The Anointed Prince of Dragons: Chapter 7.

It was a quiet night in St. Augustine, and most were asleep. They had no idea that they now belonged to the British Empire, for it had only been a day since the Treaty of Paris was signed. A young Spanish couple stood at the end of one of the docks, holding hands as they looked up at the moon and the stars, and the man turned to face the woman, gazing lovingly into her eyes, and she back into his.

"My love is like the moon, when compared to the stars, her beauty shining brighter than all others I have seen. Her eyes are like the fresh green grass in the spring, sparkling with the morning dew. Her hair is as black as the night, and as soft and pleasant to the touch as satin, even as her olive skin, smooth and free of any blemish. Her body is sculpted by the father itself, and her face also, narrow and soft as a baby's bottom. She adorns herself only in the finest of linen, for only the finest will match her visage, like Mother Mary herself, pure and innocent."

The man spoke, describing the woman in full, and she in turn began, "And my love is as handsome and as righteous as King David, tall and strong. His dark hair is like fine linen waving in the wend, and his shoulders are broad as an oxen. If I am the Moon to his Night, then he is the Sun to my day, shining bright and radiant. Like night it is, when we are apart, and my world is darkened by the absence of his presence. Like Solomon, he is dressed, splendorous and elegant."

Both their hands met, one in another, and they were silent whilst admiring each other for a time, before the man spoke, "My Isabella, you mean more to me than life itself." Upon saying this, he knelt down before her and lowered his head before releasing one of her hands and reaching into the pocket of his long vest. He retrieved from it an intricate golden ring, with an emerald embedded in what was shaped like a heart. "Will you marry me?" He asked her, looking up deep into her eyes.

Isabella began to shed tears of joy, and nodded her head before exclaiming happily, "Yes, Miguel! A thousand, no, a million times yes!" And he put the ring upon her finger, then stood and embraced her. They kissed with the passion of fireworks going off, far too caught up in their love for eachother to notice the frigate and schooner arriving in the port, until the sound of cannon fire thundered in the distance.

They turned their heads, yet held each other tighter all the tighter when they saw the Spanish Galleon, San Hernandez, pummeled by explosive rounds that set its sails ablaze. The bells were ringing, and lights were being lit in homes. Soldiers rushed to Castillo de San Marcos, the Spanish Fort. "We must get to cover!" Miguel said, turning his head to Isabella again, and she nodded.

They rushed to flee the docks, and it was lucky they moved from that spot when they did. A cannon hit the end of that dock, and though they had already reached a fair enough distance to escape the brunt of the blast, they were thrown forth, though not so far as to cause severe injury, although Isabella found that one of her feet had been sprained. Miguel lifted her up in his arms, holding her as a groom would hold his bride as he'd carry her through the threshold. He ran as fast as he could, and was soon off the docks.

As she was carried away, Isabella looked back with fear, even in the arms of her love, watching as the docks burned and the frigate pummeled the fort. The schooner, however, was making its way towards the port. People in the town were panicking, and many were looking out at the scene through their windows.

Soldiers ran past Miguel and Isabella both, carrying muskets headed straight for the docks. The schooner finally made port, and pirates were soon rushing out of it. The soldiers knelt down a safe distance, aimed, and waited for the officer to give the order, "Fire at will!" He exclaimed, as the pirates drew closer. They fired, and yet not a single pirate fell. The officer was taken aback, as were his men, and confusion came over them. "Fire again!" He yelled out, and they did, yet still not a pirate fell, and they knew their shots could not all have missed.

As the pirates drew closer, and the men saw just what they were, many of them gasped in terror and quickly got up and turned to try and flee, but their Officer fired a shot into one of them with a pistol, and the would-be deserter fell dead as the Officer exclaimed, "Don't you dare leave your post!" The others that had tried to flee froze, and suddenly rushed to get back into position, though all too late as the Pirates had closed in with cutlass and pistol alike.

The screams of the soldiers and their officer soon rang through the air, along with the sound of the cannons firing and bursting upon hitting wood and stone. Many began rushing out of their homes, as fast as they could, hoping to escape, only to soon be cut down by the pirates. They were merciless, killing indiscriminately.

Finally, Miguel had reached the Governor's Mansion, where Isabella's father lived. He came out to greet them, wanting to see if she was okay. "What happened?" He demanded, looking at Miguel. He was attired in fine clothing, fitting of a governor. Fat and plump he was, and also short. His face was softer than most his age, and he wore a long black wig, and had a Van Dyke beard upon his face. He walked with a cane, more for fashion than out of necessity. It was long and black, with a golden ball handle.

"Pirates began opening fire on the port. We narrowly escaped, but Isabella has sprained her ankle." Miguel said, a courier soon arrived, rushing up to the Governor with a worried expression. "Governor Sanchez, Commander Lopez sent me! Pirates are-" The Governor cut him off to speak, "Yes, yes! Can you tell me something I don't already know?" He was frantic and annoyed.

"We believe it's the Devil's Maw, captained by Barabas Blackheart, and there is another ship with it, a schooner that has just docked." The courier said, and Governor Sanchez's eyes went wide in horror. "Barabas Blackheart? But he and his crew are not known for attacking ports, just trade ships coming to and fro between America and Europe." The courier shook his head. "I don't know why, Governor, but they are here."

Governor Sanchez turned his head to Miguel, he and Isabella were both at a loss for words. "Get her inside, now!" He ordered, and Miguel nodded and carried her inside. The Governor now returned his gaze to the courier, "Are troops on their way?" He inquired. "Yes, the Commander will have sent a platoon after me." He answered, quickly nodding his head.

The Governor looked out to the port and saw the flames as the pirates attacked. "Let us hope that they will get here before the pirates do." He said, then returned his gaze to the man. "Well, make yourself useful and pick up a musket! Until they get here, you are officially one of my guards." The courier went wide eyed and gulped upon hearing this. "My Lord?" He asked, as though not sure he had heard the Governor's words. "I do not believe I stuttered. I said that you will be aiding my guard, in the event that the pirates reach this manor."

The Courier felt himself becoming very squeamish, all of a sudden. He was a tall man, but lanky, and looked as though he could be snapped like a twig. He had not but peach fuzz upon his face, and was fairly well dressed, wearing spectacles. "As you say, Governor." He finally said, in that high clear voice.

He knew how serious this was, and he also realized he was hardly fit for combat. What could he even do against hardened pirates? Surely, he'd be more of a burden than help. However, the Governor had given an order, and as filled with dread as he was, he could not disobey. If the moment came and he had to fight, he would do his very best to help until the platoon which Commander Lopez had sent arrived. "Tell me, what is your name?" Governor Sanchez asked, and the Courier paused for a moment, as though surprised that he cared enough to even ask. "I don't appreciate dramatic pauses." The Governor said, annoyed by his silence. Finally, the Courier got over his silence and answered, "My name is Carlos Torres."