Princess of Wind and Sea Read online

  He stirred.

  “I may have a short window,” she murmured, as she reached for Patrick’s medicine. Drayaen opened his eyes. Her heart pounded, as he seemed to be looking beyond her, with a glassy stare. She’d seen that same look on Maológ’s face.

  “I love you,” she said. “Take this, and get better.” Aisling sat next to him and lifted his head as he sipped the mixture. “I need you, more than you know,” she whispered. “Come back to me.” She ran her palm across his hand and prayed.

  The next day was a blur. Patrick confirmed that the prince’s temperature was lower, although he cautioned that he was not yet out of the woods. Aisling felt a weight pressing down on her and found it hard to focus.

  That night, she had a dream. Drayaen told her not to worry. She could sense the movement of his fingers, sifting through her hair.

  “I love you, too,” he said.

  Aisling could feel the energy flowing between them. It was like a radiating heat that burst into a lustrous glow.

  A new picture formed in her mind. She and the prince were together, in a place that was lush and green and filled with flowers and the warmth of a child’s laughter.

  The first rays of dawn cast a soft glimmer across the chamber. Aisling sat up and rubbed her eyes. She looked over at Drayaen.

  She was startled to see him staring back at her.

  “You’re awake,” she said as she leaned over him and ran her fingers over his hollow cheeks. “How are you feeling?”

  “Better. I’m hungry.”

  She exhaled a deep breath and smiled. Her eyes grew misty as she threw her arms around him. “Oh, I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you, too,” he murmured, clasping her around the waist. He sat up and scanned the sheets and blankets piled on his bed. “How long have I been like this?” he asked, his head tilted to the side.

  “Several days.”

  “That long?”

  Aisling hurried to the table and retrieved his medicine. “You’ve had ship’s fever. Don’t worry, we have plenty of time to catch up. You need to finish the potion the doctor made for you.” As she passed him the cup, he grabbed her hand.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “For what?” she asked.

  His eyes locked with hers. “For putting you through this.”

  She sat next to him on the bed. “I was so afraid I would lose you,” she whispered. “The thought was unbearable.”

  He reached out and pulled her into his arms. “I heard you speak to me.”

  “When?”

  “I’m not sure, but I knew you were by my side.”

  “We’re together now. That’s what matters most.”

  “How are the others?”

  “Most have recovered. The doctor says the tonic helped speed their recovery.” She fidgeted with her hands.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” he asked as he leaned back and looked into her eyes.

  She blinked back tears. “I was going to break the news after you recovered.”

  “What is it?”

  “Maológ is dead.”

  “When?” he asked with an incredulous stare.

  “Soon after we came back from our trip. There were complications, and his body rejected the medicine.”

  “Oh, Aisling, I’m sorry. I wish I had been here for you.”

  She nestled in his arms as he murmured words of comfort. After awhile, they both fell asleep to the motion of the rolling tides.

  The next morning, rays of sun jutted from the clouds, casting a luster over the chamber. Aisling and Drayaen walked to the galley, where they were greeted by a welcoming crowd.

  After expressing condolences for Maológ, the men talked of ice forming on the deck, even though it was out of season. The prince maintained a stoic expression as he listened to the crew describe the event. Somehow, they explained, chunks of frozen water had appeared on the Cara as well.

  After breakfast, he and Aisling headed toward the bow of the ship, where they stood looking out over the water.

  “Have I told you how much I love you?” he asked.

  She smiled and squeezed his hand, then turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. Ryen and Patrick were headed their way.

  “How are you feeling, Your Highness?”

  “Much better, Patrick. I have you to thank for that. I understand you created a new medicine.”

  He nodded. “I don’t know how you found the ingredients, but the potency of the bark did wonders for our patients.”

  “How are they faring?”

  “The sick bay is almost empty now. Maehwa and most of the men have recovered. I expect our hospital will be empty tomorrow.”

  “That’s good news,” said Aisling. She exhaled a deep breath. “Let’s wait one more day, to ensure everyone is healthy. As soon as the illness is no longer a threat, we can head out to sea.”

  “When did you want to hold the ceremony for Uncle?” asked Ryen.

  “If you and Sean approve, I was thinking tomorrow at dusk.”

  “We’ll be ready,” he said. “I’ll let the other captains know.”

  “Thank you,” said Aisling, in a heartfelt voice. She and the prince said their farewells and headed to the Captain’s Quarters.

  After dinner, Aisling received notes from Captain Frederick, on the Prussian vessel Eagle, and Captain Lind from the Swedish ship Justus. Their crews had also been afflicted with ship’s fever, and they were using the cinchona potions. The notes expressed their gratitude, and offers of assistance in the future.

  Aisling was pleased that she had been able to help, and realized that with her power, more medicines could be created. If only she knew the cure. Her thoughts were disrupted as she noticed Rémy in the doorway.

  “Hello there,” she said, motioning him forward. “It’s good to see you. How are you faring?”

  “I’m well, Commander. I wonder if we might have a word?”

  “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

  He took a deep breath. “I’m very grateful that you took me aboard. I believe it saved my life.”

  “Rémy, I hope you know we’re happy to have you. You risked your life rescuing others. It was the least we could do to show our support.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that, Commander. I think I’ve found my calling.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “When I was in port, I met a few people from Madagascar. They used to be slaves, but escaped.”

  Aisling nodded. “What are they doing now?”

  “Building a community in the mountains. They’ve been able to thrive, and live a decent life.” He paused. “I’d like to join them.”

  “Are you sure?’ she asked. “You don’t have any contacts in the area. Settling here might be more difficult than you think.”

  “I want to do more than survive, and I’m willing to take a risk. I’ve longed for the freedom to live my life as I see fit, without interference. Now, I’d like to help others realize their dream too.”

  “What are you thinking?”

  “With the money that I’ve earned, I can set up a haven for people who want to escape the chains that diminish them.”

  “How can I help?”

  “You already have. I’m grateful to your father, for protecting me long ago. I appreciate what you and the prince have also done. I’d like to start a new journey now.”

  Aisling smiled. “We wish you well.” She scribbled a brief note. “You can reach us at this location. If we can help in any way, let us know.”

  “Thank you, Commander. I believe this is my destiny.”

  A short time later, Owen and Fionn rowed him to shore. Aisling watched from the deck, her eyes growing misty as Rémy turned, waved, and headed into the wilderness.

  The following day, the ships sailed out of the harbor, their flags flying at half mast. She looked back at the pristine shores, verdant valleys, and majestic mountains. It looked tranquil, and yet so much had happened in the past few weeks.r />
  She thought about her uncle. He was family, but had also been a confidante and friend. She inhaled deep breaths. Tonight would be their final goodbye.

  As dusk approached, a gentle mist covered the water. A rainbow came into view, the spectrum of colors glorious against a darkening sky. This is the place, she thought. It’s where Maológ will be laid to rest.

  She motioned to Ryen, who signaled the other ships. The vessels formed a cluster around the Saoirse. The men crowded onto the decks to pay their respects. Aisling stood near the bow and looked out over the crowd.

  “We’re here to remember Maológ,” she said, in a strong, clear voice. “He was the son of Donel and Honor; brother to Michael, Brigid, and Grace; beloved in-law to Colleen; uncle to Ryen, Sean, Aisling; and friend to many.

  “He was grateful for his life at sea. It was where he was most happy.”

  She surveyed the gathering. “You were his family. From the coopers to the sail makers, he cherished his time with you, on the open waters. We will always remember his kind heart and generous spirit, his sense of humor, and the love he had for all of us.” Aisling paused and inhaled a deep breath.

  “I’ve written this special poem in honor of my uncle.”

  UPON THE WATERS

  I’m grateful for my life at sea

  The ever-changing moods

  The inviolate waters

  The starry nights

  The calm, the rage,

  The restless churning of the waves

  My life has ebbed and flowed

  With the passage of time

  I do not regret

  One moment

  For I’ve lived my dreams

  Upon the vast and boundless seas

  “Now, his body is commended to the deep, but his spirit will live on.”

  “Oh, Lord, by the power of your Word, you stilled the chaos of the primeval seas, you made the raging waters of the Flood subside, and calmed the storm on the sea of Galilee.

  As we commit the body of our brother, Maológ, to the deep, grant him peace and tranquility until that day when he, and all who believe in you, will be raised to the glory of new life, promised in the waters of baptism. Amen.”

  The congregation watched as the waves carried Maológ out to sea, until he was visible no more.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  THE RESCUE

  Aisling stood with her feet planted on the ship’s deck, surveying the dark horizon. The merchant flag rippled overhead as the spray from the waters flayed across the bow. The sea had turned from an undulating froth to an angry swell. She raised her spyglass to look at the band of ominous, wedge-shaped clouds. Although it was dawn, an eerie misty-blue glow permeated the landscape. Even the sea birds had retreated.

  Ryen stood next to her, gripping the railings as they swayed with the rocking of the ship. Below, the clinking of dishes and scent of woodsmoke signaled the beginning of breakfast as the cook stoked the fire and passed out rations of biscuits, salted beef, and grog. Above, men adjusted the riggings.

  Aisling turned to Ryen. “Lower the topsails and batten down. Monitor the below decks for water. Tell the crew they need to get their food now, before we close the galley.”

  “Right away, Commander. Reduce sail,” he bellowed to the crew.

  She moved closer to overcome the sounds of the wind and crashing waves. “We’ll hit the storm in less than an hour, don’t you agree?”

  “Aye, it looks like it.”

  “All right” she answered. “Turn inland before then. We can anchor off the coast. Raise the flag to signal the rest of the fleet.”

  As the ship’s crew mobilized, she watched the flurry of activity. Despite the weather, everyone on board had a job to do and understood the sense of urgency. We’ll wait out this storm, she thought. We may not have the option later, on the open seas.

  That night, Aisling hovered over the ledgers in her quarters. Drayaen sat across from her, reviewing their security plans. It was past midnight and the ship was quiet, with the exception of a few muffled voices on deck.

  It had been a long but productive day. They had entered the port of Gibraltar and sold a number of items, including copper, wool, sugar, and tea. New goods of leather, grain, olive oil, and honey were loaded into the cargo holds. With replenished food, water, and supplies, the fleet had dropped anchor off the coast of Spain to wait out another storm that was moving up the seaboard.

  There was a knock at the door. Aisling looked up to see Ryen, his hair and clothing askew.

  “What’s happened?” she asked.

  “Commander, we’re receiving a distress signal. There’s a ship that’s adrift and taking on water. We’re the only vessel near it. The others are still in port.”

  Aisling stood up and grabbed her cloak. “What’s the location?”

  “About two miles due west.”

  “What’s the position of the storm?”

  “They’re right in the middle of it now.”

  “All right. All hands on deck.” She turned to Drayaen. “Do you think that Lex and some of your soldiers can assist?”

  “Yes, the boat can bring them over.”

  “Good. Ryen, please deliver a note to the colonel. We’ll need Sean as well. Signal the rest of the fleet to stay anchored. Too many ships in close proximity will be dangerous. Tell the crew to get underway.”

  As the first officer retreated, Aisling and the prince headed out to meet the officers.

  Sean was rousted from his sleep. He heard raised voices and anticipated that something was amiss. He was out of bed and into his seafaring clothes before the assistant pounded on the door.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “We’ve received a distress call. The Saoirse is responding. Commander asked if you wanted to go with them.”

  “Aye, I do. We’ll need to leave now,” he said, as he donned his coat and boots and launched past the crew member on the way to the deck.

  The dinghy with Sean, Colonel Lex, and the soldiers arrived at the Saoirse as it was getting ready to sail. Aisling stood at the ship’s bow, conferring with Ryen as he studied the charts.

  “We have two big issues. The first is time. Depending on the condition of the ship, we have minutes—not hours—to pull people to safety. The other concern is the wind. We can’t head straight into it, so we’ll need to come around. This may take time that we don’t have.”

  “All right,” said Aisling. “Proceed to sea.”

  The Saoirse sailed into the storm, which pelted the crew with stinging rain. The shrieking wind muffled the sounds of the sailors as they clamored to batten the hatches and tie down heavy objects. They reduced sail and navigated at a right angle to the wind. The distressed ship came into view, their flag rippling in a frenzy against the mast. The vessel was listing to one side, buffeted by the strong gales.

  Aisling and Sean studied the scene through their spyglasses. Dozens of men were crowded onto the deck of the distressed ship, trying to make adjustments.

  “It looks like the Santa Ana from Madrid. What do you think the issue might be?” Aisling shouted above the roar of the waves.

  “There’s too much sail, and they’re taking on water. To survive, they need to change course,” said her cousin.

  “They’ve raised a new flag. It looks like they’re asking for navigation help. I don’t see any officers.”

  “You could be right. They all look like crew.”

  As the Saoirse maneuvered through the onslaught of pounding seas, they could hear men shouting from the deck of the Santa Ana.

  Aisling realized that time was critical. “If you can pilot their ship, I can help from this end,” she said.

  “Aye, I’ll cross over. I’ll let you know the issues once I get onboard.”

  Aisling motioned to Ryen. “Launch the dispatch boat. The men are boarding the Santa Ana.” She turned back to Sean. “Let’s see if we can tow her back.”

  As Aisling glanced down, she noticed cargo floating in the water.
“She’s losing merchandise. Tell the crew to retrieve the freight,” she ordered.

  While sailors thrust grappling hooks out to seize the crates, Sean, Drayaen, and his soldiers made their way to the rescue boat. Several difficult minutes later, they boarded the afflicted ship.

  Aisling watched through the spyglass. Sean was giving orders, and the sailors were lowering the mainsails and adjusting the rigging. The vessel altered position and became more upright. Sean signaled Aisling to guide them closer to shore.

  “Ryen, change course toward land now. We’ll head back to join the fleet.”

  “Aye, aye, bear away,” he bellowed. He watched as men retrieved the last of the remaining lost merchandise.

  Aisling stood near the aft of the ship, away from the crew, and raised her dagger. It felt heavy and unstable, as the ship rolled with the thunderous waves. To steady herself, she gripped one hand on the rails. As the moonlight reflected on the raindrops, it created a misty blue aura around the instrument.

  She knew that the distressed vessel needed to turn away from the wind first, and ready about, before it could sail east. She grabbed the dagger. “With all my being, I command that the wind slow and move behind us.”

  She felt the power extend from her hand to the instrument and hurl into the sky.

  After a few moments, which seemed like an eternity, she was relieved to see the Santa Ana upright and the wind now in a favorable position. The distressed vessel had been stabilized, and they were able to head back to safety.

  Aisling watched as Drayaen’s men loaded some of the Santa Ana’s crew into the dispatch boat. A number of their officers were carried to the vessel. She turned to Ryen.

  “Summon Patrick. Tell him he’s needed now.”

  She walked farther down the deck to meet Sean, who was moving up the gangway.

  “What happened?” she asked.

  “From what I can tell,” he said, “the officers were taken ill. Without the captain or navigator to manage the complexities of the storm, the crew was unable to function. Five more minutes and they would have been at the bottom of the ocean. It was pure luck that the Saoirse was nearby.”

  “Thank you, cousin. I’m indebted to you for your efforts.”