Wings of Grace

Chapter 7

As the friendship blossomed and grew into much deeper feelings. Antoine decided to inform his family, still in France, of his new found happiness and his new found companion. This however did not meet with any sort of joy from them. To the contrary, when his parents became aware that this was a mixed relationship. "No self-respecting fox would ever date a wolf." was their answer and they proceeded to fully banish him from their clan.

Antoine return to England with a heavy heart at the rejection by his family; yet he was anxious to reunite with his new found love... at least that's what he hoped she was. The discouragement of his treatment by his family and the growing concern of what the humans may be up to had started to work on his mind. First confusion set in, then bitterness... and he started to plot and full scale revenge. He knew deep down that it really was not in his nature to be cruel; he certainly was not about to become a murderer or anything like that, so he downsized his plans to perform acts of piracy... what he would do with the plunder wasn't determined yet, and who would assist him? Maybe Luna would like some excitement, a little danger, perhaps. She was aware of what had occurred in his life so far; she of all people would understand his reasoning. Maybe she would accompany him...

When Antoine approached Luna with his plans, he could see how her eyes sparkled, and as she did a little dance around him in delight, he knew at last that he had a "first-mate" he his seafaring adventures. After all, when he was practicing his fencing moves and advanced sword-play, who else Luna was his sparring partner! It was evident that she would truly enjoy the challenge, and showed more prowess then he had ever anticipated from a female. Luna felt that she could trust Antoine with the deepest secrets about herself. She told him of her ability to transform into some very different frightening forms in times of extreme stress and danger. She didn’t use any of these forms at the lab -didn’t have to- as Silver had come in the nck of time to rescue her.

The changes would have a terrorizing effect on anyone witnessing the transformations. Antoine needed to know this, she thought, just in case she ever had to use it in front of him.

In his growing up years all Antoine had ever observed were meek, mild, spoiled little ladies. Was it possible he had seen only one side, that there really was inner strength in womanhood needed for survival, and to protect their loved ones during desperate times? He probably had witnessed this in his own mother as she cared for and defended her family. But enough of that! She had turned her back on him forever now, and he must keep on going without her blessing or approval.

Now Antoine had to get down to business and do some serious planning if he were to carry ut his plans. He had decided on piracy for his game, but how? Who? Where? Who would he rob? Most of all, where would he get a ship and crew? Luna was willing but she wouldn’t be enough to pull off a full scale heist.

If he had means of transportation asea, he could slip up the coastline and intercept the booty intended for the rich lords. That method would not require a large ship, just something small that could bring him alongside and board. He had heard of the currachs, small rowing boats used off the west coast of Ireland. That was a thought; that he could fiegn distress in order to get aboard, or sneak up and attach himself to their ship, surprising the skeleton crew who were on watch. It wasn’t necessary to take much, just enough that the lords would know they had again been "out-foxed".

He really did need more than just Luna to pull this off, but who could he trust? Some of the folks near his land had their lands usurped, confiscated by the greedy lords. They would have reason to want to get even, but would they be willing? Would they make good enough sailors, and most of all, could he trust them?

Whatever the size of the vessel he chose, he would still need funds to make the purchase.

Antoine was struck with a brilliant idea, he would turn "highwayman" just once to get those monies and hope and pray that no one got injured, or worse during his robbery escapade.