Nan's Jewel

Nan's Jewel~ Chapter 17 <3 Zillah

AN: Pictures have been posted on Chapters 1-4 and Chapter 8. I would also like for you to check out a few other stories, "The Verdict" and "Dinner with a Vampire. Did I mention I'm a vegetarian?". Also, "Bite Me" is very good! Enjoy! *Evil laugh*!!!

Kaitlin

Chapter 17- Zillah

Once I began talking to Edward I found everything rushing out. I knew my emotional wall I had so painstakingly built up had betrayed me, and that there was no going back. I needed help, and Edward was the only one. I didn't care that he saw me, or rather heard me, cry. I didn't even care that he saw me break down, and beg. I wasn't thinking about any of that. I was too consumed by my sadness and loneliness. I tried to take deep breaths of air, trying to calm me, but I couldn't. I was too far in my emotional hole, dug by keeping all my emotions bottled up. I felt Edward wrap his arm around me, and together we slowly walked back to the chief's house. It was silent and dark, so Edward went ahead to make sure I didn't run into anything. He helped me into the cot, and lay beside me stroking my hair until I fell asleep.

When I awoke the next morning the house was silent. I slowly slid out of bed and walked outside, hoping my bed head wasn't too bad. My hand self-consciously flew to my hair, patting it down before I took another step. I saw a crowd of people down at the beach, and the unmistakable bouncy bald head of Johnny. I started to run, hoping I would be in a place of civilization soon. When I reached the beach I slowed, and walked into the middle of the gathering. I saw Edward's head turn towards me slightly, but then back to Johnny. Edler glanced at me, before turning back to his conversation with one of Edward's crew members. Elda was gathered with Watercress and Windstar, but I didn't see Firecry or Earthstar.

"I will missed you."Elda said her English needing help.

"I will too. Thank you for your hosp- help."I replied, trying to stay away from longer words.

"It has been great spending time with you."Windstar said, hugging me hard.

"Thank you for helping Father."Watercress said, giving me a hug also.

"I will miss you all."I said.

"Father, watch over them and keep them safe from harm. Thank you for sending them to help us. Many people are in the company of angels without realizing it."I prayed, stepping away from the women to find Edward.

"-will be hard."I heard Edward finish.

"Slept well?"He asked.

"Like a baby."I answered, only to think of how I had cried like one the night before.

"Good. Come now, we should say our goodbyes so we can set sail."Edward said, leading me over to Edler.

"Thank you for the cure for the Hy- moe-ski-toe bites!"Edler said, giving me a fatherly hug. Edward looked on confused.

"You are very welcome. I told Elda it, so she should be able to continue on."I answered, looking to Edward, knowing he would demand an explanation.

"Thank you for feeding, clothing, and sheltering us."Edward said, shaking Edler's hand earnestly.

"You are welcome. It was the least we could do."Edler replied, turning to find Firecry behind him.

"Father... Father... There... Are... Strange... Ships... On the... Far... Side.... Of the... island."He panted.

"What do they look like?"Edward asked, stepping forward.

"They are very large, with a blue, red, and white flag on it. In a diagonal cross shape."Firecry answered.

"Edward...?"I asked, hoping I was wrong. "How did they get here?"I asked.

Edward ignored me. "Have they come ashore yet?"

"No. I can show you where they are at. Earthstar stayed to watch them."He answered.

"Let's go."Edward called to his crew.

The entire village followed Edward and his crew. With Edward determined to hurry to the far side I was left to struggle through the brush on my own. It helped that before I fell a random villager would reach out and save me. When we finally broke through the vegetation on the other side of the island everyone was panting. Earthstar jumped out of his hiding place and relayed everything he had observed.

"The ships are closer."Earthstar explained. "They started to lower boats, but then stopped."

"Thank you Earthstar. You have no idea how much you have helped us."Edward said, patting the boy on the back.

"Edward, is it them? Is it Captain Dalton?"I asked, trying to make my voice heard above the cacophony of so many questions.

"Yes Zillah, I'm afraid it is."Edward replied miserably.

"What are we going to do?"I asked, thinking about my time in jail.

"Johnny, can we get out of here before they reach our side of the island?"Edward asked, looking to his first mate. We all knew who they were.

"Aye sir, but not far enough. They'd still recognize the ship."Johnny replied, just as miserable.

"We have to hide her somewhere on the island."Edward thought aloud.

"What about you Edward? Aiding a fugitive."I said, forcing him to think of himself.

"My first priority is you, Zillah. I can survive prison... If necessary."His foreboding words caused me to shake, and send fear straight through to my heart.

"Edward, just hide wherever I do."I begged.

"If possible."Edward mumbled, heading off with some of his crew and villagers to plan.

"Lord, please help us to be okay. I don't want to go back a criminal!"I prayed out loud.

"Zillah, are you okay? Why are these strange ships here?"Firecry asked, his bravado quickly fading.

"They are after me. Remember what I told you about being a pirate? They still think I am one."I explained, following him back to his house.

Edward was already there with the chief and other men. They sat hunched together in deep discussion. Edward's feelings played themselves out across his face. Firecry joined his father at the table, and I found Elda starting lunch.

"You okay darling?"She asked.

"I- Yea- not really."I finally admitted.

"It's not surprising. Firecry told me everything. You have been through a lot."She said, throwing something into the soup.