Tumbleweeds ...24th Update.. Pg 45 - Page 31

She was standing on the long balcony of a beautiful mansion by the seaside. The trees covered the gardens running below and the beautiful blossoms emanated a sweet fragrance. She looked beyond at the sea. What a pretty blue sea it was! A ship could be seen in the distance and she wondered who the visitors were. She turned and quickly went down the steps, past the hall and onto the patio. She ran along the garden path which led her to the beach. Her blue dress complimented her fair skin and the light brown hair blew softly in the sea breeze. The ship had drawn closer and she was quite surprised. The flag bore a skull. Her heart skipped a beat. Who were these people? Pirates? Good God! She should hurry back and warn her father of the marauders. She slid back into the trees. She didn't return to the house but waited curiously in the foliage.

The seafarers disembarked by jumping into the shallow water. They were about fifteen of them. They looked unkempt and ugly. Brandishing swords, they seemed to enjoy the firm ground under their feet. One more made his way to the group. He was lean, tall and wore a red scarf across his head. She tried to get a better look. She stepped out a little bit. Her skirt billowed out due to the breeze. She hastily caught them and retreated once again. But they had seen her. Screaming loudly, three or four of them came straight for her. They dragged her out. She resisted. They began to laugh at her and she was getting more frightened by the minute. One touched her face and she shrank back.

"Let go of her!" A voice ordered.

"Oh but Captain ..."

"That wench is mine."

They loosened their grip on her and she was off in a flash. She raced towards the mansion. Her light feet carrying her as fast they could. There was a rustling behind her and the distinct sounds of footfall. Someone was following her. She increased her speed but her fright was making her tired. She dreaded the feel of those hands on her. Before she could go any further, she was knocked down as someone went for her feet. She was horrified. She fell face down. Her arms were twisted behind her back and roped together. Two strong arms lifted her and turned her around. Her eyes were full of shock but they were flashing with resentment.

"My my! What do we have here?"

It was that Captain of the ship. She kicked at him.

"Get away from me!"

He pulled her close to him and looked down at her minutely. She was beautiful he thought. She pushed at him. He pulled her even closer. Any struggle she made meant pressing herself to him. She looked at him for the first time from so close. His eyes were jet black. The stubble was looking just fine. The groves on his cheeks deepened as he smiled roguishly.

With the first tweeting of the birds, Arch woke up. She stretched and suddenly remembered what she had dreamt. She was crimson with embarrassment. Had she dreamt of Manav? She had certainly thought the pirate to be him because she had called out to him. Dear God ! What was wrong with her? It was just a dream and they didn't mean a thing she told herself. She got off the bed and slowly hobbled to the window. She opened it wide. A breeze blew and she lifted her face to it. Her eyes closed to enjoy the coolness. She suddenly felt something fluttering down her cheek. She pulled back in fright. She looked down at her elbow and saw a tiny brown feather on her arm. She was taken aback. What was this all about? She slowly stroked the feather and then touched it to her cheek. The moon was almost invisible now with the sunrays breaking through. She chuckled as she disappeared.