Page 53 of Mardon

“Mayhap. But my guess is that they’re going to raid the French ship as well.”

“Damn it,” said Aaron. “I’ll go report to the crew.”

He rushed away as Stitch came up the stairs, followed by Nairnie.

“Cap’n, I spotted the Poseidon on our tail,” said Stitch, taking the helm.

“Aye, I know.”

“Nereus is followin’ us?” Nairnie craned her neck to see. “Do ye think he’s plannin’ on boardin’ the Falcon?” she asked.

“I don’t think he’s that stupid,” spat Mardon, grabbing a skein of rope and tying it on his weapon belt. “But just in case, I’m going to leave half our men here to protect the Falcon. The other half will come with me.”

“Och, the crew isna goin’ to like that,” whined Nairnie. “They’re excited about the booty.”

“Well, they might change their minds when they see that.” He nodded with his head to the French ship. Smoke billowed up around it, and Mardon could see that the stern was engulfed in flames.

“Their ship’s on fire,” said Stitch. “I don’t think it’s safe to get close enough to board.”

“We have no choice,” said Mardon. “Emmaline’s on there and I’m not going to let her die. Take us in, but stay near the bow of their ship. This is going to be a fast trip. I’ll get her and go. If it looks like the Falcon is in any danger of catching on fire . . . then leave without us.”

“Leave ye on a burnin’ ship?” cried Nairnie. “Mardon, nay. Ye dinna ken what ye’re sayin’. Mayhap it’s best just to turn the ship around right now and no’ to go there at all.”

“I’m going to the ship, and no one can stop me,” growled Mardon. “I’m going to save Emmaline if it’s the last thing I ever do.”

Chapter 13

Emmaline’s entire body shook as she landed in the lookout basket and looked over the side. The ship was on fire, and two pirate ships were moving in closer. Most of the French ship had given up trying to put out the flames. They all ran to the shuttle boats and were lowering them into the water.

“My God,” she whispered, realizing this was all her fault. If she had never tried burning the painting, the ship would still be secure. Now, Mardon and his men were headed here, and they might die because of her.

She coughed as the smoke rose, and realized she was going to die if she stayed here much longer. If the main sail caught fire, she would be trapped and be atop a lit torch with no way down but to jump. She had to climb back down before it was too late.

As she put one foot over the side of the basket, the ship listed and she slipped. She screamed as she began to fall, her arms flailing in all directions, trying to grab on to whatever she could. Her body jerked backward with a hard yank and she dangled by one foot from the top of the mast.

Emmaline frantically tried to free herself, but between the smoke and the rocking of the ship, she felt herself losing consciousness fast. The last thing she remembered before she passed out was seeing Mardon jumping from the bowsprit of the Falcon, and landing on the bow of the burning ship.

Mardon landed with a thump on the bow of the French Ship, De la Croix that Jean Philippe had selfishly named after himself. Aaron landed on board next, followed by Goldtooth, Coop, and Ramble. Stitch was holding the ship steady, but had orders to leave if the fire came too close.

“Get the lass,” shouted Nairnie from the Falcon, waving her hands over her head to gain their attention. “The lass.” She pointed up at the sails.

“Why the hell is she telling me that?” grumbled Mardon. What in heaven’s name did the old woman think he was trying to do? “Men, this is going to be a fast trip. Stay away from the stern where the fire is the worse. Pillage what you can, and get back to the Falcon in five minutes. If you’re not back in time, we’ll leave without you.”

“Aye, Cap’n,” said Goldtooth. “Coop, help me with these barrels.”

“We can throw them into the water,” said Coop. “The rest of the men are waitin’ with spikes, ropes and grapplin’ hooks to pull the goods to the ship.”

“Watch out!” cried Aaron, jumping in front of Coop, taking down a crewmember of the French ship with his sword.

“I think most of the crew abandoned ship, but be on the lookout just in case,” Mardon told him.

Nairnie continued to shout, and Mardon wished she’d leave him alone. He had to find Emmaline and he was running out of time. He didn’t need distractions.

“I’m going to head toward the stern, just in case Emmaline is there,” said Mardon.

“Aye. I’ll go look on the other side of the bow,” said Aaron. “Oh, crap, here comes Nereus.”

Sure enough, the Poseidon pulled up on the other side of the ship, and Nereus and several of his men boarded.