Hi everyone. Thank you for sticking with me and being patient with my updates. I am still writing...and writing. Please share your thoughts with me on this story and new chapter. I love hearing from all of you! Wishing you all a lovely week!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to The New Adventures of Sinbad - all this recognition goes to the Creator, Ed Naha.
The streets were soon crowded with townspeople and sailors running towards the docks. All were prepared to help distinguish the flames. Anders and Lara were among them. Lara held on to Anders' hand tightly as she followed him. He was walking at a fast pace, close to a run. "Anders, please stop!" She yelled to him. She was starting to panic. Still holding on to his hand, she stopped walking, keeping her feet rooted to the ground. She did not want to go further.
Anders felt her hesitation; he turned to look at her and could see that she was scared. "Are you okay?"
"Why are we running towards it?" Lara asked loudly. "Shouldn't we be running away from the explosions?" She looked at the people walking past them, thinking that they were all out of their minds; including themselves.
Anders looked torn between making sure she was alright and making sure the ship was still intact. "I'm sorry! I need to make sure The Nomad and crew are okay".
She looked unsure, "Weren't your crew at the tavern just now?"
"Not all of them," he answered with a shake of his head. "You go back to where it's safe!" He let go of her hand. "I will find you later". He could see the worry on her face and spoke reassuringly. "I will be fine!"
She nodded her head, her brows drawn together with uncertainty. She could see that there was no stopping him. Determination was in his eyes.
"If you see Sinbad or Doubar, anyone from my crew, tell them I went to the ship!" Anders instructed before turning away.
"Be careful!" Lara yelled. She watched as his back disappeared into the crowd before she turned to run in the opposite direction. "This is madness!", she said out loud to herself. She picked up the hem of her dress and quickly made her way back to the center of town, in search of her family and friends.
xxxx
The scene was absolute chaos when they rode back. People filled the streets searching for loved ones and answers. It was clear that the explosions were indeed at the harbor. Burning ships lit up the night as huge plumes of smoke blew inland.
Sinbad's eyes searched the crowd in hopes to see his brother; any of his crew members. Beneath him, the horse grew agitated by the smoke. It wanted to bolt; most likely in need of cleaner air. He felt Bryn adjusted her hold on his waist. She sensed the horse was uneasy about the scene before them too.
"I think we are better off on foot", Sinbad spoke up. He pulled on the reigns, directing the horse away from the road, closer to the trees. He dismounted, deciding not to tie him up. It was probably better for him to be free and able to run to a safer distance if needed. This horse was smart, he would know where home was at the end of any day.
The sound of Bryn coughing got his attention. Her head was down, chin close to her chest as she coughed again.
"Are you okay?" He quickly helped Bryn off the horse, his hands firm on her waist.
She placed her hands on his shoulders for support. As her feet touched the ground, Bryn nodded her head. "I'll be fine. The smoke just got to me for a moment".
Sinbad released her, concern still in his eyes. "It's going to get worse the closer we get to the ship", he warned.
Bryn nodded her head in understanding as she looked towards the glow of the flames and the rising smoke. It seemed all of the town came out of their homes. "Where do we start? The tavern?"
Sinbad started to walk towards the docks, "If I were Doubar, I'd head to the Nomad".
Silently agreeing, Bryn followed along side of him. She soon thought of Dermott and hoped that he was alright. Hoped that he was clear away from the explosions. The falcon's absence worried her. She gave herself a moment to concentrate; with no luck. She couldn't sense him. Please, be okay, she thought to herself as she walked quickly with Sinbad.
xxxx
Due to the invading smoke, Anders shielded his nose by the crook of his arm as he came to a skidding halt. The sight before him was shocking and a relief. The Nomad was still afloat. Though, from where he stood, flames were clearly on deck. He made a run towards the ship. He had to find his balance as the dock below him moved with each hurried step. The explosion must have damaged it as well as the surrounding ships. It was a wonder the dock was still afloat. If it weren't for that, he wouldn't have been able to make it on board.
As soon as he made it back on The Nomad, he could see that debris flew from one of the explosions and landed on the ship. Anders looked to the object; it was already in flames and was spreading through one of the coiled lines. He had to think quickly. He tore the shirt off his back, in hopes of using that to smother the fire out. "Come on!" Anders yelled in frustration. It wasn't working. His shirt was soon in flames. He dropped it with a curse and stomped on it as he looked to the burning lines. He needed to stop the fire from spreading even more.
He turned away and ran towards the hatch. He ran below deck. "I need water", Anders spoke to himself out loud as he aimed for the galley. His eyes scanned the room looking for anything useful. He found a bucket and filled it from the water barrels in the hold.
Adrenaline was flowing through his veins. He was sure he could feel his heart beating faster as he waited for the bucket to fill from the spouted barrel. His eyes looked above him as he heard hurried footstep on the deck.
"LET'S GET THIS FIRE OUT!"
There was no mistaking Doubar's bellowing order. He decided the bucket was full enough. Standing, he ran towards the ladder just as Rongar opened up the hatch.
"I'm a step a head of you", Anders stated to the surprised Rongar. He handed the bucket to his shipmate. "Go! I'll fill another!"
xxxx
"Oh no no!" Captain Ryder repeated in dismay at what was in front of him. They've just made it to the docks' landing. Through the smoke and flames, he could see that one of the ships' main deck collapsed in on itself. The flames grew higher on the mast, touching the sails. It's main top sail was already laying on the deck burnt and broken. It was his deck…his ship.
Max gasped behind him at the horrible sight.
Ryder turned to his wife and took a hold of both her shoulders. He looked at her sternly, "Max, stay on the dock! Don't put a foot on that ship until I say so! I will be back!"
"No!" She tried to argue; taking a hold of his arm firmly before he could leave."It's too dangerous!" Her voice rose in panic.
"Someone could be hurt", Ryder tried to reason with her. His thoughts were of his crew as well. "I need to make sure and I need to know you are alright while I am doing that!"
Her eyes widened at that very idea of the crew being there. "You will need help", she said pointedly. She spoke quickly before he could say another word, "I'm coming. I'll be careful." The look in his eyes was either anger or fear. "Let's not waste time arguing about this!" She added.
Ryder shook his head and sighed. His wife could be damn stubborn when she wants to be. "Max…" He watched her move past him towards danger and immediately felt ill. He did not know what he would do if anything happened to her.
xxxx
As they neared the landing, Sinbad and Bryn could see lanterns lit on the nearby beach. They could guess that injured sailers were laying on the sand as the townsfolk tended to them as best they could. Sinbad immediately recognized a woman hurrying her way there with a basket of towels in her hands.
He called to her, "Quinn!"
Quinn stopped in her tracks and looked towards the sound of her name. "Sinbad? You're here!" She sounded relieved.
Sinbad ran to her, "Are you alright? Finn?" His thoughts went to her brother as well. Anyone could have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Quinn nodded her head, "Yes! We are both fine! We were at the inn when it happened. It's the others", she gestured towards the beach. "Some are badly burnt". She made eye contact with the brunette standing beside Sinbad and knew immediately who that could be. She felt sympathetic. Sinbad's planned evening was ruined. She quickly introduced herself.
"I'm Bryn", Bryn nodded her head in greeting with a small smile.
"Have you seen Doubar? Any one of my crew?" Sinbad asked hopefully.
"I last saw him heading towards your ship", Quinn answered. "Don't worry, he was no where near the explosion." She assured him. She tilted her head towards the beach, "Firouz is actually helping out with the injured".
Sinbad and Bryn exchanged a look of relief. He was not surprised Firouz would be quick to put his skills to use. Sinbad let out a breath."Thank you!" He looked at her, still concerned. More questions were stirring in his mind. "How did this happen?"
Quinn could only shrug. "I have no idea". She shook her head as she spoke, "No one else knows that I've come across and asked".
"Captain Sinbad!" A panicked voiced called out.
All three of them turn to Lara who quickly strode up to them. She spoke fast, "I can't believe I found you! Thank Heavens!"
Sinbad placed a hand on her shoulder, the woman was obviously upset and could tell she needed to catch her breath. "Lara, right?" He remembered her from the tavern. She nodded her head. "You're safe", he gave her shoulder a squeeze. He watched her nod her head and was glad that she heard him. Her breathing was starting to slow down.
"Are you hurt?" Bryn asked her gently.
Lara shook her head, "It's Anders! He ran straight towards the ships after the explosion! He's crazy, right?" She push a strand of hair away from her face as she spoke. "He wanted me to tell you. I just hope that he's alright".
Sinbad couldn't help but smile at her words. "Thank you for letting me know".
"It sounds like, it's best for you to get over to your ship, Sinbad", Quinn added. She turned to Lara; certain that she needed a distraction to calm the girl down, "Why don't you come help us out on the beach?"
Lara nodded her head, "Sure! Whatever you need!"
Sinbad nodded his head in agreement. He looked to Bryn.
"I'm right behind you," Bryn assured him before he could speak.
xxxx
"Max! Stay away from that edge!" Captain Ryder ordered his wife. They were on their ship overlooking the collapsed portion of their deck. It was dark; smoke and dust were enveloping their senses.
"I hear someone!" Max responded with wide eyes. "It's coming from below!" Much to Ryder's dismay, she took a small step forward, peering down, searching for a way to get to whomever is in need of help.
Ryders' eyes looked above them; the flames on the other furled sails, did not bode well. He wanted to avoid any part of the beams and other burnt debris from falling on them. He had no idea how to put out that fire from where he stood. Already, he felt defeated.
"There! Hear that?" Max asked him. "Someone is calling for help!"
Ryder did hear it. He recognized the voice. He slowly stepped closer and could see, by the light of the flames, that they were taking in water. His ship was in poor shape. At least the flames below deck were manageable. He thought quickly, and searched for rope, any line that was not damaged.
"I'm going below", Ryder stated as soon as he found something useful. "You, my dear, is staying up here". He pointed towards the burning sails above, "Stay clear from the topsail. It's about to come down".
Max followed his gaze above, her brows tightened together in worry, "Alright".
"It's probably best you stand near the rail until you hear me call out", he decided. The last thing he needed was for her to get hurt. "The crew may need help pulling themselves up". He looked at her small frame. Even though she was petite, she had strength in her that would surprise any one.
xxxx
"It's out!" Doubar sighed in relief. They managed to keep the flames from spreading on The Nomad. He looked at the rope and frowned, "Ruined but out". He gave it a good frustrated kick. "Damn!"
"It could have been…worse", Anders pointed out slowly. He caught his breath from running, in haste, back and forth to refill the bucket of water.
Rongar agreed with a nod of his head. He placed a hand on Doubar's arm, guiding him to step back. He bent over to study the rope and pulled out one of his knives in hopes see what he could salvage.
Taking a step back, Doubar knew they were both right. He felt that they were lucky. On the top deck, he could see other ships that did not fare well. "What a mess!" He wiped sweat off his forehead with the back of his arm. Immediately thinking of what they can do to help the other people in this port town.
"Doubar!" Sinbad called out from behind them, relief was in his tone. He and Bryn were just stepping on to the ship. His eyes focused on his brother and friends, "Is everyone alright?"
"We're fine but there is some damage to the ship", Doubar answered. He was glad to see that Sinbad and Bryn were there and safe as well. They must not have been very far. "How are you guys?"
"We're okay. Is there anyone below", Sinbad asked. He needed to make sure everyone was alright.
"It's clear", Anders responded confidently. "No one else is on board".
Sinbad glanced at Anders and could only guess what he went through to keep his ship from further damage. The burnt shirt off his back was evidence enough of his loyalty and hard work. He took a step towards him and gave him a pat on the back. "Good work," he said appreciatively.
Anders shrugged as if it was nothing, not used to recognition.
In an instant, a womanly shriek followed by a loud crash filled the air. It was coming from a nearby ship. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound.
Startled, Bryn's breath caught in her throat. She was not sure which ship it came from. "Someone's in trouble!"
"There!" Sinbad pointed. He was just able to see a silhouette of a person on the deck of a ship, arms up, shielding oneself from the flames. The Captain was already at a run, "Come on!"
xxxx
He recognized the ship as they got closer to it, The Seahawk. He knew that it was Ryder's ship and could only assume that scream belong to Max, his wife. That realization motivated him to run faster. Once his sights passed The Seahawks rail, he could see what predicament Max found herself in. She was on her knees, bending forward, peering down the massive hole. She was surrounded by broken debris and roaring flames that were uncomfortably close. He could see that it was that cause of one of the sails and beams that fell from above. She was damn lucky that it had missed her completely.
He knew his crew were closely behind him, he quickly held out a hand for them, "Stop! Most of the deck has collapsed", he warned them.
"That's not going to hold all of us", Doubar added. He looked unsure, "Maybe not any of us!"
Sinbad glanced at Doubar reassuringly, "I'll take it slow". Looking back at Max, he could see that she did not yet notice that they were there. "Max!" He called out, trying to capture her attention.
She heard her name and lifted her head up. Her eyes widened at the sight of the sailer and long time friend. "Sinbad!"
"Are you hurt?" He asked.
She shook her head at him quickly and pointed below. "It's Ryder! He is down there!"
Her attention was soon diverted when she heard her husband call out to her from below. "Ryder! Are you guys okay?!" She yelled downward.
Sinbad turned to the others, "We need to be quick". The creaking sound of the ship and the crackling of the fire did not help anyones nerves. "Rongar, come with me. The rest of you stay back on the dock. There is only so much weight the deck can handle right now. We're going to send Max your way and pull Ryder and his men up. I don't think that rope is going to do the trick here. Who knows how long that will last".
"Who knows how long the deck will last!" Anders added.
"Sinbad, the fire is spreading!" Bryn warned him.
He nodded is head in understanding, "I'll be fine". He turned to Max, "We're coming closer!"
Max nodded her head and looked back at her husband. "It's Sinbad! He's here to help!" She recognized the crew member with his arm draped over her husbands' shoulders for support. "Mark? Are you alright?", she yelled below, concerned.
Mark gave her a small wave with his right hand, "I'm fine now", he called out.
"Sinbad!" Max exclaimed as her friend approached them. Relief was seen all over her face.
Sinbad stepped around her, placing his hands on her shoulders. He steered her towards Rongar, who was right behind him. "You need to get out of here. The fire is spreading fast. Go with Rongar!"
Rongar confirmed with a nod, taking Max by the hand to guide her off the ship safely. Max conceded, she knew these men and trusted them to get her husband off the ship as well. Sinbad gave Rongar a pat on the back to capture his attention. "Come back carefully. I will need your help pulling these men up".
Captain Riley kept his eyes above him, straining to hear what was happening. He could no longer see his wife peering below. He assumed and hoped that Sinbad was making sure she got off the ship before anything else happened.
Sinbad looked down below, immediately recognizing his friend, "Ryder!"
Ryder smiled, "Sinbad!" He didn't hesitate to ask, "Max?"
"She's safe", Sinbad assured him. "Is there anyone else below?"
"I've got one man unconscious", Ryder called up to him. "We may not have enough rope", he added.
"Don't worry. We'll find something", Sinbad took a step away from the ledge, quickly searching the deck for anything. He had very little options. When Rongar came back on board, he realized, the best option was themselves. He needed another person.
"Rongar!" Sinbad made eye contact with the Moore. We've got three men to pull up. "I'm going below to help carry one of them over. We'll need another set of hands".
Rongar understood and quickly walked over to the rail. He placed two fingers to his mouth and let out a loud and sharp whistle to capture his crews' attention. They looked back at him from the docks. Rongar pointed directly at Anders, gesturing for him to come on board.
xxxx
"Anders! Go! It looks like they need more help!" Doubar lightly pushed the new crew member forward.
"We need to take out the fire!" Max exclaimed, looking onto their ship. Determined, she started to walk towards the ship again to find something of use and be of more help.
"At this point, that's not wise", Riley overhead Max's statement as he approached the crew. Like the others, he heard the commotion and came to see if there was anything he could do. He caught a hold of Max's arm before she could go further.
"There is no way we can put this fire out. It's too large and spreading too fast", Doubar took the words right out of Riley's mouth. "Don't even think about going back on that thing!" He knew if he allowed her to do that, Captain Ryder would never let him hear the end of it.
Max looked like she was about to cry. "That is our home", she mainly spoke to herself.
"This is ridicules! We are surrounded by water!" Doubar exclaimed in frustration. He took a step closer to Bryn. "Bryn, your powers?" He looked at her hopeful. "Can you do anything?"
Bryn looked at the ship that was ablaze in front of them. The fire on deck was rising higher and getting more out of control. "Okay…okay…". Bryn repeated quickly. Her thoughts were of the men that were still in danger. She did not know where to start and needed a moment to concentrate. Her eyes darted between the ships and the open ocean. They needed more water.
"Bryn!" Doubar tried to coax her to hurry.
"What do you expect her to do!?" Riley raised his voice to Doubar. He felt the man was putting more pressure than he should on the girl.
"Shhh…, Bryn spoke patiently to both of them. She took a step forward, closer to the edge of the dock, and closed her eyes. A gust of wind flowed through her, causing her skirt to press against her skin. She stood still as locks of her hair flew around her.
"What's happening?!" Max yelled. She could feel her own hair being pushed away and getting tangled in the wind. At that moment thunder rumbled above them.
Everyone was equally wind blown when a loud crack of lightening caused them to jump. Max looked at Bryn. She knew of her Bryn's powers, but was still amazed of what this woman was capable of. Her friends' eyes were shut tightly. Max knew whatever Bryn was doing could not have been easy. Soon she could feel misty water landing on her cheek. Mist had quickly turned into liquid drops.
xxxx
"What in the…" Sinbad just climbed below deck to join Ryder. He felt water droplets fall on his head. Soon there were surrounded by crashing rain.
"This is unexpected", Ryder added. He had a glimmer of hope. His ship may have a fighting chance. No fire would survive this.
"Come on, let's get moving", Sinbad suggested. He looked at Ryder's crew member, "Mark, right?" He received a confirmed nod. "We'll hold you up while you reach for Anders". He knew Rongar was up there to support Anders as they created a human rope. The one Ryder had secured earlier had already started to burn. "Sit tight once your up there", Sinbad instructed. He knew he needed help off the ship. He could tell that he favored weight on his left leg.
"We're ready!" Anders called out to them. The rain was pouring down his face as he looked below. He soon felt hands wrapping around his wrist. He took a deep breath and pulled the man up. The extra weight caused Rongar to tighten his hold around his legs. Anders let out a grunt as he pulled Mark onto the deck.
Sinbad and Ryder were both pleased to see that work. Ryder look to the Captain in front of him, "Now here comes the hard part. He's out cold, a dead weight".
Sinbad noticed a table that fell to its side. He pointed at it as he spoke, "Let's move that here. We'll put him on the table and hold him up from there. It will help".
"It will be slick from the rain, but we will manage it". Ryder agreed.
xxxx
"Is this her?" Riley asked anyone that could hear him. He kept his eyes on Bryn. She stood so still against the wind. The rain kept coming down on them. He's never witnessed anything like this before.
"It's working!" Max stared at the diminishing flames. She couldn't believe what was happening. She stared in awe. Quick movement captured her attention as she saw Riley run to Bryn's side.
"Whoa!" Riley exhaled as he caught Bryn in his arms. She lost consciousness, almost falling into the water before her. He lifted her up in a cradle between his arms. He looked to Doubar alarmed, "Is this normal?" He asked concerned. She felt limp in his arms as he held her.
Doubar shrugged, "I don't know what is normal anymore! Sometimes she exhaust herself with her powers, especially when she taps into something she's never done before". Doubar gestured to the sky, "This is definitely something new!"
Max approached Riley and placed a delicate hand on Bryn's soaked brow. She looked her over and could see that she was at least still breathing. "We need to get her somewhere warm and dry so she can gain back her strength." She paused, one of Sinbad's long time crew members immediately came to mind,"Firouz will know what to do!"
"Last I saw him was on the beach", Riley responded. "I don't know how warm that…"
"Go!" Doubar interrupted him, "Sinbad and the others shouldn't be won't be far ". He knew that Max was right. Bryn needed her rest now. They could handle it from here on. "Once everyone is out of harms way, maybe we could try to figure out what the hell is going on in this port!" He added out loud.
Riley nodded his head in agreement, he already started to take a step backwards before leaving. He was happy that Doubar trusted him to do this and hoped Sinbad would feel the same way once he hears word of this. He left them without another word.