News on William's sister.

"William, you know that I wouldn't call you back from sea if I didn’t consider what I am about to tell you to be of the utmost significance. Twenty three days ago I sent the fastest ship in my port to go look for you and deliver my missive. I have known for many years the great loneliness you must feel at having lost your entire family whilst sailing to these parts. I hoped that my friendship may have in some small way eased the suffering for you. Being made Governor of Stillwater has imparted on me many contacts, good and bad, that are not available to others. For many years I have used these contacts in secret to look for missing members of your family, William. A little over three weeks ago I had word on the location of your sister Victoria."

At the mention of Victoria, William felt his heart leap. Bitter memories of a time long ago came flooding back. The ship his family had booked passage on had run aground on reef and thrown William over board. As he was taken by the current, Will could only watch helpless as the ship sank quickly between the waves. The fate of his family a mystery ever since.

"But surely this is good news," Captain Kent asked, **** to hear anything of his family.

"Alas no dear William. The plantation your sister had worked was set upon by slavers of a rival company and your sister and many others taken. I do not know what has come of her since," Governor Restan elaborated. "I have here a map that shows the last know whereabouts of your sister. Hurry. Bring her home safely."

"I will," was all the privateer could manage as took the offered sea chart and let himself out of the study.

Governor Restan's words had imparted on William a sense of urgency and a keen desire to be underway. However the practicalities of being a ship's captain meant that he would have to remain in Stillwater for at least one night. There was no way the Catherine's Fancy could be unloaded of her cargo and resupplied in time to make the evening tide. Nor was he willing to sail with the cargo still aboard, as much of it was perishable and wouldn’t keep for another extended sea voyage. William would have to contend himself with catching the next tide, due in tomorrow afternoon.

Captain Kent's first course of action was to notify his first mate back at the ship of the changes and to give him instructions on reloading the ship and what to do about the sailors' wages. At the entrance foyer to Restan's mansion William procured from a servant a leaf of paper, a quill and some ink and jotted down a few simple orders.

"Jack

Have the ship unloaded as quickly as possible and made ready to sail on tomorrows tide. No later. Inform the men that I have **** but to cut their shore leave to just one night and that I would consider their cooperation a personal favour. Give each man enough in coin to satisfy their pleasures for tonight, what a sailor could be reasonable expected to spend on a first night ashore and one third more. I'll not have them too hung over so as to be unfit to sail come the morrow. Also let the men know that any who choose not to sail with me again because of these orders can collect the remainder of their wages from Tristan the Merchant in three days time.

William"

No doubt their would be some grumbling over the lack of time in port but William knew most of his men were loyal enough to return to the ship tomorrow. Any others would be replaced regardless.

Not waiting for the ink to dry the Captain quickly dusted the letter in fine sand and then folded the paper in three. He sealed the letter with a lump of wax marked with the ships insignia that he wore upon the index finger of his right hand.

Tucking the letter into his jacket pocket William left the mansion and began his walk back to the harbour town. Not far from the Governor's residence, a young child was found playing amongst the hills. William gave the letter to the boy instructing him to run it to the ship as fast as his young legs could carry him. The boy was given a silver piece for his troubles and Will told him, "another would be forth coming from his first mate," to ensure the message arrived safely and in a timely fashion. To a boy his age two silver pieces was a considerable fortune and could buy any number of lollies or other sweet treats. William Kent watched as the boy set off at a sprint before continuing his more leisurely pace.

Shoalwater was alive with hawkers pushing their midday trade by the time William returned to the town. He bought a delicious hot pork pie with a thick white gravy from one of the many vendors and then washed it down with an exotically spiced wine. Having broken his hunger, Captain Kent turned his attention to what must be accomplished in order to set sail tomorrow.