The Traitor (eBook)

A Cape pirate adventure, Book 5

Gerrie Radlof, Pieter Haasbroek (Autoren)

Pieter Haasbroek (Herausgeber)

eBook Download: EPUB

2025 | 1. Auflage
90 Seiten
Pieter Haasbroek (Verlag)
978-0-00-072737-4 (ISBN)

Infos

Feared as a pirate.

Sworn to justice.

Hunted as a traitor.

Plunge into the Golden Age of Piracy (1690-1720), where the treacherous waters of the Cape of Good Hope are just the beginning of a worldwide adventure.

In the lawless waters of the 18th-century Indian Ocean, Oloff van Wagenaar sails under the black flag as the Admiral's most ruthless captain. To the world, he is a terror of the seas. In truth, he is a man in disguise, an agent of justice working to destroy the pirate brotherhood from within.

But when mysterious raids strike their own fleet, suspicion falls on Oloff himself. Ordered to intercept a newly arriving Governor, Oloff must walk a razor's edge between his secret mission and the deadly role he plays. One false step could expose him as a traitor and doom him to the gallows.

His loyalties are further tested by two women caught in the storm. Fiery Delia, a slave desperate for freedom, and noble Michelle, a lady ensnared in pirate schemes. Trusting either could cost him everything.

To shatter the pirate empire, Oloff must first become its most ruthless champion, while racing to unmask the true traitor before the noose tightens around his own neck.

Packed with swashbuckling battles, espionage, and high-seas intrigue, this gripping adventure is perfect for fans of Rafael Sabatini's Captain Blood, Bernard Cornwell's naval epics, and the drama of Black Sails.

Book five of the Oloff the Sea Pirate saga. Hoist the black flag and plunge into betrayal, vengeance, and survival on the high seas today!

Textauszug

5. THE TRAITOR

Chapter 1

“This is now the third peculiar report, suspicious account, that I have received.” The massive shoulders of the man known in Deelen Bay as the Admiral are slightly hunched forward as he sits beside the large oval table, directly in front of the long counter in the Hanekraai tavern. His eyes, half-hidden beneath bushy eyebrows, scan the fifteen pirate captains around the table. A few of them lower their gaze and shift uncomfortably in their chairs when his piercing look settles upon them. Others bow their heads slightly so that the rays of the lamp above on the ceiling do not illuminate their features so brightly. In Deelen Bay, suspicion does not spare even the most innocent.

“Month after month, year after year,” the Admiral continues, his voice subdued, “the pirates of the Indian Ocean make port at Deelen Bay. Here they are safe and protected. Here they mingle amongst themselves like brothers.”

“There are many who, after their voyages, never return to Deelen Bay, Admiral.”

It is a young captain on the Admiral’s right-hand side who speaks. Because of his position so close to the Admiral, it is clear that he enjoys the ruler of Deelen Bay’s full confidence. His deep blue eyes also do not evade the Admiral’s sharp gaze. He sits comfortably back, and his body seems relaxed, but the straight lips above his strong chin are pressed firmly together, indicating that he regards the matter seriously.

“I know that, Oloff!” the Admiral exclaims. “Our day is full of dangers, and the night is often merely a shelter for us against a lurking calamity. There are many who can never rest here again. But they die on the recognized sea routes where they hunt the rich, laden merchant ships. However, these three were attacked and wiped out along the coast of Africa, where they had sought shelter in protected harbors, to such an extent that those who discovered their remains could scarcely recognize them.”

Again, his eyes wander over the circle of captains. Further across the large floor of the tavern, tables are scattered where laughing, chatting, and noisy pirate officers drink and make merry. They are unaware of the oppressive atmosphere around the Admiral’s main table. The air is heavy with smoke fumes, and the lamps shine dully through it. Occasionally, the high laughter of a woman echoes through the room and is followed by boisterous remarks from people at the tables.

“Something is afoot that I don’t like,” the Admiral resumes. “I have the feeling that some of our people are being stabbed in the back by others who are aware of their movements. We must find out what it is and eradicate it root and branch, for it undermines the good spirit of brotherhood.” He sighs. He lowers his gaze and brings the heavy mug to his lips. Over its rim, he looks up again. “I would have continued longer with this subject, but there is something else that is just as urgent. For quite a few years now, we have enjoyed the goodwill of the Governor of the island of Marseilles. As you all know, the main route to the East is here through the channel of Mozambique between Africa and Madagascar, and then northeast to India and Ceylon, from there slightly south again to Batavia. Between Madagascar and India, there are only a few islands where one can stop for refreshments. Marseilles is situated roughly halfway. Our ships often stay at sea for months, and you will agree with me that it will be a heavy blow to us if that harbor is closed to us.”

“It will also be a considerable loss for young Raoul St. Breton,” Captain Oloff interjects. “We pay enough for the bit of fresh water and other provisions we get there.”

“Our agreement with Raoul is mutually beneficial,” the Admiral replies. “I am fully aware of that. I have received word from him today that he has been recalled. A new Governor is being sent from France. He is of noble descent, but a military man, Captain Brisco La Fayette.”

“Perhaps we can negotiate with him as well,” suggests one of the other captains.

“St. Breton had to leave France!” the Admiral snaps at the man. “He has been guilty of misconduct. But his family is one of the most powerful houses in the country, and they arranged it so that he obtained the Governorship of Marseilles. It was easy to reach an agreement with him. It will be another matter with a man who is appointed on merit. Brisco La Fayette is, according to Raoul, an ambitious young man.”

“Why is St. Breton now being allowed to return to France?” Oloff inquires conversationally.

“His stepsister, apparently her eyes are closed to St. Breton’s shortcomings, originally accompanied him there. She has now, without his knowledge, sent a petition to the Royal Court in which she claims that he is a reformed man, and his name has then supposedly been restored to honor.” The Admiral is silent for a moment while he thinks. Then he looks from one to another again and continues slowly. “Brisco La Fayette must not reach Marseilles. I want some volunteers, at least six, to intercept him. According to the letter from St. Breton, he has already left France. He should, therefore, be sailing through the channel within the next few weeks, and you can lie in wait for him north of here.”

“Why are six of us needed?”

“La Fayette is on board a warship. There will, therefore, be no loot either. You will be compensated for your time and effort from my personal coffers. I will recover it again through taxes,” the Admiral concludes dryly.

A few moments of silence follow. Captain Oloff looks at his fingers, which are spread out on the tabletop.

“What is your plan then, Admiral?” he inquires, his voice subdued.

“My plans are in order,” the massive man replies quickly. “Unfortunately, no one except the six volunteers will know about it. The circumstances we just discussed compel me to suspect everyone. It is a pity that such a state of affairs should prevail in Deelen Bay, but you understand, do you not, Oloff?”

“Of course!” Oloff exclaims. “I must congratulate you on your precaution. We know that you have our interests at heart.”

“Are you willing to go, Oloff? You have two ships. What about your friend, Henning Roux?” While the Admiral speaks, he looks across the table at a tall, slender captain on the opposite side.

Henning Roux shrugs his shoulders. His eyes seek those of Captain Oloff.

“It depends on Oloff, Admiral.”

“It will be impossible for me,” Oloff says slowly. “As you know, my contributions to your treasuries during the past year were twice as much as any other captain’s. But at the moment, I am penniless. My men are impatient and restless. To lie in wait on the open sea for a few weeks for a warship will mean serious losses for you and me.” He looks meaningfully at the Admiral.

“That applies to all of us!” exclaims a captain to the left of the Admiral. He has a keen face, but his cheekbones are high, and his eyes are long and narrow so that the expression in them cannot be easily read. “I can cite the same reasons. This matter is in the interest of all of us. Lots should be drawn. Anyone who refuses to go should be forbidden from Deelen Bay in the future.” While he speaks, his eyes rest venomously on Oloff.

“Are you suggesting that I am unwilling to contribute my share?” Oloff throws back, his voice subdued.

“You have already indicated that.”

“I have explained my circumstances. You arrived here with a generous load of treasures two days ago. You can easily talk.”

“So you admit that you are not willing to cooperate?”

“I admit nothing!” Oloff barks. “And I do not intend to allow you to cross-examine me either.”

“That’s enough now!” the Admiral roars. “We are dealing with a serious matter. I have no time for your senseless babble.”

“I hope,” says Oloff softly, “that you will take into consideration that the cause for Mario’s outburst is nothing serious. I have noticed before that he does not like it when Delia Minard looks in my direction.”

“That is a lie!” Mario Fouche exclaims, enraged. He has come halfway to his feet, and his right hand closes around his sword hilt.

Oloff sits back. He smiles and makes an apologetic gesture.

“It is quite clear, is it not?” he says here in the Admiral’s ear. The big man with the bushy beard swings in Mario’s direction. His eyes flash dangerously.

“I see you are reaching for your sword, Mario,” he remarks nonetheless calmly. “I am sure that Oloff will not mind leaving the table with you.”

Mario Fouche relaxes slowly. He turns his gaze away from the others and looks sullenly down at the table.

“In that case, we can proceed,” the Admiral resumes. “I am waiting for six volunteers.”

A few minutes later, he requests the remaining members of the company to leave the table. Six men have gathered around him, and their heads are close together.

Captain Oloff walks between the tables toward the steps that lead up to the street in front of the Hanekraai. Beside him is the tall Henning Roux.

At the top of the steps, they look back at the large oval table. The best-known captain there by the Admiral is Fernando Gonzalves, a Spaniard with a large, black mustache. Most likely, he will be chosen to lead the expedition.

“We’re just getting a bit of fresh air, Henning,” says Oloff, as he pushes open the swing door and steps out. Outside, he takes a deep breath and turns to his friend, who follows. “I’m going back in again. I would very much like to find out what the Admiral’s plans...

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 27.8.2025
• Übersetzer: Pieter Haasbroek, Ai
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Fantasy / Science Fiction ► Fantasy
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Romane / Erzählungen
• ISBN-10: 0-00-072737-7 / 0000727377
• ISBN-13: 978-0-00-072737-4 / 9780000727374