Free Storm on the Horizon (Fated For Love) by Ella J. Quince Page A

sun hid behind a thick blanket of soggy grey clouds. Olivia woke to the sounds of ship life beginning and the merry tune of male voices joined in song. She couldn't make out the words but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Willy was humming when he brought her breakfast, and his hair sparkled with the morning mist.
    “ Everyone seems to be in a cheerful mood,” Olivia remarked.
    “ Aye, my lady, it's a mite chilly on deck and it be slick, but everyone has a skip in their step this morn.”
    “ What were the men singing just now?”
    Willy blushed . “Oh... that, well...”
    Olivia raised a brow. “I'm guessing it's something rather colorful for a ladies hearing?”
    “ That is a fine way to put it.”
    Olivia decided not to press him. “The weather seems to have improved, don't you think?”
    “ Cap’n say's we’ve sailed around most of it, but by tonight we will have to go through it.”
    “ How does he know that?”
    Willy shrugged. “He just does, I suppose.”
    Olivia shrugged. “Well, I certainly hope he is wrong. Last evening was rather uncomfortable for this landlubber. I hope tonight will not be as bad.”
    Willy nodded sympathetically. “Sully can make ye some ginger tea to help. Would ye like that?”
    Olivia smiled. “You are so thoughtful, Willy. I would love some ginger tea.”
    ***
    The ginger tea had helped, but by evening, the seas, and Olivia's stomach seemed to mirror each other, or so it felt. Willy brought her a super try and she looked at it mutinously. The boy watched her with a worried frown before removing it and leaving the cabin. He retuned shortly much to Olivia's surprise.
    “ It might help, Lady Olivia, if ye come below deck. Ye see, the rocking isn't as bad the closer to the center of the ship ye are. I asked the crew, and they were all right about it. It’s a little dark, and the animals don't smell as nice as here but it might help. Calvin is telling his stories again. I promise you, he tells the best stories. They give ye chills, they do.”
    Immediately , Olivia knew Colton would not approve of her going below deck, least of all sitting with the other crewmembers. He had made that quite clear. But she was miserable here in the cabin and would do anything to calm her stomach.
    “ If you think it will help, I would be glad to come and listen to Calvin’s stories for a bit.”
    Willy nodded. “Do ye have something warm to put on?”
    “ I usually wear Captain Colton’s cloak.”
    Willy went to Colton’s closet and opened the doors. He pulled out the cloak and held it for Olivia to step into. Pulling the hood up, he led her out of the cabin and through the short hall to the main deck. He opened the door and a blast of cold air struck Olivia in the face. She looked around quickly as they came out , and was taken aback by the drastic difference of the ship from night and day. Relentless drizzle fell from a sky so black it looked like it appeared from nothing. Lanterns lit the deck dimly and swayed with each roll of the ship. The deck looked and felt slick under her felt as Willy tugged her to the hatch, and they hurried down the stairs. Reaching the bottom, Olivia hesitated as she was enveloped in the heavier, warmer air coming from the Galley.
    They went down another stairway deeper into the ship where it was even warmer , and the soft sounds of chickens could be heard. A hush fell over the group of men huddled around a lantern in front of what looked like a group of stalls for the animals. The men sat on stools and benches, some holding chickens, and one a goat. Willy pulled her forward, and a divide opened for her as Willy led her to an open stool.
    “ This is the crew of My Darling Emerald, Lady Olivia.” Willy gestured to all the men surrounding them and then rattled off each of their names.
    Olivia was too bewildered to remember any of them. She watched them with wide eyes , and they watched her, until finally one man cleared his throat and handed her a chicken.
    “