Hi, my dear readers!

Just in time for the weekend comes the next update. I know that all are hilarious that Wendy and her captain are reunited, but as you can imagine that a lot will happen next. For one Dalton's going to learn that his rival is still alive (and that Wendy fled the manor), Wendy also meets her best friend and her mother again, Hook faces the challenge of being a perfect host (yet he wants nothing more than being alone with his sweet wildcat), and they have decide how to proceed to find Peter.

Have fun and thank you so much for the reviews last time.

Yours Lywhn / Starflight

Chapter 50 – Pow-Wow

At the same time Wendy and Hook were re-united, the guests within Ashford Manor gathered for breakfast. Finally the viscount arrived in the dining room, too. Curtseying, Olivia wished him a good morning and asked how Madame Lunette was doing.

"She sleeps, but I'm sure her daughter will join us later," he answered brusquely.

"Then I set a place for her, Milord," Oliva answered; trying to act as normally as she could. Yet she felt tense around him – now, after she had learned of what he was capable. But she had the excellent servant's talent for concealing from her employer what she knew.

"Fine," Ashford replied while sitting down at his own place. "Has Miss Darling arisen?"

"I knocked at her door half an hour ago, sir, and got no answer," Oliva informed him carefully.

Dalton remembered that Brynna told him she'd given Wendy another small dose of sleeping draught in her tea. "Then let her sleep. I'm sure she'll feel better for it." He took his napkin and looked at his guests. "Enjoy your meal. Tomorrow we breakfast under different circumstances."

Einar waited until the maid had gone, then said slowly, "You're determined to return to the island?" As the viscount nodded, he took a deep breath, exchanged a glance with the others and continued, "Our deal was for one trip," he said firmly. Dalton looked at him sharply, and Einar added, "Of course you can count on us, but we have two issues. We found no 'treasure' in Neverland except the handful of jewels poor Edgar found aboard the ship. There was no gold in the caves, nothing of value for us. So, we require the same payment as a safari. I think fifty pounds per day in Neverland for each of us would be appropriate."

Ashford nearly choked on his kippers. "How much? The price for a safari leader is twenty pounds per week, as you well know!"

"Hazardous duty pay, Milord," Wickham threw in. "This is no normal safari, but-"

"Until now it was an ordinary safari," Dalton interrupted. "Except for three of you creeping into a dragon cave, nothing extraordinary was demanded of you. And you knew about the dragons in advance."

"No, nothing extraordinary happened on the island," Jackson scoffed. "Only being blasted by cannon fire – twice!"

"Yeh, once as we chased your bride and that pirate through the woods and the other time when he attacked us to get the girl and boy back," Oscar Allister added.

"You knew the danger," Ashford said firmly. "We had a deal -"

"—which included finding gold and jewels there – but all we got were a few rings and necklaces. And Edgar Russell is now transforming into a merman!" Wickham added with a hint of outrage.

"The fact is, Milord," Anders spoke up, "that we're going to face far more danger when we return. During our first visit, the inhabitants knew nothing about us, now they're aware of our weapons and our faces. And they will all be hostile after we killed the Little People, a few Indians and worst of all the pirates' precious captain. I'm sure that you -"

"And I'm sure that another visit to Neverland won't be necessary," another voice announced from the dining room door.

Everyone turned to look at: "Fulsom," Dalton responded. "Back in time, I see."

"Of course, Milord," Kenly replied. "And I have news you're not going to like." Removing his spare cap, he presented himself to his employer. (Dalton wasn't surprised to see the driver in the house. Fulsom had his own set of keys for the main gate and the garage.) The young man offered him a newspaper; face grim. "If you please, Milord, look at the front page."

Seeing Fulsom's frown, Dalton took the newspaper and opened it. The others saw him blanch, then flush; he looked up; grey eyes crackling with fury. "He lives!" he snarled throwing down the paper beside his plate. "That thrice-accursed one-handed bastard is ALIVE!" he shouted. "How! How could he survive that shot!? I shot him in the heart! I saw it, dammit! I saw it with my own eyes!"

Anders – recognizing the subject of Ashford's rant – bent forwards, took the paper, skimming the front page, seeing the evidence for himself. Pressing his lips into a thin line he glared at the photo that showed an animated and smiling Captain James Hook shaking another man's hand who was wearing a modern suit. One moment – a modern suit?

"Who is it, Milord?" Jackson demanded.

"Hook," Einar answered, knowing Dalton was too heated to reply. "He is alive – and here, in London." He flipped the paper around to let them glimpse the photo, then read a few lines of the article. "He's here with his whole crew and his ship at the St. Katherine Docks." He snorted. "And he wants to offer sightseeing tours on a ship that he' restored' that once belonged to his 'ancestor.'" He shook his head. "Clever scoundrel, a good story. This way he will be welcome in all societies."

He handed the paper to Alister, who passed it about the table. Anders asked Dalton, "What now? Hook is here, and we all know why. He wants that scamp and the little hellcat back."

"The only thing he'll get is another bullet!" Dalton growled, slamming his fists onto the table.

"No!"

All turned again toward the door. There stood a woman in a wine-red dress, with long black hair. They all knew her potion had worked and that the old housekeeper would no longer look the same, but seeing her awake and up, radiating an almost demonic energy, years melted away, made their hair stand up.

Brynna moved like a dancer. She ignored Fulsom, pausing next to Dalton. "You won't make the same mistake a second time, Dalton." A raised finger to stop his protest. "In Neverland you could shoot him with no court to condemn you for murder. But if you kill him here, in England and not in self-defense, you will hang." She snatched the paper from the group. Skimming the article, she snorted in amusement. "What a cunning man. He is a worthy opponent, Dalton, so fight him with today's weapons, not with a gun." She shook her head. "At least you can spare yourself and your men a trip back to Neverland. Hook and his crew didn't come alone. He also brought the boys back." She pointed Dalton to the second photo, tapping on the grainy image of Nibs.

"He's one of Pan's bunch," Dalton hissed and looked closer. "At least he used to be. If I'm not mistaken, he is one of Wendy's adopted brothers."

Lunette continued. "You do know what this means? If there's no need to 'rescue' the Darling-boys, you've no reason to demand gratitude from their father." She continued, looking disgusted, "Additionally, the boys will have told their parents their version of what happened in Neverland. You might now expect Mr. Darling burst in your front door and demand the return of his daughter, who will certainly confirm her brothers' tales."

Morton leant back on his chair. "Bad news, Milord. You got the egg, and Madame Lunette got her youth, but what have you got?"

"I'm not done yet," Dalton spat, while Fulsom examined the black-haired woman. This was the old housekeeper? "I'll force Wendy Darling to marry me," Ashford continued, smiling grimly. "I'll offer her a deal. I'll tell her where the boy is if she agrees to become my wife."

"You really are obsessed with this girl," Wickham groaned. "Aren't there any other pretty girls around you could pursue instead?"

The angry eyes, now silver, stared at him. "You might well pray that this deal is made, because otherwise you all can wave farewell to your fees. I need her father for it. The 'decent Mr. Darling' certainly won't deny his son-in-law a little credit – if only to make sure that his sweet pretty daughter has a good life and not a husband with a bad reputation."

The men looked at one another and frowned. "Are you penniless, Milord?" Anders asked, eyebrow raised.

"No, not completely, but I can't ask the old man to pay my debts," Dalton replied cooly. "So, if you and the others insist on the sums you just mentioned, then it's in your own better interest that I come to an agreement with Miss Darling."

"You want to tell her where the boy is?" Fulsom shook his head. "You wouldn't get a quiet moment once he's freed …"

"I want to kill two birds with one stone," Ashford interrupted. "The boy is important not only to Wendy, but also to Shalford – that bloody Hook! He and the boy seem to be friends. I can still hear the churl screaming when he thought his friend was dead. And Hook stopped his attack the moment he knew the boy's life in danger. Both of them are each other's weak spots. The solution is easy. I'll tell Wendy that her little friend will be freed if she agrees to marry me. Also, I'll send Shalford a message. He can get the boy back in exchange for leaving England – forever! If not, the boy will die. Wendy made it clear that the boy can't live on the Mainland for long, so he'll have to return to Neverland soon. Hook certainly knows this. If he wants to save the boy's life, he will comply – meaning, sail away. Perhaps to a harbor somewhere near Dover, a location we can agree on, where we'll to hand the boy over. At least that's what I tell Shalford."

"Pirates don't play by the rules – and this one is no exception," Morton pointed out. "He will try to trick you."

Dalton smiled icily. "I know – hence we play dirty, as well. Wooden ships are … vulnerable. Sadly, Hook won't reach safe harbor, bank on it. A tragic accident will do the trick. Possibly … an explosion in the powder room."

Brynna watched him, eyes narrowed. The plan sounded mildly credible, yet her newly gained insight that bristled in her was warning her. Something wasn't right – something would go wrong. She knew it. Hook – Shalford – had already cheated death. Twice that they knew of. How he'd managed was a riddle for her, but she would get the answer. What was far more important was the fact that the man was here in England and would fight for what he thought was his: Miss Darling and the boy. And he also would try to discover what had taken place to destroy his family so long ago. She knew there was far more at stake than gambling money and romantic rivalry. This would get nasty. She was secretly pleased that no one except herself and the viscount knew about Dalton's gambling debts …

She couldn't know that Dalton Ashford's dishonorable actions were secrets no more – nor that a certain pair of long ears had heard every secret they'd shared.

*** PP *** PP ***

Neither Wendy nor James had any thoughts for the viscount just that moment. The girl clung to the tall frame of 'her' captain, face buried against his throat; listening to the strong beat of his pulse and breathing his familiar scent. Hook held her close, unwilling to let go. He had spent hours planning her rescue, and now she was here. Just like that! And he raised a heart full of thanks for her. "How did you escape?" he whispered in her ear.

"I stole Dalton's motorcar, then used the train and the tube to get here." Wendy looked up, hearing him chuckle, eyes sparkling in amusement.

"You stole his motorcar?" When she nodded, he smirked, "That's my Red-Handed Jill."

Wendy grinned and winked at him, then made a face. "Well, not so much stole as borrowed. He'll probably have it back by tomorrow." Then she pushed her arms around him again, blissfully disregarding the attention of her mother, her best friend, a certain young reporter and the boys.

Though no one was currently paying attention to them, Mr. Smee suddenly shooed the two fairies and the pixie back into the captain's quarters. "Off ye go!" he said firmly. "We canna let ye get seen by th' workers here! Off wit'ye!"

The Good People didn't like to be waved off like flies, but they obeyed. They knew that they had to stay hidden, no matter what happened on deck. Fascinated, Vicky and Daniel watched them leave their trails as they disappeared into the anteroom, still not fully convinced that fairies and pixies really existed. Vicky shook her head and turned to her friend still entwined with the tall man.

James, now aware of his guest, whispered, "Kitten, you just broke into a pow-wow."

"A pow-wow?" Wendy murmured into his chest. "With whom?"

Tossing his head toward the bridge, he told her, "Take a look."

She did so, and her eyes widened in shock, seeing the faces of Victoria, Daniel Kempton, Smee, and her mother, all with their various reactions. Oh dear…!

Someone tapped on her shoulder. "Welcome back, sister."

"John!" Wendy whirled and pulled her brother into a hug, then Slightly and Nibs.

Nibs laughed. "Everyone was wracking their brains about how to get you out, and here you are!"

"How did you get away from that stinker?" Slightly demanded.

"Robert, language! Viscount Ashford is obviously a treacherous scallywag, but I forbid questionable language!" Mary had descended to the deck to her daughter and the boys.

Wendy smiled up at her mother. "Mommy," she said softly, eyes shining. Mary reached out and stroked her cold cheek.

"My sweet precious girl," she whispered. "You're back." Then she pulled her daughter into a warm embrace. "You have to tell us how you escaped."

"Let's take this to my quarters," James said firmly. "You, my dear, need to get warm and your story, as usual, isn't fit for all ears." He looked at her closely. "Have you eaten today?"

"No, I…"

"COOKSON!" Hook's voice thundered and the ship's cook came running, wiping his hands on his spotted apron.

"Aye, Capt'n?"

"Prepare a late breakfast for Miss Darling."

"But not too much," Wendy added.

James frowned. "You're skin and bones, Wendy, and – yes – you will eat a large breakfast!"

"He's right, you know. You could use something on your ribs," she heard a familiar voice, and Wendy remembered that she had seen Victoria on the bridge. "Vicky!" she yelped, embracing her friend as they met. Both girls held each other tightly, shouting gleefully "What are you doing here?" – "What did my stupid cousin do to you?" – "How do you know?" – and – "I can't believe those stories are TRUE!"

Slightly scratched his head, glancing at Nibs, then at Hook, who rolled his eyes. How like a girl!

"You know who she is?" John asked quietly and the captain made a face.

"Aye," he grumbled. "Victoria Ashford – your sister's best friend. And I'll be dammed if I'll kick the girl off of my ship, even if she is an Ashford. Your sister can be rather … ferocious when it comes to those she holds dear."

Nibs took the opportunity to greet Mary. "Mother!" he smiled and threw both arms around her. Mary returned the embrace, then propped her head against his. "Ethan! I'm so glad that you're well."

He sighed, he chuckled. "Sorry that I didn't go with the others yesterday, but … uh … Captain Hook needed someone who could … explain a few things to him and the crew."

Mary cast a look at the tall man, whose blue eyes were still fixed on the girls with the mixture of frustration and amusement. Right this moment, he looked exactly like her husband! "I know what you mean," she smiled.

John approached them, pulling someone along with him. "Mother, I want you to meet Dark Owl?"

The brave crossed both fists against his chest and bowed deeply. "Dark Owl greets the mother of Three Strengths. May the Great Spirit keep you close to His heart."

Mary had never met an Indian before. She had no knowledge of their people's traditions, polite phrases or common habits, but she recognized the good words, and the young man was paying respect to her. "I too am honored to meet the blood brother of my son. May the sun always shine for you," she replied; hoping that this was an acceptable answer. He smiled at her with his almond eyes, which told her that she had done it right.

Wendy finally released Victoria, and greeted the boys and Dark Owl. Fascinated, the brave looked at the other white woman. This was the third paleface with red hair he'd met, and he wondered how many fire-haired people lived in this new land. But the curiosity went both ways. Both ladies and the reporter tried not to stare at the young Indian while looking at him closely, yet they were fascinated by his long black hair, his leather clothes, the copper skin and the proud, erect way he held himself.

Hook had watched the little scene with as much patience as he could muster; now he cleared his throat. "If you are all finished with the introductions, I suggest we concentrate on our next task: Rescuing our troublemaker Pan. And, Wendy needs to eat." He nodded towards the companionway. "Follow me."

*** PP *** PP ***

Viscount Ashford climbed up the stairs to the guest wing of the manor, still brimming with anger. Not only had his ungrateful crew demanded more money – money he did not have available – no, that cursed Shalford was still alive. Even worse, the cretin was already in London. Dalton knew that trouble was coming, but he would gain the upper hand again. And this time; forever! He wouldn't be beaten by a two-hundred-year-old crippled criminal!

He stopped outside Wendy's guestroom door and took a deep breath. He assumed that the following encounter might be … unpleasant, but sooner or later the young woman would see reason. Knocking firmly at the door, he opened it when he got no answer. He'd had enough of her sulking. "Wendy, we have to talk," he said as calmly as he could, seeing her still beneath the thick covers. "I know this all is a little bit much for you, but nothing will change if you continue to hole up here and avoid me." He leaned over the bed and took the comforter. "I won't leave before we've talked-"

The words stuck in his throat as he pulled the blanket away and found … nothing. Flabbergasted, open-mouthed, he stared at the pillows, arranged to look as if someone was lying here. It took a moment, then he grimaced, let the comforter fall, whirled around to look into the wardrobe. And there he saw her coat, hat, boots and a few other items were missing. "That … little … spoiled … brat!" he whispered, anger flowing hot in his veins. That saucy infuriating vixen had LEFT him! Then he tried to regain control. She couldn't be far – the gate was locked, so was the door. She had to be somewhere!

Striding out of the room and downstairs, he summoned the others. The manor had many rooms. The more who searched for the missing girl, the better …

*** PP *** PP ***

Wendy would not be found by the viscount.

Her heart leapt in delight as she walked into the aft cabin. She was instantly surrounded by a cheering pixie and two giddy fairies – hopping on her hat, on her shoulder, pulling at her scarf and cheering her in their deliciously sweet language. "Tink! Aurora – Kailen! You're all here?" the girl beamed, offering her open hands where all three promptly settled. "You all came to help Peter and me? Thank you!" Gratitude swelled in her heart.

"Help you both of course we will," Kailen piped up, fairies nodding.

"Hat and coat, my girl," James said behind her, the three sprites taking the air again, while Wendy slipped off her outer garments. Hook made the next attempt to be a proper host. "May I … uh … take everyone's coats while you're here?" he asked.

Wendy smiled a thank-you at James and looked around. She finally noticed the temporary wall and the slight but lingering scent of burnt wood. "Is this something Dalton did?" she asked, horrified.

"You should see what's behind the wall. I hope London still has a few good carpenters and glaziers for an authentic refit," Hook commented dryly, while Smee piled coats and hats on the captain's bed. (Certainly, he had never needed a coat rack before.)

Frowning as James spoke so openly about the ship's age, Wendy glanced sideways at Daniel Kempton, who sighed and waved a hand. "I've been briefed on the situation by Miss Victoria concerning your … books, that they're more historical than fiction." He glanced pointedly at the three sprites.

A knock at the door. "Miss Wendy, yer handbag." Billy Jukes delivered the satchel she had forgotten on deck.

"Oh thank you, Billy," she said, her face suddenly contrite. Something in the satchel moved, and as Wendy quickly knelt, opened and emptied it onto the carpet, something rolled on the floor. "He" rather than "it." Aghast, Daniel, Victoria and Mary saw another kind of little being, taller than a foot, that uncurled himself, shook his head and peered around. He caught his own tail with the red tuft, stroked his mop of red woolly hair, straightened oversized pointed ears – and opened his mouth to bellow: "Kneiilnarrigglionnsesh-kalirronimuuuriklal-nsewarrentllainti-kellinjavokelinsabushias-kemminakamala! Never again such a trip! Never, never, NEVER!" He looked at the tuft in his hands. "And losing hair off my tail I did! And this rumbling, waggling, bouncing … Poor Bumblyn! Sick and cold he is!" And he did indeed look utterly miserable.

"I know what he means," Smee sighed beside a wide-eyed Daniel and Victoria; Mary gasped.

"At least t'en ye won't eat us outa ship an' 'ome," Cookson responded, who had just appeared with a tray full of cups and plates, assuming that his captain would also serve his guests. He glared daggers at the newly revealed bogey.

Bumblyn shot the cook a furious glare. "When I get your belly, then quiet I'll be!" he groused, then fingered felt his furry pate. "Me hat! Where me hat?" He dove into the satchel again, rummaging through it.

Quite unexpectedly, Hook and Smee burst into laughter. Promptly Bumblyn appeared again, his hat clutched in one hand. "No laughing to poor Bumblyn!" he frowned and wagged a short finger at them.

Wendy cooed, and took her little friend into her arms again. "Don't complain, Bumblyn. We made it! We're free and back where we belong," she said cheerfully.

Pouting, the bogey looked up at her, tail wrapped around one of her arms. "Hungry and cold I am," he sniffled.

Giving him a snuggle, Wendy chuckled, "I know, my brave little hero. Breakfast is on its way." Then to her mother, Vicky, and Daniel: "This is Bumblyn, the Hobgoblin," she told them. "Bumblyn, this is my mother." Bumblyn immediately sensed her warm nature and smiled tentatively. "And this is Victoria, my best friend," Wendy told him next.

He gulped. "Hello," he whispered, blushing under her look of wonder.

"Amazing – our glutton grows shy," Hook teased, then to the ship's cook. "Bring a tray for this walking stomach here, or he'll finish ours before we can start," he ordered, nodding at Bumblyn.

Cookson slid another glare at the hobgoblin, who felt very brave in Wendy's arms and stuck out his tongue at the other. Bumblyn had never forgiven the ship's cook for trying to kill him with a frying pan in the Black Castle, and Cookson had never forgiven the Hobgoblin for nearly destroying the kitchen there. Cookson mumbled an acknowledgement and strolled away, after which Bumblyn thumbed his nose at him.

"Old hatred?" Vicky guessed.

"Old conflict," Wendy sighed, placing her little friend on the table. Instantly Bumblyn's attention was immediately drawn to the rest of James' breakfast, but before he could grab a mouthful, Wendy caught the back of his garment. "No, Bumblyn, behave! That's James', not yours! Just wait a little longer."

"That big ugly Biguns (nasty mortal) won't give Bumblyn enough!"

Wendy let go of him when another strange voice said, "Says who?" Then came the pop.

Mary let out a startled yelp, and all turned. The visitors all stared at a miniature pirate who suddenly appeared on the dining table. His smiling green-blue eyes glanced at the Hobgoblin. "He's ordered, amigo, and the cook'll follow them. Fear not, you'll soon have enough to round you out again!"

"Esteban!" Hook snarled. "Dammit, you little sneak, I've told you to knock before you enter my cabin!"

"And miss the best part?" the saucy creature laughed creakily. "No, Capitaño, certainly not!"

Daniel was still trying to catch his breath at the newest appearance. "What …? Who …? What is he?" he finally breathed.

"Esteban – my ship's Klabautermann," Hook grumbled. "And the most invasive nuisance I ever met – next to that little pest Pan!"

Daniel nodded, eyes still wide, making his habitual mental note to get more information later. Such as, what, for God's sake, was a 'Klabateman'? Was it even English?

Wendy sighed. "James, no one is going to believe that you still hate Peter." She giggled when she saw him grimace, then turned, feeling a whiskery kiss was pressed on her hand. She smiled seeing Esteban's look of affection. Noticing the bandage around Esteban's head, she asked, "Was that from Dalton?"

Esteban shrugged. "Si, Señorita. But what they tried to do was worse." He pointed at the temporary wall.

"Thank you for defending me," she said, stroking his hand affectionately. Promptly he flushed.

"Denada," he mumbled.

At that moment, Cookson and Jukes arrived with two enormous trays piled with a variety of island foods. Behind them, others brought extra chairs. Moments later, Hook, Smee, Wendy, the four boys and their guests sat around the large table, a cozy group. James could barely remember when he had experienced something like this the last time. Perhaps in the Navy? Or back at the manor with his family? Bumblyn, Esteban, Tink, Aurora and Kailen were on Hook's desk, eating a few small bites, too – well, except for the Hobgoblin. He already emptied his second plate; never looking up once, but almost inhaling the food.

Because James had already eaten, he made certain that everyone had enough tea and bread with different marmalades, cheese and honey. And he made sure that Wendy got at least three slices of cornbread with toppings and berries and three large pieces of fish. The girl's eyes shone: finally tasty food again! She had grown to love it on her visits to Neverland.

Hook leaned back, watched her enjoy her meal, and when she slowed, he asked, "You must relate how you were able to skive Ashford's motorcar."

"You did what?" Mary, who had accepted a bit food out of politeness, looked at her daughter in shock. Victoria just laughed.

"I borrowed it," Wendy said quickly, "without asking in advance, I admit. If I hadn't, I would not have been able to escape. And I'm sure that the motorcar will be back at the manor today or tomorrow. I left a letter on the driver's seat in the station in Guildford, so-"

"You drove from the manor to Guildford?" Mary asked, voice hardly above a whisper. "You … you've never driven!"

Wendy shrugged. "I've done it a few times at the schoolyard when classmates became visits from their older brothers or sisters. And I've watched you and Father drive. And, by the way, I had no other choice. It's not hard once you get the hang of it. Since Lunette was toying with dark magic to 'youth-en' with a potion from Peter's blood -"

"Old Brynna Lunette became … young again?" Vicky blinked a few times. "How … how in the world? And what do you mean by 'dark magic'? And … Peter's blood? You don't mean literal blood, do you?"

Wendy looked at Smee, who sighed, "I tol' th' capt'n what ye tol' me, lass, but yer friend's still in th' dark."

Wendy looked at Victoria apologetically. "I'm sorry, Vicky, but I do mean his literal blood." She took a deep breath. "I know this is hard for you, but hear me out, okay?" As the other girl nodded, Wendy launched into the tale of what she and the two bogeys heard, why Daniel followed her to Neverland in the first place; bringing her, Peter and then the dragon egg along back; hoping to arrange for George Darling to help him get a cheap credit.

As she finished, Victoria sat wide-eyed; she had crossed her arms in a protective gesture Wendy recognized, almost shrinking against Daniel. She'd been right; there were things Vicky couldn't believe! She had thought her friend's stories fantasies; that fairies, pixies and other Little People never existed; that the handsome pirate was only in her imagination.

BUT here she was – aboard his ship, facing the very captain of Wendy's tales and watching two fairies, a pixie, a Hobgoblin and a Klabautermann eating nearby. If Neverland and everything her friend had experienced there was true, then wouldn't she have to believe her newest stories as well, as bitter as they were? "Brynna Lunette …" Victoria finally murmured. "I admit, she was always a bit odd and … curious. Sometimes it seemed like she walked around covered in a black shroud, but that she is a real witch …"

"Professor Hutchings knows her for a long time, and called her a wise woman, but then the temptation to real power became too strong," Wendy gently told her friend. "The professor and I actually saw her transform from old to young, hardly older than we are. Her hair grew black, her face was smoothed—"

"That's what Dark Owl saw, too!" the brave rose to speak. "Back in Neverland, before we left. He told Iron-Hand about it and went with him on the ship, because Dark Owl knows how the witch looks now."

"Are you sure that the woman in your dream … vision … or whatever and Brynna Lunette are the same person?" Victoria asked with a gulp.

The young warrior nodded. "Dark Owl saw her in another vision earlier. She was with the young man with the fire hair who came to Neverland and trapped Peter. Dark Owl saw he was with the woman in a large stone tepee and stole an old pot with three legs."

John now took over the tale. "Given Dark Owl's description, we concluded that the old woman and the young man with the fire hair – who turned out to be Fulsom, the viscount's driver – were in an old church surrounded by a cemetery, and stole a cauldron from there." John added, "I remembered an old legend in Surrey that -"

"Oh my God!" Mary gasped. "Last week – Wednesday, I think – there was an article in the newspaper. Someone broke into the old church in Farnham and stole Mother-"

"Mother Ludlam's cauldron," Hook joined her in unison. He lifted both brows.

"You were right," Nibs nodded.

"A cauldron my ancestors forged!" Kailen spoke up. "Woe unto her if using it she does for black magic! My folk will make her pay!" he threatened, then turned back to his food.

Slightly rubbed his chin, leaning back from the table. "Maybe she needed it for the potion that made her young again or for the one she wants to brew from the dragonling's blood to cure the curse," he mused.

"The curse…" Vicky snorted. "Most of the Ashford men die young, or before their time. It's also said that many of them weaken from an unknown malady before they just … fade away. Uncle Marlow suffers from it and I know that he has visited many doctors. But no one has been able to diagnose him so far, let alone cure it." She looked from Wendy to the boys and back. "You think it's a real curse?"

Wendy nodded. "That's what Nissa told us – and Lunette seems convinced of it. Otherwise why send Dalton to Neverland to get a dragon egg? She needs the dragon's blood for the 'cure' – and the professor and I will try to save the little one before the witch uses, or maybe kills it. The professor will inform me as soon as the dragonling begins to hatch and I will-"

"You, young lady, will take no more risk because of a reptile," Mary said firmly, but was ignored.

"Bloody hell!" Vicky swore beneath her breath and rubbed her forehead. "Isn't it a lovely family I have? My cousin's housekeeper is a thief and a witch, his driver is a kidnapper. And my cousin is drowning in gambling debts and kidnaps my best friend because he wants her for himself AND wants credit from her father. AND my uncle is dying early from a curse."

"And he kidnapped Peter – and he killed Little People," Wendy added. "At least that's what I learned from Bumblyn and Professor Hutchings." Her eyes narrowed. "He shot James, too, nearly killed him. And for that he will pay, too!"

Silence.

Victoria could only gape at her. "What?" was all she breathed, then she turned towards James. "My cousin … shot you?" Her voice rose an octave or so.

Wordlessly, Hook pulled the golden necklace from under his black collar. A pale shimmering thing hung there that Victoria finally guessed was a kind of scale – a scale with something stuck in the middle. "You might wonder what this dark thing in the middle is: It's a bullet. If not for this dragon scale, I'd be dead now," James said with surprisingly calmness.

Wendy paled when she saw the scale. She had heard the tale from Smee, but seeing it with her own eyes made a chill run through her, how close she had come to losing James forever. She reached out a trembling hand, closing fingers around the scale, then met his eyes. A shade of a smile appeared on his face. "Your thimble, dear girl, saved me. Never underestimate the power of a thimble in Neverland," he said softly.

"Aye," Slightly nodded. "'Tis a powerful thing."

While the young red-haired lady only closed her eyes in horror at the thought that her cousin had truly meant to kill another man, Hook addressed her, "Your cousin aimed well. I wouldn't stand a chance without the scale Wendy gave me at the beach. It comes from the same dragon Wendy befriended."

Vicky, still shaking her head in disbelief, looked at the other girl. "You befriended a dragon?"

"Yes, and she is a very young dragon," Wendy nodded. "They're not like the stories we tell of them. They're intelligent, perhaps even cultivated. At least as long as you're polite and respectful towards them. And they tell jokes, enjoy riddles, and are fiercely devoted to their mates and younglings." She took a deep breath. "And the latter is a problem we shouldn't underestimate."

"Aye," the captain agreed. "That egg Ashford stole, holds Master Ayden's unhatched son. You can imagine how that beast reacted to it."

"I don't have to guess, I know." Wendy gave a quick grin. "He reacted as you did when you learned of Peter's and my abduction: with a violent fit."

Hook looked at her in mock annoyance – he hadn't had a violent fit. He'd been angry, that's all! – but as 'Jill' only gave him a smirk, he skipped his reply. Instead, he glared at Smee, who only smiled back. "Gossip!" the one-handed man grumbled. There was a hidden smile from Smee and masked snorts from the boys and the Good People.

Daniel Kempton felt pressure behind his temples. Real dragons? Victoria, too, was trying to absorb the information. With a groan, she dropped her head to her arms on the table. "This is worse than the cat stealing the mutton! It's absurd!" She looked up and about her again. "And undoubtedly the truth." She squeezed her eyes shut, before she added, "And you know what Wendy's flight and your arrival here mean, Captain?"

"Aye! Your cousin isn't done yet," James said pointedly. "He met two of his goals, but he still owes a great deal of money – his debts as well as payment to the men he hired. So, he still has more to lose than to win – and he won't give up."

"I can hope that he will leave Wendy alone," Mary said quietly.

Hook pulled on his goatee thoughtfully. "You're right. She is valuable leverage."

"Nothing new there," the storyteller sighed, rolling her eyes.

"We're not in Neverland and the threat this time is different," James told her. "And therefore you'll stay somewhere safe."

"A good idea," Mary agreed, nodding. "I'll take you to Aunt Millicent's."

Wendy looked at her mother in disbelief. "What?" Victoria understood her misgivings.

"I promised to transport Robert to his mother this morning, and you can come with us. I'll bring a few clothes over later -"

"NO!" she said strongly.

"Wendy, sweetheart, please be reasonable. I know that you and your aunt don't see eye-to-eye, but she was dreadfully worried about you and she does love you," Mrs. Darling pointed out.

"I don't doubt that," her daughter replied. "But Dalton knows about Aunt Millicent, and I'm sure he learned plenty about her when she and Lady Catherine chatted during the ball. Aunt Millicent mentioned the area she lives in several times, and Dalton could surely discover her address. And while Aunt Millicent's bearing can be quite daunting, I don't think she'll stop Dalton or the others from getting in the house if they want to."

Mary pursed her lips. "You might be right," she finally admitted. "If those men are that ruthless, I'd hate to endanger poor Millicent. I'm sure she would give them a very hard time but …" she shrugged, "then you come home with me -"

"Where Ashford will surely look first! And even if the boys are all good fighters – I have to give them that – they'd be unnecessary targets," Hook interrupted. "The safest place for Wendy is here, aboard the Jolly Roger."

"That's what you said the last time," Slightly added under his breath.

Hook gave him a withering glance. "'Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me' as the saying goes. In Neverland I mistakenly thought he had some decency. I couldn't imagine that he could be as ruthless as I. But I know him now. And, as our young gentlemen consistently remind me: We're not in Neverland anymore. Here Ashford wouldn't dare to do what he did in Neverland. The Jolly Roger anchors in a protected dock and is guarded at night, as I saw yesterday. There are guards around us – something I would not have tolerated earlier, but I'm pirate no more, only a 'harmless seaman with an old ship.' Ashford or his men would be instantly arrested if they tried to use force against my men, my ship, me – or our storyteller. I will double the guard aboard and pull up the gangway. No one will come aboard without being seen by my men or the St. Katherine guards. And if he tries something during the day, his chances of success are naught."

Mary was listening, a frown between her brows. "Captain, I do understand that your men are skilled fighters, and that your history gives you advantages the viscount can only dream of. I do believe that Wendy would be safe here, but …" she took a deep breath, "… it's socially impossible. She would be a young woman alone aboard a ship full of men."

James grinned. "To quote your daughter: Nothing new there. It isn't her first time aboard, and it won't be the last."

Mrs. Darling frowned. "We both know what happened here and -"

"The harpies?" Hook avoided the sensitive subject of his and Wendy's relationship among the mixed company, and indicated the water closet door, which still bore the claw marks of those beasts. "They're not in England, only a few ravens and I chased them away."

"Captain, I'm sure even during your time it would have been scandalous if an unmarried woman remained alone with a man in his home … domain … property, or whatever you like to call it. The times may have changed, but not that much! It would ruin my family's reputation!"

"But Mother …" Wendy tried to protest, but Mary remained firm.

"We're not in Neverland here, as several have already pointed out, Wendy. And you're not a little girl anymore. If you expect even the tiniest chance that your father will agree to … to your heart's desire, then we have to play the game by the rules. You know how he is. Honor and decency are cherished values, and I hope that your actions out there –" she tossed her head toward the door – "will not become public, or there will be problems."

Wendy stared at her mother set, stern expression, and knew that she wouldn't change her mind, and groaned. Victoria gave her a gaze full of sympathy, then suggested, "If you need a chaperone, I could stay."

"Victoria, that's very kind of you, but then not one but two young ladies would be compromised," Mrs. Darling sighed. "And I wouldn't know how to face your aunt and uncle later, if I allowed it." She straightened in her chair. "My decision stands. When I take Robert to Millicent, I will return to pick you up and take you home with me. Victoria, perhaps you could remain here until I come back." Vicky only raised her brows; Mary cut off any protest from her daughter with a sharp gesture of her hand. "End of discussion!"

James was disappointed by this decision, but he could understand the mother's concerns. It was the only socially acceptable thing to do – regrettably. Leaning toward her, he placed his hand on Wendy's shoulder. "Sweetie, your mother is right. As much as I would love to have you aboard and never let you go again, but we are in England now - in London no less. Society demands certain rules and even I, who rejected rules long ago, have to play along sometimes." He met her large, dove-blue, disappointed eyes and smiled encouragingly at her. "Heads up, Jill, we still have an hour or two before your mother comes back." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mrs. Darling tensing, then added as casually as possible, "During that time you can fill me in on what happened after I left the ship in Neverland to help our friends, and who this 'Nissa' is you spoke about. And after that you can play the teacher, because I have a lot of questions concerning what's happened around here." He gave her a hidden wink – and she knew that this was not all he had in mind.

"All right, I'll pick you up in two or three hours, Wendy," Mary said. "The same goes for you two," she addressed her sons, before she glanced at her nephew. "Robert, are you ready?"

Slightly frowned. Of course, he wanted to see his new mother again, but … "What about Peter? We still have to find him!"

"Mr. Kempton told us before you and the others joined us that a colleague could find an orphanage administered by a Mister Primely," Mary explained. "I think that will be the quickest way to find your friend."

"Finding and rescuing are two different pairs of shoes," Slightly said slowly. "And knowing Peter, he'll be beside himself after days being locked up and facing the nightmare of growing-up. He will need familiar people around him; friends – brothers – he knows and trusts. No, Aunt Mary, listen. We two were rather close. It was Peter who saved me years ago when I fell off a bridge and into the Thames. It was Peter who got me out of the river, who kept me warm by taking me to Kensington Gardens and the fairies there. When he learned I had no parents and that I was too late for the last bus that would take me back to the orphanage, he offered to take me to Neverland. He showed me around, he taught me how to fight, how to read tracks in the jungles and how to swim, how to hunt, which fruits to eat. He was always there for me when I needed him – and now he needs me, all of us. I will not let him down. When you return to pick up Wendy, I'll come with you and stay aboard until Mr. Kempton can tell us where this orphanage is. Only when he is safe and sound back aboard will I go home." These were the words of a young man, that much Hook could hear. And not only he, but also Mary, who closed her eyes and sighed.

"Your mother won't be happy," she said quietly.

"I know, but family has to stick together, no matter what. That's something I learned from her and from you and Uncle George. I'm sure that you can agree with that."

James hid a grin, glancing at Smee, who smiled. There were reasons that Slightly had been Peter Pan's second for so long. And given their history together, it was no wonder that those two were close.

"I can bring you along back, but you have to get permission from Millicent," Mary said after pondering. She knew that her new sons and nephew still felt connected to Peter. She rose, and instantly all males around the table did as well. "Thank you for your hospitality and your open words, Captain," she told him. "I hope that I'm able to liaise between you and my husband in good faith, benefitting us all." She turned for her coat and her gaze fell on the members of the Good Neighbors, who watched her. Again, amazed upon seeing them, Mary smiled. "Thank you for your help," she said softly and addressed the Hobgoblin. "Especially you, Bumblyn. Thank you for watching over my little girl."

"Now I'm a little girl again, but too grownup to stay here without hurting the family reputation," Wendy pouted.

This time James grinned. "T'is the fate of all young grownups, my dear."

Bumblyn, mouth still full, waved shyly at the woman. She laughed quietly. 'Walking talking stomach' was the perfect description. Hook – always the gentleman – held her coat for her and showed her the mirror in his water closet so that she could fix her hat properly. Then she and Slightly departed, Smee on their heels to escort them down the gangway.

And none of them could know that this day would be even more turbulent than the one prior.

TBC…

Well, did I promise too much? There was really a lot going on in this chapter, and if the two lovebirds think that the day will be more peaceful afterwards, they're greatly mistaken, even IF they have a little bit of time for themselves in the next chapter. But then the whole chaos will catch up with them again.

Furthermore Dalton begins to realize that they must have a 'traitor' in the manor and confronts Professor Hutchings, Slightly shows one time more how much matured he has when he meets his mother Millicent again, and Victoria proves her loyalty to Wendy (and James).

I hope, you liked the new chapter and the beginning of a few new developments within the story. Like always, I'd be very, very happy to get some feedback.

Have a nice rest of the weekend,

Love

Yours Lywhn / Starflight