Page 67 of Mardon

“Oh, that,” said Ramble, snapping his fingers. “Aye. Stitch said to tell ye he’s been followin’ the Poseidon for the last few hours. He figures they must know where to find the treasure, so we’re stayin’ right on their tail.”

“Where does he think they are headed?” asked Emmaline curiously.

“Stitch believes they’re headin’ to Hastings. He says they’re probably goin’ to dock there since they’ve been slowly movin’ closer and closer to the shore.”

“Nay, that’s wrong,” said Emmaline, shaking her head. “We need to continue on, and go further south.”

“Emmaline?” asked Mardon. “What makes you think so?”

“It was the clue that Aaron told us about,” she explained. Looking up into the air as if trying to remember it, she spoke the clue aloud. “Hastily, find the bright angel with the fish mouth and bow right at her feet.”

“Yeah,” said Ramble, looking down at the headpiece in his hand and itching his head. “I still don’t understand it. It sounds like nothin’ but nonsense to me.”

“Speaking of nonsense,” mumbled Mardon, looking at Ramble’s attire once again and shaking his head. He still couldn’t believe that!

“I think the clue is talking about a path to take, not just a destination,” said Emmaline.

“Mayhap. But where?” asked Mardon.

“Hastily could mean Hastings,” she told them.

“Nereus must think that, too, since he’s headed there,” agreed Mardon.

“But there’s more.” Emmaline paced the floor as she spoke. “The bright angel probably means Brighton, the next town over from Hastings.”

“I can see that.” Aaron nodded.

Emmaline continued. “Fish mouth could really be Portsmouth, just south of Brighton. You know, since fish are found at a port.”

“Continue,” Mardon coaxed her, seeing where this was leading.

“I’m not exactly sure on that last part since it is a stretch,” said Emmaline.

“Tell us anyway,” said Ramble.

“Well,” she said tapping her chin with her finger. “I know all these ports and places since I used to travel a lot with my father when I was younger. So, I think bow right at her feet, is a play on the word right, and could mean Wright Island. There is a little graveyard on that island with a very tall stone angel there.”

“Aye, you’re right. I know the exact one that you mean,” said Mardon, feeling hopeful now. “Bowing at her feet must mean to dig at her feet to find the treasure.”

“That’s . . . amazing,” said Aaron, shrugging and holding up his palms. “And to think it was figured out by a wench. Mardon, I think the girl might be right.”

“The clues do seem to lead a trail to the island,” admitted Mardon. “We might have just found our final destination.” He pulled Emmaline into his arms and kissed her hard. “My lady, you are amazing in more ways than one.” He pulled back, looking at her bright smile and winked, letting her know he also was talking about their intimate time together last night.

“I’ll tell Stitch and the crew,” said Aaron, rushing out the door.

“I’ll let Nairnie know,” said Ramble, following him.

“You never fail to surprise me,” Mardon told Emmaline. “It really is nice having you around.”

“Why, thank you,” she said with a giggle. “I love being here.”

“You do?”

“Of course, I do. And I wouldn’t even think of being anywhere else right now but at your side.”

His body stiffened when he heard her words. He didn’t expect her to say that.

“Oh, by the way, Mardon. What was it you wanted to talk to me about?”