A novella ~ "Privateer's Desire: Stealing Romance"

Such a wonderful story. The pictures, the descriptions, and everything about it are just spot on. I've really enjoyed catching up with all the events.

Hamad on the loose sounds like trouble. Still, I think that the captain has a good plan. Can he outsmart the evil Sheikh?

Suss! Welcome back! Sounds like you've gotten caught up. Good to see you. Stay tuned.

I see I have a few episodes to catch up on;)


Yes you do! Glad you're here. Might need an extra pirate in the days to come.
 
:heart::heart::heart:CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO TRACK:heart::heart::heart:
Mr. T & Cascadia recommend you open the audio track
in a separate window so you are
able to listen while reading this post. Enjoy!




It is late as the Lysandra sits at anchor. The overcast sky hides any stars and the moon remains below the horizon. The darkness is a palpable thing and in spite of the pleasure of a thoroughly enjoyable evening, the oppressive darkness now darkens my mood.

Much to my chagrin, the rest of the world will not be denied forever. Our cruise upon the Nile has been short but oh –so- sweet. We have learned so much about each other in this short space of time. I smile with the memories.

As I lay your sleeping form upon the bed I kiss your lips then your forehead. I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life. Gazing upon you, I feel my iron determination return. I will see us through these next few days of doubt and uncertainty.

l3pm7QY.jpg

Setting my jaw, I light a lantern in the corner and a candle at the desk. While you sleep, I gather up all my pistols in the flickering candlelight, laying them upon the desk and check their charges one by one.

Each pistol is well made and maintained. Among them are several weapons which were presented to me as gifts for some service or another to the King.

One pistol carries the history of my years here in Cairo as the Falcon of the Desert –a parting gift from Sheikh Alafdahl, my brother in spirit. At the recollection of the winning of that prize pistol, I shudder with the memory of the cruelties visited upon his delegation by Hamad those many years ago.

Not all escaped with their lives, and of the twelve men and women who did return, some wished they had died alongside their fellows. Their wounds a wretched gift of lifelong disfigurement, maiming and mistreatment more terrible than words can relate.

Hamad is a wicked enemy. Truly he lives up to his moniker, “Hamad the Cruel.”

As I settle into the desk chair and inspect each pistol, the fireplace pops and crackles as a log shifts. My uneasiness in this land cannot be denied.

It is time to quit this land and depart Egypt. The sooner the better. There are too many uncertainties here. The culture is alien and mysterious, obscure to me in spite of my long time here, and my many friends among the locals. It is as if this ancient land is still steeped in the magic of the days of gods and monsters so often depicted in Egypt’s lore, history and captured in ancient pictographs.

LlzHu5T.jpg

It is quiet as death this night. A fish splashes FISH SPLASHHH(<<<click this link)
in the river outside causing me to lift my head to peer into the inky darkness. Returning to my task, I replace the pistol in hand with another, continuing my inspection.

I look over to you, noting the regular rise and fall of your breathing. You will need your strength in the days to come. Much as I want to climb into bed with you, rip off the blankets and covers and have my way with you, I know this truth. The next day or so will be hard, probably very hard, and likely sleep will be a luxury.

Soon the pistol in hand will need to be replaced I notice. The signs of metal fatigue and age are evident. I make a mental note to replace it in the morning. I start to break it down. I want the shot and the powder. While the Lysandra has a good store of many things, shot and powder are not among them.

A breeze blows and sends the gauzy curtains billowing. I look over at the window. All seems quiet. Too quiet, it occurs to me.

Standing, suddenly at full alert, I reach for my sabre and quickly strap it on my belt. I glance to the bed where your steady breathing proves you are still asleep. Stealthily, I reach for a pair of recently checked pistols.


UOoP7bn.jpg
 
Last edited:
That line about it being too quiet resonates in my mind.

Thanks Mr Tenant, it's good to be back :).
 
:heart::heart::heart:CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO TRACK:heart::heart::heart:
Mr. T & Cascadia recommend you open the audio track
in a separate window so you are
able to listen while reading this post. Enjoy!





I hear a slight creak and quiet footfall just outside the cabin door. My sense of alarm increases as the cabin door slowly opens. There is only inky darkness outside.

A black clothed and masked figure steps into the room. Danger has found us once again. Jumping in front of the bed, I land in a crouch as the figure charges towards me. I level the pistol and shoot!

The explosion of the shot PISTOL SHOT!(<<<click this link) startles you awake with a screamSHE SCREAMS(<<<click this link)The shot lands squarely on the intruder’s chest blasting him backwards and back out through the doorway and into someone else beyond.

The satisfying scream and a rough sounding entanglement of limbs and tells me there is more than just the one intruder.

“Kezziah! To arms! NOW!” I yell as I turn towards you.

In alarm, my eyes go wide as I see a figure step from behind the billowing curtains towards you. Another man dressed from head to toe in black advances menacingly towards you. Seeing the look on my face you roll quickly out of bed landing just shy of the desk.

15AHSFG.gif

Your naked body leaves the sheets and hits the ground with a slight thud. Reaching towards the desk, quickly, you grab two pistols just as I come to your side, deflecting with my drawn sabre, clang the murderous stroke of the blade of your attacker who has crossed the room to you almost as quickly as me!

Kneeling behind me, you snake your arm around my leg firing your pistol point blank at this second intruder, destroying his chest and sending him spinning and flying backwards in his dance with death.

There are yells and screams outside the cabin now as fighting erupts beyond the walls. SWORDS IN BATTLE(<<<click this link) The alarm bell sounds ALARM BELL(<<<click this link) briefly before it is abruptly silenced and an orange glow flares up, lighting the darkness without. THAT IS A FIRE! The worry and fear ring in my head, the ship! She is in terrible danger!!

jmVBiVd.jpg

Three more intruders rush through the doorway as we simultaneously fire our pistols,
PISTOL SHOT!(<<<click this link) dropping two more men into death throes.

The final assailant rushes forward with his sword raised - I drop my spent pistol and raise my sabre to deflect his swinging blade.QUICK SWORD FIGHT(<<<click this link) Our swords clash twice more before I slash his belly and his throat and he flies backwards, landing in a bleeding pile of entrails and brokenness on the floor beyond, his life’s blood gushing forth as he dies.

The fighting, outside dies away. The yells now are of the crew calling to each other as they work to put out the fire. You hand me another pistol and I glance down. You have a pistol in one hand as you still clutch my leg tightly with the other, needing that reassurance of my closeness. Your lack of clothing apparently of no concern to you.

A crewman bursts through the doorway and then cringes upon seeing the two pistols aimed his way. He blanches slightly as he sees the state of your undress.

“Captain! Thank the Lord you are alive! You will want t-t-to come out here, sir! ‘T-t-tis Gerard,” he stammers.

I give you but a fleeting look, “Get dressed! Quickly!”

je610RH.jpg

Grabbing one of the silk robes to cover your nakedness, you rush after me as I follow the departing sailor. In the dim light, we rapidly assess the carnage left aboard the Lysandra.

A raiding party! Several of the crew are wounded and moaning in pain, one or more seems dead or nearly so. We find Gerard lying dead on deck having suffered several gunshot wounds.

Stunned, I groan out my grief. You catch your breath and reach ‘round me in embrace. We sink to our knees beside him as I check him over. I had known Gerard longer than any of the crew. And now, he is gone. Passing my hand over his eyes, I close his eyes and sigh bitterly, lost in thought.

“Orders, Captain?” A crewman comes forward.

“Clear the stiffs and bind your scratches. The watchman? Where is he?”

“Dead, sir,” the sailor replies.

“Get the Lysandra patched and cleaned up. No one sleeps. We sail at dawn.” My scowl brooks no delay from any of the men. I bark out one order after another giving directives to the crew still able enough to comply.
 
Last edited:
:heart::heart::heart:CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO TRACK:heart::heart::heart:
Mr. T & Cascadia recommend you open the audio track
in a separate window so you are
able to listen while reading this post. Enjoy!

I dream of my Captain, images fuzzy in my head. His arm around me, his legs wrapped around me as we play in the water, his hands guiding and correcting me as we train on the beach.

My dream gets clearer as the fighting dance steps come into focus. Twisting and turning, back against yours, taking aim and firing, my aim steady and true…

BANG!!! SHOT!(<<<click this link) The noise is so loud in my dream it startles me awake with a scream. A moment later I am wide awake and the noise in the cabin. The acrid stench of gun smoke, pulls me fully conscious.

There are men at the door, yelling in pain. In the dim candlelight of the cabin, I see you fully dressed in battle gear as you yell, “To arms! NOW!

A moment later, a man emerges from the billowing curtains with a sabre raised.

HXN9q86.jpg

Lightning quick, I roll out of bed away from the window, reaching for a pair of pistols on the desk almost before I hit the floor.

In one long stride you are beside me, fending off a deadly sword slash SWORDS(<<<click this link)

I curl myself behind you, shielding myself with your legs as my arm reaches around your calf to fire one of the pistols SHOT!(<<<click this link) sending another assailant sailing backwards with the force of a shot taken to the chest.

The melee in the suite is a blur, but the training drills we did together now pay off in spades. I know exactly what to do as if by instinct, firing my pistol- my aim straight and true!

As one, we both fire SHOT!(<<<click this link) into the charging antagonists as I remain crouched naked, just behind and clinging to your leg.

Staring in quiet astonishment as I clutch you, you dispatch the remaining assailant with a vicious sword slash.

The bodies of Hamad’s raiding party now litter our suite, the sounds of the ship’s alarm bell seeps into my consciousness. I reach back for two more pistols from the desk and hand you one.

Braced together, our pistols both aimed at the door, unsure of what might happen next, the door bursts open, your crewman relieved to see us alive, but the vision of two barrels pointed at him, slows his entry.

“Captain! You will want t-t-to come out here, sir! ‘T-t-tis Gerard.”

I quickly follow you out of the cabin as I grab a robe, cinching it tightly closed. I take in the scene of the injured and dead, my mind aghast at the carnage and already rushing to think of all that I can do to assist in this crisis. I will, I must, create an infirmary on board and tend the wounded.

Gerard! Lies dead on deck. Your stride breaks as you groan and fall to your knees at his side, your hand going to his throat. You shake your head and sigh so deeply I can feel your grief. And then… as a crewman comes forward, you shake yourself into action, scowling.

“Get the Lysandra patched and cleaned up. No one sleeps. We sail at dawn.”

I give you a tight hug. “Darling, let me help. I can tend to the wounded, just assign one of your men to me; I will see to an infirmary, and prepare the dead.”

You apprise me, your dark eyes serious. I see your jaw clench. And then relax. You nod.

“Yes, Kezziah, I will make it so. And thank you. I am not accustomed to such assistance.”
 
Last edited:
Kissing my lips with a sweet brusqueness, you turn away from me, addressing one crewman after another with questions followed by orders. From the sound of it, it will be a long night of hard work for all before we are once again underway.

I commandeer one of the large dining halls for my infirmary, and long before dawn a row of cots are set up and five of your injured crewmen now rest as comfortably as I can make them.

Scouring the Lysandra, I have collected every last first aid and medical supply available. With the crewman Adrian’s help I have it all organized, along with a way to sterilize instruments on the cook stove in the small adjacent mess.

vqj3EHD.jpg

While our crew suffered three dead, the raiding party of ten was a total loss to Hamad. At my pragmatic suggestion (my heart hardened after my brief stay with Hamad and his men), the men will dispose of the dead raiders along the riverbank. I can only pray the crocodiles will feed happily upon them.

Once assured the wounded are settled, wounds clean and bandaged, laudanum administered for pain, I make a mental list of the supplies I will need to tend to the dead. Glancing over my charges, I decide to return to our suite to look for what I need.
 
Last edited:
You impress me so much. I recall, months ago, your words and able assistance at the Old Forest Church whereby you and the Monseñor removed the lead from my shoulder and dressed my wound. At the time, it seemed to me you were well-practiced with the healing arts.

Taking up the task of the wounded and the dead on board is an immense help to me. In the short time we have been together, I have come to trust you implicitly. I know you will do your very best.

In the meantime, much is required to get the Lysandra sea-worthy again for our continued journey. There is also the question of ascertaining the preparation of the crew for the battles to come. Just how am I to do all this without Gerard and Antoine? I think to myself.

My second mate is aboard the Constantine, and while I sorely could use him by my side, undoubtedly, I need him to remain there. Briefly, I allow the daunting list of tasks ahead to disturb my confidence. Glancing at the helm, I swiftly approach my gathered sailors who now await my orders.

I assign a tall young sailor, Aiden, to assist you. He is to follow your orders without question and make your tasks as easy as possible. Three others I ask to also be available to you upon request as the rest of us go to work with the rest of the ship.

First things first, I think. Repair the damage to the ship.


3rfaAdl.jpg

Aiden
 
I assign two men to assess and report to me at the helm. They attend to their duties forthwith. I inspect a couple of the slain attackers.

There is nothing about them of note. I send a seasoned and burly sailor to fetch the Lysandra’s chef to the helm (presuming he has not disappeared in the commotion). Not surprisingly, all of the other sailors we acquired after the killing of Hamad’s officer fled days ago.

My mind is fully occupied as I tick through all that must be accomplished before dawn. I dispatch men to despoil the attackers for anything of use. Sailors are sent here and there as I command; no doubt they will keep me apprised of the status of the ship.

I see you hurrying along the deck and our eyes meet in passing. Your adoration is evident in your expression. My feelings for you take me by surprise. Even as I am fully in my role as commander, the sight of you makes me desperate to sweep you up into my arms and hold you and kiss you forever. I have grown accustomed to not being apart from you for even a few moments, and I experience a dull ache at this separation, however brief.

The safety of the ship however will not wait. Reports come in as I inspect the helm. The steerage has been cut. Can this day get any more difficult?

The damage from the fire is not as bad as it could have been. The lacquered decking did not fully catch and blaze out of control. I thank the gods for our luck in this. The cast iron fire pit is overturned and needs resetting.

The rear sail and cordage is badly burned and must be replaced. Sailors are ordered to search the ships stores for replacements.

Returning to the wheel house, the chef is brought to me. I query him closely about the raid, the nature of our attackers, if he recognized any? He is candid, if fearful. He asserts they were indeed Hamad’s men. Two of them he is certain he recognized.

As he talks, it becomes clear the chef is in fear for his life for having previously been closely associated with the raiders. I have the men bind him and remove him to a small cabin below until such time as I deem events stable enough for further review. I warn the men to not be unkind to him.

Aiden reports to me at the helm on the disposition of the dead and wounded. It is not as bad as at first thought, but with Gerard gone…..curses…. I cannot spend time thusly.

Kezziah has asked the three crewmen to dispose of the attacker’s bodies. She is right of course, but they must be put off away from the ship.

Jhueii4.jpg

I order the men thusly, "Take the dingy, load up the stiffs and set them ashore for the crocodiles. We must have the waters surrounding the Lysandra clear.”

Just then a man returns to report on the arms inventory. What little store of powder we had is now gone. There is only what we each carry, a few hunting bows, and plenty of swords. I am pleased with the thoroughness in acquisition of weapons from the raiders’ bodies.

I assign men to repair the sail, the steerage, and restore the fire pit. At the moment we are dead in the water and therefore highly vulnerable. Setting five men on watch, the rest, I urge to work at double time to get the ship prepared to sail again.

The steerage is a particularly difficult repair. It is still the dark of night, and some of the repair must be done under water. With dawn close upon the horizon, I hope to get underway shortly thereafter.

In passing, I note the progress of your efforts with the dead and wounded. I am pleased with what I see.

Everywhere I look men are working at their utmost. I could not have a finer crew. At this rate, I do believe the ship may well be ready sail soon after the dawn. A spare sail is found for the burnt one along with more than enough cordage to attend to its installation.

The watch cries out…"approaching craft!" The alarm bell rings out.ALARM BELL(<<<click this link)


Igvz4Cp.jpg
 
Last edited:
I can feel the tension on board, even as I attend to my duties with the wounded. I am grateful for the unassuming assistance of Aiden. I begin to walk back to our quarters. And then the ship’s bell sounds. CLANG! RING!!(<<<click this link)


The men rush around, the tension, already high, ratchets up higher. Aiden calls after me in a harsh whisper,

“M’lady, you must not be on deck right now.”

Retracing my steps, I return to the infirmary. The tall sailor nearly pulls me behind him. I look up at him, startled.

After a time, it seems the approaching craft is not an enemy after all. And once again I tread the deck, retracing my steps to return to our quarters.

It has already been a long night and I feel the fatigue in my body. But there is no time to waste. There is so much to do. The few glimpses I have had of you this night, have shown you in full command.

The men rush to do your bidding. They all seem to rely upon you and trust you. It has felt so strange to be apart from you even as I can hear your voice on the deck above me, or at the helm as I tend the men.

It is too dark to make out clearly the ship that has drawn alongside us, but the crew are rushing to make it fast. I am so relieved they are friend and not foe.


npjjm89.jpg
 
Last edited:
As the dawn breaks and the craft comes into view, the crew rush about taking defensive positions. I note their efficiency and consider where improvements might be made. I can find no fault.

My watchman died at his post last night. I fear the fault lies with me. In hindsight, it is obvious that I should have posted more than one man to stand guard. I hang my head in bitterness and self reproach.

The approaching ship - my head snaps up, raising my spyglass to my eye I note the craft carries two men. One, I recognize, is a crewman from the Constantine. The other appears to be an Egyptian. From Alafdahl! They row the craft slowly towards us as the morning sky lightens.

I send two men overboard to reattach the steerage underneath the Lysandra. Our preparations through the night have served us well as the ship is nigh on ready to depart. I order a crewman report to me in my cabin when repairs are complete - in the meantime, I have charts I must review.

McCord hurries by me, a man I have always admired for his work ethic and efficiency.

An idea occurs to me, “McCord! Walk with me to my cabin,” he turns and joins me immediately.

I take his measure as if for the first time… a rugged Scotsman, easily a decade older than me, a fine man and true. He has crewed on the Constantine for just over a year, but he is experienced and wise to the ways of the sea.

nffdQDP.jpg
Shipman McChord​
“You are hereby promoted to Cabin Steward until I say otherwise or until you are dead. Stand fast here and admit no one excepting yonder messengers and Kezziah,” I instruct him.

“Knock twice if you must disturb me for any reason. I expect you to use your wits in an emergency. Do not disappoint me.” My voice is rough and my tone clipped.

I realize my emotions are sorely taxing me as I speak. I turn briefly before entering the cabin.

“McCord, I have faith in you. My thanks.”

“Aye, Cap’n,” he replies solemnly, his grey eyes regard me with understanding.
 
Much to catch up on. I'm out of town tomorrow. Hopefully Sunday I can catch up.
Thanks again, CB and MrT!
 
Much to catch up on. I'm out of town tomorrow. Hopefully Sunday I can catch up.
Thanks again, CB and MrT!

Thanks for dropping by TC! :rose:
Safe travels and we will save a place on the couch for you so you can catch up with the story when you come home.

The bar will be open ~ scotch sweetheart? :heart:

iu

Cascadia​
 
Last edited:
An older sailor tips his hat to me as I approach our cabin.

“M’lady” he says quietly. I detect a slight brogue in his accent. Of course, I had seen him on board, but I do not recall hearing him speak before. I smile slightly at him.

EXV672i.jpg

Pausing at the doorway, in the predawn light, I watch you for a moment. A hurricane lantern suspended over the desk casts a shadow over your tired face. Charts are unrolled before you, your back bent over them in study.

Taking in the cabin, left hours ago in such haste, I note the beautiful clock on the mantel has been stopped, as is customary after a death, it reads 1:10, though it must be nearly 5am now.

You glance up at me as I enter. I wrap my arms around you, resting my head against your back. There is so much tension in your body.

At the feel of me pressing against you, gradually, you straighten, taking a deep breath in and letting it out slowly.
 
I enter the cabin and immediately note the clock.TICKING CLOCK(<<<click this link) Striding towards it I find the gear to stop it and carefully reset it to the time of Gerard’s death. With a sigh I pace back to the desk and take a seat.

kfrVUEk.jpg

Unrolling the charts I begin to pore over them looking for a likely place to inter Gerard. By my troth, he will be buried with honour.

My friend. I sailed with Gerard even before ascending to Captaincy. We shipped together with a Tea Trader for several years. Always bunk mates. Sharing watch duty. Brothers in arms. Over the years, I learned so much of the sea and of ship operations through him. In truth, he had knowledge enough to captain any ship.

But that was not his way. Gerard preferred to be a friend, a confidant, and an advisor; allowing the mantle of leadership to fall on broader, younger shoulders. When the opportunity came to command a ship as a Privateer for the King, I took it upon myself and brought Gerard with me as my Cabin Steward. I will miss him sorely as my chief advisor, but even more-so as my friend.

Thinking over the years, I recall how he stood by me in many a bar-fight, and took punishment alongside me when we had erred by causing offense to some Aristocrat. He was a good man. I will not see his like again. I sigh.

iKMfHOH.jpg

Returning my attention to the charts, I study them for a nearby town or small city. There is one up ahead that seems likely to have a church.

The predawn light filters in through the windows as the cabin door opens and there you are, back lit against the early sky, leaning momentarily against the door frame.

You seem as exhausted as I feel, yet beautiful nonetheless. Crossing to me, you rest your head upon my back. I breathe deeply and then let it out, straightening and gathering strength for the next thing, whatever that may be.
 
Last edited:
“I am so sorry about Gerard,” I whisper. “I know he was as dear to you as a brother.”

I wait. Knowing I must not rush this conversation.

“Darling,” my voice steady and quiet, “I thought I would gather supplies to prepare the dead for burial. He was Catholic, was he not?”

You nod.

“We must bury him in the next hours. We have no time to waste. What are your thoughts about this, my love?”

Your voice is quietly authoritative when you speak.

“Yes. We must attend to our dead,” you pause thoughtfully.

“I was looking at the charts. There is a town just ahead on the river, and, if memory serves, a rather large Coptic cathedral just on the water. The Coptics, they are Christian. Gerard would approve. We cannot do better.”

“I will make all the arrangements, my love. Leave it all to me.”

Turning from you, I go to the trunks searching until I find what I seek. A basin and towels for washing, and yards and yards of white linen sheeting.

TTr8gL8.jpg

I also find some black silk I can cut into strips for arm bands and to mark the doorways for mourning. Additionally, there is various black yardage I can use to cover all of the mirrors on the Lysandra.

In my hunt, I come across a black gown. I set this aside to wear later. Hours earlier I had already dressed myself in a black silk shirt and black linen britches.
 
Last edited:
It takes so few words for the two of us to communicate complex ideas and plans. Moments later you are opening trunks, apparently searching for all you will need to accomplish the tasks you have set for yourself.

It has calmed me more than you could know to have these few moments alone with you.

All is according to tradition – black for mirrors and door handles, some cloth with which, I can only presume, will serve to wrap bodies.

While I could watch you all day, you captivate me so, my duties as Captain can not be set aside. Rising, I leave the cabin and go attend to the messengers now coming aboard.
 
I just had a feeling that there would be a raid and someone would be murdered by Hamad's men. It was really well described and timed. Also, the part about the fire was a surprise, I didn't see that coming, and nor did I think that Gerard would be the one to be killed. Plenty going on that's for sure!

Thanks so much for all the work that goes into writing this :).
 
I just had a feeling that there would be a raid and someone would be murdered by Hamad's men. It was really well described and timed. Also, the part about the fire was a surprise, I didn't see that coming, and nor did I think that Gerard would be the one to be killed. Plenty going on that's for sure!

Thanks so much for all the work that goes into writing this :).

Hi Suss! Lovely to see you as always! :rose:
Mr T and I are pleased to be able to keep your interest in our little tale. :)
Read on!!! More adventure awaits! :heart:

Cascadia
 
By the time I have gathered everything I require, you have left the suite. This does not surprise me, as the Captain, you have much to attend to. I wonder if the damage from the fire has already been repaired. Hamad has already struck us. Cairo will be a fight. And now we have fewer men.

I cover the mirrors in the suite with black clothes, cut strips of black cloth enough for every man and for a dozen door handles. I tie a black ribbon on the exterior of the door handle before returning to the infirmary with the rest of the supplies.

VWKVQgY.jpg

Setting a large pot to boil in the mess, I go to Gerard’s quarters and search for his best outfit. I do likewise for the other two crewmen.

The crew’s quarters are deserted. Every able bodied man is topside working as if the devil himself were at the helm.

My quest is in vain though. None of them seem to have any clothes beyond those they were wearing. I will have to wash and repair them as best I can to make them presentable for the funeral rites. Gerard’s rosary is with his few personal possessions.

I retrieve it planning to wrap it ‘round his wrist and hands like he might have in life.

MuQ71NX.jpg

I find myself quietly mouthing the Lord’s Prayer as I go about my work- over and over again. The words calm me. Focus me.

Returning to the infirmary and makeshift death room, I am grateful that while I had attended the wounded in the wee hours, my helpers laid out the bodies in a nearby chamber, side by side, on a long table.

One by one I wash them clean. I shave them one last time and wash their hair. I clean and trim their nails. And then I re-dress them, just as they would have been in life. Praying silently as I do these tasks.

It is physical and emotional work. Once complete, I drape each one with a white linen sheet. I am just finishing with Gerard as you appear in the doorway.

Silently you come and stand by my side, slipping your hand into mine.


KxLIUIv.jpg
 
Last edited:
Stepping out of the cabin I speak briefly with McCord before hurrying to the deck to meet with the men from the Constantine and Alafdahl – surely they are on board by now and there is no time to waste.

BKbs8bh.jpg

Their news is momentous. Hastily I consult with them and determine the best course of action. I scribble out replies for them to take back. The coordination is daunting.

Striding the decks of the Lysandra, I offer encouragement, direction, and aid as necessary to hasten the completion of this or that task the men are working upon.

The helm appears to have been fully repaired and the sail is nigh on completion. I want the sail completed expeditiously and order the men redouble their efforts.

Next, I interview the chef. Finding his intentions and disposition to be the same as ever, I release him from his bonds telling him his detention was as much for his protection as it was suspicion.

He seems relieved, well aware the common fate of his countrymen when caught on the wrong side of foreign infidels.

I bade him prepare a feast for this evening. Additionally, I will assign a crewman to assist him in the galley. Departing the cell, I inform McCord that the chef is clear to come and go and to make certain the rest of the crew is advised.

Making the rounds, I enter the newly established infirmary and find you in the chamber beyond. Gerard looks peaceful as he rests as though asleep on the table. I approach you, slipping my hand into yours.

P40iqZy.png

 
I really enjoy how every preparation is described, it really does make the whole story feel so alive.

I am definitely sensing more adventure on the horizon :).
 
I really enjoy how every preparation is described, it really does make the whole story feel so alive.

I am definitely sensing more adventure on the horizon :).

:heart::heart::heart:
Hope you had a great weekend Suss!

Thank you (and all of our readers) for continuing along our adventure!

Cascadia:rose:
 
Back
Top