Epoch University

By James Oregon

James Denim never thought he would amount to anything: fresh out of high school, zero job prospects, facing homelessness, and cannot afford college.
Now imagine a university with free tuition, textbooks, room, and board, for all students across Earth, and other Earths in alternate universes. This Epoch University! Situated in an extinct caldera, this university has no limits to learning, and welcomes all who cannot afford an education, are refugees from regimes, wars, and environmental catastrophes. Here, only those that wish to learn are truly welcome.
With the help of James Denim, and many other new students, the university begins its first academic year in jeopardy from mythical creatures, corporate greed from a unscrupulous company, and in danger of destruction by a maniacal, cursed pirate traveling through time, intent on stealing lost treasures.
If Epoch University survives, it may well become the hope of future generations of humanity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798823012324

James Oregon

I used to write comic strips is high school where I studied art, and published them in the school newspaper. When I started attending community college and studied electronics, literature, and art, I continued to develop my comic strip, and published it in two college newspapers. I studied engineering at California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo. Some of my courses involved statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, engineering design, computer languages, electron flow theory, engineering economic analysis, and many tech-centered courses. My comic strip became more university-oriented in its content. I in the university newspaper, established a fan base, and published a book of comic strips comprising of all my work to this point. The book was published by the campus bookstore. After college, I began work at NEC electronics in Roseville, California. I published a new comic strip oriented towards “Life in the Fab,” meaning the electronics wafer fabrication line where I worked in a clean room. The company newspaper interviewed me, and published my story about my comic strip. My comic strip writing days came to an end after I became legally blind due to a genetic disease called Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. I was unable to pursue a career in electronics, so I decided to try science. I attended what is now California Polytechnic University Humboldt, and studied Environmental Science with a specialty in Ecological Restoration. Some of my coursework involved grant writing, NEQA and CEQA project evaluation, wetland science, alternative energies, forest management, wetland management, rangeland restoration, and support classes involving climate change. During this time, I considered the possibility of transforming my comic strip into a novel. So, began creating a storyline involving the characters from my comic strip. They strive to build a university with free tuition, and textbooks in an effort to solve not only world problems, but the problems of other Earths in alternate universes. The university does not cater to the rich. Rather, it is a refuge for all students whom are homeless, war refugees, climate refugees, and anyone else whom wishes to learn, and contribute to knowledge. In writing this book, I have brought my comic strip back to life, and fulfilled a dream I have had of being a published author despite by disability, to bring my comic strip back to life, and to contribute the world literature. The book touches many subjects in science, technology, legends, myths, and humor. It delves into adventure, fantasy, science fiction, and comedy. I wrote this book like I wrote my comic strip: to get the reader to laugh, and have fun with the story. And, maybe inspire others with disabilities to tell stories like I have done.

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© 2023 James Oregon. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 07/28/2023

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1233-1 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1232-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023913807

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter One Fiend

Chapter Two The Option

Chapter Three A Curse Upon You

Chapter Four The Trail To Epoch University

Chapter Five Which one is the Devil?

Chapter Six The Night of the Cretins

Chapter Seven Torqued

Chapter Eight The First Day of Class

Chapter Nine The Desert of Attrition

Chapter Ten Field Notes

Chapter Eleven A Rest Stop in Hell

Chapter Twelve The Ballad of Captain Redbeard Norkus

Chapter Thirteen Family Secrets

Chapter Fourteen The Local Order of Campus Gnomes

Chapter Fifteen Treasure Hunt

Chapter Sixteen Money Screams

Chapter Seventeen Foundation of the Future

Chapter Eighteen Come Again?

Chapter Nineteen Summons

Chapter Twenty Obligation

Epilogue

About the Author

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PROLOGUE

In the long extinct Min’ed se’maj Caldera lies Epoch University. The students at this university call it, epoch, or just plain school. As for the Min’ed se’maj Caldera, well, most students are too impatient to say the whole name much less pronounce it correctly. But they do call it The M-J Caldera, M-J, the caldera, Tyrone’s place, or just the valley. If you were to ask the students at the university why it is named Epoch, you will receive many intelligent answers. At least, they may sound intelligent. But if you were to ask them about the meaning of the name of the caldera, you would receive a diverse spectrum of answers, all of them referring to different dialects spanning recorded history. Over the years students have deluged many questions as to the origin of the caldera’s name upon all members of the faculty. The response has always been the same: go look it up. And many students have. Some have spent many a night combing over the internet, contemporary books on different dialects, and even ancient texts stored deep in the library annexes. Many theories have been presented, but alas, no one seems to know anything about the name of the caldera let alone who named it.

The university sprawls out, and up from its location at the center of the caldera the bottom of which being almost entirely flat. The university also allows for substantial guest accommodations adjacent to the campus with nearly a thousand rooms, along with a few shops, and a cafeteria. The guest accommodations are reserved for visiting families of students, guest professors from other institutions who come to attend or speak at seminars, and even accommodations for students whom have started their own families, and need some place for baby-sitting.

There is also a fully staffed hospital which includes special clinics, emergency wards, intensive care wards, mental illness care facilities, and medical research laboratories. No one with medical needs is ever turned away. Treatment is free, no insurance is required, and no taxes are charged.

The university rises nine stories off the bottom of the caldera. The rim of the caldera only rise two stories above its bottom, and the university structure is set apart from the wall so there can be plenty of sunlight for all lecture halls, and student residences. Beyond the caldera lies a small village with more shops, markets, cafes, and a renowned coffee and tea shop that is second to none anywhere in the world.

The university is a self-sufficient campus. It creates its own power, reclaims and recycles its own water, waste, and grows an abundance of food. Several greenhouses outline its core. Within these greenhouses grow botanical specimens from all over the Earth including some that are now extinct in the wild.

Residence halls line the exterior of the campus structures. Each room has access to balconies, patios, or interior arboretums with small waterfalls, some amphibians, and even birds. The purpose of these exterior environments is to give the students the mental relaxation that nature provides and thus reduce the stress of academic studies. There are accommodations for single rooms, double-occupancy, and groups. It depends on the student’s needs: privacy, quiet, or an enriching environment.

Three of the twelve towers are reserved for large lecture halls. These towers stand apart from the ones with residence halls for they also contain laboratories and faculty offices.

Students arrive to the campus a week prior to the first day of class to allow them to adjust between home, and school. It gives them a chance to acclimate to the surroundings of the campus, and the village nearby. The majority of the student body from freshmen to seniors takes advantage of this week of preparation because all the books and supplies needed for their majors are free. The textbooks are all printed by the university publishing company. And, since the textbooks are free, no textbook buy back is necessary. If the textbook is beyond re-use, it is simply recycled into the next set of new textbooks for next year.

As the first day of the academic term approaches, the students prepare for the onslaught of homework, reading assignments, countless quizzes, exams, mid-terms, research projects, and many sleepless nights working on assignments. Commonly called all-nighters most instructors do not approve of such student tendencies for the lack of sleep always affects academic performance.

Nothing compares to the first day of class. Students who did not arrive a week early, and thus did not take advantage of the time to acclimate end up running around in desperation asking questions such as: Where is my class? How fast can I get there from the previous class? Is it on my schedule? Can I add the class? Do I need the class? How many units? How much homework? What’s the instructor like? Is it too late to go home?

Every class has its first day even if some classes do not officially begin until well into the week such as say, a Tuesday, or in the evening. On that first day the students are introduced to the instructor, the subject, the lecture hall, and their fellow classmates. Subjects of study abound: chemistry, engineering, physics, botany, soil science, kinetics, liberal arts, critical thinking, astronomy, rangeland ecology, environmental science, psychology, nursing, political science, mathematics, zoology, and on, and on, and on.

On this particular day, being the first day of the fall semester, ‘history’ is on the minds of many students attempting to add Human History 100. In fact, two hundred students are sitting in a lecture hall amphitheater with a seating capacity of on hundred awaiting that chance. Of course, the students already registered for the class need not worry for their name is on the role sheet. All they have to do is get to class early enough to get a good seat.

The low light inside the lecture hall contrasted sharply to the glorious sunshine shining through the enormous windows in the corridors that ringed the outside of the tower. Many rows of seats sloped downwards from the back of the hall to the lecture podium. Two vast chalkboards flanked either side of the podium with an exit door at the extreme end of each chalkboard. Two additional exits were at the back of the hall. These exits, usually referred to as the instructor’s doors, led to the inner core of the tower whereas the exits at the top of the rows of seats led to the exterior walkways that circled the tower. The inner core behind the chalkboard wall held the faculty offices and interconnected with other lecture halls. This made it easy for the instructors to get from office to podium in a matter of minutes. The savvy students knew to use the exits behind the podium at the end of the lecture for it is the quickest way to get from class to class. The majority of the students did not dare use these exits because it meant coming within range of the instructors. For if one had an overdue paper, or didn’t show up to class for five days in a row, or tended to shoot dice during class, the last person you wanted to notice you is your instructor.

A long desk stretched from the end of one chalkboard to the far end of the other. A podium sat at the center of the desk. A small pile of stones with different colors left by Professor Mantle’s Geology class an hour ago rested at the far-right hand side of the desk.

The students enjoyed the cushioned seats because not only were they comfortable, but they also rocked. In fact, the lecture hall was reminiscent of early 20th century movie palaces minus the ornate décor, concession stands, restrooms, movie screens, or even a stage. This was a theater of learning, and it was built to focus all young eyes to the instructor. Even so, this particular lecture hall had an unusual distraction. Embedded in recessed wall panels were mounted with enormous paintings encased in intricate, gilded gold frames. These paintings greatly intrigued the students because they constantly changed. Before the lecture started, the paintings showed the students opposite each painting sitting in their seats. If it were not for the fact that you could see the actual paint on the canvas, you would swear that these were mirrors, and not paintings. Many instructors had complained about the paintings to the University Chancellor because of the distraction they created with the students. Many a student kept checking the paintings to see if the smallest changes in sitting posture would be reflected back. Some students tested the images by showing obscene gestures to the paintings. The students stared in shock at the paintings response to these obscene gestures included strange figures dressed in black coming up behind the rude student, gagging, tying up, and finally carrying away the student to a door marked ‘taxidermy.’ The students whom found this funny and laughed aloud stopped laughing when they saw themselves in the paintings being dragged through another door marked ‘embalming.’ Needless to say, the novelty of the paintings wore off on the first day of class. The message embodied in these images: behave yourselves, had been made very clear.

Explanations as to why the paintings did what they did was not forthcoming from any of the instructors that taught class there. The usual response being don’t be absurd made students think that either the instructors didn’t see the painting change, or they did know, but would not acknowledge it.

As the appointed hour for the start of class approached, a general nervousness descended upon those not registered. Each student not already enrolled hoped to add the class. Many showed up, and filled the hall past the occupancy capacity. Students sat or stood in the outside aisles, and stood shoulder to shoulder in the doorways. Some students did not necessarily need this particular class for their majors. It was the person teaching the class they came to see.

The instructor, being the chancellor of the university, is known for his exploits and adventures in the forming of the university. These exploits brought a throng of awe-struck students whom, after hearing the stories from former students as well as other members of their families, came to this class in hopes of hearing these tales themselves, and to see the legendary James Denim himself. As the clock over the chalkboards ticked off the minutes until the start of the class, the tension of expectation grew.

One young woman at the center of the front row looked around with satisfaction. She turned to her brother, and nudged him.

See? See? I told you it was a good idea to get here early! Just look at this place! It’s jammed!

Her brother snorted sarcastically.

Big deal! Everyone acts like this teacher is the best thing since Swiss cheese.

She looked at him in shock.

Teacher?!’ Don’t you know who this is?

Her brother rolled his eyes.

Yeah, yeah, I know who it is, and I’ve heard all the stories about him. So what? I don’t believe half of those stories, and I…

She hissed him into silence, and looked around to see if anyone heard him.

Are you nuts? Do you want everyone to notice us? If they knew who we are…

Her brother, indignant at her hissing, interrupted.

Look, I’m just saying…

One of the doors to the left of the podium flew open, hitting the wall with a bang. The entire hall went silent. A tall, muscular man walked in. He wore old-fashioned combat fatigues, combat boots, and a very battered mid-20th century Army helmet. He completely filled the doorframe. In his arms, he carried reams of folders, and textbooks. The man stopped just short of the podium, and slowly scanned the audience. A wicked smile rippled across his face. He snorted a chuckle and said,

Clueless.

Many students whispered to each other.

Is that him?

The brother looked at the man with amusement.

Geez, this guy looks like he belongs in a movie!

His sister hissed at him again.

Shut it, you idiot! That’s not the instructor! That’s…

A loud ‘thump’ cut her off. The sound came from the other end of the long desk behind the podium. Some students gasped. A large, blue sphere, the size of a small boulder was resting on the desk. Behind the desk in the shadows, stood another man. He stood just out of the range of the podium spot light. Even though his features and face were obscured in shadow, almost every student knew who he was.

The brother looked around, puzzled by everyone’s reaction.

What’s up with everybody? he whispered to his sister.

Is that him?

His sister barely breathed an answer.

Of course that’s him, can’t you feel it?

What? Feel what? said her brother with growing frustration.

He didn’t come in through the door! whispered his sister.

So what? He was just standing there in the shadows so no one could see him. You make it sound like he appeared out of thin air!

The young man peered at the blue sphere.

And, what’s with that beach ball?

Shhh! hissed his sister.

A slam of textbooks on the front desk broke the silence, and made the students in the lecture hall nearly jump out of their skins. The first man laughed with delight at their startled faces.

"I love first day!’ he cackled.

A booming voice came from the second man.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Human History 100.

The second man stepped out of shadows, and up to the podium. He stood over six feet tall with broad shoulders. His complexion was lightly tanned, but pock marked with small scars, scratches, and what appeared to be cracks in the skin which extended up a massive forehead to a balding scalp. Fairly short brown hair with streaks of gray ringed his head. He stood facing the lecture hall with his hands behind his back. He did not appear as muscular as the first man, but he did command a presence that would have made any potential enemy give pause. Brown eyes gazed out from under thick eyebrows.

He wore a dark green jacket with a deep, sky-blue shirt underneath tucked into a pair of light tan khaki pants with a broad black belt secured in place with a massive stainless-steel buckle. Pockets above the knee, and on the sides also had metal snaps. The pant legs drooped over well-worn canvas boots with a hint of laces under the edge of the pant. His attire gave the impression that he was a vagabond, a wanderer, or an eccentric naturalist.

His voice resounded throughout the lecture hall.

My name is James Denim, and I will be your instructor.

He gestured towards the second man.

This is my aide. His name is Craw. You may call him ‘Craw.’

A broad, toothy grin spread across Craw’s face that made many students felt uncomfortable.

Craw will grade your homework, exams, and research papers. The syllabus explains everything that is required of each student in this class. If you have already registered for this class, then you have read the statement at the top of the class description. The statement clearly says: READ the syllabus prior to the first day of class. Since this is the first day of class, I will therefore assume that you know all that is expected of you. If you did not read the syllabus, kindly leave the hall because this class starts….

James Denim’s speech trailed off, bringing silence to the lecture hall.

NOW!! Boomed James. He smiled.

And again, the students flinched from the booming voice followed by gasps, and slight chuckles as they recovered. Craw sniggered maliciously. As everyone began breathing normally, James Denim continued speaking.

Those of you trying to add this course will speak to Craw at the end of class.

Many pairs of nervous eyes turned towards the jovial Craw. James turned, grabbed a piece of chalk, and started for the chalkboard.

Alright then, let’s get started. he said.

The young woman who had been shushing her brother smiled, and giggled. Her brother, however, sat unimpressed. He crossed his arms, leaned back in the chair, and bellowed:

I didn’t read the syllabus! And I’m not leaving the class!

His sister’s face turned pale. The hall went quiet. The smile left Craw’s face. The students sitting next to the two siblings leaned as far away from them as possible. James showed no reaction as he continued scratching on the chalkboard.

The young man looked around the class with sneering contempt.

"What’s the matter with everybody? You’re all swallowing this cat and zebra show? These two old guys are about as scary as…:

The blue sphere on the desk began quivering.

Shush!!! hissed his sister. Her brother looked at her sharply.

Don’t tell me to ‘shush!’ My dad paid a lot of money for an education at this school, not a creep show taught by a couple of weirdos…

Several students sitting next to the siblings suddenly screamed, and leaped out of their seats to get out of the way as the blue sphere shot off the desk, and flew directly towards the siblings. As it approached, it grew several arms with what looked like claws at the end of each arm. The arms stretched out towards the heads of the siblings. Terror rooted them to their seats. Craw had instantly unfolded his arms and lunged at the ball when….

BLUE!!! STOP!!!

The booming voice of James Denim rang out once more throughout the hall. All eyes turned towards him, but James Denim had vanished. In his place only darkness remained. Two hideous, sickle-shaped orange eyes slowly appeared at the center of the darkness. The paintings lining the wall mimicked those terrible eyes so that now many pairs of eyes Stared at the students from front and both sides of the lecture hall. Screams filled the hall. Students scrambled for the back doors. Craw turned to face the darkness, but did nothing. The blue sphere turned away from the siblings and shot towards the orange eyes, with arms and claws out stretched.

You know better! said James Denim.

The darkness, and the horrible eyes had vanished revealing James Denim standing behind the desk with arms clasped behind his back. The blue sphere floated inches from his face, arms out-stretched. James Denim stared sternly at the sphere. His eyebrows had furrowed downwards, forming an angry ‘V’ on his forehead above his eyes. Very slowly, the sphere moved behind James Denim’s head, and dissolved into what appeared to be a blue mist. The mist gently draped itself around James’s shoulders, and solidified into what looked like blue-lace embroidery embedded into his jacket. The paintings no longer reflected the orange eyes. Now, they showed empty rows of chairs.

Return to your seats. Said James.

As the bewildered students returned to their chairs, James Denim turned his gaze to the two shivering siblings. They looked with terror at James, and the blue embroidery. After students quieted down and the lecture hall fell into silence, James came out from around the desk, and slowly approached the cringing siblings.

No student or family member pays anything for attendance at this university. Said James as he stopped a foot away from the two siblings. They sank into their seats and said nothing.

And I expect the daughter and son of Phineas Norkus would know that as well.

A murmur spread throughout the lecture hall at the sound of the name, ‘Norkus.’ The two siblings felt all eyes turn in their direction. They sank even lower in their seats as if trying to get under them, and out of sight. Then James asked,

So, tell me, Harold, and Shandra, what are you really here for?

Craw cracked his knuckles loudly as if in anticipation of a bar-room bludgeoning. The murmuring students fell silent. Some looked at Craw expectantly. Some looked at Harold and Shandra with utter contempt. The rest watched with apprehensive fascination as a blue mist rose off of James Denim’s shoulders, floated over to the desk, and reformed into a blue sphere.

James Denim paid no heed to the low clatter of muttering in the lecture hall. His attention remained riveted on the two siblings in front of him.

Well, I’m waiting. said James.

Fear kept Harold silent. Instead, he looked anxiously at his sister.

We want to be students at this school! blurted Shandra.

Craw guffawed as did several other students. James considered her carefully.

We know about the bad blood between our family and this university. said Shandra.

But my brother and I had nothing to do with that! We came here to…

…spy. interrupted Craw with a growl.

To Learn! Shouted Shandra. She glared angrily at Craw, and turned back to James.

Our Father forbade us to go, and…

He doesn’t know you are here. said James.

Shandra nodded. James leaned back, crossed his arms, and glanced at Craw. Craw shook his head. James gazed at the two siblings before him. After a long pause, he said:

This university never turns away those who wish to learn.

Shandra and Harold held their breaths as did everyone in the lecture hall. Craw grimaced, shook his head again, and looked away. Then James said,

You may both stay.

The siblings sighed with relief as angry muttering spread throughout the lecture hall.

However, your father will be informed of your decision, and mine. Said James.

Harold shrank back into his seat. Shandra looked alarmed.

I don’t want Phineas to think that we abducted you. Said James.

He smiled, and turned away. Many students gave each other significant looks. Others started yelling.

I’m not going to class with a Norkus! Shouted one student.

They’ll try to ruin the university again! Shouted another.

One young woman in the front stood up.

Sir? What did Archibald Norkus do that was so bad?

Gasps and exclamations of disbelief echoed around the hall.

I want to know too! Shouted a student.

So do I! Shouted another.

The hall erupted into chaos as arguments, and chastisements were hurled about.

Ya might as well tell ’em. Ain’t the name of this class Human History? Asked Craw.

James gave Craw a pained expression, and glanced back at the blue sphere on the desk. He walked over, and whispered something to it, then stepped behind the podium. The blue sphere rose high overhead. It dissolved back into a mist and spread outwards to either side until it had formed into a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. The paintings on either side of the lecture hall mimicked the horrible sight. Surrounded by yet another horror, the entire student body started shrieking. The mouth instantly dissipated back into a mist, and gently descended back onto James’ shoulders, re-forming into the bright blue embroidery. The paintings resumed their portraits of the students shocked faces. As the hall fell silent, James placed his hands behind his back, and addressed the students.

If you have nothing good to say, do not say anything at all. Harold and Shandra Norkus shall remain as students of this university, and shall remain enrolled in this class. You all can either accept this decision, or kindly leave now. I will tolerate no further recriminations against Harold and Shandra Norkus.

No one spoke. No one left the lecture hall. Craw stacked a pile of textbooks almost knee-high next to one of the chalkboards. He sat down on the pile, kicked up his boots onto the desk, leaned back against the chalkboard with his hand behind his head, and slowly sighed. Then James Denim said,

Alright then, shall we begin class?

A student in the center of the hall raised his hand.

Um, sir? Before you begin, I had a question about that blue thing, and those eyes...

Everyone in the hall tensed up. They all burned with the same questions, but dared not speak. Was that magic, sir? Asked the brave student.

Craw gave James a wry smile, and crossed his arms. James leveled his head, and looked right into the eyes of the frightened student.

Don’t be absurd.

All the students frowned. This is the typical answer from all the professors at the university. James frowned back. Then smiled.

The world IS still more than we know. What you call magic may in fact be just another form of science we cannot explain or have not researched enough yet. Just like a paradox. Still, magic is the catch-all word for anything we do not understand. The Cro-Magnon would have thought the internet and all of our devices that we take for granted are magic.

James Denim pointed at the blue sphere resting on the desk.

I can assure you, THAT is not magic.

A murmur rippled through the lecture hall. James Denim stepped in front of the desk, leaned back against it, and crossed his arms.

Now then. Allow me to tell you about how this university began. Not with magic, not with science, but with determination. You see, I was there.

Craw grunted. James rolled his eyes.

And so was Craw.

Craw smiled broadly, and tilted his head forward as if to snooze.

How did Epoch University come into being? Well, this is how it happened.

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CHAPTER ONE

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FIEND

October 10, 1657

Somewhere off the coast of North America

Captain Redbeard Norkus surveyed the scene through his spyglass from the quarterdeck of his ship, the Ripper. Three ships lay motionless on the sea perhaps three miles away. Smoke and flames billowed from two while the third sat dis-mastered. It sails, rigging, and most of its masts hanging in ragged disarray over the side. All three ships appeared to be Spanish galleons.

Redbeard turned his attention beyond the wrecked ships. In the distance he could see flashes of cannon fire. Three large warships, perhaps British, pursued a smaller vessel. All four vessels were under full sail and heading east. He knew the identity of the smaller vessel because he and his crew had been following it. Although he did not know the captain nor the name of the vessel, he did know that they were in the same profession as himself. He squinted hard through the eye piece, and could barely see the skull and crossbones flying over that vessel.

As his own ship moved closer to the galleons, Redbeard could now make out a rugged coastline directly in front of the four vessels. The wide mouth of a river loomed out of a fog bank just to the left of the pirate vessels course. Instead of heading towards the river, the pursued ship headed straight for the cliffs to the right.

The gaunt, first mate by the name of Hank Shunts leaned over the railing. He gazed with apprehension at the scene with blood-shot eyes.

Shouldn’t we do something, Cap’n? They got half the swag!

Redbeard whirled on his first mate.

And half the common sense! Look where they’re headin’! Right into those rocks! sneered Redbeard.

But…

Forget ’em!! Get this scow alongside that galleon!!

Which one?

The one that isn’t sinkin’, ye stupid swab!!

The first mate cringed, and ran back shouting at the crew to prepare to board the Spaniard. Redbeard had a ominous presence. He stood nearly seven foot tall dressed in a sailor’s peacoat with huge copper buttons, and a belt underneath fastened to dark trousers tucked into black leather boots. Two pistols, a knife, and a cutlass all attached to the belt capped off a formidable stature. His eyes resembled black marble: cold, and malevolent. His red hair and beard blazed under the sun.

The crew worked fast. Their captain’s reputation for brutality went beyond barbaric. Anybody who crossed him usually became shark chum. And today would have been no exception. Besides, what if the other pirate ship missed plundering this Spaniard? There may be enough swag on board for ten kings.

The Ripper came up alongside the galleon with no exchange of fire. The pirates threw grapple hooks and cables, and pulled the two ships together side by side. With whoops and roars, the pirates swarmed over the railings only to find wreckage, and bodies strewn over a blood-soaked deck. A few hapless survivors were quickly dispatched or thrown over the side. As the pillaging of the ship progressed, a call of ‘sail ho!’ rang out from the masthead on the Ripper. Redbeard eyed the distant sails coming from the west with his spy glass. Two smaller ships moving very fast. He could see a British flag flying. But these were not British warships. They looked very much like those two Dutch privateers the Ripper escaped from two weeks ago. Squinting harder through the eye piece, he could see red objects climbing into the rigging of both ships.

Red-coats. He murmured.

Probably prize ships taken by the Brits. And they got the wind to their backs!

He snapped the spy glass shut. The ships were baring down on them. He turned towards his crew. They were busy piling sacks of plunder on the galleons deck.

Avast thar, ye scurvy scum!! Get that swag aboard before we get the devil to pay!!

The crew swarmed back aboard the Ripper with heavy sacks of treasure. They un-grappled the ship, and raced away from the oncoming ships. Redbeard turned his attention towards the looming coast line. The distant sound of cannon fire boomed dull over the sea. A light fog obscured his vision, but Redbeard knew the battle between the British and the one pirate ship raged on. Then he heard cannon fire behind him. The Ripper had come into range of the two prize ships. Two cannon balls tore through the shrouds overhead.

They be on us Cap’n!! yelled the first mate.

Belay that, ye scrod!! Pile on the shrouds, and make for that river!!

As Hank Shunts and the rest of the pirates swarmed up the rigging to raise more sails, Redbeard trained his spy glass on the river. The mouth was coming up fast. Now the Ripper had the wind to its stern, and the ships increasing speed kept them ahead of their pursuers. Three more cannon balls hit the Ripper’s stern. Splinters