Pirates of Darkness

by sherrythorn

After Phileas's run in with the spider queen in "Dust to Dust," he and Rebecca return the sarcophagus to Egypt. Which allowed them to help an old friend, abducted by pirates. But then they find out who was in control of the abduction and League of Darkness's new ambitions–Ambitions that put Lady Katharine and the Foggs in new perils. This is the second story in the series.

5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5/ Vengeance comes

Andrew McCollum and his ships descended on the Mediterranean like an avenging angel and its host. Joseph Anderson, an older man in his fifties, normally handling the American trade routes, captained the Lorraine. Richard Brown, another senior man, captained the Marianne. It had been undergoing minor repairs to prepare for a trip to India and the Spice Islands. The Lee Anna II was just back for a rest after returning from South Africa. She was captained by Wallace Glenshire, a rising younger cousin. Wallace had been sent along the northern coast of Africa. He was to inquire about the ship and look for any signs of the Mary Kate's cargo.

The other two ships with Andrew, Sir James, and Robertson, went straight to Istanbul to gather their sailors and get more details. That would take over a week of travel. After that, they would follow a specific course, searching. It would take a long time to work their way across the Mediterranean. With stops, it could take as much as a month to reach the eastern end. The ships would keep in communication through messages to local consulates and embassies. Andrew chaffed at the time flowing by. Wind and water could only be traveled at a certain pace. There was no changing the laws of motion.

Once there, they met Samuel on the docks. He had requested help right away. Several friendly merchant companies had given word they had done so. Word had come of a clipper sailing east, riding high in the water. One could assume the ship had been stripped at sea. That was expected. It had not, however, been scuttled, or had not yet. "The thieves may have kept it, or plan to sell it," Captain Anderson said. That information gave them less coastline to search and some hope. Further ship sightings would help them catch it.

Samuel was just as miserable as Andrew expected. He assured him there was no blame for him over this. To prove it, he placed Samuel on his lead ship the Lorraine to coordinate tactics. "A clipper is a large vessel. It can't be hidden just anywhere," Samuel said. "Especially not with us and three other merchant companies watching for it."