Having woken up in my soft clean big bed had never felt this good, with a warm bath to top it off, as it was prepared for me when I got back onboard Spectra. Though I couldn't help but think back from time to time on my time at The Lone Rose, the expressions and reactions Icarus would give me whenever I teased him or escaped through my shackles. The memories brought a faint smile on my lips as I got dressed in a clean set of clothes along with my iconic red coat before heading up to the deck.
As soon as I opened my cabin door a nice summer breeze surrounded me, my crew having a good time under the weather as Spectra kept the ship under control. I walked up the stairs to the upper deck where Warwick and Gibbs were standing over a wooden table, a big map laid across its hard surface, as they seemed to be in the middle of discussing where we should stop for supplies and find food for me.
- Wouldn't Reeves port be closer?
- If we wish to not cause too much panic the Timber Cay is a better choice.
I let my eyes scan the map, it's faint inked patterns worn out from having been used for ages.
- As I'm almost at my limit I would prefer to avoid as much discomfort as possible, thank you.
- Then it's settled, Timber Cay it is.
I knew cutting it close made Gibbs uneasy, worry filling his eyes as we changed our route towards the small island. I wasn't sure myself how much longer I could avoid the urge inside me, the faint feeling of my conscious self slipping away constantly nagging at the back of my head. Until we reached the island I could do nothing, the heaviness in my body and stinging in my fingertips getting almost unbearable by this point.
I swallowed, taking a deep breath as I let my palm pat Gibbs shoulder.
- We still have time.
Gibbs looked at me in disbelief, a faint smirk as he breathed out.
- Says the man with heavy dark circles under his eyes.
A soft chuckle escaped my lips, knowing he had a point. But before I could say another word Gibbs insisted I go back to my cabin and rest before we arrived at the island. His words were clear yet gentle, a hint of his caring nature showing through as he guided me to the stairs.
- I get it. I will go back and rest but I have to catch up on some paperwork first.
Somewhat satisfied Gibbs let go of my arms, giving me one last pat on the back before letting his voice be heard once more.
- Just, if you have time to spare. You are in no state of running around causing trouble.
I simply raised my arm up, gesturing that I heard him before walking back to my quarters. I hated to admit it but Gibbs was right, I had to get some rest before we arrived if I didn't wish to be on low energy once we lay anchor by the island.
I closed the big wooden door behind me as I made my way over to the desk centered in the far back by the wide windows. I took a seat in my Captain’s chair, pulling out the paperwork I had left behind the last time I was sitting by my grand desk.
Thanks to my absence the last few weeks no reports had been done, the once organized lists were now a mess. I had gone through it briefly with Gibbs and Warwick yesterday, which I began to scribble down on the empty pages with a newly dipped quill.
By the time I was finished I had filled four pages, each task organized in a neat order and structure.
I corked up the ink bottle, putting the delicate quill aside as I headed towards the kitchen below deck where I knew Gibbs would be busy preparing food for the rest of the crew.
I walked down the wooden stairs, turning around the left corner as I walked through the dining area until I reached the kitchen down the corridor.
Gibbs was like always preparing the food, knife swiftly chopping through vegetables as he dropped them down into the boiling pot. Newly baked bread was cut by his helpers and placed on a trail. The smell was enough to make my mouth water, wishing I was able to enjoy the food like a normal human being, instead of wasting it. I let my presence be known before approaching Gibbs, not wanting him to get surprised and hurt himself.
- Would the cook like to know what's on the shopping list?
Gibbs let out a relieved smile, gesturing for me to continue as he made sure to listen. The list wasn't long, only a few ingredients for the kitchen as I let the words roll off my tongue.
Gibbs nods in affirment, a sign that he has everything under control as he continues to stir the pot.
- Good. You can find the shillings at my desk.
- Wait.
I was just about to head back up to the upper deck when Gibbs called over one of his helpers to take over as he guided me out from the kitchen, from any other prying ears.
- What about your list?
- I will take care of that when we board.
I said with a faint smile, turning away from Gibbs but just as before he spoke up one last time.
- Just. Try to be discreet.
Before I could answer a thick rope slithered down from the wooden surface above us onto my shoulder as it continued to work its way around my upper arm. Like a second voice in my head, I heard Spectras voice loud and clear, her voice gentle as she spoke within my thoughts.
Your quartermaster seeks you up on the deck Captain
All my men knew of the presence of Spectra, but none other than myself could speak with her. Gibbs stood with his arms crossed in front of his chest, waiting as he knew Spectra was communicating with me. After saying what she wanted she squeezed my upper arm one last time before letting go, retreating back up from the wooden surface where the rope had once laid.
I turned back to face Gibbs yet again, his hazel eyes lingering onto me as I let out a faint sigh.
- I'm needed upstairs.
He didn't stay in my way, simply nodding in response as he walked back into the kitchen. I didn't wait to head back up either, wondering what exactly Warwick would need my presence for as I knew we were yet to arrive on land.
Finally getting back up into the open fresh ocean air I headed up to Warwick who was standing by the wheel, looking into the horizon as he had left Spectra in control of the ship.
- You called.
I said as I took a seat up on the railing beside him.
- I think we have a few things to talk about.
I raised a single brow in question, unsure of what exactly he meant.
- We do?
- Aye. About The Lone Rose.
Once again his words surprised me, as I couldn't pinpoint the reason why he would be interested in talking about Icarus and his ship.
- What about The Lone Rose?
- Well you have been gone for many nights, I doubt you have nothing to tell. How did they treat you?
I snorted at the way he said you, knowing how I acted even if I wasn't by his side.
- In the beginning like a British arse. But I got the feeling that their Captain started to warm up to me. At least that is what I'm going to tell myself.
- Well as much as one can warm up to you that is.
- Hey, rude.
- You know fully well how you act and how people around you react. I know you.
- Unfortunately.
Warwick couldn't help but let out a faint chuckle, but just as soon returned to his characteristic stoic expression.
- So.
- So?
- Can we count on them?
The words sank like a heavy stone in my stomach as I didn't know where I stood with Icarus.
- I'm not sure.
- Not sure? You were on their ship for almost a full month.
- I know.
- Back to square one then.
He was right. We had no more gold then before or any ships to count on when or if we were to need it. We were starting to run out of time, a frustrating feeling of losing control as we stood with nothing. If we wanted to be the ones standing victorious by the end of all this then I knew, just as I did back when I told Icarus about the treasure, that we needed allies. The waters were growing more weary for each day that passed, and I knew I would have to start making my way to retrieve that treasure myself.
Just as I was deep in thought, the Timber Cay was within our reach as we sailed towards the island. Orders were shouted once more over deck to raise up the sails and be ready to weigh anchor.
With no problem as always, we stopped by the docks my crew was already buzzing about, unloading crates and other goods for trading.
I didn't wait as I took a hold of a rope, swinging myself down until my feet could touch the old wooden dock.
- Crow!
I looked up towards Warwick who was standing by the edge of the railing.
- Don't cause trouble!
- Why do you always assume I would get into trouble?
He didn't say anything, simply giving me a you know why glare before returning his attention to the pirates standing by him. I didn't want to waste anymore time as the dryness of my throat and heaviness in my eyes was getting too much by now. With that I headed into the rickety stone street, following along it as I looked around for any potential prey. Most people here who didn't live on the island were either pirates or sailors, a clear distinction could be made as pirates were most of the time looking for trouble.
I poked my head in a tavern or two, only seeing drunk men and whores dancing on the tables, nothing I was interested in sinking my teeth into. I continued my search onto the streets, almost giving up in finding anything better than at the tavern until a petite young lady caught my eye, standing alone, watching me with intensity. A look I have seen before on countless people, a hunger for some fun. I made my way towards her, thinking this would be another one of those situations where I approach someone and strike up a conversation. However as I came closer a clear wink was thrown in my direction before she rounded the corner into an alley. As my curiosity got the better of me I followed her close behind, watching as she looked over her shoulder from time to time as if to see if I was still following her. You could have thought she was trying to run away from something, if it wasn't for that playful smile and flirtatious glint in her eyes. I let out a huff as she finally came to a stop, back to a high wooden fence as she watched me coming out from the shadows of the alley. A bright smile adored her lips, hands behind her back and voice soft as she opened her mouth.
- I'm glad you can take a hint.
- Well you were practically eating me up with those beautiful eyes of yours.
A faint chuckle escaped her lips as she pushed herself off the fence, walking up towards me as she was now standing close enough for our boots to touch. She let her hands stroke along my upper arms, her eyes never leaving my own.
I was starting to think this would be an easy prey as she was practically throwing herself at me, but as I felt another heartbeat other than ours coming closer in rapid speed, I quickly pushed the woman away. Dodging right in time as a saber swung at me in full force. The woman gave out a small shriek as she hit the muddy ground, clothes all dirty, and my boots now also caked in the same soggy mud. I took a hold of the man who had attacked us, lifting him up from the ground as I slammed him into the stone wall.
- What is the matter with you?
The man didn't dare to say anything, holding his tongue as I felt more heartbeats erupt around me. A slow clapping reaching my ears as a man, or rather pirate, made himself known along with others right behind him.
- Impressive. Crimson moon.
I looked him up and down, clothes raggedy and teeth black, a rather normal pirate. So what would someone like him want from me?
- Do I know you?
A rattling laughter erupted from the bunch before the pirate who seemed in charge raised a hand.
- No, we have never met until now. But I believe you know the person who sent us.
I felt myself swallow, getting a bad feeling from this as I waited for him to continue speaking. But before he did he threw a bag of shillings at the woman, waving her off dismissively before turning his attention back to me. I watched as she stood up, bowing her head before rushing off into the same alley as before. Should have known she was too easy.
- We are here by the order of The Void. I recommend that you come along without resisting.
The Void? Why would Ulric send his minions after me? I looked around, pirates standing with weapons in hand around me. I was still starving, my prey having escaped before I could feed upon her. I was much weaker than I normally was, making me realize I wouldn't be able to get out of this in my current state. I swallowed, still holding my head up high as I spoke.
- What orders exactly?
The pirate simply laughed in my face, eyes full of himself and his belief that he was above me.
- The Void’s orders are clear. Bring the Crow to his ship.
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