Commandeering Commodore
Chapter 34
"Well we are not just going to sit here and let that storm hit us." Elizabeth said determinedly. "Let's get those sails up and see if we can't run before it for awhile."
She showed Alon and Josette what needed to be done and soon the sails were billowing and they were skimming across the water.
"The only problem with this is I have no idea where we are headed, and I haven't been able to find any charts on this bloody boat. The previous owner must have either taken them with him or hid them well." Elizabeth said disgustedly.
"So we are lost?" Josette said with concern.
"I guess you could say that. I was hoping all we would have to do is get far enough from the island to sit and wait on the Pearl. This storm could blow us to who knows where, and without any charts it will be next to impossible to find our way to anywhere other than by pure chance." Elizabeth replied.
"Well then we must hope that your Husband is a fine enough sailor to find us." Josette said trying to sound encouraging.
"They would have to find us before they called at the island Josette. I fear their welcome there will not be a pleasant one. And as they don't know we left the island they will not be looking for us out here." Elizabeth said dejectedly not bothering to add that although Will was on his way to becoming a fine sailor he was not one yet. But the thought that Jack and James would also be with Will and they were fine sailors set her mind a little at ease, at least until the thought crossed her mind that they would have to be able to get along with each other long enough to use those fine sailing skills. She let out a long sigh and decided to concentrate on immediate matters such as keeping the approaching storm from blowing them too far off their course. If they could do that the chance that the Pearl would find them before going to the island would be improved greatly.
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"What was that for?" Jack voiced in a surprised howl as the three men faced Teague, straightening up from the flinching cringing positions they had assumed at the sound of the pistol shot.
Before he could answer the door burst open and Mr. Gibbs and a couple of the deck hands came hurriedly into the room, stopping a few feet inside as they realized that no one was lying injured or dead on the floor.
"My apologies Cap'n……er….. Cap'ns …..and Commodore……..and you too young William………." Mr. Gibbs stuttered as he looked around. He gave a weak smile and a nod of his head and backed himself and the two crew members out the door and shut it.
Teague smiled as he replaced the pistol in his belt and said, "Gents do I have your undivided attention?"
Jack looked up at the ceiling and then back at Teague and with a pout said, "Ya owe me for damages now ya know."
"Trifles Jackie, compared to what could have happened. I'm havin a thought here mates. What say we get some of this animosity amongst ya out of yer systems? What say ya ta that? 'm thinkin it might make the rest o the journey that much more better if ya get me drift."
"Pistols at thirty paces then? I'm sure that would clear any animosity, at least for the survivor." James said sarcastically as he glared at Teague and then Jack, who was making faces back at him.
"I was contemplatin something that hopefully will turn out to be a bit less permanent Commodore." Teague replied.
"And that would be?" James said raising an eyebrow, his attention on Teague.
"Blades." Teague said with a wide smile.
"Blades?" Jack said in a tone just this side of horrified.
"Aye Jackie blades." Teague said turning his gaze to Jack, with the wide grin still on his face.
"I don't think I like the sound of that." Jack said sullenly as he stared at Teague.
"Now Jackie, you're a right proper swordsman when ya choose ta be. I know that to be a fact. And this wouldn't be to the point of maimin or death ya understand. Just a bit of a romp ta get the aggression between the two o you out so to speak." Teague said in a perfectly reasonable voice.
"I think it sounds like a wonderful idea." James said, the confidence in his swordsmanship clear in his tone.
"Ya would think that now wouldn't ya." Jack said with a pout and another face at James and several "bugger, bugger, buggers" under his breath.
"Oh please Sparrow! It would be a fine way to clear the air between us. It's not like we are going to be out to do physical harm to each other."
"How do I know yer not gonna be tryin ta separate some parts of me person during this romp?" Jack asked the pout still on his face and in his voice.
"Oh really Captain. If I wanted any of your body parts separated I surely could have managed to have done it by now." James said peevishly.
"Jack, Captain Teague and I will be there to make sure things go as they should. And I don't really think the Commodore is going to try and do you any harm." Will interjected in a conciliatory tone.
"I'm not convinced of that in the least William, he is after all always threatenin ta hang me and such." Jack said with a uneasy glance at James who snorted in return.
"That was before you signed papers and became a privateer Jack. You're under his protection now. He can't kill you without a reason." Will said earnestly.
"And yer thinkin he couldn't come up with a reason if he wanted to?" Jack said staring at Will with an 'I can't believe you're that naïve' look.
"Sparrow I give you my word as an officer and a gentleman I will do you no physical harm." James said holding his hand out to Jack.
"And I suppose yer thinkin I've forgotten what happened last time I shook hands with ya?" Jack said sarcastically as he stared warily from James' hand to his face and back holding his own hands closely to his chest.
"That was a whole different matter Sparrow and you know it." James said defensively.
Teague stepped over and put his arm around Jack's shoulder making him cringe a bit. "Now Jackie, enough hem hawing. Shake the Commodore's hand and lets be on wiv it."
Jack looked furtively at Teague, then casting a leery look at James hesitantly held his hand out and finally shook the Commodore's hand jerking back almost immediately, and returning said hand to join the other one at his chest. Then turning to Will with an accusing expression said, "If things go badly it's on your head William. And I'm sure your bonny lass will not take kindly to the fact you coerced a dear friend to his death."
"I think you are being a bit melodramatic here Jack." William said wryly.
"Well I guess you will have to make that judgment as I may not be around to do such." Jack said gloomily.
"Indeed!" James said with a snort.
To Be Continued
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