XXII. Virginia Company
I'd sail more with Bart and Newport, until I was called to serve in the Low Counties a few years later. Percy and I had eventually served in the same Dutch Revolt for Spanish Independence in the end of the last century, as military men. Afterward, I became a captain fighting against the Ottoman Turks, while he later served in Ireland.
Newport would later be ranked principal master of the Royal Navy around the same time the Virginia Company was selecting a Captain for this voyage... .We are good friends to this day.
Kendall managed to stay out of trouble long enough to return to the military, serving in the Low Countries. Shortly after, receiving the rank of Captain himself, he worked with Sir Robert Cecil, spying on the Spainiards... .
Around that same time, Gosnold became captain of his own privateering ship, the Diamond, and later, an exploratory vessel, the Concord. Along with Martin and Archer, he traveled to another part of the New World he named 'Cape Cod', and 'Martha's Vineyard'. Gosnold, along with Wingfield, recruited Archer, Martin, Kendall, Percy, myself and others, on this voyage to the New World.
Nevertheless whatever would occur in my future, I looked back on my life at that point, having no regrets. I became a well travelled man for the next several years.
Two years prior, I would receive a letter from an old friend.
Summer 1605
Dear Captain John,
I've received word from you of your return from your recent adventures. Admittedly, I'm quite envious of the discoveries you've made. As you recall, after my first trip to the New World three short years ago, the Missus and I have decided to make a go of things for the sake of our children. Admittedly, while being away at sea for Mary's birth, leaving shortly after Robert's, and being in the New World while Susan came into the world, I decided to spend more time at home with our growing family. And henceforth, inasmuch as I love my family, I've once again become restless to setting sail and breathing in the salty air and the peaceful serenity of the sea once again.
I've been planning, along with Edward, Gabe, Kenny, Newport and Martin, on proposing The Virginia Company, a charter we hope King James will approve in making a permanent settlement in the New World. We will be meeting at Otley Hall with other willing men, more details on the coming Autumn. I hope you will be able to attend (although I'm quite certain you would).
Your good mate,
Bart Gosnold
Not long after, I ran into someone.
"Captain John Smith, my good man." It was a dark haired young man, with a large conk. It could only be... .
"George Percy?!" I remarked. "Last I saw you, you cursed me for nearly hitting you with a cannonball in the Low Countries. I'm surprised you wish to speak to me at all."
"Well 'twas rather close!"
"I would never have hit you. I only intended for it to get your attention to move from my line of sight—which it had." I teased. Seeing he wasn't amused. I asked. "What brings you to this side of London?" (This part of London was considered more 'working class'—a common area fisherman and sailors alike. As the gentry didn't frequent this location, I suspected he was looking for me...but why?)
"Well, as you may recall while you left to fight the Turks, I went to Ireland." I nodded and he continued. "I'm certain you've heard what became of my brother, Henry? Recently suspected of treason, against the King, and locked away at his majesty's pleasure?" Surely you are aware what that means he won't be released anytime soon?"
"Indeed. I've heard."
"'Tis worse than that I'm afraid. I recently discovered the King not only imposed a fine on him, but seized several estates of his to pay it...including the one I was living in."
"Percy, you're...actually homeless?!" I tried to be serious, but the thought drove me to laughter.
"'Tis not easy for me, Smith! I've never had to worry about having a roof over my head, food to eat, clothing to wear, before and now...I have nothing."
"You're broke as well?! Where is your money?"
"Well, with my ever failing health, Doctor's visits tend to accrue...and I had perhaps a few gambling debts." He continued. "In any case, I came here hoping to find you and ask for assistance, since I'll apparently I'll be forced to make my own living as any commoner, such as yourself. And after all, you agreed years ago to 'return the favour'."
Bugger! I had nearly forgotten how hasty I was, while chained below deck. Percy—who would never think to invite me to his house or mingle with his company, wanted my help?
A part of me thought to tell him, "sod off!" But I thought better of it. Percy was indeed frail, even now. I was never worried about having to take care of myself...even if it meant being on the streets...but surely Percy wouldn't last one night on his own.
"What are your expectations?" I asked.
"Oh, a comfy bed, ample food, warm bath water..."
As he rambled I led the way to my flat deciding to cede the bed for the bench, or buy another, as well as planning for a bit more shopping to do in the market... .
Spring, 1607
Thomas looked out at the clear blue water. "That was quite a story, John. I do wonder—did you aid Percy?"
"Percy lasted a month with me before we grew weary of one another. His constant bickering about cold bathing water and a 'barely adequate' pantry, and lumpy mattress did not bode well after some time. Fortunately, he went to stay with Arch, who is more accustomed to a similar lifestyle."
"I see," replied Thomas. Then he asked. "John how do you think Captain Gosnold, Captain Newport and the others are faring?"
John noted a couple vessels over the horizon. "See that Thomas?" He pointed, while using his other hand to shield the glare with his eyes. "There they are. "After the storm, we lost contact for a bit. They are likely to land a little while after us."
Before settling down for the night, John passed by a familiar man. He had gained a considerable amount of weight. Nevertheless, the black hair, now in pigtails, and beady eyes were still recognizable.
"Smith, I see you're still the same determined man."
"You can change your name, but not even a leopard can change his spots."
"You can count your lucky spots. Had your comrades not intervened, you'd be hanged long ago."
"If King James knew who you truly were, he wouldn't have named you 'Governor'."
Had he known he would be sailing aside that selfsame man again, he would not have applied for this position from the Virginia Company. Alas, inasmuch as he loathed him, for the time being, he would have to be civil for the good of his men; who were still counting on him with high expectations. It would be a long journey, indeed.
He had finally landed, eager to feel dry land beneath his feet for the first time. Leaving Thomas and the others (that man, especially), he decided to do some exploring. After all, Bart and Newport would be landing a few hours later. It couldn't hurt to get a head start and give them a report later on.
After coming to a waterfall to refresh himself, the experienced veteran sensed he wasn't alone. Cautiously, he drew his gun, preparing to fire...but this time, he wasn't prepared for what he was about to see... .
His life was never the same after that.
Captain John had been gone a considerable amount of time before the last of the ships arrived. Aboard the Godspeed and Discovery, were more strong men, as well as a few distinguished gentlemen.
"Welcome, men." The Governor greeted the Captains of the last two vessels." Fortunately, you hadn't gone too far off course due to that dreaded storm."
"Indeed," the Captain of the Godspeed mused politely.
"Your timing has never been more precise. Sadly, just before your arrival, we were already attacked by the savages. Newport, we will certainly need more recruits as so as possible."
The other Captain merely nodded his approval, before the Governor went about the camp. "I 'ardly touched the ground and 'e's already rushing me off."
"Pay him no mind, Newport," The younger Captain assured him. "'Inasmuch as the bad penny turned up again, at least you now see the New World with your own eyes."
"Indeed, Gosnold. I'm certain if 'Sea Eyes' were around—speakin' of which, where is 'e? I will go no where without 'avin' seen the man."
"He, most likely, has started ahead of us. John is never one to sit around long, much as myself."
The man in question was headed toward the camp, when the young redheaded soldier rushed towards him.
"John you've returned! Wait and see who's already here!"
But the captain could see straight ahead, the familiar face of a black bearded male with a hook for a hand , and hurried his pace.
"I see you haven't been washed away!"
"Course, not! I've ne'er met a wave I could not mast'r past!" The older Captain slapped Smith with his good hand. Good to see you!"
"Same to you! Where are the others?"
"Oh, Martin and Percy are mullin' 'round somewhere. Arch is complainin' 'bout the ache's in his legs, Kendall is being released from his clasps und'r certain conditions."
"What has he done now?"
"You know the man cannot refuse a quarrel. 'E 'ad a fight with a man aboard."
Smith shook his head. "Some things never change, I suppose."
"Course they can." The long dark haired male came me to greet him, while Arch unclasped him. "Smithy, they've taken my gun away!"
"I heard you've already caused some trouble, Kenny."
"No trouble at all. That bloody blacksmith should've known to shut his hole!"
Arch merely shook his head, as another captain joined the group.
"Bart! I was about to ask about you."
"I'm always around somewhere."
"Well, what did you see?" Newport asked. The other men were quite interested in his response.
"Well, miles of forests and mountains...things of that nature... ." Smith trailed off.
"Well, sadly Smithy, I can't stay, as I need to return to London for the next set 'o crew. Do tell me more when I return." The others went toward the camp, save for one.
"Well? What else did you see?" His dark haired mate inquired.
"Well, what? I told you."
"Come now. I've known you long enough to know when you're hiding something." He raised his brow to press him further.
He was right. He couldn't keep secrets from his comrade. "You cannot tell a soul."
"John, my word is my bond, as always."
John began telling him exactly what he saw at the waterfall... .