Silent Rose Library, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno, Chesapeake (PaxLair Times) – December 17, 2006 – by Tatania Karthina –
Chase Steel sits with his arm about his wife Milla’s shoulders and both look on as their friends Cory and Kirstren Hunter make goo goo sounds at the newest addition of the Steel family, Broadrick. Chase’s twin brother Chad sits nearby with his wife Khali as well, both snickering at how Chase takes on about his children.
Behind a nearby bush, Lilly and Tara Steel as well as India Hunter spy on the adults. Nearby Kelin, Drago, Tempest and Chasity Steel play a lively game of tag with their friend Colum Hunter. The shrieks of laughter coming from the game of tag is plenty enough noise to keep the parents from realizing that anything is amiss.
“India, what did you hear?”, Tara prods her friend again.
India replies in a whisper, “Mama just told daddy that they’d tell us about it tonight… There was no reason to upset us before the big picnic today.”
Lilly whispers a reply, “I think they’re getting to it now… shhhhhhhh.”
All three girls do hush and lean forward, straining to hear the adults. “… just saw no reason to upset them. They’ve been looking forward to this picnic with their friends for weeks.” Kirstren was saying.
“Well, Kirstren is right, it is going to upset them horribly.” Cory looks toward the lively game of tag then turns back to the adults, “But I got a new job and we’re moving to Serpents Hold. It’s a great opportunity, but unfortunately, the kids will miss Drago and Lilly and the beach. They love Magincia.”
“Tell us about that job Cory.”, Chad says looking to Cory as Lilly is pulling Tara and India away.
*** One Week Later***
The children had been put to bed and nothing but whispers could be heard. Those would soon diminish too as sleep took the children to their dreams. Milla looks into Chase’s eyes, “Do you think having Drago and Lilly spending the weekend with us has helped any? I haven’t seen them this upset ever.”
Chase gently caresses her cheek as he replies, “They’ll be fine once they realize how often they do get to see their friends. It’s just going to take a bit of adjusting for them.”
The couple check on the sleeping Broadrick then head to their own bed for the night as Uncle Earl wanders down to the kitchen for a late night snack as well as a visit with the well rounded Pudge. Earl tiptoes in after making quite sure that the coast is clear and wraps his arms around Pudge, kissing the top of her head. “The house is all asleep. Why don’t we take a walk so I can try to convince you that we’re meant to be married?”
Pudge turns in his arms and hugs him tight, “Oh Earl, you know I love you. I just can’t afford to lose my job and I just know they’ll fire me if they knew.”
“You don’t know my nephew as well as I do. Chase would prefer to have you as his Aunt and his cook. Chase and Milla love you Patrice and the kids adore
you.”
The couple continue speaking in low voices as Pudge prepares Earl an omelet and Earl watches her every move, his love for her shining in his eyes in this unguarded slice of time. The couple are so intent on each other that they never see the shadows of the five children sneaking away from the house, heading to the docks. The kids are having their own fiercely whispered conversation as they fade into the shadows of the night.
“You are NOT going alone!” Kelin whispers to the girls. “If you’re determined to do this, you need Drago, Gaius and me to protect you.”
Tara tartly replies, “Suit yourself. Come with us if you insist, but we’re going.”
Back in the kitchen, Earl is finishing his omelet and rises, moving to stand behind Pudge to help her wash the dishes. He looks out the window just as the “Princess Katara” Dragon Ship pulls out of the harbor of Skara Brae. “Patrice? Is that Tara’s ship that just set sail?”
Pudge looks up from the glass she is drying and nods, “I think it is. You best go see what’s going on Earl. Someone is stealing the ship I think.”
***
Kelin, Drago, Gaius, Lilly and Tara sail towards what they think is a mission to rescue their friends Colum and Indy from the horrible place they’ve had to move to while the Steel house is in an uproar. About 45 minutes had elapsed before anyone thought to check on the kids during the excitement of Tara’s ship being stolen. In Kelin’s room, Milla found a note left by Kelin:
Papa and Mama, The girls just had to go save Colum and Indy so we all went to protect them. We’ll be home by breakfast.
Love, Kelin
A pigeon is immediately sent to Chad and Cory with messages and Ships are leaving Skara Brae Harbor, trying to catch up with the children’s boat.
***
Miles and Miles in the wrong direction, The “Princess Katara” is being blocked in by a fleet of 6 ships. The men on these ships are boarding the “Princess Katara and gathering the terrified children to take to their secret Island.
A mean looking pirate with rotten teeth and smelly clothes speaks with a grating voice, “Captain, Do you want me to take their ship too?”
The Captain, who is not as rough as his fellows strokes his beard in thought then smiles. “No, I’ll leave a ransom note in the ship and we can make a load of gold on these kids.”
As the Captain of the Pirates had said, it was done.
the Note:
We have your youngins. If you want them back, you’ll have to pay for them.
Captain Jack
The Saga of Kelin and his adventures will continue in “The Adventures of Kelin 7 – Pirates!”, coming soon to the bookstore at The PaxOku Silent Rose Library!
Peace and Knowledge be with you!
Tatania Karthina
17 December 2006