Chapter 11 Family Reunion
It had taken a few weeks, but the Pearl reached the island on which Port Royal was on. They used the port instead of using the tunnel; the easiest place to hide the Pearl was right out in the open. Sara gave orders before the crew broke from the ship. She and Robert made their way through the town. A boy, no older than five, ran past them.
"Jonathan, get back here," a semi-recognizable voice called after the child.
Sara looked and saw a now older Ben walking toward her and Robert. The other male stopped when he saw Sara.
"Sara?"
Ben had to take a close look at Sara and now recognized his old childhood rival. Robert was about to step between them, but Sara put a hand on an arm and stopped him.
"Aye."
"I can't believe it. Look at you; older and..."
"Dad, come on," the young boy said, coming back.
He looked up and saw the two friends there and ducked behind his father.
"Who's that?"
"Sara and..."
"Robert," he answered.
"Oh."
"This is Jonathan; adopted son. You..."
"No; we're not married," Sara said.
He's changed. I can't believe it.
Another five year old joined the group and was greeted by Jonathan. When Jonathan told the other who the two were, the unknown child pulled on Sara's right sleeve and she knelt down. He seemed to have recognized something about her.
"That's Jimmy Turner," Ben said.
Jimmy looked Sara over like he was looked for something. He began to hum a tune and Ben sighed.
"He's been humming that same tune for weeks now; don't know why. Strange if you ask me."
To Ben's surprise, Sara began to hum along with Jimmy. When it ended, Jimmy felt safe with Sara and Robert. Sara stood and looked at Ben, waiting for some smart alec comment she was used to. Before any could speak, Trade soldiers passed by.
"We best go," Robert said.
"Right. Nice to see you again, Ben. Come, Jimmy."
With that, Sara and the other two left and made their way to the mansion. Seeing the front guarded, Sara led the way to the kitchen entrance. Through this, Sara, her young brother, and friend had eluded capture that would had come from the front. Ian recognized Sara and left his cooking to greet her.
"I can't believe it. Done any good out there," he asked.
"It depends on your definition of good, Ian. Where's my mother and brother?"
Sara, disguised as one of the house waiters, carried Dunbar's lunch into the old governor's office. There she saw her family in irons, sitting off to a side.
"Your lunch, Lord Dunbar,' she said, setting the tray down on a side of the desk.
Dunbar ignored Sara as he did his paper work. Sara spotted an iron key and easily slipped it into the same sleeve of the hand she grabbed it with. As she walked past Elizabeth, Sara dropped it at her feet. Sara left the office as Elizabeth used the "I'm stretching" technique to get the key, and hid it. Sara returned the kitchen, having done what she wanted to do. The plan was that Sara would remain as one of the hands until after Dunbar left. Then she would changed back into her sea worthy clothes and take her family on the Pearl. Of course, things would change that plan. Robert was taking care of Jimmy for the day with the thought in mind that the youngest Turner would be the only to join them. The day passed without incident; Sara helping in the kitchen for the most part; which was not much. It was not until after evening meal did Dunbar leave. Sara ran upstairs and changed out of the barrowed clothes and back into her more comfortable clothes. Sara slid down the railing into the main foyer; the chest key in hand. She put it on and hid it under her shirt as she slid down. Elizabeth and Billy were there with Robert and Jimmy; unable to reach the Pearl without Trade involvement.
"Sara, you must be crazed," her mother said. "Coming back here."
"The fleet's been returning the right power. Port Royal needs to be the flag port of this movement," Sara said.
"We can't leave; Dunbar would know some one helped our escape," Billy told his sister.
"I want you and Robert to take Jimmy. He's been staying with Ben anyway," Elizabeth said. "Port Leon is still occupied."
"The Pearl's no place..." Robert began.
"It wasn't for me," Sara rebutted.
"Please, Sara. Had I know..."
"I'll take him. But we'll be back in five years. We need all the help we need."
The trio began their way to the kitchen, but Sara was stopped by one last question from Elizabeth.
"Where's the chest?"
"Hidden."
Sara knew that as long as Dunbar had her mother and older brother, it would not be safe to tell them. It was hidden in the forest grove about a hundred yards from where it was originally buried. The grove was sacred to Sara; having been taught by a witch there. So, it was the safest place she had.