Before long Flin began to appear up over the side of the ship, eyes wide in fright, at the unorthodox situation he found himself in. We eased Flin down until his hooves connected with the deck of the ship. The sailors broke out into a cheer at their accomplishment, while other sailors leaned over the side of the ship and issued jeers at the unsatisfied group of sea monsters that had congregated in hopes of an easy exotic meal.
As the netting and ropes were released from Flin he gave a mighty series of shakes that drenched everyone in the vicinity. The crew that had worked as one to bring the ungainly cargo on board wiped the spewed seawater from their eyes and faces laughing.
The captain turned to me and said, "Sir you have your horse and may I say that it is with great pride that I welcome you, your delightful young lady and your horse on board the Fair Damson."
I reached out to shake the young captain's hand impressed with his handling of getting Flin on board, "The honor is mine, thank you for saving us!"
I glanced at Flin and added, "All of us thank you!"
The sailors cheered again and then the process of making way with the ship began. Finding a quiet moment after Flin was stowed securely away in a small cargo area on the tiny ship I went to the rail and looked out at the fast disappearing shore.
I could still see the brightly colored dots of the cavalry men drawn up in the sand as they watched us disappear over the horizon. I gripped the railing hard wishing that I wasn't alone standing there by the ship's railing. I missed her. The thought that I might never see her again was especially hard to come to peace with.
Why had she left after the kiss we had shared last night? In my heart I knew why. She had wanted her freedom more than she had wanted me. And while that left me with a bitter feeling inside, it was still a reason for leaving that I could respect.
"God I pray that she's safe! Please keep her and help her find her freedom and happiness, even if it isn't with me."