Mission: Green Island: Pirate Girls: In Service to the King

By Laura J. Salgado

Christy is thrilled to join the Pirate Girls, an elite team serving the King who lives in the magnificent castle up the hill from her town. Ignoring ominous warnings of danger, she boards the Golden Cross on a mission to rescue Melissa, a girl being spritually attacked on Green Island. During the voyage, dark forces oppose the ship making Christy doubt her abilities. When she finally recognizes the attack of the enemy, she worries she has done too little, too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hillcrest Media Group
• Release date: Dec 31, 1899
• ISBN: 9780578142968

Book preview

kings

CHAPTER 1

Summer usually ended too soon, but not this year. I looked forward to this first day of school, not because I wanted to study again or get a break from babysitting my brother and sister. I was waiting for the announcement sure to change my life. The day was half over; it would come soon. I selected a seat toward the back of the room of my fifth-period class, looking out the window as white puffy clouds floated through an impossibly blue sky.

Hey, Christy! My friend Jon slid into the seat behind me. So glad we’re in one class together. I got lunch next. What about you?

Me too! Wow, you grow a foot this summer? When did you get back from your grandparents’ farm?

Just last night . . . hey, sorry to hear about your grandma. My dad just told me. You okay?

Yeah, it was such a shock. I swallowed the lump in my throat. I spent the whole summer babysitting . . . not exactly what I planned.

Race you to the castle after school? We’ll talk?

Yeah, right. With those long legs, I don’t stand a chance.

Carry you on my back, then!

Show-off. What’s wrong with walking?

Jon smiled, his blue eyes twinkling. Even though I tried to sound tough, I couldn’t help but smile back, glad my friend was home again. Like me, he never took for granted what distinguished Owlam Point, our town, from every other. We couldn’t understand why everyone didn’t move here after they learned that the King lived in the castle up the hill. Even some of our neighbors never spent time with him, but not us. We never tired of hiking up to explore the nooks and crannies in the castle and its endless gardens, woods, creeks, and lakes. The best part of these excursions was running into the King when we least expected it. We both planned to work in his service when we finished school.

Welcome. Everyone settle down, the teacher said. This is AP Chemistry. Hope you’re ready to work hard this year.

I settled into my chair, trying to concentrate. Even though I was only a junior, I was taking accelerated classes to finish school early and start my real life.

Thanks to a generous donation by one of our students’ parents, you will each receive a new tablet to help you with your assignments. We will spend our time today learning how to use them for this class.

We oohed and ahhed as the teacher walked down the aisles and handed out the sleek tablets. I had just turned mine on when Jon poked me in the back with a pencil and whispered, Look! Remember what the King told us!

I glanced out the window. My heart raced, even though I wasn’t surprised to see two of the King’s couriers in full dress uniform heading down the hill from the castle. I looked down at the now seemingly dull tablet in my hand to steady my nerves. When I glanced up again, the men were crossing the school courtyard. Last spring, the King said we would be eligible to join his service and the invitations would be delivered the first day of school.

I sat up straight, looked directly at the teacher, but instead of listening to her, I strained to hear footsteps in the hallway. The King’s officials knocked on the door, entered, and announced, We are delivering invitations for the Royal Explorers and the Pirate Girls.

A murmur ran through the class. These were the two groups Jon and I dreamed of joining.

The Royal Explorers, first. Jonathon Blake Williams.

Way to go, Jon! I said. The class clapped as he strode to the front of the room to receive his invitation. As he was returning to his seat, a blonde-haired girl in the front row grabbed his arm.

Look at you! Guess country living agreed with you, huh? What a tan!

The girl, Brandy, stood and wrapped her arms around his neck, and then slid her hands down to his shoulders.

Wow, you’re not so skinny any more. You got some guns! Look! Brandy held up his arm for the class to see. Jon blushed and pushed her away as everyone laughed. He walked back to his seat, rolling his eyes.

Now, the Pirate Girls. My legs turned to rubber as I listened for my name.

Elizabeth Brandana Alexander.

Brandy jumped up.

Everyone calls me Brandy. Get it? she asked the couriers. Brandy Alexander! Can you believe my dad actually named me after a drink?

She took the invitation and twirled between the King’s officials. She smiled showing top and bottom teeth, cocking her head back and forth, blonde curls bouncing. You all can take pictures of me with your new tablets!

Drama queen. Jon leaned forward and whispered, Don’t worry, you’re next.

After one or two people snapped shots of Brandy with their new devices, she sat down.

The next Pirate Girl is Alea Agathe Kayabanda.

As Alea, Brandy’s best friend, stood to get the last invitation, my heart sank. The couriers thanked the teacher and exited the room. I hung my head, clenched my jaw, and swallowed hard.

Christy, don’t worry, Jon whispered. We’ll talk to the King after school.

I ignored him. Why wasn’t I selected? It couldn’t be because my parents needed more help with the kids now that Grandma was gone. That was just too cruel. The King didn’t directly say I would be chosen, but he had implied it. Or did I just imagine he would choose me to join the most elite group of girls in his service?

The teacher cleared her throat.

I know you’re all excited for Jon, Brandy, and Alea, she said, but we need to get back to work. Oh, don’t forget to thank Brandy for the tablets her father donated.

That was it. Brandy’s dad had somehow bought passage as Pirate Girls for her and her best friend. My dad’s trucker salary barely covered the bills and couldn’t compete with this extravagant outlay. I’d never even seen either Brandy or Alea at the castle. I met with the King nearly every day. I had even introduced my sister and brother to him during the summer. How could he just overlook our relationship? What could I even say to him? I couldn’t accuse him of taking a bribe.

I struggled to make it through the rest of the day. Either Brandy, Alea, or worse yet, both, were in every one of my classes. Alea was quiet on her own, but Brandy was obnoxious. She sat in the front row and asked for permission to announce her upcoming voyage at the beginning of each class.

I thought I would throw up if I heard her say one more time, If any of you have a special message for the King, just let me know and I’ll tell him.

When at last, this most horrible first day of school ended, I slammed my locker shut and stormed out of the building.

Christy, wait. Let’s go see the King! Jon yelled. He caught up with me in a few giant strides.

What’s there to say? He’s already made up his mind.

We have to talk to him. I know you were supposed to be selected. Don’t you want to know what happened?

I shrugged. I’ll find out eventually. Just be happy about your trip—don’t worry ’bout me. I gotta get home.

Christy, I can’t be happy if you’re down. Maybe I just won’t go.

Don’t be ridiculous. We both know the King’s plans are always perfect, even if we don’t understand them. I’ll get over it. Just stinks right now.

Christiana Maria Juarez! Christiana Maria Juarez! We turned to see a courier calling my name.

Over here.

He ran to me.

"Please accept my apology on behalf of the castle. Somehow, your invitation was left behind. You should have been formally invited in front of your class. We’ll come back tomorrow and make the announcement, but we wanted you to have this tonight so you could begin preparations. The Golden Cross sails in just a few days. Again, I’m so sorry. You must have been very disappointed."

You have no idea. I took the invitation and thanked him. I waited until he was an acceptable distance away before pumping my arms and legs. Jon scooped me up and twirled around three times. We high-fived and yelled.

Told you the King wanted you, said Jon. Open it up. I wanna see it.

With trembling hands, I lifted the back flap of the heavy, square envelope. I traced the embossed black ink on the cream-colored stationery with my index finger. Jon peered over my shoulder.

It is with great pleasure that the King announces the next voyage of the Golden Cross.

Christiana Maria Juarez

You are hereby invited to sail on this journey

and

begin your training as a Pirate Girl in Service to the King

Please note that you may only sail with your parents’ blessing.

Please RSVP to the castle tomorrow.

Uh oh, said Jon.

What?

The part about the parents’ blessing.

Don’t worry. I know I can get it.

CHAPTER 2

Dad! Look what I got today! I slid into the chair opposite my father, handing him the envelope.

What’s this? Wedding invitation?

Let me see! Let me see!

Alex, wait! Let Mom and Dad see it first. I jumped up, intercepting my little sister and swinging her around in the air.

Mom shut off the water in the kitchen sink and turned around in the small kitchen to look over his shoulder, It’s the King’s stationery. I could tell right away when Christy walked in. Probably an invitation to the royal ball.

You’re right, Mom. It’s from the King, but it’s much better than a wedding or a ball. I’ve been asked to join the Pirate Girls!

Dad shifted in his chair. Mom sat down abruptly, resting her hand on his shoulder. His hands trembled as he lifted the envelope flap and pulled out the invitation.

Isn’t it exciting? I also was shaking when I opened it.

What’s a Pirate Girl? Do you get to wear a black patch over your eye? said Alex.

"No silly. A Pirate Girl is ISTTK: In Service To The King. We do his work sailing on the Golden Cross."

Oh, I love that ship. What work will you do? Alex said.

Piwat . . . piwat . . . piwat! Baby Conrad ran through the kitchen on his circuit of the house and slashed the air with an imaginary sword.

Our mission is to help the King recover what the enemy has stolen.

They should call you helpers, then.

Alex, would you rather be called a helper or a Pirate Girl?

Pirate Girl! Woo-hoo! She slashed the air like Conrad.

Dad stared at the invitation. He propped his elbow on the table and rubbed his forehead. Mom patted his arm. He said, Christy, just exactly who do think the enemy is?

Anyone who opposes the King . . . who gets in his way.

He looked back down at the invitation. That’s what I was afraid you thought. You’ve no idea what the world’s really like. This trip is a bad idea.

What? Dad! What are you talking about? I sat back down and crossed my arms. I expected him to be concerned but not so upset. Alex climbed into my lap.

He lifted his head and, narrowing his eyes, spoke with a low angry tone. You spend all your time at the castle, with the King. You know nothing about the enemy.

En-me . . . En-me . . . En-me. Conrad ran through the kitchen again.

Are you going far away? said Alex.

I don’t know. Depends where the King sends us.

This isn’t just some vacation, you know? You could get sick. Or injured. Or worse. The enemy operates more freely out there. As soon as you put on that Pirate Girl emblem, you’ll have a target on your back."

Come on! I closed my eyes to hide their rolling. I exhaled, uncrossed my arms, and controlled my voice, looking directly at him. Dad, you sense the enemy, everywhere, even here. I never do. I’m going out under the King’s protection. It’s not the same as before . . . when you were out there.

My knee bounced up and down under the table.

Will you be gone a long time? Why are you shaking? Are you scared? Alex looked at me.

No, Alex. I’m not scared or shaking. Just nervous Dad might say no.

Piwat . . . En-me . . . piwat.

Conrad, stop running! Mom said.

From what I hear, it’s worse than when I was out there. Dad paused until I looked him in the eye. You’ve lived in Owlam Point your entire life. You don’t know how good you have it. He waved his hands, his voice louder now. No other town has a hill you can hike up to see the King. You’ll be away from us . . . from him. Have you ever really felt separated from him?

Is it dangerous? asked Alex.

What about your schoolwork? Junior year is the hardest, said Mom.

Piwat . . . En-my . . . piwat. Conrad caught his foot on Mom’s chair and went flying. I counted silently to five before he began to howl. Mom picked him up and snuggled him on her lap. I waited until he quieted and tried to control my trembling voice.

We get our school assignments and study aboard the ship. The older Pirate Girls are in college, so they can help me. This is what I’m supposed to do! I’ve known all my life I would work for King. I emphasized each word with a wave of my hands, lifting my head to look up at the ceiling.

Your grandma put that notion in your head when you were far too young, said Dad.

Marco, that’s not fair! Mom pulled away from Dad. My mom did a great job raising Christy those first years when we weren’t able.

Maggie, relax. I’m not saying your mom did a bad job. It’s just that Christy doesn’t know anything else.

Dad, last I heard, you were working for the King yourself. Thought you said it was the best job you ever had.

Watch your tone! I know a lot more about what’s best for you.

If you go, who will help me with my homework? asked Alex.

You’re in kindergarten; you’ll do fine without me. I’ll be right back—you’ll see.

You don’t need to sail away to work for the King, Christy. There are many jobs you can do right here, Dad pointed to the table with his index finger, safely in Owlam Point.

Christy, anything you want to do is available right up the hill. Mom leaned forward, stroking Conrad’s head. He struggled out of her arms and marched around the house again. Science, law, teaching, design, art. If you get an internship, you can even live in the castle for a while.

I don’t want those other jobs. Not when I’ve been offered this— the highest honor.

Christy, we need your help at home right now.

Mom, that’s not fair. Didn’t you just change your hours so I don’t have to rush home from school each day?

Yes, but have you considered what you’ll be doing? Have you looked at those other Pirate Girls? I’m not sure you can keep up with them.

I glared at my mom. I can’t believe you just said that.

Well, it’s not like you’ve spent your life on a boat. You’re not an expert swimmer. Besides being at Granny’s, you’ve hardly spent any time away from the house. I’m just trying to imagine you sleeping in a strange place with bunch of strangers . . . in the middle of the ocean.

Boat . . . .boat . . . boat! Conrad marched through the room.

Christy, said Dad, What happens if you fall off the deck?

Christy, don’t go! said Alex.

Stop this! All of you! I covered my ears with my hands. Look at the invitation. It’s from the castle. Signed by the King himself. A sudden thought almost made me smile. Besides, I can’t say no to him.

You’re wrong. Dad looked down at the invitation. It says right here you need your parents’ blessing to sail.

You wouldn’t!

This has to be right for the whole family. Not just for you.

Dad, please. You can’t stop me! Mom, help!

Mom looked down at the table.

I’m your father; I still make the rules in this house. Dad’s voice rose to a shout.

Rules . . . rules . . . rules. Conrad was running again.

I frowned, evaluating my next words. I lifted Alex off my lap. I had tried to be reasonable. My shoulders rose as I inhaled. Leaning forward, I exhaled and spoke just above a whisper. Fine. You can give me your blessing and let me go on this trip under the protection of the King, or in a year and a half, when I’m eighteen, I’ll go on my own. Just like Mom did.

Dad flinched. Mom’s head snapped up, and she glared at me and shook her head. Dad reached over with his right hand to rub the spot where he used to have a tattoo. He rocked back and forth as though in pain. His eyes glistened at the corners, betraying his hard-edged look. He sighed. Okay, Christy. You win. I won’t stop you from going, but as your father, I’m begging you not to go. I’m telling you, you don’t know what’s out there. You don’t know about our family history . . . how it will impact you.

Don’t suppose you want to share it with me now? I asked the question knowing that even now he wouldn’t tell me what from his past plagued him.

No, Christy, I can’t tell you anything except I love you and don’t want anything bad to happen to you. Ever.

I reached across the table and grabbed his and Mom’s hands. Mom pulled away from me. Dad, Mom, I love you both. Don’t worry, I’ll be just fine. This is different from when you were out there on your own. I’m sailing for the King. I’ll be in his care. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. Besides, haven’t you always said we need to trust the King?

Sighing again, Dad grasped my hands tighter. Guess I always knew this day would come. Promise me you’ll be extra careful. Follow every instruction your leaders give you. Especially those about the enemy.

I know I’ve got stuff to learn, but this is the best way—as a member of the King’s Pirate Girls.

Promise me.

Okay, okay. I promise. I’ll be careful and learn a lot. Before you know it, I’ll be back sharing my stories of adventure.

The enemy, Christy? Dad’s eyes misted again.

Yes, I’ll even learn about the enemy. I promise.

We rose at the same time. He held out his arms and hugged me. He kissed the top of my head and squeezed me tight.

Don’t wait on dinner for me. I’m going to the castle, he said to Mom.

Can I come? asked Alex.

Me go! Me go! yelled Conrad.

No guys, not this time. I need to be alone with the King. Dad squared his shoulders and walked out the door. I felt guilty, knowing I brought up painful memories and caused him to seek refuge at the one place he could find comfort. Conrad erupted into a loud wail and started to open the door. Mom lifted him, kicking and screaming, and turned to me.

Christiana Maria! Shame on you!

CHAPTER 3

As she summited the mountain on Green Island, Melissa planted her feet, clenched her hands, threw back her head, and screamed. Still shaking, she shouted, He’s wrong—has no right!

She brushed away sweat dripping down her forehead. She looked down thousands of feet of lush tropical growth to the bright turquoise water against the shore. She scanned the horizon, glimpsing a pod of dolphins frolicking in the distance. Who did he think he was, moving to the island just a few weeks earlier, making such rash statements about her home? She shifted her focus to the mowed green plot of land in the distance, dotted with stones that looked like pinheads. In that cemetery, she could count ten generations of her family, all the way back to the original founder. She sat on the small plateau and wrapped her arms around her legs.

The boy said her home was boring—that even its name, the Green Island, was dull. Maybe the name had lost some of its mystique when translated to English from its native language, but was he blind? Could he not see the limitless possibilities for adventure on the island? From hiking peaks like this one, to mountain biking, diving, snorkeling, surfing, boating, and more, her home held more excitement than anyplace else in the world. If none of these activities appealed to him, maybe he was boring.

Goody-two-shoes, of course you like this place, because you’ve never been anywhere else. You know nothing about people, the way the world operates. His words still rang in her ears. He was wrong about that too. Every year, her dad took the family to the big city for a vacation. She hated the noise and congestion. The people walked in packs to and from work on the sidewalks, so unfriendly with their pushing and shoving. They rarely made eye contact, and when they did, they either looked past her with blank stares or glared at her.

The islanders were nothing like that. They took time to greet each other when they met. Several times each week, she and her mother took meals to families who were celebrating the birth of a new child, mourning the loss of a loved one, or needing support through a difficult time. She was sure she knew more about people from her time on the island than this boy could learn in a hundred years living in some big city.

Worse than all his words and insults, though, was how she overreacted. She knew better. She had spent years traveling with her dad, the governor of the island, watching him settle disputes and resolve arguments. She had repeatedly seen him calm people down by listening, asking a series of questions, and then summarizing what they had said.

They like to be heard, he said. After all these visits, she was an expert at reading people and interpreting body language.

She had blown it today. As the boy uttered insult upon insult, an uncontrollable, white-hot anger rose inside of her. She shoved him— not hard, like when she and her brother got into it. It was more like a light push to move him out of her way. He fell backward and landed on his rear, hands up at his sides, fingers stretched wide in surrender. For a moment he looked shocked but then put his head back and laughed. He said, Must be all true, if you react like that, before laughing until he lost his breath.

She had left him there, rolling in the dust, and immediately set out for this secret place on the top of the island. When summer began, her dad had shown her the trail on the ancient family plot that led to this secluded spot. Her father explained that as leader of the island, sometimes he needed to get away from everyone. He could communicate with God up here. He told her she might be the next leader since her brother showed little interest in the job. She had no idea then that she would be seeking the shelter of this secluded spot so soon, just days before school started.

Maybe dad wouldn’t be too keen on having her travel with him anymore after her deplorable behavior today. When she went home, she would tell him the full story, and he would counsel her as if she were one of the islanders they had visited over the years. He would tell her how to handle the situation and make amends with the boring boy. She just hoped she could beat the island gossip and tell her side of the story first.

God, if you’re out there and listening, I’m sorry. Sure could use some guidance down here. She rose, scanned her beautiful island one more time, turned, and plunged into the dense green blanket.

CHAPTER 4

The next morning, even though I hardly slept, I got up right away, not hitting the snooze button once. A combination of guilt for hurting my father and excitement about the upcoming voyage kept me awake.

Surprisingly, Dad came home late last night instead of staying away for days. I overheard him and Mom talking as they passed my door. He insisted I didn’t know how to defend myself, that I was always pushed to the back of the line. Mom assured him it would be a good learning experience. Breakfast was quieter than usual. Dad hugged me and said good morning but nothing else. Mom barely made eye contact. I was glad to go to school, anxious for the day to end, when I could run up to the castle and get the Pirate Girls information.

As I opened my locker, a commotion arose several feet to my left.

Did you know, said Brandy in her loudest theater voice, when you are a Pirate Girl, your clothes are tailored just for you? When the group stopped squealing, she said, My mom and I tried to go out and buy them last night, and you just can’t!

My mom called all our relatives last night, said Alea. They’re all so excited for me. The