Disclaimer: Characters and associated details are property of HB and are used for non-profit, entertainment purposes only.

Archiving permission granted.

Disclaimer: Characters and associated details are property of Hanna-Barbera and are used for non-profit entertainment purposes only.

Archiving permission granted.

THE REAL ADVENTURES OF JONNY QUEST

Synopsis: The end of the story, and the beginning of many more.

"FORTUNE'S WIND" chapter 15

by Eric R. Umali

"Sea Fever"

The captain of the *Bandit Queen* sailed through the air. Jonny reached out, trying desperately to find purchase. He managed to snag his left hand in some rigging, and stopped his flight with a violent yank. Removing the knife from his mouth, he reached down and plunged it into the canvas of the *Talon*'s main'sel, then let go of his grip.

Jonny sped towards the deck a hundred feet below him, his dagger ripping through the sail, slowing his descent.

On the deck, Jeremiah Surd turned, one arm still wrapped around the throat of Jonny's crewmate, Jessie Bannon. Surd's other hand held a pistol to the young woman's red-topped head, trying to make it to one of the jollyboats. Jessie, struggling, looked up as well. Her heart leapt when she saw Jonny through the flames, as he landed on the yardarm, drawing his shining katana.

Surd turned his pistol and fired at the young pirate, the ball tearing a hole in the sail. Jonny's blade flashed, and another of Surd's men fell. He turned to find his way blocked by a wall of fire.

**********

Hadji stood beside the *Bandit Queen*'s wheel, hands behind his back. One of the few remaining crewmen ran to him.

"Mr. Singh, we have to push off!"

"One more minute," said Hadji calmly. "But only one."

**********

Jessie struggled against Surd's grip as he dragged her towards the jollyboat. She wrenched herself around and planted her boot against the railing. Shoving with all her might, Jessie levered herself free, sending Surd reeling against a nearby mast.

"You'll pay for that, you witch!" he shouted, raising his pistol. Before he could fire, there was a loud roar sounding over the din of the fire.

**********

With smoke stinging his eyes, Jonny squinted, trying desperately to see through the flames. He made out a large shape lumbering towards the rail. The flames flickered, and he saw a flash of red hair.

Jonny squared himself to head through the fire, but was knocked to the side.

One of Surd's men tackled him, knocking the katana from his grasp. Grabbing the young pirate by the vest, the man hauled Jonny to his feet and threw him again to the deck.

Jonny landed hard, his breath escaping in a short huff. The man rushed at him again, his sea gully in his hand and its blade pointed right at the young captain.

The pirate stayed where he was, and when the man was nearly on him, planted his boot in the man's midsection and heaved. Limbs flailing, the man went sailing into the flames, and Jonny was right behind him, roaring in anger.

**********

Surd saw a body fall into the fire, and then another emerge on its feet.

Jonny rushed headlong through the flames, his arms crossed in front of his face. Surd pointed his pistol at the charging pirate, but too late. Jonny struck him squarely, sending the governor sprawling to the deck, his pistol clattering and sliding out of reach.

The young pirate rushed to Jessie's side. "Are you all right?" he asked.

"I'm fine," she replied.

Jonny turned to find Surd approaching, sword drawn. Without a word, Jonny slashed at him. Surd blocked the swing and returned it.

Their swords clashed again and again. Jonny was surprised to find Surd handled his sword well. Jessie came at Surd, grasping his sword arm, trying to wrench his cutlass from his grip. The man growled in anger, and threw the young woman off. Jessie struck the helm wheel, and folded to the deck, unconscious.

"Jessie!" shouted Jonny, and took a step towards her, only to be blocked by Surd.

"I wanted to see you hang, boy," hissed Surd. "But now, I'll settle to see you dead!"

He brought his cutlass down, trying to cleave Jonny in two. The pirate spun, narrowly avoiding the blade.

Their swords met again, with a sharp, ringing sound, and crossed a few more times. Surd feinted, and soon the point of Jonny's katana was pinned to the deck. He saw Surd's hand move quickly, drawing a knife from his coat. The silver blade thrust towards Jonny's neck, but the young pirate dodged and grasped Surd's wrist. Jonny twisted, and with a yelp of pain from Surd, the knife fell.

**********

From his place aboard the *Bandit Queen,* Hadji could see nothing of the duel. Even from the yardarm, his lookout could see nothing through the fire that engulfed most of the *Talon.* He knew the lookout was now scrambling his way up the rigging towards the crow's nest, but Hadji kept his eyes on the *Talon.*

"Ahoy, Mister Singh!" bellowed the lookout. "I see nothing! Nothing at all!"

Hadji sighed sadly, and gave a silent prayer for his friends. He turned to the crew. "Shove off!" he ordered.

"But the captain--" said one crewman.

"Has given us our orders. He would not want us to die here."

The crewman nodded, knowing it to be true. Hadji ran to the wheel and began spinning it, turning the ship away. Crewmen swung the boom on the great mast, angling the sails into the wind, as others used cannon rams to push themselves away from the burning *Talon.*

"May the wind be at your backs, my friends," whispered Hadji.

Moving quickly, the *Bandit Queen* turned, leaving the other ship to its fate.

**********

Jonny shoved, and the two men stood apart, sizing each other up, preparing for the next round.

"Continue this Surd, and you'll die. If not by my blade, then you'll die when this ship goes up like a cannon."

"Then we will die together, boy."

There was a mad fire in Surd's eyes that made Jonny hesitate for just a moment. But a moment was enough. Another swing from Surd caught him off balance, then the governor's boot took the pirate's feet out from under him.

Jonny fell hard to the deck as Surd loomed over him, the point of his sword brushing Jonny's chin and his boot on Jonny's sword arm.

"Where is your sharp tongue, now, eh, boy? Perhaps I should cut it out first." Surd laughed-- a cold, harsh sound.

"No," he said, "I'll just run you through." He drew his arm back, preparing to nail Jonny to the deck.

There was a sound from behind him. Surd turned to find himself staring down the barrel of Jessie's pistol.

"Governor," she said, cocking the gun, "consider yourself removed from office." The pistol went off, and Surd lurched, then fell to the deck.

Jonny rose. He and Jessie threw their arms around each other. "We have to get off this boat," she said.

They ran to the railing where the *Bandit Queen* had once been. The pirate ship was already several hundred yards away, and gaining speed.

"I hope you can swim," Jonny quipped. He took Jessie's hand, and they stood on the rail.

**********

Hadji stood upon the quarterdeck, watching the *Talon* burn and grieving for his lost friends.

The *Talon* exploded, smoke and debris flying everywhere, a deafening roar shaking the timbers of the *Bandit Queen.* A few stray bits of smoking debris made their way to the pirate ship's deck, but none capable of damage.

**********

Jessie was only barely conscious, but could feel herself floating. *What's going on?* she asked herself. *Am I dead?*

Her reply came immediately. She felt a strong pair of arms wrap around her body, and felt herself being pulled upwards, agonizingly slowly.

Jessie quickly realized she was underwater when her lungs began to burn. Desperately, she paddled her arms and legs, trying to reach the surface.

**********

Sadly, Hadji began to turn away. He stopped, a flash of color on the dark blue ocean seen out of the corner of his eye. The first mate fumbled for his spyglass and raised it.

There, a hundred yards away, was a splash and a head, topped with dark red hair burst to the surface. Hadji watched as a darkened blonde head followed. The figures treaded water, gasping for air, then began to move towards the ship.

Grinning, Hadji turned to the crew.

"Lower a jollyboat, men! The captain's alive!"

The crew gave a cheer and set immediately to work.

**********

A few minutes later, Hadji was helping his soaked but very grateful friend back aboard.

"Captain on the deck," said Hadji, then embraced Jonny warmly.

"Thank you, my friend." Jonny bent and helped Jessie to the deck as well. She was greeted in the same way. She spotted her father and ran into the man's arms.

Jonny watched them a moment, nodded to Hadji, and headed into his cabin. The shades had been drawn, and a single candle guttered beside the bed where Benton Quest lay sleeping soundly. Jonny pulled a chair beside him.

"I don't know if you can hear me... Father... but I want you to know that Doug gave me the best childhood a boy could ask for. You're going to be just fine. You have to be. We've got a lot of catching up to do."

**********

Later that day after most of the repairs to the ship had been completed, the five of them were on the deck, watching the sun set. Even with fewer than a dozen hands, the *Bandit Queen* was making good speed for Tortuga, where they would take on supplies and crew. Watching the water speed by from where he sat upon the rail, Benton looked up at the proud master of this ship.

"She's a hell of a ship, son."

"That she is. Now, where is it that she can take you all once we've gotten her fully laden?" asked Jonny.

"What," replied Bannon, "no offer to join your crew as pirates?"

Jonny answered, "I didn't think you'd take me up on it."

Bannon smiled. "You're right. Piracy isn't for me, I'm sure."

"Bristol, perhaps?" offered Benton, scratching his rust-red beard. "I've always liked the idea of a house in the country. In the Carolinas, perhaps, or further north. As long as I can still be near the sea..."

"It sounds quite peaceful, Captain Quest," said Hadji. "And you, Commander Bannon?"

"I'm sure we can find a port to call home," he answered. Jessie looked at him, surprised.

"Did you say 'we,' Father?" The young woman asked. "I'm afraid I won't be going anywhere."

Bannon's eyes went wide. "Jessica? You intend to stay here, with..."

"With my captain," she replied simply. "I'm sure you can understand my not wanting to desert my crew."

"You can't mean this, Jessica. You weren't raised to become a pirate!"

Jessie fumed, then turned on Jonny. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

"I doubt anything I say will convince your father that you'll be safe if you remain a part of this crew, and he's right. What we do is _not_ safe."

She was aghast. "I can't believe--"

"It's dangerous, and that is a fact. But you are more capable of handling that danger than anyone I've ever met. In the end, it is your life, and your decision."

Hadji turned to his friend. "Jonny, you sound more like me every day."

"I know," Jonny replied smiling, "don't remind me."

Bannon hung his head. "I can see I won't be able to change your mind."

Jessie placed her hand on her father's shoulder. "Not that I need it," she said warmly, "but I'll be well taken care of-- Jonny will see to that."

The white-haired officer glanced over at him. "I'm sure he will," he said, placing his hand over his daughters'. "I suppose I could see myself running a tavern somewhere-- Boston, maybe, I--" Bannon's eyes widened suddenly. "I can't believe I've forgotten."

"What is it, Father?"

Bannon smiled. "We need to go back to the island."

"Why?" asked Jonny.

The smile widened. "The Queen let me in on a little secret. She wasn't exactly telling the truth about the treasure."

**********

A week later, the *Bandit Queen* lay in the busy seaport of Camden, Maine-- a small New England town in the northernmost colony. There, two shares of the treasure were being quietly unloaded.

Bannon had gone into town when they'd first landed and secured a large plot of land not far away, atop a high seacliff overlooking the Atlantic. He and Benton were to live in the town while the mansion was built. The locals were more than happy to limit their questions about the men once shown the color of their currency. When all the details were settled, they stood at the foot of the gangplank.

Jessie was again embracing her father, teary-eyed. "Goodbye, Daddy," she said, then stepped away. The tall man sniffed, but kept his composure.

"Captain, I'll expect you to visit often," said Benton.

"I will," Jonny replied, and headed up the gangplank. Jessie followed quickly. The plank was retracted, and the anchor weighed.

Slowly, the *Bandit Queen* shoved off, moving away from the quite cove and towards the darkening twilight.

"I expect my daughter to return here unharmed," called Bannon.

Jessie waved from the deck. "We'll be back for the wedding!" she cried, grinning.

"Wedding?" Bannon whispered to himself as he watched the three young pirates doubling over with laughter. "What've I done?"

"Come on, old friend," said Benton. "Let's go have a look at our land, shall we?"

"All right. Say, Benton-- do you have any good plans for the place? There's a lot of space up there."

"Oh yes," he answered. "You know that point that stretches out beyond the cliff?"

"Yes."

"I should think it would need a lighthouse."

**********

The *Bandit Queen* sailed out of the cove, towards the darkening band of sky in the distance. Still tittering, they went to the bow of the ship to watch the sky turn starry. Jonny sat on the rail, with Jessie behind him, one hand on his shoulder. Hadji stood on the deck right beside them both.

"That was a good laugh, Jessie," said Jonny, wiping his eyes. "Your father's expression-- priceless."

"It _was_ funny," she replied, "but not all in jest."

Jonny's mouth opened. "I, ah... that is, um..."

She laughed, then planted a kiss on his lips. He returned it gratefully, then cast his gaze once more on the horizon. Behind him, the *Bandit Queen*'s sails filled with a strong gust.

"So where do we go, Jonny?" she asked.

"Anywhere the wind is blowing."

THE END.

And, a bonus literary selection: "Sea Fever" by John Masefield

I must go down to the seas again,
to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship
and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song
and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face
and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again,
for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call
that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day
with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume,
and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again
to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way
where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn
from a laughing fellow rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream
when the long trick's over.