Sky Pirates

Chapter 29

Parker Greene slid into bed. Through the wooden walls of his cabin cell he heard laughter and talking. It wasn't so clear that he could make out the words or conversation, but near enough to feel that he was left out of something. He'd waited all evening for someone to come and retrieve him and deliver him to the Admiral. No one had come. No one had brought him dinner, either. Of course, they'd replenished the large bowl of fruit over and over, so there was plenty of nourishment.

He heard the minutes tick by on the clock, still set to English time. Parker imagined his wards, Millie and Cole, at dinner alone at that large table with the horrid Miss Canton. He considered re-reading some of Mildred's letters, but felt sad enough already.

Lord Greene blew out the candle and snuggled down under the soft, warm comforter on his bunk. While the day had been balmy, the tropical night air felt cool and a bit damp. He imagined the bustle around the massive Balsa Robin as she prepared to depart under the moonlit sky. He was impressed by the airship. Who wouldn't be? He longed to know how those propellers worked. It was such a chore for them to keep a small schooner aloft; he simply couldn't imagine how they kept the massive, heavy Robin in the air.

Thoughts of the grand air ship led him to the army of dwarfs who served at the pleasure of Captain Flynn. As he imagined Flynn, standing tall and joyous, directing his charges as they loaded his ship for a thrilling voyage, Parker felt a stirring in his loins. Ever since they were boys together at school, Greene had had strong desires for Flynn.

Those memories led Greene to think of Able Currant. Their almost kiss earlier that day; and his scent, that blend of musk and coconut. He wondered if his tongue might have tasted of mango or some other exotic fruit. That did it; he was erect under the soft sheets. Parker cast his covers aside, took himself in hand, and as he stroked, imagined Able touching him, caressing him, dropping to his knees and...

The door burst open. For the briefest moment, he wondered if his fantasy had sprung to life. Instead, he realized the person at the door was far too short to be Currant. Parker pulled the sheet back over himself, not really hiding his previous actions, but at least adding a semblance of decency to the occasion.

"Dress." The voice was that of Phineas Silas.

Greene stood, unabashed, and in a few moments had himself tucked in, buttoned up, jacketed, and booted. "Am I to speak to the Admiral?"

Silas didn't answer. Instead, he hopped up onto the bench, turned Greene around, quickly replaced the bandage, and finally, jumping back to the floor, Silas pointed to Greene's right and the two men walked down the lighted hall and through a maze of corridors. The dwarf remained silent throughout his actions and along the journey.

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