The Sea Lord: Devils of the Deep

by McQueen, Hildie

  “Now, tell me everything and don’t leave any detail untold.” Her bright smile did not fade when she slid a look to Rachel. “You must listen to what Edgar says. He lives the most fascinating life.”

  For the next hour, he regaled them with elaborated stories of his travels. He spared them details of any killings or the tale of having found a ship with more dead crewmembers than live ones. Even if they were not highborn, women, in his opinion, were still delicate in nature and should not be told things that could cause them alarm.

  While he spoke, Rachel approached and lowered to a chair nearby to listen. Every so often, she’d ask a question and her eyes would widen when he spoke of men swinging on ropes onto the decks of other ships.

  The entire time he spoke, Edgar took time to study Mrs. Patterson. The woman looked to be as healthy as ever. Her headache seemed to have disappeared.

  When Rachel went to assist a customer, Mrs. Patterson leaned forward. “I’m not really with a headache,” she whispered with a sparkle in her gaze. “I wanted you to meet my daughter. She can be dreadfully shy.” She gave him a sly wink.

  “You never told me about her,” Edgar said sliding a glance toward Rachel.

  “Are you sure?” Mrs. Patterson smiled as if holding a delightful secret. “I have often tried to figure out how to introduce her to you properly.”

  It was then he recalled one conversation in particular when Mrs. Patterson had mentioned introducing him to a Rachel. She’d not said who Rachel was, but only that she thought they’d suit. He’d assumed it was another shopkeeper or a friend. He’d avoided the subject since.

  It wasn’t that he was averse to marriage or settling down. However, his current life was not suited for either. There wasn’t a doubt, if he were to be found out he’d be hung for being a crewmember aboard the Moira. The ship was well known to belong to the infamous Captain MacAlpin.

  Currently it was docked a few miles away, the name covered with two blackened sails.

  He slid a glance to the counter. Rachel was a beauty. And he was pretty sure she found him attractive by the way she’d continuously stolen glances in his direction. However, he was not able to offer any woman anything at the time. No matter how much he cared for Mrs. Patterson, he was the worst choice as a husband for her daughter.

  “I’m not the kind of man your daughter deserves. I have no place to call my own. Other than my work on the ship, I have no craft to bring in money.”

  If he were to be honest, he’d acquired enough to live out his life in relative comfort. What kept him from settling down was that he didn’t exactly have a place to return to.

  Having escaped Scotland after his entire village was plundered by Vikings, he’d never once looked back. Although he’d heard the people that were left had returned to the land, his entire family had been killed.

  “Why don’t you look around and pick out some books?” Mrs. Patterson placed a hand on his forearm. “I know what you are and what you do.” Her lips curved into a soft smile. “Despite it, you are an honorable man who I consider a good friend.”

  Edgar took his time perusing the shelves, doing his best to decide which books to take. He had very limited space and for every book he purchased, it meant getting rid of something he owned. Usually, he would bring any books other crewmembers didn’t want ashore and give them away. This time, he’d only had one to give away, which meant he could only purchase three.

  When he placed the last one on the counter, only Rachel remained.

  “Mother has gone upstairs to rest. I have not seen her as animated as she is with your visit. I can tell she is quite fond of you. Thank you for spending time with her.”

  “It is I who values time with your mother. Although I must say, I don’t recall her speaking overmuch about you.”

  When Rachel smiled, he could see the resemblance between the two women. A strange sensation in his stomach caused him to wonder if, perhaps, he was hungry. Although it had not exactly been a hunger pang he felt.

  “Would you like anything else?” Rachel looked up at him with an earnest expression.

  He did wish for something else. However, he wasn’t going to say it out loud and definitely not to a woman.

  “No just the books.”

  “When do you leave?” she asked, looking toward the window. “It must be soon since you’re getting books for the voyage.”

  “In a day or two.” It occurred to him that returning to the bookstore prior to leaving was not a disagreeable thought in the least.

  She pushed the books toward him. “I wish you well, Mr. McGregor.”

  “Would you consider joining me for a meal?”

  “A meal? I couldn’t possibly. It would be unseemly.” Her gaze darted from the stairwell to the front door.

  “I can bring something here and we can eat there,” he replied, pointing to the chairs he and her mother had occupied just moments earlier.

  A slight coloring on her cheeks made him smile. “That would be lovely.”

  “I will return at noon then.”

  Chapter Three

  “Captain!” Edgar called to Kevin as he climbed up a rope ladder and onto the ship’s deck. It was another foggy morning and he couldn’t help but hunch against the cold sea air.

  “What is it?”

  “We have to leave.” Edgar was a head taller than Kevin and broader of shoulders. Most Scots tended to be large men and Edgar was larger than most.

  The Scot looked toward the shore. “The idiots, Beatie and Delbert, overtook a group of men and stole goods meant for their ship. It’s only a matter of time before the authorities search every ship.”

  Kevin frowned. “Where are they now?”

  “No doubt hiding below deck. I just now heard of it, so I have not had time to have them brought up here.”

  “Best to leave them there until we set sail. Less chance of them being seen and recognized.”

  He motioned for his first mate to follow him to an obscure corner. “First, send men to the docks. Have them inquire regarding a kidnapped bluestocking.”

  “For how long?”

  “Just a few hours. We leave at sunset. I am awaiting a messenger.”

  By how slow Edgar nodded, it was obvious the man was not happy with the assignment. “Captain, how important is this girl that we delay our departure and risk being caught?”

  “I’ve been hired to find the girl. If I do, the payment will be more than when we crippled the Spanish ship last year.” He left out the portion about Lord Brighton’s promise to beseech the King for him.

  Edgar let out a long whistle. “That is a lot of money. A king’s ransom. However, I do believe it will be almost impossible to find the girl.”

  “I don’t,” Kevin replied. “There were only three ships here that don’t belong to the Royal Fleet. Two others are still docked and only one left early this morning. We give chase as soon as inquiries are made and I receive a message that she’s not been found as yet.

  Kevin made his way to the upper deck and looked out over the water toward where he’d seen the three ships in the horizon. Two remained. He was willing to bet his weight in gold that the ship that had left had the kidnapped girl. Now, he wondered which direction it had headed out in. He pulled his spyglass from a small indentation and put it up to his right eye.

  After looking in four directions, he did not see any sign of the ship. If he were to guess, the ship was heading to the Caribbean, which meant it was traveling southwest.

  He let out a long sigh. The sooner his men returned and the messenger arrived, the sooner he could catch up with the ship and claim the reward.

  So far, he’d not considered what he’d do with so much money. Already, his accounts were large. There was plenty enough for him to retire from life at sea and live out his life in wealthy comfort. Also he could help many people in the town where he owned a large estate.

  What did interest him was the possibility that the King of England could be convinced to pardon him.
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  A few hours later, the messenger finally arrived. The young woman had not been returned and no other ransom note had been delivered. It was an interesting turn of events. What if Gailyn Brighton had met with an untimely demise?

  If that was the case, the would-be kidnappers were without recourse. The idea of such a beautiful woman being killed was about as horrible as not receiving a pardon.

  “We should set sail,” Kevin told Edgar. “I believe we should head to the Caribbean.”

  The direction didn’t surprise Edgar. He nodded and began to shout instructions to the crew. Not even two hours later, the ship began its departure from England.

  “Captain,” a crewmember said as he neared. “What should we do with the two locked up?”

  He scowled. Somehow, the two crewmembers that had been hiding and later locked into the small brig had slipped his mind. “Nothing for now. I must decide what to do about those two.”

  The man nodded and walked off, whistling. It was obvious everyone was more than ready to leave England.

  Edgar, who’d left the ship and retuned, neared. “A couple of people saw her walking about with her maid in tow. However, no one admits to speaking to her or seeing her run.”

  “Someone is lying.” He searched the ocean for a reply.

  The ship’s movement was disjointed at first as they maneuvered out of the port and around other vessels. Upon reaching open ocean, the progress smoothed and the sails were raised. An hour later, the night sky shined brightly with stars, some static and others falling, their bright tails visible against the darkness of the sky.

  His crew called out instructions and replies as they worked. They were a fine, choreographed group of men who’d volunteered to be on the Moira. Kevin had never forced work from men. He’d rather have men who wished to be there and pledged loyalty to him. If someone didn’t earn his keep, he was quickly disembarked at the next port.

  The sea breeze was strong and it meant they would travel far that night. In the morning, he’d deal with the two who’d taken the cargo. Although if truth be told, the stolen cargo could be the items they’d need for the entire voyage. Plus, they could sell the cargo to the Spanish or the Portuguese.

  He went down to his quarters and entered the spacious room. His bed was unmade just like he left it. Unlike his predecessor, Dorian, he did not have anyone to tidy up his personal space. For the most part, if something needed to be done, he did all the cleaning himself.

  By habit, he went to the porthole only to see darkness. In the distance, stars were still visible. But for the most part, it was bleak and utter darkness.

  “Captain.” A crewmember stood at the door. “Would ye like something to eat?”

  He’d been blessed with fantastic cooks, a husband and wife team. The couple took care of the small amount of livestock onboard, mainly chickens and a couple of goats. They also prepared delicious meals that kept him and his crew satisfied over the long days at sea.

  Currently, it was the husband who stood at the door. “The missus made stew. It smells very good. I can bring it here to ye.”

  “Very well. I thank you.” He smiled at the older man. Cook hurried away with a wide smile.

  In truth, he wasn’t hungry. The kidnapped woman’s face haunted him as he wondered what horrors she was experiencing in that moment. So much could have happened between the time she’d been kidnapped and now, the following night.

  When the distraught father had asked him about the treatment of people kidnapped by their captors, he’d not known how to reply. He’d seen firsthand the deplorable conditions in which captives were kept and treated.

  Women often fared far worse than men for obvious reasons. However, he hoped that because the young woman was from wealth and a large amount for her sale was expected, she wouldn’t be mistreated too badly.

  One thing was for certain. If she was unspoiled, he was certain that upon her return she’d no longer be a virgin. Although if that was the only price she’d pay, it was better than losing her life he supposed. But, if he were to be honest, most women were delicate in nature and would rather die than be taken in such a manner as savages often did.

  The one thing his crew was never allowed to do aboard the Moira was to bring women aboard and abuse them. Thankfully, most of the crew was much too superstitious to bring a woman aboard.

  The men were also aware he was not in agreement with sexual abuse of any innocent. Although he could not punish anyone who engaged in such behavior, the man would not be held in high regard and, soon thereafter, would be dismissed.

  Edgar entered and sat down. “Did you warn the father that if we do find his daughter, she will no longer be the same person? Even if we catch them within the next two days, it matters little.”

  “I considered it. However, it is probably better that I not verbalize what he already suspects.”

  His first mate seemed to be having the same thoughts as he, which was probably why they suited so well. “I met a woman today.”

  Kevin turned from where he stood, anticipating what Edgar would say next. “Where?”

  “At the bookstore, where I always visit. It turns out the older woman I visit has a daughter. A beautiful daughter named Rachel. We ate together.”

  “Is she aware you will be gone for a long time?”

  Edgar nodded. “Yes. She is aware. Her mother has told her much about me. I’m surprised that the woman holds me in such high regard.”

  “She knows you’re a pirate then?”

  “I’m not sure. She suspects that I am. But it seems not to matter to her.” Edgar met his gaze. “She said she considers me to be an honorable man.”

  A smile tugged at Kevin’s lips. The woman, Rachel, had definitely piqued his friend’s interest. “Then Mrs. Patterson has good instincts.”

  Cook returned with a tray laden with food and placed it in the center of a table on the side of the room opposite the bed. Both Kevin and Edgar sat and waited for plates to be placed in front of them to begin to sup. If the winds continued as they were, it would be less than a day before they caught up to the fleeing ship.

  Chapter Four

  “No, no, no,” Gailyn lay on her side, her arms protesting as she continued to cut through her bindings with the dirk she’d finally dug out of her pockets. She’d kicked herself free and was finally out of the cramped crate. If the crushing darkness and cramped space of the crate was terrifying, the room she now found herself in was worse.

  It was dark and smelled of stored food and sour rags. The ship she was on was moving, leaving the port. It was too late to escape.

  She’d fallen asleep waiting for men to leave before kicking her way free. Now, it was possible she’d be stuck aboard a vessel with no means of escape without being caught.

  Finally, her bindings came off from her wrists. It was much too painful to do more than lay on the floor and wait for the feeling to return to her upper arms and for her circulation to normalize.

  When she was finally able to, she untied the gag and dug the nasty rag out of her parched mouth. Her jaw ached and cracked when she moved it side to side.

  She slid upward to lean against some wooden items to untie her ankles. By this time, she was crying and trembling with fear. What could possibly happen now? What was she to do?

  The first group to kidnap her had been terrifying. They’d handled her roughly, not seeming to care if their grips bruised her skin. She’d been tossed and shoved like a sack of onions. The second group, she couldn’t judge since they’d not been aware of her presence upon attacking the first. However, by the sounds of the brawl, they’d been stronger and uncaring of human life.

  Shivering, she was glad that they’d at least allowed her to keep her cloak. She hobbled around, attempting to find a corner with her hands held out in front of her to keep from bumping into something until she found what seemed like a wall. There wasn’t much room, but enough that she could huddle there and hide.

  First, however, she had to find somethi
ng to drink and her bladder was protesting furiously, needing to be emptied.

  Once again, she shuffled with hands outstretched and was relieved upon finding what felt like a small bucket. She emptied her bladder and pushed it into another crevice.

  The dryness in her throat urged her to find something to drink, but Gailyn was too scared to move about too much. If she accidentally knocked down something or fell, the noise would get attention. The risk was too high. The last thing she needed so soon after escaping the crate was to be discovered. It was best to wait until her limbs grew stronger and she had complete feeling.

  Shivering more from fear than cold, she went back to her hiding spot and crouched down, sitting with her back to the wall and curling into a ball. She’d sleep until daylight and then assess what to do.

  Gruff voices woke Gailyn. Thankfully, she caught herself before crying out in fear.

  “What should we do?” one man asked. “Captain MacAlpin will have our hides.”

  “He hasn’t yet. I don’t think we will be punished at all,” the other, a deeper voice, replied.

  “Locked up we were,” the first man said.

  The second chuckled. “Forgot to lock the door.”

  “We should keep away from him until more days have passed.”

  There was a beat of silence and Gailyn held her breath. Hopefully, the duo wouldn’t decide to hide there.

  Finally, there were fading footfalls as the men continued talking in harsh whispers. They had to be the ones who’d taken the crates from the kidnappers. It gave Gailyn a bit a hope. If the captain of the ship was unhappy about what they did, perhaps he was a just man and not one prone to crime.

  Thankfully, her mouth was not as dry now. However, the thirst remained. Rumbles sounded and Gailyn realized she’d not eaten in two days. How had it come to be that she found herself in such a horrible predicament?

  Surely her parents were searching desperately for her. Her father would utilize every influence and power to find her. Comfort came from considering this while, at the same time, sorrow filled her entire being. An errant tear slid down her cheek and she wiped it away with a fortifying breath. There was much to do and figure out. This was not the time to sit about crying.