“I will dispatch instruction to Elliot immediately then,” Alton began to reply.
“Absolutely not, that man already has far too many questions. If it were up to me, he would be assigned elsewhere and replaced with someone more amiable,” Sladen interrupted.
“Ok. Admiral Sharpe is the commander of the fleet assigned to the Caribbean. I could, however, issue special orders to the frigate I am expecting late this month. I will dispatch orders to the Governor in Nassau, sealed for the Captain of the frigate. His first task will be to patrol the north Caribbean for our lost merchant ship, locate and follow her, sending word of her whereabouts at the first opportunity. Will that suffice?” Alton replied almost pleadingly, his concentration broken by several glances at the dagger under Tim’s index finger.
“Very good, Lord Governor. I suppose we won’t be needing this after all.” Tim said, replacing the dagger into his waistband. “You would do well to keep me informed Alton. These matters need to be handled with every manner of urgency and care.” He stood and in his usual manner, without observing any departing gestures, left as abruptly as he had entered. Governor Alton sat, thoroughly unnerved as he penned the discussed orders to the incoming frigate. He called for one of his servants as he sealed the orders into the envelope.
“Yes, Lord Governor?” The servant said as he entered the study.
“Have this sent at once on the next ship destined for Nassau. If you cannot find one, inform me at once and I will commission a clipper myself.” Alton said, handing over the sealed envelope and immediately mopping sweat off his brow with a kerchief.
“Yes, my Lord.” The servant replied. Exiting at once to accomplish his task, he examined the envelope as he placed it into his pocket. On the front it read, “For the eyes of the Captain, H.M.S Valor by order of Lord Governor Alton.”
“Drowned Maiden”
5 Aug 1808
18 Degrees 46’ N, 74 Degrees 44’ W
Aboard the main deck of the “Drowned Maiden” a debate was ongoing amongst the senior crew. The Captain looked on as the conversation covered everything from what to do with the captured ship and its crew to the fate of the freed slaves. Chibs had remained uncharacteristically silent through most of the arguments back and forth, remaining at the Captain’s side. The two had quietly held a discussion amongst themselves and Chibs waited until a lull in the debate to present their plan to the crew.
“I say we load all the goods aboard. The slavers are all locked up! Let the Africans make their own way!” said one of the crew with small reaction from the onlookers.
“They won’t make it half a day on the sea without any experienced crew among them. We should elect another Captain for her and refit the slave hauler as another for us!” another sailor shouted. This drew a much warmer response and several cheers of approval. Chibs shared a satisfied look over his shoulder with the Captain, who nodded his approval.
“Very well then.” Chibs announced, walking to the middle of the crew on deck, “We will hold an election for a Captain of the prize ship. She will sail in concert with us and we will assist in her refit. Do I have any opposed?” The crew remained silent, mostly looking at each other in a sense of solidarity.
“What of the slaver ship’s crew?” Trina shouted over as she assisted one of the newly freed women up to the cross plank.
“What to do with the slaver crew?” the Captain stepped onto the rail shouting out above the crowd of crew and refugees. “What would we do with a man who would sell another into bondage for profit?” He looked out over the crew and freed slaves who had all fallen silent, their collective gaze locked upon him. “This matter won’t be left for a vote. Chibs robbed me the pleasure of cutting down their Captain. We keep three, to identify their port in Jamaica, the rest are to be bound and tossed overboard. Any hand who disagrees, meet me on the quarterdeck with steel in hand!” Silence followed until the Captain stepped off the rail back onto the deck of the Maiden, when a cheer erupted from the crew. Every hand set to work, bringing the slaver crew up to the starboard rail of their ship, binding their hands with hemp rope and promptly shoving them overboard.
Lilith had avoided much of the commotion involved with the slaver crew, not that she objected to the Captain’s orders, she had occupied herself with helping several of the freed slaves across to the Maiden. Once she had them settled in on the deck a group of four of the Maiden’s crew met her on the cross plank, escorting the chosen prisoners to their Captain for his approval.
“Separate that first man there, girl. He was the slaver’s first mate. The Captain will be wanting a word with him first,” rattled one of the men. Lilith, unsure of how to proceed with taking the large man to the Captain, hesitated momentarily.
“Here beauty,” Trina interjected, “Place that sword to his back and grab the back of his waistband.” She demonstrated while instructing the Maiden’s new recruit. “If he struggles or resists you girl, you hit here, on the back of his knee and then drive your blade through his neck and out his throat.” Lilith was thankful for the quick instruction and she promptly marched the man over to the Captain who was very eager to glean information from the man.
“Fetch me a chair and some line, girl. We’ll exchange our introductions when you return, it occurs to me we haven’t properly met.” Said the Captain as he lit a brazier on the larboard rail.
“Aye
