The Silent Thief

XXXI

XXXI

“It is your Father. He is…,” Natasha Hall paused, “sick.” It pained her so much to lie to her daughter. But Grace could never know. It was too dangerous and Natasha would never risk putting her daughter’s life in danger. They would never know about Grace. “Do you understand me Grace? I love you.”

“Yes, I think I understand,” the little girl answered. “But, when will you return?”

“I…,” Natasha looked down and opened her mouth to speak. A carriage stopped at the door of the house.

Aaron, her friend of many years yelled, “Come Milady, we mustn’t be late!” Natasha kissed the young girl she would sacrifice everything for. Stepping into the carriage, Natasha heard her daughter say, “I love you, Mother.”

The carriage rattled down the street and whipped around turns, threatening to tip over from the speed they were going.

“They’re waiting, Natasha,” John Hall, her husband said taking her hands. She turned and embraced him. It had been so long since the last time they had been together.

“Does William know yet?” Natasha asked with concern.

“Somewhat, but he needs to be warned. We can’t keep them waiting though.”

“I know but I am the only one that can convince him. It would take him too long to overcome his shock if he were to see you.” Her words seemed to impact her husband.

“One day, we will return and set everything right again. William will know I am alive, our daughter will be with us, and this cursed Assembly will come to nothing. I promise you that, my dear,” said John in a stern voice.

Aaron whistled a short tone signifying it was time. Natasha kissed her husband and braced herself. “I will see you there.” Natasha closed her eyes and felt the all too familiar feeling. Her body felt warm as her powers she had long suppressed arose. Once she opened her eyes, she was no longer in the carriage but standing in the shadows of a docked crimson ship. Turning around, she saw the carriage whisk away, then took in a deep breath. Up the ramp she went with the words she had been prepared to say.

“Natasha?” William’s voice rang throughout the ship. He was born to be a Captain indeed.

“Sir William,” Natasha said as she embraced her old friend.

“What is it that brings you here?” William smiled and led Natasha toward the Captain’s room. “Come, it’s too loud out here. ‘Sailors have no honor when they are silent,’ my crew members have said many times before.”

Once inside, Natasha spoke immediately. “I’ve come on life threatening matters,” she stated.

Sir William turned around swiftly with a startled look on his face. “Are you alright? And what about your daughter?”

“This is about her, I’m afraid. The Assembly has other matters they want me involved in. They do not know about--”

A groan erupted from a pile of blankets that lay on the bed.

“Excuse me for one moment,” William said striding toward the pile. He jerked the blankets back to reveal a young boy sleeping.

“James, wake up.” William shook the lad violently making him groan even more.

“Uncle, it’s too early!”

“James, we have a guest and it is almost noon, Get your arse up, boy!” William popped James on the head then walked back to Natasha. “He’s got a lot to learn, that one.” William leaned closely and whispered in Natasha’s ear, “I assume you wouldn’t want other ears listening. Let me get rid of him real quick.”