The Blackbeard of Barbary El Capitán de Diablo was leaning heavily against the doorframe. ‘Fear me! The Blackbeard of Barbary!’ He laughed, way down in his throat. In his right hand was a sword, a jagged-edged boarding cutlass. His other hand groped for something to support him. He was as drunk a...
I’d seen these ships at anchor on the lagoon, but never dreamed I’d set foot on one. We were, Al-Qasim told us, travelling in the most luxurious ship afloat, thanks to the machinations of Luis and the influence of Pietro. Our voyage to Constantinople would be both smooth and swift. ‘It had better...
Prodigal son ‘How did you get away from Diablo?’ I asked, as Miller hauled me aboard. ‘Simple,’ said Jem. ‘We convinced him that it was his brilliant idea that we should go to Catania to meet the Corfu and pick up another load of grain.’ ‘We had to promise him all the profit, but never mind.’ Mil...
Stormy seas I pushed off as hard as I could, and Mama took the tiller as we edged our way out of the Mermaid’s shadow. Lucas was on the mizzen sheet; I took the mainsail. The moment we got clear of the ship, gusts of wind filled the sails and buffeted the boat. ‘Ease that mizzen off a bit,’ said ...
‘Don’t you ever tell my mother I wore these,’ he said. ‘She’d never believe you to be such a dandy.’ ‘Promise me.’ ‘Don’t worry,’ I said. ‘I won’t tell your mother anything at all, since you’re supposed to be safely in Venice at the moment. She’d split me from head to toe for getting her lovely b...
He’d only been dead a few years—died the year I ran away with Séranne. I remember the fuss. Louis, they said, was crazed with grief. The whole city went a bit silly. Lully, dead. And what a way to go. You know the story, I’m sure. Eh? Save me, Jesus, from ignorant priests. All right. Pay attentio...