Page 56 of Mardon

“We’re going to have to swing as far away from the ship as possible,” he shouted.

“To where?” she asked.

He looked over to see the Falcon moving further away. Aaron was standing on the bow of the ship watching them. Nairnie was yelling something from the deck, but he couldn’t hear a word.

“We’re going to drop into the sea. It’s our only chance, sweetheart. Now, hold on to me for your life.”

“I will,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. “I’m ready, Mardon.”

Mardon looked down once again, feeling sick to his stomach. But pushing aside any doubts or fears, he wrapped one arm around Emmaline and held on to the end of the rope with the other, and jumped. Just as he did, the mast broke, bringing them far out over the sea as the flaming mast fell. Mardon swung out over the water and let go. They hit the water hard. The black depths of the sea closed in around them as the water covered their heads. Holding each other tightly, they sank into the wicked sea.

Chapter 14

Water covered Emmaline’s head as she clung to Mardon. Down they sank into the ocean, having just escaped the fiery ship. Then they started to move back upward and her head broke the surface and she gasped for breath, her arms waving wildly, trying to keep afloat.

“I’ve got you, Emmaline,” came Mardon’s deep voice. She felt his arm around her waist. “We’ve got to make our way to the Falcon. I hope to hell someone on the ship saw us and won’t leave without us.”

“Mardon, I’m scared,” she cried, watching as the De la Croix started to sink.

“We’ve got to swim, sweetheart. We have to get far from the sinking ship or we’ll be pulled under with it.”

That frightened her even more. She wasn’t a strong swimmer, and every time she moved her legs, her dress got tangled.

“I – I can’t swim. My legs are tangled in my gown.”

“I’ll take care of that.”

She saw him grab his dagger and then disappear under the water. Suddenly, she felt very alone. “Mardon!” she cried. “Mardon, where are you?”

She felt a tugging at her clothes and Mardon popped back up above the water holding up the bottom of her nun’s attire.

“You’ll be able to swim now.” He tossed it away.

“Look! Here comes the Falcon,” she said, treading water.

“Over here,” yelled Mardon, waving his arm over his head. “We’re down here.”

For a moment, she didn’t think the people on the ship saw them. But then she heard Nairnie’s shrill voice.

“Stop! Stop, ye fools. I see them. They’re over here.”

“Where?” Aaron ran to her side. “I don’t see anyone.”

“They’re right there,” she screamed, pointing into the water. “Are ye blind? Look, right there.” She leaned over the sidewall to show Aaron, and must have slipped.

Emmaline cried out as she watched Nairnie go over the side of the ship and hit the water with a big splash.

“She fell in! Mardon, save her. She’s going to drown,” cried Emmaline.

Mardon started laughing as they continued to swim toward the ship.

“Mardon, stop laughing. That is your grandmother. She could be dead.”

“Not likely,” said Mardon. Then he looked up to the side of the ship where Aaron was getting ready to jump in after her. “Don’t bother, Aaron, I’m sure she’ll be fine,” he called out.

Sure enough, Nairnie came up spitting water everywhere.

“Damn yer ship,” yelled Nairnie. “Ye need to get high safety rails. It’s no’ fit for an auld wench like me. I could have broken my neck or my back. Get me out of here. Do ye hear me? Get me out!”