The Adventures of the Cowboy Kid - Vol. 2: The Curse of Blackbeard’s Treasure

By Philip Clark

May 21st, 1818

On the Island of Santiago, the ruthless pirate, “The Surgeon,” is searching for Blackbeard’s hidden treasure. Little does he know, his quest will entangle him with the Cowboy Kid, discovering a darkness that the world has not seen for thousands of years.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9781649795496

Philip Clark

Traveling from place to place, Philip Clark found his footing in storytelling, creating places that he had never traveled and adventures he longed for. So, it was only a matter of time before he created a world full of mystery and adventure. Now he writes stories to help show the world what a better place it can be when we all work together.

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About the Author

Traveling from place to place, Philip Clark found his footing in storytelling, creating places that he had never traveled and adventures he longed for. So, it was only a matter of time before he created a world full of mystery and adventure. Now he writes stories to help show the world what a better place it can be when we all work together.

Dedication

You will face many defeats in life but never let yourself be defeated.

Copyright Information ©

Philip Clark 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Ordering Information

Quantity sales: Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Clark, Philip

The Adventures of the Cowboy Kid – Vol. 2

ISBN 9781649795472 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781649795489 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781649795496 (ePub e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022905110

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 33rd Floor, Suite 3302

New York, NY 10005

USA

[e-mail]

[phone]

Chapter 1

Flashback

August 2, 2012 (Austin, Texas)

At the age of six, Charlie stood on a balance beam for the very first time. He was outside with his dad at their lake house, ready to start his training. Standing tall, Charlie blindfolded himself and caught his balance as he stood on one leg.

His dad was testing his abilities by throwing small stones at him. He wanted to see how many stones his son could catch in a row. The more Charlie caught, the greater the reward.

Seeing only darkness, Charlie wondered how he was supposed to catch something blindfolded, until the darkness gradually became a blurry, out-of-focus image. He reached out, trying to catch the stone as he focused on listening for the sound – so intently that he lost track of his feet and fell to the mats below.

It’s okay, his dad said, quickly helping him up.

Charlie yanked off his blindfold, frustrated. I’m never going to get this! he said. I can’t—

His dad cut him off, Hey! It’s okay, you’ll get this.

How I am supposed to do this? You said I will be able to see the rocks, but everything is just blurry.

His dad kneeled down and put his hands on Charlie’s shoulder. "Believe in yourself, Son. I know that’s easier said than done, but trust in me when I tell you; you have abilities that no one else in the world has; you just have to believe in yourself, or it won’t be possible."

How do I do that?

Practice and confidence, his dad replied.

Charlie was about to ask another question as his dad took out a set of flash cards – they were large cards with multiplication problems on them.

The objective was to answer the questions as quickly as possible, mistake free. When the card was solely an image, Charlie would have 30 seconds to try and capture as many details as possible.

His dad started the timer as Charlie quickly moved through the deck.

His one weakness was memorization, and he was relieved that there was only one card with an image this time.

Good, now close your eyes and focus your attention, his dad said. Pull up the flashcards in your mind. What was the first problem?

Charlie closed his eyes. He saw only darkness, until a blurry image surfaced from the depths of his mind.

Use your gift, Charlie, his dad encouraged, watching him struggle. You have to believe that you can do it. There can be no doubt in your mind. Watching with anticipation, he said, Concentrate.

Charlie concentrated on the blurry image, struggling. I can’t! he pouted.

Look, this isn’t something you will pick up quickly. You can’t let your frustrations get the best of you. His dad paused. I dunno, maybe you’re just not ready for this yet.

Charlie quickly objected, his eyes flying open. No! I can do this.

Are you sure about that?

Yes! Charlie said adamantly.

His dad put his hand on Charlie’s shoulder again. You have to let everything go and empty your mind. Only then will you be ready; can you do that for me?

He looked at his dad with confidence. Yes, sir, he said, pulling down his blindfold.

Once again, he saw a blurry image. He concentrated until the image became clear. It was like a microscope finally coming into focus.

3 x 4 is 12, Charlie said, shocked.

His dad wrote in his notebook. Now the next card.

Charlie saw the image in his mind switch to the second. The card started to blur but quickly came back into focus the more he concentrated. 8 x 8 is 64! he shouted.

Now the next.

Again, Charlie saw the image switch to the third card, then it quickly disappeared. He grunted out of frustration.

It’s okay! his dad said. You’re getting it. You finally saw something! That’s a big deal, Charlie!

Yeah, but I lost it.

And that’s okay. One day, you won’t have that problem, I promise. Now let’s try it again.

Charlie closed his eyes, concentrating once more.

What was the third card? his dad asked.

Charlie saw the first two cards again in his mind, now seeing the third. That card has a picture on it.

Correct, now who is the person and what is he holding in his hand? his dad asked, looking at the card.

Charlie focused, scanning the picture. It’s an image of a king, sitting on his throne, holding a golden goblet with jewels on it.

Correct. Now how many jewels are on the cup, and what color are they?

I see four, no, five light-blue jewels, Charlie replied.

His dad was trying to contain his excitement. Good job! Now what was the color of the curtain, the one behind the king?

Charlie replied, Purple.

Now the next card, his dad prompted.

Charlie finished the whole deck, only missing one answer.

His dad stopped the timer and wrote in his notepad. All right, now let’s try this again. Up you go, he said, pointing at the balance beam. Charlie jumped up. "Observe the area and your surroundings for two full minutes. Really concentrate on all the small, hidden details," he directed, holding up his stopwatch. He waited, closely watching his son.

Charlie looked around, focusing on the balance beam, the distance from the ground, and his surroundings when he suddenly saw a butterfly land near his feet.

He was mesmerized by its wings while he watched them flutter back and forth rapidly. The more he concentrated on the wings, the slower they fluttered until they were moving at the pace of a snail. He was so entranced by this phenomenon that he didn’t realize his two minutes were up.

Go! his dad shouted while starting the stopwatch.

Being startled back to reality, Charlie blindfolded himself and stood on one leg. This time, when he closed his eyes, he saw the balance beam and everything else with clarity. However, he noticed that every object he saw lightly radiated small translucent waves. The longer he focused and remained calm, the stronger he saw everything around him.

Whoa, Charlie softly spoke, seeing the translucent waves being emitted by the butterfly.

He heard a stone hit the balance beam near his feet which interrupted the moment. Looking over at his dad, he saw the translucent path of waves left behind from the stone. Its trail quickly dissipated after a few seconds.

The trail that was left behind looked like a floating, invisible wave of water being emitted from every object that he observed. At that moment, he saw a second stone creating its own path in the air. Time slowed down as he lifted his hand, and caught the stone. Amazed, he opened his palm, looking at the small translucent waves pulsating from it.

His dad shouted in amazement, All right!

I did it! Charlie exclaimed with the biggest smile. I actually did it!

Great job!

This was the most significant amount of time that Charlie had ever used this ability. He was amazed that he could still see his family’s property in full detail while blindfolded. Charlie searched the area for his dad, but instead of seeing him, like he could everything else, he only saw a translucent outline of his dad’s body, as if his dad were wearing an invisible suit. Charlie wondered why his dad was invisible and was confused by what he was witnessing.

Suddenly, several more paths of translucent waves rapidly approached him. Charlie moved just in the nick of time as he watched them whizz right past. This made him feel invincible as a thousand questions entered his mind.

Suddenly overwhelmed by the unknown, he lost his footing, falling once again to the mats below.

His dad clapped, beaming with pride. Charlie got up and took off his blindfold.

Much better, his dad said, still clapping.

Catching his breath, Charlie replied, Yeah! But how is that possible?

I can’t tell you exactly how, but in our family, only your great-grandpa had that ability. He tried to teach it to me, but I don’t have that gift like you do. He paused. What else did you see when your eyes were closed?

I could see everything. It was like my eyes were open, except when I looked at you. You were invisible.

Really? his dad asked, intrigued.

Charlie paused, trying to think of a way to describe what he experienced. There were…clear waves that pulsated away from you, creating an outline of your body. I knew where you were standing, but I couldn’t see you.

What do you mean? his dad asked. Charlie struggled, thinking of a way to describe what he saw, when his dad interrupted his thought, Could you see other objects? Or were they invisible too?

No, I could see other objects. Only you were invisible, Charlie replied.

His dad smiled, finally understanding. The waves you see radiating off of everything are energy waves.

Energy waves? Charlie asked, confused.

"Yes! Everything in life has energy or stores it in some way. Your great-grandfather, Joseph, called it using his third eye. That’s how you’re able to see when you can’t ‘see,’" he replied, making quotation marks with both hands.

Charlie looked confused. Using his third eye? That’s what he called it? And I thought great-grandpa was Thomas, not Joseph, right?

Ha, well, he went by Joseph more than Thomas. Which is why your grandpa was named Joe. Look, it’s hard to explain. I don’t have all of the answers, and I can’t recall memories like you can or see energy waves with my mind when my eyes are closed.

Why me then? asked Charlie, still confused. I don’t understand.

I dunno. That’s not an easy question to answer. But just like your great-grandpa, you have, and will do, extraordinary things. His dad paused. Did I ever tell you that he was the one that named you?

Really? Charlie asked.

Yeah, once your mom was pregnant, he told us that we were gonna have a baby boy. He said that it was imperative you were given the name Charlie.

But that’s impossible. How would he know? Charlie asked.

I dunno, and I didn’t believe him at first. But, when we found out that you were a boy, and when you learned basic math by the age of three, I was a believer.

I don’t understand, Dad.

Nor will you right now. It will take time and patience for you to learn and comprehend. He paused, picked up Charlie, and set him on top of the balance beam. It’s a marathon, not a race, remember that. He paused. Here, put on your blindfold and let’s try this again.

Charlie sighed, unsatisfied. Yes, sir!

He blindfolded himself again, as his dad counted down, 3, 2, 1…

In this exercise, Charlie was supposed to dodge the stones that were thrown at him. Once again, the longer he stayed on the balance beam, the greater the reward.

Seeing the first stone rapidly approach, Charlie realized that his dad was throwing them harder while he sidestepped to dodge them. Looking up, he quickly noticed that another stone was flying straight toward his head. His dad was nervous, not meaning to throw the stone at his son’s face. Charlie moved to the side just in time but lost his balance and fell to the mats below.

His dad encouraged him, It’s okay! Try it again.

Charlie hopped back up on the balance beam, sighing from exhaustion. He looked around for a couple of minutes and blindfolded himself again.

The darkness faded as he saw his environment in full detail. He stood there, astonished, as he could feel the wind gently gliding across his sweaty face.

This is amazing! he said aloud as a stone hit his leg.

Pay attention, his dad said sternly.

Ouch, I wasn’t ready!

Doesn’t matter; you must always be prepared. Isn’t that what Sensei Shuwen has been teaching you? Or have I been wasting my money? he asked as he threw another stone.

A little angered by the comment, Charlie was determined to do his best. He could see the energy path the stone created more clearly the harder he focused. He kept grinning because he couldn’t get past the fact that he was able to see with his eyes closed.

Charlie missed two, three, four stones before mis-stepping. Losing his balance, he fell to the mats below.

His dad clapped. Good work! That’s the best yet! He jotted down some notes while Charlie gulped down a large bottle of water.

Okay, let’s keep moving, his dad said, pointing to the course to their right.

Charlie ran around the property, carrying a backpack that held several large rocks. The purpose of this exercise was to improve his endurance.

Charlie had to jump and crawl under a series of different styles of fences. He had to do this over and over again to collect four different flags in four different locations.

When he was finished, he had traveled about a mile. Exhausted, he flopped down on the dirt, closing his eyes. He saw his surroundings again and then chose to make it dark.

It’s not time to rest; let’s go! his dad quickly said, helping him up.

I ache all over, I need to sit down.

Nope! he said. You better get comfortable with being uncomfortable, mister. Now let’s go!

Next, they put on sparring gloves so Charlie could practice his punching. He had been instructed by his new sensei to practice at least two times a week before his martial arts training which were usually on Sundays.

Charlie slowly punched, recalling his previous lessons in his mind. He closed his eyes and saw the gloves slowly pulsating with energy waves. He was taught to practice his form and accuracy before speed.

Because speed only comes with time and practice, he could hear his sensei say.

They trained for a good portion of the day. When Charlie finally completed his 100 jumping jacks, he complained, Please, I can’t do anything else. I’m exhausted!

Come on now. I was just getting started, his dad jokingly replied. There was a moment of awkward silence before he spoke again. Go get a protein bar and some water. You’re gonna need your strength for the two miles you’re about to swim.

Come on, Dad, I’m exhausted! Charlie complained again. What about my reward for doing so well?

You did do the best you have ever done. He thought for a moment. Okay, only half a mile then.

Seriously? But, Dad—

Don’t start with me! he cut in. This is what you get! Don’t tell me you’re going to do something and then not follow through. Do I make myself clear?

But that wasn’t my fault! Charlie complained.

I don’t want to hear it, Charlie! he shouted. Go get some water and change, now!

But all of the kids my age aren’t forced to train and exercise like this! I just want to do normal things with kids, like play games and have fun! he shouted back, starting to walk away.

After all the things that I have done for you, that is your complaint? his dad asked, following after him. Well, let me tell you why. It’s because I made a promise to someone that I would prepare you for what’s to come, and I’m not going to break my promise! Whether you like it or not! he snapped.

Charlie stopped, not wanting to argue. Yes, sir!

Good, his dad said, muttering under his breath as he turned away. Challenge me, huh? Boy, I will ground you so fast, you won’t know what hit you.

Chapter 2

The Surgeon

April 12, 1818 (Freeport, The Bahamas)

Lightning flashed from the night sky as a man crept across the empty docks. He was concealed by his dark forest-green cloak as he quickly continued to the edge of the peer. His intent was to board his enemy’s massive pirate ship that had been docked in Freeport for several days now. The cloaked man was none other than the ruthless pirate, Jonah Rackham.

Jonah was 6'2", had tanned skin, chestnut-colored hair, green eyes, with a slight muscular build.

He and his crew of 17 were feared wherever they traveled. But, tonight, Jonah was alone. None of his crew members knew where he was, nor did they realize that he had left their ship. As far as they knew, they sailed into Freeport to restock supplies and get some much-needed downtime.

While his crew were in town, buying supplies, Jonah climbed aboard the docked ship and hid behind a cluster of barrels.

The sky rumbled and sheets of rain began to pour down, seeping through his thin cloak.

Jonah watched as two pirates arrived up top to prepare the sails. He remained crouched down, patiently observing their routines and waiting for the right opportunity.

Time crept by as the sheets of rain eventually soaked him completely. Yet, still, he waited like a statue; until the moment was right.

Stepping out from behind the barrel, Jonah slowly crept up and caught the first pirate by surprise. Grabbing him by the head, he snapped his neck sideways and back in one swift motion.

Jonah caught the pirate’s body before it fell to the deck.

Holy crap! What do you eat? he joked to himself, barely holding up the heavy body.

He dragged the dead pirate to the edge of the ship and rolled it over the railing.

Hearing the splash, the second pirate turned to investigate. He saw Jonah run toward him, unsheathe his cutlass, and thrust his blade into him within a matter of seconds.

The pirate’s eyes widened in disbelief as he felt the blade piercing his heart. He dropped to his knees in pain, then crumbled, face first, to the deck. Blood oozed from the stab wound as Jonah wiped his sword and returned it to its sheath. Picking up the body, he hurled it up and over the ship’s railing.

Jonah had learned several months ago that his rival, Lux, had won a map from a bet. Jonah believed that to be the lost map to Blackbeard’s hidden treasure, which was why he was there tonight – to steal it!

With no one else around, Jonah searched the main deck for the captain’s quarters until he located it at the back of the ship. It had a large, red ornate door with the words ‘KEEP OUT’ crudely carved across.

Jonah crept by the ship’s stairs after hearing a pirate from below say, Wake up; it’s almost time!

No! another pirate answered.

Jonah heard approaching footsteps from behind. He quickly turned and saw that a pirate on the main deck had just spotted him.

Reaching for his dagger, Jonah threw it as quick as a dart. It landed with precision and killed the pirate instantly.

Instinctively running toward the now-slain pirate, Jonah tried to catch his falling body. Time slowed down again as he reached out, but he was too late.

On the deck below, a pirate asked urgently, Did you hear that? His deck-mate stopped what he was doing to listen as another thump sounded from above. Immediately standing up, they sprinted toward the stairs.

Back on the main deck, Jonah heard more pirates approaching and quickly ran to the ship’s railing.

He wore special gloves and boots, with three spikes stitched into each of them. This allowed him to climb the ship’s outer hull without being seen. The only downside to this specialized maneuver was that he had to move incredibly slow or risk being heard.

The rain continued to beat down upon the ship as he hung from the outer hull, waiting for the right moment.

He heard a pirate say, I didn’t hear anything! You’re being paranoid – now come on.

No, look! Blood!

Jonah let out an exasperated sigh. Great! he muttered under his breath.

The thunder crashed while Jonah pulled himself up and onto the deck. He drew his sword as the two pirates attacked.

Jonah ducked and lunged forward, stabbing the pirate through his heart. His lifeless body slumped to the wooden deck.

Jonah made a mental note not to block any attacks with his sword. He didn’t want the sounds of a duel alerting any more pirates.

The second pirate slashed over and over again as Jonah stepped backward, dodging each attack. As the pirate lunged forward, Jonah grabbed his arm and pulled the pirate toward him, stabbing him with his sword.

Shhh, shhhh, Jonah whispered in his ear. Time to sleep. The pain is almost over, I promise, he said, gently laying his body down.

Jonah watched the life slowly leave as he closed the pirate’s eyelids.

This time, he decided not to throw the lifeless bodies into the sea. Instead, he dragged them to the back of the ship, hiding them behind a cluster of barrels.

Jonah used the rain to help dilute and wash the blood from the deck, trying to make it look as if nothing had happened. It wasn’t long before he heard the sounds of more footsteps approaching.

Once again, he climbed the ship’s outer hull, slowly making his way over to the captain’s quarters which felt like a mile away.

It wasn’t easy climbing, but Jonah fought through the pain and muscle aches as he slowly moved along the side of the ship. It took nearly an hour, but he finally made it to the captain’s private deck. Lifting himself up, he peered through the glass door, looking into Lux’s chamber.

The room was dark, and it was hard to see anything as the rain continued to pour down. He lightly turned the door handle, but it was locked from the inside.

Reaching in his cloak, Jonah retrieved a small tool as the thunder crashed from the sky.

He held up the glass cutter and quietly attached it to the glass door.

The mechanism had a skinny black rod with a heavy-duty suction cup attached to its center tip. There was a movable arm attached to the center rod that rotated in a circular motion. This arm was connected by a small handle controlled by a crank. The movable arm had a diamond secured to it for precision cutting.

He started the long process of cutting a hole in the glass while applying pressure as he slowly turned the crank. The arm moved effortlessly in its circular motion and started to make grooves in the glass. From time to time, when the diamond squeaked, he would slow down the motion or stop for a second to wait.

The rain continued and a constant stream of water was now dripping from his hood. He kept turning the crank until the diamond had successfully cut all the way through. Gently pulling on the tool, he carefully extracted the cut glass firmly attached to the suction cup.

He took a deep breath, removing the glass and discarding it into the sea. He put his tool away and cautiously reached his hand through the hole, unlocking the door. Lightning briefly lit the dark room as the rain changed direction.

Slowly turning the handle, Jonah cautiously opened the door and tiptoed into the captain’s chambers. Luckily, for Jonah, Lux was passed out from drinking.

The room was what you might expect from a ruthless captain – a complete disaster. Dirty clothes thrown everywhere, and pieces of uneaten food and toppled chairs were just a few of the items littering the room.

The worst part of it all was the smell. There were rotten, moldy clothes spread about, with stale rum that had been spilled on the floor. Not to mention the stench that permeated from the captain that almost made it impossible to breathe.

Jonah looked around and saw the map rolled out on a large table. Four knives, one stuck into each corner, secured the map in place. Jewels, gold pieces, and empty bottles of rum and grog were scattered around the table’s outer edge. Moving closer, Jonah also noticed a small, circular, magnifying lens connected to a necklace.

There it is, he thought to himself. He picked it up and put it around his neck, tucking it inside his cloak.

Jonah looked up and