A three masted schooner was anchored off the coast of a tropical island. On the beach several dozen men were making camp. Out of this lot, two men seem to be calling the shots. One was a man in his mid-twenties. He was tall, and lean had a modest goetee and shrewd eyes. He wore a red shirt under an grey overcoat and was well armed with a cutlass, a hatchet and two pistols

The other man was more of a mystery. He wore a privateer version of an assassin's uniform with protective leather pads attached to it. He was powerfully built with dark features. He was clean shaven, with his jet black hair cropped short and piercing silver eyes that were enough to make lesser men quiver. The fingers on his hands had an assortment of heavy rings. The first man was well armed, But this man was more so. Instead of swords, he had a pair of what resembled French naval axes, except they were scaled down to be wielded one handed. He also had four double barrel pistols, a sai and a Han Jian sword. He had a black jaguar cub cradled in his left arm while his right hand stroked it affectionately

"We rest here, till tomorrow," the man in grey (obviously the captain) ordered, "make a choice now as to what you would rather do, make camp or forage supplies."

The man in black turned to his companion. "You certain we should linger here, Captain? These are spanish waters." Caedus accent indicated he was scottish, but the years at sea had obviously weathered it into a drawl.

The Captain nodded grimly. "We have no choice Caedus, that little brawl with french brig did a number on the Octavian. Until we make proper repairs, I won't risk sending her out there again."

Caedus turned began climbing the mayan structure that led to the top of the island.

"Where are you going Caedus?" The Captain wondered.

"Goin to check the island for supplies."

The Captain looked back at the crew and appointed the Bo'sun Hector as in charge of the crew. He then went to follow his quartermaster. True he was the Captain, but his quartermaster was popular with the men. he knew how to fight and he could navigate like no other man he had known. When the duo reached the top, they found a path through the jungle. Caedus knelt down and lifted up a broken branch.

"This looks recently cleared," Caedus muttered, the fact made the Captain nervous. If the path was recently cleared, then that meant the ones who did it may still be here. Caedus stood up and started to follow the trail.

"Careful," the Captain urged, "we don't know what's out there."

Caedus turned, "better to find out sooner than later, captain. I'll not have the rest of the crew get their insides eatin by cannibals in the nigh'."

The Captain sighed and nodded. They tread through, as descretly as possible. Caedus could tell something occupied his captain's mind.

"You seem troubled Joseph."

Joseph sighed, "It should be you leadin as captain Caedus."

Caedus shook his head, "your older an' got more expierience. I'm only six and ten meself. I don't understan' why they'd chose me as captain."

"'They'd choose you because you have a gift," Joseph replied with a smile. "You can sail and navigate better than any of the lot. And there's nobody I know that can wield an axe like you."

Caedus shrugged. "Don' sell yourself short Joseph. You got charisma plus an education. Your ruthessness exceeded only by your cunning. I suspect we will do well."

Joseph smiled at Caedus's assessment. As they went deeper into the dense jungle they came across a group of huts. The pair found to their shock that the huts were occupied by a group of spanish soldiers Caedus and Joseph quickly hid and spied on the soldiers.

"I guess we know who lives here now," Joseph said grimly

"Hmmm," Caedus was deep in thought. "What's on this islands that's so important?" He then crept closer towards the Spanish men. Joseph could barely register what happened next. In a flurry of spinnign steel, flips and kicks, Caedus took out all the entire spanish encampment. When he finally came to a halt, he stood as still as a statue, his axes and clothes drenched in blood.

Joshua looked around at the dead soldiers and shook his head. "You'll forever remain a mystery to me Caedus."

"That's the idea," Caedus replied with a grin replied.

They continued on their way until they came upon a wide open space. The open space revealed a sugar plantation to the left and a hamlet on the right overlooking a cove. A manor sat atop the higher ground dominated the landscape. The buildings were old ready to fall apart, even the manor was in bad shape. Yet despite this, the hamlet was bristling with activity. Spaniards were everywhere. But what truly caught the attention of Joshua and Caedus were the four ships ships docked in the cove. Two schooners, one brig and a frigate.

Joseph had seen enough. "We need to leave," he said hastily. Joseph turned to leave, only to find Caedus was not following. Joseph turned to him and notice his attention was elsewhere. Caedus was staring at the frigate docked in the cove. Joseph could understand why it would catch his eye. It was larger than most frigates, with a narrow beam and a long keel. The hull was black and red of the typical spanish warship. It looked quite formidable Joseph admitted, and Caedus was eyeing it with a dark and fierce desire.

"I'm goin' to take a closer look," Caedus decided after a moment.

Joseph stared at his captain with wide eyes. "The whole area is swarming with spaniards how will you get close to it?"

"I have my ways," Caedus replied. he unstrapped his pistols and handed them to Joseph. "Stay ere I'll be righ' back." With that Caedus headed into the plantation.

Joshua shook his head, "Your mad."

Caedus looked at him. "Good thin I'am too because if I wasn't I'd probably be dead."

Joseph didn't have to wait long before Caedus returned. He was soaked and breathing heavily but he didn't seem to care.

"Well?' Joseph wanted to know what Caedus had learned.

'This isle is owned by a frenchie named Du Casse," He replied. "He plans to attack an english convoy headin for Kingston."

Joseoh leaped up, "then we must go and warn them."

Caedus chuckled, "an wha is your plan, sail our rickety schooner all the way to Kingston?"

Joseph smirked, "if you have a better alternative please share."

Caedus nodded, "you, me and the rest of the crew are coming back tonight, and we're takin that frigate."

Now this had Joshua stumped, he knew Caedus daring, but this plan seemed outright insane. "Are you daft, Caedus, You want to steal a frigate in the midst of hundreds of spanish soldiers?"

Caedus hmph, "they'll not be expectin us. Tonight's a new moon, we'll come in hit 'em hard, hit 'em quick. Regardless, we need a new ship anyway and I want that ship Flint."

Joseph knew Caedus was serious whenever he used his surname. He then contemplated their options. The Octavian was in no condition to sail to kingston. it would not be long before the spanish discovered them. Yet taking a frigate sounds insane. But knowing Caedus, it had a chance of working. Besides they did nee a new ship, and should they succeed it would be a fine prize. In the end Joseph agreed the tha pair headed back.

Caedus, Joseph and their crew of about 60 men began preparing for the attack. To avoid attracting attention, the pirates would not use their firearms. They headed out at sunset and reached the huts just after the sun went down.

"I'll go out first and clear the frigate of it's skeleton crew." Caedus told the men. "When I give the signal, you lot will rush in. Captain make sure to hug the left side of the compound there will be less guards there." Joseph nodded indicating he understood.

With that Caedus headed in, he hid behind bushed killing every spaniard in his sight. Caedus climbed a large tree branch that led to a hidden path. The path led to a tunnel that guided Caedus to his target. With great caution, Caedus slowly climbed down the cliffside and quietly dipped into the water. He then swam under the surface all the way to the frigate. Caedus climbed up the frigate's stern and squeezed himself through on of the gun ports. He drew his axes and a slaughter ensued. There were fifty men aboard the ship, but most of them were asleep and they were scattered all around the vessel. Many died in the hammocks, others never got a chance to react until it was too late. As Caedus finished the last man who was on the crows nest, he then set three lanterns in a row. (The signal to his crew that he has succeeded).

As soon as they saw the signal, Joshua and the crew, swarmed the plantation, they came to the beach and waded towards the ship. They quietly killed the soldiers on the docks and boarded the frigate. Caedus didn't need to say anything, the men knew what had to be done. As some prepared the ship to make sail, others loaded the starboard cannons.

Some of the spanish in the hamlet notice the activity on the frigate and rushed to check it out, Caedus ordered his men to stay silent. The spaniards demanded to know what was going on. Their question was met with silence, they asked again and again silence. Finally they came aboard the frigate. Once they were all aboard Caedus and his men ambushed them. but one manage to get a shot off. That shot woke everyone un the area up, lanterns were lit and men were swarming to the dock.

Fortunately, they were finally ready to sail and Caedus ordered the anchor to be raised. The crew took up muskets and fired on the pursuing spaniards. This bought them enough time for the frigate to clear the dock . As the frigate sailed away Caedus turned the ship's guns on the other ships in the cove. The volley of cannonfire destroyed the brig and one of the schooners. Caedus made his way out of the cove and circled the island to where the Octavian was anchored. They picked up their supplies, tied the Octavian to the frigate and towed it all the way to kingston.

The crew cheered at their accomplishment. They had taken a powerful ship for themselves in the midst of hundreds of spanish soldiers without loosing a single man. Joseph still could not believe their luck. He placed a hand on Caedus shoulder. "This is why you should be captain," he said. Joseph could not tell wether it was madness of brilliance that drove Caedus to take such gambles. But whatever it was Caedus had, they needed more of it.

The frigate they took turned out to be a grander prize then they could possibly imagine. It was a strong ship made of several types of wood including, live oak, black locust, ironwood and blackwood. The hull was at least 20 inches thick, and had diagonal riders set at a 45 degree angle to limit warping. The bow was reinforced with steel plating and the masts had lightning rods. At 152 feet long and 40 feet wide, it was indeed larger than most frigates. Aside from a sturdy hull the ship boasted an impressive armament. With forty 18-pounders, Four 12 pounder bowchasers, four 12 pounder sternchasers, and 10 swivel guns. One unique feature was the 32 oars installed. Joseph now understood why his Caedus was willing to gamble so much on taking it. Caedus fell in love with the ship decided to christen it the Jepthah. (Note: The design of the Jepthah is based on the USS Randoph from Assassin's Creed 3. It has the Aquila's naval ram).

Joseph and Caedus sailed the Jepthah to Port Royal. Once there they began making preparations. They repaired the Octavian and recruited men to sail the Jepthah. In a move Flint was believed to be long overdue, he made Caedus the captain of the Jepthah he had earned it after all. Once they were ready, Joseph and Caedus sailed for the open ocean, their targets the spanish treasure fleets.

To establish order on his ship, Caedus wrote down the articles that every recruit had to agree to if they wanted to join him. The recruits all swore upon Caedus sword as oppose to a bible These articles are known as the Caedus Code.

Article I: Parley. No an shall harm those in a discussion of truce with the captain.

Article II: No Man shall force themselves upon any woman. Any offender shall be flayed to death.

Article III: No man shall flee from their duties during any engagement. Any offender shall be marooned.

Article IV: No man shall seize the shares of a fellow crewman. Any offender shall loose a hand.

Article V: No man shall spill each other's blood aboard ship. All grievances will be settled ashore.

Article VI: No man shall engage fellow pirates, unless they draw first blood.

Article VII: No men shall snap his firearm, smoke tobacco or light a naked candle in the hold of the ship.

Article VIII: No man shall do harm to women or children. Any offender shall be keelhauled.

Article IX: Every Man is limited to grog while at sea. Any other alcohol aboard will be reserved for medical purposes.

Article X: Every man must keep their weapons and equipment maintained and ready for service at all times.

Article XI: Every man shall have an equal voice in all affairs and an equal claim to all provisions.

Article XII: Every man crippled during an engagement shall receive compensation for their loss. The loss of a limb equals 600 pieces of eight. Less severe injuries such as an eye, or three fingers one hand shall receive 200 pieces of eight.

Article XIII: The Captain, Quartermaster, Bos'un, Surgeon, Carpenter, Cook and Cooper receive 2 shares of all loot taken from a prize and the crewmen shall receive one share.

Article XIV: No woman or child shall be allowed aboard the ship, save for those who are crewmembers or those who wish to enlist. They must consent to the articles and contribute to the running of the ship and giving battle.

Caedus first target as captain of the Jepthah was a Spanish galleon. The Jepthah's performance was nothing short of beautiful, her design allowed her to reach a speed of 14 knots under full sail and 16 with the oars. This combined with Caedus' sailing skills allowed the Jepthah to overtake the slower lumbering warship with ease. When it came to close engagement the Jepthah's hull proved it's merit by shrugging off the 12 pounder shots of the galleons guns, while the Jepthah's 18 pounders tore through the hull. Once the ships guns were disabled Caedus and his men stormed aboard killing everyone to a man and stripping the ship of everything.

The crew cheered at their success it was their first prize and an easy kill. Emboldened by this Caedus began going after more and more dangerous targets if only for the cargo they were protecting.

Over the next year, Captain Caedus and Captain Flint terrorized spanish shipping in the caribbean. From the treasure fleets going between Havana and Spain, to the slave ships arriving from Africa. It was from these slave ships that most of Caedus's crew came from, as a result the crew of the Jepthah consisted mostly of escaped african slaves. Caedus gave them their freedom and in return many gave him their services in thanks. Captain Flint eventually gave the Octavian to Caedus in favor of the larger more powerful Walrus. Caedus renamed the Octavian the eventually purchased an East Indiaman named the Bucephalus. Both the Octavian and the Bucephalus served a key role in Caedus fleet. The Octavian would pursue smaller targets such as sloops, schooners and brigantines should they go to shallow waters where the Jepthah could not go. The Bucephalus was made to be a cargo ship to carry the extra cargo of the ships Caedus took since his crew made it a habit of stripping the ship clean before sinking it. This was especially useful when such ships had cannons and the Bucephalus was even given several to protect itself.

His days of glory ended when the war did in 1713. Now french and spanish ships were off limits. Some of his crew left to find new jobs. But most stayed with their captain. Caedus was not willing to give up a life that had suited him so well. In his year in privateering, Caedus had gathered enough wealth for he and his crew to retire for life. Instead of retiring Caedus and his men ignored the royal decree and contnued attacking treasure fleets and slave ships. He repainted his ships and gave the Jepthah a black colour scheme before renaming it the Gideon. He then donned a metal mask over his face to hide his identity and made a personal banner for himself. Two red boarding axes crossing over a red trident on a black field.

So Captain Caedus transformed from privateer to pirate. Caedus crew where all veteran seaman and they would train any new recruit. The Gideon would always be accompanied by the Octavian, and the Bucephalus now renamed the Hydra and Chimera respectively. With each successful capture, the crew became more and more loyal to him. Caedus was more merciful to merchant vessels, taking all the loot weapons and leaving them just enough provisions to make it to a safe harbor. Warships on the other hand was a different matter no quarter was given and Caedus usually sank such vessels. Though he did board them if he got the opportunity in order to take their cannons.

Caedus' life changed when he encountered an Spanish Man O' War battling two pirate ships. And from the looks of it, the pirates were loosing. Caedus immediately set a course for the battle. With four ships to deal with the Man O' War was now outmatched. The Hydra came along the stern and raked it with cannonfire disabling the rudder and causing extensive damage to the poop deck. The Gideon then took out the masts with chain shot. before unleasing a volley with it's 18-inch guns. The skilled gunnery of Caedus' crew ensured pinpoint accuracy. With the ship incapacitated. The Gideon closed in for the kill.

Caedus and his men swarmed the larger warship. As with all his other victims, no quarter was given and every man aboard was slain. Once it was over Caedus' crew set towork, sorting through the ships cargo for everything they deemed valuable. The cannons were hauled on to the Chimera. After they had looted the ship, Caedus sunk the Man O' War.

The two other pirate ships came along side the Gideon. Caedus recognized the two ships as the Walrus and the Ranger. The ships of Joseph Flint and Charles Vane.

"Ahoy Flint," Caedus called out, "goin' after big fish now are we? Perhaps too big."

"Caedus," Flint called back. "I had not thought to find you here."

"Nor I you my friend."

"Flint and I are headed for Nassau, care to join us there?" Vane asked.

Caedus shrugged, "Aye." He turned to his crew. "How bout it lads, to Nassau?"

"AYE!" The crew roared in unision.

So the three captains made for the pirate haven of Nassau. As they headed for the tavern Caedus spoke to his former captain. "So wha' were you doin' with Vane goin' after a Man o' War?"

"It holds the key to the Urcs de Lima," Flint replied gruffly.

"The treasure Galleon?" Caedus asked, "you're certain?"

Flint nodded, "that Man o' War was it's escort."

Caedus rubbed the chin of his mask in thought, "now there's an adventure, wouldn't you say?" There at the Tavern, Caedus met with fellow pirate captains Edward Thatch and Benjamin Hornigold.

"Ahoy Caedus," Thatch called out. "Take any more prizes?"

Caedus nodded, "Four convoys and as many slave ships, honestly it's a wonder why the europeans never run out of vessels."

"Why do you bother with those slave ships anyway?" Hornigold scolded. "No money to be made there."

"No," Caedus agreed, "but there's no shortage of good men aboard."

"A waste of time if you ask me," Hornigold insisted.

"I wouldn't expect you to understand, Hornigold." He walked over to the veteran pirate and placed a hand on his shoulder. "They say a man doen't know himself until his freedom is taken from him. I wonder Hornigold, if you were to loose your freedom how well will you know yourself?"

Hornigold backed away and raised his hands in surrender.

Flint beckoned Caedus to follow him. "Come with us Caedus, we have something important to discuss. Caedus nodded and joined Flint along with Thatch, Vane, Hornigold and another man Caedus did not recognize. He looked young and was rather thin and had dark circles around his eyes. Yet something about him seemed off. Like he just didn't belong.

"Who's the kid?" Caedus asked Thatch.

"That'll be James Kidd, the bastard son of the late William Kidd. Don't let his appearance fool you. He can get vicious if need be."

That took Caedus off guard, as he took another look at James. "Never heard of him," Caedus said finally, "and I've heard of most every other pirate."

"I like to keep it that way," James spoke up. His accent indicated english, yet the pitch of his voice sounded wrong for some reason." Caedus was now very suspicious, of this one.

They headed for Fort Nassau which was on the high ground, giving a them a clear view of the town and harbor. They entered the command barracks where they found Henry Jennings already there, and took a seat. Caedus had great respect for Jennings and greatly disliked Hornigold due to hie prejudice against africans.

Jennings and Hornigold, were the senior members of the group and so they addressed the gathered pirates. "Nassau is a small shanty town right now," Jennings said. "It's run down, yet a place we pirates can call home. With a little effort and a bit of gold we can make it something more, a haven,

"What do you have in mind?" Caedus asked leaning forward on the table.

Hornigold stood up, "I've spoken with Jennings and the others, together we want to turn Nassau into a republic, a place where pirates can live easy and free. Away from the british, spanish, French or whatever kings. You and Flint are the most notorious pirates in the Caribbean, we would ask you to join us in achieving this dream."

Caedus and Flint looked at each other. "What do you think?" Caedus asked.

Flint gave him a nod, "this idea has merit," Flint admitted. "And making a new free country sounds very appealing."

Caedus returned the nod before they both turnd to the group. "Very well, Benjamin let's see where this little venture goes, I'm in."

"Then we all have an accord," Hornigold asked to averyone. The other pirates nodded in agreement. So Edward Thatch, James Kidd, Charles Vane, Joseph Flint and Caedus joined the Pirate Republic of Nassau. It was agreed that Henry Jennings, Benjamin Hornigold would be the leaders of the Brethren. They chose Richard Guthrie, a wealthy black marketer to govern Nassau and to legitimize their stolen goods.

Later that night Caedus cornered Kidd and pinned him to a tree. "What kind of game are you playing at kidd!" He demanded placing his sai to Kidd's neck.

"What are you on about Caedus?" Kidd asked. He struggled to get free but Caedus' iron grip held him in place

"Don't play coy with me kidd," Caedus snarled. "I can smell a falsehood from half the world away."

Kidd Stopped struggling. and stared at Caedus' silver eyes. "How have I been false?"

Caedus released Kidd and backed off. He rubbed the chin of his mask pretinding to think. "Well how bout the fact that you're not the son of William Kidd. Or the fact that your not a pirate, at least not like us. Or maybe it's the fact that you're a girl."

Kidd reeled back by that. 'How did he know?' She wondered in horror. Still she had to keep up the cherade. "I'm not a girl." She insisted indignantly.

Caedus looked at her obviously amused. "Really, then whip out your cock and take a piss on this tree then."

Kidd 's eyes darted to and fro, trying to think of away to get out of this. "I don't have to take a piss." She lied, truthfully she did need to badly. Night time was the only time to do it.

Caedus gave a short laugh. "You sound like a boy but you look to old to be a boy. You look like a girl despit the dirt on your face. Not that it makes a difference, I've seen prettier men than you. But that is a moot point." He paused and looked out into the harbor. "I admire your courage to undertake this amusing charade." He came towards her, "word of advice li'l girl," he grabbed her throat and his thumb stroked her neck coming across no bumps. "There's a reason doctor's call it an adam's apple." He whispered.

Kidd flicked her wrist and a hidden blade appeared she came up to him and tried to aim it at Caedus' manhood. With astounding speed, Caedus caught the blade with the side prongs of his sai. He grabbed her arm and aimed the blade at Kidd's chin.

Caedus growled and shook his head. "Don't try that again," He warned. "If you still wish to keep you little secret that is."

"If you tell anyone," Kidd declared, "I swear I'll-"

"You'll what?" Caedus challenged, "prick me with your li'l cheese knife?" He laughed again. "Don't worry li'l girl, no one'll know, least not from me."

"You won't say anything?" Kidd asked in surprise.

Caedus shrugged, "a girl keeps secrets, not my place to spoil them." With that Caedus released her. and drew his sword and aimed it at her throat. "But be warned Kidd, should you play the Brethren false, they won't find what's left of you."

Kidd nodded rapidly, Caedus sheathed his sword and walked off leaving Kidd alone against the tree.