Commandeering Commodore

Chapter 35

The small sloop skimmed jerkily across the ever-growing waves the storm behind them was kicking up, the sails full to bursting with the wind the building gale was sending at them. Elizabeth could only hope they were headed toward rather than away from the course the Pearl would be taking to the island, and that they would not pass them in the storm. The rain was starting to pelt them now; stinging as it hit her exposed skin and Elizabeth knew it wouldn't be long before they were inundated with the full force the tempest. She began to call out orders to Alon and Josette over the building howl of the wind in her ears, all the time sending prayers heavenward that they would come through this alive.

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The knock on his study door interrupted his train of thought. He called out in a sharp tone, "Yes? What is it?"

Captain Laurent entered and giving the Governor a salute said, "I am sorry to interrupt you Governor but some interesting information has just reached me."

"Well get on with it Captain." The Governor said impatiently waving his hand in the air with matching impatience.

"Captain Moreau of the La Mer Nymphe has just reported his sloop was stolen." Captain Laurent said with a smile.

The Governor sat up straight and giving Captain Laurent a knowing smile in return said, "Well, I think we have a good idea just where our missing guests may have gone now don't we Captain. Prepare to set sail immediately. We shall go and fetch them back."

"There is a storm building Governor, it would not be wise to set sail until it is past."

"You are sure we could not sail through it Captain?"

"I would not advise it Governor, it seems to be building into something quite nasty."

"Very well Captain, but the minute we can set out I want to know."

"Understood Governor." Captain Laurent said with a salute as he left the study.

"Perhaps this will all work out for the better after all." The Governor said to himself as the door closed behind Laurent.

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James came on deck and immediately drew his sword and began making cuts and slices in the air loosening up his arm.

William followed him, and then Jack who was being escorted by Teague and Teague's arm, which was wrapped securely around his shoulders.

Jack looked at Teague poutily waving his hands about vaguely and said, "I'm still not liken this any better than I did before just so ya know." His hands briefly pointed in the general direction of James as he continued, "And takin in the Commodore's apparent enthusiastic enthusiasm for the impendin scrimmage I could be squid bait fore you and young William had a chance ta step between us if that is indeed what your intended intentions were or would be if the necessity arose which I'm feelin strongly here that it might."

"Now Jackie sounds ta me like yer not holdin much faith in yer old Da." Teague said with a grin. "Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?"

"Profusely prolific reasons every time I've ever been in the vicinity of you." Jack replied sourly.

"Well I wager you'll have a bit of overcomin of mistrust in the current situation then won't ya." Teague said with a wide grin and a slap on the back and then pushed Jack towards the Commodore.

"Bugger!" Jack said as James turned to face him.

"I don't suppose it would change anything if I promised to be silent as the grave for the rest of the voyage Commodore?" Jack said with a hopeful smile and a flopping gesture of his hands.

"Oh please Sparrow, it's just a friendly little match. I have no intention of inflicting injury to your person." James said irritatedly.

"I'm havin a thought here Commodore. I'm thinkin that this friendly little match as all of you keep callin it has every chance, capacity, and probability of getting out of hand here causin permanent and even painful aftereffects to a certain persons person if you get my meanin."

"Oh really Sparrow, I think you protest too much. Let's be on with it." James said as he assumed his stance, sword out in front of him.

Jack unsheathed his sword and slowly faced James in a similar stance.

"Be about it gents!" Teague called cheerily, and the two men began.

Jack sidestepped James' thrust and parried with one of his own. James performed a reposte that Jack fended off easily.

As the crew realized what was going on they began to gather in groups on the deck. They began calling out encouragement to the men as the two opponents moved back and forth with thrusts and parries, feigns and lunges. When one of them executed a well- performed maneuver the crew would give an extra loud cheer or shout drowning out the clash of the blades for a moment or two. William and Teague, true to their word, each kept a close eye on the match although neither one of them had any fear it would turn into anything but what it was, a physical way to clear the air between the two men.

The two were taking their time, feeling out the skill of the other. James was a little surprised to note Jack consciously or unconsciously showed in his style and form that he had somewhere down the line had quite a bit of formal training. Jack was a bit surprised to note that James hadn't immediately began trying to hack off any of his body parts. As the two of them grew more comfortable and confident with their skills against the other they stepped up the pace a bit, much to the enjoyment of the observers. Soon they were moving around utilizing most of the available space, from time to time even making use of all and sundry sitting on said deck to add a bit of aplomb to the match, jumping on barrels and coils of rope and the like. They were even starting to smile and give each other a salute with their blades when one or the other of them completed a fine bit of swordsmanship.

The match had gone on for a while when it was abruptly ended as one of the crew who had been on watch before being distracted by the goings on shouted, "Sail Ho!"

To Be Continued

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