The Curse of Blackbane - Chapter 17

Pirates run the entire world!

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A shorter chapter this week.

Chapter 17

Two days later, Aldert brought Marshall and Leiras the first hint of good news. As they gathered around the trader’s table, Aldert’s excitement was contagious. It surprised the men when he mentioned meeting with the Catholic Spanish consul in secret.

“I know. It surprised me that Jordán del Río met with me. Diederik mentioned he knew the Spaniard, but I didn’t believe he’d be interested.” Aldert poured port wine into small cordials, which he handed to his guests.

“However, this morning, del Rio and Diederik agreed to fund a trip for us. It seems the French are already looking for a relic.” The trader’s joyful expression turned somber. “However, del Rio added a provision to our agreement.”

Marshall glanced over at the monk, who took a sip of the drink.

“They say God works in mysterious ways,” Leiras stated. He held out his glass for more port.

“I knew you would understand, my friend. It’s a simple matter. Our sponsors have already found an item for us. They wish for you to take the relic from a Frenchman who travels back to France. Maximilien Gabriel, who’s the son of the 9th Duke of Sully, recovered the heart of an obscure saint to curry favor for his king. Since Gabriel is a favorite of French Marshall de La Croix, the Spanish wish to intercept this item.” Aldert smiled after drinking his port.

“While I’m not privy to the workings of diplomacy, I assume such action by the Spaniards would hurt Gabriel’s standing. And, since Marshall is English, I considered his support of the idea.”

“I’m sure you did. But finding such a noble is difficult among the many kingdoms in Europe,” the monk replied.

“More like impossible,” Marshall grumbled as he turned to the window.

“Ah, we think alike, my partners. I suspected this issue as well, so I asked Diederik. He told me that the shipping guild has reliable information that the French nobleman returns from Augsburg in Bavaria. He’s coming by boat along the Rhine. They expect him to arrive at the village of Ewijk on his way to Paris.”

“How can he carry such confidence in the Frenchman’s destination?” Marshall grumbled.

Aldert’s surprised look at the question made Leiras suppress a smile.

“It’s a fair question, even with your excellent contacts.”

“Yes, my friend, I hadn’t thought about that,” Aldert quickly agreed. “Diederik said that the Van Stepraedt family has holdings there. He knows they are staunchly Catholic. It’s rumored the family brings in priests for mass. It’s only natural that Gabriel will stop there.”

The man told his partners about the shrine that carried the heart of Sant Julia of Corsica. His description immediately caught Marshall’s attention. He went to the table, focusing his question on Leiras.

“Who was this saint? I’ve never heard of her.”

“I don’t know much about her,” the monk confessed. “They martyred her in the time of the Romans. Monks took her to the Benedictine abbey at Brescia.”

“According to Jordán del Río, the monks encased her relics in a gold and silver vessel. The French stole the display during the War of the League of Cambrai. This is part of the reason that Spain wishes to engage us to get it back from the French.”

“How does Gabriel get a relic from monks unless they’re corrupt, or he stole it?”

Marshall eyed the Dutchman.

“I’m not sure,” Aldert admitted. “Does it matter?”

“Not in the least,” Leiras spoke up. “However, to reach this village, we need money. What is the agreement?”

“Twenty silver rijksdaalder is for the trip. A hundred gold docats when we bring the artifact back to del Rio. You’ll receive a letter from del Rio introducing you as men of good standing and in alliance with his needs. He’s an investor in the Caisse d’Escompte, so getting money to Gabriel is not an issue. Just use the letter you have.”

Aldert licked his lips.

“Why does Diederik agree to this? A regent would not welcome a Catholic into his home.” The monk’s cautious tone struck Marshall, and he looked at Aldert.

“Ah, it’s good to be suspicious as I am. Diederik told del Rio that he won’t object if the Spaniard takes possession outside of the city walls when you return. As you can imagine, if word gets out about such a trade, it will mean trouble for his family.”

The merchant explained.

“And I suspect that Diederik already took his cut of our money,” Marshall interjected. “How much?”

“Fifty docats,” Aldert admitted. “I’m afraid it’s the best we can do.”

The pirate captain stared at him for a moment and returned to the window. Leiras patted the arm of Aldert.

“You did fine, my friend. Get us the money, and we’ll leave at first light tomorrow.”

Aldert shook his head.

“You misunderstand. You and Marshall must make the trip alone. I’m afraid I cannot join you on this journey. My affairs require me to remain in the city.”

“I see,” the monk leaned back with his drink. As he tipped the glass, Leiras glanced over at his companion by the window.

Pirates run the entire world!

Marshall smirked to himself as he finished the glass of sherry.