Lady Rubina - A Pirates Of The Caribbean Love Story

Chapter Six

I had now progressed to the level where I could talk and fight at the same time! I decided to use this to good advantage by quizzing Hector on the diamond.

“So, Hector, what do you know about The Diamond of the Lost City?” I asked.

He seemed slightly surprised, which allowed me to knock his sword out his hand. I grinned with pleasure. For the first time, I had beaten him in a fight.

He grinned at me. “Well done, Ruby.”

“Thanks.”

He went to pick his sword up. “In answer to your question, not much. Just that it’s now in possession of the Princess.”

“The Princess?”

“The great, great, great, great, great, great, etc, etc, etc, grand-daughter of the King of the Lost City.”

“So that would make her the Princess of the Lost City?”

“Correct.”

“Where is she now?”

“She has a palace on the coast of Spain.”

“And she has the Diamond?” I made a quick movement, and Hector tripped me up neatly. I lay on the floor, looking up at him. He stretched out a hand and helped me back onto my feet.

“She has the Diamond,” he agreed.

“And we’re just going to take it from her?” We locked swords again.

“Aye,” Hector replied. “We are.”

“Does that offend your ladylike sensibilities?” I didn’t have to look round to know it was Madeleine talking.

“Do you mind not creeping up on me?” I asked.

Captain Madeleine the Back-Stabber tossed her long black hair and sashayed up to us. Ignoring me, she addressed Hector: “What exactly are you keeping her for?”

“I am here, you know,” I snapped. “Don’t talk about me as if I’m somewhere else.”

Madeleine raised a perfect eyebrow. “Then go away.”

I could feel hot waves of rage welling up inside me. “You go away.”

“Make me.” She pushed me, hard. I pointed my sword at her. She burst out laughing. “Oh, come on! You have no idea how to use that thing.”

“Try me.”

“Ruby…” Hector put his hand gently on my shoulder. “Ye aren’t really ready to…”

I shook him off. I was furious now. How dare this girl treat me as if I was nothing? Alright, maybe I didn’t register as much to her, but I was still a human being! And should be treated as one.

“Fine.” Madeleine pulled out her sword. “Let’s fight. The rules are simple. There aren’t any.” She circled round me, and I felt a lump in my throat. It was obvious this girl knew exactly what she was doing. Her footwork was perfect, the way Hector had always said mine should be. I was starting to regret my impetuousness. But there was no going back…

And suddenly the fight was on. We were moving round each other, each trying to get in one good blow. All I could hear was the crash and clatter as our swords met.

I was starting to get more confident. I was just able to hold my own with Madeleine. I could see the expression on her face: she was surprised. She had expected to beat me easily.

And then I started to get “cocky”, as Jack would say. And Madeleine sensed it. With a quick, neat movement, she brought her sword crashing down on my sword and knocked it out my hands. She smirked, and using the sword, traced my jaw line.

“That’s enough, Madeleine,” Hector said, pulling her roughly to one side. “Ruby’s only a learner.”

Madeleine glared at him. “Well, maybe next time, she will think twice before she challenges a superior.” Madeleine flounced out the room.

Hector looked at me. “Alright, lass,” he said. “Ye’re going to work hard. Ye’re going to make sure that never happens again. Right?”

“Right,” I said. And I meant it.

I worked hard. I practiced moves until I was sick and tired of fencing and never wanted to see a sword again. Until, finally, I could hold my own against Hector.

He grinned at me and sheathed his sword. “Ye’ve got it, lass,” he observed.

I smiled. “Thank you for teaching me so patiently!”

He smiled back, his grin crooked. “It was fun. And don’t think ye’ve learnt everything there is to know. Ye’re still a beginner. Ye’d still get slaughtered in a real fight.” I nodded, acutely aware of my inexperience. “But,” continued Hector. “At least ye’ll be able to take care of yerself in Tortuga. It’s a dangerous place for a lady.”

I nodded. “Still. I’ll be safe with you.”

He smiled. “Of course you will.”