Free Raven Quest by Jo Ann Ferguson Page B

pronunciation can be the same.”
    â€œYou know as much as me, Cap’n. I think we should solve each line in order. You have found Cap’n Powell’s ‘blackbird.’” He winked at Rory. “She led us to the ‘shepherd’s tale.’ Next we have to steer between the ‘low gods and Spain.’” Staring at the map, he mused, “Cap’n, in Havana I have an old friend named Padre Fernando. He might know something he’d be willing to share for a price.”
    Nathan hesitated, then asked in a taut tone, “Is he trustworthy?”
    â€œNo, but if the Raven came through Havana, he’ll know. We need tell him only that Miss Rory is looking for her father, who sailed with the Raven. No one has to know her father was Cap’n Powell. He could have been one of the crew.”
    For a long moment, Nathan did not reply. He looked at the map and then at Rory. She tried to guess what he was thinking, but his dark eyes were shuttered. She suspected he was as uneasy as she was with the idea of revealing even that much of the truth. Fear washed over her like a tempest’s icy wave. Yet they might have no choice. Although they had solved two lines of the riddle, they were no closer to finding the Raven. They must discover what “between the low gods and Spain” meant.
    â€œRory, would you be willing to do this?” Nathan asked, his voice still rigid. “It could be very dangerous.”
    â€œI risked my life every night at Yellow Hal’s place.” She raised her chin. “My father wanted me to have this. I won’t let Yellow Hal have it!”
    â€œHe’s not the only one who would be tempted to do anything for this gold,” warned Ernest.
    She met his grim expression calmly. “I know that.”
    While Nathan and Ernest began plotting the swiftest course to Havana, Rory returned to sit on the bunk, once more unfolding the letter from her father. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine what he had been like. More than once, the Blindman had told her she was exactly like her father—but now it pleased her.
    She had found a father. And at the moment, she did not want to think what that discovery could cost her.

Six
    The crew reacted with jubilation that the Vengeance was going to Havana in hopes of solving the rest of the poem. The ship needed no wind to hurry it on its way, for it floated on the dreams of men who saw gold within their grasp.
    When the sun had sunk into the sea to the cheers of many tankards of rum lifted high, moonlight streaked the deck. The wind tugged fitfully against the sails as foam topped each jeweled wave.
    Rory noticed Nathan standing alone on the deck. She could not forget how his eyes had lost their gleam when Ernest had mentioned that any information his friend might have would have to be bought. Crossing to where he stood by the railing, she said, “I thought you’d be celebrating with the others.”
    He put out his arm and brought her into his embrace. “What a day this has been for you!” He kissed the tip of her nose. “How many men are wise enough to take such precautions to protect their child?”
    â€œIt would have been different if my mother had lived.”
    He nodded. “Very different, but then I might not have met you. That would have been very unfortunate.”
    When she clasped her hands behind his head, he bent to kiss her. The gentle pressure became a desire she could barely govern. The firm lines of his body, so close to hers, suggested delights she once could not have imagined. Now she wanted to sample them. As his mouth moved along her neck, she moaned with soft passion.
    â€œThis is where you belong.” His breath fired the blaze within her.
    â€œThis is where I belong.”
    He laughed. “I think that may be the first time you’ve agreed with me twice in the same day.”
    â€œDon’t expect it to become a habit.” She