had also written that the crystals open a secret vault that is hidden in the mountains in Nombre de Dios. That is why I have no faith in Lord Hammil. What do you think he would do if he found out who I really am? His love for me would crumble and fall, for I could give him everything he has ever wanted that could boost his career to a new level, as well as his greed.” Davy was amazed at the information Miranda had just told him. His hand moved immediately to his chin, his fingers rubbing it in thought.
“We’re in quite a predicament. You’re right. Lord Hammil would use you if he knew who you really were. It bothers me to think of the possibility of him already knowing. Yet, I don’t really see how he could.” Davy paused in thought. “We can agree that you cannot marry him. However, your involvement in this is too deep, one way or another you can get hurt.” Concern filled Davy’s features.
“I would do anything to save my father, Davy, just like I would risk everything to save you if you were in trouble. I am going to play the game as long as I have to. We will use Lord Hammil to go to the Caribbean to find Father. Once there, we will need to work fast to get what we want before he does.”
“If that is the risk you want to take, then you know that I will protect you. The fact that you know what Lord Hammil has planned is an advantage to us.” Davy glanced out the carriage window when he said, “You must keep playing the role of the devoted fiancé. Can you do that? Any change in your behavior may cost us our lives. You must do everything he wants you to do, like it or not.” He then stared at Miranda, wanting her to understand what was at stake.
“Anything?”
“Well,” thought Davy, “anything within reason of course. Everything is always within reason. Do nothing you feel that you cannot handle. Always consult me first if you are unsure. I can always use the excuse that he will have to wait to touch you until you are wed but you must realize that soon he will get tired of that, and then when you are married there will be nothing I will be able to do. You will have to allow him to consummate the marriage. It is a husband’s right, but before that time comes I will keep him at bay. I suggest you do the same. However, you will know when to use your wiles to get what you need from him. He’s too eager to have you in his bed, but most of all he loves to have you for show. You are a trophy to him, nothing more, so we will use that to our advantage. Keep that in mind when manipulating him.”
“I will continue being the obedient fiancée but it will be hard. I can’t stand pretending to be something I’m not. I don’t feel free when I have to act like a well born lady and not myself. Those women get tired when walking short distances, using parasols to cover their pasty complexions and their words can be evil and hurtful. To be with such company, to deal with such false mocking behavior, makes me sick to my stomach. I prefer to be open and honest, but my candor is something that Lord Hammil does not wish for. If I were mute, it would please him.” Davy let out a laugh and smiled at Miranda.
“You do very well at it, I will say. Tonight you behaved exceptionally; I want you to know that. You only cursed once, that’s an improvement.” Miranda grabbed one of her shoes and threw it at Davy hitting him in the shoulder. He couldn’t help but laugh at her. The pair talked a little while longer. Their words lasting the remaining duration of the carriage ride. When the carriage finally stopped in front of their townhouse, Davy stepped out first turning around to help Miranda out of the carriage. When both went inside, Miranda and Davy headed for the stairs and to their rooms, which were right across from each other.
“When are we supposed to leave for the Caribbean again?” asked Davy.
“Tomorrow sometime, so we better wake up early and pack so we can be ready when Lord Hammil comes and picks us up.” Davy rolled his eyes as Miranda shot him a sarcastic smile.
“Goodnight, Davy!” said Miranda.
“Goodnight, Miry, and sleep well,” replied Davy.
“I always do,” spoke Miranda as she closed her bedchamber door, eager to get to bed.
Early the next morning, Captain Locand Riveri was standing on the quarterdeck looking down at his crew, briefing them on the day’s plan. The Captain’s Avenger was clean and ready to sail. The crew were experienced seaman. All or most had sailed under Locand’s command before. Their attire, as well as their appearance, had changed since past times when they had sailed under the black flag. Now, with a letter of marque in his hand, Locand could commandeer any pirate ship within his reach and be called a privateer instead of a pirate. Those days of piracy were fading for him. He was now a man who got most of his wealth from his raids off ships who sailed by England as well as in the Caribbean, which was where he used to pirate the waters consistently. When they looted a ship, which had more wealth then they could ever dream, he gave up pirating for a time, but not sailing. The Captain’s Avenger was his own ship. It was a three masted, square-rigged merchant ship converted for comfort and speed. It had enough guns to defend itself efficiently and take out most ships that would come up against them, and yet it was also quick enough to escape most enemies. He could easily sail away from trouble, or into it. However, today was going to be an interesting day for them all. His new life as a privateer was going to begin.
When he convinced the queen to supply him with a letter of marque, it took most of his strength and cunning. He had to bed the woman, and only afterward did she promise to give it to him. The promise, though, meant nothing until he actually had it in his hand. The queen was intelligent and wise. She knew of Locand’s great sailing ability and knew that in order for her to get the treasure stored in the vault in Nombre de Dios, he would be the only man able to do it. With her Lord Hammil in charge, she was sure that she would have more money to add to her coffers and more prestige to her name in the end.
Locand looked again at the papers in his hand before placing them in a pocket inside of his waistcoat. He then placed both hands behind his back. His strong chest was thrust outward and his long, wavy, black hair, which reached to his shoulders, blew in the wind. He wore black breeches with a white linen shirt and matching black waistcoat. Inside a sheath at his waist was a dagger for protection and standing by his side was his first mate, Stevens. Stevens was an older man with long graying hair that was tied in a queue at his neck and a mustache that was shortly trimmed. His appearance was as neat and tidy as the captain’s. He was almost as tall as the captain, but where the captain was muscular and lean, Stevens was fuller in the stomach and in the shoulders. He was intimidating to the crew, and as far as Locand was concerned, made an excellent first mate.
“My faithful crew,” Locand began, “today is a new day for us with new rules to live by. Coming aboard will be Lord Hammil, one of the queen’s favored men. We are asked to take him to Port Royal where he is to be taking care of some business and then returned safely back to England. If we do our mission successfully, we will be handsomely rewarded for our efforts.” The men looked at Locand with respect and cheered. “Of course, on the way if we see anything to bring more riches to our pockets we will do so, but remember that we are privateers now, not pirates, and we must follow the rules. That has to be clear to everyone until the time is right for us to prove otherwise, if there is a time.” The men smirked as they thought of fighting and cheered loudly. The noise brought a smile to Locand’s face, but soon the smile began to fade. “We need to look and act differently from this point on. Our lives depend on this voyage being flawless. One error can cost us everything. Our lives—over.” The crew began to sober as they understood what was at stake. Their eyes gazed upon Locand in guidance.
Locand was born in the Caribbean and his skin had a natural tan. He was tall, his shoulders broad and arms thick and strong with muscle. Underneath his partially opened shirt was a firm chest. His teeth were a bright white and shined against his complexion. Most of the crew could not say the same thing about their teeth, but they were loyal and dependable. They honored and respected the decisions Locand made, for in the past, his decisions never failed
