Lynna's Rogue

by Kitty Margo

  The following days were carefree and happy ones. Lynna tore apart her tattered dress and petticoats to fashion two knee length sarongs, which she tied at the shoulder. With her skin tanned to a rich golden brown, bare feet, and loose shining mane, Rob fancied her to be a golden goddess, and he had no doubt that she was the most beautiful woman he would see in his lifetime, but he felt no desire other than to protect her. Rob joined Lynna in the happiness to be found on their island sanctuary. He had worked hard at backbreaking labor for the past twenty years, pouring gallons of his sweat into the land, for naught. Picking cotton had required him to use only his hands, not his mind. But here, life was very different.

  He was jubilant to discover that Lynna valued his opinions, listening intently as he explained everything from shooting a bow to opening a coconut. Having someone to trust in him and come to him for advice had made Rob a changed man and the happiest he had ever been. He also had something that had been absent in his life until now. Pride. And Lynna had been the catalyst to bring about the change.

  After many days of practicing under Rob’s patient tutelage, Lynna was soon able to spear fish and sometimes, if the animal would cooperate and remain still, small game. They dined on roasted clams, oysters, cacoon stew and their staple diet of fish and shrimp. This, combined with an abundance of fruits, nuts and berries, proved to be most satisfying to their appetites. They often made a game of who could capture their meal first, Rob frequently allowing her to win.

  “How long have we been here, Rob?” Lynna asked one morning as she was clearing the table, putting the plates in a handwoven basket to take to the stream to wash. She was content with her life on the island, not dwelling on the uncertainties of the past.

  Rob held up all ten fingers, closed them and opened them four more times, then closed them and held up nine more. In exchange for sharing his experience with Lynna, she had been teaching him to count and write. She had found him to be a most apt pupil.

  “Fifty nine days. Almost two months,” she sighed wistfully. “It doesn’t seem like we’ve been on the island that long, does it?”

  “No, ma’am.” He turned suddenly somber. “I been tryin’ to figure a way to git you off dis heah island.”

  “You will do no such thing! I refuse to leave! I’m happy here with you!”

  “I’se happy here wit’ you, too, Buttercup. De happiest I done been my whole life. You don’t know whut it’s like to work till you drop everday an den have a man wit a whip standin’ over you jus waitin’ fo a chance to use it. I was thinkin’ ‘bout yo family. I reckon dey done worried deyselves sick wonderin’ ifn you is dead or alive.”

  “I don’t even know if I have a family, Rob. I may not have anyone to return to.” However, his words had struck a soft spot in her heart. She had caught herself questioning that part of her past with more frequency lately.

  “Dats whut I’se sayin’, Buttercup. Ain’t you wantin’ to find out?”

  “What I do or do not want is a moot point, Rob. I do not see a fine sailing vessel floating in the harbor just waiting to carry us home. There is no way off this island. So that settles it.”

  Rob was thoughtful for a minute before speaking. “We only seed dis one side of de island. We ain’t knowin’ whuts on de other side. The man whut carve all dis fine furniture and fix up dis heah cave musta got on dis island by ship. Dat ship mite be on de other side of dis island fo all we knows. I’s gwine strike out in de mawnin’ and see whut I can find.”

  “I will pack us a basket. Food may not be as plentiful on the other side of the island.” Lynna turned to reach for the basket, but his huge calloused hand covered hers.

  “Naw, Buttercup. I kin make better time by myself and I know you be safe heah in dis cave or I ain’t leave you heah alone.”

  “Alone!” she echoed. “Why, I could not possibly stay here alone! These woods abound with wild beasts!”

  Rob chuckled. “How many wile beasts you done seed ‘boundin’, Buttercup?”

  “Well… none, but… that’s not to say they aren’t there. How long will you be gone, Rob?” She had visions of the lonely, empty days ahead without his company. Suddenly, her paradise felt more like a prison.

  “I ain’t ritely sho. I ain’t got no way knowin’ how big dis heah island is.” Rob wished she would not look so forlorn. He would take her with him, but he knew how demanding scaling the mountain would be, and she would be safe in the cave.

  The following morning, Lynna waved to Rob until his receding shape was no longer visible. Hot tears streamed unchecked down her sun-bronzed cheeks. How could he leave her alone? He was her only companion in the world, and now even he was forsaking her. She had never felt more lonely than she did at that moment. God forbid Rob should meet with an unforeseen accident and never return, leaving her to spend the remainder of her life on this island without companionship. She would surely go mad.

  Neither of them knew what mysteries lay beyond their secluded hideaway in this as yet unexplored haven. She often wondered what had happened to the previous dweller of the cave, but had not a clue to his disappearance.

  She dreaded the nights alone most. She had heard hideous, bloodcurdling screams, waking her from a sound sleep and sending her scurrying to Rob’s side, where he slept on a soft pallet of moss in the corner. But he would only laugh, explaining which of the forest’s many creatures had made the peculiar sound. She was still far from convinced that some monstrous beast wasn’t lurking outside the cave, just waiting for a chance to devour them both. But that was only when the strange noises filled the deep, dark jungle at night. When the morning sun cast its brilliant beam over the tropical island, she felt no such fear. Until now, realizing that tonight would be her first night without Rob.

  Over the next few days, the feelings of loneliness abated and she took the opportunity to explore her lush environment. The island reminded her of a sparkling jewel floating in the warm blue, transparent waters of the Caribbean. On one side towered rugged green highlands, on the other stood exotic rain forests brimming with lush flora and fauna. Lynna found great joy in discovering the many delights the beautiful island offered.

  In the forest she found flowers of every size and color. Red, yellow, white, and orange were scattered among the vegetation in a glorious array of color. Wild orchids grew in abundance among the towering bamboo shoots, some stretching as high as one hundred feet, blotting out the sun and leaving the forests cool on even the hottest days.

  Much to her surprise, she slept soundly at night, waking up unharmed and in one piece in the morning. She heeded Rob’s dire warnings and did not venture too far into the jungle, only skirting the edges and never failing to be amazed at what she saw. The trees stretched endlessly toward the sky, many reaching heights of 130 feet, their tops creating an umbrella that kept the sun from falling on the forest floor, littered with rotten tree trunks, scrubby plant life, and roots. The cool green of the forest was broken often by the vivid array of flowers, blossoming trees, and vines.

  The magnificent orchids of all colors were her favorites and the blossoming trees were as lovely as the flowers. The American Jacaranda boasted huge patches of brilliant violet, while the Tulip tree sported vibrant scarlet patches. But one tree that was more unusual than it was beautiful was the Sausage Tree, with fruit that reminded her of hanging sausage links. Flourishing among the trees, wrapping and twisting among them, were the ever present vines. Some were nearly as thick as a man’s body. One vine, called Liane, stretched endlessly, twining through the forest like huge ropes.

  Walking further down the beach, Lynna found that the forest gave way to breathtaking hollows. Tall elephant grass swayed in the gentle breeze and the entire landscape was dotted with colorful wildflowers. Bending to pick a handful, she walked back down the beach. Realizing she hadn’t eaten since breakfast, she decided to return to the cave and continue with her exploration later.

  The white sand under her feet was warm, almost hot as she leisurely strolled the
beach, stopping often to watch with apt interest the numerous species of birds that inhabited the island. She enjoyed the bright orange, yellow, and green parrots, cuckoo birds, pelicans, and ever present hummingbirds that fluttered through the trees. She found herself laughing now at the same piercing screams that had filled her with terror her first night.

  The shallow ocean waters were alive with bright, exotic tropical fish, gigantic tortoises, and oftentimes she saw shark fins protruding from the water. In the jungle she was ever on the look out for monstrous pythons. Rob had cautioned her that even though their bite was nonpoisonous, they could easily squeeze the life from her.

  Feeling suddenly cool and shaded, she glanced skyward to see thick, black clouds rolling in threatening masses over the mountains, and heard the now familiar rumbling of thunder. Afternoon thunderstorms were a frequent occurrence on the island, usually brief, but often accompanied by heavy downpours of rain. For this reason, she hurried down the path toward the cave.

  Preoccupied with her thoughts, she failed to notice the tall ship anchored off shore.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Lynna reached the cave just as fat drops of rain splashed her face. Standing in the mouth of the cave, she watched the leathery tree leaves bend under the weight of the rain and gave thanks she had reached shelter before the storm broke. After lighting the wall torches, she prepared a delicious lunch of oyster stew using coconut milk. Then, feeling safe and warm in her cozy hideaway, she curled up on the bed, listening to the steady dripping of rain in the forest and, after wishing for the thousandth time that she had a good book, drifted into a dreamless sleep.

  When she awoke hours later, she stretched luxuriously, marveling at how wonderful a nap made her feel. The rain had ended and the sun was shining brightly, the forest smelling fresh and alive. The huge canopy of trees above her still trickled water long after the rain had ended, drenching her as she walked under it. With no direction in mind, she eventually found herself beside the pool. Already wet from the dripping leaves, she dove into the water and swam to her lily pad, climbing inside. Her arms and legs dangled over the side as she kicked her feet to propel Mother Nature’s raft through the water.

  A butterfly, the biggest she had ever seen, lighted on her knee. Its wingspan was as broad as both of her opened hands and the vivid colors were flamboyant gold, red, green and shimmering violet. “Oh, how lovely you are!” She remained motionless, watching the dazzling insect crawl over her knee until a startling noise from the bushes caused it to flutter away.

  At once alert, Lynna peered into the dark jungle, willing herself not to be afraid. She laughed out loud, recalling how terrified she had been when the lily pad had bumped against her back. Closing her eyes, she relaxed, drifting over the rippling swells that her kicking feet created. The noise was nothing more than one of the jungles small, furry creatures at play. At least that’s what she tried to convince herself.

  The three men who watched Lynna from behind the bushes were speechless, afraid to move or speak lest the image before them should disappear. For two of the men, she was an ethereal golden goddess for their love-starved eyes. For their Captain, she was the answer to many devout prayers. Joshua stared in shocked disbelief at the vision before him and felt the tremendous weight he had carried for so long being miraculously lifted from his weary shoulders. After months of desperate searching, he had finally found her. And she was alive! And so damned beautiful! She looked so petite and fragile in the huge lily pad as her golden hair spilled over the side to float on the surface of the water. The sarong she wore had slipped up around her thigh exposing the length of her smooth, golden tanned legs to their hungry gaze.

  “Lynna, my darling. You are alive,” he whispered.

  Her eyes flew open and she cried out in shock as she leapt into the water, witnessing her worst nightmare come to life as three men stood on the bank, soaked to the skin, their wet hair plastered to their heads. To her terrified eyes, they were the very epitome of evil. In a daze, she swam to the opposite shore, uncertain which way to run.

  “Lynna, is it really you?” The taller of the three stepped forward with a gentle smile curving his lips and a questioning light shining in his sea green eyes. He hastened around the pool toward her, but before he was within arm’s reach, she was running wildly at breakneck speed through the jungle, as if she were being chased by the devil himself. For in her mind, she was.

  “Oh God!” she beseeched, praying for guidance. Where could she hide? Who were those awful men chasing her, and why did one of them call her Lynna? Then the answer was suddenly clear to her. The pirates! They weren’t dead, as Rob had presumed. No, unfortunately, they were very much alive! And determined to kidnap her and return her to the pirate ship. Rob would never even know what happened to her. “Rob, please, come help me!” she cried, more terrified than she ever remembered being. “No!” she told herself sharply. Rob wasn’t here to protect her. She would have to fend for herself. She could not hide in the cave, for they would follow the trampled path just as she and Rob had. But her weapons were in the cave, the spears that she had become so adept at using. She would need them if she were to survive the sea rovers’ attack. Racing blindly through the forest, she clutched at her side as sharp talons of fear stabbed her.

  Inside the cave, she grabbed two of the spears and turned to leave, but her body went numb at what she saw. Lynna contemplated using the spear on herself, but lacked the courage. Instead, she faced the men, blocking the entrance to the cave, daring them with a savage look to approach her.

  “Why did you run from me, Lynna?” Again, the tallest man stepped forward with a look of genuine hurt and bewilderment marring his rugged features. Why… he was almost convincing. However, Lynna recognized it as only a ploy to make her lose control of the situation. Raising the spear with her right hand and aiming it directly at his heart, she held out her left hand to stop his progress.

  “Stay away from me or I will use it!” she ordered fiercely, meaning every word. “Now, get off my island!”

  “Your island?” Mystified, Joshua could only stare at her, wondering if this stunning creature truly was his Lynna or if his mind was playing tricks on him. There was only one way to find out. “Sam, return to the ship and give the crew leave to come ashore.” As he spoke, his sparkling, green eyes never once left her. “I can handle this.”

  Lynna gasped, horrified at his words. Perhaps she could defend herself against the three of them, given the arsenal in the cave, but not his entire crew.

  “Are ye sure, lad?” Sam responded worriedly, not anxious to leave him alone with the wee lass, beautiful though she may be. With her deeply tanned skin and her above the knee sarong, none of the men had ever witnessed such a sight. There was little comparison to the pale, timid girl they remembered from her time on the Windjammer. “I am almost certain she would not hesitate to use that thing.” He anxiously pointed to the sharp tip of the spear.

  A deep chuckle rumbled through Joshua’s chest. “I feel certain I can defend myself against her. But, should I fail, I will not hesitate to call for your assistance.”

  Chiding himself for being overprotective, Sam left the cave. He had seen the Captain do battle with several men at once and still come out the victor. Surely he could hold his own against this slight wisp of a girl.

  Alone with Lynna at last, Joshua casually strolled over to the table and sat down, knowing full well that if he got close to her, it might very well be his undoing. From a safe distance, his eyes traveled greedily over her scantily clad form. Her shining golden hair fell in silky waves over her sun-bronzed shoulders and a lavender orchid was tucked behind her right ear. The sarong molded sensuously to her alluring curves as her unfettered breasts swelled enticingly against the thin material. He wanted her. His body ached from his want of her. At that moment he would have given all his worldly possessions to take her in his arms and make sweet love to her for the remainder of the day and night. But first he had to get to the bottom of
this charade.

  Lynna eyed the man warily seated at her table as if he owned it. But what a magnificent man he was. Shining black hair spilled over his forehead to be carelessly brushed aside. Eyes the very color of the sea, eyes that seemed to know her deepest secrets. Eyes that seemed to strip away her sarong and leave her naked beneath his searing gaze. A deep longing shone in their emerald depths and for some strange reason, Lynna had the urge to throw down the spear and rush headlong into his arms. To tell him how terribly frightened she had been. For him to hold her, comfort her, and erase her fears. She had no memory of the past, yet she felt an overpowering attraction for this man.

  Then something clicked in her brain. Michael! Her husband! Of course! Why else would she feel so drawn to him? He had survived the shipwreck and searched until he found her. Happiness and relief washed over her in a flood. Following her heart instead of her head, she lowered her guard and asked in a breathless whisper so close that Joshua could almost feel her warm breath on his lips, “Are you Michael?”

  Anger flared deep within Joshua at her hurtful words squeezed his heart. “What childish game do you play, Lynna?” he gritted, standing and grabbing her to shake her roughly by her shoulders. “You know who I am! Cease with this nonsense!”

  She had been wrong! Dead wrong! This man wasn’t her husband, of that she was certain. Stark terror was her only emotion as his fingers bit cruelly into her shoulders and his eyes probed hers for answers.

  Joshua did not fail to notice the terror that registered briefly on her lovely features. So he was alert when she turned to run and caught her easily before she made her escape. Pulling her around to face him, their eyes met and he saw the truth register in hers. Her body trembled beneath his questing hands as tears glistened on her sooty lashes. Cupping her chin, he forced her to look at him when she would have turned away. “You do not remember me, do you, my sweet?”