A TOUCH OF DESTINY | Henry Turner

05. The Art of Astronomy

WHEN THEY REACHED THE DYING GULL, Henry and Carina were tied to the mast despite Lyla's insistence that they were trustworthy. She stood beside her father, watching as Henry protested against being tied to the mast, when Mr Gibbs approached them.

"Captain, do you really think we can find the trident?" he asked.

"Master Gibbs, you old worrywart," Jack said. "There's nothing to be concerned about at all. What could go wrong, eh?"

Lyla shrugged. "A lot of things, knowing our track record with bad luck."

"Don't say that," Jack said, shaking his head. "You will be the bearer of bad luck," he turned to the crew. "Cut the shard!"

The supports holding the Dying Gull on land came away, and Lyla heard Gibbs shout, "Prepare to drown!"

Lyla joined her father at the helm as the boat rolled towards the sea. Jack laughed. "My dearly beloved crew, finally, today is—"

The ship lurched to a stop, sending Jack and Lyla sprawling onto the deck. They got up and Jack looked at his daughter. "Something's gone wrong."

The sound of a rope snapping preceded the Dying Gull completing its journey to the sea, and a splash followed which wasn't accompanied by the ship taking on water. Lyla held onto the wheel to avoid falling over as Jack straightened up.

Marty yelled, "SHE FLOATS!"

"Well, that was unexpected," Lyla said, before she grabbed her father's arm. "Can you release Henry and Carina now?"

"You don't even know them," Jack said. "They could be dangerous."

"I know Henry," Lyla said. "And besides, they're my age, and it makes a change having competent people to talk to."

Jack shook his head. "No can do. I need the trident."

"And you think they're going to give it to you after you locked them up?" Lyla asked.

"Well, yes," Jack replied, turning to the crew. "Gentlemen, a word, if you please," he then turned to his daughter. "Shoo. No children allowed."

"I'm not a child," Lyla said.

"You're my child, no matter how old you are," Jack said. "Now go on, get away."

Lyla huffed and headed down to the deck, overhearing Henry talking to Carina about the dead sailing straight for them. She approached them curiously.

"The dead?" she asked.

"Yes, I've spoken to them," Henry replied.

"You've spoken to them?" Carina repeated. "Have you spoken to krakens and mermaids as well?"

"Krakens don't speak, everyone knows that," Henry said.

"And mermaids aren't exactly the, uh, talking type," Lyla replied. "Believe me, I would know."

"Of course," Carina nodded, unconvinced. "I never should have saved you."

"Actually, I saved you," Lyla pointed out. "So you owe me as much as Henry owes you."

"Last night, there was a blood moon, just as you described," Henry said. "Tell me what it revealed."

"And why should I trust you?" Carina asked.

"Him? You shouldn't," Lyla said. "But me? I sprung you from jail and saved you from a hanging, so really, you do owe me. I'll take information as payment. Tell me what you found and I promise to help you."

"I don't need any help."

"Then why did you come to me, Carina?" Henry asked. "Why are tied together in the middle of the sea chasing the same treasure?"