Marie Kelly's Blog, page 5
October 28, 2014
Warrior’s Bride (PT 2)
“Is this your princess?” His question was asked softly, the women nodding as one, an almost humorous light coming to his eyes as he grabbed the kneeling woman by the arm and hoisted her none-too-gently to her feet. The others cried out, some screaming softly in shock, all looking terrified as he pulled a knife from a scabbard holding it to her throat, her eyes closing as she remained still, her whole body frozen in fear. “Now I ask you again… And if I do not get the right answer I will slit her throat and then work my way through you all… Is this woman your princess?”, his hand moving closer to her skin.
Carefully he watched the women react. One stiffened as other hands grasped her, holding her back, a smile rising to his lips as he released the woman in his hold. Moving forward he grabbed the other pulling her against himself, holding the knife to her throat instead. Instantly the maidens and the woman passing herself off as Tialla fell to their knees, begging for her release, Cadell once more sheathing the knife as he held the true princess firmly in his hold.
Looking at his men he indicated that they remove the rest. “Keep them under guard at all times.” The women quickly rounded up and pushed from the throne room as Tialla stood motionless. Once alone he released her and grasped the head dress pulling it free from her.
She was stunning, Cadell feeling the way his body stirred with desire, a smile on his lips. Her eyes held his, those aqua eyes – a colour he had never before seen – full of hatred and anger. “On your knees before your Master, Tialla of Leando”, he spoke softly, the anger in her expressive eyes blazing even brighter.
Tialla stood even taller, her body proudly stiff as she bit out haughtily, “Never. I will never kneel before a monster like you.” She expected his anger, but was surprised as he chuckled softly, dropping onto her throne, his eyes lazily trailing over her.
“Now that is the kind of attitude I would expect from a ruler”, his eyes laughing at her. “Next time you try and pass one of your maidens off as yourself, ensure that she has the right arrogance.”
She glared down at the man before her, every fibre in her being wanting to pull him from her throne, knowing only too well that she would never be able to move him. “You attacked my province with no warning or reason Cadell of Karok, explain yourself… What do you plan on doing to my people?”
His look became harder, one eyebrow raised in surprise at her defiance. “You should be more concerned with yourself Tialla”, his drawl soft and almost bored, his eyes fixed on her.
“I care little for myself Cadell, only for my people. So I ask again what are your plans? We are not without friends and they will not take well to your unprovoked attack.”
His lips curled into an arrogant smile. “I think not. If there is one thing I have learnt, it is that when you fall, you fall alone, and while I have you, your people will do as I tell them.” Rising, his eyes slid down her once more. “I am sure that I can find some position for you to fulfil in my household… Or bed”, his look openly admiring her as she gasped, shock filling her features, Cadell enjoying her discomfort. Turning, he made to lift the jug of water which had been delivered earlier, taken unaware at the speed in which she moved, grabbing one of the many knives he wore, holding the weapon before her as he flipped back round to face her.
“Drop it.” His tone demanded her instant obedience, Tialla shaking her head determinedly, anger crossing the darkest eyes she had ever seen in a man. “Do not anger me Tialla”, his voice bit out as she glared back at him.
“I will not allow you to hurt my people”, her voice determined as she sprang forward, the knife in her hand pushed towards him, Cadell realising her intent as he moved quickly, his hand grabbing hers, halting her hand his large one wrapped painfully around her wrist before flipping her around and hauling her hard against himself, his arms wrapped around her waist and chest, her bottom against his groin. He quickly plucked the knife from her fingers, returning it to the scabbard it came from holding her firmly as she struggled to release herself. “Put me down… How dare you touch me!”, she cried in outrage as her feet kicked out at his shin, he not making a sound as she squealed, the hard boot painful against her foot.
Finally she stilled, her chest rising and falling as she fought for breath, her body limp in his hold, his voice flint-hard. “Do not EVER do that again. Your life is no longer your own. It is mine. Understand that. And if you decide to ever pull a stunt like that again it will be your people who will pay the price. I will kill one hundred of them while you watch… Do you understand?”
With a defeated groan she nodded, helplessness filling her. “Let me go”, this time her voice softer as he continued to hold her tight to him. She felt as his head dropped to her throat, his nose sliding down the long milky delicate column, Tialla struggling to free herself once more as his hands held her firmly, his breath fanning the hairs in her ear as she shivered, his tone sensual.
“Oh yes. I definitely think your place will be in my bed. You have fire… I like that.”
Her eyes closed as a shudder moved through her body, her distaste for the man so obvious. “You will find me unresponsive Cadell”, surprised to once more hear his amused chuckle.
“Somehow I do not think a woman like you could ever be unresponsive Tialla.”
{Next installment 11th November}
October 14, 2014
Warrior’s Bride (Pt 1)
Cadell of Karok sat back on the throne, a small smile playing on his lips. The battle had been fast and decisive, the defending forces swept back with very little effort. Leando was now his, a gleam of triumph in his dark eyes. Scanning the throne room he admired the beauty of it. While a warrior, he was still able to appreciate the space. The sumptuous cloth on the windows and draped around the finely carved throne was certainly testament to the provinces renowned reputation for artistry. His eyes continued to the floor, checking that the changes he ordered had been made, smiling seeing everything in order.
With his finger running around his mouth he held back the smile. Perhaps they would have been better spending more time on building up their defences than honing their artistic talents. His men had received a pitiful show of resistance, his warriors sweeping their way to the palace with ease. With a small sigh he admitted that this reduced the number of casualties, his men now encamped around the palace itself, the people huddled in fear within their homes.
Thoughtfully he considered his next move. These people were not warriors, and in truth had it not been for Leando’s strategic position he would have little interest in either it or its ruler, but unfortunately for Leando, the small province was perfectly positioned for his arch enemy. He could not risk Garel taking the small province and using it against him. No, Leando was a victim of geography and he required to bring it in line fast.
The sound of the huge ornate door being opened pulled his thoughts back to the present, his eyes moving to follow the small procession marching quickly towards him. He remained where he was, his body relaxed seemingly at ease while his look followed the procession.
In the middle of the four warriors, a small woman moved quickly and silently towards the other side of the room, her head held high, her figure hidden by the long cloak she wore, a hood pulled over her head. As the group reached the plinth the four men halted stepping together before punching their chests and inclining their heads in respectful salute to the man now seated so calmly on the large throne.
With a small nod he stood, the woman staring at the man before her. She had heard rumours of Cadell of Karok, but never expected to meet with the man himself, certainly not to find herself a prisoner of his. Lifting her head she tried not to allow him to see the way her whole body shook with fear, her look taking in the man nicknamed Cadell the Cunning.
He was tall, broad-shouldered with muscular arms, the leather tunic he wore skin tight, showing his long back and slim waist, the breeches also those of a warrior, weapons draped around him. Swallowing nervously she willed herself still, feeling intimidated by the man. Cadell of Karok was no figurehead leader, he was a warrior and a good one she could tell by the respect given to him by his men. Slowly he moved, the men stepping back as he finally stopped before her. His hands flipped the hood of the cape back to reveal the woman beneath.
“So… You are Tialla of Leando”, his voice strong, deep and authorative.
The woman kept her eyes fixed on the floor as she nodded softly, her voice quivering slightly, “Yes”, every nerve taut as he moved around her silently, taking in the ruler of his latest conquest, his expression thoughtful.
“Remove the cloak.” With fingers which shook she complied, the garment swishing to the floor. Cadell admired her figure. Dressed in a silken robe which covered her voluptuous figure, she looked every bit the ruler of the small but important province. “Now… On your knees for your new ruler, Tialla of Leando.”
Flicking a look up at him, she nervously she could not hold his gaze, she dropping silently to the ground, her eyes fixed on the floor, aware as he stood before her, his boots filling her vision. Staring down at the woman on her knees, Cadell scowled. She was beautiful that was true, and according to his sources she was considered a great treasure, but he was uneasy. “Was she with her ladies when you found her?”, his question was directed to his guards.
The leader of the men stepped forward, “Yes sir. We have them under guard before we allow them to their families.”
Cadell nodded softly. “Bring them to me… All of them.” The men as one silently turned, instantly moving to fill his command.
The woman at his feet gasped, her head rising to finally look at him, fear within her eyes, “No. You have me – leave them be.”
He knelt, grasping her chin in his large hand a dark look on his face, her breath stalled in her throat at the intensity of his words. “Do not ever command me again woman or you will know how we tame women in Karok.” She whimpered softly, her eyes again falling from his, the small flicker of fight fleeing from her as she shook, he standing once more over her, before returning to again sit on the throne.
Silently he waited, the woman remaining prone on the floor before him. Neither made a sound, as she trembled allowing herself to steal looks at him. He was one of the most handsome men she had ever seen, not only good-looking but possessing the air of a man who demanded attention and respect. He seemed lost in thought, ignoring her, his eyes focussed expectantly on the door, the woman becoming aware that his seemingly relaxed stance hid the way his body seemed to be coiled ready for fight.
As the door once more opened, the same men entered flanking the group of ten women, all wearing the simple white robes of handmaids, their heads covered with gossamer. He watched as they saw the woman on her knees, their bodies stiffening seeing their princess in such a position. His men grouped the women together as Cadell again moved forward stopping close to the prone woman.
{next installment 28th October}
July 7, 2014
Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 32)
Alex took in the scene in a heartbeat, his good mood falling from him in an instant. Making for his sword, he groaned, not feeling it there. Why would he have need of such a thing over breakfast? Looking at the man holding the knife to his wife’s throat, he took a half-step towards him, the man’s face breaking into an evil smile, “That would be a mistake gov. The little lady would ‘urt somit bad.”
Taking a deep breath, his eyes narrowing, Alex stood back. Elizabeth looked at him, her body rigid while her features were calm, controlled, he gaining some semblance of calm himself from her. Turning, he stared at Lord Palmer. “Where is Philip? And how did you find us?”
The other man grimaced. “I was about to ask you that?”, before shrugging. “No matter. I am sure that he will be picked up quickly, and I have spies in nearly every household. Finding you was easy.”
Alex frowned before once more fixing the man before him with a sure look, “This will never work Palmer. There is much you do not know about me.”
Lord Palmer gave a small smile as he stood, turning to the ruffian who stood beside his daughter. “Bring her here and take those two”, his hand waving towards Jim and Marie, “And put them in the carriage. We shall decide what to do with them later”, his eyes resting on Elizabeth, a cruel gleam deep within. “I guess it will depend on what my daughter decides to do.”
Alex could see the flash of anger which passed over her eyes, her jaw tightening as she refused to be drawn out, her look still on her husband as she was pulled to her feet, her arms pulling from the man in a gesture of disgust.
If he thought he could take advantage of her release, he was mistaken as Lord Palmer lifted the pistol he held in one hand, Alex seeing the lawyer also lift one. He felt his stomach sink. From a distance pistols were notoriously unreliable, however, at this close they would not miss.
“Join your pirate please Elizabeth”, his demand spoken with more than a hint of contempt, Elizabeth running into Alex’s arms, he holding her tightly to him.
“It will be fine”, he whispered against her hair, her eyes rising to meet his as she nodded softly, real trust in her look, as Jim and Marie were led from the room.
When there was just the four of them, Lord Palmer turned his attention once more to the couple clinging to each other before him, “Seems the shoe is on the other foot now Hunter, but I have a deal to put to you.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed, not liking the sound, “You said that you have gold. Lots of it. So, if you deliver the gold to me then I will allow Elizabeth to live and I will kill you quickly. If not, then I will force you to watch as she dies horribly and slowly.”
Elizabeth gasped, her eyes full of horror at her father’s words, instinctively knowing that he meant every one of them. Beside her, she felt Alex’s hands tighten on her, his mouth firming.
“You are making a mistake Palmer. I was on the king’s business. I was never a pirate. I am Captain Alex Hunter of his majesty’s navy.”
The older man gave out a sneer. “Sure you are. You are nothing more than a pirate Hunter, and a thorn in my side. One I plan on removing today.”
Moving slightly from Elizabeth, Alex slowly reached into his coat pocket, pulling from it a note.
“This is a note I received from the admiral who owns this house. On it you will see that it congratulates me on my mission to take down the pirate Captain Condor. On it you will see that he addresses me as a naval officer.”
He threw the sheet over to where the two men stood, Gerard bending down to pick it up from where it fluttered to the floor.
Skimming the words, the lawyer looked at his employer with nervous eyes, his hands starting to tremble, “It is true. What are we going to do? We should release them.”
Lord Palmer rounded on Gerard, his eyes gleaming with malevolence “Release them? Never!”, his eyes staring at the two thoughtfully, Elizabeth knowing that her father was scheming, his hastily hatched plans never ending well for those on the other end.
Finally, he smiled widely. “The magistrate knows that we consider him a pirate. We tell him that he broke into this house where my daughter was hiding from him and threatened to kill her when she told him that she did not consider their marriage a true one.”
Elizabeth this time cried out, “No. I will never say that.”
Her father snarled back at her. “If you do not want me to add that he then killed you in a fit of rage, you will do as I say. This time next week we will once more be back on the seas and you will marry Lord Archer. He need never know what happened between the two of you.”
Elizabeth shook her head fervently, “No. And your plan would never work”, her eyes flicking to her husband, softening, “I carry his child.”
It was Alex’s turn to gasp this time, his eyes flying to meet hers. “You’re pregnant”, her head nodding, as his look dropped to her belly, his eyes full of moisture at the enormity of her words. He was to be a father.
Turning, she pointed to her own father. “So you see – you would not just be killing your daughter, but your grandchild too.”
Snarling, her father fixed her with a black look. “You think I care? You think that I will let you live now? You carry his seed.”
Gerard coughed nervously beside him, his voice shaky. “Sir. Killing a pirate is one thing, we could get away with that… but not this. I won’t be part of it.”
This time Lord Palmer fixed his lawyer with eyes which were scathing, “I should have known you would not have the stomach for this. I should have gotten rid of you long ago”, before stepping closer to the man, he pulled out a knife, plunging it into the man’s stomach.
Elizabeth screamed, her head turning into Alex’s shoulder, he holding her tightly to him as the lawyer looked at his employer with disbelieving eyes, before folding to the ground, blood starting to pool around him.
Turning once more Lord Palmer looked at the two, the pistol held up. While he had the pistol and knife, he knew that he would never beat Alex in a fight. He needed to shoot the tall man, take him down from a distance. However, Elizabeth stood in the way, shielding him from a clear shot.
“Perhaps I will spare you after all”, he mused softly, twitching his wrist to indicate that she should move beside him, “We can have you leave for a few years, tell all that you married Lord Archer and that he died. Having a grandchild may not be so bad.”
Alex looked down at his wife. He wanted her to live, he needed her to live. His eyes pled with her to move away. However, she shook her head, clinging to him, her head turned to her father, “No. If he is to die, then I want to die with him.”
Growling, Lord Palmer raised his pistol. “So be it.”
On the ground, Elizabeth could see as Gerard moved, her eyes widening as the dying man lifted his pistol, aiming it at her father. Almost instinctively she cried out, “Watch out”, her father laughing as he shook his head.
“Do you take me for a fool Elizabeth?”, taking aim at Alex as the loud gunfire filled the air.
On the ground Gerard’s pistol dropped to the ground, the small man slumping back, dead.
Elizabeth stared at her father as he stood frozen. The pistol in his hand seemed to fall from his fingers in slow motion as he faltered, his eyes wide as he stared back at her. Her hands flew to cover her mouth as he took a step closer to her, before his body crumpled, he dropping to his knees.
“Elizabeth”, he cried, his last word as he pitched forward, dead.
She felt as Alex turned her, pulled her from the room, shock thudding into her. It was all over. Her brutal father, the man who had bullied her all her life was dead. Sadness engulfed Elizabeth. While he had been prepared to kill her, to kill his own grandchild, she felt sorrow swamp her, loud sobs escaping her.
As Alex held her to him, his protective arms tight around her, Jim rushed in. Alex frowned seeing him, the boy grinning back. “Turns out that I am a better fighter than him… Even with my arms tied. Left him in the mud. Marie is using his own knife to make sure he doesn’t get any ideas of running.”
His excited words ended as he caught sight of the two men in the other room, his brows rising, “Seems you didn’t need rescuing either”, before clamping his mouth shut at the glare thrown to him by Alex.
The sound of a carriage and horses moving up the long magnificent driveway pulled the attention of both men. Still holding Elizabeth tightly, Alex moved outside just in time to see Philip dismount. Furrowing his brow, he looked at the distraught Elizabeth, his eyes questioning. From within the carriage, the magistrate appeared, soldiers following the carriage lining up.
Seeing Alex, the magistrate smiled, his look surprised to see a weeping Elizabeth, but finally choosing to ignore her.
“Lord Hunter. It would seem that a great wrong has been done to you. I have brought soldiers with me to ensure that you are once more returned to your rightful place as owner of the Hunter estate”, coughing slightly, his voice slightly apologetic. “I fear also Lady Hunter that a warrant has been issued for your father. He will be required to answer for his actions.”
Alex met the look of the official man, sadness in his eyes, “I’m afraid that there will be no need for that Sir. Both Lord Palmer and his manservant are dead”, adding quickly, “By each other’s hand.”
The magistrate once more looked at Elizabeth, sympathy deep in his eyes now as finally he understood her upset, this time his tone gentle, “You have my deepest sympathies Lady Hunter”, before he turned to his men. “It seems we are no longer needed here. We shall return”, looking once more at Alex.
“It will be good to have you back at your rightful place Lord Hunter. From the testimony of so many great men I know that you will be its saviour”, moving back into his carriage. As the large coach turned, the magistrate leant from the window, “One more thing. I understand that the king himself plans on visiting you within the week”, his hand raised in farewell as the group moved back down the driveway, the ruffian who had held the knife to Elizabeth in tow.
The funeral for her father had been held two days later, Elizabeth burying him in the family plot. By her side Alex held her hand, his concern for her clear, only they and the minister in attendance. As the service had finished she had taken a deep breath, walking away with her husband.
As they exited the cemetery she turned looking up at Alex, love in her eyes, her hand gently stroking her belly, his eyes not missing the small movement. “I love you Alex Hunter”, her simple declaration bringing a huge grin to his features.
“I love you too Elizabeth Hunter”, their eyes locked together, the love they had for each other filling them.
While there had been so much hurt and pain in both of their pasts, the future was bright, shining with a radiance that engulfed them both.
Finally, what should have been was put right.
**** THE END****
June 23, 2014
Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 31)
On entering their chambers, she turned to her husband, her eyes suddenly so unsure. “Alex. There is something I need to tell you.”
Moving closer to her, his hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her to him. “Tomorrow. my love. Whatever it is it can wait till tomorrow. can it not?”
With a dazzling smile, her head nodded as she released a content sigh. “Yes. It can wait.”
Then he was kissing her, his hands rising to cup her lovely face, that kiss telling of months the two had been apart, the months they had missed each other. Alex could feel his body harden, his need for his wife foremost. Pulling back, his eyes trailed down her, taking in the dress she wore. “Do you need Marie to help you undress?”
Laughing, she shook her head, moving from him, her hands plucking at the bindings, a seductive light coming to her eyes as she began pulling each layer from herself, her movements slow and teasing, Alex unable to move as he watched her in almost a trance.
As she dropped the final petticoat, standing naked, her hands moved to pull at the clips on her hair, the long strands falling around her like a curtain of gold. Mesmerized, he whispered, “You are so beautiful”, her lips curling into a large smile.
Turning, she moved slowly to the bed, her bottom swaying as she walked, before reaching it she turned her head, a wicked smile now on her lush lips. “Come show me how beautiful you think me to be, my love”, before she slid onto the bed, lying over it on her back, her head turned to him.
With a growl, Alex finally moved. Pulling his clothes from himself in an almost frenzied rush, he was as naked as she by the time he reached the bed, his eyes never once leaving hers. Sliding onto the soft blankets he grinned, a husky quality to his voice, “I plan on showing you over and over Lady Hunter.”
This time when he reached for her she lifted her head to meet him. The kiss was tender, teasing, the two playfully exploring the other’s mouths once more, once again learning the way the other felt and tasted. As her hand slid around his back, she froze, pulling back as her fingers found the puckered scar where the dagger had plunged into him.
“Alex?”, her eyes full of concern, his mouth kissing the corner of her lips, the action one of comfort.
“It is fine my love. Hurt at the time… But is healed now”, his mouth once more capturing hers swallowing up any more words, the kiss growing more passionate, till she groaned, her arms once more thrown around him.
He took his time to familiarise himself with his wife, his mouth moving along her cheek, down her neck in small kisses, her skin goose bumping with the tremors which shot through her. As his hand took hers, pulling it to the hardened heat of him, she shivered, her small fingers wrapping around him, pulling a moan from him.
As she stroked him, his mouth took one raised nipple, his tongue laving it, his teeth scraping along the nub. His hand moved between her legs, his fingers sliding into her wetness, Elizabeth crying out, the sound full of her need.
Her fingers tightened on him. Her thumb rubbing the head of him was finally more than he could stand, Alex lifting his head to look into her eyes, those eyes full of pleading at the moment, both needing to be part of the other.
Pulling back, he positioned himself between her legs, his eyes taking in the wondrous sight she made as she lay beneath him, her body trembling for him. His name slipped from her lips, even as he positioned himself at the moist heat of her.
Pushing deeply into her with one sure thrust, her head threw back, her fingers gripping his shoulder as she gasped with raw pleasure, the sound fueling his already heightened need.
Sliding slowly so that he was almost free of her, he could feel the way she shuddered with the way his length, so tightly held by her, scraped along her nerves, lighting them up before she cried out as he plunged once more deeply into her.
Again claiming her mouth, he kissed her with an intensity which had her head spinning, even as his body thrust into hers, each new one raising her higher. She could feel the waves building, her body hurtling towards some precipice, some wonderful place. As he adjusted his position, his body once more thrusting into her, she felt herself totter on the edge of that precipice before another stroke had her freefalling over the edge.
She was not aware as she dragged her mouth from his, growing rigid as she cried out, her body clutching him, squeezing him tightly as her orgasm ripped through her, Elizabeth floating as she flew higher than she ever thought possible.
Alex dropped his head, his forehead touching hers, almost as though he needed that contact. Groaning out his relief and own need, he took one more thrust, his body freezing, jerking as the floodgates breached, spilling deeply into her clenched body, his voice joining hers as he cried out his own release.
Finally spent, he collapsed over her, his head at the side of hers, his breath panted out as ragged as hers. Kissing her cheeks softly, he felt contentment seep so deep into his very bones, a happy smile curving his mouth, pride filling him seeing as she turned her head, the love she had for him blasting from her eyes.
“I love you Lady Hunter”, his whispered words seeing a small happy tear rise to her eyes as she nodded slightly. “I love you Lord Hunter.”
That night the two returned to each other over and over, their shared need almost insatiable until exhaustion finally got the better of Elizabeth, her eyes closing, her lips smiling with the happiness filling her as she slipped into a deep sleep.
Alex could not help but watch her for several moments. She was his world. This woman had become the centre of his universe, and he had to protect her. Slipping from the bed, he moved around the room, retrieving his clothes. Smiling, he remembered his need to discard them, his desire for the woman now fast asleep stronger than anything he had ever experienced.
Once dressed, he slipped from the room, making his way back down the stairs to the drawing room. He knew that Philip would be awake, finding him sitting before the blazing fire. While the days were now pleasant, the evenings were still cool.
Hearing him enter, Philip smiled, reaching for another glass and pouring him a port, a knowing smile on his lips, his eyes full of humour, “Could you not sleep?”
Unsuccessfully holding back his own grin, Alex shook his head, dropping into the large wing-backed chair beside his friend. Taking the glass, he closed his eyes softly, “Ah. I have missed the finer things in life.”
Laughing, Philip fixed him with eyes which shone with merriment. “How on earth do you do it? You go on a mission seeing you stuck on a pirate ship for years with only pirates for company, and yet you come out of it married to one of the sweetest and most beautiful creatures I have ever known.”
This time Alex was unable to hold back the loud laugh which left him, his head nodding as he winked at his friend. “I guess that I was indeed born under a lucky star. That plus I deserved somebody as wonderful as her.”
Sighing, Philip raised his glass, “To being born under lucky stars.”
Alex lifted his glass to the toast, his voice becoming softer. “I love her Philip. I love her with everything in me.”
Philip said nothing, but Alex could see the way his eyes softened as he nodded back, the two falling into a comfortable silence for a few moments.
“What now?” Philip finally broke the content moment, his eyes turned to his friend. “I take it you have a plan to fix this? I cannot see you wanting to spend the rest of your life on the run with your bride.”
Shaking his head, Alex’s brows furrowed with concentration. “I have given it a great deal of thought. The magistrate needs to be informed as soon as possible.” Reaching into his jacket, he plucked from it a letter, handing it to Philip.
Philip opened it, reading the contents, his eyes widening as he read it before looking back up at his friend, a smile on his handsome features. “A letter from the king himself. This will indeed have much weight with the magistrate. What are you thinking?”
Pointing to the letter, Alex leant slightly forward, suddenly more serious. “It would be too dangerous for us to return to my estate. I will not put Elizabeth in danger”, his friend nodding with approval. “Sending a servant would not ensure that the letter reached the magistrate. Therefore, I am asking you to take it my friend. He will have an audience with you. They may well shoot first and ask questions later if I try.”
Chuckling, Philip nodded. “Good plan, and of course I will be honoured. I will leave at first light and bring the magistrate here. Even her father would not dare attack him.”
Nodding in agreement, Alex once more lifted his glass, a lopsided grin on his features. “That is my plan”, Philip smiling back
“I approve. Now tell me everything that happened.”
For the next hour the two sat talking, catching up, Alex enjoying the conversation, it feeling like old times. When he had finished, Philip stared at him with admiration before grinning, “OK… Maybe you did deserve the girl”, the two men finally rising to retire.
Slipping back into bed with Elizabeth, Alex smiled as she turned, nuzzling closer to him. This felt so right.
Waking the next morning, Alex blinked at the sunlight which flooded the room. Turning, he scowled, not seeing Elizabeth beside him, missing her there.
The slight noise to his side saw him roll over, his mouth forming a large smile seeing her sat at the dressing table, fully dressed, her face was a mask of concentration as she fixed her hair, pulling it into a knot.
“I had some morning plans involving you me and no clothes”, he muttered sensually.
The sound of his voice, saw her jump, her body turning, a radiant smile on her lovely mouth, “I thought I would let you sleep. You seemed so tired.”
Laughing, he shook his head. “Nope. Fully awake, his eyebrows wiggling suggestively as he pulled back the sheet. Want me to prove it to you?”
She stood, her features flushing as she took in his naked and obviously aroused form, her eyes filling with fire before she dragged in a hasty breath, grinning. “Lord Hunter. You will be turning me into a common trollop.”
His “I really hope so” response made her giggle, before she moved to the door.
“Well that may be so. However, you are still not completely healed and I plan on ensuring that you remain healthy. I will go downstairs and have them prepare some breakfast.”
Sighing, he flashed her a smile. “Fine. However, after breakfast…”, the rest of the sentence left unsaid as she blushed once more, her eyes sparkling with happiness, before she slipped from the room.
Pushing back the sheets, he rose. Quickly washing himself and dressing he finally moved from the room also, the thought of breakfast now making him whistle happily. Stepping into the dining room he expected to see Elizabeth, frowning at finding nobody, not even signs of food. Moving to the living room, he had frozen at the sight which met him.
Elizabeth, Marie and Jim sat on different couches, the two servants trussed up and gagged. While not restrained in any way Elizabeth sat still, a knife held close to her throat by one of the two men who had escaped the previous day, fear deep within her eyes.
Sat on a chair, looking supremely relaxed her father watched as Alex entered the room, his lawyer stood by his side.
{next installment 7th July}
June 9, 2014
Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 30)
Finally pulling apart, Alex’s hands lifted to cup her cheeks, his eyes flitted all over her face, ensuring that she was well, his voice husky, “I thought I would never see you again. Every night I would see your face and dream of holding you, even for just one last time.”
Elizabeth stared back, a wavering smile on her lips. “Oh Alex. I thought you were dead. Weeks ago I woke hearing your voice. You were saying goodbye to me, I know you were, telling me you loved me”, her voice breaking slightly, “It felt so real. I thought you were dead.”
Alex stared down at her with disbelief. He remembered lying on the deck, what he thought he would die, his last thoughts sent to her. Had his love for this woman been strong enough to see them reach her? Running his thumbs across her cheeks, wiping away the tears which slid down her smooth skin he kissed her head, the kiss one of reverence, whispering gently “I thought I was my love.”
In that moment the memory of that day flashed through his mind once more. He had been prepared for death, looking up at the man who would most likely join him soon enough at the business end of a gallows, the fight on deck almost lost. As Blaine made to thrust his sword into him there had been a loud report of gunfire, Blaine stiffening, his eyes widening in shocked disbelief. Then, almost in slow motion, the sword he held slipped from his hands, Alex rolling just in time to avoid the tip of the blade as it fell, digging deeply into the wood. Then silently, Blaine had pitched forward, dead.
Lifting his head Alex had stared at the man still stood at the door, a pistol in his hand, his features sombre before he moved towards him. “Alex!” the man sounding concerned, “Are you badly hurt?”, the face of Jenkins floating into his line of sight. Dragging a smile to his mouth his last words before he passed out had been, “Told you moving you to the main ship was a good idea.”
Lifting his head he had smiled at Philip. “Daniel sends his regards.”
Across from him Philip chuckled. “So you dragged him along on another mission did you?” Alex nodded before smiling once more down at Elizabeth.
“Daniel Jenkins was my second, and he saved my life. I have so much to tell you Elizabeth, and now finally I can. I know you must think me a common pirate, but I am not. I was working under orders from the king himself.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened in wonder before she grinned, her head once more lifting, her eyes flashing with warmth, “I would love you even if you were a common pirate”, the sincerity of her words dragging another groan from his lips, pulling her once more hard against himself for a long kiss.
The loud cough from Philip, finally dragged his mouth from his wife’s, the drugging kiss making it hard to concentrate on anything else, Philip’s loud laugh finally cutting through the hazy contentment. “While this is very touching my friend, I think it is time we moved. It will only be a matter of time before the men who ran come back with others.”
Sighing in frustration, Alex knew Philip was right. Stepping back, his lips curled in a rueful smile. “You are of course correct my friend. We must find somewhere to hide until we can fix this”, his look meeting his friend’s, an unspoken understanding flying between the two.
Philip moved to the mouth of the cave, a smile on his mouth. “Well, I know where we can hide”, humour in his look as he chuckled, “Did I mention Admiral Smith asked me to oversee his property? I think that we can stay there.”
Shaking his head Alex laughed. “Seems only fair my friend. He sent me on this mission. He owes us some hospitality.” With that the two men moved out of the cave, Alex still holding his wife’s hand, almost as though he were afraid to release her.
Returning to the main house, they found the horses the men had rode up on. Jim had frowned seeing the eleven horses, their riders nowhere to be seen. Before he could voice the question on his lips, Alex shook his head, his eyes flitting briefly to the two women. The last thing they needed to know was the bloodbath that had occurred. It would be best they not think know what had happened, thinking that the men had fled leaving the horses.
Taking the best of the well-nourished mounts, Alex grimacing knowing that they most likely came from his own stables, they rode together the four miles to the estate of Admiral Smith. As they passed through the grand gates, Alex once more thought of the moment almost two years earlier when the admiral had approached him. At that time he had all but left the navy. His story of being washed up onto shore had been true, however, it had not been an attack by the admiral’s ship which had done this, but a storm which had torn apart his ship.
Months earlier, the navy had protected the people from a bloodthirsty warlord, helping to bring the man down, bringing peace back to an unstable region. Alex’s ship had been charged with ensuring that there were no repercussions for the people, the rest of the fleet moving on to another job. The storm had been sudden, no warning given to allow them to seek shelter. Another lie had been his story that most of his crew had perished. Thanks to his leadership, only one life had been lost, the rest making it to shore.
The locals had looked after the crew, Alex finding an inner peace with the simple life the people lived, a peace which had been missing most of his life. Buying land, he had all but decided that he would stay, his knowledge of land and farm management soon seeing him create the biggest estate in the area. Within a year he had been richer than he had ever been in the UK. Alex played a key role in creating a trading network with the area.
Two years previous, the fleet had returned to collect the survivors, Admiral Smith not surprised when most had chosen to remain, all having found new lives in the region. He had, however, come to see Alex with a request, the desertion of Admiral Blaine, and the new threat posed by a pirate named Condor having reached him.
He believed that Condor and Blain were one and the same, some of the stunts the new pirate had carried out smacking of navy training at a high level, Alex smiling at how the Admiral had put all of the pieces together so quickly. Smith needed somebody he could trust, somebody who could have a perceived grudge against the navy. Between the two they had concocted a tale of Alex’s ship being destroyed by the Admiral, and Alex had travelled to a port several hundred miles away known to be frequented by pirate ships. From there he had joined a crew, and soon he was captain.
Smiling, he had been thankful that the admiral had insisted that he have backup, Jenkins joining another ship. When he had seen his old second manning the long boat sent out to take him to meet with Captain O’Conner he had almost laughed, the other man winking at him as he had helped him from the water. With so much responsibility given to him by Blaine to train the pirate fleet, it had been a simple thing to move Jenkins to Blaine’s ship, he once more thankful for having done this.
The servants at the large sprawling estate mansion had been surprised to see the group, however, they quickly dispersed in different directions to prepare rooms for the newcomers. Philip had been a regular visitor, they all knowing that he had been charged with taking care of the estate.
Soon the group found themselves seated at a large table, delicious food brought. Elizabeth had never left her husband’s side, sitting close to him as they ate. She like all the others had sat dumbfounded as Alex told his story. When he reached the part in which they had attacked their ship, his features had grown solemn, his eyes moving to hers, his voice gentling, “I had hoped to avoid all ships. I knew that Condor was gathering pirates and I hoped that he would enlist us before we had to prove ourselves. Unfortunately, we came across your ship, and had we not run you down then my men would have mutinied.”
Taking her hand, his look had been intent, “I regret the loss of life that day Elizabeth, however, there was so much more at stake. Had Blaine been successful then he would have killed many many more and started a war.”
Smiling, she nodded her head. “I understand. Sometimes the hard decisions have to be made. It takes a great man to do that”, her eyes full of loving sincerity, “And you are a great man my love.”
Once more Alex felt the lump in his throat, once more thankful for whatever forces had brought her back into his life. She had taken a broken man and fixed him with her gentle spirit and tender soul. He loved her with everything in him.
Pushing back his chair, his look had turned to his old friend. “Philip. Forgive me, but the past few weeks have taken their toll. Elizabeth and I will retire. Perhaps we can talk more tomorrow.”
He could see the look of understanding in his friend’s eyes as he also stood, bowing slightly. “Of course. I think that we must all be tired. Sleep well my friend”, his look moving to Elizabeth, “Sleep well dear lady.”
With that the two moved up the grand stairway, Elizabeth leaning in to her husband. “Just so you know, I am not tired”, Alex laughing softly, his dark eyes alive with mischief, “Glad to hear that Lady Hunter, because I do not think that you are going to be getting much sleep tonight.”
{next installment 23rd June}
May 24, 2014
Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 29)
As soon as the three had cleared the corner, no longer visible, Philip moved. Standing, he cried out, his voice carrying to the house where the men rushed to the window. As though telling the others to move, he peeked to the side to ensure that the men were following him, starting to run in the opposite direction the three had headed.
Deliberately moving slower, he waited till he could hear the thudding sound of feet thundering towards him before picking up his pace. He knew the grounds well, sure that he could lead them on a merry chase.
Breaking into a clearing from the woods he had rushed into, he pulled up short as three men stood in the area waiting for him. Making to turn, he heard the loud crashing of more men behind him. Cursing, he knew that he was surrounded. Seeing that his flight plan was no longer an option, now it was time to fight. Pulling out his sabre, he moved to a position in the centre, praying that the other three had not met with a similar welcoming committee.
The three men already in the clearing spread out, all waiting for the other three to join them. Philip grimaced seeing the man he had thrown against the carriage the day he had rescued Elizabeth move forward, his features contorted with both anger and the anticipation of a man who thought he held all of the cards. “Not so cocky now are you cap’n?”, his words full of malevolence. “Not so smart. We found you and the woman. ‘er father’s going to make ‘er very sorry”, laughing as he looked around at the rest of the group, all now surrounding Philip. “As for you, ‘er father said it might not be such a bad idea if you was made dead.”
Philip, held his ground, his eyes assessing each of the men, his stance seemingly calm as the ruffian grew surer of himself, taking another step forward. “Not so smart now, is you?”, his arrogant, self-satisfied smile falling from his features as Philip, in a smooth silent move lunged forward, his sword slicing into the man’s throat.
The other five men could only stare in stunned shock as Philip adopted the same calm stance, his blade dripping with blood, as the first man dropped to his knees, then pitched forward dead. The other men stared at each other, their laughs frozen on their lips, all shaken and unsettled, warily looking at the man in the middle.
“Anybody else want to bore me with words? Or do you think that you want to try and take me down. If the rest of you are as bad as him, it should not take long.”
“Get ‘im.” The cry from the largest of the men saw all five raise their weapons and charge towards him. Philip moved like the wind, his sword raised as he deflected the first blow, turning with a grace that defied his size and took down another of his attackers, before moving out of reach of the remaining four. The remaining men regrouped, looking at their fallen comrade with disbelief.
Their next attack was less rushed, the men shouting out commands to each other as Philip rolled his eyes, wondering why they would assume that he could not hear. Launching at the man on the end, he had felled the man and moved out of reach before any of the others could react, the three men left looking nervous now. He could see the way they looked behind themselves, knowing that they were scared, that running was now their main priority.
Just as he thought he had won, his stomach dropped hearing the sound of more feet coming towards them. “We’re over ‘ere”, one of the men yelled, Philip gripping his sword tightly as seven more men broke into the clearing.
Groaning, he knew that he was out-numbered, the men all moving around him. Gripping his sword, he dragged in a deep breath. Well he was certainly not going to go down without one hell of a fight.
Taking up a position, he prepared for the inevitable end, turning sharply as one of the men at his side screamed, a sword slicing right through him, the man dead instantly. With wide eyes Philip could only stare as the newcomer broke through the wall of men surrounding him, joining him in the centre of the clearing, his face so familiar to him. A face he thought that he might never see again.
“Alex?”, his hushed question resulting in the newcomer grinning, as he took up a position at Philip’s back.
“Good to see you Philip. Why is it that I can never seem to leave you without you getting yourself into a fight?”
Unable to hold back the laugh, hope filled him. With his friend at his back the nine men around them seemed to be no threat at all, his voice full of fun, “Oh you know me Alex, just seem to attract trouble.”
Then as though executing a well-rehearsed dance, the two moved, cutting swathes through the attacking men. Neither spoke, yet they seemed completely attuned to the other, each being aware of where they were and taking out any threat posed to the other.
Within minutes eleven men lay dead on the ground, the remaining two turning and fleeing into the woods as fast as they could.
When sure that the threat was gone, Philip turned to stare at his long-time friend, real pleasure in his features. “I thought you were dead. I have been keeping my concerns quiet, but good God man… I thought you were done for.”
Alex laughed, moving forward as the two men grabbed each other in a clinch, hugging the other affectionately, “I nearly was my friend. I very nearly was.”
Pulling apart, Alex’s smile turned into a worried look. “How is Elizabeth? Is she well? Is she missing me?”
Philip felt his fear once more return at the mention of her name. As Alex did, he ran the blade of his sword over one of the men, removing the blood, his actions hurried, “I tried to lure them away, but some were waiting for me. Jim was leading the women to safety, but I was ambushed, so I am not sure if they were too. We need to get to them fast.”
Grim-faced, Alex put his hand on his friend’s shoulder stalling him. “Relax. I followed them here. This and those that fled were all that came”, his eyes looking around at the bodies scattered around. “They must have assumed you would all run the same way”, his expression one of thanks, “Thank you my friend.”
Taking a deep breath Philip exhaled on a large smile, relief obvious in his eye. “Thank heaven for that”, before he punched his friend on the shoulder, “You could have sent word somehow. She has worried sick” instantly looking concerned as Alex flinched, a grimace on his handsome face. “Sorry Philip. I took a knife to the shoulder several weeks ago. It is still tender.”
Looking apologetic, Philip stepped back. “She is fine a wicked twinkle entering his eyes, “Far too good for you though, and beautiful! How do you do it? I envy you more than I can ever say!”
Alex chuckled, nodding in agreement. “Why do you think I married her so fast my friend? Had to tie her to me before she realised what a mistake she was making”, his look becoming more earnest, “But she is well?”
Philip laughed, turning in the direction he knew the cave to be, knowing they had to make it back before Jim put his rescue plan into motion. “She is well. And yes, she has missed you every single day”, his look serious, “You are a lucky man my friend.”
He was pleased to see the way his friend’s look softened, any lingering doubts he had on Alex’s intentions in marrying the daughter of the man who had done him so wrong years earlier disappearing as he saw the dreamy look in his eyes. “I truly am. I love her Philip. She has given my life purpose.”
Nodding, pleasure filling him that his friend had moved on Philip smiled, “In that case we had best get you two back together, and soon. Jim has instructions to take her to Scotland if I don’t return soon.”
Beside him, he could feel as Alex picked up the pace. “Then let’s move. I don’t want to have to chase my wife to Scotland! Not after I travelled all the way here”
As the two moved along the path, Alex told his story of returning in the middle of the night to the estate. Only by chance had the estate manager, Arthur, stopped him on the long driveway, dragging him to the stables where he had explained everything that had happened.
Planning on leaving first thing in the morning Arthur had watched as Lord Palmer assembled the group of men they had fought, his eyes wild and triumphant. He could hear him tell the men that his daughter had been discovered, her whereabouts confirmed, giving the men instructions to bring her back and kill anybody harbouring her.
He had followed the group, trailing them knowing that he would never be able to get ahead and warn them of the coming threat. With his story finished, Philip patted his back. “Well I certainly appreciated your timing”, Alex nodding, “Me too”, his look full of sincerity. “I do not know how to thank you for keeping her safe my friend. I owe you more than you can possibly imagine.”
Philip smiled back, lifting his hand for silence, Alex obeying instantly. At the mouth of the cave, he listened for any sign that the three were being held, hearing nothing until Elizabeth’s voice floated to the two hidden men. “How long now Jim? I know that Philip said 30 minutes, but I am not ready to abandon him. If he is hurt he may need our help.”
Philip felt his lips curve, his eyes finding Alex. “Your wife has a problem following orders”, his smile widening, “Mainly I think because she has a large heart.” Alex nodded in agreement.
Signalling for him to remain hidden, in case there were any surprises, Philip moved from his hiding place into the cave. Stepping into the dark, he could hear Jim usher the women behind him, satisfied at the boy’s protective instincts. “Halt… Who goes there?”, Jim’s voice, full of purpose could be heard.
“Relax Jim. It is only me.”
Instantly the three surged forward, all three declaring their relief that he was safe. Smiling he held up his hand, his eyes finding Elizabeth, his tone soft. “It looked bad for a bit – they were waiting for me, but I had help.”
He could see she did not understand, her eyes questioning even as Alex moved into the cave and stood beside him. Elizabeth’s hands flew to her mouth, tears gathering in her eyes as she whispered, “Alex?”, his friend taking a step closer to her, his voice husky as he whispered her name, “Elizabeth.”
Then the two rushed forward, Elizabeth throwing herself into his arms, hers wrapping around his neck clinging to him, loud sobs of happiness leaving her, Philip astonished to hear what sounded like sobs coming from Alex too. Pulling slightly apart, her hands clung to his cheeks as she kissed him, the other three not able to hide their smiles at the touching reunion. That these two were madly in love with each other was obvious.
{next installment June 9th}
May 9, 2014
Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 28)
For the past two months Elizabeth had remained at Captain Bennet’s home. He had been an excellent host and was protective of the two women he had found himself landed with.
The morning after their arrival, when Elizabeth had stepped into the parlour, her disguise discarded, Captain Bennet had stood transfixed in the middle of the room, his eyes wide in disbelief before he had shaken himself. “Forgive me Lady Hunter”, she quickly interceding, “Elizabeth”, his lips quirking, “But I find myself very, very envious of my friend. You are truly a stunningly beautiful woman Elizabeth.”
Turning, her cheeks reddened. She had chuckled, “Sir. You and my husband are very good for my ego”, her look turning once more to her host, a playful light deep within them. “I can only hope that my ‘beauty’ continues to hide from my husband what a burden he has landed on himself”, her expression becoming sombre as she shivered slightly. “I fear what my father will do to him if he ever catches him”, her brow creasing with worry, “And you too Captain. You take on a great deal of personal risk by hiding us.”
Philip Bennet pondered her words before he gestured for her to join him for breakfast, pulling a chair back for her, Elizabeth reminded of Alex doing the same, even while he was blackmailing her. “Elizabeth, I would lay down my life for your husband, and now for you. I feel truly honoured to be given the opportunity to repay the many times he has saved my life. So never consider that you are any trouble, and I pray you never to refer to yourself as a ‘burden’. I am grateful for your presence.”
Now two months later, Elizabeth stood at the window of her large bedroom, the view of rolling gardens with their neatly-tended flowerbeds doing little to quell the turbulent emotions ripping through her. For all of the weeks till that point, fear for her husband had gnawed deep within, every day with no word from him like a knife being turned. However, now a new emotion filled her, one of happiness and hope. For inside her grew a life, a life created with the man she loved.
Elizabeth, stroked her stomach, her lips twitching. The fact that she had missed her period for two months she had put down to worry, the worry for Alex, but when the morning sickness had taken hold, she finally had to agree with Maria. She was with child. She was not aware of the smile which filled her face, her arms wrapping protectively around herself, joy blooming like the most radiant flower. She was going to be a mother.
“Miss”, the soft voice of Maria pulled her from her reverie, Elizabeth turning to her maid, her brows raised questioningly. “Captain Bennet wondered if you would be interested in a picnic by the river today. I believe he promised Jim that he would show him a good place to fish.”
Elizabeth chuckled, nodding, “Tell the Captain that I would love to. It is a good day to take in the air is it not Maria?” Before her the young woman smiled back, nodding, her mistress’s good spirit infectious before she turned and left to deliver her message.
Moving to collect a shawl, she followed more slowly. Philip Bennet had taken a great liking to Jim, and the young man to him. There had already been talk of Jim being trained by the only other servant in his household to learn how to manage the small estate. Jim had looked at her for approval, Elizabeth nodding her head and smiling with pride as he accepted, but stipulating that he could only take on his role when Captain Hunter returned. She had been unable to hold back the smile hearing his determination to keep his promise to Alex – his promise to take care of her. Truly she was blessed, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that nobody would show that kind of loyalty to her father. The thought of the cruel man who had been so willing to trade her for some gold with no thought of her happiness once more sent a shiver through her, just as she stepped into the parlour to meet with the others.
Captain Bennet looked up, his eyes growing concerned seeing her tremble, “Elizabeth? Are you not well?”, his voice sympathetic. “We could postpone this till tomorrow if you feel unwell.”
Pulling a large smile to her face she shook her head, her eyes taking in the three stood, once more holding in the laugh seeing the way Jim stared at Maria. In the time they had been at Captain Bennett’s home she had noticed the way the young man would watch her young maid, his eyes growing dreamy as she would walk in the room. She had been delighted to see that the attraction was not one-sided, Maria casting looks back, a shy smile on her lips. It looked very much like she might be needing a new maid in the near future. Looking once more at Philip, he catching the way her look flicked between the pair, his lips quirked, she realising that he too was aware of the situation. “Thank you Philip… But no, please I look forward to the trip. Today is the perfect day for lazing in the sun. I insist that we continue. It will be wonderful.”
Giving her an approving nod of his head, Captain Bennet led the way, Jim hoisting the large picnic basket and following. The five minute walk to the river was made with the four laughing and joking, Elizabeth very much enjoying the relaxed ambiance. Today was perfect, her heart missing a small beat – well, almost perfect.
For several hours the four sat by the river. Maria, fussed over Elizabeth until with an exasperated but affectionate huff she shooed her away. “Dear girl. Women have been doing this for many years”, her words whispered so that the two men both far enough away would not to hear the exchange. Maria had chuckled nodding, “I guess you are right miss, but it will still not stop me worrying.”
Patting her hand, Elizabeth whispered back, “Thank you Maria. For everything”, the young girl blushing as she nodded, her eyes averted at the words of praise. Still with her hand resting on the young maid, Elizabeth looked at Philip. He was diligently explaining to Jim the correct way to cast the line, she once again impressed with his almost unending patience. She frowned, looking back at Maria as the young maid stiffened, “What is it?”, her question pulling the young girl’s eyes back to hers.
“I don’t know miss… I thought I saw something.”
Elizabeth looked in the direction she was staring, her eyes scanning the house. Laughing, she shook her head, “I see nothing unusual, just the same…”, her sentence breaking seeing the men pass by one of the windows. Gasping she dragged Maria further behind the bush which partially hid them from the house. Now her voice was filled with fear, “That is my father’s men”, she whispered frantically, “Oh Dear Lord they have found us!”
She heard the sound of splashing, looking quickly to see as Philip Bennet seemed to be moving up the embankment, knowing that if he moved much farther he would be clearly seen from the house.
“Philip. Down!”, her hissed words making the man before her stiffen, his relaxed air disappearing as he dropped to the ground, his hand flashing out and pulling Jim with him, his reflexes that of a man used to action.
“What is it?”, his voice both calm and authoritative, his eyes focussed intently on her.
“There are men in the house”, she managed. “I recognise some of them. They are my father’s.”
Before her, he cursed softly under his breath, his eyes moving to his jacket, his sabre, which he always carried beside it. She watched as he seemed to take his time to formulate a plan, she again reminded of Alex. Like her husband, under pressure, Philippe took charge, got things done.
“Jim”, his look fell to the boy beside him. “I need you to take Lady Hunter and Maria and follow the stream down to the copse of trees. Then I need you to lead them to the hidden cave I showed you.”
Jim stiffened beside him, “What about you Sir? What are you going to do?”
Philip gave the young man a fond smile. “I am going to try and lead them away, give you time to escape.”
Elizabeth gasped, shaking her head fiercely. “NO!”, she hissed out, “They will catch and kill you. You will be outnumbered.”
Philip grinned back at her. “I appreciate your vote of confidence in my abilities Elizabeth. I assure you I am more than able to deal with ruffians like that… However, I did not intend taking them on. My plan was to lead them on a merry dance, staying well out of their sabres’ reaches.” Looking intently at Jim, his voice was soft, “Do this for me young Jim. Their safety is in your hands.”
Speechlessly, Jim nodded, the young boy grabbing his own jacket and sabre, which was slung over a bush close to him before sidling up to where the women huddled. “Yes Sir. I will protect them with my life.”
Captain Bennet nodded approvingly, his eyes once more resting on Elizabeth “Please, go with him. I will double back and meet you at the cave. This is the only way. I beseech you.”
Elizabeth stared back, her fear evident. “What if you don’t join us?” Philippe turned to Jim, “If I do not join you in 30 minutes then you know what you are to do Jim. You will do exactly what we practiced.”
Before him Jim nodded, his expression sombre, “Yes Sir. I know what to do.” Elizabeth stared between the two, ‘practiced’ – they had made plans for such an event? Taking a deep breath she nodded, knowing that she had to put her trust in him. Taking Maria’s hand she took one final look at her benefactor. “Be careful Sir”, Philippe giving her a lop-sided smile as he nodded, “I always am.”
Then ducking down, the three moved downstream, the two girls following Jim who took the lead.
{next installment 24th May}
April 23, 2014
Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 27)
Alex grimaced seeing as the other ship was even now positioning itself, its guns like theirs facing his ship. Condor appeared on a rail, clinging to one of the halyard ropes, his features contorted in anger.
“DAMN TRAITOR! I TRUSTED YOU, YOU NAVY DOG”, the other man pausing as he seemed to struggle to pull himself together. Alex able to clearly discern the calm which fell on him, his hand pointed at him, “Very well Hunter. You asked for this”, his hand sweeping across the whole ship to include the entire crew, “And your crew will pay for your treachery also.”
Alex pulled himself up onto the rail in a similar pose, his voice as angry as the other man’s. “You call me a traitor Blaine. Do your men know your real intentions? How you don’t care about profit, but only starting a war? Are they aware they are being used to meet your own agenda?”
He could see the way some of the men looked at each other, an unease falling on them, even as their captain held up his hand. “No. I am keeping both sides at each other’s throats. Once they stop fighting each other, who do you think they will come looking for? US! I am protecting our interests, and he lies. The port is full of riches.”
Alex groaned seeing the way his men cheered, their belief in the charismatic man unshakeable. The very traits which made him an exemplary naval admiral made him just as great a pirate captain.
Scanning the horizon, Alex knew that he could wait no longer. His ploy to keep them talking, to stall, was over – now it was time to fight. Both Alex and Blaine stared at each other, both knowing at the same moment that the time for talking was over as they simultaneously turned to their men. “FIRE!!!”, the command given by both men at the same time.
Instantly the air exploded with the sound of cannon fire and the gut wrenching sound of splintering wood as iron balls slammed into the hulls of each ship. Alex gripped the rope as the ship jerked violently, the smell of acrid gunpowder filling his nose, his eyes bombarded by thick black smoke and the vibrant orange flames as they licked at the wood. Only then did the sound of screaming bombard his ears. The screams those of his own men and those on the other ship, their dying cries filling the air. The sound of death never got any easier.
Like the seasoned leader he was, Alex leapt onto the deck, his eyes surveying the damage both to his own and Blaine’s ship. The main mast on the other ship juddered, balancing precariously after a volley had taken out a large chunk of the wooden support. Crying out, he warned his men, his cry to ‘Man the grappling hooks’ obeyed instantly, each man hoisting the heavy hooks, their eyes watching for the falling mast. With an inevitability it started to fall, every man ensuring that they were not in the way as it landed on the deck, the ship shaking violently once more.
Then there was a frenzy of action, as each man swung their ropes, their aims sure, Alex having spent long hours training his men how to handle this, the most important means of boarding an enemy ship. Soon men were swinging across to the other side, the hand-to-hand combat confusing and bloody.
Sidestepping one pirate, Alex blocked another before running the man through, the whole time his eyes searching for the man he had come for: Blaine. Finally he saw him, both men spotting the other at the same time, the former admiral snarling as he easily dealt with one of Alex’s crew.
Each man made for the other, both knowing that a showdown between them was inevitable, fighting their way every step of the way.
When Alex pushed the last man to the side, Blaine stood waiting for him, his sword drawn, blood dripping from it as did his. The two men circled the other, the rest of the fighting almost forgotten around them as each sized up the other. Then Blaine made the first move, his sword cutting through the air in a slicing action, Alex only just lifting his in time to block it.
Alex Hunter was a superb swordsman, but so too was Blaine, the two men circling each other, each parry and thrust thwarted by the other. Around them the fighting slowed as one side dominated the other, neither men taking the time to see who was winning, both focussed solely on this fight to the death.
Ducking a side swipe, Alex rolled to the side, his sword slicing into flesh, hearing the groan of pain as he once more rose to his feet. Before him, Blaine stared at him in disbelief seeing the slice in his jacket, blood already starting to drip from the wound.
For the first time Alex could see doubt in the other man’s eyes, his look flitting to the open door leading to the lower decks. Cursing, he was too late to stop the other man as he dove for the opening, he giving chase. However, the stinging pain in his left shoulder stopped him, his head turning to find a pirate behind him, his knife dripping blood, blood from Alex’s right shoulder. Twisting, he had brought his sword to cleave through the man before he could plunge the dagger for a second time.
Pain flashed through him, Alex stumbling as the sword in his hand became too heavy to hold. Looking once more at the opening Blaine had escaped through, he hoisted the sword into his left hand, his resolve strong, before diving through.
He could hear the thud of retreating footsteps, quickly following, ignoring the way his shoulder sent pain shooting through him with each and every step. Reaching Blaine’s ready room, he crashed through the door, his eyes widening at the sight of Blaine holding a pistol, the man half-turned as he made to spin round and point it at Alex.
With a loud cry, he launched himself at the other man, managing to knock the pistol from his hand, Alex falling hard against the wooden bulkhead, his injured shoulder bearing the brunt of the fall. Instantly pain exploded within him, stars dancing in his eyes as blackness threatened to sweep over him. Fighting back the darkness he pushed himself once more to his feet, his stance unsteady as he faced the other man.
Blaine paused, his eyes narrowing as he took in the man before him, an evil smile spreading over his features. “That is a nasty wound you’ve got there Hunter”, his pleasure evident in every word, “And your right shoulder too… Puts you at a disadvantage I believe.”
Alex gripped his sword tighter in his left hand, pulling himself to his full height, his voice as strong as he could make it. “You going to fight Blaine?… Or are you ready to surrender?”
The ex-admiral laughed, the sound full of genuine appreciation. “Shame Hunter. I had such plans for you, you were going to be my right hand man…my second. But you forced my hand. I might not make it off this ship, my crew might already be gone, but at least I will die knowing that I took you to hell with me. The only thing to do with a treacherous dog is to destroy it”, his eyes glinting with anticipation. “And now I am going to enjoy putting you down like the traitor you are”
With that he leapt forward, his sword slicing through the air, Alex blocking it, though struggling to push the man back. Blaine parried with him several more times, Alex aware that he was playing with him but fighting as best he could. Finally, Blaine moved forward, feigning with his left hand even as his right fist swung, catching Alex on the jaw and sending him crashing to the ground.
Again Alex felt the intensity of blinding pain as his shoulder slammed into the ground, the air leaving him in a hissed gasp. He tried to push up, but his arm gave way, sending him slumping once more to the ground, another cry of pain ripped from him. He was done.
Blaine stood over him, his sword in both hands raised, “Goodbye Hunter. Like I said, I will see you in hell.”
Alex closed his eyes, his mind filled with the image of Elizabeth. At this his last moment, his lips curled in a sad smile because he had the thought of her to help him on his way, his head shaking determinedly, “No. I am not heading there Blaine. I have an angel looking out for me. You will be making that journey on your own.”
While he believed every word he spoke, sadness engulfed him along with acceptance that he would never get to hold Elizabeth, his angel again, never hear her gentle voice, her melodic laugh. However, he had been blessed having her in his life for the time he had, even if that had only been for a few days. In this his last moment he sent a silent message out to her. “I love you Elizabeth Hunter”, peace seeping into him.
{next installment : 9th May}
April 8, 2014
Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 26)
Alex pondered Condor’s words for a few moments, his lazy drawl belying his deep interest. “And would you care to tell me where this port is?”
Across from him Captain Condor smiled, sipping his brandy, Alex knowing that he was savouring the moment of revelation. “Santiago”
“Santiago? You have to be kidding me. That is Spanish owned”, his brows furrowing with confusion. “It is not even one of the richest ports.” Condor remained still, his eyes never leaving Alex, as he allowed him time to mull over the information, Alex staring into the fire as he feverishly tried to make sense of the target. Finally, his look swivelled once more round to the other captain, his voice hushed with disbelief. “You are choosing a Spanish port even though you know the king just signed a treaty with them?”, his look blazing into Condor’s, seeing as the other man’s lips quirked. “You know that there are many not happy with the situation… Such an attack will be seen as a deliberate violation of the treaty, and they will never believe that you are not part of the navy. A naval admiral leading a fleet against a civilian Spanish port. The perfect excuse to put a stop to the treaty.” Gasping, he sat back against the chair, “This has nothing to do with plunder. You are trying to start a war.”
Condor’s chuckle wafted over to him, the sound one of amusement. “You have a razor-sharp mind Hunter, another reason I like you and yes. This treaty is a mistake. I tried to make them see it, and they tried to have me silenced. Well, after tomorrow the treaty will not be worth the parchment it is written on, and Britain will finally have to take the stand they should have taken many years ago and deal with Spain once and for all.”
Alex stared at the other man, seeing the ferocity which blazed from his eyes. He was mad, quite mad. Swallowing down his revulsion he allowed his look to drop, as though he were seriously thinking about the news delivered, before his head once more lifted, a smile on his mouth. “I have never trusted the Spanish. I have watched this new king destroy our ability to really defend ourselves in an attack. I think you are right. We have to attack while we still have some strength left, before this King scuttles our ships and makes us a sitting target, because I think the Spanish are playing a long game, and when we are at our weakest, they will strike.”
Captain Condor leant forward, intensity radiating from him as he nodded. “Yes. Yes. I knew you would understand. The King will be our destruction, and I will not allow that. Tomorrow we attack Santiago and allow the cards to fall where they will. We will be the saviours of our country, Hunter, and many more will join us.”
Alex smiled, nodding his head, lifting his glass in a toast, “To tomorrow and freedom”, the other man clinking glasses with him, his eyes blazing with the conviction of his actions.
An hour later, Alex returned to his ship. Smithers met him, Alex grimacing at the man. “It is time. Round up the crew and bring them down to the store room. I need to speak to them.”
Smithers nodded, his expression sombre as he quietly moved to comply with his captain’s orders.
Within ten minutes the entire crew was assembled in the large store room. The men moaned – some about the lateness of the meeting, others about the need for secrecy while others remained tight-lipped, sensing some unknown doom. With just the light from numerous torches throwing shadows around the area, all waited until Captain Hunter nimbly pulled himself onto a barrel, so that he could address his men.
“The time has come for the truth to be known”, his opening shot making the men around him look at each other with confusion, Alex pausing briefly. “You may have heard rumours from other ships about my having been a captain for the navy.” Again those around fidgeted, some murmuring to each other before he delivered the news he knew would shock them all. “Well not only is that the truth, but I am still working for the navy.”
There was a second of silence before the men exploded into voices of anger and accusation, the sound of swords being drawn from sabres reaching his ear along with expletives and cries of “Traitor!”
Holding up his hands, his eyes staring at the men with a fierceness which made those closest to him fall back he bellowed, “SILENCE!”
The crowd as one silenced, their eyes glaring at him with searing hatred. “My job here has nothing to do with trapping any of you. I am not out to arrest you. In fact I have an offer to make each and every man here. It is to stop a war. To stop Captain Condor, also known as Admiral Blaine, from restarting a war with the Spanish.”
Around him, the crew mumbled, their looks now holding confusion along with the glowing hatred, allowing him to continue. “Tomorrow, he plans on attacking Santiago, as you all know a Spanish civilian colony. By doing so, he will start a war”, his voice softening, “And he will make each and every man here a marked man by both governments. There is not a country in the world where you will be safe.”
One man stepped forward, his eyes bleak. “My family live in Santiago. It am not rich…they don’t have the means to defend themselves. It will be a massacre. I don’t want nothing to do with that kind of killings.”
Around him others nodded, now their expressions fearful and desolate as they once more turned to Alex for guidance, one man shouting out, his voice unsteady, “What offer you got Captain? How do we stop them? They’ll destroy us if we try and slip out… Not as if we can warn anybody.”
Alex smiled, turning to Smithers and nodding. His second stepped forward, pulling a parchment from his tunic and handing it to him. Opening the document, Alex held it out to the crew. “In my hand I hold a pardon from the king himself for any man who wishes to sign. In exchange you will keep all of your money that you have so far collected and you will fight with the navy as I see fit.” His triumphant eyes sweeping across the heads of the crew, “This is your chance to start afresh. Your slates will be cleaned and you will not have to keep looking over your shoulder to see if you are being hunted. Who will join me? Who would like to sign up?”
As one the crew cried out, surging forward, their loud voices calling out, “Me…I do…Where do I sign?”, as they all stepped up to sign the petition. Turning to Smithers, Alex nodded, relief in his eyes.
Jumping down, he thrust the parchment into his second’s arms, a large smile on his face. “Make sure every man signs, then join me in my ready room. We have a long night ahead of us.”
The next morning, the day broke early, Alex waiting for the last golden fingers of dawn to disappear, taking a deep calming breath. After today he would either be dead, or free to join Elizabeth. The thought of her once more sent heat blazing through him. Before they met, his mission had been one of duty, he not caring if he lived or died, but she had brought love into his life, and now he wanted so much to hold her in his arms. Surely God would not have given him someone so precious only to rip that happiness from him.
Pushing himself away from the railing, he looked around, ensuring his men were all where they were meant to be. Smiling, pride filling him. The crew had performed exceptionally, and he had high hopes for their plan to work. Turning towards the lead ship, Blaine’s ship, his expression hardened. Unfortunately, this was one ship he would have to deal with head-on, his men unable to get close to the man-of-war, Blaine’s men as well trained and alert as his own.
“Bring us into position!” His loud order was acknowledged by the man on the wheel, the ship moving towards the lead ship. When they were within firing distance, he turned her, his cannons now facing the other ship.
He did not have long to wait until Captain Condor himself cried out to him, “What are you doing? Pull back you damn idiot”, his voice stern but tinged with confusion.
Alex stood on one of the rails, his tone steady. “Surrender now Condor, or I will have no alternative than to sink your ship.”
On the other ship, there was loud guffaws of laughter, before Captain Condor, his voice now full of anger and steel cried back, “Are you out of your mind Hunter? There are eight other ships around you. You so much as fire one volley at us and they will turn their entire might on you. You will be on the ocean floor before you can even reload.”
Alex turned to Smithers, his mouth curved into a large smile before he laughed, aware that the other ships were starting to move towards them, knowing that no matter what happened, his ship would be sunk. “I am aware of that Captain. But believe me, I am no fool.”
Nodding to Smithers, he chuckled, “Time to send our message.”
Stepping up to the bow of the ship, Smithers placed an arrow on his bow, another man lighting the tip till it burnt brightly. Pulling back the line, he let go, sending the arrow to a small flotilla in the water. Alex could see the other ship crews watching, their bemused expressions bringing a smile to his face. They would understand soon enough.
From across the lead ship Condor’s voice once more reached him. “What the hell are you playing at Hunter? If you think…”, the rest of the sentence lost as a loud explosion rent the air, splinters of wood rising high into the air as the wooden flotilla burnt brightly.
He could see the way the men on the other ships all rushed to watch, panic replacing the humour and predatory look on most. Lifting his hand he pointed to all of the ships. “There is a similar platform attached to each and every ship. These platforms are booby-trapped so if you try to remove them, they will go off. There are enough explosives on each to tear a whole through your hulls. All it will take will be an arrow to bring your destruction”, his eyes turning to the ten crewmen who all appeared on the bow beside Smithers, all holding similar arrows. “I suggest that you all back off over the horizon, or I will give the order to destroy you.”
Captain Condor screamed at the ships. “HOLD YOUR POSITIONS!! THEY CANNOT DESTROY US ALL…OPEN FIRE.”
However, the other ships were already pulling back, each fleeing to save themselves. Finally only Captain Condor’s ship and Alex’s ship remained.
next installment {22nd April 2014}
March 29, 2014
New Book – Substitute Starlet
**********Just Released********
When Tara James finds out her soon-to-be-famous movie star sister needs her, she drops everything to rush to her aid. While the twins might have very different lives, it is the fact they are identical which allows her to stand in for Susan (Sunny). However, first she has to deal with the enigmatic and handsome playboy owner of the production company, Logan Callen, who seems hell-bent on firing the starlet for her outrageous behaviour. Can Tara save her sister and her career and also survive the forceful and sexy Logan.
Logan Callen, is determined to be rid of Sunny James, her wild antics and negative media coverage an embarrassment for his production company. However, the starlet is nothing like he imagined. Beautiful, smart, funny and compassionate the thought of being rid of her quickly becomes the last thing on his mind. Her disinterest in him, however, creates a challenge on how to win over the feisty beauty, and Logan loves a challenge.
