Freedom's Horizon (WLW) (Full Trilogy - Ongoing/Editing)

Book One: Part One: Chapter Four

November 1674, Caribbean Sea, Onboard the Midnight Scarlet, Quarter Deck

Esme stood on the Scarlet's main deck directing the ship with Margaret at the helm. She may have been their surgeon, but she was one of Esme's most trusted allies and she always wanted her at her side. She couldn't part with even a single of her friends. Not when she was finally this close. She stared ahead with one thought on her mind: I am nearly there, Taria! I will have him soon! Everything since Esme was still young led to this point and Francisco had this coming. Now, not only did she seek vengeance upon him, but so did other members of her crew. That even included their newest crewmate. That said, one of their other marks was rumored to be sailing right past them and they were ready for a battle. This would have to satiate her hunger for ultimate vengeance for now.

"¡Ahoy, capitán! ¡En la proa de estribor! ¡Nave acercándose! ¡Nave acercándose!" The cabin boy called from his perch in the crows' nest.

Esme took out her spyglass and moved to the railing on the starboard side, the right side, of the main deck. "Where about's it headed?"

Diego peered through his glass once more, then called down, "¡Unas diez leguas a estribor! ¡Es un barco de transporte naval! ¡No Francisco!"

"¡Buen hombre, Diego!" She waved down toward the deck and spotted him nodding in agreement before she'd even issued her orders. "¡Baja de allí!"

"Sí, capitán." He hurriedly began his descent.

Margaret made it to her side with a nod, licking her lips and brimming with enthusiasm. She grinned and Esme couldn't help mirroring it as she pulled her bandana from her pocket.

Margaret patted her belly. "Runnin' on dark biscuits and rum ain't lastin' me much longer. Aye, Cap'n?"

"Yes, we could use the goods. The loot as well. We are running near dry and could make trades when we arrive at Tortuga." Esme leaned closely and wiggled her eyebrows. "And I think the crew could use a short excursion inland to a pub. Agreed?"

"Aye, Essie. What of the fresh meat?" Margaret gestured at Aimee.

She stood a few yards away clenching a rag in her hands as she watched everyone scattering about the rigging and decks. She looked like a frightened animal and Esme immediately regretted letting her take the oath. Esme wasn't sure why Aimee had in the first place, but a voice in the back of her mind told her it was right to add to her ranks. That the growth of their crew was the most important thing in the world. Although for the life of her, she couldn't put her finger on precisely why.

The reason played at the back of her throat and she cleared it in hopes it would come forth. Still, nothing came to mind. Whatever lies in the past, let it be forgot. We can just leave her in... No, Esme couldn't just leave Aimee behind now that she signed the articles. If she and the rest of the crew did, there were strict rules that would even affect the captain of such a vessel. She was nothing if not the captain they all thought and would not be betraying that now.

Aimee had to leave of her own accord, or do something so treacherous she was forced to vacate. If by force, she would most likely be dead. Perhaps this squabble will convince her she belongs elsewhere and she will give up, Esme thought as she watched Aimee's eyes come to life. She was joined by Genny who was wearing her intrigue on her sleeve. She held up her eyeglass and directed it towards the ship on the horizon with a hand on the small of Aimee's back. Her face lit up as she whipped her gaze from the looking glass and she glanced at her expectantly. She was so like a child being blessed by a priest after just joining the cloth. Even Genny beamed when faced with the innocent, youthful curiosity Aimee still held. Although her grin was odd and intimately familiar as if watching the reactions of a friend she hadn't seen for years.