Blackbeard's Family by Jeremy McLean

Author:Jeremy McLean [McLean, Jeremy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Points of Sail Publishing
Published: 2019-12-22T22:00:00+00:00

10. Warning Signs

"What happened out there?" Herbert asked.

Edward had returned from the excursion onshore with Grace and was now below deck with Herbert and John. They were huddled in a corner near the ladder leading up to the weather deck, Edward sitting on the lip of a barrel and John standing next to him with Herbert in his chair holding tight to the nearby cargo.

"Grace killed a bunch of thieves who had stolen something from her, or someone else. I wasn't privy to the details."

Edward still felt tense from the encounter. Aside from the few minor altercations aboard the Black Blood, it had been some time since he had been involved in a real battle. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. Thankfully, Herbert and John both let him alone for that moment he needed to channel that feeling of floating. It came more naturally this time, and he was able to hold it for longer than any other time save the first time when he had been near fainting from exhaustion.

"Does everyone aboard know about the captain's greaves?" Edward asked John.

John's eyes widened. "She used them?" He seemed shocked at the notion, but soon let out a low whistle. "Whoever it was must have irked her something fierce. She rarely uses them."

Edward laughed. "The man was irksome, that much is sure. And whatever it was that he stole, it's been returned."

John let out a sigh. "That's a relief, but it also means you two are about to meet him."

Edward took a moment to register John's meaning. "Calico Jack?" he asked to be sure.

John nodded. "We were tasked with retrieving something stolen from him, but don't ask me what it was. All I know is it was important, and when Mad Jack Rackham tells you to sail, all you ask is how far." John's tone was light, but Edward could tell there was a hint of anger in his voice. That hint spoke to a feeling he dared not utter on a ship full of men in Calico Jack's employ.

Perhaps… "You've met the man?" Edward asked, his attempt to pry open that shaded window subtle.

Herbert understood the game, leaning forward to whisper. "I've heard that he's… well." He paused to flash a concerned look to Edward and John. "Well… that he's not to be trifled with."

John's mouth became a line. "Yes, well, I will say that you are right. And as you're new to the crew, you'll have to meet with him before you're truly considered a mate. If there's one piece of advice I can give you: don't question him, but don't simply bow to him either. He likes to have men he can trust, but who also have a backbone." John rolled his shoulders and glanced at his sides to ensure there were no ears nearby. "Whatever happens, if he tries to play his hunting horn, just run. Run as far as you can and escape the island by any means."

Edward knew the horn John was referring to, but the sudden nature of his dire warning took him aback.

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