I frowned.“Ceremony…”
He smiled with a certain smugness.“Have you ever had cacao?I know they have plantations on Jamaica.”
“Oh, aye.My mam used to get some for us once in a while and mix the ground beans with milk to sweeten the drink.”I glanced back from where we’d come.“Is that what Jimena was doing?Grinding cacao?”
“Yes, exactly.Here in Talamanca, among Jimena’s people, cacao is considered sacred.They conduct ceremonies where the substance is made into a special drink and is said to provide clarity, soothe fears and encourage connection between people.”
“Oh.I see.”
“We thought the ritual might do something for you, but also help all of us feel closer.And be a wonderful opportunity to experience the culture.”He gazed at me.“What do you think?”
“So…not only for me, then.”
“No, I suppose not.But I’m hopeful that…”
I shrugged.“No nightmares last night.I thought there might be, what with the excitement and the strangeness of being in an unfamiliar place.Although, in truth I hardly slept.”
“Yes, I had the same problem.”
I didn’t tell him about the near-drowning incident, and I had sworn Squid and Domingo to secrecy.They had agreed it was better if the captain never knew.
“How long will we stay?”I asked, uncertain about my feelings on the matter.
The beach was spectacular, the water clear, and the people friendly, but I still didn’t quite feel at home.I’d thought about returning to the ship with the others, but then I couldn’t bear to be separated from Captain Martin.As long as he wanted to stay at the outpost on Talamanca, I would stay with him.The thought occurred that he might want to be here longer than a week or two.
I stopped walking again.
“Wait a moment.You aren’t considering making a home here, are you?”
A pit opened up in my belly.Because I didn’t think I wanted to stay, and what would we do then?What would the crew do?Well, they’d nominate someone else as captain, I supposed.
“Good God, man, whatever gave you that idea?”Dinesh asked with a comforting amount of dismay.
The relief was immediate.“I don’t know.You seem so comfortable here.”
“Well, I know Francis and Jimena.And you can’t deny the beauty of the place.”
“No, I suppose not.But the heat,” I said, gazing around us, “And the insects and the lizards.”I made a face.
He laughed.“Are you such a prissy miss?”
I glared at him.“So what if I am?”
“For someone who grew up on an island, you’re awfully particular about those kinds of things.”
“Look, I ain’t perfect,” I admitted.“I’m also finding the environment…well, rather too still.I’m used to, you know, movement beneath my feet.”
“Rooster,” Dinesh said, gazing at me with wonder.“Have you become a dedicated seafarer in such a short time?Can’t abide the absence of motion and travel and adventure?”
I smiled.“Perhaps.”
“You know, I worried you’d love it here, andyoumight not want to leave.”
“Well, then.I’m glad we spoke of our fears.”
“As am I.Don’t worry, in a week or two I’ll want you back in our comfortable berth on theArrow, cleaning and sweeping and dusting and submitting to my—” His gaze tracked down my body.“—vast appetites.”
“Hmm.Well, I can do that last thinghere.”
