The pirates of Attersea 7/8

"Now then, I'll do all the wishing so that there's no more mistakes,” said Abigail. "Therdle river in this world please. Never hurts to be polite", she added.

"Pope's yard isn't there," said Mary, putting her head out of the cabin as the lugger sailed out of the fog and into the sunshine again.

Jonah was looking through Dave’s binoculars at Attersea Island.

"These things are much better than a telescope," he said enthusiastically."

"Maybe so," said Dave, "but are the pirates in the harbour?"

The pirates themselves answered the question before Jonah could reply. The brig came out from it's hiding place behind the trees, setting sail as quickly as possible and pointing straight at her small enemy.

"Wait until they're about fifty yards away and then turn back into the fog," said Dave, "Abigail knows what to do."

Jennifer Jane waited as the distance closed and then turned back in to the fog as instructed. Through the mistiness she could see the pirates bearing away again. They knew the fog was magic and didn't want to be led into a trap. Abigail took a small wooden box from her pocket and opened the lid. The fog rapidly expanded and engulfed the pirate ship.

"Steer north now," she said and then, "Therdle please to see Barnacle Bill and the goblin boatyard."

The lugger came out of the fog closely followed by the pirate brig.

"Pope’s yard to starboard," said Dave thankfully, "let's hope we can keep ahead until we get into the main river and start to beat up to the goblin boatyard."

They just made it safely. The pirates were so close when the lugger turned to head east, that they carried on towards the island for a few yards more than they needed, so that they could fire a broadside at Dave and his crew.

"Those guns must be very crude," said Dave, "only one shot anywhere near us that time and they must have lost a hundred yards taking the chance to fire at us."

Once the boats were sailing tack for tack, the lugger quickly drew ahead.

"Ease off the sheets a bit Jonah," said Dave, "I want them fairly close behind us when I turn into the creek to the boatyard. Let's hope your pigeon got through all right."

Jonah pointed out where the mud bank lay under water at the creek entrance. "If anyone knows where it is, I should," he laughed, "I've stranded the Black Cat on it enough times."

"Load the guns with these cartridges," said Dave "and get ready to lower all the sails at my command. I'll start the engine and take the helm. Jonah can fire the guns if Mary and Jennifer Jane load them."

Abigail was a bit upset because she had to be left out of all the action but rules were rules and she wasn't allowed to interfere in this world. However she did get a very good view of the proceedings.

The lugger sailed across the shallow water over the mud flat as if it was going on to the boatyard. The pirate brig followed and almost immediately ran aground. There was a roar as Dave started the engine.

"Down sails," he shouted and spun the lugger round, motoring back towards the creek entrance. He turned again under the brig's stern where the pirate guns couldn't shoot at him.

"Aim at the rudder Jonah. Fire!"

The six cannon banged out, this time loaded with shot. Splinters flew from the rudder stock of the brig. Mary and Jennifer Jane reloaded frantically as each gun was fired and the second broadside smashed the rudder completely. Dave reversed the engine and pulled away a bit from the brig's stern.

"Aim at the sails, try and cut the halliards.

Jonah elevated each gun and took careful aim. The brig's sails were soon peppered with shot as the guns blazed away, until at last, the main halyard was cut and the sail came down with a run. One of the pirates leaned over the brig's rail and waved his arms at the lugger.

"We surrender," he called.