Jones was rejoicing. She had noticed that John had found a sweet heart. She looked around for a blacksmith and found one in the port they were at. She talked with the man in her male persona convincing him to take on an older apprentice. She had a plan. John was to have a future. This was a rest day so John was relaxing on the beach with a girl. Amellia called him over.
"Yes Captain Jones!" John said saluting.
"I've made a decision. Do you like that girl over there?" Amellia said gesturing to the girl who was holding a flower and giggling.
"Yes sir. She is beautiful and funny and wonderful." John said with a sigh.
"Then you will stay here and apprentice with the metal worker her in the port. I will return in a few months to check up on you. I want you to have a life John." Amellia said sadly.
"But I don't want to leave you and the ship." John begged.
"Think of the girl over there. You spent your treasure on a flower for her. You want to be a metalworker. If you hate it that much when I return next I will take you on as a crew mate. Do you agree?" Jones said putting her hand out for a shake.
"I suppose Captain." John said shaking her hand.
"Then the deal is struck! Be a good man while I'm gone. The blacksmith lives down the road and his name is Thomas Florent. He is willing to take you on. Meet him today in the evening and begin your life. Go to the ship and get your things and remember to find me to say goodbye before I leave port." Jones said giving John a hug.
"Yes Mam!" John said saluting while turning back to his lovely lady.
For the rest of the day Jones spent in her cabin reading Paradise Lost. She sent Kirkland running around but for the most part she relaxed. In the evening Francis brought her dinner and asked to talk.
"Amellia, you've been lenient lately." Francis said.
"What? With whom?" Amellia asked confused.
"Kirkland. You are too nice to him. What I want to know is why." Francis said.
"I don't bloody know. I think it's because he is like a lost puppy that I can't help but feel bad for." Amellia admitted.
"I suppose. Just be careful, Kirkland is a fool don't trust him too much." Francis said.
"I trust few people Francis. I trust you, Matthew, and myself to name a few. It takes years to earn my trust. No need to worry for me." Amellia said.
"You are right. I suppose I was hoping you were falling in love." Francis said wistfully.
"You and your love Francis! I doubt I will ever love a man the way you imply. Play matchmaker with someone else!" Amellia growled.
"Oh you know I am trying to push Gilbert into love!" Francis said mischievously.
"Of course Elizivabeta. I do hope you succeed. That man deserves happiness and love. Go be a hero Francis. I am going to try and rest before we leave for England." Amellia said.
"Is that where we are going next?" Francis asked.
"Of course. I am going to get my revenge in just a few months." Amellia said joyfully.
"Good to know!" Francis said as he left.
John came by the next morning as they were preparing to leave and said goodbye to the men. Amellia gave him a bag of coins telling him to use it carefully and be a good man. John nodded and he left. The ship set sail east towards England. Amellia tried to ignore how she was feeling. Feelings were evil she decided. The first month was smooth sailing.
Amellia worked Arthur to the brink of exhaustion. She worked him to avoid showing any kind of affection. He did everything from cleaning, weapon maintenance, and crows nest watching. He crawled into bed at night feeling exhausted but they would stay up and talk about literature and life. Who were their favorite authors? Do you like Arthurian Legends? They talked for at least an hour each day and then they slept only to awake and begin the process again.
It made no sense to Arthur. She was kind and intelligent when they were alone but during the day she was calculating and demanding. She worked him to the bone and at times had him spar with other crew mates so he could hold his own in battle. He found that he was an average swordsman nothing special and he could easily lose. Jones would spar with her men in jest but she would never lose. Antonio and his sister spent most of their time together. Jones however took her under her wing.
Jones taught the woman basic sword skills and defense. She gave the woman comfort and support. She also released Antonio of many of his duties so he could watch over his sister. Jones spent her time ordering Kirkland around, spending time in the crow's nest, and planning. What would she do once she had George Cumber? Would she kill him or just maim him? Would she take him to the authorities? What about after that? Would she continue to be a pirate? Would she try and find a new home?
No, the sea was her life. But what would she do? Would she continue to be a vigilante of the sea? The crow's nest was the only place she could think clearly and sing. It had been a month when Amellia decided to award her crew.
"Alright men! We've been at sea for a month without an attack! I say we celebrate!" Amellia shouted. Her men cheered.
"Francis unstop the rum! We are having a festival! Alright men drink your fill and have fun! No fights or you'll answer to me!" Amellia yelled to her crew.
She sat down on some crates and watched her men begin to celebrate. Amellia didn't drink, it had never worked well for her. Alcohol made it easier to remember those days of her past and she would end up crying in her hammock. So she just watched. She noticed Arthur was among her men drinking. After two drinks he was beginning to act strangely and it was clear that he could not hold his drink well.
"Kirkland! Get over here!" Jones shouted.
"Captain?" Arthur said as he stumbled over to her.
"You're drunk, Kirkland. GO to the cabin and sleep it off. It's clear you can't hold your liquor." Jones commanded.
"I'll do whatever I bloody want! I can hold my liquor better than anyone!" Kirkland shouted loudly.
"Kirkland remember who're speaking too." Jones said warningly.
"I am a captain of a navy vessel! I can drink when I want! I can take what I want and do what I want!" Kirkland said getting hysterical.
"Go to the cabin boy!" Amellia said dragging the man by his ear.
Despite his protests and amid the jeers of the other men Amellia threw him into the room. She told him to sleep it off. She shut the door and chuckled. It was clear Arthur couldn't hold his drink. Amellia sighed that man was lucky she was the pirate who had taken him captive. Any of the other pirates on the sea would've made him walk the plank by now.
Francis walked up smirking. Amellia knew he had something on his mind that was bound to annoy her.
"Bonjour. Jones."
"Hello Bonnefey."
"You like him."
"Who?"
"Kirkland. You like him." Francis said simply.
"Francis. Do you realize how absurd you sound?" Amellia said.
"None, you are being absurd. Anyone with eyes can see you l'amour!" Francis said excitedly.
"I thought you hated Kirkland. Why would you be happy if I liked him? Which I don't of course." Amellia said.
"Kirkland and I have an interesting relationship. I hate him but only in jest. We say the vilest things to each other but we do that in fun." Francis elaborated. "I am only happy that you have found love. Everyone deserves love."
"Francis, I am incapable of that kind of love. That was taken from me a long time ago before I met you. I don't love Kirkland that way. If anything he is a helpless nuisance." Amellia said waving off Francis' ideas.
"Ma Cherie. I am French and as such I know full well when someone loves another."
"I think you are then losing your touch, Francis. Since Me Cheri I do not love anyone in the way you are suggesting." Amellia sighed.
"Tell me did you stay up all night talking with all your other cabin boys?" Francis asked cheekily.
"Maybe I did. What it's to you?" Amellia said defensively.
"I noticed you've changed your song routine to include love songs." Francis added sneakily.
"I do love the variety." Amellia sidestepped.
"You've not made him skip any meals." Francis reminded.
"He hasn't earned any kind of punishment. Although after tonight's fiasco I am quite certain I will never allow him to drink again." Amellia said.
"I could've told you that." Francis chuckled.
"Francis. Speaking hypothetically of course, if I did like Arthur. Which I don't but if I did, it wouldn't even matter. Arthur told me no woman has ever caught his fancy." Amellia said somewhat sadly.
"Of course no woman has before but you are something special Amellia." Francis said reaching out his hand to place it on her shoulder.
"Just stop Francis. Forget about your obsession with love and think for a moment. I humiliated him in front of his crew and then took him prisoner. Then I work him to the bone everyday under threat of punishment. I've reduced him to nothing but a pirate's cabin boy. He has no reason to even like me. Think for a moment about our relationship and then forget about your idea of love." Amellia said angrily.
"I suppose." Francis agreed warily.
"Thank you. Now go enjoy yourself with Antonio, Matthew and Gilbert." Amellia said waving him off.
Amellia sighed and climbed up to the crow's nest. She pulled out her eyeglass and looked out along the sea. It was beautiful and so she relaxed while her men enjoyed themselves. She hummed to herself and thought over Francis' words. It was true that she was staying up speaking with him. But that was only because Arthur liked the same books she did. It was nice to speak with someone who also liked to analyze books.
It was true she had been singing love songs. But they were new songs she had just heard and she wanted to learn them. The best way to memorize a song is to sing it. The fact that they were love songs had nothing to do with it. Why would she randomly punish her men? Arthur hadn't done anything worth a flogging or a missed meal. Francis was just being ridiculous right? I mean there was no way she had fallen for a British Navy captain. That just wasn't right. It would have been too cruel an irony. She steeled herself from the idea and told her she saw Arthur as nothing more than a prisoner.
Francis meanwhile made his way over to the captain's cabin where Arthur was inside. Kirkland had always been too honest when he was drunk. Francis was feeling like doing some fact finding. He couldn't deny that Amellia made a lot of sense about her theory that Arthur didn't like her. He walked into the room to see Arthur skulking in his hammock.
"Bonjour, Kirkland. As sober as ever I see." Francis said jokingly.
"Shod off Frog." Arthur said drunkenly.
"I just came to check on you, Arthur. You seem a little upset." Francis said trying to sound sincere.
"Of course I'm bloody upset. Jones shoved me in here." Arthur said.
"Why would that upset you?" Francis asked hoping to already know the answer.
"She sees me as a useless pig Francis. I used to be a Captain of my own vessel. What could I give to her now? I like her Francis but I've nothing to offer her." Arthur sad desolately. "Besides she hates men. She has every right to with her past. I mean she has no reason to love anyone."
"You know her past?" Francis asked suddenly alert. She hadn't even told him her past.
"She told me. To prove a point. I agreed to help her get revenge on George Cumber." Arthur said with a few slurred words.
"Tell me." Francis said trying not to sound excited.
"Nope! I promised I would be quiet. What kind of gentlemen would I be if I couldn't keep my word?" England said loudly.
Francis shook his head and left the mumbling Arthur to himself. At least he knew that Arthur was head over heels for his captain. This made his job of match making so much easier. Now he just had to convince the stubborn Amellia that it was meant to be. Francis went over to Matthew to begin to plan.
Amellia sent her men to bed after a while of celebration and went to bed herself. The only people up were those who were to keep a watch. Arthur had passed out in his hammock when Amellia went in. She looked at his sleeping form. He looked like a cute drunken child. He was curled up in the fetal position looking very innocent and sweet. She blushed at the thought since when was Arthur cute? She shook her head at the invading thoughts and cleared her head by counting to 100 as she got ready for bed.
She climbed into bed and tried to think of something else other than the man sleeping in the other hammock. Why was she doing this to herself? She was a free woman in an oppressive society. She didn't a man to be successful anymore. Why was she allowing herself to like another man? It wasn't fair! She had worked for years building up a reputation and becoming successful and here Arthur was undermining it all by making her soft. She scowled in the dark. She would not give in! She would be strong. Arthur was a poor swordsman, a prude and a terrible cook. There was no way she would love him. Even if he was funny, intelligent and kind. Wait what? Since when did I see him that way at all?
She didn't sleep well that night. Francis had gotten into her head. Why did he never listen to her and drop all of this love nonsense? When she got up she was grumpier then usual and sent a hung-over Arthur to swab the deck till it sparkled. When Francis asked how she had slept she merely growled at him and told Gilbert to get some sleep and that she would steer now. Gilbert nodded tiredly petted his bird and went to bed.
The bird, now named Gilbird, was the new ship favorite. It was smart enough to send messages and do tricks. He would do much anything for crumbs of food, even steal the captain's hat. Which happened more often than Amellia cared to admit. The bird was ridiculously smart and she couldn't keep up with its antics and be captain of a ship. The bird in question had flown off of his owners head and was now following Amellia around.
She scowled. What was that bird planning? She didn't know and rally wanted to avoid it. She waved it off, trying to shoo away the bird. It flew off once Francis arrived. He had a strange glint in his eye.
"Bonjour Captain!"
"Hello Francis! What bring you here today?"
"I was thinking that the men could do with a little entertainment tonight! We could have some shanties sung and dance!" Francis said excitedly.
"You know how I feel about those fiascos. They never end well and at least one of my men ends up with a black eye or a broken jaw." Amellia replied tiredly.
"I promise that no men will be hurt if you perform!" Francis said sneakily.
"What is in it for me?" Amellia asked dubiously.
"My never ending love and friendship!" Francis said.
"Not going to do it for such a petty thing. Try harder Francis." Amellia said.
"I will make you some chocolate." Francis said.
"I should've never told you my weakness!" Amellia shouted.
It was true Amellia would do practically anything for chocolate. She grudgingly nodded her head in agreement. It seemed tonight she would be performing a song. She had made the mistake a few years ago of showing her men that she could play the guitar. Her men ever since would beg her to play them a song during long voyages. She used any excuse possible to avoid it but her men always seemed to be able to convince her one way or another. It seemed Francis felt the need to get her to play.
"I need you to sing the love shanty!"
"The Lass of Swansea Town?" Amellia asked confused as to why he would suggest that one.
"Yes please!" Francis said with puppy eyes.
"Fine. I will sing that one. I will even play the guitar but this chocolate better be perfect!" Amellia said while waving her hands.
"Oh it will be!" Francis said sincerely.
Amellia just shook her head and waved Francis away. He left with a sarcastic bow and went to go onto the next part of the plan. HE went over to the deck to clue Arthur in on what was going to happen tonight.
"Hello Arthur! How are you feeling?" Francis said sweetly.
"Tired and I hate the light! I swear I am never drinking again." Arthur said angrily.
"Of course not. You should pray that you are well for tonight's festivities." Francis said secretly.
"What's happening tonight?" Arthur asked curiously.
"Our captain has agreed to perform for us! You see our captain could have been many things and a musician is one of them." Francis said with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
"Really?" Arthur said suddenly interested.
"Of course she has never had anyone on board who could sing with her. Her normal crew hasn't a gifted voice amongst them." Francis hinted.
"Oh well that's much too bad. A lady should never have to sing on her own." Arthur said.
"Tis true. It's very sad. She's even singing a love song. The Lass of Swansea Town. One should never sing a song like that alone." Francis said with a sigh hoping that Arthur would get the idea.
"I suppose." Arthur said.
"Well I will leave you to your cleaning." Francis said feeling a little frustrated that Arthur was so dense.
Arthur however was hung-over and not really interesting in hearing anyone sing. After he finished cleaning he got some food and ate it grumpily in the captain's cabin hoping to avoid direct sunlight. After an hour of this routine he felt slightly better and he went o find Amellia looking angry while steering the ship. He stood next to her and tried to start a conversation with the disgruntled captain.
"Judging by my hangover I hope I didn't make too grand a fool of myself." Kirkland said.
"Ha!" Amellia laughed. "I had to throw you into the cabin after your third drink. You really can't handle your drink can you?"
"No I don't suppose I can. Although I still hold firm that I was in complete control of my faculties and could've continued drinking." Kirkland said in a haughty tone.
"Oh of course! You were in complete control. Which is why you told me you were a man who could what he wanted when he wanted!" Amellia taunted.
"Did I really? I hope you didn't misconstrue…."
"Arthur you were drunk. I dragged you by the ear and threw you in the cabin. Your embarrassment among the men is punishment enough." Amellia responded.
"I see. Francis told me that you were performing this evening. Why would you do that?" Arthur asked.
"Because Francis knows my weakness and he is bribing me with it." Amellia said annoyed.
"Our dear Captain Jones, dread of the seven seas has a weakness? How could that be possible?" Arthur said in mock surprise.
"Ha ha ha. You are so funny, Kirkland." Amellia said.
"Well I do try Jones. Now what have you decided to sing for us?" Arthur asked.
"Some love song. The Lass of Swansea Town. Francis requested it, leave it to him to ask for some stupid love song." Amellia said.
"Stupid love song? I quite like that song." Arthur admitted.
"It's not the song I dislike. Francis is constantly trying to set me up with some man or another. I believe he has made it his life goal to set me up with someone, so that I can be in love. I keep telling him it is folly but he never listens." Amellia said.
"I suppose it is fair of him to wish for you to find love. Though he doesn't know why you see that as impossible." Arthur conceded.
"You don't?" Amellia asked.
"Your last cabin boy found love and she has gone through some similar things. I think love is always possible. Though in your case it will be harder to find." Arthur explained.
"Love is impossible. I just have to believe that." Amellia said.
"Why?" Arthur asked.
"I won't be weak ever again." Amellia said firmly.
"Oh… Do you have anything for me to do?" Arthur asked suddenly uncomfortable.
"Go clean the kitchens. Come back to me when you're done." Amellia said not looking at him.
Arthur bowed and left. He walked over and went down below to the kitchens. He called out to Francis and told him his job was to clean. Francis waved him over to the dishes while he was making something.
"What're you making?" Arthur asked as he began to clean.
"Chocolat pour le capitaine." Francis yelled in French.
"English you bloody frog!" Arthur shouted back.
"Chocolate for Jones." Francis said back annoyed. "I know you understand French. I don't understand your hatred towards my homeland."
"I hate it because everything about it reminds me of your idiocy. Why are you making her chocolate?"
"Simple. She will do practically anything for chocolate. I convinced her to perform for us." Francis replied.
"So that's her weakness then. No wonder she seemed so angry earlier. She was grumbling about stupid love songs, and the like." Arthur said.
"Of course she was. She doesn't know it but love is on its way!" Francis said happily.
"It seems to me she has no want for love." Arthur said sourly.
"What about you Arthur? Have you still found no one?" Francis asked teasingly.
"You and I both know, that I am not interested in looking for a wife." Arthur said.
"Or you mean no woman has ever been interested in you? We both know that you were very awkward around the women." Francis said with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
"Oh sod off frog!" Arthur said making an obscene gesture with his finger.
"I am hurt Arthur! To think a gentleman of your stature would lower himself to make such a gesture!" France exclaimed.
"What can I say? I learned everything from you Francis." Arthur bit back.
"Except when it came to love in which you are still hopelessly clueless." Francis replied.
"Ha, as if you are so wise. Who is it that is still as single as I am?" Arthur reminded him.
The argument continued after there and then someone mentioned the others mother and it nearly came to blows. Antonio happened to come by and he separated them to avoid calling in the captain. Arthur left the chore mostly done and went to find the captain who was now in the crow's nest during her daily relaxing routine. Arthur sighed to himself and began to climb up. It was harder than Arthur remembered. Was he getting older or were ships getting taller? He crawled up and called out to the captain.
"Jones I'm done cleaning…" Kirkland stopped talking when he heard her voice.
She hadn't noticed him yet and she was singing happily. This was when she was free, this was when she felt no guilt or burdens. It was clear too, her whole demeanor had changed while she was singing. Her hair was blowing in the wind and she had a light in her eyes. He stood there silently listening for a while until he without thought began to sing along.
Her voice was a clear bright soprano. It had a crisp noise that sounded wonderful to the ear. His voice was a calm tenor that whirled around in the wind. The voices matched perfectly and complimented each other well. It was enough to give an audience chills. Amellia started at the addition of his voice.
"What are you doing here Kirkland?" Jones asked startled at his intrusion.
"You told me to find you when I finished the kitchen." He explained quietly.
"Just a word of warning Kirkland don't come up here unless I call for you." She said defensively. "Now go clean the men's quarters."
He nodded and left a little nervous. Why had she been so angry at him? He thought they had sounded nice together or at least they sounded decent. He scowled at the sight of the men quarters down below. They were filthy. He began at the far corner with the mop and began to remove layers of grime and dirt. This was going to take all day and maybe more work tomorrow. He frowned as he worked but couldn't help but bring his mind back to the look of complete bliss that had graced Jones' face.
Jones however no longer had a happy look. Kirkland had ruined her me time! The time she spent by herself was what kept her sane and Kirkland had intruded into it. She climbed down and told Matthew to go back to watch duty. He nodded and Amellia told Berwald to take a break from steering the ship and get some food. She got another one of her men to take the wheel and decided to find someone to duel with. She called over Antonio and he seemed to know what his captain wanted because he grabbed his sword and got ready to duel. His sister watched from a safe distance.
"You ready Antonio?" Jones asked.
"Si." Antonio replied in his native tongue.
She lunged at him and they began to duel wildly. Antonio was able to keep up well enough with Amellia so it was more of a duel of endurance. While Antonio put up a good fight Amellia was too angry to allow herself to lose. The fight lasted for ten minutes but Antonio did eventually concede defeat. Amellia was panting when it was done and decided to train Antonio's sister.
She still spoke only Spanish but with Amellia's small knowledge of the language and Antonio's help the training session went well. Amellia had explained to the woman that she should learn how to use a sword so she could defend herself. Amellia also believed that it gave women confidence so that she no longer had to fear men. She hoped that Maria found the lessons beneficial. Maria seemed to flinch at every touch, even that of her brother's.
It was during their training that the smell of chocolate wafted towards Amellia's nose. She dropped her sword suddenly and turned towards Francis who was now holding a bowl with chocolate inside. It was roughly made with only the few ingredients on board but Francis was a master chef and could make anything gourmet with enough time.
Amellia took the chocolate and a large piece of it hungrily. She didn't get chocolate often and a single taste could make her happy for hours. She smiled at Francis and then turned and offered Maria a small piece. Antonio told her it was a good food in Spanish so Maria took it and ate it. It seemed Jones converted another because Maria told her that she loved it as well with a smile.
The rest of the day passed and Amellia's performance began as the sun began to set. She pulled out her guitar and tuned it. Her men smiled and gathered around. She looked at each of them. It was funny to see how she had a man from different nationalities on her boat. There was serious Ludwig standing next to silly Feliciano and next to them the silent Kiku. She had Gilbert, Francis, Antonio, Matthew, and Berwald. There was Yao and Ivan as well. Each a different nationality all taken from their homes one way or another. They managed to work together, thanks to stern discipline and respect.
They all gathered around to see their American captain perform. She held her guitar in her arms like a baby and began to play.
It was down by Swansea barracks
one May morning I strayed
A-viewing of the soldier lads
I spied a comely maid,
It was o'er her red and rosy cheeks
the tears did dingle down,
I thought she was some goddess fair,
the lass of Swansea town.I said, "Fair maid, what brought you here,
what brought you here to mourn?"
"Oh I'm in search of Willie dear,
my bonny young sailor boy,
Eight years ago he left me here
for Bermuda he was bound,
He said he would prove faithful to
the lass of Swansea town.""If eight years ago he left you
it is useless for to mourn,
For perhaps he is in some battle slain,
or in the ocean drowned."
"Oh God forbid, young man," she said.
"By what token will he be known,
if he ever do return to the
lass of Swansea Town.""On his left breast he wears a scar
where he received a wound"
"If by that token your Willie is known
it's him I know right well,
The cannon-ball which made him fall
gave him his deathly wound,
He told me to take care of you
the lass of Swansea town."Soon as she heard him say these words
she fell in deep despair,
Wringing of her lily-white hands
and tearing of her hair,
Saying, "Take me to my Willie,
else give me my death wound,
For no other man will ever enjoy
the lass of Swansea town."On coming to herself once more up
from the ground she rose,
His waistcoat it blew open and
the scar it did expose.
They walked till they reached his cottage
and there they settled down,
Young Willie of the royal blue and
the lass of Swansea town.
It was a sad tune at first. Playing slow like the incoming fog. The men held their breath during the song. Some ad heard it before but Amellia sung it with such pain and meaning that it was an entirely new experience for them all. Amellia understood the loss of love and the wish for death. She sang with heart as she quietly strummed the guitar expertly.
When she finished she bowed and went to her room. She didn't like that song, it always reminded her of loss and sadness. It didn't matter that the ending was happy because she was still a lass waiting for her happy ending. A happy ending that was never coming. She went into her room and once her hammock was set up collapsed into it.
The men outside all went to their duties silently. Normally their captain's songs were fun and happy but this one also reminded them of each of their own losses. Feliciano thought of his brother at home and others thought of the loss of loves or family. Arthur though was different. What had he lost? Sure he had had some mean brothers growing up but he had a loving mother and father, who were still alive. He felt the sad atmosphere but was unable to reciprocate the feeling. The only thing you could claim he had lost was his ship. Even then he wasn't all that sad about that. It made Arthur upset to realize that he hadn't had anything traumatic happen to him. He was like a child to these hardened people.
He went to the cabin to see Amellia with her face down into the hammock. So he set up his hammock quietly hoping to not bother her. Apparently he wasn't sneaky enough because she flipped around and glared at him.
"Hello Jones." Arthur said trying to sound civil.
"Kirkland! What did you think of my performance?" Amellia asked.
"It was nice, I suppose. The men really seemed to enjoy it." Arthur answered honestly.
"Did you enjoy it?" Amellia asked somewhat annoyed.
"Yes, I mean it was very intense. I just couldn't understand it as well as your other men." Arthur answered.
"I suppose so." Amellia said as she snorted.
"Well I've not had much loss. I've bene blessed after all." Arthur said.
"OF course you've lost things Kirkland. Didn't I take away your dream of being a navy captain? I stripped you of your title, friends and pride." Jones said looking up at Arthur.
"True, I did lose that but I don't really miss it. I don't really miss anything." Arthur said whimsically.
"Oh you don't miss anything about your old life? Then what the hell are you going to do when I leave you?" Amellia said sitting up.
"What?" Arthur said.
"After we get cumber you get your freedom and I go on my merry pirate way. If you don't miss your old life then what do you want to do?" Amellia repeated.
"I don't know." Arthur said as he laid down.
"Well you'd better figure it out because we are halfway to your homeland and halfway to my revenge." Amellia said. "Now turn out the light so I can get some shut eye."
Arthur did as he was told and thought about her question. He realized then that he didn't want to leave. He knew the men now and they were friends. It wasn't the men that made him want to stay though, it was the woman across the room. Sure she was loud, ate too much and had no respect for anyone but she was also beautiful, smart and wonderful. It wasn't right that he felt that way. She hated him right? What was he going to do when she left him? GO back to being a navy captain? Follow her? Try and forget her?
The next few weeks passed slowly for the men. There were no fights and they hadn't seen another ship in a month. The men could get a little quarrelsome during these times. Everyone was on edge and Arthur and Amellia were no exceptions. They were both nervous for the landing. What was going to happen when they went to this party?
They finally spotted land which put some cheer into the men. Amellia called in her two trusted men and Arthur to discuss battle tactics. Francis and Matthew came in and sat down. They were followed by Arthur who finished up his cleaning.
"Francis, Matthew. We are nearing the end of my years long quest for revenge. Arthur has agreed to help me get to George Cumber on land. I do not know if I will be able to return to the ship after we go. I may get caught and taken to jail. I may succeed and leave with you. Now if I fail I leave my ship to you two to continue being the vigilante of the seas. Will you do that?" Amellia.
"Oui." Francis and Matthew answered quickly and seriously.
"Good then here is the plan. The night of the event I shall go as Captain Arthur's attendant. He will get into the party where he will help me locate George Cumber. While I am getting my revenge, Matthew I need you to get on that ship and rescue that woman. Bring her to the party so that I can prove George's evil to his community. If I succeed, I will return to the ship and we will leave that night. If I am not you will leave that morning without me. You will go back to the port we left John at and make sure he is fine. I will try to meet you there. Your most important jobs is to rescue that woman and keep our men out of danger. I can take care of myself is that clear?" Amellia asked.
"Yes we will do as you ask." Francis answered for the both of them.
"Arthur are you prepared to continue the deception for the whole evening if necessary?" Amellia asked turning to her prisoner.
"Yes." Arthur responded.
"Good then I am Millie Jones daughter of Jonathon Jones. We met at the port that the terrible captain jones left you at. I helped you get on your feet and we've been courting ever since." Amellia explained quickly.
"Courting?!" Arthur exclaimed.
"Yes courting we need the ruse to be simple enough so that no one will question my presence. You already said you were willing to follow through on the charade." Amellia reminded him.
"Yes, I just wanted to be sure I heard you correctly." Arthur replied trying to control his blush.
Francis and Matthew were trying very hard to keep their laughter inside. This couldn't be better! They were so close to getting together Francis could feel it. Now she was having him pretend to court her? Could she be more transparent? They spent more time talking about the plan and everything was planned out to the second. Amellia would go unarmed but Arthur would carry her sword as his own. He would also carry a gun so she could defend them if needed. Arthur was going to do the talking and Amellia would play the mute arm candy.
During the party Mathew would sneak onto the ship and find the woman and rescue her. He would assure her of her safety and get her to the party, breaking in if necessary. She would then break her character and begin Cumber's impromptu trial. Francis would go and ask the police to go to the party to arrest a criminal and they would watch the proceedings as well. Amellia wanted to kill him but that would do nothing for her aching heart. She decided he would rot in a physical and social jail for the rest of his life instead. Although she might cut off his entire hand for penance though.
Within the week they ported in London upon the Thames. Her men were instructed to not cause trouble and to have fun. They arrived two days before the party. It gave them ample time to prepare for the affair. Amellia spent an entire day buying and preparing an outfit perfect for revenge. She choose a red dress, and it was beautiful. It covered what it needed to and left her enough room to be able to chop a man's head off with her cutlass. She even bought herself some jewelry and had her hair cut to look more feminine and clean. Arthur accompanied her on these trips and then they stopped off at his home in London. He found a good outfit, that matched her's well enough.
Francis helped her prepare and felt very giddy. If Arthur was able to say no to his feelings after seeing Amellia in this kind of outfit then he had a block of wood for a head. Amellia informed her men that she was going on a secret mission that she may or may not be successful on. She informed them it was going to complete her mission of revenge and they cheered. Everyone on that ship wanted their captain to get revenge on whatever it was. They trusted their captain and did not question her.
The night of the event came and Amellia came out looking well wonderful. The red dress had a tight corset that made her breasts look perfect. Her hair was in a lovely up-do that ended in a shower of curls around her neck. She wore a shining blue pendant around her neck that made her wonderful eyes sparkle. She even had a hoop on under her dress giving her a very beautiful and fashionable look. Arthur felt his mouth go dry, he had seen the woman naked and yet this dress made him go dumb.
He was wearing a fancy red dress coat with gold filigree. He had on white pants and black boots. Overall he looked very well dressed but he paled in comparison to the woman who was accompanying him. They walked down the streets together with their arms entwined. Amellia began chatting absentmindedly but quieted as they approached the door. It was a dinner party so after Arthur showed his invitation they were led to a dining room.
Many guests were already seated so Arthur led them to a seat and helped her sit down, it was then that they heard shouts.
"Arthur! Is it really you?" Arthurs old second in command, Allister, called.
"Allister! I didn't think I would ever see you again? Yes I survived. The captain was a cruel man but he dropped me off in some port in the America's I was able to secure a ride back here. I just got back yesterday." Arthur lied quickly while embracing his old friend.
"What happened Arthur? I've been telling everyone how you sacrificed yourself for your crew! I thought you would be killed!" Allister said.
"I'm fine trust me! I will tell me tale at dinner! It is a wonderful tale indeed." Arthur said trying to protect hide Amellia from his second in command.
"Who's that pretty woman behind you?" Allister asked noticing the fine dame in the red dress.
"That's Millie Jones. She helped me after I was abandoned." Arthur lied.
"Well then milady" Allister said as he knelt taking Amellia's hand and kissing it. "I must thank you for saving my captain's life and commend you on your astounding beauty."
"Why thank you good sir. May I have the pleasure of knowing Sir Arthur's good friend's name?" Amellia asked in a sickly sweet voice with a flutter of her eyelashes.
"I am Sir Allister Shaffer. But believe me the pleasure is all mine. It is rare for me to see a beauty such as yourself." Allister said with a smirk.
"Now, get off your knees Allister. I do believe Miss Millie is already spoken for." Arthur said warningly.
"Oh, you're engaged Miss?" Allister said standing up and dusting off his pants.
"No but I do believe my courter will ask soon if he is at all clever." Amellia said with a sly wink to Arthur.
Allister just blinked at the implications. Had his stodgy captain found someone? Where had he seen that face before? He went back to his seat and the dinner was served. It was then that the presence of the supposed deceased Arthur was announced. The table began to murmur and so Arthur raised his hand and began his tale.
"Hello all. I know many of you have heard the rumors that I was taken captive by pirates. None other than the vicious Captain Jones of Calypso's rage. I will tell you that those rumors are true. I was charged to take that pirate captain into custody. When we came upon his ship I was given a duel that would keep my men alive. I would duel him and if I won he would come with me. If I lost I would be taken prisoner. I underestimated Jones' skills and lost quickly. He had one of his wench's take me back across and I took some supplies and began my prison sentence. Jones was cruel and had me work every day harder than any of his other men. After a few weeks we came upon a port. When they docked Jones tied my arms up and pushed me into the water. I was able to get ashore without drowning but I passed out from exhaustion. Millie, the wonderful woman next to me came upon me with her escort. She took me back to her father where she helped to nurse me back to help. She and her father agreed to travel with me back to London as he had business there. I must admit I've become quite taken with her and we've begun to court. That is my tale." Arthur said.
He told this story dramatically. With sips of wine in between. He had the group of people on the edges of their seats. They all thought him brave and otherworldly. Amellia used all of her self-control not to laugh at the stupid lies he was telling. It was then that another man spoke that made her skin go cold and her heart stop.
"Did he ask you fer any information?" George Cumber asked in his gravelly voice Amellia knew too well.
"No strangely enough. When I asked why he wanted me on board he replied that he was bored and wanted someone to torture. He asked me nothing about myself." Arthur replied evenly noticing the Amellia had stiffened.
Cumber nodded but looked back at Amellia as if he recognized her. He shook his head and went back to his meal. The diner continued and Amellia played her part well. She giggled and fluttered her eyelashes looked like nothing more than a prop. She sadly fit in with the rest of the women there so no one questioned her. Arthur had taken to holding her forearm and she like the contact. Close to the end of the dinner Amellia saw Matthew coming in with teenaged girl who looked haggard and scared. That was the signal. At the signal she stood up pulling out her sword from Arthur's belt and jumped on the table. She began her speech among the gasps of the people.
"Hello ladies and gentlemen! I am so happy you all came here tonight to witness the demise of one George Cumber." She said as she walked down to his end of the table and placing the tip of the sword on his throat.
"As you all George Cumber is one of the most vile men in existence. Oh you didn't? Well allow me to explain. Sixteen years ago Mister George Cumber broke into my father's house! He killed my parents, brothers and took me captive. He kept me prisoner for four years, using me as his slave for both the mundane and sexual. I attacked him one day with his own sword taking off his pinky finger." Amellia said pointing to the offending hand.
"He threw me over board and I survived thanks to the grace of God. I was taken in and healed. I have returned now to take my revenge and show you how vile this man truly is. Here you see in the entryway his most recent victim. He replaced me soon after leaving me for dead in the sea. He is a vile man that deserve to burn in hell for all of eternity." Amellia said as she dug her sword a little harder into his throat making him gulp.
The police had arrived shortly after Matthew's entrance and were moving towards Cumber's seat. The crowd was getting restless. A few men asked the scared and sick girl if it was true and she nodded with a terrified look in her eyes when George began to speak. Amellia pushed the sword in deeper so he would shut up. She was early to the point the one flick of her wrist would draw a lot of blood.
The police pulled Cumber in restraints and began pulling away the blubbering weak man. Amellia jumped off the table and told them to wait.
"You remember me right?" Amellia asked looking the man dead in the eyes. He nodded.
"Good," She said as she slashed her sword lightly across his face twice. "Keep those in my memory."
It was light enough to not cause death but it would leave scars. The police did nothing at her action and instead pulled the man away. She called them back and pointed to the girl she had rescued.
"Keep her as the witness. I will procure and find a safe place for her to stay." Amellia said.
The men nodded and left the crowd. The people at the dinner were struck at the whole event. Amellia quickly weaved over to Arthur. She pulled him over to the side of the room where they could have some privacy for their goodbyes.
"Arthur. Thank you. For your duty to me I set you free. You are no longer the prisoner of Captain Jones." Amellia said with ceremony.
"I…" Arthur began to say.
"I don't think we will ever see each other again. Right?" Amellia asked hoping he would say something.
"Amellia. Please…" Arthur tried to get out of his mouth the words to make her stay.
"Arthur. What do you want from me? Tell me right now and you will have it." Amellia said breathlessly.
"I want you, Amellia. I wasn't kidding when I said you were taken." Arthur said as he slipped down onto one knee.
He pulled out a fancy ring that his mother had given him years ago for the girl of his dreams. He slipped it onto her hand and smiled at her hopefully.
"How could you want me?" Amellia asked. "I am damaged goods, I am not pure or good."
"No! You are perfect Amellia! Do not let yourself believe anything else." Arthur said harshly. "I want you because you are you! I love you Amellia!"
"What do you expect me to do? Leave my crew and my life?" Amellia asked.
"No I expect you to do what you've always done and fight convention. I expect you to find a pirate priest to marry us and I expect you to sweep me off my feet in your pirate clothing on your wonderful ship. I expect you to find a bigger hammock that can hold us both so I can hold you at night. I expect you to go off to sea with me and your crew. I expect you to be yourself and go fight pirates with swords and guns blazing." Arthur said bravely.
Amellia smiled and pulled him into a tight hug. She let him go and pulled him towards the girl who was standing next to Matthew looking scared. She let go of his hand and grabbed the girl's hand.
"What is your name?"
"Elizabeta." She answered looking scared.
"How old are you?"
"He grabbed me 12 years ago. I am 21 now." Elizabeta replied.
"Elizabeta do you have a family any longer?" Amellia asked kindly.
"He killed them all." She said with a breaking voice.
"Look at me." Amellia commanded. "I am sorry this happened but it never will again. I want you to stay with me until the trial. After that we will decide what you wish to do."
The Hungarian woman nodded and took Amellia's hand. Matthew and Arthur followed behind. They went back to the ship. Gilbert was there to greet them and congratulate them on their success. When he saw the woman Amellia as holding his heart stopped.
"Elizabeta Héderváry is that you?" Gilbert asked incredulously.
"Gilbert? Is it really you?" Eilzabeta said as she ran into his arms.
Amellia looked at her normally silly crewman and say there were tears in his eyes. She sighed and led Arthur up into the ship. Amid the congratulations of success she told Arthur he needed to stay with the other men so that Elizabeta could stay with her. She then led the crying girl into her new hammock. She spoon fed the girl a good strong stew while the girl talked about her ordeal. It was a long night and was good for both Amellia and Elizabeta. They talked to each other about their lives. They took each other's burdens and for once Amellia felt happy without the need to fly.