Black Jade Skull Islands

[JD Black]

On the main Island nestled in the southern hemisphere of the Atlantic Ocean, the ships can enter from three points from the open sea. Although the south western inlet is dangerous with it's reef, yet passable if one knows exactly where to pass. The ships will follow the deep, wide rivers inland, to the merchant city being built as a haven for all seeking refuge from any crown, Seacastlesden. Having placed faith in several of her men, they have been left to ensure to the cities building. Utilization of natives captured and made into manual servants. Due to the islands being uncharted; save for her own, it's doubtful that their safe haven will be easily or readily found

Though amoungst those, much like herself, the area is being placed (namelessly) upon their own charts. Pirates, bootleggers, syndicates, and all other underhanded dealing individuals, have found the area a perfect place for trade. Cargo can be shipped here, sold, then shipped out on merchant ships to areas; in which the items that have been taken are in great demand. No matter the cost. Although, much to their ignorance, JD is keeping tabs on all. Knowing who sails beneath the infamous Jolly Roger, and those who deal with them. It's always good to know your competition, for they're all potential enemies as well as patsies. They are also a great source for information as well. Never underestimate the woman, for she is sly and cunning in more ways than could be dreamed of, as well as equally dangerous

On either side of the river, buildings are being erected around a large outdoor market. Booths, carts, wagons and a few store fronts line this open area. On the west side of the river, is where the tavern and inn rest. They are the only places one can find to seek room and inebriations; although in the market many venders selling pillaged bottles of liquor can be found.

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Black Jade Skull Islands

The return of the Black Swans [/glow] [/shadow]

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

For several months, shortly after the sinking of the Penelope, both the swans were set up with their crews, just enough men to manage her sails, tend to her guns if necessary, and get them safely to their destinations. They were suppose to be en route to Cutthroat Island, that was until one of those notorious freak storms had taken both ships off course.

When the storm past, a few days had gone by when a shout from the crows nest of the Black Swan II was heard.

"LAND HO..."

This had all the men rushing upon deck, to look out at the ridges that could be seen in the distance. A signal was sent to the sister vessel, that was lagging behind the smaller, faster moving ship. It would be towards the Island that they'd make their way.

As they came closer, they maneuvered to what looked to be a canal, only to find it to be a natural water way that passed between three islands, not just one. Excitement of finding land, when all hope had been given up, they maneuvered the ships close enough to take the smaller boats ashore to land.

What they found was quite amazing. Animals never seen before, birds with brilliant colorations. Trees heavily laid en with multitudes of fruit. Some known, while others were not, although it didn't matter to the men, who's supplies were seriously depleted.

Three small groups were assembled, each had their own tasks. One was set up for exploration, the second to hunt meat, the third to collect the wild, native grown fruits, to fill the large barrels within both ships holds.

The second and third group were quite successful. Boar, deer, and rabbits were plentiful. It wouldn't be long before the first group was busy upon the waters edge, cleaning the animals killed. Letting the meat sit in the temperate waters, so the salt within could cure them. Fresh water was found in an inland stream. This too was collected and hauled to the ships to replenish drinking water. Bathing wasn't something these men worried about. Their only baths would come in the form of treading through water to get to the small boats to and from shore.

The first group traveled for at least a day, before they came upon tell tale signs of habitation of humanity. It wouldn't be long before they came upon the small village, inhabited by the natives. A sailor, pirate or not, having been out to sea for any time, would drool over what they found. In fact, perhaps any man that had been without companionship would have found his bitty to walk to be slightly impaired by the sites.

Women wore only skirts made of grass, upper bodies bared to the elements. Some wore skimpy outfits of thin hide. The men all wore loin cloths of animal skin, or grass skirts like some of the women, many went without any clothing at all. They were all busy tending to their small village. Some in preparation of meals, some tending to the animals brought back by the hunters. All ages were in the village, young and old alike. A picturesque vision it was of peace and harmony. Too bad their lives were about to be changed due to two ships being taken off course.

They'd skirt the village to search further, finding more of the natives tending to crops that were being grown not far from the village they came across. Leaving a the group behind to keep vigil over the people, two would return back to the shoreline, to give word on what was found.

For several days the pirates would sit and watch the comings and goings of the natives, as well as searching for anything that resembled value. One of the things that they noticed, was the bobbles adorned by all. Large stones, unrefined, yet some cut to give off that reflective quality to a degree that could be primitively done. It wouldn't be long before they'd find the source of this either. Several large caves, nestled behind the cover of thick vegetation, would offer them the source of the precious gems and metals that the natives wore.

They had stumbled upon a gold mine, that was quite a delight. Gems, gold, and primitive people, uncharted islands, no bounty of previous take could surmount to what they found here.

The stars were studied at night by the navigator, as he plotted their course to return. Exploration of all five islands would take place, maps made to chart the villages found, and named by the map writer. It took the men four months to chart their surroundings, as well as keeping out of sight of the natives. It was strange that the natives never came to the shore where the Swans rested anchored.

They found several markers in the overgrown vegetation, these were what looked to be extremely large human skulls, though there were fangs were incisors rested, rather than normal teeth. They were made of what looked to be a black jade, and so the island grouping would be named .... Black Jade Skull Islands.

Once all preparations were made, the ships fully restocked and some repairs done, that could be for the lack of materials had. It was then the final step of their plan was put into place before setting sail. The men raided several villages, each to rest on a separate island. Unfortunately, some of the natives were killed, it was what kept the others in line. A language barrier stood between natives and pirates, so verbalization was nothing more than shouts and motions of hands.

The natives had little defense against the pirates more modern weapons of rapiers and flint locks, compared to their spears, bows and arrows. Although a few of the pirates were injured, none were dealt a fatal blow. Soon the hold of both ships would be filled almost nearly beyond capacity, with food, raw gems, gold, and human flesh.

Flags were set to mark the islands as now occupied territory. The Flags of Captain Black snapped in the breeze, above the markers of Jade. Let that be a warning to any who may happen upon the islands until they could return.

The ships were about a week away from the harbor of Barret Bay, when a falcon was released with a message attached to it's leg. This was to let the Captain know, they were not only returning, but with a precious cargo that would bring some heavy purses. A return message would have the ships awaiting to arrive into port just prior to the dawn. She knew the laws of the lands and how they pertained to slavery, no sense in rousting the locals or monarchy.

The ships bore the cobalt blue flags, a cover they utilized to keep any from knowing who they truly belonged to. The name Black was covered by a thick oil cloth, ends weighted down by lead so they wouldn't flap to give showing of what they covered, so the only name to be shown to a glance of eye would be....Swan I, or Swan II. The black sails of the notorious ships were only brought out when searching the high seas, or prior to the arrival of some distant land that was to be placed under attack.

This was one of JD's bright ideas, to help keep her and her ships incognito. Along with the fact that the Union Jack that would usually fly, would be replaced with the flag of Heathfield. She wouldn't advertise until the time was right.

When the ships docked during the wee hours of the morning, a time when all were in their beds and sleeping, no one around to witness the cargo being unloaded. Food stuffs, and that of precious metals and gold were immediately taken to the tavern to be placed into the hidden rooms underground. The human cargo on Swan II would be taken to the already crowded hold of Swan I.

It was then the Swan I would sail along the shoreline away from Heathfield lands, to that of less stricter guidelines. Here the slaves would be unloaded, there would be nearly one hundred all together. Beautiful young women and handsome young men, stripped nude to show off their bronze skin and toned bodies. They would be distributed to various markets that traded in flesh.

Carlotta had been taken along, to oversee the legalities of the trade. It was not the Captain that over seen to this transaction, but the young woman in her employ. They would not auction off the slaves themselves, but sell them to the market heads to auction off. Much haggling was done, and soon the legal advisor was walking away, with a hefty amount. Having negotiated one hundred gold, per head from two of the market areas. Another she managed to gain one hundred and fifty per head.

By time the evening fell, both ships were in their slips at port. Both had ascertained damage from the storm, now the Captain had to seek out someone to gain repairs. Carlotta was quick to give her the name of a shipwright. A man by the name of Baltazar Giovanni.

She'd await a few days before going to seek out this man, to gain the repairs needed. Carlotta spoke highly of the man, but JD was a bit on edge. Her men had come to her with news of a ships arrival, and the fact there were several men who had landed upon shore and rode off in separate directions.

It was bad enough that the son of the woman killed back in England, the sister of the Royal Admiral, was seeking vengeance out against her, and was in the area. Then to learn that a Captain that she had never heard of was seeking her out in some feud that she knew nothing about. This would be something she'd have to check into, and it would mean going back through her father's log. She would have thought little about the men who left the other ship in the dead of night, if it wasn't for the report she gained. One man was noticed, and identified, this man was someone she had spent time with.

It's said that the past catches up with you, never would she had dreamed that it would all take place at once, let alone here in her safe haven. She was on her guard, and she had to be careful. Keeping a low profile, when she went out into public now days, she was the picture perfect showing of a noble woman. A business woman who was tending to her tavern and Inn. Her men alerted, they knew what to do. Now it was only a matter of time. Would it all blow over, or was a war about to break out?