“You aren’t wrong Chib. Perhaps. But time will tell Chib. Don’t give up on me yet.” James said jarring Chibs’ shoulder with a smile. He motioned to the sail on the horizon drawing slowly nearer, “How long until we overtake her?”
“Nightfall, if the wind holds. They’re sloppy on the lines Captain, like no crew I’ve ever seen. She is a mess, if they had to tack over the wind, they’d stall her.” Chibs remarked.
“That’s odd Chib. The slavers have all had experienced crews, even the Americans on the Shepherd handled her well.” James said frowning and watching the ship closely. Chibs was right, even from a great distance, James could see sheets running slack, course corrections were frequent and anything but smooth. “Chib, it’s almost like they’re sailing with half a crew.”
“Aye Captain. It’s a wonder they weathered that storm.” Chibs exclaimed.
“That may be the very reason they are struggling. It’s possible they sustained enough damage and loss to cause such haphazard handling. In any case, run her down. We will flank her between us and the Shepherd, if the crew is in any degree of peril already, they’ll strike colors quickly.” James said with a broad smile.
“Will you take her as a prize as well James?” Lilith asked adjusting the wheel slightly under Chibs’ gentle guidance.
“That depends heavily on the manner of her crew and their surrender,” replied James.
“Three ships would make a formidable force Captain. Likely we could extend our reach out of the Caribbean with such a fleet,” added Chibs hoping to encourage the outcome.
“Likely. But all the more sailors we would need and all the more split for anything we capture.” James said, his voice losing some of his usual luster.
As the day wore on toward evening, Lilith watched in anticipation as the sails they pursued on the horizon grew larger and larger. The Shepherd had moved in abreast of the Maiden about a half mile off her larboard rail and they prepared to close in on the vessel ahead. The wind had held steady through the afternoon but as evening approached it shifted from the east to the southeast and the struggling vessel took far too long to adjust. Their dogged sail changes were slow and sloppy, ill-timed with the helm revealing a crew that either wasn’t seasoned to working together or was far too inexperienced to be handling a ship. James came and took a grasp of the helm next to Lilith.
“Miss Lilith are you ready dear?” James asked.
“Aye Captain.” Lilith replied.
“Fly the black, we are close enough for them to see and too close for them to evade us if they were capable.” James said, then turning to Chibs standing along the larboard rail, “Chibs, give them a shot off their bow. Let’s see what they do.”
“Aye Captain.” Chibs replied excited scurrying towards the bow.
Lilith carefully attached the black banner to the hoist line and ran it up hand over hand. Again, as she watched it unfurl into the wind, she felt her skin ripple with goosebumps. It was bold and terrifying, the black eyes of the horned skull seemed to bore a hole right through everything they laid their gaze on. The broken chain underneath made her eyes well up with tears until the flag was a black and white blur. Again, thoughts of her mother crept into Lilith’s mind and she wondered what she would think of her daughter’s adventures. The roaring boom of Chibs firing off a cannon shot snapped Lilith back to reality. Smoke from the shot drifted back and she could taste the acrid powder mixed with the sea spray. She stepped over to the larboard rail to get a look. The stern of the vessel was not clearly visible.
“Lilith, what name do you see on her stern?” James called over to her.
“I can’t make it out Captain, but Chibs is looking through his glass now. He may be able to see it.” Lilith called back. As soon as she had replied, Chibs made his way back to the helm.
“James, she’s the Gazelle.” Chibs informed him with a sober look of caution.
“A little slow for a Gazelle wouldn’t you say?” James said jesting.
“No Captain, that’s not my point. She is a company ship, I know it for a certainty.” Chibs said.
“Ready the crew then Chibs. Their shoddy sailing may be some ruse to lure us into a trap. Keep a keen eye out for any other vessels nearby,” said James, his tone turning grave in an instant.
“Exactly what I was thinking Captain,” said Chibs as he turned to prepare the Maiden for a fight.
H.M.S Endurance
18 Sept 1808
18 Degrees 2’ N, 76 Degrees 16’ W
In the days since the Valor’s engagement with the pirates, Admiral Sharpe had maintained a respectful distance. At first, he had sent over a deck officer to offer the assistance from the rest of the fleet. Of course, Johnathan Grimes proudly turned them away, sending the officer back with another inquiry about tea. On the third day however, Elliot was concerned that Captain Grimes had not come over to the Endurance to see him. So, he loaded into a longboat with a detachment of sailors to assist in repair and left the bay to where the Valor was anchored. The sea was fair and distance short enough the trip took only twenty minutes, the threat of rain loomed over them in a gray overcast sky. Their manner of reception was lackluster, Elliot noted and seemed haphazard like an afterthought. Elliot’s concern escalated as he climbed up from the longboat and looked through the welcoming party to find Grimes missing.
“Where is your Captain?” Elliot asked the officer greeting them.
“He is below in his cabin Sir. I’m afraid he was wounded in the exchange of fire with those pirates, quite seriously Sir,” Lieutenant Pike answered while rendering his salute.
“You look a sight yourself lad. I can see you took a wound
