The Map

Pirates!

Chapter 1

Nell was sitting sewing a neat hem on Lady Clarence's day dress when she heard the first shouts from above. She looked up at the closed door, surprise coursing through her. The needle fell to the floor unnoticed as she got to her feet and crossed to the door. She pressed her ear against it and listened, holding her breath.

She could hear the crew men running about shouting one word and it sent her reeling back from the door in fear.

"PIRATES!" someone banged on her door. "Pirates, miss. Go to her ladyship's cabin and stay there."

Nell could hear the captain of the ship shouting at her through the door and then she heard him move onwards.

She looked about her as adrenalin flowed through her. Her eyes rested on the mullioned window of her small cabin room.

She knew that it was highly unlikely that Beaumont or De Mornay, or anyone from the convent had chartered a pirate boat to follow her. In fact, she was almost certain that they would actually be glad to see the back of her. But she didn't really want to taken by pirates. She knew all about pirates, their deeds even whispered amongst the nuns in the convent: tales of pillage and plunder, rape and murder and things far worse.

She wouldn't let them get her. Determination made her move to the window and open it. The drop into the sea was frightening and Nell knew that if she were to fall, she'd most certainly die.

She looked sideways and saw the small balcony windows that lined the mullioned windows of the captain's cabin. There was little space on the balconies and she knew they were for show only, but between each balcony was a tiny ridge of wood that she would be able to edge herself between. If she could get there and hold on she might be able to remain unseen.

She looked back at the door. She would have to try and persuade Lady Clarence to climb with her. She couldn't in all good faith leave the woman to the mercy of the pirates, not matter how annoying she could be.

She crossed to the door and flinging it open she looked out into the now deserted corridor.

She made her way down to Lady Clarence's room just as she heard the shout from above the order to fire. The boat rocked violently and Nell was flung to the floor. Fear poured through her but she got to her feet and banged on Lady Clarence's door.

"Lady Clarence. It's me, Nell. Open up!" She banged again, she could hear the woman hurry to the door and unlock it to let her in.

"We have to hide," Nell said breathlessly. "They will come across and search the ship for valuables. If we hide they might just take what they can find and go again."

Lady Clarence was far from her usual stiff self. She was close to hysteria and Nell knew that she would get them both discovered.

"Listen!" Nell shook the other woman and pointed to the window.

A flurry of shouts and gunfire came from above and Nell knew they had been boarded.

"We don't have time for this," Nell muttered and man-handled Lady Clarence to the window. Nell opened it and climbed out onto one of the balconies.

"I refuse to leave my jewels," came a highly pitched voice.

Nell closed her eyes in exasperation and leaned back in.

"My lady, please. If you come out here you'll no doubt have plenty more time in the future to buy more jewels. If you try to protect the ones you already have.... you may die."

Lady Clarence looked at her in horror and with a lot of effort managed to huff her way out onto the balcony. Nell shut the window behind her and helped the lady perch between two balconies. Lady Clarence was only a few years older than Nell but her station in her life had lead to her having a very spoiled disposition. She was taller than Nell, with striking black hair that was arranged artfully. Nell had blondish reddish hair that was arranged in a single plait that just skimmed her shoulder blades. Lady Clarence was classically beautiful with the pale face and rise tinted lips, which was the height of fashion. Her dress was heavily boned and made moving very difficult for her. Nell didn't have that problem as she was wearing a simple grey dress that was square necked and ankle length.