The Parting Glass

"Edward, Wood Rogers has survived his wounds. He has since he returned to England... Shamed and in great debut. But he's less a threat." Adewale told me about the former governor. I looked at him with, knowing what must be done. "I will finish that job when I return. You have my word." I promised, but I wasn't sure I could keep it. I shook his hand before turning toward Anne Bonny. She chatted with a guitarist by the tables. I couldn't help but smile, of her and I together in London.

"Anne," I said casually. She turned to me, a smile crept onto her face. "Edward," She said. I took a seat down, pouring a glass of rum into her cup. "In a couple of months, I'll be leaving for London, and I'd be more than happy if you would come with me." I said with hopefulness as I poured some alcohol into the mug. She looked at me with doubt.

"England's the wrong way 'round for a Irish woman." I nodded my head before taking another look into her eyes. "Will you stay with the Assassin's?" My voice sounded like a dying panther. Anne looked off into the sea, before returning my question.

"I don't think I have that kind of conviction in my heart." She said with certainty. "And you?" I sat the mug down, looking down at the stone floor. "In time, aye... When my mind is settled, and my blood cooled." I smiled slightly. Though I felt my heart ache with a familiar pain.

"Sail ho! Coming into the cove!"

I got up from my seat to see an vessel, my heart swelled with joy along with sadness. 'Jenny.' I thought as I continued to stare at the ship. Anne's footsteps followed behind mine, she put her hand on my back reassuringly. "Your a good man, Edward," Her voice was cracked by sadness. "And if you learn to keep settled into one place long enough, you'll be a good father." I looked at her, a tear fell down my cheek. I knew it was time to go. 'But, is this really the end?' I asked myself.

Anne turned toward the guitarist, whispering something in his ear. My smile slowly faded as I lingered on the steps.

"Of all the money I e'er had. I spent in good company," I heard her, for one last glance. "And all the harm that I e'er done. Alas it was to none, but me." I turned to see familiar, but deceased faces. Steve Bonnet, Ben Hornigold, Charles Vane, Mary Read, Thatch, and Jack. I knew they were really there, but, seeing their faces brought my heart at ease.

"And all I've done for want of wit. To memory now. I can't recall." I still her Anne's song as I walked down the steps, and begun my way toward the ship. "So fit me in a parting glass, goodnight, and joy be with you all." The sadness and pain ached at my heart, I didn't have the courage to say goodbye. I felt weak.

Oh, all the comrades e'er I had.

I felt the wind blew a light breeze as I walked along the path. I turned around for one last time, to see them waving, and another face that I wouldn't forget so easily. "Caroline...?" I whispered as I saw her smile at me, waving her goodbye. I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you..." I turned and continued my way toward the ship. Seeing the docks, and the ship about to anchor. I saw a flower by the path. I plucked it, and walked across the wooden planks.

The ship was a schooner, from what I could tell. The crew members unloaded cargo. I stood, waiting for the face of my daughter. A girl walked down the plank, holding a teddy bear in her arms. I smiled, there she was, Jennifer Kenway. She smiled when she saw my face. I knelt down, presenting the flower, she gently took in from my hand. I stood up, turning around to see the ghosts of those who I lost. They smiled at me, waving goodbye one last time.

"Daddy, why are you crying?" I heard Jenny's voice. I didn't realize it, I was crying. I wiped the tear's from my eyes. "It's nothing, Jenny. Come on, let's go." I took her hand, and we begun to make our way to the Jackdaw. Turning my head for the last time, I smiled and waved to them.

I'm sorry for my going away.

The end.