Julian gave him a bland look. “Are you trying to frighten us, Calhoun?”
“Not at all, me lad. Only accounting for the captain’s strange ways. I’ve sailed on the Sea Witch many o’ times, and seen a few fellows cut their voyages short for disobeying the rules.” Smiling, he winked at Justine and me, which looked rather strange with the other eye covered. “You’ve nothing to fear from the captain. He’s a true gentleman with the ladies.”
“How reassuring,” Justine said in a wry voice.
The air changed on the deck, growing uneasy with a sense of impending danger. My shoulders tensed, and I darted a glance past the canvas to catch sight of a large man bearing down on our location.
“Ah, there he be,” Master Calhoun said. “A few minutes is all now.”
My breath caught as the captain stormed past us, glowering from beneath heavy brows and a mop of fair hair tied at the nape. “Weigh the mark!” he hollered once the plank was hoisted clear of the railing. “Curse this damnable mud! I’ll know what treachery awaits us below!”
A scrawny sailor stepped forward, his thin, pointed face reminding me of a rat. “Fifteen feet and droppin’, Cap’n. We be steerin’ a tight course to get through this time.”
Captain Lynch clasped his hands behind his back. Near Henry’s height, he towered over the other men, and with such light coloring, looked every bit a Viking. “The wind be in our favor, Donal. Think ye the devil has our backs today?”
“Like we was his own sweet babes, sir.”
A smile thinned the captain’s wide mouth. “Make sail then and we’ll race the tide to the sea.”
Donal saluted, gleeful from the prospect. “Aye, aye, Cap’n.” Turning, he held a wooden speaking horn to his lips. “Make sail!” he yelled, “afore the mud swallows us whole!”
Men scurried every which direction as sails unfurled from two masts. A rope dropped directly in front of me, and I yelped in surprise from the sudden appearance of a young boy. He landed lithely on two feet before dashing off to the far end of the ship.
A strong gust of wind filled the sails. The captain watched, barking out occasional orders as the ship launched forward in a masterful weave past a dozen large vessels. To my amazement, many of these tilted to one side rather than sit upright like the Sea Witch.
“Deeper drafts,” Master Calhoun said, jerking a thumb toward one of the ships. “Our Sea Witch be a shallow lady, or we’d be stuck fast like these till the next tide come in and lift us out of the mud.”
When we neared the middle of the river, Captain Lynch stomped over and glared at our group. No one spoke at first as sky blue eyes slid over us. A calculating stare took the measure of both men before moving to Justine and me. His look instantly changed, from cold calculation to heated admiration.
Julian cleared his throat. “We are much obliged to you, sir, for offering passage at such short notice.”
The captain dipped his head, and rain streamed from the corners of his hat. “Welcome aboard,” he said, in a soft cultured voice that belied the previous hollering. “It is my pleasure to be of service.” His gaze rested on me. “The value of your company surpasses any previous expectations I had for this voyage.”
Master Calhoun chuckled again. “Rightly so.”
The captain cut him a sharp look that served to silence any further comments.
Justine moved forward half a step and curtsied gracefully despite the tight space. “Thank you, Captain. Will we be sailing straight to Wexford?”
The heat leapt in Captain Lynch’s stare as he openly admired my aunt’s beauty. “Yes, my lady. God willing.” He looked to Master Calhoun. “Escort our guests below deck. I’ll send a lad to see to their needs.” With another bow, he turned and strode off to bark more orders.
Master Calhoun emerged from under the canvas. “This way,” he said, nodding toward the hatch.
We shuffled behind him. Rain spattered my face anew, and I pulled my hood forward for additional coverage. A gust of wind howled down the gangway, billowing the thick wool around me.
Selah...
My feet came to an abrupt halt as though latched from below.
Justine tumbled into me. “What’s wrong? Not wet enough for one day?”
“Shh.” I waved a hand to quiet her. The next gust of wind grabbed the edges of my hood and yanked it back.
Selah...
My heart leapt as I whipped my head toward Bristol and the river’s edge. “Did you hear that?”
Justine moved beside me. “Hear what?”
“Someone called my name.”
We stared at the docks, searching amongst the barely distinguishable forms. The foul weather had thinned the crowds somewhat, but there were still scores of people out for a day’s work. Rain ran in my eyes, and I swiped a hand across to clear them. Squinting hard, I caught sight of what appeared to be a man holding something black high in the air.