Yet again, usual disclaimers apply throughout this tale. If you recognise it, it probably belongs to the Mouse – else it is mine!

Chapter 50 – HMS Resolute

Meanwhile, HMS Resolute was a day out from Nassau port, having collected Sergeant Quist and the maid Jill Tager from the town, when sails were spotted on the horizon. The ship veered away, but Captain Groves could see the skull and crossbones flying from the top of the mizzen mast. Mindful of the orders of Governor Roseridge, he gave chase as the ship disappeared around the headland.

But the trap had been well laid. As the Resolute rounded the headland it found itself facing not one but three pirate ships, cannons ready and waiting for them. "Ready the cannons!" he ordered, but knew it was probably too late. Cannon fire slammed into the Resolute, her hull breached, broken by several gaping holes. Knowing he could do nothing, he ordered the distance closed in the hope that they could fight hand-to-hand,

It was not to be. Another barrage of cannon fire hit the ship and she began to sink rapidly. A cannonball hit near him and he was blown from the ship.

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"Captain! Captain! Thank heavens we found you!" Strong arms hauled him into the small, leaking ship's boat. Dazed he looked around at him, at the nine faces looking at him expectantly.

"Wha…" he stuttered.

"We're all that are left, Sir." He turned to face his steward, Jamie Trustwall. "Everyone else is dead, even Mistress Jill! After you were knocked overboard they just continued firing. I managed to release the boat, but most had drowned before we could get to them." He paused. "I'm sorry, Sir."

"No, Jamie, you did the best you could, but we'd better head for shore. Port au Prince is that way, so let's start rowing men!"

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Year 4 Mid-March

The Black Pearl was quartering the Windward Passage, searching for ships to attack on its return to Tortuga when it spotted the small ship's boat rowing towards them. Jack ordered sails furled and brought the ship closer.

"Jack! It's Theo!" Catherine cried as she peered through his spyglass.

He took it from her, scanning the seas around. "Gibbs, ready the cannons – prepare for a trap!" he ordered. Catherine looked at him in amazement. "Well, we didn't exactly part on good terms, did we? Best not be caught nappin' like, eh?" He turned to the helmsman. "Booth, take us in carefully…"

The Black Pearl edged closer until the small boat bumped against the hull. Jack leaned over the railing, looking down. They were wet, injured and exhausted. "You know we must stop havin' family reunions like this mate, people'll talk!"

Theodore stared at him, glowering as a line was thrown down. "Believe me, I feel the same!" He climbed up gingerly, followed by his men. "But the Resolute is destroyed…"

"Theo, you're hurt!" Catherine cried as he staggered over the ship's rail.

"It's just a scratch Cat, but Jamie is the worst." He sighed, "Although after our last conversation I'm not sure I should even be talking to you! The Governor was furious!"

"Well, family recriminations can wait 'til we have you all sorted out, eh?" Jack drawled. "But I'm gonna have to ask you all to drop any weapons, including knives, before you move any further." Theodore looked at him, shocked. "All weapons please Theodore… now!"

Swords and knives clattered to the deck. "Do I have to get my men to check – or are you goin' to be men of yer word?" Two more knives joined the pile.

"Gibbs, check 'em then put the men in the brig – nicely though, and offer them bandages like."

Joshamee's search produced one more knife. Theodore chose not to notice Jack's raised eyebrow, but the marine in question had the grace to look embarrassed.

"Theodore – if you'd be so kind to join me in my cabin. Kitty…" He gestured for her to precede him.

Jack sat down at the large table, and opened a large bottle of rum, pulling the cork with his teeth. "Okay Theo… what's this all about?" He took a heavy swig. "Somehow I think I'm gonna need this!"

Theodore sat heavily in the chair opposite Jack, reaching for second bottle of rum that was pushed towards him. "We were ambushed by three pirate ships. I couldn't see any names, but they weren't local. The Resolute was sunk two days ago and we've been rowing eastwards ever since."

Jack looked puzzled. "Three strangers?" he mused. "Not seen any strange sails since Bailie moved south…"

"I don't know Jack, honestly – but Port Royal now has no defence other than the guns of the fort!" He drank deeply. "You've got to get me back there – I have to warn the Commodore."

"You're gonna have t' wait a' while mate. We need fresh water an' are on our way to Tortuga. Crew need shore leave too, we've been at sea nearly two months now." He scratched his head as he thought. "Best I can do is two weeks or so…"

Theodore sighed heavily, but knew that Jack could not ask his crew to delay their promised shore leave – indeed, men had mutinied for less cause before.

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