The Last Broken Promise

by Grace Walton

  “You can pray all you want, McLeod. But nothing’s going to save your little dolly-bird. She’ll be drowned and sunk to the bottom of the sea afore you wake up. I’ll make sure of it.”

  Six Hours Later

  “Sir? Captain, you got to wake up. The other ship’s in a bad way. We got to do something, and do it right smart or they’ll all be lost,” Saul begged as he shook at the huge lump that was his friend and his master.

  The crew had all been alarmed when Hellwise told them their captain was sick in his cabin. The first mate had quickly, with the use of a pistol, reclaimed his former position as second-in-command. No one offered him any argument. Hellwise was known to be a dangerous man. And his quick, surly temperament made him a hard man to cross, as well. But when their sister ship’s top mast had been splintered by the force of the wind, they’d all assumed their vessel would draw closer to give aid. That had not been the case. Their new acting captain forbade them to try and mount a rescue. He’d said it was too dangerous. That was when the crew became suspicious.

  Saul and the others knew Finn was never sick. The man was the picture of robust masculine vigor. And they now understood they’d been deceived. Saul, without saying anything, began a systematic search of every nook and cranny of the ship. He’d been at it for a full hour before he’d stumbled upon Finn’s still prostrate form.

  Finn heard the words through the fog that was his aching brain. Once he fully understood the sailor’s urgent hissed whispers, he came instantly and fully awake. With sheer force of will, he shambled up to his unsteady feet.

  “Make to intercept them,” he growled out harshly. He wiped a hand over his mouth. A sour tide of nausea threatened to unman him. He choked back the need to gag.

  “We’re in the eye of the storm,” Saul nodded. “If we’re to save them, this is surely the time. I’ll give the order.”

  “When did we pass into the calm?” Finn rasped out. He knew their window of opportunity was slim. If the opposite wall of the storm caught up with them when they were roped to Griffin’s ship, both vessels would quickly go down.

  “It’s been awhile,” the other man admitted. He too knew the dangers facing them.

  “Then get over there quick,” Finn growled out. He used one of the beams of the ceiling to help him walk through the hold. “Have Hellwise put in irons. Prepare ropes to board the other ship. We may need to transport the injured.”

  “Aye, sir.”

  “And Saul?” Finn said as he began to make his way up the wet, slippery steps.

  “Aye?”

  “Pray.”

  The captain knew Saul was a believer. The old seaman had spoken at length with his master about his personal faith several times. Finn never gave the older man’s ramblings much credence. Now, maybe, Saul’s beliefs would save the others on the sinking vessel. Maybe his prayers would save Jess. Finn hoped so. As he made a few battlefield promises to the Almighty of his own, the sailor nodded and scrambled up towards the deck.

  In the privacy of the darkness at the foot of the stairs, Finn found himself speaking to God as if he pleaded with an old friend.

  “Lord, if you’re truly there, do something to save her. I vow upon my life, I will do whatever you require of me, if you will just save Jess. I’m not a good man. You know this. But she is all that is good in this world. And she is everything to me, God. I will gladly forfeit my life for hers. Take me. Sink this ship instead of her brother’s. Or if that’s not enough, show me what else I have to use as her ransom. Demand anything, Lord. I’ll do anything. I’ll go back to my brother’s house and humble myself. I’ll even forgive the monster who held me captive so long in that hellish cellar. Just tell me what I must do to settle accounts with you, so Jess may live.”

  No sooner than the words poured from his lips, Finn felt an overwhelming, regenerating peace. Every sin he’d ever committed tumbled through his mind. And each and every one of them no longer had the power to wound him. For now he was forgiven. The bitterness he’d cherished towards others evaporated like a morning fog. Because Christ had shown Finn forgiveness, now he could, in turn, forgive the ones who’d spitefully harmed him. The world seemed a clearer, more serene place. He could see it in its true light. And to his ultimate dismay, he also felt he knew exactly what God required of him.

  “Thank you Lord. I’m yours. Now and forever I’ll be obedient and grateful.”

  With a newfound faith and a sense of purpose, Finn mounted the steps. He scanned the quiet deck. Sailors scurried to fulfill his orders to come abreast of the nearby founding ship.

  “You’ll kill us all, McLeod,” Hellswise snarled. He’d yet to be lashed to the mast, though two burly men struggled to hold him. It was as if he was possessed by a powerful evil force.

  The other sailors looked to their captain to see how he would respond. In truth, they were all very wary of getting any closer to the mangled and listing vessel. One wrong shift in the gathering wind, and they would, every man, be forced to pay for the captain’s gallantry.

  “We’ll be fine,” Finn said with notable calm. “Bind him to the mast.” He directed the order to Saul, who quickly jumped forward to obey.

  As the older man got closer to Hellwise, he stumbled against one of the sailor’s holding back the madman. The first mate used the opportunity to break free. He drew a hidden knife from the waist of his britches.

  “Any one of you who comes any closer will taste the point of this pig-sticker,” he screamed, a look of unholy glee in his rabid eyes.

  The crew faltered. They all looked towards McLeod for orders.

  “Hellwise, this isn’t going to end well for you,” Finn said.

  The shorter man snorted in disdain. “That’s where you’re wrong, Captain. I been paid a pretty penny to deliver your comeuppance. And I intend to collect the rest of what’s owed me for the job.”

  “What are talking about?”

  Finn was sure the sailor had entirely lost his wits. McLeod knew he had many enemies. It was the risk of posing as a pirate. But the simple fact that one of them would go to such lengths to claim vengeance was outlandish. The truth was, Finn had never stolen anything. He’d never raped a woman. He’d never kidnapped anyone. He’d been a very prosperous sea merchant. One who’d been successful at posing as a bloodthirsty pirate.

  “I’m talking about your brother, Lord Maitland,” the other man sneered. “The Duke of Maitland hired me to do my worst to you.”

  Finn was not surprised by this turn of events. He’d long known Cedric wanted him dead. As his brother’s heir, Finn stood to inherit not only the title, but all the wealth and land that belonged to the Maitlands. Since Cedric had failed to sire a son, it would all come to Finn.

  The tall man shook his head. “There’s no need for any of this. I already wrote my brother that I would decline the title and the riches. He has no need to fear my taking his place.”

  Finn spoke the truth. Even more so, at this moment, than when he’d written the letter. For now his life was ransomed by Christ. He held no ill will towards Cedric. And Finn knew he’d never be a part of the aristocracy. His new life’s role was to be much more humble.

  “He don’t believe you,” Hellwise cackled as he waved the knife in an eerie pattern to and fro. “And who would? Give up all that land and coin? Not to mention that toothsome wench himself calls wife. Oh aye, she’ll be looking to latch on to you, soon as the old lad cocks up his toes. I’d wager gold on it.”

  Finn shook his head. “I’ll never be the Duke of Maitland.”

  “That’s what I’m to make sure of,” Hellwise agreed. “But to make it more sportin’, what say we see just how much you want that tasty little wench.” He jerked his head towards the other ship. “I’ll be taking my leave. But we’ll meet again. And it’ll be very soon.” He ran for a waiting rope.

  Grabbing it, he swung with a mighty jerk over to the other vessel. Giving a mocking salute, he landed with a thump that could be heard all the way across the short s
pan of water.

  The first person to rush forward to aid Hellwise was Jess. She ran towards him with a blanket.

  “No!” roared Finn as he watched horrified as the sailor twisted the girl’s outstretched arm up behind her. The man settled the lethal knife to her throat.

  “Now who’s got the whip hand, Captain?” Hellwise’s shriek was high and maniacal. He shoved Jess closer to the railing of the ship.

  Suddenly the stiff gale began to power back up. The flag drooping from the ship’s bow came to life with an explosive snap. Both vessels lurched dramatically up, then plunged down in the trough of a huge wave. Jess’s pale face pleaded with Finn to save her. To do something, anything, to stop this madness. Before he could make a move, another wave hit them broadside.

  Finn watched in horror as Jess was swept, like a rag doll, over the railing and into the roiling ocean. Without thought he sprinted to the railing of his own ship. He searched the churning water below.

  “She’s gone, Captain. There’s naught to be done,” Saul said in a consoling voice.

  Finn pushed the man’s restraining hand away and dove into the maelstrom of the water. His first thought as he plunged beneath the surface, was that his would be an unorthodox baptism. Then he began silently praying.

  “Help me, Lord. Help me find her.”

  His urgent prayer was answered when he caught sight of her light-colored hair. Under the water, it slowly and gracefully swayed and enveloped her like a burial shroud. He saw her eyes were closed. But her mouth was open in the scream that had overtaken her when she’d been forced into the ocean. Finn wondered if she was already gone. If she was dead, he made a solemn vow to his Creator that he would stay here in the deep with her. He would join her eternal rest.

  As if she’d somehow heard him, Jess’s eyes opened. She smiled at him across the distance of murky sea between them. Her expression was a final benediction.

  Finn would have none of it. He powered through the water separating them. He clasped her to his straining body. He kicked towards the surface. But it was too far above them. He knew he’d never make it. So he did the only thing he could. He saved her life.

  Cradling her cold face between his two hands, he lowered his lips to hers. Even as she shook her head denying his sacrifice, Finn captured her mouth under his. The sweetness and agony of the moment was awful. It was their last kiss. A last token of affection bestowed by a drowning man to his one and only love. He forced every last gasp of breath he possessed into her lungs. When he had nothing left to gift her, he abruptly tore free of her clinging lips and arms. He nodded up towards the surface as if to order her to live. He knew that she would. For was that not the bargain he’d made with God? Her life for his?

  Jess refused to cooperate. She snared the front of his coat in frantic hands. She began kicking, for all she was worth, to get them to safety. To life-giving air, to a future she wanted with this stubborn, honorable pirate.

  Chapter 11

  They broke the churning surface of the sea just as Jess was convinced they were both truly dying. The long journey to the top seemed to take eons. But even drowning, Finn tried to protect the girl by anchoring her to his taut body with one iron-strong arm. As soon as she’d gained her breath, Jess realized her brothers were in the water beside them. Others lined the rails of both ships yelling encouragement. They were alive, praise God, she thought. But they were still at significant, dangerous risk. As were all her brothers. The two crafts were mere spans apart. A massive wave, and they were experiencing more than a few of those, would easily crush them all between the two floating hulks.

  “Give her to me,” ordered Dylan. His words were pointed towards McLeod.

  The man in question jerked his head about to sling water out of his inky hair and clear his eyes. He shook his head. He strengthened his grip on the girl.

  “Finn, this is no time to be stubborn,” Griffin shouted treading water in the rough seas next to his eldest brother.

  “I’ll get her to my ship,” McLeod said in a deep, commanding voice that brooked no argument.

  “Connor?” Dylan called to his blonde brother.

  The man dressed in Indian rawhide nodded and began swimming behind them all. Finn knew what he was planning. Jess’s brother meant to shove him under the water just long enough for the other men to snatch her to safety. Didn’t they realize the only truly safe place for Jess was in his arms?

  Finn pivoted in the water to face Connor. Jess was still cradled in Finn’s embrace. Her head rested with perfect security in the place where his throat met his wide shoulders.

  Finn frowned. “Back off, Connor. I don’t want to hurt you. I promised Jess, I wouldn’t.”

  Now it was the big blonde man’s turn to scowl. “Is that why you weren’t defending yourself before?”

  Finn nodded. His steady amber eyes never left the other man’s drenched face. He watched as all the brothers processed what he just admitted. They began a low, steady stream of horrendous curses.

  “Let him take her,” Dylan said at length. “It looks as if we’ll all be sailing with the idiot soon.”

  He tilted his head towards Griffin’s ship. It was obviously taking on water at a rapid speed. Already the sounds of wood grinding against water-soaked wood split the air. Cargo shifted. It caused the expiring craft to groan in its death throes. It was only a matter of time before the entire hull split apart.

  Seeing the end approaching for the damaged ship, they all began swimming. The St. Johns went to their vessel to help evacuate it. Finn and Jess swam steadily towards his ship. There were many preparations to be made for adding new passengers.

  As they neared the side, Saul tossed a heavy rope down to his master. Finn skillfully made a loop in it. He settled Jess in the circle. The sailors hauled her up in makeshift seat. Once she was safely on deck, they threw the rope back down for Finn. He wrapped it around his wrist and let them hoist him up.

  What he saw when his feet touched the rocking deck was Jess shivering and sodden. Her pale hair streamed down her back like that of a mermaid. The soaked fabric of her gown clung to her body. Finn hated the way the rough crew gawked at his woman.

  “Get her a blanket!” he barked out. “Tell Cook to make hot tea.”

  “But sir…” Saul sputtered. “The storm? A fire?”

  “Just do it,” Finn spat out.

  He strode over to the girl. He enfolded her in his dripping arms. He chafed at the rumpled material covering her shaking frame. He bent to whisper into her hair. “It’s all right, love. We’re safe. You’ll be warm soon.”

  Jess straightened to her full height. Her eyes glared up at him. “You were going to commit suicide,” she accused.

  He shook his head, scattering random icy drops of water on them both. “Yes, and I’d do it again. I had to save you.”

  Her eyes softened. Only a man who truly cared for a woman would be willing to exchange his life for hers. But that didn’t change the fact that what he’d tried to do was a sin.

  “I understand. You’re a noble and honorable man. But don’t ever do such a thing again. I have the hope of Heaven, Finn. Death will not be an end for me. It will be the beginning of an eternal, joyful adventure. But for you it would mean hellfire and endless damnation.”

  She didn’t like to think about him ending his life. Especially when he, most likely, didn’t truly understand the consequences of his reckless actions.

  His face was a careful study in neutrality. She thought he’d not comprehended what she’d just said. So she tried to explain once more.

  “None can be saved except through Christ Jesus. Being honorable and noble will not get anyone into Heaven. No one can be good enough, perfect enough, to claim salvation on their own merit. It can be gained through Christ’s sacrifice alone.”

  “For all have fallen short…”

  He interrupted her, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23, I believe.”

  Jess stood complete
ly still. Her body’s shivering ceased. She was stunned by his words and by his knowledge of the Bible. “How do you know scripture?”

  “How do I know that verse?” he asked. He tucked her more firmly against his body. The wind was rising and he would not have her further chilled.

  “Yes. You told me before that you do not believe in God or in a faith in Him.”

  “Tis a sordid tale. And you are wet and cold. I’ll tell you another time, my love.”

  “Tell me now,” she demanded.

  Finn sighed. He’d not wanted to have this conversation so quickly. He’d wanted to bask in the warm glow of her approval and affection as long as he could. Even though he’d known he’d never be able to have her permanently. Not now, when he knew what God required of him in exchange for her life. But he could not lie to Jess St. John. And he would not put her off. So he began his disjointed explanation rather unemotionally.

  “When I ran away from my Father’s holdings as a boy, I traveled to Edinburgh. It was the biggest place I’d ever been. And like the country lad I was in those days, I fell prey to a man who wanted to exploit me instead of offer me the help he promised.”

  He stopped to take a long breath. The next part wasn’t easy to tell or to hear. He wished he could somehow change the ugly circumstances of his life so that they would never cause the delicate girl in his arms a moment’s grief or sorrow. But he couldn’t. Truth was truth. It never altered. And though he would have given his very soul to shield her from the ugliness of what he must tell her, he could not. So he began with soft, measured words.

  “A vicar met me on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Or at least he claimed to be a man of God. He carried a big tattered Bible and quoted voraciously from its pages. He assured me I should trust him, for he was holy and good. All that was, of course, a lie.”

  “So you went with him?”

  “Aye, stupid boy that I was, I followed him like a lamb to its slaughter. After a day long stroll through the city, which I later discovered was both to tire me and parade me about to be viewed like a prime beef for the knackers, we arrived at his kirk.”