Edward thanked the crew of the ship and rushed to the inn in question. Thankfully it wasn't far from the port, and he was there in a matter of minutes.
Inside, the inn was a typical, ordinary establishment with a large interior parlour in which guests could eat and drink. At this time of night, there were scant men in the room, with only a few at a table and another couple in the corner, as well as a man Edward assumed was the owner's son tending to them.
Edward quickly found the familiar back of Herbert's wheelchair, a large pack, stuffed to the brim, slung over the back. He was conversing with the sailors at the table, a jovial discussion to be sure, and one in which Edward was sure Herbert had already secured passage, going by the tone.
Edward took a breath to calm himself and take stock of just what he was going to do. He could force Herbert back to the ship, but to what end? If Edward thought about it for but a moment, it was clear Herbert was trying to save him the pain of facing his father, as well as secure revenge. However foolish the plan was, stopping him needed tact.
Wait… What exactly is his plan? Infiltrate Jack's crew to get close to him and assassinate him? Jack never saw his face in Tortuga. He could do it… and then die in the process. But everyone else would be safe…
Edward's thoughts turned to his beloved Anne and the rest of his crew. His father was the cause of many of their miseries, and by asking them to fight, they would be putting their lives on the line to solve his family problems.
Maybe Herbert has it right, Edward thought, a plan forming in his mind.
He walked towards the table, grabbing a chair along the way, and went up beside Herbert to sit down with the rest of the men.
"So," Edward said as he sat down, and all eyes turned towards him, "have you secured us passage to Tortuga, my friend?" Edward looked at Herbert directly for a moment, and after the shock left Herbert's eyes, Edward gave him a single nod, hoping to convey his plan with that subtle gesture and his open question.
After another moment, and a grin, Herbert nodded back. "Ah, yes, gentlemen, I owe you my most sincere apologies. My friend here, Edward Teach, was also seeking passage, if you would have us both. He could help in sailing as well. You will find no more skilled a sailor than he, I can assure you."
Herbert repaid Edward's hope tenfold—the years they had spent together, the talks they had had, the promises they had made to each other. They had built a relationship of trust and awareness of the other. Edward had known there was something off about Herbert's earlier words, and Herbert knew what Edward had wanted to do at that moment.
"As long as he can pay the price, then your friend is more than welcome," the captain replied. "We've no fear of where we've gone before. We hunt whales, and those beasts have nothing on those prancing rogues in Tortuga."
Edward found out the price of passage, paid it, and after some introductions, he did his best to make a good impression on his new host. Though, with the price of passage, Edward doubted it would matter what kind of man he was.
Another hour passed, and the captain and his men finished drinking and eating and left for the ship to prepare.
"And, Captain, as discussed, and as was included in the price we paid, your crew's discretion is most appreciated," Herbert said.
"You've no need to have your boots quivering, young master Blackstad. I'll be sure to let my crew know that we've no stowaways or new crewmates aboard today. Only old mates that've been with us for years," the captain replied with a wink.
Outside the inn, the captain, his crew, and Edward and Herbert all made their way to the harbour. Herbert was slowing down in wheeling himself forward, prompting the captain to turn around and check on him.
"You and your men go on ahead, we'll catch up," Herbert said. After a moment to give them some room, Herbert shot Edward a nasty look. "I was doing this for you, you bastard. What are you doing?"
"Tch," Edward spat. "I know what you're doing, and you're getting yourself killed, that's what. I'm here to save you from yourself."
Herbert's face softened. "From what just happened, I know that means you won't be taking me back to the Queen Anne's Revenge."
"No," Edward affirmed.
"So," Herbert began, then stopped wheeling himself forward for a moment. "Are you sure you can do this? I know I said I before that I wouldn't doubt you, but my sister was right. This changes things."
"It means that I need to do this more than before. My father has done so many wrongs, killed so many of my men. I can't put this burden on the crew any longer."
Herbert had a stern look on his face. "If Roberts were here, he would tell you that your father's sins are not your responsibility and share some scripture to prove his point. You are not your father's keeper."
"That is a nice sentiment, but not practical. If I allow my father to continue what he's doing unimpeded, then that would be a greater sin."
Herbert nodded. "I guess I have no more objections," he said. "We should catch up if we're going to make it. The price I paid was to leave well before dawn."
Edward and Herbert began hurrying towards the harbour. "Just as a curiosity, how do you plan on masking yourself from Calico Jack and his men? They know your face now."
Edward smiled. "I have a plan for that," he replied.
…
Edward stepped out of the barber-surgeon's room aboard their temporary ship as it was sailing towards Tortuga. His face no longer held the mass of
