Chapter 5: My First Gold Rush
After having our drinks, we eventually walked back to Port Royal proper, seeking accommodation to call it a day after what just happened earlier. As we booked a stay at an inn, Captain Blackwood prepared to plan her next move against Rodrigo El Terrible, that Spanish pirate we met at the tavern.
Captain Blackwood's clenched jaw and icy stare painted a stark picture of her seething anger at Rodrigo's taunts. I could sense the waves of frustration emanating from her as she struggled to contain the fiery emotions that threatened to consume her. The tension in the air was palpable, suffusing the dimly lit tavern with an electric energy that crackled like sparks from a flame.
"So, what's the plan, Captain?" I asked Captain Blackwell.
Captain Blackwood's eyes glinted with determination as she turned to face me, her expression a mask of steely resolve. The flickering torchlight cast shadows across her features, accentuating the lines of determination etched into her visage. "The plan is simple, Amir," she began, her voice low and steady like the rumble of distant thunder.
"The next night, we shall tail Rodrigo's ship using ours. Then, once we get onboard with the least chances of getting caught, we shall strike the path that could lead us to the llama treasure he just earned today."
"Wow."
"We must prepare tomorrow morning. Me and Captain Hawkswell will accompany you and my crew in what is your first official mission as a pirate onboard The Scarlet Serpent."
The plan to infiltrate Rodrigo's ship and retrieve the prized llama treasure loomed before us like a daunting challenge, yet I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, fueling my determination. Captain Blackwood's unwavering gaze conveyed a sense of steely resolve, her eyes glinting with a fierce determination that mirrored the intensity of our upcoming mission.
"Well, then, good night Captain Blackwood and Captain Hawkswell," I told them as we got to bed.
"Good night," Captain Blackwood replied.
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[The next day...]
After waking up, cleaning ourselves, and eating some breakfast, we checked out from the inn and went back to our ship, The Scarlet Serpent.
"So this is your ship, huh, Captain Blackwood?" Hawkswell asked the captain.
"Good, you're learning. And yes, this is my ship. She may seem mediocre, but she, along with her crew (that's us!) are definitely destined for greatness!"
We spent the day training and learning from the mission. Captains Blackwood and Hawkswell, along with the quartermaster, are giving their best in preparing for this stealth mission. Some of the crew were even shocked about one of the captain's friends making a special guest appearance onboard the ship.
This will be my first time seeing (and doing) some action since I was shot down during my last mission in my previous life. I will be a part of this epic pirate raid, set in the Golden Age.
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[Later that night...]
"Alright, mateys, is anyone ready?" Captain Blackwood said, expecting a determined crowd.
"Aye-aye, captain!" we declared.
The air was thick with anticipation as the we gathered around Captains Blackwood and Hawkswell, their faces illuminated by the flickering torchlight. I felt a surge of excitement mixed with a tinge of nervousness as the gravity of our upcoming mission settled in. The weight of my cutlass at my side served as a constant reminder of the perilous journey that lay ahead.
Captain Blackwood's voice cut through the night like a sharp blade, her words ringing with authority and determination.
"We shall take the llama treasure from the 'appropriately' named Rodrigo El Terrible, and show him who's the top pirate tonight!"
"AYE!" we exclaimed.
After a briefing of the plan to retrieve the golden llama, we were ready to take on the mission. The Scarlet Serpent sailed as she was about to tail Rodrigo's galleon.
It took us about 30 minutes to get close to the galleon. We stood by, waiting for the captain's "go" signal.
My heart raced, the anticipation building as I gripped the hilt of my cutlass with ebony knuckles. Rodrigo's ship came ever closer, and I could read the confidence radiating off the crew's faces. They truly believed in their captain, their devilish leader, as we stared at the looming galleon.
But as we came alongside and the gangplank descended, I paused. A sudden doubt crept into the back of my mind. What if we're found out? What if this plan ends in disaster? What if I fail again? I do not want a repeat of that nightmare. That nightmare that cost me my life once.
I took a deep breath and shook the intrusive thoughts away from my mind. With a nod, I exchanged knowing glances with both captains as they signaled the start of the mission.
We moved swiftly and silently through the dark, the small band of daring pirates making our way onto Rodrigo's vessel. The plunder that awaited us was not only the golden llama treasure, but the chance to prove ourselves as formidable adversaries against the intimidating Spaniard.
The adrenaline coursed through my veins as I carefully followed Captain Blackwood's lead, my senses heightened as we crept through the dimly lit passages of the ship.
The clanking of swords and gunfire echoed in the distance, as a distraction Captain Hawkswell had provided to draw off the Spanish guards during our infiltration. The Scarlet Serpent's crew moved with agility and precision, each member knowing their role as we traversed the labyrinth-like hallways.
In the dim light, my heart pounded in my chest as we closed in on our goal. Championed by Captain Blackwood's unwavering leadership, I could sense the excitement and determination coursing through everyone's veins.
Finally, we arrived at the treasure room. Rodrigo's guards remained oblivious as the rest of the crew slipped past the open door. Captain Blackwood motioned for us to stand back, while she swiftly secured the docile guards. Dang, who knew a woman like her could kick so much butt?
As the battle continued, I noticed a golden figure situated on a table: the llama treasure! Just as I was closing in on the treasure, a large figure suddenly appeared in front of me: Rodrigo El Terrible himself!