In the sheltered cove the two landing boats touched the sand at the same time, about a hundred yards apart. Although the two pirate crews had met to trade, they still regarded each other warily. The landing parties approached slowly, watching for signs of betrayal. Still, the men were reasonably confident, as confident as anyone could be when dealing with thieving scum. These two ships had met on this Caribbean island many times before, and the transactions had always been mutually satisfactory. The leaders of each party talked for a while, showed each other their wares, and agreements were reached.
Finally, the Spaniard said, "We have something else. Something we know your Captain is fond of."
"All right, let's see," answered the First Mate of the French brigand.
The Spaniard raised his hand and a crewman approached from the rowboat carrying a sack. What could this be, the Frenchman thought? Too big for treasure - maybe a hundredweight of fresh fruit? He reached the trading party and placed the sack on the ground. Untying the cord he turned it over and pulled away the dirty canvas. On the sand sat a beautiful woman of about twenty years. She was dressed in the gown of a young Spanish lady, obviously one of some wealth. She squinted in the sunlight, blinking while her eyes adjusted from the darkness of the sack.
The French pirate knew Captain Renoir would be pleased, but he hid his eagerness in order to improve his bargaining position.
"Well, I suppose she might be worth something. If your men haven't ruined her!"
"Untouched," the Spaniard assured him. "I swear we have kept her away from all the men. There were plenty of other women in the captured ship for our pleasure. This one was so fine we saved her for a trade."
Jean-Pierre knew his Captain liked them with their spirit unbroken. He preferred that happy task himself. A price was agreed upon and the men shared a drink of rum to end their trading session. Isabella Theresa Alonzo de la Vega, beautiful young Spanish noblewoman, was now the property of the French pirate ship "The Golden Sword".
Back at the ship the French Captain greeted the precious cargo with appreciation. She stood on the deck, averting her eyes as he walked around her and took in her lovely features. As he moved, his gold earring sparkled in the sunlight. She was petite, no more than a couple of inches over five feet, with a slender waist, ample breasts and full hips. The young aristocrat seemed tiny next to the hulking pirates.
"This one is very special. I shall keep her in my cabin," he said to his First Mate.
Suddenly the beauty looked up at the Captain, defiance flashing in her dark eyes.
"Never!" she spat. "I will never give myself to you, pig!"
"Wonderful!" The Captain grinned. "Filled with Spanish spirit, like a true thoroughbred!"
"Pig! Dog!" she yelled at him. "The King will hang you all!"
A burst of laughter from the crew told her that these men did not fear the Spanish crown.
"You do not wish to be my personal companion?" mocked the Captain. He was handsome in a rough way, with long hair and a goatee beard.
Her cold stare was his answer.
"Fine. But I assure you that by the time we are finished you will beg me to take you."
"Never! I will die first!"
"That will not be necessary. You will change your mind long before that."
Although she was outwardly defiant, her confidence was beginning to waiver. What torture did he have in mind for her? Would they whip her? She had never suffered real hardship, and could only hope her resolve would remain unbroken. Educated in a convent, she had been raised with images of martyrs suffering horrible tortures for their faith. Since she was a girl she had imagined that if called upon to do so, she too would remain faithful to the end. She was determined to endure any torture for her virtue. But there was one more possibility.
"The king will pay handsomely for my safe return," she said, trying to keep a note of pleading out of her voice.
Captain Renoir laughed, shattering her last hope. "I have a ship full of treasure. Ransom means nothing to me. You are the treasure I seek."
He stepped back and the First Mate came forward. Grabbing her slender wrists he quickly tied a piece of rope around them and secured it to a black iron ring above her head on the mast. The crew was silent as they stared at the bound woman. Her eyes were clenched tightly shut as she avoided their hungry gazes. The Mate pulled a dagger from his belt and began to cut her elegant brocade gown away from her trembling body. In minutes she stood before them in her corset and pantaloons, shame flushing her face crimson. The mounds of her generous bosom bulged from the tight corset. Reaching to her head he pulled out the ivory comb that held her long black hair in a knot. The radiant tresses tumble free, shiny and thick.