Sparrow 《Completed 》--

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Declan's POV - Fortuna's ship

As soon as he woke, Declan knew he was in trouble. The headache that shot through him when he stood up, made him groan out loud and wobble on his legs. He leaned against one of the wooden beams while he tried to wipe away the sleep and the pain. His throat dry and he licked his lips.

"Beer has a nasty way of sneaking up on you and take you out. You snored so loud even my ship creaked underneath the sound," Fortuna's voice sang through the room and Declan looked up.

A mistake, because the headache stroke him down again.

"Sit down my friend," Fortuna pushed him easily on his cot again. "Drink this."

Declan took the goblet Fortuna's offering with greed, but when the smell of alcohol reached his nose again, he felt nausea rising up from his stomach.

"What is this?"

"A cure. You'll hate it and you'll love it," the captain grinned while he looked down at Harp. "Drink it."

Declan hesitated, but the headache had to go if he wanted to be able to focus on the day ahead. There was loads to do. With one, big gulp he drunk the substance in one go. The rancid taste of the liquor settled on his tongue and Harp coughed loud. Regretting he drunk the stuff. It tasted like old linens had been soaked into dirty water with whiskey through it.

For a moment, he thought to ask what was in it, but thought the better of it. His stomach was being stubborn and played up. No doubt that when Declan knew what the drink was, he'd puke his guts all over the ships deck.

"Give it an hour. You'll be better."

"You don't have to go today," Declan spoke up and locked eyes with Fortuna.

The man seemed to wear a big grin on his face no matter what situation. He just shook his head and tipped his hat again.

"No, my friend," he said while he started to walk upon the small stairs, "I said we'll go through the storm together, and so we will."

Declan shook his head when Fortuna disappeared out of view. He had no idea if he could trust the man, but he had no doubt he'd be a good asset in a fight. And, for now, the captain hadn't done anything to deserve Harp's suspicion.

"How do you feel?"

The gently voice of Grace reached his ears and Declan turned his head to the side where it came from. The woman sat upon a chair near a candle and grinned widely.

"I'll survive," he grumbled and stood up again. This time, the headache wasn't as bad.

"I'm sure you do," Grace said, "we've got to get Elizabeth. Do you have a plan?"

Declan cursed.

"Why do people always assume I have a plan ready," he said. "Just charge the fucking castle and get her out of there. Kill Benton on the way out."

"That simple eh?"

Declan locked eyes with Grace who now stood next to him and nodded. "Yes, Grace, that simple."

"Castle Benton is a fortress, Declan. You won't be able to just walk in there and slaughter everyone that gets your way."

Declan pouted for a moment. "I can't?"

Grace shook her head, annoyed by his reaction and started to make her way above deck. Declan followed quickly after and grabbed her by the elbow as soon as he reached the front deck.

"Then what do you suggest?"

Grace shrugged.

"As you said, we'll just go in there and get her out," she stated and Declan let her go.