The Sea's Rough Magic

by Alicia C Graybill

  McSwain's unremitting laugh woke Ike. He sat up panting then rose and opened the window a crack to allow the icy breeze into the near-stifling room. He couldn't get the image of Aaron in Dunbar's arms out of his mind. He had been so in hopes that Aaron would want him; when Aaron struggled and tried to get away, he had panicked and pursued him without considering what the consequences would be. For a moment, as he stared out at the stormy night, he found himself thinking about leaving. If all I'm going to do is make Aaron miserable and afraid, I should go, He edged the window open a little farther and looked at the ships rolling in the harbor.

  The last time he'd talked to Dr. Hudson about Aaron, the doctor told him that Aaron would never be able to go to sea again. He hadn't believed it but seeing Aaron tonight, how thin he was and how terrified, made him realize the truth. Worse, he knew that Dunbar would be better able to take care of Aaron if he would. Not like there's any doubt that he would, Ike mused. Dunbar loves Aaron and there's nothing I can do to change that. He sighed heavily and pushed the window firmly shut. Returning to his bed, he vowed that he would win Aaron's love and trust back somehow.

  )O(

  Chapter 19:

  All Souls' Day, 1718

  The sharp intake of air woke James abruptly. He jerked upright to see Rodney standing in the doorway, the Captain's usual breakfast tray in hand. Rodney was staring outright at the scene before him. James dropped his eyes to his own front to see Aaron's arm was wrapped around his waist, his head pillowed on James's chest. More importantly, Aaron's hand was tucked familiarly into James's nightshirt. Vaguely horrified, James could feel the heat and calluses from that hand against the tender flesh of his lower left side, just above his hip. The sensation made him catch his lip in his teeth.

  "It's-It's not what it seems," James muttered, reaching to pull Aaron's hand away.

  "Begging your pardon, sir," Rodney replied and set the tray down as usual. "But it is. I'm neither blind nor stupid, sir, and if I may speak frankly?"

  James nodded, feeling light-headed. After a moment, Rodney turned to look at him sincerely. "He makes you happy. Whether it's wrong or right is between you and God. All I know is that you've been miserable for so long that I was afraid you would never be able to enjoy life again. Since he arrived, you have actually spent more time smiling than I've ever seen before. It would be foolish for you to throw such a thing away."

  Momentarily, James was utterly speechless. It was only when Aaron whimpered and he glanced down to see the face of his dreams that he realized Rodney was right. Gently, James disengaged himself and got to his feet. "It may mean the end of my career, you know. And my life, perhaps."

  Rodney sighed. "What goes on in a man's home is his own business. I have seen nothing improper. Captain Johnson is not well. He needs a certain measure of intimate care that someone must provide. He doesn't trust me enough to allow me to do so for him and Mr. Stern is not well enough himself to provide such care. That leaves you or Rosemarie. While I am certain Rosemarie is an excellent nursemaid, she is a woman and a stranger to the Captain. He knows--and trusts--you."

  "Still," James insisted. "I would be remiss if I didn't ask you to refrain from mentioning this-what you saw to anyone?"

  Rodney gave him a slight smile. "Like my employer, sir, I do not engage in gossip-mongering. It is a useless activity best suited to giggling young girls and toothless old men. Since I fit neither category, nor do I expect to for a very long time, let me lay your fears to rest."

  He paused and Dunbar realized that his face had grown serious. "What is it?"

  Rodney shrugged. "Mr. Stern is nearly ready to be on his way. He mentions nearly every day that he intends for Aaron-um, Captain Johnson-to accompany him. It's not going to be possible, sir. The Captain isn't well enough in his mind or body to do such a thing. There will be difficulties."

  James sighed and glanced back to see Aaron had curled into the space he had vacated, drawing the pillow into his grasp to take James' place. He turned back to Rodney. "There have already been difficulties. Without going into details, there was an incident last night. I would prefer it if Mr. Stern did not visit Captain Johnson alone. I have concerns for Aaron's safety."

  Rodney started to question him but a look into his employer's eyes silenced him. "As you wish, sir. And this arrived for you this morning."

  Rodney handed him the note, written in Mercer's hand and closed with the official Naval seal. James took the correspondence from his man-servant with a nod. He stared at his name on the front of the letter until finally Rodney spoke.

  "Should I bring Captain Johnson's breakfast in here, sir?"

  Distracted, it took James a moment to realize what had been said. He shook his head negatively. "Suddenly, my appetite has vanished. Captain Johnson can have mine."

  "Very good, sir," Rodney bowed slightly then left the room, closing the door discretely behind him.

  It took him a long time before he felt brave enough to break the seal and draw out the papers inside. One was a subpoena for Ike Stern's testimony at the trial of the crew of the Saucy Maid. Another was a subpoena for his own testimony. Third was a note from Mercer.

  Dunbar,

  The time has come. From Dr. Hudson I understand that the boy is well enough to testify now. He mentioned that Johnson was still in a bad way. I understand your desire to protect the man so I did not do as the Governor ordered me to and issue a subpoena for his testimony as well. You must, however, take action and remove your house-guests as soon as the trial concludes. There is no guarantee I will be able to assist you after that as I am being transferred to Virginia colony.

  I urge you, James, you must be the model of discretion and above reproach. I have it on good authority that the next promotion is yours, should you wish it.

  Do not jeopardize that which you have worked for so hard.

  Mercer

  For the first time since Aaron Johnson had returned to his life, James felt numb inside. He felt like the knight aiming his lance at the brass ring. He could see what he wanted in startling detail and clarity yet the hand that guided the lance was just not up to the task. It was at that moment he heard Johnson whimper. Tossing the paperwork onto the breakfast tray, he returned to the bed and drew Aaron into his arms. It seemed magical almost that the first touch of his flesh against Aaron's caused the small, frightened noises to stop. When he drew Aaron into his arms, the furrowed brow eased and something akin to a smile graced the lips. The emptiness inside him filled with bittersweet joy. He refused to think about the matter in order to allow himself the moment. He suspected there would be precious few of them left.

  Spending time with Aaron eased the ache in his gut and he managed to eat at least part of the breakfast that Rodney had left. Aaron remained asleep, inspiring a smile from James when he rolled onto his back and began to snore softly. James stroked a hand gently through the black hair, remembering how long it was, beads and jewels tangled in the plaits. Those little vanities were gone now, the hair short and uneven. He noticed a scar then, one among many, of course. If it hadn't been so apparent what it was, he might not have paid any attention. On the left side of Aaron's neck just under his ear, was the mark of a burn--a brand really. A perfect oval with the pattern of a rope and, within, the face of a wolf. He remembered seeing that sigil before in gold, night after night, adorning the villain's finger. The sight made James regret killing McSwain. He wanted suddenly to inflict upon the man every hurt he'd ever inflicted upon Aaron tenfold. How dare the man mutilate Aaron in such a dreadful fashion? When he found it too difficult to bring the image into focus, James realized there were tears in his eyes. He drew a breath to steady himself but the sob boiled out of him instead. He tried to stifle it but couldn't. He wasn't exactly sure why he cried except that he regretted not rescuing Aaron earlier, and feared losing him again. He wasn't certain how he would face life without Aaron again. He wasn't certain that he could.

  )O(

  It was nearly an hour later that James
had himself in hand enough to speak with Ike. He had to be exceptionally careful how he addressed the situation as he was still furious that Stern felt free to make unwanted advances on Aaron. He didn't want to drive Stern away--his testimony was needed to assure that justice was done--but Aaron's terror last night had been all too real. He would have to tread carefully. He knocked at the door to Ike's room.

  "Come in," Ike's voice was strange through the door. When James opened the door, he saw that Stern sat on the side of the bed, his face hidden as he gazed at the floor.

  “May I speak with you, Ike?” James stood at the threshold of the room as if an invisible shield blocked his way.

  Ike looked up at him and the expression in the boy’s eyes distressed him. “It’s yer house.”

  James drew a breath and stepped into the room before closing the door. “In regards to last night, I did not mean to imply that you were unaware of what happened to Aaron. I was just concerned.”

  “Where’s Aaron?” Ike asked, now glowering straight ahead.

  “He’s safe,” James felt something stir in the pit of his stomach. “The Governor here wishes to try the crew of the Saucy Maid. I am bound to testify but he would very much like you to testify as to your treatment aboard her. You-We both know that Aaron isn’t well enough to.”

  Ike nodded. “T’ see them whore-sons swing, I’d do anything. Is—Did I hurt ‘im?”

  James hesitated, turning to glance out the window. “To be perfectly frank, I don’t know. He is still asleep but he was quite disturbed last night.”

  "You have to believe me, Captain,” Ike’s voice shook and James turned to examine him. The young man was holding himself as if cold. “I never meant t’ hurt Aaron. I just--.”

  James reached a hand out to lay on Stern’s shoulder then withdrew it. “I know, Ike. Aaron will recover in time. You need to give him that opportunity. The truth of the matter, though, is that he may never be the same as he was before the mutiny. You have to accept that.”

  Ike nodded, still hugging himself. When James placed a hand on his shoulder, Ike pulled away. At that, James sighed. “If you need anything, just call.”

  This time, Ike didn’t even nod. He rested his head in his hands as if miserable. Despite the boy's obvious anguish, James couldn't help but be a bit pleased. At least Stern showed some remorse.

  )O(

  Chapter 20:

  Later That Same Day

  James returned to his room to see if Aaron was awake but it was nearly noon before Aaron's eyes opened. "James?"

  Dunbar turned from what he was writing to smile at Aaron. "Good morning. How are you feeling?"

  Aaron sat up slowly. "How'd I get here?"

  "You don't remember?" James felt a chill. When Aaron shook his head, he continued. "Last night Mr. Stern--Ike entered your room without permission. He woke you and you became frightened. When I tried to calm you down and return you to your bed, you refused to go so I let you join me. Does that remind you?"

  Aaron scowled but didn't respond. After a few minutes of silence, James rose and brought the remainders of his breakfast tray to Aaron. Carefully, he set the tray on the night-table nearest Aaron then joined him gingerly on the bed. Aaron picked up an orange that was left and rolled it between his palms introspectively. James waited to see what he was about to do.

  "He's not a bad boy, ye know," Aaron said finally, his voice making James wince. "He jus'--Young man sees what he seen, does what he was made t' do, 'tis bound t' do him some harm. It don't help I keep havin' this dream."

  "Dream?" James fought to keep his voice even. He would hardly call something that woke a pirate screaming from a sound sleep a dream.

  Aaron hesitated then frowned. "Call it what ye will. It starts with the Lash--Ike's father--but he turns into McSwain who hurts me then tries t' drown me. Another pirate then appears an' hurts me even more but there's naught I can do 'bout it. Seems so simple, don't it? Like it should be nothin' t' put from one's mind. Like it should mean nothin' . . ."

  James watched as Aaron's eyes grew distant, his hands beginning to shake. Cautiously, James brushed his fingers against Aaron's elbow. "You're safe, Aaron. I won't let anyone hurt you like that again. Not McSwain, not another pirate, not even Ike Stern. Aaron?"

  Slowly, Aaron's eyes raised to meet his. Without warning, James found himself shoved over backwards on the bed, Aaron's mouth affixed to his. Briefly, very briefly, James considered pushing Aaron away but, after what had been said last night, he let things happen. Aaron's fingers trembled as they opened his breeches and pushed them down. James caught his breath when Aaron's warm hand began to stroke his cock. He released the breath with a shudder and sigh, his own hands beginning to seek out Aaron's skin of their own accord.

  At the first stroke across scarred flesh, James nearly came. It had been so long and he had dreamed so many times of this. He began to work kisses down Aaron's throat and across his shoulders as the pirate continued to stroke him. He wanted more than just to be pleasured by hand but he knew that would have to wait. He was nearly to the brink when Aaron's rough voice reached his ear.

  "I--I haven't had th' pleasure in a while, love. Would ye mind if I--?"

  James gently lifted Aaron a bit so he could look into the lust-dark eyes. "I would be delighted, love. There's some oil in the night-table."

  At the words, Aaron gave him a wicked grin. In combination with the thought of what was about to transpire and a brush of Aaron's fingers on his cock, James came more powerfully than he had in many years. When he became aware next, Aaron was licking his way slowly down his torso toward his now semi-erect manhood. Carefully, James buried both hands into the black hair.

  "How do you want to do this?"

  "I want t' see yer face, James," Aaron answered, pausing to plant a kiss on James's navel, adding a tender love-bite to the area for good measure.

  James groaned and spread his legs, raising his knees so that Aaron had access to him. He felt Aaron's hand stroke across his entrance and had to bite his lip to fight another orgasm back. Aaron looked up at him at that second. Their eyes met and Aaron leered at him, an expression that made James' heart redouble its speed. Still holding James's gaze, Aaron's fingers began to cautiously breach the tight ring of muscle. James tried to continue to stare into Aaron's eyes but the pleasure of those rough yet oddly delicate fingers working their way deeper into him made his eyelids flutter closed.

  "God, I've wanted this for so long," James groaned, his hands snarling into the sheets rather than Aaron's hair. "Do it, Raven."

  He heard a low chuckle and the sound made chills run down his spine. He opened his eyes to see Aaron stroking oil over his cock. At the sight, James moaned and lifted his hips. To his pleasure, the pirate's hot hands seized his thighs and eased into position, his cock quickly but gently gliding up inside him. James exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and surrendered himself to the ecstasy.

  "Are ye feelin' all right, love?" Aaron asked and there was a tone to his voice that made James re-orient on him.

  "I am fine, love," James said and reached a hand down to interlace his fingers with Johnson's. "This is what I've been wanting for ages, I swear."

  Aaron smiled, his cheeks ruddying prettily, and leaned over to kiss James, tentatively at first then with more ferocity as his confidence grew. His thrusts grew more powerful and James wondered if he could go insane with pleasure. The thought had no sooner crossed his mind when a powerful gasp heaved from Aaron's throat and he climaxed deep inside James. As Aaron withdrew from him, James caught him by the shoulders to prevent his escape.

  Several minutes passed, during which Aaron was oddly still. Finally, James set him away a bit so he could look down into his face. "What's wrong?"

  Aaron sighed and refused to meet James' eyes. "Jus' thinkin' that Isaac's near ready t' leave. When he does, I--I don't want t' overstay me welcome, savvy?"

  James shook his head. "You let me worry about that, hmm? My home is your home f
or as long as you wish to stay."

  Rather than comforting Aaron, his words seemed to trouble the other man more. He opened his mouth to utter an apology, perhaps, but Aaron sighed heavily. "I cannot go with Isaac, ye know. He jus' don't understand that I--."

  James stroked his fingers through Aaron's hair and said, "Then he will have to be made to understand. I will take care of the matter; you needn't concern yourself anymore."

  Aaron rested his head on James' shoulder but James sensed that Aaron wasn't comforted. He waited until he heard Aaron's breath soften and even into sleep. When he was relatively sure Aaron had drifted off, he rose and redressed. Even though this was a day of rest, he did have duties to attend to.

  )O(

  Later that evening, James sat down in his study to write some letters. The first was to be to his parents. His mother would read it to his father, who did not have time for personal correspondence. Carefully, he explained the situation with Aaron though he knew he would never dare tell his parents exactly what the relationship was. His next letter was to be to an old friend he had served as a midshipman with. The knock at the door took James by surprise. He rose and went to answer it himself. Aaron was asleep, he was relatively certain, and Ike was in no mood to play doorman. He opened the door to see Lieutenant Rogers standing there, a distinctly uneasy expression on his face. “Rogers?”

  “Yes, sir,” Rogers sketched a bow at him then extended an envelope, his hand holding the missive shaking badly. “From the Governor, sir.”

  James was in the midst of reaching for it when he heard the words. He whipped his hand back as though from a shark’s mouth. “You cannot be serious.”

  Rogers swallowed hard. “Sir, please do not make this more difficult for me. I tried to tell the Governor about-Well, he doesn’t understand though he says he does. He just insists that there is no recourse. He wants Captain Johnson to testify.”