A Pirate's Wife

by Lynelle Clark

  3

  January 15, 1624

  Today was an exceptionally cold day and we spent it indoors. I love days like this where we can sit around the hearth and read, talk and enjoy each other’s company. Rosa-Lee was on top of Cisco most of the time. She loves her daddy so much. Her laughter fills the castle. I can hardly wait for this little one to come. My protruding tummy is a joy for Cisco. He simply cannot keep his hands off me.

  Today I think back to the many days and weeks we walked through the grassy plains of Africa. I remember the exhaustion, the heat, and the insects that bit us day and night. Then in the afternoons the rains would drench us completely so that the nights were miserable. We faced hunger for days on end because Captain Breno refused to let us rest and get the required food. I learned to eat anything in my walk, from tree bark to grass and leaves. Anything would do just to get the hunger pains under control.

  There were days that I did not know how we got at a certain point. My body and soul were so tired for lack of everything basic.

  After two months we finally arrived in an empty stad, a town. No one was there and as we searched the empty huts in the hope of food, we were once again faced with nothing. A lonely dog barked, seeking attention from the Captain. He shot it.

  People scrambled to get to it first. In disgust I watched as they ate it just like that.

  Someone found rotten maize. Again, people ate it and got stomach cramps. Two people died afterwards.

  The one thing that would always remain in my thoughts was the face of the pregnant woman we found shot dead by our captain and left to bleed to death. He was a cruel man. He wanted to punish me when I hit him out of pure rage after the death of that young woman. Her death was senseless.

  Cisco thought it wise to take me away. In the process we were attacked by savages. We ran, Rosa-Lee in Cisco’s arms, me right behind him and Kayla, who was never far behind, followed us. In the confusion we were separated from the group. Two days later when we found them we were charge with mutiny. It was the first time I saw Cisco completely lose his temper.

  He is a big man, taller and more bulky than most. He towered over Captain Breno and for the first time I saw fear in the Captain’s eyes.

  Cisco was captured by some of the Captain’s followers but the rest of the group attacked them and eventually they let go of him. From that day forward the Captain was not so hostile toward Cisco.

  Those were trying times. Our endurance was pushed to the limit.

  †††

  Commotion filled the harbour early the next morning. The sun tinted the sky in an orange-gold, a few featherlike clouds floating in the heavens.

  Captains barked out commands to their scurrying crews. Sailors raced around to get all the cargo onto the ships, walking the plank in swift long strides laden with luggage, crates or chicken pens. While men scaled the tackle works, hollering to each other, a few already swabbed the decks with Holystone and salt water, whistling a cheerful tune.

  The whole place looked alive and festive. Festivity was the last thing in the hearts of the Almaida family. With sombre faces, they watched sailors carry Rosa-Lee’s trunks up the plank of the Contra O Vento. The small, streamlined frigate lay waiting in the calm water.

  Cisco and Qonchita stood next to Manuel, who watched the activities with interest. Rosa-Lee knew his heart was not with the sea. This was his life, here, working the land. She would miss him, her big bear of a brother.

  She bravely smiled at her family and they held her for a moment in silence. They had said all they could. Now they all had to believe that this voyage would not end in disaster.

  Rosa-Lee was just hugging her mother when they heard a stern, brisk voice behind them.

  “Very touching, but it is time.”

  Rosa-Lee saw the pirate looking at her from the ship, the same amusement from the previous evening in his eyes. He looked menacing, unwavering in the same dark clothes of the previous day. She met his gaze in the same manner; unwavering, defiant. His chuckle sent fury into her eyes.

  Roberto saw the fury and it drew him. This will be an interesting time with her aboard the ship. The Falcon is definitely going to know her, but there is no harm in having some fun.

  Ochre eyes roamed over the enticing body wrapped in green taffeta. The dark braided hair lay over a creamy shoulder. Her bodice clung to the small frame in the latest fashion. Her perky breasts looked ripe for the plucking. He grinned at the picture he knew he will enjoy.

  She stepped away from her parents with anger still visible on her face. She gathered her dress in her hands and walked up the plank with a steady gait and a rigid back, small shoulders straight, showing no fear, to where the pirate waited. She looked at him, eyes locking his with defiance. His guffaw rumbled up his throat, mocking her. She pulled her chin up. Without a word, she turned to wave to her parents.

  Rosa-Lee Almaida definitely has some backbone, Roberto smiled. Backbone I would like to break and bend to my will. Yes, I am definitely going to enjoy this voyage.

  He turned his attention back to the ship and barked orders still aware of Rosa-Lee at the railing.

  She stood there until the white sails were set high above her, the breeze filling them with snapping sounds. Wood creaking, the ship started to sail away from the harbour. They moved farther and farther over the blue depths, small waves tossing against the hull, until she could not see her parents any more.

  Refusing to give in to the emotions which swept over her, she finally turned away from the rail. Two men stood with buckets filled with sea water and splashed it over the wooden deck. Some were up in the tackle of the sails, the watchman in his crow’s nest.

  Many of them watched her with curiosity, toothy grins on their faces, talking to one another. Some of them looked at her like a morsel they could sample as dark, lustful eyes followed her.

  The captain stood on the bridge next to the boatswain looking down at her with his mock expression, an expression she intended to have the pleasure of wiping from his face. The man on his right-hand side was rather good looking, with a smile on his handsome face. His eyes followed her and he gave her a light nod. She nodded back in greeting, which caused Roberto to frown, looking at his second in command with a stern gaze. He muttered something and the man looked away with a smirk.

  Looking around, she wondered where she would be sleeping when she heard a young male voice next to her.

  “Señorita Almaida, I will show you to your sleeping quarters.” His voice was pleasant to her ear and she smiled, glad to finally see a friendly face.

  “I will be your chamber boy for the duration of the trip. Please follow me.”

  He could not be more than sixteen years old, very small in posture. Big brown eyes had an easy smile in them. He was quite likeable, considering the predicament she was in.

  Well, I am here now. I might just as well make the best of it. When she looked up, her father’s flag, their family crest, had been replaced with a black pirate flag and a purple flag with a falcon underneath it. She sneered in a most unladylike way at them and followed the young man.

  “What is your name?” she asked as her eyes swept over the ship, refusing to look at the defiant man on the bridge.

  “I am Enrico, Señorita.”

  “Well, Enrico, show me the way.”

  He took her below deck to the stern of the ship to a large cabin with rich, purple velvet curtains and bed drapes. Surprised at the richness she looked around and took in the sparse furniture. She expected a bunk, but finding a bed in there was so much better. A small dresser and table stood in the one corner with a chair next to it, next to the port.

  “These will be your cabin, Señorita. If there is anything you need, you can pull this cord and I will be here to assist.” He showed her a golden cord which hanged in the corner of the bed.

  “That door leads to my cabin.” He pointed out a door in the left corner of the cabin. “Breakfast will be served in your cabin but all other meals will be eaten wit
h the captain.”

  “I refuse to eat with that man. I will stay here. Please go!” Immediately she raised her voice in anger. Who does this man think she is? I do not want any contact with him in anyway. The nerve of this man.

  Enrico nodded his head in understanding and walked out, closing the door behind him.

  She unpacked her trunk into the cupboard provided for her dresses and left a few things in the trunk for later use, especially the pistol, well hidden for now. She realized she needed a place to put them and, looked around her room a second time.

  Her room was comfortable but small; not what she enjoyed at home, but for now it suited her purposes. She found her way around easily and decided to put her knife near her bed between the folds of the curtains. It would be close enough to get to easily.

  In the one corner near the window was the tub for her bath, a luxury on a ship. Although the ship belonged to her father she had never been on it, only the larger merchant one, but her father undoubtedly thought of everything when he purchased it a few years back. Not suitable for a woman, but for this voyage it would do fine.

  She was busy brushing her long hair when she heard a knock. Thinking that it will be Enrico, she answered, “Please come in.”

  “Señorita Almaida.” The familiar stern voice greeted her. When she turned around, Roberto stood behind her. He was closer to her now than at any time since they had met, hovering over her, the menacing look plainer to see on his face. The scar running from his left eye to the corner of his mouth made him look fierce.

  “I have been informed that you will not join me for the meals, Señorita. Can I ask why not?” His voice cold, while his eyes took in the interior of the cabin.

  “I will not eat with you, a pirate.” Defiance was in her own cold voice. “I don’t want to discuss this any further. Please leave my room.” She turned away from him, peering out the porthole to the open sea, and continued brushing her hair.

  She did not see the amused look that was followed by a stern one as he spoke “It is not a matter of what you want, Señorita. You will sit at my table and that is final!”

  “Make me,” she said through clenched teeth.

  “All right, if this is how you want to play it, I am fine with that. Good day.” He nodded but she did not bother to turn around to notice.

  When he left, she let out her breath. She had not even realized that she was holding it. This man will learn that I am not very willing or easy to please. I will give him hell! She braided her long hair with trembling fingers.

  The day went on without any further disturbances and she kept herself busy with needlework, sitting near the port for extra light, but for some reason she did not see Enrico again. By late afternoon, she finally decided to call for him and pulled the cord. Her throat was dry and she was hungry. She had not eaten last night after the news they had received. This morning she was already gone before breakfast was served.

  A few minutes later Enrico entered her room.

  “Where is my food? I had nothing to drink or eat for the whole day,” she asked, annoyed, forgetting her manners.

  “I received strict instruction that no food or drink may be delivered to you, Señorita.”

  “Well I never!” and she stamped her foot on the floor in anger. She sneaked a look at the young man, on whom it had no effect, and she wondered for a moment if this was the best route to take. She was determined not to cave in.

  “Can I at least have water?” she asked demurely.

  “No,” came the abrupt reply.

  “That conceited man. How dare he?” she shouted.

  “He is the captain. When he speaks, we listen, Señorita.”

  “Is that right?” she asked in a sarcastic tone. “Where is he?”

  “In his quarters, eating, Señorita.”

  “Take me to him,” she demanded.

  “Follow me, Señorita.” Enrico kept his eyes cast down, not meeting her angry stare.

  The captain’s cabin lay two doors down the passageway. When she walked in, he sat lazily at his table eating a peach, his stern eyes looking straight at her as if he had expected her.

  “I understand from my chamber boy that I will not be served any meals?”

  “That is correct. Did you change your mind?”

  “No, but it is inhuman. How dare you not give me anything? Not even water?”

  “Because I am the captain and this is my ship,” He said nonchalantly and placed a slice of fruit in his mouth.

  For a moment she was at a loss for words, her fists white as she clenched them. She could physically harm him by now.

  “I must point out that this is my father’s ship, Señor, and not yours.”

  “Point taken, but I am the captain, therefore my rules.”

  “You are a bastard!” She stamped out of the room, the fabric of her dress rustling with her anger.

  “How long do you think she will hold out?” Pierre, his second-in-command, asked.

  “Don’t know, but it will be interesting to see.” Roberto placed another piece of the juicy fruit in his mouth, eating it slowly, while a smile appeared on the normally stern face.

  “She has a lot of spunk,” Pierre continued with a lopsided grin.

  “Yes. She is a real wildcat. It will be interesting to tame her. I have all the time in the world. She will come around and see that in this world there is only one law that counts. That is mine.”

  Pegging the knife in his table, he stood straight, cleaning his hand. He took the last sip of his red wine before he went back to the upper deck.

  Roberto liked what he saw. When Pedro told him about her, he was intrigued about the whole family’s story, but especially about her. When the opportunity came to bring her back as a ransom price, he jumped at the chance.

  It did not take much convincing to sway the Falcon so that Roberto could go and ensure that Cisco met the demands for the ransom. The Falcon knew he could trust Roberto with her. Now he had a chance to get to know her better, and maybe convince the Falcon that she would be more suitable for him. She was a stunning woman with a lot of fire in her veins, a fire that Roberto would like to ignite in ways other than anger.

  By my calculation, there must be a fifteen-year’s difference in our ages. I can tame her to fit into my needs quite nicely. My first impressions of her were correct.

  Yes, she will do perfectly for all the plans I have for her. Yes, that anger and fury in her I am going to turn in to passion, a task that I am looking forward to in the coming months. In the, end she will be mine without a question.

  For now he decided to keep his plans to himself, to go with whatever she was planning, and then take it from there. He understood from Pedro that she was skilled with the sword and a good markswoman. Moreover, if Pedro’s good marksmanship was any indication, she would be a force to be reckoned with. He would have to test her during the time they had on the open seas. These will be an interesting four months” voyage for sure!

  Roberto chuckled to himself. Pierre wondered what the smile was all about. He knew his friend. The man is wild among the women, usually, taking what he wants. But with this one, he acts differently, toying with her like a lion with a rabbit. Something about little Pedro’s sister is of interest to the captain. It just may be the man has met his match with this young woman. Her eyes show how she feels and she is not afraid like most. No, this one is defiant, a real wild cat, as Roberto says.

  That Roberto was up to something was very clear to him. Yes, this will be an interesting time, with the stunning woman on board.

  †††

  January 25, 1624

  I cannot believe I am already a month on the estate. A month of surprises, new opportunities and new experiences. Franco is patient with all my one hundred questions, answering them as we go along. The villagers are really an interesting lot, and already I have made a few friends.

  Rosa-Lee is a constant chatterbox, which makes me smile with pleasure. What a wonderful, brilliant child. Sh
e is everything I want in a daughter. Inquisitive. Energetic. Beautiful.

  And my dear wife -- how can I describe the love I feel for her? She is everything I want, need and more. My heart still jumps when she enters a room, still taking my breath away. Her raven hair still mesmerizes me and I love to run my fingers through the silky softness.

  She is brilliant, stunning and she is all mine.

  Every hardship I had to endure was worth it. Every day that I spend with her is a day that I am blessed and I cannot thank God enough for this, and for keeping us safe.

  He removed every obstacle, every scoffer, and made me victorious. Through all our trials He kept us healthy when people died around us like flies. Hunger, heat, rain, sickness were daily constants in our lives, but through all that we were saved.

  I lost count of the number of people I buried when they got the fever, and not once did I get it myself. Still today, I thank God for that.

  4

  February 6, 1624

  Last night I tossed and turned in my sleep, plagued with the one fight we had while in the grass plains of Africa. Kayla was at it again, and like a fool I only believed what I wanted to believe. When Cisco wanted to help me carry water for the sick I screamed at him. For weeks we did not speak. Kayla, of course, used this time to get to him, I thought. Afterwards I knew she had no chance with him. He was devoted only to one woman, me. What a fool I was. And how much precious time we missed.

  He was always ready to show me his love in all kinds of ways, to carry me when I was tired, to make sure Rosa-Lee was protected and warm. He was always close by when Faro was in my presence. He never talked directly to me, never even looked at me, but I was always in his thoughts. When he had the opportunity to hunt he brought back the best meat to me and Rosa- Lee. At night he would cover us with huge leaves just to keep us comfortable and dry.

  No matter how exhausted he was I was always his priority. In the weeks we did not speak I would scold myself for mistrusting him. Now I know better. I trust him with everything because I know his love is unchanging. He has not changed since we were married at sea by Captain Derek, the man who rescued us and brought us back to Portugal all those months ago.

  What a glorious time that was. After almost two years in the wilds of Africa we were finally rescued by Captain Derek Blanq. He fell in love with Kayla and they got married a month after us. Derek and Cisco became friends on that journey.

  †††

  On the third day, Rosa-Lee came into Roberto’s cabin. He saw that her lips were dry and she hungrily eyed him eating a peach, also stealing glances at the chicken on the table.

  “Can I help you, Señorita?” he asked without looking up.

  “Can I have some water and food, please?” her mouth was so dry that only a whisper was heard over the scratching of the tin plates.

  “I cannot hear you, Señorita. Speak up.” He lifted his head to meet her eyes.

  “Can I have some water and food, please?”

  “Will you sit at my table?”

  She looked at him. Her expression still showed defiance and anger but she tried to cover it with exaggerated submissiveness. He smirked.

  “Yes.”

  “Sorry, I did not hear you.”

  “Yes, I will sit at your table!”

  “Pierre, please bring a chair closer for the Señorita.”

  When a chair was placed behind her, she had to stop herself from grabbing food and water simultaneously. Her lips burned with thirst.

  “Do you want water, Señorita?”

  “Yes, please.” While he poured the sparkling, clean water, she watched his every movement. Every nerve ending in her body shouted cravings for the sweetness. He placed the water carafe back on the table and handed her the cup. With shaking hands she finished the water in one thirsty gulp. Droplets ran from the side of her mouth. Ochre eyes followed the trail down her neck, over her full bosom and onto her dress.

  He had to hand it to her. She had held out for three hot days. Brave and strong was this delicate little flower. She reminded him of flowers he once saw blooming in the desert: beautiful and alive with colour, but underneath, hidden under the lush green leaves, thorns waited, and when you tried to pluck one, it would sting you when you least expected it. He had to shift for the stirring that he felt, keeping his expression sternly on her.

  She, however, did not notice the stare or the shift. She ate until she was full, the delicious food a welcome treat to her palate. It was quiet for a long time in the captain’s cabin with Roberto filling her plate and she eating, hands trembling, taking sips of the wine he offered to wash it down. Pierre had already left without her noticing.

  Once done, she relaxed, holding the glass of water in her hands, not letting go of the precious fluid, taking frequent sips.

  “Meals will be served punctually, every day,” he said lazily cleaning his nails with the knife. “I hope, Señorita, that we understand each other better from now on.” He met her gaze.

  “Without a doubt,” she snapped. Ahh, the thorns, he smiled.

  “Enrico is preparing a bath for you as we speak. Enjoy, Señorita.” He smiled at her when she finally let go of the glass.

  For the last three days, she received no bath. The heat was unbearable in her cabin, but she refused to go on the upper deck in this state of filthy, unkempt hair and alarming body odours.

  These men, these savages, will not humiliate me!

  The bath would be a welcome diversion. She felt sticky from the sea air, her hair hanging listless on her shoulders.

  “Thanks, Señor,” she said, a bit friendlier. She felt humiliated by the experience and she could see that he loved her discomfort. Now she could not look at the smirk on his face. “I hate him!”

  “It was a pleasure,” he said as she left. She could hear his laugh following her all the way to her door.

  “I really hate him.”

  Two hours later, she felt refreshed and clean, her skin soft and creamy. She decided to go to the upper deck to dry her hair in the midday sun. For the first time since she had come on board, she came up on the deck.

  Walking to the bow, a man busy with ropes looked at her with interest. She ignored him, touching the taffrail to keep her balance. She could look far around her, the west coast of Africa noticeable on the horizon. The ship clove the clear waters. A light sea spray met her that was welcoming in the heat. It was her first time taking a voyage again.

  Her mind wandered very far from her immediate surroundings, thinking about a similar voyage twenty years ago when she was only four years old. Memories flooded back; of how they had met the giant they now knew as Cisco Almaida. She remembered how she ran up to him, telling him that she would be his daughter because he didn’t have one and looked sad. From that day forward there was a bond between that sailor, now her father, and herself.

  She remembered hugging his thick leg, feeling safe. His hug in return was hesitant because the captain did not allow any contact between the passengers and the crew. In her young mind she did not know of the trouble she had caused him, only that she had a longing for a father figure. Her father was never interested in her, never around, or when he was he was always drunk. She had always been afraid of her biological father and had never had the liberty to run up to him and hug him as she could with the giant.

  Her young heart immediately reached out to him. He talked to her in a soft, low voice, and even today, he never raised his voice to her, even when she knew she deserved it. He was a loving, gentle giant, and she loved him fiercely.

  In her eyes, he was everything a father, a husband, and a man should be. She remembered how he was whipped because he held her, the pain on his rugged face, but not once did he cry out. His back ripped open from the lashes.

  Her mother thought that she did not witness it but she did and when it was finished, she sat in a corner and she cried about the unfairness of the grownups. Her biological father stood close by and laughed when the giant received the beating
and she hated him. Never once did she seek for his affection or love again throughout the voyage.

  In the year and a half that they were in the bush country of Africa and she got scared, she always ran to the giant seeking safety and comfort in his arms.

  Cisco was always there.

  Ever since her mother and he met, they had loved each other dearly. It did not matter how hard they tried to ignore it. Their feelings became stronger over the period of time. They never could openly express their love because of the “no contact” rule that the captain enforced harshly. No one ever loved that man, not even her father, who was always in a drunken stupor because of all the idle time at sea. He had nothing to keep him busy except gambling with the sailors.

  This was the first time after their ordeal that she was back on the open sea. Yes, there were many times that she went on board ships because her father wanted to teach her the science of chart reading and making knots, but she had never gone on a voyage again.

  She was happy on their estate, helping in the villa and in the village. She loved nature and the smell of freshly worked ground as well as the peace and tranquillity that it brought to her soul.

  Sadly, she wondered if she would ever set eyes on that place again. Things at sea could change very quickly. She knew the sea was never a friend.

  She remembered when Manuel and Pedro were born and how happy Mama and Papa were. Before they were born, her father had always had a longing in his piercing eyes. But after their birth it disappeared, replaced by contentment and joy. He always told them how much he loved them, and her mother had developed into a beautiful woman because of the love he had shown her. Before their marriage her mother had been called an “ice queen.” She lived a bitter and lonely life. That changed after she married the gentle giant.

  One day Rosa-Lee would also have a love like that. At the age of twenty-four, she was still not married, but her hopes for the right man to come had not wavered. Many suitors came and spoke to her father about her hand in marriage but he always respected her wishes. He never gave in to the demanding men and she loved him even more.

  To be loved like that was her one goal. She wanted to be protected and to feel safe in the arms of the man she loved, to trust him. That was the love she sought.

  Now she found herself on a ship going to the harem of a pirate captain on an island very far from her beloved family. There was no way that her life would end this way. She would not accept this.

  Tears of frustration ran down her cheeks. She never thought that this would ever happen to her; that she would be part of a price to set her brother free.

  Finally, when the evening bell announced the dinner, she was once again aware of her surroundings. She wiped her face clean from the dry tears and went down to the dining cabin. She did not keep track of the time she spent on deck nor realize that it had gotten so late already.

  With a gentle stroke to her still loose, wavy hair, shoulders straight and back rigid, she walked into the dining cabin. The men were already sitting down, but the moment they noticed her they stood up, waiting for her to take a seat in the middle of the table. She acknowledged their gesture with a simple nod of the head and sat down.

  The captain sat at the head of the table. Pierre, the chief mate, Alexi, Enrico and two other men sat around her. The captain nodded in her direction and they started the meal. The men were deep in conversation. She listened with half an ear, keeping her eyes on her plate, eating the deliciously prepared food consisting of roast beef and vegetables. When she was almost done with the meal she heard the captain addressing her.

  “Do you feel better after the bath and the stroll on the deck, Señorita?” She was looking forlorn. There was a sadness on her face and Roberto wondered about it. He wished he could reach out to her but he knew that it would be futile at this moment. Remember the thorns.

  “Yes, thank you.” Her eyes were still downcast on the plate before her as she took small bites of the remaining food. The men continued with the conversation and she listen still half-heartedly.

  Roberto watched her from across the table. Not once did she make eye contact with anyone present. He wondered what she was thinking about. From her brother’s stories, he knew that this was her first voyage after that ordeal. Could it still be difficult for her?

  He had watched her the whole afternoon as she stood on the deck, her thoughts were very far off. Emotions played on her face that even brought her to tears. He wanted to go closer and comfort her, but he knew he would not have been welcomed. She never once noticed him, so close to her, and he could enjoy her beauty without any disturbances.

  She reminded him of his mother. His mother was also beautiful as a young woman and gentle. She had strength in her that no one could break, and through many difficult times she was the one who kept them focused. He missed his parents; it was now sixteen years since he had last seen them. Ever since he had met the young señorita he found himself longing for a family; a family he could call his own.

  Yes, this woman intrigued him on a completely different level. He knew many women in the different harbours all over the known world; beautiful women who captured his interest for a while. He would have his time with them, but when he left, he never thought about them again.

  This one, Rosa-Lee Almaida, captivated him even before he met her, but to know her as a warm, passionate woman would be wonderful and fulfilling.

  He could see himself on a farm with her by his side, building a future with her. He even imagined a few children running around, enjoying the fruit of his labour.

  For so long he had suppressed thoughts like that, but he thought about it more and more often, enjoying the comfort it brought to him. Since he had seen her, he knew she would be the one. She could be wild and passionate. She would keep him on his toes but he would keep her in his arms. He would take her and make her his. She would come alive, begging him to satisfy her every need. She would be a wild cat, and he could not wait to tame her.

  The life he led had been forced upon him at a very young age. It was the only way that he could help his parents and save the farm. And for this lady sitting across from him, he was willing to give it up. From the life of a pirate he longed to go back to being a farmer. From the very first moment he saw her, he knew they were meant to meet. He would have her and somehow he would have to convince her and the Falcon of this.

  He knew what the Falcon had planned for her. Her father was correct in expecting the worse. Her fate would lead to death if he did not intervene. The Falcon’s way with women was legendary, using them, breaking them until there was nothing left of the once beautiful woman. Not a very pretty picture.

  The Falcon was a brute when it came to women. He only enjoyed them for a while and then threw them to his men. Roberto had seen women broken emotionally and physically by the Falcon and to see this woman in his hands? He would not allow it. He would rather carry her away to a remote island and marry her, than for her to experience that kind of abuse.

  †††

  February 28, 1624

  Today I had to deal with a situation in the village as part of land owner duties. It left me sick to my stomach and brought back memories best forgotten.

  We stumbled on another African village, not deserted this time. At first the people were friendly, allowing our surviving group of twenty five to camp and eat with them. For two days we could rest and have shelter. Qonchita started to get her colour back and Kayla began to explore. But that cost her dearly. One of the village men had his eyes on her since the day we got there. And when opportunity knocked he took it.

  He cornered her near the kraal and assaulted her. The next morning when I found her I was angry. I went straight to the chief’s hut to demand justice. And in return he demanded Kayla as his wife. I could not allow this. Kayla was still very young and I felt responsible for her. Although a seductive temptress, she did not deserve to be treated in that manner and be left behind.

  When Captain Breno died of the fever
and the people elected me as their leader I vowed that no one would be left behind again. I begged for her release and finally one of the slave girls offered to stay behind. It was touch and go for a moment and I really thought that was where we all would die. For a long time Kayla was not the same but with gentle coaching from Qonchita she made it through.

  Once again Qonchita came through for this young woman and I really hope she will pull through. Tomorrow I must speak to the parents of the young man, and hope we can come to a fair arrangement.