Taken by Pirates

“Yes.” I had to wonder why there was such a detailed plan just to pick up supplies. It seemed a little unnecessary. But I still had much to learn about their ways.

“Willy, is there a reason we need to hurry?”

He nodded, smiling, as his nearly black curls bounced. “Yes. There’s a patch of bad weather apparently coming in, and the Captain wants to stay ahead of it.”

He handed me a purse that was surprisingly heavy. As I looked inside, I’d never seen so many coins at once. He gave me a list of supplies to buy, and a shopping basket.

Before I knew it I was standing on the deck of the ship as Parrinport came into view. A heavy hand landed on my shoulder. “Willy gave you everything you need for your shopping?” the Captain asked.

“Yes. And he mentioned that we need to hurry a bit to stay ahead of the weather.”

If I hadn’t been staring directly into his eyes, I wouldn’t have noticed that they tightened slightly. “At least one of us will be near you at all times, Maggie. Don’t get chatting to anyone about anything other than the things you’re shopping for, alright? We never discuss the ship, our business, or our travels with outsiders.”

“Alright.”

The ship docked, and I stayed out of the way while some crates were unloaded and sold to various men right there on the pier.

Once things were settled, five of us walked into town, with Dobbs staying on the ship. When we came to a small fork in the road, I walked with Cookie and Willy. Cookie raved about the bread at this particular bakery, and double checked my list before sending me inside.

“When you’re finished, wait right here on this porch,” Willy said.

“Aye, aye,” I grinned.

I went inside, instantly overwhelmed with the heady fragrance of fresh bread. The shopkeeper was friendly, but I resisted the urge to chat too long.

After waiting out on the porch with my basket for barely a minute, Willy and Cookie came into view, slowly rolling two large barrels.

We strolled to the ship, while I noticed some of the townsfolk giving us curious looks. In a low voice, Cookie said, “Some people don’t take kindly to strangers. A quick polite smile and nod, and get out of their way. It’s always the safest bet.”

I was barely back on the ship for a moment when Dobbs appear

ed to escort me to the butcher. Again, I was told to wait right in front when I was done with my purchases, and not to talk to anyone.

After my basket was filled with meat, I waited for the other men, stepping just to the side to enjoy the shade of a large oak tree. It was surprisingly warm, and I wondered how fast this storm would be rolling in.

I heard the Captain’s deep, rough laugh, and turned to see the men coming down the road, rolling their barrels. Whatever was inside must have been heavy, since they seemed a bit tricky to control.

Further down the road, I saw a tall man in a crisp black uniform staring intently at the men. The Captain’s eyes darted in the man’s direction, then I saw him mutter something under his breath to Dwyer and Dobbs as they began to walk toward us.

As soon as they were close, the Captain said in full voice, “I’ll catch up with you two in a moment.”

Dwyer and Dobbs slowly continued toward the docks, as the Captain came over, setting his barrel upright. Then, to my shock, he swept me into his arms.

“Did you get everything you needed, my sweet lady?”

“Yes.” I was flustered by his closeness, but tried to maintain my composure. “Fair prices here, as well.”

“That’s my girl.” He set me back on my feet, but kept his arm around me.

The way he was staring into my eyes was so intense that I nearly felt dizzy. Was he being saucy with me right here in the middle of the street in a strange town? One did not openly flirt with other eyes about. That’s what I had always been taught.

The Captain bent down, and I suddenly knew that he was about to kiss me.

I also knew that I’d never wanted anything more in my entire life. My breath caught in my throat as I tipped my face up to his.

He smiled sweetly, grazing his lips along my cheekbone. “Your hair is so elegant like that, my fine lass.” He straightened up as I tried to settle my racing heart. “Let’s catch up with the others and decide what’s for supper.”

The Captain’s gaze darted to the uniformed man who passed by, studying us carefully but saying nothing.