William Brand

In preparation for his departure, William sent for his Steward. When she arrived he sent orders to each of his officers to be certain that the passing invitiations he had made before were more formally given in regards to his visit to shore. He requested that the ship's Bosun, Master-at-Arms and Doctor join the Quartermaster and himself ashore in their meeting with the Don. He also reminded his Steward of her evening there and asked her to be certain to ask Armand to join them as well. He then sent word that Mister Warren and Mister Youngblood should have the keeping of the ship in their absence and that they should be under the strictest of orders not to allow anyone to have admittance to the ship without penned orders from either himself or Mister Lasseter while the two of them were gone from the Watch Dog.

Excellent, Captain Warren. A fine show.

The mortuary sword lay on the ward room table along with a baldric, pistol and wickedly curved knife that the Mahdi had given him years before. Each of these items was polished to a high gleam as William waited out the day. He had no doubt that his "officers", if such a word could be used by an almost pirate like himself, were presently spit polishing boots and buffing their coats just as he was. Each of them had a pride that they displayed with skill when it came to affairs of court. They were a mismatched, but marvelously grand cross-section of the great empires and cultures of the day. He had no doubt that they would be a strange and eclectic topic of conversation for days to come in the Don's court.

A greek chicken salad is also very light.

Here are a few more that leaped to mind this morning. Hounds of the High Seas High Seas Historians Or even better... High Seas Historical Society Or better still... The Seven Seas Society It might be interesting to find a name whose letters begin with HMS.

And grapefruit.

I have a nice Mediteranean Salad...

It is most likely that I will be attending with a number of friends in tow.

Aye, by all means. I'll not turn down any request for dancing. The deck is certainly sturdy enough for it.

William noticed the second arrival of Mister Lasseter on the weather decks and ceased his pacing. He turned on one heal and stopped with his hands behind his back. "Mister Lasseter." "Cap'n." "I trust that all of our arrangements ashore are going well." Mister Lasseter affirmed that each errand for supplies had come off without interference and that he hoped to hear from the party which had gone ashore in search of news regarding the Monsignor. William added a few necessities to the list of ship's needs and they passed into a discussion of La Margarita. This accomplished, William retired to his quarters until the time should come that they would go to see the Don.

http://piratesinparadise.com/schedule/index.html November 24th - December 3rd 2006

First Watch aboard the Watch Dog (8:00 PM - 12:00 AM)

My camping experience at Fort Zachary Taylor. When we arrived at Pirates in Paradise, we were almost immediately assisted in setting up our camp. A place was given to us quite near the stage and we were able to put up the tents without difficulty. Having brought only the canvas part of the tents, we made rounds to borrow tent poles. We had expected to either purchase poles at a local hardware store, or make them, but we were lent everything we needed from either the Friends of the Fort or the vendors there. One vendor gave us tent poles to keep, which we later donated to the fort. Next, the Friends of the Fort allowed us to dig up a section of turf in order to make a fire pit. We carefully set side the dirt and the sod to be replaced after the event. The fire proved to be a wonderful place to spend the evenings, especially considering the great number of shooting stars and the regular visitors from other encampments. As far as weather goes, there was a fairly continual breeze during the whole event, but since this only helped keep things cool on the hottest of days there, it was most welcome. It rained only once for the briefest of moments. There were no mosquitos or sand bugs of any kind. However, we did see our share of dragonflies. All in all, the camping was wonderful. I highly recommend it. However, to be fair I must list the pros and cons. Cons: We had to wake numerous times to tend the fire. We would damp the coals, but random (somewhat drunken) pirates would drift by and restart our fire and then leave it unattended. One very tipsy lass raided the garbage can for food and then dumped a stack of paper plates on the fire and walked away. I had to get out of bed to keep the bits of burning, floating paper from spreading into random tents. This was infrequent, but one had to be mindful of the fire. We had to lug a tent all the way to Florida. And period tents tend to be bulky and heavy. I recommend a light tent like Patrick's lean-to. There was much more late night noise from town than I expected. And there are hundreds of roosters on the island. Showering was problematic. Pros: Almost no bugs at all. Electricity was available. So was water. Great camping atmosphere inside the fort. The soft grass required no pad or significant ground cloth. The weather was consistently good. The night sky is not to be missed. The bathrooms were clean and within a short walking distance. Everyone was friendly and the staff on site were very helpful. Most of the events were very near the fort. The parade was a great deal of fun. Close access to town and outside events. Changes for next year: The fort needs more reenactors to camp inside, but I am told that there will be more soldiers encamped there next year. Actually. the event needs more participation over all. There was not enough hustle and bustle of pirates, especially at night. Too many pirates left the site to do their drinking and eating in town. Still, in the end, I would highly recommend the event. The pub was wonderful. It had some incredible acoustics that enhanced the singing and instruments played there. The cannon firing was fun. The staged battles were entertaining, though they could be larger. I had a great time.

Adopt me.

The day gave over to evening and then night. The morning had been filled with unexpected revelations. Those who had only suspected Muller of kidnapping the Captain, now had their confirmation, as did those who had not suspected. After William had performed a short and somewhat brutal operation on Muller's shoulder, Muller had been bound and secured in a musty corner of the fo'c'sle. There, he would be subject to the curses and laughter of his former shipmates until his final fate was decided. Many suspected that it would be an unpleasant end. Now, in the cool of the darkening night, William paced the deck. His mind was clear, though he had pondered much. He felt at home once again. He enjoyed the deck of the ship in ways that he could never completely explain to anyone. He felt as strong as any of the ship's masts when he was standing on the deck. He was meant for the sea. He spent so little time ashore anymore that his land legs were almost altogether lost. He had noticed that some of the crew couldn't make eye contact with him since this morning. Perhaps out of respect. Perhaps out of discomfort. Perhaps it was his imagination. He understood how the crew might misunderstand his coldness during the days proceedings, but sometimes, in order to maintain order, one must appear as inhuman as one can be. After all his infamy had saved him on a few occasions. This mornings events, like so many of his past, would be exaggerated in the retelling. And though the tall tales were little more than a thin veneer over the true "William Brand", they were often enough to protect him. The stories had a way of unsettling his enemies and creating trepidation. The bell tolled. The moon rose. William paced the deck.

Weeeell. I may never leave the Tsunami again. What fine and delicious fare. I shall light the establishment from end to end with candle glow and fresh cut fronds of palm as the egyptians did in times of old to stave off the shorter days of the year. Then I will bring in musicians to liven the place with dance and song and we shall while away the hours in merriment. We shall be open around the clock and through every watch and toll of the bell. Of course...we always are.

The fish prefer it cold.

I am with Patrick on this one. Donations would help the Friends of the Fort considerably. Already, they are looking for more pirate reenactors to join them in the fort next year. If anyone would like to donate items, you can contact Captain Shea, who recently joined the Pyracy Pub. You could donate all sorts of items including: Wooden tent Poles Rope Canvas Tents Barrels Casks Bottles Fishing nets Lanterns Benches and other period furnishings Costumes Tent stakes Serving ware Nautical props Weapons

Cool.

Tempest didn't have to ask the Captain anything. William understood that the surgeon would have offered care to even the worst of offenders. It wasn't a weakness in her, but rather a testament to her absolute discipline to heal when healing was required. He admired her for it, but looking between the Doctor and the Tailor he made a decision. He went to the Doctor and offered his hand and raised her away from Mister Muller. "It would be a misuse of your skills to do anything for this dog, my good Doctor. He will not live long enough to scar...perhaps not even scab. Your talents would be wasted." She made no argument and perhaps she saw the anger under the surface of his calm. He smiled at her then, turning to Kendra. "May I trouble you for needle and thread?" Kendra blinked and handed him one of the only needles she was carrying. It was a larger sail needle. He thanked her for it even as she sent Simon for thread. William removed his coat with quiet care and placed it in Kendra's arms. He also took off his hat, handing it over to Miss Smith. He rolled his sleeves up past the elbows and called for a ration of strong liquor. Mister Youngblood produced a well worn flask and William excepted it at once. He went to Mister Muller and doused the shoulder of the man, seemingly indifferent to his screams. Pete Straw and Jerrod Styles were forced to take the man's arms as he spat German curses. Simon returned and William thanked him, threading the large canvas needle at once. He knew before he began that this would become a disturbing tale in the retelling. Then in a matter-of-fact way that was disquieting he said, "I will require help holding him still." He had no shortage of volunteers.

They exchanged the pleasantries common to two officers and while Lamaire departed, William seemed to forget Muller altogether. He removed his hat out of respect as the small craft turned away from the Watch Dog. Once they were gone from the immediate surroundings, William asked the Master at Arms for a pistol. Mister St. Anthony handed it over without question. William asked for ball and powder and these were also supplied. William turned away and began loading the pistol even as he spoke. "During my absence I have learned from Mister Muller's own lips that it was he that shot me in the shoulder shortly after I was made Captain of the Watch Dog." He enjoyed the exchanged glances between the crew. Mister Lasseter's eyes narrowed in an uncharacteristic fashion, his fist clenching just a little at his side. Miss Smith's face was at first surprised and then angry, the bloom of her youth giving over to something more alien. Mister St. Anthony's lips thinned and his expression spoke of anger from previous betrayals in his own life. Mister Badger and Mister Youngblood looked curious, almost passive, but their eyes were unkind as they fell on Muller. Mister Pew bore an expression that all but volunteered to strangle the man himself. Mister Warren crossed his arms and his demeanor passed an immediate sentence. The Ship's Carpenter, Blacksmith and Sailmaker were wearing unreadable faces, as was the Doctor. The rest of the crew wore expressions ranging from quiet to murderous. William finished loading the pistol. "Sorry, Doctor." He said as he turned and fired. Most of the crew seemed no more surprised at this than they would have been at seeing the Sun rise, but just the same, some of them jumped from the close report. Muller was kicked back at once and even though he had ducked the shot a little, it had taken a large chunk off of his left shoulder. He went down hard, striking his head as William had when Muller had shot him. William found that most satisfying. Pete Straw and Jerrod Styles were nearest him and they bent over him immediately. Jerrod looked up at once, drawing a knife. "He ain't dead, Cap'n." "Of course not, Mister Styles. If I had aimed with the intent of killing him then I would never know the eventual satisfaction of seeing him dance a jig on air."

You had me at Vichyssoise...

William shook his head and his face relaxed into a genuine smile. "My life was ever worth more to me than this. I cannot repay the debt I feel, so I insist that you except this inadequate sum...in leu of a payment that might have required me to join the crew of Le Requiem. Then those who would be my enemy will understand what rewards I shower upon my friends. Then they will not dare cross me for fear of my friend's reprisals." William smiled again. He liked Lamaire and he had expected this polite decline, but he would brook no arguement.

William called for the Ship's Steward and Miss Smith came forward. William spoke to her in a tone too quiet for anyone but her to hear and at first she excepted the order given her without fully comprehending it. She was but a few steps from the Captain when she paused a moment, trying not to smile. Then she went below. In the intervening absence William continued his close regard of Augustus Muller. Then quite suddenly he turned away from him to Lamaire. He placed his arm gently on the man's shoulder and turned him away to speak privately. "I wanted to thank you and Fournier for the keeping of this viper until I had the opportunity to complete my reunion and festivities aboard the Watch Dog. I do hope you will understand if I now ask you to excuse us to the family matters that must follow." "I understand well, Capitaine Hollande." "Thank you, Lieutenant." Miss Smith returned almost at once, anxious not to miss any dealings in regards to Muller. She handed over a small pouch of coin and William turned immediately to Lamaire, pressing the bag into his hand. He spoke loud enough for most to hear what he said as he did this. "Please except this, both in gratitude and symbolism." William looked right at Muller again. "That creature there would have sold me into enemy hands for a traitor's sum, which I now give to Capitaine Fournier for that passage which he gave me and for the gift of my inevitable restitution...soon to be visited on my enemy." Lamaire was almost certain without opening the small purse that it housed some thirty pieces of silver.

William's said nothing at first and neither did his face. He walked up to the nearly broken Muller and stood a long time in silence. Muller tried many times to hold William's gaze and failed. After a time William's face spread into a slow and overly pleasant smile that was far worse than any he had ever used in Muller's presence. It was at once artificial and cold. Lamaire took note of the contrasting effect that Muller's presence had on the crew of the Watch Dog. Some seemed confused at Muller's arrival in chains, while dawning comprehension and even anger was already reflected in the remainder of the crew. "Thank you, Lieutenant Lamaire. Please extend my undying gratitude to Capitaine Fournier. His hospitality of late has been laudable." "Of course, Capitaine Hollande." William was still standing before Mister Muller during the whole exchange. He never once took his eyes off of the prisoner. Lamaire did not seem put off by this. In point of fact, Lamaire had worn the same smile since arriving.