The Secret of the Stone

Chapter 7

Elsie

One week went by without much incident. Eddy was true to his word. He never asked me about being a girl. He never treated me any different. And my cycle was finally over. I got to know the men a little better. Eddy brought rum over almost every night before bed.
Although I didn’t partake every time. It seemed to be a nightly routine for the crew. Auden the grumpy man from the first night was actually really nice, just irritable at night. And by the end of the week I met Jacob, an old sailor who knew a lot and was happy to teach me if I asked. And Levi. He was a little rude. More on the younger side and didn’t really like Eddy. Quade was the oldest among them and he didn't socialize much.
After the first night John kept his distance from me but was alway watching. The captain was very kind but I hardly saw him which everyone said was pretty normal of him. I honestly couldn’t believe my plan had gone without a hitch so far. While I missed Peggy dearly I was also glad she wasn’t with me. If something did go wrong I couldn't lose her too.
After dinner tonight all the men went to hang out on the deck. It was another beautifully clear night and they were all taking turns telling stories they had heard.
On my turn I tried to decline. I was not a public speaker but they insisted.
Grunting in annoyance I stand up.“Alright what will it be? Romance? Battles? Magic?” I ask the rowdy crew.
They all start talking at once but Eddy pulls on my trouser leg and say’s “Magic!” I smirk at him and try to settle the men down. They are bickering and don't listen. After my third attempt a voice from the shadows yells “quiet, that's an order!” Everyone shuts up glancing at the Captain. I give him a grateful look then turn back to the men.

“Here is a tale my mother would tell me. It began many many generations ago. When our people had powerful soothsayers called druids. Back then magic was real and the druids could harness it. Every Druid had unique abilities and unique talent’s but in our village she would use runes. One day an outsider visited and brought disease with him. Half the clan fell ill and the Druid made a powerful stone to heal everyone. When the outsider saw her abilities he took her captive and made her create a set for him, one for healing, one to help see the future, one to seek fortune and one to harness the sea.”
Eddy gasps and I grin. I knew harnessing the sea would get him. After all, wasn't that every sailor's dream? “Four stones. Each made from special types of trees and special dye. She handed them off without worry, happy to see him gone from her people because what he didn’t know was the stones were tied to her. Only she could use them. And this time when he came back, her clan was ready. He walked in but he did not walk back out.” I pause wondering at their faces. Maybe this story was too weird for them? I shake my head and continue. “Now what happened to the stones? Some say they stayed within the family. Some say he sold them when he found out they were useless. Who knows?”
 
There was silence after my story and then they all began to murmur. Some of the men looked confused and suspicious while others looked intrigued and curious. Eddy stands up and mumbles something about using the head then all but drags me there. “What the hell just happened?” I ask him, completely bewildered by everyones reactions.

“I don’t know, how about you tell me?” Eddy’s voice was cold and angry. I try to shake his hand off but he grips tighter and shoves me against the wall getting in my face “Are you a spy? Did someone send you?”  Anger, confusion and hurt fly across his face. 

I shove him away and he steps back releasing me. “I have no idea what you are talking about. I just want to get to my father. No drama. Everything I told you was true except for being a boy.” He runs his hands through his hair. “You have started a world of trouble for yourself.” he says pacing.
“How?” I demand. “All I did was tell a story like everyone else.”
He looks at me sharply. “Where did you hear that story?”
Rubbing my arm against the chill I say, “My mother told me it was passed down in our family. Why?”
“Has anyone told you what we are carrying on this ship?” I shake my head and Eddy stares me down. I look straight back unflinching.
“I've kept your secret, but I no longer can. You must talk to the captain!” I couldn’t do that! Panic engulfs me. He would toss me overboard for lying! “Eddy, I can't. This is all just a huge misunderstanding!” Eddy opens his mouth but flinches as the door flies open. The captain is standing there. John behind him sneered.
Captain Dax nods at Eddy. “Go. I'll deal with you later.” He gives me a concerned look before scurrying away. Dax looks me over for a long moment. I look back. Fear hitching my breath.