The Sound of a Siren's Call

57.) Plans Fail

The video is just some Sea Shanties I listened to while writing. Here's a chapter that took me a couple months to write. Sorry about that! 

I had fallen asleep at some point. I woke up to Castor's hand on my shoulder.

"What's going on?"

"I hear someone coming."

"Who?"

"I don't know. Sounds like a lot of people."

I nodded. There was more light than there had been before. I sat up.

"How long has it been?"

"Maybe a day? I'm not sure."

I nodded again. That seemed to be all I could do. Castor sat next to me.

I was thirsty. Edward, the boy who'd gotten us, had brought down water a few hours ago. I reached for the overturned crate he'd laid the pitcher on.

Castor tapped my shoulder. I turned to look at him. "He took it with him."

I nodded and sat back down. We stared at each other in the dark. Then Castor sat up.

The cellar door cracked open. It was light, and I was blinking. Boots were coming down. I was on my feet in a moment. There was the captain again. Castor was on his feet too. My dad had taught me to always fight on my feet. That's just what I intended to do.

The Captain peered down. He spoke. I looked to Castor.

"Come with me," he signed quickly. I nodded, hoping that would be enough to express my appreciation. It seemed like it was.

The Captain turned back around and started up. I looked at Castor. He also seemed to be at a loss for what to do. Then he turned, and went up the ladder. I didn't see what else to do but follow him. We walked, the ship having the familiar bounce and bob that I'd missed on land.

I looked at Fersoan. He had a sword. I didn't. I'd need to be careful of that, and try to get it out of his hand. He had a long coat and wore a hat. The hat didn't seem big enough to be any real advantage to me. I looked over at Castor. I had no idea how helpful he'd be in a fight. He was skinny, but that didn't mean he wouldn't be helpful. It could mean he'd be underestimated, which would be good. He didn't seem to be prepping himself the same way I was. He didn't seem to be taking note of anything, let alone the captain and potential odds. That didn't bode well.

I had fought alone before. I could do it again. Only... I wasn't alone this time. I was worse than alone. I'd have to protect Castor too. That wasn't good for me. I was outnumbered. I didn't have a weapon. I pursed my lips trying to think. The best think I'd be able to do would be to jump overboard, and hope I handed right. And hope that I didn't accidentally let Castor drown. Of course, Juniper could catch him.

If Juniper was even still there. I had no idea where she was, let alone if she was okay and ready for an impromptu plan. I was screwed. That was it. That was all there was to say. I was screwed. I wouldn't be able to win in a fight. Escape was risky, but not impossible. The only question as if the risk was worth the reward.

Castor met my eye.

"They're singing," he signed.

"What are they singing?"

"I don't recognize it."

I rolled my eyes. Of course, he didn't. The Navy probably hadn't had a wide variety of sea shanties.

"What are they saying?"

He paused for a moment, then he blushed a little bit. I laughed I knew that look. Whatever it was, he didn't want to repeat it.