Nan's Jewel

Nan's Jewel~ Chapter 12 <3 Edward

Chapter 12- Edward

The day seemed hotter on dry land than it had on the ship. I missed my ship. My ship was my life, and to be without it, or rather, to not be able to go back to it, or know where it was, was torture. The need to know if my crew was okay weighed me down, but the knowledge that Zillah and I were still alive lifted some of that weight.

"Are you okay?"I asked, turning to see Zillah struggling through the brush.

"Yeah."She replied breathless.

"We're almost there."I soothed, taking her hand.

A few moments later we broke through, and saw where the stream emptied into the ocean. Several huts stood around the hillside, with a gigantic palace etched into the hillside itself. The stream fed into a large pool at the center of the compound, with dam controlling water flow to the ocean. The huts were plain, made of bamboo with holes for the door and windows. Many women walked around with large baskets piled high with food, only some with water. Children ran around, getting in the way of their mothers. A few men worked on half built huts, and some came in from the forest carrying the dead bodies of animals.

"What is this place?"I heard Zillah ask.

"I honestly don't know."I answered, as several people caught sight of us.

One of the women ran towards the palace in the cliff, and returned moments later with a much older man. He was wearing a feather headdress, and the villagers backed away, bowing when he came near. From my experience with old tribes, I figured him to be their chief.

"Hello."The chief greeted.

"Hello."I replied, pulling Zillah up to my side.

"Hello sir."The chief said, looking to Zillah.

Zillah's face heated, and she looked down to her sailor's clothing. She turned around, and hid in the trees. I could hear her gentle sobs.

"I believe I have offended him."The chief spoke slowly. "I meant no harm."

"I know. She is a fragile person."I answered.

"She?"The chief asked.

"Long story."I answered.

"I hear, after food and names."The chief said. "I am Edler, chief of my people. This is my daughter, Watercress."

"I am Captain Edward Dubois, captain of Nan's Jewel."I replied. "Zillah, they mean no harm."

Zillah crept back towards me, fear in her violet eyes.

"This is Zillah Taffton, eldest child of-."I began.

"Eldest child of Lord Chandler and Lady Paige."She finished.

"And I am Edler, and my daughter Watercress."Edler greeted, throwing in a quick bow.

"Now Father, they must be hungry."Watercress said, coming forward.

I looked at Watercress, and found she was actually very beautiful. She had long black hair, with sparkling, bright, water blue, green eyes. Her hair was pulled back in a long braid, with a bright yellow flower holding it in place. Watercress wore a simple white cloth dress, and her father a simple green, long sleeved shirt and brown shorts. I looked to her father, and found they shared the bright eyes, but Edler's hair was pure white from age.

We followed Edler and Watercress through the village to the palace. Inside it was simply furnished, but had a long table and benches, the table covered in wonderful smelling food. Edler sat at the head of the table with a new woman on his right and another man on his left. Watercress sat on the woman's other side, with a younger boy next across from her.

"This is my mate, Elda, our son, Firecry, and our son Earthstar... Elda, where is Windstar?"Edler asked.

"I'm here Father."A girl called, running into the room and sitting beside her brother. The two were obviously twins, though they looked very different.

The food was delicious, and the entire time I found Watercress peeking at me. After the food was cleared away Zillah and I told our story, from beginning to end. When we finished, the chief and his family were stunned silent.