I considered my options; I could get the longboat and let the guy submerge in water for a bit, then go back for him in a couple seconds after I get the boat down; I could look for a plank of wood or something from the wreckage to float him on so he doesn't suffocate underwater; or I could pull him to the sandbar I saw up ahead, which would use up most of my energy for any sort of escape plan if we get spotted by the two attacking ships. I decided to go with the second idea, floating wreckage shouldn't be too hard to find.
Holding on to him by his wrist, I pulled the still unconscious man behind me as I scouted the area. I was exhausted from swimming back and forth with one arm, carrying a heavy weight after me, in raging waters with waves that could swallow me whole. But now wasn't the best time for complaining, in the midst of a naval battle scene. I eventually came upon a fairly wide plank of wood, probably from the side of a ship, and a large barrel that was split in half making it look almost like a stilted bathtub. I swam for the barrel since it was closer to me.
Once I hauled him in the barrel I noticed his leg was being drenched in blood. I took off his fancy embroidered coat and ripped off one of the sleeves of the silk shirt he was wearing underneath. I then tightly tied it around the wound, I never took any first aide classes but I think I saw something like this on T.V. He wasn't bleeding as much anymore; now let's just hope I didn't paralyze his leg.
I hurried back to where the longboat was, swimming much faster now that I had both arms free. After scurrying up a rope hanging from the side of the ship, I did my best to untie the vessel. As soon as the last knot was untangled, it dropped down to the rampant waters. I jumped down after it, once I was in the water I scrambling up the sides of the boat until I was finally inside. Unfortunately, I failed to notice the paddles were missing.
I climbed out and pushed it away from the ship until I reached a nearby plank floating in the water; the rubble around here sure comes in handy. With the plank for a paddle I made my way to man I left in the barrel. I heaved him in the longboat and paddled as far as possible from the two and a half ships. I had absolutely no idea where I was going, but I hoped I would reach an island or something…eventually.
After paddling for what felt like hours I decided to take a break. I placed the plank in the boat and began pulling the splinters out of my aching hands. I was grateful that the waters were fairly still, but now the sun was scorching down on me. I wiped the sweat from my forehead, wondering if I'll live through all this. I checked the pockets of my khaki shorts for anything that may aide my survival.
All I found a melted chocolate bar, some paperclips, and my dad's lighter. I wasn't too sure if the lighter even worked but I didn't want to test it, not waste its precious flame. I was also worked up quite an appetite, but I decided to save the chocolate for when I'm literally starving. And as for the paperclips, let's just say I'm no MacGyver.
I stuffed the belongings back into my pocket as I glanced down at the man, he was still and his eyes were closed. Then I remembered that I left his fancy coat back in the barrel. He wouldn't mind right? I was relived to see that he was breathing normally now and that my efforts to save him weren't wasted.
After another half hour of paddling, I could barely believe my eyes when I saw a small island up ahead. With new hope I hurried onwards, as I approached the beach I could see palm trees and all sorts of wild plants, some could even be edible! Once I arrived at the island, I used what was left of my strength to heave the boat ashore. I closed my eyes and breathed in the scents of blossoming wild flowers as a welcomingly cool breeze swayed the leaves on the towering palm trees. I was glad that the worst part of my adventure was over, or so I thought.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
I sat down on the sandy white floor and leaned against a palm tree. Longing for a well deserved nap, I decided to let my thoughts drift; there will be plenty of time to think up a survival plan later. Just when I began to doze off, I thought I heard someone having a coughing fit. Looks like the man I rescued finally woke up, right after I did all that paddling and we're safe on a secluded island; how very convenient.
He nauseously staggered out of the boat, barely keeping to his feet until from the pain caused by his wounded leg. He collapsed to the ground, clenching his fist he mumbled something crossly, but I was too far to make out the words. Then he looked up, I was certain he saw me. Nervously I approached him, still unsure of what I could say, anything to break the awkward silence.
"Hi!" I waved, forcing a smile. I was pretty sure I looked like an idiot, but too late now.
He gave me a queer look, and I felt even more tongue-tied.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"Um…I…my name is Ally" I stammered.
"Where are we anyways?"
"On an island," I replied.
"Well obviously," he rolled his eyes "I mean how far are we from the Endeavour? And how did I get here in the first place?"
"The Endea…what? I have no idea! I'm not from around here, all I know is that there was some big battle and I found you unconscious sinking underwater, just like what was left of your ship. I couldn't let you die out there so I brought you with me, to the safety of this island. You should be telling me what's going on!" and I most certainly wasn't from around here, for all I knew I could be on an alien planet!
"So you actually…saved me?"
"Yes, and by the way I don't even know your name yet."
"I am Lord Cutler Beckett of the East India Trading Company, haven't we met before?"
"Us? I've never seen you before in my life, I'm certain."
"Really? You look awfully familiar," he gave me another perplexed look, followed by another awkward silence. Then suddenly, his eyes lit up as if he remembered something shocking. "But that's impossible …she can't be," he mumbled under his breath.
"Can't be what?" I asked.