A Hidden Queen

Chapter 9

A tall, rugged man stands with confidence aboard his ship. His broad shoulders drew taunt as he rested his hands on the handle of his sword. The ocean breeze blew through the light brown wavy hair. The green eyes scan over his ship. His crew bustled about, pulling in sails, and getting the ship ready to way anchor in the harbor. John Smithen smirks as he turns his gaze back on the mountainous island of Morga. He has spent many months at sea with his crew, and it was a blessing to see the lush green trees that covered the mountain peek.

"Capt'n?" A deep voice calls behind him.

John turns to see his battle chief and long-time friend approach from the stairs. Kurt "Burnt" Hayden was by no means a small man. He stood at 5'11, making him only an inch or so shorter than John. His chest and shoulders were broad enough that he always looked cramped in the confined space of the ship. His constantly scowling face was held up by a thick neck that raced down to his arms. The man radiated a menacing confidence.

"How's the work fairing Burnt?" Smithen asks in a deep voice.

"It's going sir. Barlow has found us a nice spot on the far side of the harbor. We should be there and anchored in a couple of hours." Burnt baritone voice echoes.

"Very good. Thanks, Burnt."

"Did you see her sir?" Burnt inquires, earning a raised eyebrow from John. "The Cyclone. She's sitting right off our port side towards starboard."

John flicks his eyes towards starboard. He had not noticed the sleek man-of-war until now. She towered over the other ships that bustled around her. All her sails were tucked in, the masts and yardarms looking frail without them billowing with the wind. John could tell that there wasn't many of the crew left on her. A man walked about the decks here and there, but it was nothing compared to the normal race that went about a ship with a full crew.

"It's been a while since I've seen Clinton and Joey." John sighs.

"Yep. That brat is probably still causing trouble everywhere she goes." Burnt smirks, a devilish grin pulling on his lips.

John smiles, "That she does. Get us over to the spot Burnt. I'm anxious to get off this ship."

"Wanting to go search for the family?"

"Yeah. And get a bath. Nothing like breaking free from sweaty, smelling hordes of bodies confined on a small ship and instead being surrounded by family in open fresh air."

"Aye Capt'n that it does. I'll push the men a little harder and see if I can't get it done in half the time."

"Leave it to you to crack the whip, Hayden."

Hayden grins, knuckling his hat as he walks away. A soft smile pulls at the corners of John's lip as the baritone voice barking orders echoes off the water. He turns his eyes back on the port side town. The ocean breeze tickles his skin as it blows from the land. Yes. It would be nice to see family once again. John thinks to himself.