Endless

A Journey

It had been four months since the wedding. Now, it was rounding on winter, and this meant that storms were creeping up on us almost three times a week. It was the hardest time of year, and we had to work three times as much. With the ship in constant battle against the sea, the crew and I had to take shifts more frequently. It didn't make much of a difference, as it was hard to sleep anyway with the extreme movement of the ship.

Levi was working twice as hard as most of us, mending the ship's masts and crew's ruined clothes. I offered to help but he insisted I focused on my duties as captain.

It wasn't just the sea who was after us. True to his word, the Admiral chased after us. And he was good. He brought with him a fleet of twenty ships. Within the first month we had only managed to take down three. We travelled into deep waters, crossing seas and oceans in the hope of losing him, but each time he resurfaced, and caused great damages to our ship.

On a cold afternoon, sometime in November I stood at the wheel. I was tired. I hadn't had much sleep last night, because I had kept watch in the crow's nest, giving George the day off. We had had some tough battles in the last week, and only just escaped. Unfortunately, Alex had gotten clipped by a sword during one of the navy battles, and was quite weak. Because of this, I let George have a couple of days off to look after his son. Bill (our best carpenter) converted a corner of the lowest sleeping deck into a sick bay, and that was where Alex recovered. It was quite bigger, now that Ryder had gone.

A week after our wedding, Ryder disappeared in the night. We had woken up and he and his things were gone. Dorian and James wanted to chase after him and kill him to prevent details being released, but I disagreed. Inside, I felt a little bad for Ryder, because he had been a good crewmate and it wasn't his fault I didn't want to marry him. To Dorian and James I reasoned by saying that the reality was that Ryder would have already told any secrets and killing him wouldn't take them back- besides they already knew that I was a woman and if anything we could change our courses.

The wind was bitter and I was fighting to stay awake. I looked down at the charts and plotted some new courses, in hopes of outsailing the navy. Ahead there was an uncharted part of the map. I looked at it. Would the navy venture there? It was south west- we were headed south already. It might be a good idea.

Dorian walked up to me. "How's the journey looking Captain?" He looked down at the table. "Uncharted? Risky."

"That's what I'm hoping Admiral Canomby will think. We might be able to get behind him and get rid of that final ship."

"Smart choice. Will you alert the crew?"

"I'll ask James to- can you wake him? I need to speak with him over the plans." I asked.

"Of course darling." Dorian kissed my cheek and then took off his large fur coat (he acquired it a month ago) . He passed it to me. "You look cold. I'm warmed up from that and I'm moving about the deck more anyway."

I smiled a little, grateful. "Thank you darling."

He kissed my hand in mock royalty fashion, and then walked off down to the sleeping deck.

A minute or two later James appeared, looking not quite awake. For occasions such as this, we kept a large barrel of water on the deck. As he walked past, he doubled back and dunked his head in the water. Gasping for air as he brought his head out he ran up to me, far more awake.

I laughed as he ran up the stairs to the steering deck. "Cold?" I said.

"I forgot what time of year it was." He said, still gasping with the cold shock. "That was too cold and I think there was some ice building."

I laughed even more. "Sorry to wake you James, but I'm changing course plans."

"Your husband told me so- southwest? What's the occasion?"

"Uncharted ocean. Navy wouldn't dare. We have the opportunity to get behind and strike. We only have one ship left." I stated pointing on the map.

James nodded. "What does this mean? You wouldn't have woken me for just a course change. That's a captain's decision."

I grimaced. "It means putting the crew at risk in new ocean, and I don't take that lightly. It also means no more docking for at least a month. That means rationing supplies. I need your opinion."

James thought for a minute. He looked at the page. "We have the chance to get back. We have a capable crew, and we have to opportunity to discover new sea. I say aye."

"That's what I thought." I nodded. "But thank you for your affirmation. Alert the crew."

He nodded and moved away.

Around late morning, the crew resurfaced and began duties right away. We headed towards southwest to the blank part on the map. I felt excitement, despite the risk. I loved finding new things.

We traveled for a few days. Rain, sleet and a one point a bit of snow challenged our path. Eventually we reached the part on the map.

Fog creeped in, and hung about the ship, hiding our path. We sailed blindly into the ocean. We had no idea where we were. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. It was just as cold as normal, however the wind was so close, it felt like it was speaking enchantments in my ears. The water moved slowly and silently. From what we could see of the water, it floated the colour of silver, like melted metal. We were completely in the unknown.
On the bright side, it was good coverage.

Above our heads, George cried out. "Land! Land ahead Captain!" I told the crew to drop the anchor, and we came to a slow halt.

"What kind of land?" I said, getting excited. "New land?"

George squinted his eyes. "I think it's just rocks  Captain!" He called out.

"Oh," I said, disappointed. "Onwards then-"

"Hold on Captain!" George called out. "I think there's a cave! We could wait out the fog!"

I thought briefly. "Very well. We'll wait it out and then explore some more. Bring up the anchor!"

The crew followed orders. We turned, with George's help calling out directions. And docked the ship in between the rocks. However, he was right. There was a cave. I didn't expect anything from it.

We all moved in to the cave, preparing to make a fire. However we were met with a very different situation.

In the crevices of the rock light glittered from a hidden hole. Pirates like we were, we edged forward and pushed through the entrance.

Above our heads was a hole in the ceiling, where moonlight shone through. The light we had seen had been the reflection of the moonlight bouncing off of many, many, many jewels.

We had come across a treasure cove. And, right in the centre, glowing brighter than any jewel, coin, armour or moon hovered an emerald green stone, pulsing with energy.