REBORN ch17

It had to be one of the greatest treasures in the world - a simple contentment. It felt like his insides were tickled by a play of sun beams, vibrant and happy, as his palm slid along the beautiful, finely polished wood of the bridge's railing. His calloused fingertips encountered a few scratches almost invisible to the eye, but these minor imperfections only gave his ship character. They bore the history of the one who had fought hard battles, lost and won, but overall survived and proven the strong will to live. Such was Guardian Lawrence. James ran a critical eye over his ship, and then over his fleet. Fortuna Minor, guided by Captain Wilson, was prepared to follow his lead. He was looking forward to travelling together and returning safely home with the crew that was ready and waiting for his command.

"Admiral, do we have a heading?" Alfred Carnigan asked the permission to get underway.

James quirked his eyebrow in amusement at the helmsman, "We do indeed," he confirmed their destination. He had charted the course along with the senior officers of both ships the previous evening. "To England, please."

"Aye, Admiral!" the helmsman grinned at him, consulting the compass and turning the helm with an easy hand. He was an open fellow who enjoyed a friendly chat with anyone, including the ship. He tended to give the helm a mild tap and muttered brief exclamations such as 'well done' whenever he was pleased with her sailing performance. James had the chance to learn a good deal about his crew in the two weeks that were necessary for Wilson's men to pack their belongings, and for the ships to pick up a good wind. James was confident that he had gained the trust of these men. All his orders were carried out quickly and efficiently. The men, somewhat guarded at first while they were evaluating him, gave him respect once they realised that he was competent in his field. There was no lingering unease or nervousness whenever James appeared on deck. It was a good feeling to be his own master, not burdened in conscience or by any grave matter that had to be upheld or resolved, and to have the support of those around him.

As Guardian Lawrence gathered speed, James looked at the island where his heart found peace and healing. There was the thin line of the beach where Constance found him and the path to the village, then the smoke from the fires the Tanga lit in a ceremony that wished the sea men a safe voyage. As last, his eyes stopped on the peak of the hill where lay a silent grave.

He sensed that Constance joined him on the bridge, coming to stand beside him, but stealthily so as not to disturb his thoughts. Her hand joined his on the railing, lacing their fingers together. She silently traced his line of sight. She was simply there, by his side, and it was enough to be happy. He was able to experience this moment thanks to the man who had saved his life.

"You know, I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for him," James spoke contemplatively. "I was ready to die with the Dauntless, but he forced me to join him in the boat and fight for survival. He had given me life while he had lost his."

She understood at once who James was referring to, and sent her silent gratitude to Heaven, struck by how easily she could have lost him. "What was his first name?" she asked, reassuringly stroking James' fingers.

"Alexander," said James, "Alexander Warren."

"Alexander or Alexandra," Constance tried the name, liking the sound of it. "It could make a beautiful name for our son or daughter." A tiny flicker of mischief appeared in her eyes, lost among the brilliance of the day. "Who I certainly hope you will not delay in making," she added in a murmur, her breath tickling his ear.

He chuckled, well aware of the eavesdropping officers, but too content to care. "Do not tease me. I have a very long shift ahead of me."

"I shall behave then and leave you in favour of redecorating our cabin." She made a show pretending to try and leave, but James wrapped his arm around her waist possessively.

"Please stay. I want everyone to know that you are my fiancée, in case anyone still has doubts." They have asked Captain Wilson to act witness to their engagement a week ago, which naturally meant that everyone knew by morning about it, and they certainly didn't get away with a small and inconspicuous ceremony. Their betrothal had gifts and a lovely social evening, although regrettably no rings, something James was confident he would remedy once they were in England where he would have access to the best goldsmiths. They didn't ask Wilson to use the privileges of his rank to perform a betrothal because they hoped that Constance's parents were still alive, and James desperately wanted to earn their approval. He was happy to shout the confirmation from the bridge and tops of the masts, however, that Constance was his fiancée.

"I believe that would be a wise course of action," she approved, wondering if she might steal a kiss on his cheek.

"So is your choice of our future child's name," James confirmed seriously, although the smile continued to linger on his lips. He was deeply touched by her consideration. "He or she will inherit it from a brave man."

"That bravery must had been brought out in him by following his senior officer," she commented gently. She had a chance to observe how James interacted with the new crew. They wanted to follow his lead, and were starting to model their behaviour after him. She suspected that Warren might have hero worshiped his commander.

James had the grace to blush and look away dismally. He regarded the waves and the far horizon that were stretching ahead of the ship whispering about freedom. Her hand slipped into his once more, through a reassuring squeeze binding them with a silent promise. He responded by pressing a kiss on her cheek.

In the glow of a wonderful morning when his heart soared, he knew - it was time to bury the past and look ahead to the future.