Scoundrel's Folly part IV

by Dandelion

Dear Lucerne,

The ship should have been called the "Rotten Apple" not "Golden Apple". It was in the service of a known slaver Lord Gilden. He had just refitted for slaving. We took passage and were invited to eat the best meal I have seen in Eisen. It was poisoned with knock out drops. All succumbed except Franz who thought the food too fancy and myself. As we had no weapons we pretended to be knocked out. Franz fought them with his fists in the slave hold but was forced to yeild. Borstenn when he came around freed himself with a sign and word. He was unable to free us though. I then asked you for the crowbar which was able to free Franz and Ambrose. I then asked for the hacksaw to free myself and Eduarde. Once free we forced the entry and got into the main hold. After failing to lure anyone down to the hold we went up and engaged the watch. Borstenn went for our equipment. The rest joined the fray. Ambrose ably knocked out a sailor while Eduarde and Franz tackled the mate and the marines. They took many wounds but finally the crew surrendered. We then heard the sound of oars then laughter. Lord Gilden escaped in a boat with Borstenn's favorite artifact a "fruitbowl". Borstenn's anguish was made worse because this has happened before. Lord Gilden made off with his spinning top last time. Also our purses had been lightened of any valuables.

In the aftermath we had a sloop with one crewman and three marines. We made for the nearest port.

It was a typically devasted Eisen town. The innkeeper gave us free board when known as the slayers of the Verschlingen. Franz' wounds were very serious. The local Dr Mengler gave such little hope of healing Franz didn't even put him to the test. We eventually gathered enough mixed crew to sail the ship. The master was an Avalon called Long Tom Copper. He had an old parrot. He was skilled enough but I have grave doubts of his past.

We sailed to the river mouth. There we were intercepted by a Montaigne Frigate "Coup de Jour". Its master Lieutenant Pierre Peppard was the worst officer I have seen. He was only intent on money. Honor, integrity or even fear of superiors where unknown to him.

We then sailed into the sea. Franz was worsening. He was even more gloomy and poorly as each mile passed. The crew believed accidents occurred fo his presence. Half the food fouled. On half rations. We became unseasonably becalmed. The crew mutinied and demanded Franz be sent adrift. Franz challenged them to choose a champion. Long Tom accepted. In the duel he shot Franz with his pistol then used his cutlass. Franz fought well but his old wounds kept him back. He sucumbed to unconsciousness and at death's door. We took him below. Borstenn and Ambrose could do nothing but keep him alive. He was hidden in the secret slave hold and we buried at sea a perfectly good bolster and cannonball.

The wind picked up and we were on our way again. As we got closer to Avalon a 20 gun ship came down on us. Long Tom advised us to strike our colours. We did. An old acquaintance of the party Mr Pistol was on the bowsprit. He smoothed over any misunderstandings and resupplied us. We then changed colours to Avalon and made the trip to Carleon with no other problems. Obvious privateers are to be seen here.

Franz has seen the best surgeons Carleon has to offer but to no avail. Bed-rest is the only hope now and that will take some time. Borstenn delivered a box he was carrying to the Explorer Society. Reggie is to arrange passage with Cpt Berek!! I will believe it when I see it as he has a huge reputation.

Till next time

Regards

Dandelion