Chapter 7 – Anne Morgan – Port Hampton

I saw Hunter go overboard but there was nothing I could do, I had to steer us out of this storm. If I let go now everyone would perish!

"MAN OVER BOARD!" I roared over the storm that tried to compete with my rising voice. I wasn't sure if anyone had heard me, but I was too occupied to check. We were swaying off course and it was difficult to turn the wheel.

There was a second splash and I knew it was Billy who had jumped over. I wasn't too worried as I saw his rope go taught. Billy was a strong swimmer.

"MAN OVERBOARD! I yelled again and Scar stopped and pulled on the rope. I did not have time to register their safety.

I wrenched the wheel hard and felt the weight push right back at me. With grim determination, I turned the wheel and saw Scar pulling Billy and Hunter on board, reconnecting their rope.

I looked to the sky, cursing it, but loving the feel of adrenaline pump in my blood, my heart in my throat. The rain ceased and gave way to a thin ray of sunlight. The seas, ever so slowly calmed and the men gave a roar of triumph!

There was no time to celebrate though, I studied the ship. It was in desperate need of repair.

"Shut yer gobs!" I yelled over the cheers. "All hands on deck! Make port!"

"Which port Captain?" Jack called from his post.

I racked my brains for the nearest. "Hampton! Make for Port Hampton! If we are not there by dawn, yer all will starve tonight!"

The crew groaned and slugged to their posts once again, already wet and exhausted.

"Master Avary, to the wheel!" I shouted and made my way to my cabin where Scar and Billy had taken Hunter.

"Back to your post now." I informed them, my face showed nothing, no concern, no kindness, nothing.

"Aye Captain." They saluted and went.

Hunter lay on my bed, his breathing was uneven, and he had a frown on as he slept. His clothes had been changed and he now looked, almost like a pirate. I smiled, no, he looked nothing like a pirate.

I watched him as he slept, studying his tousled golden hair, his pale skin. I had never seen anything like him; he was like a creature from another universe.

It wasn't enough, I had to study him at different angles, to absorb every feature, every edge...how very curious.

I leaned in to his face, to his lips, but something else caught my eyes. A book! Hunter's book.

In a swift movement, the leather bound book was in my hands. Very carefully, I flipped the pages opened.

Pictures, of Hunter...and....Cecilia. Despite the black and white photograph they looked happy, they looked good together. She with her copper curls and intelligent eyes and winning smile; he with his arm around her.

"That's Cecilia." Hunter said.

I was startled, but I trained my face and body to reveal nothing. "Is that so?"

He sat up, I didn't help him. "She's beautiful isn't she?"

"Yes." I replied, what was this hot boiling hatred inside of me?

"We used to walk across a paddock of glowing flowers every single night and sit by each other and look up at the moon, and-..."

"I am glad that you are well now. I must return to my crew." I said, standing up abruptly.

He was taken by surprised but nodded. "Very well."

I took my leave, slamming the door behind me. Oh what an unusually foul mood I was in. What was wrong with me?