William Brand

William crossed the short distance to where Callie and Miss Smith were standing. He cuffed the young girl at once, and she might have gone down if not for Tudor, who caught her by the arm. "What the devil?" William hissed at them both. Mister Lasseter had come up almost at once behind William and he too looked perturbed by the shouts of killing on what had been a silent and orderly deck moments before. "Almost thirty men topside and silent..and now this outburst. Take your yelling below."

This is a list of the tallships that I have visited so far. Mayflower Zodiac R. Tucker Thompson Nina Europa Bat'kivshchyna Constitution Wolf Compass Rose

We have a tavern on the property with an old wood burning stove and a 16 foot table. Despite many attempts to name it, everyone still just calls it "The Tavern".

Aye-aye.

I don't recall any specific tours, but there were a great number of people who came in two by two.

Every once in awhile I check the map just be certain I'm absolutely isolated. I need to recruit some pirates in my area.

July 17, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Between Seventh and eighth bell of First Watch Mister Pew went abut the duties of thinning the arms among the watch until only a handful were guarding the ship fore and aft. The load of arms was heavy enough that Eric Franklin was employed in the carrying of them. William found Eric following the Master-At-Arms and promoted him to Sergeant-at-Arms on the spot, a position that had been discussed repeatedly but never filled. It was good that Mister Pew had a second upon which he could rely and Eric had ever been vigilant in the performance of his duties, his sometimes temper not withstanding. He was very taken aback by the added title, even though he had shouldered many of the responsibilities of it before. Though the definition of the name varied in many quarters, William decided it would do aboard the Watch Dog and so the promotion was sealed with a somewhat baffled 'Aye-aye' from Mister Franklin. Mister Pew gave him a hearty congratulations which flustered the man a little. He was further flustered as William reminded him that he should move his dunnage to the quarters meant for him and the Master-at-Arms. It was then that Eric realized he would be set above the other able seamen a little and only then did he realize that promotion is a two edged sword of respect and loss. The evolution of duty often follows some sacrifice of previous associations. As Captain, William understood this. Still, the Watch Dog was not heavily peopled and the distance between one man's duties and another's were not so great as to create wide gulfs. The crew had a strong fellowship made up of many loyalties. They were often of one mind, and now that they were leaving La Margarita, the same relieved and happy emotions to be to sea showed in every face, no matter how tired.

William watched all of this interchange as Lady Ilex did her best not to watch anything but the ground. With her removed, William gave the deck over to Mister Lasseter, informing him that he would pen a letter at once to be sent by men of Mister Pew's choosing. He then made his way to the Ward Room. Here, he found quill and parchment. He went to work at once and with care, penning what might be the man's only hope of escape. It was a letter of the most careful explanantion and it implored the Don for this final favor, that the man be sent homeward or to what service he may. The letter done, he sealed it up with wax and returned to the gun deck. In the time he had been at writing, Mister Pew had selected McGinty and Thomas Fitch. Fitch was little more than a lad, but he was quick and McGinty and he got along fast together. No one would look twice at them. "Take this to the nearest place whereby it may be delivered to the Don. Do not seek to run the entire distance yourself or I'll be writing another letter. I mean to leave as soon as I am able, so go and come back again with haste." "Aye-aye." They said together and both were off, and to look at them you would not have guessed they were armed.

Thank you, Mister Lasseter." William said as the Quartermaster went below. He called the Master-at-Arms to the waist and gave him instructions. First, he was to fetch his two best sprinters for a final errand ashore. Second, the watch would be thinned just prior to the eighth bell and the change of the watch. William meant to take advantage of the full crew as Second Watch came on in order to speed their departure. And last, he wanted Ciaran to report to him during the changing of the watch. He had some words to speak to the fellow.

William nodded, but said nothing a moment. " There is still this matter of Flint's man ashore. Mister Flint asked me to do what I may for this Henry fellow held prisoner ashore. No doubt it was Gaultier's doing. I've pondered the matter and can see no easy way to the man save to rescue him by force or risk the matter by prolonged explanation to the Don. And seeing as I have no explanation, I'm inclined to tell Mister Flint I can discover no practical means of securing the man's freedom. I am loathe to tell Mister Flint that his man must be left behind, but as it stands, what can be done? What may be done without risking all again on the same day?"

"I understand of course." William turned to call for hands, but Mister Lasseter had already gathered several strong lads with a gesture and the belongings were taken away at once. "You may retire, Doctor. We shall weigh anchor within the hour and put to sea at once. We'll speak on all other matters tomorrow. Your patients are returned to you. Mister Lasseter has seen to their lodging in the surgery and the forward berth. Mister Gage is at your disposal for any food or drink you might require for the time being."

The formalities which become all who enter an armed ship at night, came and went as easily as the duties of the day. William welcomed Chanault and Tempest aboard with a pleasant affirmation and relaid his pleasure that they were again safe aboard, if anyone could hope for safety there. The cloud that had obscured Mister Lasseter's usual calm was gone now, and although Tempest looked heavy in her thoughts, she was not outwardly removed. "Have you discussed any arrangement in the nature of accomodations?" William asked, uncertain where he might place Chanault.

I imagine it's the same all over. So maybe it's best left covered for a future generation to excavate. Would that we all lived in one place and could gather the relics under one museum for the benefit of all enthusiasts. My guts knotted up when I learned the Pelican sank and no one salvaged her before the river destroyed her. Just sick to my stomach. I would have salvaged her myself an had the means to do it, but I learned too late of it.

Ciaran thumped the mainmast once with his foot and it was just loud enough in the stillness to give attention to everyone at the waist. William joined Dorian at the rail to watch the approaching cart and the two nearly familiar forms in the gloom. A dog barked from a neighboring street as they reached the connecting dock. Perhaps it was fitting that Claude Marchande sounded the seventh bell of First Watch as they reached the ship. A passage of Revelation crossed William's mind at the sight of Chanault, but he laid it aside.

No plans to excavate? I don't know if the pirate in me or the historian in me is more upset by that phrase.

William watched the progress of Fournier's ship as it went and was content to stand a long time watching. When Mister Lasseter returned he noted his expression and his inquiry. "She'll be along presently, Mister Lasseter. It cannot be easy for her to depart Armand's company." "Aye, Cap'n." "Besides, I would think it a welcome opportunity for her to converse in her native tongue...and who would not enjoy being immersed in the familiarity of one's own words? The small respite from the surgery should do her well." "Aye, Cap'n. Glè mhath."

Whenever I think of feasting I remember this pirate feast picture.

William sighed a little and it was as much fatigue as it was acknowledgment. It was the way of things. The Watch Dog was nothing more than a privateer and could not compel any man or woman to stay aboard if they chose to draw their pay and go. there was simply no contract of that kind to keep anyone aboard. William had thought to change this, but decided against it. "What does that make now? Six?" "Five, Cap'n." The Quartermaster said, certain of the number. "Mister Straw, Kendra, Simon, Tito and Firethorn, all gone." "You haven't heard then?" "'eard...?" "Miss Swan. She's run off. I overheard Mister Warren speaking to Monahan. It seems that she found favor with a handsome man about the docks earlier today and she slipped her moorings in the middle of the loading. She didn't even draw pay from what I hear." "Must 'ave been 'andsome indeed, Cap'n." "Aye." William said, glad to laugh a little. He had had his share of small rooms, fragrant and not so fragrant today. The fresh air was reviving, if the air where the sea and land met could be called such.

When Mister Lasseter returned, William called him to the bulwark rail. "I think I'll leave Ilex ashore here." Mister Lasseter puffed and made no response whatever. This in itself was a kind of response and William continued. "Since she believes enough that she won't depart the ship unless the treasure is found, she can't have been keeping much truth of it to herself. Besides, I want no more prisoners aboard. I am utterly finished with the feeding and keeping of spies and prisoners." William paused awhile, content to say nothing. Mister Lasseter simply puffed away. The night was a cool one, even for summer. The mildest hint of a moondog had formed around a nearly complete Luna and it spoke of rain in the coming days. William surmised it would be mild and would arrive no sooner than tomorrow evening and he said such aloud. He made several mental notes regarding the change of weather. The ship would perform differently under wet sail, but not so much to effect her performance. Then he remembered something the Quartermaster had said before "What was it you said before? This bit of news about Tito and Firethorn?"

The fifth bell of First Watch came and went and still William plied Lady Ilex with careful questions. At first, the shadow of the woman was little more than that. Though unfettered, she remained in almost the exact position she had been in while bound. Then, slowly, as if rising from a very deep place, she began to show surface signs of self awareness beyond the base emotions of flight and hunger. She began to communicate first by nods and limited eye contact. This evolved into true speech and William was ever the polite gentleman throughout. He made no threats, no idle remarks about reward or punishment. He simply kept the questions rolling until she began to speak almost as if the sound of her own voice was pleasant to her. William suspected that she was being fed by the interaction of conversation after a starvation of company and kindness. He wasn't too surprised she was speaking in a strangely affable way with him. After all, he had spoken to his own captors after repeated beatings. It was human nature and she was becoming human again. When the better part of an hour had passed William emerged from the lastage. "Bring her soap and a bucket and find her some clean clothes." William went above to the gun deck where all of Lasseter's party were assembled. He called Mister Lasseter over and relayed the instructions to him in short order. Mister Lasseter was surprised and William nodded when seeing it in his face. "It's not 'ere?" William shook his head. "It isn't on La Margarita at all. Have the men stand down and as soon as the good Doctor is aboard we'll put to sea."

"Aye. Six will do. Take Johnson here." William said gesturing to Nicholas, whose eyes beamed at once as his grin widened wolfishly. William returned the smile. "Steady, Mister Johnson. This is a foray for currency, not a hunting expedition." "Aye, Cap'n." Nicholas agreed, though his smile never changed. "And take a good sprinter, Mister Lasseter. I'll want word of your success as soon as you've discovered the secreted coin. Take enough haversacks and the like to divide the spoil for transport among the men. I want them to appear no more laden than any other travelers." "Aye, Cap'n." William stepped into the lastage again and crouched quite near Lady Ilex to begin his inquiry, hoping it would not become an inquisition.

It's common for the owner of a drinking establishment to hear the troubles of the patrons. Just a part of the job.

Captain Brand nodded, returning his regard to Lady Ilex. He was quiet a moment in thought before he stood and went out of the lastage with the Quartermaster. "I will require those men already ashore for another task before they come aboard again. Have Mister Gage bring some small sup for them and prepare enough for yourself as well. I need you ashore for one final foray. The Lady Ilex will shortly divulge the whereabouts of her small fortune and I shall send you with a small company to fetch it back."

William watched Lady Ilex eat as carefully as a tired child. She was working at a piece of chicken with both hands close to her mouth. She made no eye contact, but he could tell how very aware she was of him peripherally. Time in the dark had made her something she had only thought she was before. An animal. William filled the dipper from the bucket a second time and held it out to her at arms length. It was a very long time before she took it from him. She had just begun to drink when Mister Lasseter entered their quiet circle. "Mister Lasseter." William said as quietly as he could. "What news?"

William watched the funeral procession depart into the gloom of the lamp lit docks as he made his way to the quarterdeck. He was there only a moment before he called Mister Pew aft. "You have the deck, Mister Pew. I shall return presently." "Aye, Cap'n." William made his way forward gathering Nicholas Johnson and Lazarus Gage to him as he went. They went down the fore companionway and then forward into the lastage which served as a cable tier. Here they found the Lady Ilex who was as far from the definition of lady by this time that she could barely be called human at all. Her eyes were sunken in a skin that needed sunlight and air soon. William called for a dipper and water and helped her drink, though much of her efforts were little more than a splutter. He let her settle again after a protracted fit of coughing before he began. "Come morning, we are departing La Margarita to places unknown. Ere we go, you will tell me where your small fortune is secreted. Once my men have recovered it you will be shown to a place of recovery here in port. You may choose your own course from there, for I will have no more hold over you. This arrangement is beneficial to us both and I expect to never see you again. Am I understood?" What was left of her answered with a nod and a croak. "Excellent." William replied, all good nature gone from his tone. Still, he sent for food from the galley at once to resurrect her enough that she might explain where his men should be sent.