The Pirate Slave

The Hiding

Watching Evelyn and the sailor entering the room, Nadine felt as if blood had been drained out of her face and her breath sucked out of her lungs. Her heart was beating very fast, afraid that her disguise would be uncovered. She retreated back into the dressing room next to Evelyn's room while observing the man. He did not even give her a second glance, which was a good sign that he did not recognize her. Nadine wondered if Jay indeed was the old friend of Marla's and he was downstairs among the fluttery butterflies in Marla's collection. She took a peek at the other room, but it was not Jay that was being entertained by Betsy. Maybe he was with Marla herself? Nadine felt a pang of jealousy just thinking about it.

She sat for a long time waiting for the couples to finish their business, daring not to move and attract more attention. Luckily no one from both room required any assistance so she was spared from having to go inside their rooms and show herself. As soon as she got some free time, she escaped to the kitchen, begging the kitchen staffs to let her sit there, pleading she had a headache.

Daryn entered the kitchen and saw her hugging her knees pale-facedly in the corner. He came over and asked if she was all right. Nadine only shook her head at first, but Daryn would not take it. He pulled her on her feet and drew her to the empty servant's dining hall .

"I know you're mad at me for what happened last night. But you must tell me what's wrong," he insisted.

Nadine sighed. Well, maybe he could help, she thought. Or at least cover for her just today, until those pirates were gone. "Madam's guests. They're the ones who kidnapped me and planned to sell me into slavery." She hid her face with her palms.

Daryn nodded in understanding. "Do you want to hide? I know just the place."

"Can't I just stay here? Perhaps you could tell Madam I have a headache or something and need rest," Nadine implored.

"And risk any of them see you here when they decide to wander around the kitchen and other room looking for drinks and more fun? Look, I know how they are. You'd be safer outside the house."

"Okay then, I agree."

"Come with me," Daryn motioned for Nadine to follow her. He led her outside through the kitchen door, but they did not go pass by the street in front of the house. Instead they walked along an unfamiliar road to the town's outskirt.

Daryn opened a creaky door of a deserted hut leading to a single room with minimum furnishing. It was rather dark and stuffy. But from a glance it looked fairly clean and not too uncomfortable. He collected a few sheets from a corner, gave it a good shake and handed them to Nadine.

"You can stay here until the guests depart. I'll come and get you then. I don't think they'll stay overnight anyway."

Nadine looked at him gratefully. "Thank you, Daryn. You're so kind to me. Mmm...and I'm sorry about last night."

"It's okay. It was my own fault. I shouldn't have acted the way I did," Daryn scratched his head and smirked innocently. "Now I must go. Marla and the girls will need me. I'll be back as soon as possible. Or you can go home by yourself if you know the way."

"I'd rather wait for you. And thank you again."

Nadine watched closely as Daryn went out and clicked the door shut. She went to the cleanest corner, spread the sheets and sat down. Her mind was in turmoil, she felt her chest wanted to burst in despair. She bent her legs and hugged her knees, burying her head inside her arms. Sobbing herself to exhaustion, she fell asleep.

---

Jay sniffed the small perfumed note he received earlier. Having read it several times, he could not help smiling to himself. Tonight was something special to him. He would be re-united with his special one.

He preened on the looking glass making sure his appearance was to his liking. He had trimmed his beard and washed his hair. Something he never bothered to do before. But this time he wanted to look his best.

Taking a last look of his cabin, he closed the door and went to deck. Whistling to his younger crews who had chosen to stay on board, he gave them instructions to guard the ship and all of its contents while he and the rest of the crew were out.

He hopped on a rented stallion and galloped to the city. He did not stop to admire the scenery along the way or inspect the people. He slowed his horse into a trot as he passed by the market then picked up speed once his path was cleared. His mind was set on one thing and one thing only.

Stopping abruptly in front of Marla's house, he jumped down, throw the rein to the nearest groom along with a piece of copper coin, he mounted then short steps to the front door. It was swung open almost immediate by a smiling maid and he was ushered into Marla's private parlor.

"Madam is already waiting for you, Sir."

"Thank you."

She opened a door leading to a cosy and cool little room where Marla habitually sat and receive her personal visitors. Nothing too fancy, it was furnished with a good taste in soft beige and apple-green color. Jay looked around satisfied. He was the one who succesfully introduced Marla to the world of arts and beauty.

"Jay, my love. You are here at last!" Marla rose from her seat on one of the padded armchairs and walked towards Jay. He took both her hands and kissed them one at a time.

"Good evening, my dear. So happy to see you looking so good. And apparently succesful as well," Jay drew back and inspected Marla intently. She was indeed looking very beautiful in dark green floral patterned muslin gown which seemed to accentuate her skin color and matched the background of her room.

Marla chuckled softly. "Surely you haven't forgotten that you were the one who made this happen?"

"Well, I may contributed a little," Jay jokingly shrugged his shoulder. "How do you like my gift?"

"Precious! I've never in my life met something so valuable. I love it, thank you!" Marla's face fell a little. "But now you have come to take it back."

"I'm sorry, my dear. I guess it's my turn to be given a gift."

"You know I'll never be able to deny you anything," Marla offered her cheek to kiss, which Jay happily obliged. She drew him to sit on the long sofa by her side and clapped at a maid. "Bring us refreshments and send Nate to attend to us." The maid hurried to do as her mistress wished.

It was not long before she came back with a tray of tea, cups and plates of pastries which she set on the low table at the center of the room. Then with a little nervous tone, wringing her hands she said.

"I'm so very sorry Madam, but Nate is no where to be found. Daryn said she might be running away."

Jay and Marla yelled in unison, "WHAT!"