Emerald Seas

Chapter 24

It started raining, like nature adjusting to the situation, extinguishing the fire so the whole island wouldn't burn down.

Returning to camp their sight went along destroyed tents. It was obvious they'd been through their stuff and were robbed of the last supplies. The beach was sown with their belongings.

Kate standing by the ocean stared at the Wicked Wench still tilted to the side laying down in the surf. She moved her hands down to the large blue East India Company flag that drifted on the small waves in the shallow water. Next to her feet she noticed Cutler's black tricorne hat laying on the sand, curling her fingers around the edge she took it. Her eyes moved up once she saw Cutler arriving next to her.

'We're all out of supplies' his concerned eyes pierced hers. Staring at the flag Kate moved her sight to the horizon, hoping soon white sails will show upon the sealine.

'The smoke signal must be strong enough to draw the attention of at least some ships' Cutler whispered taking her by her shoulders, each of her hands still holding the flag and hat, trying to reassure her it would be alright with his comforting calm voice. He knew a lot of his trading ships passed this route.

Kate's index finger moved along his slightly grown beard that made him look handsome as her eyes had settled upon him.

'You still want to marry me, even looking like this?' Cutler grinned at her while she offered him a loving smile. They both were reminded of the first days they'd spent together, looking all scruffy. Without saying a word Kate moved up his tricorne hat and placed it down on his wigless hair that was tied back with a black ribbon.

'Of course, it's how I met you remember?' the corners of Kate's mouth curled upward after placing his hat back on, her now free hand moved her fingers to his chest.

'I'm so proud of you' Cutler's deep voice whispered while he moved a small lock of her now wet hair behind her ear. Kate smiled, raising the flag she was still holding to her chest standing in front of Cutler, their faces only inches apart her green eyes pierced his.

'I never knew I was capable of doing such a thing. I'm quite surprised' Kate spoke underneath her breath slightly smiling as her eyes shyly moved to the sand.

'I am not. You are a strong woman Kate, something I have known for years. You saved us today' Cutler moved his now wet hand to her cheek. She saw the pride in his eyes as she moved hers up again, it made her warm inside.

'You always know the right thing to say don't you?' Kate lowered her sight to hide her pink cheeks pointing up as he made her smile. Culter smiled back, his hand still to her face.

'Sir?' one of the Lieutenants called for him. Cutler nodding in his direction looked back at Kate.

'Excuse me for one moment my love' Cutler whispered now moving her chin up with care, pressing his soft lips to hers he moved into the only tent that was still standing.

It was pouring down, but she was glad to wash away the coal stains from her body. Moving her head to the sky she could feel her pale skin washing clean from the ashes. Lowering her head again her eyes watched the sun almost hiding behind the dark clouds, it would touch the sea within a few hours. It won't be long before it would fully set. As soon as the fire would be out completely there was a chance the cannibals would start hunting for them. So the men inside the tent were discussing what to do next. Crouching down Kate let go of the flag, drifting along the waves it floated away, covered by the light of the last peaks of sunlight reflecting on the water. Staring at it for a while she suddenly saw something on the horizon. Her heart made a jump once she noticed it to be a ship. Kate moved her hand in front of her face and gasped for air. She started running towards the tent with everyone inside.