Pirates of the Sorcerean II

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At the farthest corner of the dock, in the deeper waters, was Filippa, and she was fair indeed. The most exquisite merchantman filled to the brim with foreign spices and liquors, she lay anchored in the harbor as a pearl in a clam.
In the shadow of Filippa's stern stood William, looking menacingly tall with his black tricorne and cloak. Had it been night, he would have been nearly invisble, but during the light of day he was clearly visible leaning upon a stick, apparently waiting for someone.

Pierre saw the man greeting people at random, before their eyes met. William walked closer with a smile on his face.
"Goodmorning, sir! What a fair morning it is too, wouldn't you agree?"

Pierre looked slightly in a hurry and merely raised an eyebrow at William, "Yes.. why yes indeed it is."

"Thought you would agree, non the less, walk with me," was the reply as William lead them down some alley ways into an old deserted storage house a little on the edge of the dock district. It looked large, dark, rotten and about to come crashing down at any moment. Neither seemed to bother William as he merely kicked up the door, and entered the building.

Pierre and Zillah could hear his rusty voice from inside, "'Tis safe, come on in!"

Cautiously entering the building they looked around to see a dousin men inside, each looking more rowdy than the next.

"Pierre, meet the gents o' fortune and glory. Gents! This is Pierre, he'll aid us with the last thing we need, information and if willing be.." William turned around to face Pierre with a crooked smile, "Combat itself."

Stretching an arm in the direction of each member, William introduced them.
"Andrew, Marco & Draco, Wild Cat, Roger, John, Phil, Anthony, James, Charles, Wild Willy, and Old Jack."

Pierre noted that Wild Cat was a female, albeit dirty and in need of a bath, she was a female. Small and with emerald eyes, she looked graceful and her eyes were of foreign sort. Zillah caught a glimpse of her hidden hands and noted she was wearing some sorta odd gloves with 5 inch steel claws. Moving her hands slowly to her back and out of sight, Wild Cat gave Zillah a cold smile sending a chill down her spine.

The crew members nodded at Pierre and looked slightly uncomfortable looking at his clothing with hands at the ready to draw weapons.
"And I'm the fortunate thirteenth. William Jake Archer, or by some known as the Jackal. We hunt by night, kill the sleeping, maim the crippled and steal what's not ours. You've agreed to help, and I count on it. You'll be well paid, though I hope you understand that we do not tolerate any.. double-crossing."
Stressing the last word, William places his hands on his belt, pushing his cloak behind a rapier and a pistol as a subtle hint of what the punishment might be if so.

"You've seen the naval prison ships, tell us what you know of the Charlaine. I suspect it's like the others, but it's rather important to the plan that we know in which sections of the ships are the prison cells and soldiers quarters. You see, we plan to.. make a little surprise attack."
his face turns into a wolfish grin that makes his scar twist and curl.

[ July 06, 2004, 21:45: Message edited by: Lokken ]

 

Zillah slouched against the wall, trying to look unobtrusive instead of nervous. The Jackal...he didn't come by that name as a joke, I'm sure. I hope I can get myself out of this in one piece. Oh Dad, these men could be the brothers of those who killed you. I'm sorry for taking up with their kind, but what else can I do if I'm to find your legacy? I think LeVarde can be trusted - now I'll see just how far...

She scanned the faces of the "Gents o' Fortune and Glory," as William had called them, and was surprised to see one of the twins peering at her intensely.

 

"The Jackal, is it?" Pierre nodded, slightly nervous. "I have heard of you...both when I was in the navy, and out."

William simply looked at him without smiling nor word.

"Yes, ah, as you know my name is Pierre Cedain LeVarde. This is my assisstant, Matty Groves." he coughed, and realized that those men were not at all interested in his self introduction, and decided to carry on. "The Charlaine - I haven't been on it, but it should be much like other such ships indeed. If you wish to make an attack, it would be wise to ensure the life of your maiden first, because soldiers would rush to prisoners in the case of an attack. I have some documents here that were forged by my associate, they give me - or rather, Cervantes de Leon, a captain who does not exist - the right to search the ship and take away prisoners as I wish." Pierre took a deep breath. "I have since last night acquired a ship, the Black Wind as it is currently called. I shall be there if anything goes wrong."

He then proceeded to tell them the layouts of the ship through complicated diagrams and crude drawings.

 

On deck of the Black Wind, Eldon emerged refreshed from the crew quarters, having spent many hours asleep. The salty sea breeze was as good as ever and the wafts of air carrying the scent of fresh bread from the bakeries to Eldons hungry nose. The ship was not due to set sail for some time and eating rations before setting sail would be ridiculus. Eldon reached for a small leather bag strapped to his side, searching for some coins to purchase some goods. His share of the booty from his endoevour with Percival was indeed rich but far to hot to be used in this port. After locating 16 pounds he made a quick inspection of his blade - a katana - unique in every sense of the word and almost unheard of in the west, Eldon only became aware of it after meeting his previous captain, Melvin de Gisors (a gentleman and merchant). Upon joining the crew of de Gisors' ship, the Lady Marie, he had became immediatly aware that his travels would far exceed any of his life had been so far. Captain de Gisors was an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He did military supply transfers, smuggled contraband and people, set up buisnesses in ports around the world to sell his goods and most importantly, the spice runs to the east. It was on these voyages to the east Eldon a mere lad of 16, killed a man for the first time. A boarding party managed to press its way upon the Lady Marie and pirate its booty. Among the heaving and slashing of swords and thunder of the pistols a young warrior seemingly inexperienced in combat lurched forward in a vain attempt to hit somebody. Eldon had always observed that honour was highly coveted in the east and the greatest honour was combat. Eldon seeing that the situation was desperate drew his short sword and took of advatage of his opponents heavy handed move. Quickly, he sprung behind the young warrior kicking at his hind leg in one swift move lunging his sword down. The sword narrowly missed allowing the warrior enough time to recover. Eldon needed much more practice and he remembered wondering if it was a a wise decision joining the battle. The young warrior had thought the young boy had no skill however, a mistake on his part, for his side swipe was wholey ineffective against Eldons quick reflexes. the sword swiped past, allowing for another counter, the swords met this time, then met again and again. The sparring session continued for several minutes, but the warrior much larger than Eldon began to tire. His attacks came less often and counters less threatening. Eldon quickly took advantage of this and threw his short sword into the warriors upper leg followed by a slash to the arm and chest. He was about to drive the sword into the chest of the warrior when he noticed the terror in his eyes. He was about to take a life. Could he? The young warrior realised his opponents moment of contemplation and took immediate action. A knife slipped from his boot, sticking it into Eldons side, the scream of pain out doing any of the men aboard. As he twisted the knife he punched the leg with as much force as he could muster. Eldon, overwhelmed with pain stabbed down ferociously, adreniline fuelled anger filling his eyes. By the time he looked down he could see nothing but a bloody corpse and a dagger in his hip. After the event and the ship had been saved, Captain de Gisors awarded the crew with weapons from the would-be-invaders ship. To Eldon, he awarded the greatest prize, the Captain's katana.

"You, my boy, have earned the greatest of the treasure, a congratulations for you first kill. And it was not in cold blood."

With a pat on the shoulder "Well Done"

So perfect was it that it could almost cut through an iron bar a yard thick. Looking at the blade now, he could almost see the eyes of the Captain. So proud of his new protege. Eldon's face was cheerless now.

"Why did you have to die?" he muttered under his breath.

He slid the blade back into its scabbard, discreetly kept on his back under his long leather overcoat. To the bakery he thought, as he walked down the plank, nodding to the fellow sailors he was leaving aboard as he did so. I wonder what Percival is up to? he wondered.

 

At that moment in time percival was overseeing the preperations of the Gun decks. He wanted to make absolutely sure that all the cannon were in shape, and that there was no chance of a misfire. The last thing he wanted was for a misfire in the heat of battle.

Smeared in grease, he walked back up on deck, realising that the Cap'n should be back soon. After washing off the worst of the grease, and quickly changing shirt he realise he was feeling hungry, so he decided to head towards the bakery, in search of a sweet pastry.

 

Seeing Percival in the distance, Eldon waves him over.

"How are ye me friend?"

"Get the scent of the bakery in yer nostrils too?" he said grinning.

 

"Aye, that I do. Always had a soft spot for a sweet pastry when in port. I see ye managed to get some sleep."

"Aye, that I did" replied Eldon. "It was strange, I was getting some old memories coming back, and proved a heady mix. Still, I feel refreshed for it, and hungry too."

Percival chuckles, "standing in port will do that to ye. The Cap'n should be back pretty soon, and then we'll know where we be off to. I suggest ye get yerself anything from the local shopkeeps ye think ye might need, and be back shortly. The tide waits for no man and all that."

After grabbing a couple of pastries the two men parted company with Eldon heading toward the bazaar.

I wonder how he came by that sword? he looks at it with mixed emotion

Shaking his head, Percival set off back to the ship, curious as to how the meeting with William had gone.

 

William rubbed his chin thoughtfully as Pierre went through the descriptions of the ship. When done he smirked and nodded, his rusty voice breaking the silence.

"I sure hope that's how it's going to be, but we've learned to trust navy officers such as yourself in such circumstances. Will you assist in the fight? The ship should be about to depart so we have little to no time to waste."

He watched Pierre questioningly, mostly ignoring Matty, "After all, we would be honoured to have a prior navy officer at our side."

The rowdy bunch of pirates laughed at this and seemed to dissolve, preparing their plan against the prison ship. Pierre and Zillah noted several barrels of gunpowder was rolled out of a backdoor.

William smiled gently and continued, "Else perhaps your ship will follow ours? Or do you have some immediate plans of departure?"

[ July 07, 2004, 13:54: Message edited by: Lokken ]

 

Pierre nodded. "I'll tell the Black Wind to follow - Matty, can you kindly run back to Percival and tell him to sail after this ship here. You can come back if you want." Zillah nodded and ran off, and Pierre turned his attention back on William. "I'll come with you fellow. I would rather use the documents then a head on attack, but it's your choice."

 

Zillah's mumbled, "Aye, sir," before she scuttled out of the warehouse did nothing to convey her amazement at the plan. Attacking a navy prison ship in the harbor, right under the noses of the town guardsmen? These men are daft! No way will I come back to this fool's errand! But there was something about Pierre LeVarde that she liked, and she didn't want to see him die quite so soon. He was willing to protect her secret, and he seemed intrigued by the tale of her father's legacy, so maybe he deserved a little assistance from her in return. Perhaps if I were to... She let the seed of her idea sprout as she ran back to the Black Wind, only to find Percival strolling up the dock from the opposite direction, brushing a few pastry crumbs from his coat but missing the ones in his otherwise-neat goatee.

"Mr. McSween!" she cried, ignoring the man he was speaking to. "Cap'n LeVarde bids us make ready t' sail at once! 'E'll be needin' our 'elp, 'e will!"

"What do you say? What's going on, Matty?"

Zillah hustled him up the gangplank before explaining any further, wanting to be as far away from prying ears as possible. She quickly outlined William's mission.

"'e want's t' rescue summun from th' prison ship, an' right 'ere in th' 'harbor to' boot! 'Tis foolhardy, I tells ye, no matter 'ow much gunpowder they gots, but mebbe not if'n we swing 'round t' block the Charlaine from takin' t' sea when they realize they been attacked. If they canna get off tha' boat we'll have even more folks t' rescue later."

[ July 07, 2004, 15:57: Message edited by: Rallymama ]

 

Percival, upon hearing of the prison raid bacame concerned. Assaulting a ship while in dock was a foolhardy task. The entire port guard would be on their heads in minutes, and he'd be damned if he was going to jail.

Ushering Matty out of the way, and seeing his friend Eldon swing up the gangplank, he quickly made the ship ready to sail. "Dont worry Matty, we'll end this short and sweet."

Percival then started to Bellow orders to the crew. Before long the anchor was raised, and the sails unfurled. Now, glad that he had checked the gun decks the ship swung out into the harbour.

 

"Weigh anchor!" came the shout from above. "Sails up! No, not those sails you fools! Main sails only!"
Slowly the ship began to move. Abell closed one eye and looked through a tiny slit between the boards, seeing the escort ship making it's slow way out also.

The sailors above were singing an old sea shanty, which Abell had leant from her brother last time he'd come to visit her and their mother at home. She mouthed the words along with them, and briefly entertained the fantasy that he was rushing to her rescue with his brave crew of swashbuckling scounrels.

A voice rang out over the singing:
"Sir, a ship's on the move, commin towards us! The Black Wind! Dunnot know what she's doin', but it looks stupid!"

 

Zillah scrambled up the ratlines. Most navy gunners weren't good enough to hit a mast without sacrificing several children to the goddess of luck, so often a lookout was safe. She quickly spotted the Charlaine and yelled down to Percival.

"Mr. McSween, th' Charlaine be on th' move! She's only eight guns 'erself but there's an escort wi' fourteen more!"

 

"You're welcome aboard the Crimson Dagger, Pierre. If Matty here is to tell your ship to follow it, they'll have to find it out of harbour a bit towards the east."

William lighted a cigarette, and followed Old Jack, a peglegged pirate of old age, to the cart waiting for them outside, "I'd prefer to sneak in and free them too, but it all depends on the situation.." taking a wheeze of his cigarette, he entered the cart along with around half the people inside, it seemed to have space for around eight people in it, "It's only if the boat is still in harbor we'll have possibility for doing such. Else we'll have to free them the old fashioned way." ending in a grin the cart slowly starts to move out of the city.

Passing the city guard at the gates, by handing them some coinage out of official sight, the little cart continues away through the countryside in haste.
"The Crimson Dagger is a few hours ride away, not the wisest plan to enter any harbour with it. Since my reputation so far is only by name and ship, and thankfully not by face."

The ride was spent with idle chatting, and Pierre heard some of their tales of prior adventures and looting. These brutes were in every sense of the word, a pirate; A beast of a man that raped, pillaged and plundered for the sheer pleasure of it.

The crew of the cart were finally able to see the ship through the gloom, laying anchored there in a little secluded bay with white sands and a little jungle forest blocking sight of it from the town. And then they heard a huge explosion from the town and a pair of smoke clouds could be seen from the city, poisoning the starry sky.
William seemed pleased with himself as he observed them, and mumbled lowly for no one in particular to hear, "And let it be known that the Jackal sees to free the spirits that the weak try to chain.."

They abandoned the cart in the little forest, and entered a longboat starting to sail towards the Crimson Dagger.

(edit: whatever happens during the day in other places can just be rp'ed reguarlarly)

[ July 07, 2004, 17:16: Message edited by: Lokken ]

 

Standing on the stern, a shout came down from Matty. "Mr. McSween, th' Charlaine be on th' move! She's only eight guns 'erself but there's an escort wi' fourteen more!"

Upon hearing the news, Percivals expression turned black. Well he wanted a pirates life, but dancing the hangman's jig wasnt on his list of things to do.

Shouting to his crew, Percival made the Black Wind head out of the harbour to open sea. "We'll keep tabs on that ship from afar, but we cant take on two ships at once, not when we're badly outgunned."

"The moment that Cap'n LeVarde , and William Archer show, we'll make our move." Turning towards Eldon, Percival asked if he was ready for what was to come. "Ye realise that this could get ugly? I dont want ye getting into anything yer not ready for."

[ July 07, 2004, 18:23: Message edited by: Takara ]

 

Eldon's face had remained mainly stoic when aboard the ship, but since hearing the plan to capture something from a prison ship he seemed to become alive. The sight of a Navy vessel brought excitment to his face that Percival had never seen before.

"We are boarding that ship, aye?"

"I've gotta score to settle!"

Percival looked at his friend in suprise and amazement. When he last saw Eldon he was a spritely young lad of 14, making mischief and climbinng the masts. Now a young man, trained in combat, the twitching fingers, anticipation for battle in his eyes, eyes that were almost on fire. Eldon would never hesitate again in battle and that determination became a love of combat.

"How much has he changed?" Percival thought.

"I've been on that ship before" murrmered Eldon passivley, in a voice characterised by hatred.

Percival looked at him confused.

"Time for the tale later my good friend, over that rum you offered, perhaps?" Eldon bellowed enthusiastically.

Out of the corner of Eldon's eye he noticed a small lad strapping a pistol to his side and a dagger in his boot. It was the cabin boy who had been tying up boots in the sleeping quarters.

"What d ya think yer doin lad!?" he screamed, making the little one turn white.

"I...I'm g..ggoin to fight ssir"

"Hell you are, your just a boy, get below deck!!"
"NOW!"

Percival was about to objest saying that they needed all the help they could get but he knew also that the boy would kill no one and probably be killed himself if it came to arms.
The boy scurried away dropping his pistol in the process.

"Children shouldn't be killing." Eldon snarled almost to himself. He looked at a worried Percival.

"Don't worry, I'm ok, just don't like to see life wasted." he smiled.

[ July 07, 2004, 18:35: Message edited by: Malovae ]

 

"Aye, time for that tale indeed. It looks like she's setting off 'round the island. We'll shadow her, but I dont want to be on top of her yet. That escort will come right for us."

Giving orders to the crew, the Black Wind pulled back from the prison ship, and lowered her sails a bit.

"That prison ship is so heavy and slow, we can be on her in minutes if need be. The way she's heading though, she's going to pass by raven's cove. If that Archer fella has a ship anchored around these parts, that's were it be, is my guess."

"Still we wont get there for an couple of hours."

Turning his attention aloft, he called to Matty that he could stand down for an hour or two, and that he'd like to talk in the captains cabin.

--------------------------------------
I've included in the OCC thread a little description of the Black Wind, and a short history

 

Zillah rolled her eyes as she clambered back to the deck, dropping from about two yards up and landing lightly. She followed Percival to the captain's cabina and leaned against the open doorframe.

"Ye ast t' see me, Mr. McSween?"

 

"Come in Mattey. I've a couple of questions for ye." Percival seats himself in the captains chair and puts his feet on the desk.

Zillah, enters and looks uneasy.

"Relax, it's not an inquisition." Percival chuckles. "My questions about William Archer, and what went on between him, and Cap'n LeVarde. I'm interested as to what Archer's interest is, and why LeVarde went with him, instead of returning to our ship."

 

"Th' Jackal betrayed naught o' 'o this woman is or why 'e wants t' rescue 'er," Zillah admitted. "I could guess, but tha' wouldna be worth more'n yesterday's weather. As fer Cap'n LeVarde, I thin' 'e wen' wi' Archer jus' t' show 'im tha' 'e could be trusted."