]

CHAPTER I

THE FIRE OF RAGE UNLEASHED

After learning that there would be no backpay or pension after twelve years of service, Daniel Ibeada decided that he was done with being loyal to England and Britain. For several days, Daniel thought and wondered what it is he would do for his family. Day after day, he sent letters to Parliament laying out the facts. Chief amongst them was that some of the men, himself among them, had multiple mouths to feed which couldn't be fed due to a lack of money. There were even moments when he came across a fellow war veteran who was doing poorly due to not having received any form of backpay for their services during the war.

One day, while they were having dinner, fact that because they had no money to buy food continued to stoke Daniel's already heating rage against Britain. While he did enjoy his food, Daniel was not the same person he once was He had, only two days prior, pummeled a slave owner near to death when he saw the man abuse a slave girl. A week earlier, he had challenged a British officer to a duel when he saw the officer treating his men harshly. Some began to wonder what form of argument Daniel would get into next, and with whom.

Although it seemed like Daniel and his family were doomed to a life of endless poverty. Daniel's hatred was still greatly contained. While he was often sitting around with his fists clenched, it was always the presence of his family that kept him from going completely mad. Another place where Daniel was able to find solace was when he invited fellow privateers to his residence. Unfortunately, the latter would soon stoke his rage even further.

Having enough visitors, Daniel soon found that these ex-privateers were like him in some ways and different in others. Some, like him, had a family to care for and hardly the means to do it. Others simply were able seamen who lost their livelihoods. While he was able to help some find simple work in his trade company, Daniel knew it wouldn't be enough for some of the men he'd been speaking to.

As she saw Daniel develop an uneasy mood, Elisa was concerned about what her husband was thinking. While his eye didn't blaze with hatred, Elisa knew Daniel well enough that she could tell when he was planning to do something risky. Although she did not have something personal against the British, Elisa was more than willing to stand beside her husband no matter what.

After months of suffering and burning hate for the British, Daniel finally decided to put his risky intentions into action. All Daniel needed was the right time and opportunity. Eventually that opportunity presented itself in early morning on July the 25th in the year 1715. Just after breakfast, Daniel was reading the Daily Courant when he stumbled upon something quite interesting. In the article, it was announced that two days prior, on July, 23, 1715, the Spanish Plate Fleet was caught in a storm. Also reported was the fact that the Plate Fleet, all eleven ships, were wrecked.

Deciding to capitalize on this stroke of good fortune, Daniel sent a message to all crew members of both the Calliope and the Blizzard. As soon as everyone was gathered, Daniel began outlining his plan.

"Gentlemen." Daniel said, "You have all heard the news. Spain's treasure has been spilled in the sea. I don't know about you boys, but I would say Spain has left quite a mess in the ocean. I say we clean it up."

"And how do we find the wrecks?" a crewman asked,

"It will be difficult, there is no denying that. But I ask this to you: how many of you live hand-to-mouth?"

Many of the men nodded in agreement.

"Some of us have responsibilities beyond yours; there are family men here like me."

Several nodded in agreement.

"If we cannot rely on British payment, I say we take our share from this very generous donation Spain has seen fit to provide. What say you boys?" Daniel asked everyone present.

Evidently the crews were convinced and motivated by personal loyalty. Placing full trust on to a captain willing to do what he had to in order to ensure his men got what they were owed everyone present agreed.

As Daniel began preparing to head out with his men and seek the Spanish treasure, he called his family together.

"Everyone, we have been treated as if we were nothing. I have weakly hoped that Britain would treat us well. Alas, I declare this the final straw. We will be leaving Britain and the selfish pigs who care nothing for us." Daniel said,

Reynold stood and said, "I stand with you, father."

Lawrence also stood and said, "I too stand."

Chloe simply smiled and said, "I've always wanted to explore the seas and oceans. If this provides me the opportunity to travel the seas, I shall take it."

Everyone looked at Elisa to see what she said.

Elisa smiled and said, "I have stood beside you all these years; I could not leave you now. I do not care if, as I suspect it might, the path we are about to take leads us to a life of piracy. If I have to live the rest of my life married to a pirate, as long as that pirate is named Daniel Ibeada, I will not care."

Having gained the support of all his family, Daniel urged everyone to prepare for travel. As he saw everyone pack their belongings, Daniel looked at the residence that had be home to his family for years. Though he knew he would miss it, he still felt that treading the path away from home he had chosen was necessary. If Britain would not give him and his crew their pay, they would acquire that money through their own methods.

Once his family was packed and ready to travel, Daniel had everyone get into the family carriage and head to the docks where the Calliope and the Blizzard were waiting.

While on their way to the docks, Chloe looked at Daniel and asked, "Are we really leaving England and never coming back, father?"

Looking at his daughter, Daniel smiled and said, "Yes, child. Britain has ignored my family for far too long. If this is how Britain rewards loyal fighters, then they have my loyalty no longer."

"When will we reach the docks, father?" Lawrence asked,

"Soon, Lawrence."

"My apologies, father. I simply have great fervor." Lawrence said,

"You can say that of me as well, father." Reynold said,

"I as well." Chloe said.

Once Daniel and his family boarded the Calliope, he dropped all pretense. As Daniel looked at Britain, his pent-up rage was unleashed in a loud shout. All that was left to wonder was who would be the first to suffer.