Chapter 4
The next morning, Katrina was faced with her father’s fury over her nightly walks about the ship. He’d forbade her to leave their cabin for the rest of the voyage unless she was chaperoned and a guard would be posted at their door nightly to prevent her from sneaking out. She knew it would be impossible to get around and she would not be able to see Jack. Now what was she going to do?
Just as Jack had said, they’d sailed into a storm that afternoon and for the next two days, the ship was tossed about like a leaf in the wind. Waves crashed over the sides sending water everywhere and causing men to scramble for whatever they could hold onto. Thunder rumbled louder than all the cannons aboard ship and lightning streaked across the sky providing the only light. Day and night blended together as black clouds filled the skies and seemingly endless torrents of rain combined with the waves.
Alone in the cabin, Katrina huddled in her berth, clinging to the beam that arched over the tiny space. She was terrified that the ship would be destroyed and she’d never feel Jack’s arms around her again. And if they survived the storm, what danger awaited them? Jack had been right about the storm. Was he right about the danger that loomed somewhere in the distance?
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In the wee hours of the morning of the third day, the storm subsided and as Katrina lay in her berth, she could hear footsteps on deck and unintelligible orders being barked. What was going on? Where was her father?
The sound of the cabin door opening reached her ears and she remained still thinking it was her father. In the next minute, a hand covered her mouth to prevent a scream.
His breath was hot on her skin as he whispered, "Tis only I….come with me."
Without question, she allowed him to take her hand and lead her out of the cabin quietly. Cautiously, they made their way into the hold of the ship, ducking into dark corners to avoid other crew members as they moved about the ship. The noises she had heard in her cabin were louder now and she could clearly hear orders to prepare cannons being given.
"Jack, what is going on?" whispered Katrina as they waited in a dark corner for a group of soldiers to go by.
"We’re about to be boarded."
"By pirates?"
Jack nodded his head as they moved out and continued to the hold.
"Where are we going?
"I’ve found a safe place for you to hide. Do NOT leave it, savy?"
Katrina nodded, "Yes."
"I’m going to stay with you as long as possible," reassured Jack as he stopped and turned to her.
Above them, gunfire erupted and Jack pulled her into the hiding spot he’d created for her. It was a small space and they were pressed together but it was what they’d both been dreaming of. As quickly as it started, the gunfire ceased and the clicking of swords echoed causing her body to tremble as she realized the fighting was now aboard their ship.
"You will be safe, my love," whispered Jack. "Stay put until I return."
"Where are you going?"
"To see what is going on."
As Jack started to leave, Katrina stopped him. "What if it’s your father?"
Putting his hand on the side of her face, he said, "I will do whatever it takes to protect you, my love….even from my father."
Tenderly, she caressed his face, brushing the hair out of his eyes. Tilting her lips to his, she kissed him softly and whispered, "Be safe."
