Chapter 11 – The HMS Bristol

"Cherish the little things in life."

'3rd August 1777,

I slept easier last night now that I know what I am supposed to do. Soon Elizabeta, Collingwood and I will be serving a new commander. I trust Sir Parker will be a honourable man. As for my mission, the key is most likely going to be in a temple like before. If the Spanish have captured the temple then my best chance of locating the key would be to learn the location of all Spanish outposts and forts, and to do that I will have to capture a ship. In due time the French will be supporting the Americans in the war, and although this may serve as extra prize money for Parker it certainly does not help serve my cause…'

The morning sun peaked over the tall clock tower in the centre of the town as Nelson followed captain Locker through the streets of Port Royale. Nelson thought that it was a very lively place.

To the left of the pier the crew moved off and headed for the tavern. Here Locker's men will certainly take their fill of drink and women before resting and retuning to open sea, left only with memories of a pleasant night out. The thought amused Nelson.

Unfortunately for he and Collingwood, they were not able to join in on the fun. They and Elizabeta followed Locker down the narrow straight path that led to the town centre. At one stage whilst approaching their destination Nelson tripped over a chicken that was running around in the dirt. The fat little bird squawked and shrieked and it flapped its wings around and ran off behind a building. While Elizabeta laughed at how silly he looked, Nelson caught notice of the pleasant smell of freshly baked bread. Despite the embarrassment of falling over a chicken, Nelson stood up and brushed himself off so that he could go in search of the fresh bread. He found it sitting in a basket on a shop window seal.

'Fresh bread!' Nelson exclaimed, 'I thought I would never see fresh bread again in my life!'

Most sea men like Nelson had grown accustomed to stale hard bread.

Nelson was soon called back to the group by captain Locker. 'Nelson!' He yelled, 'Get back here. We have a job to do.'

'Let him be, the poor lad probably hasn't tasted proper food in months.'

Out from the garden that surrounded the main tower came a man. He walked firmly with his hands held behind his back. Nelson noticed that the man was relatively short for a navy person, however his clean navy blue navy jacket and un-creased trousers, as well as his black tri-corn captains hat showed that he was a clear figure of authority.

'We've got the best bakery in all the Caribbean here in Port Royale. The baker is a friend of mine, hand picked by the governor himself.'

'Sir Peter, it's good to see you.' Captain Locker offered a strong handshake that was accepted by Parker.

'I can see that Port Royale has improved since last I visited.' Locker spoke in a conversational tone.

'That is has, my men were utterly bored here until they built that tavern.' Parker pointed to the tavern down the road, 'But now it's a damn challenge for me to get them to do any work.' Sir Peter's expression changed, 'I've enjoyed my stay here, but think it's time for me to get back out into open waters.'

Captain Locker saw the opportunity to bring up his offer. 'That is partly the reason why I am here. Allow me to introduce you to Horatio Nelson. He has made excellent research on the wildlife at the Caicos Islands. I thought it might interest you. Consider him a gift, and two others, the finest of my crew.'

Nelson, Elizabeta and Collingwood stood in a line, and Sir Parker's eyes ran up and down each of them. He observed Nelson thoroughly, nodding and grunting as he judged Nelson's worth as a sailor.

At last Parker spoke, 'I would be delighted to have all three of you on board. We leave as soon as I can gather my men. Please, help yourselves to whatever to need while you wait.'

Parker walked off down the street with Locker by his side, and the young trio were left exactly where they stood under the clock tower.

'Well he's much more polite than what I thought he'd be.' Collingwood muttered.

Nelson laughed and slowly began to walk back towards the pier, and then he stopped and went over to the bakery. The man behind the counter was fat, and he offered Nelson a wide smile as he approached.

'You look like a sailor who hasn't tasted fresh bread in a long time. We get a lot of you.' The baker's voice was deep and polite. 'Come, we make the best bread in town. Here, try some.'

The baker handed Nelson a piece of soft warm bread. After eating it Nelson instantly reached into his pocket and drew out some coins. After buying two loaves of bread, Nelson packed the food into his satchel and continued towards the pier. When they reached the waterfront Nelson sat down with Elizabeta and Collingwood and they ate as they observed the great HMS Bristol, floating gently out in the centre of the harbour.

The Bristol was a magnificent vessel, her mast stood tall and her recently replaced sails were white and unscathed. The name of the ship was painted elegantly in yellow, standing in contrast with the dark blue hull of the ship.

'I must admit she is quite beautiful.' Nelson spoke as he finished eating his bread.

'Yes, but what about the firepower.' Elizabeta pointed out. 'I never understood why you would relate a ship to a woman.'

'You clearly haven't been at sea very long.' Nelson stated.

Collingwood butted in. 'According to Locker's records the Bristol has about twelve guns each side. That's just enough to blow your average French or Spanish ship to splinters.'

'And she'll probably outrun most of them too.' Nelson agreed.

Elizabeta admitted that she was not a very seaworthy person but she was not embarrassed by her lack of knowledge, 'I am an assassin, not a sailor.' She argued. 'And don't talk down on me, Nelson. We are yet to have that duel.'

It was mid afternoon when Sir Parker and his crew arrived and boarded the ship. Immediately preparing it to sail. Nelson was assigned his tasks and sleeping quarters, a hammock in the corner beneath the deck. When he was settled in, Nelson returned to the quarterdeck and helped Sir Parker set the ship on course. The ship breezed gracefully across the water and away from the port, which made Nelson feel strangely relieved.

Sir Parker ran around the deck and began barking orders out to his men 'Secure those ropes! Lock down the powder kegs! Swab the deck!'

Then Parker turned to Nelson. 'Locker seemed to have had a lot of faith in you. I hope he was right. Ever been in combat boy?'

'Yes sir.' Nelson answered 'A few times, during an escort mission to Bombay.'

'Good, because the chances are you'll be seeing more bloodshed soon enough.'

Nelson wasn't sure whether to be exited or scared by this, he just passed it from his mind and went to get his supper.