“You are a good man. It’s been a long and tiring day.” Donald straightened and stretched. He clapped the captain on his back and headed for the cabin in the stern.
The captain’s muffled cough made him look over his shoulder.
“I’ll sleep in the chair. I won’t leave her alone.”
Donald woke to the sound of men on deck. A glance at Andrea settled his mind. She was sound asleep. He quietly got up and left the room.
He had been on this crossing many times, most with Captain Howard. His crew didn’t need orders to leave the dock. They were a well-trained team and knew what to do.
Several crewmen stood ready to raise the sail. The bow and stern lines were taken in leaving the forward spring line that led from the bow, to the dock.
The deck hands grabbed the spring line and on command heaved in unison. He would never grow tired of the feat. The men sang and repeatedly pulled the line on the strong beat with all their might.
The ship hurled forward, away from the dock. As the stern passed the bollard, a dockhand slipped the end of the line off the post and tossed the rope across to a waiting crewman on deck.
The rest of the crew stood by at lines to release the sails.
Donald thought it amazing that even though the ship was heavy, the power of ten crewmen hauling on the lines moved the ship quickly and with enough speed to glide out of the harbor with plenty of time for the men to set the sails.
“How is our guest?” the captain asked.
“Sound asleep.”
“Where are you off to once you get to England?”
“I regret it, but we have a week’s long journey to Bamburgh Castle.”
“Now, after loading cargo in Dover, I’m taking the Always Faithful up to Alnwick. With good weather that should take us three days at most.” He leaned close to Donald. “And not on horseback. I think Mademoiselle would appreciate a sea journey.”
“Yes, she would.” He looked at the clear night sky and let out a yawn. “If you’ll excuse me.”
The captain touched his hat in a casual salute and was gone.
Donald entered the cabin making sure not to disturb her. When he glanced at Andrea he couldn’t help but smile. She hadn’t moved.
He closed his eyes and saw her staring at the growling wolf. Anyone would be terrified. She was brave to stay still and not move. He bent over and kissed her lips, not hard or passionately, but rather soft and lovingly. For her he would do anything. Anything.
Chapter Fourteen
In the morning, they woke to find the ship tied at the Dover dock. Donald waited on the deck while Andrea freshened up for the day.
“I hope you had a good night’s sleep,” the captain said.
“Very rested. I think I can tackle the day. As you suggested, Andrea is looking forward to sailing to Alnwick and not riding.”
“I’m not surprised. It’s a long journey from Châlons. I’ll join you both at the inn before we’re ready to leave.” He signaled to his second in command and was gone.
Donald stood at the rail and stared at the sea while he waited for Andrea. Seagulls called and flew overhead, carried on the ocean breeze and dove into the water every so often for food. The water lapped against the ship with a rhythmic beat. In the east, the sky lightened; first black, then gray, with touches of pink. The rim of the sun peeked over the horizon and reflected in the water.
Howard did them a service taking them to Alnwick. At least he didn’t need to worry about her safety on a long ride through the countryside. From the dock the ride was a few hours by carriage to Bamburgh. He had no idea what lay ahead for them.
Andrea came on deck, breathed in the salty air, and joined him at the rail.
“Come,” Donald said. “Captain Howard told me of an inn close by. We can wait there while the ship is made ready to sail up the coast.”
He led her down the gangplank. Sailors unloaded ships while others secured new bales and bundles. Villagers, dock hands, and crewmen choked the quay. It was still early, yet the area teemed with activity. They had difficulty moving forward. They bumped into people and had their toes treaded on as Donald tried to navigate them to the inn.
“Forgive me,” she said numerous times.
“Please. It is my fault,” the man in front of her said, “I stopped abruptly. There was no way you could avoid me.”
“Scully?” Donald asked.
“Donald,” the man looked at him in surprise. “You’re the last person I would expect to see in Dover.”
Donald turned to Andrea. “Andrea Ricard, this is Stuart Rhys. Scully for short. We used to vie for prizes at archery contests.”
“A pleasure, Mademoiselle.” Scully turned to Donald. “It isn’t the same now that you’ve taken yourself out of following the archery contests.”
Scully moved to the side. “This is my friend, Rufus Ayer.”
The four stepped into a coach house and sat together for a meal of watered ale, cheese, fruit, and fresh bread.
“How are your brothers?” Scully dipped his bread in the honey and washed it down with ale. “I haven’t seen Graham.”
“He married last winter and is well settled. And your brother? He was off to serve the king.”
“He came to a bitter end in Wales. My brother chose the wrong side. He supported my mother’s family.” Scully took a long drink. When he put the tankard down the hollow expression of seconds ago was gone and replaced with a mild smile.
“But let’s speak of happier things. Since you no longer haunt the archery butts going from tournament to tournament our purses are a great deal lighter. I was always sure of winning when you stood at the mark. Have you taken up the sword?”
Donald flinched. “Heaven forbid. You know I don’t like knives, no matter the size. No, I have
