Dockside Tavern - Open for business.....

[randallcann]

Almost unheard footfalls took Randall and his men closer and closer to their chosen target..They stuck to the shadows, so not to be seen...And if they had been, then by all means no one would recognize their uniforms due to the fact they were dressed in dark materials, with hats pulled down low. Looking more like dock hands rather than Royal Marines 'dedicated' to 'His Royal highness'. They were clad in black clothing...Comfortable, yet sturdy clothing..Well kept, yet purposely smudged with dirt..Their hair was made to look unkempt, their faces unwashed....

Their target?..The unsuspecting Captain Daniel Gibbs. The man did the one thing he never should have, traveled alone from his route of leaving the ship and heading toward the tavern they all frequented at night. Soon enough five of the the Royal Marines dashed ahead, taking snagging Gibbs and muffling any verbal warning with their hands, as they drug him into the dark recesses of the nearest alley. It would be here that Randall awaited his men to return. A surprised Daniel Gibbs looked up, just in time to see the tip of the Falcata (A short sword used by the Spanish during Roman times..Obviously used as an insult because he used Spanish steel to kill one of J.D's Officers..) ram through his left eyesocket..The iron blade splintered the skull around the blade, ripped through his brain..and pinned his head to the wall, with the rest of him..Then Randall drew out his much favored Dagger..and cut open the man's throat..then took a quill from his inside coat pocket and a piece of parchment.. He dipped the tip of the quill into the gushing out blood, then began to write in Daniel Gibb's blood upon a piece of parchment.

Dear Miss Black,

I'm afraid that you have let your guard slip in not strengthening your position and fortifying it. Alas, I wish I had not killed such a good man as I did, but it's really your concern isn't it? I've rushed in like a thief in the night and stolen your right hand..Soon, I may do it to your left, then systematically destroy you...Unless of course, you surrender. Roll up your flags and never sail into the sea again under hostile intentions.

You get the privilege of me imploring you to do so, otherwise you'll find that I am not quite the man you think I am. Chivalry died the day I told you I was leaving..Know this, for this is the best advice I'll ever give you...Infact, it's advice your father gave me once. ' Keep your best strongholds fortified, your best officers safe, and your best men happy.'


Love,

Randall Simon Cann

Without a moment to spare, Randall cleaned his dagger off, then re-holstered it..Before taking Capt. Gibb's knife..Then placing the letter upon his chest, he stuck it there with the knife. It was then he and his men would steal off into the night, leaving the warning behind in the form of a man now impaled against the alley wall of the very establishment that she ran. He knew the effect this would have upon her business as well.

The tavern would be avoided like the plague by all others. It was tainted with death, and not by the one being sought. It also angered many, as the note did not state exactly who she was, besides the woman all had come to know.

The tavern owner, the middle woman of trade. She had some influential ties in all levels of society. Those who were not steered away from lack of wanting to get involved, would be seeking the woman they had all come to admire and/or befriend.

The body would be found by Carlotta Basinstoke, the young woman who managed the Dockside with excellent skill. She knew JD was spending time inland, due to recent events. Instead, she immediately sent for members of JD's crew. Having the body carried to a room upstairs and out of site, until the Captain could arrive to tend to the details. At the same time, a messenger was dispatched to fetch JD back. Carlotta would explain what she found, and also include the bloody note. It was then all prepared for the storm that was about to hit. No typhoon or hurricane could equal the anger that would be unleashed by their captain.

The men would double their posts as guards, even those around the docks would be increased to protect the merchants and workers there. It wasn't uncommon for a murder to take place in the dark alleyways or secluded docks during the night. Usually that was due to a robbery, or the death of one who paid not their gambling debts. It was common place enough, though each one always gained attention. Usually quickly forgotten, but then none of them ever effected one Captain JD Black as this one had. This battle had just been made personal

[JD Black]

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

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

It would be upon her way back to the docks that she was intercepted by one of her men. It was an ominous sign, that much she felt within. Only trouble would have the man rushing towards her, out of breath. Anxious to learn what news he carried, still she forced him to sit down and take a drink from the flask she offered him. Steeling features from any show of concern, arms crossed over her chest as that narrowed gaze of blue fixed upon him.

After a moment, he handed her the crumpled parchment. The blood upon it was noted as it was accepted by a stilled hand. No outward sign as to her inward reaction as that dreaded feeling pulled more weight upon her shoulders. Straightening the parchment to be able to read the scroll of words upon it. Mister Hines watched her, awaiting the eruption of the volcano he knew would come.

There would be no outburst of curses. No release physically in trying to destroy all within grasp. Though those ocean blue eyes did turn more cold in their stare upon the words that were read for the tenth time. Tick of muscles as her jaw clamped tight. The parchment would then be neatly folded and tucked into her shirt.

It was then those piercing blues would turn upon her shipmate. "Fetch Mister Tinney. Have him prepare the port side cannons upon the Black Swan II. I then want you to get some men together and prepare the sails upon the Penelope. Both ships are to set sail within the hour. We're taking them out just beyond the boundries of the harbor."

Mister Hines began to question her orders. It was then that look he knew all too well came upon her face and touched her eyes. It was that very mask he'd seen a hundred times before, as she prepared to attack, or invoke her revenge. He just nodded and turned to run back to the docks. She'd be there before either ship would leave their slips, she had something else she needed to accomplish.

It would be to one of the taverns that rested in the most darkest portion of the dock area. That which was rougher yet than the very area in which her tavern rested. The door was flung open wide as she strode in. To the center of the loud tavern she stepped, pulling her pistol from her waistband and pointing it up over her head. Pulling the trigger, it would bark out it's blast, as well as filling the immediate area with the thick black powder residue and smoke.

It would gain everyones attention. Some drawing their own weapons, others diving beneath their tables. All that mattered was that all eyes were upon her. The pistol shoved back into her belt line, it was then she spoke loudly to all in the crowd.

"Ye all ken me once mate Randall, Captain o' the Penelope. He dun went turn coat 'pon us, sold his soul t' th' British Navy 'n that arrogant pig, th' King 'imself." She'd draw the letter from her shirt and hold it high for all to see. "This 'ere letter was written in the blood o' me best mate. A fine seaman, many o' ye ken him from him losin' t' ye in gamblin'. Mister Gibbs was murdered, nae t' be robbed 'r fer money owed. Mister Randall killed 'im, wit' threat o' killin' more t' make me fold me sails. I 'ave made many o' ye some 'eavy purses o' gold, 'n I'm willin' t' make 'em 'eavier. Twenty-five platinum coins t' any man 'r woman that brings me Mister Randall .... alive."

The letter was then dropped onto the floor. Not awaiting a reply, she turned on a heel and headed to the door and out. She could hear the shouts behind her, the anger in the words. This brought a cold, wicked grin to rest upon her lips. Word would spread like wild fire of the bounty she placed upon Randall's head. One she was more than able to pay, and even increase if need be.

Arriving at the pier just as both ships were fully prepared to make way. Mister Hines met her at the plank of the Black Swan II.

"Thar be sum o' that scums men tha' be refusin' t' leave da Penelope Cap. Se I just tell 'em we be takin' a trip t' get sum cargo."

He just grinned after telling her this. He knew what her intent was. Having him fetch Mister Tinney was all he needed to know. Why else get the gunner to prepare cannons, unless they were to be shot off. She just nodded and walked past him. No job well done or the like spoken.

"Cast off." The only thing she'd state, and this yelled loud enough for the crew of both ships to hear her. One of the men on the Penelope, a foppish rake, much like Randall, who claimed he held high rank and thus would be manning the helm. She yelled across, telling the Penelope to take the lead and head out of the harbor, further instructions would be given then.

After several hours, the ships were soon out of neutral waters. Motioning for her men to gain full sail, to bring them along side the Penelope, as she steered them to within cannon range. A motion of hand would send Zack into motion, along with the men assigned to him, to get the cannons at the ready.

"As soon as we are near parallel. Open the hatches and fire at will." Would be the command given. All her men set in preperation for any possible counter attack. She had the element of surprise, she doubted they'd be able to do much, if anything at all. Not to mention they were nothing more than a skeleton crew, barely enough to properly sail the vessel.

Standing at the helm, she watched as they closed in on the Penelope and soon pulled up along side. Feet spread and planted firmly, preparing for the rocking that the setting off of six guns. Men moved to man two of the swivel guns as well. She could see the crew of the Penelope, so clueless they were. As the Black Swan II pulled up along side, a good thirty feet seperated the two ships. The crew of the Penelope waved and began to shout over to those of the Swan.

It was priceless, the looks upon their faces as the hatches flew open, exposing the barrels of those cannons as they were thrust through. They had barley began to scatter when the first barked out and the sound of crashing wood could be heard. Followed by yet another, then yet again. Zach was a master of the cannons, as she come to see. Single shots, yet close enough together to set the onslaught. Giving him time to ready the cannon moments after it shot out it's load.

The swivel guns would bark out as the smaller balls began to bombard the Penelope's deck. For lack of anything else to do, some of the men on the Penelope had drawn their pistols and shot at the Black Swan, only to fall short.

Twice those cannons would each bark, she lost track of that of the swivels. The air thick with the smoke and heavy scent of powerder, intermixed with the screams and cries of the men from the other ship. She didn't wait for the smoke to clear to take a sense of pride in what just happened. Barking out her orders, the Black Swan would be turned to head back to the harbor and docks.

No cheers, no celebration was shared upon the deck following this. The mood was somber, to the point of being dark. This was just one small step in the revenge they'd unleash. Randall was going to pay, and pay dearly. JD had painted the man as a coward, attacking her men in waylay whild claiming to be an honorable man of the throne, instead of having the gutts to face her himself and take his chances. He'd soon learn well enough, Captain JD Black had no intention of rolling up her sails or retiring the Black Swans. In fact, due to his actions and threats, they would now be turned into the very vessels of revenge they had always been.

She had no intention on stopping with him alone, there would be a few others who would be reminded just why she was called, the Reaper that sailed the seven seas.

[randallcann]

The Challenge.

News had reached him..It hadn't been hard to know that he was now a "wanted" man. Honestly, all-in-all the old 'Wolf of the Seas' wasn't that surprised. "So Miss Black thinks she really can match wits with me on the sea?" He asked himself, bemused as he just handed the messenger boy eight shillings, then patted him on the shoulder before he ran off.


Now that he was alone, he frowned..Yes, frowned..All he could to do to keep from breaking down in sobs. "Daniel, you bastard..Why couldn't ya killed me 'fore I killed you? Then it all woulda been over..Kin' George wouldn' 'ad chance to 'arm my family if there was no reason..Th'Nobles wouldn't allow it." Oh..The faith he had in those nobles, the poor man had no idea.

"Wai' Lad, C'back 'ere!" He shouted to the lad who came running back...Randall detatched his gold purse..Then tossed it to him. "Wai' a tic lad..I gotta do somethin'.." With that..He retrieved parchment from his pocket, pulling out his black feathered quill, he quickly used the tip to cut into his left arm..Dipping it in his own blood, he proceeded to write.

" JD, you've got nerve girl, calling me a coward..We'll see who's bowing before who. Venture into the woods upon Freya's Day, and you'll meet me in single combat..That's what you want isn't it? Pit yourself against me, to show me how 'weak' I am?...Daniel wasn't killed from the dark, he knew who killed him..And as for your cute little bounty, three've been to collect..All three died, so we'll finish this on our own, no?"

With all the love my heart posseses,

Randall Simon Cain


And upon completing it..He handed it over to him and told him the new address to which he should deliver it...Something JD should remember..Gold can turn d**n near any pirate.

[Carlotta]

"Pardon me miss... Don' ye be workin' at the Dockside tavern as well?"

"Yes, who are you?"

Wide grin was much as the dusk outside would allow, a bit into an apple as he offered a bow. "Jus' a simple bloke wit' an eye for the cute tenders.That Inn dere, tha' be a private sort?" Motioning in the general direction of the Mystic, half his words were nearly muffled by the piece of fruit wedged between his teeth.

Brow rose with his comment made, yet she'd not offer a reply on the first. "No, i'ts not private. It's open to any and all who seek it's comforts. Why would you think it to be otherwise?"

A lean that offered a most neutral body language, another healthy bite take from the apple and held in one free hand, munching and swallowing before responding."Jus' dat I only be seein' a certain type go inside, yanno missy. Dun wan' to be gettin' inna trouble for not bein' where I should na' be uh?"

That gained a chuckle. "Certain types? I assure you Govn'r, we turn none away unless their intent is to seek trouble, or cause problems for those who come to relax, enjoy a good meal and perhaps the company of others. If that's all that's sought, you should have no troubles of your own."

Trying not to laugh too loud before settling his gaze upon the lil one once again. "Mmmm, den I be makin' a mental note! You never did be answerin' me first question, uh? Not unless you be havin' a twin sister?" Again, spoken with a sincere tone, pausingyet once again to bite into the apple. "An' me name be Bradyn." A small dip of his chin given.

"Ah, but I did answer your question asked, Bradyn. Since I have not a twin, it would be a yes. Now my question to you, is how do you know about me and where I travel?" There was no way she could have been found out. Yet she'd not let on that she held heavy suspicions, except by the fact that a distance would be maintained between them.

"I cannae tell an untruth to such a face, uh? You be the de only face I be hearin' aboot in bot' places." Hard for mirth to be seen in his eyes when with the lack of light, but his tone would have to make due.That grin did soften to a more serious visage, only due to that content of the subject matter, not to the lil one herself as his body language continued to display.

Now that gained a blink and look of surprise. "I am?" Slow shake of her head. "Somehow I find that hard to believe Govn'r." Head tilted slightly. "Now how about the truth of the matter. Why have you sought me out?"

The apple's core was tossed off into the darkness, followed by a wipe of his mouth. "To de point, uh? Verra well den. I be lookin' fer a certain Captain. Friend told me dis captain be seen at dat same Dockside tavern you be at, uh?"

No outward expression to show the impact of his words. Calm, cool and collected she remained. "There are many captains that frequent the Dockside, Gov. Just whom might this captain be that you're seeking?"

To ease the stiffness of leaning against the stone wall, a slight shifting of his weight was made, along with a single word from his lips in the form of an answer. "Black."

"Black?" Such a thoughtful look would appear, as if she was actually pondering his question. "There are seveal who have taken to that name. There's Black Dog Jack, Black Bart, Black Beard....So you see, it could be one of numerous Gent's who frequent the Inn."

A small smile did tug it's way onto his dusky features, while nodding in agreement. "dat would be true missy, iffin' de Captain Black I be talkin' aboot, was indeed ... a man, uh?" Nodding slowly at her now.

"You seek a female captain?" This had her chuckling. "Now that's something rare indeed. I can't think off the top of my head of a lass by that name." Now she was openly watching him.

"As much as I be wishin' to play dis game wit you missy, let us nae be wastin' de other's time, uh?" You be tellin' Black dat blood be thicker den water, and the generations o' th' past never fergits ..."

Just then a movement behind the tender was heard, another figure stepping from the shadows ... A woman by the swagger of the stride. A hooded cloak masked hid her face. "Got yuir signal. Message given, uh?"

"Message be given." The smile had returned, before placing two fingers up to his lips, a shrill whistle given. Within seconds, a horse galloped up to where the trio was standing.

Brows furrowed as her gaze narrowed on the man. "If I meet someone who meets your description, I'll pass the message along." When another stepped from the shadows, a glance that way, then towards the sound of a horse approching. Slowly she'd start to back away from the duo. "Though next time you wish to offer threats, be sure you place them with the right person." She wasn't about to wait around in case this was a waylay. She'd begin to place distance between herself, the cloaked figure and the sound of the approaching horse.

The two quickly mounted, Bradyn blowing the lil one a kiss. "Ye be tellin' Black, dat the feud is nae over. Compliments of Captain ... Zachariah." With a pull of the reigns, the horse raced off into the darkness ...

That had her watching as the two departed. She didn't recall a Captain Zachariah that JD spoke of. It would be after the morn before she'd see her, she'd speak with her about the matter then.

[Carlotta]

After the last attack upon her life, she had did her best to return to the normalcy of living. Outwardly hiding all that in a rampant turmoil within, like a whirlpool. Coming close to death has a way of making someone reassess life more. Although she's been through her hard situations, nothing had prepared her for all that transpired now.

Having no idea why anyone would wish to take her life, she had no hand in the actual dealings of her employer and fellow mates. Of course she knew of what went on, or if not told, it wouldn't be hard to figure out. Though not a drop of blood was ever spilled by her hand, nor a life taken, she had that much to fall back on. Her way of clearing her concious over the dealings of those to whom she was employed.

That was last night............

Having returned to work, the day had been a strange one throughout it's course. The violence level at the Inn was at an all time high. Even she and a friend would be assulted by two men for no reason. She managed to get away with a few bumps and bruises by the most part. The woman she befriended would have taken on a bit more damage, but then the woman was also a warrior type. Armed and more inept to combat than she'd ever dream of being; even if well learned in the use of a rapier or flintlock.

Although, those are weapons that when used, only stand up well against assailants that could be seen. Up until last evening, no face could she place upon her attackers. Then it all changed, like a ton of boulders dropping upon her head.

While assisting in the tending of the patrons, it was then a familiar face appeared at the bar, with all of his arrogance; one Captain Bradyn Zachariah. How had she come to learn of this man's name so well? He made it a point for her to do so. Having followed her between jobs, and stepping in her path. What she had thought to be idle threats made, unless she indulged information on a certain individual he was seeking.

It would seem that Captain Zachariah is the son of a man who was in a blood feud with her employers father. It would also seem, that feud had not ended with the death of the fathers. This man was picking up the torch, and was now carrying it after JD. All because of a feud that the man perhaps didn't hold an understanding to it's origination, her life was now being placed on the line. Not once, but twice.

He showed up at the Inn, running off at the mouth and blowing hot wind, like prior. His quips were met with her own daggered tongued repsonses. When he left, she thought she could breath easily, yet that was far from the truth.

It was while cleaning the bar and collecting coins that she came across it. Laying upon the bar, right where Bradyn had been standing earlier, was a tiny dart. Normally she wouldn't have thought twice about it, if it didn't resemble the one plucked from her throat a few nights past. The tip coated with a vile posion, that nearly ended her life once.

It was then she knew, and such a dreaded cold feeling passed through her. He was the one behind the first attack on her life, and now he was taunting her. All because she wouldn't tell him where JD was, or even acknowledged that she knew the woman. The dart was plucked from the bar, the intent was to take it back to show JD. That would be her near fatal mistake.

It would seem they were being a bit more open this time. Perhaps to ensure they did the job thuroughly, since friends and aquaintances thwarted their last attempt. It would seem they were either quite daring, or didn't expect her to survive this attack. The dart held poison as prior, only this time it would be on the dart itself.

It took a good twenty minutes to take full effect. Having just tended to the patrons at the bar, a pause was taken to gain a sip of her coffee. That's when it hit her. Losing her grip upon the mug in hand, it crashed to the floor, followed only a moment later by her crumpled form as she dropped where she stood.

Again it would be newly made friends and aquaintances that rushed to her side. Between them all, they were able to counter the ill effects of the poisons attack upon her system. Although she was informed, that by being exposed to poisons several times in such a short period, would have long range repricussions. The only thing she wouldn't be told, was to as what they may be. The list would be lengthy.

She had been taken to a room upstairs in the Inn and there left to recooperate. Though she'd not remain long at all. Once she was sure none was around to stop her, she was out of that room and heading towards the docks. She had to warn JD and the others, this man had to be stopped. He wasn't going to be happy until many died, it would seem.