Chapter Seven
“I’m glad you’re home. Three months is a long time.”
Darla took a deep breath and reveled in the sweet fragrance of home as she and her mother gathered flowers in the garden. From her vantage point overlooking the port, the day was clear enough to glimpse the Isle of Mull on the other side of the Firth of Lorn.
“Last night your father mentioned the pirate attack. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Darla tilted her head toward her mother who kept trimming the flowers.
“Father wanted to tell you himself.”
“I suspected his bruise was due to more than a fall on a slippery deck.” Her mother chuckled. “I remember nights when he came home bruised and singing. I would prefer that rather than be harassed by pirates.”
“Bruised and singing? Father?” Impossible. He was so, so controlled and stuffy, not a troublemaker.
Her mother continued down the row and after clipping several yellow iris blooms, she headed for the marigolds.
“Yes. Your father was young once.” Her mother leaned closer. “So was I.”
Keira Maxwell still looked young for her forty-two years. Her clear brown eyes twinkled when she laughed. Her auburn hair with silver strands curled halfway down her back when she didn’t tie it in a knot at the base of her neck. Her smile was honest, her hugs warm and comforting.
“Your father said you were so determined to come home that you stowed away on the ship. You could have been hurt.”
Darla stopped at the orchids, her mother at her side already putting several cut stems into her basket. “Yes, but I couldn’t let him travel without me.”
Her mother froze. The flowers in her hand forgotten.
“Visions.” Her mother spoke so softly Darla could barely hear what she said. The twinkle in her eyes faded, replaced with concern.
“The vision started three months ago when I arrived at Dundhragon. I kept seeing the same images over and over.”
“The same images.” The flowers slipped out of her mother’s hand into the basket.
“At odd times, I found myself staring into water, puddles, the well, even the bowl for my morning wash. The same image appeared.” Her mother’s smile encouraged her to go on. A deep breath and she looked at the basket of flowers, the image clear in her mind.
“The murky aura of a man’s face with a strong bone structure appeared. I didn’t know who it was, or his importance. I thought perhaps he was the man destined for me.” She paused bringing the elements of the face to mind.
“Go on.” Her mother’s gentle voice urged as she put the basket down, the pruning shears still in her hand.
“The vision isn’t my destiny, it’s Maria’s. She introduced me to Magnus, her intended husband. His face could easily be the one that haunted me. That evening, he escorted me into dinner. The moment I placed my hand on his arm, I saw his fate. Theirs will be a love match, but it will not last. He will be dead soon after they marry.” Her lips quivered. The pain for Maria was as real as if it was her own.
“I had no doubt I was right. My heart ached for Maria, but I forced myself to smile. I hope my interpretation is wrong. Perhaps their future is one of prosperity and happiness and the end I see signals something else, the birth of an heir. That is why I had to speak to you. I couldn’t stay with Maria, prepare for her wedding, and keep smiling until I had a clear answer.”
“I understand why you wanted to leave, but it doesn’t explain why you had to travel with your father, with Lord Ewan’s soldiers, no less.” Her mother’s hands shook as she laid down her pruning shears. “If pirates got a hold of you …”
The tremor in her mother’s voice tore at her heart and she hated that she was the cause of her anxiety. “I needed to speak to you. I was determined to get home the fastest way possible. Father refused to take me. He was so unbending. The trip was short, how could he deny me? He insisted returning before an oncoming storm. That’s when it came to me, your words, you cannot drown. Perhaps I was wrong. Maybe my urgency wasn’t to be home but to be on the ship with Father. If anything happened on the trip, I would be there. Don’t you see? I had to be on the ship with him.”
Darla closed her eyes for a moment’s relief, but her brows wrinkled.
Wind and water lashed at the ship as it struggled through a storm. The hull strained and shuddered as it scraped along the rocks. Locked in a windowless room on the Sea Diamond, she fought to keep clear of the crates and chests that threatened to crush her as they shifted and slid with the ship’s movement. Water crept up her legs. Out of the dark, a rope swung in front of her. Without thinking, she reached for the line and found it was attached to a pulley. She grabbed it for dear life, to find her way out.
A long, agonizing scrape echoed in the room, followed by the crashing of wave after wave. Beneath her feet, the floor slid to a steep angle and the boat stopped moving. With the water waist high, she waded toward the door, the only way out. Try as she might, the door wouldn’t budge. All around her the wood screeched and squealed. She put a tentative hand on the hull and felt the wood buckle. The boat lurched and knocked her off her feet. She slipped beneath the water and came up gasping for air.
“As above, so below. As within, so without. Give me strength to swim away. To see the light of another day. So mote it be.” With her fingertips on the pouch at her waist, she tried to take deep breaths to fill her lungs, but they didn’t work. She tried again, the water rising quickly. Still nothing.
“Darla. Darla.” Her mother took her by her arms and shook her.
Her eyes snapped open and she gasped for air.
“You’re safe. Your father is safe. You’re home.”
All she could do was nod.
“Look at me,” her mother urged as she released her grip.
She raised her head. The mask of agony on her mother’s face melted into a loving smile.
“I, too, would do anything to save your father, even stow away on a boat, if I had to. Look around. You’re home and so is your father.”
Darla smiled through her confusion.
“Does the image continue to persist?” her mother asked, holding the basket.
Darla stared at her mother, baffled until she determined her mother meant the vision of the man and not the vision of a sinking ship.
“Yes.” She licked her lips surprised she didn’t taste the brine of the sea.
“And is the image any clearer? Is it truly Magnus?” Her mother handed her flowers.
“No,” she muttered. She didn’t tell her mother Wesley’s face now filled her mind. No longer did odd bits of water spur the vision. Merely closing her eyes could summon Wesley Mills’ face.
“You can put the flowers in the basket.” Her mother tapped her arm.
Darla stared at the blooms she absently held and put them away. Her mother pulled her along toward the house.
“Eugena and Maria introduced you to many people these last three months. I’m sure it is your destiny you see.”
Darla stopped mid-step, too startled by her mother’s suggestion to say anything. Her destiny?
“Richards. You’re back quickly. Come in, come in.” Maxwell led the captain to a chair by the fire where Darla sat with her mother.
“Good eve, ladies.” The captain gave a slight bow. “I hope I’m not disturbing you. I wanted to give you my report as soon as possible.”
“Not at all, Captain. I was just telling my husband—”
“All the gossip we’ve missed these last three months.” Her father hardly got the words out before he let out a loud chortle and sat with them.
What was her father up to? Her mother was many things, a smart woman, a good companion, but never a gossip. She carried on her father’s business while he traveled, including dealing with the Association. Gossip? Idle talk and rumor. Not very reliable. Even the captain laughed.
“What news do you bring from Dundhragon?” Maxwell wiped his eyes from laughing.
Richards swirled his gl
ass of port, watching the contents create a miniature whirlpool. “I told Lord Ewan the pirate’s words and that more soldiers were needed to protect the ships as well as the ports along the coast.”
Her father sighed. “I’m sure he didn’t take too kindly to that. He’s struggling to maintain rein over the northern isles and keep the Norse away.”
“Now I understand why he arranged for Maria to marry Magnus.” Darla inwardly shuddered as her comment brought back the vision of Magnus’ death.
Her father reached for the bottle of port and refreshed his glass. “Yes. Ewan’s focus is on politics and security. With Ewan’s help, Magnus’ position is secured. To ensure Magnus keeps a Scottish perspective, Ewan’s goal is to make certain his Norse son-in-law remains happy. He has no time to worry about pirates in his waters.”
“Lord Ewan has been pushed too far. Not only have the Trade Winds and Sea Diamond been attacked, the Black Opal raided a few of the settlements on the coast. The grumblings at the castle indicate that if Lord Ewan cannot manage the pirates—” Richards leaned toward Maxwell, his eyes cold. “How can he manage the northern islands?”
“Take note, Darla. Men grumble while women gossip,” her mother’s voice was a loud whisper.
“Your point is well taken, Keira. Gossip is not always reliable, but it leaves a perception that, as Richards says, may lead people to doubt Ewan’s ability to rule.”
“Lord Ewan must think as you do.” Richards sat back and took a sip of the port. His eyelids fluttered in appreciation of the fine spirits. “He wants the pirates brought to him for punishment. If they can’t be captured alive, dead will do.”
“I’m not surprised after what I learned today.” Her father put his untasted glass down. “I thought we had an agreement with each member of the Association. I chose this time to go east and bring back the cog because there was little trade activity. When Lord Ewan had no troops to spare to protect our ships, the Association members pledged to travel together and protect one another. As part of the Association, Allan Thomasson did agree. For some reason, he decided to go to Mull and the others, while unwilling, went with him because of the agreement.” Maxwell rose and paced in front of the hearth.
“These are not good times. There used to be twenty merchants in the Association. One by one, their ships were plundered, their livelihood destroyed. But never a life lost,” Richards said.
“Until now.” Her father stopped pacing and looked at them.
“Thomasson left port with three other ships. Their small fleet was attacked and when it was over, three ships came home. Thomasson’s didn’t. Its burned out hull was found on the beach not far from Easdale. Now the Association is up in arms. Thomasson’s brother, Justin, is at the tavern with the Association members working them up. I suspect as soon as they drink themselves some courage, they will come here and demand the Association replace the ship,” Richards said.
A wave of apprehension swept over her. She glanced at her mother who didn’t appear to be much better. Unable to sit still, Darla rose from her chair and stepped away.
“Angry mobs, even with only a few people, can turn nasty fast,” Richards warned.
“My thanks for the warning. We’ll need to hold our own until Lord Ewan can send reinforcements. His men should return to Dundhragon soon.”
“Father.” Darla stood at the window. Torch lights cast shadows into the room.
“Away from the window.” Her mother pulled her back and drew the curtains.
“Keira, Darla. Lock the door behind us and don’t open it no matter what happens.”
She looked at her mother, expecting an argument. Instead, her father and Richards walked on to the porch and her mother closed and locked the door.
“There is no need for your father to worry about us. He has enough to contend with.” Her mother lowered the lamplight. “Come. We’ll go up the back stairs.”
Without moving, she stood near the window to watch and listen. Her mother gave a deep sigh and moved next to her.
“Good eve, Dollin, Otter, Lucas.” Maxwell turned to the fourth man. “I’m sorry to hear of your loss, Justin. Allan was a good man. An honest one. He will be missed.”
“I’ll not accept your puny words,” Justin said. He stepped forward, his chin tipped up. Her father and Richards did nothing.
Dollin drew him back. “Enough Justin. We knew the risk.”
Justin pulled his arm away.
“My brother put his trust in you. I told him to take me and my friends with him. We would protect him and put an end to the pirates, the whole lot of them. Where were you when he needed you? You wanted everyone to stay in port while you traveled and sold your goods.” Darla looked on as Otter and Lucas subdued the man.
“Maxwell. Hawker told us of his encounter with the pirates.” Dollin nodded to the captain. “Richards told us about your experience as well.”
“I want to know how come Maxwell’s ship came away untouched. Not a thing taken.” Justin strained but was unable to shake off Lucas and Otter’s hold.
“We had a larger ship and carried two dozen soldiers,” Richards said. “They fought hard. If it wasn’t for Wesley Mills, all would have been lost.”
“A good man, although some think he is a privateer. Leo told us how he handled the ship and the new sail,” Otter said.
“Your ship was boarded by that pirate captain, Fynn. Your daughter was safe, your ship remains undamaged, and you live to tell about it. How is that? What deal did you make with Fynn? Or did the witch save you? I’d pay her to protect my ships as well. What does it take? A blood ritual?” Justin yanked his arms free and marched toward the house.
Darla looked at Justin’s face. It held the same contempt and hatred as the pirate Fynn. Her stomach clenched tight, her pulse erratic. Helpless, she watched.
Maxwell and Richard closed ranks and blocked his way.
“Come away.” Her mother reached for her arm.
“It’s all right. I’ve heard it before.” She searched each man’s face and let out a long sigh.
Justin turned to the others.
“They don’t scare me. I say—”
Justin fell to the ground. Dollin stood over him flexing his fist.
“You’ve said enough,” Dollin said and looked down at the dazed man.
Richards picked up Justin and threw him over his shoulder.
“I’ll make sure he gets home and sobers up.” He adjusted the weight, picked up the bits and pieces that fell out of Justin’s pockets and walked down the lane toward town.
“Richards brought news from Dundhragon,” Maxwell said, getting the men’s attention. “Lord Ewan wants the pirate captain brought to him and doesn’t care if the man is alive or dead.”
Darla had no sympathy for the pirate. She would kill the man herself for the pain and agony he’d caused everyone.
“How many men is he sending us?” Otter asked.
“The two dozen that I brought is all he can spare for now,” Maxwell said. “They’ll patrol the coast.”
“Lord Ewan’s domain is a large area to patrol. That will leave us on our own,” Dollin said, his voice getting louder with each word.
“What does he expect us to do? We’re not soldiers. We’re merchants,” Otter said.
“Hire our own soldiers. There are several. Roy Charles, Fritz Hess, Justin, and his friends,” Lucas said. “We talked about it while you were away and decided to wait and see what actions Lord Ewan plans to take. Now we know.”
Darla looked at the merchants. She knew Lucas was the most restrained, the quietest of the three. They chose the right person to present the idea.
“You have my attention.”
“If Lord Ewan can’t provide support and we’re not skilled in protecting ourselves, then we’ll hire someone who can. There really isn’t any choice. We’re local merchants with decreasing resources. We don’t own large trading companies serving the English, French, and Spanish like you, Maxwell. I’ll speak for myself. I
have little money left, but I’m willing to bet it all on bringing Lord Ewan the pirate captain if that will make our waters safe.”
“He’s not alone. We are all in the same position with little left to lose. Hiring someone to protect us is our final stand,” Dollin said. “As for Justin. Our opinions are not the same as his.”
“Dollin, you have my thanks for smashing him, although I would have gotten satisfaction doing it myself,” Maxwell said.
“People under pressure do and say reckless things. But that doesn’t change why we’re here. It is not a question of if we are hiring a protector. We decided by majority vote. If Lord Ewan can’t help us, then we’ll help ourselves. Do you stand with us?”
“I do,” Maxwell said without hesitation. “Any thought who you want to hire? Roy Charles may be rough, but he’s a good seaman with soldiering experience. He would work well with Lord Ewan’s men.”
Darla looked from one merchant to the next. They spoke in soft tones amongst themselves. Otter was adamant about a point and Dollin appeared to calm him. Finally, they stepped apart.
“Charles would be an adequate choice, but he’s a cousin to Allan and Justin. We decided we don’t want that influence. We need someone who is clear thinking with a touch of daring. We approached Richards, but he had no interest. He did provide a suggestion. The more we thought about it, the more we agreed. We want to hire Wesley Mills.”
Chapter Eight
“Good day, Mills.” Maxwell, along with the three remaining Ellenbeich Maritime Association members greeted Wesley in his library.
“Gentlemen.”
A candid conversation with Richards confirmed the grumblings in the tavern. The merchants were in trouble. His ale tasted better knowing they struggled.
The invitation to their meeting to discuss the problem with the pirates surprised him. He supposed they wanted to ask him questions about the attack, even garner some suggestions on how to proceed. How ironic and how much easier to construct their complete ruin.
“Mills, we’ll come right to the point,” Dollin said. “The Association met last night. I speak for all of us. Your performance on the Sea Diamond was outstanding and brave. Your fast action saved the ship and the people on it.”
The Pirate’s Jewel Page 8