XIX. Friend or Foe?

Summer, 1597

I noticed something off with the rations. Apparently, I wasn't the only one, as I watched an angry Martin storm into the Captain's quarters to find Wingfield.

"Part of my share of the loot is missing."

"I don't know what to tell you. I divided all the shares and recounted at least three times."

"Then apparently your math is off the mark." Martin escorted Wingfield to Sicklemore.

"Men," Sicklemore addressed the crowd. "Many of you have complained about your shares being only partial to what they should. As we're all aware, Wingfield decidedly took over the Quartermaster's duty to divide the loot accordingly. Apparently no one else is honest enough to do so. Where is the rest of the treasure, Wingfield?"

Wingfield looked dumbfounded. As much as he annoyed me, I actually felt sorry for him. "I can't tell you, I don't know. I swear by it—as God as my witness—

"Lies! Is it not obvious, men? Clearly he wanted complete control of the loot, in order to uphold most of the riches for himself." Jeers were heard against Wingfield. "As First Mate, I motion to relinquish Wingfield of his duties as Captain." Archer, Martin and others voted. I didn't vote, and I saw neither did Kendall. I wasn't interested if Percy had or not. "The 'I's have it. Dispose of him, Martin." Wingfield's defensive pleas became muffled as he was gagged, clasped, and taken to a prison hold below deck.

"Something is amiss." I heard Kendall say, later. "I've known Wingfield and his family for years. He's always been careful with his money. He's never off the mark. Why would he do the same with the treasure?"

I didn't know the answer to that. But I certainly wanted to find out... .

In the meantime, Sicklemore announced himself the new Captain. Martin was to take over the Quartermaster's duties in addition to being First Mate. Kendall moved to Second Mate, while Archer would act as Boatswain and Third Mate.

Several days, later, I was walking around the deck, and Kendall motioned me toward the Captain's quarters where Sicklemore, and the Martin were speaking. We overheard what they said.

"'Tis only a matter of time before the others suspect foul play. It seemed rather peculiar even to myself that Wingfield would commit such an act."

"My good man, you overthink such things." Sicklemore was speaking now.

I could see Martin was shaking his head with uncertainty, but decided to dismiss himself. We hid around the corner until we were certain he was out of sight, then continued to watch Sicklemore, who was looking around cautiously. We ducked until he was no longer looking in our direction.

"What do you suppose—"

Kenny put his finger to his mouth to hush me. Sicklemore moved a few things over and apparently dragged out a chest. Opening it, was an array of gold, rubies, and other valuables.

"I knew it—that bastard was up to something!" Kendall whispered.

"Looks like Wingfield was innocent after all."

"I think he's moving again. Quick, before he discovers us." We turned, and instead, Arch found us.

"What are you doing, men?"

"'Raven' is up to something," said Kendall. "He's been robbing everyone of their share." He informed Archer of what we saw. "Phoenix" drew his sword, and commanded, "'Falcon, 'Crow,' you must warn the others. I'll handle 'Raven' myself."

"What are you doing?"

"What do you think? I'm going after that bloody fool!"

"You can't simply do that," cautioned Arch. "How can you be so certain? You need more evidence—"

"Oh, bloody, buggering Hell—grow a pair, already, Arch!" Kendall himself was fed up. "I personally can't stand the bastard. You ninnyhammers can continue kissing his arse, but I will have no part in that!"

"What is the meaning of this?!" The man in question approached.

"Bull—!" Kendall spoke up. "You know very well, you conniving thief! You removed part of the loot and tarnished the reputation of an honorable man!"

Not long after, there was a huge revolt after Kendall had declared a mutiny, and proceeded sword fighting with Sicklemore. Just when "Phoenix" had "Raven" on the ground, the point at his neck, the "Hawk" was behind him, placing his blade by his neck. In a matter of moments, Kendall was being clasped.

"Fellow crew," Sicklemore addressed. "'Tis my displeasure to announce we have another bad apple in this bunch. George Kendall, the leader of an attempted mutiny. Have you anything to say for yourself?"

He glared and spat in his face. "Go rot in Hell, you son of a b—!"

"Awfully bold statement, considering that's where you could be headed." Sicklemore turned to Martin. "Dispose of him." I was in utter shock as Kendall was pulled away, but as he grimaced, he slightly nodded to me as if assuring he'd be alright.

I however, couldn't remain silent as the shock quickly evolved to resentment and rage. "Kendall is right," I decidedly spoke up. "Sicklemore is a thief and a liar!" More uproar from the men ensued. I vaguely saw Kendall trying to turn his head in my direction, until he was kicked and dragged below deck.

"Men—enough!" He silenced them. He whispered in my face. "I see you've acquired some rather nasty habits from the likes of Kendall. Perhaps twould be best if I put you away also."

"Perhaps you should."

My boldness surprised him. "How dare you accuse and defy your Captain!" He turned to Arch. "Archer, away with him!"

"Sir—" Archer began.

"Archer, do you also wish to face the consequences?"

He hesitated. "No Sir."

"Very well—clasp him. And keep him from the other one, lest they conspire together." He added, "Anyone attempting any more conspiracies will be free to accompany them."

As Arch led me away, I noticed Percy was quiet among the rowdy crowd, who otherwise jeered against me.

"What the Bloody Hell, Arch?! How could you?!" I asked him, as he dragged me down.

"What choice do I have, Smith? I haven't witnessed what you may or may not have."

"What is the matter with you Arch?! Would we lie? Could you not merely refuse—"

"What good would 'twould do to clasp us all—"

"Perhaps others would have followed."

He hesitated. "Smith, this is as hard for me as it is for you. I'm merely following orders—"

"To Hell with 'following orders'! I can't believe you'd prefer to save your own arse at the expense of the crew! I'd rather be accused of wrong, while knowing I'm right; rather then pretend I'm right, while knowing I'm wrong!"

"Smith—"

"D— you, Arch! Yes, you bloody well have grown a pair—albeit the wrong kind!"

And so I sat in a cell below deck, with occasional hard tackle and gruel; just to keep me alive.

—

Weeks later, Percy made his way downstairs with the general surgeon, toward another chamber. I vaguely remember him telling Percy, "Get plenty of rest."

As soon as he left, I called Percy. "Psst. Percy, over here."

"What are you doing? Have you not heard? I am not well. I have the chills. They're afraid I'll make everyone ill."

"You aren't well?" I was a little concerned, perhaps. "Are they sending you home?"

"Sicklemore does not wish to go all the way back to England, just yet. His solution to the general surgeon was to quarantine me below deck, away from the others."

"Surely your brother, as important as he is in society, would not be pleased to discover his youngest brother was being treated with such poor care?"

He huffed. "My brother would send me home to my doctor, rather than be bothered with me."

"Is that so?"

"Certainly. Why, the injured men from Henry's Naval Fleets in need of serious medical attention are sent back to England on one of his smaller vessels."

Suddenly I had a plan. "Percy, listen carefully. I need—we all need your help. I don't trust how 'Raven' is managing things... ."

He had to agree with this. "Not well, I'm afraid. Officers have little meaning now. Even Martin has little authority these days, as Sicklemore is still performing the Quartermaster's duties in addition to the his own, often overriding his rebuttals... .Archer apparently has become the captain's assistant of sorts, and doesn't seem as pleased with the role... . There's no balance anymore. 'Tis Sicklemore and no one else, much as a dictatorship."

"Newport would never tolerate such."

"Certainly not."

"I'm aware you have no obligation to do this. After all, you have your estate and servants to look forward to...but quite honestly, you're probably the only one left on this crew that I actually trust."

"Hmm... ." Percy was amused by this.

"Why did you not turn against me as the others have?"

"I had thought about it; but ultimately, I suppose you're one of the ordinary crew members I dislike the least. Apart from our obviously different upbringings, me being a gentleman, while you are not, your good fortune of somehow exceeding my capabilities and having more favoritism for whatever reason...I suppose I can't think of a good reason to hate you." I grinned at some points while he spoke, as he was speaking with gritted teeth. "But I digress. What was it you wanted?"

"Perhaps with the surgeon's assistance, you can convince the captain 'twould be best to place you on one of your brother's fleets, as he'll ensure you'll receive proper care. Do not tell the Naval fleet what has happened: The Navy will attack us all; and the Queen will hang or execute us for piracy. Don't act until you reach home. Then, send a servant to find 'Eagle' or 'Gryphon.' I understand their reasons for not being here, but we need their presence to restore order, without endangering the crew."

"I don't see why this is any concern of mine."

"Well, for once, instead of being deemed a failure, perhaps you'll be a hero of sorts—"

"Alright, I'll do your dirty work. But, I'll expect a favor in return." Apparently "failure" and "hero" hit home for him.

"Fine—well done. I knew I could count on you."

I almost had doubts of placing the well-being of the crew in Percy's hands, but I had no other choice. I had to hope he had a sliver of compassion for anyone less fortunate. It must have been weeks since Percy left that chamber. One could only hope... .