For the hundredth time, Teach wondered how Murrell had ever secured his post as captain of the Deliverance. He was a skilled navigator, with an uncanny ability to sail close to the wind on a course that led him directly to his destination. But his conceit often got in the way of his logic. Instead of inspiring his crew’s respect, Murrell resorted to violence and fear to maintain control. “Sir, the Deliverance is one of the largest merchant ships ever built, and this is its maiden voyage. We’ve been a target since we left port,” Teach said, unable to control the disdain in his voice. Teach was surprised they hadn’t been attacked before now.
Frowning, Murrell seemed to consider Teach’s words before glancing around at his crew. When they’d left Bristol, the men had stood straight and eager, most of them former soldiers and proud to be chosen for such a grand vessel. But after four weeks under Murrell’s leadership, they were now skittish and tense, never sure when they would be on the receiving end of the captain’s brutal tirades.
“Ready the ship,” Murrell said.
“For what, exactly, sir?” Teach asked, studying the captain. If the vessels were friendly, there was no need to ready the Deliverance for anything. Did the captain wish them to fight? If so, then it was Murrell’s job to rally the men. He needed to give the final order. Teach had learned that to assume anything under Murrell’s command was a grave mistake. Although it had been three weeks, the wounds on Teach’s back had not fully healed. He’d carry the scars for the rest of his life.
“We’ll try to outrun them,” Murrell said dismissively.
“That won’t work. The Deliverance is too large and sits too low in the water,” Teach said.
Captain Murrell flushed a dull shade of red. “Then we’ll throw some of the cargo overboard. And some of the cannons if we need to.”
“We can’t outrun them, Captain. They’re most likely in sloops that are swifter and more maneuverable than we are.” Teach’s gut told him a fight was coming. Although they were still some distance away, the other ships were clearly smaller. They had most likely spotted the Deliverance some time ago and were now giving chase.
Murrell pursed his lips. His eyes traveled once more over the crew, as if gauging their loyalty, before coming to rest on Teach. The anger in his eyes was palpable. “Ready the ship for battle.”
Teach nodded. “We’ll need all hands on deck, sir. That includes the men locked in the hold.”
Murrell glared at Teach. There was a strained silence as the two men regarded each other. “Fine. Let them out.” Turning, the captain stalked away, leaving Teach and the rest of the men to stare after his departing back.
? ? ?
The gun crew on the Deliverance rushed to roll the cannons into position in their lower deck ports, stacking twelve-pounders by their sides. Above, others raced to secure ropes and check the masts and mainsails.
The two men Captain Murrell had locked in the hold joined in the activity, but the four days they’d spent below in the cramped quarters had taken their toll, especially on Teach’s friend, John. Built with a broad back and stout legs, John winced every time he moved.
Teach had met John the previous year on board one of Andrew Barrett’s merchant ships. The two had been fast friends ever since. It was John who had help secure Teach’s position on board the Deliverance by bribing the original first mate to abandon the voyage, and Teach was grateful for John’s presence.
“Murrell’s addled,” John muttered to Teach as he readied his flintlock pistol. “Punishing us for a game of dice. How else does the fool expect us to spend our time? Perfecting our rope work?”
Cleaning his own firearm, Teach shook his head. “He didn’t lock you away because of the game. It’s because you and Thurston came to blows.”
John scowled. “We meant no harm.”
“That’s not how it looked to the rest of us,” Teach said. Jack Thurston was built much like John. Thurston had accused John of cheating at the game. Naturally, John hadn’t taken kindly to the insult, and the pair had seemed like two bulls charging at each other.
“I s’pose I should be glad he didn’t have me whipped. How’s young Matthew?” John asked.
“He’ll live. But it will take several days for him to heal,” Teach said, his voice grim.
“How are you faring?”
The tightness across Teach’s back was lessening as his own wounds healed. “I’m fine.”
“You should be in control of this ship. Not that fool captain.”
“Careful what you say, John. That smacks of mutiny,” Teach warned in an undertone, glancing over his shoulder. After years of living under his father’s control, Teach was less than heartened to find himself under the command of a tyrant even worse than his father.
John followed Teach’s gaze.
At the moment, Murrell was berating the helmsman for the direction he had chosen. “I don’t care if they are leeward. I want you to stay on course.”
John rolled his eyes. “The man’s daft. He doesn’t know the first thing about fighting.”
“We have no choice. Those ships are going to attack.”
“Aye, and when they do, he won’t have any idea how to respond.”
“Then it will be up to us to make sure they don’t board us.” During his year at sea, Teach had developed some skills with the saber, but he wouldn’t stand a chance in a close fight with more experienced swordsmen. He simply relied on his size to intimidate any opponents.
“Don’t know if we can stop them. We’ll be exposed to their shot between wind and water, and with Murrell leading us, we won’t stand a chance.”
“Yes, we will.”
John looked at Teach. “How do you know?”
“Because I know this ship. And I have a plan.”
CHAPTER 3
Anne
As the day progressed, the sun arched across the sky, and the Providence’s shadow grew on the sea. In the distance, the two smaller vessels veered toward the larger one. Now that the Providence was no longer a target, the crew went about their usual tasks. The able seamen tended to worn or split riggings. The ordinary seamen were charged with coiling rope or touching up tar to prevent further leaking, while the green hands were left to swab the deck.
Only Anne stood immobile, riveted to the spot, as she witnessed a hunt on the open water, the sight before her giving proof to her fears
“I’ve never been on a ship that grand before,” Cara muttered, coming up to her side.
Anne had. Even from this distance, the familiar outline of the Deliverance was unmistakable. When she’d first recognized it, her heart had fluttered with hope. It was like looking at an old friend, a tie to her past. And there was a very real possibility that Teach could be on it.
But when the two ships had changed their course and sailed toward it, that hope had turned to dread.
“We have to do something,” Anne said, gripping the railing until her knuckles turned white. “We can’t just sit by and let them attack.”
“We don’t know for sure that’s what they’re going to do,” Cara said.
Anne couldn’t help the scornful look she threw at her friend. “Don’t be ridiculous. It’s one of the largest vessels in the world. Do you think those ships are planning on escorting it into port?”