Port Royal, Jamaica
The day she was ready to leave, came sooner than she wanted. Saddened by her nearing departure, she stood beside Millicent and Josephine on the docks as their belongings were loaded onto the ship.
Ever so often she would glance sadly at the poor men that struggled with their chests across the plank toward the ship as Josephine clucked and warned them to be careful with their luggage.
A while had passed before they were joined by the Captain that greeted them with a beaming smile. She silently listened as he spoke to Josephine and mentioned they will be ready to pull away from the port and set sail as soon as all of the cargo was loaded.
Her stomach sank as he continued to answer Josephine's questions on the length of the voyage. His reply uneased her a bit. It all depended on the winds which is what propelled them through the waters.
When that time came and all were ready to leave, she turned to Millicent and hugged her.
"I will miss you," she whispered.
Millicent hugged her tightly in return and whispered the same.
At arm's length, they stood and wiped away each other's tears.
Josephine stepped forward as well and said her goodbyes.
Reluctantly, Tempest turned away and took small steps up the plank and onto the ship and stood by the railing. She waved once more to her friend that watched from the dock as the men began to follow orders from the first mate to lift the anchor.
Tear-filled eyes watched as the ship slowly drifted away from the docks and further away through the waterways. She continued looking at the port as it grew smaller and smaller as the ship finally left the harbor and drifted above the rough tides of the sea.
With a heavy heart and now the never-ending tears that wet her cheek, she turned away from the guardrail and walked off towards her quarters dodging the crewmen that walked about doing their chores.
Below in the cabin, she would share with Josephine for the next couple of weeks, she wept. She wept for her grandfather and friends she would miss and the land she may never, ever see again.
********
Little by little as the days continued on, Tempest adapted to the ambiance that surrounded her. During the day she would stand at the guardrail to stare out at sea and enjoy the slight sway of the ship as it waded through the rough surf.
By midday along with Josephine, she would join Captain Monroe for a brief lunch where they would talk of the latest happenings in London and what to expect when they returned. She was informed of the nippy winter weather slowly approaching and how 'a new wardrobe would be needed', he chuckled.
"It can not be that bad Captain Monroe," Tempest smiled at his teasing demeanor.
"It is the truth, it gets very cold, you must stay indoors as to not freeze your toes off," he chuckled.
"Indeed, it does dear. The Captain is not exaggerating," Josephine gave an airy laugh as she took a sip of her tea.
Before she could ask of the London season, a swift knock at the door stopped her.
"Enter," the Captain ordered looking up as the door slowly opened.
A crewman stepped through brandishing a proper salute before stepping forward in haste to whisper something in the Captain's ears.
Alarmed, Tempest watched as the Captain's color paled before slowly nodding and abruptly standing to follow him out.
"Captain is something amiss?" Josephine asked.
YOU ARE READING
Tempest's Embrace
Historical Fiction"Free me and I will save you," he promised. ~*~*~*~*~ A Pirate in peril... Pirate Justin O'Shea is finally captured by his enemy, he had no choice but to sit and wait for his men to come to his aid. But, when his captor decides to bring aboard cap...
