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 The tale 'o the Dutchman...

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Owl
Pirate Lord "Boss Mon"
Pirate Lord
Owl


Number of posts : 210
Age : 56
Location : Holland
Registration date : 2008-02-21

The tale 'o the Dutchman... Empty
PostSubject: The tale 'o the Dutchman...   The tale 'o the Dutchman... Icon_minitimeTue Feb 26, 2008 11:58 am

This story begins on a warm, damp yet somewhat chilly night somewhere in the West Indies:

The year 1720:


It was late but then again wasn't it always, for after dark the towns as well as the cities 'o many islands were alive with the scoundrels of society: Ladies of ill repute, drunks, lords and paupers all were present after the curtains were drawn!

As was Henk that faithfull night. After a warm and sweathy afternoon on yet another windless day he could not really put his mind at ease and therefore a drink was well needed in times like these.

The ovious choice for many lost 'n desperate soul was the local watering hole better known as the tavern. In all honest truth it was nothing more than a pigstack filled with drunkards as well as harlots, again not all that uncommon in those days 'o old.

He entered through something that should pass as a door and the first thing that was overly present was the smell that almost immediately reminded him of long sea voyages, the smell of sweat, stout ale as well as a numerous other odours that are simply not proper to discuss!

In truth Henk was not a broad shouldered man yet there was something that made him be noticed the moment he would enter an establishment as this one. Mayhaps it were the eyes that seemed to demand respect or the way he could and at times would look at another, who's to say.

He sat down in a corner that seemed the farthest 'n darkest from the drunken rable that seemed to have gathered that night. But before he could take a sip of the dark substance that had to pass for ale someone interupted his ponderings quite unexpectedly. He looked up and noticed a young woman that appeared to be one of the tavern wenches that "served" the regulars in more ways Henk could stomach to think about!

A little anoyed by her interuption he gently rose and offered her to sit awhile with him. No matter what circumstance always tryin' to be the gentleman that others had always told him he was...

He looked at her with a sence of sorrow and noticed that underneath all the grime and dirt there seemed hidden a creature 'o beauty. Something that seemed quite rare since Henk was mostly preoccupied with his thoughts most of the time to even notice these things, undoubtedly insecurity and a certain shyness were to blame as well!

She seemed eager to learn more and eventhough Henk was a bit reluctant he did feel a sence of trust and the need to tell a tale or two. There was something in her eyes that brought back memories of days long forgotten in the mist 'o time, and so Miladies and Gents the story unfolds:


The year 1681:

It was the year of our Lord 1681 when a child was born in the lowlands of Holland in a city called Utrecht. Born from a rather poor family the first years of the young boys life were fairly difficult. Too small as well as fragile he seemed to not be very healthy as he had to overcome many an illness. There was not much more his parents could do but pray for the infant, as they were thaught by their own father and mother.

It was a time of hardship as well as prosperity, as long years of war with the Spanish crown and countless other nations had left their marks on many. In 1648 the Republic was regognized by the Spanish as well as more internationally as independant. As a direct result Holland was no longer part 'o The Holy Roman Empire. And as strange as it may seem kings and queens no longer were the rulers, this "title" now seemed bestowed upon rich merchants who each seemed to rule one of many city states.

Eventhough the Republic was said to be a most tolerant state truth of the matter was much darker, as in fact many a Catholic faced prosecution in those days and as a whole they were not at all looked favorably upon!

As years passed in obscurity the young boy slowly but surely grew into a young man with his very own idears, plans as well as problems. Idears were beginning to form in his mind after hearin' wonderous tales of distant travels, strange peoples and the many stories of dangers that faced seafearers in those days! One particulair account, (in fact there were many more) haunted his dreams. And i am not only talking about the surfacing "romantic" feelings that concerned the opposite sex, no what nested in his mind were the adventures of sailors claiming the seas their own territory: pirates!

A longin' for travel and exploration was indeed formed in those fragile young years as he grew up into a man...


-Now follows a short pause as Henk's ale had become even more warm than it already had, and that last sip almost made him choke and spit it back out in the face 'o that angel that actually was still listening to his rather large and dreary tale evolving!-


So let us continue shall we?


The year 1699:


Henk made his very first trip to the British Isles in search of adventure as well as a means to find himself a better life. The passage was uneventful yet it left a lasting mark upon him as he had always dreamed about sailing the seas!

England itself seemed in many ways the same as the mainland except there appeared to be even more paupers wandering the streets unable to scrape the filth to gather enough to eat! And there was always the presence of certain Royal sanctioned "gangs" that would pray on the manfolk, drunks or those unfortunate to not being so drunk at that time were beaten or otherwise lured and "pressed" into Royal Naval service. Many of these man were nothing more then mere boys, children actually needed as an endless supply 'o wood to keep the fires of the oppressive nature of the Brits going!

After a few weeks he deceided to travel even further north untill one day he came accross a small hamlet. The kindness with which these oviously very poor people welcomed him in still moves him to tears form time to time. They were a proud and noble people in their own right but were not looked upon as such by the many Brittish monarchs that had invaded this strange yet incredibly wild and unspoiled Land 'o Scots!

As he looked out over the loch, lit only by the light of the moon and stars he knew that the history of these people was written in blood.

And from that moment it became his as well...


Last edited by Owl on Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:30 am; edited 7 times in total
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Owl
Pirate Lord "Boss Mon"
Pirate Lord
Owl


Number of posts : 210
Age : 56
Location : Holland
Registration date : 2008-02-21

The tale 'o the Dutchman... Empty
PostSubject: Re: The tale 'o the Dutchman...   The tale 'o the Dutchman... Icon_minitimeTue Feb 26, 2008 11:59 am

Flight from Scotland:

The year 1702:


After leaving the small hamlet Henk travelled westward for the grand city 'o Dùn Èideann, or better known as Edinburgh. He was not alone on his travels as the old man he had befriended and had helped out that past winter had urgent bussiness there. He seemed sincere as always but had not yet revealed his actual intensions for the long yourney ahead, however later these events would prove most significant!

The city itself was large and housed many people from all classes, rich 'n poor. And it left a great impression on all that had or would visit it. The old man told Henk to find some lodgings near the port and would meet him later that evening in a small but apparantly well known tavern. From there you had a most wonderous view 'o ships arriving and departing if the winds proved willing!

The stranger:

It was shortly after dark when Henk met up with the old man and they deceided to share some ale and talk for a while. The conversation was mostly about trivial things like the weather, however the weather in 'ol bonny Scotland was never to be seen as such! It was ovious that he was somewhat restless and his eyes went from the corners to the door many a time. Henk asked if there was trouble afoot but the old man gently shook his head in order to reassure the young lad.

Suddenly a gust of wind as the door opened in a rather rough manner!
The old man slowly looked up and nodded to the stranger that still remained in the doorway as if he waited for someone to give 'im permission. The man took the chair next to the old man and looked Henk deep in the eyes for a few minutes, fiery blue eyes that seemed to glow with a certain fire or passion even!

Suddenly the man spoke in a gentler way than would be expected and extended his hand to Henk who introduced himself as well. I am Rochefort, captain of a merchant ship currently in port here in Edinburgh, he spoke with a strange accent. The old man saw the look in Henk's eyes and explained:

Mr. Rochefort is a longtime friend 'o mine and a true follower of our cause, the Jacobite cause that is! Now it became somewhat clear to Henk what they were doing there that night, it appeared that this captain was to assist the old man in fleeing Scotland and the oppressive rule of England!

The man was indeed a foreigner and not just that, he was 'o all people French! Now to Henk who had always wanted to travel this was not much of a problem were it not that history dictated otherwise as the French had always been bitter enemies of the English as well as the Dutch.

St. Malo:


The yourney did indeed take them to France and Henk was most exited, he was on a ship as well as sailing in unknown waters! The ship was a Brigantine and was quite well armed for a "merchant". The trip was uneventfull and no encounters with British warships were reported in the following days.

One night Henk was looking at the stars and listening to the waves gently pushin' the ship when the captain slowly walked by, Mr. Rochefort explained to him that they were heading to a Breton city called: Sant-Maloù, the city that was supposedly founded my the legendary traveller 'n navigator saint Brendan...

Having never been to France before Henk had heard about this "pirates nest" as many called the old city. It had been the home 'o many a privateer or corsair how they called it themselves, in the service of the French kings for very long and apparantly Mr. Rochefort was no exception to that rule! Later that night they talked about the past, present and times still to come in the warmth of the captain's cabin untill the early mornin' hours. It was already ovious that the two men, eventhough very different in many ways were to become close friends if not already!

The city was a welcome break compared to the rainy voyage aboard the ship and the people were quite friendly eventhough they were somewhat carefull when around strangers at first. The next two weeks were quietly passing untill someday the old Scott asked Henk to follow him to travel further along the coast of Brittany, and so they did. Visited many places and it wasn't before long that Henk noticed that life in France wasn't as bad as he thought it was, remarkable how tales can almost always seem different from reality!

The only thing getting used to was what seemed to be the attitude 'o the French but as the old man always said: we all have our faults, and then he would laugh to tears!

The coming months nothing noteworthy happenend besides the fact that they travelled a ways north through Normandy, and visited even more places.


Last edited by Owl on Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:26 am; edited 4 times in total
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Owl
Pirate Lord "Boss Mon"
Pirate Lord
Owl


Number of posts : 210
Age : 56
Location : Holland
Registration date : 2008-02-21

The tale 'o the Dutchman... Empty
PostSubject: Re: The tale 'o the Dutchman...   The tale 'o the Dutchman... Icon_minitimeTue Feb 26, 2008 12:01 pm

The long voyage westbound:

Holland:

The year 1707:

That summer in France much seemed to be distant, forgotten even untill one day Henk was called back to Holland! It would seem that there were still many unresolved issues that had to be taken care off. One most urgent matter was the discovery 'o various documents that been hidden for a long time, and had now resurfaced. In these letters there was mention of an extensive family tree someone most likely wanted to hide for the present rulers! The following months Henk settled in the lowlands in the old city of Gouda for a while investigating the matter with the aid 'o a relative he had not seen or spoken to in years.

The apparantly secret writings spoke indeed of some lineage but were in itself not very clear and Henk left said matter in his nephew's capable hands. While making plans to return to France, after havin received a letter that wore the signet 'o his friend captain Rochefort.

The Mont St. Michel:


This was a place of wonder indeed that i will not discuss here unless ye have visited her and was struck by her beaty as i was! They met in a tavern, then again wasn't that always Henk wondered. The look on the Frenchman's face was different eventhough he was thrilled to meet his Dutch friend, his eyes seemed worried and far away!

He had received a letter bearin' the seal of the King himself in which he was charged to take care of certain matters in the West Indies. Henk's heart seemed to stop for a moment, he heard many a tale about the Caribbean while growing up so he was as they say, all ears! Rochefort wanted Henk to accompany him on this yourney and promised a time well spend as well as much rewards, eventhough he could or would not go into the specifics at that time! It was agreed that night that they would depart within two weeks, since any delay would not be wise or advisable...

Curaçao:


The prospect of finally seeing the West Indies with his very own eyes caused him restless nights, wandering the deck after dark from bow to stern! He was exited but there was something that made his stomach upset he just could not place it at that time. Perhaps it was the promise of certain danger as well as adventure or the fact that they were heading toward the worlds largest slave port as Curaçao was known to be in those days! He wasn't too keen on stepping on "Dutch" ground either since he simply was not the patriotic kind and held no love for his country!

The ship made steady progress and one night his friend captain Rochefort revealed his true intentions. He had a letter from his Majesty the King of France in which he was charged to wage war upon France's enemies in the Indies, and in order to do just that he was to report to the Dutch island were a Frégate was waiting.

The gift:


This was not the only news the captain revealed, and what followed would change the life 'o the young man forever! He was presented a gift, the ship a schooner on which they sailed to that most distant destination was to be his upon arrival in the Caribbean!

Pirate, Gentleman or both?!

The years 1708 - 1720:


Not much is known about the years that followed after the two men parted ways and Henk became a captain himself. Some say that he was forced to take on odd jobs in order not to fall pray to Bankruptcy or starvation. Others claim that he 'n his ship named The Adventure were spotted in the Bahama's, a most notorious pirate's nest in those days! There are even others that are certain they saw him in the "lowlands" of Holland busy gathering what personal effects he may have possesed, as if fleeing.

What is certain though is the fact that around 1720 Henk had become somewhat desperate as well as impoverished and was now frequently visiting the island 'o Martinique, and a certain tavern in particular...


-Thus ends this tale, or should i say begins?!-


Last edited by Owl on Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:35 am; edited 11 times in total
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Owl
Pirate Lord "Boss Mon"
Pirate Lord
Owl


Number of posts : 210
Age : 56
Location : Holland
Registration date : 2008-02-21

The tale 'o the Dutchman... Empty
PostSubject: Re: The tale 'o the Dutchman...   The tale 'o the Dutchman... Icon_minitimeTue Feb 26, 2008 12:06 pm

The followin' tale tells Henk's departure from 'ol friends under French colours:

The year 1720:

It was a dark night, but than wasn't it always?!

A man sat in a dark corner his eyes staring at the light 'o the candle in front of him. His face hidden under a dark tricorne with a faded gold or silvery trim only sparsely lit by the dance 'o the flame. He seemed completely unaware of his surroundings as if he had gotten used to the bustle that was ever present in places such as this watering hole!

One arm on the table tappin' the crude tankard in front of him, the other hidden out 'o sight and loosely holding the wood of his silver inlaid pistol as if expectin' univited and most unwanted company!

It wasn't long after he had returned to the West Indies but something seemed changed, out of order even! The past days had left a mark on the man and one that appeared perminent at best! No longer in control of his thoughts and his eyes now lifeless and cold, except for the occassional tear he seemed far from this place as if he was elsewhere!

To many he was seen as a rather busy and somewhat frivolous man but little did they know 'o what was really the case. Most of his life a "doubter" he had lost most of his will as well as conviction to fight for the current cause as well as his false master France, whom he despised and had always seen as decadent to say the least! Memories of the past did not help much either since they were spun with threads 'o pain, deceit as well as ill will that came to haunt him on a regular basis as ghosts 'o the past!

The only way out of this predicament would appear to be resigning this commission and turning in his lettre du marque and start anew! Even if this would mean sayin' goodbye to many that had become dear to him family even, no doubt without them knowing so.

It wasn't for long that the wine was beginning to do what it was supposed to do and slowly but surely he became overwhelmed with sleep. His hand no longer steadfast on his trusted friend but now lifelesly hangin' downward next to the table...


Last edited by Owl on Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:50 pm; edited 7 times in total
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Owl
Pirate Lord "Boss Mon"
Pirate Lord
Owl


Number of posts : 210
Age : 56
Location : Holland
Registration date : 2008-02-21

The tale 'o the Dutchman... Empty
PostSubject: Re: The tale 'o the Dutchman...   The tale 'o the Dutchman... Icon_minitimeTue Feb 26, 2008 12:07 pm

The followin' morn the corner was deserted as if no one had been seated there at all. There was still the faint odor 'o a lit pipe but that was all, except for a dagger that had been stuck in the table next to a tankard, firmly holding some water stained paper or somesuch!

The barkeep firmly removed the small blade and carefully unfolded the papers. It was clear to him that these possesed a seal of some importance and most likely signified someones orders or given right! Slowly his eyes went over the document and it became clear to him that these once belonged to a privateer in the service of France, a certain Captain Owl.

There was also a second note 'o smaller significance that was scribbled in due haste, hardly readable and stained by small watery marks:


Februari 1720,


Dear friends if you read this i will be on my way to an unknown destination somewhere in the swamps 'o Florida. You need not worry for my safety for the people there i know to be of kind and good heart, for it was i who led them to freedom at some point in time. They are escaped slaves and actually owe me quite a few favours, therefore i have chosen to hide for the moment where no man or woman can or will find me!

For whom i hide ye say? Well to be honest mostly for myself these days as well as nights, but also for the French crown who will not look favourable upon a man who resigns his commission! Know that i will not bow to France no more but bare her no ill will, at least no more than ussual. It is with pain in my heart that i will be saying goodbye to so many who have embraced me like a true friend and family member as well!

Know that at some point i shall sail the West Indies once more but it will be under "different colours" as it has been in the past, my past 'o which you do not know much! I hope, even pray that you will not look down upon me or my decission and that at some point we can overcome the boundaries that are certain to arise, either through conflict or language.

Please bear me no ill will for i will always see you as friends and more, and shall at some point continue to aid you in any way possible, through conversation or trade and even diplomacy for it pains me to see French ports under siege from plunderin' madmen!

Always your friend and servant,

Henk...


On the back was a rough 'n hastily written poem of sorts:


Under a moonlit, starry night in the Caribbean, the lanterns are being lit and the great galleon is being readied
by her crew to sail with the midnight tide:


The moon is up, the stars are out
The wind is fresh and free,

We’re out to search for gold tonight
Across the silvery sea,

The world was growing gray and old
Break out the sails again,

We’re out to seek a realm of gold
Beyond the Spanish Main...


Outside the tavern on a tree there was a wanted note and a rough drawin' of a man.

The tale 'o the Dutchman... 179413012_5_eHdk


Last edited by Owl on Tue Mar 18, 2008 6:51 am; edited 1 time in total
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Owl
Pirate Lord "Boss Mon"
Pirate Lord
Owl


Number of posts : 210
Age : 56
Location : Holland
Registration date : 2008-02-21

The tale 'o the Dutchman... Empty
PostSubject: Re: The tale 'o the Dutchman...   The tale 'o the Dutchman... Icon_minitimeSat Mar 01, 2008 4:08 am

What follows is a responce to a certain letter that came to Henk's attention.


It was late in the afternoon already when a man awoke and was greeted by a warm already settin' sun. Trying to gather his thoughts he overlooked the table in the middle of his cabin aboard the Revenge and noticed all the bottles 'o wine scattered about!


"By the powers" he could barely speak "me head" while holding it between his both hands. A slight knock on the door awoke him quicker though than a carriage with a fine lady and he reached for a silver inlaid pistol he for some reason always kept close these days!

It was the cabin boy, eventhough the man was far from a wee ladd as any since he was much older than his captain. Comin' from the Old World just like his new master this was a man 'o rifined ways and upbringing, a former servant and butler to an unamed and rather unimportant lord and a cruel one at that!

"Yes whot is 't James?"

The captain spoke in a somewhat irritated voice!

"I bring a message milord from our contact among the French", he explained quietly observing the man before him on the bed."Damned be they, it was only bloody yesterday that they sank one 'o us and she was fortunate enough to smim ashore with barely a scratch on her Irish body!"

Henk remembered the battle that ensued in the late mornin' hours yesterday when both he and the lady Dalton gave chase to a large French warship near Marsh Harbour, that nest 'o cuthroats and villany!

Lately growing tentions between the several factions all claiming the seas had made him tired and rather nervious to say the least, something his crew knew all too well these days!

"Well what is the message if ye please master James!"

"Well sir it would appear that there is a large gathering of ships spotted in the harbour of Tampa, and i might add that the company that departed for some large estate was rather decadently dressed!"

He gave James a cold glare and continued gathering his thoughts!

"Leave me now and i thank ye James!"

After the man had left Henk remembered what this would mean and with a sigh and painful twitch in his stomach knew what it meant!

"The masquerade!" He whispered!

He walked up to the balcony 'o the ship and overlooked the now calm sea, and with a face that was a mix between pain and sadness he spoke:

"Now why dear Lord was i not invited..."
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Owl
Pirate Lord "Boss Mon"
Pirate Lord
Owl


Number of posts : 210
Age : 56
Location : Holland
Registration date : 2008-02-21

The tale 'o the Dutchman... Empty
PostSubject: Re: The tale 'o the Dutchman...   The tale 'o the Dutchman... Icon_minitimeThu Mar 06, 2008 12:21 pm

March 6th, 1720

Darkness had fallen once again and it would seem that the evenings were lengthening but yet the vail 'o night grew more grim with each cycle. Sleepless as ever the cabin dimly lit by a single lantern Henk studied some notes he received recently, a puzzled and worried look on his face!

It would appear that there had been some troubles among the French recently that could mean a change 'o certain unwritten pacts as well as fragile friendships!

Also the growing tensions as of late were not helping much either, friends bein' chased and sunk all wore heavily on the man's head as well as the lack of substantial finances to continue or even begin to make an effort!

Henk looked up at the horizon being brightly lit by an approachin' change in the weather, the coming of a new storm mayhaps?!
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Owl
Pirate Lord "Boss Mon"
Pirate Lord
Owl


Number of posts : 210
Age : 56
Location : Holland
Registration date : 2008-02-21

The tale 'o the Dutchman... Empty
PostSubject: Re: The tale 'o the Dutchman...   The tale 'o the Dutchman... Icon_minitimeTue Mar 18, 2008 6:48 am

March 18th, 1720

Henk woke up early this morning which was rather unusual these past months! He looked at the table where all the bottles piled up as 'o late, but no festivities had been celebrated it was merely a ways to drink away the many troubling thoughts, doubts and numerous mistakes that had been haunting him for some time now! The rest of the ship was still in good order except for his cabin that was in fact his sanctuary.

The Revenge sailed barely uncharted waters as 'o a few days ago and the crew was getting somewhat restless to say the least for it was yet uncertain where their captain would lead them this time. All they knew was that the Bahamas where a long ways west and many provisions had been taken aboard as if they would not be back for some time!

Many had their doubts about the state 'o mind of their captain but even fewer had the audacity to confront him about that! The moodswings had become much worse lately and only a hand full of trusted people actually knew the deeper thoughts that drove Henk to his many actions.

He slowly moved towards the table and noticed the unfinished letter. With a sigh he sat down and managed to pull himself together and tried to clear his thoughts before actually finishing it. It spoke 'o his intentions as well as destination a small gloomy island rumoured to be nigh deserted and surrounded by superstitious tales! It was here that he hoped to find the answers he needed and to find some rest as well.



((OOC: the above tale is in fact my way to explain as well as deal with my current absence!))
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