Hannah was nervous hiding behind the crates. She stashed her wrapped up dress in between some crates while watching Killian approach with two ladies for company. She intended to step out from the shadows and…she wasn't sure what she was going to say…she was disguised as a boy and needed to convince Killian to let her on board of his ship and she had no idea how she would do that but she didn't have to worry about it for long. As she stepped out, her foot caught on some rope and she started to lose her balance. She tried to steady herself, but landed hard on her lame foot which resulted in an intense pain that caused her to shift her weight suddenly back to the other foot. It all sent her reeling, and she stumbled into one of the girls who cried out in surprise.

Before Hannah could regain her bearings, she found herself pinned up against the same crates she was just hiding behind. Killian's face was very close to hers. "I believe you owe the lady an apology, mate." He growled.

Hannah gulped and cleared her throat. How she remembered to lower her voice several octaves was a miracle. "Oh! Uh…Yes. Of…Of course. My humb'lest and most sincere 'pologies, mum. A lame…lame foot. I was seekin' an audience with th' cap'n o' th' Jolly Roger and I fear I lost my balance. I meant no harm." Hannah's eyes darted from the women to Killian who seemed to be studying her.

"An audience? With me? No, I don't have time for that, mate. There are much more important things to be looking after." He winked and waggled his eyebrows salaciously at the girls who giggled and tittered.

"Please; I seek employment… On your ship. Please. I…I can't go back to the town – a fate worse than death awaits me. Please, I throw myself on your mercy… I'll do any job."

"Sorry lad. I've got all the crew I need."

"Cook?"

"No."

"Umm…Cabin boy?"

"No."

"What about a valet? A bond-servant?"

He chuckled, shook his head and turned away. He held up his arms to the girls who gladly curled back into his embrace.

Think, Hannah! You're losing him!

"I knew Hannah was wrong about you!" she practically spat at his retreating form. He froze, and turned slowly.

"What did you just say?"

"I said: 'I knew Han-nah was wrong. About you.'" She said it slowly and with an attitude she knew would annoy him. She wondered how wise that was when he turned back to the girls and dismissed them.

"I do apologize, ladies. It would appear some business of a most urgent matter has come up, and we must part ways. I trust you can both find your way?" The two girls voiced their disappointment, but after he gave them some coins, they left. No sooner were they out of sight when Killian had Hannah pressed up against the crates again.

"What do you know about Hannah? Who are you? What's your name?" He shook her with each question causing her to become disoriented. He brought his face close to hers again. "Your name." he demanded through his teeth. Hannah looked around trying to think of a name but his face was so close to hers it was hard to concentrate. She wanted so much to yell it from the rooftops that she was Hannah, but she knew the Viscount would search every ship in the port looking for her. She needed everyone to believe she was a young boy…A young boy who needed a name – fast. He raised his hand as if to slap her to persuade her to start speaking. She looked at Killian, and could see he had several cuts and nicks from shaving.

"Nick!" she gasped. "My name is Nick."

Killian shook him again. "What do you know about Hannah? Where is she?"

"She's gone by now." Nick smiled a wry little half smile.

"What's that supposed to mean? Where's she gone?"

"I don't know. She wouldn't tell me. She told me only that I should get to the Jolly Roger and that its Captain was a fair man who would give me a fair employment aboard his ship."

"Why did she leave? Did she know I was here?"

"Aye. She was coming for you too. But then The Tailor had her stay late-"Nick was cut off by Killian's knife at his throat.

"Careful, lad. Don't be telling me Hannah was working for The Tailor. I'll never believe my Hannah to be that kind of a girl. And she's a lady of title; a viscountess. So you had better think long and hard about what you're going to say because your next words could be your last."

"Don't know nothin' 'bout Hannah bein' a viscountess. I knew her to work in the dress shop only. Hannah was Tailor's favorite. He never sold her; until today. Seems the guy she ran away from came to buy her. Only Tailor was going to have 'is way wi' her first. When she cried out for help, I came running in from the back room. I grabbed a scissors and plunged it into his chest while she ran. He followed her out the door though, screamin' 'bout her murderin' him and stealin' his gown. Half the town saw her fleein' from 'im. I 'spect th' whole town's lookin' for her by now. Pro'lly a reward for 'er capture"

"She's here? In North Bay?" Killian's hold on Nick relaxed. "Take me to her."

Nick just blinked at Killian. "Didn't you jus' hear me? She's wanted for theft and murder. She's not goin' t' be found."

"Then take me to where she was staying."

"Uhhh…" Nick licked his lips.

"What's the matter lad? A moment ago I would have thought you were her best mate. Do you not know where she lives?"

"It's not that…It's…well…the uh, sheriff… could… be there." He finished lamely. In truth he didn't want to go anywhere near the dress shop. Hannah wasn't sure she would be able to keep herself together if she went back.

Killian didn't look convinced either. "If you won't take me to where she was staying, then I will go and look on my own. And once you and I part ways, it will be for good. I will not entertain any proposal from you." He shrugged and turned to leave.

"Well now let's…let's not be so hasty. See, I…I can be… connected… to the theft and murder... I'll take you there, but I would prefer to not be seen. Will you be able to keep up with me?"

Killian scoffed. "You're the one who claims to have a lame foot, lad."

Nick just smiled a sly half-smile, and stepped back into the shadows. He seemed to disappear into the darkness, and Killian found himself peering into the shadows searching for the lad's outline when he heard him call quietly from several feet away.

"This way, Captain!"

Killian, who had nothing to hide, chose to walk out on the roadways, and would pause occasionally to take note of his surroundings, and to listen for Nick's whispers and whistles from the shadows to direct him. The method quite reminded him of how Harris moved thorough Ashcroft. Finally, they came to a crossroads, and he paused again. Only this time Nick did not whisper or whistle to him. Killian looked around trying to imagine where to go next when Nick materialized right next to him, startling him. Killian quickly recovered and chuckled.

"Now, that's tough to do lad. I've only known one other person that could sneak up on me; that's Hannah. Are we close?"

"Aye, we are. Now I'm not interested in goin' into her room, but I'll tell you which one it is. Only, promise me this won't be 'you and I parting ways'. I'll be right here awaiting your return."

Killian looked the lad up and down. The way he hunched over and scrunched his shoulders in made Killian wonder if he had a disease of the spine. He looked so skinny Killian didn't think he'd be able to lift a rope, much less heft the anchor. How would he be able to employ this skinny little urchin? Well, no sense in breaking the lad's heart now. He thought. See if I can't find Hannah first…

Nick pointed out a non-descript door and described to Killian the layout of the floors and walls on the other side of that door. After ascending the stairs, Hannah's room was the last one. Killian noted the lamp outside of her door had been smashed. He was only slightly surprised to find the door ajar. Inside, the room was torn apart. Her mattress was thrown on the floor and ripped open; the straw from inside strewn about the room. Her chair overturned, and all drawers from the three drawer set standing open and empty; their contents tossed about the room. He stepped on something hard and round and picked it up to examine it. It was a metal rod about four inches long, with two small tabs at each side of one end. Killian looked around and spied several more. A satchel was left hanging over Hannah's bed post after being emptied. Killian took this and put the rods into it, then draped it over his shoulder. If these were important to Hannah, he wanted to have them for her. And if not, he thought he could sell them for a piece or two of silver. He found a small clay pot which he opened and sniffed; it was filled with tea. He stashed the pot in the satchel and looked around for any other treasures. Finding nothing else of interest, he was about to leave when a small glint of light caught his eye. The moonlight streaming in through the tiny window had glinted off a small metal object – almost completely hidden under the straw. Killian bent to pick up and examined it in the moonlight.

It was a small piece of steel; the center of it worn down completely so there was a small hole forming. The sides surrounding the hole were beginning to show signs of wear. Killian felt his breath go out of him as sure as if he had taken a kick to the gut. He knew this steel. It was the same one he gave to Hannah the night they met. Suddenly it felt like reality crashed down on him. Hannah didn't marry the Viscount. Hannah worked for the infamous Tailor; but only as a dressmaker according to Nick. Hannah lived here. He looked around. Hannah was in trouble.

He quickly left the room, putting the steel in his pocket. He was soon waiting back in the spot he had left Nick. He didn't wait long before Nick materialized from the shadows.

"Well?" Nick asked.
"Well what?"

"What happened? Was anyone there?"

"Someone had been there all right. The room was torn apart, but no sign of Hannah. Where could she have gone? She can't have gotten far…"

"Captain, listen. Hannah…she's run for her life. And when she don't want t' be found… she can't be found. Who d' you think taught me t' move 'round unseen? What if she's tryin' t' get t' your ship even now? Shouldn't you be there?"

Killian thought about that. "Aye. You're right, I probably should." He began walking back to the docks, not stopping to see if Nick was following.

Killian was at the top of the stairs to board his ship when he when he finally paused and spun around and found Nick at the bottom of the steps, about to ascend.

"And what exactly are you doing lad? I do not recall giving you permission to board my ship"

Nick's head snapped up for a moment, his eyes widened in shock his cheeks blushing before he quickly looked down again. "Oh, ah, I thought…I would wait for Hannah with you?"

"No."

"What about a job? You said you would consider taking me on."

"Actually lad, what I said was I would search for Hannah on my own and if I did that, then I would not entertain any proposals from you."

"So does that mean you'll entertain them now?"

"Look, I really do have all the crew I need. And honestly, I'm not sure you could even be up to the task. Do you even know anything about sailing?" Nick nodded enthusiastically. "Have you ever set foot on a ship before?" Nick stopped nodding and looked down again.

"What about a cook? I can cook pretty well."

"I have a good cook." Killian replied gently.

"I'll take any job you give me. I'm not afraid o' workin' hard." Nick implored. "You…you don't even have to pay me! I'll work for food and shelter. I'll be…I'll be…a…a bondservant. I'll be your servant. Surely a renowned and famous captain such as the infamous Captain Jones deserves to have a servant." Killian waivered a little. If this lad was willing to sell himself into slavery there were a lot of worse captains who wouldn't hesitate to take his offer and work him to near death. Killian knew from experience.

"What would Hannah have you do?" Nick pressed.

Killian was inspired. "Indeed. I intend to find out. I will give you my answer tomorrow. Come back in the morning. If the Jolly Roger is still here you'll be my servant." Killian vaulted over the side of the ship and disappeared from view. Nick stood there for a moment replaying what Killian had just said before melting back into the shadows of the crates. He retrieved the dress and scurried off to find a safe place to sleep. He settled for sleeping under an overturned canoe in a seldom used area of the docks.


Hannah was surprised the field was still filled with wildflowers, but the sun had long since set, and now the field was draped in night, and illuminated by the moon. She was nervous. What would she say to Killian? Could she stay asleep long enough to meet him? As she waited for him, she tried to think of anything except what had transpired a few hours ago. Think of it later…she promised herself. She looked down to see what she was wearing, and was delightfully surprised to see she was wearing the green gown. Despite the circumstances that borne the dress she did still like the gown very much. Her hand flew up to her hair, but here in the field it was still flowing halfway down her back.

"Hannah?" he called out for her the moment he arrived. She knew the instant he joined her in their dream, and ran to meet him.

"Killian!" she squealed, and launched herself into his embrace.

"Hannah!" he hugged her close for a moment before he backed up and held her at arm's length, regarding her. "Are you all right, love? I'm so sorry I haven't been here. I thought…Liam told me you married the Viscount. I didn't want to believe him, but then you weren't here either. Hannah, I'm so sorry!"

"Killian, I forgive you! I'll tell you sometime what really happened, but not right now. I don't know how long I can be here…"

"Where are you? Where have you gone? I'll come for you!"

"I'm already out of North Bay, Killian. Once I am…secure again…I'll make my way to another port city, and you can come for me there." Killian's eyes were pleading with her, but he found himself nodding.

"Hannah, what happened to you? Today, I mean? Were you coming to my ship? You knew I was in Port?"

Hannah nodded as her eyes filled with tears. Killian pulled her in close and embraced her as the dam broke. She was wracked with sobs as she replayed the events of the day mentally. After a few minutes, her sobs began to lessen, and she was able to try to speak again. Between sniffles and little hiccups she managed to tell Killian how The Tailor had revealed she was sold to the viscount before he attempted to violate her, and the shop boy Nick saved her life, but that Tailor had followed her out accusing her of stealing the gown and murdering him. "His final vengeance on me is that I could be put to death because I was seen fleeing his shop with the gown, and his shirt was covered in blood, and half the village heard him say I did it, and now they think I am a murderer." She fought another wave of sobs at the thought.

"Now, love everything will be all right. You'll see… Tell me about this hero of yours…this shop boy."

"Nick?"

"Yeah, Nick. What kind of lad is he?"

"Did he make it to your ship? Did he find you, Killian? I told him you would help him."

"Aye, love. He found me."

"Good. You are helping, him right? You hired him?"

Killian looked uncomfortable. "Not…exactly."

Hannah scoffed as Killian continued. "I don't know who this person is. He could be trying to rob me for all I know. Plus, I don't think he's got what it takes to be a sailor."

"Killian, he saved my life. And in doing so has endangered his. If anyone has seen him leaving the dress shop after the Tailor, the viscount is sure to find out. If the viscount gets his hands on Nick…I fear that will be the end of him."

"Is he trustworthy?"

"Yes, absolutely. Killian if you keep him safe, you will find no one will be as loyal to you as he."

Killian looked at Hannah for a few moments before agreeing to help her rescuer.

"Thank you, Killian." She looked behind her suddenly as if she heard a noise. She turned back to Killian. "I'm so sorry, I have to go. I love you."

"I love you." Killian whispered back, but Hannah was already gone.


Waking up under the canoe was disorienting to say the least. All of Hannah's limbs were stiff and sore from not moving for several hours. Slowly she emerged from under the canoe, and went to find an even more secluded spot. When she was sure she wouldn't be seen by anyone, she opened up her dress package, and tore strips of cloth from the torn dress. When she had several long strips, she removed her tunic, and the second tunic she had used to bind her breasts. The relief was immense, but short-lived. She laid the strips out on the ground then lay on top of them. Anchoring one end of the strips with her elbow, she gathered up the long ends and draped them over herself before pulling the strips tight. She arched her back to pass them under herself and pull them tight again. She repeated this until she had run out of length and was fully bound with the flattest possible appearance. She tucked the ends into the wrappings and put her tunic back on. Then she rolled up the green gown to wrap it in the other tunic. She mussed her hair again, pulling it over her face before putting the cap back on. Then she made her way back to the Jolly Roger moving about in the shadows still available. The sky was just beginning to lighten with the promise of dawn not far away.

As she approached the ship, she could see a bit of movement on it. She hid in the shadows to observe. She watched a very irritated Killian following several men wearing matching uniforms around the deck of the ship as they searched through everything.

"Are you satisfied?" Killian was asking the one who appeared to be the leader. "There are no young ladies aboard my ship." He sighed. "How unfortunate for me." He smiled at this but the leader of the search party only scowled. After several more minutes of finding nothing unusual, the troupe left the ship. Nick still waited in the shadows. He could see the Jolly Roger crew was preparing to set sail. Just as he was about to slink out of his hiding spot, Killian disembarked and seemingly walked right up to where Nick was stationed. He peered into the shadows searching for Nick's form. Nick was startled that Killian had found him so easily.

"Good morning, lad. Glad to see you could make it."

Nick emerged from the shadows. "How did you know…?"

Killian just raised an eyebrow. After a moment Nick continued. "So…does this mean we have an agreement?"

"Refresh my memory please as to what exactly are the terms of our agreement?"

"You give me food, shelter, and protection and in return I will faithfully serve you."

Killian thought about this. Perhaps once he was able to meet Hannah in another town Nick would move on. Killian wasn't completely thrilled at the thought of having a servant, but a part of him was tickled at the thought of being served. What was it Nick had said? He thought. 'Surely a renowned and famous captain' such as myself, 'deserves to have a servant'. Perhaps I do…

Killian showed Nick the Jolly Roger, ending the tour in his cabin. "I guess you'll want to be familiar with this area." He opened and closed several drawers and cupboards primarily revealing clothes. "Any questions?"

"Umm…Yes. Where do I sleep?"

"On the deck with the rest of the crew."

"What about that space on the other side of that wall?" Nick pointed to the front of the room.

Killian was surprised Nick knew about it. He didn't bring up the small storage room on the tour.

"The closet?" Killian raised his eyebrows. The space could be no larger than six feet by seven feet.

Nick looked at the floor and spoke quietly. "As your servant I would like to be close at hand. I remind you I am not part of your crew. I should not like to sleep on deck with them."

Killian shrugged. "Sleep in the closet then if you like. But I warn you the crew won't like it. They will think you hold yourself above them."

"I am here to serve you. Not them."

Killian sneered at this. "Be careful, lad. When out at sea there's no place to hide and a ship can be an awful place to be when you're not liked."

Nick acknowledged the advice, but bunked in the storage room anyway. Really he only needed a space large enough to sleep, and use a chamber pot. With some creative re-arranging of boxes already in the room Nick was able to create a rather cozy area. He kept the gown wrapped in the tunic, and used this for his pillow at night. Nick took his duties quite seriously and began service to Killian right away.

Killian thought they could all use a good laugh, and sent Nick to carry aboard a crate; the size of which the young lad had no business trying to move on his own. The crew began to gather at the side of the side of the ship to watch their newest member struggle. Nick pushed and heaved with all of his might, but the crate would not move. Nick stood and looked around for a bit while the crew roared with laughter and threw down remarks about his lack of virility. Suddenly Nick scampered off only to appear several moments later with three round wooden posts. He wedged one under the crate just enough to create some leverage to lift the edge. Then he kicked a second post under the lifted edge, and pushed down more on the lever, moving the post under the crate. Finally, he removed the lever, and tipped the crate forward, kicking another post underneath it. The crate came down to rest on the two posts, and Nick gently pulled the crate forward, rolling it over the posts. Then he put the lever post down in front of the crate, and pulled the crate over it. As he did, the first post became visible as the crate had rolled over it. Nick picked it up, and put it in front of the crate again. He repeated this until he had the crate at the top of the gang plank.

Nick looked at the crew who now all stood speechless. "Someone goin' t' help with gettin' it on t' the deck, yeah?" he panted.

Killian shot his crew a look that questioned their intelligence before someone came forward to help. Nick and this volunteer got all of the crates on board in this way faster than Killian's entire crew had loaded cargo half of this size. Killian couldn't help but be impressed by the lad's cleverness.

They sailed out of North Bay as soon as the ship was loaded, and Nick was horrified and the crew was delighted to find Nick had yet to gain his 'sea legs' and spent several days being quite motion sick. He took much teasing from all of the crew who had taken to calling him "Nicky Green" due to the constant pallor of his skin. The Captain was surprised to find Nick never failed in any of his duties. Moments after stirring in the morning, Nick would bring breakfast into his cabin along with any news from night watch. He would return later to clear away the dishes and ask if Killian required anything else. The same was repeated at lunch, but Killian always took his supper meal with the crew. He noticed his boots were always kept shined, and his clothes were cleaned daily. He noticed several articles had new mending's in them.

Killian had been waiting for Hannah in the field each night, and tried to be understanding when she didn't come. She was running for her life, and may not be secure enough to sleep. The truth was Nick was too sea sick to fall asleep deeply enough to go to the field. Eventually, the sickness passed, and the crew celebrated with him by giving him a taste of rum. They were excited too to be coming into a port soon. Finally, Hannah met Killian in the field. She told him she was nearing the same town as he and promised to meet him in the tavern the day he docked.

The crew was happy as always to be in a port for a couple of days, but not wanting to forget their newest member, some decided to play a joke on Nick. When he retreated to his "cabin" to get ready to go ashore some of the crew dragged a trunk down, and turned it so it wedged between the door and the wall. No matter how hard Hannah pushed on her door the wedged trunk prevented it from opening more than an inch. By the time she had cleaned up, combed her hair and put the gown on, no one was still on board to hear her cries for help.

Meanwhile, Killian whiled away the day in the tavern waiting for Hannah. It was the first time he ever remembered spending any length of time in a tavern without being intoxicated. He had been there for hours, wondering what was keeping Hannah; just last night in the wildflowers he promised they would dock today, and she promised to meet him. As the hours ticked by he began to have his doubts. He finally decided that since he was already in the tavern he was going to make use of it. He was making his way to the barkeep, when he noticed a ruffian harassing a woman who did not seem to be appreciating it. Wanting to vent out some frustration, Killian stepped up and punched the thug in the face, knocking him out. He turned to address the lady, and was quite taken by her beauty. She was everything Hannah was not. This woman had dark hair, while Hannah's was the color of honey. The woman's grey eyes held a sorrow that made Killian's heart ache for her. He found himself conversing with her, and inviting her to join him. She indicated she had a husband and son, and would not leave them. Killian told her he would be in port often if she should change her mind. He smiled at her and walked away as if he had not a care in the world, but really he was crushed. First Hannah didn't come as promised, and then he couldn't even persuade a damsel in distress to accompany him. Being rejected by two women in the same day made Killian feel bitter and he decided two things. One was that he was going to drink a lot of rum and two he wasn't going to return to the field if he could help it.

The next morning, Killian was shocked that Nick didn't have coffee and breakfast ready for him. After an hour had passed and still no sign of Nick, Killian went to investigate. He shook his head when he saw the trunk preventing Nick from leaving his room.

"Ah, lad they give you a hard time because they like you. Don't worry, we'll stay in port for another couple of days. Now, be a good lad and get me some coffee. After breakfast, you have leave to go ashore for the day since you missed out on yesterday."

Nick could only nod miserably.