The Pirate’s Jewel Read online

  He inhaled the salty air and took a position at the starboard rail. With the mainsail full, the ship raced on. He let his mind wander and soaked in the view. It was good to be on Loch Linnhe after being away. His father would have approved.

  The trip half-over, he glanced toward the stern and the darkening clouds that followed them. They appeared to be catching up. His mind worked to determine how to manage the sails and the tiller in a hard blow. Even after all these years, he remembered the loch, the shallow and the deep parts. In a pending storm sailing the ship would be a challenge, but one he could manage.

  Maxwell came up beside him, rested his forearms on the rail, and stared at Lismore Isle in the distance. “What do you think of my ship? I want to convince others in the Association to invest in ships like this so we can all thrive.”

  “The Sea Diamond is a beauty and well deserves her name.”

  “The improvements are an expense. Over the last few years, pirates have hampered merchant shipping. Many owners either abandoned these waters for less troublesome trade routes or took their trade by land. They could not afford the pirate attacks, cargo losses, or worse, confiscated ships.”

  “I understand your passion. I support your cause, but I’ll let men like you stand against the pirates. My business is in Europe. I’m here to deliver silk to the Isle of Skye and Dublin. If I hadn’t been so eager to sell two extra bolts in Inverlochy, I would be on the Trade Winds right now.”

  “Ship off the larboard bow,” a sailor atop the mast shouted.

  He and Maxwell glanced up at the sailor to see where he pointed. Wesley hurried to the larboard side, Maxwell one step behind him.

  At the call, crewmen ran up the ratlines making their way halfway up the mast.

  He strained with the rest of the men to make out what ship was near, but Shuna Island, one of the many Hebrides, blocked their line of sight. The Sea Diamond kept moving and as it passed the outermost point of the island, the other ship came into view. It, too, ran with the wind.

  “She’s a birlinn by design. She doesn’t fly any colors,” the barrel man called down.

  “I can’t make out the ship’s name. Do you think she’s the Trade Winds?” one of the men asked.

  “Hawker wouldn’t stop here. He’d be rushing to Ellenbeich to win the bet,” Wesley said. He turned to Maxwell. The man’s concerned gaze riveted on the birlinn.

  “Men,” Richards boomed. Maxwell and Wesley turned with the rest of the crew toward the captain. “We must keep our course and the sail full. Take your positions and stay alert.”

  “Captain, Wesley, come with me,” Maxwell said. “I want to discuss our options.” The men made their way across the deck to the cabins in the stern. They entered a narrow passageway and went into the center cabin. Maxwell lit the lantern on the desk, sending light everywhere.

  Wesley could only stare. He’d examined the forecastle on the bow of the ship with Captain Richards, but with Maxwell in his quarters, he hadn’t examined the structure at the stern. He’d assumed the fore and aft structures were similar windowless rooms with only arrow slits in the walls.

  This room appeared oddly out of place, more suited for an estate house than a cabin in a merchant ship. Dark polished wood covered the walls. A series of bookcases made up one wall and held rolls of parchments. Maps, he assumed. A case on one side held three carved ivory elephants in a variety of sizes, a picture with oriental characters, a warrior’s ax, and a long jeweled knife. As a well-traveled merchant, Wesley met traders with similar mementos. He had little use for sentiment. He kept his focus on trading.

  Instead of a hammock for sleeping, a four-poster bed was nailed to the floor. He examined the other furnishings, desk, dresser, and washstand. All were secured in the same manner. Only the desk chairs were moveable. The bed was covered with a red, green, navy blue and white tartan of the MacDougall clan, Maxwell’s benefactor, and close friend.

  Wesley’s hands clenched at his side seeing the tartan of his sworn enemy.

  Maxwell took a key from his pocket, slid a small plank on the wall behind his desk and without any pretense of hiding his actions, unlocked a small metal door. The sparkle of gems glistened in the limited light.

  “You can put your gem in here if you like, in case we are boarded,” Maxwell said to Wesley.

  “No, my fortune is on the Trade Winds,” he said. He wasn’t surprised to catch sight of the jewels in the small box. Maxwell traded precious stones and was renowned for the jewelry designs he sold in Scotland and Europe.

  “Are you expecting trouble?”

  Maxwell let out a deep breath. “You’ve not been here for some time. Recently, all the merchant ships have been harassed by pirates. I’d rather be cautious.”

  Any pirate would be happy to relieve Maxwell of the ship and that small box. They wouldn’t bother asking for the key.

  Maxwell set a pouch on top of a black velvet cloth, put it in the wall, locked the door, then slid the board back in place.

  “Come, take a seat.” Maxwell’s hand swept over the empty chairs. “We are not close enough to Ellenbeich to make a run for it if our new companion is a pirate ship. But we do have an alternative.”

  “An alternative?” he asked. Maxwell seemed calm for having a possible pirate ship nearby. Wesley flexed his hand to relieve the tension as his host poured each man a glass of wine.

  “Yes. If that is a pirate ship in our midst,” said Richards. “It may be best we go to Dundhragon. The castle isn’t far. However, we don’t have to make that decision until we reach Rudha-Fionn-aird Point.”

  “We’ve seen nothing of the Trade Winds. I’d hate to lose a bet without true cause. When will we reach the Point?” Maxwell asked.

  “By the time we finish this bottle of wine,” Richards said. The captain sipped his wine, relaxed as if they were out for a quiet Sunday cruise.

  He glanced at Maxwell over the rim of his glass. A sheen of satisfaction lit the man’s eyes.

  “We don’t need to make a decision now. This ship may be no threat at all.” Maxwell put down his empty glass.

  “If they are pirates, do you think they will let the Sea Diamond go without a fight? With a ship like this, they would own the area.” Wesley swirled the wine in his glass.

  Maxwell’s eyes widened for a second before narrowing in anger. Wesley wondered what the man was thinking, weighing the pros and cons? Was it the prospect of losing the ship, or was winning a bet with Hawker that important?

  “You make a good point. But the channel before the castle has its own issues. We have no oars. What if we lose the wind? The crew is new to the cog and how to handle her. But let’s not worry about that until we have to.”

  Maxwell stood up and stretched. He pulled back his shoulders, picked up his glass, and took it to the sideboard for more wine.

  “No need to get in a twist until we know what we’re up against,” Richards said. “We’ll keep watch. Let’s hope she doesn’t fly a black flag, or a red one. I witnessed what was left after pirates flying a blood flag attacked a ship.”

  “Pirates are bad enough, but to kill everyone? No.” Maxwell shook his head. “Thank God we haven’t seen a blood flag in these waters.”

  “My thanks for the wine. It is quite good, but I must see to the crew.” Richards rose from his chair and left the cabin.

  Maxwell glanced at Wesley, the bottle of wine in hand. “Another?”

  Wesley raised his glass. He didn’t have to be asked twice. This Norman wine was worth sipping, a contrast to Marsanta’s offering.

  “To calm waters and good friends,” Maxwell said, lifting his glass.

  The two sat in comfortable silence. Maxwell’s worried expression grew darker as they finished the bottle.

  Wesley had no doubt the flagless ship behind them was manned by pirates. He pushed thoughts of Maxwell out of his head and spent the quiet time wondering if the bandits had encountered the Trade Winds.

  A soft rap on the door drew their attention. R
ichards entered. “We’re almost at the Point. The ship is getting closer and still doesn’t fly their flag.”

  Maxwell had a haunted look about his eyes. “I’ve had brushes with pirates, but I was able to avoid them, slip away. This time we may not be so lucky. Have the men ready. We will finally find what our friend is about. We go to Dundhragon. Our course change will either have them happily sail by or try to stop us.”

  Maxwell led the way out of the room, Wesley and Richards close behind. Wind howled down the passageway making it necessary for them to fight their way onto the deck and top of the aft-castle. He and Maxwell stood near the captain and stared at Rudha-Fionn-aird-Point. It was only a matter of a few heartbeats until the Sea Diamond sailed past.

  The dark clouds behind them clawed their way toward the ship. Gusts of wind raked through Wesley’s hair as sea spray bombarded him. The snap of the ship’s sail drew his attention and the boat surged forward. He glanced at the water and saw the smaller ship glide near them drawing close. Still, no flag displayed.

  “Look lively, men,” Richards shouted above the din. The captain stared at Maxwell, an expectant expression on his face. “Sir?” he called to Maxwell obviously asking for final confirmation of their destination.

  “Dundhragon Castle,” Maxwell said.

  “Hard to larboard,” Richards said to Leo, the helmsman.

  “I hope the Captain knows what he’s doing. The wind is against us in the channel,” Leo said standing next to Wesley.

  In a burst of speed, the birlinn came alongside the Sea Diamond. A sailor from the other ship grinned and then pulled a rope. A black flag unfurled. Another sailor tugged to free the dark cloth covering the ship’s name. Black Opal.

  The swift Sea Diamond cut through the choppy water. The pirates let loose their arrows as the Black Opal raced alongside then veered across the Sea Diamond’s bow. The silent bolts pierced the mast and deck. Shouts from the men who were struck echoed through the storm.

  Leo had already moved the tiller as ordered, but the Black Opal’s maneuver set the two ships on a collision course. Before the helmsman could make his next move an arrow struck him in the shoulder, the head of the arrow sticking out his back. The turn incomplete, the sail emptied. Wesley caught Leo as he fell to the deck, then dragged the man to the side.

  The Sea Diamond narrowly missed the Black Opal. Its sails limp, the ship drifted. Without oars, the ship would be dead in the water soon and at the mercy of the pirates.

  Richards shouted orders to the crew. Wesley grabbed the tiller and pulled it hard to port. The crew handled the rigging and the sail snapped as it once again filled with wind, gracefully circled the Black Opal, and sped by.

  Richards had the men manage the sheet while Wesley steered the ship toward Dundhragon Castle. But, their troubles weren’t over. The Black Opal was in pursuit.

  “More sail,” Wesley demanded.

  Richards stood at the rigging, barking orders. They hauled the lines to adjust the sail. The canvas billowed out and strained as it took in more air.

  The wind raced down the water against the Black Opal. The pirates struck their sail and were forced to row. Unable to keep up, the Black Opal fell behind.

  The Sea Diamond continued on into the channel.

  “Keep to the center of the channel. These waters are littered with rocks and boulders,” Richards told him. It didn’t take them long to reach the castle and secure the boat to the dock.

  “I sent word to Lord Ewan about the pirates,” Maxwell said as he left the ship with Richards and Wesley.

  “We were lucky today that you missed the Trade Winds. Your quick action saved us all,” Maxwell said to Wesley, pounding him on the back. “You are the hero of the day.”

  “The Black Opal is captained by that pirate, Fynn. The man is ruthless. With him in command, I expected a blood flag, not a black one. We were lucky.” Richards looked from Maxwell to Wesley. “This time.”

  Chapter Two

  “Darla Maxwell, you can’t return to Ellenbeich now. You must stay here, with me. I need an ally.” Maria MacDougall’s voice rang with command as she finished dressing. “You were born here. I will never forgive you for abandoning me. Ten years and don’t look surprised. I have counted every day you were not here.”

  “You sound like a spoilt child rather than a grown woman. I didn’t abandon you. Father moved the family to Ellenbeich to lead the Maritime Association at your father’s request. You make it sound as if we haven’t seen each other in years. I visit you no less than six times a year.”

  This was an old argument Maria ramped up every time Darla mentioned returning home. Although she usually visited for two weeks, this visit was much longer.

  She twirled a lock of Maria’s dark hair before pinning it up with the rest of the artfully coiffed strands and then studied her friend in the looking glass. “And I’ll remind you it’s been three months since I arrived. I’ll remain another week until my father returns from Inverlochy.”

  “I spoke with Father earlier today before he listened to the villagers’ grievances. I told him you didn’t want to wait any longer and you needed an escort to take you home. He listened intently. You know he thinks of you like another daughter, and then told me he had no men to spare,” Maria said, not meeting Darla’s glare.

  “Why did you ask him? I’m capable of asking for myself,” Darla said. Maria wouldn’t make a case for her. On the contrary, she would make a demand, which would set Lord Ewan against the idea. What was done was done. Now she had to find a way to undo the damage Maria caused.

  Maria grabbed Darla’s hands. “I can’t get married without you here.”

  “The wedding isn’t for three months. I assure you I’ll be back by then.” Neither she nor her father had expected Lord Ewan to announce Maria’s betrothal to Magnús Óláfsson, King of Mann and the Isles. Darla suspected neither did Maria.

  “You must be here,” Maria said.

  “As you wish, your Majesty.” Darla curtsied. She couldn’t stay angry at Maria for long. The slight bow of her head hid the smile she couldn’t wipe from her face.

  “Do get up.” Maria stood and pulled her to her feet. “Majesty. Really Darla, you’re as bad as Mother.”

  “You can protest all you like, but it’s me you’re speaking to. If I had to be used as a political pawn, marriage to a young king who speaks kindly and asks your opinion wouldn’t be the worst that could happen. I notice his eyes soften when he watches you. You’re a very lucky political pawn. At least your father didn’t arrange for you to marry one of his arrogant old military commanders.” Darla stepped away and smoothed her skirt. “I would never put up with that, even if he was as handsome as your Magnus.”

  Maria waved her hand and proceeded to arrange the pots of creams on her dressing table.

  “Father is predictable.” Maria, finished with the creams, patted her newly coiffed hair, a task Darla judged as a nervous distraction. “He returns home from every campaign regaling us with stories of his and Magnus’ bravery. After we dine and he runs out of battle stories, he gives us his battle spoils.”

  “You mean gifts,” Darla said. “From time to time my father also gives me gifts when he returns from a journey.”

  She showed Maria the small silver dragon she kept in the pouch she wore at her waist, then put it away.

  Lord Ewan was a very successful warrior. Lady Eugena and Maria had a fine collection of jewels, tapestries, and silver gifts. Or spoils, however Maria preferred to categorize them.

  “Father’s last campaign was no different. My gift,” Maria said, and emphasized the word, “was the King of Mann and the Isles.”

  “I’m sure your gift was a pleasant surprise, your Majesty,” Darla said. She really should stop teasing Maria, but she rose to the bait every time.

  “He’ll do,” Maria said offhandedly with pouting lips and a shrug of her shoulders.

  “He’ll do?” Darla blurted scarcely aware she said anything.

  Mari
a clutched at Darla’s hand, her face wild with excitement.

  “You’re not the only one who can tease.” Maria’s wide smile broke through her sophisticated façade. “You have no idea how I dreaded meeting Magnus. From Father’s tales of the man’s strategic foresight and diplomatic abilities, you would think Magnus was an elderly man who needs Father’s sword arm and not the young, virile Viking King he is.

  “Magnus is more than adequate. He came here from Inverlochy over a week ago and while you slept, I spent every morning watching him train with the castle guards.” The bride-to-be released her hand, went to the window and glanced out.

  “There is grace in his movements and power in his attack. Without wearing his tunic, I can see from this distance his muscles ripple with power and strength. I looked on as he trained with the men. Magnus proved to be a seasoned fighter as well as a teacher. He kept shouting, ‘Don’t think, fight.’ In the end, his students were so improved it was difficult to make out the teacher from the student.”

  “Do you think that is any indication of the instructions he’ll give you, don’t think? You can fill in a different word to finish his demand.” Darla smirked as Maria’s cheeks flamed red.

  “When I’m with him at meals he’s pleasant to look at and talks of things other than war. Not to Father of course, but to me. Then there are those occasions when we find ourselves alone. He looks at me with eyes that …”

  Maria turned. Her stare was remote and private. Darla waited.

  “That what?” Darla leaned in close. She had been concerned for Maria ever since Lord Ewan announced Maria’s betrothal. They both knew their future was not entirely in their hands and that an arranged political alliance had the opportunity of being disappointing and even brutal for the bride.

  Her friend had almost been brutalized ten years ago when she was sixteen. It was not a topic for discussion even after all these years. The near rape had left Maria withdrawn and sullen. For months she stayed with Maria, in her room, wherever she went. Over time, her exuberant friend reappeared. She came to Dundhragon when Father mentioned a political marriage. Would Maria withdraw into that dark place she struggled so hard to put behind her? Once she was introduced to Magnus and observed Maria with him, she was vastly relieved. Their union had the makings of a love match, but there was another obstacle.