"Come, you shall have my quarters."
He gently took her hand and led her to his living quarters, shutting the door behind him and then motioning to his bed as he began digging around ing the chest that sat at the end of it.
"Please, sit down." She did as suggested and slumped on the edge of his bed and folded her hands across the top of her legs, as if she was trying to get warm..
He studied her. She was a little damp, she shivered almost uncontrollably. Her once bright eyes were now dull, and full of fear. He walked to her and wrapped a blanket around her, and down next to her.
"Here, I know it's a bit big, but at least it doesn't have holes in it." He handed her a cream, almost yellow colored long sleeved shirt, and then got up and faced a corner as to give her a moment of privacy.
Quickly, she removed her old torn shirt and even more quickly pulled on the one James had handed her. He was right, it was definitely a bit big for her. Seeing s how it was one of James' shirts, it was actually quite baggy on her smaller and less muscular body.
But, it was warm...and clean...and covered everything that shouldn't be seen and more. It actually came down to her knees. She eventually brought her gaze to the back side of James, who was still facing the corner.
"Ok, you can turn around now."
He turned and faced her as she slowly began to pull the bedspread around her still shivering body, and walked to her and sat beside her on the bed once again.
She stared into his green eyes, as if searching for something. After a few moments, she spoke in a very hoarse whisper almost so quietly that James had to strain a little to be able to hear her.
"I was so afraid, James. I felt like I was all alone, with no one to run to."
"You don't have to worry about anything now, I'll see to it that nothing happens to you."
They sat there in silence, until Sarah looked up at him again.
"I heard about the hurricane, and your ship. I heard rumors of no survivors, and shortly after I was taken from Port Royal. James, I had to go through all those months thinking I would never see you again." She gently wrapped her hands around his arm. "I was heart broken, and I didn't care what they did to me."
He placed his hand on top of hers. They felt like ice beneath his warm, calloused fingers, and he pulled her into a warm embrace instead. Anne rested her head on his chest, and closed her eyes as she listened to what he had to say.
"I though I would never see you again either. I thought you wouldn't want me after I was unemployed, and worthless. You would've been too good for me."
"Please don't say those things. You should've come and found me after you were unemployed. I would've taken you in no matter what."
"It doesn't matter now. All that matters is that your safe. What have they done to you? You look as though you haven't eaten in weeks."
"Weeks...I had to nibble stale bread and water."
"I'll have a meal prepared for you immediately."
Later That Night...
James and Sarah sat in his sleeping quarters, eating a very rich and delightful meal. James looked up from his plate over at Sarah, who also looked up at him from her plate. They sat at a wooden table that was set up in the middle of the room. Sarah spoke first.
"Thankyou, for coming to my rescue."
"How couldn't I come to the aid of such a fine young women?" Sarah smiled at his words.
"I believe I'm quite full now."
"Are you sure? I can have them make more."
"No, I'm quite full. Please excuse me" She got up from the table and walked over to a side window, looking out at the moon-lit sea.
"Sarah, I'm afraid there's something I must do. Will you wait here?"
"Let me come with you."
"No. I think it best if you stay here.
A few minutes later...
James stood at the back of the Dutchman, helping Elizabeth's crew to cross the tow line between ships.
"James, come with me."
"I...I can't."
"James! Please come with us!" Her voice was quiet and pleading.
"Our destinies have been entwined Elizabeth, but never joined." He bent down and kissed her.
"Now go!" He heard a noise and turned around, pushing Elizabeth behind him and drawing his sword. "Go now!"
Reluctantly she did as instructed, and started to make her way across the tow line. Bootstrap suddenly came into view.
Who goes there?!" He then noticed Elizabeth and her crew crossing the tow line.
"We have orders for no one to leave the ship."
"Take it easy sir."
Bootstrap started to chant that no one should leave the ship. James began to look uneasy.
"Sir, just go back to your post."
"Help! The prisoners have been released!"
"Cancel that!" James was beginning to lose his calmness. He drew his pistol. He was distracted when he heard Elizabeth scream. She had resurfaced, and was calling his name.
Another feminine scream rang out and he felt his body being pushed. He looked down at the person beside him, and his eyes filled with horror.
"Sarah!" She had fallen to the deck now. What appeared to be a sharpened piece of wood had been run through her right side, blood spilling out onto her shirt and the deck. Her breathing was more and more labored as the seconds went by.
He dropped his weapons and fell to her side. He had to remove the weapon from her side somehow. Thinking of the quickest way he grabbed the end of the weapon and pulled it out as quickly as possible.
Sarah let out a shudder and gripped his Navy coat.
"We...have...to get...out...of here."
He knew she was right. He looked up and saw more crew members coming their way.