The Lost Lamp by Charity Rau

Author:Charity Rau
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wonderstruck Books
Published: 2024-05-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Marianna dropped her bucket and rushed to the back of the boat. She reached the end and grabbed onto the edge of it, her knuckles white as she leaned over the side, peering into the darkness.

A hand on her shoulder startled her, a yell escaping as she jumped back.

“Marianna, are you okay?” Will’s voice was soft.

“Uh...,” Confusion washed over Marianna. The boat was still. The rain pattered against the deck, no longer in torrents, but just enough to keep a steady beat. The sky didn’t seem quite so dark either. They'd reached land. That’s why the boat wasn’t moving any more.

“Marianna?”

She looked up into Will’s azure eyes, filled with worry.

“Uh, I...” She shot a glance back out towards the sea. Nothing but waves all around them. She was sure she had seen it. Seen him. But should she tell the others? Pain spiked at the edges of her forehead. She reached up and massaged her brows.

“I don’t know if my mind is playing tricks on me.”

Will reached out and took her arm gently. “Are you feeling okay?”

Marianna nodded as she stared down at the deck, still massaging her head. She watched the last bits of water trickle across the deck and out through the portway. Henry had been so pleased when he had created it. A special doorway to let all the water taken in by rain out without having to do it the old-fashioned way he had said. Their father had let him create one in all their boats and even their ships.

Her thoughts raced. Will was watching her expectantly, waiting for an answer. She looked up at him.

“It’s just a headache. I’ll be fine.”

Relief covered his face. “I’m sorry your head hurts. A good night's sleep will help. It’s been a crazy day, but we’re safe now.” He squeezed her arm and turned toward the shore.

She grabbed his hand, halting him. Worry filled his eyes again.

“What is it?” He glanced back toward her brothers who were already unloading the ship. Within minutes they had everything off, and they jumped to dry land, laughing and playing around.

“Something you don’t want them to know?” Will whispered.

Marianna nodded. “That and...” she hesitated, swallowing hard. “That and I don’t know if I’m going crazy or something. But Will,” she leaned forward, clutching his arm.

Will’s eyes widened and he took a step back.

“I saw him!” Marianna hissed.

“Him?” Confusion covered Will’s face. “Who is him?” he asked.

“Marqi Jaffar!” Marianna shook his arm as she replied. “And you know that weird walking stick that he has? The one with the vulture head? Its eyes were glowing red, and it was looking right at me!”

Will’s gaze darted about before returning to Marianna. “Where?”

His curls were plastered to his head, and a couple of drops of water trickled down his face as if his hair were crying. Marianna reached up and wiped away the water.

Will took her hand in his own and squeezed it. “Are you sure you are all right, Marianna? You didn’t hit your head on something during the storm, did you?”

“No, I know it sounds crazy, Will.

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