Free Carried Home by Heather Manning

strength. Caspian leaned forward and planted a kiss on her forehead as they continued to walk. Reed tugged on Caspian’s arm.
    â€œPapa, I’m tired.”
    Caspian glanced down at his son’s drooping eyelids and chuckled. Yes, the poor boy truly was tired. He leaned down and hefted Reed in his arms. The boy leaned his head against his father’s chest and closed his eyes. Eden reached over and brushed a lock of hair from the child’s face.
    â€œDarling, how far away is this tavern you thought could help us? We have been walking for quite a while now.” Eden scrunched her nose up in thought.
    Caspian chuckled. “Do you suppose I should carry you too, my wife?”
    Eden playfully hit his arm. “You know I didn’t mean that.”
    â€œIt is close now. Just a street or so further. I know a man who works there and sees a lot of the men who come through this town. Hopefully he will be able to remember if he has seen your brother pass through.”
    ****
    As the ship plunged over another wave, Ivy pressed a hand to her stomach. She had hoped she had gotten over her seasickness, but in the midst of this storm, there was no hope for her. She squeezed her eyes tight and lay back against the cot. Oh, but she hoped this tempest would be over quickly! Emma, who sat curled in a ball on the other side of the bed, wailed.
    Ivy sat up to retrieve the child just as the ship dipped deeply to the left. Ivy was sent flailing through the air, only to land with a loud thump on the wood deck.
    Emma cried out again, this time stretching her short arms out above her head. Ivy scooped her into her arms, murmuring into the baby’s soft hair. “Shush, now, love. Everything is going to be all right, sweetheart. Shush, shush, shush.”
    The baby’s face was contorted with fear, but after a couple of seconds held tight in Ivy’s arms, she seemed to calm down to some degree. Ivy took a deep breath. How long was this awful tempest going to last?
    Ivy stood and braced herself against another wave as she rose to settle herself back on the bed. She braced her feet at the foot of the bed and held Emma close, since she did not wish to be sent flying again.
    A knock on the door broke through the crash of the storm. “Who is it?” Although she shouted the words, she could hardly even hear herself through the din of wind and rushing water.
    â€œAdam Douglas, milady. The Siren’s Call’s first mate. Captain Thompson asked me to check on you.”
    Ivy felt a wrinkle form on her forehead as she staggered towards the door and opened it the tiniest crack. Goodness, when would this storm stop from tilting the deck to and fro?
    Mr. Douglas seemed decent, and spoke almost like a gentleman, but could she trust him alone in her bedchamber? He had a look about him that was almost frightening, especially with the large scar that sliced his face in half.
    Rain poured down relentlessly, seeming to come in all directions, despite the overhead coverings of the companionway. The poor first mate was drenched. She widened the door and stepped aside, allowing him entrance. He bowed slightly and made his way inside. Rain poured off him in sheets, soaking the floor of her cabin. Ivy noted a large coil of rope gathered in his hands.
    The ship plunged over a swell, causing Ivy to crash forward into Mr. Douglas, who threw his arms out to brace her. “This is exactly why I came, milady.” He held up the rope in his hands. “Captain Thompson told me you and the babe must be tied to something stationary during the storm for your safety.”
    Ivy frowned. She had never heard of such a thing before. Then again, she had never been in a storm at sea. “Must I, Mr. Douglas? I would hate to be so immobilized and helpless.” The deck teetered under her feet, and she wobbled. Mr. Douglas’s hand reached out to steady her.
    â€œWell, milady, Captain Thompson told me it was for your safety and