The Barnacle of the Bahamas

Prologue

                   

The cool sea breeze blew as usual, the waves crashing onto the jagged rocks beside the notorious pirate port of New Providence. Drunken men yelled, bottles of rum smashed onto the filthy floor of the pub and wagers were being set. Pirates clad in tricorn hats and dirty calico haggled over the price of the dagger owned by a certain Lieutenant of the British Royal Navy, snatched by a rowdy Spanish buccaneer.

Captain William Lawrence sat in the dimmest corner of the room, sipping at his drink and watching the brawl. "Sire," said his first mate, Hawkins, breaking the silence between the two. Lawrence averted his eyes to Hawkins. "Sire...the crew...no offence...are beginning to doubt...your ability to keep us safe and your skills as Captain of the Barnacle..." continued Hawkins hesitantly. To his surprise, Lawrence smiled. "The crew know not where we are headed and believe it is a foolish choice to remain in New Providence as the British Royal Navy are on our tails, with a heavy price on our heads," continued Hawkins, gaining confidence.

"Nine years and four moons I've been captain of my beloved Barnacle, and for two years and seven moons I've served for the East India Trading Company, now my faithful crew is uncertain that I am capable?" Lawrence chuckled. "Seriously, sire," Hawkins said. "The HMS Victory is gaining on us this very instant. Ever since we decided to think it was a good idea to steal three dozen guns and eight kegs of gunpowder under the Admiral's nose, they've increased their efforts to get us."

"Oh really?" Lawrence inclined his head, only just seeming to realise the extent of the problem. He leaned forward, looking around for eavesdroppers. "Have you been to Singapore? I've got a plan. Unfortunately, I'm still in the process of developing it and we're out of rum. I say, let's collect all who still remain loyal to me and recruit some of those blokes over there"-he gestured to the heap of wrestling drunks- "and we'll depart first opportunity we get, savvy?"

Mischievous grins appeared on the faces of both men simultaneously. "Aye," replied Hawkins,clinking his mug against his captain's.