And now Part 15. “Villainy Revealed: A Grievous Journey"
The clear crisp morning found the fast-galley closing upon Trieste. The city began to appear on the horizon seven miles distant as the wind lulled into a dead calm. The advantages of the galley were immediately obvious as the oarsmen closed the gap to the shoreline.
The fortified city of Trieste loomed ahead larger and more detailed as it came into view. Numerous towers and bastions dotted the skyline and the city's defenses were impressive. Atop the city's highest central hill was a contemporary palace surrounded by a massive stone citadel. The port itself was defended by two long fortified sea walls that embraced the central space of harbor like two great enveloping arms. Instead of hands at their ends, there were two thick low round stone towers bristling with cannon. The space between the towers was the only way in or out of the city's harbor. The heavy defensive walls, towers, gun embrasures, and the massive enclosed sea walls, turrets and chain booms had been a necessity developed in response to a turbulent and bloody past. Although situated on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea, opposite Venice, the city was not currently a Venetian possession. Venice had taken the city several times over the centuries but had only ruled it for short times.
Because of Trieste's prominence as a large and excellent natural harbor – and because of it's strategic location at the north-easternmost corner of the Adriatic sea, the fortified city had always been surrounded or invaded by enemies. Dalmatians under Venetian rule dominated to the south and clashed constantly with the Habsburg supported Croatian Uskoks.
Spain had taken the city in a bloody siege a century past. Spanish troops had held Trieste off and on again for years with negligible successes after multiple plagues and famines wiped out most of their occupying forces. Venetians, Spaniards, Pirates, Germans, other powerful Italian city states, as well as the Grand Turk all counted among enemies or occupiers that had sieged, taken or lived in the contested city for short times over the centuries. The old Roman city had become accustomed to fending for itself and maintained a fiercely guarded sense of independence because of it. Much like the Hansa cities to the north, Trieste had been consistently ruled by its own independent council of merchant burghers since the fall of Byzantium. The citizens of Trieste maintained linguistic, cultural, and religious ties to Italy and were extremely loyal to their prominent mercantile families. However, their ruling council paid fealty to the German Emperors in a political move two centuries past - cementing an alliance that allowed the retention of Trieste's overall political and trading independence, while providing the intermittent protection of Imperial Habsburg troops. The city proved to be a useful port for the German Empire to allow trade and project some meager naval ambitions into the Adriatic and Mediterranean.
The independent nature of the city was evident as numerous ship types and their banners became visible. Topping the scores of masts - dozens of diverse flags caught the eye with bright streaming wind driven colors. The harbor was full of ships - square rigged and lateen rigged – warships and merchantmen – oar-driven and sail-powered. Cluttered among the enclosed space were Barbary xebecs flying no colors, Black Sea Turk fast-galleys, Uskok fastboats, English armed merchentmen, Venetian Genoese, Neapolitan, Florentine, Pizan, and Sicilian galleys, naos, and galleons - as well as several aging Imperial carracks. Independent merchant vessels and ships of war - some from as far away as Poland - all rode at anchor and moored to the wide crescent shaped dock-space.
Oddly enough several Spanish warships rode at anchor close to the northwest sea wall. Heyn shook his head and pointed them out to his officers when he spied the sinister crosses of Burgundy. The Dutchmen all looked on with expressions of concern until Jan Evertson pointed in almost the opposite direction and exclaimed, “We are not alone Gentlemen, look there!” The men all looked beyond the stern of a large Italian carrack that their fast-galley was passing by, suddenly allowing a clear view of around ten well sized English and Dutch warships. These ships were riding at anchor just opposite the Spaniards across the harbor - close to the end of the south wall's enclosure.
As the shallow draft fast-galley glided the final distance into a slip located on the city's main frontage, they were dwarfed by a great obsolete Imperial carrack tied off to the stone dock to starboard. Heyn's officers looked up at the shielded gunwales far above, spying a few helmet wearing German and Austrian soldiers peering over the side back down at them. The galley's oars were shifted into the hull and sailors threw mooring lines to the dock-workers ashore.
Heyn, Lenkovic and their men stepped off of the galley onto the wide stone dock-space. No one was there to meet them but the piers were bustling with activity. Heavily armed Dutch Infantry stood in a formation to their right. Heyn looking in the opposite direction could make out the bright yellow and red uniforms of Spanish musketeers through the crowds of dockworkers and meandering civilians to the north. “Do you know where we need to go?”, Heyn asked Lenkovic.
“No. They are expecting me to arrive on a different ship that departed just this morning - not the galley Capi Zen had waiting for us last night”, Lenkovic answered.
Zen walking up and overhearing the end of the discussion asked, “What was the name of the other ship?”
Bosko responded, “The Orizzonte”.
Renier Zen acknowledged, “Ah yes, I know her – an old Pizan galleass.” He then addressed the group assembled on the wide stone pier. “Gentlemen, I know the proprietor of the tavern just across the piers there.” Zen pointed to a wide three storied dark yellow painted stucco facade in the center of the frontage buildings - running along the wide main cobble-stoned street ringing the piers. “He will lodge us while we find out where Lenkovic needs to be.”
On the way across the wide frontage street, Heyn watched the Dutch troops assembled on his right. As they passed by the forward edge of the formation, the officers became visible and a prominent captain stood in front of the group barking out instructions.
“By all that's Holy!”, Captain Heyn blurted out and moved away from his men towards the other group of Dutch officers. Heyn's officers and Lenkovic with his ten remaining Uskoks, stood confused for a moment and then followed. As Heyn approached, the other Dutchmen all began to turn their heads to watch him. Their leader still speaking forward of the formation, was about to dismiss them when he turned to see Heyn walking up. He smiled wide as Captain Heyn stepped in front of him and grasped his hand in familiarity, “Moses you old rinking son of Abraham, I'm very glad to see you.”
Moses Cohen Henriques was an odd cut figure for a captain. He was still in his twenties (young for a captain) but appeared middle aged. He was tall and thin – strong and swarthy. His profile was somewhat typical of his Jewish ancestry, with large deep dark eyes and a pronounced well shaped nose. He sported a neatly trimmed heavy black mustache and a larger than usual beard. He wore the typical dark tailored breaches and doublet of a Dutch captain in warm weather. His ornate sword hung from a thick orange silk sash that draped across his chest - suspended from his right shoulder from below a large lacey white collar. Atop his head was a large swept brimmed black hat topped with several horizontally placed peacock feathers on its left side. He looked every bit a pirate, his face framed by fine black braids and ringlets. He was both distinguished looking and mildly handsome.
Jews while both welcome and common in the United Provinces rarely took up the profession of arms. Even more rare were those that ascended the ranks to become a captain. Henriques and his brother Abraham both had a reputation of great bravery. Henriques had distinguished himself in combat over and over again against Barbary and Dunkirk pirates and privateers. The Spaniards declared the brothers pirates - that received their instructions from Satan himself - and the Inquisition offered considerable rewards for their capture. Bigotry while less prevalent in the Netherlands than in most places was still a common evil. Most 17th century countries required Jews to wear identifying dress or hats. This was not required in the United Provinces. However, most Jews in public positions attempted to hide their ancestry because of discrimination. Henriques made no such attempts to hide his identity – but neither did he overtly display it either.
No one could deny the contributions of Jews to their new homeland. Jewish ship owners often hired out their vessels to be used in the risky endeavors of defense against Spain and the many pirates that harassed the rich returning Dutch convoys. The names of these ships like Solomons Ordeel, Sampson, Jozua, Gideon, and David en Goliad bore testament to the undeniable Jewish contribution to Dutch society and its defense. Many officers and men refused to serve on a ship led by a Jewish captain, but Henriques crew were made up of men from all over Europe and beyond. A much larger than usual contingent of Jewish sailors served aboard Captain Henriques ship, the Judith. Many dark skined sailors from Indonesia and Guinea were aboard. Indeed Henriques' 2nd Lieutenant was an immense black man who would sooner box a mans ears than to allow anyone to look upon his captain with the slightest disloyalty.
Heyn had originally distrusted Jews in his youth, but had come to have a much different opinion serving with them over the years – seeing that their loyalties were generally to country first and religion second.
Captain Henriques responded to Heyn's greeting, “Captain Piet Heyn! I wondered when you would arrive. We've been expecting you for the last several days.”
“What? Why were you expecting us.”, Heyn asked confusingly.
Henriques answered, “Captain Florissen arrived directly from Holland less than a week ago with two ships and orders from Admiral Van de Noort to debark all soldiers from Trieste. The orders impart an intent to engage the pirates at Rijeka when the Doge's squadron joins us to bolster our attack. English scouts report that there is an Imperial build up just north of here and the worry is that they will trap our forces in Trieste, or force battle upon us. The combined Dutch and English contingents here do not have nearly the ships or troops necessary to to repel an Imperial attack to forcibly oust us from Trieste. So far things have been peaceful enough, but Spaniards arrived in the city yesterday - and rumor has it for the specific reason of ensuring we do not attempt seizing the city for ourselves. If the Venetians had acted more quickly, Trieste would already be in our hands now and we could have used it as a valuable base of operations against the pirates. The orders also state that all Dutch captains are to put themselves under your command when you arrive with the Doges forces. So here you are. Where are the Doge's forces?”
Heyn groaned and shook his head. “I have been kept in the dark my friend. Attempts have been made upon my life. The Dutch consul in Venice is a traitor and prevented my audience with the Doge or any orders from reaching me. It is only luck that brings me to you now. My ships along with a small English squadron are safely in Venice, but I know of no Venetian squadron belonging to the Doge. There is a clear Spanish plot in execution here and we must be on our guard. We will not attack Rijeka until we get a Venetian order to do so. What is your strength here?”
Henriques answered, “We have four warships - all over four-hundred tons - and roughly twelve hundred men here. The English have six smaller warships and about seven hundred men.”
“Listen well Moses”, Heyn responded, “I want you to get all Dutch troops aboard ship and move our fleet outside of the seawall. Have two large launches with well armed men stationed dockside to await orders. I need answers to everything that is happening. We are awaiting an old galleass, the Orizzante. It should arrive before dark. I need ten good men from you to add to my own. We need to quickly seize upon several passengers arriving from that ship. I need to question them so that we may get to the bottom of this mess. Also, please give the English squadron commander my regards and tell him of my orders for you. I do not believe that Venice requires our help any longer. The political winds of war seem to be shifting and we are caught in the middle. If the English are smart they will follow us away.”
“Consider it done Captain”, Henriques acknowledged, as the two men shook hands and then turned away from one another. Captain Henriques immediately began issuing new orders to his men.
As Heyn, Zen, Lenkovic and their men entered the “L'Ursus” Inn, Renieri Zen met and warmly greeted the old tavern's owner. The group moved upstairs while Zen made inquiries to find out exactly when the Orrizonte was due to arrive and where.
While the group lingered in a long hall bathed in natural light from its windows, the men huddled around numerous tables to change dressings and discuss the last days events. Jacobi consoled young Adolpho in Italian imparting a message of hope in a beautiful, blissful and wonderful hereafter – focusing on the message that his parents were now very happy in Heaven.
After only half an hour, Zen returned and shared what he had found out. “They must have expected that Lenkovic would be released not long after we fled. The Orizzonte was actually due to depart under cover of darkness, only a few hours after we did. She is a large old galleass, so will not likely arrive until late this afternoon or early evening. It will probably still be light. We must all go out together to meet her. Whoever was supposed to convey Lenkovic here will undoubtedly attempt to meet their contact – with news I might add - of the fight that took place in Venice and Lenkovic's departure on a different ship. As Captian Heyn has made plain, we must seize that man – or men - and question them.”
The men waited in the tavern until just after ebb-tide. The sun was still above the horizon but beginning to set as the men moved to and waited upon the south docks close to where the larger galleases anchored. The Dutch ships could be seen just beyond the sea wall hove to with sails half set. Several English ships were there with them and more were making sail and moving through the wide central passage. Passengers were being conveyed to and from shore on small oar propelled barges, pollacres and urcas. A large galleas was slowly entering the defensive stone enclosure of the inner bay and shifting her oars. She did not stop in the bay like the other large oar driven ships, but was piloted directly to the deep wharf in front of them. She was clearly the Orizzante, but for some currently unexplainable reason, she flew the Doge's colors and Lion of St. Mark. She groaned to a halt and her men threw great hawser lines down to docking crews below as she dropped her great anchors mounted aft. Slowly the great prow of the galleass, looking like a large round wooden castle tower of medieval times – bristling with cannon - lowered two wide drawbridges down onto the stone pier.
As the drawbridges dropped with loud wood and metallic “thunks” onto the stone wharf, the echoing hoof beats of numerous horses could be heard through the streets. Soon a seemingly endless contingent of rag-tag cavalry and infantry soldiers emerged, escorting a heavy open wagon within their formation, approaching from the south gate.
Adding to the confusion, two large, finely appointed coaches – one open and one enclosed - approached from the opposite direction upon the frontage street.
Lenkovic smiled and excitedly uttered something unintelligible in his native tongue. The soldiers marching into the piazza from the south were obviously Uskoks and their wagon contained several bound, somewhat disheveled and dirty, but well dressed Venetian noblemen.
Several Jesuit priests and local noblemen exited the coaches that had come to a stop in front of the galleass. There were now several small contingents of soldiers assembled on the wide frontage street. Dozens of Uskok cavalrymen and a several hundred infantry made up the majority, but behind them was a disciplined troop of armored Austrian cavalry trotting into the piazza led by a nobleman wearing a finely decorated suit of Milanese plate armor.
A company of Spanish wheellock musketeers approached from the north and awaited in line at the ready. Stuck in between the moving masses of activity was Heyn's small group of Dutchmen standing and watching with interest on the waterfront's edge.
An entourage of finely dressed Venetian noblemen, a Roman Cardinal and several Jesuits escorted by armed mercenaries walked down the drawbridge ramp of the galleass stepping onto the stone pier. Among them was Giovanni Cornaro, the Spanish ambassador Huzinga, and the Dutch consul Van Sonnevelt.
Piet Heyn and his men stepped forward to meet them.
When Huzinga saw Lenkovic, he laughed and commented, “There you see your excellency – nothing to worry about. Here is Lenkovic waiting for us safe and sound.”
Then Van Sonnevelt glancing at Heyn commented, “However he does not seem to have carried out his instructions.”
Heyn pointed at Van Sonnevelt accusatively and in a loud oration, “I must insist that you surrender the traitor Van Sonnevelt to me at once.”
Cornaro responded, “Why Captain Heyn, on what grounds do you accuse him?
Heyn answered, “This man has purposely withheld orders received from our homeland intended for myself and my command. In addition he has deliberately put Dutch citizens directly in harms way. I suspect that he is in the employ of the Spanish government and until it can be proven otherwise, I demand his arrest in the name of the Dutch Republic and Stadholder Prince Maurice.”
Van Sonnevelt laughed wryly and turned to face Cornaro, “You see Excellency, he is a mad man.” Sonnevelt then faced Heyn, “No Captain Heyn, it is you that will be put under immediate arrest for the murder of numerous prominent Venetians, to include the Conestabile of Venice and the late Count Tommasso Orfini.”
Renieri Zen exploded, “This is an outrage! There are witnesses of what actually occurred. Heyn is blameless. Orfini told several of the Capi everything that has occurred. I was there when Orfini died, and it was not by Heyn's hand.”
Cornaro responded, “If he is so innocent, then what of his unlawful escape from the Piombi without parole and his deliberate interference of the prisoner exchange - and the peace accords with the Uskoks and the Imperial Army of Istria that has brought us all here? He has abducted Bosko Lenkovic when he had no business or authority to do so in this affair.”
Zen answered, “You seem to forget that it was Heyn that captured Lenkovic in the first place. In addition it was Orfini and myself that were responsible for the galley that brought us here. Lenkovic simply came along.”
“Enough!”, Cornaro cried out. “Nothing you say can be relied upon as truthful Zen. You are a known liar and libertine rake. I hereby demand your arrest as well and recommend to the Capi that you be stripped of your titles.”
Renieri Zen countered, “I demand that myself and Captain Heyn be taken before the Doge immediately so that he can hear the whole truth of all the events leading up to the present debacle and decide upon this matter himself.”
Cornaro laughed long and smiled at the Spanish ambassador Huzinga who smiled back. “Gentlemen, then look no further.”
“What do you mean?”, Zen enquired.
Van Sonnevelt answered, “Tragically, Doge Contarini has been dead these two days past. Six of the Capi of Ten were summoned and assembled hastily in an emergency session yesterday to elect our new Doge to office. We now simply await confirmation from the Patricians. So you see Gentlemen, technically you already stand before his Excellency the new Doge of Venice, Giovanni Cornaro.”
“This is impossible!”, Ranieri Zen commented.
“Guards, arrest those men!” Van Sonnevelt ordered.
The mercenary guards drew their weapons and began walking towards the Dutchmen. The Dutchmen formed into line around Heyn, cocked their wheellocks and aimed. The mercenaries stopped. Their captain looked uncertain and glanced back at the entourage. The Spanish ambassador yelled out loudly to his captain of musketeers, “Capitan Make Ready!”
The Spanish tercio captain commanded, “mosqueteros, hacer listos! Coseletes avanzar!”
Immediately, the musketeers stepped forward in unison raising their muskets into their forks and cocking back their dozens of locks simultaneously in quick purcussive steely snaps. Their defending cohort of cosetelete infantry stepped out from around their flanks without their usual pikes - dressed in half armors and babacete helmets. They drew their heavy hilted infantry swords as they advanced.
Cornaro, looked at Heyn and smiled. He stepped forward several paces, standing behind his mercenary captain. He spoke loudly so that everyone could hear, “Heyn you are hopelessly outnumbered. You should not have disembarked your men. You might have had a fighting chance if they had they stayed. Now be a good man and come back with us to Venice.”
Heyn was full of anger, but swallowed it and calmly answered, “Might I remind your honor that those men were sent here to assist Venice in its fight against Adriatic piracy. My ships and men – as well as those of the English - are here to honor our treaty with you. We came in good faith to balance power in your favor against Imperial forces, including the Habsburg Uskoks, and to deal with increasing Spanish aggression. But here now I see that you openly entreat with our enemies assembled before us.”
Cornaro responded, “I see no enemies here Captain Heyn - except yourself. Things change my friend. As soon as I can call for a council of war, it is my intent to suspend all hostilities with the Empire and its allies. It is not conducive to good relations or trade.”
“In addition, we no longer require Dutch or English assistance in a conflict that has all but ended. Van Sonnevelt will send word back to Price Maurice, thanking him for all his help over the last few years. However, we do not want to get in between our friends both Spanish and Dutch in their renewed conflict and we hereby choose to remain neutral in these matters.”
Heyn replied, “What do you mean renewed conflict?”
Van Sonnevelt answered, “You mean you haven't heard Heyn? The truce is dissolved - Spain and Holland are once again at war.”
Piet barely held back his rage. All he wanted to do was step forward and choke the life out of Dirck Van Sonnevelt, “Well you've managed to do a wonderful job keeping me completely in the dark Sonnevelt. I cannot believe that you have knowingly allowed our forces to be put into such a position of complete peril. When word reaches home of your dealings here, you will be a hunted man.”
Sonnevelt answered, “Do you really believe that Heyn? Are you as naïve as you are incompetent? I AM the word that gets home. It IS what I say it is. And I'm afraid that your version of events will never reach the Prince's ears. Guards! Continue with your arrest!”
Bosko Lenkovic quickly stepped in front of Heyn, “NO!” He pointed at the Uskok commander who spurred his horse forward. The large white stallion raised up briefly on its haunches and trotted quickly forward to Lenkovic. Bosko spoke quietly in Croatian to the man and he reared his horse around and trotted back to the Uskok officers. Before anyone could do anything, multiple orders were issued and the Uskok's forces, outnumbering all others present by the hundreds, surrounded everyone. The Uskok officers stepped up into the wagon with the Venetian prisoners and pointed loaded dags at their heads.
Then Lenkovic spoke, “You may think us just simple lapdogs of the Empire, but we will make peace when WE have been satisfied – not before! There must be further concessions before I call off my corsairs - and that Imperial captain astride his charger does not speak for me. If I wished it I could reduce this city to ashes and kill you all where you stand with the men I have here. I owe this man Piet Heyn a debt and I always pay my debts. I will not allow you to arrest him or harm any of his men.”
Cornaro answered, “Very well Lenkovic we will talk. I can assure you of our good intentions and that we will entertain any concessions you wish to levy upon us. However, concerning Piet Heyn, he is a known pirate and murderer. He must come to trial. It is very simple. If he does not surrender himself of his own free will, Dutch – Venetian relations may be put into grave jeopardy. I'm certain the Prince would not be too happy if he learned that Venice entered into an alliance with Spain simply because of a few pirates and criminals.”
Lenkovic, Heyn, and Zen huddled together and counseled in quiet murmuring. Several minutes went by and Captain Heyn turned to his men. “Captain Henriques, get out to the ships and take all our remaining men here with you. Get underway with best possible speed. Moses, it is very important that you convey KAPITEIN Van Dorn back to the rest of our ships in Venice.”
Heyn turned to Van Dorn, “Karl, you are in command of the Neptunus now. Tell Florissen that he is now the senior commander and my orders are to get the entire squadron back home as quickly as possible. We are in a state of war with the Spaniards once again, so take all precautions and seize or destroy any Dago prizes as you are able on your return journey.”
Van Dorn looked upset, “But Captain! What are YOU going to do?”
“Don't worry about me Karl. Lenkovic has things under control. Jacobi and the boy will remain here with me”, Heyn replied.
Several of the men shook hands and embraced Heyn as they made for the pier's edge and the large awaiting Dutch launches.
Lenkovic and several of his officers began talking and walking towards the coaches. Heyn turned to face the entourage in front of the great galleass and spoke in perfect Spanish, “Gentlemen, I hereby give up my commission as a Captain in the Dutch Navy and renounce all claims of citizenship. Much as my Uskok friends here I find myself a rejected citizen of the world. You yourself said it Cornaro - I am a criminal and a pirate. Prince Maurice would never support such a man as that, so I content myself to fleeing for my life in the company of thieves and robbers. But I ask you, who are the real thieves and murderers here and who shall God judge as such on that fateful day that we all know is coming? I would wager that no tithe, indulgence, or confession will wash the heavy amounts of blood off of your hands. Good luck to you all in the next life!”
Heyn laughed almost maniacally as Uskoks threw coachmen off of the large enclosed carriage belonging to the local dignitaries, and took their places. The coach's horses trotted forward a dozen meters or so and it stopped just short of the Spanish tercio. Captain Heyn, Zen, Jacobi, and the boy Adolpho scrambled on board and slammed the heavy wood door shut. Lenkovic lept up onto one of his officer's horses and before anyone truly realized what was happening, the coach was speedily making for the northern gate of Triest escorted by a dozen Uskok horsemen.
As the coach sped out of the gate and north, the cobblestone gave way to older Roman road scattered with old stones and interspersed with dirt ruts. Piet looked out of the large open window towards the sea from the high overlooking stretch of road. He could see the Dutch and English ships under full sail making their way southward into the open Adriatic. He thought for a long moment hoping they would be safe and muttered a little prayer to that effect. “God protect you my boys. God protect you.”
Stay tuned for Part 16. "Homeward Bound: The Reaper's handiwork"....soon.
Aaron R. Shields A.K.A. MK
The clear crisp morning found the fast-galley closing upon Trieste. The city began to appear on the horizon seven miles distant as the wind lulled into a dead calm. The advantages of the galley were immediately obvious as the oarsmen closed the gap to the shoreline.
The fortified city of Trieste loomed ahead larger and more detailed as it came into view. Numerous towers and bastions dotted the skyline and the city's defenses were impressive. Atop the city's highest central hill was a contemporary palace surrounded by a massive stone citadel. The port itself was defended by two long fortified sea walls that embraced the central space of harbor like two great enveloping arms. Instead of hands at their ends, there were two thick low round stone towers bristling with cannon. The space between the towers was the only way in or out of the city's harbor. The heavy defensive walls, towers, gun embrasures, and the massive enclosed sea walls, turrets and chain booms had been a necessity developed in response to a turbulent and bloody past. Although situated on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea, opposite Venice, the city was not currently a Venetian possession. Venice had taken the city several times over the centuries but had only ruled it for short times.
Because of Trieste's prominence as a large and excellent natural harbor – and because of it's strategic location at the north-easternmost corner of the Adriatic sea, the fortified city had always been surrounded or invaded by enemies. Dalmatians under Venetian rule dominated to the south and clashed constantly with the Habsburg supported Croatian Uskoks.
Spain had taken the city in a bloody siege a century past. Spanish troops had held Trieste off and on again for years with negligible successes after multiple plagues and famines wiped out most of their occupying forces. Venetians, Spaniards, Pirates, Germans, other powerful Italian city states, as well as the Grand Turk all counted among enemies or occupiers that had sieged, taken or lived in the contested city for short times over the centuries. The old Roman city had become accustomed to fending for itself and maintained a fiercely guarded sense of independence because of it. Much like the Hansa cities to the north, Trieste had been consistently ruled by its own independent council of merchant burghers since the fall of Byzantium. The citizens of Trieste maintained linguistic, cultural, and religious ties to Italy and were extremely loyal to their prominent mercantile families. However, their ruling council paid fealty to the German Emperors in a political move two centuries past - cementing an alliance that allowed the retention of Trieste's overall political and trading independence, while providing the intermittent protection of Imperial Habsburg troops. The city proved to be a useful port for the German Empire to allow trade and project some meager naval ambitions into the Adriatic and Mediterranean.
The independent nature of the city was evident as numerous ship types and their banners became visible. Topping the scores of masts - dozens of diverse flags caught the eye with bright streaming wind driven colors. The harbor was full of ships - square rigged and lateen rigged – warships and merchantmen – oar-driven and sail-powered. Cluttered among the enclosed space were Barbary xebecs flying no colors, Black Sea Turk fast-galleys, Uskok fastboats, English armed merchentmen, Venetian Genoese, Neapolitan, Florentine, Pizan, and Sicilian galleys, naos, and galleons - as well as several aging Imperial carracks. Independent merchant vessels and ships of war - some from as far away as Poland - all rode at anchor and moored to the wide crescent shaped dock-space.
Oddly enough several Spanish warships rode at anchor close to the northwest sea wall. Heyn shook his head and pointed them out to his officers when he spied the sinister crosses of Burgundy. The Dutchmen all looked on with expressions of concern until Jan Evertson pointed in almost the opposite direction and exclaimed, “We are not alone Gentlemen, look there!” The men all looked beyond the stern of a large Italian carrack that their fast-galley was passing by, suddenly allowing a clear view of around ten well sized English and Dutch warships. These ships were riding at anchor just opposite the Spaniards across the harbor - close to the end of the south wall's enclosure.
As the shallow draft fast-galley glided the final distance into a slip located on the city's main frontage, they were dwarfed by a great obsolete Imperial carrack tied off to the stone dock to starboard. Heyn's officers looked up at the shielded gunwales far above, spying a few helmet wearing German and Austrian soldiers peering over the side back down at them. The galley's oars were shifted into the hull and sailors threw mooring lines to the dock-workers ashore.
Heyn, Lenkovic and their men stepped off of the galley onto the wide stone dock-space. No one was there to meet them but the piers were bustling with activity. Heavily armed Dutch Infantry stood in a formation to their right. Heyn looking in the opposite direction could make out the bright yellow and red uniforms of Spanish musketeers through the crowds of dockworkers and meandering civilians to the north. “Do you know where we need to go?”, Heyn asked Lenkovic.
“No. They are expecting me to arrive on a different ship that departed just this morning - not the galley Capi Zen had waiting for us last night”, Lenkovic answered.
Zen walking up and overhearing the end of the discussion asked, “What was the name of the other ship?”
Bosko responded, “The Orizzonte”.
Renier Zen acknowledged, “Ah yes, I know her – an old Pizan galleass.” He then addressed the group assembled on the wide stone pier. “Gentlemen, I know the proprietor of the tavern just across the piers there.” Zen pointed to a wide three storied dark yellow painted stucco facade in the center of the frontage buildings - running along the wide main cobble-stoned street ringing the piers. “He will lodge us while we find out where Lenkovic needs to be.”
On the way across the wide frontage street, Heyn watched the Dutch troops assembled on his right. As they passed by the forward edge of the formation, the officers became visible and a prominent captain stood in front of the group barking out instructions.
“By all that's Holy!”, Captain Heyn blurted out and moved away from his men towards the other group of Dutch officers. Heyn's officers and Lenkovic with his ten remaining Uskoks, stood confused for a moment and then followed. As Heyn approached, the other Dutchmen all began to turn their heads to watch him. Their leader still speaking forward of the formation, was about to dismiss them when he turned to see Heyn walking up. He smiled wide as Captain Heyn stepped in front of him and grasped his hand in familiarity, “Moses you old rinking son of Abraham, I'm very glad to see you.”
Moses Cohen Henriques was an odd cut figure for a captain. He was still in his twenties (young for a captain) but appeared middle aged. He was tall and thin – strong and swarthy. His profile was somewhat typical of his Jewish ancestry, with large deep dark eyes and a pronounced well shaped nose. He sported a neatly trimmed heavy black mustache and a larger than usual beard. He wore the typical dark tailored breaches and doublet of a Dutch captain in warm weather. His ornate sword hung from a thick orange silk sash that draped across his chest - suspended from his right shoulder from below a large lacey white collar. Atop his head was a large swept brimmed black hat topped with several horizontally placed peacock feathers on its left side. He looked every bit a pirate, his face framed by fine black braids and ringlets. He was both distinguished looking and mildly handsome.
Jews while both welcome and common in the United Provinces rarely took up the profession of arms. Even more rare were those that ascended the ranks to become a captain. Henriques and his brother Abraham both had a reputation of great bravery. Henriques had distinguished himself in combat over and over again against Barbary and Dunkirk pirates and privateers. The Spaniards declared the brothers pirates - that received their instructions from Satan himself - and the Inquisition offered considerable rewards for their capture. Bigotry while less prevalent in the Netherlands than in most places was still a common evil. Most 17th century countries required Jews to wear identifying dress or hats. This was not required in the United Provinces. However, most Jews in public positions attempted to hide their ancestry because of discrimination. Henriques made no such attempts to hide his identity – but neither did he overtly display it either.
No one could deny the contributions of Jews to their new homeland. Jewish ship owners often hired out their vessels to be used in the risky endeavors of defense against Spain and the many pirates that harassed the rich returning Dutch convoys. The names of these ships like Solomons Ordeel, Sampson, Jozua, Gideon, and David en Goliad bore testament to the undeniable Jewish contribution to Dutch society and its defense. Many officers and men refused to serve on a ship led by a Jewish captain, but Henriques crew were made up of men from all over Europe and beyond. A much larger than usual contingent of Jewish sailors served aboard Captain Henriques ship, the Judith. Many dark skined sailors from Indonesia and Guinea were aboard. Indeed Henriques' 2nd Lieutenant was an immense black man who would sooner box a mans ears than to allow anyone to look upon his captain with the slightest disloyalty.
Heyn had originally distrusted Jews in his youth, but had come to have a much different opinion serving with them over the years – seeing that their loyalties were generally to country first and religion second.
Captain Henriques responded to Heyn's greeting, “Captain Piet Heyn! I wondered when you would arrive. We've been expecting you for the last several days.”
“What? Why were you expecting us.”, Heyn asked confusingly.
Henriques answered, “Captain Florissen arrived directly from Holland less than a week ago with two ships and orders from Admiral Van de Noort to debark all soldiers from Trieste. The orders impart an intent to engage the pirates at Rijeka when the Doge's squadron joins us to bolster our attack. English scouts report that there is an Imperial build up just north of here and the worry is that they will trap our forces in Trieste, or force battle upon us. The combined Dutch and English contingents here do not have nearly the ships or troops necessary to to repel an Imperial attack to forcibly oust us from Trieste. So far things have been peaceful enough, but Spaniards arrived in the city yesterday - and rumor has it for the specific reason of ensuring we do not attempt seizing the city for ourselves. If the Venetians had acted more quickly, Trieste would already be in our hands now and we could have used it as a valuable base of operations against the pirates. The orders also state that all Dutch captains are to put themselves under your command when you arrive with the Doges forces. So here you are. Where are the Doge's forces?”
Heyn groaned and shook his head. “I have been kept in the dark my friend. Attempts have been made upon my life. The Dutch consul in Venice is a traitor and prevented my audience with the Doge or any orders from reaching me. It is only luck that brings me to you now. My ships along with a small English squadron are safely in Venice, but I know of no Venetian squadron belonging to the Doge. There is a clear Spanish plot in execution here and we must be on our guard. We will not attack Rijeka until we get a Venetian order to do so. What is your strength here?”
Henriques answered, “We have four warships - all over four-hundred tons - and roughly twelve hundred men here. The English have six smaller warships and about seven hundred men.”
“Listen well Moses”, Heyn responded, “I want you to get all Dutch troops aboard ship and move our fleet outside of the seawall. Have two large launches with well armed men stationed dockside to await orders. I need answers to everything that is happening. We are awaiting an old galleass, the Orizzante. It should arrive before dark. I need ten good men from you to add to my own. We need to quickly seize upon several passengers arriving from that ship. I need to question them so that we may get to the bottom of this mess. Also, please give the English squadron commander my regards and tell him of my orders for you. I do not believe that Venice requires our help any longer. The political winds of war seem to be shifting and we are caught in the middle. If the English are smart they will follow us away.”
“Consider it done Captain”, Henriques acknowledged, as the two men shook hands and then turned away from one another. Captain Henriques immediately began issuing new orders to his men.
As Heyn, Zen, Lenkovic and their men entered the “L'Ursus” Inn, Renieri Zen met and warmly greeted the old tavern's owner. The group moved upstairs while Zen made inquiries to find out exactly when the Orrizonte was due to arrive and where.
While the group lingered in a long hall bathed in natural light from its windows, the men huddled around numerous tables to change dressings and discuss the last days events. Jacobi consoled young Adolpho in Italian imparting a message of hope in a beautiful, blissful and wonderful hereafter – focusing on the message that his parents were now very happy in Heaven.
After only half an hour, Zen returned and shared what he had found out. “They must have expected that Lenkovic would be released not long after we fled. The Orizzonte was actually due to depart under cover of darkness, only a few hours after we did. She is a large old galleass, so will not likely arrive until late this afternoon or early evening. It will probably still be light. We must all go out together to meet her. Whoever was supposed to convey Lenkovic here will undoubtedly attempt to meet their contact – with news I might add - of the fight that took place in Venice and Lenkovic's departure on a different ship. As Captian Heyn has made plain, we must seize that man – or men - and question them.”
The men waited in the tavern until just after ebb-tide. The sun was still above the horizon but beginning to set as the men moved to and waited upon the south docks close to where the larger galleases anchored. The Dutch ships could be seen just beyond the sea wall hove to with sails half set. Several English ships were there with them and more were making sail and moving through the wide central passage. Passengers were being conveyed to and from shore on small oar propelled barges, pollacres and urcas. A large galleas was slowly entering the defensive stone enclosure of the inner bay and shifting her oars. She did not stop in the bay like the other large oar driven ships, but was piloted directly to the deep wharf in front of them. She was clearly the Orizzante, but for some currently unexplainable reason, she flew the Doge's colors and Lion of St. Mark. She groaned to a halt and her men threw great hawser lines down to docking crews below as she dropped her great anchors mounted aft. Slowly the great prow of the galleass, looking like a large round wooden castle tower of medieval times – bristling with cannon - lowered two wide drawbridges down onto the stone pier.
As the drawbridges dropped with loud wood and metallic “thunks” onto the stone wharf, the echoing hoof beats of numerous horses could be heard through the streets. Soon a seemingly endless contingent of rag-tag cavalry and infantry soldiers emerged, escorting a heavy open wagon within their formation, approaching from the south gate.
Adding to the confusion, two large, finely appointed coaches – one open and one enclosed - approached from the opposite direction upon the frontage street.
Lenkovic smiled and excitedly uttered something unintelligible in his native tongue. The soldiers marching into the piazza from the south were obviously Uskoks and their wagon contained several bound, somewhat disheveled and dirty, but well dressed Venetian noblemen.
Several Jesuit priests and local noblemen exited the coaches that had come to a stop in front of the galleass. There were now several small contingents of soldiers assembled on the wide frontage street. Dozens of Uskok cavalrymen and a several hundred infantry made up the majority, but behind them was a disciplined troop of armored Austrian cavalry trotting into the piazza led by a nobleman wearing a finely decorated suit of Milanese plate armor.
A company of Spanish wheellock musketeers approached from the north and awaited in line at the ready. Stuck in between the moving masses of activity was Heyn's small group of Dutchmen standing and watching with interest on the waterfront's edge.
An entourage of finely dressed Venetian noblemen, a Roman Cardinal and several Jesuits escorted by armed mercenaries walked down the drawbridge ramp of the galleass stepping onto the stone pier. Among them was Giovanni Cornaro, the Spanish ambassador Huzinga, and the Dutch consul Van Sonnevelt.
Piet Heyn and his men stepped forward to meet them.
When Huzinga saw Lenkovic, he laughed and commented, “There you see your excellency – nothing to worry about. Here is Lenkovic waiting for us safe and sound.”
Then Van Sonnevelt glancing at Heyn commented, “However he does not seem to have carried out his instructions.”
Heyn pointed at Van Sonnevelt accusatively and in a loud oration, “I must insist that you surrender the traitor Van Sonnevelt to me at once.”
Cornaro responded, “Why Captain Heyn, on what grounds do you accuse him?
Heyn answered, “This man has purposely withheld orders received from our homeland intended for myself and my command. In addition he has deliberately put Dutch citizens directly in harms way. I suspect that he is in the employ of the Spanish government and until it can be proven otherwise, I demand his arrest in the name of the Dutch Republic and Stadholder Prince Maurice.”
Van Sonnevelt laughed wryly and turned to face Cornaro, “You see Excellency, he is a mad man.” Sonnevelt then faced Heyn, “No Captain Heyn, it is you that will be put under immediate arrest for the murder of numerous prominent Venetians, to include the Conestabile of Venice and the late Count Tommasso Orfini.”
Renieri Zen exploded, “This is an outrage! There are witnesses of what actually occurred. Heyn is blameless. Orfini told several of the Capi everything that has occurred. I was there when Orfini died, and it was not by Heyn's hand.”
Cornaro responded, “If he is so innocent, then what of his unlawful escape from the Piombi without parole and his deliberate interference of the prisoner exchange - and the peace accords with the Uskoks and the Imperial Army of Istria that has brought us all here? He has abducted Bosko Lenkovic when he had no business or authority to do so in this affair.”
Zen answered, “You seem to forget that it was Heyn that captured Lenkovic in the first place. In addition it was Orfini and myself that were responsible for the galley that brought us here. Lenkovic simply came along.”
“Enough!”, Cornaro cried out. “Nothing you say can be relied upon as truthful Zen. You are a known liar and libertine rake. I hereby demand your arrest as well and recommend to the Capi that you be stripped of your titles.”
Renieri Zen countered, “I demand that myself and Captain Heyn be taken before the Doge immediately so that he can hear the whole truth of all the events leading up to the present debacle and decide upon this matter himself.”
Cornaro laughed long and smiled at the Spanish ambassador Huzinga who smiled back. “Gentlemen, then look no further.”
“What do you mean?”, Zen enquired.
Van Sonnevelt answered, “Tragically, Doge Contarini has been dead these two days past. Six of the Capi of Ten were summoned and assembled hastily in an emergency session yesterday to elect our new Doge to office. We now simply await confirmation from the Patricians. So you see Gentlemen, technically you already stand before his Excellency the new Doge of Venice, Giovanni Cornaro.”
“This is impossible!”, Ranieri Zen commented.
“Guards, arrest those men!” Van Sonnevelt ordered.
The mercenary guards drew their weapons and began walking towards the Dutchmen. The Dutchmen formed into line around Heyn, cocked their wheellocks and aimed. The mercenaries stopped. Their captain looked uncertain and glanced back at the entourage. The Spanish ambassador yelled out loudly to his captain of musketeers, “Capitan Make Ready!”
The Spanish tercio captain commanded, “mosqueteros, hacer listos! Coseletes avanzar!”
Immediately, the musketeers stepped forward in unison raising their muskets into their forks and cocking back their dozens of locks simultaneously in quick purcussive steely snaps. Their defending cohort of cosetelete infantry stepped out from around their flanks without their usual pikes - dressed in half armors and babacete helmets. They drew their heavy hilted infantry swords as they advanced.
Cornaro, looked at Heyn and smiled. He stepped forward several paces, standing behind his mercenary captain. He spoke loudly so that everyone could hear, “Heyn you are hopelessly outnumbered. You should not have disembarked your men. You might have had a fighting chance if they had they stayed. Now be a good man and come back with us to Venice.”
Heyn was full of anger, but swallowed it and calmly answered, “Might I remind your honor that those men were sent here to assist Venice in its fight against Adriatic piracy. My ships and men – as well as those of the English - are here to honor our treaty with you. We came in good faith to balance power in your favor against Imperial forces, including the Habsburg Uskoks, and to deal with increasing Spanish aggression. But here now I see that you openly entreat with our enemies assembled before us.”
Cornaro responded, “I see no enemies here Captain Heyn - except yourself. Things change my friend. As soon as I can call for a council of war, it is my intent to suspend all hostilities with the Empire and its allies. It is not conducive to good relations or trade.”
“In addition, we no longer require Dutch or English assistance in a conflict that has all but ended. Van Sonnevelt will send word back to Price Maurice, thanking him for all his help over the last few years. However, we do not want to get in between our friends both Spanish and Dutch in their renewed conflict and we hereby choose to remain neutral in these matters.”
Heyn replied, “What do you mean renewed conflict?”
Van Sonnevelt answered, “You mean you haven't heard Heyn? The truce is dissolved - Spain and Holland are once again at war.”
Piet barely held back his rage. All he wanted to do was step forward and choke the life out of Dirck Van Sonnevelt, “Well you've managed to do a wonderful job keeping me completely in the dark Sonnevelt. I cannot believe that you have knowingly allowed our forces to be put into such a position of complete peril. When word reaches home of your dealings here, you will be a hunted man.”
Sonnevelt answered, “Do you really believe that Heyn? Are you as naïve as you are incompetent? I AM the word that gets home. It IS what I say it is. And I'm afraid that your version of events will never reach the Prince's ears. Guards! Continue with your arrest!”
Bosko Lenkovic quickly stepped in front of Heyn, “NO!” He pointed at the Uskok commander who spurred his horse forward. The large white stallion raised up briefly on its haunches and trotted quickly forward to Lenkovic. Bosko spoke quietly in Croatian to the man and he reared his horse around and trotted back to the Uskok officers. Before anyone could do anything, multiple orders were issued and the Uskok's forces, outnumbering all others present by the hundreds, surrounded everyone. The Uskok officers stepped up into the wagon with the Venetian prisoners and pointed loaded dags at their heads.
Then Lenkovic spoke, “You may think us just simple lapdogs of the Empire, but we will make peace when WE have been satisfied – not before! There must be further concessions before I call off my corsairs - and that Imperial captain astride his charger does not speak for me. If I wished it I could reduce this city to ashes and kill you all where you stand with the men I have here. I owe this man Piet Heyn a debt and I always pay my debts. I will not allow you to arrest him or harm any of his men.”
Cornaro answered, “Very well Lenkovic we will talk. I can assure you of our good intentions and that we will entertain any concessions you wish to levy upon us. However, concerning Piet Heyn, he is a known pirate and murderer. He must come to trial. It is very simple. If he does not surrender himself of his own free will, Dutch – Venetian relations may be put into grave jeopardy. I'm certain the Prince would not be too happy if he learned that Venice entered into an alliance with Spain simply because of a few pirates and criminals.”
Lenkovic, Heyn, and Zen huddled together and counseled in quiet murmuring. Several minutes went by and Captain Heyn turned to his men. “Captain Henriques, get out to the ships and take all our remaining men here with you. Get underway with best possible speed. Moses, it is very important that you convey KAPITEIN Van Dorn back to the rest of our ships in Venice.”
Heyn turned to Van Dorn, “Karl, you are in command of the Neptunus now. Tell Florissen that he is now the senior commander and my orders are to get the entire squadron back home as quickly as possible. We are in a state of war with the Spaniards once again, so take all precautions and seize or destroy any Dago prizes as you are able on your return journey.”
Van Dorn looked upset, “But Captain! What are YOU going to do?”
“Don't worry about me Karl. Lenkovic has things under control. Jacobi and the boy will remain here with me”, Heyn replied.
Several of the men shook hands and embraced Heyn as they made for the pier's edge and the large awaiting Dutch launches.
Lenkovic and several of his officers began talking and walking towards the coaches. Heyn turned to face the entourage in front of the great galleass and spoke in perfect Spanish, “Gentlemen, I hereby give up my commission as a Captain in the Dutch Navy and renounce all claims of citizenship. Much as my Uskok friends here I find myself a rejected citizen of the world. You yourself said it Cornaro - I am a criminal and a pirate. Prince Maurice would never support such a man as that, so I content myself to fleeing for my life in the company of thieves and robbers. But I ask you, who are the real thieves and murderers here and who shall God judge as such on that fateful day that we all know is coming? I would wager that no tithe, indulgence, or confession will wash the heavy amounts of blood off of your hands. Good luck to you all in the next life!”
Heyn laughed almost maniacally as Uskoks threw coachmen off of the large enclosed carriage belonging to the local dignitaries, and took their places. The coach's horses trotted forward a dozen meters or so and it stopped just short of the Spanish tercio. Captain Heyn, Zen, Jacobi, and the boy Adolpho scrambled on board and slammed the heavy wood door shut. Lenkovic lept up onto one of his officer's horses and before anyone truly realized what was happening, the coach was speedily making for the northern gate of Triest escorted by a dozen Uskok horsemen.
As the coach sped out of the gate and north, the cobblestone gave way to older Roman road scattered with old stones and interspersed with dirt ruts. Piet looked out of the large open window towards the sea from the high overlooking stretch of road. He could see the Dutch and English ships under full sail making their way southward into the open Adriatic. He thought for a long moment hoping they would be safe and muttered a little prayer to that effect. “God protect you my boys. God protect you.”
Stay tuned for Part 16. "Homeward Bound: The Reaper's handiwork"....soon.
Aaron R. Shields A.K.A. MK
