ABBY

Chapter 8

With the break of dawn and the wind at their backs, the Dragon's Destiny slowly makes her way out of the harbor. Leaving Castelena and her hoards of criminals behind. The massive sails are steadily catching the upcoming winds as the bow cleaves through the dark, murky waters of the bay. Her crew works hard on clearing the deck from supplies and tying away loose ropes, but they're happy to be out at sea again. Feeling the refreshing breeze on their faces and tasting the salty seawater spray on their lips. The exhilarating freedom of the ocean provides them with a solace the seamen came to appreciate over the years.

Abby is laying in her bed, feeling the swaying motion of the moving ship. She's lulled to sleep as her weak body tries to fight the aftershocks of the poison still lingering in her system. Her subconscious takes her back to the burning inferno of The Pirate's Oasis. Fear pinning her to the spot where she stands, she can hear screams, agonizing screams rising from the raging flames. The billowing black smoke forming a choking dark cloak around her.

Movement to her side catches her attention. Turning, she sees her father looking into the fire with tears streaming down his face. Just as she reaches out to touch his arm, he takes off and runs towards the burning building.  Running after him, she realizes that he's not slowing down. She tries to scream his name, to make him stop. But her voice gets caught in her throat and to her horror, her father runs straight into the red hot flames and disappears into the black smoke.

"Nnnnnooooo, Daddy!" The scream escapes her mouth as she wakes with a start, drenched in sweat, sitting up straight. Her heart is racing and her breath gets caught in her throat. She looks around the room as panic tightens her chest. Her gaze lands on a tall figure standing by the side of her bed. Lunging towards it, she gets caught by a pair of strong arms. Wrecking sobs tears through her aching body as she cries into the firm chest as a hand softly caresses her hair.

Joseph holds Abby in his arms as her body shakes and soft whimpering escapes her lips. He's heard about her mother's demise and her father's abandonment. He just never witnessed the pain lingering in his captain's being, until now. The demons of her past coming forth where she's most vulnerable.

Abby calms down and loosens her grip on Joseph's jacket. Feeling her relax, he lets go too. "You okay, Captain?" He asks calmly. Nodding, Abby sits on the bed and Joseph hands her a glass of water.

Draining it, she places the glass on the nightstand and climbs back under the covers. Leaning against the pillows, she looks up at Joseph.

"Where are we heading, Jo?" She asks weakly. Joseph looks at her with concern in his eyes. She's getting weaker by the day. Her complexion is deathly pale and her eyes, two sunken orbs. "We're heading towards Windy Acres. There's a doctor who might be able to heal you." He says. "It'll be good to see Dr. Hugh again." Abby states as a small smile plays on her lips. She's getting sleepy again. Joseph pulls the covers over her petite figure and tugs her in. Making sure she's comfortable.

Just as he's about to leave, a soft whimper stops him. Looking back, Abby's eyes are closed but a tear escapes and disappears into her golden locks. "I miss him, Jo." She whispers before sleep takes her. Joseph looks at her pale face. "We'll find him, Captain." He says in a low voice and heads to the door.

Once out the door, he leans back against it. He's out of possible cures. The only thing that he can provide now is comfort and herbs to slow the poison from spreading. A frown is forming on his forehead. "If you frown any more, it'll become permanent." Samuel's voice reaches his ears in a mocking tone. Throwing Samuel a glare, he straightens his back and starts to walk across the deck.  "She's not doing well, is she?" He asks, while falling in step next to him. Concern can be heard in Samuel's voice.

Shaking his head, Joseph comes to a halt and looks at Samuel. "Do you know who her father is, Samuel?" He asks out of the blue. Samuel looks at him confused for a fleeting moment. Slowly nodding, he looks out across the ocean and a raspy sigh escapes his lips. "I do. I was a mere sea brat back then but I worked on The Black Swallow for a good year or two. Captain Sean Davidson is like no other. Not even the great Captain Jones comes close to him. A man of honor and respect yet as deadly as they come." Samuel sighs again. He left the Black Swallow to join the Dragon's Destiny with a promise of more loot and treasure.

He's heard the rumors, but like Abby, he doesn't believe any of it. Captain Davidson is too great a sailor to have an ill fate like a watery grave waiting for him. After Abby took over the captaincy, he was promoted to First Mate and he will not give this position up without a fight. Abby might not be a hardened seaman, but her presence asks for attention and respect. She's seen battles at sea and she had her share of losing loots to others. Yet, she's still humble and keeps to the "Honor among Thieves'' rule close at heart.

"I'm not sure for how long I can keep the poison under control, Samuel. I'm out of cures and she's in a lot of pain and becoming weaker by the day." Joseph states as he looks in the direction of the Captain's Cabin. He's worried. "I know, Jo." Samuel says and leans against the railing. "Just try to keep her as comfortable as possible for a week at most. Then we'll be in Windy Acres." He says with a pleading tone in his voice.

"How sure are you that this doctor can help her?" Joseph asks, with worry in his eyes as he looks at the First Mate. Joseph Stern heard the stories of Castelena and her history, but that's how far it went. The massive Lycan looks at Joseph as a grin spreads across his face. "I've seen what he can do, Jo. No worries. If there is anyone around who can help her, it's Dr. Jack Hugh." He says and starts to walk in the direction of the bow. Leaving a confused Warlock in his wake.

"Ship. Hoy!"

A call sounds out across the deck from the Crow's Nest. Looking in the direction the sailor points, Samuel searches for the ship. He recognizes her black sails instantly. It can't be. The Black Swallow is heading straight for them. She's agile and fast as her sails billow in the wind. "Raise the white flag!" He calls as the whole deck jumps into action. Ready for a fight if they have to. The have a ship to protect and a sick captain.

Looking through his spyglass, Samuel searches the deck. The tall figure at the bow draws his attention. Standing tall and proud, Captain Sean Davidson looks straight at him. His face set in stone and his jaw tight. His black hair neat and his jacket fitting perfectly over his broad shoulders. A shiver runs down his spine. That stare is still as intense as ever. Joseph is not quite able to wrap his mind around Samuel's reaction.

Almost feeling like cowering in the corner, Samuel gulps. Joseph takes his stand next to him. "Who's that?" He asks casually. Samuel lowers the spyglass. "That, my dear Joseph, is the man we've been hunting this whole time. Meet Captain Sean Davidson from the Black Swallow."