Here is another chapter for you! I am writing when I can...sometimes overthinking :) I hope you like it. Please let me know what you think. I appreciate everyone's review.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to The New Adventures of Sinbad - all this recognition goes to the Creator, Ed Naha.

Doubar caught sight of Riley meandering through the crowd towards them. He's been keeping an eye out for him for some time. He spoke loud enough to be heard to capture the man's attention, "There you are!" He waved Riley over as he stood near Captain Ryder and Max. "Come here and join us!"

Riley studied Doubar and walked cautiously, thinking that he said that to him way too cheerfully. As he stepped closer to the group, he immediately wondered how much ale Doubar has had already that night. His thoughts interrupted, the woman's voice standing near him soon caught his attention.

"You must be Riley. Captain of the Guards in Carthage, correct?" Max spoke loudly. Other than Doubar just speaking of him, She's heard of his name from past travels into that port before. She thought that she may have seen him there among the guards, though she did not recognize him.

Riley smiled, "Former Captain of the Guards", he corrected. He reached out to take a hold of her hand in greeting, "Your name would be?"

"You can call me Max", she answered, her eyes soon focused on his hand as she felt him not letting go of hers.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Max", he greeted her with a gentle kiss on the top of her hand. He did not notice Doubar roll his eyes at that gesture. He released Max's hand and turned to the man next to her,. Riley was about to speak but was soon interrupted.

"You can call me Ryder", the Captain spoke while taking a strong hold of Riley's hand, shaking it firmly. "HER husband", he emphasized. Ryder was not unaccustomed to men flirting with his wife. However, each time that it has happened a tinge of irritation would come to the surface. He is a possessive man and could not help it.

"Of course she is!" Riley grinned as he noticed a wedding band. He released Ryder's hand and looked to the crew, "Let me guess, old friends?" He knew all too well that sailors often run into familiar faces from port to port. Sometimes it was hard to keep track of whose ship belonged to whom, yet alone their ships' name.

Firouz nodded his head, "Yes, we go way back". He looked to Rongar, "A few years maybe?" Rongar confirmed with holding up an opened palm.

Firouz opened his mouth in surprise at the reminder, "Five years already?!"

"Goodness! The years do fly by while at sea", Max exclaimed, equally surprised.

Doubar looked to Riley, speaking up and getting to the point, "That's Captain Ryder and he's in need of a crew. I thought you might be interested".

"Doubar told me that you are looking to find passage out of port", Ryder included himself in the conversation. "What are your thoughts about joining my crew? We have space available if interested". He brought his mug of ale to his lips, waiting for Rileys' response to the offer.

That idea did not sit well with Riley. He bit his inner cheek in thought but spoke quickly. "I appreciate the offer, Captain. I will need to decline, as I am sure I have already made arrangements".

"That's fantastic news!" Firouz added with a smile, "I knew you'd find passage. With who?" He questioned curiously.

"The details have not yet been finalized, but it sounds promising", Riley informed the group with confidence . "I will be sure to tell you once its for certain they will take me on".

Max nodded her head in understanding and spoke for her husband as she wrapped an arm around his waist, "Do let us know if it falls through. The offer is still open".

"I appreciate that", Riley spoke sincerely and gave her a charming smile.

Doubar glanced at Riley, hoping for Sinbad's sake that it does not fall through.

xxxx

As the evening continued and the temperature cooled slightly, they remained on the beach talking; enjoying each others' company as well as the scenery.

Sinbad laughed at what Bryn just shared with him. "He did not!"

"He did!" Bryn smiled at his reaction. "You should have seen his face. He opened the door and entered the room at the worst possible time. She recalled that moment easily. Luckily my back was to him. As I was reaching for my towel, I heard the door shut and looked over my shoulder. He turned to face me and stood frozen in shock. His face turn a deep shade of red".

"Of all the people on the ship, Firouz was the one to walk in on you while bathing", Sinbad repeated, shaking his head. "Did he even say anything?"

Bryn shook her head, "Nope. He simply turned around and left. He avoided eye contact with me for the rest of the day and evening". She smiled at the memory. "I don't know who was more embarrassed". She then took a sip of her remaining wine.

"I wish I was there to see both of your faces", Sinbad answered amused. "What a surprise that must have been. Remind me to invest in some locks before we leave port", he suggested. His thoughts came to the realization of him not knowing everything that happens on his ship while at sea. Riley came to mind and he quickly shook his head slightly not wanting to really think about him. He took one last swig of his wine; finishing it and placed the empty mug next to him on the blanket. Looking back at Bryn, he could see her staring into the fire. "Bryn?"

"Hmm?" She looked up at Sinbad.

"I've been meaning to ask you this sooner but never got around to it. How's Anders doing? I know he came on board under not so great circumstances. How is he holding up?" He asked, concern evident in his tone. During their travels together, he could see that Anders has taken a comfortable liking to Bryn. It would not be a surprise to him for Anders to have confided in her for anything. She is an easy person to talk to. He knows from experience.

Bryn's brow knitted in thought, "I think he is doing better. Traveling helps distract him from thinking of her, I believe". She smiled, "He seems to be in better spirits lately". She paused, "Well, other than.."

"Than what?" Sinbad asked gently.

She looked up at him again, "He may have mention looking forward to having his own cabin again".

Sinbad nodded his head in understanding, "He just so happens to have one of the few cabins that fit two people. I know I've accepted passengers back to back. Once we leave port, he will have his own space".

Bryn spoke with sincerity, "He does enjoying being on the ship and being a part of the crew".

"That is all I ask. I would like him to stay on with us as long as he can. I, too, have enjoyed him being around. He is a good man and does good work". Sinbad explained. He left it at that, silently noting to himself that he should have a discussion with Anders and see what his plans were for the near future. In the back of his mind, he knew there was something else he wanted to talk to Bryn about as well.

"Would you like to go for a walk?" Sinbad asked. His answer was a nod of her head. He felt her lean forward; away from his chest and watched her stand up.

"That sounds nice", Bryn looked down on him as she straightened her skirt.

It was Sinbad's turn to stand, "We'll leave the fire lit. It will help us find our way back". It was dusk by that time and soon they would be surrounded by the darkness of night. He knew that it would be difficult to find the trail back up to the cottage when they would return. Sinbad stepped towards Bryn, pulling her closer as he placed an arm over of her shoulders. He smiled at her, "Let's go".

For a brief moment, they walked in comfortable silence close together; both listening to the sound of the waves crashing onto the shoreline. The sun already sank beneath the horizon; leaving the sky a light blue and purple-tinged gray. Sinbad stole a glance at Bryn as her eyes were fixated to the sea. The sight of her nearly took his breath away. She was beautiful in this lighting. Her rich brown hair fell softly passed her shoulders and her flawless skin looked milky white and soft to the touch. The usual sight of her sun-kissed skin from life at sea was more evident during the day. As she looked towards the ocean, her features were relaxed and a small smile was on her lips. He wondered what she was thinking at that very moment. He allowed his eyes to follow her body down to the sand, appreciatively, and could see that she chose to go without her sword.

"No sword tonight?" Sinbad interrupted her thoughts.

"What?" She asked softly as she met his blue eyes.

"You are without your sword", Sinbad pointed out. "I rarely see you without it".

"Tonight..." She smiled at him, "I was hoping I didn't need it".

Sinbad lightly squeezed her shoulders as they continued walking, "That makes the both of us." He paused, "Although, if trouble does come upon us, I will still..."

"..need me to watch your back?" Bryn finished for him.

They shared a look, remembering a similar conversation they had not too long ago; when they first met. Sinbad told her the same thing after he asked her to keep out of sight that day; which she did not take too well. They were running away from a monster that did not want Bryn out of its sight. She promptly told him that she could take care of herself. A fact she's proven many times during their voyages.

He was pleased that she remembered. "Exactly".

Bryn gave him a sly grin, "I can assure you, I have no problem watching your back. You never need to ask".

The Captain laughed at her admittance. She was teasing him. Thinking of that day, his eyes studied the sand ahead of him. He soon caught her gaze as he started to speak. "If it weren't for that storm and Maeve going..." He stopped mid sentence at the memory.

"Sinbad..." Bryn spoke gently. His hesitation worried her. It was rare for him to mention Maeve. The last time her name was brought up was within the first couple months of her joining the crew. Even Dermott hasn't spoken of her since then; at least not to her. She thought it was best to not speak her name unless someone else brought her up. After some time, she became accustomed to the ship and more comfortable among the crew. She soon sensed the subject of Maeve only brought pain and maybe guilt. She felt Maeve was a sensitive subject amongst the crew and Captain.

"…we never would have met", Sinbad continued. "Even though The Nomad barely survived that storm and we lost a crew member, I didn't realize how much good came from that day". He spoke sincerely, "This may sound horrible in some way, but if I had the chance to re-live that day, I wouldn't have changed course. I would go through that storm again. I wouldn't change a thing…as long as that choice brought me to you", he finished slowly.

They stopped walking, turned to face each other. She was at a lost for words by what she just heard. Bryn searched his eyes and saw nothing but truth. He looked as if there was something more that needed to be said.

Sinbad stepped forward and placed a hand on Bryn's cheek. He spoke softly, "What I am trying to say is that...I love you", he smiled, "I'm in love with you, Bryn. I have been for a very long time".

Bryn opened her mouth to speak but her voice got caught in her throat. She was caught off guard.

"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know", Sinbad quickly explained. He smiled and let out a sigh of relief. He finally said it and he said it to her.

Bryn felt the sting of tears threatening her control. She looked into Sinbad's eyes and asked softly, "You're in love with me?" She felt him place his hands on her waist and pull her closer.

He gave her an encouraging smile. He needed her to believe him, "Yes". He spoke firmly.

Bryn's lips curved into a smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She gave herself a moment to absorb his words as she looked in to his blue eyes. She spoke quietly, as if it were a whisper, enough for him to hear. "I can live with that". Deep down a part of her has known but didn't want to raise any hopes incase she was wrong. She never let her thoughts linger too long on that possibility. She thought that it would hurt to much.

Sinbad smiled in amusement at her words. "Good because there's nothing to be done to change that", he whispered back.

Their lips were a breath apart and Bryn could only nod her head slightly showing that she understood before Sinbad closed the distance; letting his lips meet hers. It was a soft kiss, warm, a promise. Bryn tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss as Sinbad hugged her closer to him.

It was in that moment a loud, thunderous, echoing sound jolted them apart. Still embraced they both looked around them. Looked at their surroundings.

"What was that?" Bryn asked as she rested a hand on Sinbad's forearm.

"It sounded like an explosion", Sinbad stated as he took a step back to look towards the direction he thought it came from. Behind Bryn, the shoreline curved in the direction of town. From a distance they could see the harbor, where the ships with furled sails were docked. At this time of the evening, they could see small spots of lights, most likely from lit lanterns on the ship or a lantern closer to the docks. Shadows of a dark rising cloud and the flickers of flame were evident. "That doesn't look good".

Bryn followed his gaze, "Smoke?". She hoped that it was not the case and that her eyes were playing tricks on her. They both shared a look of uncertainty.

"It's too close to the water. I could only guess that a ship or the dock just exploded", Sinbad thought out loud. He immediately thought of his ship and wondered if Firouz still had a stash of exploding sticks on board. His features grew worried; wondering if any one of his crew were near there.

Bryn's thoughts were right with him, "The crew?" She questioned out loud. She too started to become concerned. Not only of their crew but of anyone else near that explosion. If there were anywhere there, they would be badly injured.

"Hopefully they were clear away and are indulging in some fine ale at the tavern", Sinbad responded. He caressed her arm lightly.

Another blast startled them both. They both quickly looked back towards the harbor and could see more smoke pushing up through a cloud of dust and more flames. Sinbad and Bryn's eyes grew wide at the sight in front of them.

Sinbad placed a hand on Bryn's back and spoke to her without taking his eyes of the harbor, "I think we need to get going".

Bryn knew exactly what he meant, they needed to make sure the rest of their crew were alright and to see if their ship was still intact. She nodded her head in agreement and followed his lead as he started off into a run back towards the path.

Once they reached the path back up to the cabin, Bryn stayed close as Sinbad lead the way to the stall where their horse was kept. "Sorry, we're not done for the night", Sinbad spoke to the horse apologetically once they entered the stall. He gave it a pat on the nose and quickly placed on the saddle and adjusted the reigns. Once settled, he climbed on to it's back and gave Bryn a hand to pull her up behind him.

"I'd hold on tight", Sinbad said once again as he looked over his shoulder at her.

"I know", Bryn replied as she wrapped her arms around his waist. She knew that it would be a fast ride. Sinbad wanted to get back into town as soon as possible.

As soon as they made their way out of the stall, they were at a gallop, back on the road heading towards the center of town.

xxxx

"What in the devil?!" Doubar questioned out loud. He scanned the room. It seems everyone else in the tavern were just as surprised and unsure as he was. The sound of the explosion was a shock. Doubar looked to Rongar and Firouz, they both were scanning the crowd as well.

"That definitely sounded like a blast from an explosion", Firouz spoke up loudly. He shared an uneasy look with the crew. "A big one".

"From where and what?" Riley asked. He placed his mug of ale onto one of the nearest high tables and started to walk towards the entrance.

"There's a fire!" A man entered the tavern and yelled to the room. "At the docks!"

Soon people started trickling out to see what was happening outside and to be of help in dousing out the flames.

"Let's get to The Nomad", Doubar ordered. He soon realized that there was a chance their ship was damaged by the explosion. He hoped that it was still in one piece and that no one was badly harmed. As he started making his way to the door, he looked to Rongar and Firouz, "Keep an eye out for Anders".

Captain Ryder turned to Max, "Come on. We better have a look on our ship as well".

Max looked worried as she followed her husband. Soon she gripped his arm tightly as another explosion vibrated through their core.

xxxx

"Any sign of Dermott?" Sinbad yelled to Bryn as he tightened his hold on the reigns. He hoped that their falcon could tell them anything of what was happening in port and especially of news about the crew.

"Not yet!" Bryn replied, loud enough for Sinbad to hear.

As the rode harder and faster, the smell of smoke invaded their senses. They were getting closer.