The Sea's Rough Magic

by Alicia C Graybill

  So close, he found he couldn’t resist the lure of those lips he had dreamed about for so long. Gently, he brushed them with his own lips. As if he were a prince from a story and Aaron Johnson his princess, the blue eyes opened and regarded him with wonder. He was about to speak, to tell the former pirate what he’d longed to say for so long, when the wardroom door slammed open and Chambers, bedraggled and blood-stained, bounded in smartly.

  “Captain Dunbar, we have them all in the brig. Waiting further orders, sir.”

  Drawing quickly away, James surreptitiously gave Johnson’s elbow a squeeze then stood. “Very good, Lieutenant. We need two marines in here with a litter to take Mr. Stern in there to the Venture for Dr. Bell to treat. You and I will personally escort Captain Johnson here, the rightful owner of this vessel, over. Is that understood?”

  “Yes, sir,” Chambers replied, snapping him a salute. Just before he turned to go fetch the marines, though, he glanced from James down to Aaron then back. He nodded briefly to James and suppressed all but a quirk of a smile. James heard him mutter “Treasure indeed” as he headed out the door.

  )O(

  It took nearly a fortnight to return to Port Royal. Aaron found himself spending most of his time with Ike but wanting to spend his time with Dunbar. There was something about him that made him feel safe, despite the desire he saw in those green eyes every time. He found the other men aboard made him uncomfortable, if not downright terrified. He could hear the voices of his mutinous crew from the brig at night. It brought nightmares to him that he was being held captive by McSwain again. With proper rest and food, Aaron gained strength quickly. With appropriate treatment, the pains in his side began to dull. Finally, about four nights into the journey, Aaron could stand being in the cabin no longer. He pulled on his breeches and headed topside. Moving cautiously, he stepped to the rail and stared down at the moonlit water that rushed by. He was contemplating throwing himself over the rail, ending the ache inside him over the Lash, the Maid and Ike, when a soft voice spoke.

  “Please don’t.”

  Aaron turned to see Captain Dunbar standing a few feet away. “What’re ye talkin’ about?”

  “You were going to--It looked like you were about to—I would rather you didn’t drown yourself, Captain. I do think you have something to live for.” Dunbar took another step or two closer but didn’t come close enough to touch.

  “What would I have t’ live fer?” Aaron asked, his voice raw this evening. “Me ship’s gone. I’ll never get another, even if I do turn pirate again. Can’t do nothin’ but sailin’ an’, right now, bein’ aboard ship is the last thing I want t’ do ever again. Ike Stern nearly got himself killed tryin’ t’ keep McSwain from-well, from hurtin’ me more. What would ye have me live fer?”

  Dunbar lowered his eyes to the rail. After a moment, he looked out over the sea and spoke. “Hope. I know it’s not a lot to live for but there is hope that something good will come out of this ordeal. I wouldn’t presume to tell you how you should live or what you should do but I do ask that you give yourself a chance.”

  Aaron snorted derisively. “A chance. What sort o’ chance will I have with no swag, no place t’ live, an’ no ability t’ take care o’ meself. Yer physic said it was a miracle I was still alive, savvy?”

  “I know,” Dunbar answered, turning to look at Aaron. “He made a full report. He said you’d been so injured so often that hard labor could do you serious damage. I would like to offer you a place to stay until you work things out. I have a large home with several bedrooms. You and Mr. Stern are welcome to stay with me until he’s recovered and you’ve determined what you want to do. How does that sound?”

  Aaron let his eyes reveal the suspicion and fear he felt in his heart. Yet, when he looked into the Captain’s green eyes, he couldn’t respond as he knew he should.

  “I suppose that sounds good,” Aaron muttered then turned and headed for the cabin he shared with Ike. “Good night, Captain, an’ thanks very much.”

  )O(

  Chapter 13:

  Late August 1718

  The morning was brilliant. The sun gleamed upon the water and the canvas glowed as the Venture sailed into the harbor at Port Royal. Aaron stood on the deck as close to Captain Dunbar as possible, trying not to reveal the way his hands shook. Dunbar issued the appropriate commands with quiet assurance, only occasionally glancing over at the former pirate. Once their eyes met and James smiled reassuringly. Aaron’s reaction was to move a step or two closer to him then speak.

  “I ‘preciate what ye’re doin’ fer me an’ the lad. I never been t’ Port Royal as a guest,” For some reason, he couldn’t look at James while he talked. “How long ‘fore we get ashore? I got a powerful thirst fer some quality rum.”

  He felt James approach and stiffened. “It won’t be long now. Would you like me to accompany you?”

  Aaron shot a look up at Dunbar to see he was watching his men work and not looking at Aaron. “T’ be quite honest with ye, I—if ye’re not too busy, sir.”

  “James,” The Captain corrected. “Considering the situation, I believe it is no breach of protocol should you call me by my Christian name. And should I call you Aaron?”

  Johnson bit his lip and met the green eyes. “I—Not much difference t’ me but he—McSwain—I’d prefer Johnson, savvy?”

  The green eyes grew thoughtful then Dunbar said, “I understand, Captain. I will have Lieutenant Chambers help you settle in at my home while I make my report to the Commodore but I will accompany you there initially and introduce you to my servants.”

  “Much obliged,” Aaron replied.

  He turned to go below to see how Ike was doing when he felt a long-fingered hand on his shoulder. He shivered and drew away, whirling back to Dunbar. The officer looked properly chagrined.

  “My apologies. I merely wanted to let you know how happy I am to see you-that we could set you free. I hope your time here in Port Royal is pleasant, hmm?” The green eyes made Aaron feel unforgivably filthy.

  Aaron nodded but couldn’t bring himself to speak. He fled below deck to the quarters they had been assigned. As he stepped into the cabin, Ike was sitting up on the side of the bed. He smiled weakly at Aaron.

  “So we’re in Port Royal?”

  Aaron nodded. “Aye. Captain Dunbar has been kind enough t’ offer us a room ‘til ye’re well an’ we’ve decided what t’ do. Dunbar’s a good man, even if ‘e is a bloody Navy bastard.”

  Aaron softened the harsh words with a slight grin. Ike scowled suddenly. “If I didn’t know no better, Captain, I’d say ye had a soft spot for him.”

  Aaron cocked his head while he thought about that then took a seat beside Ike. “Ye’d be right, love. McSwain took ‘im captive a few years back an’ tried t’-well, doesn’t matter all that much. He said he’d rescue me when he managed t’ escape. Took him a while but he kept his word.”

  “Did he hurt ye also?” Ike’s eyes when they met Aaron’s caused the older man to shudder. “’Cause if he did--.”

  Aaron reached out to pull Ike against his chest, pressing his cheek against Ike’s forehead. “Listen, love, ye needn’t be upset with James Dunbar. He’s a good man, a man of his word, an’ he never hurt me. He was very good t’ me an’ he- well, he gave me hope t’ carry on, which was why I was still around when McSwain got his hands on you. Don’t know what I would ha’ done if it weren’t fer James. Probably died and ye’d be dead now, thanks to McSwain an’ those miscreants o’ his. We owe him our lives.”

  Ike sighed and managed to smile slightly. “All right, then, Cap’n. He can live.”

  Aaron shook his head. “The bigger question, love, is can we?”

  The door opened at that point and Aaron released Ike from his embrace. The young man was still in a bad way but he was able to move to the litter the two red-coats were holding with Aaron’s assistance. As usual, Aaron found himself unable to meet the eyes of the strangers and busied himself with fussing with the blankets he
laid over Ike. As the red-coats carried Ike out the narrow doorway and up the corridor to the deck, he followed along behind, feeling lost. It had occurred to him last night that, once Ike was well, the boy would be free to do what he wished. There would be no place for Aaron in his life, in all honesty. He fully expected Ike, who was even more handsome than his father, would find a girl rather quickly and a place as a deck-hand—or even turn pirate himself—and be off to find his own fortune. It almost made Aaron smile at the idea that he might one day see the Lash’s grandchildren.

  But the image of his own future cast a murky pall on the day. He had trained as a navigator and had been a good captain once. He had no talents on land except for drinking and fucking. Only one of those could earn him something but the very idea made his soul shrivel within him. Worse, he knew he could never be a captain again. The thought of living through another mutiny, another betrayal of that magnitude, very nearly made him pass out.

  He had slumped against one of the bulkheads, hands pressed into his hair, when there was a soft voice from close by. “Captain? Are you all right?”

  Aaron glanced up into Chambers’ eyes then looked away immediately. “I- Don’t know fer sure. Guess maybe yer captain’s waitin’ on me, eh?”

  When Chambers’ fingers touched his arm, Aaron flinched away. “I’m sorry, sir. He asked me to escort you. He said that he would join us ashore but that he had some details to take care of. I- Nothing has been explicitly told me, Captain, but it doesn’t take much more than an observant eye to see that you’ve been badly treated. I would never hurt you, sir. If you would like to take my arm, we can go above.”

  For a moment, Aaron wanted to run back to the safety of the cabin and barricade himself inside. Instead, mustering every ounce of courage, he slid his hand around Chambers’ arm, the feel of the wool greatcoat itchy against his fingers. Chambers made no attempt to touch him just started calmly and leisurely along the corridor to the ladder.

  Aaron found himself at a loss to explain his own behavior. He’d just been on deck with Dunbar mere moments before. Why was it so difficult to do this again? He had no idea.

  “The Captain mentioned you were interested in some quality rum,” Chambers spoke after a minute, his voice gentle. “I’ve not been long in Port Royal myself but a few of the midshipmen have informed me that the Grey Goose serves a decent mug now and again. Perhaps I can accompany you there when you’re ready.”

  Aaron shot a glance over at the young Lieutenant. He scowled when he realized that every action of every person he came in contact with now was tainted by his very own fear and shame. He swallowed with difficulty and managed to mutter, “Thank ye kindly but not today. I’m—The excitement has tired me out, savvy?”

  “Of course not,” Chambers answered, giving Aaron a shy smile. “I meant in a few weeks. You’ve got to give yourself some time to recover.”

  Aaron nodded, letting Chambers think what he wanted. They were approaching the bulwark and the Jacob’s ladder down to the waiting longboat when Aaron cast a look around for Dunbar. He didn’t see him anywhere and a shiver raced down his back.

  “Captain? If you care to climb down, Captain Dunbar said he’d meet us ashore. See him there? At the end of the pier, just getting out of the other boat.”

  Aaron followed the Lieutenant’s point and saw Dunbar’s unmistakable figure standing on the dock. He was off to the side a bit and facing toward the Venture. For an instant, Aaron felt warm inside, as if his heart was no longer ice and stone. The moment passed quickly, though, when he realized that Dunbar was probably overseeing every detail of the arrival. He’s concerned for the welfare of all his passengers and crew, Aaron reminded himself. Just like any good captain should be. He’s just doing his duty. At that thought, Aaron finally convinced himself to swing a leg over and climb down the ladder. There was just enough room in the longboat—with Ike on the stretcher—for Aaron, Chambers and four midshipmen to row them ashore. Aaron sat as near Ike as possible and kept his eyes focused on the bottom of the boat. Until they’d left the Venture, he hadn’t realized how expansive it all was. How open the sky and the ocean appeared to be, and how much light there was. This must be what a cockroach feels like, Aaron mused darkly.

  It seemed to take hours, not minutes, for them to arrive at the dock. Chambers stood as they drew near and tossed a line ashore to secure the boat. After a few more minutes, Chambers offered Aaron his hand. “Sir?”

  Aaron looked at the hand for several seconds before he could bring himself to take it. When he did, the feeling of the other man’s warmth and strength nearly undid him. He had one foot on the dock when a pair of hands caught his other arm. The feeling made him begin to tremble and pull back slightly. He glanced up to see it was Dunbar.

  “It’s all right, Johnson, I promise,” James smiled encouragingly at Aaron.

  Them damn green eyes, Aaron found himself thinking before he released Chambers and placed that hand on Dunbar’s shoulder. If it hadn’t been for the Captain’s easy strength, he realized he would never have made the dock from the longboat, his legs were so unsteady. He finally looked around himself and realized that this was not going to work. He felt his heart race and he began to pant for air. There was nowhere to hide and there were far too many people, merchants, wives and families, not to mention dock-workers and others for him to be this exposed. He wanted to scream but nothing would come out of his mouth. He swung back to look for Dunbar and Ike but they were nearing the landward side of the pier. It might as well have been the other side of the island as far as Aaron was concerned.

  “No!” Aaron could barely get the word out as the sudden presence of people--so many people, Aaron thought—began to press in on him. He began to back away from Dunbar’s entourage. “No, I cannot. Not there.”

  )O(

  When he heard the voice, Dunbar glanced back at Johnson. He could see him stumbling backwards, away from the crowd but toward the end of the pier. He’s terrified, James realized. Without thinking, he began to push his way back to retrieve Aaron. Unfortunately, it seemed that the harder he worked to get to Aaron, the harder it became. Johnson was coming dangerously close to the end of the pier. He’s in no shape to be swimming. If he goes into the water, he won’t be able to save himself. For James, everything else suddenly disappeared and he lunged for Aaron, catching him at the last instant before his foot went off the end. He pulled Aaron tight to himself with no thought of what others might think.

  “It’s all right, I swear. Everything will be fine when we get to my home. It’s not far and Chambers is hiring a wagon even now. You’re safe now, Captain, I promise,” James felt Aaron shiver despite the warmth of the day.

  It shocked him when Aaron buried his face into his chest then spoke. “I-Don’t let them hurt me.”

  “No, of course not. I give you my word as an officer and a gentleman that your safety is paramount. No one here intends you harm, do you understand?” He held Aaron’s hand and rubbed his back. “We’ll wait here until the crowd thins a bit.”

  Aaron pushed away slightly. “Sorry, Captain, I jus’—it’s been some time since I set foot on land an’ had t’ deal with-with so many of them.”

  James felt the shoulders shake when the sob emerged more than he could have heard it. He saw Chambers and the men loading the Stern boy into a freight wagon but knew, instantly, that it wouldn’t work for Aaron. After a moment, Chambers realized where they were and approached. “Sir?”

  At the sound of Chambers’ voice, so close, Aaron stiffened in his arms. The force nearly threw them both into the water. James, recognizing that there was little choice, lifted Aaron into his arms. What horrified him most about the whole situation was that Aaron should have weighed much more than he did. The fact that he was still so light meant that he was still so very far from being well. He carried Aaron through the crowd with Chambers clearing the way.

  “Hire a proper carriage, Lieutenant,” James stood Aaron on his own feet again but continued to hold
him. “Something with a roof.”

  Unfortunately, there was nothing like that to be found immediately. James decided that the only compromise was for him to ride with Aaron and Ike in the back of the wagon. Chambers would ride with the driver and the marines that were to accompany them would double-time behind the cart.

  Dunbar swung his coat off to wrap it around Aaron, helping to shield him. “Is that better, Captain?”

  Aaron didn’t respond. James cast a glance over at Chambers then lifted Aaron again to place him in the cart beside Ike. James climbed in as well but when he reached for Aaron, Johnson pulled away. James heard a soft sound.

  “Cap’n?” It was the Stern boy. “Aaron, are you all right?”

  Dunbar leaned forward, hoping to hear Aaron answer. Instead, Aaron made no sound and failed to even acknowledge the boy.

  “What’d ye do to him?” Stern’s eyes sparked as they turned to James.

  “I believe he will be all right once we get him to my home, Mr. Stern. Please rest,” James placed a hand on Aaron’s back then called out. “Chambers, carry on.”

  He returned his attention to Ike and Aaron in time to see Stern take Aaron’s hand in his own. Briefly, James thought Johnson might react badly and try to pull away. Instead the familial gesture caused him to draw a steadying breath.

  “Isaac?” His voice made James sigh with relief. “What’s wrong, love?”

  “Nothing,” Ike answered. “I jus’ had a twinge an’ needed something to hold onto. Are you all right, Cap’n?”

  “’Fraid not,” Aaron answered, clinging to Ike’s hand. “Sorry, love.”

  James had never experienced such an acute sensation of jealousy before. He thought about competing with other suitors for Abigail’s attention but that was very different. He deliberately chose to ignore the interaction between Stern and Johnson.