Dream Mountain Press

The Guardian Star Series is published!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 14:35:00 +0000

Well, if you've been tracking the happenings on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Creatspace, you will know that

The Guardian Star Series is published!!

It's hard to believe that the series I started so long ago is finally out in its totality. It started as a single and grew to a include a sequel and then two more short novels decided to add themselves to the group. Who was I to say no! But, all is said and done and now: The Guardian Star's True Mark, True Captain, Conlan's Choice, and Tristen's Time are all published and available for your enjoyment! You can purchase them at any of the locations listed above or go to them directly from my book page. Remember to comment and let me know what you think! I love to talk to readers and hear their thoughts!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 00:58:00 +0000

It's can be really hard to publish. Just when you think everything is lined up and ready to go, some new problem surfaces. For instance, your books show up at your door and the covers are blurry, or something is hidden in your file somewhere that is corrupting it for some markets, or who knows what other little detail. And all you can do is sigh, say it can be fixed, and move on. Knowing that eventually, even if it isn't when you hoped, things will get published. They will all be ready to go and it will all be okay. Well, the publishing part, after that it is the anxious wait for someone to buy and review the book. But that's after publishing, no one will review diddly-squat if you don't get them published. So, one step at a time.
Guardian Star's True Mark and True Captain are published and done! They will both be available on Amazon in about one week and about a week or two later, everywhere else. I am re-uploading Conlan and Tristen yet again and hoping that this time it sticks. While all four are available at Smashwords, in ebook pre-release form, I am holding off my celebration until they are available in all formats everywhere, which hopefully, will be by the end of the month, as promised. But this is after a month long delay. So, a cautious "Yeah!" perhaps? LOL the joys of publishing, as I said! Anyway, I needed to vent my delayed excitement and this is my forum to do so. I feel so much better now! Okay, back to Tristen! See you all on the other side of publishing real soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 02:03:00 +0000

Good grief! Has it really been a whole year since my last post? It's hard to imagine that Aiden has been out for a year now. Now, I am working on republishing one of my first books The Guardian Star's True Mark. It will be available at the same time as it's sequel The Guardian Star's True Captain, as well as two companion novels, Conlan's Choice and Tristen's time. All should be available within by the end of the month! It's so exciting to see all four books come out at the same time. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of them! Check back at the end of the month to order your copies!

Aiden has been published!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 15:10:00 +0000

The wait is finally over!! It has been a long time in coming, but Aiden has been published!!
You may have notcied the long wait, yes? Well, see I had a daughter! Kensie Grace was born a year ago and she consumed all of life for the year. But she is doing awesome and I am fianlly back to be able to put out a whole new slew of books! Aiden is only the first! I have two more books and two ebooks that will be coming out soon as well. Two of which you already know, The Guardian Star series will be republished and the series will be finished with the addition of two new ebooks. For the first time, all four books will be coming soon! But in the meantime, Aiden is ready and waiting to entertain you in a world full of mythical creatures, war, romance, adventure, and fun. Come join him on his adventure to redeem himself to his family and bring them back together again!

BOOK SYNOPSIS

As the oldest of nine siblings, Aiden was their self-appointed protector. All that changed in a shocking moment when their ‘guardian’ banished them from their childhood home and forbid any contact. His family betrayed him by letting it happen, but by not fighting to keep them together, his betrayal was far worse. With no destination in mind or skills beyond that of his array of weapon, he travels as a warrior for hire and works for anyone willing to pay. His ultimate goal is to attain the skills needed to kill their guardian and bring together his banished family. This alone will redeem his betrayal, but will the path he chose cost him his very soul?

TO PURCHASE:
Ebook
(Coming to Amazon soon)

Paperback from Createspace
Paperback from Amazon

I hope you enjoy Aiden's story!! Don't forget to let me know what you think of it here or on my Facebook page! And don't forget to check out the rest of the Romany series! Each book was written by a different author. You can also check out each siblings Facebook page and keep up with Aiden from his own Facebook page.

The Guardian Star's True Captain

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:43:00 +0000

The Guardian Star's True Captain is complete. You can now read the whole story from start to finish. Of course, if you want to find out what Justin decides to next you'll have to buy the book, which includes the epilogue. As an extra tease, it also reveals Tommy and Kiliki's baby's name. Just saying!

Also arriving soon, will be Conlan and Tristen's own stories, Conlan's Choice and Tristen's Time, will be available on ebook only.

I hope you enjoyed following Justin and Dabria as they discovered themselves and how to follow the True Captain! Make sure you check out my other books too!

You can read the final chapter of The Guardian Star's True Captain here.

Or start from the beginning here!

Be sure to let me know what you think!

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Dream Mountain is now available on Amazon for all those who were waiting for the Kindle addition! Check it out at here.

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:09:00 +0000

WOW! Dream Mountain has finally been published!!
This was one of my very first stories and holds a special place in my heart. As I child, I spent more time at Dream Mountain than I did in reality. I have always said, that if I could have one wish it would be that Dream Mountain and everything about it were true. I guess I've grown up from some of that, put I'd still love to live as "Grace." I don't want to give away too much, so that you will enjoy the story. But Dream Mountain was the easiest story I ever wrote, because I lived it for so many years. LOL Still do, sometimes. Anyway, Hunter was originally named Luke, but Jonathan, didn't like that name, so I changed it for him in this version of the story. He was as much a part of the story as I was and of course, I was never without my Tommy. I've often floated over the clouds with Daydream and we have some great 'memories.'
Oh, Dream Mountain, so much emotion, so much of my childhood. Well, JD, I dream now that you are there watching over everything for me. I know you'll call when you are ready. I miss you, twin.
Please, enjoy the story of a girl who could never give up on dreaming.
You can check out the new link in my books section!

EBooks

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:08:00 +0000

The ebook process is an interesting one. There are a lot of little details, plus publishing rights, and you really have to understand it all before you can do anything. On top of that, the manuscript, cover, copy write, and owners rights, and such all need to be perfect. And please lets not offend anyone that might put your book up for sale in the future. Good grief. Still, for all the pain and problems, there is nothing like seeing your own book come up on the ereader when you do a random search for something interesting to read. Guess that means, I'm going back at it!

Liberty's Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:37:00 +0000

          So, the new series I'm working on is called the Liberty's Series and it starts with Liberty's Choice. Believe it or not, the other two books are already named too. This is a very unusual trilogy for me to write for two different reasons. One, its a trilogy. Never done one of those before. And two, the bigger reason, is that it is a historical fiction. I write fantasy. It's FAR easier. You get to make up all the rules, the timelines, the places, invent whatever you want and delete whatever you don't feel like dealing with. Not so with historical fiction. Everything is already laid out for me and I have to fit into its described box. Phooey.
           It is kinda nice having a timeline already done, except that I have two squish a quite a few years into three books. I just need to insert my own characters into that timeline. I also need to find things that are not in the books before to include, since the Revolutionary War as been done before numerous times. I'm finding the little stories that really ought to have been included in my own school history books, because let's face it I might have actually paid attention then, and putting them into my story.
          I know my mother is highly amused that the girl who would only study Anceint history and Indian history is now writing about American history. I blame the history books. Now, let me watch "1776" and we might have seen things a different way back then. As it was, it took a while to find any type of love, if I dare call it that, for my own country's history. Hmm, serving in her army might have helped too. Just saying.
          Anyway, so here I am working my way through the First Continental Congress and finding my self on page 51 already. I might need to hurry this up, as I still have to get through Lexington and Concord, a few other battles, and all of the Second Continental Congress just to end the first book.
          Not to mention that at some point, Sarah and James, my two stars on opposite sides of the war (oh, come on, being on the same side is just no fun), need to actual have a couple conversations and have some romantic tensions going on. Considering, Sarah hates James at the moment, tension is working just fine, romantic ain't happening, but I got two books left for that. I just need them to actually see each other, and I'm beginning to realize most of book one will be spent apart. Oh bother. On the bright side, every time James does enter the scene it takes him all of two seconds and one look to get under Sarah's prim and proper skin. It makes an impression to remember during their time apart, but it's so much more fun to write them together. Might have to figure out a way to make that happen a little better. Hmmm. The problems, I mean joys, of writing.
          Ah well, I guess musing time is over. I need to go work on finances before I can get back to the fun of writing myself out of Congress. One last ball and then I am moving everyone back to Boston. And in my humble opinion, James had better have his butt there and be ready to cooperate. Sarah can be frustrated with him, but its rather annoying when I'm frustrated with him too, simply because he wants to do things his own way and not mine. Funny, how I look forward to writing those.

Life vs Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:35:00 +0000

Why is it that life and writing time never seem to co-exist? Wouldn't it be nice if at the exact moment you had a great writing idea you also had all the time you needed to sit and write it down or vice versa? Sigh. It rarely happens that way. If you honestly want to write, you have to make time and that has to be prioritized. for instance, I have been promising myself for weeks now that I would get moving on my Liberty Series. However, writing time as been preoccupied with a VBS drama script. Then of course, there is the life part where a certain brother of mine is getting married next Saturday. Wedding plans take priority over writing too. And let's not forget I am in charge of three major training sessions at the youth center, for which I need power points that actually fit the screen, hand out notes, and of course to update all the material, writing time that bumps VBS back, and I can't even see the Liberty Series now.
I mean, with all this going on at the same time, why do things in stages, writing for fun ends up taking a back stance to everything else. Kevin J. Anderson would not be pleased. He'd tell me to get up earlier. Ha. Like that's going to happen. I need more dedication on top of time. One of these days, I'll get paid for the writing and them I'll have deadlines and stuff like that and it will be an actual job instead of a hobby I love, but if I can't find the time I need now, when am I going to get it then? Especially after kids come.... eventually. Maybe I do need to get up earlier..... On the plus side, the VBS script is done now.

Editing

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Tue, 10 May 2011 19:23:00 +0000

Editing is a not a new process, however, I happen to think it is the bane of a writer's process. The stack of papers sitting there with a whole bunch of little marks on it saying what is wrong is just depressing. It mocks you since you know it has to be done, but there is writing that would be so much more fun to do! And yet, the silver lining is that when finished the refining will produce a product that you are proud to call your own. It is necessary for grammar purposes of course, but also necessary for the story itself. This is where others find the gaps in your plot line, or a character that didn't sound right to them, too much or little description, or perhaps you have to much repetition. Try not to get depressed with all the corrections you need to make though. Remember, each one is going to help. It doesn't mean that your story isn't good, only needs to be tightened. And once your finished with that, as much of a pain as it is, you'll be proud.

Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:15:00 +0000

         It's time to start the new series! Okay, technically, I started earlier. But I am still in the beginning steps and it can be frustrating to know how far there is go to. You have this grand idea for a book, or three in my case, and while the end goal is exciting, it is far way and at times can seem impossible to attain. So, how do you reach this lofty goal without quitting on the way? I have two answers.
         The first would be to not go it alone. Find someone who is honest and you trust that can give you both encouragement and constructive criticism. When you are feeling down about the story or have no idea what comes next that person will become invaluable.
         The second is to set short term goals. Yes, the book is a huge goal and it takes a whole lot to accomplish it. Look at what you need to complete your task. Characters, outline, plot, scenes, word count, chapters, ect. all are part of the story process. But take it one at a time. Choose characters or the outline, focus on that until you know your characters well and know the general outline that you will follow. Make that your first goal. Then, instead of trying to finish your whole book, finish one chapter, or even one page and the next day set the same goal. Set apart a time each day that is your writing time. Nothing interferes with that time. You might spend the whole time writing or you might not write a single word, but you've gotten to know your characters better or maybe you figured out a scene that will come later. All of that is still part of the writing process.
           Remember, writing a book is a great goal and if you work at it, completely achievable. It is a lot of fun to write and it is hard work. Listen to the person you've chosen to help and keep those short term goals! In the end, you'll have a book to be proud of!

Natural Talent

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:34:00 +0000

            Writing has always been a natural thing for me. Everyone suffers from writing block and saying what you want in just that right way. But for the most part, when I sit at the computer, I have a general idea of where I want it to go, though I have no idea how I will get there. I'll put my fingers on the keys and suddenly they move, words forming on the screen and in my mind simultaneously. I can only call it a God thing. For often, I will look back at what has been written and marvel that it came from my mind. I love that feeling. The surprise of knowing God helped you to write a section and it was simply natural. A talent. One I am grateful for.
             Sometimes, it isn't always that easy, but in a good way. Sometimes characters take over the story and no matter what you do, they will not be tamed. It means they are real and believable. But when you are writing a scene and simply watching it flow, it can be annoying when a character takes a left turn instead of a right. Very annoying. Yet, even that is natural, because your character is only following the nature you gave him or her. It keeps the story fun for the reader later and for the author it keeps the story interesting to write.
I remember thinking as a kid, watching my younger brother do such amazing things, that God had simply forgotten to give me a talent. That He had skipped me in favor of Jonathan. I remember being upset, and yet proud that JD was so impressive. Still, it made me wonder, since JD was obviously going to do so well, what was there left for me? Even through college I struggled constantly with the thought that I was studying the wrong thing, or doing the wrong thing, simply because what I tried to do, what I thought my talents were didn't seem to be right.
            I remember our Disneyworld trip and everyone was in the hotel room, having a very grand and loud time. I sat on the couch quietly typing as fast as I could as the story flowed once more from my fingers onto the screen. I barely remember thinking the words before I saw them before me. My mom asked what I was doing and I frowned, confused, since I thought it was obvious. I said, "writing." Her face was comical as she replied in awe, "In this noise? That's amazing." I have to honestly say, that was the first time I had thought of it that way. It was so natural to tune out my siblings and to fall into the world of writing allowing it to flow from me. For the first time, I realized it was a talent. It meant God hadn't skipped me. It would still be a long time before my first book would be published. But I'd always remember that moment. Writing too is a talent and it can be used for God just as much as any other talent, even the more genius and recognizable ones. I can honestly say I took that talent for granted when I didn't realize what a gift it is to be able to write as if it is second nature.
            Take a moment and think about it. Even if your talent isn't obvious, or flashy, it's there. God designed you with a gift and talent that He wants you to use for Him. What is your talent? What comes so naturally you just don't think about it?
            I love my ability to write and fall into stories where whole worlds open up for me. I love exploring them and meeting the characters. I'm privileged to be able to take you with me. And I hope that while I marvel at the pure joy of watching the words form in front of me, you too will enjoy reading the stories I tell. And through these stories, may we both give God glory.
            Share with me what your talent is and how you are using it for God's glory. Remember, He did give you one and He wants you to use it.

Justin is up!

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 01:14:00 +0000

Check out the Justin's link to read the next chapter of The Guardian Star's True Captain!

In other news, I am working on gathering all the necessary information to update the new facebook pages for Aiden and his Romany Epistles siblings. Click on the names to be redirected to the page. If you like the Romany's stories search for Aiden's siblings pages as well! If you check out Aiden's link on the side bar, it will provide links to ALL of the Romany stories. They are being updated now. Check out Wren's story!

Justin has moved to his own page!

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 21:35:00 +0000

Hello all!
Seeing as since I last posted eons ago, Justin has been finished, I am now providing him with his own page. There you will be able to check in on him and see his full story as I post it. Chapters 1-13 have already been moved and posted. I will be keeping the same format of posting once a week for the new chapter, although, since he is finished I might become impatient and post twice a week. You just never know! Check out his new link in the side bar!

Meanwhile, here, I will continue to update you one my writing and how things are going and where they are going. So, as of right now, I have begun two companion novelettes following the characters of Tristen and Conlan. They will be available in one book for any one who purchases both The Guardian Star's True Mark and The Guardian Star's True Captain. At this time, it is titled The Guardian's Star's Friends: Tristen's Time and Conlan's Choice.

I have also begun major work onto my next trilogy, The Liberty Series. This series follows James, a Redcoat, and Sarah, a patriot, during the Revolutionary War and puts the fun back into history. Featuring many cool characters you'll recognize, but with neat stories you've never heard before. This is a major undertaking for me, because unlike an of my other books, this is not a fantasy in a world I made up with whatever rules I want. This is real world and will include the real history, but hopefully with bits and pieces you have never heard before. The task here is to let Sarah and James show you, that while I believed for most of my life history is boring, I was wrong and history when presented the right way and telling about the cool things history books tend to leave out can be quite a bit of fun. I hope you will join me on this adventure.

Lastly, for those of you that once followed the Romany Epistles, you will be glad to know that after a massive chat today with the other authors, we are reigniting the flame for the series and putting it back on track! You will be able to look at our new character Facebook pages and soon there will be a main page for them all.You can already check out some of the character pages, including Aiden! Don't forget to use that like button!

Thanks for checking in and I look forward to joining you on these really cool adventures. We are about to have a blast!

The Gaurdian Star's True Captain

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:04:00 +0000

I must apologize for the Chapter 12's late appearance. Our internet as been arguing and winning the battle of wills lately and so I have been a frequent visitor to Barnes and Noble in order to get anything done. It is quite an annoying predicament. I do hope you will forgive me and enjoy chapter 12 of Justin and Dabria's story!

Chapter 12 ~ A New Friend

Justin dogged a kid running after his dog and grinned. He had been that same kid at one point, only he was usually the one being chased. It seemed like forever ago that Tommy had found him cornered on this very wharf. He had been running from pirates when Tommy had confronted them and quickly sent them on their way. It was his first time to meet the legendary Black Panther and he had been more than a little shocked to see his hero standing before him. Still, he thought he had held up pretty well, at least, that’s how he intended to remember it.

“Under Mask Tavern,” Namid commented. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this dump.”

“Not long enough,” Maath muttered.

Justin grinned at their comments. The Under Mask Tavern was defiantly not the best that Ulrich had to offer, but it was where all the reliable information was. It was also the known hang out for Leon, an old contact of the Black Panther’s. While the rest of his crew was trying to get rid of all their hard stolen money at the more popular taverns, Justin was on a mission for information about pirate sweet spots along the merchant’s routes.

“You want me to make contact?” Maath asked, as the trio stopped outside the tavern door, which Justin noticed was almost completely off its hinges.

Leon could identify the Black Panther, so it had been decided that Justin would not be present at the meeting. He frowned at the annoyance of the whole thing, but nodded his head to Maath’s question. “We’ll be close by, Maath. Try not to attract too much attention”

Maath smiled. “Never.”

After he disappeared inside, Justin turned to Namid. “He’s going to get into trouble.”

Namid grinned. “Maath will be fine, just be glad you didn’t send Evyn inside.”

Justin laughed and moved off to the side of the tavern. “He’d have the whole place upside down five seconds after he walked in.”

Namid laughed. “If it took that long.”

A familiar sound caused Justin to pause. “Did you hear that?”

“No.” Namid looked around, immediately on alert.

“Sounded like a sword fight.” Justin frowned, looking around.

Evening was setting, but there was still plenty of light to see all around the area. The left side of the stone street was run down buildings, including the tavern. On the right, was the Ula Ocean and the seeder side of the Ulrich wharf. The waves lapped against the shore. Two ships could be seen further out in the water, one of which was his own. Justin headed towards the water and heard the clang of swords more clearly. The sound was coming from below the dock.

Justin glanced at Namid, put his hand on his sword, and moved to the beach. Namid drew his sword and carried where it was easily caught in the slowly dimming light. They moved past the edge of the dock to find an interesting scene.

Before them, two men were on the ground, seriously injured, while a third stood boldly in front of them. His sword was on the ground, but his position declared he wasn’t giving ground easily. Across from them, with their backs to Justin and Namid, was a group of five highly ticked off and heavily armed pirates. The man standing between his comrades and foes saw Justin and Namid, but his face gave nothing away.

Instead, he continued to speak, “… won’t find it and killing us won’t force me to give the secret up.”

“Not it, her!” The front pirate spat out, complete with brown spit.

“No,” was the calm reply.

“I’ll torture you for where she is. I know just how and I’ll enjoy it,” he snarled.

“You can try, but I’m the only one who knows her location and I won’t be giving it up,” he responded with no fear in his voice.

“She’s worth nothing to you! Why spare her? I’ll get what I need and you can have her little carcass back,” the pirate bargained.

“A true temptation,” he said in a voice that told he wasn’t tempted at all, “but her carcass isn’t what I want. I won’t let you hurt her.”

“You won’t have a choice,” the head pirate snarled. “Take him. We’ll take his ship and if she’s not there, we’ll torture him till we know where she is. Either way it will be fun and profitable.”

Justin looked at Namid and nodded. That was enough to establish the bad and good guys. It was time to step in.

“Might I suggest another time for this meeting? Your odds of winning just became non-existent,” Namid raised his voice and halted the movement of the pirates beginning to advance. Instead, they turned as one to face the new threat.

“This is none of your business! Be gone!” The head pirate shouted a warning.

“Funny, I’m pretty sure I just made it my business,” Justin replied smoothly, still not drawing his sword.

“Riftraft. You’re going to die if you keep talking,” the pirate shouted, more angrily.

Behind him, the man was urging his wounded comrades to move out of the way, while keeping an eye on the new action. It was obvious they weren’t going to move far.

Justin smiled. “Let me ask you a question before you decide who is going to die tonight.” He pulled his sword slowly from his side and used it to point out to the sea. “Do you see that ship out there?” He waited patiently while all the pirates turned in that direction. “Do you know the name of it?”

“What’s it matter?” The pirate growled.

“Its name is The Guardian Star and it belongs to me,” Justin stated as calmly as possible, though he could feel the pride in his statement. He could also feel Namid quick intake of laughter. It was the same statement that Tommy had used when he had rescued him all those years ago. It felt so good and right to use it as his own.

All motion in front of them ceased, including the men attempting to move to safety. The man between the two groups looked at him in general curiosity, but the pirates faces raged with different degrees of fear.

“The Black Panther!” One of them whispered, not so quietly. The name sent an obvious affect through the pirates.

Justin brought his sword back around to face them. “Precisely. Now, who would like to fight? I’m bored.”

No one moved, until someone shoved the head pirate forward just a little.

“You’re too young to be the Black Panther,” he muttered, in a not so convinced voice.

“Try me and find out,” Justin replied.

He nodded, as if that was just what he would do then pushed the man next to him between them. “Rat, take him out.”

The man steadied his sword and eyed Justin, who simply waited. The man lunged forward and Justin moved to the right. The man moved his sword in a fluid motion downwards to Justin’s knees and he blocked it just in time. Then, Justin ran his own sword up the man’s and grabbed his wrist. Twisting hard, he forced the man to drop the sword on the left, even as his sword when to the man’s throat.

“Had enough?” Justin asked quietly.

The man started to nod, but stopped quickly when the sword cut into him causing blood to drip onto it.

“Ah, now look, you dirtied my sword. And I just had it cleaned from the last idiot I had to kill.” He moved his sword down and wiped the blade on the pirate’s shirt. In one quick motion, he moved out of the way and yanked the man hard, forcing him to fall to his knees. As he fell, Justin hit him in the back of the head with the hilt of his sword, causing him to collapse unconscious.

Justin straightened and stared at the pirates. “That was no fun. The next one I get to kill.”

“Not me!” One of them shrieked and took off running. The others were not far behind.

The head of the pirate gang looked from Justin to his fallen crewmember and finally to the man he had first challenged. “This isn’t over. I will still win in the end.”

“I’ll stop you every time,” he responded.

The man growled, but after a look at Justin, followed his crew. Immediately, the man they had just helped turned back to his friends.

“Kavan, Greger, we’ve got to stop that bleeding,” he said.

“Aye, Captain, but its not quite that easy,” one wheezed.

“Cap, I’ve broken ribs too,” the other stated, holding his side.

“Great,” their captain said sarcastically.

“Namid, help them,” Justin commanded.

Namid nodded, sheathing his sword, and going over to kneel at their side, instantly began to make a mixture of wet sand. Only after the captain was sure Namid was truly going to help did he turn to Justin.

“Thank you, Black Panther. That could have turned out very badly.”

“I could tell.” Justin sheathed his own sword. “What was that all about?”

The captain shook his head. “I know where a girl is that they would like to use as ransom against her father.”

“Is she safe?” Justin asked.

“For now,” was the reply.

“You’re not a pirate,” Justin stated.

The captain grinned. “No. I’m a trader. I go where the sea takes me and make my living off of the wares she brings in.”

“Sounds like an interesting life.” Justin grinned.

He laughed. “No more than a pirate, I suspect.” He held out his hand. “Conlan Rider. It’s good to meet the famous Black Panther.”

Justin shook it. “It’s good to meet a friend.”

“I owe you.”

“Captain!” Maath’s voice called out from behind them.

Justin turned and motioned him over. “You missed the excitement.”

“I can see that. Next time, save some.” Maath grumbled with a smile.

“Sure. You arrived for the hard part though. We need to get these soldiers back to their ship. Give Namid a hand.”

“Aye, aye,” Maath responded, going over to his friend.

Conlan shook his head. “Now I owe you twice.”

“Good. I’m sure you can repay me someday,” Justin replied.

Conlan nodded. “If you ever need her, The Hero’s Choice is at your service.”

“Hero’s Choice. I like it.”

“Thanks.”

“Let’s get you to your ship, Captain Conlan, and we’ll see if we can’t make this a permanent friendship.”

Conlan laughed. “Sounds like a plan. The Black Panther on my side. That would make life interesting indeed.”

“You have no idea,” Justin responded with a grin.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Conlan, it turned out, made quite a good living for himself. His ship was as fit as The Guardian Star and his crew just as trained. It didn’t take long to discover the two had much in common, besides being the same age, though Conlan seemed to have a direction and purpose that Justin found himself envying. Justin’s life was all about proving himself to be worthy as the Black Panther and not some street rat that could be shoved aside and forgotten. Yet, Conlan seemed to prove that simply by having confidence in himself and what he did. Still, Justin thought there might be more to it than just that, but he didn’t ask what.

At the moment, the girl Conlan was trying to save was his future bride whom he had only met twice. Once was to accept the proposal and the second time to spirit her away to safety. The two captains exchanged vows to help the other in any way they could, Justin by keeping eyes and ears out for any trouble Conlan might encounter and to come to aid if needed and Conlan by being on the lookout for The Dandy. By the time both ships parted Ulrich, the two captains were fast friends and Justin was on his way to pick up his own little pixie and take her to her sister’s estate.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Justin looked across the carriage to Salena and Dabria who were both sitting quietly. He had never in his life seen either of the girls do that. They had both been subdued when he had arrived to pick them up, and now that they were on their way to the ship that had not changed. He had stayed silent for most of the ride, wondering if they would let him in on what was going on, but now he was getting impatient and wanted to find out. He was also worried. It was so unlike them to be silent and still.

“Are you both all right? I’ve never seen you act like this before,” Justin admitted worriedly.

Dabria looked up at him, but Salena kept her unfocused gaze looking out the window.

“We’re fine, Justin. Just tired. Mom had my sixteenth birthday ball last night and we were up really late. She wanted to have it before we left. It’s a good thing, you arrived earlier.”

“Sorry, I hope I didn’t spoil any of your plans,” Justin said, only half serious.

“No, you know we are always ready to go with you. Salena and I have been packed for weeks. Um, don’t tell Mom that,” she added slowly, after thinking for a few minutes.

“You are acting very strange. Are you sure you’re just tired? I’ve seen you after parties before, you’re never this bad.” Justin was sure he was missing something.

“She doesn’t usually dance with every single available man at the party,” Salena put in, apparently paying attention to the conversation after all.

“Salena!” Dabria wailed.

But Salena just shrugged and said, “It’s true.”

“What is she talking about?” Justin asked suspiciously. “She can’t mean every guy, can she?”

Dabria sighed. “Just about. I am the sister to a duchess after all and the sole heir of my parent’s plantation. I’m not exactly a bad catch.”

“You are not a ‘catch’!” Justin spouted angrily.

Dabria and Salena both turned to look at him in surprise.

“Okay, so I’m not the most beautiful girl and I have been sick a lot, but that doesn’t mean I won’t make a good wife someday. Thank you very much!” Dabria spouted.

“That’s not what I mean, Dabria,” Justin sighed.

“It doesn’t really matter, does it?” Dabria said angrily. “You don’t have a whole lot of say in the matter anyway. I’m sixteen and I can make my own choices. And the men I know happen to think I am a choice for them!”

Salena shifted her gaze between the two of them, but wisely stayed silent.

“The men you know are still boys. You are beautiful Dabria, but you are not ready to think about marriage!” Justin protested.

“In case you haven’t noticed,” Dabria whispered furiously, “in our society that is exactly what girls are raised for. Most girls have started thinking about marriage long before now. Half my friends even have a fiancé. So do not lecture me about what I can and cannot think regarding boys!”

The carriage rolled to a stop, but Dabria was already halfway out the door. Salena cast Justin a look that told him that had not been a smart move, then she too exited, hurrying to catch up to a very miffed Darbria. Justin sighed. That had not gone as planned at all.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“Has he lost his mind?” Dabria spouted angrily, slamming the door of the cabin behind her.

Salena opened the door again as she entered and calmly closed it behind her. She watched Dabria angrily storm around the room. “Deep breath, please,” she said calmly.

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Dabria snapped. “Don’t even try.”

“I would not dream of it,” was Salena’s slightly sarcastic reply.

Dabria spun on her friend. “There is no need for that tone! You heard him out there! He thinks I’m not marriage material!”

“And this has you so upset because…” Salena allowed her voice to trial off.

Dabria stared at her. “What?”

“You heard me,” Salean replied calming, crossing to her bed and sitting down. “Why are you so high and tight over this? I seem to recall you saying last night before the ball that you weren’t ready to marry anyway. Justin says the same thing and you fly off the deep end.”

“This is different,” Dabria muttered.

“I can tell, but I asked you why.” Salena drew her legs up under her and waited patiently for Dabria to answer, as if she had all the time in the world.

“He..he..” Dabria sputtered, suddenly at a loss for words.

“That is what I thought. Will you please sit down, so we can discuss this, before you end up jumping ship again. I have no wish to be punished,” Salena’s words were spoken soothingly, but her amusement was evident in her eyes.

Dabria glared at her. “Why is it everyone seems to love recalling that?”

“Because it has become ship legend,” was the simple reply.

Dabria glared at her again.

“Oh, stop looking at me like that. It won’t change any facts.”

“Why are we having this conversation?” Dabria complained.

“You were mad about Justin and your lack of quality to be a good marriage match,” Salena replied as if discussing the ship’s masts.

Dabria’s hands became fists. “That’s right! How dare he say that!”

“And off we go again,” was Salena’s bored comment.

“He just shoved me aside, like I was… nothing,” her voice took on a quite tone, unlike her ranting only seconds before. She fell into the chair closest too her. “Like I was nothing at all.”

Salena sat up straighter. “And the real problem emerges.”

Dabria glanced at her friend. “What are you going on about?”

“Come on, Dabria, you are upset not because of what Justin said, but because it was Justin who said it,” Salena spoke gently as if trying to reveal something hard, without hurting her friend.

“I don’t understand,” Dabria whispered.

“Or you don’t want too,” Salena replied, but kindly. “Dabria, why is it you are so astute about relationships, but you can’t figure this out?”

“I don’t know,” was her soft reply.

“Think about it,” Salena urged.

Dabria winced. ~ I am thinking about it. I can’t seem to stop. I’ve tried. ~ She thought furious with herself. She sighed and studied the rug on the wood floor. ~ Justin is so different. He’s strong and he knows what he wants. He’s not afraid to go after it, either. He cares though too, I mean, he can be mean and rude, but he’s also been gentle with both Salena and I. The rug, look at it, and the whole room. What guy at the parties we have been to would even consider doing something like this for us? Not a single one. ~

“Dabria?”

“Hmm?” She didn’t look up still following her tail of thoughts.

“What are you thinking?” Salena asked curiously.

Dabria felt herself blush. She wasn’t sure why, but for the first time in her life, she did not want to share her thoughts with her best friend. ~ It’s not that there’s anything wrong with them, but… I don’t know, I don’t understand myself. What is going on? I don’t want to explain, yet I refuse to lie to her either. ~

Dabria sighed. “I wish I knew. But I think I am still trying to figure it out myself.”

“Figure out what?”

~ Why is it she never lets me get away with the easy answer? ~ “Figure out what I think, I guess.” Dabria shook her head and finally looked at her best friend, “Salena, what I think…” she shook her head helplessly, “I can’t explain, I’m sorry.”

Salena nodded sympathetically. “It’s not easy growing up.”

“That is the largest understatement you have ever made,” Dabria complained.

Salena laughed. “No, that would be understating your ability to go too far.”

“Ha, ha.” Dabria made a face.

“So what are you going to do?” Salena asked, suddenly serious again.

“Do? Do about what?” Dabria asked, playing innocent.

“About Justin,” Salena replied calmly.

Dabria heaved. “What can I do? I’m his ‘little sister.’ You know that.”

“But you feel differently now,” Salena clarified.

“No!” She paused. ~ How did we get back on this and what did I just admit too? ~ She wondered briefly, before letting her mind form a coherent answer to Salena’s comment. “It’s not that I feel differently per say, its more like…” she shrugged. “He’s so unlike any of those dumb boys at our parties. And yes, they are boys. Justin isn’t, at least, not anymore.”

“He’s not perfect either,” Salena frowned.

Dabria shook her head. “I never said he was. I mean, have you ever heard him talk about God? We are on his ship how often and he never mentions Him. And at Kiliki’s he listens when we talk about God, but he never participates in the discussion. I think it’s because he doesn’t have anything to say. I don’t think he’s ever experienced an actual relationship with Jesus.”

“I’m upset about that too,” Salena said getting off the bed and coming over to Dabria to put her arms around her. “Please don’t sound so sad.”

“I’m upset with him so often, Salena. But, if he really doesn’t know Jesus I’m suppose to be an example. How can he be so amazing and still not know Jesus? Doesn’t he understand what he’s missing?” Dabria asked softly.

Salena pulled out the second chair and sat down next to her. “I don’t know. Maybe no one ever told him about Jesus. Though I would have thought Tommy would have said something. I mean, he lives it ever day.”

“Yeah, but Tommy wouldn’t push it either. Oh, I don’t know!” Dabria put her head in her hands and stayed silent for a moment, while Salena waited patiently. Finally, Dabria’s voice came from her still bent head, “But even with him not being a Christian he is still ten times better than the others we have met.”

“You’re using him as a standard,” Salena voiced.

Dabria looked up with a question in her eyes. “Yes, I guess I am. Is that bad?”

Salena thought for a moment, before answering carefully. “I don’t think so, as long as you remember to include being a strong Christian, and realize that Justin may get you so upset because you care about him, but he is also not perfect.”

Dabria nodded. “Yes, I know there is more to it. And of course, I couldn’t marry someone who didn’t love Jesus like I do. That would be too awkward.”

“I think it would be more than that, but yeah, that about sums it up,” Salena half-agreed. Dabria shot her an odd look, but Salena just asked, “So, what is it you are going to do again?”

Dabria shrugged. “Nothing as far as he is concerned. That boy owes me an apology. And after that, I don’t know. I’m certainly not going to tell him. I’m just his little sister and he has always been like a big brother to me. I don’t want to wreck that.”

“You sound really mature,” Salena stated, and then looked at her suspiciously. “What is really going on?”

Dabria laughed. “I’m growing up too you know. Besides, I’m allowed to be mature sometimes. Actually, I think I was figuring things out as I talked.”

“So does that mean you’re going to apologize to Justin for blowing up?” Salena asked.

Dabria looked at her in shock. “What! No way! He was wrong! I am marriage material for somebody even if it’s not him. And he could at least think of my feelings before he opens his big mouth!”

Salena laughed. “And life returns to normal. Guess Justin isn’t perfect.”

“I don’t remember saying he was, he just happens to be better than the rest,” Dabria paused then grinned almost wickedly, “for now.”

Salena groaned.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“I don’t care,” Justin replied tiredly.

“But, Captain…” the crewmember started again.

Justin glared at him.

“Yes, Captain,” he said meekly and hurried away to do the job he had been trying to get out of.

Justin sighed. He desperately needed to get into more action and less managing. He was so bored. When the girls were on the ship he avoided anything that resembled danger. He liked his life too much to tempt fate by putting them up against any threat. Still, it made for a boring trip. Or at least it would, if it wasn’t for a certain girl on board.

Justin still hadn’t spoken to her. That wasn’t an easy accomplishment on a ship and he had avoided her for three days. Though whether that was to give her room to calm down or give him time to think of an excuse or apology he wasn’t positive. He did realize he had to talk to her soon, but it was so much easier to put it off and the crew coming to him constantly with mundane problems gave him such a great escape.

“So if you ignore me for a week what does that get you?” her voice came from below him.

He looked over the rail of the quarterdeck down to her. “You’re talking?”

Dabria heaved a sigh and gave him a disgusted look. “One of us had too.”

He watched her uneasily as she climbed the steps to stand next to him. “You were pretty steamed.”

“Who said I’m not still?” She asked, looking out over the ship. “I love this view.”

“You’re talking to me calmly.”

“Salena kicked me out of the room,” Dabria admitted.

Justin laughed. “And why would she do a thing like that?”

Dabria shrugged innocently. “I have no idea.”

“I’ll bet you don’t,” Justin smiled at her, and then sighed. “Pixie, we should probably talk.”

“Unless you are apologizing I don’t want to talk about it.” Dabria crossed her arms.

“So you think I should apologize?”

Dabria looked at him sullenly.

“I never meant to hurt your feelings, Pixie,” Justin said soothingly.

“But you did and what you said wasn’t even right.”

Justin sighed. “Okay, I’m sorry your feelings were hurt. That was never my intention.”

“But you are not sorry for your words,” Dabria clarified, looking at him sourly.

“Why is it you have to always pick up on what is not said?”

“Why aren’t you sorry for your words?” She asked, ignoring his comment.

“Because what I said was true,” Justin quickly added, “in a manner of speaking,” when he saw her glare.

“Explain…please,” she added as an afterthought.

“I said that you are not ready for marriage and I meant it. The guys who know you are all just kids. And you’re too young too,” he tried to explain.

“Oh, yes, I am just a simple girl of sixteen, who couldn’t possible be ready for marriage when all her friends are picking out their fiancés. I hate to break it to you, Justin, but if I don’t find a husband soon, the good guys will all be gone.”

“Good based on what?” He questioned. “You are not serious about finding a husband just because they are there are you?”

Dabria watched him for a long moment, before finally shaking her head no. “No, but it was fun watching you squirm for a minute.”

“You are a stinker, Pixie.” Justin shook his head at her.

She grinned back at him then became serious. “Justin, you do realize I’m growing up right? I mean, I might not be getting married anytime soon, but I might have a boyfriend. Whether you want to admit it or not, I am a good catch for any guy and the boys, as you so enjoy calling them, are interested in me too.”

“Too?”

Dabria just shrugged. “I’m just telling you to get use to the idea. After all, you never know.”

Dabria grinned at him then swished her skirt and walked down the steps. Justin watched her go amazed the he had just had a serious discussion with his little Pixie about boys. Justin shook his head and put the whole thing out of his mind. No matter what Dabria thought no one was going to let her get involved with a boy.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

The Guardian Star's True Mark

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Chapter 11 ~ Three Months Time

A year, it had been a year since Justin had seen the phantom ship that attacked him without explanation. He had been all over the Ula Ocean looking for him since. Maath and Namid had even shown him around Raven, the pirate city of Zerlinda. It had been his first time there and while the sights had been interesting, he had not been able to gain any information on The Dandy or its captain. Apparently, the pirate, whoever he was, was either not well known or kept a very low profile, which for any pirate was unusual. He had also used the time to try and set up some new contacts. He was not able to use the original Black Panther’s contacts because they would recognize him as false and he was loath to go to them under a different name.

His crew was starting to get restless in the search and so was he. He had hit a few ships, but not with a perfect success rate and he was still having some trouble picking up exactly which ships to hit. That alone made for a disgruntled crew. That was the last skill he felt he truly had to master however. Once he had a good contact list going and could accurately predict what ships would be best to hit, he would be well on his way to really escalating the name of The Black Panther.

Justin heard a loud giggle from the deck beneath him and looked down. Quickly, he caught sight of Dabria who was almost directly below him. The girls had been picked up a few days ago, but he had been so preoccupied with his own problems, he hadn’t really paid them a whole lot of attention. Guilt encompassed him for a moment. He really only saw the girls for three months out of the year. Two weeks of it they were on his ship, but the other part they were with Kiliki and Tommy and he only stopped in sporadically.

He noticed she had grown up some more, since their last trip. She had entered the ship the same way she had last year, but Justin hadn’t commented. He could almost believe she was doing it just to get a reaction. Why, Justin wasn’t sure, but he had decided he was old enough not to let the antics of a fifteen-year-old get to him.

Justin stepped away from the rail on the quarterdeck and went down the stairs. He approached where Dabria was and frowned. She stood looking at one of the crewmembers who had been giving him problems lately. Justin was still deciding whether or not to keep him on or send him packing. He was doing something with his hands, but Justin couldn’t see what, Dabria was blocking his view.

She laughed again and asked, “Okay, but can you do it the other way?”

“Sure, no problem. Watch closely,” Mettu replied, pulling on a line and making a knot disappear.

Justin had stepped to the side so he could see, but neither one seemed to notice him. He didn’t like the thought.

Dabria giggled again and Justin tried to figure out when she had started that particular habit.

“That is so amazing! I wish I could do something like that. And you really use it?” She asked excitedly.

“Oh, yeah, it’s handy for quick getaways, for instance, when you don’t want to leave the rope behind. We use it a lot on the ship too. It ties securely, but will come apart quickly if we pull it the right way. You want to learn?” Mattu asked.

“You’ll teach me. Oh please!” Her voice held an innocent pleading to it. “I bet you’d be a great teacher,” she added.

And Justin had had enough. “What are you doing?” He demanded.

Dabria jumped slightly and turned to look at him. Mattu looked at him as well, but his face held none of the innocent surprise that Dabria’s did.

“What are you yelling at?” She asked calmly.

“What do you think you are doing with him?” Justin asked again, shooting a pointed glare at Mattu, who took the cue, and quickly hightailed it to the opposite end of the ship, leaving the two alone.

Dabria crossed her arms. “I was learning a new trick. I’m surprised no one taught it to me before now.”

“You were not,” he accused.

“What is your problem? I was so,” Dabria protested.

“You were not, you were flirting,” Justin clarified.

Dabria looked at him in shock. It was a second before she replied, “I was not flirting.”

“Yes, you were,” Justin stated.

“No, I wasn’t,” she mocked back.

“Yes, you were.”

“No, I wasn’t.”

“Yeah, you were too.” Justin’s voice held a note of annoyance now.

“I was not. I happen to know how to flirt, and I wasn’t flirting. I just wanted to learn something new. You should be used to that by now, Justin.” Dabria’s own voice was annoyed.

“You know how to…” Justin repeated, obviously not having heard anything past that line.

Dabria shot him a look that said she thought she might have made a mistake and hurried to explain, “Yeah, I see it happen all the time at the parties I attended. If I really wanted to I could flirt, but it’s a waste of my time.”

“Waste…. You have been flirting since you stepped on to this ship!” Justin exclaimed, then lowered his voice. “You say hi to every sailor I have, then you single some out and hang around with them the whole time.”

“Oh, so you haven’t been ignoring us completely,” Dabria shot back.

“I haven’t been trying to ignore you, I just have a lot on my mind,” Justin protested, feeling guilty again.

“You have barely said anything to us since we boarded,” she accused.

“It wasn’t on purpose,” Justin replied.

“I think it was.” Dabria’s voice was hurt.

“No, it wasn’t. It just worked out that way,” Justin tried to explain.

“Then what has you so preoccupied?” Dabria questioned.

Justin shook his head no. “I’m not discussing it.”

“You don’t want me to know.” Her voice was sure.

“That’s right,” Justin agreed, seeing no point to explain his failure to her or anybody else.

“Then I don’t believe you,” she said flippantly.

“It’s the truth,” Justin practically growled.

“No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it is.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it… Arg! We are not doing that again!”

“You already did,” was her smug reply. “I haven’t done anything wrong, and you have been ignoring Salena and me. Face it, Justin, I’m right and you’re wrong. You might as well get use to it.”

With that Dabria, turned picked up the rope Mattu had discarded in his hast, and made her way back towards her cabin. Justin watched her move is if she owned the ship and not him. He was seriously annoyed now.

~ Why? Why do I let her involve me in her stupid games? I’m twenty-two. I don’t need to fall to her level to make my point. Argh! I have got to stop letting her do that to me! ~

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“I want him off my ship!” Justin stated in no uncertain terms.

“Yes, I fully got that point, but why the sudden decision?” Maath questioned, yet again.

“What sudden decision? I’ve been wondering if I should put him off for months now. I just made up my mind,” Justin informed him.

“Yeah, you’ve been thinking about it for months, then suddenly as if the answer fell from the sky you want him off and I’m guessing you wouldn’t mind if he was thrown overboard,” Maath replied confused, but still obviously amused.

“Hey, whatever works. Just get him off,” Justin replied smartly, looked down at his desk and moving something around, like he was working.

“Suddenly I’m thinking the answer came from the other side of the ship,” Maath spoke up again, not easily dismissed.

Justin glared at him, briefly wondering what that comment was about.

A knock sounded and Namid entered the room. He looked from Maath to Justin and then raised an eyebrow at Maath, who explained the conversation.

Namid grinned. “Yes, I’m sure it has something to do with that little incident earlier.”

“Oh, defiantly,” Maath mocked, not looking at Justin.

Justin squeezed the pen in his hand. “I don’t know what you two are getting at, but the two of you are worse than any two girls on any day. Just do what I asked. Get Mattu off my ship at the next stop.”

“That’s Triger,” Namid put in helpfully.

Maath grinned and nodded, but Justin wanted to wring both their necks.

“Fine, we’ll drop him off at Raven. We have to head back there anyway. He’s too dangerous to have on this ship. He won’t follow my orders. And that is the last I want to hear about it,” Justin ordered.

“Aye, aye, Captain.” Maath and Namid replied, but Justin had the feeling it was far from over, though for the life of him he couldn’t figure out why they were giving him such a hard time.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

It didn’t seem to matter where you went in all of Ula, every town had a tavern and every tavern was the same in most respects. Each had food that smelled days older, ale and wine that flowed as freely onto the floor as it did into the mouth, rooms to rent, and pretty girls to deliverer anything a pirates’ heart could ask for and many did. It was an easy way to gamble away all of that hard earned, or stolen, money. Whenever they stopped in any port, Justin lost half his crew to their allure and he would lose the other half when they came off duty. Unlike most crews though, none of his men would dare show up for duty drunk no matter how they appeared now. Justin backed out of the doorway just in time to let one of his crewmembers through to lurch on the street outside instead of on him.

“Better than on my deck, I guess,” Justin muttered, disgusted.

“Why? You wouldn’t be cleaning it up,” Maath remarked from behind him.

“No, he would, but I’d still have to smell it,” Justin shot back.

Maath shrugged and looked around the room. “This place is crowded. Namid had better have saved that seat!”

“Or you’ll what?” Justin mocked, finally spotting Namid in the back of the room and weaving his way towards him.

“Be highly upset,” Maath proclaimed.

Justin laughed. “Scary.”

“What is?” Namid asked.

“Eating this food without a victim to try it first,” Maath said quickly.

Namid looked at his old friend, obviously not buying it, but nodded seriously. “That’s why I ordered what I knew was safe.”

“Then there’s nothing to worry about!” Maath plopped into his seat.

“Right. How did the search go?”

Justin snorted in disgust. “Nothing. He’s a phantom pirate in every sense. If he hadn’t attacked me, you couldn’t convince me he existed.”

“I heard nothing here either,” Namid admitted.

Justin nodded as if he expected nothing less.

“Justin, why don’t you let it rest for a while?” Maath held up a hand to stop the explosion of anger. “I didn’t say let it go, just let it rest. This captain came after you before, chances are high he will do it again. Until he does, you aren’t going to see or hear from him again.”

“Maath is correct, Captain. And there is much else that can occupy your time. The men would love it if they could hunt for the hunt itself again. You have been keeping such a tight reign that the whole crew is nervous. Even stops like these are really only for more information that does not exist. Let us sail the sea for the love of it and not the crusade. You will find your joy of the hunt returning and you will be better able to make correct decisions when the time comes.”

Justin frowned. “Is this a test?”

His two friends looked at each other, before Maath quipped, “If you want it to be.”

“And the prize?” Justin leaned back and crossed his arms.

“A healthy, happier crew,” Namid put in.

“Healthier? I thought that was what this was for!” Justin gestured around the room. “Not that I think they really care what food they are eating as much as who is serving it.”

The scanty clad girl winked at him as she put their plates down. “Anything else, boys?” She drawled.

“That’s all,” Justin stated firmly.

Namid waited until she was out of earshot before getting back to his task at hand. “You still need to predict ships’ patterns better and become a little more familiar with which ones to hit. You can’t do that and track the ghost at the same time.”

“Sure I can. I made a new contact today,” Justin replied smugly.

Namid glanced at Maath who shrugged. “He kinda did.”

“Kinda?” Justin spouted. “I did.” He turned to Namid. “There is an old seafarer who sells wares at the far end of the dock. A fixture more than anything else, but he’s got good ears. Every time we’re in port, I’ll drop a few things off to him and he’ll keep his ears out for the newest hot routes.”

“And your thinking is? We don’t hit merchants,” Namid cautioned.

“Yeah, but Blaney is taking a route around Gwency to drop off at Poole. His ships are always a good hit for any pirate. My guess is they hit somewhere around Gwency, but no doubt they will hit on this route. If I know the merchant’s route, I can use that to predict the pirates’ moves that I want to hit. If I go by the merchant’s moves, rather than the pirates, I’ll hit only after they have made their conquest.”

Namid was silent for a moment, making the calculations in his head as was his normal reaction. “But there’s no guarantee that the pirates will hit those routes. They generally stick to their own territory.”

“They use too. But I think that’s why we are having so much trouble finding good hits lately. The Black Panther used their own tactics against them and forced them to change tactics. I think this might be the new way they are looking at.” Justin glanced between his two mentors. “Come on! This will work!”

Maath laughed and shrugged. “It’s worth a try.”

Namid nodded. “We can always go back if we need too.”

“Yes!” Justin grinned, momentarily forgetting he was a captain of twenty-two and not the young kid who had first received the ship and commission from Captain Tommy Jacer.

Namid and Maath both laughed. For a moment, the dark days of uncertainty were behind and the adventure at sea was in front of them as the three friends enjoyed a moment of respite.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Despite Maath and Namid’s advice to forget the phantom ship for now, Justin couldn’t help but keep it in the back of his mind. It was a gut feeling that if he did not find and deal with the problem it would become much larger in the future. But for now at least there was nothing he could do about it. The crew needed to hit a ship and that meant Justin had to find one. So, they had traveled the route of Blaney in hopes of finding the best spot to attack along it. The pirates would be lying in wait there.

“Ships of the starboard bow!” The call came from the crow’s nest.

Justin looked and frowned. Apparently, they had arrived too soon. The pirate ship was still attacking. It was easier to take off their loot once the ships had separated. He glanced at Namid who was manning the helm.

“We’ll wait until the pirate ship moves off and then follow and attack. I don’t want to get involved with the merchant.”

Namid nodded. “It wouldn’t hurt to let him know the Black Panther is returning his wealth.”

“He’ll learn when he gets it returned. Didn’t Tommy have dealings with him?”

“None, personally, so you wouldn’t be recognized. Captain Jacer had to keep a very low profile among the wealthy or risk being recognized as a Brent.”

“That’s true, I wonder…” But Justin was caught off guard by a call down from the crow’s nest.

“It’s two pirate ships!”

“It’s what?” Justin exclaimed, immediately pulling out his spyglass. “He’s right. That’s odd, I’m not in the fight.”

“Aye, what other pirate would attack a friend? Perhaps they violated articles,” Namid reasoned, talking about the agreement pirates signed when deciding to work together.

“Maybe,” Justin commented, watching the fight.

“Captain, can you see either of their names?” Maath called up from the deck below.

“No,” Justin called back. “Namid take us in closer, but not close enough to be a threat.”

Namid nodded and the ship slowly began to turn towards the fighting and move in closer.

“I can’t tell the one, but the second appears to be The Dragon,” Justin finally called out.

“The Dragon!” Maath exclaimed, now appearing next to Justin.

Namid frowned. “What did he do now?”

“Who is it?” Justin asked.

“Do you remember Captain Jacer’s friend Tristen?” Maath asked.

Justin nodded. “He helped in the battle against the guy who wanted to force Kiliki to marry him.”

“Correct. He has long been a friend to the Black Panther,” Namid pointed out.

“Then we should help him,” Justin decided quickly. “Maath, run out the guns and full the sails. Namid set the course to intercept.”

“Aye, aye, Captain!” Was the quick reply and soon the ship was bustling with the needed activity.

Namid pulled his course so that they came up on the opposite side of the rouge ship that The Dragon was on, catching it in-between them. In anticipation of the move, Maath had already run out the cannons doubled on the starboard side.

“Fire!” Justin called as soon as they were in range.

The whole ship shuddered with the loud bangs from the cannons and smoke quickly filtered over the deck. Beyond the smoke the sound of cracking wood and shouts of horror could heard. Justin smiled.

“Get in closer and fire again!” He called the next order. Shouts of jubilation rang out from his own crew. This was the most fun they had had in a while.

An answering volley came back, but the smoke made it impossible to aim and the cannonballs dropped harmlessly into the ocean behind them. Justin shook his head disgusted that they had over shot.

“Who are these guys?”

“They are disabled!” The call came from the lookout.

“Board her!” Justin shouted in return.

Cat calls and shouts of conquerors filled the air as ropes and board were made ready. In moments, Namid had cut through the smoke and the enemy ship came into view. Being bombarded from both sides had left it fully dead in the water. It was full of holes and fallen masts, the crew looked as beaten as they did furious and ready to take their revenge on the first pirate that boarded their ship. Justin was happy to oblige. His crew needed a good fight. He just hoped this motley crew was up to it.

His crew quickly joined the two ships with boards and then launched over to the second. Within moments, the sounds of a full battle were heard across the ocean. Justin laughed at the excitement and fierceness of his crew. It was a good battle. Quickly, he and Namid joined the fight.

It wasn’t to long before Justin spotted Tristen fighting the other captain through the sea of warring pirates. He pointed Tristen out to Namid, who nodded and made his way towards their friend. When they reached the area, however, both stood by while Tristen and the captain fought across the poop deck. Back and forth the two weaved in a dance of blades and footwork. Both had obviously practiced with the blade before turning to piracy on the high seas. The sounds from the battle across the rest of the deck had started to slow down before Tristen finally lunged to the left and swept back right, causing the other captain to lose his footing in an attempt to doge. Tristen swept the blade from his hand and kicked it away, before putting his own blade to the man’s neck.

“Do you yield, Captain?” Tristen spoke, mockingly.

The captain snarled, but nodded his head.

“Yami!” Tristen called to his first mate, who appeared quickly. “Let’s lock the good captain up in his own brig and serve him some of the delicious food he so accommodated us with.” Only after the Captain was gone did Tristen turn to Justin. “Well, well, the mighty Black Panther. It is good to see you, my friend. And to what honor do I owe this rescue?”

Justin looked at him bewildered for a moment. He had never met Tristen as the Black Panther. In fact, technically, he hadn’t officially met Tristen only seen him on the ship talking to Tommy. Namdi cleared his throat and Justin shook himself from his thoughts.

“You looked like you needed help. What happened?”

Tristen shook his head. “We had articles together for a mission, but the captain there got greedy and tried to defect. When I confronted him he had an ambush waiting. It took this long for my crew to get here and get me out. Those brigs are no joke.”

“He held you in the brig?”

“I was in the small cabin first, at least that had a bed, but then he threw me in the brig for about two days.” Tristen made a face.

“How long you planning on keeping him there?”

“A month at least,” was the quick reply. They all enjoyed a laugh, before Tristen spoke again. “The Guardian Star looks good, Justin. You’ve kept her well.”

Justin nodded. “Thanks. She’s amazing.”

Tristen laughed. “I know it. Thanks for the help today. Unfortunately, it means I owe you. So, should you have a need, you know how to find me.”

Justin grinned. “It’s good to have you as a friend.”

“Always a pleasure to be on the Black Panther’s side. I hate the receiving end.”

A bang from the side of the ship broke up the conversation and Tristen shook his head. “That’s another good reason why. I’d hate to have the Dragon marred with your sign.”

“Then I guess you’d better behave,” Justin quipped.

Tristen laughed again. “Well said. Remember, if you ever have a need…”

Justin took Tristen’s outstretched hand. “You do the same.”

“Call the crew, Namid. Tristen can deal with the clean up.”

“Aye, aye Captain.”

Justin moved back to his own ship, but paused to see his crew on the side of the ship crossing out her name and branding a ‘BP’ over it. The fight had really belonged to both Tristen and Justin, but the Black Panther would take the credit. One more ship had been branded with his name and the crew loved the privilege.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“Are you sure this is good?” Justin looked around the small cabin doubtfully.

The room where Dabria and Salena stayed on their trips had completely been redone. It had taken two months, but it was finished now. There were now two twin beds, instead of bunkbeds and their heads met in the far left corner. They both had new mattresses and were much softer than the old thin ones. There was space at the end of both for their trunks. In the front left corner a head, or bathroom, had been installed, so they would no longer have to take turns playing guard for each other while they used the crew’s head. In the right corner a very small table with a basin and tub had been placed. On the right side of the cabin was a fold down table attached to the wall and two chairs sat next to it. Above it was a lamp, the other lamp was still the swinging one in the center of the room. Starting against the back wall and stopping a foot before the fold down table were shelves. They started high enough up that Dabria’s trunk would still fit at the end of her bed and could raise the top. There were four shelves in all.

“It will give them the room they need,” Maath replied.

“It’s more efficient. I believe they will like it,” Namid added.

“It’s too bare,” Justin finally said.

“You want to decorate it?” Maath asked, eyebrows raised.

“Do you know how?” Namid asked, obviously amused at the thought.

“Not a clue,” Justin sighed, but quickly brightened. “But Kiliki will. I’ll have to talk to her before I see the girls next month. Maybe she can get the stuff we need. We just have to finish putting it in before we bring them on board.”

Maath nodded. “Good idea. The girls will love it.”

Justin nodded. “I hope so. After Tristen commented on living here for only a day I got to thinking how the girls spend a whole lot more time than that in here. I probably should have done this long ago.”

“It is never too late,” Namid responded. “They will love it.”

“I hope so. I can’t wait to see their faces.”

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“I have a surprise for you,” Justin told Dabria about a month later.

The two, along with Salena, were sitting in the carriage on the way back to the ship. It was time for the girls to return home and Justin had come to collect them. Both girls had been ready, but it had taken over an hour to get them all out the door, because of good-byes and the fact that Adem wouldn’t tell where he had hidden his Aunt Dabria’s drawing pad and Dabria had refused to leave without it. They had finally discovered Adem had hidden it with Tadi’s help in a cabinet under the main stairs. Another round of good-byes had followed and they were finally almost to the ship. Justin had been waiting to tell Dabria of his surprise once they boarded, but he was getting impatient.

Dabria shot him a curious look. “A surprise? What kind of surprise?”

“Don’t worry, I know you’ll like it,” he answered calmly.

“Is that what you were whispering with Kiliki about back at the house?” Salena asked.

Justin glanced at her, but nodded. “Yes, she knows about it.”

“Well, if my sister approves, it can’t be that bad,” Dabria smiled, leaning back in her seat.

“What makes you say that?” Justin asked.

Salena laughed, but Dabria looked at him innocently. “Nothing, nothing at all.”

“Right,” Justin said, not convinced.

The two girls only laughed and then began chatting excitedly about what it could possibly be. Justin grinned at their anticipation. This was going to be fun.

The three climbed out of the carriage and walked up the gangplank to the ship. Dabria and Salena managed to do this without a seconds pause in their conversation. Justin shook his head in wonder. Inu and Sheron met them and the girls greeted both excitedly. They chatted for a few seconds, before Justin told the guys to get a move on and get the trunks onto the ship.

“Aye, aye, Captain!” The two replied before giving the girls a salute and rushing down the rest of the gangplank.

Dabria laughed at their energy and Salena grinned. They made their way up the rest of the gangplank and then proceeded to go around the ship and say hello to everyone as Justin stood beside the rail and watched.

“So this is a regular custom now, is it?” Namid asked, coming up to stand beside him

“It sure seems like it,” Justin answered, suddenly not in a good mood.

“Have you told them your secret?” Namid asked.

“Sort of. I told them I had a surprise, but they seem to have forgotten it,” Justin replied, disturbed.

“I am sure they have not, Justin. You know they are just excited to be back abroad,” Namid voiced logically.

Justin shrugged. “I guess so. But this should be old news by now.”

Namid laughed. “A journey on the sea is never old news, my Captain, never.”

He clapped Justin on the back and then headed in the direction the two girls had gone. Justin watched as he stopped to talk to them and then proceeded up to the helm. Justin turned away and back to the gangplank. Sheron was just coming up.

“How is the loading coming?” He asked.

“Inu is grabbing the last one now, Captain,” was the quick reply. He set his medium sized trunk down.

“Good, when he is done, find Maath and tell him to set sail,” Justin commanded.

“Aye, Aye, Captain,” Sheron responded before lifting up the trunk again and moving towards the girls’ normal cabin.

“Okay, we’re ready!” Dabria declared happily from behind him.

Justin turned to see her and Salena. “Ready for what?”

“Our surprise!” She exclaimed. “Don’t tell me you forgot? You just barely told us!”

Justin laughed. “No, I didn’t forget, but you were so busy I figured you had.”

“Forget a surprise? Not likely,” Salena muttered.

“Don’t you want to know what it is too?” Justin asked, curious about her tone.

Salena looked up at him. “Of course. You mean it is for both of us?”

“Yes. You should both enjoy it immensely,” he replied amused that she thought he would not include her. She still had the tendency to think like a maid, even on the ship.

Both girls grinned. “Oh, good. Can we have it now then?” Dabria asked excitedly.

Justin shrugged. “I don’t see why not. Come with me.”

He led them to the steps going below the main deck and went down to their usual back cabin. He positioned himself so that he could see their faces when the door was opened and turned to them.

“Go on inside. It’s in there.”

Dabria cast him a suspicious look, but Justin just grinned. She put her hand on the handle and pushed inward. She gasped at the sight.

“Let me see too!” Salena exclaimed, not able to see inside with Dabria right in front of her.

Dabria looked at Justin and then stepped further inside the room.

Salena quickly stepped forward and whispered, “Oh my.”

Justin followed them inside and looked around himself. In addition to the new furniture, the room now had personal touches as well. The beds had purple and white blankets on them. The small table had a light blue and white tablecloth. There was also an oval rug that covered the center of the floor. It had all three of the colors, purple, blue, and white in a swirling pattern. While the shelves were empty, the walls were not. In strategic locations, some of Dabria’s drawings had been placed. There was a drawing of The Guardian Star above the fold down table, a picture of Salena and Dabria above Salena’s bed, a picture of the Brent family, including Salena, Emalia, and Justin was over Dabria’s bed, on the door to the head was a picture of a beach landscape, and over the basin was a final picture of the Waverton plantation, her home.

Dabria twirled around in the room taking it all in slowly. Eventually, she turned back to Justin who remained in the doorway watching. Salena had taken a seat on her new bed and sat staring at the rest of the room.

“It looks so different,” the girl whispered.

Dabria nodded her head. “It’s amazing. When did you have time to do this? You were so distracted on our last voyage. You wouldn’t even tell me what was going on.”

“Oh, I’m still taking care of that,” Justin waved it off. “But I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now. You travel on this ship so often, it only seems right that you have a room that is to your liking. You do like it, right?”

“Of course! It’s wonderful, but how did you know how to decorate it?” She asked curious.

“Kiliki helped me. The drawings are recent ones she saved and she told me what your favorite colors were and picked out all that stuff. I didn’t have a clue,” Justin freely admitted.

“Oh, so that was the conversation,” Salena deduced. “I saw you while Dabria was chasing down Adem.”

Justin nodded. He was forced to take a step back suddenly and steady himself when Dabria launched herself at him and hugged him fiercely. He looked down at her very surprised, but returned her hug.

“Thank you so much, Justin. It really means a lot,” she whispered.

He smiled at her enthusiasm. “You’re welcome, Pixie. I’m glad I finally got it done. Now that you’re older, it seemed like it really couldn’t wait any longer.”

She squeezed him tightly and stepped back with a large grin on her face. “You’re the best. I can’t wait to put things on the shelves.”

“Oh, yeah! What are we going to put up there, Bree?” Salena asked, studying the shelving.

Dabria turned to her best friend. “I don’t know. It should be special stuff though.”

Salena nodded. “Hey, where’s the panther that Kiliki gave you when she ran away?”

“It’s in my trunk. That’s perfect!” Dabria squealed, rushing over too it.

Justin shook his head, realizing he had been completely forgotten. He smiled and slipped out quietly, closing the door behind him. It was fun seeing their excitement, but he wasn’t hanging around if Dabria was going to insist on squealing. Wasn’t that stage supposed to end years ago?

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

The Guardian Star's True Captain

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Chapter 10 ~ Trouble on the Sea

Justin watched the clouds with interest. They looked like they might enjoy tossing a ship around in their winds. There had been no storms on the seas for a good few weeks now and a tempest was due any time. It was always interesting work sailing through storms and Justin was glad the girls were no longer on board to be thrown about in it. Dabria would no doubt insist on being on deck no matter how bad the swells.

“Watch it, you…” the words were drowned out by a bucket being slammed to the deck.

“You’re the one in the way! Move it, clod!” The disgruntled crew member yelled back.

“You are always pushing things, Mentope! We shoulda thrown you overboard long ago!”

“Try it and see what happens!” Mentope screamed back.

Justin sighed as ‘Fight’ was yelled across the deck and crewmembers everywhere dropped their work to watch. Tempers had been tight lately, but there was no cause for this. He watched from his spot on the poop deck to see if he needed to intervene. He knew who had started it and he could punish them whenever he got the chance. Movement on the starboard side told him that Maath was heading into the fray. It would be settled soon, whether they wanted it to or not.

A burst of cold air on his back made him shiver slightly. The wind was definitely picking up. He grinned. He hadn’t raced the wind in a while, this would be fun. It would keep the restless crew busy for a bit too.

“Maath!” He called down to the main deck.

Maath looked up and yelled, “Aye, Captain!”

“Let’s race the wind. Full sail!”

Maath laughed and called out, “Full sail, mates! Move it!”

The crew immediately lost interest in the fights with shouts of glee. Under Maath’s directions, The Guardian Star responded beautifully. Her sails quickly caught the wind and she moved at a much faster clip. Justin could feel the sea under her boards and it brought up a childlike joy that was more on par with Dabria’s attitude than his. But this was what he had come to love, the adrenaline of the sea.

“Ship moving fast dead astern!” A call came down from the crow’s nest above.

Justin frowned and looked, but could see nothing behind him and still stay at the wheel. “Namid!” He called.

Wherever Namid had been, he appeared immediately at Justin’s side.

“Take the helm.” Justin handed over the wheel and moved to the rail. He didn’t need his spyglass to see the ship. Somehow it had managed to get quite close already and it wasn’t slowing down.

“He is coming up fast,” Justin muttered.

“Too fast,” Maath said from his side.

Justin glanced at him. “Can you make out the flag?”

“Not yet,” he replied after a moment, “but is dark in nature.”

“I don’t like it.”

“Why?” Maath questioned.

“Something feels wrong.”

Maath nodded. “Trust your instincts, if something feels off, it usually is.”

“Right. Get us out of here.”

“Aye, aye, Captain, but we put most of the speed into the sails already. She won’t go much faster than now.”

“I don’t want that ship to catch us.”

Suddenly, a loud bang rang out clearly and a mighty splash forced water all around Justin and Maath. The cannon ball had missed them by only a few meters.

“He fired on me!” Justin shouted, anger quickly boiling up.

“Brave captain,” Maath muttered.

“Stupid captain! No one fires on the Black Panther!”

“Well…” Maath started, but Maath was cut off by another cannon shot. This one managed to hit the port side, but just barely.

“He hit me! He’s getting closer! Namid! Turn the ship! Maath, return fire! I want him dead in the water!” Justin shouted angrily.

Instead of replying, both men rushed to their duties. Namid made an almost violent turn starboard and his action saved the ship from another hit. Maath yelled orders down to the crew, who scrambled to put more wind into the already full sails, while others ran out their own cannons.

Justin watched as the ship continued to bare down on them. It irked him that this ship could apparently keep up with his own. The Guardian Star was legendary on the Ula Ocean for its speed. No one had yet been able to reproduce it, and yet, this phantom ship was matching her.

“Namid!” Justin yelled when another cannon ball just barely missed.

“I’m sorry, Captain. Dodging is keeping the needed speed out of the sails. That ship is going full windward. We no longer are.”

“Captain!” Maath called up from the main deck before jumping up the steps to land on the forecastle deck. “He’s going to ram us!”

Justin let out a curse and looked back to the other ship. This time he paid more carefully attention to the direction and speed of the ship verses his own. Justin clenched his fist. He was on ramming course.

“Can we avoid it?” He asked, his voice low and strangely calm to his own ears.

Namid and Maath glanced at each other and then at the ship pursuing them.

“Not without causing a good deal of damage. He’s too close.”

“He’s on the port side, by a little. Maath, drop the sails. No dead stop, but we need to pull behind instead of ahead. Namid, turn us starboard sharply at the same time. We’ll give a small target as possible and we’ll still be too large.”

“It’s risky, Captain,” Namid cautioned.

“We don’t have a choice. Move!” Justin commanded.

The flurry of activity was immediate though it was obvious the crew didn’t actual agree with their captain. Still, the threat was real and no one questioned, but moved about their duties.

Who was this captain who would pose such a real threat to the Black Panther? There had been no warning shot, no reason to fight, and yet this captain was obviously set on causing as much damage as possible and headless to his own ship’s welfare. Why?

There was no time to wonder as the ship was forcefully moved to the starboard side and just as suddenly jerked into a slower pace. Justin regained his footing and looked back to the other ship. It never wavered from its course, but kept on at full speed. Justin frowned. There was no way it could ram his own ship now, but apparently that didn’t matter to whoever this captain was. Instead, the ship passed diagonally to The Guardian Star and kept moving, firing cannon balls as it moved. Justin flinched when he heard the bang and cracking of wood that meant his ship had been hit somewhere on the deck.

As the ship moved past, Justin saw its captain standing on the poop deck, arms crossed in front of his chest. His face was half hooded by his cavalier hat with its huge plume, but his expression of disgust couldn’t be hidden. Justin could almost feel the force of his eyes. It was a blatant challenge. Whoever this man was, he wasn’t going away. Justin’s eyes dropped down to the name of the ship. The Dandy was proudly displayed, but not proudly enough. Justin could clearly see that the name had been scarred off and replaced and he could still see the large X that had covered the original name. Though it was gone, Justin had little doubt that a BP had been branded over that name. It was a ship the Black Panther had hit in the past. No wonder he had been so aggressive.

The captain raised his arm and The Dandy fired again. The ship was moving away from The Guardian Star now, but the cannon ball managed to rip a large hole into the hull. Just that quickly, the ship was leaving and in its wake was a badly hurt Guardian Star. Justin stood on her deck, completely stunned.

“Captain?” Namid’s voice came from behind him.

“What?”

“The ship was hit three times. The first is just a rough patch, but the second and third put a hole through the main deck and the hull. We need to do repairs immediately.”

“How far are we from port?” Justin asked.

“We were headed to Yakecan. We aren’t too far from there now.”

“Can we make it?”

“If we do some rough patching now, we should, but the winds are still bad. I’m afraid we’re in for a squall,” Namid admitted.

Justin sighed, feeling drained and still angry all at once. “Fine. Do what you can and head to Yakecan. I’ll be in my cabin.”

“Aye, aye, Captain,” Namid answered, but he didn’t move.

“What?”

“This isn’t your fault, Justin. This pirate had a score to settle.”

“With me.”

“Or the Black Panther. Either way, you couldn’t have stopped this.”

“I should be better than this,” Justin protested.

Namid shook his head. “No, you do not have that experience. Even Maath and I didn’t see it coming until almost too late. You did right.”

“Maybe,” Justin replied, before turning and walking to his cabin.

He closed the door with a bang. He might not have the experience now, but he would get it. The next time he saw that ship, and he had no doubt he would, he would crush it.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“Where is she?” He muttered.

He had been waiting for over an hour and he was getting testy. He had not been able to get Dabria from her own house this time, instead staying to oversee the repairs to his ship. He frowned as he watched the finishing touches being put on the repair work while they waited at the Yakecan docks.

Justin clenched a fist in anger at the thought of the other captain. He couldn’t have been much older than Justin himself, but his expression had been one of hate and disgust. It made Justin furious to see that haunting expression even in his dreams. He couldn’t get the incident out of his mind and he didn’t want to. What he did want was revenge for his ship and his name. Justin was imagining their next meeting, when a holler of hello reached his ears from the dock.

He listened as the guard on duty called out and heard Inu’s answering call. ~ Finally, it’s about time they showed up. ~ He walked to the rail and looked down to see Dabria and Inu and Salena and Sheron walking up the gangplank. He frowned, something was off.

He studied the four young people and realized what it was. They were walking in twos. Dabria wasn’t walking with Inu, he was escorting her. She was only fourteen, but she was walking as if she was older. Inu said something, and Dabria laughed, behind them Salena mentioned something to Sheron and he grinned at her and nodded. Justin shook his head, what was going on?

Just then Dabria glanced up and saw him. She grinned and waved widely at him. He shook his head and waved back. Maybe he was imagining things. After all, that wave had been more Pixie like, then some high born lady’s wave. The four reached the top of the gangplank and Inu and Sheron bowed to the girls who giggled and curtseyed back, causing Justin to frown yet again. What was going on?

Justin watched Dabria and Salena carefully as they made their way towards him. They stopped to great every sailor they saw and so it took them a long time to finally make their way to him. Dabria smiled up at him, when they finally reached his side.

“What is going on with you two?” Justin asked with a slight edge in his voice.

Dabria and Salena glanced at each other, then Dabria spoke, “Um, what do you mean Justin? We just got on board, how in all of Zerlinda did we manage to upset you so quickly?”

“You must mean besides the fact that I sent Inu and Sheron to get you over an hour ago,” Justin commented.

Dabria shrugged. “We came as fast as we could. It did take them a while to load all our things.”

“All your things? What are you talking about? Just how much did you bring?” Justin inquired looking back to the dock where two more hands had gone to the carriage to help Inu and Sheron unload. Justin frowned and did a quick count. Then he turned to stare at the girls in shock. “What is all that? You brought seven trunks! Since when do you need all that for your trip?”

Dabria looked at him innocently. “We are grown girls now. Each occasion needs a different outfit and there are ever so many of them.”

“Seven trunks?” Justin repeated. “Did you leave anything behind?”

“Of course, silly. We didn’t bring any of our spring ware,” she replied calmly.

“Spring ware?” Justin could only repeat, tuning his gaze back to the trunks.

“Are you going to repeat everything that is said?” Salena asked.

“If it is necessary,” Justin responded, his mind elsewhere. Suddenly, he turned back to face both girls. “And since when do you stop to greet every crew member on this ship?”

Again, Dabria looked at him with her most innocent face. “Did we? Oh. Well, shouldn’t we express our gratitude for their hard work in taking us over to see Kiliki and Tommy so often? I thought we were just being nice. What do you think, Salena?” Dabria turned slightly to look at her best friend.

Salena gave her an amused grin and shook her head. “Oh, yes, Dabria, I’m sure that is just what we were doing,” her voice held a tone of barely restrained sarcasm.

“Dabria,” Justin said his voice firm.

“Oh stop,” Dabria sighed. “Kirstena simply informed us how good we have it with all these good looking strong guys willingly transporting us all the time. So, we thought we should be more appreciative.”

“Oh, you did, did you?” Justin looked at her, raising an eyebrow. “Well, now they know, so quite being such a distraction and let them do their jobs. In case you haven’t noticed, you and your trunks are making us run late.”

“Us? You’re still repairing the ship!” Dabria exclaimed, and then scrutinized the deck. “Speaking of which, what happened?”

“Not a topic up for discussion.” Inu walked up then and gave a quick report that the girls were all loaded. Justin nodded. “We are setting sail why don’t you go watch,” he suggested as he turned to head up to the quarterdeck.

“What bit him?” Dabria asked Salena loud enough for Justin to hear.

“Don’t know, but this might be a long trip. Are you going to let it bother you?”

Justin turned slightly to see Dabria shoot her friend a grin. “Nope, let’s go watch and cheer up some of the guys. If Justin is this cranky, they are going to need it!”

The girls walked off in the opposite direction, once again saying hi to the sailors as they went. Justin frowned. They were directly disobeying him and unless he was mistaken Dabria was enjoying it too.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“Justin?”

Justin turned from the wheel at the sound of Dabria’s voice. She stood just behind him, her hands hidden behind her back. Justin studied her for a second. She had grown taller since boarding his ship that first time, but strangely enough, not that much taller. She was still short for her age and her face and light blue eyes still held that pixie look of playfulness and innocence, though Justin wasn’t fooled. Her white blond hair was longer now and hung to the middle of her back. On the ship she was smart enough to keep it in a braid. Her skin tone had deepened because of the time she spent outside, but it was still very fair. Her blue dress hung on her frame prettily and Justin realized with amusement that she no longer looked like a rather sick ten-year-old, but like a young girl growing up. He noticed again that her hands were behind her back and glanced at her face, realizing that she looked almost nervous. Now that was an odd thought indeed, to see Dabria Richerson nervous about anything.

“What is it, Pixie? Are you all right?” He asked curiously.

She nodded her head yes. “Are you feeling any better? You were in a sour mood when we boarded.”

“That was days ago,” Justin protested.

Dabria shrugged. “So?”

Justin shook his head. “Never mind. Did you want something? I thought Namid had already given you a chance to steer today.”

“He did, earlier. That wasn’t what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh, this is a serious conversation? Do I need to sit or perhaps call for the nets to be ready to drag you out of the water?” He teased.

She frowned at his mentioning of her jumping overboard. “No, nothing that rash. Actually, I didn’t really want to talk, as much as to… well, to give you this.” She held a piece of paper to him.

He frowned taking it. “What is it?”

“Well, look and you’d find out,” her voice saying she thought it was a dumb question.

Justin glanced at her, and then turned the paper over. On it was a pencil drawing of the stern of the ship with the name The Guardian Star shown proudly. Standing above it on the deck, was a portrait of Justin himself. Justin glanced up at Dabria then looked back at the drawing. He was wearing a billowed shirt, dark trousers, and calf-length boots. One foot rested on the rail and he was leaning over the side slightly as if something off in the distance had caught his attention. His face was calm and concentrated.

He looked up from the picture again, to Dabria, who was still watching him nervously. “Is this for me?”

She nodded. “You know how we were thanking the men earlier for taking us across the ocean all the time? Well, the truth is, you do more than any of them and you’ve been a great friend, more like a big brother to Salena and I. And when Salena saw the drawing I had made, she thought you might like to have it. We’d be honored if you would keep it as a token of our thanks.”

“Where is Salena?” Justin asked.

“In the cabin. She thought it would be best if I gave you the drawing by myself, though she didn’t say why,” Dabria replied honestly.

Justin nodded not pushing the question.

“Um, do you like it?” Dabria finally asked.

Justin smiled. “Yes. You are an amazing artist, Pixie. I’m flattered you’d do a drawing on me. I’m honored to keep it.”

A huge smile lit up Dabria’s face. “Oh, good.”

“Thank you,” Justin said seriously.

“You’re welcome. Thanks for all you do for Salena and I, even if we are pains sometimes.”

Justin laughed. “You wouldn’t be the same girls if you weren’t. Will you take the wheel for a moment, so I can safely put this in my cabin?”

Dabria nodded and eagerly took hold of the ship’s wheel. Justin pointed out their heading and Dabria turned the wheel slightly then straightened it again.

“I’ll be right back,” he said.

“Take you time.” Dabria’s reply was happy and content.

Justin smiled at her then moved off to his cabin. Once inside, he studied the drawing again. The details and lines were amazing. It was a flattering picture and Justin was impressed with Dabria’s skill as an artist. He was amazed that she had taken the time to sketch him. It was flattering, but more than that Justin felt a great affection for the little girl who had grown up with him on his ship. He placed the drawing gently on his desk. He would have it waterproofed later. He wanted it preserved for a very long time.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

The fog was far too thick and the ship had to go at an agonizingly slow pace to move through it. Fog was the most dangerous factor against any ship. It could hide anything on or under the ocean. Namid was at the wheel and lookouts were posted all along the ship’s rail, but everyone was on edge. Justin more so.

The girls had been dropped off ages ago and Justin had spent every minute since searching for the pirate that had damaged his ship so badly. Now, he could almost swear it was following him in the fog. Snatches were the only thing he could see and yet it made no sense that anyone else but The Dandy’s captain was out there.

“Staring at it like that is only going to make your eyes hurt. The fog ain’t moving,” Maath commented with a smile.

Justin growled. “I know.”

Maath nodded and leaned against the rail observing his captain, but saying nothing.

“He’s out there, Maath. I know he is.”

“Now, how can you tell that?” Maath questioned.

“I can feel it. He’s following us.”

“Why does it matter?” Maath asked next.

Justin swung around to look at his first mate. “Why does it matter? He tore up my ship! He threatened our lives! He challenged the Black Panther and he won! There isn’t a worse insult!”

“He might not have known,” Maath pointed out.

“He knew,” Justin grumbled. “He had too. I could see his ship’s name clearly. He made sure of it. He knew exactly what he was doing.”

“Then why? What would posses a pirate to challenge the Black Panther?”

“Someone out for revenge. There are plenty of them, just no one stupid enough to try before.” Justin clenched his teeth. “I’ll fix that. When I find him and finish him, no one will ever dare challenge me.”

Maath looked at him silently for a moment, before responding quietly, “That’s a tall order, Justin. And one you can’t come back from.”

Justin swung to look at him. “Why would I want too? I’m supposed to be the most feared pirate on the Ula Ocean. If anyone thinks he can challenge me, than that means nothing. But I can fix that. I will fix it.”

“Captain Jacer’s reputation came not from what he did to the people, but to the ships and that he could attack anyone anywhere. He was the pirate among the pirates. What of that do you want to change?”

“Nothing, but I want it to be bigger and better,” Justin responded. “I will be better than even Tommy.”

“That will take more than you posses right now and much longer,” Maath responded.

“Fine. I’ll start with him.” Justin pointed out to the sea.

The fog was too thick, but an outline of a ship could be seen. It was following a different course than The Guardian Star and was only in view for a few moments before breaking off.

“It’s him and if I could follow him in this I would. But mark me, Maath, I will get him. Nothing will stop me.”

Maath shook his head. “We’ll see, Captain Justin. We will see.”

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Justin placed the drawing of himself back on his desk. He kept it there, ever since she had given it too him over six months ago, because it reminded him of the way Dabria saw him. It was a good reminded of what he wanted as well, a name and reputation that was beyond all others. He frowned as he thought of The Dandy’s captain. That was exactly why it was so infuriating that there was a pirate who was hounding his ship. He had been able to identify the ship twice more since he had seen its outline in the fog, but he had never been close enough to catch him, though it was obvious the other captain was keeping an eye on him.

It made him furious that someone thought they could track the Black Panther and harass him. He was supposed to be the most feared pirate on the Ula Ocean. Who was stupid enough to aggravate him? Or at least, aggravate the original Black Panther? As far as he knew, no one was aware that he had taken over for Tommy. Who was this guy that had such a large grudge against the Black Panther?

It was his reputation that was at stake, his name. He had lived his whole life as a street rat, a nobody. Now, he had a name that struck fear and hatred through pirate’s hearts all over the Ula Ocean. He would not let a nameless pirate take his own reputation, not now or ever.

It infuriated him that he had to protect his name already when he was still trying to build it up. Oh, the Black Panther had a name, but Justin as the Black Panther did not. He had to protect and broaden that name. It was feared now, but when he was done with it, it would be so much more than legendary. That was his goal, the only thing he wanted and he would see it fulfilled.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

The Guardian Star's True Captain

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Chapter 9 ~ Overboard

Justin watched as his ship drew ever closer to his target. He had waited a long time for this moment. He was on a mission to see how well he could do without Maath and Namid’s leading. He had been trying to do missions more and more without Maath and Namid’s firm guidance ever since he had dropped Dabria off at her own home over eight months ago, but this time he was determined he would make it. He was supposed to pick Dabria up again in a week and he wanted to have his first total capture under his belt by then. He was catching up to the opposing ship now in a matter of moments he would be able to fire.

“Dip the colors,” Justin commanded.

Maath relayed the message and the Guardian’s Star’s flags dipped low. Justin watched, but there was no response. “Make sure they heard.”

Math called out again and a cannon ball launched into the air. It fell harmlessly into the water. The other ship’s response was to turn hard to the port side in an attempt to leave The Guardian Star behind.

“They never do learn,” Namid commented from the wheel.

“That makes it fun,” Justin replied. “When we are in range, take out the masts,” he told Maath quietly who again relayed the command to the ship.

Justin waited and watched. Within moments, they were in range and a volley of cannon balls soared to the opposing ship. Two hit the ship’s waist, one hit the quarterdeck, and one missed.

“Yes!” Justin exclaimed.

“You have not won yet, Captain,” Namid calmly said.

“No, but I will,” was Justin’s cocky reply.

“What is next then?” Namid asked conversationally.

“We hit them again,” Justin replied, thinking on his feet.

“Sure, why not,” Maath said, “we don’t want there to be a ship left for us to board.”

“We only hit it three times,” Justin complained.

“You are the captain,” Namid replied.

“Right, and I’m about to prove it,” Justin said. “Send out a half volley, as soon as it launches, Namid pull hard port and Maath have the men ready to board.”

Namid and Maath shared a glance and both men said, “Aye, aye, Captain.”

The men carried out their orders to perfection and soon The Guardian Star had pulled along side the opposing ship. Within minutes, planks connected the two ships and the crew was crossing, swords drawn. They moved as seasoned men and the crews clashed swords quickly. Justin followed in the final wave, with Maath and Namid at his side.

The three made their way through the throng, searching for the captain of the doomed ship. Justin slashed in front of him and cut a long gash into the opponent standing in his path. Namid turned and used his shoulder to move him completely out of the way, just as Maath slashed at another opponent. Justin nodded his thanks and moved to take out the next one in line. They continued slowly up the steps until they reached the quarterdeck. The captain stood at the helm glowering.

“You! You will not leave this ship alive, Black Panther!”

Justin turned behind him to look at Namid who was at his shoulder. The captain seemed to be addressing him. Justin wasn’t sure if he was supposed to be amused or angry, but anger quickly won out. True, they had carefully kept his identity a secret because Tommy was recognizable and he still looked so young, even at twenty. But this was his first mission with little guidance from Maath and Namid and he should be able to take credit for it! Besides, this guy obviously had no idea who the original Black Panther was either if he could mistake Namid for him.

“Why you…” Justin sputtered.

“You are not even worth the Black Panthers time, you weakling. You should feel honored that your ship was conquered by the greatest pirate on the Ula Ocean!” Maath spoke up.

Justin glanced at him and shot him a frown, which Maath ignored.

“I’ll defeat you without breaking a sweat!” Justin swore, turning back to the other captain.

“What’s wrong, Black Panther, can you not even speak for yourself?” The other captain mocked.

“He doesn’t have to, my sword speaks for itself!” Justin exclaimed launching himself forward.

The man barely blocked his blow with a high cut. Justin let his sword slide along the other then swung it underneath. The man jumped back, but his clothes were ripped in the process. The captain growled and swung high. Justin ducked and lunged, cutting the man’s arm, but as he did the man cut down deeply into Justin’s side. Suddenly, another sword joined the fray and it sliced across the hand of the captain, causing him to drop his weapon, before it could do anymore damage.

Justin looked up to see Namid standing above him and between the two opponents. He hit the deck with his fist in frustration, and then automatically groaned at the pain it caused his side. Maath reached down and helped him to stand.

“Are you all right?” Maath asked.

“I’m fine,” Justin muttered angrily.

“Hmmm,” was Maath’s reply.

Justin looked at the man who stood on the opposite side of Namid clutching his hand and glairing at the three of them. “Mark the ship, get the booty, and let’s go. I’ve had enough,” Justin muttered, unable to enjoy his victory now.

“Aye, aye, Captain,” Maath replied too quietly for the man to hear. “Inu, Sheron!”

The two crewmembers, who had been tying up the other crew, rushed over. “Take him back to the ship and see that he is properly taken care of,” Maath commanded handing Justin off to them.

The men nodded and carefully they made their way back to the Guardian Star. Justin allowed them to lead him into the Great Cabin and help him onto the bed. Sheron left quickly to get the Cook and hot water and bandages, while Inu helped him to take off his shirt and sword. Before Sheron came back, Justin had blacked out.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“Honest, I am fine, Dabria. Will you quite it already!” Justin said louder this time.

“You are not fine, I saw you wince!” The girl protested just as loudly.

“You saw no such thing,” Justin growled, wishing the girl had paid more attention to the decorum lessons aboard the ship.

The two were standing on the main deck and Justin was sure half the crew could hear them arguing, since about that number had stopped working to listen. He had been supervising the moving of some cargo, when he had pulled his shoulder the wrong way. That wouldn’t have been a problem, except the shoulder was connected to his side that the rival captain had pierced. It was two week since the ‘incident,’ as Maath referred to it, had happened and Justin was almost fully healed, but it still caused pain when he forgot and moved the wrong way. He hated being reminded of it because it made him seem weak, which was exactly what this girl was doing by protesting loudly that he was hurt to half the crew.

Dabria shook her head, so that her almost white hair flew all around her face. “I’m not blind. Why are you being so stubborn?”

“Why are you being so noisy?” Justin countered.

Dabria took a step back and lowered her voice. “I am not. I’m just concerned. I can help you get better.”

Justin looked at her in surprise at the change in topic. “What exactly do you mean?”

“I heard Maath’s lessons, I bet I could do some work too. I’d be a huge help to you and you know it.”

“No way. You would only get underfoot,” Justin said thinking back to her first time on board when she had been into everything and had nearly driven him and his crewmembers mad.

“I would not. Let me do something easy then,” she cast him a sly look, which Justin did not like at all.

“What are you thinking, Pixie?” He asked cautiously.

“Well, if you think I’ll get underfoot down here, then let me do something that I can do and not get under foot,” her gaze slid past him and up.

Justin didn’t have to look to know what she was gazing at so intently. “Absolutely not. You must think I’ve lost my mind. Don’t you remember the last time you tried that? If you as so much as attempt to go up that rigging to the crow’s nest, so help me, I will lock you in your cabin for the rest of your life!”

Dabria threw him a disgusted look, which quickly changed to an innocent one. “Oh, come on, Captain Justin, you wouldn’t do that and you know it. Besides, I was only what eleven last time? I’m much older and responsible now.”

Justin wanted to shudder at the thought of the last time she had attempted to climb the rigging. Unlike his first time, the girl had been fearless. She was a little thing, but she had managed to make it halfway up to the nest, before anyone but her maid had realized what she was doing. Then she had slipped, Justin had seen his life and hers flash before his eyes when that happened. She had landed in her cabin for the rest of the trip for that stunt.

“Justin? Justin? Hey Justin! I’m talking to you!” Dabria’s impatient voice called him back from memory lane.

He looked at her for a moment before realizing she was still speaking. “What?”

Dabria sighed. “I had a very convincing list going!”

“Not convincing enough. You are never to climb the rigging again. Don’t you remember, you promised me.”

“But I was only eleven!” She protested.

“Yes, and now you are only thirteen. I’m grateful that you want to help, but the best thing you can do for me is stay out of trouble for a change! End of negotiations.”

“What negotiations? You didn’t even let me finish!” She protested louder.

“You’re finished now,” Justin responded. He turned his back to her and shouted some minor order to a sailor passing by then yelled for everyone else to get back to work. Behind him he heard Dabria give a ‘humph!’ and then leave. He’d deal with her later, but right now he just wanted the soothing sounds of his ship.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Dabria stomped away from the captain and back towards the cabin she shared with Salena. She almost hit two crewmen in her way. She mumbled an apology and kept going missing the strange look the men shot at her. She reached her door and yanked it open. Salena looked up from her reading startled.

“What is wrong with you?”

“I am not just thirteen!” She stormed.

“Uh, okay. You are thirteen,” Salena said logically, looking at her friend as if she had lost her mind.

“But not just thirteen! Thirteen year olds can do a lot of things! I’m not some little kid anymore!” Dabria clarified loudly.

“Of course they can,” Salena said soothingly as she stood up. “You can do lots of things, Dabria, but just what is going on? What has you so fired up?”

“He said I was only thirteen and I couldn’t be any help at all! Do I look like a baby to you?” Dabria spouted out.

“Oh,” Salena finally said, as she came to stand in front of Dabria. “I take it our captain didn’t need your help.”

“Oh, he needs it. He just doesn’t want it,” Dabria explained.

“Um, do you want to sit down, Bree? You look like you need a seat and a drink,” Salena asked carefully.

“I’m not a baby! I don’t need you to watch over me!”

“That’s my job. I’m the maid,” Salena stated calmly, leading an unwilling Dabria to the chair at the table.

“I never treat you like a maid!” Dabria defended herself.

Salena arched her eyebrow. “Yeah, you do. Whenever it benefits us or we need to keep up pretenses. But that’s beside the point, I’m trained to help you and that’s what I’m going to do. So, sit down and close that mouth of yours!”

Dabria sat and her mouth closed, only because she couldn’t think of anything else to say at the moment. She watched silently as Salena put her book on the bed then poured a glass of water and handed it to Dabria.

“Drink. You don’t want to get sick again.”

“I’m too mad to be sick,” Dabria stated.

“You know any high stress or emotion brings it on. Anger included,” Salena reminded her.

“It takes more than just that, besides I haven’t had an attack in a year.”

“The last one was on this ship and I believe because of the captain then too,” Salena commented slyly.

“What is your point?” Dabria asked suspiciously.

“Nothing, except maybe that you get emotional on this ship,” Salena replied calmly.

“I do not and I only want to help! Hey, who asked you anyway?” Dabria demanded.

“Nobody, I was blessing you with my opinion,” was the quick reply.

“Go bless our captain,” Dabria muttered.

Salena shook her head. “No way. I’m staying right here. You’re the one with the problem.”

“I don’t have a problem. I don’t get what the big deal is!”

“You and me both. So why are we still talking about it?” Salena asked, titling her head to one side.

“We’re not,” Dabria replied quickly. She glanced up at the ceiling. “I’m hot.”

Salena shot her a concerned look. “You are? Do you want more water or a cool cloth?”

Dabria shook her head. “No, I don’t think that will help. I don’t feel like I have a fever. I feel like I’m stuffy hot.”

“Oh,” Salena nodded. “Well, there is not a lot we can do about that on this ship. You know that.”

Dabria contemplated the table for a full second, before jumping up. “Maybe there is.”

“No. Whatever it is, Dabria, no. I know that look,” Salena looked at Dabria with narrowed eyes.

“Yes, and you’ve always loved my ideas,” Dabria grinned at her.

“When we were nine!” Salena exclaimed.

“Oh, stop. Haven’t we already gone over that today?” Dabria shook her head. “We are older now!” She yelled as her voice rose two octaves. Suddenly she stopped, and then spoke much lower, “But then, that proves my point, if he wants to treat me as a kid, then I’m going to act like one!”

Salena’s mouth opened, but no sound came out. She closed it and tried again without success.

Dabria laughed. “You look like a fish!”

This time, Salena’s mouth worked. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking it’s time for some fun. I’m hot, so I’m going to cool off,” Dabria said confidently.

“Um, doing what?” Salena asked tentatively.

Dabria’s eyes got wide as she grinned. “Swimming!”

“What?” Salena practically shouted. “Have you lost it?”

“Yep,” Dabria readily agreed as she turned to her trunk and pulled out a white billowed shirt and a pair of loose black pants, she had obtained from an unknowing sailor a while ago.

“In that?” Salena asked.

“You got a better idea?” Dabria questioned.

“Not go?”

Dabria gave her a look and Salena muttered, “I didn’t think so.”

“You coming?”

“For a swim in the Ula Ocean? No thanks. I’ll wait till your next crazy idea,” Salena replied.

Dabria shrugged. “Your choice.”

“Dabria, are you really serious?”

Dabria shot her a look again and Salena sighed.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“If we didn’t have the girls, I’d do it in a second,” Justin replied to Maath.

“Everyone is tired. The last battle was hard fought, and you and others were injured. They can use a break,” Maath replied stubbornly.

“Maath, do you hear me arguing that point with you? I know that, but we still have the problem of Dabria and Salena. We have to get them to Tommy’s before we do anything else. Then we can head to the Diamond Islands for a break,” Justin replied.

“Fine, can I at least tell the men they have one coming?” Maath questioned persistently.

“Fine by me. It will feel good to relax for a few days. The last haul was pretty big.” Justin replied.

“Aye, Captain, and the men are eager to spend it,” Namid replied, walking up to join the two.

Justin grinned at him. “How about this, we drop off the two girls, spend some time in the Dimond Islands, then head to Jasmine for a night or two. That ought to cool off their bodies and their pockets.”

Maath and Namid smiled. “Yeah, a whole bunch of Yalrando will do that right quick.”

Justin nodded, thinking he was just in the mood for some of the beverage. It was a mixture of some non-alcoholic beverages, even the alcoholics loved the mixture and it could only be obtained in Jasmine. “Go ahead and tell the men, Maath. It should lift up some spirits.”

Maath nodded and moved away as Namid spoke, “You said you wanted to take a turn at the helm, Captain?”

Justin nodded. “Yes, we’ve made this trip so many times, I can do it with my eyes closed now.”

“Perhaps,” Namid replied, “but remember no matter how many times you sail one direction, the sea is always changing to another.”

Justin moved towards the helm from his place on the main deck. “I know, don’t worry Namid, I don’t forget all those lessons that easily.”

“You still have much to learn, young Captain.”

Justin shrugged and walked up the steps to the quarter deck, relieving the sailor at the helm. “Maybe, but I’ve been pretty impressive getting this far.”

Namid laughed. “Yes, you have.”

Justin grinned and felt the wood wheel give with the sea under his hands. He had grown to love that feeling. It still thrilled him as it did when he had first taken a turn steering the fasted ship on the Ula Ocean, his ship. He looked up quickly when a movement unfamiliar to him caught his eye.

“Tell me I am dreaming! She is not going too…” Justin started to say to Namid, when a splash cut off his remark. “Dabria!”

He yelled and leapt from his position to race to the spot where he had seen her jump in from the top of the rail. Behind him, he vaguely realized Namid had taken the wheel again. He reached the edge at the same time as Maath and a fraction before the rest of the crew.

“Do you see her?” He asked frantically.

“No, Captain, nowhere.”

Justin let out a loud curse.

“Please, sir, do not use such language,” a small voice came from beside him. Justin swung around, instantly on the attack. “Salena! What was she thinking!”

“Um, I think you’d better ask her, sir. Could you just bring her back on board, please?”

Justin swung back around his eyes scanning the sea carefully. “If I could find her,” he muttered. “Come on, Dabria, where are you?”

“There!” A crewmember called out suddenly. He pointed to a spot in the distance towards the stern of the boat. “I saw something bob!”

Justin stripped his jacket off without thought. Maath’s hand on his arm caused him to look at his first mate quickly.

“Captain, you are still injured.”

“And Dabria is still out there. It’s too long not to see the idiot. I want her back and safe. Let go.”

“But sir…”

It was too late. Justin had jumped in and was heading towards the spot that the sailor had pointed out. He looked widely around, but couldn’t see her. He dove under quickly, pushing water out of his way in an attempt to see where she might be. In a minute, he was back up again, scanning the surface.

“When I find her, I’ll kill her,” he muttered, half terrified that he wouldn’t find her and half mad that she might be fine and he just couldn’t see her.

A bob on the surface a few yards away, caused him to swim in that direction. A spot of white flashed in front of him and he went under again. This time he saw the white more clearly and grabbed hold of the hand attached. She began to struggle violently, but Justin yanked hard and pulled her to the surface, his side aching in protest to the hard action.

They broke through with a gasp. Justin still held her hand firmly and yanked her closer to him, scanning her face for any sign of danger to her. Her face was flushed, but she appeared unharmed otherwise and she was treading water fine, even with one hand captured in his. She tried to jerk away from him, but he held on tightly.

“Owe, that hurts!” She gasped out.

“That is nothing compared to what I’ll do once I get you safely back on that ship!” Justin replied crossly. “Are you out of your mind!”

“I wanted to swim,” Dabria replied innocently.

“Don’t give me that crap.” Justin yanked her hand harder and pulled her back towards the ship. He turned and saw the longboat making its way to them. He held her hand tightly and refused to say another word to the still protesting girl.

In a few minutes they were back on board and Salena had wrapped the soaked Dabria in a warm blanket. Both girls stood still as Justin glared at them. Finally he barked, “Cabin!” and both girls scurried away. He turned to the rest of the crew and barked again, “Show’s over. Get back to work, and then next one that sees something like that had better get me before it happens!”

The crew hurried away and back to their jobs, while Maath brought Justin his own blanket, but Justin shrugged it away.

“Now, Justin,” Maath started in a calm voice.

“I’m going to kill her!” Justin sputtered glowering at the spot where the girls had disappeared below.

“That might not be the best idea,” Namid replied calmly. “Go to your cabin and change then deal with them. You will also need to get that side looked at again, though I suspect you’re too angry to feel it right now, you will later. Besides, you will need a clear frame of mind, or else Maath and I will need to play bodyguards for the girls and I don’t really feel like doing that.”

“What could possible have possessed her?” Justin asked out loud.

Maath shrugged. “Don’t know, but I bet she has a great answer.”

“You are enjoying this!” Justin accused.

“Now that the girl is all right, yes I am,” Maath replied happily.

“You’re going to need a bodyguard too,” Justin muttered as he stomped towards the Great Cabin, but he could hear Maath and Namid’s laughter anyway.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Justin knocked on the door to the girls’ cabin then entered without waiting for a reply. He was relieved to see Dabria was properly dressed again. He was pretty sure she had been swimming in sailor’s garb. He stood just inside the closed doorway, with crossed arms and looked sternly at the girls. Dabria was sitting comfortable on the bed, while Salena sat ramrod straight in the chair.

“Well, Dabria, do you have anything at all to say? What were you thinking?” Justin asked in a ‘don’t bother lying to me’ tone.

Salena cast a look at Dabria, but the girl simply smiled and replied, “I wanted to go for a swim. I was hot.”

“So you launched yourself off the side of my ship and into the sea?” Justin ground out.

Dabria cast a quick look at the floor, before looking up and replying firmly, “yes.”

“Why?”

“Um, I wanted to go for a swim?” Dabria asked, confused.

“Stop it, Dabria. Why did you really jump and don’t give me that ‘I’m hot’ line either.”

“I was hot,” she muttered.

“Fine, does that also explain your two year old attitude?” Justin asked, very frustrated now.

“I’m not two!” Dabria stormed.

“Then quite acting like it!” Justin yelled back.

Dabria dropped to the bed. “I didn’t mean to make you mad.”

“Yes, you did and you pulled it off quite well,” Justin accused. “I don’t have time to run this ship and babysit you too. Wasn’t it you who earlier today said you wanted to be a help? This is not helping, Dabria, this is the opposite!”

Dabria looked steadily at the floor and said nothing. Justin turned to look at Salena, but she too was studying the floor. Justin heaved in exasperation. He wasn’t use to dealing with teenage girls, especially not ones that were like little sisters to him. He was twenty now and had watched Kiliki deal with her sister for years, but he still didn’t get it. He wanted to throttle them both and yet he felt slightly guilty for screaming at them too.

“You went way overboard today, Dabria, way too literally. I ought to throttle you and then dump you back over the side,” Justin spoke, even as Dabria’s head went down further and Salena’s eyes widened. He knew he wasn’t helping, but he was still furious. He felt really guilty, however, when he saw the tears dropping to the floor from Dabria’s eyes. “You have got to learn when not to act, Dabria.”

He walked over to her and knelt in front of her. “Hey, Pixie, come on and pick up your head.” He tucked his hand under her chin and pulled it up. “I got so mad because I have never been so scared in my life. There are sharks out there, or you could have been pulled under the ship, another ship might have come along, the undertow could have taken you…” Justin took a breath. “Do you see why I was so worried? You could have been seriously hurt and I care too much about you to let that happen, Pixie.”

Dabria nodded. “I’m so sorry, Justin! I was mad and I wanted to prove I was older and I thought if I just took a swim I could cool off. I didn’t want you to get hurt even more. And I just… I’m sorry.”

“I know you are.” Justin smiled at her and used his free hand to wipe her tears off her face. “You may be a teenager, Pixie, but you are still a kid too. And that’s not a bad thing. You will have plenty of time to help me as you get even older and I’m pretty sure you’ll give me plenty of trouble too.”

Dabria laughed at that and Justin felt a sense of relief at the sound. “You know how you want to protect me and make sure I don’t hurt myself worse? Well, I feel the same way about you. So let’s make a deal. You don’t jump overboard or do anything reckless like that again, and I’ll try to remember to behave when I get hurt and get better quick. Deal?” Justin put out his hand.

Dabria looked at it for a second before shaking it. “Deal. I am sorry.”

Justin nodded as he stood up. “Yeah I know. Take a swim, you must have been out of your mind.”

“No, she just wasn’t thinking straight,” Salena piped up from her chair.

Justin and Dabria both turned to look at her. Dabria shot her a grimace, while Justin asked, “Isn’t that the same thing?”

“Nope, there is a distinct difference,” Salena affirmed.

Justin just shook his head, but Dabria was silent.

She looked at Justin. “Justin, how are you going to punish me?”

Justin glanced at her. “What do you think I should do?”

“I don’t know. I caused a lot of problems, didn’t I.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes, you did,” Justin agreed. “If you’re old enough to know that, you’re old enough to take responsibility for your actions. What should I do with you?”

Dabria thought for a long time before she finally replied, “Well, I’m on your ship, so I guess I should be punished like any of your crew members. I think I should have to swap the deck until we reach the port and I shouldn’t be allowed to take the helm or attend any lessons with Maath, if you have them.”

“That sounds fair,” Justin replied thoughtfully. “Maath isn’t giving me regular lessons anymore, he hasn’t for a while, it is more like teach as the time comes now, but I defiantly agree you shouldn’t have any of your privileges. As for the deck, it would be really hard for you to clean the whole thing by yourself, however, you will help to clean it everyday.”

Dabria nodded accepting the terms.

Justin turned to Salena. “And what about you?”

Salena looked at him in surprise. “What about me? I didn’t jump overboard.”

“No,” Justin agreed. “But you are Dabria’s friend. You knew she was going to do something dangerous and you didn’t tell anyone. You also let her do it. I know that’s not a reason to punish you, but it is a reason to make you think. You might not be in charge of Dabria, but when she has a dangerous idea it is up to you to tell someone who can help. I don’t mean tattling, when she just gets one of her crazy ideas, but something serious like this. When you knew you couldn’t stop her, you should have come straight to me. Understand?”

“Yes,” Salena nodded. “So will I be punished too?”

“Why don’t we just take away your privileges for two days? That way you can spend some time figuring out when it is the right time to speak up and when it is okay to be silent,” Justin decided.

“Okay,” Salena readily agreed.

“Good. Now I have to get this ship back on course and on time. I want you two to stay here for a little while, calm down and think some more. I’ll see you both later.”

Justin headed to the door and opened it.

“Justin?” Dabria called, causing him to turn back around. “Thank you for coming after me.”

“You know I’ll always come, Pixie,” Justin promised with a smile, before he left, closing the door behind him.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

The Guardian Star's True Captain

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:02:00 +0000

Chapter 8 ~ Wedding Bliss

Despite protests, Dabria was in bed for the next three days. Kiliki had taken one look at her and ordered her up to her room at the Javale estate. Justin had carried her upstairs, and then immediately left, promising only to be back in time for the wedding. Salena and Tadi did their best to keep her well entertained with news of the wedding preparations and Adem’s three year old attempts to help. Their recollections were highly amusing, but not quite the same as being there herself.

The Brentlyn estate had been turned into a huge wedding palace. The wedding itself would take place out on the back lawn. The Jakon orchard would provide the backdrop to the sunset wedding. Flowers from Aunt Jada’s garden were displayed everywhere. Aradon and Brena, Tommy’s housekeeper for the Brentlyn estate, led the servants as their own private army.

The moment Dabria was allowed out of bed, she requested a trip to give the ‘wedding palace’ her own approval. With a promise from Evyn to keep an eye on her, she and Salena gleefully took off in the carriage. The girls’ eyes widened in surprise at the activity around the Brentlyn estate.

“Wow, Salena, I thought Javale was busy. This is amazing.” Dabria’s voice held wonder and awe.

Salena only nodded, keeping her eyes on the activities outside the carriage window. Evyn’s face appeared in the window, blocking their view.

“I have to see to things about the estate. All this wedding stuff and I still have to keep everything running. I don’t see what the big deal is.”

Dabria’s mouth dropped open. “It’s your wedding! It’s really important!”

“Sure, that part after the wedding. Everything else is just a pain,” Evyn reported.

The girls looked at each other and shook their heads.

“You are such a boy!” Dabria exclaimed.

Evyn laughed. “Yes, and Emalia likes me that way. Now, can you two stay out of trouble for a bit?”

The girls nodded solemnly.

Evyn grinned and pointed at Dabria. “Don’t overdo it or our sister will have my head!”

“I won’t,” Dabria said in her best innocent voice.

Evyn didn’t look completely convinced, but he left the girls and hurried inside.

Dabria grinned at Salena. “Let’s get a good look around!”

“Oh yes! I want to see everything!” Salena agreed quickly.

Within seconds the girls were out of the carriage and bounding all over. Everywhere they looked there were things to do and see. Gardeners were trimming and watering each bush and tree all across the estate. People came and went constantly with all manner of different shaped packages. Servant’s carried things in from the store rooms and furniture and rugs out of the house to get some fresh air in them. Others carted tables and chairs and set them up all over the backyard for the guests. Many of the most important people around all of Zerlinda were expected if Tadi was to be believed. Some kids chased a dog and three cats between it all. On top of the stairs, Brena directed everything, looking much like Captain Justin directing his crew, Dabria thought.

She hurried up the steps to Brena’s side. The older woman glanced at her and then swooped down to give her a large hug.

“My dear little, Dabria. How are you feeling?”

“I’m better now. I came to help.”

The older woman’s face turned slightly stern. “Help or watch? I believe you are still restricted are you not?”

“Well…” Dabria hedged.

“She doesn’t know what that means,” Salena put in helpfully.

Dabria glared at her friend, while Brena laughed.

“Oh, she knows. She just wishes she didn’t. You may watch, Dabria, but you are not to do anything that will overtax you. Like it or not, you are recovering still.”

Dabria stuck out her tongue, making Brena laugh again.

“Go on with you. We have lots to do before the wedding in two days. Why don’t you see what the twins are doing?”

Dabria grinned. “Yeah! Are they in the orchard?”

“More than likely they are helping Natili in the kitchen. I believe that was where my daughter sent them after they attempted to get little Cuini to eat some freshly dug up worms.”

“Did she?” Dabria asked, eyes wide.

Brena laughed. “Cuini is five, but she is not dumb. Sometimes I think she is smarter than my grandchildren.” She glanced up. “Henri! You put that down right this second! You can’t bring that type of wood outside! It’s been finished! They are watering things out here! In! Inside! Right now!”

With that, Brena was off directing again. Dabria laughed and she and Salena headed straight for the kitchen. Inside, it was just as active as outside. The entire house smelled of fresh air, cleaning supplies, and something really good coming from the kitchen. The girls followed the scent into the world of foods.

Natili was a captain of her own in this room and though there was someone or something in every inch of space, everyone flowed to a timing all Natili’s. The cook didn’t shout once, but a single look was enough to send anyone off in the opposite direction. At the middle table, the nine year old twins were chopping vegetables rather furiously.

“Hi!” Dabria said, stepping up to them.

“Dabria! Salena!” The twins cried simultaneously. “When’d cha get here?”

“Now,” Dabria responded causally.

“Aren’t cha sick?” Keshi asked, his noise wrinkling.

“Not anymore,” Dabria answered importantly. “Besides, you can’t catch it.”

“Oh,” Keshi replied, going back to his chopping, apparently not concerned anymore.

“Are you staying here now?” Kiran asked, keeping a close eye on her brother’s motions.

“I wish,” Dabria said sadly.

“She’s still on restriction,” Salena put in.

Dabria turned to glare at her friend and the twins laughed.

“Dabria!” A strong voice called out.

Dabria turned to find the rotund cook smiling at her.

“When did you get here, small one?”

“Just now. I wanted to come look.”

Natili nodded. “I’m sure you did. There is lots of excitement here. A little too much, sometimes.” She added, with a glance at the twins, who started chopping faster.

“How is Cuini?” Salena asked.

“My daughter is just fine. Thank you for asking, Salena,” Cammy reported from the brick oven she was placing bread into. “The excitement is a bit much though, so she went down for a nap.”

Dabria nodded importantly. “She probably needed it.”

“Yes,” Cammy smiled. “She did.”

“Natili!” Brena entered. “Did you figure out what cake to make yet?”

Natili frowned. “You can’t rush art!”

Brena smiled. “I thought I was rushing a cake.”

“Same thing!” Natili threw her hands in the air.

Cammy closed the oven door and turned around with a grin. “It’s no use, Brena. She has two days. She’ll have it ready in time.”

“I was just checking. You have a lot of guests to feed too, Natili.”

“I know! I even have your grandchildren working!”

“I’m sure their mother is pleased,” Brena covered a smile as the twins gave a loud groan.

“Mom!” The twins’ mother, Patience, entered the crowed kitchen. “Someone put… I don’t even know what into the linen. It’s turned all the table clothes bright orange!”

“They’re supposed to be white!” Brena exclaimed.

“I’d suggest you inform the linen,” Patience said practically.

“And how should I do that?” Brena asked, crossing her arms.

“Ask Ferryll if there is money to buy more?” Patience suggested.

Before Brena could come up with a response to that, the back door burst open and Heath raced in. He glanced around quickly. “Hi, Honey,” he said in Cammy’s direction, before turning to Brena. “There is someone here who insists he was hired to paint the wedding portrait of the Knight and Maid before they marry, and Rallo wants to know if it was every decided exactly how many guests were coming so he can set out more chairs if they are needed, and I need to borrow the twins for a moment. Someone let the cat out again and she managed to knock over every flower vase in the backyard. How I’m not sure, but Rallo said either the twins get her or he’s getting letting the dogs have a snack.”

“No!” The twins shrieked together, before both dropping their knives and dashing out the door.

“Heath!” Patience exclaimed.

Heath looked at Rallo’s wife and shrugged. “They moved, didn’t they?”

Brena shook her head. “The wedding is in two days! Could we at least pretend to have some order around here?”

“There you are!” Evyn’s voice preceded him into the kitchen. “We need to get you back. Kiliki will have a fit if you are late for your final dress fitting.”

“Our dresses!” Dabria clapped her hands together. “We are going to be the Children of Blossoms.” She explained proudly to the room at large.

“Then you must look your very best,” Brena confirmed sweetly. “Go with your brother and I will straighten out everything here. Now, Heath, there will be no dogs! And of course they Knight and Lady will be painted after the marriage and not before of all the ideas! As for chairs and guests…”

Dabria missed whatever was said next as Evyn hustled her and Salena back into the carriage. They pulled up to the front steps of the Javale estate, just as Kiliki exited the house, hands on hips, and with a lecture for Evyn. The girls ducked quickly inside. Wedding preparations made for many active and uptight adults, Dabria decided, just as Aunt Jada stuffed her into a new dress.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

The day before the wedding, Dabria and Salena closed themselves off in Dabria’s room for an emergency meeting.

“It’s not very good, Dabria. I mean, I’ve done better.” Salena spoke in a concerned voice as she analyzed the paper in her hand.

“Let me see it.” Dabria sat next to her friend on the bed and held out her hand.

Reluctantly, Salena handed over the paper. Dabria smiled at her before looking down to read the poem.

Through troubled times you kept me safe

Guarding my heart and mind always

It is you alone who lets my heart soar

It is you who loves me more and more

When I was lost to all and no one saw

You understood as no one else could

It is you alone who lets my heart soar

It is you who loves me more and more

Together we live and love, we remember

Together we will remain forever

“What’s wrong with it?” Dabria asked.

“I don’t know. I can’t put my finger on it, but it doesn’t feel right.”

“Well, I think it’s great. Now, let me think. Hmm….” Dabria stood and paced the room with the paper in her hand. “The first part is Emalia’s point of view, right?”

“Right!” Salena said with relief. “And Evyn’s is the second stanza.”

“And the rest is them together?” Dabria asked.

Salena nodded and Dabria kept pacing. Finally, she swung around to look at her friend.

“I’ve got it. I’ll draw Emalia on the left side up high, and in the middle Evyn will be on the right. Then, on the bottom, I’ll put the two together. I think a sunset over water for the background. After all, they are getting married at sunset and they met on the water!”

“That’s really good!” Salena exclaimed.

Dabria smiled. “I know. Sometimes I surprise even myself.”

The girls laughed.

“What is the name of the poem?” Dabria questioned, when they had regained their breath.

“I don’t know. I was thinking something simple. Like their names or just ‘Together.’ What do you think?”

“I like both ideas. But you’re the writer. I just draw.”

“Well, what would you title the drawing?”

Dabria thought about it for a moment. “Their names.”

Salena nodded. “Then it’s settled.”

“Good.” Dabria went to her desk and removed her pencils from the drawer. “I’ll start on the drawing right away and when I’m done, you can put in the words.”

Salena smiled. “It’s a perfect wedding present.”

“Yes. I can’t wait until tomorrow,” Dabria said, already drawing.

“It will be fun. There were a lot of chairs,” Salena commented, looking over her poem again.

“Are you nervous about walking to the front?” Dabria asked, picking up a different pencil.

“No, not really,” Salena answered, but her voice was quite.

“Just look at our family and friends.”

“We go down first!” Salena exclaimed looking up.

“Oh,” that caused her to pause for a moment. “Captain Justin will be up front before anyone! He’s the one marrying them. Look at him.”

“Dabria, Captain Justin isn’t here yet.”

The girls stared at each other for a moment.

“Kiliki!” Dabria yelled as she and Salena raced out of the room.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“Tommy, I cannot do everything at once no matter what you think!” Kiliki’s voice called out from her and Tommy’s bedroom.

“I didn’t say everything,” Tommy’s voice protested.

“You most certainly did!” Kiliki yelled, just as Dabria and Salena slid to a stop in the doorway.

Kiliki and Tommy stood facing each other with Adem on the floor between them. The just turned three year old looked from his father to his mother and back again, trying to figure out what had them upset. Dabria watched with interest for a moment, before stepping further into the room.

“Sissy!” She called more loudly.

The three occupants turned to look at her.

“Captain Justin hasn’t arrived yet!” Dabria pronounced.

“I know, Bree. I’m sure he’s on his way.” Kiliki said quite calmly for having been yelling a minute ago.

“But he’s not here yet! And it’s tomorrow!”

“He promised he’d be here.” Kiliki responded again, her eyes returning to her husband.

“But what if he’s not? Who will we look at?” Dabria exclaimed again.

That got her sister’s attention. “What?” Kiliki asked, shock and amusement in her voice.

Dabria looked at Salena. “What did I say?”

Salena shrugged.

“Helpful,” Dabria muttered and turned back to her sister. “Salena is scared to walk down to the front, so I told her we could watch Captain Justin because he’d already be down there. But if he’s not, then we can’t!” She explained importantly.

That caused Tommy to laugh and Kiliki to smile and say, ‘oh.’

“Well, Captain Justin is on his way right now. You have to trust that he will do his best to keep his promise and be here on time,” Kiliki managed to clarify, while hiding a smile.

Dabria sighed heavily. “I guess so.”

“Bee!” Adem called out from the floor.

“Hi, Adem!” Dabria stepped between her sister and brother to plop down on the floor and play with him. “So, what’s going on?” She asked, looking up at the two adults.

“Tommy was just remembering he is a father,” Kiliki said firmly.

“I never forgot!” Tommy protested.

A mischievous smile crossed Kiliki’s face. “Prove it. Take care of him today so I can take care of the wedding.” With that, Kiliki was out of the room, despite Tommy’s soundless protests.

“That sounds like fun,” Dabria said grinning.

“I thought you were working on Evyn and Emalia’s wedding present?” Tommy questioned, obviously thinking fast.

“Oh yeah!” Dabria jumped up. “We’ll be back!”

The two girls scurried back to their room, but only worked for a little bit before heading back to see how Tommy was faring with his son. They walked in to see Tommy trying to persuade Adem to hold still. Dabria burst out laughing.

Tommy shot her a look that quieted her immediately, but her smile stayed in place.

“What are you doing?” Dabria asked quickly.

“Changing Adem. Can’t you tell?” Tommy asked, a little bit of frustration in his voice.

Dabria cocked her head and watched Adem for a moment. The naked baby’s old diaper lay beside him and Adem’s arms and legs moved in every direction as he giggled joyfully. Tommy stood above him holding the new diaper and trying to move around the waving arms and legs.

“Adem. Hold still.” Tommy commanded, but the little one just giggled.

Without warning, a stream of yellow launched for Tommy’s face.

“Ach!” Tommy yelled, holding up the diaper before his face. “Adem!”

“Ew! Gross!” Dabria and Salena managed, laughing hard enough to double them over.

The toddler rolled over on the bed and plopped onto the ground.

Tommy glared at his son. “Stay.” He ordered as he went to the pitcher and poured a lot of water into the bowl.

Adem put both hands on the ground and pushed his back up so that he could stand. Glancing at his father, he made his way to the door. Dabria and Salena stopped laughing long enough to watch in surprise as he toddled right on out.

“Um, Tommy?” Dabria called, but Tommy didn’t turn from the wash basin.

Salena looked at her and shrugged. The two girls hurried out to find Adem at the top of the stairs looking down.

“Adem, no!” Dabria hurried to his side. She grabbed a pudgy hand. “Those are dangerous.”

Adem looked up at his aunt. “Mommy!” He wailed.

“She’s downstairs.”

“Mommy! Want Mommy now!” It was louder this time and Salena clapped her hands over her ears.

“What should I do?” Dabria asked.

“Take him back to Tommy?” The girl suggested.

“He’s busy washing everything.”

“Then take him to his mom! Just make him stop yelling!” Salena cried as Adem started howling at the top of his lungs.

Dabria picked the boy up and hurried down the steps. Downstairs, servants rushed everywhere. Although the wedding was at the other estate, much of the preparations were taking place at this one. Naturally, this meant that there was not a single calm person on the floor and everyone rushed somewhere with a job that had to be done right then. Organized chaos reigned on the Brentlyn estate and Kiliki was nowhere to be seen. The girls looked around frantically as Adem continued to howl and wiggle non stop.

“Eak!” Dabria exclaimed. “Salena, he’s slipping!” The girl bent down to put the toddler closer to the floor.

“Well, don’t let go! I don’t see his mom,” Salena replied looking craning her neck to see in every direction.

“Adem, hold still!” Dabria repeated Tommy’s earlier command. She had no better success than he did as the three year old kicked her hard in her thigh. She yelped loudly and the boy slipped out of her hands and into the chaos of the wedding preparations. “Adem! Salena, stop him!”

But the Adem was already out of reach.

Salena gapped at Dabria. “How can a three year old be so fast?”

“I don’t know, but we have to catch him! He’s not even dressed!”

The two girls took off into the crowd of servants, pushing anyone who got in their way. Outraged cries rose up from everywhere, but the girls didn’t pay attention, intent on their mission to catch the little naked run away.

Suddenly, a strong hand grabbed Dabria’s shoulder and pulled her up short. She turned to see Tommy’s stern face looking down at her.

“Where is Adem?”

“Um, he got away…” Dabria’s voice trailed off quickly.

“How did he get downstairs?” Tommy’s voice was clipped.

“He wanted his mom and you were busy, so…”

“Dabria! It’s a natural disaster down here!” Tommy couldn’t keep the worry from seeping into his voice as he scanned the crowded rooms. “We need to find him.”

“Yeah! Before Kiliki does,” Salena put in.

Tommy winced. “Way before that. Split up. He’s down here somewhere.”

A cry from the direction of the kitchen stopped the splitting up process and everyone ran to the area. Servants were holding trays high above their heads as Adem toddled rather quickly around them. Tommy made a dash for his son, as others scurried out of the father’s way, but just before Tommy could put his hands on his little runway, Adem was lifted up into someone’s arms. Tommy looked up and took a step back.

“Hi, Honey.”

Kiliki stood with one hand on her hip and Adem secured on the other. Servants scurried for the door quickly and soon only the three and the girls were left.

“I suppose you have a very good explanation for this,” Kiliki spouted sternly.

“I was changing him,” Tommy offered.

“By letting him run naked through a house full of servants?” Kiliki was obviously not impressed.

“No. He did that by himself,” Tommy answered calmly, causing the girls to snicker behind him.

Kiliki swung her accusing gaze in their direction. Dabria swallowed hard.

“He wanted to see you, and Tommy was getting the peepee up, so we tried to get him down here, but he’s too active!” Dabria exclaimed.

Kiliki’s eyebrows rose and she turned back to her husband. “Peepee?”

“He’s a good shot with that diaper off,” Tommy commented and Dabria wasn’t sure if Tommy was proud or not.

Kiliki frowned and handed Adem to Tommy. “Take your son upstairs, put him in some clothes, clean up that mess, and keep a very good eye on him. I don’t have the time or desire to babysit you both!”

“My son! So, now you’ll let me claim him?” Tommy exclaimed.

Kiliki smiled tightly. “When he’s good he’s mine, when he’s bad he’s all yours. Now, move!” With that she turned and reentered the kitchen, calling over her shoulder, “Girls, there is plenty for you to do too!”

Dabria and Salena glanced at each other then at Tommy, before moving quickly to follow Kiliki. Right before the door closed behind them, Dabria heard Tommy talking to Adem.

“It was never this hard on the ship!”

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“The wedding is supposed to be in an hour!” Dabria shouted at the top of her lungs.

The entire room turned to face her. Tommy, Kiliki, Aunt Jada, Sahen, Evyn, Emalia, and Salena had all gathered before the ceremony to go over last minute details. But the action stopped when Dabria’s voice rose above them all.

“We are aware of that, Bree. What’s the matter?” Kiliki asked her sister.

“Captain Justin isn’t here!” Dabria stated what to her was perfectly obvious.

The adults’ faces turned slightly worried.

“We are aware of it, child. But there is nothing we can do,” Sahen replied gently.

“But he’s not here! You act like it doesn’t matter!” Dabria was almost in tears.

Kiliki went to her sister’s side immediately. “We know, Bree. But Sahen is right. We can’t do anything about it. If he can make it on time, Justin will be here.”

“But what if he’s not?” Dabria sniffed. “You can’t do it without him!”

Emalia came to stand next to her. “We don’t want to, Bree. But we can only wait so long.”

“Who’s going to marry you?” Dabria questioned, not at all happy that the adults were not more concerned about Captain Justin’s absence.

“The local minister is among the guests,” Aunt Jada replied. “Reverend Cassel can do it in a pinch if we ask. He’s not all that boring. I guess.”

“You guess?” Evyn looked at her amused.

Aunt Jada shrugged. “Well, I have to be honest some of the time, especially about the minister!”

“Aunt Jada, you are always brutally honest!” Emalia shook her head, quite amused.

Aunt Jada affected an innocent look. “I have no idea what you could possibly mean, my dear.”

Dabria frowned at them all. “But Captain Justin was supposed to do it! You promised he could! You can’t let someone else do it! You just can’t!” Her breathing was very rapid now.

“Sit down, Dabria,” Salena commanded, rushing out of the room. “I’m getting water!” She called over her shoulder.

Kiliki already had her sister halfway to the closest chair. “Count, Dabria. Slowly.”

Dabria shook her head and tried to breath, so Kiliki started the count. Salena was back in the room with a glass of water before Dabria’s breath matched the timing of Kiliki’s counting.

“Drink, Dabria. Please,” Salena pleaded, her brown eyes filled with concern.

Obediently, the girl took the glass and sipped slowly.

“We will wait as long as we can for Justin, Bree. I want him here just as much as you do. But we can’t wait forever,” Emalia tried to sooth the distraught girl.

“He promised he’d be here.” The girl hiccupped. “What if something happened? He could be in trouble.”

Kiliki looked back at Tommy. He glanced around the room and then spoke calmly. “You forget he is the Black Panther now, Dabria. And he has a good crew behind him. He’s fine, just delayed.”

Dabria nodded, still hiccupping and attempted to drink her water. Suddenly, she dropped the cup to the floor where it miraculously refused to shatter and ran to the open doorway. She flung herself into the arms of newly arrived Justin. Maath and Namid stood behind him.

Justin looked around the room, eyes wide, and barely managed to catch the girl on time. He gave her a quick squeeze and lifted her face to look at him. He frowned quickly. “Pixie, you’ve been crying.”

“You weren’t here,” the girl managed, burying her face back into his coat.

“Um… I’m here now,” Justin replied, looking to the room at large for help.

“She thought something might have happened to you and you wouldn’t make it in time for the wedding. She didn’t want us to replace you,” Evyn explained.

“Ah,” Justin said, comprehension dawning.

“Reverend Cassel will be so disappointed he won’t be able to perform the ceremony,” Aunt Jada inserted, obviously not the least bit displeased.

Justin gave Dabria another quick hug, the girl still had her arms wrapped around him, and then led her back to the seat. He glanced at the water and Kiliki’s position still on the floor.

Crouching down in front of her, he asked, “Pixie, did you almost have another attack?”

The girl ducked her head, but nodded.

“Pixie! I dropped you off with a promise you’d get well.”

“I know,” she whispered. “But I did.”

“And then you have a second attack because of me? Didn’t we just go through this?”

Tears appeared in Dabria’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Captain Justin.”

Justin shook his head and wiped her tears away. “Shh. Don’t cry. That’s not going to help. Everything’s fine. See, I’m here now.”

“Yes. We can walk down to you now,” Dabria breathed heavily.

“What?” Justin asked, confused.

“We walk down to you, remember?” Dabria asked.

Justin looked surprised for a moment and then smiled. “Oh, you’re the Children of the Blossom, right? Yep, I’ll be there waiting for you. Okay?”

Dabria nodded and smiled for the first time. Justin grinned at her and stood.

“I’m sorry. We were attacked and had to captured the ship,” Justin explained to everyone.

“Everything went smoothly?” Tommy asked.

“For us anyway,” Justin replied.

Evyn laughed. “Well, done Black Panther, but do you think you could slow down enough to marry me and my bride to be?”

“I don’t want to be accused of making the Lady wait any longer. I think the Knight already did that!”

Everyone laughed, except Evyn.

“Ha, ha, ha. Come on, we have a ceremony to perform!”

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

For all the frantic preparations before, the wedding went off without a hitch. Justin waited just as he promised in front of the guests and Salena and Dabria made their way down to him, throwing their petal blossoms without a hitch. Tommy and Kiliki stood as First Knight and First Matron respectively. Evyn waited at Justin’s side and Emalia looked like a white angel as she floated down to him. It was a rather long ceremony in Dabria’s opinion, so when the Seal of Love, or first kiss, was officially given, she cheered louder than most. Justin sent a grin her way and then it was back up the aisle again. In her opinion, the best part came next: the food.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

The Guardian Star's True Captain Chapter 7

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Chapter 7 ~ Sick

Dabria was had just turned twelve when Justin arrived to pick her up from her parent’s, but she was as bouncy as the eleven year old from the year before. It was a scary thought, but what made it worse was her excitement over Evyn and Emalia’s wedding. It wasn’t long before Justin was desperate for anything that would get Dabria’s mind off of the wedding. He had thought joining in on one of his lessons with Maath would provide the perfect distraction, but now he found himself wishing she was back on her wedding kick and leaving his lesson alone.

“So then, firing the bow guns would slow a ship down, but firing the stern-chasers might speed it up?” Dabria clarified.

Maath nodded with a grin. “You got it!”

Justin shook his head exasperated. The three of them and Salena were seated in the Great Cabin. Justin hadn’t changed much about the room since he took over for Tommy. Dabria and Salena where sitting comfortably on the bed, while Justin sat in his desk chair, and Maath had pulled the green chair up to the desk.

They were supposed to be working on strategies by using The Guardian Star’s advantages, but Dabria stopped them so often to ask what Maath called ‘insightful’ questions that Justin considered the entire lesson a waste. What made it worse was that Dabria was catching on much more quickly than Justin ever had and Justin was sure Maath was aware of that fact. Maath’s laughter brought him back out of his thoughts.

“That’s very impressive, Dabria. What do you think, Justin?”

“What?” Justin asked, having completely missed the conversation.

Maath laughed again. “Maybe you should hire Dabria on, Captain.”

Justin growled, but it was drowned out by Dabria’s shriek of delight. He couldn’t wait till she grew out of that shrieking stage. He figured it had to happen eventually.

“Bad luck,” Justin stated firmly.

“Maybe to our captains,” Maath replied.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Justin asked sharply.

Maath only shrugged, while Dabria and Salena looked on very interested.

“I think that’s all for today. Lesson’s over,” Maath declared, moving his chair back against the wall.

“You mean we had one?” Justin muttered.

Maath turned around. “Come on, girls. I know Namid promised you could steer after we were done.”

Salena hopped up, but Dabria didn’t move. “Go ahead and take your turn, Salena. I’ll be right there.”

Salena looked at her friend hesitantly, but at Dabria’s nod took off after Maath, who was already heading out. Justin noticed all this while he kept himself busy with the imaginary work of rearranging his desk, putting things back exactly as they started.

“You’re mad at me,” Dabria started without preamble.

Justin turned to face her surprised. “No, I’m not,” he denied.

Dabria shook her pixie head. “Yes, you are. Why?” She paused, before asking in a vulnerable voice, “Did I do something wrong?”

Justin sighed. “What makes you think I’m mad, Dabria?”

“’Cause you are. I can tell, but I don’t understand why. Did I say something wrong to Maath?”

Justin shook his head no. “You heard him. He was very impressed.”

Dabria stamped her foot frustrated. “Then what is going on? I can’t fix it if I don’t understand!”

“Why do you need to fix it?” Justin asked, curious now.

Dabria looked at him oddly. “Because I messed up, so I have to make it right.”

“I never said you messed up,” Justin pointed out.

Dabria tilted her head and looked confused. “But I made you mad. I must have done something.”

Justin sighed. ~ How can this twelve year old kid get me so mixed up? ~ “I’m not mad at you, Dabria. I just planned on spending more time on the strategies instead of basic ship facts.”

“Oh,” Dabria thought for a few moments. “Okay, I’ll make sure not to ask so many beginner questions next time.” Dabria shot him a proud smile and exited the room quickly.

~ Next time? ~

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Two days later, Justin had had some very solid lessons and felt he was making major progress. This was probably due to the fact Debria and Salena had not been back to a lesson yet. Maath told him once they dropped off Dabria and Salena he would lead a mission, attacking a pirate ship, with relatively little guidance from Maath and Namid. Justin was anxious to start and couldn’t wait to drop the two girls off.

He looked around the ship and spotted Salena at the rail. He frowned, thinking back over the last two days. Come to think of it, Dabria had not only missed the lessons, he hadn’t seen her at all. He wondered where she was and what she was doing that she had managed to stay out of his sight for two full days. He left his position on the quarterdeck and made his way over to the lone girl.

He was almost beside her before she realized he had approached. She gave a startled gasp when she saw him and quickly dropped into a curtsy, lowering her eyes to look at the deck. Justin’s frown deepened.

“Salena, does Dabria make you act the lowly servant or does she treat you more as a friend?” He questioned.

“It would depended, Captain Falcon. When we are alone I am always her friend, but in the company of others, I am merely the maid,” Salena replied, her voice low and soft.

Justin had lived the life of the lowly street rat too long not to let the sight of the cowering girl affect him. “Salena, please lift your face. I won’t hurt you.”

Slowly, the girl’s eyes rose though they never quite reached his.

“It’s a start. Look, if Debria doesn’t require you to act like a servant with her than I won’t either. Deal?” Justin asked.

Salena’s eyes grew bigger and this time they did meet his. “You really mean that, Captain Falcon?”

Justin shrugged. It wasn’t that big of a deal, but she was acting like he’d handed her a diamond tiara or something. “Sure, act how you want on the ship and speak freely too. All right?”

“Yes. Yes, Captain Falcon, and thank you,” she replied, her face glowing.

Justin had to wonder at the simple act of telling her to be herself. He question what would have happened to all the other girls he had known on the street had someone told them the same thing. They probably would have laughed and not dared. Justin shook his head to clear his thoughts and looked again at the girl standing in front of him.

She was taller than Dabria and had darker skin. Her hair was brown and her eyes looked like the new delicacy chocolate. She also had a small build, though it was still larger than Dabria, but that was no surprise, since Dabria had spent most of her life sick.

“Salena, where is Dabria?” Justin asked curiously.

Immediately, Salena’s head ducked back down. Justin sighed, this was getting frustrating and he really didn’t feel like playing fifty questions. Was Dabria okay?

“Salena, I’m not going to hurt you if that’s what you’re worried about. I just need to know if Dabria is okay,” Justin tried to ask in a gentler voice.

“I do not believe that you would hurt me, Captain Falcon. But I do not wish to betray Dabria’s trust either,” Salena replied in a tone that said she was sorry, but neither was she budging.

“Fine,” Justin muttered. “Is she at least okay?”

Salena shrugged. “She is doing as she wishes.”

“Which had better not mean any damage to my ship or herself,” Justin clarified.

“I will let you know if anything changes,” Salena replied dutifully.

“Yeah, okay,” Justin replied. “I’ll see you later, Salena.”

“Yes, Captain Falcon,” Salena smiled.

Justin shook his head and walked away wondering again what the little pixie was up too.

He found out the following day when, just after the noon meal, a terrified Salena came running up to him. He looked at her in surprise and then turned back to the three crewmembers.

“See that it is taken care of right away.”

“Aye, aye, Captain,” the men said before heading down the stairs to the main deck.

Justin turned to Salena and said automatically, “Take a deep breath, Salena.”

The girl followed his instructions and then began a rapid fire report. “Dabria’s sick. I told her she was pushing herself to hard, but she said she wasn’t. And she wouldn’t listen to me, ‘cause she wants to prove she can, and now she is sick and I haven’t seen her this bad in a while, and I’m not sure what to do, since we are on this ship, and I could really use some help.”

“Um, sure,” Justin managed looking at her blankly. He sorted though her confusing monologue and was able to come up with the words ‘Dabria,’ ‘sick,’ ‘bad.’ “Wait, she is sick like her weird sickness sick?”

Salena nodded.

“How did this happen? You really need to tell me what she has been doing for the past three days, Salena,” Justin commanded.

Salena looked at the ground, but Justin could hear her voice clearly, “She has been studying really hard and so she hasn’t been eating and she’s been really worried so I think that helped to set it off. I told her she should take it easy and it wasn’t that important, but she just wouldn’t listen. She can be so stubborn!”

“Studying what and worried about what?” Justin asked as confused as before.

Salena’s chocolate eyes finally rose to his. “She’s been studying ship facts. She was worried she would disappoint you again and she didn’t want that to happen.”

Justin looked at her in shock. “What?”

Salena spoke slowly as if trying to come up with the right words. “You mean a lot to her. You take time out of every year to come get us and take us to her sister and she thought if she learned ship stuff maybe she could somehow repay you. She didn’t want you to get upset again and she didn’t know what else to do.”

“And this made her sick?” Justin asked, still trying to form a clear picture and feeling worse himself by the second.

“When Dabria is very worried or panicked it induces an attack. Once her condition flares up, there’s no stopping it, at least not with medication. The doctors were never able to decide exactly what condition she has, only that it is a very real threat. But we do know she needs to calm down and have the panic or stress reduced immediately or there is the possibility she will die. Kiliki was always the one who would take care of her and bring her out of it. I don’t know exactly what to do though.”

“Maath! Namid!” Justin suddenly called out then turned back to Salena. “You said she wanted to repay me, that she thought that learning ship terms would make me happy. Would it help if I talked to her?”

“I don’t know, a familiar voice helps, but I’ve been talking to her and she hasn’t really calmed down yet. It would probably help if we could just get her fever down first,” Salena said thoughtfully.

“What is it, Captain?” Namid asked as he and Maath appeared from behind Justin.

“You didn’t burn down the ship. What is the emergency?” Maath added.

Justin turned around to face them. “Dabria is very sick. Salena says she has a fever and is in one of her attacks. Can you think of what we should do?”

Maath looked at Naimd, who took over immediately. “Maath, call Cook. Tell him we need cool water and some strips of cloth. I don’t know what kind of problem Dabria has, but some of his tonic couldn’t hurt.”

Maath nodded and turned away to yell for a ship hand, while Namid looked at Salena. “Let’s go down to your cabin and see what we can do, okay?”

Salena nodded and the three of them proceeded to the cabin. Justin cringed as he entered the small room. It held two beds one above the other, a small table, a chair, a swinging lamp, and just enough room for the two girls’ trunks. Right now, the room reeked of sickness. Justin left the door open.

Namid went to the bedside and Justin held Salena back from the bed so Namid had room to work. Namid gently felt her head and then pulled the single cover off of her. He talked softly the whole time, but his only response was a low groaning. He frowned and turned to Salena.

“The captain and I will leave the room. I need you to undress Dabria and then put this cover back over her, okay?”

Salena nodded and made her way to the bed. She turned back. “I will call you when I am done.”

Justin and Namid nodded and left, closing the door behind them. Justin immediately turned to Namid and demanded answers.

Naimd shook his ahead. “It’s not good news, Captain. She is very sick with a high fever. She doesn’t have any other symptoms that I could see, so I’m not sure as to the cause, but we need to get her cooled down fast.”

Justin quickly explained what Salena had told him. He paused only once to accept the cloths from a ship hand. He was finishing up when Maath arrived with the water and a small bottle he carried far away from his body.

“Well?” Maath asked.

Justin let Namid fill him in as he turned back to the door thoughtfully. How had she gotten so sick so fast? Was he really the cause? It hurt to think that the little girl with the pixie face had made herself sick trying to please him by doing something as simple as learning ship facts. He had to speak to her and make her understand that wasn’t necessary. His mind hit an ocean wall when he suddenly realized if anything happened to Dabria, Kiliki would have his head and then some. He was just about to knock when the door opened.

“She is decent again,” Salena said softly, allowing them to enter.

Namid went to work, giving Dabria some of the tonic and wrapping her neck, wrists, and forehead in damp cloths. He explained to Salena how to do it and when each one should be changed. After he was sure she was comfortable, he stepped back and looked at Justin.

“Nothing to do now but wait.”

“I hate waiting,” Justin replied, looking down at the sleeping child.

He had never felt so bad about someone being sick as he did right then. And it was not just knowing Kiliki was going to kill him, but that he had helped to cause this. He had grown to care for the little pixie and her friend as he had taken them across the ocean two times a year. He marveled for a second at the realization that he cared for Dabria like a little sister. He had never had one before, never wanted one either, but he was glad to know that in a small way he too had a family. Now, he just had to make sure he didn’t lose her.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Justin had Salena give him regular updates over the next day and a half as he went about the ship and when he could get away he would sit by Dabria’s side himself to make sure she was as comfortable as possible. He talked about what was going on around the ship, so she wouldn’t feel she had missed anything. Salena had said that a familiar voice helped. Justin wasn’t positive he fell into that category, after all he only saw her for two trips out of the year and the occasional times he would stop at Tommy’s when she was there. But whatever the case, she seemed to relax when he talked, so he figured it was worth it.

“Hi.”

Justin looked at the form beside him in surprise. “Hello, Pixie, you’re awake.”

“Uh, huh.” Her tongue ran over her chapped lips. “Water … please.”

Justin nodded and stood quickly from the chair he had pulled to her bunk side. He took the two steps to the table and poured a small glass of water they had been keeping handy. Returning, he sat back down. “Do you need help?”

Dabria nodded slowly. Her eyes were barely open. Justin took one arm and tucked it behind her body, easily lifting the girl to a semi-sitting position. He held her there as he handed her the glass. She put her small hands over his and drank slowly. She had drunk half when she indicated she didn’t want anymore.

He gently lowered her down, put the glass back on the table, and turned to look at her. “I guess you want me to go get Salena for you, right? She’s taking a nap in my cabin right now, but she’ll want to know you are awake.”

Debria shook head slightly then groaned. “Ow. No, let her sleep. She probably needs it.”

“Oh, well, um, do you need anything else?” Justin asked, suddenly at a complete loss as to what else he should do.

“If it is okay, can you talk to me more?” Dabria asked without actually looking at him.

“Um, sure,” Justin came back and sat down. He had been talking to her for almost two days, but now he couldn’t think of a thing to say.

“Have you been here the whole time?” she asked, her eyes closed again.

“Not the whole time,” Justin hedged.

“But you’ve been here a lot. I listened to your voice and it reminded me of Kiliki talking to me. I couldn’t always understand and it cut in and out, like Kiliki’s did when I got really sick last time, but I somehow knew it was you,” Debria said softly. “What did you talk about?”

“Just stuff that was happening on the ship. I figured you wouldn’t want to miss out.”

That earned him a ghostly smile.

“I told you about some new strategies,” he continued, trying to get another one, but instead she winced. Justin frowned. “What is it? Are you in pain?”

“No, I’m sorry about…” she couldn’t say anything else, because her voice caught as she coughed.

“Please, don’t apologize anymore, Pixie. It’s me who should apologize. I’m the reason you got sick. I never meant for you to make yourself sick trying to study. You’re a really great learner and you should be proud of that, not upset you’re slowing me down,” Justin shook his head, frustrated at not being able to fully put into words what he wanted to say. “I mean, I guess, I’m sorry you felt you had to prove yourself and I know you’re happy I come to get you every year and I like to do it, so don’t feel bad, please?”

Dabria laughed softly. “Okay.”

Justin sighed. “Good. You’ve kinda become a little sis to me, Pixie.”

Dabria smiled. “Pixie? Is that my new nickname?”

“You like it?” Justin asked self-consciously.

Dabria nodded and Justin smiled. “Good, cause you’re stuck with it.” Which only made Dabria laugh again.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“No way. End of discussion,” Justin stated firmly.

“But…” Salena tried again.

“Salena, we are not discussing this. She watches us come into port every time, it will not kill her once to miss it, in fact, just the opposite. She will be carried up when we are ready to disembark and placed in the carriage and then directly into a bed at Tommy’s. End of discussion. Now, do you want to give her the good news or shall I?” Justin asked.

“Oh no. This one is all you,” Salena stated and took off in the opposite direction of the cabin.

“What happened to the quiet agreeable girl?” Justin muttered as he headed for the cabin.

He knocked and entered at the quiet bidding of the girl inside. He opened the door and stepped inside to see Dabria sitting up on the bed and looking at him sweetly.

“No,” was the first word out of his mouth.

Dabria’s face fell. “But I’m better!”

“Yeah, better enough to be carried off the ship and right into a bed at your sister’s house. I’m not taking any chances,” Justin said firmly.

“Oh, I’ll protect you,” Dabria waved her hand in the air.

“Your sister killing me is only half the worry, Pixie. You are still too weak and you know it,” Justin explained.

“Am not,” was the stubborn reply.

“Stand up,” Justin said in a ‘prove it’ voice.

Dabria grimaced and glanced at the floor. “Um…”

“Yeah, not a chance. I’ll come get you when we dock. Promise,” Justin said, giving her a smile and heading out.

Before he closed the door though, he heard her mutter, “Who died and made you big brother?”

Justin laughed softly.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Chapter 6~ Engaging Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:15:00 +0000

I offer my humble apologies for the delay in the posting of this story. Circumstances of life intervened, but that is of no excuse. Please accept my apology along with the immediate posting of this next chapter. The following chapter will be posted on Monday, so it is not as long of a wait! Please enjoy and let me know what you think!

Chapter 6~ Engaging Lessons

Justin had never been so glad to see Tommy and his wife. The Guardian Star had actually docked and the plank lowered before Justin allowed Sheron to get Dabria and Salena from their cabin. He acknowledged them with a nod, but didn’t speak to them. Dabria’s head hung low. Salena looked at him briefly and stuck close to Dabria, holding her hand. It was a solemn threesome walking down to the dock.

Tommy and Kiliki took one look at the girls and focused on Justin. The girls huddled together while Justin explained in no uncertain terms what had happened.

“Your sister is impossible. She almost got herself killed. It was quite on deck until Salena started screaming. Your sister managed to sneak her way onto the rigging and climbed halfway up it without telling anyone.”

“She did what?” Kiliki interrupted loudly, turning to stare at Dabria, who ducked her head lower, if that where possible.

“She climbed the rigging. She got halfway up before we were able to stop her. And after I told her to come down, she went higher!”

“Dabria!” Kiliki exclaimed.

“She almost fell coming down. She’s luckily I made it up to her on time or you’d be short one sister,” Justin finished.

Kiliki looked shocked for a moment, before moving to wrap Dabria in a very tight hug. After a few moments, they parted and Kiliki immediately smacked Dabria on the shoulder. Her sister grabbed her stinging arm and looked at Kiliki in surprise.

“You ever try that again and I’m going to kill you myself. You have got to learn to think, Bree! If anything happened to you… just don’t let it. Got it?” Kiliki asked.

Dabria nodded. “I’m sorry, Sissy.”

“Yeah, I know. Just, never again. Or I will kill you,” but she said it with a smile and gave her another quick hug. “You really climbed the rigging halfway up?” Dabria nodded and Kiliki shook her head laughing. “You aren’t afraid of anything.”

Justin shook his head and looked at Tommy, who was watching the scene with an impressed look. “She faired as well as you.”

“You guys are no help,” Justin complained.

“Kiliki told her not to do it again, didn’t she?” Tommy questioned.

“Yes, but you’re proud of her!” Justin accused.

Tommy looked at him amused. “She climbed the rigging at eleven without fear. You especially should recognize that as an achievement.”

“She’s eleven! She shouldn’t be climbing the rigging!”

“No, she shouldn’t. But you obviously already punished her.”

“I put them both in their cabin until we arrived here,” Justin admitted.

“So, what else do you want us to do to them? They are both safe, and I doubt she climbs the rigging again,” Tommy paused, then amended, “or at least, anytime soon.”

Justin shook his head and then turned to watch the girls talking.

“You were scared, weren’t you?” Tommy asked softly.

Justin stilled for a moment, but then nodded his head. “I saw both our lives flash by me and neither one was long enough. If her other hand had lost its grip she wouldn’t be here, Tommy.”

Tommy put a hand on his shoulder. “But she is. God protected her and we can thank Him for that. He has His work cut out for Him with her, but I like to think He is just as amused as we are with the things she gets into. Remember, her sickness almost didn’t allow her to live. Don’t let her go rampaging, but also do not be too hard on her, Justin. In many ways, she is making up for lost time.”

“Does she have to do it so dangerously?” Justin muttered.

Tommy laughed. “If she wasn’t in some type of danger, I’m not so sure it would be our Dabria.”

Justin groaned.

“You do a good job with her, Justin. She loves traveling with Captain Justin. She looks forward to your trips as much as she does staying with us and this is only her second time. Don’t let this ruin that.” Tommy gave his shoulder a squeeze and then called to his wife, “Kiliki, Aunt Jada is waiting and I have no wish to endure her wrath for holding up the girls’ arrival.”

Kiliki smiled. “No, we defiantly don’t want that. Are you two ready?”

“Their things are loaded, milady,” Sheron answered, coming from behind the carriage.

“Thank you,” Kiliki replied. “Come on, girls, you are not going to believe how big your nephew has gotten.”

Dabria and Salena both let out a squeal and headed for the carriage.

“Are you coming by later?” Kiliki asked, turning to Justin.

“Of course,” he replied quickly.

“Good. We shall see you soon,” she said following the girls.

Dabria had stopped at the entrance to the carriage and was looking back at Tommy and Justin. Tommy nodded to Justin and then headed to the carriage himself.

“Dabria, come here,” Justin called.

Dabria willing walked towards him, but slowly and her eyes were fearful.

Justin knelt down so that they were more on eye level. The girl was still so small for being eleven.

“I’m not mad at you, Dabria. I didn’t want you to get hurt and that is a very good way to get extremely hurt. Understand?” Justin asked.

“You were furious with me,” Dabria said softly.

Justin sighed and nodded. “Yes, but that was because you could have gotten badly hurt and I was scared.”

“You got scared?” Dabria asked, looking at him in wonder.

“Yes, and I’d rather it not happen again. So, you stay out of danger and I won’t have to be. Deal?” Justin asked, putting out his hand.

Dabria smiled and bypassed the hand to give him a big hug. “Deal.”

Justin was taken by surprise, but he put his arms around her and hugged her too. When Dabria stepped back, he shook his head at her. “I’m going to have to watch saying stuff literally to you, aren’t I?”

Dabria shrugged innocently.

“Hmm. Get in the carriage. I’ll see you later,” Justin spoke amused now.

Dabria dropped into a curtsy and then grinned at him. “Thank you, Captain Justin.”

Justin straightened as he watched her run back to the carriage and climb in. That girl was something else.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“And that will work?” Justin asked skeptically.

“Provided you do it right, yes. It is a tricky maneuver because the stern of the ship is moving so fast, but it is possible,” Tommy replied confidently.

“Okay, but what if…”

Justin was interpreted when the door to Tommy’s library flew open. Kiliki stood in its entrance looking completely steamed. Justin swung back around to look at Tommy, who was gazing at his wife, totally unruffled.

“Yes, dear?” He asked amused.

“You two had better get downstairs for supper right now.” Kiliki said firmly, her violet eyes flashing dangerously.

Tommy didn’t seem to feel the need to head that warning. “Why?”

“It’s time for supper! You already missed breakfast and lunch and you will not miss another meal!”

Tommy grinned sheepishly, while Justin ducked his head in case something starting flying besides words.

“Actually, Aradon brought them up to us.”

“Tommy Jacer Brent, you get downstairs for supper right now or I am banning all ship talk in this house for… for a month!” Kiliki yelled.

Justin looked up wide eyed. Jacer wasn’t Tommy’s real middle name, but it was the fake last name he used in his Black Panther sailing days. And banning ship talk for a month seemed more than a little harsh. Tommy grinned at Justin then stood and walked over to his wife, who had her arms crossed defiantly against her chest.

“We are all done, Kiliki. In fact, we won’t even come back up after supper. We’ll spend the whole time with you, Adem, and the rest of the family. How does that sound?” He asked, as he moved his wife’s arms gently down to her sides.

“Well, it’s a start at least,” Kiliki muttered.

Tommy laughed, and put his arm around her, causing Justin to duck his head again, so he couldn’t see.

“Did you really miss me that much?” Tommy asked, in a low voice.

Kiliki didn’t answer for a few seconds then replied slowly, “No, I just figured you needed a good yelling to remind you our lives consist of more than just ship talk.”

Tommy shook his head and laughed. “Do they now?”

“Yes and don’t you forget it! Now get down to supper!” Kiliki’s voice held more amusement than anger now, as she slipped from her husband’s arms and moved down the hallway.

Tommy grinned. “Come on, Justin, I believe we are being summoned.”

“Loudly too,” Justin added as he joined Tommy.

Tommy clapped him on the back. “Yes, but don’t let Kiliki hear you say that!”

“Not if I want supper anymore,” Justin added as the two went downstairs to join the waiting family. Obviously, strategy lessons were over for quite some time.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Dabria watched highly amused as Evyn turned around and entered the garden walls again. She had seen him enter and exit five times now. She was good at keeping track and she was pretty sure he wasn’t trying to get lost inside it as she usually tried to do. That meant he was up to something else. Dabria thought hard as she tried to figure out what her big brother’s secret could be. Making her decision, she raced down the stairs and hurried out the back door. Careful to keep an eye on the garden entrance, she crossed first the porch and then the yard. Pausing against the garden wall, she waited for a moment before slipping inside. She let out a little giggle and then quickly covered her mouth, glancing around. This was fun, but she didn’t want to get caught, not yet anyways. She moved, quiet as a mouse, along the edge of the maze until she heard Evyn’s low voice. He was talking to himself.

“You are the greatest and I can think of no one else who …no, no…I’ve waited for only you…ugh…When I look into your eyes… I am in so much trouble,” he muttered.

He was working on a proposal! The thought filled Dabria with glee. At the same time, it struck her as hilarious and she laughed out loud.

Evyn spun around quickly. “Who’s there?”

Dabria stepped around the corner. “It’s me.”

“Dabria. Well, I guess you heard.”

“Are you practicing for Emalia?” She asked innocently.

“Yeah, I am. I want to ask her to marry me.”

“About time!” Dabria exclaimed happily.

“You and everyone else,” Evyn muttered.

“What’s wrong?” Dabria asked more concerned.

“I don’t know how to say it,” Evyn admitted.

“Don’t you love her?”

“Of course. I love her more than my own life. I would give everything to make her happy.”

“So, why don’t you tell her that? And end with ‘Please marry me and make me happy too,’” Dabria said simply.

Evyn laughed. “Is it really that easy? Will it be enough?”

“Sure,” Dabria stated. “Why? Don’t you think so?”

“I think it’s perfect, Bree. Now, I just have to tell her,” he said thoughtfully.

“Can I watch?” Dabria clapped her hands excitedly.

Evyn smiled and ruffled her hair. “No, but if she says yes, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Well, okay.”

“Come on. Walk me back to the house. Then I have to go find Emalia.”

“You’re going to ask her now?” Dabria squealed.

Evyn laughed. “No time like the present. We are supposed to be going for a horseback ride.”

The girl took her brother’s hand and pulled him all the way back to the house. Inside, Dabria quickly found Salena in the kitchen with Tadi. Talking very fast, she explained what was happening. Tadi looked at both as if they had lost their minds when the girls screamed simultaneously.

“I don’t get it,” the boy commented.

“That’s because you’re a guy,” Dabria said exasperated.

Salena just smiled, looking highly amused.

Dabria turned to her friend. “I’m going to grab my drawing stuff and find Kiliki and Adem. Are you staying here?”

Salena nodded. “For a little longer.”

“Okay. Then get your writing stuff and come find me. I have an idea I want to try.”

Salena looked at her suspiciously.

Dabria raised her hands. “It’s good. It’s good!”

Dabria found her sister and nephew in the upper drawing room. Adem was exploring the newest toy his Uncle Evyn had brought him and Kiliki was taking the few precious quiet moments to read. She looked up when Dabria entered.

“B’ee!” Adem called out his own greeting.

“Hello, Bree. Where have you been?” Kiliki asked with a smile.

“Outside, but I got the urge to draw, so I came to find you,” Dabria replied.

“Are you trying family portraits again?”

“No,” Dabria said as she sat down on the floor and put her pad on her lap. “I just wanted to be close to you.”

Kiliki smiled. “I’m glad.”

The two began their separate tasks, but it was only a minute or two before Adem launched the first toy at Dabria.

“Hey!” She looked at her nephew. “You just gave this guy a huge nose!”

“I think he wants your attention,” Kiliki laughed.

“I hadn’t noticed,” Dabria muttered. But she smiled and put down her supplies to play with her nephew.

When Salena and Tadi entered, Salena put her own things by Dabria’s and joined in the fun with the toddler.

It was almost time to head to the parlor to gather for dinner when Evyn and Emalia walked into the room. Dabria looked at Evyn quickly and jumped up. Evyn caught her eyes with his own immediately and gave her a wink. To which Dabria’s only response was to squeal loudly and jump up and down.

Kiliki looked up from her book quickly. “Bree, what on earth…” her voice trailed off as she spotted her brother and best friend. “You did it?” She leapt up out of her chair and her book went flying.

Adem took one look at his mother and started bawling. Kiliki immediately turned to her boy and gathered him in her arms. “Hush, hush, Adem. Mommy’s okay. I didn’t mean to startle you. Hush, little one, everything’s fine.” Her voice was softness itself and Adem responded by calming down and laying his head against his mother. When her child was calm again, she turned back to the couple. “Explain. Did you finally ask, Evyn?”

It was Emalia who answered. “He did.” She walked to her friend and wrapped her and the baby in a hug. “He was so sweet and honest, Kiliki. It was perfect.”

Dabria grinned at Evyn, who bent down and opened his arms. She ran into them and gave him a large hug.

“Thank you, Bree. It went perfectly,” he whispered for her ears alone.

“Told you,” she whispered back.

Just then, the door opened and Tommy and Justin burst in. Tommy went directly to his wife, while Justin surveyed the scene.

“What happened?” Tommy questioned Kiliki, focusing completely on Kiliki and his son.

She smiled and explained. After which, congratulations were exchanged again.

“We must have a celebratory supper!” Kiliki said. “I shall tell Cook to make something extraordinary for dessert at least. Tomorrow, we shall do it proper, so Maath and Namid can attend as well.”

Justin nodded. “I’ll be sure to invite them.”

Tommy groaned. “Aunt Jada will not be happy she is among the last to know.”

Everyone looked at each other as all four adults said together, “You tell her!”

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“Ulrich and Jasmine are 500 leagues apart…”

“No, they’re not,” Justin interrupted.

Maath glared at him. “It is an example. Now, listen. Ulrich and Jasmine are 500 leagues apart. Tristen leaves Ulrich at 75 knots and you leave Jasmine at 167 knots. How long will it take for the two ships to cross?”

“Argh!” Justin groaned loudly and dropped back onto his bed in the Great Cabin. “This isn’t ship talk its math!”

“It is ship math and you have to know it,” Maath explained patiently.

“Why? I don’t care! I know already know I’ll beat Tristen in a race any day.”

Maath crossed his arms and leaned back in the green chair. “Oh, do you? The great Captain Justin can defeat any ship on Ula Ocean,” he mocked, using Dabria’s nickname for Justin.

“With The Guardian Star I can,” Justin answered calmly.

Maath shook his head. “You don’t even know what that means.”

Justin sat up, suddenly interested in the discussion. “What are you talking about?”

The older pirate looked at Justin for a long minute, before finally replying, “You need to talk to Tommy about this ship of yours.”

“Why? What don’t I know?” Justin’s voice held the suspicion that something had been kept back from him.

“I think that the BlackPanther…”

Maath was cut off by a large crash and the yells of furious deck hands. The two men looked at each other for a split second before leaping to their feet and heading out of the Great Cabin. On deck, there was a good sized hole in a spot where there shouldn’t have been. Whoever the attackers were, they had over shot. Deck hands were already making minor repairs, as others loaded canons, and still others turned the ship onto a new heading. Namid was at the helm shouting directions.

He waved to Justin and Maath when he saw them, then shouted a new order to a deck hand who thought it was a good time to take a nap. Justin looked at Maath then leapt up the stairs two at a time to reach Namid’s side. Maath shook his head at his young captain and followed more slowly.

“Ho, Captain,” Namid greeted and pointed out to the starboard side.

A ship, waving a black and purple flag, bobbed in the waters. Her deck was alive with scrambling pirates.

“Did we attack them?” Justin asked.

“Well, not exactly…” Namid responded.

Justin swung around to look at him more closely. “Not exactly?”

“It’s the crew we traded insults with back on Dietreick. I guess they figured they would even the score.”

“I remember. They were a bunch of idiots. I thought we’d taken care of that. Don’t they know whose ship this is?”

“The name wasn’t facing them until I maneuvered the ship to avoid their little fanfare. That’s when all the scrambling stated on their deck,” Namid explained calmly.

“Well, let’s give them a reason to be scared. Are the canons loaded?” Justin asked, excitement lacing his voice at the challenge.

Maath nodded.

“Then get in close, Namid, and give the order to fire when ready, Maath.”

The two men nodded and expertly worked both the ship and crew into the perfect positions. Namid glanced at Maath and nodded, then swung the wheel hard to the port side as math called out the fire command. Cannons boomed on the deck as the ship turned. Three of the five balls made exact hits. The forth ball nicked the figurehead and the fifth fell harmlessly into the water. The crew cheered riotously at their success. The other ship faltered in its course, then turned to head away from the famous Guardian Star. Justin grinned.

“The Black Panther wins again.”

Beside him, Maath nodded. “Back to lessons, Black Panther.”

Justin groaned in defeat.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

The Guardian Star's True Captain

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Chapter 5 ~ Rigging

“Tell me again why I need to know about these,” Justin complained.

Namid gave him a borderline patient look. “As I have explained the last fifteen times, Captain, you need to understand the dangers your crew members face and not all of them come from an enemy ship. Many diseases can be avoided by proper food and cleanliness,” Namid explained yet again. “Besides, you can’t treat something the right way if you don’t know what it is.”

“Right, but isn’t that what you’re here for?” Justin questioned suspiciously, leaning back in his chair. He and Namid were sitting in the Great Cabin. Namid and Maath had taken it upon themselves to teach Justin all the ins and outs of being a captain, including the stuff Justin would have rather not known.

“No, I am your helmsmen. It just so happens that I know about these diseases and how to treat them. We really need a doctor on board.”

“A doctor? How I am supposed to get a doctor to join our crew?” Justin asked in disbelief.

Namid shrugged. “Well, most pirate crews steal them from the ships they attack,” was the amused reply.

Justin groaned. “That isn’t going to work.”

“No, probably not for us.”

“So I really have to learn this stuff?”

“Consumption?” Namid asked instead.

“Argh! Consumption is when he has a fever, doesn’t eat, has chest pain, and couches up blood. Um, there’s nothing you can really do about it. Hard to tell when you get it too, because it sneaks up on you. I’ve heard about that since I was on the streets.”

“Fine. You know about scurvy too then.”

Justin heaved a sigh and tried to think of what he had heard about the disease. “You loose your teeth, swell up, and get diarrhea.”

“What else?” Namid questioned.

“There’s more?”

“There usually is,” Namid replied with a smile.

“No appetite?”

“Good. They also have pale skin and ugly large spots, gums bleed easily, and you will get awful lethargic. Do you know what to do about it or what causes it?”

This time Justin shook his head negatively.

“Neither do I. Though the current cure theory is that it has something to do with what foods we eat. My guess is the stuff that’s hard to keep on the ships.”

“You mean everything fresh?” Justin questioned

“Basically, mostly fruits and vegetables I would guess.”

“But what am I suppose to do about that? We can’t keep large quantities of that on the ship.”

“We can keep smaller quantities and you can stress eating them when we reach port or take them from other ships.”

“And if we don’t, we lose crewmembers. Are any of these diseases not fatal?” Justin asked getting frustrated.

Namid laughed. “Some. Let’s see, we covered yellow fever and dysentery. Oh! You’ll like this one. Parrot’s disease.”

“Parrot’s disease? You must be joking.”

Nope, you will get a really high temperature, pneumonia, and rapid breathing. Once you go down with that either you get better in a few weeks or you don’t.”

“Nice, another one you can die by. Why parrot’s disease?”

“Because ships that have lots of parrots tend to get it. At least, I believe that is the trend.”

“No parrots. Ever,” Justin declared.

Namid laughed. “They follow the ships. You don’t always have a choice.”

“You mean we can stop ships from chasing us, but we can’t do anything about birds? What is wrong with that picture?”

Namid shrugged.

“Fine, what else?” Justin asked.

“I think that’s enough for today. You managed to learn quite a bit. We’ll see how much you remember in a week.”

Justin groaned. “We have to go through this again?”

“Until you remember it without me reminding you. You need to be able to recognize these things if you want to be a good captain.”

“There is way too much to remember. I’d rather be doing stuff.”

“Oh, you will. But lessons first. Just remember to study and you’ll be fine,” Namid encouraged.

“Sure. Study away. Can we go hit a ship now?” Justin practically pleaded.

“If you can find one,” Namid said with an amused smile.

“Watch me!” Justin cried already halfway out the door. He could still hear Namid laughing behind him when he reached the top of the steps.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Stacia scowled at Justin from across the room. Justin figured he hadn’t seen a scarier face on any of the pirates he faced and at the moment he doubted he ever would. He sat on the couch and waited silently for Dabria and Salena to enter the room and save him. Stacia had met him at the door and had been glaring at him ever since. He thought he was going to have to physically remove Dabria and Salena from the house, but she had at least sent for the two girls. The fifteen minute wait so far had seemed like eternity. Justin clenched and unclenched his fist in an attempt to keep himself from jumping out of the chair.

“Captain Justin! You’re back!” Dabria burst into the room with Salena on her heels.

Justin turned to the ecstatic girl and smiled. “Just like I promised.”

“Yep! Are we leaving right away?” Dabria asked with a smile.

“As soon as you are ready,” Justin replied.

“Oh good! We can be ready really soon! Come on, Salena, we have to pack!” Dabria cried and turned around.

“Dabria!” Stacia called in a scolding voice. “You father isn’t even here to give you permission to go. You are not leaving with this…. riffraff.”

“Ma’am, I am not riffraff. I am the Captain of a ship and a good friend of the Duke and Duchess,” Justin spouted.

Dabria smiled. “That’s right, Mom. He’s fine. We are going to pack. Be right back!”

Dabria and Salena were out the door, before Stacia could protest farther, but the tightness of her lips and her ramrod back let Justin know she was far from happy. He wished Dabria and Salena would hurry and get back before William showed up. That would only intensify the problem and Justin didn’t need the extra headache.

“You are never to touch my daughter, Captain. She has separate quarters away from you and all your unsavory men and if anything, and Captain, I do mean anything, happens to her, I will see to it that you are hunted down and brought to justice,” Stacia threatened in a low voice.

“She and Salena have always been treated with the utmost respect and chivalry, Mrs. Richerson. I would not have that stop now,” Justin said firmly.

Stacia nodded, but said nothing. It took Dabria and Salena a whole lot less time to pack than it did for them to arrive the first time. Within five minutes the two girls were back and announcing that their bags were being loaded onto the carriage Justin had commandeered for the trip. Justin jumped up and smiled at them.

“Great! Let’s head out.” Justin ushered the girls out rather quickly, calling over his shoulder, “Goodbye, Mrs. Richerson!”

The trip to the ship took about a half hour and Justin thought he had never been so happy to see the Guardian Star as he was right then. Once the girls and their things were on board, Justin ordered the cast off and the girls second full trip board his ship began.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

~It’s as if they have never been on a ship before! ~ Justin thought, not sure if he was amused or not.

Dabria and Salena had once again explored every centimeter of the ship. They had taken the word curiosity to an entirely new level for Justin. They regularly spent time every day steering the ship with Namid and with the cook in the galley, which were the only times when he was sure where they were. The two girls had quickly taken over the hearts of most of the crew, so they were generally under someone’s watch.

Knowing this, Justin was doubly surprised to find Dabria alone in the hold one day. He hadn’t seen a crewmember above and wondered if anyone even realized she was down there. She was in the dark lighting search among the barrels intently and didn’t turn around when he came down the steps.

Justin frowned slightly when his eyes adjusted. The barrels she was searching between where not something a little girl should be into or anywhere near for that matter.

“Dabria, what are you doing?” Justin asked, coming up behind her.

Dabria jumped back and Justin had to react quickly to stop the girl from losing her balance. He waited until she was steady and then released her arms, but just enough to turn her towards him. He studied her tear-streaked face for a moment and then finally pulled her to the stairs, where he could see her better. But once there, he stood at a lose, unsure what he was suppose to do with a tearful eleven year old.

“Um what’s wrong?” He finally asked awkwardly.

“Nothing,” she said, sniffing and obviously trying not to cry again.

“You were crying, right?”

She nodded.

“Why?” he asked quickly.

Her eyes snapped to his and it took a moment to realize he probably sounded harsh. Her sighed and consciously erased the frown from his face.

“Dabria, I’m not upset with you. I just want to know what happened that has you searching barrels in the dark hold and with a tear stained face.”

Dabria reached up her hand and wiped her face, managing to transfer the dirt from her hand to her face. Justine wanted to laugh at the image she now presented, but somehow he held back and instead managed to remember the square cloth in his pocket. He pulled it out and gently placed in her hand. She looked at it for a moment as if confused, but then used it to wipe her face slowly.

She took a deep breath and explained, “Shal told me he kept a rapid dog down here for fighting. He said if he let the dog lose he’d come after Salena and I because he wouldn’t know our scent. Rapid dogs make you sick. I thought if I found him and fed him or something he wouldn’t hurt us. But I can’t find him and I think he might be stalking me,” she finished fearfully, never looking away from Justin’s face and taking a step closer to him.

~ Shal just got himself a walk off a very short plank. ~ Justin thought angrily. He sighed and pulled the shaking girl into a hug. Then he made sure he looked her in the eyes as he stated firmly, “Dabria, there are no rapid dogs on this ship. I wouldn’t allow them, especially with you and Salena on board. Okay?”

Dabria nodded. “I guess I shouldn’t have listened to Shal, but he sounded like he really meant it.”

“That won’t be a problem anymore,” Justin replied, thinking of exactly what he was going to do to the conniving rat.

Dabria gave him a questioning look, but he ignored it.

“There isn’t a rapid dog down here, but there are other things that you don’t need to be around, so try to find stuff to do above the deck, okay?”

“Okay,” she responded. It wasn’t until then that Justin realized she had really been scared, she hadn’t even asked what else she wasn’t supposed to find.

“Right. Let’s head up on deck,” Justin said, letting Dabria precede him up the stairs. It wasn’t until much later that day he realized he never had gotten what he had been looking for.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Justin breathed the deep sea in pure enjoyment. He loved this part of the day. It was just before sunset, there was a slight breeze, and while the deck was busy, it had a calm sense to it. He was the captain of his own ship and he ruled his world.

“Ahh! Dabria!”

Justin jerked violently out of his thoughts and stared at the main deck. Salena was standing by the mast’s rigging and pointing practically straight up. Justin did not want to look up. When he did though, he saw exactly what he had been afraid of.

Justin let out a loud curse as he raced to the steps and pounded down them. Some of the crewmembers that had gathered moved out of his way, the others he pushed.

“How did she get up there?’

“I never saw her on the deck!”

“She’s not on the deck! She’s above it!”

“How did no one notice?”

“I was on the other side!”

“It’s not my fault!”

“How is she going to get down?”

“What if she falls?”

The crew’s cries were coming from all over as Justin came to a stop next to a very frightened Salena and looked up to Dabria who was halfway up the rigging to the crow’s nest.

“Dabria!” Justin’s voice rose loudly above the others, who immediately quieted down. “Get down here right now!”

“But I’m halfway there!” Her small voice called back down.

“Get your prime and proper but down here, before I shoot it down!” He yelled hotly.

“You don’t have to be so mean about it! I’m doing great!”

“I am not joking, Dabria! I want you down here now!” Justin didn’t want to admit he was terrified. It was a long way down from up there and there was nothing to catch her.

“How did she get up there?” Maath asked quietly appearing at his side.

“I just want her down,” Justin responded. “Then I’ll figure out who I’m killing.”

“We were talking in our cabin. She thought it would be fun to see everything from high up. I think I fell asleep, because she disappeared,” Salena managed to explain.

“The girl needs a constant watch,” Justin muttered. He was not amused to see that she had snuck up higher while the discussion had been going on. He had been terrified when he had first gone up at sixteen on a dare, even getting stuck. Tommy had come up after him and creatively gotten him down, while keeping his pride intact, but Dabria had no such fear. He really wished she did. “Dabria, down, now!”

Dabria stopped short at his yell and stood still.

She doesn’t know how to get down,” Inu observed.

~ Oh, right. ~ Justin thought. “Don’t swing, Dabria, just keep it steady. The trick to getting down is to feel the lines. Get a good grip with your hands and use your feet to find the rigging. Then let them guide you and do not look down. Careful, Dabria.” Every bone in his body demanded he go up and get her, but he was afraid the movement on the ropes would prove too much for her.

The crew seemed to collectively hold their breath as Dabria’s leg reached down to search for the rope below her. They released when her foot rested safely there. Her second foot found it much easer. She kept descending slowly. The trickiest part was when her first foot had to go down. Justin was amazed at how well she was doing. It was slow and she was extremely high up, but her footing was pretty sure.

“Captain Justin!” Dabria suddenly cried as her foot slipped.

Dabria had grabbed for the rope above her with her free hand, but missed, leaving her hanging on the rigging with only one hand. I n that moment Justin saw both of their lives flash before his eyes. Both lives were far too short.

“Captain Justin!”

“Dabria!” Justin responded, already halfway up to her. “Hold on!”

“I’m trying!”

“Don’t swing. Hold still and grab on with your free hand,” Justin called instructions, even as he reached her.

She grabbed hold and he put his hand on her back to steady her. It was only then that he noticed Inu was on her other side.

“I have you, Dabria. Inu is going to guide your foot back, okay?”

She nodded and Inu gently took a leg and guided it to the closest rope. Once she had it, she was able to put her other foot there.

“Are you okay?” Justin asked.

Dabria nodded. “Can we go down now?”

“Yes.”

The three proceeded down slowly. Maath reached up and steadied Dabria, while Justin and Inu stepped down. Justin quickly reached for Dabria and brought her to stand in front of him. She looked up at him with a grin, but his harsh frown quickly made her duck her head. Justin could feel himself shaking with anger.

“Was there any thought at all in your head?” Justin asked exasperated.

“You said to stay above deck…” Dabria’s voice trailed off quickly.

“That was not even close to what I meant and you know it. You could have been killed! You’re crazy!” The sight of the tears streaming down her checks didn’t stop his tirade. “You’d never see your sister again! Or me, she’d kill me too!” At this point Maath shooed the rest of the crew away, but Justin barely noticed. “You can’t do stuff like that! I’m serious, Dabria, you ever pull a stunt like that again and you will never step foot on my ship again. No more trips. Get to your cabin. You are staying there for the rest of the trip. You’re lucky it’s only half a day!”

Dabria covered her face with her hands and fled the scene with Salena just behind her. Maath put a calming hand on his shoulder, but Justin shrugged it off.

“That was harsh,” Maath said quietly.

“She could have been killed,” Justin’s voice still shook with anger and fear.

“But she wasn’t. Don’t look at me like that. You have every reason to be furious at her, but yelling like that in front of the crew was cruel,” Maath spoke firmly, but respectfully.

“She needed it!” He protested.

“Justin, you told her she’d never see her sister or you again,” Maath started, but Justin interrupted.

“I just meant her sister would kill me if anything happened to her.”

“I know that, but it was still harsh, especially to an eleven year old.”

“Well, how else am I supposed to handle her?” He asked frustrated and loudly.

“Not like that.”

“You are no help,” Justin growled.

Maath shrugged. “You’ll learn, Justin. It will take time, but you will learn eventually.”

Justin huffed and finally said, “Her sister can deal with her now. I’m going back to steering my ship. And she stays in the cabin.”

Maath looked at him silently for a moment, unreadable, and then headed towards the cabin. Justin took the helm back from Namid, who had wisely secured it during the confusion. He spent the next few hours to Triger in peace… well, except for his thoughts.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

The Guardian Star's True Captain Chapter 4

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:45:00 +0000

Hello Everyone. I hope you enjoyed the last chapter. It was a favorite to write! Here is chapter four. Remember, you can comment here or on my personal blog (the link is on the sidebar)!

Chapter 4 ~ New Brother

Evyn walked into the downstairs parlor and smiled at Kiliki, who was sitting on the couch and holding her little son. He walked over quietly and sat down next to her. Kiliki grinned at him and pulled back a part of the blanket so Evyn could see Jason better.

“Hey there, Little Panther,” Evyn whispered. He laughed when Jason wrinkled his little nose at him.

Kiliki smiled gently and shook her head. “You know, you are going to have to give up that name for him before he understands it. We don’t want him to know about Tommy’s past until he is ready to keep the secret himself.”

Evyn shrugged. “Probably wise. Where is everybody?”

“All over. Em is upstairs, I think,” Kiliki responded mischievously.

“My, you are so helpful,” Evyn frowned, but it only caused Kiliki to laugh.

“When are you going to get off your lazy bum and do something about that girl? She won’t be available forever and I’d hate to see you lose her for some stupid reason.”

Evyn shook his head. “Why is everybody harping on this?”

Kiliki looked at him in surprise. “I didn’t know everybody was. Want to share?”

“No thank you. Forget I mentioned it,” Evyn mumbled.

Kiliki smiled fondly at her brother. “Okay, so what did you want?”

“I have to go back to the estate and check up on things. I thought maybe it would be fun for your sister and her friend to go along.” Evyn hooked his finger into Jason’s little hand.

“Oh, Ev, that would be wonderful! She’s been so upset lately. That is just what she needs.”

“Upset, why?”

“Justin come back yesterday and said that they are planning on leaving in about a week. It’s so hard to believe that it has been three months already. I still feel like she just got here. She doesn’t want to go home anymore than I want her to leave,” Kiliki said softly.

Evyn stopped playing with Jason long enough to look at his sister’s face. “It will be quiet without her here. But Jason will be up and running before you know it.”

“Ug,” Kiliki groaned. “Don’t say things like that! And you had better not encourage him either. I will skin you alive.”

Evyn laughed. “Like I haven’t heard that before.” He paused for a moment and studied her face. “It is so good to see you happy, Kiliki.”

“It feels right having everyone here.”

Evyn nodded. “Just think, if it weren’t for me none of this would be possible.”

Kiliki laughed and hugged Jason closer. “And just how do you figure that?”

“I’m the reason you stayed on Panther’s ship. Without me, you would have hightailed it away. You really ought to give me a medal or something,” Evyn reasoned.

Kiliki shook her head. “You are something else. I think God and Tommy had as much or more to do with it as you. Though I will always be grateful God let me find you, Evyn. Finding the brother I never knew I had has been a blessing I never expected.”

“I knew about you, Kiliki, but I never expected this much blessing either,” Evyn admitted.

Kiliki smiled at him.

Evyn grinned sheepishly and clapped his hands causing Jason to let out a cry at the sudden noise. “So, you think our litter sister will go out riding with me?”

“Your little sister? Claiming her already?” Kiliki asked, soothing a jolted Jason.

“If she’ll let me. Do you think I’ve managed to get past her defenses yet? I know you were worried about that.”

“Yes, she was so scared you would replace her. I think she’s doing okay with it though, but a ride with you would certainly help things along. I want her to feel completely comfortable before she leaves here. We are her family too,” Kiliki spoke thoughtfully.

“I’m sure she will, Sis. I want what’s best for her too.” Evyn looked around. “So where did the little imp go too anyway?”

“I’m right here!” Dabria called out, bouncing out from her hiding spot under the piano where she had been watching the whole scene. Kiliki and Evyn burst out laughing. Dabria grinned at them, while Jason wailed at his nap being disturbed.

“Were you there this whole time, Dabria?” Evyn asked, as Kiliki soothed her little boy.

“Of course,” Dabria replied.

Evyn shook his head, obviously very amused. “Well then, would you like to go for a ride with me?”

Dabria nodded her head. “I’ll go get Salena.”

“Okay, I’ll met you at the stables,” Evyn called out as Dabria raced out the door.

Within minutes, Dabria and Salena were on their own horses and dying to take off. Evyn pulled his horse up in front of the girls.

“Let’s go, you two. We need to get there and back today and I have work in-between,” Evyn called as he raced ahead of them.

“No fair!” Dabria called out, giving her own horse more reign. “At least we get to play in-between!” She teased as she caught up.

Evyn grinned at her. “Are you teasing me?”

“No, I never tease people. That’s mean,” Dabria assured.

Selena laughed out loud as her horse caught up to the other two and she heard Dabria’s comment.

“Ah, it seems that our dear Salena would disagree on that matter. Salena, do you have anything to add?” Evyn asked.

Salena looked at him wide eyed and shook her head no. Evyn smiled at her reassuringly.

“I won’t bite your head off, Salena.”

“No,” Salena half whispered. “But Dabria might.”

Evyn roared with laughter. Dabria stuck her tongue out at Salena and spurred her horse forward. Evyn gave Salena another smile and then urged his horse forward to catch up to Dabria.

“Come on, Bree, don’t be upset at Salena. I know she was just teasing,” Evyn said gently.

“I’m not upset. I’m fine,” Dabria said fiercely, though she could feel her lip quivering.

“You know ‘fine’ is what a person says when he really feels like everything is falling apart, but he doesn’t want to let anyone else in on why.”

Dabria gave him an odd look, thinking that he was actually pretty right. But she didn’t say anything.

“Come on, Dabria, you are almost as big of a tease as I am and we both know it. So that can’t be what has upset you. Can you tell me what is wrong?” Evyn asked, matching his horse’s stride to hers.

“Nothing,” Dabria said sullenly.

“Nothing, huh? So you’re not upset and the sky is full of pink roses?”

Dabria looked at Even bewildered and then looked up at the sky. “What? It is not!”

Evyn glanced up too. “Really? Maybe they disappeared already.”

Dabria shook her head. “You’re silly.”

“Am I? That’s a good thing, right?” Evyn gave her a comical look.

Dabria finally smiled and nodded.

“There is that smile again. I missed it.”

“Why?” Dabria asked, confused.

“Because you make everything sunny when you smile and I like to see my little sister happy.”

“Do you mean it?” Dabria asked, aware that she was scared, but wanting it to be true.

“What? That I want you to be happy? Of course I mean it,” Evyn paused. “But I also meant that you are a little sister to me too.”

“I am? But I’m not even Kiliki’s real sister. You are her real brother. And I’m leaving again and then you’ll have each other and everyone will forget about me… and…” Dabria’s voice trailed off as her tears started.

Evyn reached over and pulled her horse to a stop. Then he took one of her hands in his, so that she focused completely on him. “Bree, Kiliki has told you that you are her real sister. You are sisters of the heart. That means that you are the closest sisters possible. I would never want to come between that. Kiliki’s love just got bigger when she found me, so that she could love me plus love you. I want to be a big brother to you both. So we are a family of hearts. None of us will ever forget the others. That just isn’t possible. You are a great kid and I would be very happy if you would be my little sister, along with Kiliki, and if you would call me your big brother. What do you say? Do we have a deal?”

Evyn put out his free hand to hers the same way he had on the night that they had first met. Dabria looked at it for a long moment. Her thoughts tumbled around each other as she tried to figure out what she was thinking and feeling. Evyn seemed to really like her and she knew he liked Kiliki. He was fun to hang around with too. It wouldn’t be so bad to have a big brother. It might even be fun. She thought back to the dinner when they had first arrived. Kiliki let Evyn get away with a lot of neat things. Maybe this really was a good thing. Kiliki had told her earlier almost the same stuff that Evyn had said. They must be sister and brother. And she was their sister too.

Dabria grinned and reached out clasping her little hand in Evyn’s. Evyn beamed at her and pumped her arm up and down wildly. Dabria laughed.

“Come on, Salena! We have to beat my brother to the orchard place!” Dabria cried as she let go of Evyn’s hand and took off like a shot.

Salena yelled her agreement from somewhere close to Evyn and soon followed her friend. Dabria heard Evyn howl his indignation at being left behind and she laughed happily. It was good being with her family and friends.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

Justin walked towards Dabria silently. In a few hours they would reach Yakecan’s port and she would be back home after her first three month stay with her sister. When Dabria had first come on board, she had been bubbling with information about her newborn nephew, Jason. Of course, most of it Justin already knew, since he had been there for the birth, but he enjoyed Dabria’s version of the events.

Now, as he walked towards her, that girl seemed a distant memory. This girl stood at the rail and listlessly watched the sea. He glanced around for Salena, but failed to spot her. That in itself was unusual since the two were rarely apart. Justin closed the distance between them quickly and leaned on the rail next to her.

“What’s up, Dabria?” He asked a little concerned.

“Oh, nothing,” Dabria answered, and then lapsed into silence.

Justin nodded, taking her at her word and turned his mind to a problem he was having with an unruly crewmember. She sighed eventually and spoke, breaking into his thoughts.

“I can’t bear the thought of going home. Kiliki needs me. Jason is only a month and a half old. And it’s so boring at my own house,” she finally admitted.

“Ah, afraid you won’t have anything to do,” Justin summed up.

“Not really, I’ll have plenty of parties to go too,” Dabria answered.

Justin looked at her sideways. “I thought you said you’d be bored.”

“I never said the parties were fun. I mean, I use to think they were, but that’s all there is and there is only so much fun stuff to ease drop on,” Dabria admitted.

Justin laughed. “So, what would you rather be doing?”

Dabria turned to look at him her eyes roamed over his face. “You really want to know?”

Justin nodded, wondering idly what she would say.

Dabria opened her arms wide and twirled in a big circle. “This. I want fun and adventure,” she stopped and looked at him. “Just like Kiliki.”

Justin laughed at her antics and the thought that she was more like Kiliki than she knew. He managed to stop when Dabria gave him a sour look and said seriously, “You know, I’m coming to pick you up again in nine moths. I’m going to come for you every year, just like Kiliki wanted and she never got to do something like that.”

Dabria seemed to think about that for a long moment. “Yes, I guess that is true. But Kiliki did have a great adventure.”

“Sure she did,” Justin agreed readily. “Still, you’re only ten. Kiliki didn’t have her adventure till a whole lot later. She’d probably be the first to tell you that you can have an adventure any day of your life. And you have a long time to do that.”

“And maybe one day I’ll have a really big adventure too?” Dabria asked hopefully.

Justin grinned. “Maybe one day.”

“Till then, you’ll keep coming for me, right? Then I can have an adventure every year too.”

“Promise,” Justin pledged, with a straight and serious face.

Dabria nodded her head satisfied. “You know, you’re a really neat guy, Captain Justin.”

Justin laughed. “You’re pretty neat yourself, Dabria. And don’t you forget it.”

“I won’t,” Dabria grinned mischievously. “Promise.”

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

The Gaurdian Star's True Captain

noreply@blogger.com (Charissa Taylor Lees) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:57:00 +0000

Enjoy chapter 3!

Chapter 3

Baby Threats

A month, and many late nights snacks, later Dabria and Salena were again up after they were suppose to be. It wasn’t late enough for their usual late night snack and this time they weren’t headed to the kitchen at all. The two girls made their way instead to the door of Kiliki’s room. They paused outside when they heard voices.

“I don’t get it. He’s going to drive me mad,” Emalia’s voice came through the slightly opened door.

“You have me. I don’t know what his problem is. You’d think he’d have done something by now!” Kiliki responded, obviously frustrated.

“What is he waiting for? A jeweled invitation?” Emalia asked.

“No, but it probably wouldn’t hurt,” Kiliki’s voice responded.

Emalia groaned as Dabria pushed open the door and entered the room with Salena behind her.

“What you talking about? Is it Evyn?” Dabria asked.

Kiliki and Emalia looked at the two girls in surprise. Emalia turned in her seat by the fireplace to look up at Kiliki who stood on her right. “We need thicker walls.”

“No, you need better doors. Closing them wouldn’t hurt either,” Dabria responded helpfully.

Kiliki groaned. “Why are you two still up?”

“You said we could spend time together just the four of us,” Dabria pointed out.

Kiliki gave her sister an amused look. “We spent all day together a little bit ago. Or do you not remember going to the lake with the horses and a picnic lunch?”

Dabria shook her head no, but answered, “That was before. We want to do something together again.”

“And what to you propose to do at bed time?” Kiliki asked, definitely amused now.

Dabria looked around the room seriously, before turning back to Salena. “You don’t look so good. Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m tired, Bree. We’ve been playing with Tadi all day.”

“What have the three of you been up too?” Emalia asked, rising to stand next to Kiliki.

Both girls assumed innocent expressions. “Absolutely nothing.”

“That usually means absolutely the opposite,” Kiliki observed.

“You really do look sick, Salena,” Dabria said importantly. She saw Kiliki shoot Emalia a knowing look, but she ignored her older sister. She looked around the room again. “You shouldn’t be standing up. You’re too weak.” Suddenly, she marched over to the bed and yanked down the covers. “Bed. You need to rest.”

“But Dabria, I’m…”

“Bed,” Dabria commanded in a ‘don’t you dare argue with me’ voice.

Salena meekly followed her orders and climbed into Kiliki’s bed. Dabria carefully tucked her in.

“There, now don’t you feel better?”

“Oh, much,” Salena answered from underneath the covers.

“And, um, now what do you propose, Dabria?” Emalia asked, barely holding back her laughter.

“I guess if Salena’s going to bed, so should I,” Dabria’s voice held disappointment. She turned to the door and immediately turned back again. Kiliki simply gave her a look. “I’m too scared to sleep in my own room without Salena,” she announced.

“Dabria, you have always slept in your own room by yourself,” Kiliki pointed out.

“But this is a strange house. Something might happen. Besides, Salena’s too scared to sleep without me too, right, Salena?” Dabria asked, turning to her friend.

Salena nodded her head. “Oh, yes, Miss. Kiliki,” she said, looking at Kiliki. “Really I am.”

Emalia tried desperately to hide her laughter, but Kiliki didn’t bother. She laughed hard as she gasped out, “Don’t call me miss,” and watched Dabria climb into the bed next to Salena.

“That’s better,” Dabria said cheerfully from the bed.

Kiliki grinned at her. “And just where is everyone else suppose to sleep?”

“You and Emalia can sleep here too,” Dabria invited.

Emalia shook her head and Kiliki laughed again. “Dabria, Tommy sleeps with me.”

“What? Why?” Dabria asked.

Emalia lost it then. Kiliki groaned, but she replied to her sister, “Because that’s what you do when you’re married. You sleep together. Your mom and dad do that.”

Dabria thought for a minute. “Yes, but their old.”

Emalia had to sit down then and Kiliki took the chair opposite her, both in desperate attempts to catch their breath. That was when Tommy walked in on the scene. He surveyed the room with a glance, before his gaze finally rested on his gasping wife.

“Kiliki…” he said starting towards her.

She put up a hand to stop him and smiled. “It’s okay, Tommy. Really, I’m fine.”

He gave her a look and then glanced at the bed. “It seems there are too many people in there.”

“We are having a sleeping party,” Dabria informed him.

“Without the sleeping,” Tommy replied looking again at Kiliki. “You need to rest.”

She smiled at him. “I’m fine. I promise. They are just having some fun.”

“I can see that, but how many do you plan on sleeping in that bed? You are already carrying an extra one,” Tommy’s voice was light.

“What about us?” Dabria called, refusing to give up her well-earned spot in the bed.

Emalia had finally stopped laughing and now she stood up. “Anyone who can make it to my bed in the next thirty seconds can sleep there. Otherwise I am sure it will shrink to a size far too small.”

Her announcement was met with squeals and Dabria and Salena raced excitedly from the room. They could still hear all three adults laughing when they were halfway down the hallway.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

After the pillow fight and three large glasses of milk, the three females were finally in bed and sleeping soundly. Not even the commotion from outside their door awakened them. Dabria finally bolted up when the door to the room crashed open and Tadi yelled loudly, “Miss Emalia! Miss Emalia!”

Both Emalia and Salena woke up quickly after that.

“What is it Tadi? What’s wrong?” Emalia asked, already climbing out of the messy bed.

“It’s Milady! She’s yelling something awful! I think she’s dying! And Milord, he’s furious and ranting too. Hurry, Miss Emalia, hurry!” Tadi urged still shouting.

“Tadi, calm down. Kiliki is giving birth. Is Aunt Jada up?” She waited for Tadi’s nod, then continued, already half way out the door, “Then go wake Alicia and get warm water and lots of clean cloths. And move, Tadi!”

The boy raced away as Dabria and Salena sprang out of the bed. Emalia called back to them, “Stay out of the way, girls!”

“Of course,” Dabria replied though Emalia couldn’t hear her. She turned to Salena. “As long as I’m in the room too. Come on!”

The girls sprinted down the hallway. They passed Evyn’s room on the way and could hear both Evyn and Captain Justin talking to someone. Dabria figured it must be Tommy, but she didn’t stop to find out. Her sister needed her.

The two girls entered the room quietly. Inside, Aunt Jada was trying to keep a cloth on Kiliki’s head and demanding she breathe. Emalia was down at the bottom of the bed arranging the bed sheets a different way. Kiliki was yelling at the top of her lungs.

“This is his fault! Where is he? I’m going to kill him!”

“Now Kiliki, he didn’t exactly do this all by himself. Breath, dear,” Aunt Jada reasoned.

“Oh, yes he did! This is all his fault! OUCH!” Kiliki screamed. She breathed hard for a minute than panted, “I am going to kill him for this. Never again!”

“Yes, yes. Breath,” Aunt Jada responded, placing a new cloth on her niece’s forehead.

“I’m serous, Aunt Jada. When I get out of this bed, I’m killing him!” Kiliki groaned, before her face scrunched up in pain.

Dabria watched in fascination, ready to go kill Tommy herself. At least, that’s who she figured Kiliki was so mad at.

“Of course, dear. But once you hold that little one in your arms, you will have done all the hard work and it won’t matter that it was Tommy’s fault,” Aunt Jada replied.

“Oh, yes it will! I’m doing the hard work and he gets off with nothing! This is his fault!” Kiliki yelled again as another wave of pain crossed her face.

“Aunt Jada, will you please stop trying to reason with her,” Emalia pleaded from the end of the bed.

Aunt Jada grinned. “But why? It’s so much fun.”

Emalia groaned loudly, just as Tadi came careening in. He dropped the bucket of water and cloths on the floor at the display in the room though.

“Tadi, out!” Dabria yelled, knowing he wasn’t supposed to be there.

“Oh, Tadi we needed those!” Emalia cried coming over. “Where is Alicia?”

“Um, coming I think. Can I go now?” Tadi asked quickly, keeping his eyes away from the bed where Kiliki was still yelling death threats at Tommy.

“Yes, but send in Alicia with new cloths and warm water.”

The boy moved out of the room faster than he had come in. Dabria was impressed.

“Argh! That hurt!” Kiliki complained.

“Contractions usually do, dear,” Aunt Jada responded.

Dabria crossed back over to the bed. So the painful things were called contractions. Dabria filled the word away for further use.

“Just wait till this kid comes out! I’m going to give him a piece of my mind!” Kiliki groaned.

Aunt Jada laughed. “Kiliki, dear, when you are holding that little one, nothing else will matter. And Tommy is going to be so proud of you both. I must admit I’m looking forward to seeing him hold his own son.”

“Oh, no! No way!” Kiliki spouted. “I’m doing all the hard work! And he gets to hold him? Not a chance! He can come push!”

“Oh, so now the baby is definitely a him?” Aunt Jada asked.

“He’s too much trouble to be a girl!” Kiliki cried out, just before another contraction hit.

Emalia and Aunt Jada laughed at that comment, but Dabria couldn’t figure out why the both glanced at her. She wasn’t any trouble.

“Um, when is the baby coming out?” Dabria whispered to Emalia.

Emalia looked at her in surprise. “I have no idea. I’ve never done this before. The doctor will have to tell you that.” Emalia gasped and looked at Aunt Jada. “The doctor? Did anyone send for the doctor?”

“Of course I sent for him! That was the first thing I did! Aradon should arrive with him at any moment. That’s why we decided to move back into town after all.”

“Ug. Well,” Kiliki ground out, “he had better get here soon.”

Dabria nodded her head and looked at Salena who agreed with her eyes wide.

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“What is taking so long?” Tommy asked for what must have been the hundredth time in Justin’s estimation.

Evyn, who was being no help at all, laughed. “Panther, it’s only been about an hour. These things can take all night.”

Tommy stopped his rapid pacing. “All night? Do you hear her screaming in there? She’s in pain! She can’t last all night!”

“I believe she is yelling death threats at you. She’s fine,” Evyn remarked obviously quite amused at the thought.

Tommy glared at him and went back to pacing. “What if something goes wrong? What if something happens to the baby?”

“What if we get hit by a freak lighting storm and all get blown to another country?” Evyn put in.

Tommy shot him a second glare. “I can’t wait till this happens to you.”

“Oh, I can. Besides, I’m not even married yet,” Evyn said causally.

“Why aren’t you married yet?” Justin put in suddenly.

Both men turned to look at him. He was the only one seated in the room, choosing the edge of Evyn’s bed as his perch. Tommy was pacing the floor in front of the fireplace and Evyn was watching his movements with great enjoyment from his spot near the middle of the floor.

Evyn finally shrugged. “Not the right time.”

“When is it ever the right time for anything?” Justin asked.

“Sometimes it comes. I’ll be ready when it does,” Evyn promised. “Quite questioning me and help me torture Tommy some more.”

Justin threw a look at Tommy, who was currently looking steadily at the fire poker. “No thank you. I have had my life threatened too often by him.”

Evyn laughed, but Tommy said, “Wise choice.”

A commotion from the outside made Tommy rush to the door and yank it open with Evyn and Justin right behind him. The doctor stood in the hallway ready to enter Kiliki’s room. Aradon stood behind him.

“Doctor? How is she? Is everything okay? Will it take much longer?”

The doctor gave Tommy a long-suffering look. “I will know, Lord Brent, as soon as I actually see the mistress of the house.”

Evyn howled with laughter as Tommy nodded his head firmly and closed the door. Justin backed up to the bed and sat down again, warily keeping an eye on Tommy. He glanced at Evyn to see him almost on the floor.

“Evyn,” he called out in warning, when he saw Tommy pick up the fire poker and study it.

Evyn glanced up and took a step back. “Now, Panther, you have always had firm and calm emotions. Don’t do something you might regret.”

“I have no idea what you are muttering about, Evyn,” Tommy said, quite calmly.

Evyn shot him a distrustful look. “Sure.”

“Justin, do you remember what you should do to someone mutinies on the ship?” Tommy asked evenly.

“Well, usually you hang them from the yardarm. Though if they are your best friend, I hear, you can put them under the lowest person on the ship,” Justin replied, glancing between the two men.

“Very good, Justin,” Tommy replied.

“Tommy,” Evyn’s voice was warning, though Tommy seemed to take no notice of it.

“You can also have them challenge you for the right to rule the ship,” Tommy lectured.

“You mean a duel?” Justin asked.

Tommy nodded. “That’s right, and then the offended party is usually marooned somewhere with a single shot in his pistol. That way, when he starves, he always has the option to end it.”

“Tommy,” Evyn’s voice had gotten lower, as he watched his friend warily.

“Yes, Evyn?” Tommy finally asked, playing with the fire poker in his hand.

“What you doing?” Evyn questioned.

“Nothing at the moment,” Tommy replied, and then took a step forward to Evyn, who moved back slightly. “But sometimes, Justin, sometimes, a well placed threat with intent behind it can be just as effective.” Suddenly he turned and lightly threw the fire poker at the fireplace. It landed with a clang.

Justin let out the breath he was holding and Evyn straightened.

“What was that all about?” He demanded.

Tommy shrugged. “Just seemed appropriate.”

“I ought too…” but his voice trailed off when Tommy looked at him. Evyn sat down in a close by chair. “Never mind.”

~ What was that all about? ~ Justin wondered. But everyone seemed to be off in their own world and he didn’t dare ask.

The door to the room opened then and Sahen entered. He looked around the room slowly with an interested look. When his gaze crossed Justin’s, he ducked his head.

“Hmm, exactly what is going on in here?” Sahen asked, but no one in the room answered. “Tommy, I asked a question. Did you not hear me?”

“I heard you, Sahen, but you can plainly see nothing is happening,” Tommy answered.

“Tommy, I want a straight answer, please,” Sahen finally said.

“I dealt with the mutiny,” Tommy answered at last.

Sahen’s eyebrows rose and he turned to look at Evyn, who for once in his life didn’t say anything. Sahen looked at Justin next, but he closed his mouth more firmly. If Tommy and Evyn weren’t talking, he certainly wasn’t going too.

“It seems then that we have reached an impasse if no one will explain what is going on, I am obligated to figure it out on my own. Justin seems scared, Evyn is ashamed, and Tommy is in one very dark mood. With the reference to mutiny earlier, I would say that Evyn used his mouth in a less than Christian way and Tommy retaliated to regain control in a fashion Christ would not be proud of. Meanwhile, Justin watches two grown Christian men act like little five year-olds. Do I have it about right?”

The fire crackling in the fireplace was the only sound in the room. Justin stared at Sahen in absolute amazement.

Sahen laughed. “I see from Justin’s expression that I am correct in my assumptions.” He took a moment to glare at both Evyn and Tommy. “Now, you two listen well to what I say. Kiliki is in the other room giving birth to the firstborn son or daughter in the next generation of the Brent family and the two of you are in here fighting. The baby does not need this exciting story for his or her birth. The two of you ought to be ashamed. The Good Book tells us not only not to provoke one another to anger but also not to act out in anger either. Now then, I believe you both have something that needs to be done.” He looked between both men respectively.

“Come on now, act like grown men please,” Sahen finally protested.

“I was only trying to help,” Evyn finally muttered.

Shane raised an eyebrow at him. “Do tell us how, please.”

Evyn shrugged. “He was so angry he wasn’t upset about Kiliki anymore.”

“That’s not true,” Tommy said, from his spot on the chair. “I never stopped worrying about her, your attitude was just added to the list.”

“Fine, I’m sorry then, but you have to admit I distracted you even if it was only a little,” Evyn half apologized.

Tommy sent him a glare, but finally nodded. “Agreed. I’m sorry too.” Tommy glanced at Justin. “I’m sorry you had to witness this whole thing, Justin.”

“Why? It’s been interesting,” Justin admitted.

“But it was not how two Christian men should be acting even under stress. We should have been better examples,” Tommy explained.

Justin grinned. “So you are human.”

Tommy laughed humorlessly. “Yes, we are that.”

Sahen smiled at the group. “I’m glad that settled. Now, Tommy, you know God watches over the lilies of the field and the sparrows of the sky, why is it that you cannot trust him to watch over your Kiliki and newborn? They are much more valuable to him then either the lilies or the sparrows. Remember, He loves your Kiliki even more than you do.”

Tommy nodded with a small smile. “Yeah. It would be easier to remember if she wasn’t screaming in pain one room over.”

“Birth pains only. She won’t remember them once she holds her little child,” Sahen assured.

“I wonder if she’ll remember her death threats against you,” Evyn commented out loud.

Justin laughed and then covered his mouth quickly, but Tommy grinned at his friend.

“If she does, you can stand buffer.”

Evyn winced. “Ouch! No thanks! I’ll hold the kid at a safe distance for you.”

“I highly doubt the little one is in any danger whatsoever. You, Tommy, might be a different matter,” Sahen said thoughtfully.

“Why, thank you, Sahen. That is so helpful,” Tommy commented amused.

Justin looked at Sahen in surprise, but Sahen smiled and winked. Justin shook his head. ~ That baby has no idea what he or she is getting into! ~

>~>~>~><~<~<~<

“Thank you, God!” Dabria exclaimed when the doctor knocked and then entered the room.

The doctor smiled at her and glanced around the room. “We seem to be busy in here.”

“Doctor, you’re here!” Emalia said.

Aunt Jada looked up from her spot next to the furious Kiliki and smiled a welcome. “Doctor Orin, it is so good to see you. I have been wondering when you would arrive.”

“Hello, Jada,” Doctor Orin replied.

“Doctor, help me! Get this thing out!” Kiliki cried.

Aunt Jada put another cloth on her head. “Breathe, dear.”

“I am breathing! I can’t talk if I don’t breath!” Kiliki exclaimed.

“Yes, dear, but perhaps your concentration could be better spent pushing,” Aunt Jada said calmly.

“Doctor!” Kiliki groaned.

Doctor Orin laughed. “I’m going to examine you now, Kiliki. Emalia, could you help me, please?”

“Of course, Doctor,” Emalia said, stepping out of his way at the end of the bed.

Dabria watched in fascination and disgust as the doctor examined her sister. ~ Babies are an awful lot of trouble to get. They are cute afterwards, but this is just not worth it! ~

“Ow!” Kiliki grunted. “Make it stop!” She cried when she could breathe again.

“I wish I could, Sissy!” Dabria cried going to her sister’s side and grabbing onto her hand.

Kiliki managed to smile at her and squeezed her hand. “How much longer, Doctor?”

“You are almost fully dilated, Kiliki. I would say a half hour at most.”

“A what!” Kiliki gasped. “I’m not going to make it that long!”

“You will, Kiliki, just like every other mother,” the doctor said calmly.

“Can’t we do anything?” Emalia asked.

“It is really a waiting game until the baby decides it is time. When did you start having contractions?”

Kiliki thought about it for a moment and waited until a contraction passed before answering, “I was having contractions in the evening, but it wasn’t until after we went to bed that they started more regularly.”

The Doctor nodded. “Did you do anything that might have speeded up the process?”

Kiliki frowned. “I don’t think so.”

“We were laughing really hard when the girls came in,” Emalia put in.

Kiliki stared at her. “That’s right. The contractions started becoming more persistent after that.”

“Oops,” Dabria said guiltily, moving back to stand with Salena out of the way.

Aunt Jada laughed. “It’s not your fault, Dabria and Salena. The baby would have come tonight no matter what. But why didn’t you say something earlier, Kiliki?”

Kiliki shot her aunt a look. “And have Tommy up in arms all day? No thank you.”

The people in the room laughed. The doctor took a moment to describe his scene with Tommy outside the door and that caused another round of laughter.

“Poor Tommy,” Aunt Jada said with a fond smile.

“Poor Tommy?” Kiliki exclaimed. “All he has to do is worry and he shouldn’t even be doing that! He has the easy part…ohhhh,” Kiliki’s voice trailed off in a moan as her face screwed up in pain.

The doctor examined her again. “Kiliki, next time the contraction hits I want you to push. This baby is almost ready to be made known.”

“Well, it’s about time,” Kiliki panted. “This kid has been ignoring all my orders to get out!”

“Just shows how much she loves you,” Aunt Jada commented with a grin.

“She?” Dabria asked.

“I can’t decide if he is a boy or a girl, so I’m switching back and forth until I know,” Aunt Jada explained.

“Oh,” Dabria said, turning to Salena. “I guess that’s a good idea.”

Salena looked at her, eyes still wide, and shrugged. Dabria had the feeling Salena would agree to anything she said at the moment.

“ARGH!!!” Kiliki screamed.

“Push, Kiliki!” The doctor ordered.

“Hmph!” Kiliki pressed her lips together and scrunched her hands on the sheets as she tried.

“Breath, while you’re at it, dear,” Aunt Jada reminded her, wiping her face with a cool cloth when Kiliki relaxed for a moment.

“I don’t see you pushing,” Kiliki complained.

“Oh, no I have already been through it once and that was plenty. Besides, I had to watch Faye go through it as well.”

“You were with Tommy’s mother when she gave birth?” Emalia asked.

But she was interrupted when Kiliki began to heave again. The doctor gave orders and soon the contraction had passed. Aunt Jada continued as if there had been no interruption at all.

“Of course, Faye and I were the best of friends. I have missed her dearly. She didn’t have the easiest pregnancy or birth. This is quite a snap compared to that.”

“A snap! You think this is easy!” Kiliki ground out, staring at her aunt.

“Now, dear, I said comparatively. Births are never totally easy on the mommy. But as I mentioned earlier you’ll forget it all as soon as you hold your little boy.”

Dabria grinned at the switch in gender again, but Kiliki was less than amused.

“When I get out of this bed…” Kiliki screamed as the doctor yelled, “Push hard!”

A few seconds later, the doctor exclaimed, “He’s crowing!”

Dabria looked at Salena. “He’s wearing a crown? How’d she get that in there?”

Salena shook her head. “That can’t be what the doctor means. Can it?”

Aunt Jada laughed at them, apparently having heard the discussion. “Crowning means that the head of the baby is showing. It won’t be long now a few more pushes I think. Why don’t you have a look?”

“No thanks!” Both girls exclaimed.

Aunt Jada laughed, but she was quickly interrupted when Kiliki grasped her shoulder and squeezed hard enough for her knuckles to turn white.

“Ouch, Kiliki, dear, I am not as strong as you. I don’t mind being here, but sharing the actual pain is not something I had in mind.” Aunt Jada said as calmly as possible, while she focused on removing Kiliki’s death grip. She motioned to Dabria who slowly came over. Jada placed Kiliki’s hand in her sister’s and moved back slightly. “Now, you may squeeze as hard as you like,” she said cheerfully.

“A few more pushes, Kiliki. This little one is suddenly anxious to come out,” the doctor called.

A few more pushes seemed to take hours to Dabria, but she braved the pain in her hand and held onto her sister. Kiliki had threatened everyone in the room with a fate worse than death, including Evyn and Tommy, when the first ear splitting cry hit the room. All else went silent as the doctor ordered Emalia to get the clean clothes and scissors and the tiny infant cried for all to hear.

Kiliki gasped for breath as the pain subsided and she was able to focus again. She looked at Dabria questioningly, but Dabria could only shrug. She had heard the baby crying, but with the sudden slurry of activity, she didn’t have any clue what kind of baby it was.

“Doctor?” Kiliki whispered finally.

But it was Emalia, who stepped to her side a small bundle in her arms. “He’s a boy, Kiliki, a perfect boy.”

Dabria gasped and Kiliki had tears in her eyes and she let go of Dabria’s hand and reached for her son. He was wrapped in a black and purple blanket that Aunt Jada had made for the little one’s arrival. It covered him completely and Kiliki pulled back a corner to see his face.

Dabria leaned over to examine her new little nephew. He was the tiniest thing she had ever seen. His face was pudgy and his little nose was smaller than her smallest button. He had a mouth that didn’t seem to know how to close either. His little face was all scrunched like he’d been swimming too long as he continued to make sure everyone heard his voice. Kiliki made hushing noises and rocked him gently. Within moments, he had calmed down and looked up at his mother with startling blue eyes.

“He’s really cute,” Dabria declared suddenly.

Kiliki smiled at her fondly. “He’s perfect, isn’t he? You’re going to enjoy being an aunt. I can tell that already.”

Dabria grinned, already planning adventures with him.

Kiliki moved her finger up to stroke his little cheek. “You are so sweet, my little Jason. Welcome to our world.”

“Hi, Jason. I’m your Aunt Dabria,” Dabria paused. “That sounds weird.”

The adults laughed.

“Would you do your first auntly duty and go get Tommy?” Kiliki asked.

Dabria wrinkled her nose. “I don’t want to leave now that the screaming has stopped. But I guess if I have too. Are you sure you still don’t want to kill him?”

Kiliki laughed. “Not at the moment. But I’m still thinking of different ways to make him pay for all that pain I had to go through.”

“Kiliki, you are impossible,” Aunt Jada exclaimed.

Kiliki grinned. “No I’m not. Besides, I’m the one with Jason.”

Aunt Jada was still shaking her head when Dabria scampered out of the room and down the hallway. She knocked on Evyn’s bedroom door and opened it to find all four men standing up and giving each other instructions on swordplay. Sahen was the only one without a sword in his hands.

“Oh! You’re going to be in trouble! Just wait until Kiliki finds out what you are doing!” Dabria half taunted and half exclaimed.

“Is she okay? Has the baby been born?” Tommy asked, breaking away from the group.

Dabria nodded, keeping a suspicious eye on the sword in his hand.

“Yes to what?” Tommy asked, handing his sword over to Justin, but keeping his eyes on Dabria.

“Both. She wants to see you, but you are still in trouble!” Dabria had to call the last part out, because Tommy was already past her and down the hallway. Not about to miss a moment, Dabria followed quickly, with the other three men not far behind.

Inside the room again, Tommy moved to Kiliki’s side as everyone else got out of his way. He looked down at Kiliki for a moment, taking his own time examining her. She smiled up at him and then looked back to the bundle in her arms.

“Tommy, I want you to meet your son Jason.”

“Jason was born,” Tommy whispered, shifting his attention to the bundle and missing Kiliki’s affirming nod. He reached down a hand and touched Jason’s little face with his finger. Dabria went around the other side of the bed to see Jason tilt his head a tiny bit to look up at his father. “Hi, Jason.” He looked at Kiliki. “May I hold him?”

“No way,” Kiliki said with a tired grin.

“What?” Tommy asked.

“I do all the work and you reap the rewards? God needs a better system,” Kiliki complained.

“Are you going to hold out until He gets one?” Tommy asked, amused.

Kiliki snuggled further down into the bed. “I might.”

Tommy sat down on the bed next to her, and moved her chin so that she was looking directly at him, but he didn’t say a word.

“No fair. I hate it when you pull that,” Kiliki protested weakly.

A few seconds later, Jason was in Tommy’s arms. A small smile crossed Kiliki’s face and then her eyes slid closed as she snuggled next to her husband and baby.

“Okay, everyone out,” Aunt Jada whispered, making shooing motions towards the door.

“Yes, baby and mommy need rest now. They will both be just fine. Jada, I’ll give you some instructions outside,” the doctor said as he helped to shoo the watching audience away. Dabria tried to protest when Emalia caught her hand and led her out, but suddenly the girl found she was without strength. She had been up all night and now as the rays of sunrise hit the windows of the room, she suddenly found she was too exhausted to do anything but crawl into bed and dream about little baby boys.

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