Owned by the Ocean (25 page)

“
I haven't decided yet, but I thought it best to make an
informed decision.”

“
It all depends on the weather, how many enemy ships we come
across, and how often we make port. I'd say maybe two or three
months. I try to stay out the entire season if
possible.”

“
Do you come across enemy ships often?” Senona asked, knowing
very well they weren't enemy ships at all, just ships ripe for
picking by pirates like Brant Foxton. This was no military
vessel. 

“
Yes, ma'am, the French and Dutch have become quite bold, and
the Spanish, well, we like them the best,” informed James. Brant
winced and kicked him under the table.

James gave
Brant a glare that no cabin boy should get away with while Senona
studied the whole exchange in fascination. Smiling, she replied,
“Let's not ignore the purpose of this ship. I'm not completely
ignorant.”

Karl smiled,
but remained silent as the other three spoke. He didn't seem to
feel any need to speak while he was enjoying his food
whole-heartedly. 

Brant,
however, did not seem comfortable with the subject they had
breached and quickly changed it. “How do you think Naldo will do?
Three months is a long time for a horse to be cooped up.” 

“
I can't really say. If I find he's taking it badly, I suppose
I'll just have to get off when we make port. If I stay, that
is.”

“
The horse'll do fine,” reassured Karl.

“
You're sure?” asked Senona.

“
Horses get transported by ship all the time in war or to the
colonies. He'll do just fine after he's had some time to get used
to everything.”

“
I hope you're right, Karl. Whether on this ship or another, I
would like to get all the way to Port Royale.”

Brant stood up
then. His plate had been completely polished off. “If you will all
excuse me, I believe I'm going to turn in for the night.”

“
G'night, Cap'n,” said Karl.

“
Lessons first thing in the morning, James,” said Brant
sternly. 

James scowled
a little but nodded his assent, and on that note, Brant left the
room.

Karl followed
Brant's example not much later. “My old age don't allow me many
late nights anymore,” he explained with a smile before he too took
his leave to make one last round of the ship.

“
Will you come with me to check on Naldo?” Senona asked
James.

“
Of course.”

The two of
them went below deck, laughing as they went, with James telling
Senona some of the more amusing stories of things that had happened
on the ship. 

When she had
woken up that morning, she had been scared, confused, and angry.
She had been on a strange ship with strange people and, in the span
of a single day, the crew had made her feel happy and at home. That
was something Senona was only now experiencing for the first time
in her life.

Christine started writing when she could put pen to paper and
form words. Now, many years later, not much has changed.

Her stories are romances that you can relate to with a little
bit of adventure mixed in. She enjoys writing flawed but loveable
characters and more often than not a horse or two will find their
way in as well.

Christine makes her home in Manitoba, Canada on a sprawling
15 acre ranch with her sons, husband, and many
animals
.