Vanweldt’s leg couldn’t hold his full weight, so he had trouble picking up the sword and even more getting himself into position. Sweat poured down his face. Whether it was from pain, the heat, or sheer fear, Dominic didn’t care. Rapier in hand, he lunged, and the fight began.
Dominic dominated from the first crossing of swords. Vanweldt tried but couldn’t move quickly enough on his broken leg to evade Dominic’s strikes, nor could he advance himself offensively to strike back with any power. As a result, Dominic sliced him like bread. The first slash went across his right cheek, and before he could react, a second quick slice opened the opposite side of his face. Furious, he wiped his fingers over the cuts, studied the blood for a moment, and hate blazed in his eyes. He lunged, but Dominic had no problem parrying the attack. The air sang with the clashing of blade on blade. The Dutchman’s weak defense offered opening after opening, allowing Dominic to torment him one nick at a time; on his face again, the sides of his throat, his ribs and thighs. Under normal circumstances, the onlookers would have been cheering, but this was not sport, this was revenge, so they watched in grim silence.
As Vanweldt moved slower and slower, the ringing from the blade grew duller. Vanweldt grabbed the last of his strength and went on the offense, only to have Dominic respond with a slash that sliced through his arm to the bone.
Vanweldt screamed and dropped the sword in one motion. He fell to his knees. “No more. Please, I beg of you.”
“Get up!” Dominic seethed with fury. “Get up!”
Vanweldt raised his head. Blood poured from the wounds on his face and down his chin. The hand covering the gash in his arm was awash in it. “Please!”
Dominic slammed his sword back into the scabbard. Clare hadn’t wanted him to have Vanweldt’s blood on his hands and he loved her enough to honor that. He planned to turn the slaver over to the British authorities in Jamaica. “Take him to the ship.”
He glanced over at the crying, horrified Sylvie. He wasn’t sure what her fate would be yet. “Her, too.”
Certain his orders would be carried out, he walked back into the surf and strode off for the beach.
Dominic didn’t want to be anywhere near Sylvie for fear of what he might do to her, so he and a large number of the men were in the first longboat to return to the
Marie.
He’d just climbed back on board when the lookout shouted, “Something’s happening over there, sir!”
Dominic grabbed up a nearby glass and turned it on the island. On the beach, one of his men, Jacobs was jumping up and down and frantically waving his arms as if trying to signal the ship. No one else was in sight. “Do you see the quartermaster?” Dominic called up.
“No, sir. I don’t see anyone but Jacobs.”
Dominic sighed. He felt the fates were conspiring again to keep him from Clare, but as if he were being thrown a bone, she walked up.
“Is it over?”
“Apparently not. Gaspar and the prisoners have apparently vanished.”
“What?”
“I’m going back.”
“You’ve blood all over you.”
He nodded. “I’ll return shortly.” He took a moment to steal a kiss, then went over the side.
Jacobs was waiting for them.
“What happened?” Dominic asked.
“Not sure, sir. Gaspar and Yves stopped a minute because the lady said she needed a pee and he told us to go on ahead and they’d meet us here. When they didn’t show up, some of the men went to look for them. We found the quartermaster. Someone hit him over the head with a big rock, but the giant and the prisoners are gone.”
“Where’s Gaspar now?”
“Other side of those rocks over there. Doc Early was patching him up.”
“Thanks, Jacob. Fine job.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ll keep watch here until you get back.”
James was putting a bandage on Gaspar’s head when Dominic and the men with him walked up.
“Is he okay?”
“Except for this coconut-sized knot on his head, he’s fine.”
Gaspar groused, “I can answer for myself. I’m not mute.”
“Was it a gift from Vanweldt?”
“No. He was too injured. Had to be Sylvie or the giant. We sent the men out to search.”
Dominic sighed again. He was just about to ask where Gaspar had been when this all took place but was interrupted by Washington Julian.
“You should come see this.”
“Did you find them?”
His face was grim. “Yes.”
They followed the Cherokee a short distance, then all stopped short as they took in the grisly sight just a few feet away. The severed heads of Vanweldt and Sylvie were mounted on tree limbs stabbed into the earth. A few of the crewmen in the search party retched in response and even Dominic’s stomach roiled. Back during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, during the golden age of piracy, the authorities often displayed the heads of pirates in this way as a warning to other pirates to repent.
Dominic and Gaspar moved closer.
“Yves?” Dominic asked, looking around the area before viewing the gruesome handiwork again.
“Possibly,” Gaspar replied, taking a walk around the horrific display.
Sylvie’s head of tangled hair made her look like the Medusa. Her eyes were wide with surprise as if she couldn’t believe her fate.
On the other hand, Vanweldt’s eyes appeared to be filled with terror, even in death. A short stout stick had been stuck between his teeth, propping the mouth open. The lower half of his face and chin, and what remained of his neck were covered with drying and congealed blood. A closer look showed that his tongue had been cut out. Dominic’s stomach lurched again.
Gaspar gave an awed whistle. “I’m glad the big man was on our side.”
Dominic could only agree. “I wonder where he is?”
For the next little while, they called to him from various points on the island, but received no answer. In the end, they gave up. Yves either didn’t wish to be found or had lost his life after the beheadings somehow. No one knew, so they packed up and rowed back to the
Marie.
After Dominic and the men boarded, he told the crew and Clare of Vanweldt’s and Sylvie’s grim fate. When he finished and the stunned crew returned to their posts, Clare looked out from the rail at the island and shivered thinking about the grisly scene. “Do you think Yves is over there still alive?”
He shrugged. “No way of knowing,
petite.
”
She shook her head all the while, wondering. “I still don’t understand why he helped me escape Martinique.”
“Maybe he’d already decided he was going to kill Vanweldt and simply chose to take you with him. The fact that Yves gave your poisoned cup to Eduard says a lot to me.”
“It does to me as well. Had Nancine drunk the poison, Eduard would have still been alive, making our escape next to impossible.”
“Nancine’s fatal mistake was in thinking like a slave owner and placing the poison in your cup while Yves was in the room.”
Clare nodded. “Because he couldn’t speak and because to her he was nothing more than a dull-witted slave who knew his place. To her, he may as well have been a piece of the furniture.”
“She didn’t think he’d take any actions to oppose her and she was wrong.”
“I’m glad she was.”
He looked down at the face he planned to wake up and see every morning for the rest of his life. “Are you ready to sail home?”
“Aye.”
“Esteban! Take us home!”
“Aye!” the pilot shouted in reply.
As the anchor was raised and the sails caught the wind, Dominic used his glass to do a final scan of the island before they lost sight of it. Suddenly there on a hilltop he saw Yves watching the
Marie
move away. As if he knew Dominic was viewing him, he stayed stationary for a few long moments before he turned his broad body and walked away. Dominic drew down the glass and gave him a silent nod of farewell.
T
Sarah received the first hug, and only after Clare was completely convinced her daughter was indeed real and in her arms did she move to embrace Dot, Anna, Lucinda, Dani, and the rest of the friends she’d made on her short earlier stay. Now, however, like them, she was going to be a permanent resident, and again her heart brimmed with elation and joy.
As she and the children, Dominic, and Dot clambered into the wagon, Anna said, “Captain, there are two solicitors from London awaiting you up at the house.”
Seeing the surprise on his weary face, she continued, “They arrived this morning on the ferry from Jamaica. They say they’ve come to discuss the duke’s estate.”
He and Clare shared a look. According to the tale told to him by his cousin Gabe, Eduard had been disqualified as heir, but Dominic was too tired at the moment to even begin to speculate on what that meant to the estate and to any claims he might personally have. He was too exhausted to do anything other than wait and hear what the men had to say.
“Mama, have you ever eaten alligator?”
“Yes, and it’s very good. Why?”
“Anna says we are having a feast tomorrow and that the men are going to cook an alligator.”
Alligator meat had been one of the new foods Clare had been introduced to while on the island. “There will be many new experiences for us here, Sarah.”
Sarah didn’t appear certain that eating alligator would be a good one but Clare simply smiled. She noticed that Ben spent the entire ride silently watching Dominic as if fascinated by his captain’s every move, and she enjoyed that as well.
When they reached the house, Dominic excused himself to go and speak with the solicitors. Anna and Dot headed to the kitchen to prepare something for everyone to eat, while Clare and her children went up to Dominic’s room so she could begin reconnecting with them.
The children took a wide-eyed look around the expansive quarters and for a moment could only stare.
“It’s awfully large, isn’t it?”
Ben asked, “Is our new father wealthy, Mama?”
She shrugged and smiled. “I suppose you could say that.”
Sarah boasted, “I have a large room, too, Ben, and it has a big beautiful bed that I can sleep in.”
Neither child had ever been given the luxury of a bed. Clare asked, “Ben, did the captain assign you a room when you were here last?”
“No. There was no time.”
As he continued to view the room and its contents, she promised, “There will be one for you, too. We’ll just have to wait and see which one he and Anna think is best.”
Ben then asked, “Are we truly free?”
“Yes, darling. From this day forward we belong only to ourselves. No one can sell us or trade us for a horse, or do anything to separate us against our will ever again.”
“And we’ll live here?”
“Yes.”
After a moment of mulling that over, he met her eyes and smiled. “That makes me feel good inside.”
“Me, too,” Sarah piped up.
Clare drew them into her arms, the happiest mother in the world.
Dominic walked into his study and nodded to the well-dressed men seated in the chairs. “My apologies for keeping you waiting, and for my attire.” He’d taken a moment to splash some water on his dirty face but his shirt and breeches were still grimy from the night spent sleeping on the beach.
“We heard you were at sea on a dire mission. Did everything turn out well?”
“It did.”
Dominic knew the men. They were his father’s solicitors and friends—Messrs. Lacy and Preen.
Anna slipped into the room silently to leave a platter of fruit, meat, and bread for them to enjoy along with a pitcher of sangria and some cups. She quietly withdrew.
“You are here about my father’s estate?” he asked, taking a seat behind the desk.
“Yes. We’ve notified Eduard and his mother that a true version of your late father’s last will and testament has been filed in the London and Paris courts, but we’ve yet to hear from them or their representatives.”
“And you won’t.”
In response to their curious faces, Dominic proceeded to tell them why.
“Poisoned, you say?” Lacy asked. He was the older of the two, but his bright blue eyes were sharp with life and intelligence.
Dominic nodded.
“Your mother’s been avenged.”
“I guess one could say that, yes.”
“One can. Antoine left you everything contrary to what you were told by them. This makes you an extremely wealthy man, Mr. LeVeq.”
Preen added, “And nullifies any legal ramifications hanging over your head for saving your fathers’ workers from the auction block since in reality they were your workers.”
“Which means you may come out of hiding and take your rightful place as heir. A letter from your mother’s sister alerted us to your presence here. It’s a paradise. Wouldn’t mind coming down here to escape the nasty English winter.”
“Consider yourselves welcome at any time. As far as the estate, I know I’ll be elated once I’m rested, but at the moment, I need sleep.”
They smiled. “All that’s required is your signature on a few documents and we’ll be off.”
Moments later when all the papers had been properly signed, blotted, and seals placed upon them, the men stood, offered their congratulations, and said their farewells. Anna would be driving them back to the ferry owned by the Julians for the late afternoon run to Jamaica.
Upstairs, Dominic entered his bedroom and was greeted by the sounds of voices and laughter coming from the verandah. Smiling, he walked in quietly, hoping not to disturb them so he could silently savor their happiness without them knowing he was there. Clare was speaking to them about going to school, learning to fish and swim, and being able to play with the other children on the island.
As the children questioned her about various things, he stood listening for a few moments longer, then joined them.
Sarah noticed him first and offered up a shy smile. He was struck again by her strong resemblance to her mother.
Clare asked, “Have you concluded your business with the solicitors?”
“Yes, and it went very well. We’ll speak of it later. Right now, we need to find Ben a bedroom and I know the perfect one.”
They followed Dominic around to the other side of the house and into a large bedroom not far from Sarah’s.
Ben glanced around the large space and its dark wood furnishings and verandah, then turned his eyes to his captain. “This is for me?”
“Yes.”
Clare’s heart swelled, and she met Dominic’s eyes. He smiled back.
Ben walked over and touched his hand to one of the posts of the large net-draped bed. “But this is too fine.”
“A fine room for a fine young man. Will it do, or would you like another?”
“I’m honored, sir. I’ll take this one.”
Clare was so moved, tears stung her eyes.
“Then it is yours.”
Sarah asked, “Mama, why are you crying?”
“Because I’m happy, Sarah. Very happy.” She turned to her son. “If you’d like to wash up and sleep awhile, you may. You and the captain look exhausted.”
“So do you, Mama,” her son replied.
Dominic took in the tiredness in her eyes, but the bruises on her face continued to tug at his heart, and he wished he’d been able to prevent her from being hurt.
“I’m fine,” she said. “I slept on the
Marie.
So Dominic and Ben to bed. Sarah and I will see you both later.”
Downstairs, Clare sought out Dot. Clare gave her a strong hug. “Thank you so much for helping me.”
“You were always kind to me, Miss Clare. I had to help. Thank you for my freedom.”
“I want you to be a member of our family, if that is acceptable.”
The young woman grinned. “Very acceptable.”
Sarah said with a laugh, “I have a sister.”
“Yes, you do,” Dot said. “Anna said once we are all settled, I may go and speak with Miss Odessa about attending school. Do you think I am too old to begin learning?”
“Of course not. I think schooling is a sound idea.”
“May I go, too?” Sarah asked.
“Yes.”
That evening, as Clare stood out on the verandah and looked out at the sunset, she turned to Dominic and said, “It’s good to be home.”
He fit himself against her back, wrapped his arms loosely around her waist, and placed a solemn kiss on the scented column of her neck. “Yes, it is. Thanks for allowing me a few hours of uninterrupted sleep.”
“You earned your rest, and besides, you’ll be needing your strength.”
“True, but you sound as if you have something in mind.”
“I do, and it’s my turn to be selfish. You owe me quite a bit of loving, Dominic LeVeq.”
“Oh really?” he asked with a grin. “You do realize that now that we have the children in the house you’ll have to be less—vocal?”
“Then maybe we should go back up to the waterfall where I can’t be heard,” she tossed back saucily.
He chuckled. “I propose we get married first.”
“When?”
“Tomorrow during the feast.”
“I can’t wait that long.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “I see the scandalous Clare Sullivan has returned.”
“Because she knows what she has been missing.”
He turned her to face him, eased her against him, and hugged her tight. “Heaven knows I’ve missed making love to you, too.” His voice turned serious. “Are we really having a babe?”
She could hear his heartbeat. “I’ll know soon, but if the answer is no, we’ll have all the time in the world now to practice making another.” As a captive, Clare had refused to dream of things that would never be, like giving birth to a child who was free, but if the Ancestors were kind, the dream would be fulfilled. “I love you, Dominic.”
“I love you, too, Clare.”
So they were married that following evening. All the island residents gathered on the torch-lit beach. Inside the circle of rocks, Esteban, the island’s only other true captain, would preside over the proceedings. Gaspar, who was very pleased, stood behind Dominic as his second, while Dot and Sarah, each holding a bouquet of tropical blooms, represented Clare.
As Tait began to play “Ode to Clare” on his violin and the beautiful notes filled the night, a solemn Ben escorted his mother down to the beach to where everyone waited. After leaving her beside Dominic, he took up a position next to Gaspar.
Mimicking Dominic’s teasing words on the evening Gaspar and Suzette were married, Esteban asked Clare, “Are you certain you wish to do this, Clare?”
She turned her smile on Dominic standing beside her in the sputtering torchlight and nodded. “Yes, I am.”
“Then let us begin.” In a clear, strong voice he asked, “Do you, Clare, take Dominic LeVeq to be your spouse and heart’s mate, in fair winds and in storm, in times of plenty and times of want, until the end of your days?”
“I do.”
He turned to Dominic. “Do you, Dominic, take Clare Sullivan to be your spouse and heart’s mate, and treasure her above all others in fair winds and foul, in times of plenty and those of want, until Poseidon takes you home?”
“I do.”
“Then let these words bind your hearts and your lives forever. Kiss your bride, Captain.”
The crowd cheered and Dominic gave Clare her first kiss as his wife.
Afterwards, the happy Dominic told everyone, “We have one more thing to take care of. Would Ben, Dot, and Sarah please step forward.”
The confused trio complied. Clare was confused, too, as she had no idea what he planned to do or to say.
Dominic raised his voice and said, “Let the world know that I, Dominic LeVeq, claim these three children as my own. I pledge my protection and my love to them for as long as I draw breath.”
Clare started to cry.
The children all looked surprised at the public declaration, especially Dot. He then took a moment to give each of them a strong hug, and Clare cried more tears.
When that was done, Tait began sawing away on a lively tune and the drummers joined in. Clare and Dominic and their children stood for a short while to accept the congratulations and well wishes of those in attendance, then everyone trooped back up the hill for the feast and more music and dancing.
After the meal and the celebration began in earnest, Clare saw Esteban talking with Odessa and leaned over and pointed out the two to Dominic. “Do you think they will ever reconcile?”
“Only if he grows up inside.”
“Anna told me Sarah found the missing ring in the grass yesterday. She gave it back to him this morning.”
“Once he figures out one love is better than playing the field, I hope Odessa is still waiting. If not, he may miss out on what I already know.”
“And that is?”
“Only love can make you free.”
“Very well said.”
“I think so, too.”
“Speaking of love…”
He grinned. “We can’t leave until the morning. Too dangerous to try and drive up there in the middle of the night.”
She pouted.
He laughed. “You’ll be screaming soon enough, Mrs. LeVeq.”
So the next morning, after leaving the children in the care of Anna, the newlyweds made the trek up to the waterfall. Once there, they played in the water and made love, again and again and again. And although Clare was very vocal in her responses, no one heard her but the stars in the midnight sky.