Erin McGuinness // An Outlander Fanfiction

Chapter Five

I'd lost count on how many days have passed that we have been down here. Three, four maybe? I'd be surprised if it had been a week. As it turns out, there wasn't as many opportunities to seek out the weapons as we had hoped. Cal had gotten Stanley or Cormac to stand guard and check on us multiple times a day.

The opportunity to plan our escape seemed further and further away with each passing minute. We were hungry too, which definitely didn't help. There are a few rations down here as this is where most of the stock is kept, however, Cal also has to come down here to take some of the food up to the kitchen, if he notices food going missing our plan will be over. Who knows what will happen then.

I watch as Cormac tidies himself, combing his hair back in the dusty mirror across the room. He definitely wasn't as handsome as his brother, there was also a darkness about him that made me rather uneasy.

A bit of hair continues to stick up, causing him to growl in the back of his throat. I watch on as he spits in his hand and uses the moisture to hold the hair down. I cringe in disgust.

I move my eyes away from him as he turns around and faces us with a smirk. "Captain will be here soon lads, I hope you're all ready." 

He approaches me and crouches down so that we are at eye level. "I'm curious to know what will become of you." I whip my head around as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "You'd be a pretty thing if you weren't trying so hard to become a man."

"Who said anything about becoming a man?" I spit at him, gritting my teeth.

Cormac ignores me and laughs as he stalks off up the steps.

I jump up as the men shuffle beside me, and walk over to where the water is, splashing some on my face. I try my best to wash his grubby hands off of me. 

"Hey, Captain. I think we've got something over here." 

I turn around quickly, trying my best not to look so eager as I head over to where Aron was. Liam as well as Angus, a boy barely older than seventeen were assisting him with the lid of the crate. "Do you think it could be?" I wonder aloud.

"I bloody well hope so," Liam mutters as he struggles with the lid. "Over here, Angus." He motions to the right with his head. I peer inside the crate, moving a few items around. I sigh, "It's just bedding and some sails." 

Angus groans as does Liam as they shuffle the lid back onto the crate. "Let's just keep looking," I say as I approach another crate.

After a few more hours, we had given up. We had eaten a little and had a little water. The lads were standing by their places as we were sure that someone will be heading down here at any moment. I stood off to the side with Liam. 

I watched Angus, beginning to shake. Poor lad, it was only his first journey with us and this is what happens. Aron was his Grandfather however and I knew this only offered some comfort. 

"Ah Captain, it's nice to see you again." I hear a voice from upstairs, Cal's I recognize. A voice responds, however it's slightly further away. "Irish?" I whisper to Liam. He frowns, "It sounds like it."

"Erin, I know you won't want to do this but I need you to hide. Please." Liam starts. I sigh and run a hand through my tangled locks. "He's right Captain, we have no idea who is about to walk down these steps. It could be anyone. Who knows what frame o' mind they are in." Cian helps.

"I don't know," I reply softly. Deep down, I know they are right. I'll only make it worse. 

My eyes widen as the door opens up from above. "Please." Liam hurries. I look around frantically before giving him a nod and sliding into the shadows between two crates. Liam hurries over to his spot next to Cian and slides down the wall. 

I can hear the raspy breathing of Stanley, an unhealthy man he is. As well as Cal's voice, telling his Captain about how surprised he will be to meet the 'Captain' of this ship. I try to catch a glimpse but I see nothing. 

Luckily, I can see Liam and the lads. I watch their reactions as I try to slow my own breathing down. My heart feels as though it's about to pop out of my chest.

"I-" Cal starts. I hear the pause in my voice and I know then he realizes I'm missing from the group. I steady myself between the two crates, positioning myself so I know I won't make a sound. Hopefully.

I look at Liam's face. His lips are drawn into a firm line. I can't read his expression but he almost looks angry? His mood is radiant from him and I find myself wanting to stand by his side to comfort him.

What's going on? I wonder.

"I'd like to introduce you to the Captain, Captain." Cal begins once again. Liam shuffles up the wall and stands forward from the shadows. "Captain Liam McGuinness, sir." He sneers. I frown, confused.

I freeze as the Captain speaks. "Well, well, well. This is interesting." My heart begins to race. It can't be. Surely, not. "It's nice to see ye again, Liam." 

My palms begin to sweat and I have to concentrate to not topple over. Liam glances at me for a brief moment, his expression worried.

I can't let him pretend to be me. Not now. I need answers, I need to know what's going on. Shakily, I quietly stand up and suck in a breath as my theory is confirmed.

"Is anyone else from the village going too?" I whisper, pulling away from him. Liam's face whitens slightly. I touch his arm, "Liam?" My voice shakes.

"All of the lads over eighteen." Liam gulps. My knees wobble, "That means-" He nods as I choke on my words. I rush over the wall and grab my shawl, wrapping it around my shoulders. "I have to go and see him." I rush, tears running down my face. I push open the door, it slamming shut behind me.

I was nearly at the gate when Liam's voice stopped me. "Erin, he's already gone. He couldn't-" Liam stops taking a breath. I turn and look at him, my eyes flaring. "He couldn't what?" I scream. "He couldn't say goodbye." 

My hands are shaking, but I know I must steady myself. Liam looks at me frantically as he begins to shake his head. I ignore him and look at him. His hair is longer, blonde hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. His body is more built, muscular. He is wearing a long jacket and I take note of the expensive-looking rings on his fingers. Bravely, I look at his face, the side of it at least as he still has not noticed me. A scar now runs down one side, this sends a shiver up my spine.  

"It's been a long time brother." He speaks. Liam tears his eyes from me, "I'm no brother of yours." 

I stumble as I try to move a foot forward. Cal, Stanley and himself turn around. 

"Oh Captain, there you are. However, did you manage to escape?" Cal smirks. "Captain?" He asks, his eyes meeting mine. I can barely tell what he is thinking but a see something wash over him. 

"Yes, Stephen. Captain." I finally say.