The Curse of Blackbane - Chapter 15

Amsterdam

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Chapter 15

Marshall went to the window as the friends caught up on the latest news. He watched the activity outside. A boat filled with soldiers in blue uniforms paddled by the house. The pirate’s attention went back to the conversation when Aldert rang for his servant.

“My friend, it’s been a while. What brings you back? I see you still carry the look of a papist.”

The monk laughed.

“The Intendant of Le Havre would find your suspicions quite comical. He considers me a Calvinist heretic. Now, my new friend and I are on a quest. Visions brought us together. We follow the path laid out before us. Of course, I had to tell you about our expedition.”

Leiras continued his tale, explaining his idea of bringing religious relics back to Amsterdam. When he finished, Aldert’s expression told Marshall it didn’t go well. Their host scowled at the thought when his servant finally entered the room. He ordered the man to bring them tea. After the man left, Aldert turned back to his friend.

“My friend, we’ve had this discussion before. I realize you don’t follow the teachings of Calvin, but you don’t believe in such idolatry. You said that it encourages the rabble to miss the light of God. If leaders of the church in this city find out about this, they will mark us for lynching.”

“What is profit without a minor risk? I told you that God guided us on this path. Are you telling me you don’t believe in visions any longer?” Leiras glanced over at Marshall. There was a grin on his fat lips.

“Besides, we aren’t guiding the rabble. The leaders of Amsterdam have no interest in our mission, only the Catholics will. As you said, there is chaos and uncertainty in the country. William and I think there’s a nice profit in our future to find these relics.”

“William, our visions were quite clear, wouldn’t you say?”

Marshall grunted with a nod.

Aldert’s expression softened at the thought. “A profit, you say?”

“Yes, it’s an endeavor that might bring more silver than then your ships brought in a year. My idea is for the Spanish counsel to help in our endeavor. It’s known that the French curry favor bringing home such items. But you have not seen such visions. It’s a pity, since you’re held with such esteem in the city.”

Leiras rose from his chair.

“Marshall and I should go on to the tavern. We can leave in the morning.” He motioned the pirate captain toward the door.

“Leiras, you and your friend mustn’t leave so soon. I’ll have drinks brought to us, and we can discuss your idea further.” Aldert hurried to the door ahead of his visitors. “Perhaps I know of people that can provide you and your friend with support for such a journey.”

“My friend, you’re such an excellent host. But I’m not sure we can expose you to the ridicule or danger should others hear about our idea. We can’t impose upon your hospitality.” Leiras patted the gray-haired man on the shoulder. “Knowing you remain on good terms with the regents, I don’t want to put your family name at risk.”

Aldert laughed.

“The regents suspect me of many things since I shame the sinners. They will hardly believe such a tale. Still, the fools would rather destroy such objects rather than make money from them. Please, my friend, you are my guest.” He beamed. “It does a man’s heart good to help God’s work. Then, we can enjoy the pleasures of life by using sinner’s gold and silver.”

Leiras gave his friend a sigh.

“Very well, you’ve convinced me.”

~~~

Marshall staggered through the narrow confines of a back alley while he followed the pale light of an oil lantern he held in his hand. Trying to get his bearings amid the stench of rot and decay, his numb mind told him the sun would soon rise. He didn’t care, since he filled his body with rum and wine. The heady mixture made him euphoric.

Into the evening, Leiras promoted his scheme, and, after initial resistance, Aldert slowly warmed to the idea. While Marshall held reservations concerning their new partner, he realized he had no cards to play. His only option was to find a ship leaving Amsterdam. However, Marshall had no appetite to shipping out as a mate for another captain. Marshall and Aldert’s conversation showed he needed the contacts from inside the skipper’s guild. The situation left Marshall tied to the goals of Leiras. He still struggled with the idea that a saint might save him from an angel.

I thought they worked on the same side!