In the years that followed Caedus became one of the most infamous pirates in the Caribbean. He was as ruthless as he was successful wreaking havoc and taking ship after ship. With each ship captured the loyalty of Caedus crew swelled along with their riches. For the first half of his reign of terror Caedus made it a point not to target british ships. As a result the spanish and french in particular came to fear him. Despite their demands of Great Britain to stop him, King George did the bare minimum to do so. There was no love lost between Britain, and her rivals and Caedus caused no grievances to the king's ships. Most british captains chose instead to ignore him since the alternative would be to fight. something they usually tried to avoid.

Hector Rossa the former Bo'sun of the Octavian became Caedus' quartermaster, while a newcomer named Joshua Becker was his first mate. The Bo'sun was a large African named Jack Samson after the boat he was on. When Joshua asked why he chose that name instead of his birth name he replied. "My birth name is cursed, it is the name I had when they put me in chains. But Samson is the boat I boarded when Caedus broke my chains."

Most Spanish and French captains just surrendered whenever they saw the black hull and sails of Caedus' ship approaching them. But every now and then some spanish or French warship got bold and tried to fight him. but they ended up the same way, with the ship sunk and the crew slaughtered. The Gideon proved itself on multiple engagements, it's size and power allowed it to overtake the smaller ships such as sloops, schooners, brigantines, brigs, luggers and corvette with ease. Yet able to overtake the large merchant ships.

His habit of targeting slave ships provided him with an endless supply of men willing to fight for him. those that didn't were sent to a secret haven known only as maroon island where they were taken in by the benevolent and mysterious Maroon Queen. The Maroon Queen's husband Mr. Scott worked for Richard Guthrie and was the one that helped Caedus locate the island. This led to a close partnership between the Maroon Queen and Captain Caedus who also helped supply the former slaves with weapons and supplies whenever he could.

One time Caedus came across a fleet of three spanish galleons headed for Havana. Two of the galleons were 30 gunners, the third had 50 guns. Despite these overwhelming odds Caedus decided to attack. Together spaniards out gunned him, but individually, they stood no chance. The spanish guns could not match Caedus' cannons which were fitted with gunlock mechanisms. In the engagement that followed, the Gideon took on each galleon in turn sinking the first two and crippling the third. As the pirates engaged the spanish. Caedus found a challenger in the captain. The Spaniard drew his pistol and fired, but he seemed to have missed since Caedus kept coming as if nothing had happened. He raised his axes to cut down the spaniard, but the Spaniard drew his sabre and blocked them in time. Their duel continued even as the rest of the galleon's crew had been slain.

"You heathen," The Spaniard roared. "God will strike you down for all your atricities."

'Oh so he's one of those,' Caedus thought in amusement. He got up close to the Spaniard's face. "What's your god waitin' for then?" He jeered.

"The proper time to strike."

Caedus laughed, "No time like the present. He better hurry 'fore I kill you." Caedus hooked his left axe to the pommel of the Spaniard's sabre and used his right axe to chop off the man's hand. The Spaniard screamed as he cradled his bloody stump.

Hector, Caedus' Quartermaster, dragged a man in front of Caedus. "Foun' this little shit hidin in the hold captain," he said as he sneered at the man. The man turned out to be a cardinal who was on his way to havana.

"Well well, well," Caedus laughed. "Lookie here boys, a man of the cloth, come to spread the good news." He turned to the Spaniard. "This man is a prince of your church," he began. "Tell me , do you think your god save him from the likes of ME!"

Joshua voiced his objections. "Captain this is a holy man, please spare his life."

Caedus ignored him. "He is a fraud, who preaches the word of a false idol to keep the people from tearing down his decadent order." He raised his hand and snapped his fingers. Out of nowhere a black Jaguar leaped up on the poop deck and stood beside Caedus. Caedus stroked the big cat's ears effectionately. he turned to the cardinal and said two words. "Dinner Attila."

Joshua and the spaniard watched in horror as the cat had the cardinal for dinner. The Spaniard looked at Caedus and spat, "Arder en el Infierno, (burn in hell)."

Caedus was about to finish him off when he spotted something on the man's hand, a ring with a red cross on it. He clutched the captain's hand, pulled him close and whispered in his ear, "may the father of understanding guide you-," he then plunged his sai into the man's throat. "-in the afterlife."

The pirates looted the ship, as it happens, the cardinal had brought a large amount of gold with him, 40,000 spanish doubloons. Caedus took a ring off cardinal's finger and the captain and placed them in a pouch. "A fine addition to my collection," he chuckled. Joshua was shocked at what he had just witnessed and wondered if he should reconsider a different career.

Caedus knew that this leniancy from britain would only go for so long. Knowing that action against the british was inevitable and began building a fleet. France and Spain hired pirate hunters to destroy him, but these skirmishes all ended the same way. Caedus defeated every hunter that dared to engage him. Some hunters even decided to join him and Caedus would add their ships to his fleet.

During this time he would meet with fellow pirate Edward Kenway. The two became fast friends and for a brief time Kenway was part of Caedus' crew. But he ended up leaving to join another pirate Abel Bramah. Caedus took an immediate disliking for the pirate captain and advised Kenway not to join the scoundrel.

One day he recieved word that a Spanish treasure fleet was sailing from Havana. Caedus plotted a course to intercept, unfortunately the fleet was destroyed in a hurricane. The loss of the treasure fleet caused Caedus to return to Nassau infuriated.

On September of 1715 Caedus returned to Nassau, to rest for a bit. Besides joining up with old friends, Caedus main reason for his visits was Eleanor Guthrie, The governor's daughter. Caedus was a man after all. But his visits to her were unique. Whenever they fucked, He always had her wear a band of silk over her eyes. This was so that she never saw his face and she never had to tell any lies.

Shortly after he arrived a british frigate came to Nassau. The british began causing trouble for the island's pirate occupants. Even taking some prisoner so Caedus and Flint made a plan to do something about it. As they discussed the plan at the tavern. A ship that Caedus had never seen before docked at the harbor. It was a large ship, larger than most of the other pirate ships. The worn out red and black painting indicated that it was a former spanish ship. "Now I wonder who that is." He said to himself as he took a swig of rum.

"It ain't the spanish," Flint replied

On the beach he saw two men pushing around a british marine. One was dressed in dark He recognized them as Edard Thatch and Benjamin Hornigold

"Come on Captain Queernabs." Thatch taunted the marine. "Tell me I'm under arrest,". The marine did nothing and the man got up in his face. "TELL ME," he roared causing the marine to flinch and scurry off.

"Run along boyo back to your master," Hornigold called after him.

"Them you're breths?" Adewale asked.

Edward nodded amused at his friend's antics. "We was privateers together before the war's ended, I'll introduce you to them."

Edward and Adewale went ashore and headed for the tavern, The two men from earlier were already there. Hornigold was the first to see them. "By gods you're a sight for salty eyes, Come on in and have a drink."

"Morning all," Edward greeted them.

"Ahoy Kenway, Thatch greeted them. His gaze focused on Adewale. "Who's this?"

"This is Adewale," Edward patted his friend on the back. "The Jackdaw's quartermaster."

"Jackdaw?" Thatch questioned. He, Hornigold, Flint and Caedus looked at each other and burst out laughing. "You named your brig after a little poxy bird?"

"Aye, at least someone is original when it comes to naming their vessel." Caedus' voice cut through the air.

Every head turned to look at Caedus.

"Well, well, well," Edwardsaid with a grin "Caedus."

The man smiled, "long time Ken." He got up from his chair and strode casually towards the group.

"Original Caedus?" Hornigold wondered.

"Oh come now Benji," Caedus reasoned retaining his grim tone. "How many pirate ships are named Ranger, Revenge, Adventure, or Fortune eh."

Hornigold cocked his head and nodded. "Fair enough."

Flint walked over, "Go easy on him," Flint warned. "He's in a foul mood."

Edward looked at Caedus. "What ails you?"

Caedus took a swig, "The spanish treasure fleet was lost in a hurricane." Caedus drained the bottle, his mask was lifted just enough to accomidate the rum bottle. He set the bottle down continued. "All that gold, jewels and seven million silver coins. GONE DOWN TO DAVY JONES LOCKER!"

As he said this, Caedus threw the empty rum bottle at the wall of the tavern. the bottle shattered into pieces. Grumbling Caedus pulled some coins out of his pocket and handed then to the tavern keeper. "For the mess," he said.

Edward turned back to his quartermaster. "Ade, meet the better part of our confederacy. You've already met Caedus, the ugly ones are Edward Thatch, Benjamin Hornigold, and James Kidd." Edward gestured to a much younger man sitting at the far end. Kidd gave a small wave before going back to his drink.

Honrigold cocked his eyebrow, "You let that man carry a pistol?"

"Peace Ben," Edward replied quickly. "Ade saved my life, I owe him."

"Aye," Caedus spoke up. "Careful with that tongue Benji, I have a fair number of men like him in my own crew. Good men, loyal and strong."

Thatch nodded in approval and turned to Edward again. "So what brings you to Nassau?"

"I'm looking for able bodies to fill my brig." Edward replied.

"Well you'll find plenty of those here," Thatch said. "But be wary, a boatload of kingsmen showed up a fortnight back and now their strolling around as if they own the damn island."

"Great," Edward sighed. 'At least they're not spaniards,' he thought. "I'll see what I can do."

Caedus grinned widely, "In the mean time, I think I'll have a little fun."

"What do you plan to do?" Hornigold asked.

"We have uninvited guests in Nassau," Caedus drew his weapons. Edward noticed that instead of swords. Caedus had what resembled french naval axes. The only difference was that they were downsized to be wielded onehanded. He also had long handled Jian sword was strapped to his back and four double barrel pistols on his belt. "Still, all good manners dictate that I give them a proper welcome." With that Caedus left to do god knows what, while Edward gathered a crew.

After saving a pirate from hanging, there was a huge bang. Looking out into the distance Edward saw a british frigate that had brought the soldiers explode. Heading back to the tavern Edward witnessed Caedus lopping the head off a british officer. With a satisfied look on his face. Caedus joins up with Edward and the two make their way to the tavern.

"Just watched your little display Caedus," Thatch remarked with a smile. "You sure know how to start a ruckus."

Hornigold however was not so impressed. "HAVE YOU LOST YOU MIND CAEDUS?" He yelled. "When the british get word of this they are sure to retaliate."

Caedus smirked. "Then they should tell their sailors not to smoke in the powder magazine." This caused Kenway and Thatch to laugh at that.

"Did you have to kill them all?" Kidd asked. The tone of his voice almost sounded as if he was scolding him.

"I have little tolerance for those who fight under imperialist banners." Caedus replied. "And even less for slavers."

"Bah," Hornigold scoffed. "One of these days, your recklessness is going to be the death of us all."

"Or your bigotry tenderheart." Caedus quipped.

Thatch laughed and turned his attention to Edward. "Well now that you have a crew you would want to sail somewhere rich with plunder."

Edward nodded, "I intend to. Have you heard of a place called the observatory?"

To Edward surprise the answer came not from Ben or Thatch but from James Kidd. "Aye," he said. "Tis an old legend like El Dorado and the Fountain of Youth."

"What have you heard?" Edward asked his interest now piqued.

Kidd shrugged, "S'pose to be a temple or tomb hiding some kind of treasure."

"That's the one," Edward replied pulling out the illistration. "See here?"

Kidd took the map and examined it closely. After a moment he looked at him his eyes saying. 'Where did you get this?' it was a look that was not missed by Caedus.

Thatch gave out a short laugh. "So it's fairy stories you prefer to gold is it?"

"Fairy story or not, this may be worth looking into." Caedus spoke up, as quick as a cat he snatched the illistration from Kidd's hands and looked at it."

"You don't seriously believe this nonsense do you." Thatch wondered.

"Like all tales, one will find there is truth behind all myths." Caedus replied.

"Hah, Hornigold scoffed. "Gold and guns are how we earn our fortune lad, it ain't a fortune it's a fantasy."

"No reason why we can't do both." Caedus countered handing the illustration back to Edward. "As we go about our business, we keep our ears open for anything about this 'Observatory.' In the mean time, let's get to our ships."

This was a sentiment that was shared by all and they left the tavern. Seeing as Caedus showed interest in his Idea, Kenway decided to work more closely with him. Before he boarded the Gideon, he confronted Kidd again. 'You behavin yourself 'boy'?" He asked.

"Moreso than you I deem," Kidd replied. She looked Caedus up and down. "Sleek costume you got there Caedus. D'you take it from a corpse."

Caedus, shook his head. "Nah from someone who no longer 'ad needed it."

"Ah, I see," Kidd acknowladged

Caedus changed the subject, "so what do you think about this observatory, Kenway told us about?"

Kidd shrugged, "why asked me."

Caedus turned to Kidd and closed in on her. "I think you know why." He said in a dangerous voice. "When Kenway showed you the illustration, the way you reacted." Kidds eyes widened and Caedus continued. "You know what it is, don't you?"

Kidd sighed and nodded. "I don't know it's whereabouts, nor do I know what it does don't go looking for it Caedus. You'll be dealin with powers you cannot fathom."

Caedus laughed, "I like to play the odds, Kidd you just worry about keepin ya li'l secret."

Caedus headed for the dock and took a moment to inspect Kenway's new vessel. The Jackdaw was a brig for sure and a large one at that, looking around he saw space enough for 50 cannons. While it was a bit torn, with a little love and care it would be a formidable vessel.

"Damn Kenway, you've been holding out on us," he slapped Kenway in the back.

"Impressed?" Kenway asked.

Caedus nodded, "how'd you get hold of a floatin' palace like this?"

"I took it from the treasure fleet that sank in the storm," Kenway explained.

This caught Caedus full attention, "you were with the fleet?" He sounded anxious.

Kenway nodded, "I was held prisoner along with Adewale in one of the ships. We escaped and freed the other prisoners, together we took this brig and sailed out. We barely escaped the hurricane."

"Do you know if any of the other ships somehow survived?"

Kenway shook his head, "I cannot say, if any did then jaysus must love them."

Caedus smiled tightly. "Well I think it's time we get the Jackdaw ready to terrorize the caribbean." Kenway smiled at what Caedus had in mind. Together, the two pirates spent the next few months refitting the Jackdaw. They reinforced the hull, increased the armament and improved the naval ram at the bow. By the time they were done, the Jackdaw was transformed from a simple spanish brig to one of the most formidable pirate ships in the Caribbean.

Caedus and Kenway met with Thatch and Hornigold at Salt Key Bank. The senior pirates were thoroughly impressed by the end result of the refitting.

"Fine work gents," Honigold declared. "Keep this up and nassau will be the first nation where men can live as gods, Easy and free. Caedus pulled out a crate of rum bottles. Each man took one clashed them together and took a swig. Hornigold continued. "However, if you want to keep our nation afloat, we'll need guns as well as gold."

They all knew what that meant, the only guns available are the ones found on warships. "That would mean attacking the navy." Kenway pointed out.

Hornigold nodded, "aye, as long as it's King Philip's navy, we'll not offend our own monarch."

Caedus was leaning on a post with his arms crosses, "You lot worry bout the gold, I'll take care o' the guns."

Hornigold nodded briskly, "as you wish Caedus."

After Hornigold and Thatch had left, Kenway approached Caedus. "Master Kidd is planning to raid a nearby plantation, you interested."

Caedus shook his head, "Nay, Flint was tellin me bout a spanish ship called the Urca de Lima. It was part of the treasure fleet but got seperated at some point in the voyage. Now it be salvagin from the lost fleet. I may've missed the fleet but I plan on takin that ship."

Kenwy nodded, "well good luck to you then." He patted Caedus on the back and left to join Kidd.

As Kenway raided the british sugar plantations, Caedus set off after the Urca de Lima. After a month of serching, Flint, Caedus and Henry Jennings eventually found it and gave chase, the chase lasted four days before they finally beached the great hulk on the coast of florida. Despite the unexpected arrival of two spanish frigates, The pirates subdued the spaniards and claimed the treasure within. Each pirate took a share of the treasure and reserved a fourth portion for the Guthries in Nassau. The Urca de Lima also had 100 guns on it. Caedus took these cannons intent on using them to arm Fort Nassau.

Thatch proposed a toast, "here's to our Pirate Republic lads," He boasted. "We're prosperous, free and out of reach of kings, clergy and debt collectors.

Everyone raised their bottles and James Kidd spoke. "Nearly 500 pirate captains have pledged thei allegiance to the Bretheren of the Coast in Nassau," She reported nodding with approval. "Not a bad Number."

"Aye Thatch agreed, "Yet we lack sturdy defences, if the king were to attack the town he'd trample us."

The pirates nodded in agreement. "Then let us find the observatory," Kenway suggested. "If it is as powerful as these templars claim, we will be unbeatable."

Thatch scoffed, "not that twattle again Kenway, tis a story for school boys." Kenway shrugged but pressed no further. "What I mean is proper defences." Thatch finished his rant.

"What do you propose Thatch?" Caedus wondered.

Thatch took a swig of rum before speaking again. "I say we steal a galleon and shift all the guns to one side. Would make a nice ornament for one of our harbors"

Caedus rubbed the chin of his mask in thought. "Ambitious daring and crazy," he laughed, "I like it."

Adewale however was still unsure and shook his head. "It won't be easy to steal a full size galleon, and this is coming from a man who escaped from one himself." He turned to Thatch, "have you one in mind?"

Thatch's face broke into a grin his eyes gleaming. "I do sir, and I'll show her to you. She's a fussock she is. Fat and Slow." Thatch chuckled softly as a plan formed in his mind.

The galleon Thatch went on about was the El Arca de Maestro. Thatch was not jesting about the ships size. The El Arca de Maestro was easily the biggest ship Ceadus had seen roaming the northern Carribean. Despite the combined attack by Caedus' Gideon, Kenway's Jackdaw and Charles Vane's Ranger, the El Arca de Maestro manage to escape with the help of several spanish sloops and a fog that rolled in. The pirates were victorious with the sloops sunk and the El Arca de Maestro badly damaged. But their was a price, the Ranger had recieved a full barage from the galleon's main battery soit was forced to flee. The Jackdaw and the Gideon were only lightly damaged.

The Gideon anchored alongside the Jackdaw and Caedus jumped aboard. Kenway was looking through a spyglass, trying to pierce the fog. "Anything Kenway?"

Kenway closed his spyglass. "Aye," he replied. "It sailed for that island up ahead."

Thatch nodded. "I know the place, a natural stronghold owned by a french captain named Du Casse. Kenway and Caedus both turned to Thatch. The name meant something to them, though for different reasons.

"Julien du Casse?" Caedus asked.

Thatch nodded. "Name sounds about right."

"You know him?" Kenway was surprised that Caedus was aquainted with the templar as well.

"Aye, stole a ship from 'im a few years back, the very ship that I'm sailin today."

Kenway looked at the Gideon in shock. "You mean to tell me you stole that from Du Casse."

Caedus nodded, "and it seems that we're about to take yet another prize from the frenchie. "If it's really Du Casse on that island then it must be Great Inagua. I've been here before, I know a way in without stirrin too much of a ruckus."

"Then let's wait till nightfall to take it." Thatch suggested. The other pirates agreed.

That night Kenway and Caedus snuck into Great Inagua. They used the same route that Caedus did to take the Gideon. As Kenway went straight to the clearing. Caedus headed for a cave a cave he never told anyone about. He never ventured as to where the cave ended up but curiosity got the best of him. He followed the cave until he came upon a solid room that held a vast amount of treasure. Caedus eyed the gold greedily but chose not to waste time. He looked around and saw two paths. One was a stairway that led up to what Caedus guessed was the manor. The second pathwas another cave that led downwards. Caedus chose this path predicting that it led somewhere that drew less attention. The second cave led to an opening in the bay just a short distance from the beach and faced the very ship they were after.

Caedus swam all the way to the ships bow and began scaling it. He climbed onto the deck and started killing the skeleton crew aboard. The rest of the spanish flocked towards the black clad pirate leaving Du Casse alone on the poop deck and open for Kenway to jump from the mizzenmast and assassinate the templar.

Caedus made short work of the spaniards and headed for the poopdeck. Kenway and Caedus looked down at their dying foe.

"Hello Du Casse," Caedus said warmly. "It's been some time since we last got aquainted."

"We've never met (Batard maudit) cursed bastard." Julien spat.

Caedus shrugged, "Oh but we did my friend. I took the Gideon from you

Julien's eyes widened in shock and he grabbed caedus by the leg. "YOU!"

Caedus nodded, "Yes, me." He grabbed Du Casse by the collar, "me, me, me."

Julien let go and started laughing. "How fitting, slain by the very people that took what was meant to be our ultimate weapon against you (scelerats) scoundrels

Kenway knelt down and pulled him close. "What do you mean ultimate weapon?"

Julien coughed blood and continued. "We built that particular frigate for one purpose, to hunt down every last pirate in the Caribbean. The templars spared no expense in it's construction. The best wood, the latest weapons. It was so beautiful, now it serves the very people it was built to destroy. How Ironic."

Caedus knelt down and whispered in Julien's ear. "Well on behalf of the Pirate Republic we thank you for such a wonderful contribution to our cause. That frigate of yours is truly a masterpiece."

Julien snarled and spat in Caedus mask.(Bruler en enfer vous sone de pute.) Burn in hell you son of a whore." He gasped and then layed still.

Caedus cut down the spanish flag and their ships sailed into the harbor. Kenway raised his sword in triumph. "THE COVE IS OURS!" He declared and all around the cheering of pirates could be heard.