by Anne B. Cole
Footsteps sounded and the crowd regathered.
“May I be of some assistance?”
From her position on the floor, Gretchen gazed incredulously at the pirate who stepped over her legs with black shiny boots, crushing two of her fingers.
Pain sluiced through her hand. Needing him to get off her hand before a scream escaped her lips, she kicked his other foot out from under him.
Laughter erupted when he dropped to the floor in a grand display of slips and near catches. To the delight of the crowd, the pirate landed between Gretchen’s legs and into her arms.
Instead of standing, he snuggled into the folds of her coat, placing his cheek on her chest. Arms encircled her waist as the weight of his body pinned her to the floor.
Before she could gather her wits and react, James’ voice boomed over them.
“What kind of man are you? Get off my sailor at once.” Although James belted the command, she heard a slight tone of what could only be amusement.
Others joined in, jeering the drunken pirate. Their voices began chanting, “Lubber, Lubber, Lubber.”
The pirate nestled deeper into her bosom before he came to his senses. Coal black eyes met hers. Fear gripped her soul. Every inch of her body froze, both in movement and in temperature. Deep inside, she somehow knew this man. Hated him. Feared him.
“Get off me,” she growled into his ear.
“Lubber, Lubber, Lubber.” The crowd continued its teasing.
“My dear, you are even lovelier than the wench.”
“Another word and I’ll shoot.” With her good hand she cocked the loaded pistol and pressed it to his groin.
Before she took another breath, the pirate leapt to his feet and pulled her to hers. Cradling her smashed fingers to her side, Gretchen tucked a wisp of loose hair under her cap with the barrel of the pistol.
The crowd cheered before resuming their previous activities. She had moved in the direction of James before a hand gripped her by the arm. The pirate’s hand.
“Let go of him and be on your way, Lubber.” James returned to his conversation with an elderly man who handed him a small piece of parchment.
Gretchen couldn’t hear what the old man said, but knew it had to be of importance since James bowed before they parted ways.
“I believe an exchange is in order,” the pirate boomed behind her. “I will take this pathetic excuse for a sailor for the money Mantos owes me.”
“Grady is one of my men. Remove your hand at once.” James tucked the parchment inside his vest and placed a hand on his sword.
The pirate smirked, flashing a smug face at Gretchen before facing James. “I believe you are mistaken. Grady is no—”
Gretchen forced the barrel of her pistol into the small of his back.
“—not to be underestimated. A fine specimen, I dare to say. One who would be a great asset under my command.” The pirate cocked a brow at her and winked.
A growl escaped Gretchen’s throat.
“I must agree. Grady is a fine sailor despite being mute. He’s not a slave, but has signed on under my command of his own free will.” James touched Gretchen’s shoulder in a gesture of kindness. She flinched without moving her gun from the pirate’s back. A frown creased her husband’s brow.
Lubber snorted, “The boy is not mute. Neither is he a—”
“Grady, you’re free to go, if you wish. You have not formerly enlisted and may join Lubber in his drunken privateering antics.”
James’ offer stung. Before she could react, the pirate stepped closer to James. All three guards drew their weapons and pointed them at the pirate.
“The name is Haty, Captain Kadir Haty. I may have had a drink, perhaps more, but you are the one blinded. You may keep your sailor.” He spun on his heel and took two steps to the door before stumbling over his own boots.
Enraged with anger, she kicked the pirate’s backside and slammed the door behind him. The room erupted in cheers.
“To the ship, men,” James shouted. Their party exited the building into the darkness of night.
Gretchen maintained a few strides in front of James. She scrambled into the dingy and scooted far away. Minutes later, they reached the ship. James offered his hand. Out of habit, she accepted. He jerked her arm to his side, making it appear she tripped exiting the boat.
“I’ve changed my mind. This is no place for my wife, let alone my future child.” His whispered warning echoed in her head. He nipped her earlobe between his teeth and kicked her feet out from under her. Strong arms kept her from falling into the water.
“You’re not to leave my ship again. Do I make myself perfectly clear, love?”
His endearment flooded her face with warmth and she nodded.
He straightened and spoke loudly for all to hear. “I’ll tend to Grady’s ankle in my quarters. All others, prepare the ship to sail. We leave for Delos at once.”
Chapter 13
Stowaway
Gretta Entwined Within Gretchen
“Since you’re mute and there are sailors right outside this door, not one word may pass over your lips.” James unbuttoned his coat before crouching to remove his boots and then hers.
Gretchen gazed at him apologetically. He remained at her feet for a moment in thought. Guilt from deceiving him tore through her.
“How am I to protect you and our baby if you’re not truthful with me? If anything had happened . . . I can’t bear the thought of losing you or our child.” He scooped her into his arms and laid her on his bunk.
She watched him remove his coat and copied his actions. His brow wrinkled when he sat next to her.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
A finger pressed against her lips. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I should have known you were up to something when I didn’t see you on shore at my departure.” He shook his head and sighed. “From now on, no more secrets.”
James’ hand found her knee and squeezed. “We’ll need to keep your identity from the others.” His finger trailed to her chin and lifted her face to his. “I’ve missed you.”
Gretchen touched his scruffy cheek. “Me too,” she added, barely above a whisper.
He kissed her lips tenderly while the ship lurched forward on its way to Delos. “The trip is short. Even with the harbor on the west side of the island, it won’t take more than a few hours. Once I find what I need on Delos we will return you to safety.”
She removed her hand from his face. The thought of him continuing his search for Mantos sparked inner jealousy. Needing to trust him and have him rebuild his trust in her, she agreed.
He narrowed his eyes at her. “Stay on the ship when we reach Delos. Grady has a sprained ankle and won’t be able to climb over any ruins. I promise I won’t be on the island for more than two hours. You’ll be safe here.”
Wind whipped the sails. James wrapped an arm around her and guided her against the thin mattress. Before she could argue to join his efforts, he captured her lips. His kiss silenced her rebuttal and wiped away her jealousy. She kissed him back with all her heart.
A crewmember called for direction from James on deck. He tensed in her arms to listen. In a desperate need to keep him near, she tightened her grip around his shoulders.
“Stay with me, but for another moment?”
“As Captain, it’s my duty—”
Heavy boots crossed the deck overhead. Peter bellowed orders, directing the men and informing them their captain tended an injured crewmember.
A smile twitched the corners of James’ lips. “Remind me to give Peter an extra week of pay.”
Gretchen pulled him close, determined to make the most out of the little time they had.
“Delos Sacred Harbor,” a lookout cried.
The
ship dropped anchor, sailors scurrying at Peter’s commands. James carried Gretchen to deck to reinforce Grady’s fake injury. Positioning her at the rail, he let go of her waist. The absence of his touch frightened her, yet she shook it off. She watched her husband scan the dark harbor for other ships before calling to a sailor whom she didn’t recognize. She shivered in the crisp air.
“Dominic, I hear you’re familiar with the ruins of this island?” James asked the older crewman.
“Yes, sir. My brother, Jesse, is a scholar and I visited many of the sites with him before I joined the rebellion.” He pointed south of the harbor. “The theatre in the residential area is where he did much of his research.”
James looked in the direction Dominic pointed. He placed a hand on Dominic’s shoulder and guided him closer to the rail. Pulling a scrap of parchment out of his coat, his voice lowered as he showed it to Dominic.
Unable to hear their discussion, she wondered what the parchment had to do with finding Mantos.
Bang. A crate of supplies dropped beside her with Peter looming over it. It took nearly every ounce of control to keep from releasing a shriek of surprise.
“Supplies for your trip, Captain. Delos provides no shelter or food. This should be enough for you and your men in case your return is delayed.” Peter winked at her. “The men are ready when you are, Captain.”
“Thank you, Peter. Dominic will replace Grady and accompany me on Delos.” James paused and gazed in her direction. “The rocky terrain is littered with ruins. It would be difficult for Grady to accompany us with such a bad ankle sprain.”
He took Gretchen’s arm when she stepped forward without limping. “Remove Grady from all duties for a week. He must let his ankle mend. You will see to his safety and recovery.”
“Yes, sir,” Peter replied and hauled the large crate over the rail and into the dingy. When James and Dominic moved to view the western part of the island, Peter placed a hand over Gretchen’s firm grip on the rail. “Captain knows?”
She nodded.
“Don’t worry about Mantos. She’s not on this island. No one lives here except for a small group of pirates.” Peter patted her hand in a gesture of comfort.
“James encountering pirates is supposed to make me feel better?” She didn’t care about keeping quiet and unleashed her frustration on him.
Peter scanned the deck to see if anyone heard. He lifted her over the rail and into the dingy beside the crate. “Push the crate to the stern, Grady,” he bellowed. In a softer voice he continued, “You know your husband has obligations he must attend. Delos may not be the safest place, but his best men will guard him. Captain will have my head if anything happens to you.”
Her shoulders lowered in defeat, knowing both James and Peter would continue to be overprotective. The need to help James and to be close to him overwhelmed her. “I apologize. Please give me a minute to collect myself.”
She stared at the island. Ancient ruins glowed in the moonlight. No trees, no buildings, no ships. Only long stretches of crumbling ruins and rocks met her eyes.
“Peter,” a crewman called from across the deck.
“I must go. I’ll return in a few minutes.” Peter patted her shoulder before he left.
She kicked the crate, infuriated she would be detained on the ship. “I’m not a child and even though I will be having one, I’m not incapable of helping the cause.” Another kick of frustration jarred the lid open. When she reached to shove it back in place, a thought popped into her head. Sliding the top to the side revealed more than a day’s worth of provisions.
“James said he would be back in a few hours so he doesn’t need these,” she muttered to herself while tossing a line of rope and a large sack of food overboard. Three bottles of wine were also jettisoned.
“Into the dingy, men,” James commanded.
Without hesitation, Gretchen jumped into the crate and tugged the top in place over her head. Through a small crack she watched her husband take position in the bow with Dominic. Two of the guards followed. The small boat rocked with each addition. The last crewman jarred the boat, banging her head against the side of the crate. She grabbed a folded blanket to brace herself from further injury when her knees knocked the lid.
“Hands off the supplies,” a sailor exclaimed.
“I didn’t touch the crate,” the man seated at the oars argued.
“Well, it didn’t open by itself. What’s in there? I’m hungry,” he replied.
Gretchen flipped the blanket over her head. Dirty fingers reached under the open crack. A very large hand poked her shoulder and she squirmed within her confinement.
“Get outta there, Charles,” Peter’s voice barked from the ship’s rail. “Tiny, have a seat on the supplies to keep them secure.”
“Aye, sir,” Tiny replied and yanked the owner of the offending hand out of the crate before slamming the lid closed.
Gretchen lowered the blanket and peered through the crack. Peter leaned over the rail of the ship and looked directly at her.
“Be safe, men,” he called and saluted the dingy.
Peter knows I’m here.
The top of the crate groaned in protest. Despite his name, Tiny towered over all of Peter’s men. He shifted his ample backside and a powerful blast of flatulence poured into the crate. To Gretchen’s horror, he readjusted. The second burst ripped loud enough to be heard by all. And reeked beyond descriptive words.
Pressing a hand over her nose, Gretchen held her breath until her lungs burst. Waving her other hand to disperse the air didn’t help.
“Get the boat moving, men,” James declared when the crew complained about Tiny’s stench.
Inches away from the source, Gretchen’s stomach rolled. Peter’s laughter rang from the ship’s deck and the boat began the short distance to shore. The dinghy’s bottom scraped rock and James departed first, followed by Dominic.
“Charles, Hugo, guard the boat. The rest of us will return in a few hours. Even though the island is small, it may take time to find what we seek,” James ordered.
Grateful Tiny would be leaving, Gretchen relaxed and waited for the man to get off the crate. She heard her husband’s voice disappear into the distance, yet Tiny remained seated.
“Hugo?” Charles inquired of the man sitting above her.
Of course James would call his men by their real names.
“Gonna make something of my name, boy?” Tiny growled and shifted in preparation for another toxic release.
“No, sir,” Charles squeaked, being half the size of Tiny. “I gotta hit shore for a minute. Be right back.” Before Tiny could argue, Charles scrambled out of the boat and clambered over the rocky beach.
To Gretchen’s relief, Tiny followed him. She waited a full minute before sliding the lid enough to poke her head out. Tiny stood with his back to her. Careful not to make any noise, she crawled out of the crate and leaned over the side to grab two small rocks. She flung the first in the direction of Charles.
Tiny’s head snapped to the right. Moonlight flashed off the blade in his hand and he took a few steps in the direction of the clattering rock.
“What the hell are you doing, Charles?” Tiny exclaimed. Charles walked around what appeared to be the ruins of an ancient wall.
“I overhear the Captain sayin’ there’s treasure to find here. Take a look at this statue.”
By the tone of Charles’s voice, Gretchen assumed the statue to be naked. Shaking her head at them, she tossed the second stone southward. Both men heard it and left to investigate. Quickly she jumped on shore and headed north to catch up to James.
Chapter 14
Ruins of the Gods
Gretta Entwined Within Gretchen
James followed Dominic along a short slope. Standing among ancient debris, they p
aused to orient themselves. Moonlight peeked from behind scattered clouds. Gretchen crouched behind a large marble stone. Ruins scattered across the barren island. Scant grasses poked the surface of the sandy ground in between rocks and remains of the ancient city. In a few hours the sun would rise, making it nearly impossible to hide from the men.
“I should have stayed on the ship. James will be furious,” she muttered to herself. Stones clattered from the direction of James and his men. She counted to thirty before emerging from around the stone. James and Dominic headed north with the guards flanking their sides.
“These ruins were once great temples dedicated to gods. The island was considered sacred. Still is by many,” Dominic stated. “I could be mistaken, but I believe this is the site of the Temple of Apollo. My brother and I studied this area two summers ago.”
James held the scrap of parchment he had received from Mantos’ servant on Mykonos. “What about the Poseidoniasts of Beirut?”
Dominic pointed to the north. “The Sacred Lake is there and beyond the lions are the ruins of the Meeting Hall of the Poseidoniasts. What did the old man relay to you?”
Gretchen observed how her husband carefully avoided the question. “The ruins are closer than I expected. Let’s go to the Meeting Hall first. Tell me more about the island.”
They continued the cumbersome walk around numerous ruins and what seemed to be ancient walkways. Dominic pointed out various statues with missing features.
“Delos became a meeting ground for the Delian League after the Persian wars. The League’s treasury remained here until they moved it to Athens. The Romans declared Delos a free port and slave trading became widely popular.” Dominic walked around a short rock wall.
