The Pirate's Legacy: New Horizons

Chapter 25: Fire and Cannon Fire

"I cannot just stay on this bloody ship—"

"You have no choice this time around, Emelia."

"To hell, I don't. I am perfectly capable and able-bodied." Em gasped as Roger's pale hands clamped around either side of her flushed face. She latched her own hands around his wrists, but his grip on her head was like a snare as he pulled her close so that his black eyes bore into her dark brown. They stood in Em's cabin with the door wide open behind Roger. Their argument was heard most likely by any passerby on the staircase, but neither of the room's two occupants cared.

"You are not yet well enough," said Roger in a flat tone. "Your little attendant told me she heard you throwing up earlier this morning through the wall."

Em ground her teeth. "Your little spy, you meant to say," she said. "Last night was the result of your latest command for Joshua and Louise to cook the food that is likely to spoil first."

"Then it seems you are not as capable and able-bodied as you thought," said Roger. When Em opened her mouth to retaliate, the tall pirate shifted his grip on her head so that the palms of his hands covered her mouth. "I have better use for you here. You'll only get in the way or even be a hindrance with us. Stay and help watch over my ship. Since Michael accompanies us, Joshua will be left in charge. He's been denying it, but his deadlights aren't what they used to be. You know him."

Em wiggled her head until Roger's hands loosened. "Then why do you not put someone else in charge as interim captain?" she asked.

Roger rolled his eyes. "You know that stubborn fool. He insists. And I will admit that besides Michael, he's been longest in my crew so I can trust him. As for you, I want your eyes here. Stay on my ship and watch over it."

"I know another stubborn fool," Em muttered as she sent a small glare Roger's way. "Damn you. All right. But please be careful. I don't know why you have to go as well since you've become so recognizable among the ne'er-do-wells since Pirata's fall—"

"I've always been recognizable to my brethren and the sea scum," said Roger. "It just takes them a while to remember me." His head swooped down and placed a quick kiss on her lips before he moved away from her. His face hardened as he straightened up. "As for going with the group, I want to make sure no one messes this up. 'Tis imperative we learn to whom Calypso was sold."

Em emitted a slow sigh. "True." With the matter finished, she followed Roger out her cabin and toward the staircase.

From Mortias Island, they had sailed southeast, around a giant whirlpool that had opened up beside the ship along the way, to the west coast of the barren Necrourbem Island. Decades ago, the giant volcano that sat at the center of the island erupted during one of Calypso's many fights with Portunus. Ashes rained down on the denizens even as they were felled by flowing lava. The entire island was now barren. Thick, cooled rock covered everything. The Politickans believe the islet off the west cost of Necrourbem Island had been formed when the lava spilled into the ocean from that side and cooled. Though the main island was uninhabitable, the islet was now used for the black market slave trade. Surrounded by sandbars and reefs, it could only be reached during high tide by using the waves to ride over the treacherous barrier.

When Roger and Em emerged from the hatch, they saw that everyone who had some part to the mission was assembled on the main deck. A wholesome crowd of well-wishers were gathered around the party, but the men scattered as soon as they spotted the sight of the captain's black scowl.

"Mr. Langdon!" Dread Robin called out as he walked up to the landing party.

Heads turned to the direction of the helm from where Joshua shuffled his way down the staircase. Though the bald cook, and soon-to-be interim captain, walked tall and proud, everyone could tell by the way he held out his hands on either side of him that his sight was not doing well today. Em watched him approach with a sinking feeling in her gut. Roger had to rock back on his heels to avoid colliding with Joshua.