Free Mama's Boy and Other Dark Tales by Fran Friel Page A

Cavender emerged from the kitchen to the hush in the room and the dagger pointing at her husband's belly.
    "Martha,” said her husband, “bring the boy here. The first mate of The Queen's Promise will be his new keeper."
    The missus staggered where she stood, but forced herself to stand her ground.
    "I'll do no such thing, Mister Cavender. That boy is me hand and I'll not part with him."
    The ship's mate leaned across the table and flicked the tip of his dagger across the innkeeper's cheek. Blood beaded from the wound and trickled to his chin.
    "Martha,” said the innkeeper in measured speech, “the mate will see the boy ... now."
    Missus Cavender knew the ways of these men, these pirates. She turned and fled through the kitchen door, grabbing the bewildered boy up into her arms. She squeezed him tight, her voice trembling as she spoke.
    "I'm sorry, dear Will. I'm so sorry."
    "What is it, missus?” said Will, his own fear beginning to rise.
    The woman stood, avoiding his eyes. Without another word, she took him by the hand and led him into the dinning room. The place was nearly silent except for the snoring of a sailor face down on a table near the warm hearth. The ship's mate, Mister Rutt, turned his dagger, admiring the firelight reflecting from the blade. He smiled at the innkeeper, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
    Eyeing the blood dripping on the front of the man's shirt, Mister Rutt said, “Sorry about the stain, Cavender.” He laughed and snorted at his own joke, breaking the tension in the room. The rest of the sailors joined in, laughing and slapping each other on the back. One of them shouted to the mate when the missus appeared with the boy.
    "Hey, Mister Rutt, yer new girl's arrived.” He smacked his lips and blew the boy a lusty kiss.
    "Bring the boy here, Martha,” said the innkeeper.
    Will had no idea what was happening, but his instincts told him he was in danger. The feral looks of the men terrified him. Before, they had barely noticed him, but now they stared and reached out to pinch him and touch his red hair as the missus guided him to her husband's table. Together they stood before the pirate, Duncan Rutt. Missus Cavender pulled Will closer to her hip and put her arm around his shoulder.
    "Come here, lad,” said the pirate.
    "Won't you change yer mind, sir?” asked the missus. “He's just a wee boy and will only be in the way on yer fine ship. He's a right dolt, he is."
    Rutt ignored the woman.
    "I said, come here."
    Sensing the danger to the missus, Will stepped away from her trembling hands and stood before the dark skinned man.
    He bowed his head respectfully. “Sir."
    The pirate leaned forward and grabbed his face in a huge rough hand and pulled Will within inches of his nose. The man squeezed Will's cheeks so hard that the pain made his eyes water, but the stench of his breath would have been sufficient.
    "You're mine now, laddy! Or better still, I'll bring ye’ as a prize to the cap'n. He be sorely in need of a cabin boy. Anyways, we shares and shares alike!"
    The men roared at that and drank to each other's good fortune. The singing commenced while Mister Rutt continued his inspection of his new cabin boy, turning him around, poking and prodding.
    "You'll do, but if ye ken what's good fer ye, you'll be keepin’ yer mouth shut and do what yer told. No questions asked. It's nothin’ to toss a troublin’ bairn overboard. Ye hear me?"
    Will nodded, feeling sick to his stomach. He shoved his hand in his pocket, searching for the letter. It calmed him to know it was there, but he wasn't sure how he'd keep his promise now.
* * * *
    After a fitful night of sleep, Will awoke to the voice of Missus Cavender.
    "Come on, lad,” she said, a gentle tone in her voice. “I'll get ye yer breakfast. The men will be risin’ soon."
    She set a bundle on the side table and lit the candle.
    "I've packed ye some food, washed yer clothes, and cleaned that awful wool coat as best I could."
    Will climbed