CHAPTER 14

" Cover the whole ship . " John commanded as he walked around , his eyes carefully gliding over the ship , making sure there were no spots left unchecked .

He couldn't afford mistakes to be made . He was playing with lives here , not just his and his men , but also of three ladies and a fifteen year old boy , who could hardly get a glass of water for himself .

" You three and Lien , will not be coming outside whatever happens . No matter what sounds you hear , you will not respond . "

He started.

" You will keep quiet and stay hidden . Keep your swords along with you . "

" Any special words , so that we can recognise it is indeed you , incase of an emergency ? "

I looked at Emlyn as she asked the question . Her eyes staring right back at the captain, hoping to recieve an answer .

" Yes . There will be one , eh . I will say it when everyone is here . I will take my leave now , ladies . " He spoke before walking away .

The ship was being prepared for whatever that was awaiting us . New traps were added in , all sorts of weapons were brought and loaded .

The Cahira was now a warship and somehow I knew that she would look spectacular in war . She was a beauty indeed .

~

" So are we going to hide ? " Asked Emlyn who

was anticipating a rebellious answer from the princess .

" We are going to protect Lien .... " Matilda replied as she looked at her fellow companions .

" but if needed , we shall fight . We don't know what exactly this Venom is and moreover we do need to return back to our home with our heads still upon our necks . "

Matilda completed as she looked at both the soldiers who readily agreed to her decision , however the guilt that flashed Amia's eyes for a split second hadn't gone unnoticed .

" Ami , do you think you could take our maps from my room , I think it would be better if we keep it with us . Meanwhile , we will provide the crew with help . "

" Of course. " Amia spoke before leaving towards her room . Matilda looked at the disappearing frame of the black haired soldier before she turned towards Emlyn .

" Keep an eye on her . "

~

Matilda walked through the ship , a quiver of arrows in her hand .

" Jacob . " She called out to the man who stood a bit far away , tie some ropes together .

" Princess . " He spoke acknowledging Matilda .

" I thought I would lend a hand . " She spoke as she gave the arrows to him .

" How did you know I needed them ? " He asked confused .

Matilda pointed at the boy who sat on a wooden crate , waving at them .

Jacob smiled at Lien before speaking up .

" Princess , would you be kind enough to lend me a glass of water. My throat's as dry as a bone . "

" Well then I will be back in a minute . ". She spoke as she headed towards the kitchen .

~

" Come out " spoke Emlyn towards a seasick Godwin , who carefully walked out of the brig he was locked in .

He was let out once in a while to get fresh air .

The rest of the time , whatever happened , he was never let out .

He had everything he pretty much needed down there .

Walking outside , she noticed , how Godwin's eyes adjusted to the daylight slowly .

" Sit here. I will come back with a glass of water for you . " She spoke as she left the man alone .

Walking to the kitchen , she called out to Matilda who seemed to be on the same way.

" Tilda ! "

Matilda whipped her head around , immediately catching sight of Emlyn .

" To the kitchen , I believe . " She spoke as she waited for Emlyn to join her along .

" Absolutely correct , my princess . "

Walking into the kitchen , they took notice of Agust who was busy sharpening his knives .

" I was just thinking about you ladies . " He spoke , immediately noticing the two women who had walked upto his workspace .

" Really ? " Asked Matilda as she walked picked two glasses , handing one over to Emlyn .

" Yeah . " He spoke , a small smile forming on his lips .

" What were you think about ? " Asked Emlyn , observing the chef's expressions .

" Just how much the crew has changed after you three came in . It's remarkable , I would say . "

" Normally captain wouldn't be this careful , actually none of the crew would be .... Most of us , usually just went on with our lives , without actually thinking much . "

" We didn't find any other pleasure in life other than of money and well , just us being together . "

" Captain may not admit it if you ask him, but I can see how things have changed . How each time you ladies arrive , he starts smiling .

When you ladies prepare for slumber , he asks the others to tone their voices down and the ship hasn't been this clean in forever . "

" I am thankful for the fact that all of you are here , and I hope we could spend more time together . "

Finished with the sharpening, he turned his head towards us .

" Water for the crew ? " He questioned .

" Yes . " Emlyn spoke as nodded her head .

" Well then , the princess and the soldier must get going , oh - and also if you see Amia , kindly tell her to pay me a visit . "

" Of course . " Emlyn spoke as she walked out with Matilda .

" Well that's new . " Matilda spoke , breathing out the air she had unconsciously held in .

" Yeah , but I like it . " Emlyn spoke as she retraced through the chef's words .

" Honestly speaking , I never thought that the captain was being this cautious . What about saying a word of gratitude to him , later ? "

" I am in . " Emlyn spoke as she stopped walking .

" See you after a while , I guess . " She spoke , ready to part ways.

" Sure and , oh kindly tell Amia to pay me a visit , if you see her . " Matilda spoke , teasing the chef's words .

" We will see how this one goes . "