Piracy

Chapter 25

I was still on board the Rebellion!

Madera had to be a member of Harry's crew as well, but clearly a traitor. I became so excited at my discovery that I tried to stand up and run to the door, momentarily forgetting that it was locked. I was overcome with dizziness and had to sit back down on the floor.

I relaxed until the spinning stopped. I prayed that I would be able to hear something - anything - from the upper decks of the ship. I'd heard noises all along, but it never occurred to me to listen for the people I knew. If I could hear Harry or any of his crew members close enough to where I was, maybe I could shout for them before Madera could get to me. If we truly were still on Harry's ship, Madera didn't stand a chance against him - Harry had too many loyal crew members on his side.

I had to think. My head still hurt, but not so severely since Victor had given me water and food. I pondered all of my options. Now that my hands were free, could I catch Madera off guard and get away when he opened the door? I knew for sure that I couldn't fight against him, but if I had a running start, I might get away. 

Or maybe I could convince Victor to help me. He was part of Madera's plan, but maybe I could bargain with him somehow. He had a softer heart, for sure. I leaned my head against the cabin wall, trying to stay calm, hoping I could come up with a foolproof plan of escape.

I dozed for a long while, until Victor came back and the lamp was out. He lit another one and gave me some more bread. This time I was able to eat it with my own hands, although they were still weak. I devoured half the bread now that my appetite was returning. Victor handed me a tin cup of water and I swallowed that in one gulp, too. I ate the second half of the bread more slowly.

Then I had an idea, hoping I could glean information from the not-so-bright Victor. "Mmm," I said, enjoying the bread. "Louis sure is a good cook, isn't he?" 

Victor smiled and nodded, and then his face froze in terror, realizing his mistake.

"Aha!" I grinned. "I knew it!"

"No, no, that's not what I meant," he said, trying to come up with some explanation for his blunder.

I simply laughed and said, "I won't tell anyone, Victor. Besides, I figured it out for myself. You just confirmed it."

"Oh...okay," he replied nervously.

"But tell me something," I mused. "If you think I'm being treated unfairly, then why don't you help me escape?" 

His eyes grew wide in fear.

"Don't worry," I assured him. "I promise I won't get you in trouble."

"M...Madera said I'd be his royal adviser if I 'elped him to, to..." He trailed off.

I was dying to know more about the plan, about Harry's family history. "To what?" I coaxed gently.

"To overthrow the king of Elinshire," Victor finished quietly.

"Isn't Harry's father the king?" I asked in alarm.

Victor looked at me with sadness in his eyes. "No. King Edward was killed many years ago. Instead of handin' the throne to her son, his mother remarried and let her wicked husband rule the kingdom."

No wonder Harry was so reluctant to reveal anything about his past. 

"Are you from Elinshire?" I asked.

He nodded and said, "Aye. It's a lovely place."

It occurred to me then that I should stop asking questions, lest Victor report my curiosity to Madera. But I told Victor, "I promise you that if you help me, I will see to it that Captain Harry pardons you."