Hawkes of the Sea: a pirate fantasy

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

Monique's fervent proposal brings a ghost of a smile to my lips. Her devotion to Elizabeth is strong and I doubt not under other circumstances this might just be the wisest course.

"A thought to consider, Monique," I say. "And it may well yet come to that. Yet, there is more here than this note describes. And before resorting to that, I would consider all of what is taking place here.

"I have spoken with my foster father and he has told me that there is something...wrong, something evil abroad on the island, though he could not give me a closer answer than that. Before we plan our attack, I want all of the information we can garner.

"Bart, from what this Black Raven has said, she has some connection to you. What can you tell me of her, if anything? Or this magician of seth?"

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Amanda Lancaster

I kneel before the Captain, Elizabeth, wanting to scream to her of my love for Jeremiah and our need to escape. Nay, I shall not for I fear for the safety of my beloved. I hear her voice and it calms me, knowing that she is alive and safe for the time.

I wonder what she would do if she knew the truth of her brother's love for me. Would she rejoice? Or would she harm me in some way? I stay in my position awaiting my fate, praying that the magician has enough feelings for our love making that he will not betray me with his words.

 

[BLACK BART]

I stand among friends and comrades, who I have known and fought beside for many years. We have shared the bounties and glories of victory time and time again, and have shared the pain of losing as well. But at this moment I stand alone.....

I have witnessed Monique's rage and desire for revenge, as only minutes earlier I myself had done and felt myself. But with the mention of a single name, all has changed, the past I had left so long ago has returned to me.

"Captain Hawke" I say soberly "The name Black Raven has great significance to me, Aye twas the name of me fathers ship, and the name he gave to his first born"

"We face a great threat, larger than any we have faced on the open seas, more powerful than the greatest storm we have weathered on this isle" I warn him "Aye, the name Black Raven has meaning to me, for the last time those words were spoken, I witnessed the death of my father and mother,and the kidnapping of my only sibling."

Turning slowly I face Monique, and speak to her, as well as all gathered here.

"Monique, we have been mates, and have shared our blood and our sweat. In all that we have done together I have never lied to you, or deceived you." My eyes search for hers, and as I see her return my stare, I tell her as gently as I can. "You will not touch the Black Raven, nay, You will not harm her in any shape or form, or you will face my sword.

Monique's eyes widen then narrow into slits, at my quiet warning, and her weakened body drops into a warriors crouch, ready to attack, as I continue.

"No one will harm the Raven, for they will have to cross over my lifeless body to do so" I state loudly, to insure all hear and understand. "I can do no less, than to defend my own flesh and blood"

Where the room was devoid of sound but a minute before, there is now a roar of voices, raised in confusion. My past has returned to the present it seems, and with it a heavy price.....


"Captain" I say loudly, over the voices "The evil we face is not in the form of who you think, rather it comes in the guise as a magician, a dark lord of the Seth cult, who calls himself Jose Miguel Antonio Delgado"

I stand watching, my eyes alert, my hand on the butt of my greatsword, am I to face the people in thi room as my friends....or my enemies.....

 

[BadForm]

Monique Papin: Memories of Dreaming

It is the suddenness of his threat which makes me drop to a defensive stance, but this is Black Bart, the man whose bed I shared before my Carlos. And it also explains my dream, or what little I saw of it. I saw not him as a woman, but his sister. And that is family. I must trust to my ally to deal with her as is right, and I must show him that is so.

"Oui, Bart. I will not harm your sister. Mais... if she harms ma capitaine, you will feel all our blades. We trust you, mon ami. Stay worthy of that trust."

 

[Inkubus]

Captain Carlos de la Vega

I stand helping Monique, but I am numb during the entire scene. I stand there with a hollow feeling, of agreement and regret, of anger and cold malice. In truth this is far from what I expected and somehow, it is exactly what i feel will come. If not from me then someone else. I knew this day would come. all tyranys taste tyranny sooner or later, the price of living by steel is eventually tasting it. In the midst of this chaootic storm is Monique, she is so driven and so loyal. I choose to be supportive ...for now. In all things I am first Moniques, everything else I will deal with later. Let us see what the gods have in store for us.

 

[wildxfire]

antonio

I hear the words of scorn, coming from Lady Elizabeths mouth, the tone of them making it all too apparent of her hatred for me.

"Be warned, Lady Hawke" I tell her gently "I am a warrior and a patriot for my country, as much as you are for your small isle. As a gentleman I would not permit unnecessary harm to come to you"

My eyes take in her raw image, one of courage, fire and beauty, as she stands before us in defiance.

"But as a warrior and a patriot, I will use all means at my disposal to insure our Spanish people to be freed from your brothers grasp" I continue, a steely edge creeping into my voice "No matter how repugnant the means may be"

Turning, I walk from her, and the sweet woman at her feet, urging Maria to join me. Side by side we walk from the cavern, and pass through the solid rock barrier, leaving them entombed in their prison.

"We must release the horde, to swarm this isle with their unholy presence" I say sadly to Maria "For I fear Captain Jeremiah is more rebellious then his sister, and will not grant our freedom easily"

"You must now go, and take our word to the Captain, we are ready to release his sister, in trade for our noble peoples freedom" I instruct her, fearing I may be sending her to meet her end. "I will be with you in spirit, and heart, Mi amor"

 

[BLACK BART]

Monique's words of reason are calming, the eye of the storm, perhaps. Her concern for all around her despite her weakened condition, and her loyalty to them is touching.

"Aye, that will be so, there will be no harm to the Hawkes, at my hand or my sisters. I am responsible for her actions as well as my own, now." I tell her gently, offering her my hand to help her back to her resting place. Nodding at de la Vega "As you are for his"

Returning to my Captain, I request of him "Perhaps twould be the time for us all to meet the Raven, and to query her of her plans?"

Behind me I feel Clarrissa, coming up silently, her hand upon my shoulder. Instinctively she knows of my fears, and strives to give me her strength.

"Aye, sweet Rissa" I say to her "Tis an evil time, that has come upon us, the past and present melding, testing our strengths and our hearts"

 

[SexyChele]

Maria Elena

I have stood and watched proudly as mi corazon has done bravely. I knew instinctively that he meant no harm to come to either woman, yet he was willing to fight for the cause so close to his and that which has become so close to mine.

As he tells me my instructions, I consider the gravity of entering Hawke Hall and facing Jeramiah and that evil hearted one of a first mate. I go facing peril, but I know I do not go alone, for my love, my Antonio goes with me.

Reaching up, I entwine my arms about his neck as my lips seek his, and am rewarded by the passion of his embrace and kiss. Standing back, I wrap the cloak about my shoulders and bring the hood low over my face. I give my love one last look before heading off towards Hawke Hall.

As I approach, I can clearly see that all have assembled and voices are raised. I enter quickly and without notice, as I keep towards the back of the room. I watch the evil one, fear gripping my heart. And then my eyes are drawn to the pirate captain, Hawke.

Standing away from the others, I allow the hood of my cloak to fall back down my shoulders as my dark hair tumbles around my shoulders. My head held high, I have nothing to fear..

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

I watch Black Bart and Monique narrowly, study the face of de la Vega carefully. Aye, there is much here still a mystery to me. Bart's ferocity at stating his desire to protect this "Black Raven" has caught me by surprise. I like it not that his loyalties might be put to such a test. Yet through the years and battles, I have come to depend upon him and Clarrissa, upon Monique and Mark.

Perhaps too much?

I shake my head to help clear my thoughts. Striding to the door, I call for a guard.

"Go to the guest quarters where the Spanish princess as she calls herself is currently residing. Take two others with you as well and bring her here."

I glance at Black Bart again.

"With all due courtesy and haste," I add.

Returning to my place at the table, I sit. The stoneware pot with the coffee in it is still warm. I pour a mug and sip, the sharp taste of it matching my acid mood.

"What then, may I ask, should we know ere our guest joins us?"

 

[SexyChele]

Maria Elena

Without looking to the left or to the right, I walk with pride and purpose towards this Jeremiah. Looking him squarely in the eyes, I let my face go blank of all expression.

"I have a message for the great and mighty Hawke. It regards your sister, the fair Elizabeth, and the possibility of her release."

I feel Jeremiah's eyes bore into me with contempt. But will not show fear - just the same contempt that is given to me.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

I look at the Spanish dancer who thought she slipped into the hall unnoticed. Only a hand signal to the guards nearby had kept her from be set upon. I had little doubt of why she was here, or whose emissary she was. Her sheer arrogance galls me.

"Well, so you have a message. From your master no doubt? Well, he has certainly managed to get one to us without putting anyone at risk. Perhaps he values you not so much to send this next one in person."

I gesture. "So, deliver your message."

 

[SexyChele]

Maria Elena

Inwardly, I bristle at Hawke's words. His arrogance is greater than any man I have ever known.....I will laugh in pleasure at his demise, I am sure, if that is to be what happens.

Standing tall and proud, banishing his words from my mind and keeping Antonio's face before me, I summon the courage to say what I have come here for...

"Captain Hawke, your sister Elizabeth is safe and without harm. Her safe release back to you will be secured......when you allow all those of Spanish birth, including those of high position, to leave this place unscathed. There is no wish to harm the fair Elizabeth, but rather to have her returned to your safe care. This can only be accomplished with the release of those people asked for. The decision is up to you."

Neither looking to the left nor to the right, I await his response.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

I stare at the woman increduously.

"That's it? That's your entire message?" I lift the note previously left for me. "You tell me nothing but what is contained in this."

Walking over to the wench, I stand before her and look her in the eyes. Slowly, I shake my head.

'Sooth, methinks your master has indeed grown bored with you, to send you into the den of lions with such a feeble reitieration of his own. As if he believes I might crush you for being no more than an annoyance. Or make of you some sacrifice whereby he might demand additional compensation.

"Aye, sneer as you might, lass. I have been about this business of prisoner redemption for some years now. Inevitably, pawns such as yourself, delivering redundant messages, are used for those very purposes. It is one of the most common ploys of such engagements. Especially among the Spanish.

"Well, your master underestimates me. I see no reason to do him such a favor as ridding him of one for whom he has no further use or has merely grown bored with. Let him dirty his own hands with your demise.

"You believe me not, this I can see in your eyes. Very well, then you may return this message to your master. This note and your words say Elizabeth is safe. Ere I agree to such an exchange, I would know that for myself. I would see and speak with her as that, too, is part of the custom when exchanging prisoners. Your master should know this.

"Come dawn tomorrow, I will meet with him under a flag of truce at a place of my choosing. Fifty miles it is to the north and twenty west. A clearing marked by a great red rock like unto a table in the center. If he brings Elizabeth and I am satisfied she is unharmed, then we will negotiate how to go about this exchange.

"Bear that message to your master, and he may yet hold it amusing to let you live a bit longer, perhaps finding purpose for you that your life be exteneded until this situation be resolved if for no other reason than you serve as a messenger."

I turn to the guards. "Escort her from here to the edge of the village and send her on her way. Do so with all courtesy, for it is ill fortune to harm one already bearing the mark of doom."

Deliberately, I turn my back on the woman and return to my place at the table as the guards gather about her and indicate she should leave.

 

[THEBRAT]

The Black Raven

I most be ready for the guards to come and take me to see Hawke. It is time for this Illusion of wearing a dress to be done away with.

I'm dressed in the clothes that I wear on my ship all in the color black.

The guards are here asking for the Spanish Princess I laugh out loud and say that you are looking at her take me to Hawke.

 

[SexyChele]

Maria Elena

My eyes fill with revulsion for this man. Such a black heart he has - almost more so than the one who sits next to him. HA! And the simpleton Amanda imagines this man knows love! This man loves only himself, and will only use those around him as he sees fit, speaking engagingly of false stories and rumors to bring those to his side.

As he retreats, I spit at the ground at his feet, while guards suddenly take hold of me. Before they can lead me out...

"I know of your deceptive stories 'Captain'. Those little quips that you tell to innocents to make them think that you have a heart to bring them to your side. In fact, your heart is black, isn't it Hawke? If you even have a heart! Yes, one day all of the little lies you spread about how honorable you are will be brought into the light, and you will stand convicted by them!

"Yes, I will tell him who sends me all you have told me. And I fear not for my life in his presence. Yet here, with you and the one you call your first mate, there is much to fear - there is evil in the midst here - evil dark and sinister!"

Shaking off the hands of the guards, I run quickly from the hall and into the night, seeking out the one who would be the fulfillment of my life.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

The laugh that comes to my lips at the wench's wilful ignorance dies ere it sounds. I find myself shaking my head sadly.

An' how would she know, this woman of the world who is at the same time such an innocent, I think. For I have not lied to her, nay, the truth itself is truly foul.

Among those of us who deal in kidnap and ransom, this very trick is even known as "the Spanish Twist". And while it is true I have done much evil in my time, and if the Fates allow, will do still more in my pursuit of what I deem justice for those whose cultures make them easy prey to possessors of steel and powder, never have I nor would I stoop so low.

The thought comes to me as a gibbering ghost. Pray tell, Jeremiah, whispers an inner voice I most often ignore. Do the ends you seek truly justify the means you employ? Has your purpose become but an excuse for overwe'ening pride and abuse of power?

I take a deep breath and force myself to focus. No time have I for such maudlin sentiments nor puling philosophizing. I am Jeremiah Hawke, sworn to a mission that Parliments may prate about, that laws may be made to uphold yet conveniently be ignored. An' if there be no other way to pursue the course, then I will go laughing to the Devil!

The guards escorting she who has referred to herself as "The Spanish Princess" and the "Black Raven" enter with her. I note Black Bart's jaw tighten at the sight of her, and her eyes flash at the sight of him. Idly, I wonder at her change of attire and by what means she acquired it, yet dismiss the thought for the moment.

Nodding, I indicate a chair at the end of the table and invite her sit.

"Now, I would hear your story, m'lady," I tell her, then look at Black Bart, "and your part in it as well, Bart."

 

[THEBRAT]

The Black Raven

Hawke! You wish to know how I changed my clothes? The clothes that you saw me wearing was nothing but an Illusion.

Monique my Brother speaks true I will not harm Hawke.I knew nothing about anything like the kidnapping of Elizabeth Hawke.

My story is one of pain,suffering,and rebellion.The Clan of Seth Tried to make of me a weapon of Destruction to kill you Hawke.But all that they have done was to seal their own demise.Because I am as untamable as a Hurricane at sea.

I know not what my Brothers story is for I've had my own battles of Life & Death to fight.

Hawke thou hast no reason to trust a person such as me. But for you to distrust my Brother is something that I will not tolerate

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

The woman's words ring through the hall with a force I'd not expected. There is a clarity to them that almost hurts my ears.

I must be more tired than I thought, I tell myself, for about the woman there seems to be a faint glow, an aura of some kind

And at the same time, I notice a warmness upon my chest where the amulet my foster father gave me earlier rests within my shirt.

Still, I say nothing. Her perception of that faint mind rat of doubt that gnaws at me is indeed true. I wonder if her discernment goes deeper to knowing that come what may, such thoughts are but wisps that blow away in the face of the certain knowledge I trust Black Bart second only to my sister.

 

[BLACK BART]

For the first time in over twenty years, I look upon a woman, who as a child was my sister. True she doth hath my features, only much more comely as a womans face would be. Her eyes having the same qualities remembered by me in the face of my mother.

I watch the repetoire between my Captain and the woman I so foolishly gave freedom to, In a moment of pity, and see the pain and tiredness behind Jeremiah's eyes.

At the words of the Raven, and her rebuttal for his mistrust of me I rally, to defend my Captain, and also to qualm the unrest that has suddenly reared it's ugly head within this room.

"Tis the nature of battle, how the uncertainty of the outcome doth make us uneasy" I say steadily, facing both my Captain and the Raven "But once the battle rages its greatest, our minds and hearts clear, showing us what is true and right. I have stood beside the Captain in many a such battle, and know that despite his battle weariness, he thinks true."

Directing my next words to the Raven, I ask of her a test "Tis true, that at our parents death we were seperated, you were taken by the father of the man I called best friend, a High Lord of the Seth. I was left with only my wits, to fend for myself, and this sword, A burden I soon grew into."

"If you are truly the sister you claim to be, you will give me proof, as only my sister may." I look her steadily in the eye as I demand of her the proof "If you cannot give this, you are not an ally of ours, nor my sister, and I will deal with you as I do all enemies."

Still facing the Raven, I speak my next words to my Captain, as we wait for the Raven to produce her proof of our related blood lines.
"Once this task is over, my Captain, I would speak to you in private, for but a moment. "

 

[SexyChele]

Maria Elena

I hurry back to the place where I am to meet my love and relay the demands of Hawke concerning his sister.

As I make my way back to the ship, there is a certain dampness in the air, and the feeling within me speaks of a storm on the way. The wind whips around me, catching the cloak, and causing my hair to stream about me. As I approach, I call for my love seeking his presence, unsure of where he will be.

As I turn, he is suddenly in front of me, seemingly as though waiting for a long period of time. I rush to his arms, and as I cling to him, I relay all that occured and was stated in Hawke Hall.

Looking up at him, I await our next move....

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

Black Bart's words serve as a balm to my soul, though I show nothing on my face. Between such as we who have sworn loyalty to one another, no such signs are needed. For indeed, it is the actions that roar their verity.

I nod to Black Bart as we wait for the woman he says may be his sister to reply.

"Aye, Bart," I say, thinking of a particular letter in my pouch, one I fetched on the stopover to our mail drop during our most recent foray. "We will talk, and much there be to talk about."

 

[THEBRAT]

The Black Raven

There is but one form of proof that I can give as to my Identity.

It is a birthmark in the shape of a Raspberry on the back of my left shoulder.

 

[BLACK BART]

As she reveals the mark on her shoulder, I stand stunned, and silent. With my right hand I reach over my left shoulder, and pull the fabric away, turning to show an identical birthmark to all.

"She is my sister" I tell Captain Hawke "And she will not betray us, I will promise with my life"

Standing back, I kneel and bow my head, awaiting his judgement.

The past has returned, the prophecies are becoming clear, I think to myself as Captain Hawke speaks.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

Absently, I stroke my moustache as I consider what has just been revealed. I glance at de la Vega standing near Monique, think of Amanda and in truth I can see no reason to trust Black Bart's judgement any less than Monique or mine.

Still, it bothers me that she is specifically named in the note that was left to me.

An epiphany.

Though the note nominates this woman as leader, it is a note which has been sent by one who styles himself a magician of Seth. Magician's, even the most potent, must belike rely upon deception and misdirection to convince others that their powers are more than what they might seem.

Could it be, I wonder, albeit a bit sardonically, that this magcian of Seth wants her for reasons other than out of lovingkindness?

"Get up off your knees, by damn, Bart!" I growl with more than a little humor in my voice. "I'll not have Asharinta who sees to the cleaning this place and acts as if she be the Queen herself of the Hall nagging me that you've scuffed her floors. I'll be ill put to explain the mess of that table to her anon."

"Your word has been good enough for me in the past, it can be no less now," I add seriously.

As Bart rises, I lean forward on my elbows glancing at all of my officers.

"'Tis time, an' yea, past, that I hear what intelligence any of you might be able to share about this mysterious wizard or magician or whatever the hell he likes to deem himself of Seth. Princess, Bart...aye, and Monique, if you've anything to share out of that treasure of arcane knowledge you've acquired, might be of some service in deciding how we might best meet the threat he poses to Elizabeth...and to the rest of us."

I sip my coffee and await what they have to share.

 

[THEBRAT]

The Black Raven

Hawke you have nothing to fear from me because I would not harm a friend of Bart's.

The MAGICIAN IS A DARK LORD OF SETH.Practicing his evil Rituals banned even by The Seth Clan.

He has created a very large following by the uses of his evil Magic and deception.

He now hunts down all of the Remaining Nobles of which I am The LAST.

If his evil Magic does KILL ME.He will unleash a PANDORA'S BOX of EVIL onto all who are foolish enough to oppose him.

THE EVIL MAGICIAN of SETH has even now summoned forth and gotten control over a very huge beast and he intends to use it to attack Hawke Hall.