|
CHAPTER FOUR (Part 1) - The Lesson of Blackbeard:
Raven sat at the desk in her chambers as the ship traveled the seas, and she recounted the memory of her first meeting with Edward, one whom she'd dare call a friend. Though, he’d sooner see her at the bottom of the ocean than admit to admiring her courage and skill.
There was commotion on the weather deck. She could hear someone yell, “SAILS!”. The warning of another ship’s sails on the horizon.
Raven stood to make way to the upper deck - to the helm. As she exited her quarters, she eyed the crows nest.
“Mr. Cutlass!” she bellowed, “Bring us about. Let’s meet our visitor.”
“READY ABOUT! HARD ALEE!”
The ship listed port, as it reared and turned like an animal to be unleashed. The wood hull crepitated loudly, as The Tamisra came about to face the newcomer.
Captain Morana raised her spyglass to view the now, clearly visible and fading red sails of The Queen Anne's Revenge, captained by the one and only Edward Teach - Blackbeard.
She, once again, mused at their first meeting.
***
Near the Windward Passage, Morana crossed paths with Edward Teach - Blackbeard himself. His ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, loomed like a floating nightmare, smoke curling from the fuses braided into his beard.
Rather than flee or fire, Morana ordered The Tamisra to sail parallel.
Blackbeard hailed her, amused by the audacity of a woman commanding such a vessel. Morana answered not with bravado, but strategy - allowing Teach to believe he held the advantage. When the wind shifted, she turned The Tamisra just enough to rake his stern with a warning broadside, close enough to scorch paint but spare lives.
Blackbeard laughed, deep and thunderous, and saluted her with his hat.
“Ye’ clever devil,” he called. “You’ll live longer than most.”
From that day on, ships traveling the Passage spoke of a second shadow in Blackbeard’s waters—one that struck faster and vanished cleaner.
***
“Hoist the colors Mister Cutlass.” She said, with a wry smile, “We’re meeting a few friends.”
“AYE! Cap’n!” He confirmed, “RAISE THE RAVEN AND THE FRIENDLY!”
The crew scrambled to their stations, as two raised their flags to show the oncoming vessel that this was Captain Raven Morana’s ship, and that they were friendly with Captain Teach.
The two had been friendly for almost two years - since about the time she took command of The Tamisra. Little did she know this would be the last time she would see him before his run-in with the royal navy.
Captain Morana was eager to see Blackbeard, but she had an uneasy feeling - not about the encounter, but the sea was getting restless; which was usually a sign that it would soon claim another victim.
As they pulled alongside one another, they tossed the hooks, mooring to The Queen Anne's Revenge. Both Captain Teach and Captain Morana smiled at each other.
Captain Raven Morana held one finger up for a moment, then reached into her coat - stopping and staring at Blackbeard with a quaint smile.
Then, her grin grew bigger as she pulled out a bottle from her coat, and raised it to her friend.
He smiled and let out a heavy and booming laugh - opening his arms with a big grin.
“Ye’ know the way to m’heart.” he said for most to hear, “Tonight, we DRINK!”
Both crews yelled in celebration as many disappeared below deck and reappeared moments later with barrels of rum.
*** |
