Page 74 of Mardon

“Then go after her,” said Nairnie. “If we hurry, mayhap we can still catch her.”

Mardon heard Nereus shouting from his ship. When he turned to look, he saw the man waving his fist in the air.

“Well, I think Nereus found out what we did,” said Aaron. “We’d better make a break for it, or he’ll be boarding our ship with his men next.”

“Aye,” said Mardon, once again looking back at Emmaline. If he went after her, it could very well mean a battle and the loss of more of his crewmembers.

“We’ve got the clue,” said Goldtooth. “Forget about the wench.”

“Aye,” added Peg Leg. “Wenches on board are only bad luck and trouble.”

“Och, ye mean like this kind of trouble?” asked Nairnie, hitting the man’s wooden leg with her iron pan. Peg Leg Pate went down for the count. “Mardon, are ye really just goin’ to let her go?”

“It was her choice,” said Mardon, feeling his heart already aching. “I have a crew that’s depending on me and I can’t let them down.”

“Mayhap I should be hittin’ ye with this pan next,” spat Nairnie.

“Grandmother, he’s right,” said Aaron. “We can’t let Nereus get the clue. It’s too much of a risk to go back for her. Besides, a pirate ship is no place for a woman.”

“If it wasna for me, ye’d all be dead and Nereus would have the treasure right now.” Nairnie stormed away to the galley, and turned around just before going inside. “If a wench on board is bad luck, then ye’re really goin’ to see bad luck because I’m no longer cookin’ for any of ye.” She disappeared into the galley and slammed the door.

“Cap’n, should I set a course for shore?” asked Stitch from up above.

Mardon looked over to see the Poseidon heading right toward them. They had to lose them, but they were never going to be able to do it in the channel. They needed open water. “Nay. Head back north. To open sea. Let’s shake Nereus like dirt from our feet. I’ll be in my cabin.”

“Aye, Cap’n,” said Stitch.

“Everyone, to your posts,” called out Aaron. “Goldtooth, you’re in charge of the crew.” Aaron followed Mardon to the cabin, closing the door after they both were inside.

“Mardon, talk to me.”

“What do you want me to say?”

“You did the right thing,” Aaron assured him.

“Did I? Because I’m having doubts about that right now.”

“She was just a wench. She didn’t belong here.”

“Nay, Aaron, she was more than that to me. Emmaline was beautiful, special, and needed me right now, and I just let her go.”

“You did it for the crew. And the treasure.”

“I’m honestly starting to wonder if it’s all worth it.”

“Don’t say that! Of course, it is.”

“Leave me, Aaron. And I don’t want to be bothered unless it’s an emergency.”

“All right, if you feel that way.” Aaron stopped when he heard Mardon’s next words.

“Sleep in the lookout tonight, because I want to be alone.”

Aaron cursed under his breath and slammed the door behind him.

Chapter 18

“Cap’n, wake up,” yelled Ramble two days later, pounding on the door.