Page 60 of Enchanted By a Pirate
"We pirates are considered the masters of the sea, but we don't actually rule the sea, we merely understand it. We hear it whispering, recognize its currents, feel its worries and needs. It's similar for you fairies with nature. You don't control the world of plants either, but through your work, you help nurture it so that it thrives more splendidly than it would without you."
She liked the explanation. "And why do you think the sea might not allow us to sail east too early?"
"There are many rocks there that are hard to get by in a storm. If we change course, we could all perish. The sea cares about our well-being as much as we care about it. But let that just be my concern, Ani. This isn't the first storm my men and I have weathered."
The confidence in his voice calmed her. It sounded a bit like he was looking forward to the adventure that nature was offering. The other men who scurried across the ship from bow to stern and from one side to the other did not appear intimidated but rather combative. Infected by their enthusiasm, Anna glanced backward. The sun had disappeared into the sea, so she couldn't see very far. Was it just that she couldn't spotBlackbeard and the ships or had they picked up speed, leaving their pursuers behind?
"What language were you speaking?"
Without taking his eyes off the sea, he turned his head toward her so that she could understand him better. "It is the ancient language of the sea."
The ancient language of the sea. How magical that sounded. She was filled with gratitude that she could be part of such a wondrous land. There was magic in everything, even the waters of the wild sea.
"Can all pirates speak this language?"
"No, that's why we usually outrun anyone who tries to take us on."
Only Chris spoke the strange language? "Why only you? Where did you learn it? And can the other men on board speak it too?"
"That's a long story. Too long for right now, given what's about to happen. To make a long story short, when I was just a simple pirate, I was shipwrecked with my crew but I was stranded on a deserted island without the others. It was there that I discovered a chest in a cave hidden deep inside the island. However, there was no gold treasure inside but an ancient text. Since I was stuck on the island for weeks, I managed to decipher the writing and the foreign language. It was the language of the sea. Once I mastered it, I was able to sail back to port on a simple raft."
How exciting! "Do you still have the scroll?"
"No. I didn't want to take it on the raft because it might have gotten wet and been lost forever. I wanted to return to get it, but although I haven't forgotten the language of the sea since then, the sea has never taken me there again."
What a wonderful story. "You're welcome to tell me the details over a campfire. It sounds exciting."
"Aye, I look forward to it."
The sea grew wilder and Anna swayed sideways. Chris caught her with one arm, but immediately put both hands back on the wheel. "Lower the sails. Hoist the storm sail!" Then he turned to her. "You'd better go to my cabin until the storm passes. I'll need both hands to navigate — even though I'd love nothing more than to hold you in my arms."
"Oh, a few waves like that won't affect me." Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t hold back a loud yawn.
He laughed quietly. "You sleepyhead. If you fall asleep on the planks, one of the big waves we have ahead of us could possibly wash you overboard. I can actually imagine pleasanter activities to do in a storm than fishing you out of the drink." He grinned boldly but kept his eyes fixed on the water.
"As soon as it gets too wild, I promise. I can't always miss out on the most exciting things."
He laughed. "Curious as ever, madam. That's what you always said back then too."
His words made her happy. It was comforting to know that her past and present selves were not as different as she'd initially feared. She made sure her footing was secure and stayed next to him, but the sea grew ever wilder and rain began to fall, growing ever heavier. Chris was wearing a heavy leather coat, but Anna, in her light crocheted sweater and simple cotton top, was soaked in no time. Loud thunder boomed over the sea, followed by lightning.
"Are you going to come to your senses or will the storm have to toss you over the railing before you lie down in my bed to sleep?" Even though she was standing right next to him, he'd had to shout or else she wouldn't have understood a word.
She wanted to stay by his side and experience the adventure, but fatigue was sapping her energy. And her clothes were soakedand her wet hair clung to her face and dripped down her back. It was damn cold and uncomfortable.
She nodded resignedly. "I hope there will be other adventures we can share, Captain."
"There will be plenty, Ani, and now off to my bed with you. Just the idea warms me."
She wanted to punch him playfully in the side, but instead, she stroked his arm and stood on her tiptoes. Sensing what she was about to do, he leaned toward her. As they kissed, thick raindrops pelted their cheeks.
The ship lurched and Anna clung to Chris's arm to keep from falling over. The captain immediately returned his focus to the sea. The heavy rocking lessened, so Anna was able to release her hold on him. He gave her one last glance, which made her heart beat faster. Then, he turned his full attention to the sea. Anna held her hands in front of her to fight her way through the storm and the heavy rain.
Jack had rushed over to her and called out, "I'll take you to the cabin."
Anna waved her hand. "You have to help the captain. I'll be fine."
"Are you sure? It's not just for his sake that I don't want you to go overboard, dear fairy."
