Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤28. Gobshite cowards 🕷

A few days later, the tension aboard the ship was palpable, like a thick, invisible fog that hung over the ship. The murmurs had grown from whispers into conversations hidden in the corners of the galley or exchanged in low voices while mending sails. Stephen had felt the unease from his crew, their eyes lingering on him longer than usual, their expressions wary and questioning. He knew it was Alvares and Calderon's doing, they must have heard maybe Justin and Declan speak, or had somehow figured something out. It was a slow poisoning of the trust he had carefully built.

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The atmosphere on the ship was tense, thick with unease that had spread like a storm cloud. Stephen felt it in every silent glance, every half-hidden whisper among the crew. It wasn't long before Declan appeared at his cabin door, his face etched with a worry that Stephen rarely saw. Declan closed the door behind him, his steps uncharacteristically cautious as he approached.

"Captain," he said, his voice low. "There's something I think you ought to know."

Stephen set down his quill, his eyes narrowing. "Go on, then."

Declan hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "There's talk among the men. Restlessness. They're... unsettled about Justin." He glanced away briefly, looking almost reluctant to continue. "They're saying he might be... dangerous. That he's connected to something unnatural, maybe even witchcraft."

Stephen's face hardened. "What exactly have they been saying?"

"Whispers," Declan replied. "Stories about time travelers, demons, things not meant for mortal ears. A few of the younger lads-they're superstitious, Captain. And they've noticed... well, they've seen him close to you, in conversation."

Stephen's jaw clenched. "So they think I'm involved in his supposed 'witchcraft' as well, do they?" he asked, his voice icy.

Declan's brow furrowed. "Not all of them, no. But there's doubt, Captain. They're questioning why he's still aboard after that raid, why he was invited to speak with you."

Stephen's gaze grew sharper. "And who, exactly, is fueling these rumors?"

Declan shook his head, his expression uneasy. "Hard to say. Could be anyone who heard about his strange stories." He paused, lowering his voice. "Some of the men thought you might've believed his tale, Captain, when you took him in to talk. They're worried that if this... 'sorcery' business is true, it might bring bad luck. And they think you're tied up in it, maybe even protecting him."

Stephen's mouth tightened, his mind racing. Declan's loyalty was clear, but the brewing dissent was a problem he couldn't ignore. He turned away briefly, gathering his thoughts, then looked back at Declan with a steady gaze.

"And you, Declan?" he asked. "Are you starting to believe in these tales yourself?"

Declan gave a slight shake of his head. "No, Captain. I know better than to believe in stories. But the men... they need proof, reassurance. They're quick to believe what they don't understand."

Stephen sighed, his expression darkening. "Then they need to understand I don't tolerate unfounded suspicion." He paused, his voice lowering to a dangerous tone. "Keep your ear to the ground, Declan. I want to know who spreads these whispers, who stirs up the others."

Declan nodded, the relief clear in his eyes. "Aye, Captain. I'll keep watch. Just... be careful. Ambition's a strange thing. If enough men lose faith... they might start thinking they need a new captain."

A silence fell between them, the unspoken threat of mutiny hanging in the air. Stephen's expression grew cold as he nodded. "Let them think what they want," he said finally. "But if they turn against me, they'll soon see just how unforgiving I can be."