Chapter 12: The Night Chase

Sir Walter stood on the quarter deck of the Manchester. She was a weatherly frigate built by Sir Henry Lyle with money from his own coffers. She had proven to be a good investment. More than enough pirates had succumb to her broadsides to pay for her three times over. She was fast by any measure but not so fast as the Black Pearl. Sir Walter had known that ship's reputation and had prepared for it. He had known Sparrow would turn away from him as soon as the Manchester was sighted. They had dogged the Pearl throughout the day and had gradually been outpaced though the Manchester had been under full sail and as near to the wind as he dared.

A sudden series of flashes in the distance drew Sir Walter abruptly from his thoughts. Very far off near the horizon red tongues of flame could be seen. He was sure that broadsides were being loosed and a battle was being fought on the night shrouded sea. But who was it? Certainly the Black Pearl was one of the ships. By the direction Sir Walter knew the other had to be either the Witch of Endor or the Ra. The Witch of Endor was only a brig but it was heavily armed and should be nearly a match for the galleon. The Ra was an old frigate but still at least a match for Sparrow's vessel.

"Bring us on course for those flashes, helmsman," Sir Walter ordered.

"Aye, sir," was the helmsman's reply as he turned the wheel to alter the Manchester's course. A little less than an hour later the Manchester came in sight of the wreckage. The Witch of Endor was listing badly and nearly scuppers under. Debris was scattered over the water and men had taken to the boats. The Witch was doomed.

"Sir Walter," the captain asked as he came up the ladder. "Do we heave to and take on survivors?"

"Not this night, captain."

"But, sir..."

"Damn your eyes! I said no, captain!" the knight roared. "I have my orders. Now you have yours. Proceed north. We must have no delay."

On into the night sailed the Manchester. Sir Walter resumed his vigil. How had the Pearl destroyed the Witch of Endor so quickly? There could not have been more than two broadsides. Sparrow must have surprised them. In this inky blackness any ship running without lights would be difficult to see. With the Pearl's unnatural coloring and her black sails she would be nearly a phantom.

"Captain," Sir Walter spoke over his shoulder to the master of the ship. "I want fresh men on the lookout."

The lookouts were relieved and fresh eyes scanned the night for any sign of their quarry. Soon they spotted more flashes in the distance. Four blue signal rockets blazed into the sky. As the Manchester steered towards them more flashes closer to the surface flared. A new battle raged. This time before the Manchester reached it there was a great flash and the blast could be heard faintly over the water. A flame guided them to the Ra. Her bow works were ablaze with the fire edging ever aft. Men screamed as they dove over the side to escape the hellish flames. The Manchester steered clear of the Ra as the older frigate died. The night watch all doffed their hats in solemn respect for their fellows they could not save. For an hour the Ra burned like a beacon in the dark as the Manchester sailed north.

At eight bells and the turning of the watch yet another series of rocket flashes was seen. Again the Manchester altered course. They were much closer this time. Sir Walter leaned forward locking his eyes on the distant point. Who had the Pearl run afoul of now? He knew the corvette Harasser and the sloop Fearless were to the north but neither of them stood much chance of out fighting the Black Pearl. Sporadic muzzle flashes could be seen as the Manchester made its way north. Apparently the two ships were in a running battle. Most likely the smaller vessel was maneuvering in on the Pearl to deliver a quick broadside while the Pearl batted at it like a bear trying to swat a bee. More rockets flared signaling that another of the knight's squadron had spotted the Pearl and was giving chase. All the time the Manchester was closing on the Pearl.

"She must be damaged," Sir Walter mused aloud.

"Sir?" asked the helmsman. He had not heard the knight clearly with the sound of the tack creaking under the strain of the wind.

"Nothing," replied Sir Walter. "Steady on your course."

The sky was graying with the coming dawn. Soon the Manchester would be in sight of the Black Pearl. Soon Sir Walter would have his vengeance and reclaim his honor. With three ships he surely could over master the pirates. This time he would have the advantage. The Manchester was coming up astern of the Pearl and when they turned he would rake the Pearl's aft with a broadside of merciless shot and cripple her. Then it would be only a matter of boarding her and slaughtering the crew. Dead men were, after all, much easier to search. Perhaps he would take that little smoke colored girl for himself. Let sir Henry do with the falcon as he would. Sir Walter would enjoy the girl for a time at least.

In the predawn light Sir Walter finally caught a clear glimpse of the ships as they sped northward. Their cannons flashed and the sound came across the waves like low thunder. The Pearl was smoking as if a fire had scorched her but she was still game for the fight. Sparrow had her under full sail and was tacking with the morning wind. The Fearless was indeed striking fast and hard as she maneuvered to match the Pearl. Another set of sails was just visible in the far distance. It must be the Harasser. Soon there would be nowhere for the Black Pearl and Sparrow to run.