The Starlight Odyssey

by Rose Dalziel

  "Yes, please make haste good sir, we shouldn't waste time." Chastity answered as she helped Raphael into the carriage before getting in herself.

  "Damn you woman! Leave me be." Raphael snapped removing himself from her helping hand.

  Her mouth fell agape, “I am only trying to help you!"

  His eyes lifted to her insulted ones and sighed, “I’m not ill."

  Chastity rolled her eyes shaking her head as she leaned against the seat across from him. "Fine, but your pride will be your downfall."

  Raphael sneered at her, his head dangling from side to side as the carriage took off at a faster pace.

  "My pride for wanting to be a good man and take care of the lady, whom I promised to your Uncle," He sat up and leaned closer to her, the sun now beaming across his face.

  "You forfeited your life too easily." He challenged, his elbows resting on his knees as he held her stare.

  Chastity's jaw clenched, her hands gripped the sides of her lavender dress. Although she would have loved to argued that point, he was right, and she couldn't stand the fact being given the cold truth.

  They remained still, just staring at one another with neither hate nor out of kindness. The sun made his face glow, which revealed a thin line of a scar right beneath his right brow and she wondered how he could have gotten one in such a unique place.

  "It still, is the duty of a Duchess to carry out the deeds for the benefit of the Kingdom." Chastity finally spoke up, not being able to hold back her words any longer.

  Raphael licks his lips and rubs his hands together as he nods, one of his eyebrows rose, “What about the duty to benefit for yourself? Don't you matter in all of this? Who is this Prince? Is he God?"

  Chastity remained silent, not knowing how to answer until one question came to her mind.

  "Why do you care what happens to me anyway?"

  Raphael's mouth formed a tight line and leaned back into his seat. She sighed when he never answered her and gazed out her side of the window until the ocean came into view.

  ALL ABOARD!

  "The Starlight is one of the fastest ships, presented only to the nobles, and royalty." Chastity read the wooden sign as Raphael carried his and her luggage.

  They bid farewell to their coachmen, as he was to bring them to the docks. The wind blew wildly causing Chastity to hold the hem of her lavender dress so it wouldn't fly up.

  Raphael had changed his formal attire to a loose long sleeved grey shirt with black pants. A red scarf was now tied around his neck, saying it was his good luck charm for when he was out to sea. Even his hair lay messily, and he nearly seemed unrecognizable.

  "Present your tickets stating you are nobility or royalty." A white bearded man dressed in a navy coat asked them as he stood in front of the port entry to The Starlight.

  Chastity presented their tickets as she peered over his shoulder to admire the grand ship. The dozens of white sails were so high, she had to crane her neck up to see the top of them.

  "Very good, here is the key to your room. Do not lose this." The white bearded man instructed as he thrusted the key in Chastity's hand.

  Raphael followed close behind her as they walked up the thick wooden pathway upon boarding the ship. It was so large and wide, it made Chastity feel like an ant in comparison.

  "She's a real beauty ain't she?" A sailor commented, taking notice of her bewilderment as the stepped afoot on board.

  "Yes, she's amazing!" Chastity chirped bouncing on her heels in excitement.

  "First time?" The sailor asked with a smile, as he pointed them in the right direction to settle in their room.

  Chastity nodded, bringing a hand up to shield her eyes from the blinding sunlight.

  "You're sure to love it!" The sailor assured before turning his attention on other people boarding.

  Raphael grunted in disapproval once they found their room below deck. It was spacious, with two beds one on each side of the room with a small wooden table and two chairs on the far end.

  Chastity sat on the edge of the bed farthest from the door, as this was Raphael's orders.

  "It's decent, isn't it?" She chimed watching him set the luggage down before laying down on his own bed with his back facing her.

  Only another grunt of agreement came from him, no words spoken which started to make Chastity worry. He was being a fool to think he was not ill, it did nobody any good to be stubborn about it. She had studied about illnesses and medicine since she was a young girl, it fascinated her as much as music had.

  "When you're ready to admit you are indeed unwell, I'm right here." Chastity mused, folding her arms as she stared at his broad back.

  No response.

  How was it, she had allowed a man to get under her skin such as he? Then a dangerous thought broke through causing her to look away from him and lay her head down.

  Dangerous indeed.

  Thump.

  Chastity bolted upright at the sudden sound of something large crashing. Her head snapped over to see Raphael was no longer in his bed.

  Where had he gone at such an hour?

  Her toes graced the polished wooden floor as she stood from her bed. One step forward and her foot encountered a warm body on the floor.

  Letting out a gasp Chastity bent down seeing as it was Raphael who had made the loud noise.

  "Raphael?" She shook him gently.

  No response.

  "Raphael!" She shook him more firmly, and patted his cheek causing a low groan to escape his lips. Relief washed over her as she rubbed his forehead, his fever had risen causing him to break out in a sweat.

  "Oh no no no!" Chastity lifted him up gently by the shoulders, letting his head rest on her thighs.

  The bright blue light from the cascading full moon was shining down on them through the small rounded window behind them.

  Raphael's eyes opened to a squint and peered up at her. "I...admit..it..." he whispered , barely audible.

  Chastity shakes her head and runs a hand through his soft hair as she lifted him up more.

  "You'll be alright." She promised before she snatched his pillow from his bed and laid him down slowly on it.

  Rushing to find cool water, a cloth and an orange from the table, she returns to his side before he could notice she had left.

  She rang out the cold cloth and began wiping the sweat from Raphael's stomach.

  "Ah!" He flinched at the sudden cold contact.

  She giggled, “I’m sorry it's cold, but it will help your fever go down."

  He sighed and began to relax again, not resisting her help anymore. She continued patting his skin with the cold wet cloth until she got to his face.

  "You know...we will be on this ship for..four-four months?" He suddenly told her.

  "Four months? No, it is only one?" Chastity chuckled in disbelief.

  Raphael leaned up on his elbows to look in her eyes, he seemed so exhausted.

  His head leaned to one side as he shook his head, “No. This ship goes to four places before making its way to France. Ireland, Scotland, London, then...F-France. I was going ..to inform you, but it stated clearly on the ..tickets ...The Starlight."

  "Four whole months!" Chastity exclaimed leaning down to get right in his face.

  Raphael's breathing became ragged and sharp before he nodded, his eyes never leaving hers.

  "You… shouldn't get too close to...me." He spoke raspy. She gawked at him before taking the cloth and wiping his forehead, he flinched startled, until all the sweat had been collected.

  "I won't fall ill." Chastity winked, flashing a dimpled smile at him.

  "I was not...--" She put a finger over his lips silencing him.

  "Do not attempt to say such dangerous words to me, for once you do...you shall regret it."

  DANCE OF THE STARLIGHT

  It had been three weeks since the two had boarded the ship, they had finally made it to the first destination.

  "We are not to get off the ship at any cost, do you unders
tand?"

  Chastity was busy gazing over the railing, she had never dreamed she would live to see such a beautiful place. Her long blonde hair had been set free all the time, now that she could be herself with no customs or expectations. At least for the little time she had left.

  Her gold hair blew gracefully in the gentle cool wind as her eyes took in every detail of the lush green scenery before her.

  For who could predict when one would get the chance of laying eyes on such beauty again.

  "Raphael, look. I never would have known how beautiful if it was here if it wasn't for you." She smiled with gratitude to him, but she kept her gaze out beyond the docks. To where there were green hills, livestock, endless tall trees and various flowers of bright colors.

  "Where I'm from, this is little." Raphael commented next to her, he stood with his bare arms crossed.

  Chastity turned her attention on him with a raised eyebrow, giving him a questioning look.

  "Is that so? And where do you come from Raph?" She smiled as his eyes searched her own.

  Something he had been doing more often with the more time they spent together. Just like how she had become used to calling him 'Raph' instead of his full name.

  However, he has yet to even speak her name even once in all the time they have journeyed together. Chastity had took notice of this, but refused to bring it to his attention.

  She knew getting closer to him was dangerous, but how she could stop from doing so when she was constantly around him?

  Raphael only answered her question with small smile before his gaze drifted out to the island.

  _______________

  "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, when the moon is high, is the annual dance of the Starlight. The day we celebrate the birth of our ship! " the Captain announced as he steered the ship back out to sea.

  Chastity exchanged a curious glance with Raphael. A dance thrilled her!

  "A dance.." Raphael rubbed the back of his neck before walking the opposite end of the ship where no one currently was.

  Chastity followed him after a moment of debating what she should do. Would he feel only obligated to attend with her if she asked him to? Or would he actually want to dance with her?

  Did it matter?

  "Do you not like to dance?" Chastity piped up from behind Raphael when he just stood gazing out to the sea.

  His back tensed before spinning around to face her, "I love to dance."

  Then why was he seeming so reluctant?

  "Do you wish to go with another girl?" She asked, her face contorted to disappointment as she looked down at her feet shuffling slowly against the floor.

  Raphael burst out laughing causing her head to snap up to meet his eyes steadily focused on her.

  "Oh Chastity. There is no one I would rather go with..than with you. "

  Chastity's breathing hitched, he had finally said her name. The way she had hoped for.

  With adoration.

  Now she knew, for certain this time, all the reasons behind his arguments.

  Why he went back to the bar that night after she had fallen asleep in the Inn.

  Not wanting to admit he was succumbed to sickness to her.

  He had cared for her, more than what a normal escort should.

  _____________________

  Violins, flutes, and drums played signaling the dance was starting. With the full moon high overhead, Chastity spun around in her chosen crimson dress. The bottom glistened with silver rose designs in the light. Her lips were painted dark red with and her eyes with bronze eyeshadow, with her long hair cascading down to her hips in soft waves.

  "Read..y?" Raphael interrupted coming through the door only to come to a standstill.

  His own attire was striking, and almost surprising with a black fitted shirt with the sleeves rolled up to meet his elbow, the dark grey charcoal pants resembled noblemen tights with black boots. Not to forget that red scarf he always wore around his neck.

  Chastity never grew weary of seeing those piercing blue eyes, they changed according to weather, time of day. As of now, they glowed like the moon as they took in her appearance.

  "My mind may have faltered in the past, with a sliver of doubt trying to consume all reason, that there could never be--- that which come from heaven, Angels." He reached out to take Chastity's hand in his to place a soft kiss a top it before he finished.

  "On this day, I stand before one."

  Raphael led her up the stairs to where a dozen or more folk were already dancing to the upbeat music.

  It was foreign to Chastity's ears, the music of home was not so..happy.

  "This is similar to that of my homeland's music, but this is Scottish."

  Without another word, he swung her into him, his arm wrapped securely around her waist while the other held her hand. His eyes softened as he led her in dance, a smile gracing his lips when he saw her laugh of joy.

  Chastity twirled with the music with the moon shining down on them, and it was as if it was only the two of them. Here and now, her heart was dancing with content in this moment.

  Raphael let out a chuckle when she extended her other hand whilst twirling to snag his red scarf free from his neck. She kept twirling around as the drums matched her hopping feet and soon many folk joined in to clap along the beat to egg her on.

  She put the scarf over her head and looked for his approval, but he shook his head with a smile, she waved it teasingly in his face. When he tried to snag it she danced around him in a circle, until he snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her into his chest.

  Her bright honey eyes stared up into his mesmerizing blue orbs. He took the scarf from her hand and tied it around her neck while brushing her golden hair out of the way. His thumb caressed her cheek softly, his eyes flickered between hers.

  Screams suddenly filled the air and people rushed past them to quickly get away from whatever had just frightened them.

  "PIRATES!!!"

  LOOSE ROPES

  Chastity was shoved back from Raphael's hold as people rushed by panicked.

  "Chastity!" Raphael pushed through the flood of the crowd to make his way to her.

  Off in the distance, a large ship with red sails was drawing nearer with each passing moment. Chastity covered her face as more men and women ran past her, not wanting to be pushed again.

  It was a beautiful illusion of a dream just minutes before she had been laughing and dancing with a man she's come to deeply care for. Now everything had turned sour, rotting away before her very eyes as they waited for the doom to soon come.

  "It's the Red Serpent! Everyone! Please go back to your rooms and embrace for impact!" The Captain shouted his orders over the screams as he gathered his men up to prepare for a battle to come.

  Raphael grasped Chastity's shoulders and shook them firmly, “We mustn't stay here! You're in danger!" He wraps an arm around her shoulder and begins leading her to below deck.

  No one else was above, except for the Captain and his men as they followed his demands to ready the cannons.

  Chastity glanced back over her shoulder and shrieked as she shoved Raphael to the ground with her,"LOOK OUT!"

  Sparks and smoke filled the air as a cannon ball came barreling its way right at their ship, striking the Captain's headquarters. Wood chips shot out, scattering over Chastity and Raphael before they began running to make it back to their room.

  "FIRE!" The Captain yelled, and dozens of cannons were fired at the Blood Serpent, causing the ship to shake. Only two of them had made impact, for the ship for not close enough.

  Cackling and howls of laughter echoed from the Blood Serpent as it stopped right next to The Starlight.

  "Another wealthy ship is in MY sea! Take it all lads, including any wenches!!!"

  "They're coming on board!" Chastity wailed causing Raphael to stop running. He whipped around to see ropes were now getting ready to swing over to their side.

  "Filthy pirates!" He hissed through clenched teeth as he began
searching for a weapon to use against them.

  "I need you to go back to the room and stay there--"

  "No! Not without you!" She shook her head, her face full of desperation and fear. He couldn't leave her at a time like this!

  "No matter what happens, I'll come back to you!" Raphael promised, looking her in the eyes once more before he left her standing on the stairs. She watched painfully as he retreated back above with a sword she didn't notice he had found.

  __________ _____ __________

  Chastity tossed clothes out of her luggage as she searched anxiously for a weapon. She had to help defend this ship, even if she was never taught how to wield a blade.

  Women were brought up knowing their place in society, and firing a pistol, or wielding a sword was left for the men to handle.

  "SEARCH EVERY ROOM!"

  "GATHER ALL YE RICHES YE CAN FIND!"

  Her body stiffened as the thundering footsteps barged below deck. Why was no one else fighting them?

  Unless they all were killed, or taken captive...

  She threw herself at the door and locked it before she scrambled to move all the heavy furniture as a barricade. Raphael said he would be back, but she still could not take any chances.

  Thump! Thump!

  "Aye! This one's not openin!" A pirate growled from the other side of Chastity's door.

  "Move o'er you loaf! You ain't got no muscle in yeh!" A second voice mocked before a loud slam hit the door.

  "Jammed pretty good ain't it Morgan!" The previous pirate scoffed at his mate.

  Chastity shook her hands trying to calm herself from panicking. She had to focus, she couldn't allow the men to get to her!

  "Wait! Together!"

  Her eyes widened, and she froze in place as the two men heaved themselves at the door with brute force.

  Crack!

  "Oh you broke it!"

  A large hole in the door had been broken through allowing the two pirates to get a good look inside.