Searching Hearts Box Set: Books 1-5

by St. Clair, Ellie

  “We will set sail for the Iron Caves,” she continued, looking around. “Are all the crew returned?”

  “All but three,” the first mate replied. “I can see them approach.”

  Eleanor nodded. "Very good. The moment they are on board, we are to weigh anchor. The Navy is on the other side of the island and we cannot risk them knowing our position. Understood?"

  “Aye, Adams — Captain Adams,” Morgan replied, giving her a small smile before turning around and shouting orders to the crew.

  Eleanor stood in front of the ship’s wheel for a few minutes, watching the crew scurry about the ship, making it ready. Hope filled her. She could do this. She could command the crew and take them out to the open water for safety. All she had to do was keep the ship – and herself — away from Captain Harrington.

  * * *

  One hour later, the Gunsway was already making its way out to sea, with all of the crew safely on board.

  “Captain!”

  Eleanor took a breath, waiting for her father to respond.

  “Captain Adams!”

  The shout came again, louder this time, making her start with surprise. In a rush, she realized the man was speaking to her, seeking to get her attention.

  “Yes?”

  Flushing, she hoped the crew hand hadn’t noticed her slip and lifted her chin just a notch. The last thing she needed was to lose the respect of the crew.

  “Captain, it seems there be a ship on the horizon.”

  “A ship?”

  He nodded, as another crew hand handed her the spyglass.

  Eleanor lifted it and scrunched up her face as she looked across the churning water. The clouds were gathering already, and the darkness was slowly creeping in. Sooner or later, they were going to have to drop anchor, but Eleanor wanted to get as far away from Port Royal as possible. Shame sent a flush of heat straight through her as her mind lingered on Captain Harrington for a brief moment before her eyes landed on the ship on the horizon.

  Her stomach dropped.

  “The Savage Soul. It’s heading straight for us,” she said, softly, lifting the spyglass to try and identify the flags, just to confirm her suspicions. “How did they know we were here?”

  Handing the spyglass to the crew hand, she turned to the first mate, who had joined them.

  “Probably just bad luck, Captain,” Morgan replied. “We’ve been fighting with the Savage Soul for as many years, but they just keep coming back.” He grinned. “Probably because we’ve got the best crew around and we always get the most swag, better than any other pirate ship on the seas!”

  “That may be true, but that doesn’t tell us what the best course of action is now,” Eleanor replied, tersely. “How should we avoid them?”

  Silence covered the crew hands for a brief moment before the first mate nodded to dismiss them. Stepping a little closer to Eleanor, Morgan looked at her with gravity in his eyes.

  “You be the captain, Adams.”

  Drawing in one long breath, Eleanor slowly realized what it was he was trying to say. She wasn’t to be the one to ask the others what to do, she should be the one shouting orders at them. Closing her eyes briefly, Eleanor fought against the urge to rush into her father’s cabin and waken him to seek his direction. She had to take on the mantle of responsibility and that meant deciding for herself what was best to do. The crew were looking to her to make the choice: head towards the ship and fight, or take action to remove themselves from their path.

  Eleanor swallowed. “We are to avoid them. The Savage Soul is coming looking for a fight, but we’re not going to give them one if we can help it.” She remembered with absolute clarity the last time they had met. The captain of the Savage Soul, Captain Wayland, was a dark-hearted, evil man who liked nothing better than to tear his enemies apart, limb by limb. She’d heard it said that the head was the last thing he’d remove, ensuring his captives suffered the greatest amount of pain before they finally passed. A shudder ran through her. Her father had always ensured that the Gunsway was prepared for a fight with the Savage Soul, although he tried not to seek one out. That is what she must do now.

  “We will keep course for the Iron Caves as we try to outrun them,” Eleanor said, her voice firmer as she stepped into her role with certainty. “But prepare the crew and the ship for battle in case.” Drawing in a deep breath, she set her jaw. “I will take the helm.”

  The first mate grinned but dipped his head. “Very good, Captain.”

  Eleanor turned on her heel and marched back into her father’s cabin, her intention clear. This night could easily turn deadly and she had to be ready to take on whatever it was that came to them.

  Walking to her father's side, she looked down at him with fear in her heart. He looked so pale, with deep shadows under his eyes. He was always so strong, so courageous, yet now he was as she had never seen him before. She brushed his hair from his temple, but he did not stir. She might think he was gone from this world if it was not for the slow rise and fall of his chest. His skin was cold and clammy, and she tugged another blanket up over him.

  Please do not leave me, Father, she begged, silently. I need you still. The crew needs you. You’ve fought so many battles, fight this one more.

  Stepping back, Eleanor forced herself to leave her father sleeping, before turning to find his hat. Picking it up, she brushed gently against the dark feathers that adorned the brim, the scent of salt and the sea emanating from the black leather. How long her father had worn this, she couldn’t remember, but she was sure it had been a great many years. The hat had become synonymous with his name. Steeling her resolve, she placed it on her own head, aware that it was far too large but knowing that it would be a visual reminder to the crew that she was the captain for as long as it took for her father to regain his strength. It would also show that she was more than willing to take on the role. She could not forget to respond to the call of ‘Captain’ again.

  “I will do my best, Father,” she promised, touching his hand. “I will send someone in to sit with you. Return to us soon.”

  Stepping back outside, she shouted at one crew hand, and then another, directing them just as her father would do. There was a momentary pause before the crew hands began to scurry across the deck, with one entering her father’s cabin as she’d ordered.

  Eleanor was, for the time being, Captain of the Gunsway. Captain Adams.

  7

  Thomas rolled onto his side with a groan, his head already beginning to throb. He didn’t know how long he’d slept for, but he knew he’d drunk far too much whisky. He’d never been too keen on liquor, but the stress of his current situation had called for something to numb his frustrations. That and the tavern girl he’d taken to his bed.

  Flopping back onto the pillow, Thomas threw a hand over his eyes and allowed a slight smile to play over his lips. The girl had been beautiful, warm and welcoming, and he’d taken his pleasure quickly. He was surprised that she’d been so responsive, remembering how she’d clung to him as her own crescendo had peaked. That wasn’t usual for tavern wenches, was it? Thomas hadn’t exactly taken such women to bed often, for that would tarnish his image as Captain and lose him some respect from among the crew. There had been something about this one, though, that had spoken to him and rid him of any hesitations. He would have to slip out of the tavern as quietly and as quickly as he could.

  Dressing with haste and ignoring the pounding in his head, Thomas couldn't help but remember the beauty of the woman he had taken to bed. Her flaxen hair had spread out across the bed sheet, her green eyes burning with an inner fire as he'd touched her. Perhaps he might come to her again, provided the barman could be discreet.

  Marching down the stairs and back into the tavern, he cringed inwardly as the barman gave him a ribald wink.

  “Making your way back to the base now, sir?”

  “I am,” Thomas replied, firmly. “I have paid you, I believe?”

  “More than enough,” the barman grin
ned. “You’re always welcome back here, Captain.”

  Thomas cleared his throat. “Thank you.” Stepping closer, he realized that he did not even know the young woman’s name. “I would be interested in spending more time with that particular girl on my next visit to Port Royal,” he said, in low tones. “Might you ensure she remains available to me?”

  A flicker of confusion crossed the barman’s face. “She ain’t my wench, sir.”

  “What do you mean?” Thomas asked, his frown deepening. “I thought she worked here.”

  The barman shook his head. "I believed her to be with you, sir. I can keep an eye out for her of course, but that's all."

  Thomas’ mind filled with questions, but he dared not speak them aloud. This was neither the time or place and he would not embarrass himself further by asking the barman anything more. Muttering his thanks, he placed his hat firmly on his head and marched out of the tavern.

  Walking towards the naval base, aware of the late hour, Thomas tried not to let the shame he felt show on his face. He had no idea who that young woman was and, since he had drunk a fair amount of whisky, had very little idea what exactly he’d said to her. He remembered something about Captain Adams being mentioned, but could not quite recall what it was he said.

  Frustrated with his lack of clarity, he marched into the naval base, determined not to let his mind fill with thoughts about who the young lady was. He had greater things to focus on.

  “Captain, sir!”

  Halted almost the moment he walked into the base, Thomas removed his hat and directed his gaze to the man seeking his attention. "Yes?"

  “We’ve been waiting for your return, sir. It appears that the Gunsway was seen making its way out of port on the other side of the island.”

  His mind sparked to life at once, forgetting entirely about the girl who had warmed his bed. “What? When?”

  “About two hours ago, sir,” came the reply.

  “Two hours?” His hands curled into fists as he glared at the man in question. “Why was I not told?”

  The man glanced away. “We have been searching for you, sir…” he murmured, trailing off as though he did not quite want to accuse the captain of being absent without any explanation as to where he was going. Unfortunately, Thomas felt the sting nonetheless. If he missed the Gunsway now, it would be entirely on his own head.

  “Sir!”

  Another man rushed into the base, his eyes wide. Thomas turned to him at once, his brows lifting.

  “Sir, the Savage Soul has been spotted on the horizon.”

  Thomas’ heart jumped in his chest. “The Savage Soul? You are sure?” He was aware of the gathering darkness, wondering how the man could have seen the ship so clearly.

  "Yes, sir," the man replied, trying to recover his breath. "I was out on patrol and we were about to make our way back in towards shore when one of the men spotted the ship. The sun was sinking below the horizon, but there was enough light to make out their colors." He swallowed, his lips thinning. "It was the Savage Soul, Captain."

  Nodding, Thomas placed his hat back on his head, preparing to depart. “And are they coming into port?” He was sure they were not, for it was more than likely that the lookout on the Savage Soul would have spotted the patrol boat.

  The man shook his head. “They turned, sir. They looked to be heading in the direction of the Iron Caves.”

  “Then we prepare the ship,” Thomas replied, firmly. “We set sail at once.”

  The man hesitated. “Sir, there are clouds rolling in.”

  “If the Savage Soul and Gunsway can sail, then we surely can as well,” Thomas retorted, striding from the room. “Ready the ship and someone find the crew!”

  Storming out of the base, he made for his ship, thunder pouring through his veins. The clouds were rolling in, which meant that it would be difficult to sail. There could be a great many dangers, hidden from view, but Thomas refused to dwell on it. He was going to sail after the Savage Soul, and bring at least one pirate to justice. Danger be damned! Then, he would set his sights on Captain Adams once again. Thomas grinned into the darkness. He knew that the Savage Soul and the Gunsway were the worst of enemies. He had heard the rumors about the long held animosity between the two pirate ships, which bent in his favour. If the Savage Soul was in the same vicinity of the Gunsway, then chances were they might be preparing for a fight. If he could get in the midst of it, then his prospects of catching both pirate captains increased significantly.

  His brow furrowed. At the same time, sailing into the middle of two battling pirate ships also meant that the danger to his crew and his ship increased significantly. Pirates were not predictable folk. It could happen that both ships would turn on him and attack as one.

  “That does not matter now,” he muttered to himself as he boarded the ship, thinking this was too great an opportunity to miss. “First we must get them in our sights.”

  * * *

  The clouds still poured in, as the ship moved into the deeper waters. Thomas stood at the helm, his grip tightening on the rope as the waves began to buffet the ship. His resolve remained steady. He was determined to return with at least one pirate in his brig.

  “Can you see anything?” he asked, tersely.

  The first mate shook his head. “The clouds are thick and we must move slowly, Captain.”

  Thomas gritted his teeth. “What of the pirate ship?”

  The lieutenant, Taylor, drew closer, dismissing the first mate. “Captain, I must be honest. You are risking both ship and crew by continuing with this course. There are submerged rocks and sand banks all around Port Royal and we are barely able to see where we are headed as it is! The clouds are so thick that I fear soon we will be unable to see our hands in front of our faces.”

  “What is it you would wish me to do, Lieutenant?” Thomas shouted, letting loose with his frustrations. “The Savage Soul and perhaps even the Gunsway are within our reach!”

  The lieutenant maintained his steady gaze. "Begging your pardon for speaking so boldly, sir, but you won't have a ship to reach them with if you continue with this reckless course."

  Thomas seethed, wishing he could ignore the lieutenant completely and just continue as he’d planned, but he had to heed Taylor’s words. He knew that this was already a dangerous course, but now the chances of losing the ship were growing significantly. If he was to ground the ship, then some of the crew could even lose their lives, for he knew many of them could not swim. Letting out a groan of frustration, Thomas closed his eyes and attempted to reign in his anger.

  “Very well,” he said, harshly. “Drop the anchor. We will remain here until morning.”

  “Thank you, sir,” the lieutenant said, turning around and swiftly barking orders to the rest of the crew. Thomas could almost feel the tension that surrounded the ship suddenly break as his change in orders was relayed.

  “If it relieves your frustrations any, I do believe that the Savage Soul will not be able to make any headway either, Captain,” Taylor added, standing smartly to the side of the ship. “Most likely, they will drop anchor as we have done. They will not risk the ship.”

  Perhaps, Thomas thought, although the pirates knew these waters so much more intimately, that they had much better sense of where was safe to sail. Letting out a long breath, Thomas shot Taylor a dark look. “I apologize for my obvious irritation, Lieutenant.”

  “It is understandable, sir,” the lieutenant replied, unflinching. “Captain Adams and his pirate crew have evaded us for many years. Do not think you are the only one who is desperate to capture him once and for all.” He saluted and walked away, leaving Thomas somewhat astonished.

  Taylor had spoken calmly, yet had been blunt with his words, pointing out to Thomas that he was not the only man who wished to have Captain Adams in their custody. Thomas had been sailing with this ship and crew for many years but had never once considered that other men in his crew could have the same strength of feeling as he.

 
Walking to his cabin, Thomas saw how the skies had turned, making it impossible to see one end of the ship from the other. The lieutenant had been quite right to push for them to drop the anchor. It had been foolhardy to consider a pursuit in this weather.

  Slamming the door, Thomas threw off his hat and shrugged out of his coat. Whenever he attempted to catch up with the pirate captain, he was stopped at almost every turn. Now it appeared even nature was against him! All he could do was hope that the pirate ship had been forced to drop anchor, as they had. When the first fingers of dawn hit the skies, he would be in pursuit once more, provided the clouds had cleared.

  Sitting down on his bunk, Thomas allowed the anger and frustration to drain out of him, leaving him feeling a little tired. Then again, he hadn’t exactly had a good night’s sleep, only a few hours after he’d taken the woman to his bed.

  His mind traveled back to her, refusing to let her image fade. She had been something of a beauty. Her green eyes had struck him as being filled with ice, but, as he’d kissed her, they’d warmed to emerald green pools. Her kisses had become more passionate, her fluttering touches bolder.

  What mystery surrounded her! He had no idea of her name, nor of where she had truly come from. If she was not a wench working in the tavern, then what in heaven’s name had she been doing, going with him like a cheap prostitute? He ran a hand through his hair, unable to remove the questions about her from his mind. Why could he not let her go, consider her just a pleasurable memory instead?

  Kicking off his boots, Thomas pushed himself back onto his bed, choosing to rest his eyes for a time. He would need a clear mind come the morrow, and could not allow it to be filled with thoughts of a woman with green eyes and sunshine-kissed hair.

  8

  “They are still on our tail, Captain.”