Storm’S Haven

By Alethea Clarke

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 29, 2010
• ISBN: 9781456825409

Book preview

1

Christianna MacFern had been born one half of a whole. Her mother had been mistress to a powerful warrior, and he promised if she could give him the child his wife couldn’t, he would cast his wife aside, and marry her. She had conceived and her child had lived, but the great warrior only knew of the one child, for her mother had borne him twins. Two girls. Now if they had been boys, the man would have been proud, but since they were girls, her mother would have been feared. Twins were rare in those days, and women who bore them were sworn to have had an affair with the devil himself.

It was fate that she happened to be the one her mother gave to the old tiring woman to care for. She knew her mother, and her sister somewhat, but her father was a mystery, and from what she had heard, not someone she really wanted to know anyway.

Her sister Cassandra was a genteel soul, while Christianna was rough. She had been raised in a village full of seamen, and so that was what she became. She could fight, swear, and drink with the best of them, and it didn’t bother her.

Her mother and sister would come to visit every month since the time she was a babe, but in the last five years they hadn’t been able to find her. She had hired herself out as a member of whatever crew ship she could find willing to take her on. Under the guise of a boy of course, for women were seen as bad luck on a ship out at sea.

They called her Storm, for she could sense a storm days away, and keep damage to a minimal. They also called her Storm for her temper was always brewing just below the surface, ready to explode in a moments notice.

She felt bad for not leaving word with her mother and sister about her doings, but it wasn’t their life. Her mother had chosen marriage to a bastard that she loved, over both her children. That was fine with Christianna, she didn’t think she could live the life of a lady if she tried. It wasn’t in her nature to be docile. She was a free spirit that needed to feel the salty sea air in her face, and a gently rolling ship under her feet.

Her father had died a few months back while she had been out to sea, and she sent her condolences to her mother and sister, only to have her sister write back that their mother had died a few days before her missive reached them.

She was on her way now to her sister. The girl was afraid of the man who was now in charge of their father’s holdings, and said he was a mean son of a bitch. Well her sister didn’t say that, as she’s to kind, but that’s the impression Christianna got.

Christianna rode hard to get there before something bad happened. She had been to the keep several times when her mother had sent for her when she was little, and was amazed she even remembered the way. Getting past the guards at the gate was simple. She just blended in with a group of people going through, and no one bothered to stop her. Getting inside the hall might be a bit more difficult. But thankfully, for once, fate was on her side. Cassandra was out in the yard talking with another young woman.

It’s horrible Millicent. The things he says. Cassandra said softly, but then Christianna had never heard the girl speak above a whisper anyway.

I know it. How do you stand it? the girl asked. Both were unaware that Christianna was behind them.

I hide and try to escape his notice. Cassandra shivered.

And I’ll slit his throat for you. Christianna growled and the girls spun around to face her.

Who are you? Millicent stammered.

Chris? Cassandra squinted trying to peer under the brim of Christianna’s hat.

Who else? Christianna tilted her head back and smiled brightly.

You came. Cassandra squealed happily and embraced her sister.

They were almost alike except for the fact that Christianna’s hair was a shade darker than Cassandra’s strawberry, and where Cassandra’s hair cascaded around her body in waves, Christianna’s was cut unevenly at her shoulders and pulled back into a tail at the nape of her neck. Their eyes were also different shades. Christianna’s a stormy gray, and Cassandra’s a light violet that looked almost gray at times.

Of course I came. Now let’s go pack your things and get the hell out of here. Christianna glanced around nervously. She was all alone in the enemy camp with only her pistol and her sword. If they were discovered it could mean both their deaths.

I can’t leave right now Chris. He’d notice if I wasn’t at the evening meal. Cassandra looked around afraid, as if even mentioning the man he would appear out of thin air and devour her.

Alright then, we’ll wait until dark. Christianna sighed. She didn’t want to wait that long, but it was better than getting caught. Where can I put my horse and hide?

Come on. I’ll help you get him settled. The horse had been a gift from her mother and was of fine breeding. He was taller than most horses and many a man had made the mistake of trying to steal him, only the beast was loyal to her and never stayed gone long.

They headed for the stable and Cassandra spoke to an older man. He smiled warmly at her and patted her hand before walking over to Christianna and Millicent.

Good day lad. the man greeted.

Good day sir. Christianna tipped her head. She didn’t have to worry about sounding to feminine, her voice was naturally husky and most figured it was because of her being a youth on the verge of manhood.

Tis a fine looking animal you have there, he walked around the horse with a critical eye. I seem to remember a younger horse much like this one taking up a stall here once upon a time.

I wouldn’t know about that sir, I’m just a traveler.

I see. he smiled at Cassandra. Well I’ll have him brushed down real good, and give him a good meal. Now miss Cassie you gather what your taking, and I’ll hide it in his stall so you can make a clean get away.

Thank you Hale. Cassandra smiled at him.

I’m only to glad to help. Now for you Chris. Aye I know who you are. Don’t be thinking the mistress got this fine a beast out of here without my knowing. You need anything? he chuckled at Chrisitanna’s surprised expression.

No. I have what I need. She’ll need pants and shirts, not dresses. We’ll also have to cut her hair.

My hair? Cassandra looked ready to faint.

Cass I’m taking you out to sea, you can’t be a girl on a ship. Christianna sighed.

Oh no. she gasped, and Christianna was afraid she’d start to cry.

You don’t have to cut it short like a man’s, but about my length should suffice.

I don’t know if I want to go out to sea Chris, Cassandra’s voice was small as a little lost child.

Then don’t. Stay here and take your chances with the ogre. I’m leaving. Christianna grabbed up her horses reins and turned him toward the doors.

Alright. Cassandra said in her loudest voice, which still was barely above a whisper.

I thought you’d see it my way. Now go back and do whatever it is you do, and I’ll be close. Christianna handed her horse over to Hale.

How? Cassandra frowned.

They don’t call me Storm for nothing sister. Christianna winked.

Your Storm? Hale’s eyes became wide as tankards.

I take it you’ve heard a bit about me, Christianna crossed her arms over her chest. Thankfully they had never been much of a problem to hide, she didn’t have the womanly charms her sister and mother did. She should have been born a boy.

Oh aye, and I’m sure most of it was just lies. he nodded so hard she thought his neck would snap.

Tell me the wildest tale you’ve heard that you now think is poppycock. she challenged.

Well let me see, he said thoughtfully scratching his bewhiskered chin. I know. Storm was reported to start a fight on the Iron Lady, and by the time they docked they had five men with broken noses, another with a gash in his side needing sewin’ up, and the captain had lost his clothes in the battle because Storm cut them off while they were fighting. Also they locked Storm in the hold, and he ripped the chains out of the wall.

Well that is close. Truth of the matter was I broke two men’s noses, the gash in the man’s side wasn’t my fault, but his own for rushing me and slipping on the deck into my blade, and yes the captain did lose his clothes to me. Oh, and I did rip the chains out of the wall. she held up her arms after she pushed back her sleeves to reveal the scars.

I’ll be damned. Your quite the feared little creature.

Good, saved my life on more than one occasion.

She looked at her sister and Millicent, and they were holding onto each other as if she would cut them down where they stood. It bothered her.

Dear god do you think I’d hurt you? I can’t help it you were raised as a lady, and I grew up around a bunch of roughneck sailors and drunks. I learned to survive any way I could. Christianna snapped.

I’m s-s-sorry Chris. It’s just hard to imagine the life you’ve had to live compared to mine. Cassandra looked down at her feet as if ashamed of that fact.

I’m not complaining. I’m not cut out to be a lady, with a husband, and a houseful of kids anyway. Imagine me being a mother. she laughed tightly, but deep down she did wish she were woman enough to have all that. She’d give her children a better life than she had ever known. Now go on and run along. I’ll be in to find you in a bit.

Cassandra and Millicent fairly ran from the stable, leaving Hale and Christianna alone.

Your mother loved you very much. Hale said softly.

I know it, but not enough to keep me over the bastard she married. she growled angrily.

I know it. I think he would have been proud of you. Your more like the boy he wanted but they never had. Hale shook his head sadly.

Ah yes, but my dearly departed mother feared being labeled a witch for bearing twin girls. Christianna headed for the door.

Be careful lass, Lord Raeth isn’t a man to trifle with. he warned.

I’ve dealt with men of his ilk before. Fear not, we’ll leave here unscathed. she left the stable then in search of a way inside the hall.

She found it easy enough, she just walked through the doors with everyone else. No one asked her who she was, or where she was from, and she sat down in the hall with them to eat a meal. This was much easier than she thought.

Cassandra and Millicent walked in almost huddled against the wall for fear of drawing attention to themselves. It angered Christianna that her sister had to live in fear. She wouldn’t anymore.

The beast came through the doors a little later surrounded by warriors. He was a good looking man, she’d give him that. Tall and lithe, with coal black hair that hung to his shoulders, shoulders that were broad and had well muscled arms hanging from them. Here was a man used to fighting, and she admired that.

Cassandra cringed away from him when he sat down beside her at the long table but he hardly paid her any mind. Just what did her sister have to fear?

I have an announcement. the man banged his ale tankard on the scarred table gaining everyone’s attention. Tomorrow evening Lady Cassandra and I shall be wed.

Over Christianna’s dead body.

Cassandra started to weep softly and he glared at her.

See overcome by tears of joy. he smirked and tilted her head toward him with his finger, and kissed her on the lips.

Christianna wanted to jump up and attack him but she knew the importance of keeping her temper in check, at least for now.

Cassandra muttered something to him and he nodded. A moment later she stood up and Millicent followed her from the room. Christianna wondered if Millicent would be a problem tonight.

She got up to follow her sister when his voice thundered through the hall.

Who are you? he growled, and she stopped to turn and look at him.

Just a traveler my lord. I’m on my way to the MacClearen’s. she knew from her mother that they were friendly with the MacClearen’s right now.

What name do you go by? he had stood up and made his way around the table toward her.

Many my lord, but you wouldn’t know me by them.

Try me. he stopped a few feet from her. His scent was masculine with a hint of sandalwood, and it tickled her nose.

Chris Leary, Storm . . . she didn’t get any farther.

"Your not the Storm. he laughed. Your to small."

If you say so my lord. she tilted her head toward him.

Well I do, that is unless you can prove otherwise.

And how would you like me to do that? she asked with a sly grin. They always wanted her to either fight them, or shoot something.

A man of mine ran into Storm about a year back. They dueled and he left quite a nasty scar from his telling of it. Supposedly started about the collar bone and curled down the stomach. ah hell he’d want to see the one thing that could possibly give her away. I want to see the scar if you’re Storm.

And if I don’t show you? she countered.

Then I won’t believe you. he crossed his great arms over his chest.

Christianna thought for a moment how to do it and not reveal her sex. She smiled as she thought of an idea.

My lord I would gladly show you my scar, but alas I cannot. You see I have a skin problem, and I cannot bare my skin to the air, or I break out in great rashes.

Then how am I to know if it exists? he grumbled.

Would you trust your fingers to tell the truth of what your eyes cannot see? it was risky, but if she led his fingers down the scar it should be alright.

Aye. he smiled smugly at her.

Very well. Give me your hand. she un-tucked her shirt from her pants and took his hand in hers. It was warm and rough, and she had to stop herself from shuddering.

Christianna guided his hand under her shirt to her collar bone and guided his fingers down the path of the scar. His eyes widened in surprise when she released his hand and started to tuck her shirt back in.

Well I say I am surprised, but they say good things come in small packages. What say you stay the night and join my wedding party tomorrow, and maybe I can convince you to stay and join my ranks?

I’ll stay the night most graciously, but as for the wedding tomorrow, or joining your ranks, I have duties to attend to at Lochard. it was the name of the MacClearen’s holding.

What about after those duties are met?

We’ll see milord. she bowed her head again, just wanting to make her escape and gather up Cassandra.

Come sit at my table Storm, and drink a dram of ale with us. he clapped her on the shoulder and she was glad she had braced herself, else she would have fallen on her face.

That’s an offer I can accept milord. Thank you. she nodded and followed him to the high table.

See the thing with drinking with men was, was to get them drunk enough they thought you were drinking more than they were. Truthfully she could, and still keep her wits about her, but for the most part she distracted them and switched her full tankard for their empty one.

She knew Cassandra must be worried about her but she was playing along, hoping to get an invite to stay the night inside the hall, and then she could make her move.

She drank down two tankards of ale and then played her games. It was very good ale and she felt nice and relaxed. The best time to be on her guard, and she was. She watched every move with a critical eye to make sure no one was ready to stab her in the back.

Come on Storm. I challenge you to a duel. a warrior stood up and swayed drunkenly.

I think not man. A strong gust of wind would set you on your ass. she lifted the cup to her lips and pretended to take a drink.

Everyone laughed, even the man she had spoken to.

I swear man, you’ve got balls of steel under those pants. To taunt a warrior like that. Lord Raeth laughed and took a long drink, slamming his empty cup down. When his head was turned she made sure no one was looking and switched their tankards.

My lord I appreciate your hospitality but I must find myself a bed, for I need to get an early start in the morning. Christianna stood up and stretched, swaying to make it appear as if she had drunk to much.

Fine idea lad. You can stay in one of the rooms upstairs. I’ll lead the way. Raeth laughed and swayed his way to his feet.

Lord man you weigh a ton. Christianna hissed as she caught him before he fell.

Well at least you caught me. Your just a slip of a man. Raeth caught his balance and left the hall, Christianna a foot behind him. She hoped like hell he didn’t fall back down the stairs. He’d crush her. You can sleep there. I think I’ll check on my bride to be.

Christianna didn’t like the look in his eyes when he said that. Most likely he was going to rape his bride to be in his drunken stupor. She opened the door he pointed at and walked in. When she heard his tread moving on down the hall she poked her head back out and watched him. He stopped before a door, took a deep breath, and walked in. He didn’t close the door all the way, which was lucky for her.

Silently she crept down to the doorway, and peered inside. Cassandra sat on the bed with the coverlet pulled up to her chin. Her eyes big as saucers, and she was trembling with fear.

What is it you wish milord? she asked softly.

Just a kiss my love. We shall be wed tomorrow after all. he moved toward her. His steps still slow and wobbly from the drink.

No milord. I cannot allow it. she quaked.

Cannot allow? he threw his head back and laughed. Woman I own you lock stock and barrel.

Please don’t do this. she whimpered, and Christianna slipped quietly into the room.

I’ll do as I please, and if you think to defy me ever again, I’ll beat you for it. he warned and stopped beside the bed to look down at her.

Please don’t. she begged, her eyes going wider when she spied Christianna inside the room.

Raeth leaned down toward her and Christianna stepped forward.

Only cowards take from those weaker than themselves. she growled in a low voice.

What the hell are you doing in here? he straightened up and snapped.

I happened to be looking for you and found you in here accosting your bride to be. she said evenly.

What I do with whom is none of your concern, now leave. he pointed one angry finger at the door.

I can’t do that milord. she shook her head.

Lad you’re trying my patience.

Milord please, listen to my words for a moment. she paused to see what he would do. When he said nothing she continued. Just think, if tonight you take your bride to be, with your mind hazy with ale, would you remember tomorrow that you were the one to deflower her? Or would you accuse her of coming to you un-pure, not believing her when she tells you it was you?

Raeth thought for a moment or two.

I guess your right. he grumbled. He looked toward the bed at Cassandra, and then back at Christianna. Why . . .

He didn’t get to finished before Christianna moved forward and bashed him in the temple, catching his heavy body and laying him across Cassandra’s bed.

She’s my sister you bastard, and you’ll not treat her like a common whore. she growled in his ear.

Dear god did you kill him? Cassandra slid from the bed quickly.

No, but we need to be on our way before he wakes. Christianna grabbed her sister’s hand and drug her out of the back of the keep and into the stable. Hale was waiting on them.

Sit down lass, let me take care of that hair. There’s a bag of old clothing, you can pick out what she should wear. he told Christianna. She looked through the bag and pulled out a pair of sturdy pants, and a thick dark shirt. Socks and boots completed the outfit and she turned in time to see Hale whack off Cassandra’s hair with a blade.

I think I hate you. she whimpered to Christianna as she looked at her hair in Hale’s hand.

You’ll hate me even more later on. Come on. Let’s get going. she moved into her horse’s stall and tied Cassandra’s bag to his saddle.

Chris won’t we need another horse? she asked staring up at Christianna sitting astride the animal.

No, and we really don’t have time for this woman. Christianna growled.

Hale helped Cassandra mount up behind her sister and opened the stall door wider so they could ride out.

Write an old man a letter every now and then to let me know how you fare. he smiled at them.

Will do. Hiya Black. Christianna rode as hard as she could push the horse.

Cassandra quaked behind her. Fear that they would be caught at any moment kept her eyes wide and fearful.

Your going to go by Cass. Christianna told her when she had slowed Black down to a walk.

What’s it short for?

Cassidy Leary. Christianna said.

Alright. Do we really have to go to sea? Cassandra whimpered.

Do you really want Raeth to find you? Christianna glanced over her shoulder.

No. Cassandra shook her head.

Then we’re going to sea. I’ve already got it arranged with a friend.

They hit the docks at low tide the next evening. Christianna had stopped several times to wait and make sure they hadn’t been followed. The harbor was full of ships waiting for the tide to come back in to set sail. They had stopped and bound her sister’s fuller breasts with cloth to make her more boyish in appearance and she had protested the whole time.

Christianna headed for the stable to get Black settled in, and make arrangements for his stay.

I’m going to sea with my brother. How much will it cost me to house my horse here, and have him taken out at least once every few days so that he’s exercised, and not stolen? she asked the stable master.

I can take him to my own home and house him a lot safer sir, and it’ll cost you ten shillings a month.

I’ll make it twenty since you’ll be using your own personal hay and grain. she pulled out two months worth of money.

Sir I can’t take all this at once. he frowned at all the coins in the pouch.

I’m not sure when our ship may anchor here again. We’re signing onto the Wave Rider.

Cap’n Tiller normally anchors here about twice a month, depending on where his cargo takes him. the old man nodded his head.

Keep it anyway. Means I can’t spend it drinkin’ and wenchin’. she winked at him.

Aye sir, I’ll keep your horse safe and fit. he took Black by the reins and led him off after she had taken Cassandra’s bag from his saddle.

Come on. I have to get my bag from my room, and then meet Bo at the tavern.

How do you have so much money? Cassandra asked as they were walking toward the inn.

I’ve earned it from working on the ships. Christianna shrugged.

They approached the tavern after she paid for her room, and Cassandra grabbed her arm.

You can’t mean to go in there? she hissed, her eyes wide with fear.

Cass you’ll never fit in if you don’t wipe that look off your face. Pull your hat a little lower to cover those fearful eyes. Christianna reached up to pull the brim of the hat lower over her sister’s eyes. There. Now just don’t look at anyone and you won’t have any problems.

She thought Cassandra was going to faint when she strapped the sword low around her hips, and tucked the gun into the waistband of her pants.

Let’s go. Christianna smiled and led the way inside the tavern.

It was noisy and rowdy as always, and she loved it.

Storm, several men shouted at her, and she raised her hand in greeting, aware of her sister trying to shrink into her own skin.

Bout damned time. Bo growled when she sat down on the bench beside him.

Cheer up old man. You know you love to work with me. she signaled the maid for a tankard.

Like a swollen tooth. he said, but he was grinning. Cap’n wants to meet you before he agrees.

Well I didn’t see that one coming, she snorted and took a long drink of her ale after she flipped the maid a coin.

Are you going to cause problems Chris? he asked softly, trying to peer under the brim of her hat to see her face better.

Not unless they start problems first. she shrugged.

Dear merciful heaven. If it weren’t for our bad luck with the storms I would never have agreed to this. he growled and ran his big meaty hand through his hair.

I know it. she set her empty tankard down. Let’s go meet the captain shall we. Storms blowing our way and the tide’ll be in, in about an hour.

Damn Chris, how do you know? he stood up and they headed for the door.

I feel it like the blood flowing through my veins. Cassandra was quiet as they headed for the docks and the ships anchored there.

I can’t do this Chris. she grabbed Christianna’s arm just as they stepped onto the gangplank.

Then I can’t help you Cass. You wanted saved and this is the only way I know how. Unless of course you want to go to the church and become a nun. that’s what she should have done in the first place. Her sister was to gentle a soul for sea life.

No, I don’t want to be a nun. I want a family one day. Cassandra took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. I can do this.

That’s my girl. Christianna winked and they followed Bo up the plank and onto the deck.

Chris remember that you do have some sense and manners. Please. Bo pleaded with her before he knocked on the captain’s cabin door.

I’ll try. she shrugged.

Bo closed his eyes and said a prayer of patience and knocked.

Come in. the masculine voice boomed through the door. Bo shot her a warning glance before opening it.

Cap’n these be the lads I was telling you about. Bo said moving aside so Christianna and Cassandra could come in.

Lads are right Bo. the man was a god. His skin bronzed from the sun, his hair bleached out from it as well, and he was very well built. What are your names?

I’m Chris Leary, and this is my brother Cass. Christianna answered.

What can you do? the captain leaned back in his chair and regarded them closely.

My brother’s good with numbers, writing that kind of thing, or even being a kitchen helper. Me, I’m more for the honest work. Hauling in the lines, mending the sails, manning the ship. she shrugged.

I’m sure a boy like you could man a ship this size. the captain laughed, and it went against her grain. Truth was she had manned ships bigger than this little slop, and she was about to tell him so, when Bo nudged her from behind.

We’re twenty one sir. she grumbled.

Still green lads. he stood up and started to pace, casting them glances every now and then.

Captain I don’t mean to push, but we’ve a storm about four hours out and the tide coming in, in about forty five minutes. If you want to be gone before the storm, I suggest you make up your mind and quickly. Bo hung his head with a sad shake. She just didn’t know when to shut her trap.

What do you know of storms? he stopped his pacing to regard her closely.

More than most. Tis why they call me Storm. she tilted her head in acknowledgment.

There’s no way your Storm. the captain said firmly.

I’m afraid to disagree cap’n. This lad is Storm. Tis why I was trying to get you to take him on, considering our bad luck with storms lately. Bo spoke up before she could put her foot in her mouth, or insult the captain.

I won’t have disobedience on my ship. the captain growled.

If I’m treated fairly, and my brother fairly, then you won’t have to worry about it.

Chris. Bo warned softly.

What? I’m sorry sir, but I’ve been all over this world on a ship, and while they like me around for my sense of storms, they treat me no better than the child they think I am, and I’m hardly a child. I will get the respect I earn, or else I will make them respect me. It’s nothing less than I would expect from any other man.

Well said lad. Alright then. You and your brother may stay. Right now I have a competent assistant, so your brother can work in the kitchen, and you can do whatever chores Bo needs you for. the captain nodded.

Thank you sir. I know this might seem a bit over the top seeing as you just gave us employment, but do you think my brother and I might have a room separate from the rest of the crew? she waited. She had, had to sleep with the crew once, and it was hell trying to keep her gender a secret.

There’s a small cabin down in the hold we don’t use for anything. You can string up a couple of hammocks and use that as your quarters. he agreed.

Much obliged captain. Christianna nodded her head.

I’m Pepper Tiller, the captain. he extended his hand and she reached forward to shake it. He offered it to Cassandra, and she was slower to respond. What’s the matter lad?

It’s his first time out to sea. He’s worried he won’t take well to it. Christianna answered quickly.

You’ll love it lad. Nothing like the salty sea air in your face, or the swaying of a ship beneath your feet. Christianna felt like he had read her inner most thoughts. That was exactly the way she felt. Go on and get settled. Bo get the rest of them on board so we can get ahead of that storm.

Cut to the northeast for about four hours, and then south. You should outrun it. Christianna said over her shoulder.

Tiller said nothing but watched as they left. Chris was going to be trouble, he just knew it. He sat back down and let his mind wander back over all he had ever heard about Storm. That such a slip of a boy could do all that was mind blowing. He always thought the stories were exaggerated, and he was sure that some of it was, but after meeting the boy himself and seeing the fire of a short temper blazing in the boy’s unusual gray eyes, he knew deep down that most of what he’d heard was true.

That son of a bitch took my bride. Raeth growled when he woke on Cassandra’s bed.

My lord? one of his men shoved open the door and frowned.

Mount up every warrior I have. We’ve got to find them. he snapped, and the man jumped to do his bidding. I’ll find you my beauty, and it won’t be your sister I take to wife.

His dreams while he had been unconscious had been filled with creamy skin, and full, ripe lips, but most of all it was those damnable stormy gray eyes, fringed with long dark lashes. He’d have that wench in his bed before the month was out, and it would be her that bore his sons. Fine strong lads they’d be too. Their mother was a hell cat, and he couldn’t wait to tame her.

2

Chris I’m going to be sick, Cassandra gasped as they stood in the cabin stringing their hammocks.

No you won’t. Don’t think about movement under your feet. If you think about it you will be. Just pretend your in a keep or something. she shrugged.

I can’t do it. Cassandra gulped.

The key is not to stay still for to long. Then you feel the ship moving beneath you. Walk around the cabin. We’ll have to go topside in a few minutes anyway. Christianna shook her head and strung up her sister’s hammock.

That helps. Christianna turned to look at her, she didn’t look as green around the gills as she had earlier.

I told you. they heard a whistle blow and Cassandra jumped. Time to head topside.

Chris what if the captain suspects? Cassandra whispered worriedly as they headed topside.

He won’t if we play it right. Just follow my lead and stay hidden for the most part. I’m used to mingling with men so let me deal with them. they stepped onto the deck and twenty pair of eyes swung their way.

Ah shit it’s Storm. someone groaned, and Christianna let her lips quirk up in a smile.

Miss me Holmes? she chuckled.

Not really. You broke my damned nose last time we was on a ship together.

Next time you’ll learn to keep your smart-assed remarks to yourself then.

Enough. I see that introductions for this one are unnecessary, but this is his brother Cass Leary. He’ll be working with you, Abel, in the kitchen.

Looks like that’s all he’s able to do. someone laughed.

Might be all he can handle, but if you’d like to question abilities I could give you a go. Christianna growled.

We haven’t even hoisted the anchor and already you’re causing problems. Captain Tiller grumbled.

I warned you I wouldn’t tolerate not being respected. I know I haven’t earned their respect, and neither has my brother, but it’s still no reason to injure one’s pride.

True enough. Lads leave them be for the time being. They just might surprise you.

The only way Storm could surprise me was if he knew how to be nice and get along with others. Holmes sneered.

I do get along with others Holmes. It’s others who don’t get along with me. she grinned.

Enough. Hoist the anchor and let’s get the hell ahead of a storm for once. he looked at Christianna and Cassandra. Cass you go with Abel he’ll get you situated. Chris get aloft and guide our course. We’ll see how well your senses are.

Where are we headed cap’n?

England. he grumbled.

Is it because you have to, or you want to?

What imprudence is this? he snapped, and everyone stopped to stare at them.

Just a question sir. If your going to England because you have to, then okay, but if your going because you want to, then it’s best if maybe we head to India and pick up some silks and spice.

What would you know about these places? he growled and stepped closer to her, everyone else backed off. Even Cassandra.

You think this is the first ship I’ve sailed on? Holmes tell him. Christianna looked over her shoulder at Holmes.

While it burns my ass to credit the boy with anything, he’s dead on when it comes to storms cap’n. We never hit a one, unless it was one he made. she noted the man’s grudging respect in his eyes. That was better than hatred.

Very well then we’ll head to India. Now aloft with you. I’m tired of riding out a storm. Tiller growled and headed for the helm.

Go on Cass. You’ll be safe enough in the kitchen. Christianna urged.

I’m glad mother taught me how to cook. Cassandra grumbled and followed Able below decks.

Christianna climbed the rigging and sat in her favorite spot on a ship. The watch tower as she called it. For that’s what it really was, a look out place for other ships, or storms, or land. It had many uses, and she loved to stay up here.

She settled herself in comfortably, and picked up the spy glass that was in there, scanning the horizon for sight of the storm. It brewed dangerous and black to the east. They needed to get out of here now.

Get a move on it boys. Tide’s comin’ in, and the storms pickin’ up speed. she yelled down to the men on the deck.

They glanced up at her for a moment, and when Holmes and Bo started moving faster to get the anchor in, they all moved faster to get out into open water as quick as possible.

They moved away from the dock as soon as the sails were open and the breeze hit them. Luck would be with them. The wind was blowing the way she needed it to.

Turn her northeast. she shouted, and watched as the captain turned the wheel to her direction. Hold her steady unless I say.

Tiller looked up at the little figure in the crows nest, and wondered about him and his brother. He knew they were brothers by their facial features, but he wondered what they were running from. Cass seemed ready to flee at a harshly spoken word, and he was so quiet, where Chris was outspoken as anyone he had ever met. The boys’ would give them all problems, and he hoped to stop it before it could escalate into something more.

Christianna wondered how Cassandra was faring, but Abel seemed a gentle enough man. She shouldn’t have to many problems. Especially if their mother had taught her to cook. Ship fare was quite simple for the most part.

She kept her eyes and ears open for the shift in wind, and a sense of the storm growing closer and stronger. She wanted to avoid it getting to close. A while later she stood up to stretch her cramped muscles and let the wind rush across her skin, closing her eyes and breathing deep.

Turn to the north, she shouted down to the man at the helm. The captain had switched off with the man a few hours out.

We don’t need to go north, the man shouted up to her.

Do you want to get overtaken by the damned storm man? Do as I say and do it now. she snapped.

The captain came out of his cabin and looked up at her.

What’s going on Chris? he shouted up to her.

The storm’s path is changing. It’s going in a northeastern direction now, and it’s gaining speed. Turn it to the north. she just wished they listen instead of arguing.

What about east?

Damn it man, lose your ship for all I care. she growled and turned away just as the wind gusted hard against her and knocked her into the side of the look out, stealing her breath for a heartbeat with the unexpected force.

Head us north Donaldson. Tiller shouted.

Christianna shook her head. It would be to late. She wouldn’t be doing any good aloft. She climbed out and slid down the rope to the deck.

What are you doing? the captain growled.

I can’t do any good up there but get myself killed. You all took to long debating my word, and now we’re going to have to weather some of this storm. she headed toward the mast and found a loose rope. Tying one end around her waist, and the other around the mast itself to anchor to something solid and firm.

Christianna moved to the sails and started to cull them in.

What are you doing now? We need those at full so we can use the wind to get us out of this mess. Tiller shouted.

Feel the air cap’n. The wind is dying down. The only thing these sails will do at full is take us for a wild ride. she noticed Bo and Holmes coming on deck. Come on Bo. These idiots put us into the damned storm. Let’s get it under control before it hits.

Boy I’ll have you whipped for your insolence, Tiller growled.

Do it after I’ve saved your ship and the lives of the men on board. she snapped back at him and moved to the other sails.

The storm hit with a vengeance not even half an hour later, and it wasn’t even the heart of it. It tossed the ship from side to side so hard, that you could barely keep your feet under you. The wind slapped the ends of her short, wet hair painfully across her cheeks, and she hoped like hell Cassandra was okay and safe.

A wave crested over the side of the boat, and in a flash of lighting she noticed the man fall overboard.

Man overboard. she shouted and took off running for the side