Maynard Latham had acquired it in a not less than shady deal from Ogburt Collins.
As Og would exclaim. “That rotten Latham! If he hadn’t so many extra eyes at a card game it would almost be considered fair!” That was Og’s story and as most knew, almost all of Og’s stories came from the bottom of a mug of ale. Anyone who played a hand or two with him also knew, he should have kept to honest business and maybe he would have kept his holdings.
Now it was Latham’s place and the new sign over the tavern entrance read The Boar’s Head. Along side of that was a rough carving of what appeared to be a boar, but with those skills, it could have been a dog too. Who could tell? The Boar’s Head tavern wasn’t very big, but still had enough room to offer a bit of elbow room should the need arise. Of course, this was all the better when the bar’s maids made their rounds with drink.
“Have a seat lass!" Jaun bellowed with a smile. Veronica Linney was a petite girl that could hold her own in a crowded room like this.
“No thank you, Admiral.” She teased, “I’ve got a load of rum here for the boys over at that table and they just can’t wait. Maybe we’ll chat later.” She winked and exited with a smack on the rear from Jaun. The others at the table roared with laughter. Jaun went back to his ale.
Maynard employed two such beauties, Veronica and Abigal Cotter. They were both the center of attention in this fine establishment. Veronica worked for Maynard before the takeover. Abigal was more of a family member than an employee but that didn’t keep Maynard from treating her like and employee.
“Shake it Abigal! You move like a cow out to pasture! I’m not paying you to dally!” He grumbled. She paid no attention to him. His bark was worse than his bite.
As it was, this was the favorite of the local British Navy. Midshipmen and up, that’s all you’d find here. Deckhands and swab’s were run off until they learned the rules. No more than a couple of lashings for the more ignorant ones that insisted on dropping in was all it took. Looking around one could easily spy any number of Lord Bolla’s men at any time. He would always keep a portion of them on rest in case his fleet was called into action. “Fresh men equal a battle won.” He would always say.
Jaun and Raymond Nelson sat at one table where Gavin Diego was pressuring Jaun to make his iron pick up. “I’ve got eight hundred and forty ingots. We have to meet in Cayenne so you can pick up.” Gavin continued, “Those damned French are costing me a fortune as long as I sit on it there.”
“Ok, ok” Jaun replied, “Let me just make sail for there tomorrow. I’ll have one of my cutters come down and free you of your burden.”
Raymond looked over at Jaun, “You might as well bring me forty small cannon while you’re down there.” He said.
“All right! Let’s just make a day of it then shall we?” Jaun said, “Maybe we can find a couple of Frenchies to amuse ourselves with!” Laughter bellowed from the table.
Malcolm Reynolds wandered in with a sack under his arm and headed for a table in the back. All eyes were on the sack and curiosity grew. He ordered some rum and sat down, untying the sack. Abigal dropped his rum off as he plunged his hand into the sack grinning, ear to ear. When he pulled his hand out, it was gold alright, but not the kind everyone was expecting. Instead, Malcolm pulled a golden wheel of cheese from his sack.
A burst of laughter arose from the far end of the room, "Ha! Malcolm has been to Florida again and got himself some cheese!” yelled Valeroth.
Again, everyone broke into laughter as Malcolm put himself together a sandwich. “It was Potter’s idea.” He exclaimed as he dove into his meal.
The door to the tavern swung open once again. This time it was Lord Bolla himself who entered, Cardinal Ehcks Gameskeep in tow. A quiet fell over the room as he entered and looked around. A quick head count revealed as he had hoped. There were enough Admirals here to make the announcement. He cleared his throat. “Please give me your attention.” He said, “I’d like to speak with the current Admirals of the room in private.” He headed up the stairs to the room he kept on retainer with Maynard. His Admirals followed. Once in the room they all sat and attentively listened.
“As you all know, England bears no accord to France.” He started, “And France’s feelings are communal. Yesterday I was called forth and it was revealed that France had sacked West End.” Mutual grumblings erupted amongst the listeners. “Please,” He continued, “It has become clear that France has a much larger plan in store than just the sacking of West End. Our sources have affirmed that this move only proves that the French are in league with the pirates of Marsh Island and Morgan’s Bluff. What’s more is that Harbor Island may also be involved. France would like nothing more than to control the upper Bahamas, giving them a gateway to the south.”
“Treachery!” Jaun yelled.
“Indeed, treachery.” Malcolm agreed.
Lord Bolla continued, “You all know that King Louis has seen to keep King Philip from being able to claim the throne of France as his. This rift between the two King Louis and King Philip needs to remain so for England’s benfit. The longer these two family members war against one another, the more we are assured they will not unite and create a stronger empire in the unison.”
“Yes but King Philip, being the son of the Duke of Burgundy has a rightful claim to the French throne.” Gavin interjected.
“True.” Raymond replied, “But he cannot claim it now because Louis XIV is dead and King Louis will never entertain anything their grandmother has to say. King Louis will discard it as the ramblings of an old woman.”
Lord Bolla spoke again. “Yes and this is what makes this all work for England. Louis XV will never recognize King Philips claim and that is just as bad as saying King Philip never belonged to the French royal family at all. And because of this King Philip has agreed to assist us in this manner.”
“How so?” Valeroth asked.
“Well” Lord Bolla continued, “The King has agreed to send us aid from Havana, both from his armada and the local pirate horde he controls in La Isabela. All he asks in return is sixty percent of our sugar over the next season, to be sent to Trinidad.”
“Always something.” Jaun stated.
“Yes but it’s a small price to pay to be able to retake West End.” Lord Bolla replied. “And, in taking West End, we’ll use the Spanish armada and Pirate combination to sack Grenville as well and push the French back up to Tampa. This will cut off Nassau supplies and the French there will soon starve out, leaving it to England. Then we can push the final pirate rabble out and England will control the bottom of Florida and the Bahamas. The Church stands behind us”
Cardinal Gameskeep nodded.
“Now that sounds like a plan!” Raymond exclaimed.
“Indeed.” Lord Bolla said, “King George has called upon the Lords of the Burning Sea to move into action! Make sail men. King and Country!”
