Page 126 of A Flash of Golden Fire

I was feeling rather exhausted myself. It had been a trying day.

“Do you mind if I rest here, with you? I’m quite tired and a bit fragile, if I’m being honest.”

He levelled a stern gaze at me. “You should always be honest with me, Rooster.”

“I shall try,” I said, and snugged myself under the covers with him. “Oh, I forgot to snuff the lamp,” I said, preparing to get up again.

“Never mind. It’s a proper hurricane lantern, hanging on a hook. The thing’ll burn out before morning.”

I was more than happy to stay under the covers with my captain, savouring the peaceful rocking of the ship, and the hum of activity and conversation from the deck. I fell asleep snuggled into the captain’s side, listening to his light snoring.

*

Shouts woke me at the crack of dawn. Someone was pounding on the captain’s door.

I shot out of bed and cowered with fear against the wall, abandoning poor Dinesh in a selfish panic. The captain very calmly slid a hand beneath his pillow and pulled out a pistol as my eyes widened. Had the weapon been there all along?

He cocked the hammer.

More pounding and then…laughter.

“What the fuck is going on out there?” the captain yelled. “Simon’s about to throw himself overboard, he’s so frightened.”

“Oh, sorry, Captain Martin,” Lahiri’s voice came loudly. “We didn’t mean to scare anyone.”

“Why? Did we interrupt the two of you?” Domingo said.

Voices and cheering could be heard. The captain eased the hammer back and lowered his gun as we exchanged puzzled looks. I hopped back into bed and covered my nakedness, trying to slow the rapid pounding of my heart.

Lahiri’s laughter sounded outside the door. “It’s Mr Silk and Duncan! They’re alive!”

The captain moved to get up and then remembered his wound. He settled back.

“Jesus! Rooster, can you get the door?”

“Yes, of course,” I said, grabbing the captain’s shirt off the floor and pulling the garment over my nakedness.

I went and tugged open the door.

Half the crew were there, and they all yelled, “Heya!”

Lahiri gazed at me with happiness, and Domingo’s eyes took in my lack of clothing with barely hidden amusement.

I smiled and lifted my hand, feeling rather exposed, even though my very private bits were somewhat concealed.

Squid pushed through the mass of men, many with bottles in their hands, and now drifting away to go back to where the real party was.

“Is this true?” I asked, looking at him and Lahiri and Domingo. “Mr Silk and Duncan?”

Squid nodded ferociously, then frowned. “Well, they found us, more like. Poor blokes have been rowing for days.”

His words didn’t make sense.

“But…Squid…the storm. If the gale almost sent theArrowdown, how did they survive the weather?”

“They must have been a day behind us. The captain ordered us to stay put as best we can so theArrowcould be repaired. There ain’t much wind, and we don’t have the sails unfurled.”

“Well, I’m glad they’re alive.”