The Emerald

By Jennie Kessler

Greetin's to ye hearty landlubbers who decide to embark on this dangerous journey. I warn ye there be excitement, adventure, romance, and secrets beyond yer wildest imagination. It be a fast paced voyage fraught with pirate attacks, double identities, sorcerers in disguises, rescues, defeats, and true love.

Our story begins with Miss Elizabeth Doe and young Josh Turner, former pirate aboard The Terror before it exploded. They be tryin' to figure out the secrets of the Emerald while hidin' the stone from the clutches of Luckluster, the pirate that murdered Josh's entire family and wants him next. Throughout their five years together, they discover far more than what the Emerald can do, but how both their lives came to be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 14, 2009
• ISBN: 9781440115073

Jennie Kessler

Jennie Kessler is a freshman at Thomas More College in Kentucky. She wishes to double major in creative writing and Spanish. She wrote her first novel in fourth grade, since then her passion has grown. It has been five long years since she started working on The Emerald. Jennie is now eighteen and hopes to use the money from her book for her college fund. Her biggest desire is to get nonreaders to read her book. Reading is the best thing to spark imagination and enlighten the mind.

Book preview

Part 1

1713

Chapter 1

The Turners

Autumn 1713

ODDS BODKINS! EXCLAIMED JOSH Turner as he leaned deep into the barrel where not a morsel of moldy old cheese could be found. He was in the cargo hold where the light was dim. Barrel after barrel he had almost fallen into attempting to scrape the bottoms for any remnants of food left over.

Curses! he snarled after his hand scraped the moldy brown bottom. With a hearty growl, he pushed his hand against the bottom to hoist himself up and out. Josh landed on his feet with a thud. Food had grown scarce since the raids had grown few and far between. The Terror was headed to Ireland, the pirates only safe haven in the North Atlantic. Captain Turner and his crew had made a bargain to port there. The stolen goods could be bought and sold on Irish soil with no consequence of jail, in turn for raiding other pirate ships that had stolen Irish goods and seeing them to their proper destinations. But right now they were sailing near England. Everyone knew they could not port there, so their hunger must be forgotten.

Crash! Thud, thud, thud. Josh stared at the floor boards above him. Something was happening above deck. Crash! Thud, thud. It sounded like—Josh couldn’t repress his smile. Fight! he hollered as he ran up the two flights of stairs to the main deck where a rowdy bunch of men had all gathered around in a circle. Josh pushed his way into the inner circle of bystanders to get the best view.

Old Jolly and Butcher Bill were at it again. This time it was over a lone biscuit whose crumbs had been scattered across the deck. No one would eat it now. Any pieces still intact were smushed by the two pirates rolling around.

Butcher Bill was obviously the better fighter. Every time the two hit the ground, Butcher Bill emerged on top, beating the boogers out of Old Jolly’s nose. When everyone thought Old Jolly was down, he would sucker punch Butcher Bill off of him and the fighting would begin again.

Knock it off! hollered Sarah Turner at the top of her lungs, hands planted firmly on her hips. Butcher Bill stopped midswing. The entire crowd suppressed all shouts and hollers of encouragement. Old Jolly let out his breath, relieved the fighting had ceased. That one sigh broke the spell of Sarah’s authority. Butcher Bill let loose again. Sarah rolled up her sleeves. Years of separating rowdy men made this seem like a walk in the park.

She yanked the six-foot-two giant off of the older, weaker man, and turned him around to face her. Without any hesitation Sarah punched him in the nose, the stomach, then kneed him in the balls. He fell to the deck in no time flat, wheezing heavily. Sarah dusted her hands of him before turning to Old Jolly. He scooted back, waving his hands in a plea for mercy. Sarah whirled around to face the entire crowd of pirates. Her threatening gaze rested on each and every one. If I ever catch one of yas fightin’ aboard this ship, I’ll throw ye into the water meself. Understood?

Yes, ma’am, the crew said as one.

Good, replied the captain’s wife proudly. Now git back to work. Instantly the entire crew dispersed. Sarah surveyed her work with satisfaction. She tapped Butcher Bill with the heel of her shoe. There be no slackers aboard The Terror.

Yes, ma’am, he moaned as he rocked back and forth, cradling his crotch.

Sarah glanced around the deck in hopes of finding her son. She had a very important question to ask Josh. He had disappeared just as quickly as the other men. As she swaggered across the Spanish Galleon, she watched the men, forever interested in the crew.

Sarah was solidly built from her years as a waitress in Blue Beard’s Tavern. Strands of her ebony black hair always escaped the tight bun at the nape of her neck. She was big boned and pretty, but certainly no delicate flower. Men swabbed decks, sat sewing sails, or mended side railings as she passed by. Others whittled bone or played dice games. They all greeted her with a bob of their heads and genuine smiles. Even though she was a woman, she was the quartermaster, second in command to her husband. Sarah gazed upward, but she saw no sign of Josh among the men climbing the rigging.

She made her way up the stairs to the front deck. Josh sat on a pile of rope, leaning against the foremast. He was scribbling away at something but paused to glance out to sea.

Whatcha up to, lad? asked Sarah, her swaying, proud frame stopping beside him. Josh turned about; his eyes, the color of the place where sky met sea, focused on Sarah. His brown hair with flecks of red reminded her of her husband’s Irish inheritance. She couldn’t help but smile. Josh pulled on the red bandana to tighten his ponytail. His body was not yet a man’s, but his voice cracked often, reminding Sarah he was no longer her little boy.

Sarah glanced down at Josh’s paper, trying to make out the words, but both of them knew Sarah could not read or write. Writin’ ‘nother love note to Rose?

Josh blinked a few times. A foolish grin spread across his face. Mum, stop it! Someone may hear ye.

Sarah let out a loud, long exasperated sigh. Josh, ye’ve been her best friend since she came aboard this ship three years ago. Now all of a sudden ye barely smile at her when ye pass by.

Josh groaned with frustration. Mum, stop! Just leave it be. His eyes were imploring. Please.

Fine, I’ll leave ye be, but I’ll find out eventually. I always know what goes on ‘round this ship. She probed him with concerned eyes one more time before a smile lit up her features. The whole reason I came to see ye be to ask if ye had any lively new jigs to play. Yer dah has planned the party fer tonight. Ye can’t tell anyone. It’ll be announced after supper.

Josh nodded, relieved his mother hadn’t continued to pry. Of course. He wriggled his hands, a trickster’s grin spread across his lips. I’ve got several hidden inside me fingers.

Sarah laughed, her brown eyes sparkling. Josh always knew how to make her smile. I always love it when ye play, Josh. She sighed heavily, a dreamy faraway look in her eye. It makes me feel so young and beautiful again.

Ye always be, grinned Josh.

Sarah blushed, playfully hitting him on the arm. Such a charmer, just like yer dah.

Josh waited until she was out of sight before finishing his poem. Uncle John had taught him verse from the greatest poet of all—Shakespeare. It was Josh’s secret delight, but he let everyone think he wrote love letters to Rose. It seemed manlier if he did that, although all the pirates admired his ability to read and write. None of his siblings knew how. Words were a part of Josh, just like they were to John, so his uncle had taught him.

"The way the ship dips over and under,

Dancin’ with the waves,

Helps their children drift off to slumber,

Beneath the starry skies."

Josh whispered the last line to himself. He sat quietly, savoring the magic of the words as his gaze roamed the vast ocean. The emptiness released his deepest thoughts. The refreshing spray of the salt water vibrated within Josh’s pores, reenergizing his spirit as he took a deep breath of fresh air.

’Tis beautiful, came a smooth, sweet voice. Josh suddenly jerked back. The young woman leaned against the mizzenmast (a long, wooden pole that held the sail), peering down at the paper in his hand. It’s nothin’. Josh quickly folded up the piece of paper and popped it into his mouth.

Spit that out! Rose commanded. Josh shook his head. Please, she begged, her black eyes imploring. Josh could not resist those eyes. He spat the wad of paper into her hand. Thank you, beamed Rose. I will treasure it forever. With the tiniest use of her nails, she started to pick at the ends. Once it dries out, of course.

Rose was a black haired beauty of sixteen. Her complexion was darker, her figure well shaped. She had the mystery of a gypsy girl, but the strength of a pirate. The men were constantly torn between viewing her with lust and viewing her with comradeship, for she held her own no matter the circumstances.

So what ye be doin’ here? I thought ye said ye wanted to see me at night, so no one would think ye gone soft.

Rose shrugged her shoulders. Josh scooted over on the coil of rope so she could sit by him. I needed to ask you a question.

Yes? Josh placed his undivided attention upon her.

Rose played with her hands, clasping and unclasping her palms. I promised someone, a long time ago, that I would do something bad for him. This was before I met the people I would do the bad thing to and now I don’t want to do the bad thing anymore. But I don’t want him mad at me either.

Simple, don’t do the bad thing.

But he’s counting on me.

Since ye like these new people, forget 'bout the old someone.

Rose let out an exasperated sigh. You’re not helping!

I’m tryin’. Maybe if ye be more specific.

Rose bit her lip, deep in thought. Finally she shook her head. No, she whispered. I can’t be specific. I’m sorry, Josh.

He shrugged his shoulders. I just hope ye figure it out. Josh picked at his nails, frustrated with Rose.

I hope so too. Rose’s voice was forlorn as she got to her feet. She turned to go, her arm looped around the bottom of the mizzenmast, but something stopped her. She came back to stand before Josh, her eyes somber. Know this, whatever I decide, it does not change my feelings for you. Quickly Rose bent down to kiss his forehead before swiftly walking away.

Josh sat for a moment, stunned beyond belief. His mind tried to wrap around her words and the sensation of her lips against his skin all at the same time. He felt like his brain had turned off, leaving only numbness upstairs.

For the rest of the day, Josh’s mind focused on anything but the work at hand. Thoughts of Rose and what she had said kept popping into his head. Memories of their first meeting floated to the surface.

Rose had come up to Captain Jim Turner and his wife at one of the ports, begging to join the crew. She said her father was a plantation owner and wanted her to marry a man she hardly knew and did not love. Jim had no intention of taking her. He already had two women aboard the ship and that was quite enough.

Our daughter needs a companion, Jim. She be the only girl on board. This be the life I chose fer meself, not fer her, said Sarah.

Then she should of stayed on land, he growled in reply.

Away from her family? gasped Sarah, quite horrified. I can always use Rose around to help me mend the men’s clothin’ and put her to other feminine tasks so the men won’t have to do ‘em. That should settle it.

Men don’t want women on pirate ships. I don’t want a mutiny fer takin’ another on board.

Then let me do the talkin’. I’ll explain she’ll be helpin’ out, rather than hinderin’.

Jim consented with a nod of his head. I hope ye know what ye be doin’.

I know what it be like, trapped in a world ye don’t wanna be in, growled Sarah darkly under her breath.

Everything seemed plausible at the time. She had on a fancy dress, a complicated hairstyle, and an educated way of speaking, yet something nagged at the back of Josh’s mind. Something that day had seemed out of place—Rose’s eyes.

Josh closed his to focus on the memory. Her fierce gaze had frightened him. It was not kind and sweet as it was now, but cold, harsh, and hungry for power.

The dinner bell rang, rousing him from his thoughts. Josh’s stomach growled as he made his way into the galley. It was a decent size room, located beneath the captain’s quarters. At least a dozen men could sit at the two long tables nailed to the floor, each table accommodating six. With nearly thirty crew members, the pirates ate in shifts.

Josh stood in line, watching delighted men walk away with something on their plates. As he received his meager portion, he smiled at the cook. Sea turtle, he beamed, excited to have meat in his diet once again.

Caught two of ‘em just this s’mornin’.

Josh spotted his siblings and quickly headed over to join them.

Keeping one’s family aboard a pirate ship was unheard of, but Captain Jim Turner had never done anything the traditional way. He had promised his wife, Sarah, that she would always sail with him. With both parents on board, where else could the children go? Now old enough, they earned their keep just like everyone else.

Any pirate who disagreed with Jim Turner’s way of running his ship didn’t have to sign on to the account (the contract between captain and crew), but most pirates did. Jim was a former Death Blade. He could wield any weapon with acute skill and taught all his crew members. He was excellent at double dealing. While offering to trade gold for food, he would always manage to steal some of his money back. He had the largest fleet in the Atlantic and a safe haven in Ireland. All he had to do was make certain Irish cargo arrived at its destination. Half of his fleet would do that, while the other plundered Spanish or English merchant ships. Captain Jim Turner was a mighty powerful man.

Josh sat down next to his red headed sister Teresa. Josh’s twin younger brothers—Blaire and Drake—whispered about the spy on board.

Everyone says it be Luckluster’s spy, whispered Blaire, the fair haired child, glancing around nervously. No one breathed the L word aboard the ship. He and the captain used to be good friends a long time ago, before Luckluster betrayed him. Now they were mortal enemies, stealing goods for two opposing countries—England and Ireland.

No one knows who it be, but the wind be changin’. Luckluster be upon us, added Drake, the younger twin by a minute.

Oh, please, protested Teresa who was the eldest, and there for, always right. Don’t believe all the rumors ye hear. No one has seen our enemy and everyone be loyal to Dah.

Josh’s stomach flip flopped. No one had mentioned the spy to him before. What be the spy doin’ here? he asked the twins. Teresa glared at him before silently eating her supper.

To alert Luckluster where we be, stated Blaire eagerly. Luckluster’s hideout be England.

How can the spy alert him?

No one knows.

See, sniffed Teresa. Even if there be a spy, he shan’t be able to get hold of Luckluster. We be as safe as always.

Gentlemen! Gentlemen! called Jim from the center of the room. Even though dressed as the men with black breeches and a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, all grew silent in the captain’s presence. His only form of jewelry was the large gold earring in his right ear. Jim was a strong, yet soft spoken man. His sense of justice kept his crew loyal. Josh had inherited his father’s brown hair with flecks of red. Jim’s eyes were hazel, more brown than green.

As ye well know, tomorrow we be dockin’ in Ireland fer our two weeks reprieve of rest and merriment. So, since it be our last night together aboard The Terror, ‘cause I know some of ye can’t wait to git off the account— There were a few chuckles around the room. . . .We should celebrate with music and drink rum! The crew roared as one in pure delight. Jim waited until the cheers died down. Please come to the main deck after ye finish yer meal and put yer plates in the tub fer scrubbin’ or else Sarah will have yer head. A few laughed, but all knew, Sarah’s word was law.

No one else mentioned the spy as the men quickly finished their meager portions and made their way to the main deck. Josh climbed up the stairs to the back deck and joined the musicians. Jim followed right behind him and stood in the center. Let the festivities begin! he cried. Everyone applauded as Jim came down from the back deck.

As soon as the music began, Jim pulled Sarah onto the dance floor. Around and around they went, high stepping and kicking to the lively beat of the fiddles and flutes. Rejected by Teresa and Rose, the rest of the men joined in. The two girls picked the first mate and the carpenter to dance with.

Rose’s eyes sought Josh out while he played his fiddle. Josh could have played forever, having those soft, sweet black eyes on him. Every time she picked a partner, her eyes would always find him. Josh felt like he was dancing with her.

After a time, many weary dancers sat down to rest their feet and drink rum. Rose stood beneath the back deck, waiting for Josh to put down his fiddle and dance with her. The musicians waved him off. They wanted to play for the young lovers.

All of Rose’s sophistication came out on the dance floor. She glided like a swan.

You’re a fine dancer, Josh. I wish I could dance with you always.

Josh blushed, unsure of what to say. Thank ye, Rose, was all that came out. He wanted to say more, but before Josh knew it, the dance was over and he was parted from his beloved once more.

Josh returned to his seat, his heart full of joy. Alright. . .this be a new one I thought perfect fer tonight in honor of me dah’s delight to jig. He turned to his fellow musicians. Just follow me lead.

Everyone paused in their conversations to watch Josh play. His fingers moved across the strings like a hurricane—fast and sharp. Jim’s feet could hold him down no longer. Letting out a yelp of joy, he took to his heels—kicking and high stepping. The pirates gathered around to clap and watch the natural born dancer let his spirit free.

Jim and Josh exchanged glances of shared happiness. One supplied a gift that gave an outlet for the other. The music bound the bond of father and son. Sarah stood to the side, her eyes glistening with a new found love as she watched her husband move like a spirit dancing in Heaven. No one noticed Rose slip away. She was forgotten almost as quickly as the cold chill of the night air.

SKU-000110099_TEXT-21.jpg

Come Elizabeth, you must balance these books upon your head, said Miss Standmark as they stood in the sitting room at the Academy for Well Bred Young Ladies. The severe, stiff, imported couches and chairs had not been pushed back, but left as an obstacle course for the girls balancing books. The large hideous pictures of animals and famous people served only as distractions to girls who were too bored to focus on the actual art of balancing.

Elizabeth looked up at the tall, pencil thin woman with flaky skin. A pitiful, pleading smile crossed her lips. But Miss Standmark, I have tried it so many times already. My posture and balance are simply hopeless. I can face that fact, but can you?

Miss Doe, replied the teacher tartly. ’Tis my job to teach you to be balanced and possess excellent posture. If we simply give up or, as you say, ‘think ‘tis hopeless’, then I would not be doing my job, would I?

No, sighed the thirteen-year old in despair.

Alright then, put the books on your head and try to walk about the room again. Her hands shaking with determination, Elizabeth did as she was bid, placing the books upon her wavy blonde hair. As soon as she took one step, they all tumbled to the floor.

You know, prodded Elizabeth, wincing at the thud of the fallen books. I think books are best left fallen. As many times as we try to keep them from falling, they will fall down again. It seems silly to try and prolong the inevitable. The rest of the girls giggled behind their hands as they exchanged glances with one another.

Class is dismissed. We shall resume this tomorrow. The girls began to file out. Except you, Miss Doe. Elizabeth walked over to Miss Standmark. Frightened as she was, her green eyes never looked away from the piercing gaze of her teacher.

Miss Doe. In my classroom, you show me respect. Do not talk back as you did today. If I see it again, I shall be punishing you personally.

But. . . Elizabeth cut herself off. Yes, Miss Standmark. She curtsied before heading towards the door.

One more thing. Elizabeth paused as Miss Standmark continued. Do not think for one minute you are capable of ever becoming a lady. I only took you on because your aunt and uncle insisted. Elizabeth clenched her fists to keep from crying. I do want to show them I at least tried, concluded Miss Standmark.

Elizabeth waited until the door closed behind her before she ran up to her room—tears streaming down her face. She had only been here for two months, yet it felt like an eternity. She had no friends, and she couldn’t do what she was asked, no matter how hard she tried. Elizabeth accepted the fact that she was a hopeless cause. Why couldn’t anybody else? Being a proper lady wasn’t her.

There was a knock on the door. She quickly stifled her sobs. Elizabeth. The voice was soft, uncertain. Elizabeth didn’t recognize it, but then again, no one had gone out of her way to talk to her. Elizabeth, are you alright? You didn’t come to supper after lessons.

Reluctantly Elizabeth got to her feet and made her way to the door. She shyly opened it, just enough to stick her head out. Her eyes met gentle, warm blue eyes that sparkled. The young lady had soft, light orange hair that resembled the fading golden rays of a retreating sun. Everything about her emitted softness and lightness. She looked like the perfect lady in training.I’m surprised you even noticed, replied Elizabeth tartly. Most girls just make fun of me and run away. Her voice became bitter. I doubt anyone would care if I died over night.

Don’t say such things! admonished the other girl. I have never made fun of you, not once, and I would be deeply upset if you died over night.

Suspiciously, Elizabeth opened the door wider. You’re not here to play any dirty tricks on me are you? Hide a mouse in my bed or steal a private item to share with your chums?

I can’t believe other girls would do such things.

Elizabeth gave a resolute nod. You may come in if you like. Trying not to care, Elizabeth flounced over to her bed and sat down. The other girl crept into the room, like a mouse into a kitchen, uncertain of the dangers to expect. She made her way over to the bed and sat down beside Elizabeth, who watched the new girl survey her room with suspicion.

You don’t have a roommate? commented the young lady as she glanced at the vacant bed across from Elizabeth’s.

No one wanted to room with a tavern wench’s daughter, replied the blonde bitterly.

All you need is a little practice. Was your mother really a—did she work in a tavern? Her voice was timid and gentle. Honest curiosity smoothed the harsh words. Elizabeth nodded her head, trying not to cry as she admitted what she truly was.

I can help you. I won’t mind—really. My other friends will simply have to get used to you, but they will like you. I promise.

Elizabeth’s eyes shone with hope at the mere prospect of a friend. One true friend was all she needed. The girl smiled encouragingly. She gathered up her skirts and got to her feet, before extending a hand to Elizabeth, who looked from the hand to the young lady and back again. The girl’s smile grew, traveling into her eyes.

My name is Olivia Willright and I would like to be your friend.

Elizabeth grasped the girl’s hand as she got to her feet. My name is Elizabeth Doe. My friends call me Lizzie and I would like, very much so, she added, for you to be my friend. They shook on it, both girls beaming. Olivia was happy she had made another girl smile. She hated to see anyone upset or unwanted.

So it’s settled, said Olivia as she looped her arm through Elizabeth’s. Let’s go to supper.

SKU-000110099_TEXT-21.jpg

It was three o’clock in the morning. The party had ended. The musicians had stayed to play until everyone had gone to bed. Josh chatted with Luke, a flute player, as they descended to the main deck.

Hello up there! came a muffled cry.

The two teenagers stopped talking, their ears perked up. Did ye hear that? asked Josh.

Aye, replied Luke. Where it be comin’ from?

Josh cupped his hands around his mouth. Hello! he hollered.

Over here! shouted the voice. On the starboard side.

Josh and Luke raced over to the right side of the ship and peered into the water. They could see movement inside a long boat.

Run and git the ladder, commanded Josh.

What if it be a trick? asked Luke, fear in his eyes.

Who ye be? called Josh. Where did ye come from?

Captain John Arrow! came the shout from below.

Both boys looked at each other.

It be me, Uncle John. We gotta lower the ladder.

Luke shook his head. Could still be anybody. What’s somethin’ he knows that no one else does?

Josh blushed. Do I have ‘ta Luke?

Only safe way.

Rolling his eyes, Josh turned his attention back to the sea. If ye be Captain Arrow, what did ye teach yer nephew Josh to do?

There was a pause. Write poetry! came the muffled voice.

Go and fetch the ladder, growled Josh. Luke didn’t hesitate this time. Josh’s voice was so sharp it could kill a man.

Hold on, Uncle John. We be goin’ to throw ye the ladder!

Good to know.

Luke soon returned with the ladder. It was merely planks of wood tied together with bits of rope. He flung it over, holding one end. Come on up! called Luke.

There were grunts and groans as an outline of a man soon appeared. It took both boys to help haul the man over the railing and onto the main deck. Josh cushioned his uncle’s fall.

Sorry. . .lad, he breathed, weakly trying to get off Josh. I—I need to talk to yer father. He propped himself onto one elbow, long enough for Josh to crawl out from underneath, before he collapsed onto the deck. John lay there for a time, breathing heavily.

Josh stared at his uncle in disbelief. It had been at least a year. The long black hair still hung around his shoulders. The mustache had been shaved off, but now a goatee covered his chin. John’s lavish clothing and slim figure had not vanished. He still looked the handsome bachelor at thirty-six.

Josh was dying to know what adventures John had been on, why he didn’t have a ship, and what had happened to his crew. There was no rush to fetch the captain. John didn’t look hurt, just ungodly tired. However, Josh wanted the whole story, and he knew his uncle wouldn’t tell it with another pair of ears around.

Please go fetch the captain, said Josh, turning to Luke. The older boy nodded, before getting to his feet and disappearing up the stairs.

What happened? cried Josh.

John exhaled deeply, still on his back, staring up at the stars.

We were in the Bay of Biscay, off the coast of France, makin’ repairs to The Marauder when they attacked us. They crept up on us like ghosts. One minute we be sleepin’ ‘board the ship, the next they be at our throats with knives and pistols, demandin’ the Emerald. John sat up slowly, holding his head to keep images from swimming in front of his eyes from the quick change of position.

I only escaped cause me crew created a diversion, he said, his voice soft with sadness. They wanted me to find ye and protect ye from Luckluster. They all hated the man as much as we do.

Be he the one that attacked ye? inquired Josh in surprise.

John nodded. Aye. Though how he found us. . . John shook his head. I have no idea. We’ve evaded him fer years.

John stopped talking as he caught sight of his sister, best friend, and the young lad coming his way.

Good God, John! cried Sarah, kneeling beside her brother, her heart breaking at the mere sight of him. What did ye do this time?

John chuckled as Jim and Josh hauled him to his feet. Barely escaped the clutches of the devil.

How many times that be now, uncle? inquired Josh in jest.

Twenty-three, I do believe.

Ye can go to bed now, Luke, commanded Captain Turner. Ye did yer duty.

Aye, sir. Luke gave a final glance, longing to be in on the private matter, before heading to his hammock.

Father and son helped John into the captain’s quarters. Sarah followed anxiously behind.

Put him on the bed, commanded Sarah, trying to keep the anxiety from her voice.

I be fine, sis, soothed John. I just be tired from all that rowin’. No cuts, no guts fallin’ out. Sarah playfully hit him in the shoulder, trying to keep tears from falling. Promise. Pirate’s honor. He laughed at his own joke.

Jim shook his head, grinning from ear to ear. It be good to see ye again.

Only under better circumstances.

Aye, replied Jim.

John’s eyes started to flutter. He forced himself to blink back sleep.

I won’t keep ye long. I just need to why you’re here.

Luckluster found me ship. Don’t know how, but he killed me entire crew and burned me beloved Marauder. John’s voice caught in his throat. His ship meant as much to him as any son or daughter ever would. "He knows where ye be. He’s comin’