Across the Sea Chapter 9

Avalee took the piece of paper and eagerly unfolded it. As she read the note, a cry of joy escaped her lips. Everyone turned to look at her in confusion. Once she looked up and saw everyone staring at her, she finally spoke.

“Look! It’s a note from Hali! She wrapped in the handle of the sword, see?” Said Avalee as she handed it to her sister for her to read aloud

“Well, go on and read it then.” Said Kian. Amara carefully began reading the note aloud.

“It says, “I know you ain’t seen me in a couple months, but I haven’t forgotten you. So if you all wanna escape, you’d better listen closely. Tonight, when the sun has gone completely, I’ll come get you out. I can’t tell you exactly how, but just be ready. Bring a few weapons.””

“Is that all?” Asked Casimir curiously

“Yes.” Replied Amara, a bit astonished. Avalee was practically jumping with joy now.

“You see? I told you she would come back for us!” Said Avalee blithefully. Amara handed the note to Casimir to look at.

“Well, if we’re going to escape tonight, then we’d better prepare!” Said Casimir with enthusiasm in his voice.

Meanwhile, Hali was above deck. She didn’t bother packing anything except a pouch of money. It was getting late now, and the sun had just begun to set. The waters were calm. Hali silently made her way to the boats that were used during attacks. They were tied to the side of the ship just above the water, easily accessible to crew members. Hali crept down the side of the ship and untied the first boat. It landed in the water with a small splash and quickly drifted away. She moved from boat to boat, untying them and letting them float away. All but one, which she planned to use to escape. Once she was done, she climbed back to the deck, careful that no one saw her, and headed back to her room. But before she reached it, one of the crew members stopped her.

“Oy, Hali. Blagden want to have a little chat with ya.” He said with a grin. Hali’s heart began to race.

“Bout what?” She asked, keeping the calm in her voice.

“I guess you’ll see, won’t ya” He replied

He led her to Blagden’s quarters and opened the doors. Once she stepped in, he closed them and left. Though her heart was pounding, she crossed her arms and acted casual. Just then, she noticed something that hadn’t been there before. Mounted on the wall just above Blagden was Hali’s Dragon-tooth dagger.

“Do you like it?” Blagden asked with a cruel smile. Hali’s only reply was an angry glare.

“It was mine once, you know. A gift, actually. From your father.” He continued. At this, Hali’s glare turned into a look of curiosity mixed with anger.

“It’s true, your father and I were good friends.” He went on, gesturing for Hali to sit in a nearby chair. She reluctantly sat down as Blagden went on.

“Ren and I grew up together. Best friends, we were. We would play, fight, and train together. But my older brother was always there to keep us outta trouble. He would always be there, lookin out for us. He was a great fighter too. One of the toughest fighters I even saw. Helped slay a Sqwyrm once, and you know what he did with it? He took a tooth from the beast and made this here dagger with his bare hands.” Said Blagden, holding up the dagger. “Once he came home again, he gave that dagger to me. I was bout 10 or so at the time, and you can bet I was so proud to own such a fine weapon. Of course, the first thing I did was go show Ren. I thought he would be impressed, but he came across as jealous. We became very wealthy after that, while Ren and his family weren’t doin so great. Ren and I grew apart. We didn’t talk for weeks. Then one night…” He paused, and Hali could see anger stirring up inside him. “One night, he snuck onto our ship while it was docked. He stole my dagger, killed my brother, and took our fortune.” Blagden stood up now. “I swore I would make him suffer the pain I suffered.” He finished.

Hali was to stunned to speak. She’d never thought of her father as that type of pirate. She wasn’t sure she could believe Blagden, but something inside her did. She had a million questions swirl through her mind. Was Blagden telling the truth? Could her father really have done such a thing? Why did Malik have the dagger before her? Her thoughts were rudely interrupted by two pares of hands roughly grabbing her arms and yanking her from her seat. She struggled and kicked but they held their grip on her. Blagden stood in front of Hali and smiled at her wickedly.

“You really thought you could fool me, didn’t ya?” He burst out laughing “I know what you’ve been doin. I’ve been in control the whole time. I didn’t need you’re talent, I just needed you. Your too much like yer father. Gullible and foolish. Now it’s my turn to make him suffer the exact same way I did, by taking someone he loves away” Hali felt a sudden stab of panic, something she rarely felt. She seriousness of her situation became suddenly real. But before she could do anything, there was a loud knock at the door. Blagden grunted before walking over and opening the door.

“Whaddo ya want?!” He shouted at the crew mate that stood there

“We’re in position to attack our targeted ship. If we don’t move now, there won’t be no chance to catch it again.” Said the crew mate nonchalantly. Clearly annoyed, Blagden slammed the door and turned to Hali again.

“Tie her up and I’ll deal with her later.” He said in an irritated voice. He then left as the other two tied and gagged her. After they were satisfied with the bonds, they took her to a room she had never seen before. It was completely empty except for a chair which they tied her to. A small porthole just slightly bigger than her head allowed moonlight to shine in. They left her locked in that room.

She struggled in her ties for a while before finally giving that up. She looked out the window at the bright moon. She was to late now. Everything was ruined.

“I’ve failed them.” The words repeated in her head again and again until she drifted into a troubled sleep.

It took me a while to get this chapter done. I have to ask, do you think this is to intense? Because I was tried to make it less intense, but I don't know, you tell me. If it is, I can fix it. Anyway, I hope you liked it!