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

Book One: Part Two: Chapter Thirty

February 1726, Adrift the Atlantic Ocean, Onboard the New Midnight Scarlet

Aimee sat stunned as she watched Esme being subdued by the crew as she snarled as if an animal, sending her rage toward Taria. She stood several feet away, being shackled by Gustavo and Dawn, and was as calm as the ocean around them. Aimee sensed Lana securing her small arms around her and a wave of fresh tears stained her pullover. Why was Lana crying so hard? Had something happened to...?

The events of the day played before her eyes and she shook her head clear that she might focus on the dilemma at hand. Aimee watched as Esme flung and punched at the air in an attempt to break free from what little crew remained and she sprung into action as quickly as her weakened legs allowed. She made her way over to Esme, ignoring the others obvious delight in seeing her upright, and placed a hand on the back of the captain's neck. Leaving soothing caresses along it as gentle as a leaf drifting in the wind, she watched as her shudders subsided and came to a halt.

Esme slowly gazed back over her shoulder and eyed Aimee's small frame up and down with feverish eyes. "Let her go. She is calm." Aimee commanded and Margaret concurred with a nod toward the others. Aimee knelt down and was immediately engulfed in a snug embrace. Esme's hands trailed her side as if making absolute sure she was healed, then came to rest on her back and Aimee peered upward toward the others. "Bring Taria here."

Felipe held his arm out as Dawn brought her over to them and made her kneel down to their level. "You know these are unnecessary, niece."

"Perhaps, but I have a request." Aimee replied and reached for the shackles. Lifting her hand, she waited for the keys to be placed in her palm, but nothing came. She turned her head and found Gustavo standing several feet away, refusing to budge as he held the keys firmly in his fist. "Is something the matter?"

"What if she tries something, Aimee?" Gustavo walked up and rested his hand atop Lana's head, visibly growing rather anxious. "We must be careful this time."

"And we will be, but she cannot do what she must with these on. Please, the keys, brother?" She held out her hand and after a few moments, he reluctantly handed them over. After removing Taria's shackles, everyone aside from Aimee, Esme, Felipe and Margaret scattered away from her like a fire was lit and spreading from where she stood. "Give them back."

Taria tilted her head to the side and furrowed her brow, but her smile gave her away, despite her unwarranted question. "What back?"

"Return everyone's memories. Now."

"You dare command me?" Taria felt along her side for her sack of herbs, but Aimee simply smiled and lifted it to eye level.

"I grabbed it whilst unshackling you. For an old woman, you are not as wise as you would assume." Taria stepped forward as she gritted her teeth, but as Aimee got back to her feet, Esme stepped in front of her. "No, Esme. This is between us." Esme backed away, but kept close enough behind her for her to feel her body heat. "I know you will not harm me, Isidora."

Taria's eyebrows shot up and she narrowed her gaze at Esme. "It would appear some people have loose tongues."

"I had every right to know my familial history, Isidora."

"Do not address me as if we know each other, little one." Taria barked back and took a step closer. Aimee felt Esme tense at her backside, but she thrust her hand back as a message to relax. It seemed to do the trick as her hand found Esme's thigh and she massaged it. "You have lived but a fraction of my lifespan and seen nothing, yet you presume to know anything about me? You presume that I would allot your memories to you all simply because of my capture, but I have no such interests. I am only here to claim what is mine."