The Jackdaw

Chapter 9: Conjure a Storm

You slept the night below deck, staring into the wooden beams above. You had absolutely no idea what your plan was. You enjoyed Edward's company that was no doubt true. But the thought that his wife was back in England worried sick that he died at sea... It twisted your stomach into knots. Then there was the matter that she wouldn't even be able to remarry so long as she was in England. Your thoughts reeled to a darker place; what if Edward had children? You hadn't even thought to ask him about it.

You spent all night tossing and turning. You would fall asleep, wake up with gnawing thoughts, then try to drift back into sleep again. Some of the crew returned late into the night, falling into their hammocks. A few staggered in mumbling sea shanties under their breath as if they were singing themselves to sleep.

When morning finally came, you rolled out of your hammock onto your feet. The crew was still dead asleep. Those who managed to fall into their hammocks and bunks during the night looked dead-middle in a dream. It would take canon fire to wake them up.

Out on deck, the heat of the sun was harsh even in the early hours of the morning. The sounds of Nassau were soft, the people still hung-over from the drinks they enjoyed the night before.

You caught sight of Adé, a grin slithering its way free.

"There you are, child." He motioned you to follow him down the plank onto the docks. "We'll be setting off soon if you require anything from the island. The captain's talking with Thatch and Hornigold about a few matters."

"Where are they now?

He nudged his chin towards the three men gathered together on the beach. "I have no idea what they speak of but I'm certain it doesn't bode well."

You leered over at Adé, his stern expression strained with worry. "Why do you say that?"

He gave a huffy laugh. "When those three get together, you know there's about to be hell set loose. Whatever they are planning, I fear the worst."

"Well, I suppose they are pirates." You wondered if Edward would insist on going to the Great Inagua first to drop you off and then make his way towards whatever havoc they were planning to cause. You were still conflicted. Stay with the crew that was starting to become your family or cut ties now and make a clean getaway.

Edward swaggered over. His steps somewhat staggered as if he was instinctively anticipating the jolt of the ship beneath his feet. His years at sea had trained him well. "Adé, do we have enough coin for a diving bell?"

"Diving bell, Captain. What the devil do you plan to dive for?"

Edward scratched the blonde scruff of his beard. "Medicine, mate. We need it for Nassau. Thatch thinks we could save this place from the sickness that's been going around."

"I'll talk with the harbormaster about it." Adé gave a nod of his head towards you, politely excusing himself as he waltzed further onto the docks towards the harbormaster's hovel.

"La--" He groaned, fingers pressing firmly into his skull. "Jack... We'll sail for the Great Inagua first and then we need to set off to salvage some medicine."

You smirked at him. "Captain," you mused, "I had no idea you were such a good samaritan."

There had been a slight tension in his expression that melted at your humor. His lips widened into a smile, the corner of his eyes crinkling in delight. "Better get to work before I find some reason to give you lashings."

You looked over your shoulder, a wiggle of your eyebrows. "Oh no, not lashings. I'll do anything you want, Captain Kenway. Anything at all, sir."

He lowered his head but you saw clearly the light pink that flustered across his face. "Go help the cook with the meals, love." He glanced about, praying no one was close enough to hear the remark. And of course, there were quite a few. None seemed to say anything. They only kept themselves busy with the ropes and sails.