Take Me Forever

by Sellers, Julie

  “It has to be below in or near the water,” Cain said as he peered over the edge of the cliff before ordering, “Bring the rope. Luke is the best swimmer so we will lower him down and he can check it out.”

  Slowly, the crew lowered Luke over the edge until he was at the bottom. He searched the area and decided he needed to swim to the rocks under the bridge and see if there was anything there. Mercy gasped as Luke jumped into the quick flowing rapids. He was swimming as hard as he could but seemed to get nowhere. The current was too swift. He was near exhaustion when he reached the rocks under the bridge. He quickly recovered when he found the next clue.

  “Captain, it’s another arrow. It’s pointing up,” Luke yelled as he pointed to the bottom of the bridge.

  “Anything else,” Cain yelled back to him.

  “No. I think I see something on one of the steps,” Luke yelled as he began counting the steps on the bridge to where he thought he saw something.

  Once Luke was safely back with the group, he told Cain about how many steps they should take on the bridge before checking underneath. Cain asked Mercy to remain on the ground while Luke and he checked out the clue from the bridge. It could be a booby trap and he didn’t want to risk danger to her.

  Cain and Luke walked and counted seventy wooden planks before stopping at about the middle of the bridge. Cain noticed that the plank they were at was different from the rest. He carefully removed it and turned it over. Written on the bottom of the plank was yet another clue.

  Cross the bridge and face the mountain. Stop. 100 paces east. Stop. 100 paces north.

  Cain went back to show the crew what was found and too personally escort Mercy across the bridge. She was relieved he was there to hold her steady as they crossed the swinging bridge.

  “Don’t look down,” he told her as she began to shake with fear.

  When they were all safely on the other side of the bridge, Cain stood at the end of the bridge and started counting his paces. They traveled east, and then went north. Before they could search for anything, night was upon them. They made camp but no one was able to get much sleep. The entire crew was anxious. At first light, everyone was up and ready to get started. Mercy went to relieve herself behind some bushes and she found a rock with a big “X” carved out of it.

  She called for Cain and showed him what she found. He kissed her and told her that she found it. He called for Luke to start digging at the spot where the rock was. Moments later, Luke unearthed a small box. Cain broke the lock with the hilt of his sword and opened the box. Inside, he found a gold coin and another clue.

  Continue North until the path ends. Use the coin, it will let you in.

  “What does that mean?” Mercy asked.

  “I guess we’ll find out,” Cain said as he handed Mercy the coin for safe keeping.

  They continued north and traveled all. Mile after mile they walked. The terrain became rocky as they trekked up the side of the mountain. At last, the path ended in front of an enormous rock wall. They stood and stared in awe at the monstrous wall. The texture was smooth and solid. It ranged at least one hundred feet high and the width unknown.

  “There has to be a secret way through the wall,” Cain said as he began touching the surface for a hidden door.

  “Perhaps…,” Mercy muttered as she removed the coin from her pocket and began searching the wall.

  Within ten minutes, Mercy found a circular indention in the surface. She placed the coin in the slot and the wall began to move.

  “I’ll be damned,” Cain said amazed.

  Slowly, a gateway emerged in front of them. Once the wall stopped moving, Cain stepped through. Cautiously, he examined the immediate area for traps. Finding none, he told the others to join him. With Mercy as his side, Cain searched the area for the next clue. They searched the inner wall, the grass, the trees, and the flowers. They found nothing.

  “Now what?” Mercy asked.

  “I don’t know. You found the way in here, so which way do you suggest we go?”

  “This way,” Mercy said as she started walking north.

  Thirty minutes later, Mercy stumbled on a rock and fell to the ground. Cain immediately rushed to her side and asked, “Are you alright?”

  “I’m fine. I tripped over this rock.”

  As Cain looked down he noticed that it was not a rock she had tripped over but a human bone. “It seems that we’re not the first to cross this path.”

  From that point on, Cain assumed the lead. A hundred yards from where Mercy fell, Cain found a trap. It was a pit six feet deep with spikes lining the bottom. It was a grave to a few unfortunate treasure hunters whose remains were dangling on the spikes. They circled around it and cautiously took each step as they moved forward.

  “Cain, look,” Mercy said as she pointed to a carving in a tree.

  This is it. You are here.

  Cain began digging just below the base of the tree. About four feet into the ground, he hit something hard. Quickly, the men unearthed a large chest. They pulled it to the surface and dusted off the dirt. Cain used the shovel to break the chains covering the chest. He glanced at Mercy and motioned for her to open the box.

  Mercy paused at the box with her hands trembling. She opened the lid and tears of joy began to fall. Before her were emeralds, rubies, sapphires, gold, silver, and diamonds. She ran her hands over the smooth textures and retrieved a large heart-shaped emerald.

  “Cain…,” Mercy said as she held up the stone.

  “It’s yours,” Cain said as he examined the treasure and added, “Men, we have been handsomely rewarded. You can each have one piece of your choice now, and the rest will be divided amongst our people.”

  Eagerly, the men searched the chest and took their one item. After the men chose, Cain took a bag of diamonds for his prize. He intended on using them as accents to make Mercy a necklace using her emerald. The chest was so heavy that the crew loaded the contents of the chest into burlap bags so it would be easier to transport back to the ship.

  Over the campfire that night, everyone was talking about their treasure find. The crew had been apprehensive about having a woman along, but now they were cheering her for finding the treasure. Cain could not stop smiling as he watched Mercy’s face light up as she discussed this adventure with the crew.

  Early the next morning, the group prepared for the long trek back to the ship. They now had extra weight to carry, but they didn’t mind. The journey had paid off. Before leaving the site, Cain took his dagger and etched the words, Cain was here, underneath the last clue on the tree.

  The group quickly paced themselves making only a few stops. They cut their journey back to the beach by a day. They were all exhausted when they boarded the Devil’s Dilemma. Once aboard the ship, Cain offered the crew that remained onboard a piece of the treasure and told them what he was planning to do with the rest. The treasure was stored and preparations to set sail had begun. Mercy and Cain retired to his cabin once the ship was under way. They were both too exhausted to make love, so instead they went to sleep intertwined in each other’s arms.

  The crew had smooth sailing on the return trip to Corbin’s Crow. Six days later, the island came into view. The entire village gathered on the beach to welcome them home. As Cain stepped onto the beach, he informed his people of the treasure and told them that Mercy was the one who found it. The islanders cheered and decided that a gala was in store in her honor.

  Everyone departed to begin making preparation for the feast and word quickly spread to Cain’s home where Elese had remained. She thought Mercy had been missing all this time. She did not want to have to tell Cain about his missing bride when he returned. She was relieved to hear the news.

  “I thought something terrible had happened to you. Why didn’t you tell me that you were going with Cain,” Elese scolded as she hugged Mercy dearly when she and Cain entered the house.

  “I’m so sorry I worried you. I thought if I told you that you would have tried to stop me
.”

  “Next time you get a crazy idea like that in your head, tell me,” Elese whispered.

  “I will,” Mercy promised as Cain pulled her toward the bedroom.

  Cain told her to rest before the feast because when they returned home later that night, she would not be sleeping for a long time. While Cain and Mercy were resting, everyone was busy making preparations. Lights were strung up, flowers were arranged all around the festival area. Two chairs were arranged at the head of the area for Cain and Mercy.

  That night, Cain and Mercy joined the rest of the islanders on the beach. They were escorted to their seats as the music began. For hours they drank, ate, and danced the night away. Once the festivities were over, Cain and Mercy adjourned to the house where Cain had arranged yet another surprise. He told her to go inside and he would join her in a few minutes.

  The hallway was full of twinkling scented candles. Rose petals made a path along the floor. Following the path, Mercy ended up near the balcony doors. On a table by the door, Mercy discovered a dozen long-stemmed white roses. She pulled a rose from the vase and was taking in the sweet aroma when a shadow illuminated the doorway.

  “That doesn’t begin to compare to your beauty,” Cain said as he took her hand and kissed it lightly.

  He took her hand and led her outside onto the balcony where he sat led her to sit on a white bear skin rug. He closed the curtains on the door so only the stars could see them. When he joined her on the rug, he brushed her hair back and exposed her neck and ears.

  “Gorge yourself on me. You’ve created a hunger in me that needs a constant feeding,” he whispered as he nuzzled her neck with his lips.

  Mercy ran her hand across his chiseled jaw and replied, “Oh Cain, you say the sweetest things.”

  Grasping his face, she pulled his lips to hers and kissed him with all of her passions. She unbuttoned his white shirt and ran her nails down his rippled chest. The sudden rise and fall of his flesh brought a smile to her face. Without a word, they slowly undressed one another.

  Carefully, Cain laid her back onto the bear skin rug and ran his fingers over her sensitive body until he came to her toes. He softly kissed each one then took her big toe in his mouth and sucked on it. It brought an unusual sensation to her. Then, he worked his way up her thighs whispering her name over and over again.

  Cain gave a long moan as his lips found hers. His mouth was warm, and his kiss was sweet. They both hungered for each other’s touch. She felt his tongue probing her mouth as his hands caressed her hair. Tremors swept her body as his lips left hers and moved down her neck as he blazed a path of kisses toward her ear.

  He teased her sensitive spots with his tongue and massaged her breasts. His lips nibbled on her round nipples as his fingers found her hot moist center. He teased her until she was ready to climax. Then and only then, did he mold her soft body to his huge arousal. In seconds, Mercy found him riding her orgasm.

  Once their bodies stopped soaring, Cain and Mercy stared up at the twinkling stars. The mood could not have been more perfect. Tonight would be a night that would be etched forever in their memories. They both drifted off to a well needed sleep. A few hours later, Cain awoke and carried Mercy to the bedroom. He smiled as he drifted back off to sleep. The last two weeks had been remarkable, and he couldn’t wait to see what tomorrow would hold for them.

  Chapter 14

  Early the next morning, Cain was disturbed by Luke. Cain put on his trousers and went into the dining room to meet him.

  “What is so important that you had to disturb me this early in the morning, Luke?”

  “Captain, I thought you would like to know. A supply ship came in last night and the crew had spotted Black Hawkins in our vicinity.”

  “Hawkins,” Cain said with hatred.

  “Aye Captain. The supply ship crew said they spotted him only a day or two from here heading south.”

  “I can’t believe he is this close to my home. Ready the crew. We will leave immediately,” Cain ordered.

  “Aye Captain,” Luke said as he made a hasty departure.

  Cain took a moment to gather his thoughts as he sat at the table. This was his chance to get his revenge. His life had changed for the better since he found Mercy but this was something he could not let go until either he or Hawkins was dead. He didn’t want to leave Mercy behind, and this time she would have to obey him. He decided it was time to go wake her and tell her his plan.

  “What is it?” Mercy asked after Cain woke her.

  “I’m afraid I have some news. I have received word that the man who killed my mother is nearby. I am leaving at once in pursuit so maybe I can catch up to him.”

  “No, you mustn’t,” Mercy pleaded.

  “I have to. I have to finish this.”

  “Let me go with you.”

  “No! You must stay here this time. I promise that once this is over I will never leave without you again.”

  “But…,”

  “If something does happen to me, you’ll be entitled to all that I have. You are my next of kin. After last night, you may be with child. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to my unborn son if you are,” Cain said hoping to persuade her to not be foolish and try to go with him.

  Mercy began to sob as Cain readied himself for his vendetta. Mercy tried desperately to make him forget about his revenge. There was no changing his mind. She walked him to the Devil’s Dilemma and watched as the ship was preparing for departure.

  Taking her in his arms Cain said, “Shh. Don’t cry. I will return to you.”

  “Come back to me safe. I will haunt you in your dreams until you return.”

  “You already do,” Cain said as he kissed her with a long passionate kiss that could be their last.

  “Wait,” Mercy cried out as she took off the red scarf she was wearing in her hair and placed it in his hands.

  “What’s this for?”

  “Good luck,” she whispered as he boarded the ship.

  Mercy watched his ship depart out to sea until she could no longer make out the shape. For hours, she stared out into the empty sea. She could do nothing now but wait on his return. Elese came to fetch her and take her back to the house as rain began to fall.

  “It will be all right. Cain needs to do this so he can find peace once and for all,” Elese said as they walked home.

  For the next week, Mercy barely slept. She tossed and turned with worry throughout the wee morning hours. Her every thought was focused on Cain’s safety. She prayed that he was safe and would return home soon.

  At the end of the week, Mercy decided to visit the secret place Cain showed her. There she could be all alone with her thoughts. She packed a light lunch and told Elese she would return by nightfall.

  Mercy strolled along the shore until she reached the house where Cain had borrowed the horse from on their first trip to the secret place. She tapped on the door, but received no answer. She went around back and found the stables unattended. She found the gentle white horse and became reacquainted with it. She worked with the horse until she had the saddle on and the reins fitted properly. She tied on the pack to the horse’s side and finally managed to mount the horse.

  As the horse galloped along the shore, Mercy felt free to do whatever she pleased. Harder and harder she ran the horse until the path turned treacherous. She winded around the shore into the rocky terrain.

  Luckily for her, Mercy chose the exact same path Cain had made on their previous journey to the waterfall. She didn’t have to stop and clear the path in front of her. The horse quickly found the secluded waterfall and stopped a few yards from it.

  Mercy dismounted, tied the horse to a nearby tree, and retrieved her pack. She hadn’t realized how exhausting riding could be. She sat on the edge of the crystal clear lagoon and ate her bread and cheese. After washing her morsels down with some wine, Mercy stretched out onto the rock and felt the cool cascading water from the waterfall mist her body.

  After only a few moments, Me
rcy felt the scorching heat and decided to discard her attire. She began removing her blue flower print dress. The material was thin, but it was still hot in this tropical heat. She tossed the dress aside and stood before the water wearing only a sheer shift.

  The water looked intriguing as Mercy plunged into the depths. She played in the water for a short while and tired herself out. She climbed onto the large rock and stretched out. Her shift hugged her body, and it looked as if she were naked. She closed her eyes and in minutes, she was fast asleep.

  Somehow during her nap, Mercy began to dress about Cain. He was touching her body and kissing her with his soft lips. Her hands encircled her breasts as if they were his hands upon her. Her lips parched and her hips arched yearning for him.

  While Mercy was having her erotic dream, Black Hawkins and his men stormed the island. His ship was exploring the sea when they spotted the Devil’s Dilemma leave the secret entrance of Corbin’s Crow. They waited until they saw Cain’s ship leave the area before making their move. It was sheer luck that the pirates stumbled upon the hidden entrance to Cain’s hideaway.

  Black Hawkins had an idea where Corbin’s Crow was, but was never able to find it. That was until today. He had heard about Cain’s new bride, and he wanted to destroy his life. Their hatred for one another had a strong history and Black Hawkins would stop at nothing to destroy Cain.

  With most all of the men gone from the island, it was easy for Hawkins to storm the island. Once his men secured the island and forced all of the women and children onto the beach, Hawkins touched the sandy shores of the island. He stood a towering six and a half feet. His clothing was ragged and dirty. His toes protruded from his tattered boots. He had a scar across his tattooed arms which stood out in the sunlight. His hair was matted and colored a dingy blond.

  “Which one of ye whores is Corbin’s bride?” Hawkins bellowed.

  Silence fell upon the crowd as Black Hawkins walked through the crowd of women and children. Every woman shivered with fear as he passed by.