Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga (15 page)

“The son of a powerful chieftain was born by the river. His mother worked deep magic, exchanging her own life for his, so that the boy inherited all the strength of his ancestors, and stature beyond even that of his forefathers. But with no woman to guide him and too strong for his age, the son used his body to assert his supremacy long before it was time to take his father’s power. As the boy formed into a young man, the people grew to fear him, and begged his father to send him away from their valley so that he might grow in wisdom before he should return to become their chief.

“But having sacrificed his woman in the bearing of his son, the father was unwilling to part with him. Proud of the boy, he kept him near, and turned a deaf ear to the pleas of the people. And at every turn of the moon, the boy grew in strength and in selfishness. Soon, there was not a man living along the riverbank whose bones were not crushed or broken. There was not a girl who dared to refuse him. The younger children ran from his sight, to bury their faces in the bright-colored cloth of their mothers’ laps, and the mothers trembled, too, for they knew that one day the old chieftain would pass on, abandoning the river and his people, and this giant would become their tyrant.

“Weary of living in fear, the elders of the village banded together and approached their leader. Their painted faces showed also the markings of despair. ‘You have been wise and just,’ they said, ‘but your son does not follow you. You must send him away, or bone by bone he will destroy our people.’

“Still, the father refused. ‘Go,’ he told them, ‘tend to your families and I will tend to mine.’ But the same markings of despair lined the father’s face, and proud as he was of his boy, he, also, had come to fear him. The truth was that he did not know how to harness the young man’s strength, and failing that, how to be rid of him. A sad day, for not-knowing is the sign that a chieftain must step aside in favor of a son.

“But not this son.

“The old men of the village understood. They met together in the secret light of torches, and all agreed. Another sacrifice must be made. And instead of chasing the strangers away with wailing and jangling, this time they hailed the newcomers who next paddled a boat between the fertile banks of their river. The people wanted no part of the struggle, but told the strangers where and when to find the old chieftain’s son. They accepted the silver that the strangers poured into their hands, and they sent an offering, a young woman, to the giant, to make sure of the place he would be. And there he was when the newcomers came upon him. He lay naked and, she saw to it, unarmed.

“Even with the snare around his neck, it was a task to seal the chains on his wrists and on his ankles. It took many pale men, and none of them unharmed. The young woman ran away and crouched watching in the green brush at the edge of the river. She bit her lip so deeply that her blood flowed to drip upon the riverbank. Here, it is said, her red blood marks the place of sacrifice. And it was to this spot the girl returned months later, bearing and burdened by bracelets made of beaten silver money, to deliver the grandson of the chieftain, who one day, it was to be hoped, would rule the tribe, justly and wisely.

“The slave ship bore the strongest man away from his people and his place. In darkness and in bondage he traveled far over the water. No one speaks the name anymore, in fear of calling him back to his rightful position. In his absence, the name itself carries forth his terror, for even as they bound him, he swore his revenge upon his people. His curses echo along the riverbank still, in the heavy air pressing against the spirit, beating like a drum and laden further now— with silver, and with betrayal.

“Only the strongest of peoples live along this river, tribes with stature, and the endurance of trees.

“Amid the lush green growth along this water, where the piping birds nest, the question hangs forever, like strangling vines among the branches: who is betrayer, and who, betrayed? And the answer is unspeakable, a name the bravest dare not pronounce…

“Yulunga.”

§ § §

He stood in the silence, staring, as did everyone else, at the storyteller, his powerful arms dangling at their unrestful angle.

The lady had spoken his name.

She was looking at him, too, as if seeing him for the first time. Only Hook’s face bore the trace of a smile as he attended his Jill. Once again, she had proven her valor. She had never disappointed him.

Jill continued. “Yulunga, who passed through a time of darkness and enslavement. The matchless man owned by many, and mastered by none. He couldn’t be kept. He broke free of his slavery, but before turning homeward to wreak his vengeance, a new captain commandeered the ship on which the chieftain’s son sailed— not as cargo in the hold, but as a buccaneer. That captain, alone among men, stood unafraid, and Yulunga felt his rage dissolve. Released from other men’s fear, there was one now who held him, without chains. This captain captured the strong man’s loyalty. It is the only bond that holds him.”

In the stillness of many men, Yulunga breathed deeply. He nodded. The darkness of his face opened into a smile, and his fellow sailors grinned with relief, shuffling their feet and leaning back.

Cecco stood to clasp Yulunga’s arm. The gypsy regarded Jill with heat in his eyes, and then his white teeth flashed as he looked up at his friend. “Yulunga! Mate…” The tension was broken.

Jill looked content, but she was breathing rapidly. Surveying her closely, Hook supported her with his arm. “Madam?”

“I’m all right. Just fatigued, perhaps, from last night’s festivities.”

The doctor leaned toward her over the table. “Madam, you have exerted yourself. Please, you must rest.”

Turning a jaundiced eye on the surgeon, LeCorbeau remarked, “A party last night, too? But Hook, what a ship of pleasure you now command!”

“We welcomed our surgeon in proper fashion, DéDé, as we have done for you.” Turning his gaze upon his mistress again, he raised the slender hand that rested below his hook, and touched his lips to her fingers. His speech was brusque. “It is my own fault, Madam. In my selfishness I overtaxed you, but you must retire early this evening…and regain your strength.”

“But Captain, I assure you, I am quite enjoying myself.”

The Frenchman played the game of chivalry. “As much as I would like to hear another story,
Madame
, I should only relish it if I was certain you were well.”

“Oh, but have you another subject in mind?” Her breaths came shallow.

LeCorbeau smiled slyly. “Well, eh…perhaps a poetic history of your handsome doctor?”

Hanover sat stiff. “Do not tire yourself, Madam. I am quite sure my history is of little interest to anyone.”

“We cannot judge that until we hear it, eh,
Monsieur?
Or perhaps, like your shipmate, you have an unsavory chapter you may not wish to reveal?”

Jill smiled warmly on the doctor. “I am certain our physician is ashamed of nothing.” She fluttered a look to Hook for her cue, then gasped and pressed her hand to her breast. “But— I’m sorry! I believe I am a bit too fatigued to continue after all.”

Immediately, the surgeon leapt from his seat and hurried to her side. “Madam, your wrist, if you please. You are pallid.” Remembering his promise not to touch her, he waited as she took her arm from Hook’s to present it to him, and then he encircled her wrist with his fingers.

He shook his head. “The pulse is too rapid. I insist upon escorting you to your quarters.”

“The doctor will attend you, Madam. You must give our guest your regrets.”

“Of course, Captain. As you will it.” Jill gathered her skirts, and Hook assisted her to stand. She said, “
Commandant
, good evening. It was a pleasure.”

LeCorbeau rose to bow with ostentatious elegance. “
Madame
. We shall meet again! I hope your rest will restore you.”

“As do I, my love.” Hook smiled wryly.

Hanover scowled, then called a crisp command. “Liza! The lady’s cloak.”

The girl plucked it from its peg and moved toward Jill. Her father snatched the wrap from her fingers and flung it open, then gently but firmly draped it over the lady’s shoulders, where his hands lingered for only a moment. The Frenchman was watching.

Hook kissed Jill’s palm and laid it on the surgeon’s arm. “I shall come to bid you good night, Madam.” His voice sharpened. “Hanover, see to her.” The sailors stepped aside, and Jill leaned on the doctor, accepting his support as he issued his order.

“Liza, bring my walking stick and fetch my bag.”

Doctor and patient made their way out the door. Liza, her eyes darting between the captain and his mistress, collected the cane and reluctantly followed.

As the silence of concern broke apart, the sailors, too, finished their drinks and began to leave the galley. Flipping his coat out of the way, LeCorbeau sat down again to sip his ale. He clapped the cup on the table, tidied his mouth, and addressed his host. “You are lucky to have happened upon your Hanover. I observe that he is very attentive— eh, to your mistress. But she is a lovely creature! It is no wonder you have abused her.”

Unperturbed, Hook gave his guest a sardonic smile. “I endeavor to control myself, DéDé.”

“As you do so very well in relation to the little girl…her attendant?”

“Water to wine, LeCorbeau. The one cannot be compared to the other.”

“Indeed? Your men seem to have no such difficulty! They are, I think, appreciating all that is served.”

Hook studied the young French officers, still seated with Smee, Mullins, and Cecco, smiling and draining their glasses, their postures finally at ease. “I would say the same for yours,
Monsieur
, now that their captain isn’t watching.”

LeCorbeau shrugged. “Eh, it is good for these young men to broaden their horizons. And speaking of this gives me the idea. My friend, you must now accept my own hospitality! I insist that, once we are assured of the woman’s welfare, you come aboard
L’Ormonde
and take supper with me. And your newest crewmen must also gain the experience of another ship, you must bring them. They have been on duty all this while and have missed the party! Yes, and your Mr. Smee also, and any others you wish. In this way we can continue our festivity without disturbing your so-delicate mistress.”

As if it hadn’t been his own idea, Hook beamed with delight. “An admirable plan, DéDé. I accept. Do you still employ that fat little chef?”

“
Mais oui
, his cuisine is the finest France can produce!”

“Mr. Smee, we are invited to partake of my compatriot’s excellent fare! Relieve our young men of duty. It will be edifying for them to inspect another vessel. And we’ll bring Mr. Starkey, too, of course, to further their instruction.”

“Aye, Captain!” Smee shoved away from the table and turned to the lingering sailors. “Finish up, lads, back to work.” He left the galley to spring up the steps, smiling, and take his post outside the master’s quarters. Starkey and his pupils what to do. The doctor bore watching.

Mullins cast an inquiring look toward his captain. Hook made a light nod in the direction of the door, and Mullins got up, indicating to Cecco and the French officers that they should return to the deck. Benches scraped and boots scuffled. LeCorbeau excused his men, and rose to follow as the galley emptied. But Hook remained seated, amused by the growing discomfort of his guest as Mullins closed the door behind the sailors and crossed his thickset arms, leaning respectfully but firmly against it. The two captains were left, one sitting, one standing, in the swinging lanternlight.

“DéDé. Do sit down.”

LeCorbeau did so, in quick, stiff movements. He seemed undecided what to do with his hands.

Hook leaned forward to rest his claw on the table. It appeared stark and menacing against the mellow wood. “If you have anything to tell me, now is the perfect opportunity.”

The little Frenchman drew back, his hands stationary at last, having wrapped themselves around his cup. “Hook,
mon ami
, you surprise me! What could I possibly have to tell you?”

“You could start with the reason you spent the last three days following my ship. Yes,” he nodded as LeCorbeau’s eyes widened with innocence, “we have spied you on the horizon, slipping in and out of sight. Exactly what do I have aboard the
Roger
that you believe belongs on
L’Ormonde?”

“I assure you, Hook, this evening I seek only the pleasure of your company! Our meeting is entirely happenstance. You may have seen
L’Ormonde
, yes, I admit, but eh, we are in something of the same business, no? And as we have come together, I being somewhat competitive, you are naturally skeptical as to my motives, thinking perhaps I am desiring to reach the next prize ahead of you.”

“That idea, among others, had entered my mind.”

“But since you press me, I will be frank with you. This is not the case.”

“Enlighten me, LeCorbeau. Just what
is
the case?”

“Well, eh, it is my intention— with your agreement, of course— to sail closely behind the
Roger
for some time.…As I have found with the wreckage of the
Julianne
, staying within close proximity may prove most profitable for me.”

“Profitable? To scavenge off my leavings?”

LeCorbeau could afford only the barest hint of annoyance. “If it pleases you to put it in that way. But eh, being a man of some pride, I should prefer a more complimentary description.”

“Very well. We shall say you are gleaning a harvested field. But how does this profit you?”

“Ah, it is a most excellent role to play, that of savior! This is the word the poor captain of the
Julianne
used, and I very much enjoyed to hear it! Imagine, I was able to board his ship with no bloodshed, not a shot fired! The man welcomed me, and toasted my health, all the while my officers assisted his, conveniently locating anything of value left behind by your pirate scourge— eh,
je m’excuse
…Heh! heh! I make a friend, my ship develops a noble reputation. Perhaps I select a new crewman, help myself to the items you are in too much of a hurry to locate, and
voilà!
The job is done at no cost to myself. Hook’s pirates have committed the raid, and my hands are full, but lily-white…yes, even kissed!”