A Hidden Queen

Chapter 31

John consults the binnacle, looking up at the shifting winds before gazing back down at it. They have been traveling to the river for a night and a whole day. If the winds and currents have not taken them too far off, they should be seeing the small island within the next day. John studies the instrument intently, watching as it spun slightly with the turn of the rudder before straightening back out. They were still running true to course. John nods his head once in confirmation. He raises his eyes as Pittman approaches from the wheel.

"We are true to course I take it?" Pittman inquires, staring down at the binnacle housing.

"Yes. When do you think we will reach the river's mouth?"

"Hmm." Pittman hums, calculating the time in his head. "I would say probable for 'morrow mornin'. If not, no later than the evening."

"Good. Good." John nods. "I will leave the details to you than Mr. Pittman."

Pittman knuckles his hat in acknowledgement. John bows his head respectfully, walking off towards the upper deck. He walks about the ship inspecting her condition as he went. He holds his shoulders comfortably, his hands clasped behind his back. He inhales deeply at random intervals filling his lungs with the salted air. John comes to the bow, stepping up into the small cul-de-sac. He props a foot upon one of the forward guns, staring out onto the ocean. He glances up into the yard arms. The green eyes can barely make out Joe's dress that hung over the edge of the main-top. The older man sighs, resting his chin in his hand. She had retreated up there early this morning after still refusing to eat anything John bought her. She had given up on hollering at him, resorting more to the silent treatment. John shakes his head, knowing there was nothing that could be done.

He raises himself, turning to scan the conditions of his men. With the newcomer aboard and very little answers the men could become discontent. John does not want a mutiny on top of what he is already dealing with. The green eyes darted to each man that was upon his deck. They went about their work leisurely, pacing themselves. John sighs in relief, it was all a sign of a happy crew. He shakes his head, his eyes focusing over to Charlie and Alex rough housing a bit. Charlie cuffs the back of Alex's head, earning a glare from the shorter man. The boy jumps at Charlie the two entangling themselves.

"Charlie." John calls, halting their bickering and gaining the young man's attention. "Come here."

John watches in amusement as the boys exchange glances. Charlie shoves himself from Alex. Once again cuffing him on the back of the head as he past. Alex huffs, grumbling at him while rubbing at the abused area. Charlie ignores the heated words jogging his way over to John. He comes to stand in front of him, a genuine grin gracing his rugged features.

"Yes capt'n?" He inquires.

"I need you to go up to the main-top."

"What for sir?"

"Josephine has stubbornly blockaded herself up there. See if you can go up and talk her down."

Charlie snorts, "Why do you not attempt the climb sir?"

"I'm old Charlie. I do not have the tolerance for that climb, nor do I have the patient to deal with Joe." John pauses, lowering his voice. "Besides, I doubt I'm welcomed up there. I have not been exactly gracious to her the past several days."

Charlie inhales sharply. He gazes up at the main-top, shielding his eyes from the harsh sun. He watches Joe for a few seconds before lowering his silver eyes on John. He nods his head.

"Alright Captain. But if she kicks me out, you have to be the one to catch me." Charlie threatens.

John smirks at the notion, "I'll surely attempt to do so Charles."

Charlie gives John his famous lop-sided grin. He bows dramatically towards him. John scoffs, cuffing him on the back of the head as he rose. Charlie chuckles deeply, grabbing at the netting closest to them. John watches as Charlie swings his tall frame over with ease and begin his ascent to the top. He sighs heavily as his eyes fixate on Burnt across the way.

"Maybe Charlie will have better luck with her than I." John mutters to himself.