, and the three women kept the men busy as the wedding day grew near. During one of the few private moments Deborah was able to share with Anthony she commented, “It’s no wonder your father was infatuated with Maria. She’s beautiful, sincere and can be very humorous… At times I’m absolutely jealous.”

Gabe spent as much time with his mother as duty allowed, and Anthony was suddenly very glad she came, partly because of Gabe, but also because of Dagan. Dagan had been very subdued ever since the incident with the pirate. Anthony had become worried. However, since Maria had arrived Dagan had spent numerous hours with his sister and he appeared rejuvenated.

Only young Lieutenant Graf, one of the new officers, had been stupid enough to question Dagan’s departure from the ship. As Dagan was climbing down to a jolly boat, Graf called to him. “I say Dagan, where are you about?” Dagan’s stoic reply was “Ashore.” Graf should have dropped it then but didn’t. Instead, he said, “I don’t recall anyone giving you leave to depart the ship.” Anthony had been in conversation with Mr. Stokes, the carpenter, and overheard Graf’s remarks. So had Buck.

Not wanting Anthony to be involved, Buck called to Graf. “Excuse me sir, but do you have the watch?”