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

Chapter 56 – Plots Unmasked

Damian Roseridge fumed. He had recognised the Gauntlet immediately and it being here could only mean that Sibley and his crew were dead. He would have to move plans forward, even though he did not like to rush things. Whoever had taken one ship could know about the others. He rode out to the family plantation, intending to meet with Robert DeWitt in Port Maria, unaware he was being watched.

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They met on the beach again, Robert DeWitt too cautious to be seen in Port Maria. "What is it this time?" the pirate sighed heavily, aware of Damian Roseridge's ability for dramatics.

"We need to move the plan forward. Call in Burr and Gitlin immediately!" the young man ordered.

"Oh, is this about the Gauntlet?" the pirate snorted.

"How'd…." Damian stuttered.

"I heard rumours they'd had a run-in with our favourite little bird…." DeWitt said, his tone mocking.

"Sparrow is behind this?" Damian gasped.

"You should pay more attention to what happens in Port Royal, you know," DeWitt smiled smugly. "The Turners have disappeared, the Commodore's nephew too, yet Captain Theodore Groves and a number of his men return from the dead several months after the Resolute was sunk… the only connection is Sparrow!"

"Sparrow wouldn't bloody have cared if you hadn't taken his wife!" Damian shouted. "What possessed you to snatch her?"

DeWitt shrugged. "Because I wanted her - she sings so nicely!"

Damian Roseridge stood up angrily. "Just make sure Gitlin and Burr attack Port Royal! If Norrington has the Gauntlet and Sparrow is involved then we need to move fast!"

Untying his gelding from the tree he mounted quickly, riding back to the family plantation. Only when Robert DeWitt had left too did their invisible shadow slip away.

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James Norrington sat quietly in his office, listening to the man report. "Yes, Sir. He met with a man who matches the description of the pirate DeWitt, on a beach near Port Maria ."

He nodded. "Thank you, Mr Trustwall. Inform Captain Groves to keep his gunners alert. The Gauntlet may have to run one in the near future. If Port Royal is attacked, Captain Groves knows his orders. This conversation will go no further than him…"

"Of course Sir." He saluted and left.

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Theodore listened quietly as Jamie told him of the meeting between Robert DeWitt and Damian Roseridge. "So we can presume we will be attacked shortly," he sighed. "Make sure we have a full complement of men aboard at all times, especially the gunners." He paused. "And maintain a seaward watch at all times."

They did not have to wait many days before two ships were spotted, sailing at dusk in the hope to avoid detection. But the Commodore had ordered a very close watch from the fort and signalled the newly renamed HMS Gauntlet to be ready.

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Peter Gitlin and George Burr sailed closer, still certain they had not be seen, their gun ports open and cannons ready. They had needed little incentive to attack Port Royal once they had heard of the fate of the Gauntlet and were eager for revenge.

They slid into the harbour, guns firing at both the fort and the HMS Gauntlet, but were surprised to find themselves fired back on. The Gauntlet raised her sails, opened her gun ports and fled for the open sea. They let her go, needing every man now that they were down to two ships. Lowering the ship's boats they rowed into the town.

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