Chapter 231 (1/2)
The pirates were greatly moved when they saw the black flag of Jackdaw flapping in the wind. It had been nine days since they witnessed their bitter defeat right before their very eyes. The navy was happily trampling and burning the black flags they were once so proud of.
The saddest thing of it all was the death of Black Sam, one of the greatest pirates ever known. Swordfish, Quidah, and Warrior had been sunk by the navy-pirate-hunter collaboration, and those still breathing were now screaming and crying out for help. However, the navy had no intention to grant them any mercy. The pirates on the beach were forced to watch as their enemies brutally slaughtered their helpless allies. This whole incident left the pirates a deep scar, a memory that would remain with them till the very ends of their lives.
This was one of the largest defeats that Na.s.sau’s pirates ever suffered. For that reason, the atmosphere on the island was one filled with despair and anxiety. Those tough men who braved countless battles had now lost all hope. Whenever they saw anybody wearing red, they would drown in fear, hiding for dear life. Until they saw Jackdaw again, the black flag on her mast was sending the navy a message. The great oceans belonged to no country or person. It would take the side of warriors bold enough to seek freedom.
Worden and his men surrounded the pirates, killing them one by one. Of course, he wouldn’t repeat the same mistake, which was why he docked his s.h.i.+p outside the harbor. The spot was sufficient to monitor the pirates’ movements and, at the same time, a good one to defend themselves from incoming threats. The moment Jackdaw appeared near Parrot Island, the sailors quickly informed their captain of their sighting.
Chris put down his monocular and found it hard to believe that Jackdaw had the nerve to return to Parrot Island. She just wouldn’t quit.
“How… how is this even possible? Why would they come back here?!”
In fact, Chris wasn’t supportive of this whole pirate-hunting plan. He didn’t mind staying alone on Parrot Island to keep an eye on the pirates, confident that no threat would come to him. Thanks to the awful weather that greeted them, Chris figured that it must have brought Jackdaw down to an underwater grave. However, Worden wanted to make sure that all pirates were dead. This was his stand, and nothing could make him change his mind.
Since they had literally nothing to do during their stay on Parrot Island, they figured that it would have been a better use of time to search for Jackdaw. Even if all they found were the s.h.i.+p’s remains, they would still be awarded merits. That was why no one went against the idea in the end.
Chris was baffled, wondering how Jackdaw could actually survive the storm and dodge the s.h.i.+ps searching for them. He also noticed that it looked different compared to when it left the island. It appeared that they had it all in for a good fight.
“They got lucky and managed to run the last time. Since they are here now, let’s make sure that they never get to leave this place! Raise the mainsails! It’s time to go and greet them,” growled Worden in a deep voice.
“Yes, sir.”
Chris was ashamed of himself as he felt panic grip him the moment he saw Jackdaw coming for Parrot Island. Being part of the Royal Navy, this wasn’t the time for them to step back. Though Jackdaw was also a battles.h.i.+p with equal firepower, the navy wasn’t supposed to be afraid of a band of pirates. At the same time, Billy kept his eyes glued at the enemy’s movement. He spoke up when he saw that Kent was on the move.
“The Ford guy wasn’t lying. He was right about their commander’s arrogance.”
“Considering the feats he achieved in battle, I would say he has all the right in the world to be haughty. I heard that pirates are almost nonexistent in the places he swore to protect.”
“Why?” asked Harry.