Page 38 of Mardon

“She looks a lot like the whore in the paintin’ in the cabin,” said someone else.

“Let’s go take another look.”

The pirates all jumped up and headed toward Mardon’s cabin. Aaron stopped playing. Nairnie hurried over to Mardon.

“Do somethin’,” spat Nairnie. “If ye dinna stop them, they’re goin’ to find out.”

“Mardon, please help me.” Emmaline looked up to him, feeling frightened. If the crew thought she was just a whore, they’d be lining up to roger her at the rail.

“I’m offering a gold piece to anyone who thinks they can outdrink Goldtooth,” Mardon called out.

“What?” Goldtooth was the first to turn around. “No one can outdrink me.”

“Then I guess you’ll win the gold piece,” said Mardon.

“Like hell he will.” Nairnie grabbed two metal goblets from inside the galley and headed over to the main mast. “Give me that.” She grabbed a bottle of whisky from one of the men, put the goblets down and filled them up. “Goldtooth, get yer arse over here. And dinna think for one minute I’m goin’ to let ye win.”

“Grandmother, you’re going to have a drinking contest with Goldtooth?” Aaron put down the lute and hurried over. “This I’ve got to see.”

“I’ll bet on Goldtooth,” called out one of the men.

“Naw, the old lady will win. She’s tough as nails,” said another.

The crew forgot all about the painting and crowded around to watch the drinking competition instead. Mardon’s plan had thankfully worked.

“Mardon, you’ve got to stop Nairnie from doing this. It is insanity,” said Emmaline.

“Don’t worry about her. She’ll be fine.” Mardon took Emmaline by the hand and headed up to the sterncastle.

“But I’m worried about her.” Emmaline looked over her shoulder.

“I’m worried, too. That she’ll win the gold piece and will want to compete every night from now on.” He chuckled as they made their way to the back of the ship, away from prying eyes. “Come, I want to show you something.”

“Where are you taking me?” she asked.

“You said you liked to look at stars.” He pulled her into his arms and turned her around. “Look up there.” He pointed and spoke right next to her ear. “Are there enough stars for you, my lady?”

“Oh, Mardon!” she exclaimed, holding on to his arms and looking up into the sky. Thousands of bright stars twinkled up in the black velvet sky. The gentle, warm breeze blew through her loose hair and everything seemed so magical. “It’s wonderful. Isn’t it the most beautiful sight you’ve ever seen?”

“The second most beautiful sight,” he whispered, nibbling at her ear.

“Second?” she asked with a giggle. “What’s the first?” She turned her head to see him staring down at her, looking at her mouth. Bathed in moonlight, he looked like a man from her dreams.

“I’m looking at the first.” He dipped down and brushed his lips gently over hers. When he broke the connection, she decided she wanted more. Putting her hands on his shoulders, she reached up and kissed him back. His hands slid around her back and then down to her waist as the kiss deepened. A vibrant feeling engulfed her, making her feel so alive in Mardon’s arms.

“You know we shouldn’t be doing this on the deck. Especially since it’ll look like you’re kissing a nun. What will your men think?”

“I know somewhere we can go out of the way of prying eyes.” He took her hand and led her back to the cabin, and she didn’t stop him. As they slipped away in the nighttime shadows, she saw Nairnie downing a goblet of whisky, and banging it upside down atop a barrel. She almost fell over and Aaron reached out and righted her on her feet.

“Beat that, Goldfoot,” she spat.

“Goldtooth,” he growled, downing the whisky and banging his cup down as well. “Bring more whisky,” he shouted, causing the crew to go wild.

“Do you think you should stay? It might get out of hand,” she told Mardon.

“Nay. My grandmother can hold her own. Plus, she’s got her ladle.”

“Mardon. Really?” She stopped him.