"1648, April, England, Newcastle"

Nicholas Clark walked at a measured pace on the front and approached the main door. A couple of weeks he decided to stay in England visiting a few of the activities of aristocrats, posing as a little-known brother of the Duke of Fred Thompson. Of course the Duke was a cover. Appearance? With that Nicholas never had a problem. For years robbery at sea gave him such wealth, to be envied, perhaps, the king himself. But along the way, however, Nicholas received a well-deserved among the pirates and ordinary people nickname.
"Fire crow." So he was called twelve years ago, when he was still just a kid, ripped the water depth on the "Calolina" with his father. Since childhood, having an addiction to fire, he tried to help plunder ships in the seas and oceans, burning them. At the whim of Nicholas his father often stood and waited until the pirates looted the vessel will burn to ashes. Since then, as father Nicholas was killed French officers, he began to hate their country, often burning their vessel directly into the ocean. Each time his grey eyes were on fire, silent rage, which was stronger than any storm. But not today. After all, he came to have fun! Nicholas smiled to himself, adjusted his watch chain, opened the door and entered the hall. His view was blinded by a huge chandelier with candles, decorated with crystal. The whole room had sumptuous: gold, silver, precious stones. For a second Nicholas broke into a predatory roguish smile, but he again had to put on a mask "gentleman" when he was approached by the owner of the festival.
- Allow me to introduce sir Nicholas, this is my daughter Anna. Anna, this is sir Nicholas Clark, brother of the Duke of Fred Thompson. - almost in the same breath said the man of a wealthy estate. Nicholas slightly bowed, kissing the hand of Anna, and still looking at her attentive look. The young girl seems this caller look confused, and she immediately pulled out a fan.
- Did not know that the Duke, Thompson's brother - thoughtfully said the girl, fanning herself with decorative peacock feathers.
- Didn't know that Baron William is such a charming daughter. – picked up Nicholas, still keeping his gaze with Anna's. The Baron smiled and took a step back.
- I know you had a wonderful time. Anna, dear, you're safe. Have fun! - Once the Baron went to be with the other guests, Nicholas gave his arm to the girl and pulled the face a pleasant smile:
- Would you like to dance, miss?
- No, perhaps a stroll in the garden. – said Anna, putting my tiny hand in a white glove in the hand of Nicholas, then slightly pomorsu nose, - And just call me Anna.
- Then I just Nicholas. – he replied, pulling Anna behind him in the front, and then on the street. On the street blew a refreshing wind. Already pretty dark, but the whole yard and the garden was well lit, so fumbling around in the dark when the travellers would not have to. Nicholas, Anna slowly descended the stairs and went into the garden. After a few steps the girl broke the awkward silence.
- What are you... are you doing? – Anna drew your "marine" eyes on the pirate. He thoughtfully looked at the sky. As always black and covered with small scattering of stars. Nicolas sighed. No, Anna doesn't need to know about the nature of the profession. Let's say he's the researcher.
- Swim in the seas and oceans, discovering new lands for France– easy finally gave Nicholas. Lies were always given to him without difficulty. Anna suddenly gasped and stopped, excitedly clutching hands to his chest. Her eyes expressed extreme fear. Nicholas stood in amazement and looked at the girl's face, once again noticing how incredibly beautiful she is.
- Nicholas...But there's a famous pirate "Fire crow"! You are not afraid? – Anna disbelieving eyes "drilled" his companion. Nicholas smiled with curiosity. But it's interesting what they say about him in the nation. You can listen to.
- Why should I be afraid of a pirate? – a bit of fun said Nicholas, - In the ocean a lot of them. If everyone was afraid, which is such a terrible nickname, you can, in fact, do not to leave the house! - laughing finished a pirate.
- They say... - Anna approached closer to Nicholas, and almost whispering, - He hates the French. And he was terribly disgusting, fat and hideous!
Nicholas listened to everything with interest, and at the end of the fiery "the secret," Anna laughed out loud. The girl blankly stared at him with her big eyes, but Nicholas was still laughing. Can't be! To the people about him invent such nonsense?! Fools! Nicholas finally calmed down and not without a smile looked at Anna. With a rather attractive appearance and good manners he could not be afraid that it will bite. Moreover, it was interesting and fun to listen to such ramblings. Nicholas, Anna went on to the garden and the guy decided to support this conversation.
- Do you believe this?
- I don't know.. – shrugged beautiful Anna.
- I hear he's fabulously rich... - continue to extol the "Fire crow" Nicholas. He squinted with a mischievous smile looked at the girl and she just looked away, once again taking out his strange fan. Nicholas mentally grinned his next small victory and finally put Anna on a bench in the garden.
- What? – carelessly threw a beauty, trying to look arrogant. However, in her almost emerald eyes read lust of this wealth. As expected Nicholas. She is as greedy for luxury and money, like most ladies modern England. And not only this country.
- What if he was the last handsome man, you would have gone with him? – sitting down, mused Nicholas.