The Governor's Secret by purple_rach
--------
Captain Harnigold sat in his cabin with a deep sense of disquiet. The rise of mumbling unrest was worrying. The grumbling was, of course, a classic example of the old adage that you are only as good as your last success. It didn't matter to this scurvy lot that he, Harnigold, was the most successful pirate ever to sail the seas of Neopia. The haul that his ship The Silver Hind had amassed over the years amounted to hundreds of millions. The total included both dubloons and neopoints - not to mention an impressive array of jewels and clothing. Sadly however, this crew's last real success had been on the third day of the month of awakening (nearly three months ago). True, there had been the odd small success since, but pirates never signed up to a crew for 'small' successes. He knew that his days as Captain were numbered unless he could find something BIG.
Most of his crews had found his aversion to killing and using weapons rather peculiar- but due to his impressive rate of success, they didn't question it. This was the longest dry spell he had ever experienced. He knew he might be losing his edge, but he was aware that his competition was certainly improving. The rebirth of Krawk Island was definitely making life difficult for the old breed of pirate. Harnigold suddenly had a light bulb moment. He and McGill went way back - he knew things about the old blackguard that Gavril would really not like others to know. Well to be honest one really big thing, that he definitely would want to remain a secret. A little bit of old fashioned bargaining, (Harnigold really didn't like the word 'blackmail') was definitely the way to go. He knew if their roles were reversed it would certainly be on Gar's list of things to do. However he didn't want to take too much of a chance, and would go armed. Harnigold walked over to the small pool where his best friend in the world swam happily in circles.
He tickled Flint's ears and the baby blu smiled at him. " Time to retire in style, me sweetie."
He went out of his cabin and banged his heavy staff on the deck. The staring eye staff had definitely been a worthy investment. It had only cost him a few tall tales. The eye following the crew round the ship always sent a shiver of fear through them.
"We are going to head into Krawk Island to get some supplies on board."
A ragged cheer went up, Krawk Island was always a popular destination. Even if his meeting with The Governor didn't go as planned, the trip would buy him some popularity.
Harnigold watched his crew disembark to wreck havoc on the town before turning into the Golden Dubloon for a quick glass of grog before he confronted the old buzzard Gavril in his den. As he ambled up to the rather impressive looking mansion, Harnigold rubbed his hands in glee. "There is most certainly money to be made here!" he chortled to himself .
An impassive Grarrl in an imposing red uniform festooned in gold braid eyed up Harnigold's attire and, taking a list from his pocket, said, "Name?"
"Captain Harnigold of The Silver Hind."
The Grarrl checked a list he pulled out of his top pocket, and waved him up the stairs. Harnigold looked over his shoulder. The guard made a determined crossing out movement, and muttered, "Twelve down, five to go."
Harnigold shook his head in slightly reluctant admiration. Naturally, the wily old bird had a contingency plan, hopefully whatever the plan was, he would still have some wriggle room. He knew the man of old, and had a few cards up his own sleeve.
The whole mansion was garishly, but expensively decorated in gilt, red and gold, with many obvious signs of conspicuous wealth. The large gold statue of McGill in victory pose placed at the top left hand of the stairs definitely drew the eye. The plaque in black with embossed lettering read,
'Commissioned and built by a grateful population, for our new Governor, Captain G McGill."
Aye, thought Harnigold, McGill had definitely landed on his feet!
He finally made it to the top of the oak stairs. He felt a mild twinge of unease, and was glad he had come armed. His great distaste for weapons generally, did not mean he did not appreciate the necessity of them sometimes. He hoped McGill would be reasonable, and see that giving a little of his new found riches would be less inconvenient than... well just less inconvenient than the alternative.
The hallway that greeted the Captain as he turned right was even more ostentatious than anything Harnigold had seen in the rest of the mansion. It was decked out in wood, gold and glass, and simply screamed wealth. There were several small glass cabinets down one side with 'Grimoires of Affluence' safely esconsed in each of them. Harnigold reached the end of the long corridor, and walked into the Governor's office, McGill greeted him with a smile. The glint of his gold tooth obvious in the bright sun streaming through the window. "Ahh, Captain. I wondered how long it would be before we met again- before ye say another word- What are your terms?" Harnigold was startled, surely it couldn't be this easy. He broke out in a cold sweat and his hand involuntarily tightened on his heavy sword. "I..." "Now, me old gaffer, don't ya worry ye head. I have a lovely feathered nest here, and don't want any blood staining it. I have wealth a plenty to share with the small number who know my history. Sit,sit. " Harnigold sat a little uneasily. He sniffed the proffered drink suspiciously, but relaxed when McGill took a generous drink out of his own glass. The dark liquid slid down smoothly. It was one of the best grogs he'd ever had. "You do indeed have a fine nest here, Gar." "Indeed I do. Fell on me feet so I did. I say again what are your terms?" "Just one big score is all. The Pirate dream. Then I can retire, and enjoy the fruits of my labour."
McGill smiled toothily. "Now, that, me boy, is easy!"
The Governor rummaged in his impressively decorated desk, and handed Harnigold a map.
Harnigold's eyes almost popped out of his head. This was it, the fabled place all pirates dreamed off.
"This...." "Aye lad, bottomless wealth, the place never runs dry." Harnigold stood and shook hands with McGill heartily. "Would you object to me retiring here? I swear by The Hind herself, if this is as good as you promise, no secrets will ever come from my lips!" McGill raised his glass in salute. "Krawk Island would be honoured if the best pirate Neopia has ever seen laid his anchor on our shores."
And so it was that Captain Harnigold led his crew to the forgotten shore, and landed a haul of riches scarce any of them had seen before. As he had promised once his crew had taken their fill he burned the map, and retired happily to Krawk Island. Now, I bet you're all wondering what secret Harnigold held?
But that would be telling... All I will say is a long long time ago, a young man while diving with his other young shipmates, from a pirate ship removed a harpoon from a Krawken's tentacle...
The End
|