Chapter Fifteen: Eight
Page stayed with his father for the next week. And it was exhilarating.
Not just because he was sailing with a man who he had wondered about his whole life, but he was finding out things that they had in common.
Things such a sounds that annoyed them. Their favorite color. Favorite animals. Simple things. But these small moments with his father meant the world to Page. For awhile he forgot about his mother. He felt content onboard the Dutchman.
But that was it. Content. Not fully happy. every time he sat down to dinner with his father Page felt something or rather, a lack of something. His family was still only two thirds.
So after two weeks of absolute haven Page set sail in a small boat towards Tortuga. He waved one last time to his father. He saw the man wave back. Then the ship sank quickly beneath the waves untill Page couldn't even tell that the huge Dutchman had resided there.
He set his sights on Tortuga. The brightly lit Pirate island was visible way out where Page was sitting. He sighed. Grabbed the oars and started to row.
He knew what he had to do.
Many years ago, after William had become Jones replacement, he had become seriously distraught. Messages in bottles he received from his dear Elizabeth had stopped coming. Her last note was telling him she was going back to England on a ship.
William scoured the seas for his beloved. But after two years he gave up. The crew said he shut off. No one could come in the Captains quarters for over three months. But, one day a woman was pulled onboard from the sea. She demanded to see the Captain.
After forcing her way into his cabin, she found William, he was emaciated and tear soaked. She said nothing but her name, Alimia Goulding. Then she plopped a bottle in his hands and left the ship.
On the note inside were eight words.
Elizabeth is alive. I owe you a favor.
As Page rowed steadily towards Tortuga, he prepped himself. Alimia Goulding was clearly a woman of great talent. All he had to do was find her. William said it wouldn't be hard. He would know her when he saw her, but Page was uncertain.
His boat touched sand. He stepped out onto the beach. His sword strapped to his waist. He held the hilt tightly. This was going to be an adventure.