The Might of Evil Dreams (A Novel of the Elemental Chronicles)

Nine - Pirate's Plunder

^^Above: English actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson (pictured here in 2021's The King's Man) as Raymond Kingsley's cousin Joshua.^^

Thomas

Years ago, when Francis and I were boys, he'd asked me what I was looking for in a woman. I thought it an odd question, because his attentions were often elsewhere. He did not intend to marry any time soon; he was the younger brother, after all. He'd said often enough that if anyone was going to inherit the estate and carry on our family name, it would be me. 

But I took my time to answer. Of course the woman I eventually married would have to be charming, kind, smart, unafraid of a challenge. It seemed they were in abundance when I came of age, old enough to be attending balls and house parties myself. But I soon became disillusioned with the whole affair. The ladies only acted the way they did because they knew my father's influence. They had their eye on my inheritance. When we were alone, and out of the company of everyone else, the courteous act dropped like a mask. They practically threw themselves at me and forgot their promises to my father.

Then the war came, and any thought of me inheriting anything disappeared like the morning mist. It was so uncertain, and besides, rather than devoting myself to running an estate, I became married to the cause and my comrades. Risking any attachment would have been disastrous for everyone involved. Plenty of men I knew left behind families: future wives and current wives, some pregnant and others with small children. Nearly all of them never saw those families again.

But seeing the pain in Emmeline's eyes when I told her the plans made me doubt everything. She had committed herself to me without really knowing me. She made her best efforts to fit in to society and to be a fit wife for me. She had even asked me to return to her. I hardly recognised her from the night of her arrival. Everything about her had changed so quickly. Even her speech was becoming less halting.

"Here's the last of your things, milord," said Lucian, handing me my packed saddlebags. "Everything you need for the trip is ready now."

"Thank you, Lucian." I only needed a spare change of clothes, a map, the plans we had drawn up, and a hundred pounds in notes. Joshua had said it wouldn't take more than three days, if everything went smoothly.

"Are you certain this plan will work, milord?" he asked tentatively. "Everything according to plan?"

"Not everything," I said, knowing it sounded foolish the moment it was out.

"And you do not know what you will do if something goes awry? Any second battle plans?" His brow furrowed, and his eyes were worried. I had no will and testament, no heir, no nothing. I would simply cease to exist.

Again I had to shake my head. "Not a one."

He was about to speak again, his mouth opening. Then there came two knocks at the door. I turned and pulled one open, and Joshua ducked inside, rainwater streaming from his hat and the tails of his coat.

"Everything ready to go, Captain Haywood?" His eyes moved from the bags over my shoulder to my face.

"Yes. My stable boy is just now bringing my horse around."

The sound of another door opening interrupted us. It was Emmeline, the stricken expression on her face making my throat hurt. She seemed about to speak when our eyes met, but then they flicked up, to Joshua standing behind me.

"Hello, Mr Kingsley." She gave him a shallow curtsey, just like a proper lady.

"Ma'm." Joshua touched the brim of his hat.

"Emmeline." I went to her, taking her elbows and pulling her near. She allowed it, grasping the lapels of my coat. "What is it? What's the matter?"

"You're leaving....I've no way to know...when you'll return." Her eyes searched my face, with brows furrowed. "I want to say, Tom...before you go..."