• Vanora nodded and looked at the dragon, it looked angry and fearsome. Did she look fearsome to others when she looked beautiful to herself? It was odd Vanora imagined that tons of men would be rowdy and hard at work on this ship but not a single person seemed to be onboard. She followed Camridon up the plank and onto the deck and looked around slowly wondering why the boat was empty Camridon walked up the steps to the helm looking for signs of a crew. Vanora walked to the other side of the ship looking out to the horizon falling in love more deeply with the sky and sea. Taking in a deep breath ready to give up and find another ship she turned to call for Camridon. When she turned she found herself face to face with a fine pointed blade.
    “Ello love. What ye be doing on my ship I don’t take well to stow-away’s, even one that’s a woman cause that’s bad luck that is.”
    The man behind the blade slurred.
    Vanora shifted so that she may see the man. The man was and very built. He had glowing copper toned skin with a short ruffled head of wavy dark brown hair. His intense brown eyes were burning with anger and confusion.
    “Xander’s stand down now you drunken fool. I’m here to help you.” Camridon said jumping down onto the deck from the helm.
    “Oi! Another one? alright mates…” he said spinning around pointing his blade “put them in the bring ye savvy!”
    “Love I know your just as tore up over Naomi as I am but to behave like this is unheard of from captain Xander’s.”
    Vanora looked to see who was speaking to this Captain Xander’s. Coming up from the captains courters was well built woman with long blonde hair that she wore in a braid. Her sea blue eyes were stunning and she had the presence of authority.
    “I’m sorry dears; if you’re looking to speak to him I can help” the woman grabbed Xander’s by the hair and dunked his head into a bucket of water.
    “Its ice cold should wake him up”
    Xander’s body jerked underneath her grip.
    “I’m Merlina by the way this ‘ere is my husband Azreal Xanders this happens a lot so don’t worry none”
    Merlina let go of the man and took a step back looking at her nails as if nothing happened.
    “Gods Blast it woman ye tryin’ to kill me?” Xander screamed at Merlina.
    “You were drunk again these people wanted to talk with you so sober up now” Merlina said pushing him toward Vanora and Camridon.
    “Captain” said Cam reaching out his hand “I understand your daughter is missing and her name is…?”
    “Naomi!” Vanora screamed.
    Xander looked at her strange “how do you know my Mimi?”
    “I met her in the town actually just outside the pub she said her last name was Diman and I gave her money for food. And she said her name was Diman” Vanora said worried.
    “She’s been taught not to give out her real name, Azreal she told me yesterday she was going to help you with your debt. She must have been tricking people for food money so you could pay back Dagger.” Merlina said in a panic.
    “Oh bless my soul she’s a true pirate like her mum and dad but look where it landed her. She walked straight into the clutches of that bilge rat.”
    “Sir” Camridon said “I’m willing to help you save your daughter in exchange for your services. I need to get to Isla dracona, you need your daughter I think it’s a fair trade.”
    Azreal looked at Camridon with thought. “boy if you help me bring back my daughter in one peace ill fight the whole blasted war with ye.”
    Camridon shook Azreal’s hand in agreement. “This is Vanora we will discuss her more later I’m Camridon her guardian.”
    Azreal gaze a stern eye towards Vanora and then whispered to Cam “She a sea witch mate?” Vanora could hear him say.
    “No captain, most defiantly not.” Cam said placing a warm hand on her shoulder.
    “Alright let us talk strategy in my cabin” Azreal suggested gesturing toward the captains courters.
    “No Vanora stay” Vanora heard Chronos ordered in her thoughts.
    “I think I’ll stay behind and enjoy the fresh air. Camridon gave her a questioning look.
    “You sure, I don’t like leaving you alone?” he said staring sadly.
    “Stay I have something to say.” Chronos said again.
    “I’ll be fine I promise” she said with a warm smile.
    Camridon lifted her hand and lightly kissed her knuckles and followed Azreal away.
    “Very good I need to tell you now that the child’s life is in danger. She was not merely kidnapped because she is the child of Azreal, but because she bares a power that scares Dagger.”
    Vanora jumped and stared out hard at the sea, not really taking anything in.
    “What could she possibly do to scare a criminal.” Vanora whispered.