Pieces of Jade (Pirates of Orea) by Woodland Lani & Piper Melonie

Author:Woodland, Lani & Piper, Melonie [Woodland, Lani]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Geek Girl Publishing
Published: 2013-12-16T00:00:00+00:00

Ten minutes later I was escorted to the deck, which still reeked of blood and smoke. I didn’t dishonor myself by fighting against Lafe when he came for me. He never once so much as looked at me, his mouth set in a grimace the whole way. As we stepped outside, I squinted against the glare of the sun off the ocean. Lafe released me from my shackles and tied my hands above my head to the mast.

His face appeared before mine, his expression softening and his eyes almost gentle. “I'm sorry Miss Sheridan,” he whispered before turning away and taking his place among the rest of the crew.

The crewmen had gathered as instructed, looking cleaner and less bloody than the last time I had seen them, but still worse for the wear, several still wrapped in bandages. Others were missing from the ranks, probably either too wounded to stand or dead.

The captain had dressed in almost formal attire, his blonde hair neatly combed, and waited until I had been secured before descending the steps from the helm. William was nowhere to be found. I wasn't sure how I felt about that. Was I relieved that he wouldn't see my humiliation, or did his lack of presence mean he had abandoned me? He had been so kind and protective during my time here. It seemed strange that he wasn't here now. Perhaps he agreed with the others and felt I deserved it. I didn’t realize I had counted on his presence to get me through this until he wasn’t here. Once again I was alone.

The captain surveyed the ranks and frowned. “Where's William?” he yelled.

“He refused to join us, sir,” Lafe said. “He said he was busy.”

“Busy?”

“Aye, sir.”

The captain's jaw clenched, and I couldn't help but marvel at how far William was able to push his brother's patience.

“Very well,” the captain managed to grind out from between his teeth. “We'll proceed without him. It might be better that way,” he muttered, then spoke up so his voice carried across the whole vessel.

“Mrs. Sheridan Fredricks was caught trying to commit treason against the captain and crew of the Promise. She stole the map we worked for months to acquire at great cost, and tried to give it to our enemies. Happily, she was apprehended before she could complete said treason.” He paused then, letting his words sink in, and looked out at the crew. I heard several feet shuffle in discomfort, but the captain seemed to feel no unease at all. “She claims part of her reason was to stop the bloodshed,” he continued in his booming voice. “This part of her statement is true. Because of this, her punishment has been lessened.”

A murmur went through the crowd. Some of them approved of the captain's actions while others shook their heads in disagreement.

“I will not take her life. I will, however, give you her blood. This is a reminder to you; none of you are free from punishment on this vessel. No matter your age or relation to me,” he said, his words aimed directly at me.

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