Ahab's Descendants: The Werewhale Saga, #3

By Ron Vitale

Loving him is all she desires. Running away is not possible. Because to survive, she has to defeat their greatest enemy.

Daughter to the infamous Captain Ahab, Morgan has searched the world's oceans looking for a way to save her family from the dark squid god Kanaloa. Weeks after she and Ishmael barely escaped from the clutches of Kanaloa on a makeshift raft; she is mysteriously transported away. When she awakes in a strange castle on the Black Sea, she befriends her mysterious host, Vlad, and his housekeeper Helena in the hopes of making her way back to Ishmael.Yet despite the distance, Kanaloa still reaches out to ensnare her in a trap hundreds of years in the making. Like a master chess player, the dark squid god has laid out his pieces in the hopes of gaining what he wants the most–his freedom.To defeat Kanaloa, Morgan must use not only her wits but her newly found powers to travel through the dreamline.With time running out, Morgan must sacrifice everything to save the ones she loves. When Kanaloa's great secret is revealed to her, all that Morgan has fought for is at risk. The decisions and sacrifices she makes will not only affect her life but of Ishmael's and the very world itself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ron Vitale
• Release date: Jul 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393883272

Ron Vitale

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ron Vitale was influenced by the likes of J. R. R. Tolkien, Stephenie Meyer and French culture, but has never forgotten his roots, and is a lover of classic literature. During his early 20s, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and French and then went on to obtain his Master of Arts in English, at Villanova University writing his thesis on a Jungian interpretation of the works of Margaret Atwood and Alice Walker. After graduation, Ron entered the world of medical publishing, utilizing his editing and technological skills. In October 2007, Ron published his science fiction short story collection The Jovian Gate Chronicles that answers the question: What happens when humans cross paths with intelligent aliens who claim to be prophets from God? In the fall of 2008, he released his fantasy novel Dorothea's Song, a tale of a young high school student who copes with his parents' divorcing by dreaming up the story of Dorothea, an elf who lives in the magical forest. Through 2008 to 2014 he wrote the Cinderella's Secret Witch Diaries series that definitely answers the question: What really happened to Cinderella after she married the prince? And in 2015, Ron wrote Awakenings and Betrayals, the first two books in the Witch's Coven series that tells the story of the witch Sabrina who lives in the magical world of the realms where illusions, magic and an ancient evil reign. Currently, he is keeping himself busy, penning articles on social media and writing, and on learning how to be a good father to his kids all while working on his next novel.

Book preview

Ahab’s Descendants

by Ron Vitale

Book 3 in the Werewhale Saga

Lost Cover

Lost, the first book in the Cinderella’s Secret Witch Diaries, is a retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale. Read Lost now!

Mom, because you taught me to never give up and reach for the stars. Thank you for all your support and love.

One

Sit up and drink this.

Morgan tried to move, but only her eyes fluttered in response.

You need to eat to build your strength back up. She did not recognize the woman’s kind and soothing voice.

Where? Morgan uttered the word, broken and garbled as though she had not spoken in weeks. She coughed into her hand, and her body shook, wracked in pain. With her throat cleared, she tried again. Where am I?

You are safe. Enough questions. Drink! The woman insisted, and the bowl’s rim went against her lips.

When Morgan began to turn her head away, the woman waited with extreme patience. I’m Helena, and you are truly safe if you listen to me. You need to eat and build up your strength. Helena moved the bowl away and took a spoon to give Morgan a taste of the bowl’s contents.

Ishmael. Where is he? Morgan gathered her strength and pushed through the pain. She leaned forward and grabbed at Helena’s hands. Please, tell me if he’s safe.

There was only you. Helena put the spoon against Morgan’s lips. Take just a sip. You need to eat.

Hunger pangs took over, and Morgan slurped at the contents on the spoon. The liquid filled her mouth, and when she swallowed, the warm and salty broth went down soothingly. She licked her lips. More, please.

I told you it was good. Morgan could not place Helena’s thick accent, but she stayed content to take a half dozen more spoonfuls of the hearty broth.

You sip, and I talk. Helena leaned more into the light. Middle-aged with her blonde hair pulled up, she wore a plain green dress. I found you yesterday on the shore. Well, Rags found you. I was walking him, and he caught your scent. He pulled me over to you as you had washed up on the beach. You were unconscious, and I could not find any ship from where you came from. It was only you.

Morgan went to talk, but Helena shook her head.

Remember our bargain. You sip, I talk. When she smiled, a chip in her right front tooth could be seen.

Morgan obediently took another sip of the broth as she wanted to hear more.

At first, I thought you dead. But Rags licked your face, and then you coughed up sea water. Helena stirred the bowl and gave Morgan another spoonful. Only when Morgan had finished the next spoonful did she continue. The moon lit up the water, and I searched around for some other sign of where you had come from, but there was nothing. There was only you. It was as though you had been cough up from the depths of the sea.

Helena tapped the spoon on the edge of the bowl and then stirred the contents some more.

You found no one with me? And no sign of a raft?

Nothing. Only you. Helena shifted in her seat. Built of sturdy stock, the chair she sat in creaked as she leaned forward. But lucky for you, that I found you. I came back to the castle to get a wheelbarrow, lifted you up, and brought you back here. You’ve been asleep this whole time. It’s good to see you awake and able to eat.

Morgan leaned back against her pillow and took in the rest of the room. A lantern on her nightstand lit up a tiny portion of it. The walls were painted decoratively with a vibrant floral print. Where am I?

You are a stubborn one, aren’t you?

My mother used to always say the same thing about me. Morgan paused a moment, and thoughts of her mother came to her. She turned away from Helena to hide her face and asked, Your accent, I can’t place it.

From the sound of your accent, you are far from home. Helena put the bowl down and folded her hands in her lap. You are in my master’s home and safe.

She glanced away and adjusted the bowl on the nightstand, careful not to knock over the lantern.

Morgan kept silent a moment and quickly changed her mind from asking another question. I’m from New England in America. Saying the words reminded that her home had been burned to the ground. Well, I grew up there. I’ve been on the sea for some time now.

And you come sailing in the Black Sea for fun? Helena leaned forward and adjusted Morgan’s pillows to make her more comfortable.

No. I did not. Morgan massaged her left palm and took a chance. Ishmael and I were on a makeshift raft in the Caribbean.

Helena nodded but said nothing else.

Taking another risk, Morgan asked, By chance, did you happen to see a white whale in the ocean when you found me?

Surprised at the question, Helena shook her head. No, I did not. But… She allowed herself a quick glance at Morgan’s left arm and then turned away.

What did you see? Morgan leaned forward, but her strength left her, and she fell back onto the pillows. Please.

Helena sat quietly for a moment, and then in a low voice, said, Your arm. She pointed at Morgan’s left hand. When I found you, an orange phosphorescence covered your hand. I thought it from the sea.

Morgan held up her hand and stared at it, but nothing happened.

And then when I dragged you from the edge of the beach, your entire left arm lit up like fireflies that danced up and down it. Helena stopped speaking and let the silence linger for a few moments. But when you were out of the water, the lights faded quickly away and then I brought you back here.

Thank you for saving me. Morgan covered her left hand with her right and changed the subject. Can I have some more broth?

Da. Helena brought the bowl over to Morgan. Later I get you some bread that you can soak up the broth with. It’ll be good for you.

Suddenly, from outside the window, a woman’s scream pierced through the night air. The scream lasted a few moments and then ended as mysteriously as it had begun.

Morgan turned toward the window and pushed away the bowl in front of her. What was that?

Helena moved the bowl but had not been startled by the scream. Probably one of the young maids being surprised by a stable boy. I will speak to them later when I see them. Do not worry about any of this. Just rest and I’ll take care of this later. Do you want some more broth?

Before Morgan could reply, the woman’s scream filled the night air outside. This time, the scream intensified, raising in volume and the woman’s terror could be heard in her blood-curdling sounds.

She needs help. We have to go to her. Morgan threw off her blankets and swung her legs off the bed.

Where are you going? Helena jumped back in surprise and swung away from the bowl of broth so that it didn’t spill on the covers.

She’s in danger. Morgan pushed herself up off the bed and walked toward the door. Or at least that’s what she wanted to do. Instead, the room turned sideways, and the floor rose up to meet her.

She hit the floor hard but was able to brace her fall with her right hand.

Helena placed the bowl on the nightstand and knelt down on the floor beside Morgan. Outside, the woman screamed again, loudly, in desperate need of help. She screamed out in a language that Morgan did not understand, but her intention was clear.

She needs us! Morgan thrashed on the ground and tried to pull herself up off the floor, but fell back down.

Helena cradled Morgan in her arms to calm her. She will be fine. You must trust me. Please, you must!

Another single, solitary scream rose up in pitch, hung for a few moments and then all went silent.

Morgan pushed Helena away and struggled to her feet. She reached out with her left hand to grab at the bed to help pull herself up, and then she noticed it. Orange streaks of light crisscrossed the back of her hand, ran up the length of her arm, and warmth filled her soul.

The unknown power increased in intensity, and she dragged herself to her knees, having pushed Helena away. I will save her. I will.

She pulled herself up with all her strength and then reached out with her left hand glowing brightly. The light emanated from her palm and filled the room like it was daylight. On her feet now, Morgan took two steps, then two more and made it to the window. She glanced out into the courtyard and a man, dressed in the finest suit of the day, turned to look back over his shoulder. He lifted up his glasses to see her better and smiled.

Morgan could find no woman in peril. The screams had stopped.

The man tipped his hat at her in greeting, turned, and then walked on, twirling his cane.

Yellow fuzzy spots edged around her field of vision and Morgan slumped forward against the windowsill.

She heard Helena calling her name as she was wrapped in her strong arms, but the dizziness increased, overtook her and then all went dark.

***

Morgan awoke with a start. She reached out her left hand and grasped for something to hang onto, but she was not lost at sea as she had been dreaming. She lay in the same bed as before.

The bright sunlight streamed in through the window on her right, and she turned toward it to greet the day.

Sitting with his legs crossed, dressed in the finest clothing she had ever seen was the man from last night. He still had the cane that he used to lean forward on as he rested both hands on it. Tall, thin and spritely, he reminded her of an acrobat waiting to dance upon a wire at a carnival. His long hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and his manner of dress gave her evidence of his wealth.

Are you well? His voice soothed her.

It’s you from last night. Morgan tried to sit up fully in bed, but could not.

He put out his hand to her in greeting, but he did not leave his seat. Yes, Helena told me of the hallucinations that you had last night, and I’ve come to check on you. He caught himself and then tilted down his head at her. Forgive me. My name is Vlad, and you are welcome to my country estate.

She could not place his accent. Not British and definitely not American like her. I’m…

Morgan. Yes, I know. He interrupted her and waved away the pleasantries of greeting. Helena has shared all that with me already. But what I really want to know is how an American washed up on my beach.

He leaned back in his chair and waited for her to respond.

I don’t remember. Morgan tried to recall the events that led her here, but nothing came to her.

Amnesia then? He rattled off, thought after thought. Sickness? Bump to the head? Then he tapped and twiddled his fingers on the back of his hand. Or maybe you’re lying to me?

It’s not that. I have no reason to lie. Morgan pushed herself harder and sat fully up. I mean no disrespect to you, but I’m not a liar.

So it would seem. He rubbed his chin and took her in. But what are we to do with you?

Do with me? She didn’t understand.

Well, you don’t remember how you got here, and you’re not well enough to travel on your own. Who am I to send word to let your family know that you are safe? He shook his head and then faced her dead on. We wouldn’t want your family to think that something had happened to you.

There’s no one to send word to. My immediate family has all passed. The words caught in her throat, and she fought back tears.

I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Vlad dropped his pretentious mannerisms and lowered his voice. We’ll get this all sorted out for you and get you on your way soon. He seemed at a loss for words.

Helena came into the room carrying a tray of more broth, some bread, and a cup of tea. Is he bothering you?

Distracted, Morgan turned toward her and shook her head. No, I’m fine.

Get some rest and gather your strength. We can talk later. He stood to leave and addressed Helena. Give her anything she needs. And get her a book to read to help her pass the time. This is not a prison.

Helena bowed her head at him and carefully put the tray down on a dresser by the bed. Of course sir.

Vlad walked out of the room, but Morgan stopped him. Wait!

Unused to being called upon in such a way, he stopped in his tracks surprised. Yes?

The screams from last night. Is the woman okay? Morgan faced him and waited for him to respond.

Without any hesitation, he replied, What screams?

The woman from last night. She screamed like she was being murdered. Morgan looked to Helena. Tell him.

Shaking her head, she folded her hands in her lap. I didn’t hear anything.

You had to. Please, tell him. Becoming more animated, Morgan pointed at the window. From outside, the woman let out a blood-curdling scream as though she were in grave danger.

I think that the hallucinations that you encountered last night must have seemed deadly frightful and real to you. He dismissed her concern and shook his head. But I walked out in the courtyard last night, and neither Helena nor I heard any screams. I know this must be hard to believe. Get some rest. Whatever has happened to you has affected your mind in a way that is making you hear and see things that are not there.

But I heard— Morgan became more agitated and faced Helena. You really didn’t hear anything?

Without averting her eyes away or any other telltale sign of telling an untruth, Helena looked right at Morgan. I did not.

Eat some and get some rest. If you continue to feel unwell, let Helena know, and then I can come exam you. He left the room without another word and did not look back.

He’ll exam me? Morgan asked.

He’s a physician. Helena helped Morgan to lie back against her pillows. He’s on his summer holiday and comes to the Black Sea to unwind and relax.

I would never have guessed. Morgan took in the extravagant furniture and linens. He must be an extremely successful doctor.

Helena chuckled. He’s inherited his wealth. Science and its study are his true calling, but he’s a good doctor. Back in England, he checked up on my niece when she had a bad cold last winter. After she had settled Morgan into bed, she handed her the cup of tea. But let’s focus on you. Take a sip and drink. The warmth will do you good.

Morgan hesitated a moment before sipping.

Helena asked, What’s wrong?

It’s nothing. Still, Morgan did not drink.

Do you think that I’m drugging you? She stepped back and leaned against the mahogany dresser with her hand on her hip.

Morgan averted her eyes and shrugged. Maybe. She didn’t know what else to say.

But what good would there be in my drugging you? What would I have to gain? Helena paused a moment and then went on. I could have left you on the beach, but I brought you back here like a good Samaritan. I have no reason to harm you.

Taking a moment to focus, Morgan stared down at the elegant pattern on the comforter covering her. She clenched her left hand into a fist and took a risk. But maybe someone else does. She looked up to face Helena. Maybe your master wants me here for some reason and prefers that I stay a bit more under his control and incapacitated.

Helena broke down and laughed. I don’t know what has happened to you on your journeys, but that is the most entertaining tale that I have heard in a long time. Vlad is anything but devious. He’s mild-mannered, keeps mostly to himself and likes bird watching. He even refuses to hunt like other gentlemen of his age. He has only the best of intentions to see you get well and help you get back home. She stopped a moment and then added, Or wherever else you’d like to go.

Morgan still held the cup of tea in her right hand, and she moved it closer to her mouth and then took a sip. The warm liquid went down well, and she couldn’t deny that, for tea, it was steeped to her liking—not too strong and not too weak. She took another sip and then balanced the cup on her lap.

Here, let me take that from you. Helena took the cup and placed it on the nightstand. She pulled a chair closer to the bedside and sat. Since you will not tell me some of your story and where you come from, I’ll tell you something about myself. I think it might help us become better acquainted. Would you like that?

Morgan repositioned herself in bed and leaned back on the pillows. Her strength had still not returned. She had not felt this weak since she had been extremely sick with a fever as a child. For days, she languished between waking and sleeping. Outside the snow fell and her brother had played in their expansive yard. When she had tried to get up and join him, she nearly fell out of bed. The weakness in her limbs had taken her through and through. Coming back to the present, she nodded and cleared her throat before speaking. Yes, that would be nice to have someone to talk to.

Good. Helena patted down her dress, and she took a big intake of breath before she began. I sometimes get a bit lonely here being so far away from home. But maybe that’s a good place for me to begin. She smiled, and Morgan could not look away from her chipped tooth. I was born in London from a poor family, and we didn’t have much. I got by as best I could, but as I grew older, the boys fancied me and one night I was walking home from my job as a seamstress when a man attacked me. She paused to compose herself and leaned back into the shadows. He held me tight against my throat, and I thrashed him, trying to get away, but he was too strong for me.

Morgan interrupted. Helena, you don’t have to tell me anymore. I don’t need you to bring up such a painful memory for my sake.

No, that’s not why I tell you my story. She leaned back into the beam of sunlight streaming in from the window. It’s to help me as well. To gain power over my story and own it. Helena wiped at the end of her eye and continued. He was able to knock me down, and I cried out for help, but no one came to rescue me. I tried my best to get away, and then when all hope had left me, the man fell off of me unconscious. Vlad stood there with such a look of concern on his face. He had whacked the man on the back of the head with his cane, and he bent down to help me up. I accepted, and we’ve been together ever since. It’s been years now, and he’s been a great employer. I run his household, and he leaves me pretty much alone to do as I will.

Do you miss seeing your family when you travel with Vlad? Morgan reached over and took the cup off the nightstand and sipped some more tea.

Like you, I don’t have much family left. My two sisters died of Cholera when young, my brother moved away to find work, and I’ve not seen him in many a year, and my parents died a few years back. I’ve been pretty much on my own for a long time now. I guess, in a way, Vlad is the closest I have to family now. Helena looked wistfully out the window at the sun. I really don’t know what I would have done if Vlad hadn’t offered me a job to work with him. I’ve been lucky.

I’m happy to hear that you found a good home to work in. Back in America, there aren’t many opportunities for single women to find work. Morgan put the tea down and sighed. My mother had always wanted me to marry a rich man. She wanted to ensure that I would be taken care of, but I had never been the sort of woman who wanted to settle down and tend house. I’m too much of a free spirit for that. I wanted to travel the seven seas like my father and brother, but that hasn’t gotten me very far it seems. She suppressed a wave of sadness that rose up within her and coughed to clear her throat.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re here now, and you’re safe. Once your memory comes back, we’ll get you on your merry way, and you can back to your life. Helena tapped the side of her head, thinking. And what was your friend’s name that you mentioned to me? Ish… Ishmael, right?

Yes. Morgan sighed and turned to look out the window. I wonder where he is. And I wonder if he’s okay.

Helena said something in response, but Morgan didn’t hear her. She cast her thoughts out to Ishmael and hoped she would be well soon so that she could find him. She closed her eyes and sent him a silent message. A private one that she prayed he would hear.

Two

Ishmael awoke to a clang of pots being banged. He pulled himself fully upright and did his best to remain hidden in the shadows.

Morgan? He whispered her name, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Disoriented and unsure of where he was, he spun around only to see a corridor that led to outside. Gone was the makeshift raft that he and Morgan had been sailing on. Instead of the expanse of the blue sea, he found himself inside. From the sound of banging pots and the bustling of activity in the next room, several people had just started the morning’s fire and were cooking up breakfast.

If they found him here, he feared that we would be arrested or attacked for being a thief. He pulled himself together and rushed for the exit.

Outside the sky had brightened somewhat with the sun about to come up. A starling landed next to him and pecked away at some bread crumbs across the street. He took in all that he could and made sure to stay out of sight. The tiny bird ignored him and kept eating the tiny bits of bread.

He had only the clothes on his back, no money and still wasn’t quite sure where he was. He spun fully around to take in all that he could, and from as near as he could tell, he thought he had woken up in a castle. The masonry and style of architecture did not resemble anything he had ever seen in America.

From far away, he heard a dog barking and someone quieting him. Not sure what to do, he kept walking and headed toward the castle’s front gate and passed through without anyone questioning him. The morning air and the brilliant orange glow of the rising sun filled the sky, calmed him a bit.

No sea, no Moby Dick and no Morgan. He muttered to himself, desperately trying to place what had happened. He gently smacked his face, and he felt solid enough. And I’m not dreaming. I went to sleep on a raft and wake up on dry land.

From behind him on the road, a cart drawn by a beautiful brown horse headed toward him. He kept walking, and as the cart went by, the driver waved. Hello.

His thick accent helped Ishmael place him. He was in England. Morning.

The driver slowed down. You lost?

Unsure of how to respond, Ishmael went with his gut. I’m newly on land after being on a ship and am looking for work.

Well, you’d find more work in London than here at the castle. Though his majesty often needs staff to help. He stopped the cart and eyed Ishmael up and down. You look like you’ve seen better times, my friend. Want some fresh milk and some bread?

At the mention of food, Ishmael’s stomach grumbled. Yes, that’s very kind of you.

"By any chance is your name