The Charlotte Series: Book 1: The Pirate's Treasure

Chapter 42

Wood splinters flew. Screams split the air as the crew of the Loxley were caught unawares. They were competent sailors though and it didn't take long for them to rally. In the intense exchange that followed fire and smoke filled the air. She was suddenly knocked to the deck. Gasping to get some air into her lungs she realized a body fell from aloft.

Scrambling to push it off she climbed to her feet and drew her sword. The ships were close enough grappling hooks were being tossed. The dazed men of the Loxley were recovering. They were lining up to fire on the Horizon while others tried to cut away their hooks. The crew of the Horizon was firing too and before long the two ships were pulled close.

Some of the crew was swinging across. Others leapt across. Still others maintained their firing, giving the men a chance to board. A scream pierced the air as a man fell from the air and splashed into the water between the ships. Millicent, Bailey and Clay held back. They were not going to prevent her from boarding, but to protect her child she agreed to let them clear the way.

Another rumble of cannons shook the ship and it shuddered violently beneath her feet. Wood splinters flew and the deck began to tilt.

"Captain!" A man came running up to them from below. "We're taking on water!"

"How close to the waterline?"

"Well below sir." He said as Millicent realized the deck was listing more quickly. "We're sunk."

"Very well. Abandon ship. I want every man to board the Loxley. We'll send those pirates to the briny deep and sail home on their ship."

"Aye Captain."

"Well," Clay said to Mills as he lifted his cutlass toward the Loxley. "You heard the man."

The three of them started for the side when another rumble shook the ship. Millicent stumbled forward as the ship suddenly rolled and the deck dropped several inches. The slant was severe now making it difficult to stand. The men of the Loxley were severing the ties as the Horizon began to fall behind. Another rumble and a large chunk of the deck splintered in front of them.

"Mills!" Clay threw himself against her and knocked her to the deck.

They rolled until they crashed into the rail and she was smashed between Clay and the rail. Gasping she tried to push him off. She wished bodies would quit landing on her. As he lifted himself off her she realized he was bloodied. A large chunk of wood was sticking out of his shoulder like a blade.

"Clay!" she reached for the wood and he yelped.

"I'm alright." He waved her off and clenched his jaw as he yanked the wood out with another yelp.

"Here." She tore off the bottom portion of the shirt she wore and shoved it over the wound.

"Do you suggest I just hold it then?" he groused.

"No. Use this." She pulled the head scarf from her hair and used it to tie her bandage in place.

"Let's get off this tub before we go down with her!" Bailey shouted.

"They've cut the lines. It's too far to jump!" Clay pointed out.

Millicent looked around and realized that the crew had already gone over. Clay was right. They'd never make it if they tried to jump. So they wouldn't jump.

"Follow me!" She said as she ran forward and started for the shroud.

"Are you mad?" Bailey shouted as he followed her. "I told you that aloft is—" he swore as a bullet whizzed past and he climbed faster.