The Perils of Archipelago by B A Simmons

Author:B A Simmons [Simmons, B A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Glass Spider Publishing
Published: 2018-12-24T22:00:00+00:00

16: Uncle Rob

Great effort went in to making the Alphina into the Artiglio d’Aquila. The old sails needed cleaning and mending, and even with the repairs at Isle de James, the ship herself needed new paint and caulking. The Falcon uniforms were altered to fit the male crewmembers; Lizzy and Adele were told they couldn’t come along.

“The Falcon military is all men. They don’t allow women aboard any ships of the line. Sorry gals,” Joshua said.

“I’m sure this is why we’ve been so successful against them,” Pete added. “Our women are worth five of their men.”

While assured they would be joining the crew of the Old Man when she arrived, they were still disappointed.

Rob and Charlie led the militia in a practice melee against the Punishers and were decimated. Even on unfamiliar soil, there was no doubt of their potency. At the same time, Edward gave the militia high marks for their efforts. He praised them, saying that most small island militias would have run, even in a mock battle.

After the medics attended to the cuts and bruises among the militia, Rob left Charlie and Edward to discuss future training exercises. He made his way to Harrisville and found Doctor Morris.

“You should pack and be ready to sail tomorrow morning,” Rob told him.

“My boy, I’ve been packed for over a week. I’ll meet you at the docks tomorrow.”

Before leaving, Rob said. “Please don’t take my decision to mean that I don’t want to learn from you still. I expect to have some deep discussions and lectures on our way to Hellhound Isle.”

Morris smiled, “I never thought otherwise. And don’t you worry, I’ve some lectures ready that will boggle your mind.”

Rob returned home but did not remain there long. Instead, he steadied his nerves and walked the narrow path between his house and the old barn. He hadn’t spoken to Anna since the day he’d gone off to rescue her father. She had made no efforts to communicate with him, either. It was time to end that. Even if she ignored him, Rob intended to tell her what he’d been wanting to say for months. If all else failed, he’d written it down and figured that her father owed him a favor.

The walk seemed to take less time than ever before. Facing the door of the barn, his nerves faltered and he almost turned around. He startled when the door opened and Anna exited carrying a basket. She gasped at the sight of him, clearly not expecting anyone to be standing outside her house.

“Anna! I . . . um, we need to talk. Please . . . will you talk to me?”

She glared at him, but then said. “Say what you have to say, Rob. Then leave me in peace.”

“I know you blame me for Mark’s death.” He paused, unsure how hearing his name would affect her.

He continued. “I blame myself too. I killed him the moment we sailed away from Engle Isle. The moment I suggested we get mercenaries to help us fight the Falcons, I killed him and I alienated you.

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