Voyage Home

As hands were upon him, slapping his back and shoulders, shaking his hand as well, Callum watched through the mass of officers that were swarming on him, the back of Dustin walking out the door of the Great Room. Voices were now like mumbles to Callum as those voices gave him congratulations and best wishes for his promotion. Callum ignored them as he tried to watch Dustin looking past the faces that blocked his vision of his love. The door had opened and closed. Callum’s heart sank and he felt completely alone.

“Let it be said that you certainly know how to win the day, Quintan.” Alistair Stewart said with his smooth voice as he was close to Callum’s face taking Callum’s hand in his.

“What?” Callum asked absently. He turned his head and looked over his shoulder at the group at the long table for a moment, he saw the stoic faces that were there.

“Quintan?” The smooth voice asked at Callum’s ear, softly drowning out the other voices about him, “What was in the letter?” Stewart asked and Callum turned back to him.

“The letter?” Callum asked. All of the events were clouding him, confusing him as he tried to absorb what was actually happening about him, to him, “The letter…” Callum pulled himself together and squeezed Stewart’s hand that still held his, then let it go, “Alistair, I must go at once.”

“Where?” Stewart asked as Callum pulled away from him. Callum went through the officers about him and stepped to the long table.

“My Lord, the letter…as I said, I must leave at once.” Callum said as the voices behind him slowly drew down.

“I can see why you would think that, Callum.” Lord Hood said, “It is somewhat cryptic in its wording however. I will ask you again, who is this man that wrote it?”

“Arto Lebeau, My Lord, a Frenchman.”

“A Frenchman, on English soil?” Lord Hood asked.

“I admit I am also shocked about it, My Lord.” Callum said, “But, he was there when certain events took place recently. I need to find out what has happened and what he has to say and find out why he is here..”

“You’re speaking in circles again, Callum.” Fitzwarren said, putting a hand on his hip.

“My Lord, you must understand, if I could explain it to you, I would.” Callum said to Fitzwarren.

“Perhaps we should send a company of Marines to arrest this man instead of you going.” Lord Hood said.

“My Lord, I beg you, there is far too much at stake here. If you were to send troops, he would disappear before they could take him and then I would not be able to find out what he has to say.” Callum said.

“But if he is caught, Callum, we would get it out of him regardless and you would not be put in harm’s way.” Lord Hood said.

“I can assure you, My Lord, if you send troops, he will disappear like smoke itself. He would be watching. He trusts me, My Lord.” Callum said.

“We are not finished here as of yet, Callum, there are several things to be discussed still.” Fitzwarren said.

“I understand that, My Lord, and can appreciate your positions with these proceedings, but this may involve the security of our very nation.” Callum said. Hood put hands on the table and leaned toward over it, looking him square in the eye.

“You had better not be exaggerating,…Admiral.” Hood said above a whisper, “Tell me one thing, does this have to do with Lord Upton?”

“I believe it does, My Lord.” Callum said as he returned the look and spoke in the same hushed tone as Hood.

“When it is over, you are to return here directly, no deviation, do you understand? I want to know what has happened and what you find out.” Lord Hood said in the same tone as before.

“I understand perfectly, My Lord.” Callum said.

“Off with you then.” Lord Hood said and backed away. Callum nodded once.

“My Lord.” Callum said, turned and stepped toward the crowd of blue, “Paige!” He called out.

“Yes, sir.” The nervous boy replied from somewhere in the midst of the crowd.

“Have a horse saddled for me immediately.” Callum said and stepped forward, coming close to Stewart, who put a hand on Callum’s fine suited sleeve, stopping him.

“Where are you going?” Stewart asked, concern all over his face. Callum looked at him directly.

“Anne’s Quarter. I have to meet someone.”

“Does this have to do with…?” Stewart asked as Carrington was at Stewart’s elbow looking concerned himself.

“It most likely does.” Callum said cutting him off.

“I am coming with you then.” Stewart said. Callum shook his head.

“No, my friend. I will go and see what this is about. I will not risk anyone else.” Callum said and smiled briefly, “I will return here afterward.”

“Quintan,” Stewart said as he felt a hand on his own sleeve.

“Alistair, please. I thank you for your offer, but I must see this through. It will be alright.” Callum said and stepped away, going through the stunned officers. Stewart looked at the long table and those that were there with questioning eyes. Lord Hood beckoned Stewart with only three fingers of a slightly raised hand as Callum walked out the doors.

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Callum reined the horse to a halt in front of the Boar’s Head. He stepped down, tying the horse to a hitching ring. He went through the large door, closing it behind him. He went for the stairs but there was a cheering that went up in the tavern to his right. Callum stopped and looked toward the noise. Thomas was standing there, tankard in his good hand, holding it up.

“Three cheers for Admiral Callum!” Thomas said loudly, part turning to stir up the crowd behind him. Callum stepped the tavern, “Hip, hip!”

“Hoorah!” The assembled patrons called out.

“Hip, hip!” Thomas called out again.

“Please!” Callum said holding up his hands a bit, “Thank you all.” Callum said and looked about. He didn’t see Dustin and looked directly at Thomas, “Where is he?” Callum asked.

“Upstairs I believe.” Thomas said. Callum went to turn and leave.

“A typical high-ranking officer to be sure. He turns to leave just when it’s getting to be too much.” The voice of that Irishman again stopped Callum, making him turn back. Callum caught sight of him and stepped toward him.

“Quintan.” Thomas said as Callum came up to the Irishman.

“Sullivan, isn’t it?” Callum asked as he looked over the bruised and battered face.

“That’s right, Your Lordship.” The Irishman smirked.

“I can see that you do indeed have a tendency to stir things up. And I also don’t believe that I like your tone or manner.” Callum said.

“Quintan.” Thomas said firmly. The eyes of the Irishman flashed in the limited light of the tavern.

“Matters not to me what you think, Your Lordship.”

“I had thought that we had settled this last evening, but I seem to be mistaken.” Callum said.

“Probably mistaken about a great number of other things as well.” The Irishman said. He moved slowly to set his tankard down on the table next to him. Callum swatted the tankard away with his left hand, taking the Irishman by surprise as he flashed his eyes toward it flying away. He flashed his eyes back toward Callum as the right fist smashed into his face, knocking him into the chair that the Irishman had been sitting in. Callum grabbed the loose shirt, balled it up in his left hand, pulling back his right fist.

“I think you need to learn how to keep your mouth shut. Let me teach you that.” Callum growled and pounded the face three times so fast it was almost hard to see it. The Irishman slumped in the chair. Callum let him go. He straightened and looked about at the shocked patrons, “Thank you, gentlemen, for your warm welcome. Now, if a couple of you would be so kind as to take this rubbish out and put it in the street for me.” Callum said in his voice of authority. Some of the men moved to follow his orders. Callum turned and looked at a wide-eyed Thomas, “Don’t you say a word.” Callum said and walked away toward the stairs as Thomas followed him with his gaze.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Thomas said then swallowed hard.

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Callum opened the door of their room, seeing Dustin there changing his clothes at the bed. He closed the door and came across the room. Dustin just looked up at him.

“I was wondering where you went.” Callum said as he came to the night stand next to the bed. He pulled off his jacket and lay it down, “Why did you leave like that?” Callum asked.

“Why do you need to ask?” Dustin asked in reply but sounded angered.

“I don’t have time for this.” Callum said as he took his sword.

“What happened to your hand?” Dustin asked. Callum looked down at the skinned up and bleeding knuckles. He smirked and looked at Dustin.

“The Irishman gave me a little bit of mouth downstairs. I shut him up.” Callum said. His voice had a harsh tone to it.

“Quintan.” Dustin said. He watched Callum hook his sword to his belt, “What are you doing?”

“Leaving.”

“Where are you going?” Dustin asked.

“Anne’s Quarter. I have to meet someone there.” Callum said.

“Who?” Dustin asked.

“An old friend.” Callum said.

“Wait, what are you talking about?” Dustin asked as he came around the bed. Callum looked at him.

“The letter that I received during the proceedings,” Callum said, “it was a summons from someone I met again during the sailing.”

“You spoke of him, that French Captain, the one that was in Sunderland on the Dutch ship.”

“Yes, Arto Lebeau.” Callum said as he finished hooking the belt. He checked the feel of his sword on him.

“He’s here?” Dustin asked.

“Yes. I must meet with him.” Callum said.

“I’ll come with you.” Dustin said.

“There is no time. Join me later if you wish, but I must meet him alone first.” Callum said as he stepped away and headed toward the door.

“Where, at the warehouse?” Dustin asked. Callum opened the door and looked back.

“Yes.”

“You should wait for me. It could be dangerous for you.” Dustin said, his eyes pleading.

“There is no time. I must go.” Callum said, going out the door, closing it behind him. Thomas was coming up the stairs and reached the landing as Callum came around the railing.

“Where are you going now?” Thomas asked.

“Dustin will explain it to you. Stay here.” Callum said as he went by Thomas and down the stairs.

“Alright, if you insist.” Thomas said softly with a roll of his eyes.

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Callum went out the door of the inn, closing the door behind him. He stepped over to the horse, taking the rein that was tied and undid it. Two men were there partly dragging the battered Irishman. Callum looked at them, but they did not see him. Callum stepped up in the stirrup and swung into the saddle. He wheeled the horse and gave him a kick, going the other way.

The warehouse they had discovered loomed up from the edge of the wooden dockway that ran along the Thames. Callum stopped the horse and climbed down. He took the rein and tied it to a pipe that ran up the corner of the building. He saw the side door and went to it. He had thought that there should still be Marines here acting as Sentries, but there was no one in sight. He came to the door and saw it was ajar. He pushed it open slowly and stepped in.

The stacks of crates were all about as they were before when he had been here. He wondered if they were going to be gone through to see if those uniforms and tunics were there in all of them. He listened carefully as he went around a stack of crates, going toward the center of the warehouse, that large clear area where he had battled the giant of a man, the Hessian, Griffould as well as Atch. He kicked something and stopped, looking down in between two stacks of crates. He did a double take seeing what was lying there. He knelt and reached out a hand. A young Marine lying on his side. Callum got over him in between the stacks of crates. He rolled the young man over to his back with one hand. The boys throat had been cut open. He was clearly dead.

“Damn.” Callum whispered. He rose to his feet and stepped out of the crates. He looked around as he put his hand on his sword pommel. He moved slowly and cautiously further toward the center of the vast building. He looked about as he moved and listened intently, but heard nothing. He came around another group of crates stacked and stepped into the large clear area. There was someone there at the crate in the center of the area, the crate that had been opened to remove a tunic as evidence. Callum narrowed his eyes as he came closer. The man that was there lifted his head as he was leaning against the crate, his hands not seen but behind him.

“Ah, my friend, you came, thank you.” The voice said softly, clearly French accented.

“Arto?” Callum asked.

“Oui, mon amie.”

“What the hell is going on here? Did you kill that boy that I found back there?” Callum asked.

“No, mon amie, it was not I.” LeBeau said, “It was him.” LeBeau nodded his head toward Callum. Callum spun as the pistol was cocked, the end of the barrel was scant inches away from Callum’s face. The man that held it had the most evil looking smile on his face that Callum had ever seen.

“So good of you to come, Quintan. You are so predictable.”

“My Lord.” Callum said slowly.

“I understand that congratulations are in order. Your mother would have been so proud of you if she had lived.” Upton said.

“News seems to travel fast.” Callum said.

“I have known for some time actually. Those within the Admiralty can also be predictable, Lord Hood especially. You see, he had no choice but to promote you.” Upton said.

“I haven’t accepted the posting yet. Your congratulations may be premature.” Callum said.

“You would be a fool if you did not accept it, Quintan. You have worked very hard for it, killed so many men just to be able to receive your medal.” Upton said, “Is that not so?”

“Men that you sent against me. All of this is your doing.” Callum said.

“Indeed it is, my boy. And now it will come to an end. I am going to kill you.” Upton said.

“After all of this, you’re simply going to kill me?” Callum asked.

“Why not? You killed my son. An eye for an eye as it were.”

“You are mistaken. I did not kill Atch, Griffould killed him.” Callum said. He saw the eyes flinch slightly.

“That is not possible, he was with me.” Upton said.

“I saw it with my own eyes. Griffould snapped his neck as Atch ran him through the heart. Griffould told me that you had left him to die when the Regulars tried to capture you on the beach.” Callum said.

“He would not get into the boat quickly enough. I had no choice but to leave him.” Upton said. The pistol wavered slightly. Callum saw it but made no move. Upton’s eyes steeled again as he focused on Callum intensely, “You have caused me great difficulty, Quintan, upsetting my plans at almost every turn.”

“And now you would simply pull that trigger.” Callum said.

“It would make up for several things, and with you out of the way permanently, I might be able to salvage some of what I had planned.” Upton said, the evil smile came back to the lips again. Callum only shook his head at him.

“They are on to you and are ready to deal with anything that you might do. I have seen to that.” Callum said.

“Brave of you to say, Quintan, but I think that you are stalling now. Had they been truly ready, there would be Regulars here with you. I don’t see anyone else but you.” Upton said with a flash of his eyes, “Get on your knees.”

“I will not.” Callum said narrowing his eyes slightly.

“Very well.” Upton said, he firmed his grip on the pistol. The echo of movement came with his action and his eyes diverted momentarily. Callum moved, ducking slightly and rushed into the man. The pistol went off and echoed loudly throughout the vastness of the building. Callum hit with such force into the body of Upton that Upton staggered back, Callum staying with him, Callum trying to get a hold of Upton’s hands or arms. He could feel the power of the older man and it surprised him. Upton was able to push Callum down slightly and used the spent pistol, hitting Callum in the back of the head, stunning Callum, dropping him to his knees.

“Quintan!” The voice echoed throughout the vast building. Callum was too stunned to answer.

Upton dropped the spent pistol, backing up a step from Callum. Callum put his hands on the smooth stone floor to support himself but felt a hand take his chin and lift his face. His vision was blurred and he tried to focus. It was difficult. All he could see an outline above him. He couldn’t see the free hand of Upton reaching and placing fingers around the pommel of a dagger that was in his belt, the same dagger that had been used earlier on the Marine Sentries guarding the warehouse.

“Over here!” Another voice called out with a French accent. It echoed in the giant building and Callum’s ears were ringing slightly.

“Goodbye, Quintan.” Upton said, “I will silence you next, you traitorous French bastard.”

Callum drew everything that he had left in himself. He pulled back from the hand that held his chin, rolled away on the smooth stone floor and slowly got to his feet. His vision was starting to clear and he saw Upton before him, a hand was drawing a sword now. Callum steadied himself, his own hand going to his own sword.

“You will never best me, Quintan.” Upton said, “I practiced regularly with Colonel Holt. I was the one that gave him that long scar on his face.” The sword flashed its brilliance as it cleared its scabbard, “You’ve lost before you even know it.” Callum remembered that nasty looking scar on Colonel Holt’s face, long and broad, running along the jaw.

“We will see.” Callum said, shaking his head a bit to clear it even more. He saw motion behind Upton. He pulled his own sword fully and stood at the ready, “You can surrender now, if you wish.”

“Surrender to you? I think not. I mean to finish you first.” Upton said, “I will have that satisfaction at least.”

“Alright then, you can try.” Callum said, he looked about at the gathering of Marine uniforms. He saw Alistair Stewart come through them all, Dustin stepping into view as well, eyes wide, “All of you, remain where you are.” Callum said clearly, his voice echoing. He waved his left hand a bit, bowing his head slightly, “My Lord.”

Upton started his pace toward the left, crossing his feet as he moved, taking careful steps, sword tip up. Callum stepped closer, sword up and at the ready as well. They touched tips once, Upton rocked on his feet and jumped forward, back swinging, Callum ducked, throwing his blade up and knocking Upton’s out of the way. Callum swung himself, but was countered by a downward block, Upton swinging again quickly, Callum coming up to meet the blade with his own. The sounds of clanging steel echoed loudly about them. Upton stepped in, his blade flashed, moving with such speed, Callum blocked and they began to pound against each other’s blades with such fury, it was almost blinding to those that were watching. Upton growled once in his throat, his eyes locked on Callum before him. As if they were one, they both paused and backed up a step from one another, swords still up.

“I had heard your skill with a blade was quite impressive, Quintan, and they were correct.” Upton said, his breathing was slightly labored.

“I thank you. Your skill is impressive as well. Shall we press this point further, or will you surrender yourself now?” Callum asked.

“I will never surrender to you, Quintan Callum.” Upton snarled and that cold, evil glare was in his eyes again.

“No, however you will surrender to me.” The deep voice said. Callum averted his eyes from Upton as Upton turned to see who had spoken. Lord Ameson was standing there before Dustin and Stewart, flanked by a squad of Regulars, “In the name of His Most Royal Majesty, Lord Upton, Roland Penrose, you are under arrest, charged with high treason against The Crown. Lower your sword at once.” Ameson said, his deep voice echoed through the open space.

“You certainly have no authority, Stanley, we both know that.” Upton said with his chilling voice.

“There you are mistaken, Roland.” Ameson said, “Do not test me.”

“I will not surrender to you.” Upton said, his chin going up a bit.

“Take him.” Ameson said flatly as he pointed toward Upton. The Regulars moved forward quickly, bayonetted muskets up. Upton went to move, raising his sword to counter the coming men. Callum watched and moved on his own, coming up behind Upton, using the belled pommel of his sword, knocking Upton hard in the back of his head, stunning him.

“Enough of this.” Callum said. Upton grunted and staggered once, lowering his sword. He half turned as the Regulars were on him, taking the sword from him and grasping his arms.

“Get your hands off me.” Upton growled as he struggled against the Regulars but there were too many. Callum stepped up in front of Upton, glaring into the cold older face. Upton returned the glare, “You should have killed me, Quintan, while you had the chance. I am going to come for you, you and your family, and finish this.”

“I would say that is finished. You have lost, lost everything.” Callum looked past Upton and saw Lord Ameson stepping forward, “You should probably have him clapped in irons, My Lord, to further ensure that he does not slip away.” Callum said.

“There is another squad of Regulars outside waiting.” Ameson said as he stared at Upton, “Take him to The Tower. I will follow and meet you there.” The Regulars pulled Upton around and started toward Dustin, Stewart, and the Marines. All parted out of the way.

“This is not over!” Upton called out as he led away, his voice echoing. Ameson looked at Callum. Dustin and Stewart stepped forward, coming toward them.

“Are you alright, Callum?” Ameson asked.

“Yes, My Lord.” Callum said, his tone was soft.

“You looked troubled. It is finally over. I assure you, justice will be swift for him.” Ameson said.

“What is it, Quintan?” Stewart asked.

“Something is not right about this. Why would he return here, to this place, surely not to just to kill me? He could have done that somewhere else, or had someone else do it for him.” Callum said. He looked at Dustin a moment and turned away, walking over to the crate in the center of the large area.

“Ah, mon amie, you survived once again, no?” Lebeau said with a smile. Callum stepped up to him, seeing that LeBeau’s hands were still behind him. Callum looked around and saw they were not only tied, but tied to the crate itself. Callum leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest, staring at LeBeau, “Are you going to untie me?” LeBeau asked losing his smile.

“After you answer my questions.” Callum said. Dustin came up next him, Stewart came up on Callum’s other side, “Gentlemen, may I present Captain Arto LeBeau.”

“Je suis honore de vous rencontrer.” LeBeau said with a slight bow of his head, “Please, mon amie, will you not untie me?”

“Tell me first what I want to know, Arto, and then I will think about it.” Callum said, “Why are you here?”

“I saved your life, mon amie. I called for them to help.” LeBeau said, his eyes seemed to be pleading.

“Yes, and I will always be eternally grateful for that.” Callum said, his arms still crossed over his chest, “Tell me, what the hell is going on here, Arto?” Callum asked, LeBeau sighed and shook his head.

“I was sent to collect Upton and return to Amsterdam with him.” LeBeau said.

“By Rofton?” Callum asked.

“Oui. I did what you asked of me, I got close to him.” LeBeau said.

“And?” Callum asked.

“Upton did not want to sail to Amsterdam right away. He said that he needed to take care of something here first. He needed to get something that was important.” LeBeau said, and winced, “Mon amie, please, these ropes are cutting into me.”

“What would be some important that he would risk coming back here?” Callum asked.

“Perhaps it was just to kill you, Quintan.” Dustin said.

“No.” Callum said, “He did not say what it was, what he needed?” Callum asked LeBeau.

“No, mon amie.”

“How did you get here, Arto?” Callum asked.

“By boat, up the Thames.”

“Where is the Dutch Man-of-War you were sailing?” Callum asked.

“Anchored at Southend.” LeBeau said.

“Where is the boat crew?” Stewart asked. LeBeau looked at him.

“They returned to the ship.”

“Without either of you?” Stewart asked, “How were you to get back?”

“I do not know. Upton did not tell me, only that I was to stay with him to help him.” LeBeau said.

“Did you go anywhere else with him?” Callum asked. LeBeau shook his head, “Then what he wanted is here, it has to be.” Callum said and looked around him.

“Here in one of these crates?” Stewart asked.

“Yes.” Callum said, “We will need to open and search them all.”

“There must be hundreds of them, you can’t be serious.” Stewart said.

“Very serious, Alistair.” Callum said.

“Now, will you please untie me?” LeBeau asked. Callum just ignored him.

“We will need to assemble the men, possibly call for more to help in this.” Callum said, “Alistair, send word back to Lord Hood. Tell him what has happened here and what we have discovered. I will stay and start the search.”

“Are you certain, Admiral?” Stewart asked with a bit of a smirk.

“Admiral? You have been promoted?” LeBeau asked with a slight look of shock and rolled his eyes, Callum looked at him, “Probably because you took my ship, no?” Callum leaned closer toward LeBeau.

“Yes, and I’m about to do it again, for the third time.” Callum said and LeBeau went wide-eyed, “Alistair, we also need to inform Lord Hood of the Dutch Man-of War. It needs to be boarded and seized.”

“What? No, mon amie, please, I beg you do not, not again.” LeBeau said, his eyes were more than pleading.

“It seems to be your lot in life, Arto.” Callum said with a raised eyebrow, “Who is aboard the Man-of-War?” Callum asked and LeBeau sighed.

“The crew, there are Dutch as well as French. There are also Hessians aboard.” LeBeau said slowly.

“Alistair?” Callum asked without looking at him.

“I will handle it, Quintan, of course.” Stewart said. He gave Callum a nod, looked at Dustin once, giving him a brief smile then walked away, “Corporal, assemble your men.”

“Aye, aye, sir.” The Corporal said with a snap. Callum came around LeBeau and started to untie the knot of the rope.

“I do not believe my luck.” LeBeau mumbled as he looked up toward the tall ceiling.

“Well, it is about to change, Arto.” Callum said.

“What do you mean?” LeBeau asked.

“I’ve got to get you out of here.” Callum said softly, “What do you think will happen to you when it is discovered you are a Frenchman on English soil helping a traitor while we are at war with the French.”

“Ugh, they will hang me for certain, yes?” LeBeau asked. Callum went to LeBeau’s ear.

“Yes, they will. And you will never see your wife or lovely daughters again.” Callum said as he finished removing the rope. LeBeau brought his hands in front of him and started to rub his wrists one at a time as he stood, “Why did he tie you in the first place?” Callum asked.

“I had spoken of you to him. He knew somehow about us being friends. How, I do not know. When we came here, he killed the first boy, then as I was doing what he told me to get the Sentry out of sight, he hit me from behind. When I woke up, I was tied here.” LeBeau said.

“I see.” Callum said.

“What are you going to do now, Quintan?” Dustin asked. Callum took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as he looked at Dustin.

“What do you think we should do?” Callum asked. Dustin looked at LeBeau for a moment and then back at Callum.

“You obviously trust him.” Dustin said and paused for a moment, “We will need to hide him from them. Keep him some place safe. But then what?” LeBeau looked back and forth between them and then put a hand on Callum’s sleeve.

“Mon amie, you cannot. It will make you a traitor as well, like Upton.” LeBeau said.

“Arto…” Callum said.

“We are friends, no?” LeBeau asked, cutting Callum off, “I will not hide and bring upon you further troubles. I will wait and see what it is that they wish to do with me.”

“Arto…” Callum said and then pursed his lips together a moment, “Alright.” Callum said and stepped back a step, “Marine.” Callum said loudly, his voice echoed. A young Marine stepped forward and snapped to attention, “Take this man into custody. Take him back to the Admiralty and have him placed into the Crypt.” LeBeau’s eyes went wide hearing the name and the connotation that it conjured up. Callum saw the look on his face, he leaned forward, “It’s a holding cell is all.” Callum whispered.

“Oh, you English and your names for things.” LeBeau said rolling his eyes and eased.

“I will see you there as soon as I can.” Callum whispered.

“I’ll go with him, if you want.” Dustin said.

“Only if you wish to.” Callum said to Dustin. Dustin nodded and then looked at LeBeau.

“Mr. Perkins will escort you as well.” Callum said to the young Marine.

“Yes, sir.” The Marine said and snapped.

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Callum had organized the remaining Marines into work groups. He had them start to open all of the crates about the vast warehouse. There were indeed hundreds of them. The task seemed as though it was going to take days to accomplish. Callum worked alongside two of the Marines.

Crate by crate, they opened them and pulled out their contents. Everything that been pulled out so far in one area were nothing but the Hessian uniforms and tunics. Callum began to become frustrated with the task. He knew he needed to find what it was that Upton had come back for.

“Sir!” A Marine called out, “Sir, over here.” Callum stopped what he was doing and went toward the voice calling to him. He came around a stack of crates, followed by the two Marines that been with him and saw the Marines standing there at one crate. Tunics and uniforms were lying on the stone about them along with straw. Callum stepped up and looked down into the crate.

“I believe you found what we are looking for, Corporal, good work.” Callum said.

“Thank you, sir.”

“What the devil is going on in here?” Fitzwarren said with his booming voice. The echo about the vast building was almost startling, “Callum, you were ordered to return to the Admiralty directly.”

“Yes, My Lord, but circumstances changed that. I apologize.” Callum said as turned and looked at Fitzwarren.

“What the devil are you looking at?” Fitzwarren asked as he came closer and then looked into the crate for himself. There was a slight gasp that came from him, “Oh my lord.”

“Precisely.” Callum said, giving Fitzwarren a side glance. Callum looked at the Marine Corporal, “Open these others about this area and see if there is more in them. You men, give them a hand.”

“Yes, sir.” The Marines all snapped and set to it.

“What is this all about, Callum?” Fitzwarren asked as he looked at Callum.

“Obviously this what he came back for, My Lord. Why it was left here to begin with, I am unsure of. Perhaps he was going to have it moved before I upset his plans.” Callum said, “With a dozen Marines standing guard after we were first here, might have made him alter his plans. As the days went by, and the Marines were decreased, it would have been easier for him to come back. That must be it.” Callum said, mostly to himself. He scratched his chin as he was getting lost in thought.

“Here’s another one, sir.” The Marine Corporal said. They all stood at attention as Fitzwarren and Callum walked up to the crate and looked in.

“Dear God, there’s a fortune here.” Fitzwarren said.

“Blood money, My Lord. Payment for those mercenaries that were going to invade England.” Callum said, “This is further proof in his treason, My Lord.”

“Callum, you need to return to the Admiralty and see His Lordship. Inform him of this. I will stay and oversee what is being done here. Send more men back along with some sort of transport to carry all of this. You had best enlist an officer or two as well.” Fitzwarren said.

“My Lord, I…” Callum started to protest but Fitzwarren gave him a firm look.

“There are things that need to be discussed further with you. His Lordship is waiting.” Fitzwarren said.

“As you say, My Lord. But, if I may suggest something?” Callum asked.

“What is it?” Fitzwarren asked, putting his hand on his hip.

“He was alone, excluding LeBeau, My Lord, he was alone. That suggests to me that he arranged for help. There is no way that he could remove all of this by himself. I would suggest that we post some of these men to watch for that help that might be coming.” Callum said.

“Good thinking, Callum.” Fitzwarren said, “Corporal, secure the entrances to this building, set up a perimeter.”

“Yes, My Lord.” The Marine Corporal snapped and saluted. He turned and organized his men, giving assignments to a few.

“Send those men back here on the double, Callum.” Fitzwarren said. Callum bowed his head slightly, turned and walked away, two Marines following him. Fitzwarren looked back into the crate, putting a hand down into it, he scooped up a handful of gold coins, lifting them, letting them slip slowly, falling back into the crate, “You men, seal this crate back up.”

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Callum had walked into the rear entrance of the Admiralty. He found the Captain of the Marines, gave him orders for sending additional men and trollies to carry back the heavy crates. He turned away after the Captain saluted and saw his smiling young officers from Dover standing there, Cary Sommers and Isaac Middleboro. He returned their smiles briefly.

“Mr. Sommers, Mr. Middleboro.” Callum said.

“Sir.” They both said in unison.

“I need you both to go with the Marines. Report to Lord Fitzwarren, who is there right now, in a warehouse on the docks in Anne’s Quarter. Follow his instructions.”

“Yes, sir.” They both said and tipped their hands. They turned and hurried away following the Captain of the Marines. Callum smiled, then turned and headed toward the grand foyer. He stepped up to the Registrar, who bowed his head slightly to him, “I am to see His Lordship.” Callum said.

“Of course, Admiral Callum. Do you wish to be escorted, sir?” The Registrar asked.

“I believe I know the way.” Callum said.

“As you wish, sir.” The Registrar said, bowing his head again. Callum turned and headed up the wide staircase. He came to the top and stopped seeing his old friend and mentor, Captain William Arvin. Arvin was coming down the hall, hobbling a bit on his wooden leg. Callum smiled at him as he stepped toward Arvin, Arvin returned the smile and put out his hand as he came close to Callum.

“May I offer my congratulations, Admiral.” Arvin said. Callum took the warm hand in his.

“Oh please, William, don’t start that.” Callum said and rolled his eyes a bit, “I haven’t accepted it, and I don’t know that I will either.”

“You would rather spend the rest of your days tending horses, would you?” Arvin asked with a slight grin.

“Well, they are after all champion Thoroughbreds, you know.” Callum said with a smirk.

“Yes, so I’ve heard. Dustin gave me quite a talking to about them.” Arvin said.

“He is rather proud of them.” Callum said.

“It showed.” Arvin said, taking his hand back, “Are you to see Lord Hood then?”

“I am.” Callum said.

“Then I will show you in.” Arvin said, turning, Callum stepping with him. They went to the tall narrow doorway, Arvin knocked and opened the door. He bowed slightly, “Admiral Callum to see you, My Lord.” Arvin said.

“Show him in.” Hood said, his back to the doorway. He was across the room at a long table looking down at charts and scattered documents.

“Admiral Callum.” Arvin said as he held out a hand showing Callum in.

“Thank you, Captain Arvin.” Callum said softly as he slipped by his friend. Callum stepped into the large room, crossing to the center of it and stopped. He put his hands behind his back and waited in silence as Arvin closed the door quietly.

“I would have thought you would have been here sooner than this, Admiral. What kept you?” Lord Hood asked without turning. He was tracing a finger along a chart on the table, “I had to send Fitzwarren after you.”

“Yes, My Lord. I apologize for not being here sooner, I was detained by issues found in Anne’s Quarter.” Callum said.

“Issues? What issues? Is Lord Fitzwarren with you?” Lord Hood asked turning his head slightly.

“His Lordship is overseeing the taking of what was found there, My Lord.”

“What did you find?” Lord Hood asked as he turned to look at Callum.

“Gold, My Lord. Crates filled with it.” Callum said watching Lord Hood carefully, who did not seem surprised by what Callum said.

“Lord Upton?” Lord Hood asked.

“Captured and placed under arrest by Lord Ameson, My Lord. He has been taken to The Tower.” Callum said.

“Good. I would say that his trial will be swift and his execution swifter. Judge Frobisher should be overseeing that.” Lord Hood said, “Come have a look at this.” Lord Hood turned and looked back on the chart. Callum stepped forward to the table to Hood’s left, “I think that by now, Commodore Phelps should be…here.” Lord Hood and pointed to a spot on the chart, “He sailed with his squadron, and the slowest of his ships is the Hebron. Do you know it?” Lord Hood asked, giving Callum a side glance.

“I have seen her before, My Lord. She is an older seventy-four, is she not?” Callum asked.

“She is, almost thirty years and Dutch built as well. Captain Grayling is her commander, do you know him?” Lord Hood asked.

“He was at Gibraltar. I was a 3rd Lieutenant then. I had heard Captain Powers speak of him a couple of times.” Callum said.

“What is it that he said?” Lord Hood asked.

“Captain Grayling is more of a follower than a leader, My Lord, according to Captain Powers.” Callum said.

“Yes, perfect for what Phelps would need in this.” Lord Hood said. His tone was full of disgust, “Do you know any of the other commanders, Callum, in Phelps’ squadron?”

“There is Captain Morton of the Exclusion and Captain Haughton of the Dearborn, I believe, My Lord.” Callum said.

“How well do you know them?” Lord Hood asked.

“I really do not know them, My Lord. I have seen Captain Morton a few times, he was pointed out to me. I have never met or laid eyes upon Captain Haughton.” Callum said.

“There is also Captain Snyder, Wallace Snyder. Have you heard of him?” Lord Hood asked.

“I have, My Lord.” Callum said as he narrowed his eyes.

“And?” Lord Hood asked.

“He has a reputation, My Lord, for quick action with discipline, his men more than fear him from my understanding. It has also been said that he shows no quarter with the enemy.” Callum said. His thoughts were of this man with a surly reputation. There were no officers that Callum knew that cared for the man whatsoever, his manner or his tone. He was more than arrogant, he was self-serving, and righteous by all accounts. It was said that the man could do no wrong with what he thought and always looked for a fight. It was also said that he was more than a bully with his own peers.

“Quite right.” Lord Hood said softly, “I am not one to step in with my commanders, Callum, it my policy to let them run their owns ships within the guidelines of the Articles of War. Discipline, as you know, must be maintained by any commander, but I have been told that this man is more than cruel. He seems to enjoy it and in being that way as well.”

“Yes, My Lord.” Callum said.

“I gave Phelps a free hand in selecting his own squadron when the war broke out. Perhaps that was a mistake on my part.” Lord Hood said as he turned and faced Callum, leaning against the table. Callum looked at him, this man that he admired so very much. The older man looked tired, drained, and more than that, hurt to the very core, “Phelps selected those commanders that would do what he needed done. Their engagements with the French were devastating at first, but then slowly, they began to wane. I did not realize what was going on until I had a visit from a certain member of the Diplomatic Service.”

“Paupling.” Callum said. Lord Hood nodded his head.

“So now, my boy, you start to see what is really going on. Phelps has been under orders from Lord Upton all this time using those ships for his own purposes. That squadron has been involved in covering and escorting ships of his and Phelps’ own father, those merchants that were supplying those on the Continent involved in this plot by Lord Upton right under our noses.”

“My Lord…” Callum said. He knew what was coming next, dreaded it what Lord Hood was going to ask of him. He was being torn apart by it all. He looked at this man he admired so, the tired and haggard face, part of him wanting to help him, the other part wanted to cut and run, go home, leave all of this behind him and settle into his life of peace with the love of his life and his son.

“Callum, I am not one to beg, but I need you and your abilities. I need you to hunt Phelps and his squadron down. Stop them from continuing what they are doing.” Lord Hood said. He paused and went over to a large arm chair and sat down in it. Callum stayed where he was just watching the man, his chest was tightening, “You have done so much for our nation already, but this,..this insurrection by this man must be stopped. I know I can trust you to see this through. Any other commander might be tempted to join Phelps and what he is doing with the promise of what this means as far as obtaining wealth.”

“My Lord…” Callum said. He didn’t realize that he was breathing a bit harder because of what was being said, what this meant, “You are asking to place him and his commanders under arrest and return them here to England, is that right?”

“That is correct. They would be charged with piracy as well as treason. Phelps is involved with a known pirate in the Caribbean, a Hector Ramirez. Have you heard of him?” Lord Hood asked. Callum nodded.

“He was a Captain in the Spanish fleet. He was known to be rather cunning and more than daring in his attacks. He was placed in charge of the Spanish gold fleet. No one dared attack it while he commanded it. We have spoken of him before, My Lord.” Callum said.

“Very true. His reputation was fearsome to be certain. But, he turned and became a pirate, leaving the service of the Spanish, but only after he took most of the gold fleet with him. He supposedly controls the port of Cartagena as well, his base of operations. There is a fortress there that guards the port as well. It is said to be impregnable.” Lord Hood said.

“And you wish to have me take this Ramirez as well, My Lord?” Callum asked.

“He is a scourge in the Caribbean that needs to be eradicated.” Lord Hood said and raised a single finger, “If Ramirez was removed, Phelps would have no reason to be there. I have no doubt that Ramirez and Upton were working together, to do what, I am not sure. But without Ramirez, there is no Phelps.”

“My Lord, dealing with pirates is like sand on a beach. Like the sand itself, there is always more to replace that washed away by the tide.” Callum said.

“It might seem that way, my boy, but I assure you, Ramirez is the true danger here. He must be stopped.” Lord Hood said.

“There were documents given to Lord Eldon that were taken from Lord Upton that had mentioned this Ramirez, My Lord. I would need a fleet, My Lord, in order to stop him.” Callum said, shaking his head slightly.

“I can only afford to give you your squadron, I’m afraid.” Lord Hood said, “You have in that, commanders that you can trust, commanders that will follow your instructions to the letter. You proved that in your last sailing. They all worked well together to the great success of the mission.”

“My Lord, if I may speak plainly.” Callum said. Hood nodded his head, “You promoted me to tempt me with this. I can see that now. You had asked me to return to service to deal with that threat of the Avion. I obliged you, and His Grace, with that and my return, but I have other plans, My Lord, to return home, to see my son and live my life.” Hood stood up, getting out of the chair. He stepped forward and came before Callum.

“I told you once, in your home, my boy, that you could write your own ticket in that mission. You asked for nothing. I sense that you want nothing in payment from this as well, is that not so?” Hood asked.

“I want nothing, My Lord, except to have what I have already said, to go home, be with my family and live my life.” Callum said.

“You would not be happy, Callum, you know that.” Lord Hood said as he stared at Callum, “You are the type of man that needs to live life in and through your actions. You will not have that at home. The sea calls to you, Callum, you know it does and it also strengthens you. There is no one in the service that can do what you do, no one that can think like you do, act as you do. I read your report to Captain Powers about what happened in Cadiz when you were younger, you and that Marine Lieutenant. La Rochelle also proved it, your actions there. This last mission as well. No, Callum, life in the country will not make you happy no matter what you think. Your heart, your very soul belongs to the sea and that deck under your feet. You know this to be true.” Lord Hood said and Callum lowered his head a bit.

He put a hand on the table to steady himself. Lord Hood was right and he knew it now. His heart and soul belonged to the sea, but not only that, to the ship. Callum exhaled as he thought of Dover. He believed that he could almost smell her, the smell of her decks, the wood, her masts, the smell of resin in them filled his mind and he believed that he could actually smell it. The salt in the air about him, the breeze washing over the deck as he stood there, the sails billowing with the wind overhead, the sway of her as she rolled with it. Callum closed his eyes and tightened them.

“God help me.” He whispered. He felt a hand on his upper arm.

“He will, Callum. He will, because you will be in the right in this.” Lord Hood said softly, “Say you will do it. We need you.” Callum thought for a long moment and slowly lifted his eyes. He saw the old eyes looking back at him, waiting.

“If I do this, My Lord, I will ask something of you.” Callum said.

“All you need do is name it. We owe you that at least for what you have done already.” Lord Hood said.

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Callum walked down the steps of the Crypt. There were two Marines at the bottom, standing there as Sentries. He came down and stepped onto the smooth stone of the floor. To his right were the three cells, iron bars. It smelled musty here, a smell that he knew from having been here before, in one of those cells. He stepped toward them, going slowly and saw who was in one of them. He came to the door and stopped. The man who sat there on the bunk looked up and gave a brief smile. Another Sentry was behind Callum.

“Open the door.” Callum said without looking at him. Callum heard the clanging of keys and the Sentry was there at the door next to him. A key was placed into the lock. The sound of metal to metal filled the area. The key was turned and the door opened, making a grating sound as it swung. Callum stepped into the cell. He came over to the bunk and sat next to his friend.

“You said you would see me, mon amie.” LeBeau said. Callum smiled briefly and nodded as LeBeau looked at him, “Something troubles you, no?”

“Yes.” Callum said, “I know that we don’t know each other very well, Arto, but I feel that I can tell you anything.”

“Of course.” LeBeau said. He rested his weight of his forearms on his thighs as he leaned forward.

“They have asked me to take an impossible mission. I doubt seriously that I will come back from it.” Callum said.

“Are you taking the entire French fleet on your own?” LeBeau asked.

“That would be easier than what this is.” Callum said.

“What is it that you want of me, mon amie?”

“I want you to go with me. I need you to sail with me in this. You might know these people we are going to stop.” Callum said.

“Who?” LeBeau asked.

“A pirate, Hector Ramirez.” Callum said as he stared at the floor.

“Ramirez?” LeBeau asked as he stiffened. He leaned back against the stone wall, “He is a man that is true evil, mon amie. His heart is black and made of stone. He cares for no one. He takes children from their beds, tortures them, makes them slaves, sells them. He hates all women, has no use for them. It is said that he even killed his own mother, cutting her throat slowly while he laughed.” LeBeau said, “Why would you ask me to do this, to go with you?” Callum looked at him and leaned back against the stone wall himself, putting a boot on the bunk and resting his hand on the raised knee.

“You know him, don’t you?” Callum asked. LeBeau nodded and looked away.

“We have met a few times. As I said, he is true evil.”

“Will you help me to stop him?” Callum asked.

“You are serious.” LeBeau said as Callum gave him a direct look, not flinching or blinking, “You are. Alright, what is in it for me?”

“Freedom.” Callum said. LeBeau smiled and shook his head.

“I might prefer the noose than dealing with Ramirez.” LeBeau said, shaking his head again, “You ask me to trade one death for another. I thought we were friends, mon amie.”

“I like to think that we are, Arto.” Callum said and kept up his gaze, “Will you do it?”

“Do I have a choice?” LeBeau asked.

“Not really, no more choice than I have in this.” Callum said. He dropped his boot off the bunk and stood up. He stepped toward the door, pulling out a piece of paper and held it out to the Marine Sentry. He took it, opened it and read it. Callum turned and looked back at LeBeau, “Are you quite done with sitting down here?” Callum asked.

“Are we leaving?” LeBeau asked and then it dawned on him, “We are sailing right now?”

“No. You are being released from custody. Come with me.” Callum said.

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Callum opened the door of his room at Boar’s Head. He came in, closing the door behind him. He was alone in the room. He walked across the floor to the edge of the bed at its head, taking his sword off and leaning it against the window frame. He sat on the edge of the bed, his mind reeling with everything that happened up to this point. Lord Hood’s words were still echoing in his ears…’We need you.’ Callum was not paying attention to anything else. He did not notice the door had opened, Dustin had come in, and was now sitting on the bed next to him. He realized he was not alone when he felt the hand on his own. He looked up. Dustin’s face was almost stone like in appearance, Callum could not read into it.

“What did he say?” Dustin asked.

“Who?” Callum asked.

“Lord Hood. I ran into Captain Arvin. He told me you were meeting with His Lordship.” Dustin said.

“He wants me to take a mission.” Callum said.

“Of course he does. We both knew that was coming. So, when are you sailing?” Dustin asked.

“I want you to come with me this time.” Callum said.

“Why?” Dustin asked.

“Because I was wrong last time to have you stay behind. I needed you and you were not there because of my shortsightedness.” Callum said.

“In all the time that you have been home from that sailing, that’s the first time that you have said that to me.” Dustin said.

“It’s true. I should have said something to you sooner.” Callum said, looking away, shaking his head, “I seem to be admitting to several of my mistakes and shortcomings.”

“Oh? There are more?” Dustin asked, Callum looked at him and nodded, “Hmmm, Admiral Quintan Callum admits that he is human, a mere man.” Dustin got up off the bed. Callum followed his with his eyes.

“Here now, just a moment.” Callum said but Dustin spun on him, getting into his face.

“No, you just a moment.” Dustin said, “I have put up with this for long enough. I am tired of you running off and doing everything that they say for you to do. They are using you and you well know it,…Admiral.” Dustin said and poked a finger into Callum’s chest, “Where does that leave us? What about Henry? Have you forgotten him?” Dustin asked and pulled back, “You brought that boy home to give him a home, a family, and what do you do then? I know, let’s take on a mission that I might not come back from. Hmmm, sounds like the typical Quintan Callum.”

“Are you through?” Callum asked as he folded his arms over his chest and stared at Dustin.

“No, I am not. And now, they want you to take another mission, along with the promotion, oh, and let’s not forget, you are not even in the service any longer, unless that has changed.” Dustin said and paused, tapping his toe a bit on the floor, “I suppose they want you to go after Phelps, isn’t that right?” Dustin asked, Callum nodded in reply, “Why doesn’t that surprise me? All of this was exposed that night at His Grace’s home when we read those documents. They are just now acting on it. Phelps has a two-week head start on you, Quintan. How can Lord Hood seriously expect you to catch up, and what take his entire squadron with just Dover?” Dustin asked.

“You certainly have given this a great amount of thought, haven’t you?” Callum asked, he could see the look on Dustin’s face, one of anger, growing more and more, “I would not be sailing with just Dover.”

“What then? Your whole squadron?” Dustin asked, his eyes going wide. Callum nodded, “Two seventy-fours and two thirty-sixes, against…” Dustin thought about it, what those were in Phelps’ squadron, his eyes went wide, “three seventy-fours and a single thirty-six? You’ll be outgunned for sure.”

“That’s why I need you.” Callum said calmly. Dustin rolled his eyes and threw his hands in the air.

“I can only steer one ship at a time, Quintan. They will blow you out of the water.” Dustin said.

“Then we will die together.” Callum said and Dustin went wide eyed. Callum chuckled, “Why do we always argue at a time like this?”

“Are you serious? You are jumping off the cliff and you expect me to jump with you?” Dustin asked and Callum just sat there. Dustin narrowed his eyes, “Alright, I see it now. You were baiting me and I fell right into it, didn’t I?”

“Head over heels.” Callum said and stood. He came forward a step and reached and put his hands on Dustin’s upper arms, taking them and pulling him to him, Callum stepping closer as well. They went nose to nose, “I love you so, Dustin Perkins.”

“You had better, and I also hope that you have a plan.” Dustin said.

“You should know me well enough by now to know that I do.” Callum said as he slowly tilted his head. Dustin watched him move.

“That’s the trouble with you, Admiral, you always have a plan…” Dustin was cut off by Callum kissing him tenderly at first, then he pulled Dustin in tighter going deeper with the kiss.