"Pirate hanging today, pirate hanging today!"
A salesman yelled as he ran around the crossroad holding a basket of apples.
"Mon dieu, who will they be executing today?"
A woman in elegant clothing asked the salesman from her carriage.
"The infamous British pirate m'lady, Arthur Kirkland".
The crowd that has been formed in the crossroad roared when the soldiers appeared on their horses, were they bringing the prisoner? Little children climbed on trees in hope of getting a sight of the famous pirate.
"Make way, make way!"
The soldiers yelled as they pushed through the crowd on their horses, behind them came 2 other soldiers holding the pirate's each arm as they got closer to the gibbet where he would be executed.
"Mon cherie, what will you do without me?"
The Frenchman disguised as a woman mumbled, getting off the carriage and making his way to the front row.
There stood Arthur, beside a metal cage where he would be put in and then hanged from the gibbet. And after he dies, his corpse would remain there for the enjoyment of others and will be taken off when only his bones are left.
The British felt chills as he imagined his soon coming death, why did he have to end up like that? He only became a pirate because he had no other choice at that time and now he was a well known criminal about to be publicly executed.
One of the soldiers announced as other two pushed him into the metal cage and placed his head in what seemed to be noose made of chains, now all they had to do was kick the platform he was standing and he would be dead.
The pirate glanced at his surroundings, this was one of the last moments on earth. Suddenly he caught the attention of a certain woman in the front row that winked at him. Could it be..? There's no way, he would never come save him, they are sworn enemies and he must be sailing right now not in England.
"In the name of the king of England, Arthur Kirkland will be executed on the gibbet for the crimes of piracy". The soldier announced, raising a leg to kick the platform off and cause the immediate death of the pirate.
"I don't think so, mon ami".
Francis pulled out a pistol from his dress and aimed at the soldier who was about to execute Arthur and without doubting, he shot the man.
The other soldiers instead of looking after the prisoner rushed to the wounded soldier's side. Leaving the British standing inside the cage. The multitude began running around in fear of getting shot, screams and cries could be heard all over the place.
The frenchman stripped off his dress to reveal his normal clothes and with a few more shots, all the soldiers were dead on the ground.
"Bonjour, mon amore".
Francis whispered into the British's ear through the cage, which caused Arthur to roll his eyes. Why was the Frenchman even here? Did he really come to rescue him?
"Take a few steps back Artie".
He shot the lock on the cage and Arthur was lucky enough to dodge the bullet.
"Take a few steps back? I was in a bloody bird cage!"
He argued before taking the French pirate's hand to jump off the cage.
"Well not anymore amore".
The British frowned, noticing how more soldiers were coming in after they heard the gunshots.
"We better run, frog".
The agile pirates quickly blended into the panicking crowd, making it very difficult for the soldiers to find them and in no time they were inside the carriage, panting and sweating.
"To the port, Gilbert!"
He commanded one of his crew members that was accompanying him in his mission to save the British.
"Yes sir, yes!"
The Prussian replied and the carriage began moving fastly.
"Fancy some wine?"
Francis asked, grabbing a bottle beside his seat as he opened it.
"I rather have rum".
The Frenchman continued chugging down his beverage.
"You have a horrible taste in alcohol, mon cheri".
The British was still confused on what was going on. He was being taken to the port by his nemesis, was he being kidnapped?
"What do you want from me, frog?"
Francis chuckled, why couldn't the Brit be a little more thankful, after all, he just saved his life from the gibbet.
"Not even a thank you first? I thought the British had better manners".
Arthur in a swift move snatched the pistol from Francis' hand and pointed it at the Frenchman's forehead.
"Why did you save me?"
He asked, as Francis grinned and rose his hands on the air.
"No need to get aggressive Artie, just let me explain and give my pistol back".
The British pirate wasn't a fool, and he wouldn't let anyone treat him like one.
"Do you think I'm stupid Francis? Last time we were together, we almost ended up killing each other, so there's no reason for you to come and save me. I'm not damsel in distress".
The Frenchman raised an eyebrow, didn't Arthur remember what really happened last time?
"Mon amore, I only recall you attacking me after I told you that I had a son".
Of course Arthur remembers everything that happened in their last encounter. And he got so angry not because he was jealous of Francis sleeping with a random woman and impregnating her, but because he felt played. They have been enemies for years but once upon a time, they had been lovers. The British then became like a toy for Francis and it hurt him terribly because he still loved that bloody French.
"How's your son?"
Arthur asked, trying to change the conversation.
"Matthieu is 3 now, he's such a handsome boy like his daddy".
The Frenchman said proudly, not minding that he was still being pointed by a pistol.
"Last time, I was angry because you played with my feelings. You seduced me and took advantage of me and then you just tell me that you have a son back in France".
Francis finally understood what was upsetting the Brit.
"Arthur, you know that I wasn't just fooling around with you. I told you because I had gotten a letter and I thought it was important to tell you but then you just lost control and we had a duel in a bar".
The British was aware of that fight they had, now that he thinks about it, he feels very embarrassed.
"Je t'aime, Arthur".
Francis leaned closer to the Brit's face to brush his lips against his lover's. It didn't even matter that he was still being pointed at with a pistol, if he dies, at least he dies kissing the one he loved most.
Arthur dropped the pistol, distracted by the Frenchman's sudden action. He closed his eyes for a bit, lost in the passion, but then he pushed Francis away as the carriage stopped.
"We're here captain".
Gilbert remained in the front of the carriage.
"So, why did you save me?"
Arthur asked again, with his arms crossed.
"Simple mon cheri, I need a right hand man for my expedition".
The British remained quiet, the idea of going back to the sea sounded exciting to him,
"Where are we heading? And what are we looking for?"
Francis jumped off the carriage and opened the door for the British.
"El Dorado, mon amore".
Arthur was surprised, were they really going to look for the unfindable treasure? Many had tried and died in the way, the legend says it will not appear upon ambitious people.
"Do we have a map?"
Francis nodded, as he headed towards his ship with the Brit.
"Then I have no problem in being the captain".
The Frenchman bursted into laughter, who told the English that he was going to be the captain?
"Arthur, you're hilarious! I didn't know you had such a great sense of humor".
The British held onto his sword and pulled it out.
"You may have the map but I have sailing experience that you lack".
Francis pulled out his sword as well, he knew where this was going.
"Mon cher, I'm sorry but Madame de Montespan already has a captain".
Arthur sneered before making an overhand cut that was quickly dodged by the Frenchman who remained a high guard.
"That is the silliest name a ship could have".
Now Francis was angered, nobody, not even his lover was allowed to insult Madame de Montespan.
But before they could continue their sword fight, the Prussian came running to them.
"Captain Bonnefoy, bad news, the Spaniards are looking for El Dorado as well".
Arthur glared at the Frenchman, acknowledging him as captain before the two of them raced to the boat.