Matelots by Hoffman W. A

Author:Hoffman, W. A. [Hoffman, W. A.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2013-01-07T10:45:39+00:00

386

W.A. Hoffman

Forty-Three

Wherein We Escape to War

We satisfied Rucker’s curiosity about all things buccaneer, Spanish, and colonial in the tropics, for several hours. This initially proved to be both engaging and distracting, with the added benefits of calming Gaston and driving my uncle quickly to bed. But as the discourse progressed, and I heard Gaston speak repeatedly of what was and how it was changing, I began to experience the welling of a great despair and an even greater anxiety. Thus I was relieved when at last even Rucker’s scholarly ambitions could not hold his eyes open. We said good night and escaped into the dark alleys and quiet back streets. I knew I too should be exhausted, and my weariness was indeed a constant pressure behind my eyes; but I felt I would not be able to sleep once we reached our house. I wanted very much to snatch up our belongings and run to the ship to hide. I did not wish to visit those we would leave behind. I wanted nothing to do with any of them, not even my sister.

I nearly ran us home; and dismayed to see light spilling from the window and door, along with drunken singing, I headed for the back gate, hoping we could slip in through the yard and up the stairs with little notice.

Gaston’s hand on my arm stopped me, and I let him draw me into the darker shadows of the alley beside the house two doors from ours.

“I see why you left,” I said quickly. “Did Pete arrive with the rum, and thus…”

His mouth covered mine.

I did not feel passion rise in response. I had no use for rutting in 390

W.A. Hoffman

Raised By Wolves - Matelots

391

an alley in my current demeanor. I wanted to be behind closed doors and under a sturdy table, preferably on a ship sailing far from all things English and of the Old World, especially fathers and wives.

He released my mouth, only to wrap his arms about me.

“Are you angry with me?” he asked with concern.

“Non. Let us get to our den.”

“I am calm… now,” he said. “It has passed. You need not worry.”

“I am not concerned about you. I am… It is I who feels the need to run. I have great need to be rid of this place and all it entails.” He held me in silence for a time, and then spoke as if it were a curiosity to him. “Let me have the reins.” I chuckled mirthlessly. “Oui.”

“Sit here,” he said with more authority. “I will retrieve our things and we will go to the ship. They are all here, so it should be empty.” I sat where instructed. He seemed to take long in returning, and I fretted, only to soundly curse myself for doing so.

At last he returned with a bag and the rest of our weapons. I realized I had only a sword and pistol and was still dressed in a coat and boots.

He had truly arrived at the King’s House unarmed.

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