After BlackJack’s meeting with Madame Sylvie, he walked through the compound to the stables. Once there, he prepared his horse for the long ride back to Calais. It didn’t take long for him to finish saddling the horse, and he was off. As he approached the gate, Madame Sylvie was there waiting for him. Standing on a small carriage boarding platform, she watched him approach. Watching her watch him, he realized that while somewhat diminutive, she was probably the single most powerful woman in France. She stood there, regally, in her long flowing gown, red shot through with gold, in the current fashion in the courts of England and France. The hat that protected her from the sun was tilted low over her brow, with the gold feathers sweeping back over the deep blood red wrappings around her hair. He pulled up his horse at the platform.
“My lady Sylvie,” he nodded. “I am honored that ye’ve chosen to see me off, but tis not necessary. I do know my way out.” He laughed, and turned back over his shoulder as he heard hooves clattering behind him. Two proud percheron stallions were pulling a carriage forward towards the platform. Sylvie turned and smiled sweetly, as he moved his horse to one side, so that the carriage could be pulled to the platform.
“Do not over flatter yourself, my dear Captain. I happen to have business in Calais myself, so shall accompany you on the afternoon’s journey to the city. After all, I have a ship load of cargo to get to my factors to be sold and profited from.” She smiled again. “You DO want a share of the profit, don’t you? If I can get the items sold before you put to sea, you may be able to use the funds on your current mission.” I also wish to acquire some sort of messaging system, possibly some pigeons, for you to keep me informed of your progress.”
“Unfortunately, Sylvie, pigeons are of no value once we cross the ocean, exceptin as food.” He chuckled as she made a face. “Ye’ve no issue with eatin birds here in yer home, but do with us doin the same at sea? I thought ye were better than that, lass. Ye’d be a bit surprised at what we usually eat whilst at sea.”
Sylvie boarded the carriage, and it rolled towards the gate before she spoke again. As BlackJack pulled his horse alongside her window so that they could speak as they traveled, she began again. “You know better than most the struggle to survive I have had, Jack. I shall speak frankly, and remind you that while I have worked my way to learning the ways of a Courtesan, and now run the largest and most popular house in France, I have lived in the streets.” She plucked at the white lace around her neck. “You know that when I was born, my fate was to be much worse than this. The fact that I have turned my adversity into a successful life, much as you have done yourself, shows the type of people we are. I know the nuns at your orphanage in London would never recognize you, just as any family of mine that may still be alive would not recognize me. Many things change every day, people live and die, and only those who are in control of their lives can be happy. It’s my personal belief that many of my ladies who serve in the Noble houses here in Calais, and even in Paris and Marseilles, are among the most intelligent, most skilled, and quickest thinking of many of the men who are in charge of those same houses. You know that is why my ladies go through all the training they do. They know how to read and write multiple civilized languages, they can cook, sew, know mathematics, and more. And that is not even counting the more “gentle” skills that each learn to keep their men happy. Do not even BEGIN to lecture me on what your life is like, because you will find no sympathy from me, Captain.” With that, she closed the blinds on her window, and did not speak again. BlackJack shrugged and rode ahead.
Four hours later, a tired and sore BlackJack finally saw the city walls of Calais in the distance. Turning around, he rode back the short distance to the carriage following him. Pulling along the carriage, he spoke as formally as he could. “Madame Sylvie, we are approaching Calais. If you have no further need of me, I shall be on my way to check on my ship. Most likely we shall sail on the morning tide. I shall send word as often as is possible as to our status.”
The curtain slid aside, and Sylvie peered out. “Very well, I shall endeavor to get whatever I can to you by the time you put to sea. I wish you luck in dealing with Sir Francis Drake, and hope that you are able to escape Queen Elizabeth’s noose.” As he turned his horse to depart, she called again. “BlackJack! I apologize for speaking in anger as I did earlier. These are dangerous times, and I would be unhappy if the last we spoke to each other in this world were words of anger. I bear you no ill will, and sincerely hope that we shall continue to be friends for many years to come.”
A grin split BlackJack’s beard as he replied, “No worries lass, I understand. You’re a woman, yer very nature is to be contrary as hells. Seriously, though, I accept your apology, and offer me own as well. As usual, my words came out afore me brain could think about what I was sayin. Nothin new there, I’m sure you know. This Drake thing has me a bit on edge, and am wantin to be to sea as quick as I can.” He then nodded to her, and spurred his horse to a gallop towards the city wall.
Shortly thereafter, he stopped at the inn where he first met Magnus the evening before. Handing the horse over to a stable boy along with a gold coin, he walked inside. He walked straight to the Innkeeper, and put two gold pieces on the bar. “I’m in need of a couple of things, lad. Gimme what I need, and these be yours. First, I need to know if any have been around askin questions about me.” When the innkeeper shook his head, still watching the coins, BlackJack shoved one towards him. Keeping his hand on the other, she spoke again. “Question number two. Have ye ever seen me, or know which way The Raptor be headin?” The man, numbly reaching for the coin, shook his head again as he spoke.
“I ain’t never heard of BlackJack Flint, or The Raptor, so can’t tell anyone who ye are or where ye went.” BlackJack laughed, handed over the coin, and walked out.
Shortly thereafter, he was climbing the gangplank to his ship, and started shouting as he came aboard. “Mr. Thomas! I need a report, now! All officers, in my cabin, immediately! Bosun, make preparations to set sail with the mornin tide! All hands, hop to, and MOVE!” Men immediately began scrambling about as he went below to his cabin, to begin to prepare his next move, and discuss the situation with his officers.
Once the officers were gathered, he poured himself a drink, and looked about the room. “Well lads, we’ve done it again. That ship we took on the way to Lisbon has turned out to cause us an issue. Well, it turns out that the fop that died when we took her was some relation to Elizabeth. Now word has reached me that Drake is hunting us, with orders to bring me to Elizabeth. Magnus wasn’t sure as of last night if that’s a dead or alive thing, or what. We’ll be settin sail in the mornin, and headed south. Me intent is to get around Good Hope as quick as we can, and lie low near Singapore for a bit. Maybe we can avoid him, or if we’re REALLY lucky, the sea will sink him at the Cape, and not us. Now, here’s where we see what’s what. Mr. Thomas, I need to know how our provisions are for the journey. I also need to know the condition of the ship, were ye able ta get divers over this mornin ta inspect? And finally, how many of the crew made it back to the ship this mornin?”
Mr. Thomas stood and began his report. “We’ve got enough provisions on board to last us about 3 weeks currently. With what we can get on board tonight, we should be able to extend that to a month. We have enough powder and shot for the cannons and small arms for several battles, if need be. Divers are over the side now, and should have a report on the hull shortly. As soon as I get it, I will let you know. Inspections on board are revealing no major leaks, the few small ones have been or are in the process of being repaired now. We have reports of two crewmen having gotten themselves arrested last night, and one was found floating in the harbor shortly afore you arrived. I think that about covers everything as you requested at this time.”
“Very good, Mr. Thomas,” BlackJack replied. Turning to the rest of the officers, he asked, “Do any of ye have anything further to add?” Looking around the room to negative responses, he turned back to Mr. Thomas. “Then ye have yer orders, lads, let’s get ready to heave to. Mr. Thomas, keep an eye out, Madame Sylvie said she’s goin ta attempt to get us our cut of the Pride’s cargo profits afore we leave in the mornin. She knows our first stop is going to be Lisbon, and Magnus will have information for us there, or one of his operatives will be there. Dismissed, gentlemen.” The men all got up and left BlackJack to his thoughts, as he sipped his whiskey and stared out the windows of his cabin.
© 2010 Jack Black of Flint
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Raptor's Tale, Part Two: by Cap'n Jack Black of Flint
The sun was just beginning to set as The Raptor’s crew secured the harbor pilot’s skiff to the side. Cap’n “Black” Jack Flint, Lord and Master of the ship, extended a hand to the short, heavy set man climbing the ladder up to the deck.
“Here ye be, lad, lemme give ye a hand,” Flint spoke quietly as he pulled the man on deck. “Welcome aboard me ship, lad, now, tell me who ye are?”
In a snooty tone, the man looked at Flint and spoke. “I am Sebastien Philippe de La Havre, Harbor Master for His Royal Majesty, King Henry IV, and I demand to know who YOU are, coming into my harbor on the evening tide. Protocol dictates that you shall wait the night outside the port, and have your ship brought in on the morning tide.”
Flint grinned and replied, “Ye obviously were’na listenin, lad, since I told ye who I was. But since ye seem ta be a bit thick headed, I’ll say it again. I be Captain BlackJack Flint, this is me ship. I’m in Calais on business, and I’ll be thankin ye ta get me ship ta the docks, so that I can get ABOUT me business. The ladies waitin fer me don’ like ta be kept waitin.”
De La Havre looked at Flint and asked, “Just who would you have business with at this hour of the night? There are NO good businesses open after sundown, so you MUST be up to trouble!”
“If’n ye REALLY wanna know, me business be with the Maison de la Rouge. I’m fairly certain ye’ve heard of them, and I KNOW King Henry has. So, if’n ye please, get yer pudgy arse up to the wheel, and tell me helmsman where I can put me damned ship, afore I get angry, cut yer damned throat, and toss ye overboard now!”, Flint growled in a low, menacing tone. The man yelped, and ran to the wheel, to aid Mr. Bradley in docking the ship. Flint chuckled softly and winked at his first mate, Mr. Thomas, over the harbor master’s head. “Amazin just what kind of power Madame Sylvie’s name has, isn’t it, lads?”
Two hours later, with the ship safely secured to the pier, Flint was giving orders to Mr. Thomas. “All right lad, I’m taking a small chest with a sampling of the jewels and cloth to Madame Sylvie. Keep the rest secure and dry, and I am willin ta bet that she’ll have a cart here tomorrow sometime to get the rest. Keep the mid and day watches aboard, liberty for the rest. Standard port rules apply, no booze or women aboard, and start checkin fer damage to both the ship and provisions in the morn.” Thomas saluted, and Flint walked down the gangplank, chest under his left arm.
Walking down the pier, Flint noticed a shadow in a doorway. He casually dropped a throwing blade from a hidden sheath into his palm. As he got within range to throw, the shadow spoke. “Stay yer blade, brother. It’s me, Magnus.” The shadow stepped forward, and it was as if the shadows themselves took form.
Magnus Pale, as he was known, was a wiry man, known for his expertise at gathering information, as well as more “artistic” talents. “Madame Sylvie sent me to watch fer ya. There’s strange things afoot, brother, I suggest we away quickly. I’ve already sent a coded message to yer Mr. Thomas advising him to prepare to put to sea as quickly as possible. I’ve horses this way.” Pale moved quickly towards a small alcove between two buildings, leading out two saddled horses. Flint began to secure the chest behind his saddle as he spoke.
“A’right Magnus, what the bloody hell is goin on? I’ve not even been in port two hours, and a’ready I’m in trouble? Even I am not THAT good.” And then a thought struck him. “The Elizabeth’s Pride. Bloody hell, that damned clumsy captain was related to someone important, wasn’t she????” The two men began to ride towards the south gate before Magnus spoke again.
“Ye know, BlackJack, all the years I’ve known ye, I’ve never known ye to make a move that stupid. Ye took out a ship belonging to the Queen of England, and killed one of her royal cousins.” Magnus raised a hand to cut off complaint, and continued. “That man was apparently one of Elizabeth’s favorite cousins, whom she thought highly of. Now the word is that her pet Privateer, Sir Francis Drake is after ye. I’ve orders ta get ye to the Maison de la Rouge, and let ye discuss things with Sylvie. Now let’s get out of here, while the gold I paid the guards at the gate to let us by is still worth somethin!”
With that, both men put their heels to horse, and galloped through the dark streets of Calais, into the night.
After about two hours of hard riding to the south and east, the men slowed the horses to a walk. Flint thought a few moments, then addressed Magnus again. “Tell me, brother, what news of the House? Business is well, I hope? I’m not goin ta get attacked by Sylvie’s brutes when I walk in there, am I?”
Magnus laughed heartily. “And what if they do, my brother? You know as well as I do that every single one of them was trained by the two of us sittin here, and I know full well ye didna show them ALL yer tricks, just as I held back as well. We’ve been livin this life far too long to expect anyone to not try to stab us in the back. And now, I’ve other duties, ye know the way from here, I wager?”
“Aye, lad. Straight on til mornin. Even I can’t get lost here… I’ve made this journey too many times. I’ll see ye after?”
“Aye, BlackJack. After. No worries about the cart, the arrangements have been made, the rest of the goods for the house should be offloaded and on their way by dawn. Tell Sylvie that she should expect the rest of the goods in two days. Try to stay outta trouble, a’right?” Magnus turned his horse, waved, and rode off into the darkness. Flint continued on his way to his final stop for the evening.
The sunrise found a tired dirty man approaching a large mansion, set in the middle of nowhere, on a lane lined with shade trees. As he saw the mansion grow in his vision, he pulled himself up straighter in the saddle, attempting to look more awake than he felt.. As he got within range, Flint could make out the bowmen on the roof, as well as the slack way that the men at the gate were only half watching him. Chuckling softly, Flint dropped his throwing knife from it’s hidden sheath yet again, knowing he was going to get to use it this time.
As he got into throwing range, one guard finally took notice of him, too late. The guard never even saw Flint move, and found his right shoulder pinned to the wooden door he was leaning against. The second guard quickly found himself in a similar predicament, as he was also pinned. Flint then quickly jumped from the saddle, drawing a pistol in his left hand, and cutlass in his right.
“Now, lads, I know ye were taught better than that. Why in the hells are ye sittin here letting yerself be taken so easily? This isn’t what Madame Sylvie pays ye for, is it? Or are ye getting lazy with the knowledge that yer Mistress be getting so powerful that most think it folly ta attack her?” Both men looked at each other, and didn’t answer. Flint laughed, and continued. “Do ye not even recognize the man who trained ye both? I realize it’s been nigh on a year since I’ve been gone, but do ye both have rocks in yer skulls?”
At the last statement, the doors began to open, dragging the stuck guards with it. Flint laughed at the two tripping over their feet as they were dragged into the grounds. As the doors came fully open, Flint found himself face to face with Madame Sylvie’s Housecarl.
“Captain, I see you have made it here safely, including your usual theatrics. Madame Sylvie is waiting for you in the main lounge. Breakfast will be there shortly as well. However, looking at and smelling you, I think a bath and clean clothes would be in order first. I shall tell Madame Sylvie that you are delayed.” The Housecarl clapped his hands, and servants came forward. Two stable boys quickly took the horse towards the stables, while a third handed the chest from behind the saddle to Flint. “I shall take that to Madame Sylvie, so that she may inspect the contents whilst you are in your bath, Captain.” Flint, knowing he would not win this battle, chose silence, handing over the chest, and allowing two more servants to lead him to the bathing area.
Two hours later, Flint found himself freshly scrubbed, shaved, and in clean clothes. He walked into Madame Sylvie’s main lounge, feeling quite relaxed. As he approached, he saw Sylvie sitting at the large round table, the chest he carried in front of her.
“Madame Sylvie,” Flint spoke, as he knelt, kissing her hand. “It does my heart good to see you well. I trust ye’ve had few problems in my absence? Magnus was as norm, maddeningly short on details.” He then took a seat next to her, which seemed to be the cue for servants to bring out platters of steaming eggs, sausage, croissants, and tea. Flint fell to with a will, piling food on the plate in front of him, while he waited for Sylvie to speak.
“It has been some time since you last graced our halls, Captain, and it is quite apparent that your manners have not improved with time. I know when last you were with us, we had finally gotten you to start using utensils properly. It would appear that your time at sea with your men has caused a reversion of your old habits. However, if the rest of your cargo meets the quality of the sample you have brought with you, we shall once again, be able to do business. Magnus gave me assurances that the rest of the delivery should be here by tomorrow latest, having arranged for the porters to remove it from your ship and onto the wagons during the night. Now, when you are done eating, we can discuss the more important issues that face you now. Of that business, one would have to consider Sir Francis Drake to be of your highest priority. Unfortunately, due to your current situation, you will be unable to see the others, as you will be leaving as soon as we are concluded here. I have already arranged with my merchants at the pier to give Mr. Thomas whatever he needs to get your ship ready for a month at sea, and for the bill to come to me. With the materials coming, it will be some time before I will be able to pay you your share, so I shall take payment for the stores out of that money. I hope you understand and can agree with this arrangement?”
Pouring them both a cup of tea, Flint leaned back in his chair. “Well, Madame, it would appear that ye’ve the advantage in our dealings this day. Whilst I agree with ye, that I must need put to sea quickly, I will trust that our previous business arrangements will set the tone of our futures, and that you will deal fairly. We’ve known each other too long, since before you started this household, and know too much about each other to hurt each other. Even Magnus doesn’t know the full extent of what we have done for each other in the past. Some secrets of yours I will take to the grave, as I gave my oath. That said, you are right, I must put out to sea quickly, but I need information first. I’m told that the “Elizabeth’s Pride” captain was a favored cousin of Queen Elizabeth herself, and that she has sent her fop after me.” Sylvie nodded, and he continued. “What I need now, is to know his last known position, and any and all information concerning how he is currently traveling. Single ship, fleet, how many guns and crew he has. I need to determine what is going to be better, to attempt to hide, or take the battle to him.”
Sylvie took her cup of tea, and nodded. “I will attempt to get the information you need. You are right, Drake is a fop, but he is one of the most dangerous fops on the seas, from all accounts. His victories seven years ago against the Spanish will live forever.”
Flint thought for a few moments, and made his decision. “Okay, if you can get the information about Drakes fleet, I would appreciate it. Use Magnus’ network, and have it waitin for me when I get to Lisbon. I don’t really want ta be sailin along the English coast right now, but if I can get enough of a lead, that will help. Also, let word get to Drake that I am runnin fer the Cape of Good Hope. Just give me three days head start a’fore ye leak that information, if’n ye please. I think if the ship’s ready ta sail when I get there, we can put out immediately. It’ll take the better part of a week to get to Lisbon this time of year, but if we can get enough of a lead on Drake, we might be able to take him, and rid the world of him.”
Sylvie looked at Flint, and sighed. “If you think that this is your best course of action, then I shall wish you luck. I think that mayhaps you are overreacting, but I have yet to get all of the information back on how close Elizabeth was to this cousin you killed. I shall pass your regrets to the others who wished to see you, as I do agree, you needs be off immediately. Magnus or one of his most trusted will be in Lisbon awaiting your arrival, and will have the most current and accurate information I can get for you. Please do travel safely, and come back in one piece. You have been part of our enterprise here from the beginning, and I would take it as a personal insult if someone were to remove you from my employ. Take care, my captain, and know that all within the Masion de la Rouge wish you and your crew a safe journey.”
Flint stood, bowed, and began to walk away. Stopping at the door, he turned and grinned. “No worries, lass. If I’m destined to die at the hands of some fop, I’d have been killed years ago. I’ll take care of Drake, and come back with some silks and spices for you in the bargain!” He then spun on his heel and walked off.
© 2010 Jack Black of Flint
“Here ye be, lad, lemme give ye a hand,” Flint spoke quietly as he pulled the man on deck. “Welcome aboard me ship, lad, now, tell me who ye are?”
In a snooty tone, the man looked at Flint and spoke. “I am Sebastien Philippe de La Havre, Harbor Master for His Royal Majesty, King Henry IV, and I demand to know who YOU are, coming into my harbor on the evening tide. Protocol dictates that you shall wait the night outside the port, and have your ship brought in on the morning tide.”
Flint grinned and replied, “Ye obviously were’na listenin, lad, since I told ye who I was. But since ye seem ta be a bit thick headed, I’ll say it again. I be Captain BlackJack Flint, this is me ship. I’m in Calais on business, and I’ll be thankin ye ta get me ship ta the docks, so that I can get ABOUT me business. The ladies waitin fer me don’ like ta be kept waitin.”
De La Havre looked at Flint and asked, “Just who would you have business with at this hour of the night? There are NO good businesses open after sundown, so you MUST be up to trouble!”
“If’n ye REALLY wanna know, me business be with the Maison de la Rouge. I’m fairly certain ye’ve heard of them, and I KNOW King Henry has. So, if’n ye please, get yer pudgy arse up to the wheel, and tell me helmsman where I can put me damned ship, afore I get angry, cut yer damned throat, and toss ye overboard now!”, Flint growled in a low, menacing tone. The man yelped, and ran to the wheel, to aid Mr. Bradley in docking the ship. Flint chuckled softly and winked at his first mate, Mr. Thomas, over the harbor master’s head. “Amazin just what kind of power Madame Sylvie’s name has, isn’t it, lads?”
Two hours later, with the ship safely secured to the pier, Flint was giving orders to Mr. Thomas. “All right lad, I’m taking a small chest with a sampling of the jewels and cloth to Madame Sylvie. Keep the rest secure and dry, and I am willin ta bet that she’ll have a cart here tomorrow sometime to get the rest. Keep the mid and day watches aboard, liberty for the rest. Standard port rules apply, no booze or women aboard, and start checkin fer damage to both the ship and provisions in the morn.” Thomas saluted, and Flint walked down the gangplank, chest under his left arm.
Walking down the pier, Flint noticed a shadow in a doorway. He casually dropped a throwing blade from a hidden sheath into his palm. As he got within range to throw, the shadow spoke. “Stay yer blade, brother. It’s me, Magnus.” The shadow stepped forward, and it was as if the shadows themselves took form.
Magnus Pale, as he was known, was a wiry man, known for his expertise at gathering information, as well as more “artistic” talents. “Madame Sylvie sent me to watch fer ya. There’s strange things afoot, brother, I suggest we away quickly. I’ve already sent a coded message to yer Mr. Thomas advising him to prepare to put to sea as quickly as possible. I’ve horses this way.” Pale moved quickly towards a small alcove between two buildings, leading out two saddled horses. Flint began to secure the chest behind his saddle as he spoke.
“A’right Magnus, what the bloody hell is goin on? I’ve not even been in port two hours, and a’ready I’m in trouble? Even I am not THAT good.” And then a thought struck him. “The Elizabeth’s Pride. Bloody hell, that damned clumsy captain was related to someone important, wasn’t she????” The two men began to ride towards the south gate before Magnus spoke again.
“Ye know, BlackJack, all the years I’ve known ye, I’ve never known ye to make a move that stupid. Ye took out a ship belonging to the Queen of England, and killed one of her royal cousins.” Magnus raised a hand to cut off complaint, and continued. “That man was apparently one of Elizabeth’s favorite cousins, whom she thought highly of. Now the word is that her pet Privateer, Sir Francis Drake is after ye. I’ve orders ta get ye to the Maison de la Rouge, and let ye discuss things with Sylvie. Now let’s get out of here, while the gold I paid the guards at the gate to let us by is still worth somethin!”
With that, both men put their heels to horse, and galloped through the dark streets of Calais, into the night.
After about two hours of hard riding to the south and east, the men slowed the horses to a walk. Flint thought a few moments, then addressed Magnus again. “Tell me, brother, what news of the House? Business is well, I hope? I’m not goin ta get attacked by Sylvie’s brutes when I walk in there, am I?”
Magnus laughed heartily. “And what if they do, my brother? You know as well as I do that every single one of them was trained by the two of us sittin here, and I know full well ye didna show them ALL yer tricks, just as I held back as well. We’ve been livin this life far too long to expect anyone to not try to stab us in the back. And now, I’ve other duties, ye know the way from here, I wager?”
“Aye, lad. Straight on til mornin. Even I can’t get lost here… I’ve made this journey too many times. I’ll see ye after?”
“Aye, BlackJack. After. No worries about the cart, the arrangements have been made, the rest of the goods for the house should be offloaded and on their way by dawn. Tell Sylvie that she should expect the rest of the goods in two days. Try to stay outta trouble, a’right?” Magnus turned his horse, waved, and rode off into the darkness. Flint continued on his way to his final stop for the evening.
The sunrise found a tired dirty man approaching a large mansion, set in the middle of nowhere, on a lane lined with shade trees. As he saw the mansion grow in his vision, he pulled himself up straighter in the saddle, attempting to look more awake than he felt.. As he got within range, Flint could make out the bowmen on the roof, as well as the slack way that the men at the gate were only half watching him. Chuckling softly, Flint dropped his throwing knife from it’s hidden sheath yet again, knowing he was going to get to use it this time.
As he got into throwing range, one guard finally took notice of him, too late. The guard never even saw Flint move, and found his right shoulder pinned to the wooden door he was leaning against. The second guard quickly found himself in a similar predicament, as he was also pinned. Flint then quickly jumped from the saddle, drawing a pistol in his left hand, and cutlass in his right.
“Now, lads, I know ye were taught better than that. Why in the hells are ye sittin here letting yerself be taken so easily? This isn’t what Madame Sylvie pays ye for, is it? Or are ye getting lazy with the knowledge that yer Mistress be getting so powerful that most think it folly ta attack her?” Both men looked at each other, and didn’t answer. Flint laughed, and continued. “Do ye not even recognize the man who trained ye both? I realize it’s been nigh on a year since I’ve been gone, but do ye both have rocks in yer skulls?”
At the last statement, the doors began to open, dragging the stuck guards with it. Flint laughed at the two tripping over their feet as they were dragged into the grounds. As the doors came fully open, Flint found himself face to face with Madame Sylvie’s Housecarl.
“Captain, I see you have made it here safely, including your usual theatrics. Madame Sylvie is waiting for you in the main lounge. Breakfast will be there shortly as well. However, looking at and smelling you, I think a bath and clean clothes would be in order first. I shall tell Madame Sylvie that you are delayed.” The Housecarl clapped his hands, and servants came forward. Two stable boys quickly took the horse towards the stables, while a third handed the chest from behind the saddle to Flint. “I shall take that to Madame Sylvie, so that she may inspect the contents whilst you are in your bath, Captain.” Flint, knowing he would not win this battle, chose silence, handing over the chest, and allowing two more servants to lead him to the bathing area.
Two hours later, Flint found himself freshly scrubbed, shaved, and in clean clothes. He walked into Madame Sylvie’s main lounge, feeling quite relaxed. As he approached, he saw Sylvie sitting at the large round table, the chest he carried in front of her.
“Madame Sylvie,” Flint spoke, as he knelt, kissing her hand. “It does my heart good to see you well. I trust ye’ve had few problems in my absence? Magnus was as norm, maddeningly short on details.” He then took a seat next to her, which seemed to be the cue for servants to bring out platters of steaming eggs, sausage, croissants, and tea. Flint fell to with a will, piling food on the plate in front of him, while he waited for Sylvie to speak.
“It has been some time since you last graced our halls, Captain, and it is quite apparent that your manners have not improved with time. I know when last you were with us, we had finally gotten you to start using utensils properly. It would appear that your time at sea with your men has caused a reversion of your old habits. However, if the rest of your cargo meets the quality of the sample you have brought with you, we shall once again, be able to do business. Magnus gave me assurances that the rest of the delivery should be here by tomorrow latest, having arranged for the porters to remove it from your ship and onto the wagons during the night. Now, when you are done eating, we can discuss the more important issues that face you now. Of that business, one would have to consider Sir Francis Drake to be of your highest priority. Unfortunately, due to your current situation, you will be unable to see the others, as you will be leaving as soon as we are concluded here. I have already arranged with my merchants at the pier to give Mr. Thomas whatever he needs to get your ship ready for a month at sea, and for the bill to come to me. With the materials coming, it will be some time before I will be able to pay you your share, so I shall take payment for the stores out of that money. I hope you understand and can agree with this arrangement?”
Pouring them both a cup of tea, Flint leaned back in his chair. “Well, Madame, it would appear that ye’ve the advantage in our dealings this day. Whilst I agree with ye, that I must need put to sea quickly, I will trust that our previous business arrangements will set the tone of our futures, and that you will deal fairly. We’ve known each other too long, since before you started this household, and know too much about each other to hurt each other. Even Magnus doesn’t know the full extent of what we have done for each other in the past. Some secrets of yours I will take to the grave, as I gave my oath. That said, you are right, I must put out to sea quickly, but I need information first. I’m told that the “Elizabeth’s Pride” captain was a favored cousin of Queen Elizabeth herself, and that she has sent her fop after me.” Sylvie nodded, and he continued. “What I need now, is to know his last known position, and any and all information concerning how he is currently traveling. Single ship, fleet, how many guns and crew he has. I need to determine what is going to be better, to attempt to hide, or take the battle to him.”
Sylvie took her cup of tea, and nodded. “I will attempt to get the information you need. You are right, Drake is a fop, but he is one of the most dangerous fops on the seas, from all accounts. His victories seven years ago against the Spanish will live forever.”
Flint thought for a few moments, and made his decision. “Okay, if you can get the information about Drakes fleet, I would appreciate it. Use Magnus’ network, and have it waitin for me when I get to Lisbon. I don’t really want ta be sailin along the English coast right now, but if I can get enough of a lead, that will help. Also, let word get to Drake that I am runnin fer the Cape of Good Hope. Just give me three days head start a’fore ye leak that information, if’n ye please. I think if the ship’s ready ta sail when I get there, we can put out immediately. It’ll take the better part of a week to get to Lisbon this time of year, but if we can get enough of a lead on Drake, we might be able to take him, and rid the world of him.”
Sylvie looked at Flint, and sighed. “If you think that this is your best course of action, then I shall wish you luck. I think that mayhaps you are overreacting, but I have yet to get all of the information back on how close Elizabeth was to this cousin you killed. I shall pass your regrets to the others who wished to see you, as I do agree, you needs be off immediately. Magnus or one of his most trusted will be in Lisbon awaiting your arrival, and will have the most current and accurate information I can get for you. Please do travel safely, and come back in one piece. You have been part of our enterprise here from the beginning, and I would take it as a personal insult if someone were to remove you from my employ. Take care, my captain, and know that all within the Masion de la Rouge wish you and your crew a safe journey.”
Flint stood, bowed, and began to walk away. Stopping at the door, he turned and grinned. “No worries, lass. If I’m destined to die at the hands of some fop, I’d have been killed years ago. I’ll take care of Drake, and come back with some silks and spices for you in the bargain!” He then spun on his heel and walked off.
© 2010 Jack Black of Flint
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