No lass would ever keep him from the sea, of that he was sure. But he couldn’t wait to see his friend and now was as good a time since they were in the area.
“Cap’n,” Peggy called from his position at the wheel. “We’ll be dropping anchor soon.”
“Good,” he said. “Have a few men remain on board and the rest of ye can go have yer fun in town. I will take my leave once everyone else is ashore, and then make my way to the inn.”
“Aye, Cap’n. That we will. Dinna fash yerself about it.” The man laughed, his broad smile showing a missing side tooth that only added to his character. He’d lost it in a brawl on one of their stops ashore.
“No’ too much fun.” Colin harrumphed. “I dinna need to be paying the townsfolk for the belongings of theirs ye’ve all damaged.”
“One time.” Peggy cackled with laughter. “That happened one time and ye havena let us live it down since.”
“Just remember my words.” Colin pointed at him. “I mean it.”
“Aye, Cap’n.” He locked the wheel in place, before calling over his shoulder, “drop anchor!”
“Anchors away!” A crewman answered back and Colin heard the creak and clank of the chains as the heavy weight dropped into the water.
There was no port in Lunan Bay, so they had to anchor in deep water and then take turns catching a ride to land on a small row boat. Colin got on last, allowing his crew to take their leisure first.
Once they reached land he swung his long legs over the side of the boat and stomped onto the soft sand. The sparse rays of sun seemed to seek him out, blinding him.
As he trudged through the sand, he saw a young lad dart behind a tree. Colin couldn’t help but chuckle. His reputation preceded him. Young lads always seemed to come out of the woodwork whenever he was in port to try and convince him that they were good enough to be a member of his crew. To be just like him. He was truly admired. And the knowledge of that, for someone like him, a pirate, was truly humbling.
An outcast from his own clan, Colin had worked hard to make a name for himself. In the process he also obtained a reputation of being ruthless. A title he wore proudly. For the poor souls that met his ruthless side, he took solace in the fact that their previous actions warranted such an outcome.
His nickname, though? That was all about the lassies. None could deny is honeyed words.
Colin looked over his shoulder and just like every other time, a group of boys began trailing along behind him as he walked toward the inn. The young lad who hid behind the tree fell in line behind them being careful to remain near the back of the pack.
Once inside the inn, Colin watched as he faded into a corner. He was definitely an odd one.
Music filled the room, and from what he could see, everyone seemed happy and well entertained. There wasn’t a man without a drink in his hand. Well, except the young lad whose eyes appeared to be glued to him, though he sat in the corner, trying to act nonchalant. Maybe he was intimidated by Colin’s crew. He wouldn’t be the first. Probably wouldn’t be the last, either. They were definitely loud and boisterous, but he couldn’t fault them. Not tonight. They all deserved a chance to blow off some much-needed steam after a tough few months on the water. He’d just make sure they didn’t get too out of control.
Sweeney, one of his crewmen, held a captive audience of men and women from town. He couldn’t hear what his deckhand was saying, but his story was animated. His hands were moving non-stop as he continued. Suddenly, he hopped up on the table, sloshing ale over the rim of his mug.
Sweeney swept his arm above the crowd, his voice raising so Colin and everyone else could hear. “And dinna ye fash yerselves, Cap’n Storm, who’s only captain due to treachery, will soon meet the wrath of our beloved Cap’n Honey!” He stomped his boot on the table. “To Honey,” he shouted, raising his mug in a toast.
What the hell? His men knew better. Hell, Sweeney knew better! How dare he speak out of turn. Colin seethed, his blood boiling. “Sweeney!” He boomed. “Get down. Ye’ve had enough.”
The man paled at the fiery anger Colin blasted him with. “Cap’n,” he scurried off the table and lowered his voice. “I meant no harm.”
Colin pierced him with a steely gaze. “Ye canna be shouting our plans to the world. Ye took an oath. And have broken it. Take yer arse back toThe Hella. I dinna want to see ye for the rest of the night.”
“But, I havena spent any time with the lassies.” Sweeney whined.
Colin shrugged. “Ye should’ve thought of that before ye started telling our secrets. Ye dinna know who is loyal to Captain Storm. Now, go before I make ye regret ever stepping onto my ship.”
“Aye, Cap’n.” Without a word to anyone, Sweeney stalked to the door and slipped outside.
Colin emptied his mug of ale in one long swallow and slammed the cup on the table, and then scanned the room. All eyes were on him.
“Weel, what are ye waiting for?” Colin yelled, holding his mug up for a refill. “Slainte mhath!”
A cheer rose up and his men went back to drinking and wenching. Colin could only hope everyone was too far in their cups or just didn’t care about what Sweeney’s little speech had alluded to. He didn’t need any trouble. At least not now.
Chapter Three
Exhausted from lingeringin the shadows, and discouraged from learning nothing new, Seonag headed for the door. She was just stepping into the night when one of the men stood on a table and shouted a name. A name that always tasted bitter on her tongue whenever it crossed her lips.
