The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon

Author:Kekla Magoon [Magoon, Kekla]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781536237498
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Published: 2024-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

They’d spent a pleasant night on the beach and enjoyed a meal of roasted crabs and juicy island fruit before heading for a port on the mainland. The sooner they got to shore, Eli said, the sooner they could distribute the treasure and part ways with the crew. The port they had in mind was considered a safe haven for thieves, brutes, and scalawags. With a pocketful of treasure, each man would have many options there.

The crew worked the sails, Pete and Eli stood at the helm, and Jack and Dally bent over the bow, gripping the rail as they leaned out to get a look at the ocean floor below.

The Bermuda shoals had had some of the most beautiful water Dally had ever seen. Clear and glittering blue, rife with colorful corals, darting fish, leaping dolphins, undulating jellyfish. As they’d sailed westward, away from the shipwreck island, the water had remained shallow for quite a while, and they’d moved slowly so as not to run aground on any unexpected obstacles. Dally had wished for a glass-bottomed boat, or scuba gear, or even just a snorkel and mask to get up close with all the beauty. The hair on Jack’s arm tickled hers, the salty wind pressed at her cheeks, and every cell in her body was alive with adventure.

But now their trip was ending. After several days’ sail, they were arriving at the port, and the water wasn’t nearly as clear. Even though the beauty of the shoals was behind them, Dally strained to take in the last drops of adventure before the fog closed tight and whisked her home. She tried to turn her mind away from sorrow and embrace the gratitude for this moment, right now, but it wasn’t easy.

“What’s wrong, Dally?” Jack asked quietly. He tugged her arm, pulling her away from the rail, and wrapped his arms around her. He was just enough taller and just enough warmer that she felt quite safe, and the fullness behind her eyes overflowed.

“It’s all so beautiful,” she said. “I don’t want it to end.”

“Dally,” Jack said, “we can sail forever if we want to.”

Dally shook her head. The fog was close. It was ending. “Once we drop anchor,” she whispered, “we’ll go our separate ways.”

“Never,” Jack said. “Do you believe me? You’re my best friend, you know.”

Dally had the impulse to smile, but it felt like it took days for the corners of her mouth to rise.

“Land ho!” Pete’s voice shouted. “Make ready to anchor!” They had reached the port. But Dally could no longer see Pete and Eli at the ship’s wheel, or the crew, or the towering twin masts. All she saw was a ripple in the fog that might have been the remnant shimmy of a sail in the wind. All she felt was the boards beneath her feet and the firmness of the bow rail. Just a fading scent of salt breeze. And Jack.

Jack, all warm and close and ready for endless adventure.

You’re my best friend, too, Dally wanted to say.

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