Chapter I

The warlock captain

Eleanor Guthrie was a woman who knew what she wanted. A woman who knew her strength and weakness. When someone wanted to deal directly with pirates it was needed. If not them the person would soon find himself (or herself as was it in her case) at the bottom of the bay. When her father left her to be the one to do so in his stead, while he managed the family business from his manor on Harbour Island, even he doubted she would be able to grow up to the task.

She surprised him and most of the captains. She was clever, quickly learning how to take care of herself. Only a few months had to pass before it became apparent that the young lady will stay and be the connection between those on Nassau and Lord Guthrie.

Eleanor looked out the window of her cool office inside the bar she partly owned to the outside. The window left her a perfect view of the bay. More than dozen pirate vessel anchored out there, from the smaller schooner to large brigs, largest being the Ranger, the ship of Charles Vane.

She had to force her grimace down as her former lover came into her mind seeing his ship. She truly would rather left him where he belonged: in the past. Thankfully, a ship, even larger than the Ranger captured her interest: the Marauder, a thirty two gun frigate once in the service of England now in the hands of Captain Harry Potter.

That man was a mystery. No one could tell why a man as young, handsome and obviously well learned as he was would choose the life of a pirate. Many whispered that he was once a promising officer in the Royal Navy and the Marauder wasn't stolen from the original crew, but they rather deserted under his command. Others said that he was the son of a noble who wanted adventure. A few that he was an outlaw before setting sail in the first place.

No one knew the truth for certain, but Eleanor had only seen three pirates his father have spoken with respect: Benjamin Hornigold, James Flint and Hadrian Potter. Before she could immerse herself in her hobby of trying to solve the Captain of the Marauder there was three soft knock on the door.

"Yes?"

"Ma'am." Mr. Scott, her right-hand man came inside. He was a tall man of African descent. Dark skin, black, curly hair and brown eyes. Some may think his kind lesser than their own, but Eleanor loved the man, after all the man practically raised her himself in place of her father. "The Marauder is in the bay."

"Thank you, Mr. Scott, but I'm aware of their return myself." She replied gesturing outside. Her aide only glanced at the view before returning his gaze to her.

"They say he gone after a high prize. Again."

"Which will bring us profit."

"No doubt." Mr. Scott allowed. "But do remember Eleanor that he is only here for a year, maybe even less."

"And?"

"And he made the right decisions. All of them. He is our most profitable source. Even without this voyage he made more than six thousands dollar this month." Mr. Scott took a deep breath in. "I like Captain Potter, as much as I can a pirate, but something is up. He gained too much power too quickly."

"Let me guess. Hornigold or Vane will move against him." Eleanor said, her hands laid gently in her lap.

"Hornigold is the more likely. Vane is a savage, but he respect Potter as much as the next man." Eleanor had to give him that. Vane was what he was, but he respected power and straight men both which Potter was. "Hornigold on the other hand is vary of him. It is no secret that Potter has several plantation and even a connection to the Guild."

The Weasley Merchant Guild or the Guild as most called it, was the only merchant company beside her father who made trade on the island. His father allowed it both because of blackmail and reason. Blackmail because the Company could easily inform Lord Ashe of her father business. Reason because the Company only wanted to trade some of the legal goods while his father could keep his share from the pirates' work.

"Hornigold likes to think himself as the protector of Nassau." Eleanor replied. "He only refrain from calling himself governor because his own men would kill him if he do."

"Perhaps ma'am. Still Potter is clearly aiming to be the first among equals. His name alone calls the same respect that of Captain Hornigold's or Vane's or Flint's."

"Which should be enough for others not to cause trouble. Everyone knows that neither me nor my father likes trouble on the island."

"Aye. And when will he feel that he can move against you?" Mr. Scott asked. The man cared little for pirates. The young lady however was entirely different matter. However Eleanor just snorted at his suggestion.

"Harry was nothing but courteous to me, which is much more than I can say from the other bastards out there. He may have some connection to the Guild, but I know he didn't violated the agreement between them and my father."

"I'm just worried my lady." Mr. Scott hesitated for a second before continued. "I know he intriques you ma'am, but that man is dangerous."

"I know. All the men worth looking at on this island are dangerous." Eleanor replied. "You are worried for the wrong reasons. Harry and his crew caused the least amount of trouble. Compared to Vane or Bellamy it's practically nothing!"

"I... Just please promise me that you will be careful." Mr. Scott was familiar with that look on the young lady's face. She was as stubborn as they came.

"I will be."

There was another knock on her door, this time much louder. At her nod Mr Scott opened the door. On the other side stood Edward Brown, one of her bodyguards. He was a tall, shoulder length brown hair and eyes, fairly attractive. His best attribute however was his complete loyalty towards Eleanor.

"Ma'am. Captain Potter is here to speak with you." Mr. Scott and Eleanor exchanged glances. Edward wasn't stupid or blind. "Shall I remain here, ma'am?"

"Thank you Mr. Brown, but that won't be necessary. Please send in the Captain."

Edward just nodded before allowing the man behind him entrance. That was another thing she liked about him: he knew when to speak and to remain silent.

The man stepping inside was a tall and handsome. Black hair in a low ponytail, a barely noticable stubble and emerald eyes. He wore simple clothes. A pair of boots, trouser and shirt. On his belt a simple cutlass. As far as Eleanor cared he looked exactly as a pirate should. Yet everyone could tell that he was no ordinary pirate. He had a presence around him, causing nearly all to be on their toes around him.

"Captain Potter. Please take a seat." Eleanor greeted the man as she gestured to the chair in front of her desk.

"Ms. Guthrie, Mr. Scott." His voice was low and husky . Eleanor had to force down the shudder as those emerald eyes gazed deeply in her own grey eyes.

"I hope your travel was fruitfull."

"I believe it was. By my estimation we should get from about eighteen hundred to two thousand dollar for what we have." The man replied as he helped himself from the jug of water on the table. "Of course your men will have to look at it to see if I'm right, but Mr. Thomas agreed with my numbers."

"I'm a bit surprised that you could get that much out of one ship." Eleanor liked the man, but she was sceptical about the amount he claimed he made. They were business partner first and foremost, and in business ripping the other off was everyday occurance.

"Two actually." Harry replied. "On the way back we run across a small spanish merchant ship. It didn't have the best cargo but it was easy prey and what we got should worth a few hundreds at least. My men started to bring the loot ashore by the way."

"I will go and see to it, ma'am." Mr. Scott stood from the table to the side. He moved there when Harry came into the room and carefully watched the two. He was as much of an aide as a bodyguard.

"Thank you." He only nodded at hearing it. The man knew that Eleanor next words would be an order to do just that anyway.

"Ma'am. Captain."

"Mr. Scoot." Harry waited until he was out of the door before focusing on Eleanor again. "I heard Edward before I came in. If you have a problem with me you can tell me Ms. Guthrie."

"Eleanor, Harry." The young woman dropped the formal form. She couldn't be like this when Mr. Scott was around. If she was the man would be obligaed to report it to her father, who clearly disapproved it. With her ordering to the dock to oversee the loot Harry made Mr. Scoot could claim he didn't know about it. They never spoke about it and wanted to keep it that way. "And no there is no problem. At least in my opinion."

"And Mr. Scott?"

"He is worried how will Hornigold react to your success." Eleanor replied with a half truth. "He is very proud after all and you are starting to become legendary."

"Don't jest Eleanor." Harry shook his head. "Mr. Scott could care less about Hornigold or any pirate. His main concern is you." She didn't reply. There was nothing she could sayt to challenge that sentence. Both knew the truth. "It's about my own business with the Guild isn't it?"

"Yes."

"He doesn't have to worry about it. I only do it so I can reitre from this life once." Harry assured her, causing her to raise an eyebrow in response. At least her hunch that the man like him had a plan for the future was true.

"From what I know you could already retire as you say and live a fairly comfortable life."

"Not everything is about money, Eleanor." Harry replied after a moment. "I want a stable Nassau, just like you. Something that Flint can be a danger of."

"What do you mean?"

"Haven't you noticed something strange about the ships he lately targeted?"

"They are of no great value." She replied confusedly. "What of it?"

"Flint would never go after ships like that. That I know at least." Eleanor had to admit that the last three-four ships Flint attacked were unusual. The pirate captain was still as daring as he first set sail, she could see it in his eyes, yet seemed to settle for small preys. "What you probably don't know is that all of them were member of a small merchant guild based in Santo Domingo. Fairly unremarkable, barely making any profit."

"So?"

"That guild is nothing more than a disguise. Only the captains and the those above them know the truth: it is a way for the spanish to take important messages between the continent and the colony." Eleanor looked at him unimpressed.

"You want me to believe this?"

"Think for a minute Eleanor. Why would someone like Flint go after those ships, barely making any profit and risking mutiny? He can barely control his crew already from what I heard." Eleanor looked at him. He was serious she realized and after thinking it through she had to admit it added up. But still...

"If what you say is true than your question can be asked as well. Information can be important, but simple messages? Why would Flint bother with it?"

"Simple." Harry answered, leaning forward. "Those messages contain the rout of some of the most important ships for the Spanish Crown. One of those ships could easily make up the last two month in the eyes of his crew."

Eleanor easily pieced it together. It wasn't that hard in truth, but in her defense she didn't think anyone would be stupid enough to attempt it. It was a suicide even for someone like Flint.

"A treasure ship."

"Yes." Harry nodded, taking a sip of water. "I don't know which one but Flint is insane enough to try one of the larger one." He let out a laugh. "Hornigold is vary of me, you say? What will he think of Flint I wonder?"

"Harry that is huge with that money all of our problems could be solved!" Eleanor decided to ignore his comment about Hornigold even if it was true. If it was true then they could gain more than one million dollar. If there was something her fater taught her was that money was power. And one million dollar was a lot of money.

"True." Harry admited. "But it would also make a shit load of trouble as well. What do you think the Spanish will do when they learn that their gold is on an English island."

"We could make this work." Eleanor replied, her mind already set to plan her moves. "If Flint can convince one of the three captain to help him." She replied looking at Harry. "Only you, Hornigold and Vane have the ship to partner with to undertake something like this."

"If he doesn't want three ships." Harry said, causing both to snort. Flint wouldn't partner up with anyone unless something forced him to. After their amusement died down Harry turned serious. "I will be his last resort. My ship is bigger and thus I can ask for a larger share from the loot. Vane and him never seen eye to eye. So that leaves Hornigold."

"Mr. Gates was on his ship before Flint. Hornigold may allow him to captain the Royal Lion for the attack." Eleanor mussed. "I suppose that's it them."

"Of course all of it just a guess." Harry admited. "I have nothing to prove it, aside of the connection between the ships and that it goes against what I think is Flint's personality. It just as likely that Flint is getting old and takes it easy."

"You don't believe that more than me." Harry just shrugged in response.

"No. But Flint should arrive soon from his last hunt and we will know more." He stood up. "Well, I will take my leave then. We don't want rumors flying around about us." Eleanor grimaced.

"Half the island thinks we fuck every single time we meet."

"Then it doesn't matter if we do?" Harry asked with a rougish grin as he turned and left the room. His grin widened as he heard his cup being thrown at the doors. What he didn't know was Eleanor smile as she sat back down.

The sun settled for hours when Harry heard a knock on his door. He was one of the few captains who had a real house, even if a small one, and not just tents set up as a home. It was on the other side of the bay, opposite to the fort. Behind it was one of his plantations.

Openning the door he was mildly surprised to see Eleanor standing outside with her lips bruised. He stepped to the side allowing her inside.

"Who was the idiot who hit you?" He gently touched her cheek a finger grazing the small wound on her lips, before starting to search for something to help her.

"Vane." She replied reluctantly as she sat down in a chair, causing him to whip his head towards her.

"Vane? I know he is hotheaded but I thought he has more sense than this. When your father hears about..."

"I started it."

"What?" Harry settled for a bottle of whiskey as the best option. He quickly poured to both her and him a shot. "Why the fuck did you do that?"

"He or his men killed Mosiah and one of his man." Harry winced. He couldn't claim to know the man well, but Mosiah was well respected all around the island.

"Why?"

"Mr. Gates was able to get them to support Flint. Singleton reacted as he always does." Eleanor replied. "What I don't know why the fuck Vane support that bastard?"

"Maybe money. A share from the first haul." Harry guessed with a shrug. "It doesn't matter. Singleton is an idiot savage. Any ship he commands is fucked."

"I had enough about them for now." Eleanor said. "I just wabónted to let you know that Flint met with my father. Maybe he wants his support?"

"Yeah, I heard about it too." Harry nodded. "I can't imagine your father ever aiding something like that."

"True. Well, "She got up. "I think I will visit Max."

"Don't want to hear Mr. Scott's scolding?"

Only a glare and a little smile were his answers. He poured another shot. Tomorrow will be bound to be interesting.