Days At Sea

Chapter 15 - Pick Up The Pace

The farewell had been bittersweet. They had reached the shore much faster than Isabella had anticipated - gathering her few possessions had not taken long. Yet, she found herself wandering the familiar passages of the ship, imprinting each space into her memory. 

Water splashed against the vessel as shallow waves caressed it, and the gentle sway of the deck had Isabella unsteady on her feet. The warm rays from the evening sun almost felt familiar as she looked out at the glistening sand of her country. It had been such an eventful journey to end up back where she started, but she was changed by it. Smiles greeted her from all corners of the deck as the crew docked the ship, and the quartermaster descended from the helm to meet them. One hand stretched out to pat her shoulder, and the other clutched a drawn copy of Isabella's map. She supposed it was their map now - the crew's adventure to undertake. 

"A few of us will join you for a short while - we're hoping to find a landmark, and Minh can't think when he's sober." 

Isabella squirmed, nibbling her lip as she frowned at Dante, who was beaming at the white beach not far off.

"Have you considered the possibility that no riches are buried here?" Isabella said cautiously, glancing at the musician whose arms were outstretched to absorb the sun's rays. Turning to laugh at her, Dante crossed his arms in amusement and shook his head.

"I know there's nothing here. Nobody in their right mind would bury their fortune." He grinned at the bewilderment on her face. 

"If pissing around for a few days while Minh pretends to recognise paths gives us something to do, then that's not too bad." The quartermaster smiled at the busy crew as he said this before turning his attention to the golden sun.

"We should get going before it gets dark. Where are the others?" 

As if summoned, Celeste skipped towards Isabella, the furry bear swinging wildly from her hand. Her excitement was electric, and her wild eyes gazed around. Hugo and Louie looked equally exasperated, but both had grins on their faces as they followed the child. Catching sight of the shadow lurking not far from them, Celeste beamed and ran to clutch the sturdy leg of Eldon Ladock. The elusive man stiffened, resembling a bewildered scarecrow, as one large hand awkwardly patted the girl's head. Isabella considered rescuing the man but preferred watching him helplessly stare at them. Gazing up at his towering frame, Celeste clung tighter.

"Will you come too?" she asked sweetly. Eldon swallowed, his hand rubbing the back of his pale neck as his stare flitted from Isabella to the man beside her. The grey eyes held Louie in his gaze for a few seconds before he cleared his throat and looked at the girl attached to his leg.

"I have to stay here," he murmured in passable French. Looking deeply disappointed, Celeste managed a couple of words of protest before Captain Morley cut her off. 

The Captain observed them, his arms crossed loosely. His usually scruffy hair and beard appeared slightly neater, and his dark circles weren't so prominent. The Italian sun would do him good after the many hours he spent cooped up in his cabin. 

"We delivered you swiftly and unharmed, as you wished," the Captain said. A pair of intense stormy eyes continued their gazing, and Isabella frowned slightly.

"Yes, Captain. We appreciate it," Hugo professed when Isabella didn't reply. A sharp elbow to her bruised rips had her gasping and nodding fervently. 

"Thank you very much, Captain Morley. I'm forever thankful for your generosity," she said in a rush, absentmindedly rubbing her side. The Captain nodded briefly, and Dante took this as a sign to prepare to leave. He stretched his legs and exhaled, whistling to catch the attention of a few men behind them.