H.M.S Valor: Treachery And Triumph: A war time adventure on the high seas by Cal Clement (best contemporary novels txt) 📕

essential task. There would be some from the Maiden who crossed deck to remain on the Unholy Shepherd, but for the ship to sail efficiently at least two dozen of the freed slaves had to become competent sailors. Learning the rigging was a critical skill aboard any ship, but especially so with a small crew. The plans discussed amongst the two Captains would demand skilled ship handling and superb seamanship from the entire crew. Unlike a Navy ship or even a merchant vessel, a ship that intended to fly black colors demanded a broad range of mastery from her crew. They must trim sail and register gunnery with the same proficiency, ready to wield hand tool and weapon alike. Lilith was being indoctrinated in skills alongside the new crew and was beginning to get a sense of bearings up in the rigging. All the different lines, each with their own purpose, all the commands, preparatory and executing, sail positioning, course change and so much more. It was enough to make her head spin.

Lilith felt there was so much more she should know even having only been aboard for a couple of weeks. Trina was a good teacher, as patient as Chibs would have been though not as much of an expert. Lilith paused for a moment to take in the spectacular beauty of the cove. Under the brightly shining Caribbean sun the waters shimmered in bright greens and deep blues, the air smelled sweet from the native fruits ashore and the white of the beach sands contrasted the deep greens of the forest canopy. Lilith imagined a life lived in the cove, swimming and fishing in the brilliant emerald waters, lounging on the white sandy beach in the sun and exploring through the mysteries of the forest beyond.

“Girl! Are you paying attention?” Trina spoke, snapping Lilith from her daydream.

“Yes, Captain.” Lilith replied.

“I was saying, you need to keep your feet about you up here. Always, always mind your feet girly. When you must move a foot, you must keep two hands. It may seem simple here in the cove sweet thing, but out there in the pitch and roll you can lose yourself in a snap. It’s a long way down, love, just prey if it ever happens you land on water and not on wood,” said Trina. Her eyes locked on Lilith’s, conveying gravity and a sense of responsibility for the young addition to the crew.

The two descended from the upper riggings, climbing ratlines down to the deck of the Shepherd. Lilith’s heart was torn, she could not decide which vessel she would stay on. Though that morning the Captains had presented their plan of attacking the slaver camp in Jamaica and both crews would play a role in the plan, Lilith did not want to separate from Captain Trina. Nor was she fond of the idea of leaving the experience of Chibs and Captain James. Ultimately, she knew, she would have to make a choice and soon. The pair would be sailing from the cove, the Captains’ plan began with a sneak attack on any ship at anchor near the Jamaican camp.

James insisted they would have to sink or burn whatever vessels the slavers commanded before they could storm the camp. A direct assault would run the risk of sinking a vessel that was already loaded with slaves, which was pointed out repeatedly by the crew, especially the new crew of the Unholy Shepherd, being captives themselves not long ago. James fought through many interruptions and was finally successful in laying out their rough plans. After much back and forth, suggestions came in from across the crew. Finally, a vote was called. After a few dissenting voices were heard, the crew elected to follow their Captains’ plan.

“Slaves are not sold for free, there is a man somewhere profiting from this and I mean for us to take that gold.” James shared at the conclusion of their gathering, to an uproar of approval from the crew. Unholy Shepherd would not be long until she was ready to sail and along with the Drowned Maiden, would be a terrifying sight to behold on the horizon for any crew.

H.M.S Valor

12 Sep 1808

Nassau, Bahamas

The port in Nassau was a welcome sight for the crew of the Valor after their Atlantic crossing. Strong Caribbean breezes blew the fragrance of the tropics mixes with the old familiar smell of the sea. Those who were new to the ship by way of press gangs in London marveled at the beauty of the pale blue seas and white sands. These islands were a stark contrast to their home and a sense of adventure renewed the spirit of many of the sailors, old and young alike. The market ashore was teeming with activity, spices from the far reaches of the British empire, coffee, exotic fruit, spiced rum and beautiful women. Merchant ships came and went from the port daily, some arriving and leaving on the same day. Captain Grimes granted every man a day ashore on their arrival, offering another day ashore once refit was finished before setting to sea again. The repairs and loading of fresh provisions went about like clockwork, each man setting to his task heartily for the chance to go ashore again.

In three days’ time, the battle wounds Valor had endured had all been repaired. Her destroyed cannon had been discarded and a new twelve-pound gun sat in its place. Food and water reserves were loaded and one last evening ashore was granted to the crew, except for Cobb and another man who were confined while at port.

Grimes received his envelope with orders from the governor of Jamaica. He was to patrol the north coast of Haiti and the southern coast of Cuba for a missing American ship. A frigate named the Carolina Shepherd had not made rendezvous with her escorts and she was feared lost to the sea. Grimes also received a report that the French had commissioned more privateers in the