ABBY

Chapter 9

Sean Davidson has heard the rumors of a massive Spanish War Galleon and her young captain sailing to the ends of the earth for who knows what reason. But to actually see the huge white sails and her dark wood on the horizon, has his interest peaked.

Since his beloved wife passed away, he was a walking-dead for a good three years. He went into auto-drive and somehow lost those years of his life. He almost lost himself too. Unable to find the murderers of his wife, drove him over the edge and he pushed his crew to their limits in his obsession for revenge. He lost good men on his suicide missions. One of them is currently looking at him through a spyglass from the deck of the notorious Dragon's Destiny.

Samuel Gryphon was not only his First Mate after Patrick had to step down. He was also his trusted bodyguard and close friend when they had to leave the ship for business. A Lycan standing at least one point nine meters tall in human form, Samuel is a force to be reckoned with. He's a war machine of pure muscle who also served in the Lycan guard in Castelena before and during the Great War, but became a wanderer when the Lycan moved away to Windy Acres.

Seeing the white flag, Captain Davidson smiles. Samuel never was one for a fight, even though he was the best in the business. Noticing the man next to him, Sean examines Joseph closely. By he's stance he's not a warrior. An assassin? Maybe the Ship Doctor, a Warlock even, if he takes the long white hair and outfit into consideration. His built is lean and athletic. As tall as Samuel, the man has a certain air around him the Sean cannot place.

"What are your orders, Captain?" The First Mate asks next to him. "Get alongside them. I'd like to exchange a word or two." He states calmly as his dark steel eyes scans the deck for any sign of her captain. Failing to find what he's looking for, a frown plays on his forehead. A ship without a captain? Yet, by the operations on the deck, there is a higher authority than the two currently looking at him. There is discipline and structure in the crew's movements on the deck.

Once the two ships are aligned, Captain Davidson takes a closer look the the faces in front of him. There is no fear in their eyes. Concern and worry, maybe. But no fear. These men will fight if they have to. He's gaze settles on Samuel. "Mr. Gryphon, It's good to see you again. I see you're still a seadog." He says as a side smirk crosses his lips.

"He's a Lycan, not a seadog. Get your facts straight." A clear female voice rings out across the deck. The men who gathered, started to part as a petite woman dressed in a fitted black jacket, tights and knee-high boots appear. Her face is deathly pale and her sky blue eyes have dark circles under them. Yet, she walks with confidence and pride. The spitting image of Samantha Davidson. Abby....

Coming to a stop between Samuel and Joseph, Abby's heart skips a beat as she sees her father. Her eyes lights up for a split second, but the poison in her system is making her weaker and she's finding it harder to fight it.

Taking a second take on the tiny figure who emerged from the crowd, Captain Davidson's mouth goes dry and he straightens his back. This was the last thing he expected. His daughter followed in his footsteps and by the look of things, she's doing quite well. Word never reached him that Abby left Windy Acres. Frowning, he looks at Abby as if he's seeing a ghost standing in front of him, trying to make sense of it all. Yet, a concerned frown forms on his forehead. She's sick and he can see she trying hard to not show it. However, her pale complexion gives it all away.

Abby's fighting hard to stay standing. Where she's standing between Samuel and Joseph, she feels her strength leaving her. Her breathing is labored, but she keeps it together and tries to stay calm. Hooking her arm into Samuel's, she lean against him slightly.  Looking down at her, Samuel's concern grows. He throws a glance in Joseph's direction. Making eye contact, Joseph looks down at Abby.

Small pearls of sweat forms on her forehead and she's pale. Touching her elbow softly, Abby looks up at him. Her eyes glazed over "Captain, I thing you should go back to your cabin. You don't look so good. Samuel will handle this." Joseph says to her.Just then her eyes rolls to the back of her head and she collapses into his arms.

Captain Davidson's heart stops as her watches his daughter collapse on the Dragon's Destiny. Her crew watching in silence as the Warlock takes her back to her room. "Samuel. what is wrong with her?" He asks, his voice a mixture between a growl and a whisper as he follows the retreating back of Joseph.

"She's been poisoned by the b****y Snakes. They hired an assassin. It's been almost two weeks now and Joseph is out of options. We're on our way to Windy Acres to see Dr. Jack Hugh." Samuel explains with a painful sigh.

Sean Davidson feels his blood begin to boil as he clenches his fist. When will they rest? The b****y Snakes has been a thorn in his side since he took over the Windy Acres Fleet. Not only did they murder his wife, but they are still after his daughter as well.  He will not loose Abby to those sea slugs. They have no honor and are spreading terror where the go. "Samuel, look after her. It's good to see you, too. I'll join you in Windy Acres soon." He says before giving the order to hoist the sails. "Aye, Captain." Samuel says as he salutes.

The Black Swallow pulls away from their ship and picks up speed. Watching her go, Samuel turns and hurries to the Captain's Cabin. He did not expect Abby to come out. The state she's in is one of concern and yet she proved them wrong to think she was a weakling.

Knocking on the door to the Captain's Cabin, Joseph opens. Abby is fast asleep. Her face stained with tear streaks. Samuel also notices some rags with blood on them. Looking at Joseph, the Warlock has a concerned look on his face. They need to hurry and get to Windy Acres. Otherwise he won't be able to keep his end of the bargain with Captain Davidson.

Samuel and Joseph leaves the cabin. Closing the door behind their backs, desperation to get to Windy Acres kicks in. Samuel walks along the deck to the steering wheel. Placing his hand on it, he shouts orders to the crew. The sails bellow in the wind as if getting the urgency of the matter.

Joseph walks into his cabin. He stands in the middle of his small space, not knowing where to start. He's desk is scattered with papers. Each littered with possible solutions or potions to fight to poison in his captain's blood. He's managed to slow the effects, but are not able to stop it.

Abby opens her eyes as soon as the door is closed. She saw her father. He's still the proud Sean Davidson that left her in Windy Acres all those years ago. He might be looking a bit older, but his eyes are still the same. Scrutinizing and alert. He's alive. Her search for him has been a success. She's sure their paths will cross again. Smiling weakly, she turns around and pulls the covers tight around her. Sleep comes instantly and Abby allows the dreamless slumber to take her.