Reaper of the Sea

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Reaper of the Sea [/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]

There was good reason she never let on to the nature of her travels. Not just to anyone. A few had been informed, and over half of those had traveled with her. Her purpose, revenge and a warning to others. Never cross Captain JD Black, it could be detrimental to your health. She was on her way to the Estate of one Sir Victor Wellington III. A man in which a recent transaction had taken place.

She was approached by a woman who had expensive taste, but no coin in which to sate it. The woman offered a hefty pouch, for procurement of a certain set of jewelry. Contacts had been made, the wheel set into motion to the finding of this particular grouping of gems, silver and gold. Once found, it was then that JD set into action. Finding out those very items were afloat, crossing the sea, in the possession of their owner and her husband as they booked passage to make their way from Belfast to London.

She'd be able to catch them where St. Georges Channel and the English Channel met. Everything was planned down to the minute, both Black Swans utilized in the plan of attack and dominate. The Black Swan I would be used to block the Fredericton from passing. She'd present her port side, cannons loaded and at the ready. With that many guns trained upon you, it was bound to gain notice and cause a pause, if not panic.

While they were fixated upon the looming black sails of the larger vessel, from behind the Black Swan II would arrive. Do to the Brigantine's maneuverability and fire power, they'd never know what hit them. The first round of balls to sail from her hulls, would be directed at their masts, to destroy them and render the ship helpless. Reloading as they neared, no resistance met when they boarded along side. In no time, crews from both Black Swans infiltrated the merchant ship.

Any crewman, or passenger by that matter, who put up a fight was quickly cut down and tossed into the sea. Bloody bodies floating lured those predators of the deep, causing them to circle in their hungered frenzy. The women were rounded up to be taken as living bounty. The men and crew, less the captain and first mate, were placed into smaller boats, their oars removed, as well as any survival gear. The captain and first mate had put up a fight and survived, there would be a little fun had with them.

All the others forced to watch as the pirates laughed and jeered at the condemned men. Both were wounded, so it wouldn't take much to attract attention. Wrists bound before them, stripped of all clothing. Comments made to the women being held as taunts were tossed at them, leaving some aghast, while amusing a few others. Soon the men would be made to voluntarily (against their will), step off the plank and plummet into the shark infested waters. It wouldn't take long before their screams of terror and pain would fill the air.

It didn't stop the pirates from their task, the men set adrift and the women were transferred to the Black Swan I and placed into the hold. She personally seen to the task of ransacking the passengers quarters, while her men tended to the cargo hold. There was a gold mine of valuables found upon the ship, from all areas. Jewelry, exotic wear, cases of liquor and kegs of fine wine and dark ales. Bolts of silk shipped directly from the orient, and decor in only the way they specialized in. Fine china inlaid with gold and silver patterns.

The jackpot would be the chest of gold coins that were found. One of the passengers was an investor, and was in the process of transferring his cold coin to one of London's major banks. All would end up in the hold of the Black Swan II. Not taking any chances that the women held wouldn't tamper with their bounty. As the two Black Swans pulled away, cannons would bark out for the last time. Wood splintered as the hulls of the ship were peppered. The haunting groan of wood trying to resist the tons of water it was taking on, before the ship began to list to it's side and be drawn down into the murky ocean depths.

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Reaper of the Sea [/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]

It would be to Cutthroat Cove that they'd sail. Here the women would be unloaded to a local auction house. JD gained fifty gold a head for the pampered women, they were healthy specimens. She then sought out the man who she'd carry the transaction out with, Sir Victor Wellington III. When she arrived to his fancy estate, the terror of the sea had changed her looks. Instead of the striking appearance loaded down with weapons and dressed in the same manner as her men, she had adorned a gown.

Faux pas of a merchant middle man (woman), representing the best interest of one Captain Black. Many assumed the Captain to be a vicious, black hearted man; if they only knew. Upon arrival, she was greeted with the flamboyancy of a diplomat. An evening of fine dining, sharing of Sherry before the fire. She even exhibited her lady like behavior. Laughing at all their jokes, when inside her want to slit their throats only mounted more. Soon the evening would come to a close, the transaction to be made in the library as Lady Della Jamison - Wellington excused herself for the night.

A crate of gold filled pouches were given in exchange for the fancy jewels. Five thousand coins total, as was the prearranged agreement. They parted ways, JD to return to her ship, then sail back to the Port of Black Jade Skull Island. It would be here that she'd discover the deceit. When the crate was unloaded and carried into her office at the Dockside Tavern, the bags would be cut open to expose the ruse. Lead coins weighed down the bottom of those sacks, to give them weight. There were only five hundred coins present, only a tenth of a percent of what was to be paid. Enraged she instantly became, to the point her men quickly left to save themselves from her angered state.

Immediately she began to plot her revenge, as hard as it was to do, a month would pass by. It was then she was ready to set into action, all that had been mulled over for countless, sleepless nights; no matter how drunk she got.

Black sails of the Black Swan II would erect to capture the wind. Soon they were on their way, back to Cutthroat Cove, and to the establishment of what they had come to call ..." The walking dead. ". Each stage of her plan would be executed without a hitch. Having been in their home once, it was easy for her to gain access the second time.

The Lord and Lady were at a neighboring home, invited to a formal dinner. Which made it easy for the crew to take control of the stately manor. Servants rounded up, finding they had been purchased or indentured. All would be explained that they would be gaining their freedom, but only after witnessing the punishment that was about to be doled.

The owners of the home would arrive back several hours later. Puzzled by the lack of greeting when their coach arrived, or the opening of the door with the announcement of their return. They'd step into a darkened and silent home. Which they began to quickly explore to find answers, and what an answer they'd find. In the formal dinning room, the servants had been gathered, and were sitting down to enjoy a fine meal. Eating off the fine china and drinking the best of the wines the owners possessed.

Enraged, Lord Wellington would rush into the room, followed by what sounded like a screaming harpy of a wife. They'd never reach the servants who moved not to the oncoming assault, for no sooner had the Lord and Lady dashed into the room, they were succumbed by the crew of the Black Swan. Indignant curses flew from the mouth of man and woman alike.

That was until they turned to see the one who entered into the room soon after. There she stood, weighed down by weaponry and looking every bit as menacing as she was. Both paled when the recognized who she was, and even more when one of the men addressed her as Captain Black.

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Reaper of the Sea [/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]

Both were stripped of all their clothing, and it just so happened, the woman was wearing the very jewels that started this all. JD would take those into her personal collection, for now. They were then roughly hauled out of the house and into the coldness of the night. Torches lit their way, as they wound deeper into the thick cover. The servants were made to come along, this would be their price for freedom.

After several hours, they'd soon reach the predetermined destination. Twin trees stood virtually alone in the midst of a meadow of wild flowers. The man and woman would be tied to these trees, one to each. But not in the customary way, upside down and slightly spread eagle. The servants were told to take the nearby buckets and completely coat the couple with the contents they held. They were surprised to find it to be honey, but questioned it not, they set to the task of what they were told to do. Turning a deaf ear to the pleas for help, from the Master and Mistress of the house. This would teach them for being cruel as well.

Once this task was accomplished, the next stage would then take place, she'd have groupings of fruit to be strategically placed upon both individuals. A perfect place that was created due to the position hung, although it did cause a few of the men to wince in the interim. Not in pity for the man, but to the pain of such a delicate area.

That accomplished, the next stage would be carried out. Not once did she or her men answer the man or woman's plea for mercy, or bartering of their life for monetary value. The growling and roaring would be heard as a wooden, mobile cage was pulled near. Confined within was a very large brown bear. It had been purposely starved for three days, so there would be no hesitation of it's actions upon release.

The servants would be lead back a safe distance, and behind cover, so they could witness but not become a victim themselves. Once the area was clear, a rope and pulley would be utilized to pull the door open of the cage. It didn't take long for the bear to find it's food sources, the screams would denote this fact.

JD even tilted her head to listen, making a mention of how she couldn't tell the scream of the man from that of the woman. It gained laughter from her men, but the servants stood in shock as they watched the bear shred the couple apart. Some felt justification, while others became physically ill.

The crew and JD would see the servants back to the manor safely. Documents were drawn up and forged, giving the servants rights to the manor and it's property. Giving the excuse that the Lord and Lady had decided to move to London. It's not like it'd be questioned. The predators of the night and day would take care of the carnage so there'd be nothing left.

With their collected bounty of gems, coins, and jewelry, all would return to the Black Swan and sail home. The incident long forgotten by midday by herself and crew. Though it would not be by those left behind, by time they finished spinning their tale, it would be legendary. As per usual, to make it more believable, JD's gender would be switched. Not many could or would believe that a woman enacted in such a barbaric way. They were too soft. This was something that always amused JD.

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Caught [/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]

It wouldn't be long before she was on the prowl again, seeking out a fat noble to lessen the weight of his purses. A right fat cat she did find, when she bumped into one Duke of Thimes, Lord Akin Freeshold. He was quite the dandy too, a womanizer and out right peathingy. One she'd enjoy lightening the pockets of.

Having dressed in her best gown, preparing her hair in the way most hauty tauties did. She looked every bit the part of a noble woman, one that was well to do. Her story was that she was a widow, left childless, when her husband died in a carriage accident. How easy it was to gain his interest. Her acting demure and lost, as if she needed a man's hand to guide her through the harsh realities of the world. Inwardly she felt like retching all over the man's tweed pants.

It started out by an "Accidental" meeting between the two. She carrying a glass of wine across the room of the tavern, to be bumped by a staggering drunk .... Mister Gibbs was such a wonderful actor .... so that she was knocked over, her wine to douse the man's frilly white shirt, while she ended up haphazardly upon his lap.

Able to blush on cue, stuttering apologies would flow past her lips breathlessly. What an actress she was, a perfomance that would have gained her a Grammy in another time.

Now this pompus Lord would do his best to sait her embarassment. Laughing off the spilt wine, and even making comments about how he couldn't complain about having an angle fall from the skies and land upon his lap. She nearly gagged.

There would be several meetings to take place after this first, all within the safe confines of a public tavern. It started with drinks, then an invite to dinner. Followed by an afternoon brunch, then a carraige ride in the country. Finally, after a week's hard work, she gained the invitation to his stately manor. A weekend get away, with activities planned for the two.

The night of her arrival was full of fan fair and an elaborate meal. Followed by a walk around his estate, as he bragged of his worth and all he had to offer. When he hinted to the fact that his home was cold and empty without a wife, she again nearly turned and ran in the other direction.

When the evening passed and it was time to say their good nights, she moved into the room prepared for her and sat in silent wait. Several hours passed before her exploration of the home would begin. She wouldn't enact this night, no, just case the place out to find what she wanted to know.

The second day was much like the first. The pompus Lord doing his best to impress her and laying more heavy hints on his want of a woman at his side. She'd play them off, with no commitment or agreement offered. Just saying enough to keep him dangling on a thread.

It was during the afternoon meal, a picnic near a local lake, that he took it upon himself to steal that kiss. How she wanted to take a dagger and slit him from gullet to throat. Yet again that actress part of her stood firm, returning the kiss, then feining embarassment after. Due to the intimate nature of that which was shared.

It was at that point she decided that this night would be when she took her chance. Having found his safe in the confines of his den, and the fact the man was so full of himself, the combination written clearly on a piece of paper, found in the top drawer of his desk.

This night was like the other. A prolonged good night at the door of her room. Surely he was expecting an invite into her bed, which would never be gained. Again she'd dangle him at the end of that rope, then send him off to his room, perhaps to take a long, cold bath.

Several hours more passed, then as before, she slipped from her room. Making her way down to his den to quietly sneak into it. The combination, now memorized, would be worked to open the safe. To her delight she found quite the booty. There was at least twenty five, one hundred pound notes. A sack of gold. A leather box, velvet lined, that held a very expensive set of jewelry. A necklace and matching ear rings, comprised of silver, diamonds and glimmering rubies. All of this was stuffed into the pillow case that she had brought along.

Just as she had turned to the nearest window, opening it wide in preperation to depart, the door of the den flew open and there he stood with two servants. It seems one of them had seen her sneak into the den and went to warn their Lord when they peeked in to see her at the opened vault.

Shouts rang out as they rushed in, which only quickened her haste to get out that window. As she ran across the well manicured lawn, heading towards the thickness of the forest, that's when it happened. She heard the bark of the pistol as she ran, it was the burning sensation in her side that let her know where the ball would end.

Stumbling, but not losing her footing. The pillow case was in a death grip, she'd not lose what she came for. Especially now that she was carrying lead in her side, had to make it worth something.

The forest would be made before they could exit the manor with torches. Due to earlier plans, a horse was awaiting her not far away. Her crew was excellent on ensuring that her plans were executed to the most minute detail. The horse was reached, the case tied off around the saddle horn. The shouts behind her became distant as she rode like the devil himself were on her tail through the thick forest.

She rode through the night, into the next day. It would be the evening of the second that would find her back home. The horse and that which she had taken, would be left in the care of her local fence. All to be sold off and only the profits of the sale, minus his ten percent, would be returned to her.

Once the Thistle tavern was reached, the nearest establishment on her return to the docks, that's when she found the aid she needed. She would have had it seen to by her ships surgeon, but it just so happen that the Douglas brothers were present, and quite efficent at the task. Malcolm the first to step up to her aid, then his brother Quinton to tend to the task of removing the lead ball and sewing the wound up neatly.

Another scar to add to the managery that covered her flesh. Her medal of bravery in which to show her near brushes with death. Not one soul knew of how she was injured, nor had she yet to inform, even when directly asked. Vengence would be hers, of that there was no doubt. No one shoots J.D Black, and lives to tell about it later. Besides, she had to ensure that he didn't get the authorities searching for her either.

He would be looking for one Alison Pride. Countessa of Westminister. Heir to the Estate of one Lord Stafford Pride. That was the information he was given, and that would be what the playbills of wanted signs would read. Yet she'd make sure he could never truely identify her. Taking no chances that they might bump into each other again in the future.

[Geddoe Del Zexay]

:There was an odd edgyness in the man's voice. He could detect it by the simple change in the way he used his tongue to produce the words. He smiled and slid behind the bar, he worked there and had access so why not serve himself? A bottle of white wine was taken up and then he snaked back around to a stool.:

::He turned slightly towards Salem, and glass rose towards his lips again. After a little sip, it was set on the bar and he sat himself up. He pondered for a few quiet moments on how he was going to get this information he need:: Salem...I was thinkin' of a plan, ta get Randall back and safe. I was thinkin' perhaps we could rescue someone from his family...maybe his sister? Ya were close ta him...would ya be able to help me with that..? ::It was a rather bad acting job on his part, but he was going to get this information anyway he could:: :

A raven brow rose and arched at the top of his forehead.: Monsieur Geddoe, do you 'onestlah take meh fer an idiot? I know you do no' wan' 'is familah safe, aftah all teh nuts 'e pu' JD an' us t'rough...." :He clicked his tongue and wiggled an index finger.: tsk, tsk....Mon Ami, do no' tread on ground you do no' know. Oui I knew Randall well, bu' 'e caused pain, an' I can nae fergive zat.....zat swine will die in 'is own blood.....

::He would scratch idly at his chin for a second, then sigh quietly:: Salem...I need ta know where I can find his sister. I was told by JD to rescue her. ::This was a blatant lie..but perhaps JD had told him that, and that was all that he knew::

" Are you daft, Mon ami? She non wan' teh rescue 'er, dat is like pullin' teeth, a pain to bot' o' us. Oui, I do know where she is. You Monsieur, are a 'orrid actor, stick to ravagin' an' pilagin'...You non a've to pretend, or lie. I will tell you, I tol' you, Moi is one hundred precent, be'ind ze Captain... an' if you continue to doubt dat, yer tongue will be in me 'and. I do no' like when I am accused wit'out reason. Oui I wus close, bu' 'e took sumt'in from meh, an' I non can fergive 'im. So, 'ere iz ze deal, you stop doubtin' an' I'll tell you everyt'in'....":

:Geddoe stood...hand coming to rest on his forehead. He rubbed it ever so gently. Suddenly, with cat-like speed not seen in Geddoe very often, Salem's arm was grabbed and pulled outward, off of his stool. He was pushed further into the room, away from anything that he might be able to use as a weapon. Then Geddoe slammed a foot into the back of Salem's knee, dropping him to the floor. He gave a shove to his back, forcing his whole body to the floor. Geddoe quickly straddled Salems body, knees pressed his biceps toward the wooden floor. A dagger was brandished and the cold steel was placed at Salem's throat:: I was told ta not doubt Randall...he was a captain and all. So please forgive me if I do not trust you at the moment...::Words were spoken slowly and harshly::..Now, Frenchy...tell me where I can find her...

"Mon Dieu!" : The Frenchman was forced downwards. He could feel the hard wood under his being. He hissed as his head was tilted backwards, feeling the cold steel nip at his throat. The Frenchman used his shoulders to push up on the man, which allowed his own neck to arch backwards. He winced abit as the blade easily bit into his flesh, but he didn't mind it too much, for the top of his head was raised upwards to collide with Geddoe's chin. Tongue biting and what not was a possibility, or perhaps just a way for Geddoe to loosen his hold on the Frenchman. His legs restlessly moved against the floor, causing those doeskin pants to become dusted and soiled. His right leg folded upwards and the heel off his foot was straight as it rammed into the middle of Geddoe's spine. That would alteast give him some time to roll out from under the man, for hitting that spot on his back would surely cause him to spring up.:

::Head was thrown harshly backwards as his chin was smacked from the underside of it. Though, he quickly regained his composure and his free arm flung towards Salem's head, forehead pushing his head on the floor. Because of this action, Geddoe was now hunched over atop Salem, dagger once more resting against his neck. That foot would just graze his back, possibly lifting his jacket upwards a little::

vous porc insolent, descendez de moi. Est-ce que vous reget ceci, vous ne m'avez-vous pas entendu me dire vous diriez librement Idiot. Thats ce quis vous, un idiot dirig pais.! :He was muffled abit as his mouth was pressed nearly flat to the floor. There was a struggle once more to get free. Geddoe had an advantage over the Frenchman, his weight definatly surpassed his own. The Petite cook fell silent.:

::He leaned closer towards Salem's ear, he whsipered quietly into it:: Salem...just tell me what I want to know...now. ::Blade was pressed a little more tightly against his throat::

" I refuse to tell you when you are treating moi like a dog! ge' offa moi, an' I will tell you, Idiot. I nevah resisted you, Moi's thick 'eaded mon ami, neveah gave meh ze God d**n chance to speak. Now ge' off.....!"

::Geddoe slammed his head against the floor, though they were only inches from it:: I like you Salem...I really do...just please tell me what I want ta know, and you'll be let up.


"Mon Dieu...you do no' Listen! I said I woul' freely give you ze information! Now ge' offa meh! Before I fooken ge' mad.: Salem's brow had split, as his face collided with the hard surface. Salem had been through years of torture and this? this was nothing. Both of his shoulders shrugged upwards once more, though then they were pushed back, causing a sickening crack to echo throughout the rom. He had disloacted both of his arms, causing them to be loose. With the weight ontop of him he began to rock on his stomach, and giving a shove to the side he rolled, those languid arms easily comming out of Geddoe's hold. He winced as he thrusted one shoulder after another into the floor to set them back into place. To his feet he went. He eyed the man, those dark hues clouded with anger,: " I warned you Mon Ami...."

::He stood slowly, hand gripping his dagger more tightly now...He was on edge now. He had picked up some french from his stay here, and now he would show what he had learned:: Je vais vous faire confiance, Salem. Mais si vous croix double je... que je jure vous vivrez juste assez longtemps pour voir votre amoureux mourir...::He was refering to Jeff...or whatever his name was. And maybe he had picked up a little more french than some thought::

vous pouvez le tuer, il s'est sauve nouveau a France. Je n'ai plus rien ?esserrer, cela est pourquoi je combats pour le capitaine, la seule famille que j'ai jamais eue...." :He grinned slightly, rolling his neck.: " An' promise me dis Mon ami, nevah speak French again, you butcher the language..." :He grinned:

::He smiled slightly...the dagger being twirled slowly in his hands:: Puits alors... je découperai vos boules et pénis, puis faire les faire cuire Zach et vous inciter à les manger... vous tuent alors..::He couldn't help much be slightly humorous...it was his way. Though, he did mean it::

"Mon Ami, wut do you t'ink I 'ave been stirin' wit'? If Dat goes, so does ze special zing dat it added to i'.." :He smiled. He wasn't phased at all. He was rather confident in his own abilities to fight and with that fire burning within him, even more doubt faded away.; " Now, if you are dun 'arrasin' Moi, den I will tell you...sit... 'ave a drink...' : He motioned with a flick of his wrist towards a table where, the Tender brought out a bottle of whiskey and white wine. Once Salem claimed a seat he crossed one leg over the other and spoke after a small sip.:

::He stood there, inn that staring match for a long while...then slowly he put that dagger away and he took a seat at the table:: Speak...

"She is bein' 'eild in ze London Tower, no' Zis place, is crawlin' wit' gaurds...an' you will nee' more men zen two. I know moi's way around...I memorized ze map, all in 'ere..: He tapped his temple.: " Before Joffre fled, 'e found si ou' fer meh...."

::He leaned back in his chair...he was rather upset at himself that his little plan had gone so horribly wrong..He wasn't going to admit to that though:: I will talk to JD...she's not very trusting of you at the moment, mon ami...

:Salem shook his head. He felt a twinge of pain within his chest.: "Oui I wus close ami's wit' 'im, bu' 'e tore ou' M'eart an' broke ze Captains. I will nevah forgive 'im. An' I suggest you take me wit'. A fine fightah moi is..:He hissed abit.: I swear..on m'blood....I swear M'soul to teh Captain...." : The Frenchman leaned over to take something out of his boot. It was a small knife. He heild up his wrist and made a slight cut going across. It wasn't wanything fatal, or suicidal, just enough to get a fair amount flowing. He watched as the crimson drizzled down hot from the wound and onto the table.: "sur mon sang"

::He brought a hand to his chin, fingers ran up either side of his jawline, then back down. He did this for a few moments:: Like I said...I need to talk with the Captain." You talk to 'er....bu' you are no' gettin' inta ze place wit'out meh...."That's for that Captain to decide, Salem...not me.

: Salem didn't respond. He just slowly stood and in his wake he left a package. On it, it read To JD, in very horrible handwritting, his english was not the good. Inside would be a very precious gift. That necklace of many rubys and diamonds. He thought it would show a symbol of loyalty and it brought good luck. Salem was out the door and into the night. :

::He watched the frenchman leave, then stood himself, package placed under his arm. He soon slid out as well::