A Mess in Nassau

A clear day when the Blue Whale anchored near the opening of Nassau harbour, there to wait for Sam Bellamy, captain of the Whydah Gally to join them. Ordering his men to remain on board ship but for their commitment to finding the gold, he had stored away enough rum to keep them drunk and happy. John Silver expecting Flint to arrive was on the lookout for the great Man-O'-War to be sighted and there she was, out of any firing range of the fort, or other ships. No one in their right mind wanted to go against such a formidable war ship - but who would say the pirates on Nassau were in their right minds.

"Come on Ben, get the men together, our leader is here." Silver putting down his spyglass and turning to Ben Gunn. "Mr. Logan if you will ferry the men and our new crew to the Black Dolphin. Ben and I are going out to meet with the Captain."

"Taking our supplies and rum with us. Have the feeling we are not going to set foot on dry land anytime soon." Fane Logan smiled at John Silver for he knew lose lips would surely hunt their hunt of the gold.

"Right you are Mr. Logan. Time is getting close and we are only waiting for one more ship. Our own armada if you will." Silver and Ben Gunn casting off for their reunion with the Blue Whale.

The arrival of the Blue Whale was very much noticed by many on shore. Eleanor Guthrie being one of the many as she looked out from the fort window after spending a hot steamy and heavy night with Charles Vane. She had thrown her allegiance to Vane by some misguided reasoning of protection for her business. While publicly she damned Charles Vane but there was still a spark, a piece of love still lingering with the bad boy. As she strained to see the flag but the ship was a bit too far although she could tell the flag was black. What pirate was this or was this a diversion by the British to lower the guard of Nassau. Vane coming to her side and also looking.

"You think it is a British war ship?"

"No. Not build in England but a Spanish ship." Vane looking at the black flag flying, "Shit, wouldn't you know it."

"What?"

"Flint. The bastard has taken over a Spanish Man-O'-War. Wonder what the f..k he has in mind." Vane lowering his spyglass, "He is out of range and I'm sure his guns can reach us without any trouble. Eleanor you need to get back to the tavern as I'm sure he is coming ashore to see you. Find out his intensions."

"I'm not your spy to order around. Just because we screwed doesn't mean you own me so get that idea out of your f..king head." Quickly Eleanor storming out of the fort. She was headed back to her tavern in hopes Flint would be bringing her good news - the Urca de Lima's treasure of gold.

Meanwhile, Mr. Scott and Captain Hornigold, also seeing the arrival of the huge ship were making their own plans. "I would like to speak with Captain Flint. Make the arrangements please Mr. Scott."

"We may have a problem with Miss Guthrie. Seems she is siding with Captain Vane."

"Is she now. That is interesting. You know her better than anyone, what on earth would lead her to do that foolish thing?"

"She is playing both sides against the middle for her best interest. I'm totally against her move but what can I do?" Mr. Scott had in the past tried to guide Eleanor but to no avail. She would do her own thing and to hell with everyone else.

Hornigold standing from his chair at a comfortable table in Miller's Tavern on the edge of town. "Speak with her Mr. Scott. Use you long standing influence with her."

"That I'm afraid would be a waste of time but I shall. She is headed on a very dangerous course of self destruction." Mr. Scott leaving to find Eleanor and wait for Captain Flint to come ashore as he was certain the Captain would in due time.

John Silver and Ben Gunn reaching the Blue Whale and was greeted by Billy Bones. "We have a guest on board. I'm sure you remember your partner in the taking of that sleek looking sloop, Miss. Brodstock. Looks like you and her are on the hunted dead or alive list back in Port Royal. That boat was the property of the Lord Mayor of Port Royal, Mr. Jefferson Boatwright."

"Oh thanks for all the good news Billy, you are really helpful this early in the day. Where is the Captain?"

"Here Mr. Silver. You and Billy come to my quarters and bring me the updates on what is happening in Nassau."

There in the privacy of Captain Flint's quarters sit Sarah with mending some thorn clothing of several crew members. She finding also a cabin boys shirt that she now wore with a skirt she had worn the day the sloop came into the procession of Captain Flint. Tied at the waist with a long purple scarf she look more like a gypsy than a refine lady.

"Good day Mr. Silver." She greet him. "I'm sure you gentlemen would like to be left alone, I shall take my leave."

"No Miss Brodstock. You are very much part of this." Flint motioning to her to remain seated. "Now Mr. Silver tell me of your findings."

"Well Captain Ned Low's head is hanging on a pole on the beach, a sign to all that Captain Vane is in control of Nassau. Low's ship The Fancy is now Vane's prize and his actively recruiting Low's old crew. Word on the streets and from a very reliable source is Eleanor Guthrie has thrown in with Vane; she has taken sides with him against you. Perhaps planning to sink the Walrus and grab the gold for themselves. Seems they have renewed their once romantic state."

"Remember all the news we heard about Vane taking the fort from Hornigold?" Ben Gunn adding to the conversation.

"Yeah."

"It is all true. Got word this morning Miss Guthrie stayed the night at the fort with Vane."

"I see. Now that is a big mistake." Flint rubbing his ginger beard.

"There is more, Vane found out about a valuable prize Low had taken and has her conceal away in the fort."

"Her?" Flint raising his eye brows.

"Abigail Ashe, daughter Lord Ashe."

Sarah looked up in shock, "Oh my god. Not the Lord Ashe, governor of the Carolina colony. For sure that will bring down the Royal Navy on Nassau."

"Vane is holding her for 250 pounds ransom for her safe return. Not sure, but word has it that he has dispatched a letter to Lord Ashe stating his demands."

"Well that surely ramps up our time table. I know this Peter Ashe from my days with the Royal Navy and he is determined on taking out the pirate's strong hold in the West Indies. So he is now governor of the Province of Carolina colony." Flint stroking his beard in deep thought, he was always thinking ten steps ahead of anyone else.

"Appointed five years ago and is trying to make a name for himself back in London. Most of the populace are opposed to him and the proprietors' rule, seeking more direct representation for our own destiny." Sarah bring up to date the current information about Lord Peter Ashe. "He is not a well like governor but holds great power in London and can influence many members of parliament easily."

"He was a most likable person as I remember. Wonder what happen to his easy going manner." Flint leaning back in his chair, "Any other news."

John Silver shaking his head, "Yes, the lady that was keeping Mr. Guthrie under lock and key paid a visit to Miss. Guthrie yesterday. A fairly long meeting took place. I was in the tavern meeting myself with Captain Hornigold at his request and Mr. Scott pointed her out to me."

Now Flint didn't show any emotion upon hearing of Mrs. Barlow and Eleanor meeting together but then that is James Flint, nothing passes him by but instead he inquires about Mr. Scott.

"From what you are saying, Mr. Scott has truly left Miss Guthrie's employment and gone over to Captain Hornigold crew."

"Definitely looks that way." Silver also relaxing a bit at the lack of reaction of Flint at the news of Mrs. Barlow. "Hornigold wants to meet with you and soon. Seems he has a proposition for you."

A small snicker from Flint. "The old man has lost his fort and I know what he is looking for - help. He knows full well I'll not like the idea of Vane being in control of the harbour or fort... And damn it he is so right. Maybe I can cut a deal with him; we need hundred more men on the Blue Whale. Shit I hate being put in this position. Well let us go and see what he wants."

Billy spoke up, "You know Captain Hornigold doesn't like you and with the death of Mr. Gates..."

"The news of Mr. Gates demise has yet to reach Nassau and for the time being let us keep it that way. Gates and Hornigold once sailed together and were friends." Flint looking over at Billy.

"The heart failure story can hold if it has too." Silver giving an alternative.

"Not going to play it that way, we only avoid the subject of where is Mr. Gates unless pushed. This time I going to be honest, too many people know the truth." Flint standing, "Come on, we have work to do. I am sorry Sarah to have to leave and not sure when I'll return. I'll have Tiny check in on you."

As they were rowing to shore, Silver feeling he had to finish telling Flint all that he knew but uncertain of the reaction. "Sir, there was more but didn't want to said it in front of Miss Brodstock."

"More?"

"Ben Gunn and I were having a meal at Miller's Tavern and that is when I first saw Mrs. Barlow. She was having a meal with Pastor Lambrick. Now I know that Mrs. Barlow subject is off limits but you should know Captain and this is also from a very reliable source. This Pastor Lambrick has been having afternoon tea with Mrs. Barlow for months. That in itself means nothing, however with my own ears I overheard their conversation at dinner and there is much more to them than just afternoon tea."

"How much more?"

"Well... from their exchange of words and I do mean some sexual exchange of words, that they have slept together."

Flint only looked out at the water, he saying nothing. A long time before anyone spoke and it was Billy, "Captain, sir. Do you think the letter she wrote has anything to do with Pastor Lambrick?"

"He could have been the one to put her up to it but I think it was Richard Guthrie influence. For you see Mr. Guthrie was in London the same time I was and you think gossip is bad here, well London is where it begin. Thank you John, thank you for telling me as I did need to know. Another problem for me to take care of but first we shall visit Miss Guthrie and find out just where she stands and what the visit from Mrs. Barlow was all about."

"Captain." Billy has never been one to remain quiet when something was on his mind, "Miss Brodstock."

"What about Miss Brodstock?"

"Who is she? I mean Silver and I watched you on the dock back at Port Royal it was a touching scene."

"She is someone from my past and very dear to me. Never dreamed our paths would ever cross again. I have told you too much and would appreciate you keeping this relationship quiet."

"She is a nice lady Captain, yeah we'll keep our mouths shut - won't we Billy."

Billy shaking his head in agreement, "As far as the crew thinks, you are protecting her because she helped Silver take the sloop."

"That is also the truth. They are hunting both Silver and Miss Brodstock. Remember me telling you that war is coming, the war of advancing civilization."

"It is true. I have firsthand knowledge of this from my short capture by the Scarborough. I been trying to tell the crew but they can only thing of gold, pussy and rum. They lack intelligence." Billy sharing his thinking. "Should have taken you more seriously Captain when you were trying to tell me but I couldn't see beyond what the other members of the crew were saying. Sorry for ever thinking you were weak...My god you have proven me so wrong."

"We have a few other thinking crew members, one with some brains in their head. Ben Gunn for one and then there is Logan and Randall. Both those men are hiding their brain power and for what reason I don't know but can only guess." This time Silver was adding his take on the state of the crew.

"I know Mr. Logan is very smart man in many ways. Found out a little about his back ground and he has kept it to himself. Our Mr. Logan once sailed on the merchant ship, The Colchester as a second mate and had training with the Royal Navy. No, Mr. Logan is not dumb man and he signed on with us seven years ago. Mr. Gates tried to promote him but he refused, preferred to stay as Boatswain's Mate to Randall." Captain Flint recalling the signing of Fane Logan.

"Shore ahead. Where do we visit first?"

"Silver if you will set up an appointment with Captain Hornigold at Miller's Tavern within the hour. Billy you come with me and keep your ears open. We are going to pay a visit to Miss Guthrie."

Few people in the tavern as Billy and Flint entered. Eleanor was there waiting and ecstatic to see Flint thinking he had returned with the gold, she ran to give him a hug. "You have good news for me?"

"Only bad news. Shall we go to your office?"

Closing the door to her office and turning to face Flint and Billy, "What do you mean bad news?"

"No gold and the lost of two ships with many lives of damn good men. I return to Nassau to find the fort has been taken by Charles Vane and you meeting with Mrs. Barlow. Truly a dark and black day in my life." Flint walking to take a stand near the window and looking out. "Tell me about Mrs. Barlow."

"I have written letters, many letters to Mr. Underhill requesting an audience with my father but to no avail. I went to see Mrs. Barlow and ask for her assistance since she evidentially has grown close to my father."

"What do you mean grown close?"

"Mrs. Witham, a neighbor of Mrs. Barlow and a very talkative woman has been keeping tabs on Mrs. Barlow, her source of entertainment as she says. Well Mrs. Witham tells her husband and in turn he, being the fabric merchant in town tells the whores and you know how that goes. Well Mrs. Barlow makes trips to visit Mr. Underhill's plantation regularly."

"I see. And she was here the other day because?"

"We have an appointment to visit Mr. Underhill's plantation next week. I want to keep that appointment to find out what my father's intentions are. Believe me that man is not going quietly into exile, no he is plotting and I want to know what."

"Good. You should find out and I hope he tells you but I have my doubts. Richard Guthrie is a incredibly cunning man. Lies and manipulation is his soul and daily bread." Flint turning to look in the direction of the fort. "What about Charles Vane? Why haven't you move against him? Joined forces with Hornigold who has the man power to retake the fort."

"That old lady Hornigold betrayed me, forcing me to lift the ban against Vane. The man has grown weak." Eleanor walking closer to Flint. "I would rather sleep with the devil."

"And you are Eleanor. Propping up Vane is sleeping with the devil."

"What would you have me do?"

Flint's calm disposition beginning to change quickly, he was getting mad and with a intense voice, "Anything, do something - use the tunnels attack at night ... As long a Vane holds that fort I'll not bring the gold here. I thought you were my partner in this venture but I must be mistaken in trusting you."

"What the f..k you want from me. I have a business here to run and Charles has given me his word to allow my business to continue. I'm only looking out for what is in everyone's best interest." Eleanor getting into Flints face, standing her ground against him.

"How pathetically naive you are. Nassau was unable to resist him, but we have yet to have our say. So, at sunrise tomorrow we make our terms clear, with no room for bargain or compromise. Charles Vane and the animals he commands have until sunrise tomorrow to vacate that fort or so help me God, I will rein holy hell down upon him." Flint turning to leave, "We are finished Eleanor - understand."

"F..k you Flint." Eleanor favorite expression went she without a quick come back.

Leaving the tavern, Billy was feeling a bit sorry for his Captain - betrayed by his lover Mrs. Barlow and his business partner, Eleanor Guthrie. As hard as Billy Bones wants to be hard-nose, a cold feeling pirate he couldn't for deep in his heart was a kind and caring man, one with empathy for others. He wanted to say something of comfort to Flint but chose not too at this time but wait.

Mr. Scott was standing outside of Miller's Tavern with Silver when Flint and Billy joined them. "Captain Hornigold has secured a private room for our meeting and is delighted you accepted his invitation."

"Good. Now shall we get down to business." Flint opening the door of the tavern, "We have a lot of ground to cover and sooner the better."

Hornigold had food and drink waiting for them, and he being the gracious host welcome Captain Flint. "Please have a seat and first I wish to say how sorry I am for harboring any ill feelings against you. I was mistaken."

"I'm sure you have a reason for this meeting. Let's get down to business at hand and stop with the politics. We both have our own agendas."

"Yes we do and maybe each agenda is about the same. To rid Vane of his control of the fort. He is only concern with power - not the well being of Nassau." Hornigold pouring drinks for everyone one. Fine white wine and smiling, "The finest white wine from a merchant ship flying a Portuguese flag on a voyage to Brazil. Keep the stock for myself which doesn't make Miss Guthrie all that happy."

"How I miss the refine taste of good wine. Thank you Captain." Flint taking a slip of his wine. "Don't believe Eleanor Guthrie is ever happy."

"As I'm sure you are well aware of I need help in regaining the fort. I reached out to Miss Guthrie but she has sided with Charles Vane and refused me. Now I see you have returned to Nassau with a war ship, one of the of superlative quality I've ever seen."

"We call her Blue Whale. I think it is right fitting - large ship and largest fish in the ocean. Now tell me if I am wrong. You want me to use the great power of my ship to fire on the fort, to oust Vane from your chair."

"My thinking, yes Captain Flint. I believe it is the only way."

Flint leaning closer to Hornigold, "You know full well if I fire on the fort it will only be for full destruction, not any type of warning of half-ass battle. There will be nothing for you to return to - nothing."

Now Captain Ben Hornigold drew a deep breath and lowered his head, thinking before he spoke again. "I have nothing now but a fleet of four ships and no place to sell my cargo with Vane in that fort. Miss Guthrie will not go against him and he has black marked me for some unknown reason."

"I would think it was Eleanor wish. A payback for you forcing her hand in lifting the ban on Vane." Mr. Scott spoke up. "She doesn't take to kindly to be shown as being weak and you did that very thing. The truth is Captain, she believes you have grown old and useless, sorry for being so blunt."

"She rules by hard-ass intimidation and not by wisdom. She will lose in the end." Hornigold looking back at Flint. "What is your price for taking down Vane and the fort?"

"I'm shorthanded for an able body crew on the Blue Whale. A hundred top notch men to sail under my command. Restocking of the fire power I'll use to destroy the fort and a ground assault team of another hundred men. This must be quick because I have already give Vane until sunrise tomorrow to leave the fort and return it in tack to you."

Hornigold lifting his glass to Flint in a toast, "Done."

Leaving Miller's Tavern the three men stood talking just outside. "Silver and Billy take care of getting Hornigold's men. Use your best judgment on the ground crew and Billy that is your command. We shall lay out our strategy tonight after I return to ship. As for now, I have one more item to take care of."

"Mrs. Barlow?" Asked Billy.

"She is undermining our quest and has to be stopped but don't worry; I'll do no bodily harm to her. You may think I'm a monster but I'll tell you now, I'm not."