Chapter Sixteen
Something of Value
It was hours later now after my passionate exchange with Keturah and faced with the current situation I wished that time with her had not ended. Flynn and Matt were undergoing a face-off of sorts. I let my gaze slip over to Keturah only to find her watching me hungrily. I stifled my own groan of yearning and focused on the task at hand.
In a tone that had no bend in it Flynn said, “I call dibs on the big battle wagon!”
“Well that’s fine! I don’t want that one anyway.” Matt stated with equal tenacity.
Flynn appeared shocked and it was reflected in his tone when he asked, “You don’t want the big one?”
“And give up speed and rotational calibration I think not! No the smaller battle wagon as you put it will fit my needs quite nicely.” Matt said.
I spoke into the setting before anything else was agreed upon, “Well then that settles it. Flynn captains the big gunner. Ortega you man the boiler. Jim will manage the gun crews. Matt will take the smaller ship, while Serena and Christina will accompany me and the Whale People on their boats. Now I suggest that you practice your gunnery crews for at least some length of time before we ship off tomorrow.”
Everyone nodded in consensus and the large group broke up into smaller divisions. I managed to navigate a surprised Keturah quickly out of the eyes of the others into a hidden doorway.
Pressing her back up against the door I asked, “Could you please explain this intoxicating effect that you have on me and the need to always have more that you so innocently inspire?”
Her mouth split wide into a grin as she leaned back against the wooden door my all too willing captive. Her eyes were a tease as her hands rose to encircle the back of my neck.
“It’s a secret, but come closer and I’ll give you the solution.” She said seductively.
Husky voiced I said, “I do believe that you’ve graduated.”
Her eyes implored me for more than just a kiss but I shook my head negatively and said, “Soon.”
She sighed, but then rose up on her toes to say against my lips, “Then if this is all I can have for now then this I will take, but I want more Eli! So much more!” She breathed out as her lips pressed over mine with renewed passion.
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Matt caught up with Elizabeth as she was making her way towards the center of the village platform, “Elizabeth could I have a word with you?”
She turned back to him, “Why certainly! What is it?”
Matt looked around, but no one was listening, “I was wondering if there were those among the Whale People who don’t have much of anything to live for. People who might not mind dying too much if you know what I mean.”
Elizabeth swallowed and looked deeply into his eyes for a moment before asking, “Why would you want such people?”
“I need them for my crew. I don’t want people who have families or obligations to others. Understand?”
Elizabeth nodded slowly and said, “Several months ago we had a bad disease break out on one of the platforms. Several families lost their children and a few men lost their wives as well.”
“Could you send them to me Elizabeth?”
She nodded and started to leave, when Matt restrained her arm and said, “It would be best if you didn’t say anything of this to anyone.”
Elizabeth nodded, as a single tear made its way down her cheek.
“Oh and before I forget again I need you to send all the pieces of metal that you can find to my ship. I need anything small enough to fit down the barrel of a cannon. Knives, forks, tin soldiers, even pieces of porcelain or glass balls and beads will work.”
“I’ll see what I can find.”
Three hours later numerous satchels filled with metallic odds and ends were carried below the iron plated deck of Matt’s ship.
“That should do the job I’d say Elizabeth. Thank you!” Matt said.
“Wait!” Elizabeth said.
Matt turned to the older woman questioningly.
She struggled for a moment to pull something off one of her arthritic fingers. It came after a moment of tugging and she quickly put it into Matt’s hand.
“I can’t blow your wedding ring out the barrel of a cannon Elizabeth! It wouldn’t be right! Here take it back! Please!” Matt exclaimed.
Elizabeth wouldn’t take it back, but instead she hugged Matt tightly for a long moment before drawing back and wiping at the tears on her face as she said, “It isn’t right for one to stand by and offer nothing of value when there are those willing to give everything. May God keep you!”
Matt in return hugged her to him for a long moment.