Treasure Hunters: Maiden Voyage: Treasure Hunters, #1

By Steve T. Alford

When Rajko (Rye-ko) becomes captain of the Mako, he decides to leave piracy behind and instead hunt for treasure. After winning a treasure map in a card game, he gathers a crew to set sail for Rangavar, an island that is said to hide the treasure of one of the great pirate kings of legend, Captain Twayblade. Setting sail for the haul of a lifetime, Rajko and his new crew will find themselves up against everything from the Royal Navy to wild storms set on sinking them, all while there's a traitor onboard.

Old rivals. Sword fights. Romance. Betrayal. And most importantly, treasure.

Will Rajko's maiden voyage as captain of the Mako be a success, or will his past come back to send him to a watery grave?   

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve T. Alford
• Release date: Jul 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201402945

Steve T. Alford

Steve T. Alford is a blessed father to one wonderful princess. His creativity has produced many poems and short stories over the years, but its most important contribution came in the form of the bedtime stories that he crafted each night for his daughter. With the passing of his grandfather, he realized how fleeting life can be, so he decided to share his stories with the world. Using the skills grafted into him by his many excellent English teachers, he aims to create stories that will captivate his readers and whisk them away from the dystopian world they live in. Without the support of his family, friends, teachers, and fellow authors that became mentors, this book would have never been published. He is forever grateful for those who have supported him and pushed him towards the goal.  

Book preview

A Time for Change

C

aptain Lito Jericho was tired. He had been sailing the seas for over forty years now. All those years ago as a cabin boy, he could never have imagined that one day he would be the captain of one of the most successful pirate vessels to sail the seas, yet here he was, and he had become just that. As he stood alone in his cabin, the weight of time fell heavily on his shoulders. Gazing out his window, the whole ocean before him, he knew it was finally time to hang up his saber now that he was in his late forties.

He struck an inspiring figure wearing his knee length captain’s coat, black with silver trim, with matching tri-corn hat. His hair and beard a stark white compared to his tan, leathery skin. His infamous saber hanging at the ready with its diamond encrusted hilt.

Decades of challenging work at sea, yet he could still keep up with the young sailors that served him. But that didn’t play a part in his decision. He had been sailing all these years without his wife and daughter. Each time he came home, more time had passed, and he began to realize how much of their lives he had missed out on. Now it was time to fix that by retiring and spending the rest of his days with them, while he still could. A knock at his door stirred him from his reminiscing.

Enter.

A moment later, a portly, middle-aged man whose hair was more salt than pepper these days entered the room.

Cap’n, we have finished moving the last of the other ship’s goods to our cargo hold and released the rest of their crew just like you ordered. They’ve just cast off.

Thank you, Peter. Lito sighed.

Are you alright, Cap’n? Peter started. You’ve been holed up in here since the fight’n ended. Usually, you like to oversee everythin’ and kick off the celebration afterwards.

Lito hesitated. He turned to see genuine concern on his first mate’s face, and it gave him the resolve to finally say the words he was too afraid to say to only a moment before.

I think it’s time I retire, Peter. You and I have talked about it more this voyage than ever before, and I think it’s finally time, Peter nodded in acknowledgement, Go ahead and have the crew set sail for Black Heart Cove. We will celebrate another successful voyage and our retirement at the Plunderer’s Nest.

Aye, Cap’n! he said excitedly.

Peter’s eyes lit up behind his little round glasses. He and Lito had sailed together for many years and over the last two years they had started to finally consider retirement. Lito was right in saying that they had discussed it more on this voyage than previously. Peter had agreed to hold off on retiring until Lito was ready. They had started as cabin boys together and it was only fitting that they should retire together. He had plenty of booty to retire and would use the extra time to open a shop selling his wood carvings. He began to turn to go tell the crew their new orders, but Lito held up his hand to stop him.

"Peter, once we are on course, send Rajko (Rye-ko) to see me. I wish to speak with him in private."

Aye, sir, a knowing gleam in his eyes.

At once, Peter turned and left the captain’s quarters eager to relay the news, leaving Lito to his thoughts. Was he making the right decision to choose Rajko over Will as his replacement? Will had served him faithfully for several years now and had a good mind for tactics. Will’s biggest downfall was his attitude. He was not liked by the crew, and he often used his tactics to manipulate situations and people to his benefit, not the good of others. Rajko, on the other hand, led by example and was highly respected by the crew, despite being one of the younger crew members.

Captain Lito was stirred from his thoughts by a nervous knock at the door.

Enter, Lito replied sternly.

The door creeped open and in stepped Rajko. He was a young man barely past twenty-years old, but he had an air of quiet confidence about him that usually only came after years of sailing. A rugged scar across his left eye was almost enough to distract from his fierce blue eyes. A respectably trim goatee made him look older than he really was but was barely seen due to his constant smile. He wore his shoulder-length brown hair in a loose ponytail held at the nape of his neck with a whale bone clasp beneath a black bandana, used to keep his hair out of his face while he worked. His sun-bleached clothes were damp with sweat most likely from loading the cargo just moments ago. A loose-fitting red vest hung open revealing a body chiseled by arduous work with baggy tan pants held up with a thin cord of rope. Black leather bracers on his forearms covering the tattoo that he had on his left wrist. He struck an impressive figure, but his posture was filled with humility.

You wanted to speak with me, Captain?

Yes, Rajko, Lito replied keeping his tone serious. We have important matters to discuss. Shut the door.

After shutting the door, Rajko stood before the captain’s desk. He stood very still; eyes full of uncertainty as he waited for the captain to speak.

Rajko, Lito began, I’ve known you since you turned up at Black Heart Cove with no memory of where you came from. I’ve watched you grow from that thin little strip of a boy to the fine young man that stands before me now. I’ve seen the hard work you put in each day, and how the crew looks up to you, even those who have sailed with me for over a decade.

Lito paused, looking out the window to the open ocean.

I say all of this to tell you that I am retiring. Once we dock in Black Heart Cove, I will hand the ship and her crew over to you.

Lito turned as Rajko fumbled to come up with the words to respond to which Lito held up his hand.

No, don’t try to convince me otherwise, Rajko. I’ve put much thought into all of this and had many conversations with Peter and Clare about it. I’m tired. I’m ready to settle down with Clare and tell my stories around the fire. When we dock, I will tell the crew and then we will all celebrate together at the Plunderer’s Nest. Once you choose to leave, you will need to pick your own first mate and resupply, then you may set off for whatever horizon your heart desires.

Rajko stared at him. He was completely taken aback. He had only been aboard the Mako for a few years, but it felt like home to him. He never thought that the captain was this close to retirement, nor had he thought that he would be chosen out of all the rest of the crew. He started to attempt to argue, but a glance at the captain’s face made it clear that there was no room for questioning his decision.

Thank you, sir, Rajko started. "I don’t know how I can ever repay you for such a great gift. I’m not sure how I was chosen, since there are several men aboard that are more fit for the job, but I will gladly do whatever you feel is best for the Mako."

Captain Lito smiled. Rajko, that’s exactly the attitude that helped me choose you. You are humble and always want whatever is best for others even if it means you take a lesser role. You aren’t power hungry, like some of the others, yet you have an air of leadership about you. Son, you were born for this whether you realize it or not, Lito sighed as he sat down at his desk, Now, that’s not all I wanted to talk about when I asked you to come to my quarters. I do believe that you have fancied my daughter, Alayna, for quite some time now. I know that you have been saving every piece of treasure that you could and building your courage to ask me for her hand. Rajko’s mouth dropped open in shock. Lito chuckled. Did you think that I wouldn’t figure it out? Come now, I didn’t get to be a captain by missing those kinds of details. The late nights talking while cuddled up next to the fireplace, strolls under the stars, secret picnics at Rainbow Jewels Falls, and many other details. Noticing details has saved my life plenty of times before, so you may want to take note of that. Alas, that’s a story for another time. I want you to know that Clare and I both give our full blessing for the two of you. We know that you will take great care of our daughter and keep her safe. All right, I’ve said my peace. Head on back topside. I’m sure you have much to think about before we make it back to port.

Yes, sir, Rajko said, mind racing as fast as his heart, Thank you, sir.

As Rajko left the cabin, Lito was once again left alone to his thoughts. He smiled to himself. He now knew he had made the right decision. That boy was going to do even greater things than what he, the legendary Captain Lito, had done. Rajko was born for greatness. Everyone he met could see it, even if he himself couldn’t, and he would be a captain that men would gladly follow to the ends of the earth without question. Yes, he had made the right decision, and Lito finally felt completely at peace with his decision to retire. He knew the ship was going to be in good hands. His daughter was going to be well cared for, as well, for that matter. He certainly looked forward to spending more time with Clare and Alayna. He had always tried to balance his time with them and his voyages, but he desired nothing more now than to spend the rest of his days with his family. At last, he would be able to give them the time and attention that they deserved.

THREE DAYS LATER THE Mako drew close to Black Heart’s Cove, the infamous pirate haven. To the untrained eye, it looked as if they were sailing straight for a wall of cliffs three ships tall, but to those who knew the secret of Black Heart’s Cove that was merely an illusion created by the way the cliffs were shaped. By heading towards a patch that seemed to stick out further than the rest, a ship could make a slight turn and find themselves in a passage just wide enough for a well-sized freighter and leading to an island paradise that was protected by those very same cliffs. Here pirates could relax in a hundred different ways, resupply their ships and crew, and trade their treasures for anything imaginable.

The jewel of Black Heart’s Cove was the Plunderer’s Nest, a tavern run by none other than the famous Miss Clare – Captain Lito’s beloved wife. Legend has it that she came from royal blood from some far-off kingdom and had been kidnapped for a great ransom. When her family refused to pay the ransom, the kidnappers planned to sell her into slavery when Captain Lito – just a quartermaster at the time – saved her. When the ship put into port at Black Heart’s Cove, Miss Clare decided to open the best tavern any pirate had ever seen, so with some of Lito’s share from his last voyage she did just that. The Plunderer’s Nest served the finest foods and drinks on the whole island, had the best entertainment, and had the friendliest servers. That said it wasn’t a place for just anyone, as Miss Clare also employed the strongest bouncers to keep out any unsavory types that may cause trouble, so everyone knew they had to be on their best behavior while visiting.

The Mako navigated through the passage with ease at she had many times before and found dock just as the sun began to kiss the ocean. With rehearsed precision, the crew gathered on deck in ranks, itching to be set loose on the town to celebrate their successful voyage with all their hard-earned treasure, but they all knew better than to disembark before being dismissed by the captain. Like clockwork, the captain appeared as the last sailor reached his post.

Gents, an excellent job as ye have managed another successful voyage, Lito paused as a thunderous roar went up from the crew. Ye fought hard and earned every bit of your shares. I’m proud of each and every one of ye. Looking out at all of you, I see men and boys that have become like family to me. We’ve sailed together, fought together, shed our own blood and sweat together, and of course spent our fair share of plunder together. I say all that because I have an especially important announcement to make before we head into town, he paused as confused whispers rippled through the crowd.

First of all, we are going to all be celebrating at the Plunderer’s Nest. They already know we’re coming and have been cooking all day to be ready for us as we celebrate. Another bout of excitement interrupted Lito’s speech. Last bit o’ business before we go, lads. The roar died down as Lito searched the crew for Rajko. Upon finding him, he beckoned for him to join him next to the helm. Lads, after much thought I’ve decided that it is finally time for me to retire. A hush fell over the crew as more than a few mouths fell open in astonishment. "As you know, I’ve been in the pirate business going on forty years now, and I’ve decided to retire before some ambitious buccaneer makes the decision for me. I will be staying here in Black Heart’s Cove with my lovely Miss Clare and my daughter Alayna, so know that you will still see me as often as you put to port. After much consideration, I’ve decided that Rajko should be my replacement, a decision unanimously backed by the officers of the Mako. So, from this day forward, Rajko MacDuffie will be your captain. I trust my ship and this crew into his charge from this moment forward. That being said, ye be free to find a new ship if ye prefer, as that be your right as free men. Just know that I put my full confidence in Rajko as a leader and captain. After some discussion, Rajko has decided to give ye all a few days at the Cove before setting sail again, so as to give you time to make yer decision. Now, let’s give me a proper send off, shall we? To the Plunderer’s Nest!" The crew scurried from the ship shouting with excitement as they hurried to the best tavern in town.

LITO, PETER, AND RAJKO reached the top of the hill where the Plunderer’s Nest sat and each sighed with excitement having reached their destination. It truly was a remarkable sight. A three-story building with five chimneys and a wrap-around porch that sat on the highest hill on the island overlooking the whole town and harbor below. As they entered the tavern, they were caressed by the familiar smell of tobacco, ale, and leather. They took in the wild mixture of sounds, everything from the sound of music, dancing, laughter, and chatter filled the room to the brim.

Peter, go get a table for us, Lito ordered with a smile on his face.

Peter went off to find a table while Lito turned to Rajko and said, Go find Clare and let her know that her favorite sea dog has returned and wants to see her.

Aye, Captain, he chimed with a smirk.

Lito scanned the tavern nodding to those he knew until he found who he was looking for, Will, a man in his late twenties, who looked grim and seedy like a street dog. He sat at the bar by himself nursing an ale to go with his clearly bruised ego. Lito headed over and took the stool next to him.

You’re shocked that I chose Rajko over you, Lito stated already knowing it to be true.

Will just glared into his drink with cold silence, feigning indifference.

"I know that you had your heart set on it, my boy, but I just couldn’t choose you. I’ve seen what giving you a little power has done to you, all the fights and unnecessary orders to your fellow shipmates as if they were beneath you. Had I given the ship to you; you wouldn’t have been able to prevent the mutiny that would have begun brewing before you even left the docks. Rajko already has said that he wants you to stay on the Mako and welcomes your return. Of course, you’re welcome to find another ship if that be your desire, Lito paused looking to see if Will would respond. You’re a good kid, Will, but you still have much to learn before you have your own ship. I’m sure one day you will, but not just yet."

Will scoffed and scowled deeper into his drink.

With that, Lito got up in search of Peter and some of the finest ale across the seas.

His seat wasn’t empty long before it was filled by a tall man who sported an open, expensive-looking red sailor’s coat trimmed with black, golden buttons engraved with skulls caught Will’s attention. Will looked up briefly to see if it was someone that he knew, but the man next to him was unfamiliar. He had the look of someone of importance with his dark black hair pulled back at the nape of his neck, his strong jaw line, and his hook of a nose all gave him the look of a predator. He ordered a rum as Will turned back to his cup of despair.

After a moment, the stranger turned to Will and struck up the conversation that he had been waiting to hear but thought would never happen.

I’ve seen that look before, the stranger said, nonchalant.

And what look is that, hmm?

The look of someone who was thrown to the dogs when they deserved a throne.

Now that caught Will’s attention.

That’s about right.

What if I told you that there was something that you could do about that.

Look, if you’re suggesting that I just kill the welp, I already thought it through and I wouldn’t make it two steps before I joined him in a pool of blood. The kid is too well liked for his own good

Perhaps, all you need is the help of a strong ally.

I’m listening, replied Will, turning away from his drink, an evil light in his eyes.

The name’s Raithe, Captain Raithe, Will nodded, recognizing the name, "I grew up with Rajko when we were just boys living on the streets of the continent. He was too likeable even back then, insisting to ‘do the right thing’ when we were poor urchins stealing to survive. He was too weak to do the things that needed to be done. When we decided to stowaway on a ship to get away from a life cutting coin purses, he refused and ratted us out. The guards gave him a little pouch of money and sent him on his way while me and the rest of the boys were thrown in a jail cell and left to starve for a week. We eventually ended up making it onto a ship but the next time that I heard anything about that welp he had become the cabin boy of the Mako, the ship every boy dreamed of being on. Ever since then I swore that I would make him pay for betraying us."

So, what did you have in mind?

Well, if I know anything about Rajko, it’s that his first voyage will be after treasure or some other nonsense as he would never go out of his way to attack another ship. My plan would be to swoop in and steal his treasure and then make him suffer as much as possible before killing him like I should have all those years ago.

But where would I fit in?

"I would need a reliable source onboard the Mako to keep me informed of Rajko’s every move so that I could always be a step or two ahead of him. I would make sure that you were paid handsomely for it, of course. Perhaps even give you the Mako as your own since it will be without a captain once everything is said and done. Then, you could sail under my flag, and we could build an armada of ships to rule the seas."

Consider it done. Just tell me what I need to do.

Raithe reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small totem that looked to be a monkey carved out of a piece of bone the size of his palm with small blood red rubies for eyes and placed it on the bar in front of Will.

Take that with you and keep it hidden. It will allow us to communicate no matter the distance. Just keep me informed on what he is doing and where he is going, and I will make sure that we crush him when the time is right.

Will quickly took the talisman and hid it, then raised his tankard with a cruel smirk, To revenge.

To revenge, Raithe replied, raising his tankard.

RAJKO FOUGHT THROUGH the crowd until he finally found Miss Clare. She was a plump lady in her early forties with rosy cheeks that always had a smile on her face. She wore a flowing sky-blue dress with a white apron, her auburn hair in a tight bun on top of her head. She was bustling about serving drinks to tables when he finally caught up to her.

Miss Clare, the Captain is here and would like to see you.

Clare turned around and once she realized who was talking to her, she wrapped Rajko up in a big hug. For a middle-aged lady, she was stronger than she often realized. Sensing Rajko was struggling to breathe, she released him from her hug.

Rajko, my sweet boy, it’s so good to see you! I didn’t imagine that you would be back so soon! I hope that means that the voyage went well?

It went better than expected to be sure. In fact, that’s why the captain brought the whole crew here to celebrate the success of the voyage and his recent announcement, Rajko said with a big grin.

With a puzzled look, Clare asked, And what announcement would that be? When he sent that messenger bird, the note only said to be ready for a big feast.

Well, the Captain has decided to retire so that he can spend more time with you.

Clare nearly fainted hearing the news. She had started to wonder if Lito would ever retire, since he always felt called back to the ocean any time that he touched land. They had talked about it on and off over the last few years, but she never imagined that it would come to be a reality so soon.

That’s wonderful news! she exclaimed while turning towards the barkeep. Drinks all around on the house, Monte! We have much to celebrate tonight!

The tavern erupted with excitement at the thought of free drinks.

Clare turned back to Rajko with a question, Has he named a replacement?

He has, Rajko said suddenly feeling sheepish.

Well, out with it, my boy, who did he pick?

Me.

Clare wrapped him in another bear hug before he could react. Ahhhh! Congratulations, my boy! That’s wonderful! You will make an excellent captain. I’m sure you will do great things. Oh! You must run and tell Alayna! She and Serena are around here somewhere, I’m sure.

He blushed deeply as she shooed him off before she hurried to find Lito.

After recovering himself, Rajko began to scan the room for Alayna. He soon saw her sitting with their friends at a table near the fireplace. He froze, stunned as he took in the beautiful woman that had saved him all those years ago when he washed up on the shore of Black Heart’s Cove. Her wavy, flame colored hair falling to the middle of her back as her bangs swooped over her left eye. Those emerald eyes captivated him increasingly each time he saw them. Her tan skin dotted with freckles that always popped in the summer sun. Like her mother, Miss Clare, she always sported a sparkling smile that shown in her eyes. She never failed to take his breath away even after all these years. She wore an emerald dress that tastefully hugged her body, the color of it accenting her eyes.

Sitting next to her were Serena, Hawkeye, and Wesley. Serena was a dark-skinned, slender girl with a fiery personality. Her black hair fell in tight curls around her face accenting her golden eyes. Tonight, she sported a tight-fitting white dress that showed off her curves. She and Alayna had grown up together and both worked at the Plunderer’s Nest waiting tables. She and Hawkeye had been together for the last several years, and she had managed to keep him in line for the most part, though sometimes he snuck away and found trouble. The two of them made an interesting couple. They were both the life of the party, Hawkeye for his rowdiness and Serena for her singing. When they were together, there were lots of raunchy jokes, plenty of arguing, and lots of passion.

Hawkeye had been Rajko’s best friend since he joined the crew of the Mako. He was the oldest of their group though he deferred to Rajko as the leader. He sported a gut that he was proud of, often saying that it helped him hold more rum. He wore a white canvas shirt with sleeves cut out and a pair of brown shorts. He was missing his left eye and always kept an eye patch over the old wound. He kept his long brown hair under an old leather tricorn hat. He was always quick with a joke or riddle, often finding himself at the center of attention especially because he couldn’t keep thoughts to himself. This meant that he got into trouble and brawls for thinking out loud more often than the rest of them. There were few that could ever hope to keep up with him in a drinking contest, but he was one of the worst gamblers that Rajko had ever met.

Last was Wesley, the youngest of their group, having just turned eighteen on their last voyage. He was very shy and quiet most of the time, but he was a fierce fighter. Many a maiden had tried to woo him as he was very handsome. Despite all of their efforts, rumor had it that he loved Serena, so he had not accepted anyone else’s advances. He had short sandy hair, teal eyes, and a chiseled body. He wore an open vest like Rajko except his was a deep royal blue. He wore sun-bleached, knee length shorts fastened by a cord of hemp.

After a moment, he snapped back to reality and began to head their way. When he had almost reached the table, Alayna saw him. In the blink of an eye, she rushed over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He wrapped her up in his arms tightly and spun her around causing her to squeal.

I’m so glad you’re back! I’ve missed you so much since you left! she said beaming at him.

I counted every moment until I got to be back with you, he said grinning from ear to ear.

Oh, get a room, Serena moaned, rolling her eyes.

What a great idea, Serena, I think I’ll use yours, Alayna said playfully while winking at Rajko who just blushed deeper causing Hawkeye to die with laughter.

Gods, don’t make me sick, Serena said while pretending to gag, just pull up a chair already and tell us what the captain’s big surprise is, considering we’ve been slaving away here cooking and cleaning all day. Plus this lug, she said ribbing Hawkeye, Won’t tell us anything other than that we should practically faun over your very existence.

Rajko glared at Hawkeye who just chuckled and shrugged.

"The captain has decided to retire, and he has decided to make me the next captain of the Mako," he said humbly.

Alayna’s eyes lit up and she squealed, But that’s wonderful! Daddy is going to finally retire and on top of that he named you his replacement. I couldn’t be happier!

Just wait until tomorrow, Rajko mumbled hoping no one had heard him, but Serena arched her eyebrow causing him to look away.

Oh, I must find Mother! She will be so excited if she hasn’t heard already. I’ll be back later to see you, she said bouncing with excitement.

Wait! Rajko yelped. Alayna turned back confused. I was just wondering if you wanted to do a picnic at the waterfall in the morning.

She walked back over and gave him a kiss, That sounds wonderful, my love. I look forward to it.

With that she skipped off to find Clare and Lito.

Serena leaned over and kissed Hawkeye on his cheek, I think I’m going to go on to bed. I know you want to go play cards with your buddies, so go ahead, just don’t lose too much. I don’t want to have to bail your sorry bum out again, she said with a smirk as she stood to leave.

Ha-ha, you’re so funny, Hawkeye said knowing full