Chapter 22

Two Very Different Offers

 

 “Full speed!” Justin shouted. He smiled victoriously. They had him. “Maath, those lines are loose! Don’t lose this one, men!”

“Aye, aye, Captain!” Maath replied, though Justin could clearly pick up on the “I got this” tone.

Justin didn’t really care as long as they caught the ship they were chasing. The Dandy had been following them for years, but it was finally coming to an end. He had slipped and gotten to close. They dropped the extra weight they had been carrying and soared with the wind. If they could catch them, it would mean that the nightmare would finally be over. The thought was tantalizing.

For a brief moment, Justin allowed himself to wonder what he would do when he finally got his hands on the captain who had caused him so much trouble. At the moment, the question was whether to kill him immediately or torture him for a very long time. Actually, what he wanted more than anything was answers. Why had this captain been following him for so long? How had he been keeping tabs on Justin’s ship? What had he been paying his crew with? But most important was the why.

A part of him wanted the captain to not say anything, so he could beat it out of him, but mostly he just wanted it over. It was a nightmare that had consumed him for too long and it was worse with the girls aboard. He hated endangering them and he hated the captain for forcing him to do it.

“Catch that line! Are you crazy man!” Maath’s voice pulled him back to the present, rather quickly.

“Maath!” Justin bellowed.

“I got this!” His first mated bellowed back.

“Get me that ship!” Justin yelled.

“In a minute!” Maath shouted back.

Namid laughed from beside him. Justin turned to glare at him, but ended up smiling. What did it matter? The ship was so close, it would be impossible to lose it. He was going to win this. That captain was his.

“Namid, help out Maath before he loses me that ship.”

Namid made a scoffing sound, which Justin ignored.

“Just pull around it. We’re close enough to hit them, but we need a better target.”

Namid shook his head, grinning the whole time, and started to turn the ship.

“Prepare to fire!” Justin called out. He wanted her dead in the water. This was it!

And then the world stopped.

“Justin!” Namid and Maath yelled almost simultaneously.

“I see it,” Justin said grimly.

The name of the ship had just come into view and it read, The Marauder. It was the wrong ship. It wasn’t The Dandy. Every feeling Justin could have had simply drained out of him, his whole being felt numb. He had been so close to victory and now he was as far away as ever.

“What do you want to do, Captain?” Namid questioned softly.

Justin’s shoulders drooped as if they simply weighed too much. “Let them go. Tell the men they gave a good chase.”

Justin turned and headed to his cabin, total defeat written all over him.

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

The knock on the door hadn’t even finished when the door opened and Maath and Namid both walked in. Justin looked up from his place at his desk and for a moment the three had a good old fashioned stare down. Maath broke it when he flopped into his normal green chair.

“Well, that was a big letdown,” Maath broke the silence next.

“I hadn’t noticed,” Justin replied sullenly.

“Ah. Then you are not in here sulking, but planning our next avenue of attack,” Namid observed.

“Yeah,” Justin replied grumpily. He was in no mood for their antics.

“You can’t stay in here. Your actions are affecting the crew,” Namid stated.

“My actions always affect the crew,” Justin crumbled.

“Yeah, they do,” Maath replied, sitting up some. “And right now, they are screaming you all messed up and I’m furious with you.”

A look of confusion crossed Justin’s face. “It was the wrong ship. They weren’t wrong, I was. We chased the wrong ship! I thought we were so close! I thought I had him!”

“And if had been The Dandy, you would have. That is not the current point. Your crew bent over backwards to make sure you reached that ship. They did more than you asked of them and you are basically shouting at them that you are disappointed in their performance.”

Justin frowned. “That wasn’t what I meant. They did great, I just…” He sighed.

“I know it’s hard, Justin. You fully expected to finally get this behind you. It’s a really big disappointment not too. But, you’re the captain. Your feelings come second to the crew’s needs. They’ve given everything for you and unlike most crews, they all serve you willingly. You need to respect that,” Maath lectured.

Justin nodded. “You’re right. I wasn’t thinking about that. I’m furious that I didn’t catch him, but that’s not the crew’s fault.”

“Nor is it yours,” Namid pointed out.

“I guess not. But it feels like it.”

“When it is time for you to catch that ship, nothing will stand in your way, Captain. But until then…” Maath allowed his voice to trial off.

“Until then, my crew deserves to know I’m proud of their efforts.”

Maath faked a sniffle. “Our boy captain grew up, Namid!”

Namid laughed. “Yes, he did. It was bound to happen one day.”

Justin shook his head, amused. His mood lightened at his friends’ banter. “Thanks, you two.”

“We live to serve, Captain Justin!” Maath said, standing and performing a mock bow.

“Well, serve by getting out of here. Give me a minute and I’ll address the crew.”

“Aye, aye, Captain!” Both men responded with grins, closing the door behind them.

Justin took a few deep breaths and allowed the air to rush from his lungs, forcing his heated emotions to go with it. He couldn’t remember the last time he had been so disappointed at the turn of an event. If he had only caught the captain of The Dandy so many of his problems would be over. Instead, he had to continue to look over his shoulder and worry about the girls being on his ship and his crew’s safety. He sighed. But that wasn’t the crew’s fault. If the ship had been the correct one, his crew would have caught it. They had lived up to all they claimed they could do. Maath and Namid were right. They did not deserve to be punished for that. They had passed they’re test run, next time it would be the real thing.

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

As promised, her memories had returned, although contrary to Salena’s opinion, the peacefulness stayed as well, at least, for everyone else. Currently, Dabria was sitting in the living room nervously waiting for Leon to arrive. She hadn’t seen him since she had returned to Trigger. The last few times he had stopped by, Kiliki had to explain she was sick and not up to visitors. Now, however, she was and Leon had immediately requested an audience.

Her thoughts at the moment, though, did not center on the man coming to visit her, but rather on the one who would not return for another few weeks at least. Justin had defied her to make a decision when he returned and that deadline was fast approaching. Kiliki and she had been trying to think of a way out of her current situation, but short of running away, an option Kiliki forbid, there wasn’t really anything she could do. She could either pick or own man or her parents would pick for her.

“Mistress Dabria, Mr. Leon McNeil is here to see you,” Aradon announced.

Dabria sighed and nodded. “Show him in, Aradon. And please have Salena join us as well.”

“Very good, Mistress,” Aradon replied formally, although he gave her an encouraging smile.

This was it. Here was the one man who had the ability to save her. But was he the right one and did she have a choice? Dabria felt her heart constrict at the question and she had to hold back tears.

“Dabria!” Leon entered the room, dressed in his usual proper attire. He looked as handsome as ever. “I was saddened to hear of your sickness, but you seemed to have recovered quite well. You look as lovely as ever.”

Dabria smiled at the charming complement. “Thank you, Leon. Please, have a seat.” She indicated the chair next to her spot on the couch.

He did so and handed her a small package. “A present to celebrate your returned health.”

It was a typical gracious Leon move and Dabria didn’t bother to protest. “Thank you, again.”

She opened the box to reveal a delicately laced fan. “It is beautiful.”

“It reminded me of you,” Leon smiled.

The door opened and Salena walked discreetly into the room. Leon immediately rose up and Dabria motioned to the couch.

“It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Salena.” Leon bowed.

Salena dropped a curtsey. “And you, Mr. McNeil. We are delighted you have come to visit.”

“Salena, look what he has brought me,” Dabria said, holding out the package.

Salena sent her friend a look as she passed by Leon that asked, ‘another present?’ She took the box from Dabria as she sat down.

“It is beautiful.” She looked up to Leon, who was seating himself again. “Was it handmade?”

“It was in fact. That is very observant of you, Miss Salena. It was handmade in a lovely town that my father likes to visit on his trips,” Leon replied.

“It is a generous gift.” Salena handed it back to Dabria, who placed it on her lap.

“Dabria, if it is not rude of me to inquire, how often do you find yourself sick? Your sister implied it is a frequent happening.”

It surprised her that Kiliki would mention such a thing. It was a detriment to her status that she could be considered a sickly wife. For a moment, she wondered if that was what Kiliki had intended.

“As a child, I fell very sick. The doctors could not help. Eventually, it was discovered that great stress and worry would cause me to relapse. It does not happen often, but when it does it is not pleasant.” Dabria answered, wondering how he would react to this new information.

Leon frowned. “Is there nothing that can be done for you?”

“Not from the doctor’s perspective.”

“Dabria, that must be so hard on you.” His voice was full of sympathy, but Dabria could detect no cynicism.

“It is something we have grown accustomed too.”

“How?” Leon questioned.

“We are careful about situations and when they do arise we have certain countermeasures we can use,” Dabria stated, neither heightening nor downplaying the situation.

“If you were able to be free of this, would you want to?” He asked seriously.

Both Dabria and Salena stilled. To be free of the disease that had tormented her for her whole life? What would it be like to deal with worry and stress as normal people and not end up in bed for weeks on end battling for her life? It was a dream.

“That would be wonderful, Leon, but no doctor has ever been able to even diagnose the real problem.”

“I have had many months to think about this, Dabria,” he said gently.

He reached over and took Dabria’s hands in his own. They felt so warm and were large compared to her own. She felt a tingle go down her spine at the contact. It felt so strange to have him hold them and for a moment she could think only of that.

“You know my father travels extensively and he has good relations in all the places he visits. He is a highly respected man. There is one place specifically that I have been thinking about quite a bit. It is called Myth Island. It is rather a distance away, but it is highly civilized, especially in the area of health.”

Dabria’s breath caught. She wasn’t quite sure what was coming, but she completely realized it would change everything.

“I fully believe that if you would travel there with me, they would be able to find a cure for you.”

Salena gasped. It was a proposal for help, but if she accepted society dictated it would also be more. Salena nudged her and Dabria let out the breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding.

“Leon, I don’t know what to say,” Dabria tried.

“Dabria, I love you,” Leon’s voice came out strongly, but he softened it as he continued. “You have been on my thoughts every moment of the day. You have become so precious to me over the time we have been able to spend together. I hate to see you suffer for any reason, but especially when I can help. I will gladly spend my life seeing to your comfort. I know we can enjoy a happy life together, Dabria. I do love you. And with God as my witness, it would honor me greatly if you would accept my proposal of marriage.” He said the last line as if he had practiced it many times.

Dabria opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She was pretty sure she had to say something, but she had absolutely no idea what. Her mind raced to try and catch up to what was happening. Leon was proposing. She got that much. This was what her parents wanted, so that was good. Right? Perhaps she could find a cure for the disease that continually possessed her. That would be good too. But…

A sharp jab in the middle of her spine made her sit up straighter. Salena was reminding her she still had to answer, but answer what? This was the exact thing she needed him to say, but now that it had actually happened, she couldn’t respond.

“Are you sure?” It was out before she could stop it.

Leon sat back to look at her more fully and Salena hissed slightly behind her.

“Of course, I’m sure,” Leon managed. “Why would you ask me such a thing, Dabria?”

“Well, it just that I’m not really the best choice for someone in your position. There is a great chance that we will not be able to find a cure and it could be potentially embarrassing for you.” She felt like she was reaching for straws. That wasn’t why his proposal was giving her problems and she knew it. She could almost hear Justin’s voice telling her, “He doesn’t understand the real you! He’ll only change you.” She almost turned around to see if he was there, but stopped herself in time.

“Dabria, honey, you could never embarrass me. You are a beautiful creature with a gentle and loving spirit. Anyone who meets is blessed to know the lady that you are. Do not put yourself down in such a way. Your sickness is not something that could ever stop me from wanting to hold your hand in marriage,” Leon expounded.

Dabria smiled at the words, but her heart heard the truth. Out loud, she asked, “And you are sure that you love me?”

Leon squeezed her hands. “I do, my dear, and I shall love you forevermore.”

Instead of the joy that should accompany such words, Dabria felt sadness. Justin had been right all along and the reality of that was sitting before her. Leon claimed to love her and yet the person that he spoke of was only an image she represented. It had nothing to do with her true personality or who she really was. Perhaps he did feel he loved her, but it was not a love that would last.

If she was free to act as she would wish, her answer would be obvious. But that freedom had been taken away from her. Leon did not love her as she would hope, but perhaps in time that would come. There were all wrong reasons to marry, on a hope for love and a cure, and with the knowledge it was forced. Yet she could not simply say no.

“Leon, your words are beautiful and I am honored that you would think of me so highly, as highly as I think of you. Please, understand that I am still recovering from my last bout with this sickness, and I do not feel I can make such an important decision at the moment. I realize it is hard to ask this of you and I am sorry, but would you be willing to give me some time so I can think more clearly?” Dabria requested softly, with eyes downcast.

He gently released her hands. “I understand. It is unfair of me to make such an important request of you when you are still recovering. I will allow you the time. But I will be praying the result is that you will accept my proposal.”

“Thank you, Leon. Your consideration means a lot to me.”

Leon nodded and stood. “My father and I are leaving for a trip to Myth Island in a month. Would that be enough time?”

“Yes, that would suffice. Thank you.”

Leon gave a short bow. “Good afternoon, Ladies. I shall eagerly await your summons.”

The girls both nodded and Leon exited the room, closing the door behind him. Salena immediately turned to her friend.

“Well, that was a turn of events.”

Dabria only nodded.

“Are you all right?” Salena asked more gently.

“I don’t know,” Dabria whispered. “Salena, I want to cry.”

“Do you need me to count?” Salena questioned calmly.

“No. I need time, though. I didn’t expect that. I haven’t even seen him this whole trip.”

“I know,” Salena responded.

“You know Justin was right too, don’t you?” She waited, but her friend didn’t responded, and she sighed. “So was I. I knew they saw me two different ways. Leon said he loved me, but the girl he described was not me. Oh, I guess, it was some of me, but not all. Not even close. He should know the truth before I say yes. And yet, my parents have taken away all the time I had.”

“You’re not in an easy position.”

“No. And for once, it’s not even my fault.” They both smiled at that before Dabria continued, “I need time to think and pray. If you need me, I’ll be at the lake.”

“Do you need me to…”

“No. Stay here. I’ll only be drawing, nothing dangerous. I need some time by myself. Excuse me.”

Salena nodded and Dabria quietly left the room.

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

“Justin! What are you doing out there? Come inside!” Kiliki called out to the rider still sitting on his horse and staring at the mansion before him.

Justin slowly dismounted. He didn’t really want to go inside, hence, why he was still sitting on his horse after arriving quite a bit ago. Going inside meant seeing Dabria and finding out whether she had made a decision. There was really only one answer he wanted.

“Justin! Did you hear me?” Kiliki called, impatiently.

Justin smiled at his friend. “Yes. What’s the hurry?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps the rain you’re standing in?” Kiliki mocked.

It was only drizzling, hardly enough to get him wet. “I should put the horse away.”

“I already sent for Tadi. Get in here!” It was the voice of a mother.

Justin laughed. “I’m coming.”

In short order, he was inside and drying off by the fire. The family was gathered all around, catching him up on all the news he had missed, including Evyn and Emalia’s newest addition and Kiliki’s current five month pregnancy. The only one absent was Dabria.

“So, how have you been?” Kiliki was finally able to ask.

“I’ve had a few disappointments. But my crew in great shape and can take on anyone.”

“The phantom pirate?” Evyn questioned.

Justin nodded. “I thought I had him. Turned out I didn’t.”

“Then you will next time,” Aunt Jada said firmly.

Justin smiled. “That’s what Maath and Namid said.”

Sahen laughed. “They always were smart.”

“I can think of a few other words too,” Tommy added with a grin.

“Where are the cohorts?” Emalia asked.

“We pulled in a rather large haul about four days ago. They are dealing with delivering it to the right hands. They’ll stop by at some point, but I know they wanted to celebrate with the crew.”

Aunt Jada nodded. “Good for them!”

“Where is Dabria?” Justin finally asked.

There was silence for a moment, before Kiliki responded, “She went to bed early.”

Justin frowned it was barely early evening. “Is she sick?”

“No,” Kiliki said slowly. “But she was.”

Justin felt his stomach drop. “How badly?”

“No fever, but bad enough to put a scare into us. It lasted far longer than it should have,” Kiliki answered.

“What caused it?” He asked, dreading the answer.

“You already know.” This time it was Salena who responded. “All that pressure and then the ship as well. Did you really expect anything less?”

He hadn’t been smart enough to think about it at all. He could only stare at her. It was partly his fault then. He had added to that pressure by asking her to fight back and questioning her intentions.

“I should have checked in on her,” he muttered.

Kiliki rose to stand beside him. “You couldn’t have known, Justin. Do not beat yourself up over it.”

“I should have. There is no excuse.”

“We were all here. What could you have done except worry?” Kiliki questioned.

Dabria’s accusations of not caring about her except when she was with him rang clearly in his ears. “I should have been here.”

“You are here now.” Salena rose from her spot on the couch. She moved to stand in front of him. “So, now you can fix it. And, Captain Justin, you had better do it fast.”

Justin noticed the quick glances the rest of the adults exchanged. Apparently, neither Salena nor Dabria had seen fit to tell them what had occurred on his ship.

“Why fast? What else has happened?” Justin asked, focusing back on Salena.

She shook her head. “Dabria will tell you.”

“But not tonight. You can seek her out in the morning, Justin. For now, try to relax and enjoy the evening,” Kiliki admonished.

Justin smiled, but knew full well his evening was shot. He needed to talk to Dabria as soon as possible.

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