Chapter 17: Deal

Bayou

Belle pointed straight on ahead.

“That’s the island.”

“Exactly what type of island is that?” I questioned, spinning my wheel. She sighed, hearing someone coming up behind us.

“That’s where the Under the Hunters are located for now. We will have lots of troubles to reach my sister from there on out.”

“How did she end up in their hands? I heard of these Hunters before, they are worse than the king’s guards.” I told her.

A sad expression passed over her eyes, and she lowered her head.

“They work for the King himself. Well, I went to visit my mother, the same day the Hunters came and destroyed half of my village. They captured most of the girls, including, my sister. That was almost two weeks ago. I have been trying hard to find them. I heard you were nearby, so I came to you. You’re the only pirate in this whole world that I know that will help me. You are the most feared, but I know you will do anything for gold and silver, but just in this case, the map will be your payment. I can tell you where it is. Just save my sister, I can’t do it by myself. Please take the deal. My sister for the Map.”

She grabbed my hand and gave me a pleading look. My heart clenched at her desperation

“Aye, I will, you know how much I love gold and silver, but this map you talk about, exactly what does it do? Why did you say that we can’t reach our destination? All I know that the compass is the only way to find the bloody island. At least that’s what I heard on Despair Island.” I told her. Shivering from the horrid memories I endured there. I hope I will never have to touch that place ever again.

Belle went silent, when Max came up to us and glanced at the island.

“The compass will not work without the map, it’s an enchanted map just like the compass,” Belle explains.

“But Shawn has been navigating it, it led us here,” Max explained as Belle shook her head.

“It just took you where you have to be, the compass works two ways. Without the map, it will take you where you are needed, and with the map, it will take you to the enchanted island. Whoever enchanted these items knew what she or he was doing. It was separated and hidden years ago due to its great powers. Well, until Captain Jones found the compass a few years ago.”

“How come I didn’t hear of that before? Why didn’t you tell us that before?” Max asked angrily, getting a little too close to her. Belle dark eyes scanned his, noticing a light tint of red brush against her cheeks.

“I have my reasons and now is the time to use it. I don’t know where the map is, but I know who has the information.”

She pointed at the island once again.

“There’s a man, his name is Joe, he is an old seer, but he won’t just see anyone, you have to convince him to tell you. He lives in one of the islands far north, and his home is impossible to find.”

“Then how do you know this?” A smile passed her lips when she went up to Max, and cupped his cheek.

“They don’t call me a Navigator for no reason my dear Max. I may be a pirate, but navigation and gathering information is my thing.” Max stared at her, but suddenly he cleared his throat, removed her hand and turned to leave.

“Where are you going?” I asked him.

“Away from her, and getting ready, we have lots to do,” he choked out as Belle kept staring at his back. I chuckled, patting her shoulder.

“Why don’t you tell him, it’s been five years, love,” I told her. Her cheeks turned darker as she turned to face me.

“He doesn’t even like me. Why would I tell him?” The disappointment was heavy in her tone.

“Max’s first love will be always in his heart, but he needs to be happy again. Since Isabelle died, he hasn’t even flirted with a woman. It might be for everyone, but second chances do exist. I think she would want that. Try love, you never know. Max is a passionate man. I can tell you that,” I assured her.

“He will never love me.”

“Maybe he won’t love you the same way as he loves his dead wife, but he will love you in a different way. Just take this and work on it. I have never seen you with a man because you’re waiting for him. Don’t grow old waiting for him, live. So are you staying with us?”

“Thanks, Captain. You want me to?” she asked.

“Aye love, you know how much I love you.” I teased her, but then I moved and wrapped my arms around her.

“I do love you, Belle, I see you as my little sister, so please stay not only get closer to my father but take care of Crystal. She’s having a hard time.” I felt her arms wrap around me and gives me a tight hug back hearing her sigh, while I close my eyes because in reality Belle may not be one of my closest friends, but I do see her like an older sister, that supported me when I needed the most.

“She must be very important to you. I will for a short time.” I smiled, holding her tighter.

“Thank you.” I opened my eyes, to see Crystal holding a bowl in her hands and staring at us with narrow eyes. I smiled at her.

“Start befriending her,” I whispered to Belle. She nodded, and we let go. Crystal moved up to us, and stretched her hands out. Belle looked down at her.

“What’s this?” she asked surprised.

“It’s food, I already gave food to your crewmates. Um... I heard about your sister,” she licked her lips. I move closer, Belle takes the bowl and nods. Something crosses in Crystal eyes, sadness.

“Don’t worry, we will find her. She must be scared of praying to God for someone to find her. I’m sorry I didn’t respond earlier, I was in shock to know that I won’t be going home, but when I calmed down, the realization came to me, that someone else was kidnapped. So don’t worry, we will save your sister.”

“Crystal?” Belle sounds touched by her words. Crystal then looked up at me.

“You better keep your promise to me and I promise not to argue anymore. I will trust my life and my safety to you Captain Bayou,” she bowed, my eyes widened at this, she had finally called me by my name, or at least my title.

She’s going to trust her life with me? She surprises me every day. I thought. A new feeling filled my heart and a smile broke on my lips.

“I hope you don’t regret that decision,” I tried to hint at. Crystal gave me a stern look and nods.

Please God, help me with that. I mentally prayed.

“I hope not.” she mumbled, while she walks away from us. I felt the soft breeze of the ocean graze my skin, but somehow it felt soothing to me. I drop my eyes down, feeling guilty already. Belle looked down at her food, then at me taking notice of my sudden expression.

“What is she to you?” she suddenly asked me. I gave

“My witch, and my precious partner.”