Christina bolted upright, taking a deep breath and waking from the stupor she had been in for so long. She let out a scream of pain as her movement shifted the wound in her stomach. Christina clutched her chest as Anne pushed her back onto the bed.
"Easy, easy, you're still healing. Lay back down, gently now." Anne's voice was soothing but firm.
Tala, sitting at the side of the bed with Anne, had jumped up when Christina awoke and now gazed at her expectantly, panting. Christina petted Tala's luscious fur, calming the wolf down.
Anne lifted Christina's shirt and, sure enough, her stomach was bleeding from the movement. Anne took a dab of water and cleaned the wound before applying a green paste which made Christina wince.
"What's that?" Christina asked.
"This is the plant you recovered from Pukuh's homeland. It will help heal you faster." After Anne applied the paste she covered the wound in cloth to seal it.
Christina's eyes opened wide as she recalled the circumstances of her receiving the wound. "What happened? Was Edward hurt?" Christina asked, nearly bolting up again.
"Edward is unharmed. Pukuh assisted in the fight, affording Edward the necessary time to bring you back here. You lost much blood and were unconscious for several days."
"Days? How did we escape Plague? Did Pukuh kill him?"
"Unfortunately, no. Pukuh was injured with poison and we were forced to amputate his right arm. We only managed to flee because of William and Edward."
"Even Pukuh was no match for him? I never believed it possible." Christina winced and lightly touched the wound on her stomach. "The man's eyes were terrible. It was as if I was struck by a knife… Well, I was," Christina said with a chuckle, "but you know what I mean." Anne nodded. "I don't think I was fighting as well as I could have before I was hit. I imagine that's how people feel when they behold Edward's eyes."
Anne faltered for a moment when she realised what Christina meant. "If Plague has eyes similar to Edward's, he is fearsome indeed. I haven't yet seen the man for myself, but the waves he has caused are clearly visible."
"Can no one stand against him?"
"I fear we may be wholly outclassed." Anne let out a sigh. "We must intensify our training if we are to stand a chance."
"I am with you, sister." Christina raised her hand.
Anne smiled widely and grasped Christina's hand. "I don't have a sister, but I will be glad to call you mine."
"So, sister, what would you say to helping me take a walk? I wish to feel the salt air on my face and see my brother again."
Anne frowned. "Alright, but we must be careful. We don't want the stitches to come undone."
Anne helped Christina up from the bed and then lent Christina her arm. Christina held firm to the offer, with her other hand on Tala's back as she moved on her wobbly legs to the stairs.
After slowly making their way to the gun deck, the two took a break at Anne's insistence. "So what about Tala, has she been cared for?" Christina asked Anne.
"She has not left your side since you were injured, and growled at anyone who approached. Alexandre could not get close, so I have been taking care of you and feeding her. She is very loyal."
Christina scratched Tala's chin. "I wish she was with us when we fought Plague. Things might have turned out different."
Anne nodded. "She actually helped in removing Plague from the ship. She's quite the fighter, as are you… Oh, one detail I neglected to mention: Edward wishes for us to use aliases when in town to help avoid another run-in with the Plague."
"I'll be sure to create one."
"Well, one more flight and we are done."
Christina and Anne resumed their trek up the stairs. After some time, the two women reached the top deck and the open air.
Christina took a deep breath in through her nose and let out a joyful sigh as she smiled. She scanned the horizon, taking in the ocean and the crew moving about on the Freedom. Her smile soon faded as she noticed the melancholic faces on those passing by.
"Is it because of Pukuh's arm?" Christina asked Anne.
Anne shook her head. "No." Anne opened her mouth, but needed a moment to speak the words. "Henry has chosen to leave the crew," she whispered.
Christina would have reared back in shock had she not been tied to Anne for support. "Why?" Christina's shock blurted out the question, then she added, "No, don't tell me? His mother?" almost directly after.
Anne nodded solemnly.
"Poor Henry. I would not blame him for his decision."
"Nor would any, but Edward seems fit to blame himself," Anne said, her oft-withheld emotions showing for the first time in her eyes and face. "Enough of this bitter melancholy. The crew has yet to notice us here, so let's show them you are well that their spirits may yet be raised."
Anne and Christina roamed the ship and talked with the crew, who, upon noticing her up and about, turned from frowns to smiles immediately. Many gathered around, causing Christina to say a few words to calm a growling Tala, and wanted a recounting of the battle against the Plague. As Christina told her story to those gathered the crew became more animate with each blow and manoeuvre. When the story was over, the men shouted curses to Plague and promised he would be killed for what he did to Christina.
Christina smirked. "You'll need to get in line, boys. The next time I see him I plan on returning his gift to me a thousandfold." As she said the words, she stood a little taller.
The crew laughed jovially while wishing her a swift recovery. After a few more moments of talking, Anne pushed everyone away.
"Back to work, men. Christina needs to see her brother." Anne helped Christina past the men and up to the quarterdeck where Herbert was at the helm.
Herbert was speaking with a crewmate when Christina approached. The crewmate's eyes wandered, which caused Herbert to turn himself around. The sight of Christina up and about nearly brought tears to his eyes.
Christina moved away from Anne and gave her brother a hug. "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."
"This is all my fault. I should never have brought you with me to this ship," Herbert whispered, his eyes cast downward as he gripped her hands like a vice. "I never wanted my quest for vengeance to hurt you."
Christina hushed him. "I'm the one to blame because I wasn't strong enough," she whispered. She pulled back, caressed Herbert's cheek, and touched the carved rose on her chest. "You're not the only one on a quest."
Edward stepped down from the poop deck and Christina's gaze was drawn to him.
"Edward!" Christina yelled.
Edward's smile to Christina was accented by cold eyes from a deep depression, but the young girl paid it no heed.
"You have recovered nicely," Edward commented.
"If not for you and Pukuh I would probably not be here."
"We both owe Pukuh a debt. I would have suffered the same fate if he hadn't arrived."
"Henry's mother wasn't so lucky, I hear."
Edward's mouth opened as he was caught off-guard by the comment. "No, she wasn't. If you'll excuse me, Christina."
Christina carried a sad expression on her face as she nodded slightly. Edward descended to the main deck and further into the bowels of the Freedom.
Anne approached Christina as she stared at the descending figure of their captain. "He just need a bit more time. The wounds are still fresh."
Christina turned to Anne, concern on her face. "The world seems to be conspiring to thrust Edward into darkness."
Anne's eyes reflected the sadness in Christina's. "The world is full of darkness. Some who live too long in the dark can lose themselves. We can only hope our Edward is strong enough not to let himself be lost."
"Or hope becoming darkness itself is what makes him strong," Christina added.
Anne couldn't be sure, but she noticed a slight grin twitching on the young girl's lips.
…
The Freedom landed at Port Royal a few hours before nightfall. The sun had disappeared behind the heavy dark
clouds covering the sky. Garish lightning and screaming thunder loomed in the distance.
The mood aboard the Freedom was reflected by the dull and depressing weather. The crew knew why they were there, and none liked it. One of their family was leaving, and they couldn't do anything about it despite varied attempts during the travel from Badabos to Port Royal.
The crew were gathered on the main deck, and after a gangplank was placed over the port side they watched the stairs leading to the lower decks expectantly. Edward stood on the quarterdeck with Anne, Christina, and Herbert. Anne held Edward's hand as they silently watched with the crew.
After a moment of waiting and a clap of thunder, Henry emerged from the gun deck. In his arms he carried a wrapped body, his mother, and over his shoulder he held a sack with his meagre belongings.
When Henry reached the gangplank, he turned around, making eye contact with many in the crew, but not talking to any. His eyes eventually met Edward's. Edward gripped Anne's hand tighter as Henry stared at him coldly.
Henry turned, adjusted the weight on his shoulder, and slowly disembarked. The wind gusted strongly in his direction, urging him forward to Port Royal and further from Freedom, from his now former family, from his surrogate brother.
Henry's brother, Edward, also felt the push of that wind. The same sea winds which had guided Edward's father away from him were seeing fit to take his brother from him now. The wind pushed Edward to the sea years ago, and now pushed him to land.
Edward's feet moved of their own volition. He released his grip of Anne and quickly found himself on the gangplank to the harbour of Port Royal. Edward chased after Henry to the main street and out of sight of Freedom.
"Henry!" Edward yelled. Passersby stared at the tall bearded figure, short of breath and with desperation in his eyes, and then hurried about their business. Henry stopped, but didn't turn around. "Please don't leave. I need you."
Henry stood stock still, eventually raising his head to the heavens before he glanced over his shoulder. "No you don't," Henry said, and started walking again.
Edward gripped his hand tightly, so tight it shook. He remembered all the times they'd laughed, fought, and cried together, and how those times would never happen again. The feeling hit him like a bullet and, before Edward knew what he was doing, he was pointing a pistol at Henry in a shaking hand. "I won't let you leave, Henry."
Henry sighed and turned around. When he saw the pistol he took a step back. "What are you doing, Edward? Are you out of your bleeding mind?"
The townsfolk who saw Edward pull out the gun either ran away or hid in their houses for fear of what was about to happen. The sky grew darker and the wind shifted, blowing against Edward's face and pulling back his longcoat, but he took no notice.
"I can't lose more of my family!" Edward yelled over the din of the wind.
Henry shook his head. "You don't have a choice in the matter, Edward. You lost me a long time ago." Henry turned and walked away.
"Stop!" Edward shouted.
Henry half-turned. "What are you going to do, shoot me? That won't make me stay."
Edward held the pistol trained on Henry, his hands still shaking, as his friend moved farther away. Edward began lowering the gun when a soldier tackled him from the side.
The gun went off. The bullet hit Henry in the back. Henry took two more steps and fell to his knees. He dropped his bag and his mother's body, then felt at his back. Henry beheld his hand full of blood before falling to the ground.
"Henry!" Edward screamed.
Edward fought the soldier off and ran to Henry, but more soldiers showed up with muskets pointed at him. With clenched teeth and eyes staring at his friend bleeding out on the street, Edward turned and ran. He ran as bullets followed his shadow. He ran as the rain finally set in and the winds urged him back to the sea harder than ever.
The officers chased Edward all the way back to the Freedom, now with swords out as the rain made their gunpowder useless. When the crew saw Edward being chased they quickly made the ship sea-ready. When Edward ran up the gangplank and onto the main deck, Anne yelled, "Cut and run!" causing the crew to cut the anchor line and dropping it into the sea. Without the anchor, or the hours needed to raise it, the Freedom was able to leave shore immediately.
The Freedom sailed back into open water and lost all pursuers in the storm. Amidst the rain, the lighting, and the thunder, none could hear the roars of their captain as he was haunted by his actions.
He truly had lost his brother now.
28. The Hounds of Portugal
During the weeks of travel to Bodden Town, Edward didn't speak a word of what happened with Henry. Instead, he silently suffered with his shame and sadness. Not even Anne could pry the secret from his lips.
Edward kept his distance, and by the end of the trip his face was cold and like stone. The emotion was drained from his eyes and replaced with detached purpose.
Once arrived in Bodden Town, the gangplank was settled and Edward stalked across with leaden feet. Each foot fell with all his weight, and Edward looked as if he could collapse at a moment's notice.
Edward kept himself up and moving, and headed straight to the Bodden Brothers' home with Anne and John following behind him. When Edward arrived, the gates were opened for him and he was led up to the business room on the second floor he was so used to.
"The brothers with be with you shortly," One of the attendants said before closing the doors to the room behind him.
"Edward, can we talk about what happened? Naturally you would be upset with Henry gone"—at the word gone, Edward winced and closed his eyes—"but this feels different. You can talk to us." Anne reached for Edward's hand, but he pulled away.
Edward stared at the ground, then ran his fingers through his hair. "I fear if I say what happened it will make it become all the more real." Edward searched for an exit, but he had nowhere to escape the interrogation.
Anne glanced at John, concern in her eyes. John pulled Edward close. "It's alright, son, we're here for you."
Edward's eyes flashed open and he pushed John away. "I'm not your son, and you're not my father! Don't you dare pretend to be him."
John looked hurt by Edward's lashing out. Anne pushed forward. "Peace Edward, John meant nothing by it."
"And nothing's all he'll have. I don't need your sympathy, so leave me be. I don't need you two to talk with the Boddens." Edward stared daggers at the both of them.
Anne stared back at Edward with equal fury. "By your leave, Captain." She stalked out of the room.
John glanced at Anne and then back to Edward. "Your father wouldn't approve of how you're acting, Edward." He didn't meet John's disapproving gaze, and John left the room.
Soon after, the Bodden Brothers Neil and Malcolm entered, peering behind them with confusion. "What has happened with the young lass and your accountant?" Neil asked.
Neil and Malcolm were wearing white satin ruffled shirts and loose blue vests with gold trim. The brothers matched, as always.
Edward shook his head and retracted to his current cold and distant demeanour. "Nothing. I need you to find me someone."
"Name them," Malcolm started, "and we shall find them," Neil finished with a flourish.
"Bartholomew Roberts. I believe you helped him find my crew before my escape, and now we are in need of his help again."
The brothers held disappointed expressions on their faces. "Such a shame you had not arrived sooner," Malcolm lamented.
"Roberts was here not two weeks ago," Neil clarified.
"Two weeks ago? Why?"
"He was searching for a man as well," Neil explained. "He was hunting a Walter Kennedy, and lost the trail months ago. He turned to us for help," Malcolm continued. "Our information network is simultaneously the most well-known and secret of the New World." Neil said, which made Malcolm laugh. "Aaron Cook has died, and we have acquired all his contacts with none of the subterfuge."
Edward chuckled; the Boddens having more pow
er meant he had more power. "I recall the name, Walter Kennedy. Roberts said the man stole some of his treasure and left him for dead. Where did you send him?"
"Portugal. Specifically Lisbon."
"Portugal? Why there?"
"The Pirate Priest didn't elaborate, but he claimed Portugal was the last location he would have looked for Kennedy." "Perhaps the treasure you mentioned was in fact stolen from Portugal, and thus the last country Kennedy would think Roberts would head to."
"Your assessment, as always, is sound. I'll need the Freedom restocked for the trip, and a new anchor, as we cut ours to escape Port Royal."
"We will send word to our suppliers to gather a list." "And then take the cost from your shares, of course."
Edward nodded and said his goodbyes to the brothers, then headed back to the ship. Over the rest of the day and the whole of the next, the ship was resupplied with ammunition and food for the trip to Portugal and then some.
Anne, angry with Edward, ignored the captain until the night of the second day. While Anne and Edward slept on their bed in the crew cabin, the sounds of sleeping neighbours in the swaying hammocks nearby, and the slight lapping of the waves against the side, filled the ship.
"I forgive you," Anne said, her back against Edward's.
Edward turned around slowly. "Forgive me? For my outburst?"
"Yes. I know what you are experiencing is trying, and the wounds were still healing. You will talk with us when you are ready, so I will not press the issue."
Edward kissed Anne on the cheek and returned to his slumber. Edward didn't know when he would be able to talk about what he did. Talking about what he did made it more real, and the reality was what scared Edward most.
…
Freedom landed on the shores of Lisbon, Portugal, after a month and some weeks of travel. What met the crew was a venerable paradise unlike any they'd had the pleasure of visiting before.
The long stone bow-shaped harbour stretched from the sea and into a large inlet. Along the coast the harbour was broken up by sandy beach. The harbour, inlet, and beach were filled with ships of all sizes and styles and people of several nationalities. A number of warships were docked, as Portugal was involved in Queen Anne's War, siding with the Queen and fighting their neighbour Spain.
Blackbeard's Revenge (Voyages Of Queen Anne's Revenge Book 2) Page 30