“This was not part of our deal! You killed him.”84Please respect copyright.PENANA58WSFsVcJv
“It’s one child. Neither of us got what we wanted, Skipper.”84Please respect copyright.PENANABjSqpeU5vG
“It’s because of ME that you could find them!”84Please respect copyright.PENANA6jOubPm6HG
A redhead lunged out of the Lieutenant's posse as they walked through the corpses and tackled him. Beating the Lieutenant’s face with his fist until his fist was dripping blood and the Lieutenant's wig was knocked askew. What appeared to be an enraged man at first slowly transformed into a ravenous part fish, part horse, part man, all monster. His fists sprouted long talons. His face distorting into something equine, but with a jagged maw like that of the sirens. From the waist down, his legs fused into a long-scaled tail.
He must be the one who injured Sheldon’s arm. Sandra thought. Their bond must have been how the Lieutenant was able to track the Outrunner across such vast oceans. Nymphs like Kelpies had very different powers to their saltwater cousins and true merfolk. One power of the Kelpie was its curse that could only be escaped in death.
The sixteen-year-old covered her ears with her hands, trying to block out the screams of the Lieutenant as he was pulled over the railing and devoured alive. The musket fire could do nothing against a motivated Kelpie. With a deafening CRACK! something impacted with the back of her skull. The world tilted skywards as she plummeted to the deck of the Outrunner. She clutched her head. Warm blood seeped through her fingers. Maxwell and Hodari fell beside her. Both with blood pouring from their heads. Unconsciousness and head-splitting pain rolled over her like waves agitated by a storm.
***
“So, tell me, Miss Swift. What happened next? I am as curious as my children.”
“It was Myrtle who saved me. Thankfully, she always disobeys me.” Sandra hugged Myrtle.
“It was nothing. I did not see that nasty Lieutenant by the time that I arrived. H-how is your head?” Myrtle had been caring for Sandra since bringing her home to Fort Featherstone.
“I feel a lot better, thank you.”
“Well, I think you ladies should finish your tea and cake while I take these little misfits to school.”
“Thank you, Master. I shan’t be much longer.”
“No, take your time. I appreciate you returning to my employ so quickly. You really should recover first.”
“The children seem to like the way that you tell the story.”84Please respect copyright.PENANA8NgXKzdt3u
“I have been told that I am quite the storyteller.” Sandra chuckled, savouring the moment. This little garden. Sweet tea and cakes. Her Master, his children and Myrtle’s company. The headache she could have done without, but she was alive. The brunette wondered what happened to Maxwell, Hodari and the crew of the Outrunner.
The maid turned her head to the sound of a carriage pulling to a stop. Sandra rolled her brown eyes. She decided it was best to settle down after her little misadventure, but so far, no suitors piqued her interest. Myrtle rushed to her feet, stumbling to the front gate with enough enthusiasm that Sandra expected the fourteen year old to trip and fall. Master chased his children inside. Sandra pushed herself out of the garden chair with a smile. I hope that, one day, I’ll find my purpose too. For now, I’ll raise your heirs, Master.
She had many fond memories and life-changing experiences to learn from.
The maid folded her hands in her lap as the sixteen year old approached the carriage. Myrtle and Sandra hoisted their hems and curtsied in perfect synchrony. Sandra’s gaze swept up from the black leather pointy toed shoes fastened with gold buckles. To the unflattering regal blue trousers and matching dark blue waistcoat adorned with golden embroidery. All tied together by the starch white shirt with ruffles of lace for cuffs. Upon his head sat a deep blue Captain’s hat complimented by an unmistakable feather plume. Golden hair. Ocean blue eyes. Chiselled jaw. Pale, unblemished complexion. Towering behind him was his muscular African manservant also dressed to impress, like Sandra had never seen him in all those character building months at sea. A much-welcomed duo. Sandra wanted to hug them and ask how they ended up here.
“Forgive my intrusion. I heard there was a woman eligible for courting? Would you happen to know of her? If word on the street is to be believed, she goes by the name Sandra Swift.”
“It is to be believed. I am Miss Swift, sir.”
“What good fortune is this! You certainly are…”
“…A remarkable woman? I have been told.” She smiled despite her headache.
“Excellent! May I come in? You appear to be otherwise engaged.”
Myrtle looked gobsmacked that Sandra had not sent this man, unlike others who attempted to woo her before this blonde stranger, on his way.
“I am always interested in conversation. Honest, strong and caring men are…”
“…Hard to come by?”
“I couldn't agree more. I think now is the perfect time to discuss your intentions towards me. Amongst other things. Myrtle. Could you run ahead and..?”
With her cheeks flushed pink, Myrtle dashed ahead to prepare more chairs to accommodate the two men who were – to her knowledge- complete strangers.
“She’s excitable.” Maxwell chuckled.
“Too much sometimes.”
“Your Master cannot see..?”
“No, he cannot. My father said only a few can see through our Glamour. What do you see?”
“She is like you.”
“Not exactly. I lack her tentacles.”
Maxwell nodded as the brunette cut some cake and poured tea into two cups for him and Hodari.
“Is there any particular reason that you decided to show up, asking for me?”
“I wanted to see for myself that you are well. It’s only fair after the months you spent at my bedside. Don’t get your hopes up. I’m not looking.” A golden ring gleamed from his finger.
“Congratulations, both of you. I wish you both the best.”
“Thank you. That means a lot to me coming from you. What is this rumour I hear about you settling down?”
“That depends.”
“Could I change your mind?”
“If you are still interested, I will make up my mind in three days.”
Sandra and Maxwell both smiled.
“The cheek of you. Twisting my words.”
84Please respect copyright.PENANAMYurjTQTCp
“I’m sorry I took so long.” Myrtle panted as she burst into the garden once more.
“It’s quite alright. Mister Bayne and his associate were about to leave. That is the nature of business.”
“Not before we sample some of this generous spread. Business can wait. You are a lucky lady, Miss Swift.”
Sandra’s brow twitched as she lifted her cup, taking a long sip. He was playing her like a fiddle, and he KNEW it.
“Thank you, Mister Bayne. I am quite the lucky one. You must be quite the eligible bachelor yourself.”
“You can save those dirty whispers for OUR wedding night, my darling.”
He had the nerve to wink at her. Sandra kicked him under the table.
“There will be NO dirty whispers from either of us until our honeymoon. That includes YOU, sir.”
Myrtle’s gaze jumped between the two as her best friend and the blonde stranger delivered their snide remarks.
“I jest. I shall return in three days, as agreed.”
Maxwell pushed himself out of his chair, walking away without uttering another word.
“Was that the man you almost died for?”
“Perhaps.”
“You two are perfect for each other.”
“I’m not his type.”
She gasped as a lightbulb illuminated in her mind.
“That’s my girl. No, he’s already engaged to someone very special. THEY are perfect for each other.”
“Then why did he-”
“He wanted to see if I was okay. Nothing more. Are you sure you don’t remember what happened?”
“Yes! I told you a hundred times. I saw you lying there, bleeding from your head. I had no idea what to do. A ship happened to pass by. The nice sailors helped me get you to shore. It was a long trip, but after several boat and cart trips we arrived here, and you woke up…”
Sandra held up her hand.
“That’s enough. I will rest as our Master suggested. I feel most unwell.”
“Please promise me that you will not try to escape in the middle of the night.”
“You have my word.”
“I don’t trust you.”
“I am leaving in three days. Please do not follow me this time. I want one last adventure before I grow old and boring.”
“Have fun! Be careful. I don’t want to join you. I like being a maid.” Myrtle said. “It’s much safer.”
Sandra walked back to her room with no energy for banter. She undressed down to her undergarments and slipped under the covers.
I’ll ask Maxwell what he remembers. Myrtle didn’t mention seeing him…at all. That’s strange…
Sandra survived the adventure of her dreams. An adventure that lasted two months, two weeks and three days, but who was counting? This fascination for breaking rules happened on an ordinary day, as if by fate, she bumped into one extraordinary man.
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