Miya Black, Pirate Princess I: Adventure Dawns: Miya Black, Pirate Princess, #1

By Ben White

There's no place like home.

For Princess Miya Black 'home' is Clover Island, a tiny dot of a place not even named on most maps. Founded fifteen years ago by her parents, ex-pirate Tomas "Boots" Black and ex-princess Lilith "Lily" Brightburn, it's a place for second chances and new beginnings. It's there that Miya was born, there she grew up, and there she now lives, spending her days riding with her best friend, practising swordsmanship with her fake uncle, sailing with her father, and avoiding book lessons with her mother. To Miya it's the best place in the entire world, and she knows how lucky she is to have it.

So when her home is threatened Miya doesn't just sit around sulking. She's the princess of Clover Island, with the blood of pirate legends running through her veins, and she'll do whatever it takes to protect her kingdom.

"Adventure Dawns" is the first book in the Miya Black, Pirate Princess series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clover Island Publishing
• Release date: Mar 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781386545897

Book preview

1

The Pirate Princess Of Clover Island

Miya Black was thirteen years old and annoyed. She was thirteen years old because her fourteenth birthday wasn't for another couple of days. She was annoyed because her upcoming birthday celebration was going to include a formal dance.

Mum, I hate that kind of thing. You know I hate that kind of thing. Don't you pay any attention to my loves and hates at all?

Miya's mother was Lilith 'Lily' Black, queen of Clover Island and ex-princess. She had long black hair and dark eyes, and was often remembered by people as being tall, although in fact she was of slightly below-average height.

Come on, Miya, she said. You like dancing. Everyone likes dancing! Who doesn't like dancing? Name me one person that doesn't like dancing.

Peggles, down at the docks, Miya's father put in. Her father was Tomas 'Boots' Black, king of Clover Island and ex-pirate. He had short, wavy brown hair and deep hazel eyes, and a kind of relaxed air about him that extended from the way he sat to the way he smiled. He's got two wooden legs, I'm sure he wouldn't enjoy dancing.

Now that's where you're wrong, said Lily. I have it on reliable authority that Peggles LOVES a good dance, so long as he's got something to hold onto.

Miya stomped over to the window. She was good at stomping.

Huh, she huffed. She was good at huffing, too. Other things Miya was good at included swordsmanship, curtsying (even while wearing trousers), swimming, sailing and riding. One thing she wasn't good at, however, was accepting defeat. She glared out the window as she tried to think of another angle of attack—the sun was setting and the island almost glowed in the dusk light, the vibrant green of the distant jungle particularly vivid. In the sky a flock of seagulls squawked and flapped, noisy and joyfully free. Miya scowled at them. (Scowling was something she was very good at.)

Anyway, she said, turning to direct the scowl at her mother, it's not the dance part that bothers me, actually. It's the formal part.

What's so bad about a little formality? Formality makes the world go round, you know, said Lily, frowning a little as she tried to sort out a ball of tangled wool. Hold this end, could you please?

Miya stomped over and took the bit of wool her mother was holding out. I'm pretty sure it doesn't, she muttered as her mother tugged at the wool. "But ... I mean ... it'll be all dresses and suits and other kinds of uncomfortable clothes, right? I hate that stuff! It's like that ball on Embassy Island last autumn, that was awful."

She does have a point, Lily, said Tomas, looking up from the book he was reading. It was pretty awful.

Oh, it wasn't that ... all right, I have to admit it, that ball was awful, said Lily. But this will be different.

There won't be any Highland diplomats there for one, said Tomas, in a low voice.

It'll just be us and people from the island, said Lily. All your favourite people! Uncle Lars will be there, and your friend Penny, I'm sure she'd enjoy it—

She might if you let horses attend. Which would probably make it more enjoyable for everyone, actually. You should consider doing that, said Miya. The Miya Black 'Bring A Horse!' Birthday Dance. Sounds fun to me.

Tomas raised his book to cover his smile, while Lily frowned to cover hers. I don't think so, she said, tugging hard on the wool. But stop fooling around for a moment, Miya.

Who's fooling? Bring a horse to a dance, I'm completely serious, that sounds like it'd make the whole event quite tolerable.

Regardless of what you think, a formal dance is not the place to bring any kind of animal, said Lily. It's a place to, oh, you know, eat tiny food and drink tiny drinks, and mix and talk and laugh, like this: ahohoha!

Ahohoha! laughed Tomas.

Ahohoha! laughed Miya, unable to resist. Stop it! Stop making me laugh in a fun way!

You see? You'll enjoy it.

I might not. I might decide NOT to enjoy it, said Miya. And then there's nothing that could force me to. Not even horses.

In any case it's already being organised, and it'll go ahead whether it has your approval or not. Being a princess is sometimes about doing something you don't want to, Miya, said Lily.

But it's my birthday! It should be just about me and what I want to do!

Even on your birthday, this fact applies. In any case, you're having your ridiculous competition which I must once again state my objection to—

It's not ridiculous! It's a sword fighting competition! A duelling contest! There's absolutely nothing ridiculous about swords!

Except maybe that time Uncle Lars got his sword stuck in the ground and his sleeve stuck on the hilt and then tripped over a rock and ended up shirtless, said Tomas.

Yeah, actually that WAS pretty ridiculous, said Miya, laughing. How'd he even manage to do that?

I still think it was on purpose. Just showing off in an odd way, said Tomas. Lars has a strange sense of humour sometimes.

Lily tugged on the wool one final time and gave a triumphant Hurrah!.

Hurrah! echoed Miya, releasing the end of wool she'd been holding as her mother finished winding it into a tight ball.

Well, now that's sorted out I think it's time for bed, said Lily.

What? It's still light outside!

You know that's only because we're in the middle of summer, said Tomas, checking his pocket watch. It's well past ten. And you have swordsmanship lessons in the morning, you'll want to be well rested for that.

Hm, said Miya. She looked out the window for a few moments, glanced up as her father joined her.

Another gorgeous sunset, he said, gazing out. They never get boring, you know. Other things do, you wouldn't believe how boring shaving gets, but sunsets? You could see a thousand of them, ten thousand, and still look forward to the next.

It is nice, Miya admitted.

Island sunsets really are the best, said Lily, joining the other two. They just have this magic.

Not that I'd know what a sunset NOT on an island looks like, said Miya.

They're not as good, said her mother. Trust me.

They were silent then, all three of them gazing out the window together.

Those seagulls are bloody noisy, though, Tomas said, breaking the moment.

Language, said Miya and her mother together.

Still, he continued, there are some things in this world that you just can't change.

Very true, said Lilith.

Huh, said Miya. I don't know about THAT. In any case, I'm going to bed—honestly, I don't know how you two can stay up so late.

*

Miya Black stood as tall as she could (around four foot nine), sword in hand, her feet planted firmly on the ground. She wore a black and green bandanna tied over her short black hair, and her dark eyes were alert and shining. Her clothes were fine but simple; a clean white shirt, blue trousers, comfortable brown leather boots. She stood at the ready as her teacher paced in front of her.

Grip, grip, grip, grip, grip, her teacher was saying. Once more? Grip. And perhaps just one more time, in case you've forgotten already: grip. Grip is the most important factor in swordsmanship.

As her teacher spoke Miya silently mouthed along; this was a speech she'd heard many times before.

You cannot fight without a sword, her teacher was continuing, and if you lose your grip on your sword then you will not HAVE a sword. Correct? Thus, grip. How is your grip, Princess?

Strong.

Strong enough?

Stronger than strong enough, said Miya. She didn't move as her teacher struck the side of her blade with his bare hand, the strength of the blow vibrating through her arm. She frowned in concentration as he struck again, this time with his sword, the strength of this blow making her teeth ring. The third blow didn't connect; she pulled her sword out of the way first.

Hey! Miya cried out, as the rock her teacher had thrown thudded to the ground beside her. What was that?

A rock, they're quite common, I'd think even a princess would have encountered one before, said her teacher, a tall, wiry man with a weathered face and short blonde hair.

Lars, what if you dented my sword?

Then our next lesson would be 'how to remove dents from your sword', what's the problem? Were you afraid you would lose your grip, as you always do?

I didn't lose my grip this time, said Miya. Because I didn't let the blow land. Right? I mean, if I don't let my enemy hit my sword then I'm not going to lose my grip, don't you agree?

I do not. Perhaps the best explanation is demonstration.

Lars moved, and his sword flashed before Miya's eyes. She looked carefully down, to where he held the edge a few inches from her neck.

Maybe a time when you would have preferred the enemy to, perhaps, hit your sword? Rather than your neck, I mean.

Miya smiled. Lars looked carefully down, to where Miya held her sword, the tip a few inches from his heart. He grinned and quickly pushed her sword away with his own.

You are quick, I admit that. But you will never be able to avoid or counter every blow in this way. And you are forgetting one important fact; battle is not only about avoiding attacks, it is also about landing your own! Grip is most important when you are on the offensive!

Lars suddenly spun and slashed at the much-abused log that was their usual 'target'. The blade bit into the log with great force but he barely showed the impact, reversing his spin to strike the other side of the log before leaping back and saluting his opponent.

Now, if I had not the grip, I would have lost my sword with the first blow, said Lars, sheathing his sword. If you do not have the grip, you cannot fight with even a tenth of your strength. Your grip is important, Miya, very important. For homework I want you to squeeze rocks.

Still?

Still. You have the special squeezing rocks I gave you?

Yes, said Miya. She sighed. It's just so boring.

We do the boring training and such so that when we encounter the exciting battles and such we do not end up dead and such. You understand this.

I suppose so, but—

But nothing. Basics, basics, basics. Foundation! Without a good foundation any building, any skill will collapse. Grip is the foundation of swordsmanship. Your hands must be strong, your wrists must be strong, and then naturally your arms will be strong, your shoulders, your chest, your heart, all of that will follow your hands. So, squeeze your rocks. Squeeze them hard!

Okay, I will, said Miya. Is that the end of today's lesson?

What, you want more? We have trained since the morning, the sun is robbing us of our shade—aren't you a little tired?

Well ... more than a little, but—

But then give your body some chance to rest. While you rest your body learns, didn't you know?

You tell me that almost every time we have a lesson, so, yes, I did know, said Miya. But I need to train more to catch up, we missed like three weeks when you went away last month.

You trained with your father still, I believe?

Yeah, but he's too relaxed about everything.

Lars laughed. Not everyone can be a great teacher, I suppose, especially when the student is your princess daughter.

I guess not, said Miya. Well ... see you tomorrow, I suppose.

At your big birthday event, certainly, said Lars.

Looking forward to it?

Oh, of course! How could I not?

I can't wait for the swordsmanship contest, said Miya.

Well, there is that, but I read there would be a formal dance at evening's end—

What? The DANCE?

Of course, who doesn't like dancing?

No one, apparently, said Miya, with a small sigh.

You are an accomplished dancer yourself, yes? I think that shows in your movements clearly, you certainly have an elegance to you.

Really? Miya gave a little spin, pleased. Well ... I do like dancing. But—

Then enjoy it, Miya, enjoy it.

I've already decided I won't, said Miya.

Oh? said Lars, turning to walk away. That's a shame. See you later, Princess.

Later, then.

Miya sheathed her sword, then started off down the path opposite the one Lars took. It was a nice day, not too hot, the sky blue, the few clouds she could see fluffy and white, the palm trees along the path rustling in the gentle sea breeze. Miya's training ground was a wide, sheltered ledge halfway down the path from her home, which was a large house built near the edge of a cliff overlooking the bay. Below lay the town of Blackport, where some thousand people lived, and to the east were wide green fields of clover. The horse stables were also here, on the edge of the clover fields, and that was where Miya was heading now.

Hi Penny, she said, as she entered the stables. Penny was a tallish kind of girl with short, messy blonde hair and kind green eyes. She was fourteen years old and knew everything there was to know in the world, at least as far as horses were concerned.

Hey Miya, she said, looking up from the horse she was rubbing down. Here to take Three Leaf out?

Not today, I was practicing swordsmanship all morning, better not push myself too hard, said Miya, walking over to the horse Penny was tending and patting its nose.

Again? That's like almost every day this week, don't you get sick of swords?

Don't you get sick of horses?

Fair point.

You're coming to my party, right? Miya asked, stroking the horse's side absently. I mean, you got an invitation?

Isn't it an open party? There are posters all over town.

Oh. Right, said Miya. I haven't been into town lately. So you're coming?

Of course, why would you even ask?

Miya shrugged. Just wanted to make sure.

I don't think you have to worry about low attendance, it's kind of the 'hot topic' at the moment.

Really? Gosh, that's kind of sad, said Miya, half-smiling. No one's got anything better to talk about than my birthday?

Well, it's mostly the party they're talking about, said Penny.

Oh.

But if you weren't having a birthday there wouldn't be a party, so ... y'know.

I guess. How are the horses?

Pretty good, Moonlight's off his feed but I think he's just being fussy. Bandit's been really jumpy lately, though. Something's gotten into her.

Bandit? She's Lars's horse, right?

When he rides, which is almost never. Maybe she's just worked up because she doesn't get taken out often enough, said Penny. I was thinking of running her around the fields this afternoon, if you want to join?

Can't. Book lessons. You're really lucky just getting to play with horses all day.

Hm, said Penny.

Wish I could, you know, just sail around and spar and swim, said Miya. Without having to take lessons all the time.

Be a pirate, you mean? asked Penny. Miya grinned.

Well I am a pirate's daughter, you know. That makes me half-pirate.

At least. You're a queen's daughter too, does that make you a half-princess?

At least, Miya sighed.

I think you're lucky. A lot of girls would love to be a princess. Even half of one, said Penny, patting the horse's flank and then washing her hands in a bucket.

They can have it, said Miya, making a face. It's probably not as much fun as it looks.

Penny wiped her hands on a rag then stood up. Probably not.

Anyway, I should get going before Mum starts looking for me. You know how embarrassingly loud she can get, said Miya.

See ya, said Penny, as Miya headed for the stable doors. Stop in if you change your mind about this afternoon.

Okay. See you later!

Miya left the stables behind and began ambling towards her house, hands in her pockets. About halfway up she stopped and looked back, smiling as she saw Penny taking a horse into the fields.

Probably not, she muttered to herself, then she took her hands out of her pockets and ran up the path.

*

Blackport really is a pretty town, Miya thought. I know I don't have much to compare it to, just the towns on Triangle Island and Outlook Island really ... but there's no question, it beats the pants off them in terms of prettiness. I even like how all the houses are kind of squashed up against each other ... I don't know, it just looks friendly.

Most of the houses in Blackport were made of light wood, or bricks made from the golden-yellow clay found on the eastern side of the island, or a combination of the two. That was just the basis of things, though; for whatever reason, Clover Islanders tended towards a love of colour—almost every house was painted brightly, flags and flowers could be seen everywhere, and at least a dozen houses had full vegetable gardens on their flat roofs. Maybe it's because lots of artists come here, Miya thought. Like Mr Petic, he's painted those cute trees and flowers on nearly every exposed wall on his entire street now. And Ms Dahlia with that big mural she did against the cliff, all those spirals and shapes and amazing colours.

... have you been listening to a single word I've said?

Miya continued gazing out the window for a few seconds before she realised her mother had asked her a direct question.

Um ... yes?

Come on, Miya, said Lily. I know these lessons aren't your favourite but they ARE important. Like it or not, you are a princess. There are certain things you have to know.

But they're so BORING. And I can't see where I'd ever need to know about ... about ... what am I learning about today?

Miya, honestly. You've filled almost a whole page of your workbook with notes, what have you been writing?

I have? Oh wow, I have! That's kind of impressive, right? I wasn't even looking when I wrote most of that. Miya peered at her handwriting, trying to decipher what she'd written. Um ... salutation? Wait, what? Why are we doing salutation AGAIN?

In order for you to remember it.

But I do remember it! I remember how boring it is!

Well, maybe you could tell me what salutation is, then.

What, don't YOU know?

Miya.

All right, fine. Miya sighed, then put on a bored, sing-song voice: Salutation is the right of royalty to ... to present themselves—

To be presented.

—to be presented before the ... guys in charge. Kind of like parley.

Not precisely. Salutation is—

Why do I have to study all these rules and little nitpicky annoying details? Basically all it means is that if I'm somewhere new I can go talk to the king or mayor or whatever, right? That's just like, I don't know, common sense or something, why do I need to remember all this useless stuff?

Miya.

Well it is! It's all so USELESS! Why can't I just read something from the library instead of studying this? I'm sure I learn more from stories than from THIS thing.

'THIS thing' was the huge, heavy tome that Lilith used to teach her daughter; 'The Royal Code'. It was a complex book that attempted to unify the royal laws of Algernon and the Highland, the two most powerful nations in the Western Necessary Ocean.

This book is the reason we have this island at all, said Lily, calmly. It's important to understand the rules of the world you live in, Miya. I know that you think of yourself as a 'girl of action', I know you'd rather be riding your horse or exploring the island or out on your ship, or even down at the docks helping your father coil ropes, but action without understanding is futile—dangerous, even.

Queen Lilith looked at her daughter, at the look of annoyed incomprehension on her face. She let out a patient sigh.

Someday you'll understand, she said.

*

I knew you'd be in here.

Tomas looked up at his daughter, who was standing in the doorway to his little library with a smug smile on her face.

I'm so predictable, I know, he said. Off to bed already?

Yeah, I thought I'd turn in early, get rested up for tomorrow.

What's tomorrow? Tomas asked, putting a book back in a bookshelf.

Um, hello? My birthday?

Just teasing, Coconut. Miya's father inspected the books on the shelf, then reached out to take one.

'Necessary Tales'? said Miya.

What with your birthday coming up and all, it reminded me of when I used to read to you, said Tomas, smiling fondly at the book's cover. This was always your favourite.

Yeah, when I was younger.

You're not so old yet.

I'll be fourteen tomorrow, that's pretty old.

Hah. Try looking at it from the wrong side of forty.

I can't even IMAGINE being THAT old.

Oh. My own daughter's words, they do wound me so, said Tomas, grinning. He put the book back. Maybe I have read that one too many times. It's almost falling apart anyway. Oh, hey, your mother's going to be busy organising things tomorrow, but my part is pretty much done. What are you going to do with your morning?

Dunno. Get ready for the competition, maybe.

It's been a while since we did something, just the two of us. What do you say we take your ship out? We could sail around to your beach, see how that money tree of yours is doing.

Dad. Miya shook her head, trying to keep from smiling. Well ... I guess that could be kind of okay.

Goodness, the enthusiasm of her, I can barely keep up with the youthful exuberance, said Tomas. Early start?

Sure.

Beat the sun?

Mm, I dunno ...

Come on, let's make it an adventure. Sneak out while everyone's asleep, while it's still dark ... Tomas grinned at his daughter.

Well, if it'll be an adventure, I guess ...

That's set then. PP? Tomas held out his hand.

Dad. PPs are kind of childish, don't you think?

If you can call a promise between two people that death itself would have a hard time breaking 'childish', then maybe.

Okay, okay, PP, said Miya, taking her father's hand and performing a complicated gesture with him. It's the name, I think, rather than what it actually is. It should sound more grown-up. Like 'blood oath', now that sounds serious.

A blood oath is something different.

Oh? Miya perked up, suddenly interested. What is it?

... nothing you need worry about, said Tomas. Off to bed now, if we're to beat the sun.

Miya grumbled for a bit as her father tousled her hair.

Aren't you getting a book? she asked, as he walked to the door.

Not tonight. I don't need one. I'll just think of the adventures we'll have together.

Goodnight, Dad.

Goodnight, Coconut.

2

The Most Eventful Fourteenth Birthday Anyone On Clover Island Ever Had

The big house on the cliff overlooking Blackport was silent in the grey of morning. The sun hadn't risen yet and everything was still. Still, that is, except for two figures climbing down a rope from the third storey. It wasn't totally silent either, the quiet of morning broken by a whispered conversation between the two:

Why do we have to climb down from here, Dad?

Because it's more adventuresome!

But neither of our rooms are even on the third storey, why'd we come up here just to climb down again?

It's more dangerous and exciting, now hush up!

They were silent then, as they climbed down, the taller of the two figures tugging on the rope to bring it down after they were safely on the ground. This silence was broken once more as they stole away from the house, moving swiftly and silently, heading for the steep cliff path that led down to the private docks.

You really miss pirating, don't you Dad.

What makes you say that?

All the effort you go to with stuff like this.

Well, if you can make life a little more fun, why wouldn't you?

The smaller of the two figures shrugged.

If you can call this fun.

I'm enjoying myself, aren't you enjoying yourself?

Maybe just a little.

Then what's to complain about?

Evidently the smaller figure couldn't think of anything, as they were both silent again until they reached the small private docks at the base of the cliff, and there a small, slightly unusual-looking ship—a sloop, painted black.

How long has it been since we took her out together? asked Miya's father, as they prepared the Black Swan for launch. Months? Years?

We took her out last week. You taught me how to do that fast-turn trick.

Oh, right.

The Black Swan's sails went up and they slid quietly out of dock and then out of the harbour, away from the island and into more open waters. Father and daughter looked back at Clover Island.

Beautiful, isn't it?

What is?

Our island, you blind mole of a daughter, said Tomas.

I can barely see anything except some lights and like just a dark outline.

A silhouette. I love silhouettes, have I ever mentioned?

Only about a million times, Dad.

They looked at the silhouette of Clover Island for a few seconds.

It's a good place, said Tomas. When all's said and done.

The best place, said Miya, firmly. Tomas smiled.

I don't think I ever told you this, he said, with a sidelong glance at his daughter, your mother never exactly approved—the reason we named it 'Clover' Island.

It's because it's shaped like a clover, isn't it? Like kind of a weird three-leaf clover. Without a stem. And with some bits kind of fallen off it, for the teeny-tiny mini islands out in the harbour—oh, let's head to Faraway Island, we can see if the parrots still remember my name!

I thought we were going to Miya Bay?

Oh yeah. Anyway, isn't that why it's called Clover Island? The shape?

Tomas shook his head. Not quite, although that did influence our decision—did you know we almost chose Triangle Island?

What? Seriously? This island's WAY better, you chose good.

Thanks, said Tomas, laughing. Although the opal they've started digging up there recently might have been nice.

Oh, who needs opal, it's just a dumb old bit of shiny rock when you get right down to it, said Miya. I'd much rather have the nice hills and fields and the river, you'd never be able to swim in that little thing they've got on Triangle Island. And they haven't got any mountains.

Well, to be fair neither do we.

What do you call the Dragon's Spine, then? That's DEFINITELY a mountain!

Tomas smiled.

Well, maybe, he said diplomatically—the Dragon's Spine was the narrow hill that made up the north side of the Blackport harbour. It was steep and rocky and might look like a mountain to someone who had never seen a real one (to pick an example at random, Miya) in the same way that a two-metre-long spotted blade might seem like a 'big fish' to someone who had never seen a twelve-metre-long rainbow magnus mola.

But steering us back to the point for just a moment, said Tomas, I was trying to be quite romantic and whimsical in finally imparting to you the true reason we named it Clover Island.

Is it something to do with your sword?

It's to do with my—oh.

Because it's got that little clover symbol on the guard.

Yes, well—

And since you said Mum didn't approve I figured it had to be something pirate-y. So the sword was before the island, huh?

Not terribly long before, but yes. You know I received it—

—from an Algernian pirate, you've told me like twenty times.

Tomas grinned.

It's a very old blade, you know, he said. Not many like it, these days.

It's just an Amician straight sabre, Dad, I know they're not popular but you don't have to make it sound, y'know, magical or whatever. Uncle Lars uses one just like it.

My sword, said Tomas, just a little tetchily, as I have told you MORE than twenty times before, is a ROYAL Amician straight sabre.

All right, all right, don't get your hair in a bunch about it. Isn't ANY sword you use 'royal' anyway, seeing as you're a king and all?

That's not what the 'royal' part means. It's not a sword made for royalty—

I know, Dad, I'm just playing with you. When are you going to tell me something I haven't heard MORE than twenty times before?

I don't think I will, now. You've hurt my sword's feelings.

Swords don't have feelings, Dad. They're just things.

If Hands heard you say that you'd never hear the end of it.

Whatever, just tell me the end of the story.

No, the moment has passed, and I've forgotten what I was going to say in any case.

Miya rolled her eyes as Tomas looked out at his island, a faint smile on his face.

"It is a good place, he said, after a moment. It really is. Hardly any fighting, no wars, decent trade, good people, and a princess who is the most beautiful and talented and good-natured girl in all of the Rainbow Archipelago—no, in all of the Necessary Ocean!"

Dad.

Can't a father be proud?

Could you just be a bit, y'know, quieter about it? Be quietly proud. Show some dignity, said Miya.

I try, but it's so difficult. I almost burst with pride every time I look at you.

It's lucky we're out in the water because I think I'm going to vomit.

Tomas smiled at his daughter.

Why don't you take us around? he said. Take me on a little tour.

Shouldn't you be doing stuff for me? It's my birthday, after all.

And your present is that you get to do everything yourself. Independence, responsibility, fine gifts.

Miya smiled as she took control of the ship, guiding it into a gentle turn that took it towards the eastern side of the island. I'd better be getting some real presents too.

Maybe.

What'd you get me?

Wait and see.

What'd Mum get me? Is it something really embarrassing?

It's ... wait and see.

Uh-oh.

I think you'll like it. Just ... wait and see.

Now I'm really worried.

Oh look, cateyes.

Don't try to distract me with—ooh.

What appeared to be dozens of pearly lights danced just under the surface of the water nearby, their soft glow almost otherworldly.

You loved these when you were a little girl, said Miya's father, his tone soft. You used to beg me to take you out to try and see them.

When I WAS a little girl? So you're admitting I'm NOT a little girl now?

Much as I hate to.

Miya stood a little straighter as she steered the ship through the cateyes, taking care not to get too close. Her father smiled at the expression on her face.

I can hardly believe that you're fourteen already, he said, after a minute. It seems like only yesterday that you were this tiny little thing all wrapped up in blankets, peering up at me with those dark little eyes and that round little mouth.

Mm, said Miya. Tomas grinned at her.

And now look at you, he said. This tiny little thing helming a ship like a true ... sailor.

Oh my goodness did you just make a joke about my height?

Only out of love, Coconut, only out of love.

And what do you mean 'true dot dot dot sailor'? Mum isn't anywhere around, you know, you can use the p-word.

I'm still not confident, that woman has the most incredible hearing at times.

Come on.

All right. Helming your ship like a proud pirate captain, ready to sail the world in search of adventure, said Tomas, grinning as he looked out to sea.

And booty. Don't forget the booty.

Ah, booty's overrated. But adventure! The endless ocean! The wheel in your hands and the whole world before you, that's what a ship is, Miya, that's what being a pirate is, it's freedom, the freedom to—

Tomas Black, are you putting ideas in that girl's head again?

Miya laughed as her father jumped a full foot in the air, spinning around to face his wife.

Miya! Don't do that to your poor old dad! That's cruel even by our family's standards! How long have you been able to mimic your mother so well?

Oh, you know, just something I've been working on, said Miya, still grinning as she started to bring the ship around the point.

Don't devote your time to such things! By the open sea, Coconut, you almost sent me jumping overboard!

I still don't get why Mum's so anti-pirate anyway, I mean she married one.

Arr, you weren't around in the troubles, you can't understand. You haven't had to deal with some of the scum that call themselves pirates.

Was that an 'arr' just now? inquired Miya innocently.

And so what if it was? Yarr, be that Miya Bay I spies with me big, bulgin', bloodshot eye?

Miya laughed. That it be, she said. And by the way, your 'pirate' is still terrible.

I never did get the hang of doing the voice. That was something my parents always—ah—

Your parents what? asked Miya, her tone suddenly sharp. What about them?

Nothing, Miya, concentrate on steering us in safely. I know it's your bay but that doesn't mean it'll do you any favours. Mind that sand bar to port.

Miya frowned a little, falling silent as she concentrated on steering them into the bay. After a few minutes she locked the wheel and pulled in the sails.

About here? she asked.

"It's