Page 29 of Enchanted By a Pirate
That did sound suspicious, even if was only two.
"Also, you had the impression that someone was taking the fairy dust."
That caught her attention. Could it be true that the trouble had begun before she'd made her mistake? "Had the spring dried up?"
"No, it only did that after your disappearance. However, the inventory was shrinking even though the source flowed normally."
Interesting. So there had been some shenanigans going on. Why hadn't any of the other fairies mentioned it? Not to mention Anton? Hadn't she told them? Why had she confided in the captain instead? Was he speaking the truth?
"That's why you brought me a barrel. So you'd have a stash."
She looked at him skeptically. His eyes were dark, but there was nothing devious in them. Still, she remained wary. "And you used my reserves for flying?"
"Only after you were gone. I had to search for you, damn it. And with my crew and my ship, I'm strongest!"
"Okay, that doesn't sound completely absurd."
"What's that supposed to mean? Are you insinuating that I took advantage of you?"
The outrage in his voice sounded genuine. Was it truly as he said? Had they been… allies in the struggle to stop the fairies from disappearing?
"I'm simply trying to get an overview. Where had we planned to meet? In this cave?"
"No, you wanted to return to my ship and I waited… a long time. I swear to you, Ani, I will never do that again. From now on, I'll take the helm. For now, come with me to the Fortuna and my crew and we'll sail out to sea where we can relax…"
"No! I'm not going with you." She shook her head vehemently.
"Ani, what are you doing? Be reasonable. Whoever did this to you is still out there. As soon as they know you're back, they'll abduct you again."
"Abduct is the operative word here. What about the pirates who abducted me? Aren't they a part of your crew?"
"Not all. A few are bad eggs from a port dive. But five are mine." His jaw stiffened and he took a deep breath. "I have no idea how they knew where you were — or why they didn't tell me long ago, damn it! I wanted to take them to task, but before I could use my… powers of persuasion," his eyes went to the saber on his belt, "they fainted and have yet to regain consciousness." He growled it more than he said it. "As soon as they awaken, they'll be in for a treat!"
"They fainted?"
"Aye. Very suspicious, I tell you."
"But five of them are your crew, right?"
He looked at her grimly. "Aye."
"I would say they brought me back to get more fairy dust. How would they know where I was unless someone told them?"
"I've already thought about that. Those bloodhounds are in for a treat!"
"Who could have known where I was besides the one who banished me?"
"Are you saying they planned to retrieve you?"
Anna shuddered and wrapped her arms around her body. The thought had occurred to her, but now that she herself had drawn the conclusion and the captain had said it aloud, it sounded completely logical. Her voice was merely a whisper. "That's what I'm assuming."
He stepped toward her and spread his arms. "Then you really must come with me. I will protect you, Ani!"
The offer sounded strangely tempting. Even though she didn't fully understand his motives, the idea that someone with enormous power had first banished her and then brought her back, frightened her. And wouldn't it be reassuring to be protected? She wanted to trust him, and her heart screamed to throw herself into his arms. But everything was happening so fast. She had to find out for herself who was behind it all. Thetemptation to believe him was great. If it truly hadn't been the captain, then who had done this to her and blamed her for the fairies' disappearance? It was time to find the real mastermind and she had to do it on her own.
She shook her head stubbornly. "Thanks, but I have to go it alone."
"Ani, that's crazy! That may be exactly what the culprit wants."
