Port Royal, Jamaica

['Bastian Devareaux]

The mere fraction of movement brought Seth's hushed verbose to halt; reptillian stare narrowed in posture and cat-like crouch regained. He did nothing at first, holding balance on balls of feet, then slowly, ever so much so, scarred fingers reached forward and matted tress curtain was carefully moved away.

"Kin ye hear me, child?"

[Capt. Sterling]

At first, words could not be produced ...just senseless, meaningless noise in response.

Futile attempt was made to reposition his form.... his only accomplishment... Another sob escaped him, followed close with a long sigh of frustration...

['Bastian Devareaux]

Childermass leaned closer, " So's ye kin....No needs fer moving, lad..."

Left hand landed gently on Sterling's shoulder to belay movement.

"Tis a fine fix ye find yerself in. Easy now, child...Ye have nothin' to prove." A flask was produced accompanied by linen square. Once cloth was soaked, it was placed near cracked lips followed by hushed instruction.

"Open yer mouth and if means be, take the water from this...."

[Capt. Sterling]

Lips parted with difficulty as linen pressed close. Desperate sobbing slowed somewhat as newer overwhelming need to have his thirst abated suddenly presented itself...

['Bastian Devareaux]

Cloth was saturated again and proffered while Seth's senses played keen to the surround. He watched Sterling's desperation with unreadable expression while tilted clockwork gears wound slowly in mental casings.

"Listen to me closely..." he whispered. "There be nothin' I kin do to cleanse yer wounds, tis too much risk....Too obvious. But the pain I ken aid, at least fer a spacin' of time. Yer Wife sends love to ye an' I am doin' what I kin to get ye out of here...."

For Childermass, a man of few words, this was kindered to a long winded speech, but time was short and much needed said.

"Ye must be patient, child....patient as the ages...."

[Capt. Sterling]

Words tumbled forth but all that seemed to take root was the fact that Childermass could not help him...

He shifted then, enough to cast frantic gaze upon other man.

"No..."

['Bastian Devareaux]

Memory came forth with the force of Dragoon's charge. The look of fear and desperation seen so many times before in the past, and something almost like sympathy fleeted cold gaze. Glancing to open portal, Childermass considered his options carefully.

[Capt. Sterling]

Already winded from efforts, Sterling lay back. Eyes closed as tears set their course steadily down damaged cheek. Thoughts finally grasped additional words... "Yer wife sends love..."

Features screwed up suddenly as aching heart pushed its way to forefront and could not help but make its demands known above the others. Cavalcade of senses, raw nerves protesting, emotions completely unhinged, mind began to whirl as figure beside him blurred and refocused. Eyes struggled, panic evident, only to calm minutely when companion's presence was still confirmed as being not only there but real.

"No... more...."

['Bastian Devareaux]

No more....No More? The words rattled cryptic in mental halls. Was it protest to being in chamber?....Was it statement of devotion? Seth rocked back to settle weight upon his heels, arms crossed and draped over knees. Inclining chin while pondering the quandary, torch light was allowed further access to lay illumination over the recess of battle tattooed features; aiding further the cold fire in pale sights.

Senses again reached to the without, subtly probing as he contemplated further the enigma. Somewhere in the darkness a protesting squeak of hidden rodent sounded, a shift of position was noted from the men at portal keeping; the pounding of some lost soul's fists battered unseen door....Then silence. Silence but for the quivered sob from the one who lay before him.

[D.Patrick Burke]

Retracing path that had been taken earlier, edge of garden wall was rounded. A night bird trilled nocturne aria to those that would listen and heavy blooms of tropical facet bobbed their heads to light breeze. It was that breeze that stirred perfumes sweet and pungent beyond wall's parameter; a stirring that inspired Devon to reign in. As before, mount dutifully stopped and Sean turned backed his own to realign.

Quizzical expression painted Roberts' face as he looked upon comrade and whispered inquiry. Devon waved off in some form of response and Sean's brow knit to the aloofness. Smallish smile tickled the edges of his mouth as further prodding was issued, "Wha' are ye abou' now?"

"Not'in'...." Came the reply as dismount was negotiated.

"Not'in' me arse." chidded Sean in return, glancing to the house and back.

"Tis not'in' I tells ye....Curiosity, an' not'in' more."

"Says ye, Devon Burke. Yer tryin' to have me on, bigh." The statement was punctuated with low chuckle.

"Ye go on now. I'm no' ready to settle in fer the night jus' yet an' I'll be catchin' up soon enough. Dig out tha' porter an' we'll play a round er two when I get meself there."

Roberts issued stiff salute, stifling the belly laugh that threatened to disrupt the quiet, then urged mount into motion. Devon remained for a matter of minutes before leading his own to sheltering tree and tying off. Fruit offering was delivered to equine companion and affectionate rub before garden gate was entered. He paused, surveying terrain then made careful selection of floral decorum.

Removing wide-brim crowning, rear stoop was achieved and quiet knock laid upon narrow door.

[Cheeky Actress]

In dark guise of night, a small figure walked the lonely path to the jail. The shadows of the tottering figure slow made it's way up to the front gates.

The guard's eyes glanced down at the small, frail looking woman. "Here, what ye want?"

Patchment was passed.

"Wait here....I'll see if he's in."

Gates opened and the guard walked off to send word to the notes adressee.

[Capt. Sterling]

Silence but for the quivered sob from the one who lay before him.

Eyelids too heavy to continue unsupported, drooped until closing for what would now be a very long time. Thoughts that whirled just prior, rapidly began downward spiral as everything pitched headfirst into ever increasing darkness. Sobbing slowed until, it too ceased and form lay finally quiet save for slow rise and fall of chest.

Edited April 3, 2009 by Capt. Sterling

[Ransom]

Africa watched in silence as Trilby dosed the captain with a bit more rum mixed with a pale powder. At first she tried to refuse it and bat the cup away, but Africa held her hands and the liquid was forced down her throat. The look she gave him through eyes glazed, and blue as lapis, was one of helpless fury. But then her eyes got a faraway look, and her body went limp.

"That should keep her quiet for a while," the old man said.

"How long you need to give her dat medicine?"

"I canna give her much more. It tends tae take hold of yae and nae let go. May hap one more day, two at the most. Tomorrow we'll try getting some food into her. That will help."

Africa nodded, then glanced at the bed again. "Did you tell truth? All she need is rest?"

The old man met his gaze. "Oh, aye. That an a bit of luck. Sae long as the wound doesna go putrid, she should recover. Time will tell. However, I don't think she should stay here. Burke is as curious as a cat, and will remember where he saw her. I dinna want Sebastian pounding down mae door and causing a ruckus."

"Where else can she go?"

The old man thought for a moment, then let out a sigh. "I hate tae admit it, and she'll nae thank me for it, but, I think yea should take her tae her auntie."

"Whot auntie?" Africa had no idea who the old man was talking about.

"I'll write yea a note. Take it tae the Royal Grace." Then the professor cocked an eye. "But mind, don't let that old besom run yea off. Yon woman," he gestured to the bed, "needs watching over by someone she can trust."

"You write da note," Africa replied, looking at the prone figure on the bed. "Without da captain, I still be a slave. You don need to worry. I watch over her."

['Bastian Devareaux]

Dauphine remained in hearth company, its' seductive dance continued to keep sway of the dim and no lamp dared disrupt it further. Below chamber's flooring, the occasional rise of steady conversational hum from Common could be gleaned in waves. Amber fire once again filled crystal chalice and his eyes closed as scent was relished briefly.

Muffled knock sounded and was answered in kind by Jason who emerged from the shadows to inquire its' instigator. Securings reversed brought brightness flowing from outward hall in battle for ground within. Slender frame was given golden aura momentarily before door was returned to closure. Soft footfall tracked passage from light to dark then light again and Sabastian indicated chair across.

Outerwear was removed and laid over near ottoman, movements likened to fluid set in more solid form. Taking the seat indicated, Christophe watched longtime companion and waited for the words to come.

"I wish all that should be gathered brought to the hills...And I wish it to be done with utmost secrecy and speed."

The Frenchman leaned back to chair's elegant support and pursed his lips. Reaching to decanter, two fingers were poured into awaiting vessel as he considered the weight of instructions. Returning to former posture, he captured the other's eyes, "And what of your brother?"

"Andre' needs know nothing of this..."

[Nelly Greene]

Nelly Greene had buried herself, along with Lilly McKinney, upstairs until late. The two had conversed in hushed whispers, heads bent closely together, cautious glances tossed about the dark corners of the room ... as if there could possibly be someone unknown hiding there. Port Royal had actually settled in for the night as plans were finally agreed to.

It was well after McKinney had left and Nelly had retired that a weary Sally, dragged herself from her own bed and made her way to the back door.

[D.Patrick Burke]

As the sounding of lock being shot back disturbed night's quiet, Devon straightened leisured poise. The door opened slowly, though not over-wide, and lantern glow stroked facial structure in the bloom of sweet youth. Cork's Native Son backed a pace, offering smallish bow as he addressed her humbly.

"Evenin' to ye, ma'am an' beggin' yer pardon fer disturbin' ye...Me own self sometimes forgets the hour tha' most folk be keepin'."

Slowly he extended the gathering of floral aray towards her, dropping eyes respectfully to the flagstones at her feet.

"Will ye have a place in yer good heart to forgive me...?"

Good natured smile crossed his expression as center was kept diverted.

['Bastian Devareaux]

The minutes trudged by, a precession of time dissected by man, and became an hour's half. No change disturbed dank surround, Wraith in crouched balance; Fallen still, but for rise and fall of inhalation and exhalation; whispers of hushed conversation from without...And time continued to progress forward, marching steadfast into an unknown destiny.

Unfolding lithe length, Childermass regained full height and did nothing more for moments but lay reptilian focus upon where Sterling curled. Deep draught of fouled air was taken into full lung capacity, then released with slow measure. Torch was raised, forcing retreat of the dim as Wraith returned to portal's frame. Outward whisperings stuttered to halt; one man giving visual start to Officer's silent arrival; both standing stiff and staunch as colors demanded. Cold stare was played over both; an ethereal fishing net cast out to capture souls and diverted only by silent gesture indicating next wish.

Quick salute was delivered, followed by door's return to closure and Childermass turned from subordinates as if their very existence were afterthought. Fluid stride was achieved, boot soles a shadow of normal strike and escort rushed to regain Colonel’s proxy. Upward, through twist and wind the party of three navigated; the air gaining more digestible facets as journey from Hell was coming to close.

Courtyard was gained, two coins pressed without words into the palms of escorts numbering two; then Wraith departed company...

An unsettling dream melding into tropical night.

[Nelly Greene]

Slowly he extended the gathering of floral aray towards her, dropping eyes respectfully to the flagstones at her feet.

"Will ye have a place in yer good heart to forgive me...?"

Good natured smile crossed his expression as center was kept diverted.

"ARGH!! YOU AGAIN!!"

Sally's words rang out loud... all too loud. Hand raised, fingers curling tightly save for one that remained steadfast to be waved under Irishman's nose.

"The nerve you have to be here and at this hour. Will you free traders not be leaving my poor mistress alone?"

Quickly she pulled back inside, and door was brought, once more to a close. The sound of it slamming could be heard for miles.

[Ransom]

I lay in a drifting fog of dreams, nausea, and pain. I knew neither the time of day, nor day of the week. Had there been strange, male voices in the other room, or had I dreampt them? Did I really leave my bed, or was that all opium fantasia? Was the nightmare of having bitter liquid forced down my throat real? It had felt so, and I think I fought...but had I?

At present, I neither knew nor cared. No, that was a lie. I did care, for the dreams were frightening and my helplessness even more so....

[D.Patrick Burke]

"ARGH!! YOU AGAIN!!"

Sally's words rang out loud... all too loud.  Hand raised, fingers curling tightly save for one that remained steadfast to be waved under Irishman's nose.

"The nerve you have to be here and at this hour.  Will you free traders not be leaving my poor mistress alone?"

Quickly she pulled back inside, and door was brought, once more to a close.  The sound of it slamming could be heard for miles.

Devon's eyes lifted from flagstones below, blinking increduously to the banshee like delivery of reprimand. Arm dropped unconsciously, though pungent blooms remained in clutch. Deep inhalation was drawn and retort danced on edge of silvered tongue just as door was pulled with force back to closure. He blinked again, near without words...Which was a rare ocassion for Ireland's son.

Brow came to deep furrow as empty hand was laid upon doorframe and temper was reined in carefully. Leaning forward, he called to female judge and jury through gritted teeth.

"Yer breakin' me heart, lass...Tis a right sin to be showin' such a temper to a fella jus' tryin' to honour ye wit' some flowers...."

He shook his head, completely baffled by her actions and whispered to none in particular, "Me own Ma ne'er gave meself lashin' like tha'..."

Again the blockade was rapped upon, "C'mon now, gerl...Open the door..."

[Nelly Greene]

"The hour is late. GO AWAY!"

[D.Patrick Burke]

Devon scowled, stepping back from the door. Night bird resumed its serenade as the moon crept from gauze cloud shrouding to command silver glow over garden's minions. The breeze lifted again, stirring night blooming Jasmine into intoxicating scent. He glanced about, in near distance equine companion gazed over garden wall in curiosity to row; a low nicker issued as query.

Small stone bench took prominence just to his left, moonlight stroking its eloquent wrought. Moving to its proxy, Burke plunked down, setting hat in empty spot and returned his attention to yon alcove; the door it contained. He knew she still lingered, knew the door lay unbarred; his hearing rarly played him wrong. This did nothing to banish bemusement and the blooms in his keeping offered no answers; perfectly content to nod in gentle clasp.

[Cheeky Actress]

Lilly awoke with a start. She had thought she hear voices downstairs. She quickly looked about the room. Nelly had left her bed. An uneasy feeling came over her.

Lilly crept from the bed and looked out the window only find a dark figure on the bench outside.

[Ransom]

Early the next morning Africa took the note the old man had written and headed for the Royal Grace Inn and Tavern. On the way he made a slight detour to meet up with two of the Rakehell's crewmembers.

Tunny, and Jimmy Cox waited by an outdoor fruit vendor's stand. As Africa approached, the two men visibly straightened, and Tunny tossed aside the mango he'd been eating.

"Where dat Ioan?" Africa asked.

"Found hisself a whore and is holed up in a shack outside o' town," Jimmy answered. "Goose and Ludo are watching the place."

Africa nodded. "Da old man think it best dat da captain be taken to her auntie."

Both the other men looked surprised, saying in unison, "What auntie?"

"Old man say she got rich one, so he thinks she be safer there, till she better. I have a note to take to the Royal Grace where dat auntie is stayin'."

Jimmy scratched his head. "The captain...she pretty bad?"

"She bad, but we not goin' to lose her. Old man say she jus need rest."

"Well," Tunny said, "then best we make sure ol' Ioan don't find out where she is until she can deal with him herself." Tunny face broke into a wide grin and he gave Africa a wink. "Bet she's goin' to enjoy that little bit o' revenge."

Africa snorted. "We all goin' to enjoy dat revenge." Then he left the two men and went to deliver the note to the rich auntie.

[Thomas Neede]

Thomas had penned a note the night prior. At daybreak Sully was up and out the door with a sealed letter to the mysterious man.

In a matter of minutes, there was a sharp knock at the door of the Dancing Stag. The heavy door opened and young man led the young boy into a larger fire lit room. Edward Sullivan explained the reason for the visit and was remanded to wait. The man went up the stairs and a quiet rap upon a door was heard. Sully could hear the name 'Monsieur Talbot' uttered quietly. An older man returned, gruffled at the time of this visit. He berated the boy until Sully handed him the letter. At once he saw the name on the parchment. He hushed and nodded and made his way to a back room. The attendant shooed the boy out the door and told him his master would seek him out.