A Hidden Queen

Chapter 19

Burnt sits comfortably in the bow of the dingy, while Charlie strains his muscles to work properly. He smirks to himself as he hears Charlie grunt loudly. The boy had been insistent that he should row back to The Wicked Mary, stating that Burnt was too much of an older timer to get them there with all haste. Burnt scowled at the boy, knowing he could out row Charlie any given day of the week, but he indulged the boy. What Burnt had not informed the young man about was the strong current that runs through the harbor of Adascen Island and shifts at mid-day to work against anyone rowing out into open waters. Burnt chuckles to himself as he continues to gaze out of the waters towards The Governor. The piercing eyes watch as another sail flutters down being secured by the men on the yardarms. They bellow out, catching the wind and increasing the bulky ship's speed. The Governor plows through the middle of the harbor by now; it would not take much longer for her to be completely out into open waters.

Burnt swivels himself around to port. His eyes immediately find The Wicked Mary sitting off at the Northern end of the harbor. Burnt curses under his breath as her sails were still securely tucked away. It would take a good hour or more to get them all unfurled, and anchor pulled in. The bigger Naval ship would have a several hour head-start on them before they could get properly underway and out into open waters. He sighs irritably, glancing over his shoulder at Charlie.

"Come on Charlie. Put yer back into it." Burnt halfheartedly teases.

"Yeah. How about you get back here and help me old timer." Charlie huffs out through his nose.

Burnt turns, resting a hand on his knee. He raises an eyebrow at him, "You made sure to remind me that you are younger and taller. It should be easy for you to row this little dingy back to The Mary without this much effort."

"Well, someone forgot to mention about the current I'd be fighting against." Charlie snaps, wiping at his brow.

Burnt grins, "You felt that huh?" Charlie shoots the older sailor a harsh glare. "Look, if you think you can't handle it than move your ass and let me take over."

Charlie growls, glaring daggers into Burnt. The truth was the dingy was not big enough for them to sit side-by-side and row together like in some of their shore boats. No, this little thing barely had enough room for one person to sit comfortably between the oars. So, all the rowing and effort fell to one misfortunate individual, which just happened to be his good partner, Charlie Austin. Burnt chuckles fondly, grinning innocently at the younger man. Charlie huffs, turning himself back around. He aggressively snatches up the oar, pushing himself harder. Burnt feels the little dingy pick-up speed, cutting through the waves at a quicker clip. Burnt licks his lips, smiling to himself. The boy was determined to prove Burnt wrong.