Port Royal, Jamaica

[Ransom]

I left stewed Goose and his equally stewed companion, and, attempting to keep as much of the muck from the steets off my boots as possible, headed across town toward Trilby's. Taking a shortcut through a small back lane, I came out behind the Royal Grace Inn, where I suddenly paused. Tied to a hiching rail was a very familier black horse, decked out in belled harness. The animal tuned it's noble head as I approached, and allowed me to give it a rub along its sleek neck.

"So," I crooned to the cocked ear, "your master survived the tempest, eh. Maybe I'll just pop in and congratulate him on his good fortune."

With a tingle of anticipation, I slipped through the back entrance of the Royal Grace. Treading softly, I walked down a short hall, then came out into the common room. Sebastian sat at a table in the far corner, a fine goblet held within graceful fingers. His focus was directed inward, so at first, he didn't notice me watching him. Other than a darkening bruise on his jaw, and a slightly swollen lip—hurts I doubted he'd received from the storm—he seemed without injury.

Taking a deep breath, I approached the table of my erstwhile business partner, intrigued over the mystery of who'd had the nerve and the quickness to punch their fist into Sebastian's jaw.

[Aurore Devareaux]

The chosen perch, like so many others that were sought in the inns and taverns of the Port, offered unobstructed view of the Common. Deep within the concave of third libation sacrifice, Sabastian half noted movements in proximity, but was far more focused upon recent circumstance and the bottle which sat near to the right.

Cognac had done well to numb some of facial angst, but it did not vanquish it as quickly as he might have desired. Goblet was set back upon wooden surface support, and spirit container was tipped again; amber lifeblood given up to the pleasure of Dauphin's want. Disturbance of light and shadow drew him away from current task, dark eyes shifting to approach; recognition coming to bear. Fluid movement brought Sabastian to his feet, flourished bow proffered as she neared.

"Bonjour, Mademoiselle....." Liquid pools of expression surveyed her with thief's agility and practice. The cognac was indicated with smallish gesture. "It is good to see you well, perhaps I might offer you something to warm your soul and a place to rest in mine company?"

A hint of smile flashed, though hampered with the swelling and he seemed to consider briefly....."Perhaps a private room above, without so many ears about ,and a meal?....I know the owner of this establishment and can assure to you the utmost discretion."

The tincture of smile rose once again, then departed in the manner it had before, his sight never wavering from the caress of low lamp glow over Ransom's features.

[Ransom]

I acknowledged the bow with a slight smile. For a man slightly in his cups, he managed it quite gracefully. However, the invitation to dine surprised me. Up to now, he'd shown little interest in my company, other than what it would gain him in trade-goods—so far only half delivered. Our last meeting had ended with a storm, both of nature and our own creating.

Sebastian waited patiently for me to decide, a glimmer of humor lurking behind his dark eyes. I decided to keep the conversation light, for the moment, and then we would see.

"Bonjour to you, sir. I see you survived the hurricane with only...minor damage." I looked pointedly at the bottle of cognac. "But, as for dining in private, are you sure you can make it up the stairs?"

[Aurore Devareaux]

An expression of mock injury played lupin angles, "Stairs, Mademoiselle? Ye have so little faith in me, I see. Let me assure you, that managing the upper floors and the path to such, are of no challenge."

His focus shifted slightly to a passing barmaid, then back, "It would bring me greatened pleasure if you would have mercy on my sorry state, gracing me with your company for a meal."

[Ransom]

I gave a soft laugh. "Alright, if for no other purpose than to see you make good on your boast about navagating the stairs. After all, we do have unfinished business to discus. But, I must caution you about leaving your fine animal tied in a place where anyone with an eye to fine equine breeding might take the liberty of putting it through its paces, without taking the trouble of asking your permission beforehand."

With a wink, and a slight bow in return, I let him lead the way.

[Aurore Devareaux]

Her comment drew forth a speculative cock of brow and low chuckle. Moving around table's border, he paused leaning forward with whisper of silkened texture, "Mademoiselle, it would be a fool to make such an attempt on many counts, but I would invite such a venture to be entertained. I think it might be of heightened amusement to observe such a bold attempt...."

He lingered momentarily, tantalized by faint scent that mingled about her presence, then withdrew slowly. Barmaid crossed thru once again, attending the Common's denizens with practiced choreography. Gesture brought traverse to halt, conversation was quick and locomotion regained pace.

Mischievous glint played expressive sight as Sabastian returned full attention to where Ransom waited. Arm was proffered with smallish nod,

"Mademoiselle, shall I play honoured escort to the delight of your dinning wants? Welcome to the end of the real world for above these humble beams lay the Gates of Shangri-La...."

[Ransom]

With a laugh of delight I took the proffered arm. "Well, I suppose Shangri-la would be much more comfortable than my small cabin on board the Rakehell. And no doubt, much more exotic than Trilby's house, which was where I was headed when I saw your horse."

[Aurore Devareaux]

Arm accepted, he leaned to her hearing, " Oh ma chere Mademoiselle...Exotic is such a word of wonderous facets and I must say that it is of great loss to Monsuier Trilby that he should be denied the plaisir of your presence....But it is not with tears or heavy heart that I say things of this nature for it is my own selfish gain that I am reveling in at his loss."

Pause was given to retrieve deserted goblet and bottle, Sabastian gave her another smile of impish quality, "Shall we.....?"

[Ransom]

Still amused, I wasn't sure if his comments were sincere, or all part of his chivalrous act. His jovial mood seemed out of character from the Sebastian I had known thus far. There was something under the surface, some barely detected frission of tension under the good humor and compliments. I wondered if it had anything to do with the bruise on his face.

But there was no denying that I enjoyed the muscled feel of his arm under my hand. As we approached the stairs, I commented, "You amaze me, sir, for the Royal Grace is rumored to be the most boring, not the most exotic, inn in Port Royal."

[Aurore Devareaux]

He considered statement politely and as the upper floor was reached, opinion was held until door was achieved at furthest point. Releasing captured appendage, key was brought to light and door released.

"Perhaps one should not always hold what one hears as truth, ma petit..."

With a wide sweep of arm and slight bow, Sabastian invited her within what lay beyond theshold and the appointments contained. Innersanctum was daring contrast to without and amusement played his expression to her reaction.

"An oyster is a rather humble vessel to the majesty it contains...."

[Ransom]

I ws totally unprepared for what lay within. The contrast from austare inn to silken, damasked, and pillowed interior was breathtaking. I turned to Sebastian, who was enjoying my reaction. "And you, sir? Are you the pearl within the oyster shell?"

[Aurore Devareaux]

Inwardly he had not expected her parry and redirect of played wisdom. For fleet still of time, Ransom had managed to catch him off guard and said verbose aroused phantoms of the Past upon his expression; piercing manner of skillful upper hand. Redirecting his attention, Sabastian shut and secured door, replying with back turned,

"To that, I dare say, I would not be so bold as to draw conclusion. Perhaps that is not for me to judge...Mayhaps that is a enigma best left for you to conject." Dark eyes slyed a glance to where she stood before crossing to carved credenza and the decanters resting there.

"What might I offer as your preferred djin in crystal cage, Mademoiselle? Madeira?...Champagne? Porter?..Perhaps vin or Bourbon? There must be something within mine humble possession that will stir your cravings."

Two glasses were set near at hand as he awaited answer.

[Patrick Hand]

<OK... I have the time to play again.... I posted this a LONG time ago... but will start again.....>

For Sale

1 fine brass mounted gun with French lock. Flask, Pouch and tools.

2 felling axes

3 sm. Axes

1 case of knives, butcher, ripper, skinning and stone

1 folding pocketknife

1 sm. Brass pocket compass

Pewter plate and spoon

1 suit fine red wool, coat, waistcoat, and breeches (small size)

1 Red blanket coat with Indian embroidery

2 linen shirts

1 pr. Breeches

1 pr. Brass shoe buckles

1 Bible (in French)

Inquire at the Fox and Bull

Patrick Hand

And a checkerboard...

It was still early in the morning as I sat in the Fox and Bull. There were a few people about, mostly shopkeepers and such, going about their business. The rest of the revelers were sleeping off last night's debaucheries. Maybe tonight, I'd join the festivities, but right now I'm trying to find someone who plays checkers. After asking a few of the other patrons, I finally found someone who actually enjoyed the game.

I ordered a brandy for each of us, and we started to play. During the course of the game, I was informed that his name was Peter, and he brought barrels of fresh water into Port Royal. Peter was a deceit checkers player, so at the conclusion of the second game, When I asked if he would like the checkerboard, he was very surprised.

It was a very well made board, with 12 rows of squares in the French Canadian style. The squares alternated green and brown, the green squares were raised, and chip carved, with the brown squares carved into the board. There were sliding lids covering the trays at each end of the board to hold the game pieces, the entire board had been carefully made and pegged together with small hand carved wooden pins.

Henri always was such a damn perfectionist...

Peter profusely thanked me for the unexpected gift as he left the Fox and Bull, and I ordered more brandy. I had no problem selling his gun, clothing and gear, but Henri had been so passionate about checkers, that somehow it just didn't feel right to sell his checkerboard.

I drank my brandy, thinking about the years spent hunting on Tortuga...

Until Henri got himself killed...

[Cheeky Actress]

Lilly continued to direct Sterling toward the stairs and then, with great difficulty, up them to the room she had been given. The space was much smaller than the last room she had, had but after demolishing all the furniture within on her previous rant, she was actually not surprised. By now she could easily assume that for Sterling the room was spinning so she lead him over to the bed and sat him down. Thanks to experience, it did not take her long before they were both squared away and asleep.

When the captain woke later, the room was dark. He shifted slowly, his mouth dry as dust, he found himself wishing he had yet another drink to relieve his current discomfort. Easing himself on to his side he moved closer to the warm body beside him. Pressing himself close along the actress's back, he leaned in and nuzzled the curve of her neck along her shoulder. With a surety, his hand moved about her and caressed one of her breasts, immediately he knew something was wrong. Lilly confirmed his suspicions when she mumbled ..."Not now John."

With a startled yelp, Sterling scurried to the further edge of the mattress, entangling himself in the sheets and abruptly deposited himself on the hard wood floor with a thud. Lilly rolled over. "For God's sake, John, what the hell are you up to now?"

"Yer not Aurore!" he stammered, his words still slightly slurring.

"No," Lilly said. She sat up, her long auburn hair settling about her shoulders and breasts.

"Damnation Woman! Where are yer clothes? Good God, where are mine?" Sterling sputtered.

The actress rolled her eyes and with a shake of her head pointed to the chair. "It is all too hot for chemises and shirts this night," she explained as he covered himself as best he could with the sheets that had cocconed around his lower legs. "Oh for goodness sake John, you're being ridiculous! Come back to bed. It's not like I don't know what you look like. Besides, I know you, your head must be about ready to burst after what you've consumed."

The shock of waking up to find himself where he was, seemed to have negated any further discomforts. He struggled to stand, then went to fetch his garments.

"Where do you think you are going?" Lilly asked, settling herself back against the head board.

"Home."

"At this hour? Riding alone in these streets? They'll find you face down in a ditch some where, picked clean," Lilly argued as he struggled back into his breeches.

"What will Aurore think?" Sterling replied.

"Does it really matter?" Lilly asked. "Certainly there are many a husband with a mistress on the side. You would not be the first."

Sterling shook his head. "My God, listen to yerself. Aurore loves me. I should not have done this to her."

Lilly's expression soured a moment, then she leaned forward resting upon her raised knees. "Oh Johnny, don't be absurd. You were in no condition to do anything. Besides, if she loved you so much why are you here in the Port, alone, in the first place? Do you not think I don't know you and one of your black humors well enough after all this time? Drinking yourself more stupid than you already are!"

He shot her an evil look, but she decided to press on.

"Bloody fool, if she did love you as you claim she does, she'd be here looking for you, not home sound asleep in her own bed!" Lilly settled herself back down after giving her pillow a thumb. Pulling the sheets back around her, she watched him. He had paused at her last words and now, as she watched, he lowered his hands with his stockings, until his fingers released them and they fell to the floor. Inwardly she smiled to herself. Good, she thought, she had found a nerve and struck it hard. All was not bliss in the Sterling household after all.

[Capt. Sterling]

He stood there a moment longer before he stooped to retrieve his fallen property.

Unable to stand and place his foot squarely in the stocking he held he finally took his place on the floor.

"Tis not fair, Lill, your assessment of Aurore," he muttered as he slowly drew on one stocking. "Ye would not have me travel about at such an hour and yet ye expect my wife to do so."

[Ransom]

Inwardly he had not expected her parry and redirect of played wisdom. For fleet still of time, Ransom had managed to catch him off guard and said verbose aroused phantoms of the Past upon his expression; piercing manner of skillful upper hand. Redirecting his attention, Sabastian shut and secured door, replying with back turned,

"To that, I dare say, I would not be so bold as to draw conclusion. Perhaps that is not for me to judge...Mayhaps that is a enigma best left for you to conject." Dark eyes slyed a glance to where she stood before crossing to carved credenza and the decanters resting there.

"What might I offer as your preferred djin in crystal cage, Mademoiselle? Madeira?...Champagne? Porter?..Perhaps vin or Bourbon? There must be something within mine humble possession that will stir your cravings."

Two glasses were set near at hand as he awaited answer.

I wondered what sort of cravings Sebastian was attempting to stir. The room looked like something an Eastern Potentate would create for one of his concubines. I didn't know that much about gypsies, but apparently spartan furnishings were not their style.

He waited by the credenza, poised to pour my "djin" of choice. "I'll have a glass of champagne."

While he went through the delicate motions of opening the champagne bottle, I remarked, "You know, Sebastian, this is the kind room where I could learn a great deal about its owner, if only the walls could talk." I met his amused expression with another smile. "I wonder what...exotic...stories they would tell me?"

[Cheeky Actress]

Lilly propped herself up on her elbow and stared down at him where he sat.

"Really John, the woman... girl," she quickly corrected herself. "She is a

member of a ring of thieves that appear to have a strong grip on the business end of matters here in Jamaica. Surely she can wander about the area unmolested. You have a body guard where ever you travel, thanks to her and hers. Do you truly think she would not have one as well? Or if worse came to worse, that if she did indeed feel threatened out at night, you know well enough all she need do is ask one of her people and surely they would be able to track you down in no time. John I have been to the cottage, I know well enough how her type conducts their affairs. If she truly loved you, as you like to make yourself believe, it would have been she who found you downstairs well in your cups or at least one of your babysitters!"

[Capt. Sterling]

Sterling finished dressing in silence. Lilly’s words irked him. It had indeed not gone well between he and his wife the last few days, earlier on had been far from what he had expected or ever hoped for. The subtle seeds the actress had sown, instantly began to gnaw at his thoughts, sobering him quickly, and yet, his hands fumbled with the buckle of his waist carriage until Lilly climbed from the bed to come to his assistance.

“Put something on,” he whispered, his eyes averted. But he allowed her to help him all the same.

[Cheeky Actress]

Put something on," he whispered, his eyes averted. But he allowed her to help him all the same.

As you like," Lilly agreed, but first took his face in her hands tilting it toward her own. She raised up on her toes and brought her lips to his. He turned aside at the last minute but did not pull away, so she kissed him gently on the cheek.

Please Lilly, do not do this," he whispered. "I've made my vows." "And you are the only fool I know that will try his best to keep them," she whispered in return. She moved one hand downward and slipped it beneath the fronts of his waistcoat.

But I know you John Sterling. There are certain things you cannot resist, a pretty face is one of them and," her hand smoothed over the front of his breeches and she was pleased by his body's response but she did not smile at her conquest. "And someone who truly loves you."

[Aurore Devareaux]

I wondered what sort of cravings Sebastian was attempting to stir. The room looked like something an Eastern Potentate would create for one of his concubines. I didn't know that much about gypsies, but apparently spartan furnishings were not their style.

He waited by the credenza, poised to pour my "djin" of choice. "I'll have a glass of champagne."

While he went through the delicate motions of opening the champagne bottle, I remarked, "You know, Sebastian, this is the kind room where I could learn a great deal about its owner, if only the walls could talk." I met his amused expression with another smile. "I wonder what...exotic...stories  they would tell me?"

He stepped close, proffering crystal elegance and the pale fluid it contained. As she reached to receive and vessel was released, the slightest brush of flesh contact whispered and dissipated. Sabastian's full focus fell once again to her face, and though his hand retreated with delivery, no ground was given from his stance. His voice lowered to charmer's smooth, the mischievous edges of smile threatening to come forth.

"All walls have tales to be told..." he moved back a pace then circled around where she stood to pause just behind left shoulder. Leaning in to where ear was hidden just behind tress curtain, he continued, " You are welcome to ask these if they are willing to speak..." Another pace was taken and verbose spoke to ear's twin, " But perhaps you would learn more from the one who holds possession of said walls....."

Beggar Prince made no further attempt to relocate position, lingering just to her right....

[Capt. Sterling]

"But I know you John Sterling. There are certain things you cannot resist, a pretty face is one of them and," her hand smoothed over the front of his breeches and she was pleased by his body's response but she did not smile at her conquest. "And someone who truly loves you."

Sterling brought his hand about to gently take her by the wrist. Still, she did not abstain from her actions so he increased the pressure of his grip.

“Lilly… please. I am not my father and I have no desire to act as he does.”

“All right John, … for now,” she said, then withdrew her hand. She made her way back to the warmth of her bed. “Promise me you will take care on your senseless attempt to ride home.” She climbed back beneath the bed linens and watched him as he hesitated in the doorway. “What is it John?”

He looked at her a moment, an old ache growing stronger within him as he did. “I was planning to sail … to England in a few days. I thought,” he stopped. She watched him as he began to fidget, turning the large gray beaver in his hands by the brim.

“Yes, John,” Lilly said prompting him to continue.

“I thought I would bring ye home. Darnely has our son, so St. Clair informs me. I shall get him back for ye…” he whispered. He glanced at her briefly, looking down once more at his hat as Lilly began to cry. “Then I shall take ye to Virginia and find ye and the boy some place safe.”

“John do not raise my hopes with such hollow talk,” Lilly said.

“Ye have my word Lill,” he said. “Be ready to sail no later than Monday.” For a moment their eyes locked. He bowed and then he was gone.

[Cheeky Actress]

For a brief moment, Lilly’s heart sprang forth as she clung to the Captain’s last words. “…you have my word…” Moreover, this was true; he was a man of his word and yet, she could not help but feel somewhat doubtful about his promise. He spoke of sailing back to England, but would he dare tell Aurore with his plans? Lilly knew that he would not only have to deal with her, but with her minions. Lilly bit her lip and rolled over tucking the linen up under her chin. “Actions speak louder than words, John.” She whispered to herself. As she closed her eyes again, she heard the front door of the inn close. He was on his way back to Aurore for now. Lilly took another deep breath and closed her eyes. It was time she proved to the Captain that she was worthy of him.

[Ransom]

He stepped close, proffering crystal elegance and the pale fluid it contained. As she reached to receive and vessel was released, the slightest brush of flesh contact whispered and dissipated. Sabastian's full focus fell once again to her face, and though his hand retreated with delivery, no ground was given from his stance. His voice lowered to charmer's smooth, the mischievous edges of smile threatening to come forth.

"All walls have tales to be told..." he moved back a pace then circled around where she stood to pause just behind left shoulder. Leaning in to where ear was hidden just behind tress curtain, he continued, " You are welcome to ask these if they are willing to speak..." Another pace was taken and verbose spoke to ear's twin, " But perhaps you would learn more from the one who holds possession of said walls....."

Beggar Prince made no further attempt to relocate position, lingering just to her right....

I turned to face him, but did not relinquish any ground. "Ah, Sebastian, you are a magician of words. And if I was in mind to be seduced, I would let you mesmerize me." I took a sip from the glass, letting my mouth linger on its rim for a moment. "But I am not in the habit of allowing seduction by men I don't know very well. I fear I would only be one in a long list of your conquests. I believe you will think better of me if I do not fall into your bed, thus giving you the wrong impression of my morals. However, if you are truely interested in me, then I should prefer to become friends first." I gave him a small wicked smile. "Eventually, perhaps, very close friends."

I stepped away from him, took another sip of champagne, and hoped he wouldn't notice the slight trembling of my hand.

[Aurore Devareaux]

Lupin features pinched briefly as she moved away, "Then you think me to be of that sort....? Tres vien, Mademoiselle." He lifted delicate stemware in salute. Moving towards a large armoire facing four posted elegance, one door was opened and the dark eyes regarded her intently.

"I shall beg your pardon for this chamber is only one and I think I might be far more pleasant company if I were to change part of mine adornments...."

Drinking vessel was placed on bedside table, then overcoat was removed.

[Capt. Sterling]

Sterling had been accosted by the innkeeper on his way out. After a few minutes of searching through nearly empty pockets enough coin had been produced in order to pay his tab.

“Are ye certain I drank all that? And a meal as well?” he mumbled as owner stood with large hand outstretched in the captain’s direction. With a sigh, all Sterling had left was passed over to rightful owner before the rather large man cleared the path to the nearest exit.

As he closed the door behind him, the muggy late night air rose up before him like a brick wall, nearly driving him to his knees in his present condition. He swore, then removed his coat, draping it over his bad arm. He swore again, realizing he no longer had enough cash to rent the Chestnut for his trip home. He grumbled angrily to himself as he shoved off, at a walk, on his own two feet.

He had not gone far when he heard a soft nicker from ahead of him. He looked up and spotted his brother-in-law’s horse tied in the shadows outside the Royal Grace Inn. For a moment, despite the heat, his blood chilled in his veins and he quickly looked about him to see if any of the night shadows had been following him. He knew none of Aurore’s people would even try to believe him when he tried to explain that nothing had truly happened and that he had done all he could to dissuade Lilly’s intentions. He had indeed walked away from the temptation, only having been stupid enough to drink himself under the table. He needed to get home and quickly. Again, his spirits sank dangerously low.

The dark creature called softly once more and Sterling made his way over to it. He ran his hand over the animal’s powerful neck as it nuzzled him, sniffing at pocket level.

“Aye ye know me well enough for a short acquaintance,” Sterling whispered. “At least ye would believe me wouldn’t ye?” He gave the horse one more pat then turned to continue his walk. He felt like a man condemned and tried to cheer himself up with the notion that as long as Lilly kept her tongue still, no one would be the wiser. For a moment, he thought of making his way to the ‘Angel, and have them prepare all the faster to sail, the sooner Lilly was safely tucked away in the colonies, the better off he was. Instead he continued on his walk home. He feared Aurore might be concerned, if, indeed, she had even noticed him missing. And then he turned suddenly, throwing himself back into his coat, he quickly untethered Sabastian’s horse and mounted it.

“There’s a good lad,” he whispered, stroking the sleek neck again. Damn the bells he thought to himself. He would explain … somehow, tomorrow. For now, he set the horse into a gallop, he needed to get home.