Chapter Four: The Dauphin Versus the Trunfante
Lovino was sitting alone. He did not help out with loading the cargo, not that there was much his little hands could do. He only sulked to himself, not wanting to see anymore gold. "Thosa idiotos are justa….stupida!" he was sitting on the edge of a barrel filled with tomatoes and it was apparent that he had already eaten most of them because his cheeks were covered in tomato juice and seeds. Lovino felt the ship tremble and knew that it meant it was time to go. He stood up on the barrel and peered out the window on his tip-toes to watch as the giant metal anchor was lifted up and water and seaweed fell loose. The salty Caribbean air was cool, but the new burst of water made his hair blow widely and the water splashed over his face, causing him to blink. He watched in amazement because this was the first time he had seen the anchor lifted so closely from out the window. He whispered in amazement and then hopped down from the barrel, hurrying back up deck to find his papa and hopefully share his new experience with him.
Before Lovino made it up to the deck, he heard a faint booming sound. He froze. What wasa that? His heart started to race as he hurried up and saw the crew members scurrying around. The Dauphin had begun its attack. More cannon balls were shooting forward, crashing in the blue-green water nearby, getting closer to positive contact each time. The Trunfante's own cannons were being prepared and the scent of smoke and gunpowder was filling the air quickly. Lovino began to panic amongst the shouting and his eyes started to blur with tears, he looked around in desperation for Antonio, but he couldn't speak or call for him because he was so frightened. He opened his mouth but no sound came. His legs started to tremble and he was paralyzed. Last time Kirkland had attacked them, Lovino witnessed bloodshed and people dying all around him. From that moment, every time he heard a cannon fire, he would start panicking and sought out the warm arms of Antonio for comfort.
The sound of canons rang throughout the air, the Trunfante barely had a chance. The Dauphin had a head-start and attacked at the opportune moment when the Trunfante was at its weakest.
"The ship can'te afford a single hit to the haul!" Antonio called to the crew. He knew that Kirkland wouldn't sink the ship because he wanted its contents…then again, they had barely left the shallow water, making recovery of the gold an easy feat. They had little choice but to surrender….
Iggy snickered to himself, no doubt Carriedo is scurrying about in panic…he knows what I want…he's luck that the last time I spared his life after leaving him a little gift of remembrance. He licked his sword at the thought of Antonio's blood spilt over it. He'll have that scar for the rest of his life. He grinned evilly and walked to the ships rail, leaning over it, loosely supporting himself using his elbows and forearms. He could feel Antonio's eyes glaring at him with hate and it made him smirk even more smugly.
Antonio gripped his side for a moment, remembering the deep wound from Iggy's last visit, then his hand slipped down to find the handle of his seethed sword. That will not happen again! Antonio ran down the stairs and made an order, "Listen up…"
Iggy's smile faded and he shouted, "Hold fire!" his order was echoed by his officers. He narrowed his eyes and said lowly to himself, "What are you up to, Carriedo?"
The Dauphin was upon the Trunfante momentarily and the two ships were close enough that shouts could be heard from the other crews. Iggy called over, "You'd better raise your little surrender flag, Carriedo…otherwise it looks like I'll be playing pick-up sticks and collecting your scattered body parts for a native ritual, heh heh."
It was Antonio's turn to narrow his eyes and grin smugly. "Oh really?" he called back. "I was about to say the same!" he nodded at his first mate and an order was given.
"Blast it!" Iggy ducked down as the Trunfante's canons began to fire into the Dauphin's side. You sneaky Spanish bas—He stood up. "Return fire and prepare to board! Get right on her!" He swung his hand around.
The two ships once again were firing at each other, only now at close range, causing wooden splinters to fly forcefully through the air, causing some casualties and bloody screams.
A faint, waving voice spoke from behind Antonio, "h-help….you…idioto…" Lovino was on his knees, curled up on the floor and looking up at Antonio in helplessness. His shaky hand reached out and tugged on the captain's jacket.
Antonio barely heard the pathetic voice, but looked back and the color all but drained from his face. "Nino!" he bent down and helped him sit up. "Shh! Where have you been! Now's not the time to be wondering around!"
Lovino started to sob as he threw his arms around Antonio's torso, hugging him in tears. "You…I couldn't finda you!...you said you'd always be there! You lied to a me!" he attempted to punch him but just collapsed unconscious in his arms.
Antonio face grew sad. "Now is not the time, Lovi." He grabbed a passing sailor's arm and pulled. "Hey! Take Lovino to my cabin y lock him in!" It's the only safe place.
The sailor was panicky but obeyed and picked Lovino up, carrying him away.
Antonio stood up. "Kirkland will pay for freighting mi tomate!"