The man squints as he takes a few steps towards us. Then recognition crosses his face and his eyes lighten. "Bluff?"
Bluff is smiling now too. "Am I ever glad to see you.”
"The 'ell you doing 'ere? Thought you was locked up."
Bluff releases my arm and walks closer to the stranger. "You think that place could hold me? Besides, I heard Stede freed all those pirates.”
“Aye. Didn’t know you was one of them, though. Thought you was in some place up north.”
Bluff shrugs. “This is north, you ask me. And Stede had nothing to do with my escape, that’s for sure.”
Carlos laughs, and I shift awkwardly, not willing to move any closer. I still don't know how much I can trust Bluff. Maybe I should take the opportunity and hide somewhere until morning. But the moment the man's eyes drift to me, my muscles tense. Too late for escape now.
"Got yourself a trophy?" His eyes travel all the way down my body, and I grit my teeth, resisting the urge to cover myself. Anything to get this man's eyes off of me.
Bluff smirks and then stomps over, wrapping his arm around my waist, and very quickly leans in to whisper in my ear, "Go with it." Then he turns a big smile to Carlos and says, "Pretty, ain't she?"
Carlos winks "‘Bout time, boy."
Three more pirates appear at the end of the market street and my muscles begin to ache from the constant tension.
"Looks like she needs bit of a loosening." Carlos laughs.
I shiver. "All in good time." Bluff laughs naturally. So natural, in fact, I wonder if he's serious. If not, he's one damned good liar. I'm not sure which one scares me more.
Down at the docks, there are three new ships. Ships flying black flags.
Obviously, Bluff knows a few of these pirates, but how do I know who is "good" and who is bad? And how much will Bluff risk to save me? His life? He barely knows me.
"Where's Iron?" Bluff asks, keeping his voice calm. But he takes a step back, pulling me back with him as the new pirates approach.
"Ship’s there, you comin'?" Carlos points out to a far dock.
"Didn't get much here," an old man with a missing arm says. "Not with Stede raidin' all them rich houses."
"Dissapointin'. We ain't got a chance to raid a place like this in a 'ell of a while."
"I did alright," Carlos says, holding up a bag that looks awful heavy. "Lots of rum." He smiles.
The old man slaps him on the back with his only arm.
The boom of a cannon makes us all jump. Before I even know what's happening, the pirates turn and run towards the ship. Bluff and I are left behind, his hand still around my waist. "This is our only chance," he whispers, "but they cannot know who you are, understand?"
I swallow. "Who are they? They're not after my father too?"
Bluff shakes his head. "No. They just came for the easy spoils of an already conquered town. Let Stede do the hard work, since he was so determined, and they'll sack whatever is left."
I nod. I suppose that makes sense.
"This is a crew I know well. I'll be welcomed. But if they know that Stede wants you, well, they certainly won't want to cross him, and the price will be well worth it to betray me."
I peer into Bluff's grey eyes and know that I shouldn't trust him. He's a pirate. His name basically means "Liar!" but if I turn back, I'll be faced with a much worse reality. If they're really after me and my father, I don't know when or if I'll ever be safe. My only chance is to get back to New York. To Jeb.
Right back to my old prison. It was the best possible future I could have imagined for the longest time. Better than whatever my father had planned for me in this Carolina town. So why does the thought cause my head to spin unpleasantly?
What other choice do I have? Where else could I go but back to the only person in the world I trust to actually care about me? Even if I’m unsure I actually want to marry him. Life, it seems, is rarely about want.
I allow Bluff to pull me down the dock at a quick pace. The ships are already bustling, with men scurrying and shouting things I don't even understand.
"Who is she?" The voice booms as soon as we reach the ship. The man's voice is so low, so quiet but strong, that it sends a shiver down my spine. He is so tall he towers over us. Though his muscles aren't as large as most of the pirates I've seen, there is still something menacing about him. Perhaps it's the loop piercing through the center of his nose.
They stare at one another for what feels like an hour, then a smirk spreads across Bluff's face. Still keeping his eyes focused on the huge bull-like pirate, he reaches over and grabs me by the waist, pulling me towards him. "She's with me, captain."
"Well come on, then!" the captain calls to us. "Can't waste time, not on a night like this."
Another cannon booms as my feet hit the ship’s deck. This time I don't jump.
I take a deep breath and try to convince myself that this is okay. This is the best option available to me.
I guess whatever my future holds, it's going to start with a pirate ship.
Bluff
Seaweed and sweat, rotten fish and rat scat, all rolled into one horrible scent—that's the smell of a pirate ship. The damp wood beneath my feet creaks, and for a moment I forget the girl next to me. The ship itself is as much of a home as I've ever had.
But there is still a sense of unease. Every time I step onto a ship, dread fills me. Itching and crawling, it shoots up my spine and into my head. I love it and I hate it.
I try to ignore the yelling and grunting of the crew as they make ready. That's the part that scares me. Not the crew—the setting sail bit.
A ship should just stay docked. It might be pleasant, then.
A small gasp escapes the girl's lips, and my eyes dart to her. A particularly nasty pirate named Lucky Seven has wandered a bit too close, his dirt caked arm rubbing hers as he passes. I smile at her discomfort. She's a little princess on a pirate ship
This will be fun.
She seems to have forgotten me as well. As soon as the pirates are clear of her, she walks forward, leaving me behind. I follow quietly—out of curiosity, of course.
She just stares out at the sea in wonder or in deep thought as she watches the dark rippling waters.
Is it just me, or is it longing there?
Could this girl, who doesn't know the first thing about sailing, who spent her whole life in a city and corset, possibly love the sea?
That's a horrifying thought.
I hate the sea.
I hate the way it controls you. Pulls you.
Truth is, I couldn't stay away if I tried.
The sea is a part of me, as much as I try to deny it. It owns me.
And I'll never forgive it for that.
"Bluff!" someone calls. Whitley and I turn to the caller simultaneously. A dozen men are on deck, pulling up the anchor, dropping sails, tying rope, pushing us off. Standing in the middle of the main deck is a girl, dressed like the other scallywags around her, but with a white smile that only someone who takes care of themselves possess. She wears her signature black feather in her pinned black hair.
"Get your smimey arse over here and help me with the rig!" Rosemera calls to me.
I smile and jog to help her. Together we heave the mainstay far out to catch the north facing wind. It catches immediately, and the ship heaves in eagerness.
"Whoa there!" the captain yells, even though there's nothing we can do about the wind. It'll blow how it wants to. And right now, it wants us out to sea.
It wants me out to sea.
That's the real reason the captain’s yelling. And the reason Rosemera turns to me and smiles. "That was easy," she says, her eyes shining.
They know the harsh winds blowing through the sails are my fault. They just see it as a blessing, the way the sea calls to me. Just another part of my power.
I see it as a curse.
But at least they don't have to worry about bad storms with me on board. We usually get fair—if a bit overzealo
us—winds and blue skies.
A gust of very deliberate wind blows over the ship. It feels like a hand wisping through my hair, but it continues past me and hits Whitley full in the back. She stumbles forward, catching herself on the damp railing. It blows her hair and dress forward, violent at first but then gentle. A caress.
The winds like her too.
That can't be good.
She turns to face me, hair half in her face. She doesn't look how I'd expect. I’d expect annoyed, inconvenienced, or even scared.
Instead, there’s intensity. Fierce beauty.
I hate that it crosses my mind that it’s the expression one lover gives to another, not that I've had much experience with lovers. At least not any I’d like to remember.
I swallow. Despite what the crew must think, I will not be learning any more about lovers tonight. Still, my stomach flips at the sight of her. Her eyes glisten, her cheeks blush. Her hair blows in the wind, wild and free. The way she was meant to be, only she'll never know that. She'll live her high society life far away from all of this. At least if there is anything I can do about it.
The ship presses into the waves ahead and rocks suddenly. Whitley stumbles and grips the rail to keep balance.
Let's see how much Miss Princess likes the high seas.
Perhaps my ocean friends will help me out here.
"Who is she?"
I turn to Rosemera, realizing I've probably been watching the girl for a lot longer than I should. Her big eyes study me. She's always been beautiful, Rosemera, but she's like a sister. She nudges my arm.
"No one important," I say in a flat voice, then I walk away. It's the biggest lie I've ever told her.
The ship is well on its way out of the bay, so my work is done. Just in time, too. Another cannon sounds, this one aimed at the docks. Stede will have to be off soon, empty-handed, most likely. He might have managed to get a hand on the bastard traitor, but serves him right if he did.
I just hope he doesn't catch sight of the Freedom before they give up their search or he very well may put two and two together and follow us.
I'm always a step of head of you, Stede.
Speaking of which, I need to speak to Captain Taj about heading up to New York. Won't be his favorite port, but he owes me a favor. Or ten.
I walk slowly towards the front of the ship where Whitley stands, watching the dark water as The Freedom carves through the small waves.
The ship bounces harshly. Even with just small waves, most landlubbers have trouble getting used to the rocking of a ship in the open sea. Whitley surprises me by standing with one leg hitched, comfortable.
Rosemera shoves in front of me and jumps up the steps two at time to reach the helm. She walks right up to Whitley with a big smile. I roll my eyes and follow.
"Welcome aboard, Missy!" Rosemera says, in an exuberant but kind voice.
Whitley smiles politely.
"Suppose I'm not the only lass on board for a few days." Whitley's smile doesn't falter, but she gives no other response. "What's a girl gatta do to get a catch like Bluff here?" Rosemera says, another tactic to get the girl to open up a little. She's on a pirate ship for damn sake. Does she really think she has to be prim and proper here? Or does she just know nothing else?
Whitley's eyes flash to me but then she smiles, turning back to Rosemera. "Pure luck, I think."
"She came to visit me in prison, unlike someone," I say, nudging her arm with my elbow.
"Oh yes, that woulda been a splendid idea. Me at the fort." Rosemera laughs, "Did ya help him escape?"
Whitley's eyes widen. "Oh! No. He managed that all on his own, then surprised me later." She laughs a small, polite sort of laugh. You can tell she's trained for propriety. She knows just what to say.
Makes me want to yawn. Or barf. Either would be an appropriate response.
"He's good at surprises," Rosemera says. I'm not sure what she thinks about this whole situation. Does she believe that the girl is a potential lover like the rest of the crew? Since they all just assumed and it seemed like as good a story as any, we just went with it, but Rosemera knows me better than the rest. I search her face and wonder if she suspects there is more going on here. But as much as I want to trust her, I don't trust anyone.
"Indeed," Whitley says.
Rosemera glances down, then shrieks. "Boy!" she says, with fire in her eyes. I actually take a step back, knowing that tone cannot be good. "Tell me you did not bring this girl on this ship without shoes!"
I look down and sure enough, Whitley's feet are bare. Well, almost. Ripped stockings are barely hanging onto her ragged feet. Her toes curls under, like they're hiding.
I blink and nod slowly. "Forgot about that."
Rosemera narrows her eyes, and I can't help but let out a quiet huff of a laugh.
"That isn't funny. A pirate ship is the last place a girl like this wants to be barefoot. No offense."
For the first time, a full smile spreads across Whitley's face. I find I like it, but I press the feeling away.
"It is a bit gross down there." She points to the main deck where water and who knows what else slosh around. She does have a point. "But it's fine here."
"Come on, I'll get you a pair of fresh shoes. Perhaps next time you'll find a boy that actually takes care of you!" She's yelling it now, and I might be embarrassed if it weren't so damn funny.
Rosemera pulls Whitley down the stairs and into the captain’s quarters, where she lives as well, being the captain's daughter and all.
What I am sincerely surprised about, I realize, is that Whitley didn't say a thing. She walked through the main deck, in a full inch of nasty water and rat scat, and didn't so much as turn up her nose. Sure, she walked right up to the top deck for the high ground, I'm sure. But still, that's not exactly the behavior I'd expect out of a princess.
I walk down to the main deck to join the rest of the crew. They're breaking out the rum already. They expect easy sailing with me aboard, and they very well may be right about that. So long as Stede doesn't catch on to us too quickly.
Luster, a small man in cut-off tunic, holds out a bottle. I grab it without a word and take a nice long swig. He’s not the most experienced sailor, but he’s the only one on board with medical knowledge, making him one of the most well-respected men on this crew.
I wince as I force the burning liquid down my throat. The stuff is nasty. Pirate rum will never be the smoothest beverage but it gets the job done. I’ve gotten used to hiding the reaction, but I’ll never get used to the taste.
"Spill!" Joke calls out.
"What?" I say as I sit on a small stool waiting for me.
"What’s she like? Never had a broad like that before," his voice is already slurred.
"Couldn't say, haven't much had the opportunity to find out."
The men groan as one.
"Take the captain’s quarters! He'll give it to ya, know he will!"
I'm sure he would. But that doesn't mean I'd want to take them.
"You could get away with murder here, boy."
The men laugh heartily. I know more than one of them has gotten away with murder, and I wonder if that's why they're laughing. But I get the point. Yes, everyone wants to do Bluff a solid. He'll return the favor.
But these men know I'd help them out, favors or not.
They're like family.
One hell of a barking mad family, but a family nonetheless.
I've spent my life jumping around, pirate ship to pirate ship. The only time I ever lived a near normal life was during the few years I went to a fancy school on the coast. I hated it. But it did help me to learn the behavior of non-pirates, which is very much needed in my line of work. Does no good to change your appearance if you can't act the part. So, The Freedom isn't the only ship I've spent a good amount of time on, but over the years since the war, the pirate population has been shrinking quickly. This is one of few free ships left in these waters.
"Speaking of which, where's th
e captain now?"
Carlos points back to the aft. Past the main mast. I stand. "Thanks for the drink, gentlemen. I'll be back soon."
They're laughing the second I leave, but I didn't hear the joke. I've always been the kid, so not many of the jokes are for my ears anyhow.
I'm the golden child—a living breathing treasure and one hell of a bargaining chip.
But I'm hardly one of the crew.
I head up to the captain, who smacks my back affectionately. "My boy!"
"Thanks for letting me aboard."
"Don't be silly, boy. You know I'd never turn the likes a you away. It was the girl I questioned. Girls like that cause trouble, ya know?"
"I know.” I nod, also realizing that it's not like he resisted allowing her aboard very hard.
He nods and smiles. "Let me know if it's worth it." He says while staring out at the sea like it’s his real lover, the real girl who he hopes to God is worth the trouble. It's not.
I just don't have the heart to tell him that.
"I do have a favor to ask."
He smiles. "Course ya do."
"The girl, she's a need to get to New York."
This grabs his attention. "That city?"
I nod. It’s not the largest city in the country, but it’s one of fastest growing and very well protected.
"Not an easy trip, that. I'd have to pull out the old privateer flag and hope they don't ask too many questions."
There’s a flash in the captain’s eyes. He doesn’t talk much of his time as a privateer, but I’m aware of enough to know it’s a sore subject. He gathered a massive fortune by sacking British cargo ships during the war. Legal pirates, they were. Unconventional soldiers allowed to keep their spoils.
Many say the war would have been lost were it not for privateers.
When the war was won, the most successful of the lot went on to be part of upper-class in the new country. No questions asked. Captain Taj would have been one of them, had his first mate not betrayed him.
Left with nothing, he gathered a new crew and new ship and never looked back. Doesn’t matter how many spoils he wins, I don’t suspect he’ll ever seek out the life stolen from him again.
Sea of Treason (Pirate's Bluff Book 1) Page 4
