Lunar Gaze

Chapter 14

Josephine sat on deck at she looked out into the distance. She could see land nearing through the morning sea fog. She now knew that it was not Westmoreland, nor was it Jamaica, but another island all together. And she felt a sense of helplessness.

Most of all, she wondered how her friends and family were doing while she was away.

"What causes such sadness upon your face?" Kidd sat down next to Josephine. "Is it something that occurred between you and the Captain?"

"I just don't want to speak about it." Josephine answered, her eyes focusing on the rolling of the greenish sea. "All I wish is to return home."

"I don't blame you." Kidd placed a hand on Josephine's back, rubbing it soothingly. His caresses in that manner were very welcomed, for at times it was the only comfort she was able to receive. She shut her eyes and exhaled, but such affection was interrupted by Virgil.

"Why are you two moping about?" Asked Virgil as he stood firmly in front of them. "As though you are about take a caulk, can't you see? We are nearly going to reach Tortuga."

"Tortuga?" Josephine's attention spiked and looked to Kidd. He seemed upset that Virgil mentioned their destination, simply pressing his lips together. "I wish not to go to a land such as Tortuga. When you said we would be heading to Hispaniola, never did I imagine—"

"I have no control over where we go." Said Kidd. "Since our trip to Westmoreland was interrupted by scoundrels, we set out to come here."

The ship made its landing and people on land began to head toward the ship. After the attack they experienced in the sea, Josephine was particularly nervous seeing so many men come up on board. She could not understand the languages they spoke, but many seemed to speak French.

One man walked up to her and looked her up and down. His eyes drank her in slowly. He spoke words she could not understand, but his eyes told Josephine everything she needed to know.

She felt Kidd wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her near. "Pas à vendre."

The man scoffed and left them alone. While Kidd held Josephine, she turned her lips to his ear and whispered. "You speak French?"

Kidd cleared his throat, and his Irish accent became especially thick for a moment. "I can only convey what is needed."

Together they made their way off the ship. Although Josephine didn't wish to be in a place like Tortuga, she was especially grateful that she once again was on land. Although her lack of shows had begun to cause her feet to pain. They were especially filthy while she walked among the cobble stone street.

Tortuga seemed to be even more active that Port Royal. She held Kidd's hand tightly as they navigated through the city. As they walked through the many crowds of people, Kidd insisted that Josephine stays near. "Do not go off by yourself, do you understand?"

"Trust me, I don't want to go off by myself in a place like this." Josephine snapped while looking into his eyes. "Must you speak to me as though I'm a child?"

"Sometimes you act like one." He answered, continuing to lead the way. They came upon a tavern, and a familiar grin spread across Kidd's face. "I've had many a memories here."

"Is it a place where a lady may reside?" Josephine asked.

"There is no such thing as a lady here, Miss Josephine." Answered Kidd. As they entered the building, Josephine noticed there were a significant amount of people inside. It was slightly cold due to it being entirely made of stone, and a dampness plagued the room. The lighting was dim, only dependent on candlelight.