Devil's Eye

By Cameron Walker

Captain Blood is the infamous captain of the pirate galleon Devil's Eye, but his long and illustrious career is about to come to a swift and bloody end at the hands of Crimson Jack and his henchmen. Having disposed of the old captain and his officers and placing themselves in command of the ship the pirates must bring their crew a worthy prize that will cement their positions. Upon capturing a French ship in the Caribbean, they take a valuable hostage who will bring them a fortune in gold, if they can return them to France. Standing in their way is a flotilla of Spanish warships, a huge English galleon, French forces and other pirates out to claim the hostage and the ransom for their own. With little chance of success, the pirates embark upon the voyage of a lifetime with all guns blazing. But a gathering storm looms over their heads in the form of the threat of yet another mutiny being staged by loyalists to Captain Blood and new additions to the crew loyal to another captain. Multiple parties on the ship have their own motives for wanting control of the ship and possession of their hostage, but the tense political situation on the ship threatens not only the success of the voyage itself, but their very lives. Can Crimson Jack and his men maintain control of the ship long enough to complete this most perilous of quests, collect the ransom and cement their positions as commanders of the Devil's Eye? Or will the risk of mutiny, competition from other pirates and being hunted by the naval powers of several nations prove to be too much and send them all to their watery graves?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cameron Walker
• Release date: Oct 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463311691

Cameron Walker

Cameron Walker is a thirty-four-year-old writer from Sydney, Australia, where he resides with his two cats Bubbles and Einari. He first began writing in 2003 at the age of sixteen, where he quickly became interested in writing fanfiction, and soon went on to participate in chain stories and online text-based RPGs. He released his debut novel, the high seas pirate adventure, Devil’s Eye in 2019, and has since released a short story anthology Tales of the Forsaken (2020), and a novella Revenant: Into the Abyss (2020). He mostly writes speculative fiction in a wide range of genres, but specifically horror, fantasy, historical, cyberpunk, and science fiction. Cameron cites R.L. Stine, George Lucas, J.R.R Tolkien, Robert Louis Stevenson, Joss Whedon, and H.P. Lovecraft as the main influences on his writing. He is known for his eclectic style and willingness to always be experimenting, trying something new, and pushing the boundaries of his work.

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Devil’s Eye

By Cameron Walker

Copyright 2019 Forsaken Press

Print Edition

For my mother Donna Davies

CHAPTER ONE:

Crimson Jack sat at the small table within the cramped confines of his tiny cabin, fidgeting with his hands in his lap. The only light in the room coming from the single candle situated in the table’s centre. He glanced at the man seated next to him.

The other returned his gaze somewhat nervously from behind his glasses. Are you sure about this Jack? he asked, his voice full of uncertainty.

Jack nodded. Aye, I am. Tonight’s the night.

The door to his cabin creaked open and Davy Smith appeared, the man’s long blonde hair falling over his face as he ducked down to enter the cabin. The sailor remained silent as he moved into the room and crouched at the table.

Another four men shuffled into the room behind him, making the already cramped cabin even more crowded.

Everything’s ready, Reginald Bellows confirmed with a nod, pursing his lips in anticipation. The men are in the galley waiting for us to give the word. Unfortunately, Crane decided at the last minute that he no longer wanted to take part in the mutiny, Bellows said with a frown. A former officer in the British royal navy he held himself with a grace and professionalism that was rare on board a pirate vessel.

I trust it’s been dealt with? Jack asked, becoming tense.

Indeed. He won’t be talking to anyone soon. Or ever again for that matter, Bellows said, trailing off.

Are you sure we can get away with this? asked a wide-eyed Roy Reeves.

Aye. Don’t go bein’ a coward now Roy. Not when we’re just ‘bout to strike, Barnacle Bill snarled at the Scotsman with a look of disdain.

Ragin’ Roy Reeves sneered in response and opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by Davy Smith.

I think we all have some reservations about this. Havin’ to resort to mutiny ain’t pleasant business.

Couldn’t we just call for a vote of no confidence in the captain? Thomas Hawkins, a young aristocratic Brit who served as the navigator’s assistant suggested.

A few of the men assembled snickered at the suggestion and Jack shook his head.

Nay, ya land lubber, he chided the young man. Remember what happened last time? When Scurvy Sam called a vote of no confidence? Capt’n Blood had em flogged to death for attemptin’ a supposed mutiny, said Jack, without giving Thomas a chance to answer.

Aye. There be no other way, said the ship’s master carpenter, Henry Stubbins.

An election would call for votes to replace the current officers loyal to the captain with men who are more reliable, this way we eliminate the threat they present, Reginald Bellows said. If we disposed of Blood and left them to retain their current positions of power, nothing would really change. Only a mutiny will change things aboard the Devil’s Eye. By staging a mutiny we can replace said men with members of the crew who are more experienced and reliable. Namely ourselves.

Davy Smith gave the other pirate a questioning look. Providing that we win the elections for said positions once the mutiny is over, he said, with a hint of agitation in his voice. The idea of simply taking control of the ship and placing themselves in command didn’t sit well with him. We are going to hold elections for the officer’s positions once the mutiny is over, right? Davy asked, looking around the table at the other pirates. A scowl on his handsome, but aging features.

Apart from the old hands loyal to Capt’n Blood we’re the best choices for said positions, Mister Bellows said. The influence the old hands wield on this ship makes it practically impossible for a successful takeover to be conducted by any other means.

In other words, there’ll be no elections, said Crimson Jack.

Davy Smith looked at the man seated at the head of the table. A look of shock plastering itself across his face. You can’t be serious Jack, he exclaimed.

Jack shrugged. If you don’t like it Davy, you’re free to leave and wash your hands of the whole affair. I won’t hold it against you, Jack assured him.

Davy glanced around the table at the men assembled and found most of them seemed unmoved by the revelation that Crimson Jack and Mister Bellows planned to take control of the ship and do away with the democratic process. He briefly considered taking the master gunner’s offer to leave but changed his mind. The large Norwegian pirate Nils was standing guard right outside the door. He wouldn’t be surprised if the Viking like sailor slit his throat as he left. As a precaution to keep anyone from ruining the mutineer’s plans. Even if the men in question were their friends. There was no doubt in his mind that the organisers of the mutiny were capable of giving such orders. He expected no less on a ship made up of thieves and murderers. Even if he was allowed to live and the mutiny failed, Blood would somehow learn of his involvement and have him killed for conspiring against him.

Davy shook his head. Nay, I’m with you Jack. I always was, he assured the other men present. I just don’t feel comfortable with takin’ control o’ the ship like this. It’s not right and goes against everything we’re supposed to believe as free men.

We’re just making sure that the most capable men for the job are in charge and that this ‘ere ship is rid of Captain Blood’s influence once and for all, Jack said. As we have already decided, upon the success of the mutiny you will take the position of first mate, Mister Bellows, quartermaster, Roy, master gunner, Thomas, navigator and myself as captain with Bill and Henry retaining their current ranks, Jack said, reminding Davy and Thomas of what they stood to gain from taking an active part in the mutiny.

So, we’re going ahead as planned then? Barnacle Bill asked.

Aye, Jack said, looking around the table to see if anyone had any objections.

How many men do we have siding with us? Stubbins inquired.

Twenty-two, Mister Bellows replied. A team of eight men up on the main deck to engage the captain and his officers and fourteen down below in the crew’s quarters to deal with the old hands.

Thomas shook his head in disbelief. We’re going to attempt to take over the ship with twenty-two men? he asked, bewildered. The captain has us outnumbered six to one. We can’t possibly be victorious.

Not in a conventional battle no, Mister Bellows agreed.

Which is why we must move quickly and strike hard and fast at the capt’n, his officers and the old hands loyal to him, Jack said. Wipe them out in one swift stroke. We can’t afford to have things escalate into a war or find ourselves with another mutiny on our hands.

I think the risk of another mutiny is inevitable considering the way you plan to take command of the ship, Thomas commented, fiddling with his glasses.

A chorus of chuckles sounded throughout the tiny cabin.

Thomas frowned at the pirate’s laughter but couldn’t help grinning when he saw that his comment had gained their approval.

Right, so let’s go over the plan one more time, Crimson Jack said, getting down to business. We have two groups of men. The larger group being led by Davy, Mister Stubbins and Ragin’ Roy will make their way into the crew’s quarters and assassinate the old hands.

Davy nodded. Chances are we’re not going to be able to kill them all so easily, despite the fact they’re sleeping. They outnumber us three to one and the battle on deck is sure to wake em, if our activities themselves don’t, Davy said.

Aye, that be true. But hopefully you can still kill most of em without getting into a pitched battle, Jack said.

You’re to avoid doing so, Mister Bellows chimed in. No heroics gentlemen. Go in, kill as many of them as you can and get out. If you’re discovered the crew will turn on you and I doubt that’s a situation you want to be in.

If something goes wrong get out of there. Make your way up on deck and rally to me, Jack said, addressing the rest of the men. I will lead the other group up on deck. Three of the men are already there lying in wait for Blood and his officers. The rest of the group is made up of meself, Mister Bellows, Bill, Nils and Israel. Who is currently with the main group makin’ sure they behave themselves. Nils and Israel will join the men already on deck and wait for my signal to attack. Bill, you return to bed and wait to be called upon by the capt’n while Mister Bellows and I go to his cabin and rouse him from his sleep, said Jack. We’ll convince him to call a meeting of his officers on deck due to a mutiny in their ranks and turn them against each other, he said, a sly grin forming at the corners of his mouth. Then, whilst they are distracted and fighting among themselves we will strike. If all goes well the ship will be ours by dawn. If not, we’ll all be dead men, Jack said with a smile.

The other pirates began talking once more, discussing the matter of dealing with the old hands.

Jack allowed his mind to wonder to thoughts of the old pirate. Who despite everything he still had an ample amount of respect for, because of the man he once was. Captain Blood was a notorious pirate who had sailed from one end of the world to the other, pillaging and plundering anyone unfortunate enough to cross paths with him. Although he had built a fearsome reputation for himself over the course of the past thirty years the heyday of his career was long gone. In its place was an abrasive, paranoid and disillusioned wreck of a man, as rotten as driftwood. With daring raids on Spanish treasure ships and attacks on port towns from the Caribbean to Africa he had been trying in his old age to relive the glory days of his youth. Recently their activities, more often than not, failed to achieve any real success. Much to the chagrin of his crew who grew more and more restless for a taste of the vast fortunes they had been promised for so long.

The old hands where the remnants of the crew of Blood’s old ship, the aptly named Jolly Roger, which had been sunk off the coast of Africa by the French navy five years earlier. The sinking of the Jolly Roger marked the end of the glory days of the old pirate’s career. Unwilling to call it quits and retire Captain Abraham Roberts, known by all as Captain Blood, took the remnants of his crew from the Jolly Roger and sought to gain possession of a new vessel before setting out to ravage the high seas once more.

It was at this time that Jack joined Blood’s crew after being rescued by the pirates along with a dozen others when a prison ship taking them to a far off penal colony had run aground off the African coast and was subsequently attacked and captured by the buccaneers.

The pirates returned to England, making port along the coast of Cornwall where they acquired fresh recruits. In a bold move they attacked the port of Plymouth and captured a newly constructed galleon belonging to the British navy. Rechristening her Devil’s Eye, the pirates set forth to plunder the sea. The capture of the Devil’s Eye was destined to be Captain Blood’s last great victory. The captain’s deteriorating mental and physical health had a direct influence on the crew’s effectiveness due to the overwhelming amount of power the old pirate wielded.

Because Blood had been captain for so long and had such an illustrious career, he ruled his ship with an iron fist and enjoyed a level of power other pirate captains could only dream of. Many aboard the ship felt that he had become excessively ruthless in the way he ran things, with his increasingly erratic and eccentric behaviour earning him the resentment of more than a few of the hands.

The tyrannical climate aboard the Devil’s Eye had sown the seeds for the mutiny. This combined with the regular rate of failed ventures, unfair loot distributions and the captain’s favouritism towards certain members of the crew had the situation at boiling point. The incident with the Sea Sparrow the week before had tipped the scales and given birth to the mutiny with Jack, Mister Bellows, Israel Hands and the bosun Barnacle Bill deciding that enough was enough.

Well this is it lads. It’s now or never, Jack said, rising to his feet.

The other men stood, shuffling out the door one by one and into the dark, dingy corridor of the ship’s poorly lit interior. The ship was deathly quiet. The only sound to be heard was the occasional groan of the ship’s timbers as she moved about upon the sea and the soft footsteps of the mutineers as they moved through the ship.

They bid farewell to Davy, Roy and Henry Stubbins, wishing each other luck as they parted ways. The other three men moved off to join up with the group of pirates that waited eagerly in the ship’s galley.

Israel Hands met up with Jack’s group and lead them out onto the main deck where the men began loading their weapons and preparing for the coming battle.

Mister Bellows and myself will go and rouse the capt’n. The rest of you stay here and keep out of sight until I give the signal, Jack said. He dropped a musket shot into the barrel of his pistol and rammed it down with a thin metal rod. He returned the pistol to his belt and rearranged his hat with an intake of breath. The tension was growing with every passing second, nerves and anxiety filling the spirit of every man who was about to commit the crime of mutiny.

Israel, I want you to wait here. Your presence will help us to convince the captain that his officers are plotting against him, Jack said, addressing the chubby, balding and heavily beared sailor.

Aye. He sure won’t expect the man who ‘as served with ‘em longest to be playin’ him for a fool, said Israel with a grin.

Jack returned the smile and gestured to the blunderbuss the pirate clutched in his left hand. Ya got more weapons than an entire platoon, would it be too much of me to ask to borrow that Blunderbuss? he asked the ship’s future master at arms.

Nay, not at all, Israel replied, handing over the weapon. I carry a spare in any case, he said with a chuckle as he removed the strap of another from around his shoulder.

The rest of the men chuckled in return and Jack shook his head in amusement. The aging pirate was carrying three pistols, two dragons and a blunderbuss, enough weapons to arm half a dozen men.

Motioning for Mister Bellows to join him the two men made their way up onto the quarterdeck and approached the door to the captain’s cabin. Usually onboard pirate vessels the crew slept up on deck when they were able, as a means to escape from the cramped mugginess and heat of sleeping below deck. But Captain Blood insisted that no man slept up on deck, lest he be flogged. So, much to their disdain, the crew slept down on the orlop deck. They stood in silence in front of the door for a few moments, gathering their wits about themselves.

Jack took a deep breath then raised his fist and knocked hard several times. For some time there was no response or sound of movement from inside the cabin, so Jack knocked again. This time putting in a few extra knocks for good measure.

What do ya want, ya filthy bilge rats? the captain snarled from behind the door, furious that he had been awoken in the middle of the night.

Captain, its Crimson Jack and Mister Bellows sir, Jack said. We need to talk to you about an urgent matter of extreme importance Capt’n. The two men waited in silence for a response and after almost a minute had passed they glanced at each other nervously, not quite knowing what to do.

Mister Bellows raised his fist to knock again when the door to the cabin swung open and banged against the wall. Captain Blood stormed from his cabin and stared at them both. Glaring back and forth from one to the other, eyeing them off with suspicion. What urgent matter do ye speak of Mister Jack? he demanded, leaning forwards so he was right in the other man’s face.

Jack swallowed, uncomfortable that the old pirate’s face was half an inch from his own. Blood had this penchant for invading people’s personal space. It was a simple, but highly effective tactic to make people uncomfortable and intimidated by the fearsome old sea dog.

Burying his nerves Jack recomposed himself, inhaling before he addressed the captain. Well Capt’n, I am sorry to report sir that Mister Bellows and I have uncovered a plot to stage a mutiny, he said, taking a polite step back from the old pirate to put some distance between the two of them.

It has come to our attention that some of the ship’s officers are the ones that orchestrated the mutiny to usurp your position as captain, Mister Bellows said.

Captain Blood’s eyes widened in surprise. Do they now? This is news to me, me boy, the captain said, glancing to either side of himself, his nerves increasing with each passing moment.

Aye sir, Jack said. We can’t let them know we’re onto them. Lest they strike when we are not prepared. I think it would be best if we gathered the officers and assembled up on deck, he said, knowing full well what lie in wait for the captain and his men.

Once we are assembled on deck then we can confront them with our knowledge of their plot and destroy the traitors, Mister Bellows suggested, his fingers toying with the handle of the rapier at his side.

Captain Blood remained silent, appearing not quite sure how to react to the situation he’d found himself in.

We need to separate the leaders of the mutiny from their supporters under a false pretence, thus depriving them of any assistance. Then we can easily dispose of them and bring the mutiny to an end, Bellows said.

The captain was silent for a moment as he stared at the two men in front of him, lost in his thoughts. His tongue slithered out of his mouth and licked around the grey hairs of his beard, moistening his dry, cracked lips.

Mister Bellows and Crimson Jack shared a glance before Jack cleared his throat. Capt’n?

Captain Blood suddenly exploded out of his trance and grabbed Mister Bellows by the collar. We must do all we can to root out these traitorous bastards and see to it that they’re dealt with as swiftly and brutally as possible, he snarled. Gather me officers and meet me on deck, post haste.

Mister Bellows nodded and saluted. Aye aye, Captain. He turned and hurried off to alert the ship’s officers of the emergency meeting.

Captain Blood glared venomously at Crimson Jack and stormed across the quarterdeck, making his way down the staircase to the ship’s main deck.

Jack followed closely behind, his entire body tingling with excitement.

Upon seeing Israel already waiting for them the captain seemed to relax somewhat. You know of this supposed mutiny too, do ye Israel? he asked in his hoarse voice, which always made it seem like the man was trying to whisper, even when he was shouting.

Aye sir. Jack and Mister Bellows brought it to me attention straight away upon their discovery of the scheme, Israel said.

Captain Blood didn’t respond. Instead he stood on the main deck staring back towards the stern of the ship, waiting for Mister Bellows to return with his officers in tow.

They didn’t have to wait long. The mere mention of the word mutiny had quickly brought the half a dozen men to attention and they immediately made their way up on deck. The first mate, quartermaster, master at arms, navigator and two of their subordinates all shuffled onto the ship’s middeck, their faces betraying expressions of concern and confusion. The bosun Barnacle Bill was the last man on deck and the only one out of the captain’s high-ranking officers, except Jack, to be in on the mutiny.

Jack began informing them of the plot that had been brought to his attention. Relating to them the story that he and Mister Bellows had concocted. The story he told was quite different to the facts. Not that it mattered. It just had to be believable and give the captain reason to doubt the loyalty of his most trusted men and keep them occupied long enough for him to ensure that the mutineers were ready to strike.

As Jack began telling the tale of how he had come to learn of the mutiny he scanned the men assembled before him. He felt as if the captain and his men could see right through his charade. His nerves increased with each passing second as a result, but he managed to keep his composure and appear outwardly calm. Jack could see his allies Mister Bellows and Israel Hands on either side of him. The presence of the two men helping him to relax.

His eyes met those of Barnacle Bill and the bosun nodded as a sign of support. A moment of silent understanding passing between the two men. Jack paused for a moment then went to continue explaining how many men he believed to be involved in the mutiny when the captain suddenly interjected.

Alright. Stop ya belly achin’ and get to the bloody point man, he raged. Just tell me who’s behind this blasted mutiny so I can have the bastards keelhauled n’ flogged to death, Captain Blood snarled.

Crimson Jack nodded. Aye Capt’n. I have reason to believe that some of your own officers are the organisers of the mutiny sir, he said, switching his gaze to the first mate. Specifically your own first mate.

The look of surprise on the man’s face was priceless and Jack couldn’t help but smirk at the pirate’s shocked expression.

Captain Blood whirled on his first mate. Furious that one of his most trusted men could possibly be conspiring against him.

Jack ignored the captain’s ranting and raving, focusing on the growing excitement and adrenaline that raced through his veins. He felt the heavy blunderbuss hidden under his coat bumping up against his side. The cold steel of the gun comforted him as he reached within his coat and caressed the weapon with one hand, wrapping his fingers around the firearm’s handle and gripping it tightly.

The captain pointed an accusing finger at his first mate, before turning his fury onto the quartermaster who interrupted to protest the first mate’s innocence. So, you’re in on this too are ya? You no good bilge suckin’ landlubber? Blood accused the quartermaster, who raised his hands in self-defence and protested his innocence.

The first mate glared at Crimson Jack and pointed an accusing finger at the master gunner, shouting something at him that Jack didn’t hear.

Unable to control himself a huge grin spread itself over Jack’s face. He brushed back his coat and brought up the big blunderbuss, taking aim at the captain and cocking back the hammer.

Captain Blood turned at his officer’s exclamations of alarm, mouth agape and his eyes widening in horror as he looked down the barrel of death. The pirate behind it grinning devilishly.

Sorry Capt’n, but your reign comes to an end tonight, Jack snarled with a feral grin as he pulled the trigger. The blunderbuss erupted with a roar as a burst of flame spurted from the barrel and buckshot exploded forth from the gun, pumping the captain full of lead.

The captain was blown backwards by the force of the blast and barrelled into his navigator and master at arms, knocking both men to the ground.

The old pirate stumbled backwards and looked down at himself as blood gushed from his torso, multiple gunshot wounds bleeding profusely and soaking his clothes. A mouthful of gore burst out of the old pirate’s mouth and he emitted a low gurgling sound as his entire body trembled.

Jack smiled wickedly at the old sea dog. His expression changing from one of victory to surprise as Blood didn’t fall, but instead withdrew his pistols and thumbed back the hammers.

Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as the captain drew his weapons and brought them to bear on his attackers.

Mister Bellows and Israel armed themselves and made ready to fight while the captain’s men did the same.

You traitorous, cowardly dogs. I’ll take ya all to hell with me, the captain snarled, his clothing a blood soaked, gory mess. Both his pistols opened fired with simultaneous cracks that split the night. The two shots hit Israel in the chest, sending spurts of blood spraying in all directions as the pirate careened backwards with the force of the impact and hit the deck with a heavy thud.

Jack dropped the Blunderbuss and withdrew his pistol as gunfire erupted all around him. Several shots flew past the master gunner narrowly avoiding contact with his flesh.

The bosun took the navigator by surprise, withdrawing his pistol and turning on his shipmate as he casually put the gun to the side of the sailor’s head and blew his brains out the other side of his skull.

A shot from Mister Bellows went too high, blowing the quartermaster’s hat off his head. The officer retaliated with a shot of his own that hit the other man in the forearm, causing Bellows to howl in pain and drop his pistol.

The captain drew his cutlass and clutched it with both hands, holding it at the ready in front of him. Mutinous pack of inbreds. I’ll gut you all one by one and feast on your bones, he snarled, charging forwards and raising his sword above his head as he threw himself at the leader of the mutineers.

Jack stood his ground and raised his pistol, extending his arm to its full length. He squeezed the trigger and the gun went off with a deafening crack and puff of smoke as the ball of lead rocketed across the deck, driving itself into the captain’s neck and blowing his Adam’s apple to pieces.

The old pirate made a wet gurgling noise as gouts of blood sprayed from his neck. His hands instinctively released the cutlass and shot up, grasping at his throat as he continued to make loud gurgling sounds. Blood gushing from between his fingers and streaming down his chest. The sword clattered to the deck and the captain fell to his knees, clutching at his throat and vomiting up mouthfuls of blood.

Jack and Mister Bellows dived for cover behind the long boat sitting to the side of the deck and began reloading their weapons.

The master at arms and two petty officers poured gunfire below the companionway where two of the mutineers had situated themselves.

One of the pirates hiding underneath the staircase took a shot to the chest and collapsed facedown onto the deck.

Barnacle Bill dived for cover behind one of the cannons, a shot from the first mate blasting apart a piece of the bulwark as he shot at the bosun who had betrayed them. Bill began fumbling with his pistol as he hurried to reload the weapon. All the while trying to keep himself as well hidden behind the cannon as he possibly could.

A well-aimed shot from Timmy Eyeglass Pitts in the crow’s nest blew a hole in the skull of one of the petty officers. Dropping him to the deck with a shower of blood, brains and skull fragments as his head burst apart like an over ripe melon.

Mister Bellows and Crimson Jack rose from behind the safety of the long boat. Working together they fired off several shots at the other petty officer. Their shots took the sailor in the hip and chest spinning him around like a cork as blood sprayed from the wounds. He collapsed to the deck, blood seeping from the right side of his chest where a musket ball had smashed through his ribcage and torn his heart to shreds.

The other mutineer hiding on deck emerged from his hiding place and fired a shot at the first mate which missed him.

The first mate responded in kind. His own shot finding its target and making the pirate howl in agony and double over grasping at the place where his genitals used to be.

The quartermaster finished reloading his weapon and disposed of the other sailor hiding underneath the companionway.

A shot from Barnacle Bill hit the pirate in the shoulder from behind, propelling him forwards and into the staircase.

The first mate fired on the crow’s nest, but to no avail.

Jack and Mister Bellows rose from behind their cover once more and fired several shots into the first mate’s stomach and solar plexus, dropping him to the deck like a sack of potatoes. He thrashed about on the timber with a scream of agony, the life flowing out of him and painting the deck a dark, cherry red.

The quartermaster turned over on the staircase, dropped his pistol, withdrew another and fired at Bill. His shot grazing the bosun’s side and drawing a roar of anger from the large pirate. He rushed to reload the weapon as he saw the furious pirate come charging across the deck with an axe in his hand.

Before he could thumb back the hammer Barnacle Bill batted the gun aside with a sweep of his axe and brought his arm up and over in a long sweep, bringing the axe head smashing down into the centre of the quartermaster’s face. The quartermaster had just enough time to utter a blood curdling scream before it was abruptly cut short with a gurgled squelch.

The sound of battle from below deck increased in volume as the fighting intensified, the mutineers now embroiled in a ferocious melee as they attempted to fight their way off the orlop deck and reunite with their brethren.

Crimson Jack strode across the deck, his boots thudding on the timber as he walked, smoking pistol in hand. Israel hands lay on his back, his hands clasped to his chest, clutching at the gunshot wounds to his sternum that had blown his ribcage to pieces. His eyes gazed lifelessly up at the brightening sky as dawn marked its arrival with a amber band that spread itself across the heavens. The former captain lay face down upon the deck. A long streak of congealed blood behind him leaving a grisly trail in his wake as he dragged himself across the deck and drowned in a pool of his own blood. It was a curious thing seeing the old man’s corpse spread out like that. Jack was glad that their mutiny had been successful, and the captain disposed of. Yet something filled him with a strange sense of melancholy as he stared down at the blood-soaked corpse of the infamous Captain Abraham Roberts. He refused to remember the man by the name Blood. It was a symbol of the beginning of the end of the old pirate’s career and the turning point for when things began to fall apart. Despite everything Jack had an immense respect for the pirate he had once been. For three decades he had sailed the sea like it was his kingdom and merchants from Singapore to Maracaibo in the Spanish main, to Santo Domingo and South Hampton shivered at the mere mention of his name. And now all that remained of his once great legacy was a mangled and bloody corpse.

Jack couldn’t help but be saddened by the sight of one of the greatest pirates ever to sail the seas lying dead at his feet. He swore that when he had the time he would see to it personally that the old captain was remembered for the man he once was. For now, that would have to wait. He had much more important matters to attend to.

The sound of battle from below deck became louder as the mutineers raced through the ship, heading for the open space of the top deck to reform with their co-conspirators. Things hadn’t quite gone as they had planned with the old hands being alerted to their activities and rallying themselves to battle. Davy and his men had managed to kill about a dozen of the loyalists before they had been forced to retreat lest they be overwhelmed and cut off from their escape.

As they raced up onto the gun deck Davy skidded to a stop to ensure as many of his men made it up the staircase as possible. Shoving a sailor past him he lashed out with his cutlass at one of their pursuers, their blades clashing with a loud clang that rang throughout the ship as they traded blows. Shoving his opponent backwards Davy hooked his ankle behind his foe’s foot and wiped his feet out from under him. Not stopping to finish the fight Davy took several hasty steps backwards then turned and fled up the staircase, leading the stragglers out onto the main deck. The sailor next to him went down with a knife in his back and Davy stumbled over him as he scrambled to reach the group of mutineers who had gathered on deck and stood ready and waiting for a fight.

Mister Bellows reached out and grasped Davy by the arm, stopping the sailor from toppling over.

Davy clasped his long-time friend on the shoulder in gratitude, then turned with his sword held at the ready.

The pursuers ground to a halt and the two sides faced off against each other for several awkward seconds before Crimson Jack spoke, his voice ringing out across the silent deck. Belay that ya dogs, he snarled at the men on both sides. There be not nothin’ to gain over the spillin’ o’ more blood. He stepped forwards, placing himself between the two groups of men and cocked his pistol, ready to drop anyone who wished to incite further violence. Abraham Roberts, is no longer captain. I am now the captain of this ship and all hands will accept that fact and follow my orders or they’ll find themselves walkin’ the plank, Jack said. He stood between the two groups of men with his back to his own in an effort to keep the two sides from resuming hostilities. You all know as well as the next man that he had it comin’, said Jack with a gaze of steel that went from man to man.

Many of them averted his gaze, unwilling to lock stares with the pirate.

Every man aboard this ship has proved his worth tenfold and we refuse to follow a man who don’t respect that any longer, Jack said, studying each man in front of him.

A soft mummer went amongst the men and some of them nodded in agreement.

Jack smiled triumphantly, glad that he had won over at least part of the crew.

His mood turned sour when one of the ship’s hands stepped forward to challenge him. The man, Johnny Stumps, shuffled forwards on his crutch and pointed an accusing finger in his direction.

Tell me why we should be makin’ you captain, Crimson Jack? he sneered. You ain’t the rankin’ officer on board this er’ ship and nor are ye the most capable man for the job. You go and stage a mutiny, kill the capt’n and his high rankin’ officers, then place yourself and your own henchmen in charge. Both the pirate’s code and the ship’s articles state that the captain is to be elected, Stumps said. I won’t yield to no despot.

A chorus of angry protests followed with a good number of the men apparently as furious at the turn of events as Johnny Stumps. Looks of discontent, frustration and downright fury showed on the faces of more than a few.

Jack chuckled softly to himself, looking down at his feet as he shook his head. Well Mister Stumps, let me put it to ya this way, he said. Without another word his right arm came up and aimed his pistol at the crippled man’s head.

A look of horror had just enough time to come across the old pirate’s face before it exploded in a burst of blood and gore. Johnny Stumps’ corpse rocked with the blast before it toppled over and crashed to the deck with a thud.

The men on deck stood staring in shocked silence at the corpse of Johnny Stumps before Crimson Jack spoke once more. Would anyone else like to make a complaint?

A chorus of laughter broke out among the crew as he came to the end of the line of men and turned to face them once more. If there’s any man here who dares to challenge my position as captain let him step forward now and do so, Jack snarled, one hand gripping the handle of his cutlass.

The laughter quickly died and was replaced with an awkward silence. No one stepped forward to challenge him for the position. A few of the hands stood in silence glancing about themselves to see if anyone was going to step forward. Others looked down at their feet and shuffled about uncomfortably on the spot.

Crimson Jack sneered at the forty men arrayed in front of him. Come on ya cowardly seadogs. Is there not a man among ye that wishes to end Crimson Jack’s reign as capt’n before it’s even begun? Does not one of ye have the guts to challenge me? he paused, running his gaze over the group of pirates. Looking them all in the eye one by one, daring them to step forward and challenge him.

Some met his gaze with rage in their eyes, others looked conflicted and nervous, while more simply looked away, not daring to look the man in the eyes.

When no one moved Crimson Jack removed his hand from his sword and strode away from the main deck, leaving the group feeling weak and cowardly that not one of them had the nerve to challenge him.

The newly appointed quartermaster Mister Bellows and the bosun Barnacle Bill followed close behind while the new first mate Davy Smith and his men began clearing the deck of corpses and debris.

Get this mess cleaned up and have the men prepare to go ashore, Jack said, pointing to the island that sat about three miles off their port side. A day on land to relax and get adjusted to the recent changes in command will do us all good, he said with a smile.

Mister Bellows threw the captain a salute. Aye aye, sir.

#

Jack stood upon the rocks below the small waterfall, letting the cool creek water cascade over his head and run down the length of his naked body. The rock pool beneath him shimmered invitingly in the reflection of the sun’s rays as the water drifted towards the outlet, flowing from the pool and running down the beach before plunging into the sea.

Looking about himself as he bathed under the water’s gentle caress he took in the sights and sounds of the island where the Devil’s Eye had weighed anchor. The pool lay several feet below him and although it had formed naturally one could swear that men had built it with their own hands. All around him massive palm trees reached towards the heavens, branching out in all directions with their large fronds and casting the rock pool in shadows. Every manner of exotic plant life thrived on the island, the exception being the beach with its soft, golden sands. Small