A Pirate's Gem for Ri: A High Seas Pirate Adventure (Clif & Ri on the Sea Book 2) by Nellie H. Steele

Author:Nellie H. Steele [Steele, Nellie H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC
Published: 2024-05-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

“She’s as beautiful as she is deadly,” a voice said from behind her.

Henrietta spun to find Stargazer meandering toward her. “I was just ruminating about how the morning sun is painting it blood red.”

Stargazer joined her at the railing, flicking her eyebrows up. “She’s known for drawing blood. Everyone who walks her grounds pays a price.”

The woman slid her gaze sideways. “And those who wish to take from her will pay a hefty bounty for that right.”

“Oh?” Henrietta asked. “But you have been here before.”

“Aye, I have.”

“And what price did you pay?”

The woman lifted her chin and stretched her neck, pointing to two dark spots.

“What are those?” Henrietta asked.

“Snakebite. Pit viper,” Stargazer said. “Deadly. My father pried him off me with his bare hands before he strangled him. I suffered a fever for two days, but my father is an excellent healer.”

“I hope he passed those skills on to you.”

“I told you I would see you to the map piece safely, and I will. But it should be known that I cannot work miracles. I expect you to follow what I say.”

“You’ll have no problems from me or my crew.”

“And your brother’s?”

“I’ll keep Clif and his men in line. You focus on getting us to that map piece.”

Stargazer nodded. “We should go to the island soon. It will take us at least two days to navigate to and from the cave. And that’s if we do not have any problems.”

“I’ll ready the girls.” Henrietta backed from the railing and headed across the main deck.

Abby met her halfway. “Captain, are we ready to go ashore?”

“Yes, round up those who will go with us. Have you spoken with The Henton this morning?”

“Aye, I’ve already spoken with Mr. Johnson. They are readying a shore party.”

“Good. Get the skiffs in the water. We leave shortly.”

Abby nodded and, after a salute, strode away. Henrietta ducked into her cabin to collect her weapons and hat.

Carolina yawned and stretched before she climbed from the bed. “Off already?”

“Yes.” Henrietta strapped her belt around her and shoved her pistol into its holster. “I assume you will be all right here? Several of the girls are staying behind.”

“Yes, I should be, though, I thought I might go with you.”

Henrietta snapped her gaze to her sister, her forehead crinkled.

“I’ve quite a bit of experience with the jungle,” she answered. “And various maladies that can befall one when going through it.”

Henrietta studied her sister. Slighter in stature than she was and still so innocent-looking. But she had made it through the jungles on the mainland, and she had survived a violent husband. Who was she to stop the woman from pursuing what she’d like?

“All right,” Henrietta said with a nod. “I’m not opposed to you coming, though you may wish to change.”

Carolina glanced down at her nightgown. “Yes, of course. I wouldn’t dream of wearing this into the jungle.”

Henrietta rounded her desk and crossed to a trunk. She dug through it, retrieving a pair of pants and a blouse. “I’ve got some trousers that may–”

Her words stopped as she spotted her sister shimmying into a dress.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.