by Teri Kronberg

It is another early morning at sea on the Indefatigable. Horatio
Hornblower tosses and turns in his bunk in restless sleep. He decides to rise
early as the ship's bell rings. He dresses quickly, since the warmth
of the bed leaves too soon.

Despite his effort, he shivers underneath his heavy cloak as he
climbs the stairs to the top deck. The deep chill of the air, and the
overhanging gray skies remind him of another day. Just off the coast
of Spain was where he and his men had drifted. They had only just
managed to escape imprisonment and certain death from the
crashing waves--only to be left exposed to the elements.

A smile gently smoothes out the fullness of his lips. His dark eyes
brighten. The glaring difference on this day is the absence of the
Duchess' warm body lying against him.

Just then, Mathews ascends from the lower decks. As he passes
Horatio, he gives the usual friendly greeting. "Morning sir!"

Horatio is suddenly startled by the loudness of his ship mates' voice.
In fact, he hears very little noise--not even the thrashing waves
against the hull. He steps over to the side and gazes down at the
still water. "We are becalmed." He says blankly. Though the sky
is full of storm clouds, there is no wind. His eyes narrow as they gaze
out further across the horizon. Like the pendulum of a clock, they
shift apprehensively from side to side.

The ship's bell rings again, indicating another half of an hour closer
to the sun reaching it's peak. When it does, the coldness will ease with the
parting clouds.

Horatio wonders if he should awaken Captain Pellew. No, he decides
slightly shaking his head. His good captain has been unwell as of
late. He has entrusted the care of his crew, and the safety of his
ship to him.

"Brrrr!" He gathers his arms closer to this body. He breaths in
heavily as his nostrils flare. The dimples in his cheeks deepen as
his face rises. Then, he removes his arms from underneath the cloak, and
clasps the hands together behind his back. He stands in defiance of
the cold.

Having few duties to accomplish this morning, most of the crew
remain below on Horatio's suggestion. However, Mathews--like a
trusted guardian, lingers nearby. As usual, the weathered seaman is
apprehensive as well. He fears a terrible storm is not far off.
However, he cannot explain the calmness of the sea.

Horatio, unbeknownst to Mathews, is also fearing the worst. He
cannot decide whether to bring down the sails, to protect the ship
against a storm, or keep them at half mast--in anticipation of wind.

"Mathews?" Horatio turns around to him.

"Sir?" Mathews replies immediately.

Horatio almost envies his steady demeanor. "Have you ever
experienced a situation such as this?"

"No, sir." Mathews shakes his head. "I feel somethin's brewin, but
I'm not sure what to make of it, sir."

"Thank you, Mathews." Horatio sighs heavily, and returns his gaze
to the starboard side of the ship, where the sky is much darker.

"A storm is approaching, sir." Suddenly, Mathews stoicism seems to
be on the verge of panic. "Should we call all hands, sir? And bring
down the sails?"

"There is no wind." Horatio's heavy brow lowers further as an
angered and quizzical look fills his eyes. He detests these moments
of uncertainty.

"Look, sir!" Mathews points just to the left of Horatio's intense
gaze. "A ship!"

"How the Devil is she sailing without wind?" Horatio reaches for
his periscope. Suddenly, a tremendous gust of wind forces him
backward. It causes his hat to blow off. For a moment, his
curls--like tassels, fall in front of his eyes. He rakes his fingers
through them to try to see this vessel that travels against the laws
of nature.

"We are doomed, sir!" Mathews cries.

His voice sounds far away to Horatio. His first instinct is to feel
anger. Then, he sees the white, translucent sails. They loom taller
than the Indy's main mast--and wider then any ship in the British
fleet.

"My God! The Flying Dutchman!"

The bellowing voice of the phantom, pirate Captain fills the air. His
words are unintelligible. Horatio cringes. He likens them to the
wailing of a sea bird trapped in the rigging.

As the ghost ship passes, a skeletal arm is reaching out for
Horatio. The fingers instantly become entangled upon the buttons
of his coat. Now the lifeless bones seem to be moving. Helpless,
Horatio tries to release the deadly grip as he is dragged along. He
must free himself quickly, or fall over the side.

Suddenly, capturing the wind brought along with the
Flying Dutchman's ship, the Indy turns. Horatio is pulled, along
with the arm of the skeleton, away from the ghost ship and falls
down on deck. He lies there for a moment on his back breathing
many sighs of relief.

Then, suddenly remembering his responsibilities, he quickly rises to
his feet. He winces as he brushes off the remains of the skeletal
arm. On board the Indy, or rather in reality, the bones turn to dust.

Horatio searches the horizon with his periscope to find the
Flying Dutchman turning back to bring further peril.

Some of the crewmen begin to resume their posts on deck.
Mathews appeared again at Horatio's' side. "I don't understand it,
sir. The captain's taken a turn for the worst." He tries to keep the
sound of his voice as low as possible as to not alarm the other men.

Now, anger begins to consume Horatio, the like he's never
known. He decides to stand tall and face the approaching enemy
without fear. "I defy this fate!" He shouts out as if to the pirate
captain himself. "Do you hear? I defy you!"

The doomed ship resumes it's former course. Horatio, Mathews,
and Indefatigable's crew watch as it sails away. However,
Horatio's eyes never leave it, until the last sail disappears from
view.

A rain drop lands on Horatio's cheek--as a sign that life and nature
are returning to normal. Another sign is the slight breeze ruffling
the sails.

Just as Horatio is about the give the order to make full sail--Captain
Pellew steps up behind him.

"Thank you, Mr. Hornblower."

Though he doesn't smile, Horatio's eyes glisten. "Glad to know you
are well, sir." He turns around and gives a salute.

"Beg your pardon, sir?" Mathews asks tapping him on the shoulder.

"What is it Mathews?" Horatio sighs and allows himself a smile.

"I was just thinkin how mistaken the old pirate captain was...if he
thought he could threaten the likes of Lieutenant Hornblower."

That usual look of humble gratitude and pride, causes Horatio's face
to redden.

"Three cheers lads!"

THE END

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