As she viewed the scene, it was clear that the vessel had sailed into shallow waters and run aground. She thought about the implications. The ship might have sustained damage. It could also be a trap. She glanced at Ryen, who was scouring the shoreline.
“Find the prince and ask him to join us on deck as soon as possible.”
A few minutes later, the three of them were surveying the situation. Drayaen turned to Aisling.
“With most of the fleet scheduled to dock in Port Louis, we don’t have much backup. This situation is fraught with danger.”
“All right. Ryen, let the fleet know we need support. We’re going to see if any of the property belongs to our partners. We can sail to Port Louis later.”
“Aye, Commander.”
As her officer hurried down the deck, the prince moved closer to Aisling and spoke in low tones. “There may be a connection between these men and the ones we encountered in Melaka. We should proceed with caution.”
“I understand. Pirates have a way of reaching their tentacles into the most unexpected places.” Wherever there’s human suffering, she thought, they are bound to be there. She lifted her spyglass again and observed the ship from afar. Perhaps this is one of the dark forces she was meant to fight.
It was a risk she would have to take.
CHAPTER 7
RISING TIDE
The Saoirse sailed through azure waters that glittered in the sunlight like tiny pearls. The vessel approached the southern tip of the island, careful to avoid the lagoon at the bottom of the mountain. Through the spyglass, Aisling could see the lush tropical landscape that formed a ring of green around the rocky cliffs. The beaches glistened with alabaster sand.
Giant sea turtles swam in the water, following the direction of the ships. On the perimeter of the island, there were variegated patches of deep pink and crimson orchids, filling the humid air with a heavy floral scent.
Parakeets, with their bright green plumage and cocoa-dipped wings, blended into the tropical landscape. High-pitched songs of the blue Comoros rang out as they foraged for food. Aisling recognized the creatures from her father’s descriptions, based on his previous trips to the island.
The princess tapped her fingers on the railing. Despite the beauty and apparent calm, something didn’t feel right. She strained to hear distant sounds.
As the ship approached the pirate vessel, she heard a wailing noise.
Aisling turned to the prince. “It’s a slave ship.”
He nodded, frowning, and gripped the hilt of his sword as he looked into the distance. “These situations are dangerous. You never know what you’ll encounter.”
Aisling nodded. “How many men would you need to launch a rescue?”
“At least one hundred. The slaves need to be released before other dealers arrive. Time is critical.”
“All right, you have your reinforcements.”
“I’ll send a message back and let you know what we find.”
“Once you’ve assessed the situation, we’ll need to free the boat from shallow waters. Let me know when you’re ready.”
Drayaen nodded. “It won’t be easy.”
Aisling watched him leave and wondered if she had the skills to solve the problem.
The colonel joined the prince, and together they gave the soldiers their instructions. The rescue boats were filled, and they made their way to the distressed vessel. As they drew closer, the high-pitched crying grew louder.
Prince Drayaen turned to his team. “These people may think we are the enemy. We need to let them know they’re being released.” In battle, he had seen this situation before, and many times, it had not ended well.
The crew boarded the ship, and the men disbursed to assess the situation.
Within a few minutes, Colonel Lex approached the prince. “The pirates are gone. There are women and children onboard. They’re frightened. We need to release them, but I don’t know if they understand us.”
“I can help,” said a voice from the ramp. The men wheeled around to look at the speaker. “Is Lord Bailey here? I recognized your ships. I’m his friend. My name is Rémy.”
The prince viewed him with a sharp gaze. “How do you know Lord Bailey?”
“He saved me many years ago, when he came here to trade with the French. I knew he would return.”
“Rémy, Lord Bailey isn’t here, but I can take you to see his daughter. But first we need to release the slaves. Can you tell them they are free?”
“I will try. I can hear many languages. These people come from Africa, Madagascar, India, and Asia. Once they leave the ship, they must hide. The traders will come back and round them up, if we are not careful.”
“Can you direct them to a secure place on the island?”
“I can help, but here, nothing is safe.”
Drayaen nodded and signaled the team.
Rémy entered the cargo hold and descended into darkness, gripping the railings and moving with caution down the stairs. As he inhaled deep breaths, he controlled the urge to flee. Overwhelmed with nausea, he reached the lower rung and peered into the murky space.
Hundreds of people were crammed together. Mothers clutched children on their laps. A few people were chained to a railing behind them, preventing free range of motion. The stench was overwhelming. Most were huddled in a fetal position. He looked around at their hollowed eyes and fearful faces. Over the crying and wailing, he explained that the pirates had run aground.
“You’re being rescued,” he shouted.
No one moved.
“You need to get off the boat and hide. I can help you.”
Still, they were rooted to the floor.
Many of them, he realized, did not understand the situation. He turned to the prince who had followed him down. “We need to break their chains. If your soldiers can help people to the shore, I can lead them to a place in the mountains.”
Drayaen nodded and motioned to the colonel. “Help the women and children disembark now. Their lives depend on it.”
“We’ll get started, but there are sick people in the rear of the cargo hold.”
The situation was dire. The crew could also be in danger. Drayaen’s thoughts raced. “Sean, have this note delivered to the commander.” Pirates could be the least of their problems, he worried.
On the quarterdeck, Aisling stood with spyglass in hand. She watched the passengers disembark, guided by Drayaen and the colonel. A ship’s assistant ascended the ladder and approached her.
“Commander, Owen is back. He has an urgent note for you.”
“Send him up, please.” Aisling turned to see his lumbering form hurrying down the deck.
“Commander, I was told to wait for your answer.”
Aisling read that the pirate ship had been stolen from France, based on provenance markings in the vessel. Her brow furrowed as she learned that some passengers were ill. She reviewed the last sentence twice. “Have encountered friend of your father’s named Rémy. He is helping us. I’d like to bring him onboard to meet you.”
Aisling nodded. “Owen, please summon Patrick. Tell him he’s needed. Take a few men and transport some of our food stores to our contact named Rémy.” She scribbled a note. As she turned around, Maológ approached.
“Uncle, what brings you here?”
“I’d like to help with the rescue effort.”
“I appreciate that, but it looks like there’s illness on the pirate ship. It’s unsafe.”
He turned to his niece and furrowed his brow. “No more risk than the prince or his men are taking.”
“But they’re trained soldiers. I worry about your safety.”
“Let me do this.”
Aisling observed his set jaw and realized he wanted to help the fleet. Since the Cara had run aground, there had been one dangerous encounter after another. Perhaps he wants to make amends, she thought, although none of the recent mishaps had been his fault.
“All right, Uncle. Owen will take you there.�
�
“Aye,” he said. “Time is running out. The slavers will be back soon.”
Aisling looked at his earnest expression and was filled with gratitude. She realized how lucky she was to have him in her life. As they said their goodbyes, she reached out and hugged him.
Maológ climbed into the rescue boat while other crew members loaded bags of rice into the vessel. As they left for the island, he looked back and waved at his niece.
When the boat docked next to the pirate ship, Maológ went in search of the prince, locating him on the lower deck.
“What do you need?” he asked.
“Help for the women and children. They must exit the boat now.”
“All right. I’ve brought Patrick with me.”
The prince nodded and shifted his gaze as the surgeon approached. “It’s very dark in the hold. You may want the patients moved to the deck.”
“Yes, it would be better to treat them up here, where there’s light and fresh air. I’ll get started. Let’s hope it’s not cholera, the plague, or smallpox,” he murmured.
Drayaen scanned the note from Aisling and located Rémy. “We’ve brought you a supply of food—enough for several months. You’re invited to board the Saoirse once you’ve had a chance to direct the women and children to shelter. We can wait for one hour, no more.” The prince knew they would be prime targets if the pirates returned.
“All right, yes, I will be back then.”
Standing in front of the women and children onshore, Rémy waved his arms to capture their attention. “You will be taken to safety. We must hurry.”
I have no choice, he thought, but to bring them to the cave.
Rémy ushered the slaves into the forest. After everyone disappeared from view, the men scoured the pirate ship.
Lex approached the prince. “We discovered this crate in one of the storage rooms.”
Drayaen studied the small chest with its double lock. “Good. Let’s get it on the boat.”
As the soldiers organized the freight, Drayaen scanned the terrain for danger. Convinced that everyone had disembarked, the crew lowered the black flag and raised their merchant company banner. The ship was in their possession.
Now, they needed to free it from the grips of the shore.
Aisling stood with her feet planted on the deck. She signaled the prince, clutching her daggers with both hands, arms raised to the clouds. “With all my might, I command that the tides rise.”
The princess felt a rush of power as pounding waves rolled into the coast. She watched the water levels rise, and extended her dagger. “I decree that strong winds move from north to south.”
When Aisling opened her eyes, she could see Maológ and crew scrambling to adjust the sails.
The pirate ship careened forward, unencumbered by the sand deposits, and accelerated into the sea.
As the crew returned to the ship, Aisling congratulated them on their efforts. Then she made eye contact with Drayaen, and they walked farther down the deck.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I’m concerned that we’re a target. We need to get to Port Louis and finish our business there.”
“I agree. Before we depart, I’ll send men to retrieve Rémy. He provided invaluable help, and I’d like to thank him in person.”
“We need to move fast.”
“I’ll talk with Ryen now,” she said, signaling for the ship’s assistant.
As the men departed, she scanned the shore and hoped their enemies weren’t lurking in the shadows.
*
Rémy ran ahead of the crowd, into the cave. As he saw the faces of alarm, he held up his hand.
“We’re not in immediate danger. The slaves from the pirate ship have been rescued. I’ve brought them here for now. We can figure out where they can go later, once everyone is settled. Our friends from the Saoirse brought us food. We have enough to feed everyone for some time.” There was a murmur of relief.
Rémy climbed the steps and gathered the passengers from the pirate ship. “You’ll be safe here. Later, you can move to other places on the island. For now, consider this your home.” The weary group plodded down the steps of the cave, into freedom.
Once Rémy had everyone situated, he gathered his net and knife and ran down the hill. “I wonder who the commander is,” he thought. “I’m risking my life going out in daylight, but I must meet Lord Bailey’s relation.” As he reached the shore, he was alarmed to see that the ships were pulling up their anchors. “I hope they’re not leaving without me,” he fretted. He hesitated as he moved closer to the water.
“We’re over here,” motioned Patrick from the edge of the forest.
Rémy breathed a sigh of relief. I’m ready to go now, he thought. My life depends on it.
Aisling scanned the southern tip of the island. “I hope Rémy hasn’t been delayed. It’s been almost an hour and there’s no sign of him.”
“It must have taken some time to navigate up the mountain with the women and children,” said the prince. “He should be here soon. By the way, what are we planning to do with our new ship?”
Aisling turned to him and smiled. “Since it belongs to the French, we’ll make contact with a government official in Port Louis. They can take possession.”
“There was a locked trunk on the vessel. It’s been carried back here.”
Aisling looked up as the colonel knocked on the door. With him were two soldiers.
“I see it now.”
They hauled the container into the room and lifted it onto the large mahogany table. Although the chest was no more than three feet wide, it was heavy.
“Thank you,” said Aisling, eying the mysterious cargo. “What do you suppose this is?” she asked Drayaen, once the other men had left the chamber.
“Judging by the locks, it must be important.”
“It seems the pirates were desperate to get away, if they left this behind. Let’s open it and find out.”
Drayaen broke the latch and lifted the lid. Aisling’s eyes widened, and they stared at each other.
The chest was filled with jewels: sparkling emeralds, rubies, and deep pink stones set in gold. Strands of gray and white pearls complemented the precious gems. Aisling picked up some of the treasure.
“We’ll need to make some discreet inquiries. Let’s see if we can determine the rightful owner. The officials in Port Louis might know if this cache has been reported missing.”
“We’ve made some more enemies,” said Drayaen, running a strand of pearls through his hand. “When they realize what they’ve lost, they’ll come looking for it.”
“I know. I’m afraid we’ve created more work for you and Lex.”
“How soon can we leave?”
“Once you and I collect the reward for the returned vessel. I’d like to give a share to the officers and crew.”
As Aisling and Drayaen secured the treasure, there was a knock at the door. Ryen hovered in the doorway.
“Commander, our guest is arriving.”
“Please bring him to my quarters,” said Aisling. “I am looking forward to meeting him.”
A few minutes later, Ryen returned with the visitor.
“Hello, Rémy. I am the commander, Lord Bailey’s daughter.”
“It’s nice to meet you. How is Lord Bailey?”
Aisling clasped her hands. “Rémy, please have a seat. How do you know my father?”
“He saved my life many years ago, when his ships were in port. I was about to be imprisoned on a slave ship, but I jumped overboard. Lord Bailey hid me until the slavers were gone. Because of him, I am a free man.”
That must be one of the reasons why I’m here, she thought. Father wanted to check on Rémy and ensure his safety.
Aisling sat down at the table and turned to her guest. “Have you and my father been in recent communication?”
“He wrote me last year through secret channels, and told me that his ships would be making a stop here.”
&nb
sp; “I’m very sorry to tell you, but my father is no longer with us.”
Rémy’s eyes began to water. “He was a friend to me when I was all alone. I’m sorry for your loss. I’ll miss him.”
“Thank you. If he were here, he’d ask how he could help. Is there anything we can do for you?”
Rémy thought about life in the cave, living each day in fear. More than anything, he wanted to escape those chains. He hadn’t planned it, but now it seemed possible.
“Yes,” he replied. “Can you take me with you?”
Aisling’s eyes widened at the request. “Did you want to travel as a passenger, or are you interested in joining our fleet?” she asked.
Rémy glanced at them both. “I would like to be part of the crew. I have never been on a ship before, but your father thought I might be helpful.”
Aisling gazed at Rémy. “He thought you might assist, in what way?”
“I have a talent that may prove useful to you.” He looked at her puzzled expression. “I have the gift of evasion.”
So Rémy wasn’t part of the network, she thought, but he has a hidden ability. Now, it would be their secret.
“You did a great service, leading the women and children to safety. We’d be happy if you joined us.”
“Thank you for bringing me with you.”
“We’re delighted to have you aboard.”
Aisling signaled the assistant. “Please have Ryen come to the Captain’s Quarters.” It looks like we have a new team member, she thought, with great satisfaction.
The crew made a late night visit to Le Morne Brabant, to deliver needed supplies. Rémy said his final goodbyes to a few of his closest confidantes, and after that, the vessels moved up the coast to Port Louis.
Aisling and Drayaen negotiated with a representative from the French government, and returned their stolen ship. As the princess scanned the lost cargo report, she noted that the jewels were not on the list. “We will retain those for safekeeping,” Aisling murmured, as she and the prince walked back to the dock.
A portion of the reward proceeds was allocated to the merchant company. The rest was distributed to everyone onboard.
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