The Forsaken rode at anchor while the blue waters of the Caribbean broke against her hull. The captured hulls of the remaining British warships were anchored just to the south, awaiting ransom back to the Royal Navy, along with their surviving officers and crew. Captain Pendleton of the Champion was overseeing the operation. The pirate ships Champion, Jackdaw, and Mary were all moored nearby, each preparing to embark upon their own separate agendas. Today the pirates were resting. The battle had taken its toll on both their numbers and their morale. Thomas, standing on the Forsaken's quarterdeck, knew that the peace wouldn't last. The Royal Navy was still hunting the pirates. They didn't take kindly to thieves and deserters, and never would. But for now... well, he would deal with the future when it came.

"Captain McNally," said a feminine voice.

Thomas turned to see Anne Bonny join him on the quarterdeck.

"Ah, Anne. Welcome aboard. Whats brings you here, my friend?"

Anne came up to Thomas' side. "I came to say 'goodbye... for now.' The Jackdaw sails for Principe in a few hours."

"Yes, that's right. Edward mentioned that he had some unfinished business there with someone called 'Roberts.'"

"Aye. He's another pirate captain. He betrayed Edward some time ago, and left him for dead."

"What a fool, then. No one crosses Edward Kenway and survives. I know that from experience. Except maybe Admiral Bancroft. He's going to be ransomed along with his fleet. Hopefully he'll retire to his estate and leave us pirates alone. If not, I'll have to kill him.

"Taking after your old Captain, are you?"

"After Edward, yes." Thomas paused for a moment. "Anne, now that you're aboard, would you care to join me for a drink?"

"Absolutely. Lead the way, Captain."

Thomas and Anne retired to the Captain's cabin at the stern, with Thomas discreetly locking the door... just in case. Anne took a seat in one of the cabin's three plush chairs, while Thomas fetched a bottle of rum and two glasses. After taking a seat, he poured for both Anne and for himself.

"To your health," said Anne as the two pirates touched glasses. Both took a deep swallow and lowered their drinks. "So what will you do once the ransom is complete?" Anne asked of her host.

"Oh, I don't know. Probably hunt for more loot. The crew will appreciate that. Maybe I'll find and kill more Templars while I'm at it."

"Not a bad idea. Killing Templars is easy once you figure out where to look. What about us, Thomas?"

The Irishman looked surprised. "What do you mean?"

"Will you and I remain together? As lovers?"

"But I thought you and Edward-"

"Edward is my Captain, Thomas. Not my lover. To be frank, most men out here treat me as little more than a decoration, even while I sail with them. Only you have ever treated me like a true equal."

"As any pirate should," said Thomas. "So you wish to sail aboard the Jackdaw... but share my bed aboard the Forsaken?"

Anne put on a lustful, approving smile. "Correct," she said as she unlaced her bodice, baring her snowy white breasts. She removed her shirt and tossed it aside.

Thomas stood up and walked up next to Anne, smiling and running his hand along her neckline. He knelt down and kissed Anne passionately on the lips. She reached for the lacing of his breeches. "With a kiss like that," Thomas said with a faint chuckle, "how can I possibly turn you away?"

The two made love all afternoon until the Jackdaw summoned her crew. Thomas gave Anne a parting kiss as she disembarked. As the young pirate watched the Jackdaw make sail, he thought about all the events that had led him to this point. Joining the Jackdaw's crew. Meeting Aldo Gaiani. Commanding his first ship. Raiding an Admiral's plantation. Evading a squadron of privateers of New Providence. Escaping from prison in Port Royal. Defeating the Royal Navy in open battle. And finally claiming a relic of the First Civilization. Thomas watched as the Jackdaw sail east with the sun at her back, wondering what adventures the future had in store for him. This, indeed, had been one truly grand adventure.

And it all began with the fall of HMS Prince.