Page 63 of The Rogue

Harry was the first to step forward, carrying the word of some of his shipmates to their captain.

“Thing is, sir, some of us ain’t as young as we once were, an’ ye know the life we ‘ad, well it’s over to be blunt, an’ some of us ...” He twisted his hat in his hands, frowning and clearly trying to find the right words, so Lawrence decided to help him out.

“You wish to retire, Harry?”

Harry sighed and nodded. “That be the long an’ the short of it, aye. I mean I must work but ... I ain’t got the heart for piracy no more, the fun’s gone out o’ it.”

Lawrence looked to his brother and grinned. “Harry, I think you might want to listen to what his lordship has to say.”

Harry looked at Alex who nodded and got to his feet.

“Gentlemen, I am very honoured to make your acquaintance. As you now know, I am Lawrence’s brother, Alex Sinclair, the Earl of Falmouth. I am also a great believer in helping those who help themselves.” His usually severe countenance showed a glimmer of humour as a chuckle rumbled around the room “It is possible you may have also figured out my other identity, or have heard tales of myself and my men ...”

“Aye, The Sea Wolf could take on The Rogue, I reckon,” yelled one bright spark who was drowned out in a wave of indignation from the crew of The Wicked Wench while the cutter’s men laughed and roared their approval.

Alex waited until everyone had quietened down once more.

“I would rather prefer it if we could work together this time. Killing each other really doesn’t suit our purposes.” He looked at his brother with a sardonic lift of one eyebrow and then turned to the crew of The Wench. “These are the crews of the Bold Bessie, Jenny’s Prize and The Flighty Susan.”

Those men who hadn’t yet become acquainted moved around shaking hands and nodding, a little stiff and formal for the moment, but there was a good-natured air to the greetings that boded well for future relations.

“Now then,” Alex continued, once the noise had died down. “As we are all aware, we are here to arrange for that fine fellow, The Rogue.” He gestured to Lawrence who grinned and stood, making a leg and giving a sweeping bow that made him wince a little and clutch at his side as his men roared and cheered. “That is to say our good Captain Savage,” Alex continued. “Is to be consigned to end his days with Davy Jones.”

The cheers turned to boos and noises of disgust, though it was a good-hearted sound, full of regret rather than anger. “However, this means a great many fine and skilful men, out of a job. Which is something we simply cannot allow to happen. So ...”

Alex gave them a fierce and calculating look and Lawrence couldn’t help but laugh. He wondered what their ancestors had been, Vikings perhaps, raiding and pillaging along the coast of England who had finally made their homes in the rugged land that was Cornwall. There had to be something of that nature in their blood as the piratical gleam in Alex’s eyes was only too familiar.

“So,” Alex continued. “I have work for those of you who would continue your trade, but this time free running, that is to say, smuggling contraband between here and Cornwall. I needn’t tell you that this is dangerous work, the excise men are becoming ever more resourceful and with the recent creation of the Preventative Water Guard, bringing the run home is harder than ever. It takes courage and skill and a great deal of cunning, so if any of you are interested, come and speak with me and my crews and we will see what can be done.

I know that Lawrence trusts each and every one of you with his life, and you have repaid that trust in being here today. For that you have my everlasting gratitude, and I am happy to join my own fate with yours, and trust in you as he has done.”

There was a cheer, and a chorus of shouts of approval and Alex raised his hand for silence.

“However, for those of you who have a desire to keep your feet dry, I would also ask if you would stay with us. As you have seen our lives are dangerous ones and we need to take precautions to protect the ones we love and our livelihoods.”

Alex glanced over at Lawrence who pulled Henri closer to him and planted a kiss upon the top of her head. He watched as the men around him nodded and murmured their approval, and saw Mousy cast an enquiring look towards Annie, who winked at him in return.

“That being the case we wish to create a guard to watch over us, both here at Longueville and at home at Tregothnan. In short, any man that wishes to remain with us will be found work to please him, we will consider each other as brothers, as the brethren of old, with a code of honour and friends who will always have our backs.”

Lawrence stood and walked to stand beside his brother and addressed the men himself.

“Well, my old friends and comrades, we begin a new chapter, and any who choose to go their own way will always be welcome to return to us if life does not treat them kindly.” He paused and reached for the bottle which Mousy held out to him with a grin. “For whether we be rogue or wolf, pirate or smuggler, we are brothers, brethren and we look to the future.”

He raised the bottle in a toast, and the men roared their approval.