The Adventures of Exodus Creed & Co.

In Which They Go To Florida

      

      Weeks passed. The days grew warmer and the sun shone brightly in the cloudless sky. The crew of The Queen's Haven  sang more songs and laughed more often as they flew over warmer and bluer seas.

      "We're over the Bahamas now." Lochland said, smiling at Cassie as she leaned over the railing to gaze at the water.

     "Lochland, it's beautiful!" She exclaimed, "does Florida have such beautiful, clear water?"

     "Yes, it does. And white sandy beaches, tall palm trees, adorable little beach houses, everything! It's a modern pirates dream!"

      "Somehow I doubt that." Aristotle whispered, but only Exodus heard him.

      "Loch, why are we going to Florida when the Bahamas look just as agreeable?" Exodus asked. Lochland winked at him.

      "Because I own a house in Florida. It's been passed down for generations! We'll have our own private beach, and plenty of space for everyone to have their own little room. We'll rest up for a week while we plan the wedding."

      "Right, the...wait, WHAT???"

      Cassie giggled and held up her hand, slipping a large golden ring studded with diamonds on her finger. "We're getting married!"

      Exodus whooped and jumped around with Aristotle. The crewmen cheered and lifted Lochland and Cassie up as they danced around the deck, singing an old wedding song that Exodus couldn't understand, but made Lochland screech for them to stop as Cassie blushed and laughed so hard tears streamed down her cheeks.

      "There are children on board!" Lochland roared, straightening his clothes as they set him down amidst nervous laughter. Cassie covered her mouth, still embarrassed, but her eyes were shining. Exodus, who still didn't understand what was going on, helped ease the awkwardness by asking if he could help with the wedding. Grateful for the distraction, Lochland suggested he keep Cassie company while Lochland took over steering for a bit. Happy to help in whatever way possible, Exodus sat next to Cassie.

      It didn't take him long to realize he did not care to plan weddings.

      Cassie glowed with excitement as she withdrew a large book from her bag, full of notes and ideas for the 'perfect wedding'. Exodus listened dutifully for about a minute, and then found himself confused, and hoping to slip away. Why must everything be so detailed? That color looks exactly like the last two she just showed him. None of this made any sense. Why was it so hard to choose between roses or lilies? Both were nice...It was only Exodus's loyalty to Lochland, and his love for Cassie, that kept him sitting on the barrel listening to her plan her wedding for the next four hours. At one point, Exodus glanced at Lochland, who flicked him a quick glance, grinned sneakily, and then looked away. Scowling, Exodus turned back to Cassie, and she saw his face. She immediately burst into laughter and shoved him off the barrel.

      "Oh, Exodus, I'm sorry! You go ahead and run off. Thank you for listening to me."

      Exodus grinned and jumped up, ready to run below decks for a snack, when Lochland announced they were nearly to the beach house.

      "It's just below us. We'll be landing soon!" He grinned, and the crew cheered.

      "Um, captain?" First mate Picalo stepped forward and held out a spyglass, "You might want to see what's below us." Frowning, Lochland put the glass to his eye and stared in the direction Picalo directed. There was a moment of silence before Lochland squeaked and set down the glass.

      "Loch? What's wrong?" Cassie exclaimed. Lochland turned, his face a mixture of happiness and terror.

      "I didn't think my message would reach her so quickly." He croaked, laughing nervously.

      "What message? To whom??"

      "Yes yes, a message...I thought for sure she was still in France..."

      "Lochland, who is down there??"

      Lochland was sweating and chuckling nervously. He ran his hands through his hair, took a deep breath, and finally answered.

      "My mother."