Caribbean, Florida, Year of our Lord 1715
Caedus' career would take a turn two years after the founding of the Pirate Republic when Flint approached him with an enticing offer. "You seem to be doing well." Flint noted
"Caedus shrugged, "I'm enjoying myself so far."
Flint sat down, "in that case, what do you say to something a bit more challenging, unless you prefer easy pickings."
Caedus glared at him, "You know I was never one to back out of a challenge. Though perhaps we should take this further away from prying eyes." Flint nodded and the two men left the tavern. Along the way Flint picked up his old friend Henry Jennings, sharing a drink in Caedus' cabin aboard the Aegaeon, Flint told them a tale.
"It all starts with a Spaniard named Vazquez. He stumbles into a tavern and takes a seat next to an English merchant. Vazquez is dying from a knife wound to the belly. Courtesy of his employer Le Casa de Contratación they are responsible for the security of a single particular ship. A ship with a cargo so rich that the King of Spain is anxious to see it delivered. Unfortunately, the timing could not have been worse as storm season had already come and Vazquez wanted to wait. His employers refused and insisted that they launch immediately. The ship and 11 others set sail for Spain but just as Vazquez feared the fleet was caught in a Hurricane. All assumed that the entire fleet was destroyed but they were mistaken. See as well as treasure, the ships were also transporting prisoners. as the storm picked up, the prisoners used the opportunity to make their escape, going from ship to ship liberating their comrades, the prisoners took over one of the ships, a brig named El Dorado. Being smaller and faster than the other ships, thanks to its new captain the El Dorado was able to escape the hurricane. But one other ship did survive, coincidentally it was the very Ship Vazquez was assigned to. Badly damaged by the Hurricane the ship was able to last long enough to beach itself on an island before breaking apart. Ship-wrecked and stranded, Vazquez and another associate were able to hail down a ship with the intend to sail to Havana to bring back assistance in retrieving the gold. They got as far as Port royal when Vasquez associate decided the two can keep a secret if one of them is dead, so he puts a dagger into Vazquez and leaves for Havana himself. I decided to catch the associate and after pulling several fingernails off I learned the name of the ship they were talking about, Urca de Lima. The largest treasure galleon in the Americas it's cargo 5 million Spanish dollars in gold. Now only one person knows of its location, the English merchant Captain Parrish."
Caedus chuckled, "now that is a story, 5 million dollars can go a long way to our proud republic."
With a new goal set, Flint, Jennings and Caedus devised a plan to obtain the gold. In order to avoid attracting attention, they agreed to keep their mission secret from the other pirates and their own crews. The last thing they wanted was a mad scramble for the treasure.
"I'll ask some acquaintances of mine to see if that heard or saw anything," Jennings promised.
"I worry that I may have some lean days during my search," Flint grumbled, "my crew may turn on me before I find it."
"Don't worry, I'll give you some coin to appease their appetites," Caedus offered.
Flint shook his head, "I don't need charity."
But Caedus waved him off, "listen Flint, I am the man I am today thanks to you, this is the least I can do."
Caedus visited the maroon havens to see if they heard anything while Flint looked through taverns. Three months went by, and they had no luck so while Flint continued his search, Caedus went back to hunting merchants. During his search Flint came across few ships with little profit causing disgruntlement with his crew. So Caedus used his own profits to arrange for his mentor to have the coin he needed to appease his crew while he continued his search. Finally, Caedus found a lead that he relayed to Flint upon his return to Nassau.
As Flint searched for their mystery ship, Caedus continued raiding. Three months went by and Flint was having no luck while Caedus took ship after ship. Despite giving Flint the nessecary coin to sate his crew. Flint's men were becoming more and more disgruntled. Now world was going around that one of Flin't men Singleton was garnering support.
Whenever he was anchored in Nassau, Caedus frequently visited Noonan's Brothel. He was vary picky about the ones he chose and only ever chose two. Idelle and her close friend Charlotte. His sexual trysts varied depending on his mood but by far his favourite was having the two bed each other while he watched. Neither girls raised any objections to his requests since he paid them generously for the previliges. Caedus later recruited these two to become spies for him looking for pirates that may harbour (templar) sentiments towards the Pirate Republic.
Shortly after Flint departed, a British frigate came to the island. Evidently, they had learned of Richard Guthrie's lucrative dealings and had come to take him in for questioning. The British began causing trouble for the island's pirate occupants, even taking some prisoner. Knowing that the loss of Guthrie would cripple their republic, Caedus and Flint made a plan to do something about it. As they discussed the plan at the tavern. A ship that Caedus had never seen before docked at the harbor. It was a large ship, larger than most of the other pirate ships. The worn out red and black painting indicated that it was a former spanish ship. "Now I wonder who that is." He said to himself as he took a swig of rum.
"It ain't the Spanish," Joshua replied
Stepping on to the beach he saw a boat from the mysterious vessel come ashore. In the boats was a blonde man wearing a blue and white version of Caedus' garb and a large African man who looked to be his second. The four of them witnessed two men pushing around a british marine. One was dressed in dark He recognized them as Edward Thatch and Benjamin Hornigold garbed in a tatter blue navy officer's uniform.
"Come on Captain Queernabs." Thatch taunted the marine. "Tell me I'm under arrest,". The marine did nothing and the man got up in his face. "TELL ME", he roared causing the marine to flinch and scurry off.
"Run along boyo back to your master," Hornigold called after him.
It was then that Caedus recognized the blonde man, "well now look who finally became a captain."
Edward turned and grinned "Ahoy Caedus."
Caedus nodded, "long time Ken." he said as he strode casually towards the group.
Edward turned to the large man behind him, "this here's Adewale," my quartermaster, Adewale gave a curt nd ad Caedus responded in kind
"Them you're breths?" Adewale asked.
Edward nodded amused at his friend's antics. "We was privateers together before the war's ended, I'll introduce you to them."
Edward and Adewale went ashore and headed for the tavern, The two men from earlier were already there. Hornigold was the first to see them. "By gods you're a sight for salty eyes, come on in and have a drink."
"Morning all," Edward greeted them.
"Ahoy Kenway," Thatch greeted them. His gaze focused on Adewale. "Who's this?"
"This is Adewale," Edward patted his friend on the back. "The Jackdaw's quartermaster."
"Jackdaw?" Thatch questioned. He, Hornigold, Flint and Caedus looked at each other and burst out laughing. "You named your brig after a little poxy bird?"
"Aye, at least someone is original when it comes to naming their vessel." Caedus' voice cut through the air.
Every head turned to look at Caedus. "Original Caedus?" Hornigold wondered.
"Oh, come now Benji," Caedus reasoned retaining his grim tone. "How many pirate ships are named Ranger, Revenge, Adventure, or Fortune eh."
Hornigold cocked his head and nodded. "Fair enough."
Flint walked over, "Go easy on him," Flint warned. "He's in a foul mood."
Edward looked at Caedus. "What ails you?"
Caedus took a swig, "The spanish treasure fleet was lost in a hurricane." Caedus drained the bottle, his mask was lifted just enough to accommodate the rum bottle. He set the bottle down continued. "All that gold, jewels and seven million silver coins. GONE DOWN TO DAVY JONES LOCKER!"
As he said this, Caedus threw the empty rum bottle at the wall of the tavern. the bottle shattered into pieces. Grumbling Caedus pulled some coins out of his pocket and handed then to the tavern keeper. "For the mess," he said.
Edward turned back to his quartermaster. "Ade, meet the better part of our confederacy. You've already met Caedus, the ugly ones are Edward Thatch, Benjamin Hornigold, and James Kidd." Edward gestured to a much younger man sitting at the far end. Kidd gave a small wave before going back to his drink.
Honrigold cocked his eyebrow, "You let that man carry a pistol?"
"Peace Ben," Edward replied quickly. "Ade saved my life, I owe him."
"Aye," Caedus spoke up. "Careful with that tongue Benji, I have a fair number of men like him in my own crew. Good men, loyal and strong."
Thatch nodded in approval and turned to Edward again. "So what brings you to Nassau?"
"I'm looking for able bodies to fill my brig." Edward replied.
"Well, you'll find plenty of those here," Thatch said. "But be wary, a boatload of kingsmen showed up a fortnight back and now their strolling around as if they own the damn island."
"Great," Edward sighed. 'At least they're not spaniards,' he thought. "I'll see what I can do."
Caedus grinned widely, "In the meantime, I think I'll have a little fun."
"What do you plan to do?" Hornigold asked.
"We have uninvited guests in Nassau," Caedus drew his weapons. Edward noticed that instead of swords, Caedus had two naval axes. "Still, all good manners dictate that I give them a proper welcome." With that Caedus left to do God knows what, while Edward gathered a crew.
After saving a pirate from hanging, there was a huge bang. Looking out into the distance Edward saw a British frigate that had brought the soldiers explode. Heading back to the tavern Edward witnessed Caedus lopping the head off a British officer. With a satisfied look on his face. Caedus joins up with Edward and the two make their way to the tavern.
"Just watched your little display Caedus," Thatch remarked with a smile. "You sure know how to start a ruckus."
Hornigold however was not so impressed. "HAVE YOU LOST YOU MIND CAEDUS?" He yelled. "When the British get word of this, they are sure to retaliate."
Caedus smirked. "Then they should tell their sailors not to smoke in the powder magazine." This caused Kenway and Thatch to laugh at that.
"Did you have to kill them all?" Kidd asked. The tone of his voice almost sounded as if he was scolding him.
"I have little tolerance for those who fight under imperialist banners." Caedus replied. "And even less for slavers."
"Bah," Hornigold scoffed. "One of these days, your recklessness is going to be the death of us all."
"Or your bigotry tenderheart." Caedus quipped.
Thatch laughed and turned his attention to Edward. "Well now that you have a crew you would want to sail somewhere rich with plunder."
Edward nodded, "I intend to. Have you heard of a place called the observatory?"
To Edward surprise the answer came not from Ben or Thatch but from James Kidd. "Aye," he said. "Tis an old legend like El Dorado and the Fountain of Youth."
"What have you heard?" Edward asked his interest now piqued.
Kidd shrugged, "S'pose to be a temple or tomb hiding some kind of treasure."
"That's the one," Edward replied pulling out the illustration. "See here?"
Kidd took the map and examined it closely. After a moment he looked at him his eyes saying. 'Where did you get this?' it was a look that was not missed by Caedus.
Thatch gave out a short laugh. "So, it's fairy stories you prefer to gold, is it?"
"Fairy story or not, this may be worth looking into." Caedus spoke up, as quick as a cat he snatched the illustration from Kidd's hands and looked at it."
"You don't seriously believe this nonsense do you." Thatch wondered.
"Like all tales, one will find there is truth behind all myths." Caedus replied.
"Hah, Hornigold scoffed. "Gold and guns are how we earn our fortune lad, it ain't a fortune it's a fantasy."
"No reason why we can't do both." Caedus countered handing the illustration back to Edward. "As we go about our business, we keep our ears open for anything about this 'Observatory.' In the meantime, let's get to our ships."
This was a sentiment that was shared by all, and they left the tavern. Seeing as Caedus showed interest in his Idea, Kenway decided to work more closely with him. Before he boarded the Aegaeon, he confronted Kidd again. 'You behavin' yourself 'boy'?" He asked.
"More so than you I deem."
Caedus changed the subject, "so what do you think about this observatory, Kenway told us about?"
Kidd shrugged, "why asked me."
Caedus turned to Kidd and closed in on her. "I think you know why." He said in a dangerous voice. "When Kenway showed you the illustration, the way you reacted." Kidd's eyes widened and Caedus continued. "You know what it is, don't you?"
Kidd sighed and nodded. "I don't know it's whereabouts, nor do I know what it does, don't go looking for it Caedus. You'll be dealing with powers you cannot fathom."
Caedus laughed, "I like to play the odds, Kidd you just worry about keepin ya li'l secret."
Caedus took this time to inspect Kenway's new vessel. The Jackdaw was a brig for sure and a large one at that, looking around he saw space enough for 50 cannons. While it was a bit torn, with a little love and care it would be a formidable vessel.
"Damn Kenway, you've been holding out on us," he slapped Kenway in the back.
"Impressed?" Kenway asked.
Caedus nodded, "how'd you get hold of a floatin' palace like this?"
"I took it from the treasure fleet that sank in the storm," Kenway explained.
This caught Caedus full attention, "you were with the fleet?" He sounded anxious.
Kenway nodded, "I was held prisoner along with Adewale in one of the ships. We escaped and freed the other prisoners, together we took this brig and sailed out. We barely escaped the hurricane."
"Do you know if any of the other ships somehow survived?"
Kenway shook his head, "I cannot say, if any did then jaysus must love them."
Caedus looked him over for a moment and beckoned him to come with him. He brought Kenway to Flint and Jennings, who then told him of their mission. "I'll make you a deal Kenway," Caedus offered, "help us retrieve this gold and we'll help you find this observatory." With nothing to lose and drawn by the prospect of a healthy pay day Kenway agreed
Finally, after capturing a fat bellied Whaler, Caedus returned to Nassau to find that Flint had returned. Coming aboard the Walrus, Caedus met Flint and Hal in the Captain's Cabin
"Welcome back Caedus," Flint greeted.
"Glad to see you in one piece," Caedus replied, "Though you look like you were in a scuffle recently."
"I took care of our Singleton problem."
Caedus nodded, "good, that halfwit was Charles Vane's man anyway, he would have been a disgrace to his fellow captains." He took a seat, "Anyway, did you find our ship?"
Flint nodded "aye, but there's a bit of a hiccup."
Caedus brow furrowed, "what is it?"
"I found the log but one of the pages was missing."
Caedus rubbed the chin of his mask, "I see," He turned to Hal, "you did check the crew members, right?"
Hal nodded, "Flint interrogated the captain and the captain claims he doesn't know."
"Hmm" Caedus growled, "he may not have been the only one who knew about it. What about the new recruits?"
"Just the ship's cook."
"And you're sure you searched him thoroughly?"
Hal opened his mouth before closing it, thinking for a moment, then he closed his eyes, "we found him over a dead body."
Caedus sighed and pressed his forefinger and thumb to his forehead and temple, "you're getting old my friend." Hal grimaced and nodded. Stepping out of the cabin they headed for shore to search for the missing cook.
Speaking with the crew they learned that he was last seen in Noonan's brothel and according to Bucky he had visited the prostitute known as Max. Flint wanted to storm the brothel and interrogate her, but Caedus stepped in to intervene personally. Knowing her connection to Eleanor Guthrie, Caedus went to her asking for permission to question Max about the cook.
"I only need a few moments with her," Caedus explained.
"If I do let you do this. Do you promise not to harm her."
Caedus nodded and raised his hand, "on my honour to a lady I promise she will not be harmed, I won't even lay a finger on her."
After a moment Eleanor consented and Caedus went to meet with Max.
Max sat there looking stoic, but Caedus could see the fear in her eyes. "Eleanor sent you," She stated.
Caedus nodded, "she allowed me to talk to you on the condition that I did not harm you." He took up a chair and sat opposite of her. "Tell me where the man is and make it easier on all of us." Max simply looked at him and remained silent. Caedus sighed, "as you wish." He then pulled out a golden necklace with a sparkling gem encircled in a golden halo.
He held the gem up by both ends of the chain making sure it was eye level to Max's eyes, then he started rubbing his fingers along the chain causing the halo to spin back and forth
"Pay attention for a time and your thoughts will soon be mine. Watch the gem encircled in gold and you will do as you are told."
Outside Eleanor paced back and forth impatiently worried about her friend. After a few minutes, Caedus stepped out of the room rubbing his hands. Eleanor immediately rushed to him. Caedus turned to her, "my word is kept, she is unharmed as promised."
She entered the room and found Max lying on the bed resting peacefully. Just as Caedus said there was not a mark on her. Going back to Caedus she asked, "did she speak?"
"She told me what we needed," Caedus replied. Elanor smiled and kissed the cheek of his mask, "thank you," she whispered.
Caedus nodded curtly and headed downstairs to Flint. to tell him what he had learned from Max. None of the noticed Caedus' s other hand toying with a platinum coloured orb in under his coat.
The Cook turned out to be a slippery character. He was able to evade both Flint and Caedus for the whole day before they caught him that night in the lepor camp. But before they had reached him, the Cook had committed the contents of the missing page to memory before burning it rendering them unable to kill him without losing the information that sought.
More fortune came their way as during their search Samson and Bucky caught Jack Rackham lurking about with a handsome sack of pearls valued in 5,000 pesos, Five thousand pesos of Captain Vane's money. From that moment on they owned Jack lest he become a pariah to his crew and the rest of the Republic.
Upon their return to Nassau, they brought him before Eleanor and invited Vane to join them. made the Cook John Silver, record the information on the missing page. but chose to leave out a single crucial detail to ensure his safety. Caedus smiled to himself, he may not trust Silver, but he admitted that he admired his craftiness.
Despite a piece missing they now had enough for formulate a plan Caedus, Flint Kenway and Vane would sail to the Island to capture the galleon before the gold could be moved. Caedus supplied their ships with 12 pounder guns for an anticipated battle with those defending the treasure. With their crews ready and ships properly armed and fitted the four Captains set Sail to capture the Urca de Lima.
Silver's instructions led them to Division Bay on the east coast of Florida. The Kimera scouted ahead and spotted a ship of the line that seem to be patrolling the area. They also spotted a wreaked ship of the line on the shore. With the threat of the superior ship Caedus and Flint concocted a plan. Both the Walrus and the Ranger would pose as merchant ships fleeing from the Aegaeon and Jackdaw who appeared to be pursuing them. The Aegaeon and Jackdaw would lure the Ship of the Line away while the Walrus and the Ranger followed the Kimera to the beach and seize the cargo. The ruse worked and the Man o' War moved to chase off Caedus and Kenway, fortunately the larger ship was unable to catch up to the much faster Aegaeon. Thanks to a shallower draft Caedus was able to maneuver the Man o' War into hitting a reef causing it to list to port. Now unable to bring its guns to bear, Caedus and Kenway wheeled their ships around and moved in for the kill.
The Walrus and the Ranger anchored near a beach beyond a hill that blocked their view of the Urca de Lima. The ship had been wrecked in a hurricane and now its remaining crew were moving to and fro to salvage whatever they could. Naturally, the gold was given top priority. The pirates decided to rest for the day and launch their assault in the dead of night. Once midnight came, the pirates struck. Exhausted from their day's work and caught by surprise. the Spaniards stood no chance and were slaughtered to a man. The last thing the Pirates wanted was a survivor to tell the King that pirates had taken his gold.
By the time dawn came, it was over, The Spaniards were dead and the pirates and taken possession of the treasure of Urca de Lima. They also took the salvaged supplies and the cannons on both ships. The Manticore arrived along with two east indiamen. The cannons were loaded onto the merchant vessels while the gold was distributed between the pirate ships.
The pirate band returned to a hero's welcome in Nassau, their reputations skyrocketed, and they were another step closer to achieving their dreams for Nassau. Silver was pardoned for his past deception and Flint made him an official member of the crew. They night they met with Eleanor Guthrie at the fort, and they all drank heartily to their successful venture.
