07 Of Treasure

by Rick Dean

Rated: 13+ · Chapter · Action/Adventure · #2361210

The crew of The Defiance learn of their terrifying next mission. Do they take the risk?

Of Treasure

Captain Scarlett kept his crew ashore for several days. He wanted their lusts sated and their purses emptied. He wanted desperation from his crew for them to agree to his next plan; his most audacious idea yet. However, it also entailed incredible risk. A risk such that none of his crew had ever faced before. The men, like any men he could recruit, would gladly risk death; but only if they had favorable odds.

That night, he gathered the men around between a pair of fires on the beach. He faced the ocean as he spoke, so none lurking behind him could overhear. Still, Mr. English kept vigil, scanning the beach for any eavesdroppers.

English brought two new men with him. Men he’d recruited from the bay-side dens of debauchery. The two new men were well known, having made the rounds from The Spice Islands to the forts along the slave coast, and the length and breadth of The Americas. The first was a giant of a man, barrel shaped and sturdy. He called himself Bailey Brown. Others added the sobriquet “Big” to the name and Big Bailey Brown was unleashed. In proper English fashion, the lengthened name was promptly shortened and now he responded to just “Big.” His friend was equally tall, but all limbs. No one really knew the gangly man's name. He just answered to “Moat.” Big and Moat had formidable reputations. They had terrorized trading ships worldwide. When Captain Scarlett saw them by the fire, he merely looked over at his quartermaster with a smile and nodded his approval. They needed no further communication.

“Men,” Scarlett began, “I’ve always spoken honest with ye, and that will not change tonight. I’ve had this idea for some time, and the moment has finally arrived to attempt it. I assure you, you cannot fathom the rewards for success.”

The men cheered, but a reserved cheer, sensing a “but” forthcoming.

“As you sense, we will take significant risk on this voyage.”

More grumbling.

“I’ve not led ye to yer death before and I’ve no intention of starting now. Yet this will require the stoutest of hearts. Any who wishes to stay behind will still be welcome to sail with me again in the future. Yet if this mission succeeds it may be the last time any of us ever need to go on the account.”

The men glanced at each other, none sure how to react.

“I’ll explain. The story starts with an ancient tale. A pirate’s woe and a sailor’s tragedy. It leads to a curse. One many of you have heard before. If you know of what I speak, you know he drew a map. The last map I acquired worked out rather well, eh lads?”

Now the men started to nod. The debauching of the last few days would become legendary. The few who somehow manage to see old age would smile and tell their grandchildren of the orgy of lust in Nancy’s Harbour Café on St. Cruz, and the fortune they spent there. Those who didn’t reach old age would still die with a smile on their face.

“A grizzled man drew that map. You all know the name. Queen ‘Bess’s Old Sea Dog Himself ▶︎ . The map leads to a chest of glory, but he acquired that fortune through mortal sin. Many men scoffed at the idea of a curse all those forgotten years ago. Yet other men searched and searched. They gave their lives in search of that chest. Yet none ever found where it rests.

Piet Heyn ▶︎ made his fortune and practically broke the Spanish back, yet he never found it. A whole generation scoured The South Sea and came up dry. The Buzzard ▶︎ wasted years searching. The whole world thought Thomas Tew hid in Madagascar, yet he was here. They all searched and they searched. Yet the curse was too much for them. They failed, and little by little, men no longer scoff at the curse.

Half a century ago or more, one man emerged. Again, you know the name ▶︎ . He practically became royalty in Jamaica. Like those who sailed before him, he too heard the grim whispers. He already had wealth beyond imagination, yet the lust for more treasure blinded him. After all, who can ever have too much treasure, eh? He had the most hardy and hearty crew of his time. Men who had fought in the wars of Europe. Men who survive the scourge of Tortuga. Men who knew no fear. Dare I say it? Men the equal of you men right here. Yet there was one difference. He never spoke of The Curse to his men. They knew not the true evil nature of this bounty they sought. For that reason, he failed – but we will succeed!”

A few of the men cheered at this point. Not all, but a few. A few others looked over their shoulders as if expecting the curse to manifest itself physically right there on the beach.

Even now, men, that accursed crew still sails The Spanish Main. You’ve heard the legends. You’ve heard tales in inns. A stormy night. A full moon. They call out from their ghost ship. Their tattered undead remains still man the rigging of that decrepit ship. None who cross their path live to tell the tale. They loot and kill all they find, lashing out in eternal anger at their failure.

They’ll know, men. Don’t ask me how, but they’ll know. They’ll sense that we’re searching. They’ll be drawn to us. And the closer we get the more irate we’ll make them. But if we succeed… WHEN we succeed, not only will we have a fortune the envy of a king, but we’ll have broken the curse and sent them to the eternal rest they’ve denied themselves all this time. Yet when the foul winds blow a-gale, and the shadows come out of the horizon, know that it’s them and know they’re coming for us. Since they couldn’t succeed, they’ll let no one else succeed either.”

By now the men no longer grumbled. Younger faces shined white in the reflection of the dying fires.

Mr. English now spoke.

“God favors us,” he announced. “The Lord wants those sailors to find their eternal rest. He will look with favor upon us showing them mercy. Or showing them our cannons if we must. After all, The Lord helps those who help themselves.”

“And we shall help ourselves to the treasure,” continued the captain, “for I have seen the map!”

The men gasped and none looked over their shoulders anymore.

“It’s true. I have studied the map and know it well. I’ll not share the details tonight, not on this beach and not anywhere else on this island. That knowledge belongs to this crew and none else. Tomorrow morning, we set sail. Those of you who sail with me will learn where when we depart. The prying eyes and ears in the mangroves will not learn our destination tonight. Sleep well, men, and think on what I ask. Tomorrow you must decide.”

WORD COUNT ▶︎

VIDEO ▶︎

LYRICS ▶︎

Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates have been granted non-exclusive rights to display this work.